The Wait Goes On

We are quickly closing in on week 2 of waiting for the bank to sign the contract. Everyone keeps telling me that they just take forever, but it is kind of annoying because I have to apply for a mortgage within 2 days and get an inspection withing 7 days. They are working on turning everything on, though, so that is good. I will let you all know when there is something to report, of course!

In other news, I had my first advanced sailing lesson today - I have a long way to go! I have to have 5 Scot charters under my belt, plus take an online boating course. I went to help raise the mast on the cruiser today, but we didn't actually get that done because there was some complications with the mast head. I spent my afternoon watching rocket scientists try to drill a stainless steel plate with a cordless drill and a screwdriver. They made a good effort, but it was kinda frustrating.

I had a good weekend - I went on a 6 mile hike on Sat., then helped my friend put together a cabinet from Target. Sunday was relaxed - a meditation walk in Brookside Garden in Wheaton Park, then some general cleaning and housework. Tomorrow, I am going to see my cousin in a play. Saturday is Servathon, then on Sunday, Clare is getting confirmed in the Episcopal Church. How exciting!

I am also trying to get prepared for Mom's and my trip to Ireland. Both of us are stressed out and I don't think either of us are getting excited, but it is coming up in a few short weeks! I have all our hotels confirmed, and I just have to organize the rest of our transportation and a couple of day trips. I have to get my International Driver's license (please ask about horror stories about trying to drive on the wrong side of the road in a manual transmission on the wrong side when we get back). Eek.

My parents sold their house, too! Aiyiyi - this is gonna be a crazy couple of months. I am vowing now, with you as my witness, that I will not take on ANY additional responsibilities between now and the end of June. No parties, no weekend long committments, not so much as a social appointment that I can't break. I am going to need all my energy to travel, close on the house, do sailing, keep up with my exercise to some degree, pack, and move, not to mention helping my parents move! I think that is enough for a couple of months.

I'm gonna get it!

YAY!!! I am *finally* getting a house! I went over the price I really wanted to, but I think it is still a solid investment. I know that with some work, it will make a lot of money in a couple of years, whenever the market picks up again. Here is the listing - they will take it down soon:

http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-ROCKLEDGE+AT-BOWIE-MD-MRIS-PG7020906

It needs work, but mostly cosmetic (we think). I am so excited! I can't wait to put in a garden next season, it is too late to do it for this year. I think we will close May 18. Then, 2 days later, I head out to Ireland with my mother!

OK, I have a big day tomorrow and need to get to bed! Anyone know a quick and fair mortgage lender or broker? Let me know!

(It's Almost the) Weekend Update

OK! Here is the latest on:

the house. I don't know! There is all kind of crazy reports from my agent - first they have another offer, but it is lower, now the offer is higher than mine, so I raised my offer at lunchtime - my current offer is 226,000$! I wish I were in MN, you can buy something that is actually in functional condition for that much! I do pretty much like the house, but it needs a *lot* of work - mostly cosmetic, but still. It needs a washer and dryer (back to the laundromat for a while), fascia board in spots, the ceiling in a big room needs to be redone, the bathrooms are powder blue and light pink, the list goes on and on! I don't know what is taking so long. If this falls through, I am going to seriously re-evaluate my strategy. I am sick of looking!

NOTE: I started, but didn't finish this, the other day...

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Ugh! I have been absolutely crazed lately. Not that the rest of you all aren't. I know you are. Part of it is my own fault, I know I take on too much. Tomorrow, my parents are coming down from New Jersey for dinner. OK, to look at the house, too. Just in case I have to sign the contract counter offer. In case any of you are curious, here's the listing, bench not included. If anyone knows a good mortgage broker in MD, let me know!

Friday, I have to get ready for the weekend. Saturday, we are doing a bridal shower/luncheon for Melissa, then I have to duck out and head up to NJ to spend 24 hours of Easter with my parents. My mom will come back to MD with me, Monday we will have a Pub Quiz night, then Tuesday, I have to give blood, then take a half of a day off and get a Pedi with my mom, maybe we will have dinner. Wednesday, there is a GSFC 2 mile fun run. I am hoping to beat my last time. I think I can!

We had the general meeting for the Goddard Sailing Club - I am really excited! It looks like they are going to offer a cruiser qualification course, which I signed up for and am excited about. Plus, if I get into this house soon, I might still be in time to plant a few things in a small garden. It looks like I am going to have a busy summer! Woo-hoo!

OK, well I am wiped. Hope you are all well.

ttfn

Cape May recap

Wow, I had a truly wonderful weekend in Cape May with my girlfriends from high school. I haven't seen Aly in 8 years! I was really lucky to steal them all away from their men for a day or two. We laughed, we cried, I laughed til I cried. Which was bad, since my abs had barely recovered from pilates the previous Tuesday. It was kinda rainy, but we pretty much just stayed in and enjoyed each other's company, anyway. I walked along the beach from Cape May Point to Cape May on Friday on my own, which was a pretty nice day. It was chilly enough to wear a sweatshirt, but the sun was out and the beach was totally empty. Also, if anyone is shopping for an early Christmas present for me, I totally want the board game Wise or Otherwise. It was *funny*, gash-darned nice milk baths notwithstanding! Thank you, Brooke, Molly, Meghan, and Aly. Hope to see you next time, Meredith!

I found a new route up to the Delaware Memorial Bridge - cross the Bay Bridge, up 301, joins right into Delaware Memorial Bridge. It was great. Also, I took the ferry on the way home - a little spendy, but fun and it was a nice day.

I have been having a busy week. I can't believe it is almost over! Not that I am complaining, but it just seems like my time is melting away before I have a chance to grab it. A very weird experience. I know I owe a lot of phone calls and things to be done for people. I am sorry I am a bit behind schedule, but I am hoping to keep on top of things for now and catch up soon!

Have a good night, gentle reader. Don't forget that stamps are going up in May - use up all those old ones and think about investing in some Forever ones soon!