firsts

The move is nearly complete! Within two weeks of closing, I've got the house almost completely set up. It will take a little more time before I feel ready to commit to where to hang things on that wall, and what I should hang...but I'm fairly settled. Between the POD and the rental van this weekend, the heavy lifting is all done and my house is coming together wonderfully. Here's some firsts for you:

• First injuries: I managed a nice deal on a decent tv stand at a thrift store and got two huge splinters as a result of my over-zealous attempt at cleaning it off. They have since been removed. Additionally, last night I think I got lost in "la la la, I have a new house"-land and made a nice slice in my thumb as I was cutting up some peppers. Ouch. In another similar moment, I dropped a plate down the stairs. I need to get out of la-la land before I seriously injure myself!

• First welcoming: Due to the fact that my house had been vacant for over a year, my parking spots had become well used by neighbors. I met a few of the neighbors the one night I was trying to actually park in front of my house but both were being used. I was nice, and they were all pleasant, but I hated meeting my neighbors for the first time in such a fashion!! My first real welcoming to the neighborhood was by two neighbors that were sitting on the stoop in front of one of their houses, chatting. They saw me and came over and introduced themselves. They seem very nice, both moms who happen to work at the local baptist church -- one in publicity, one in the nursery. It was great to get the scoop on the neighborhood and just feel so welcomed!

• First meal: My first real meal that I made was....wait for it....cous cous, red peppers, and feta. Real surprise there! I did make a nice lentil soup the next night!
  

• First mega deal: The fridge I'd ordered does not fit in the kitchen properly, so I had to reorder. When I went to the store to look, the salesman helped me for about 5 minutes and then informed me that he works on commission so he needed to return to the floor. Um, excuse me?! I went through a few phone calls to get it re-ordered; I've already paid off the fridge and washer and dryer, so that made things difficult. Anyhow, the smaller, less complicated fridge came in at about $240 less than the original. Then they also honored my negotiation on the original one which was $40 off. But that's not the best part. They tried to deliver the new one and it was dented. They said they'd give me $60 giftcard if I took it. I countered asking for $100, they said no. They arranged for delivery on Thursday and then moved it to Friday. I call and complain and am told I can call back after delivery to discuss compensation. I call today: I am getting a $50 giftcard in the mail. I love it!
  

• First/best wakeup call - The phone rang at 6:45am the other morning. It was my sister who lives in the neighborhood. My niece was throwing a fit and the only thing that would calm her down? Coming for a visit. So, within minutes they are at the house. She comes in, kicks off her shoes as if she will be staying awhile. We go on a walk through the house, I give her and my nephew each a toy horse from the dollar spot (thank you, Target) and they are on their way. It was certainly early, but it made me smile for sure!
  

I do have to mention how much the support and enthusiasm of the people around me has made this such an awesome experience. Two friends came over last Monday to help unload the pod, six friends and two brothers-in-law helped with the moving van over the weekend. One of my friends had flowers delivered the first night I spent here, another brought a beautiful potted flower/plant today when I had her for lunch. Two very handy friends of mine helped me with a few projects that would have been fairly expensive. My parents totally hooked me up with some great furniture and kitchen stuff they were no longer using. The calls, emails, etc., all mean so much! I've only slept here a few nights so far but it continues to feel more and more like home.