Ugh. So I am already moved into our house as far as I'm concerned. Today my mom and I went back to measure some rooms and get a carpet sample to match for the master bedroom. Good thing we saw our realtor because we just got news from the appraisal.

It appraised lower than what we were paying and so our lender won't give us the amount we originally settled on. Basically the bank will drop the price but get rid of what they were contributing to closing costs. So, it figures out nearly the same except we'd owe ~$6000 more up front than we would originally. We are waiting to see if our realtor can talk them into paying even a couple thousand back into closing, since it's somewhat unreasonable to ask for $6000 2 weeks before closing. If not, I think we'll still move ahead with it because to us we won't find a house on this type of property any time soon (the lot is a corner and is one of the biggest in the neighborhood, it doesn't back to another house, and across the street is a park, so it feels much less crowded and much more private).

The other news from the appraisal is that they think some of the electrical work needs to be repaired before they'll approve it. We're waiting to see what all needs to be done. The inspector told us that even though outlets were gone they were all capped off appropriately and there was no danger. So we'll see what they say. We can easily "sneak" in there and fix that stuff -- it's just a matter of doing it quickly so that we can close on time!!!

That's the latest... Fingers crossed! -- Lindsay.

Here are some pictures of our new house (these are the pictures from the listing). It was a bank-owned house and the previous owners decided to take some stuff. It was intimidating at first, but when we added up the cost to replace, it's only about $2500 (not including appliances). Good thing my Dad is quite the handyman!

House Stats:
2,700 sq. ft.
Corner lot backing to a wetlands (one of the biggest lots in the development!)
3 BD + bonus room upstairs, laundry upstairs
Den, living room, kitchen with dining downstairs (with upgraded tile/backsplash)
Wood floors downstairs
Master suite with 5 pc bath and large closet (upgraded tile)

To Do:

 - Paint downstairs (Glidden Olivewood in entry/kitchen/dining, Benjamin Moore Aganthus Green in living room, gray or olivewood office)
- Install missing outlets/light fixtures
- Install doors and missing doorknobs
- Install missing sink and missing faucets
- Carpet for Master Bedroom and Stairs
- Appliances

The list goes on, but we're prioritizing what NEEDS to be done first. We are set to close on the 23rd (2.5 weeks!) and we only have 1 weekend to work before the lease on our apartment is up, so it's going to be crunch-time! We're trying to get as much organized and ready ahead of time. I even made a facebook event for people to help us paint!

Perhaps I will show you my poor-man's inspiration boards I threw together on Publisher. They are quite simplistic, but they get the job done. I've waited my whole life to totally decorate a house exactly the way I want it, so pressure's on!

Thanks for reading!

Happy Wednesday! My spring break just seems to be flying by, as any break always does. I am spending this time (in this order): relaxing, planning the decor for our new house, and packing. To clarify, that would be least to most productive. Isn't that what breaks are for, though?

John seems to be slightly disappointed that more hasn't gotten done around the house, but laundry can always wait a little longer... :) Before becoming a teacher I thought of it as somewhat of an easy job. Now, I see why we have so many breaks. It's not for the kids, it's for the teachers.

I have recently come to the realization that I really do work in an inner-city middle school. The challenges that I face everyday with my 8th graders are ones that I was never prepared for in my college courses. This school year has been THE most taxing experience of my life thus far. I cannot describe the toll it has taken on me, and this break came just in time. I have a GREAT science department, and the head of the department has been a lifesaver. When I got hired the night before school started he gave me plans for the first day of school then told me to go have a beer and relax before it all began. I had no idea what I was in for.

These kids had a science teacher last year who (in a way, understandably) lost control of them. He quit after Winter Break and they had substitutes the rest of the year. This is a tough group of students to begin with, but on top of that they came in to science thinking it was a joke, the "goof-off class." I have made SO many mistakes in trying to figure out how to handle them. But am I getting through it? Yes. Did I quit yet? No. And now I only have 1 more quarter to go. I feel proud, even though I'm constantly beating myself up for not being on par with the seasoned teachers.

Anyway, there's a little history on my career. I CANNOT wait until next year when I can start fresh (assuming I don't get hired). AND! Since we are moving my commute will go from 1+hours to ~35 minutes. Heaven! The commute has taken a considerable toll as well (financially and p