take-out and boxes

There’s sort of been this re-occurring theme over the course the past 23 years, and it goes like this, “Hey change, what’s up? I’ll take you on all at once. I know it would be better for my health and sanity to spread you out, but why not just tackle you all in one month, or one year. That way I can just go go go and eventually fall on the floor and cry.”

All of that was true except the falling on the floor and crying part. I usually do my crying in the shower. :)

So-are you ready for this? Kyle and I are closing on our first house today. In one word, I’m ecstatic. Everything about being a homeowner excites me. Here’s just my short list: pulling into a garage, taking the garbage to the end of my driveway and not a dumpster, opening the back door to let Abby go run and play, our kitchen and living room being a place of rest, relaxation, and fellowship, our guest bathroom being clean for more than a day, sitting on the back deck with friends in the fall, spring, and summer, playing in the yard when it snows, building snowmen, getting mail from our mailbox, oh there’s so much more. It’s the little things, people!

It’s funny, just a few years ago at Thanksgiving I was laughing and making fun of my cousin and his wife for spending an entire Thanksgiving day clipping coupons to buy things for their house. I remember saying, “Really? That brings you joy? To find out that an iron costs $29 instead of $35?” I couldn’t imagine that life. Now I’m rejoicing about washing machines and paint colors, too. And the thought of having takeout in our new living room while we are surrounded by boxes and opportunities tonight is just sweet.

I love this phase of life. And I feel bad for the 19-year-old me that scoffed at it.