Live, Laugh, Run

Just got back from Texas after a week long conference. I'm not really sure I like that state as I was trapped in an industrial park hotel (which was very nice) outside of Dallas. We escaped one night for a $30 cab ride to another middle of no-where town which was Grapevine, your classic little Texas town with the water tower in the backdrop. If I saw a tumbleweed go by I think my experience would have been perfect.

Thankfully food was delicious at the conference and quite plentiful. Keeping up with my training program wasn't so easy. I thought about running outside, but I was not prepared for the dark morning conditions in an unfamiliar area. I managed to hit their tiny gym at 6a one morning, with another 20 people, so I cross trained on a stationary bike till the treadmill opened up. I ran for about 8 minutes till I excused myself back to my room. The bike work out was excellent, but jumping on the treadmill right after was a mistake as the muscle memory from the bike made my legs feel like bricks. It was hot in the little workout room and before I passed out or fell off the treadmill I just terminated the workout. (That would have been embarrassing! )

It was a long week and disappointing on the diet and exercise front. I returned home late Friday though to a little treat. A friend of mine and fellow runner, sent me a little gift in the mail. It was a total surprise and the best encouragement and inspiration that I needed to stay on target! A running headband which also keeps the ears warm and covered. "Live, Laugh, Run" Thank you M! Kudos to her for running in the Hyannis 1/2 marathon today in February winter conditions!!

Walking away...

After 2 counter offers from us, our seller is not interested in lowering his asking price, despite the listing price 10% over market. We are walking away.

We have no interest in buying something beyond value price. No surprises here, I'm a bargain shopper! We have heavy hearts but at the same time realize 'what is meant to be will be'.

I really thought that was our home, and maybe someday it will be- for the right price of course. Rather than wallow in this moment we are taking it one day at a time, walking away from a bad investment and running towards the hope of what the future will bring.

We'll be ok, in the meantime it's green shag carpets, small bathroom and lead paint in the kitchen :)

On a happy note, I completed Week 3 of the 'couch to 5K' (only 3 weeks late!) what can I say, I've had a busy schedule!

Get out of my head

Back in Seattle after a week of cold weather and more snow in Massachusetts! Had a wonderful visit with the family and shared Mom's Birthday topped off with a massage and pedicure. Running when it's icy and snowy outside is not an easy task. I was able to run on the treadmill at my parent's gym one day. (Yes, can you believe it, they joined a gym!)

I'm on 'week 3' of my running plan and am very aware that it is the second week of February and I should be on week 6. What can I say, there is a lot going on.

For those of you following along, we found a house, put an offer in this week and now are in the awful haggling process with a very delusional and unreasonable seller who thinks his home is worth about 150K more than what is appropriate for the location and market! He did counter offer last night, but only by lowering his price a smidgen. We're still in negotiations, but I'm not feeling too positive that this outcome will be successful. I didn't ask to fall in love with this property, it just happened. Therefore, rather than a business deal I feel it is an emotional process as well which makes it more difficult.

Given this stress, I couldn't wait to hit the trail and run last night. I had been up since 4am, but nothing was going to stop me from an evening run. My bestie Liz and I hit the trail and did our run in the dark and 45 degree weather. We had on reflective light-up vests and only wished we brought the head lamps to see the ground. It was dark out there!

I had always heard running helps clear your mind and last night I experienced it for the first time. Running is not only physically beneficial, it truly is healthy for emotional and psychological well being. I felt much better when I got home.

Long day ahead and an early morning tomorrow. I hope to get back out there again on Friday.

Could this be THE ONE?

OK, in all honesty the original reason for my blog back in July was to document and express thoughts and emotions during the heinous process of buying our first home. My hubby suggested it as a way to vent and commiserate with the masses who have done the same before. But who wants to read about that? So I found alternative topics to discuss and put the home buying discussion on the back burner.

Here we are, it's 3:15am and where am I right now? Awake, blogging and perseverating in my mind- as I'm sure my husband is too- about the infamous question: to buy or not to buy.

After 85 + homes, the pros outweigh the cons, walking in the door put a smile on my face and we both left with the same feeling "we could live here". No home is perfect, but this one seems to be for us. Since our walk though on Sunday, I can't get it out of my head, it's all I think about and dwell on. I really can see my life in that house. Well that is a first, after many, many duds.

This is sort of like finding your spouse. You date a fair number of potential options and then one day it hits you...he's the one! Home buying is kind of like this too. Just like porridge, really. Some too big, too small, too expensive, too much to do to move in....and then...to find 'the one'.

But how do you know it is THE ONE? Given my emotional attachment (i hear that is bad) I think it's been found. It's such a huge plunge, a giant leap into adulthood, the most expensive item ever purchased in our lives......AAAAAAH! No wonder I have insomnia right now!

Of course, those who know me best also know I am a frequent sufferer of 'buyers remorse' and occasionally return things or mull over choosing "which one". Again, at least I have a reason for my insomnia tonight! We hope that 'sleeping on it' will allow it all to sink in and find a place within ourselves where we feel comfortable to take the leap, put out an offer only to then.....wait. In the meantime hoping and praying that someone doesn't do it first and scoop it right out from underneath us....aaaah! This is so stressful!

Truth be told, I've never been so excited about a house before. I really think this one could be our home. Prayers tonight for guidance that this is all right and the way it should be.

The future is bright.