Now that I'm back in NoVa, I have been running around doing errands daily. I'm still working on decorating the townhome and learning where things are around here so I've been doing a lot of driving.
First of all, I can't say ENOUGH about the invention of the GPS. How did we ever live without these things??? It's made finding everything so much easier. But I can't get over how long it takes to get all my errands done around here.
Yesterday I went to Trader Joe's, then to the grocery store (because Trader Joe's didn't have crushed tomatoes). Thanks to the traffic, driving, lines, and fighting the crowds in the stores, it took me 2 hours! It's amazing how fast your time can get sucked up just going from here to there in NoVa. It's definitely something I need to get adjusted to. I am happy to have so many options to choose from as far as shopping, restaurants, and groceries go, but now I understand why people try to do all their errands on the same day - 'cause it can be exhausting!
Where we live
Posted in getting settled, vacation on by
I have been wasting away my time in Northern Minnesota over the last few weeks. My parents have a great lake house "up north" so I escaped NoVa immediately following my brother's wedding - which was AMAZING, BTW!
I am very happy that I am able to enjoy a little downtime after the craziness of moving, but now my brain is consumed about all the tasks I need to be doing around the house and in my new neighborhood.
As a follow-up to my last post a few weeks ago I found out that we aren't living in Island Creek - so we don't have access to a pool. This was a bummer, but definitely one of those things I should've verified before we moved in. We read through all the HOA docs but I guess I just wasn't putting 2 & 2 together. This wasn't a deal breaker for me, but it would've been nice.
I have a busy week after I return to NoVa. I have two job interviews, and I need to start focusing on finding doctors, dentists, hairdressers, and the all important - a GREAT Chinese takeout. We are getting a new dog in a couple weeks so I also need to find a vet, possibly a dog walker (if I get one of the jobs), and a place to board our new family member when we go out of town.
I really want to get started on putting my house together - one room at a time - but I just haven't had a moment to get all my ideas together yet. That's going to be my new hobby for the next couple years so I have plenty of time!
I am very happy that I am able to enjoy a little downtime after the craziness of moving, but now my brain is consumed about all the tasks I need to be doing around the house and in my new neighborhood.
As a follow-up to my last post a few weeks ago I found out that we aren't living in Island Creek - so we don't have access to a pool. This was a bummer, but definitely one of those things I should've verified before we moved in. We read through all the HOA docs but I guess I just wasn't putting 2 & 2 together. This wasn't a deal breaker for me, but it would've been nice.
I have a busy week after I return to NoVa. I have two job interviews, and I need to start focusing on finding doctors, dentists, hairdressers, and the all important - a GREAT Chinese takeout. We are getting a new dog in a couple weeks so I also need to find a vet, possibly a dog walker (if I get one of the jobs), and a place to board our new family member when we go out of town.
I really want to get started on putting my house together - one room at a time - but I just haven't had a moment to get all my ideas together yet. That's going to be my new hobby for the next couple years so I have plenty of time!
Just when I think...
Posted in Alexandria, Bella Donna Spa, HOAs, relaxing on by
I can take a rest, the craziness begins all over again!
Today I took a much-needed respite at Bella Donna Spa in my new neighborhood. It was great - I had a mani/pedi! I was getting prepared for this weekend. My brother is getting married in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday. I am headed down there tomorrow for the festivities. Which means that I can't breathe until that's over with. And then I am taking a 2-week break in lake country Minnesota with my family. Hopefully while I am relaxing I can get started on my decorating plans. I have some great ideas, I just need to win tomorrow's MegaMillions so that I can get going on them! :)
After 3 full days of unpacking, cleaning, and relocating things all over our new house - we are "done". When I say "done", that means, things are where they should be. But that also means that I need to do some more decorating and changing things around until I am completely happy about my surroundings.
I ran into a roadblock today - I realized that the community we live in actually isn't the community we live in. :) Confused? So am I. There is a big "planned community" nearby called Island Creek. Which I thought our neighborhood was in. But it's not. So now we don't have a pool to use - at least I don't think we do. I am still trying to work it all out. And each community uses a different trash service, so I've called 3 different trash companies trying to figure out how to get a trash can. I still haven't gotten ahold of anyone who can answer the question for me. Ugh. This is the problem of living in a HOA community. Lots of little hoops to jump through. I did finally talk to someone at our management company who told me that a "Welcome Packet" would be arriving soon. :) Yippee.
Today I took a much-needed respite at Bella Donna Spa in my new neighborhood. It was great - I had a mani/pedi! I was getting prepared for this weekend. My brother is getting married in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday. I am headed down there tomorrow for the festivities. Which means that I can't breathe until that's over with. And then I am taking a 2-week break in lake country Minnesota with my family. Hopefully while I am relaxing I can get started on my decorating plans. I have some great ideas, I just need to win tomorrow's MegaMillions so that I can get going on them! :)
After 3 full days of unpacking, cleaning, and relocating things all over our new house - we are "done". When I say "done", that means, things are where they should be. But that also means that I need to do some more decorating and changing things around until I am completely happy about my surroundings.
I ran into a roadblock today - I realized that the community we live in actually isn't the community we live in. :) Confused? So am I. There is a big "planned community" nearby called Island Creek. Which I thought our neighborhood was in. But it's not. So now we don't have a pool to use - at least I don't think we do. I am still trying to work it all out. And each community uses a different trash service, so I've called 3 different trash companies trying to figure out how to get a trash can. I still haven't gotten ahold of anyone who can answer the question for me. Ugh. This is the problem of living in a HOA community. Lots of little hoops to jump through. I did finally talk to someone at our management company who told me that a "Welcome Packet" would be arriving soon. :) Yippee.
Landed!
Posted in Fourth of July, unpacking on by
We've landed in NoVa. I am currently sitting on a camp chair waiting for the movers to arrive. We were lucky this time around with movers - we got here last night after driving 2 days, and the movers arrive today! I am sure the next few days will be about unpacking.
I want to take a moment to observe my favorite holiday of the year - The Fourth of July! I love barbecues, fireworks, and relaxing with friends & family. There is no pressure on the 4th - and that's why it's my favorite. This year we won't be celebrating in much style, but I did find this great summary of 4th of July events going on in the DC area.
Parades, Fireworks, and other stuff
Happy Fourth!
I want to take a moment to observe my favorite holiday of the year - The Fourth of July! I love barbecues, fireworks, and relaxing with friends & family. There is no pressure on the 4th - and that's why it's my favorite. This year we won't be celebrating in much style, but I did find this great summary of 4th of July events going on in the DC area.
Parades, Fireworks, and other stuff
Happy Fourth!
Movin' on up!
Posted in housework, lighting, movers, Northern Virginia, paint on by
The movers came a day early and packed us up yesterday. Today they are loading the truck. When movers do all the packing it makes things so much easier, but it is possibly the most boring process ever. Of course I need to stay and keep an eye on things, but the TV/Phone/Internet is packed so I am twiddling my thumbs all day long. I managed to get logged in to a neighbor's wireless so at least I can get online and do some blogging today.
Isn't amazing the amount of "stuff" we have!!?? I always thought that LG & I were pretty good at containing the "stuff" and not letting it get out of hand, but once I saw my place all packed up I realized I was kidding myself. I am sure that once we are all moved in I will be hosting a garage sale ASAP! Plus I need to raise some funds for decorating my new place.
First on the agenda in our new house? Installing recessed lighting in the living room & dining room areas. LG is convinced that he can do this with his buddy. I have no doubt that he can and will do it professionally, but I am concerned about the timeframe. I'd like to have it done before the end of summer. We have weddings, trips, and a new dog on the agenda for the summer, so there isn't much time left for housework.
The second item after the lighting issues are addressed is PAINT! Once again, I am sure we could handle painting ourselves, but I am 90% sure I'd rather have a paint crew tackle it in a couple days. I hate the colors that the builders or previous owners chose for this place - they are neutral but they don't make any sense. The ceiling color is different than the crown moulding and the crown moulding and trim are different colors than the wall. And none of the colors are related (greyish ceiling/white trim/yellowish tan walls??). Plus after 6 years of wear, there are scuff marks everywhere, so the paint issues need to be addressed.
Once we get settled in I am going to start getting quotes on interior painting. I am hope that given the current economy we can negotiate a good deal - but I am not holding my breath. If we do get a good rate, maybe that will give LG a kick in the butt to do the lighting. :)
Isn't amazing the amount of "stuff" we have!!?? I always thought that LG & I were pretty good at containing the "stuff" and not letting it get out of hand, but once I saw my place all packed up I realized I was kidding myself. I am sure that once we are all moved in I will be hosting a garage sale ASAP! Plus I need to raise some funds for decorating my new place.
First on the agenda in our new house? Installing recessed lighting in the living room & dining room areas. LG is convinced that he can do this with his buddy. I have no doubt that he can and will do it professionally, but I am concerned about the timeframe. I'd like to have it done before the end of summer. We have weddings, trips, and a new dog on the agenda for the summer, so there isn't much time left for housework.
The second item after the lighting issues are addressed is PAINT! Once again, I am sure we could handle painting ourselves, but I am 90% sure I'd rather have a paint crew tackle it in a couple days. I hate the colors that the builders or previous owners chose for this place - they are neutral but they don't make any sense. The ceiling color is different than the crown moulding and the crown moulding and trim are different colors than the wall. And none of the colors are related (greyish ceiling/white trim/yellowish tan walls??). Plus after 6 years of wear, there are scuff marks everywhere, so the paint issues need to be addressed.
Once we get settled in I am going to start getting quotes on interior painting. I am hope that given the current economy we can negotiate a good deal - but I am not holding my breath. If we do get a good rate, maybe that will give LG a kick in the butt to do the lighting. :)
We are homeowners!
Posted in Alexandria, new home on by
We closed on the house today! Everything went smoothly. Movers come on Monday and we should be moved in by the end of next week!
D-Day
Posted in closing, mortgage on by
We are scheduled to close on our new home today! I am crossing my fingers that everything goes smoothly for LG - he's down in VA by himself doing all the work. We've had a few hoops to jump through over the last few days so I am not entirely convinced that it's going to happen.
Mortgage companies are very finicky right now about EVERYTHING. They want to see cancelled checks, letters detailing all your transactions, and statement after statement. And of course, they don't give you plenty of notice - they call you the day before your close!
My husband and I did a traditional 30 year fixed-rate mortgage, with a 20% down payment. We still have good amount of money in our savings account, and didn't touch our 401Ks or other investments. But apparently even that wasn't enough. Just a word of caution for anyone looking for a mortgage right now - make sure you have ALL your documents in order. LG is a SUPER organized so that made things easier, but I can't even imagine what an unorganized person would do.
I'll post later after it all goes down! We should be homeowners again at the end of this day!
Mortgage companies are very finicky right now about EVERYTHING. They want to see cancelled checks, letters detailing all your transactions, and statement after statement. And of course, they don't give you plenty of notice - they call you the day before your close!
My husband and I did a traditional 30 year fixed-rate mortgage, with a 20% down payment. We still have good amount of money in our savings account, and didn't touch our 401Ks or other investments. But apparently even that wasn't enough. Just a word of caution for anyone looking for a mortgage right now - make sure you have ALL your documents in order. LG is a SUPER organized so that made things easier, but I can't even imagine what an unorganized person would do.
I'll post later after it all goes down! We should be homeowners again at the end of this day!
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Posted in camera, cell phone, fax, macbook, technology on by
Sorry about all the changes on my blog recently - I've had trouble picking out the "perfect template". This one seems to fit the bill for now.
With all the crazy things going on while we are moving - I thought it would be important to give a shout-out to the technology in my life. These are the things I have NOT been able to live without over the last few weeks.
#1 - Our Macbook. We love it so much we are getting another one. If it made dinner, I would marry it. But on a more serious note, it has been SO helpful when I am trying to email documents to our lender/realtor/etc. I love that the save/print to PDF feature is so easy to use - but I don't love how HUGE the PDF files are - I know there is a way to make things smaller, just haven't figured it out yet.
#2 - Our printer/scanner/fax machine. This thing rarely gets used - except when we are moving! I think I have used it every day. And it's so nice to have one at home so I don't have to run back and forth to Kinko's to send faxes. I've also scanned every document related to the move, so now I will have them all stored properly on our hard drive. I don't love our particular machine, but it does the job for now.
#3 - My cell phone plan - When we moved to Canada we kept our U.S.-based cell phones & numbers and changed our plan to the "North American" plan which allows us to call anywhere in the U.S., Canada, & Mexico (thanks Verizon)! It worked great because our friends & families could still call a U.S. number without being charged international fees. And it's been wonderful during the whole move process too! I rarely had a service problem with Verizon, but I just wish they would get the iphone!! :)
#4 - Our digital camera - SO helpful when looking at houses! We took pictures of all the houses we saw, so that we could hash out the details after house hunting. It was VERY helpful because there are so many things you forget when looking at 12 houses. Don't forget yours when you go to house hunt!
With all the crazy things going on while we are moving - I thought it would be important to give a shout-out to the technology in my life. These are the things I have NOT been able to live without over the last few weeks.
#1 - Our Macbook. We love it so much we are getting another one. If it made dinner, I would marry it. But on a more serious note, it has been SO helpful when I am trying to email documents to our lender/realtor/etc. I love that the save/print to PDF feature is so easy to use - but I don't love how HUGE the PDF files are - I know there is a way to make things smaller, just haven't figured it out yet.
#2 - Our printer/scanner/fax machine. This thing rarely gets used - except when we are moving! I think I have used it every day. And it's so nice to have one at home so I don't have to run back and forth to Kinko's to send faxes. I've also scanned every document related to the move, so now I will have them all stored properly on our hard drive. I don't love our particular machine, but it does the job for now.
#3 - My cell phone plan - When we moved to Canada we kept our U.S.-based cell phones & numbers and changed our plan to the "North American" plan which allows us to call anywhere in the U.S., Canada, & Mexico (thanks Verizon)! It worked great because our friends & families could still call a U.S. number without being charged international fees. And it's been wonderful during the whole move process too! I rarely had a service problem with Verizon, but I just wish they would get the iphone!! :)
#4 - Our digital camera - SO helpful when looking at houses! We took pictures of all the houses we saw, so that we could hash out the details after house hunting. It was VERY helpful because there are so many things you forget when looking at 12 houses. Don't forget yours when you go to house hunt!
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