Well, with as much as we're finishing before we leave for Christmas, at any rate. We'll have plenty to do when we get back in January, such as refinishing the stairs and painting and finishing the floors in our guest bedroom. But for now, we're DONE! I can't tell you what a GOOD feeling it is! Even though we're not really moved in yet (Saturday's the big moving day), there's no more work to do in the house in 2009. Woohoo!!!
I can't believe how big of a project this has all turned out to be. Sure, we had to "see promise" in the house when we bought it... but, man! I didn't know I'd be able to see this much promise! Or, I suppose I just didn't realize how long all of the work would take us. But boy, am I glad we did it. And I am especially thankful for Josh and all of the incredible work he did. While I've been going over to the house after work each day, I couldn't really take any big chunks of time off, especially since I'm currently trying to do the work of two positions and we're coming up on Christmas (the crazy time for development). But Josh was (thankfully) able to have a more flexible schedule, putting some things on hold and rearranging other things, and he's been at the house literally everyday since we bought it (except for the days we were gone for Thanksgiving). I know it's "only" been about 3 weeks... but it's been a looooong time since 3 weeks has felt sooooo looooong! When you're not used to doing this kind of work, and just about everything you're doing is new to you, it's just exhausting every which way.
Anyway, while it's a little bit later than we'd hoped for, Josh is doing the last coat of polyurethane today, and we'll be starting to really move stuff in tomorrow morning - beyond just stuffing boxes into the basement. We'll actually get to start moving furniture. Crazy, huh? It's really all happening... we're homeowners, and we're going to finally live in the house we own!
I think in the midst of having so much work to do on the house, I haven't taken much time to process what it means to actually have bought a house, and specifically to have bought a house in our neighborhood. Even though we've been in our neighborhood for a year and a half now, and even though we're only moving 2 blocks down on the same street, it's a different chapter. I never thought it would be the case, but Philly is really where I am now. I've already lived here 3 1/2 years, and we'll be staying at least another 3 years now... so, even if we moved away in 3 years (the amount of time we "have" to stay to qualify for the homebuyer's tax credit), that's still almost 7 years of my life -- and that's no small chunk of time! I can remember when I thought I'd be in Philly no more than 2-3 years, and then head back to Seattle, or to NY, or Chicago... how life changes, huh?
Yet I love it.
I love that I officially get to be a part of our community - a homeowner, not just a renter. I love that we get to meet new neighbors, new kids, new friends... and that we're not too far from our "old" house, either! Though, once it gets really cold, even 2 blocks will seem far. =) I'm a little nervous about starting over, even if it's just a couple blocks away... it always takes time to build relationships. But I love that I live in a place where people sit out on their porches (when it's warm enough), and actually know and say hello to their neighbors, and are willing to help each other out. I love that kids always want to play, and that people have no problem asking if they can have the carpet or panels sitting out on your front porch (our answer: yes, of course, please! we don't want it anymore!), and that when you ask for help with painting and sanding and working on your house, you have different people coming over almost every day of the week. I love that people know our church and the community center, and actually feel welcome to come on Sundays or to various events. I love that we only need one car, that Josh can walk to work (i.e. church), and that most of our friends live within a 4-block radius.
And while I might not be ready for you to quote me on this, because YOU KNOW how much I fought against God bringing me here at first... I might actually be starting to like Philadelphia. And yes, you heard that correctly. Not just exist in it (since it was a big step when I realized I could tolerate it), but actually like it. Even though I miss my family and friends in Seattle dearly, and often wish I could be closer to the community of friends from college who stayed in Chicago and the group that moved to NY... Philly is really starting to become my place... where I belong... it's where Josh and I have built a life together, where we feel passionate about being, and where there is much, much need for the Gospel, love, and justice.
I think, in short, Philadelphia is becoming my home. And yes, you did in fact read that correctly: my home.
Who'd have ever thought that would happen, right? I guess it's good I'm not God, and even better that God IS God and has the best plan of all in mind. That's not to say I won't still rebel and slip into my "but Seattle and NY and Chicago are so much better as cities!" mindset sometimes, but it does mean that I'm becoming content with being here, trying to humbly love and learn from the people around me, and enjoying the immense blessings we've been given.
Those all sound like pretty good things to come home to to me, don't you think?
6 comments:
hannah, that is so wonderful. "home" is so very important, and i'm so happy for you that you're settling into philly. congrats on getting the house together. sriously, that is an insane amount of work and quite impressive that you guys could pull it off in three weeks. i'm so happy and excited for you that i'm not even going to bug you about pictures. ;o)
It is pretty wonderful. I didn't even realize it was happening, either. But you definitely know the struggle it's been to get to that place... and probably, like me, never thought I'd actually call Philadelphia "home"! Now, if only certain someones will move to NJ and beonly an hour away so we can have lots of fun and festive weekend adventures...
And yes, it was a lot of work... and especially for 3 weeks! We still have to move all of our stuff in (and there are snowstorms in the forcast for Saturday and Sunday - eek!), but I will try to get some pictures soon. Lately it's been work, work, work, and not much time to stop even for a couple snapshots. But, perhaps I'll be able to stick in a few soon with the newly finished floors (once they finish drying). True before/after pictures may have to wait until after Christmas though, when we can actually unpack and set everything up. Just warning you. =)
OK, Philly can be your home... Your "other home" will always have an open door. Maybe you can refinish it when you get here! See you soon! MOM
And you know I love my "other home" and miss it (and you) so much! I still always tell people I'm from Seattle, don't worry. (And only 5 more days till we're back!)
Though, I don't know how Josh would feel about more refinishing... I think we need a bit of a break (especially since we have more stuff to do once we get back). But I WILL volunteer to do some cooking! "Real" cooking has been put on hold for the past few weeks, and I miss it! So, I'll cook and maybe you can get Dad to do the refinishing work ;)
When you have moved that final box in and you've plugged in that last lamp and placed the final rug down...when its ALL completely done...you are going to have such a since of accomplishment and ownership. You already do now. But once its all Hannah-fied and gorgeous and perfect for you...there's going to be this sense inside like, "we did this!" I'm so proud of you for doing this. It's also a very sustainable approach to home ownership. The whole DIY...which means I'd love to do a Granola Tendencies interview with you!!!!
I can't wait to come see it! :)
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