Thank you so much for all of your words of support and encouragement...I'm at a loss of words to describe what they meant to me and how much they touched my heart. This weekend as I wavered back and forth between old house and new, all of your comments would echo in my head pushing me forward and beyond my own inner, naggy, negative voice. How can I not move on when I've got such a cheering squad?
So, there it is. Jess and I are going to try our damnest to get this new house. Of course, there are certain things that need to fall in place; I've got to sell this house, the dogs have to stop shitting in the yard, and pissing all over my "barely making it" plants, and of course this means that I actually have to clean and do laundry, and all the other things I go to great lengths to avoid. But, why not? I mean most healthy, well adjusted folks do this stuff on a daily basis.
I'll be posting pictures and stories of the old house in the upcoming weeks, but for now, I'm sure you're anxious to see the new. So, I'll show you. Just don't get too excited yet. Don't be thinking about paint colors and where furniture will go... What I'll need to buy...Whether the furnace or plumbing will break first...Let's just not go there, not yet.
I am not a fan of newer homes. I love the character of old homes; exposed brick, hardwood floors, original woodwork, small rooms, old architecture. All the good stuff. I do, however, recognize the benefits of newer homes; open floor plans, insulation, actual basements that do not involve a concrete shelf and the smell of mildew, windows that a breeze doesn't blow through because OH MY GOODNESS there is more than one pane. you know, all the efficient stuff. So, here is my question for you. Is this house old or new? I couldn't tell either...but it's a new house acting old. It was originally built in 1973 as a rambler and remodeled in 1998 to look like this, which is? Definitely along the lines of an older vintage.
Check out the counter space. I could totally have a toaster on my counter like the rest of the world. And my gorgeous Kitchen Aid mixer? well, maybe I would use it more if it wasn't on the bottom shelf of the pantry behind all of my Tupperware. And although I'm not a fan of the cabinetry, there's enough that I wouldn't be tempting fate every time I open a cabinet because items have been placed so precariously that its only a matter of time before that muffin tin crashes down on my noggin. Yes, this kitchen would be very good for my safety.
This is the casual dining area, which I think is stupid. Stupid because the formal dining area is directly beyond - past that divider. While I think this is a stupid "casual dining" area, I think it would be the perfect "loveseat with coffee table" area where I could drink my coffee and read the newspaper and look out that lovely DOUBLE PANED sliding glass door into my beautiful yard, which looks like...
Uh huh. Yep. Wouldn't mind staring at this at all.
A dining room table in it's own room? Not connected to the entry area? Or the living room? What will they think of next?
This is the formal living room that is directly behind my loveseat that will look out over the patio. Oh wait, we're not suppose to be deciding where furniture will go. Sorry!
This is the casual living room that is directly behind the formal living room separated by french doors. Some people may think that two separate living rooms is frivolous. After living in my house for years, I KNOW that it is a necessity. How lovely to be able to close off all of the unfolded laundry, or the 9 pairs of shoes that have gathered over the week, or the innards from a stuffed animal that the dogs decided needed to die and I haven't found the time to pick up. To be able to close that chaotic part of my life off is priceless.
And last, but certainly not least, are the decks off of that "loveseat and coffee table" area that we're not making any decisions about yet. Would you like to come over for a dinner party? Because when I look at this picture, it seems to be yelling "BBQ, MOJITO, BBQ, MOJITO". I'll provide the bbq, if Ally will bring the Mojitos. The rest of y'all can just show up. No, bring a potted plant. That would be a nice finishing touch for this area.
There you have it! The maybe, hopefully, god willing, if the stars align, new diggs. What do you think? Do you like it? I'm seriously willing to give my left arm to have two living rooms, and this shaded deck area.
If you were to move, what would you give your left arm to have in a new place? Come on, it will be fun...
I absolutely LOVE it! The deck, the color of the house, everything! If you don't take it, I will!
Posted by: Amy | July 28, 2008 at 04:45 PM
The house looks like its from the 30's. It looks like it belongs in New England somewhere.
I would give everything up to have more closet space. My studio apartment has one tiny closet. My broom and my sweaters live together
Posted by: Lisa | July 29, 2008 at 07:14 AM
It's gorgeous!!
Posted by: Mel | July 29, 2008 at 09:13 AM
This looks like a great house! Where is it? I like newer houses that look old. And has a nice yard. That has been a huge thing for me. I love having lots of space and being able to actually hang out in it. Will you invite me over when I'm in Utah?
Posted by: Holly Thatcher | July 29, 2008 at 09:17 AM
OMG! You know that moment in MIRACLE ON 34th STREET when the little girl yells "Stop the Car! Stop the Car!" because she is soooo sure Kris Kringle has given her THE PERFECT HOUSE? What I wanna know is...what the heck are you doing with MY PERFECT HOUSE? I covet..erm...love it.
One day, when we get a house I will give my left arm for a separate toilet/sink master bath--because sometimes I think there are three people in my marriage: me, my husband, and my husband's colon. Enough said.
Much happiness.
Posted by: Lorrie Veasey | July 29, 2008 at 10:14 AM
this is a beautiful house! I agree with the others who said that moving into a new place will be a good start for your relationship.
You are my new favorite person, because I feel like I was typing the part about having two living rooms to hide all my craziness and how most normal healthy people do laundry on a regular basis, because I also go to great lengths to avoid doing normal mundane tasks.
Posted by: kyla | July 30, 2008 at 12:05 PM
This house is gorgeous! I think it gives off an old farmhouse like vibe but seems so new on the inside--in a good way. The yard is fantastic, the deck perfect, the hardwood floors really nice, and the space seems like it goes on and on throughout the entire house. Enough for the Purdy Clan to come out for a visit. Really, the charm of it just from the pictures, above, tells me that you should try your very best to buy this house! I will be soooo jealous of you, though!
By the way, Matt totally does the laundry in our house (and changes the cat litter)! But don't tell Jess I told you that!
Posted by: Autumn | July 30, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I insist that whenever any of you come to Utah you come and stay at my home - Especially if we get the new one - heaven knows we'll have the room.
p.s. the only times I've had Jess do laundry, he's ruined my things. Accident? or strategic move in never having to do laundry? Maybe I should have him give Matt a call for some advice...
Posted by: sarah | July 30, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Oooooo, looks nice!
Posted by: Nicole | August 05, 2008 at 01:18 PM