Wow… boy did reality hit me yesterday. We’re moving…! It’s rather bittersweet for me.
In early 2008, I made some really huge life changes. I was turning 27 and I felt like I’d come to a major crossroads in my life. I’d just graduated from Shepherd University in December, a goal I never thought I’d reach. I was feeling empowered and surprisingly proud of myself. For, as those who know me well can testify, I rarely feel such positive emotions toward myself. I’d even started applying to graduate programs. Me… the girl who barely made it out of high school… going to graduate school? Yeah, right.
I had just ended a “relationship” (though it really wasn’t as serious as that might imply). I was pretty irritated with the relationship cycle I found myself in. I was picking the same type of guy over and over again, expecting different results with each fling. I was done with it. I was sick and tired of trying to make something from nothing. Maybe that sounds harsh… I don’t mean it to be. There’s only so much you can do when “he’s just not that into you.” But I was feeling my age. Don’t laugh; I know that 27 is still considered young. I felt like I was on the edge of being an old maid and I wanted a family. I so desperately wanted to be a mother.
I had a good job with the National Park Service and it was becoming a permanent position. I had my BA in one hand and a dream in the other. I had decided I was going to do this “Life” thing, with or without a partner. I started looking for a place to live, as I’d been staying with my parents during my last couple of semesters. I went to see my real estate girlfriend, Reinie, to see if she knew of any knew of any rentals in the area.
I’ll never forget that day. She pulled my credit, ran some numbers, and said I could qualify to buy a home. I didn’t have to rent!?!? I never thought that it would be possible for me. I was stunned, excited, and terrified. We started looking later that week. Truth be told, she only took me to two homes. I knew the minute I walked through the door at South George that this would be my house.
It was small – very small. It would be PERFECT for me! It had two bedrooms, so I could have an office until I was ready to make it a nursery. The kitchen was a nice size with new appliances. I would even have my own washer and dryer. The house had been purchased by a couple of people trying to flip the house. They gutted it and started over – new windows, new subflooring, ceramic tile floors, new carpet, and new appliances. It was easily top of the line in my modest price range. I put in an offer and three months later, the keys were in my hot little hand. I, Sara Robin Boyd, the girl who felt like she failed at everything she touched, was a homeowner!! All by herself!!
An exciting story in its own right, to be sure… but the story actually gets better. It was May 27, 2008 when I closed on my little house. At that time, I’d been accepted into Walden University’s Master’s program for psychology. I received a promotion at work – and a full time, permanent position. I bought my own home, all by myself. And, I’d started dating a guy 150% different than any other guy I’d ever dated. His name was Richard; we met on eHarmony earlier that month. I had never felt so wonderful. I felt smart, pretty, and proud of myself. I couldn’t believe that it was all happening to me. What had I done to deserve so much happiness!?
Today, October 2011, we are happily married and expecting our first child. Holy crap, a lot has happened since the day I signed my name on this deed. All of it has happened in this very house. I still remember the confidence I felt piping through my veins during those months. I was on top of the world; no one and nothing could stop me from conquering my dreams.
So, yes, I’m having a hard time packing up our belongings. Even though it drives us both crazy that we are so cramped in this small space, there’s a coziness here that I know I’ll miss. I know that we’re not selling the house and I’ll be able to come back, but it won’t be the same. It won’t be OUR little house anymore. I’m still excited about the new house and I love that we’ll have plenty of room for our growing family there. It’s a good move and we’re getting it for a steal. That won’t stop me from missing South George…
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| Right after closing... May 2008 |
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| May 2009: Added new gardens, lattice, and furniture. |
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| Our first Christmas and Richard's first attempt at hanging lights.
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| Then we added lattice, furniture, and gardens... It's amazing how much it's grown and filled in since 2009. |
Those are just the major outdoor changes! There's so much we've done to the inside, too. Replaced carpet with hardwood, added shelves, replaced all the ceiling fans, added cabinet lighting, and all sorts of things. It's been a really great starter home... We've loved you, South George!! :o)
