So it happened. It magically happened, just like I hoped it would. I left, I  had a wonderful summer in Massachusetts and Hawaii, I came back, and within one day of being home, I got the news I’ve been waiting for.
I woke up on Tuesday morning and took a few minutes to myself, to sit on the couch, regroup, and to relax. Afterwards, I paced back and forth throughout my house. I cleaned a bit, organized some things, and did as much as I could to procrastinate unpacking my luggage. I didn’t want to take anything out of my bag. I didn’t want to put things away. I wanted to re-organize my entire house. I wanted to move things, paint things, and maximize space. I was itching for change. I walked out to my mailbox and found a package. I opened it to find a beautiful illustration from Sarah Dyer. It pushed me to want change even more. I started moving paintings. And piling up others. I temporally pinned up my new portrait and then I decided enough was enough. I planned on saving all my important calls for the next day, when my head would be less fuzzy, but I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. I called my realtor and asked if there was any news on the house. He told me that the bank had still not responded and it was my perogative if I wanted to search for a new house or keep waiting. A bit bummed, I said I would keep waiting. Marlowe woke up a few moments later, we ate breakfast (lunch really, she slept in ’til almost noon after that whole flight disaster), and walked to the post office. Upon returning home, I noticed a missed-called. I called it back to find my realtor: “You must be psychic.” I was confused, excited, and nervous, and quietly asked, “Why?” He tells me: “They called me, right after we hung up the phone. They accepted the offer.”
They accepted the offer. I got the house. I had never before, in my entire life, jumped up and down when feeling pure joy, but on Tuesday: I did. I really did. Quiet squeals and loud jumps. Marlowe running around all day “Mama’s house! Big house!” We’re excited. (Very excited.)
Months and months later, it’s happening. The short-sale was worth the wait. Actually, the 2.5 years of searching, was worth the wait. This house is much nicer than the first house I put an offer on. And in a much more fun area than the second house I put an offer on. I’ve had a lot of people inquire, how does a single mom afford to buy a house… a single mom with a food truck job. Heh. I’ve stated this many times: I don’t like to talk about money. &I think it’s not polite to inquire about another persons money. But on the other end, this blog (my life) is based on daily events, a love for food, babbling thoughts, and of course: total and complete openness and honesty. I’ve stated it once before, when this blog was just a baby (two years ago): It’s been a plan, for my dad to help me put a down-payment on a house. I’m lucky (and grateful). Really lucky (really grateful). I know not everyone is so lucky to have their parents be able to do such gracious acts. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all my family has done for me. Not just financially, but in everything. My family is supportive, amazing, and has been nothing but a positive light in my and most importantly: Marlowe’s life. After the down payment? It’s me, my two jobs, and the help of child support that get’s me through house payments, and my life in general. My food-truck job. I make decent money on slow days, and really good money on busy days (or nights). And it’s flexible and I enjoy it enough to not want or need to find something else… something more conventional. This blog? It’s good, but it wavers, so I try to depend on it, but not depend on it… if that makes any sense… but it absolutely helps me pay the bills. The reality is: very little money is spent on this side the computer. I cut back on a lot of expenses, wherever and whenever I can. And shopping is not something I really do. And when I do, I almost instantly have buyers remorse, and return (heh). And now, with the house? Well, I’ll actually have less expenses. The electricity is significantly lower in the city I’m moving to (everyone knows to stay away form this town because of their prices. oops). I’ll be just down the street from work (less gas). And well, you know how short sales work, right? Long waits, for houses on the cheap. My mortgage is half the price of my rent. Yes, you read that right. Of course, once we factor in insurance and taxes, it will be almost close to the same, but it will still be cheaper. Half the price of my rent. Wow. I never ever thought they would come back and agree to my initial offer. To say we put in an offer on the lower side, is an understatement. I thought for sure they would come back and ask for at least 30% more and we would go back and forth until we found a middle number, but no: one shot, low price: it’s mine. I’m over the moon. As my dad said, “They accepted the offer? They didn’t ask for more? Are you sure? That was easy.” I think everyone over here is in a little bit of shock.
A much larger home, a real sized bedroom for Marlowe, an actual bathtub, a front yard, a back yard, space for a garden, evening dinner parties, and a park… just a skip away. Really, we will live inside the park, you can see (one of) the playground(s) from my front yard. I can’t wait for the open space, a kitchen I can actually fit my things in, room to run, to play, to have dance parties with the little one (“mas dance!”). Big breath in, and huge sigh of joy out. Life is good for me and my little one. I can’t wait to make our new place, our home. I can’t wait to decorate, let the light shine in, and fill the place with love. I really am starting to believe, as long as you keep putting positive energy out there, it comes back to you.
I absolutely cannot wait for this next leg of our journey. We’ll be packing up, fixing up, decorating, and dancing with joy in our new home in just two short weeks!

 

57 Comments

  1. Congratulations! That is so exciting. I can't wait to see the awesome things you will do with your new place.

    My husbands parents/family have been very generous in helping us with houses also…yes our first house…which we sold AND our second. Their family is very collectivist. We would do ANYTHING to help them also. My in-laws are wonderful and could even move in with me if they wanted. It's great to have family help out…and I can certainly identify that most people won't understand that kind of generosity.

  2. You are just too cute 🙂 I am so very happy for you and Marlowe. It has been great following your blog and seeing all the good things happen for you. It is true that being positive can only bring amazing things!

  3. drea! soooo happy for you two. cannot wait to see what you do with the space.

    xoxo

  4. such amazing news!!! i love how you've decorated your current house and can't wait to see how awesome the new one looks. what perfect timing for it all to work out…right at the end of your big trip. congrats!!
    xo
    Kristen
    strutcut.blogspot.com

  5. That is so great! I'm so happy for you and Marlowe 🙂 Isn't it great when the universe gives you exactly what you want? Looking forward to some decorating posts!

  6. That is so great! I'm so happy for you and Marlowe 🙂 Isn't it great when the universe gives you exactly what you want? Looking forward to some decorating posts!

  7. I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! What wonderful news!!!! Its so much better to be a home owner than a renter, you actually save money in the long run also it feels good to just own something ya know 🙂

  8. Like! Like! Like! Very happy for you and your sweet girl.

    ~Krystal ( a mama reader from Cali ;> )

  9. Dude, if I had a daughter as inspiring as you, I'd gladly offer a down paymeny for a house. No question about it. I can't wait to see how things unfold for you and M! How soon are you guys going to get to move?!

  10. Yes! That's awesome! I can't wait to see all your home decor posts!! We just moved this month too so now more than ever I am so interested in seeing like-minded mamas' homes so I can get some good ideas 🙂 I am so happy for you, you deserve it all! xx

  11. Wow! That makes me so happy! I don't know you, just through this blog, I've followed you since I think around when my daughter was born (she was born in jan 11, similar age as Marlowe, that's why I started following u) but I'm so happy for you!
    This is the first time I comment. I wish you all the best! You deserve this!

    A hug from the other side of the planet:-)

    -Elisabeth from Norway

  12. Congratulations to you and marlowe and your first house! How exciting! If I am grateful for anything it would definitely be for my family. They have really made life as a single parent easier. I do have dreams of having my own home someday with a garden and a big backyard for my son to play in. It is always refreshing to read your blog knowing that you are a single mom yourself and that it is hard, but it is still an amazing life. So happy for you both!

  13. Fuck yeah! This is awesome. 2012 has been and will continue to be a crazy year for you, huh? Congratulations, lil family.

  14. How exciting!!! Congratulations! I had a feeling when you said you had some other good news that it would be about your long wait on the house.

  15. I am SO happy for you Drea. This gave me goosebumps. I told you it was a wait (shortsale), but in the end it was worth it!! Thinking of you on this next journey – xoxo

  16. Oh my goodness. CONGRATULATIONS! I am SO excited for you. You and Marlowe deserve this, more than anything in the world.

  17. Congratulations, Drea and Marlowe! A much deserved break! And I can't wait to see the new home and your ingenius decorating hand at work 🙂

    S.

  18. Congratulations, Drea and Marlowe! A much deserved break! And I can't wait to see the new home and your ingenius decorating hand at work 🙂

    S.

  19. wohoo!!! Can't wait for you to be able to move on in and start this new adventure!!

  20. I had parents who helped me through grad school in my late 20's, parents who would do it all over again because as I've learned, you never stopped being a parent! I love your gratitude towards them and after being a long time reader of your blog (and a first time commenter!) I think it's amazing that you now have a place to call home. You deserve it! Can't wait to see your new adventures on your blog! Reading all the way from NB, Canada 🙂

  21. Yey so happy for you! I really believe that when you take a chance in life, life will take a chance with you, and when you try to live it to its fullest it will provide you with the best chances and oppourtunitys, simply be uses you are living with your eyes and heart open to them! This is something I deifinitely need to remember more often! So thanks for the inspiration

    Xx

  22. you put so much good out into the universe, it was bound to come back to you. I know I'm just one of many of your readers who is over joyed for you and Marlowe! Congratulations from Canada!

  23. OH M GGGGGG! Congratulations love!
    I am SO happy for you and baby AND I can't wait to see all the new pictures!
    Good luck with the move and all the i that still need to be dotted.
    Much love,
    <3xojo

  24. Congratulations! That is truly exciting news. I can't wait for the day when we buy our first house (hopefully in this lifetime). We'll probably have to move away from L.A. for that to happen.

  25. Congratulations! I just love reading about all the great things coming to you and Marlowe! It completely inspires me to keep up the positive energy even when things are a bit challenging.

  26. Congratulations! You deserve all this and more! Happy decorating, and here's to the next exciting chapter in you and Marlowe's lives!

  27. SO happy for you! This is definitely your year for new experiences and new possibilities. Prayers for a smooth road while you prepare to move.
    Blessings, Angie

  28. ahh, this made me so happy!! I totally pictured you jumping up and down.. You are so lucky, and yes, it all depends on the positive energy.

    xo,
    LaTonya