Selling versus Renting

The time is fast approaching and we are counting down the days till our move. Our ultimatum is out there.  If it doesn't sell by the end of the month we will be renting it out to two very good friends of ours who are looking to buy it after the end of the year.(www.9347flower.isnow4sale.com)  That at least provides me with some peace of mind. I know it will be in good hands, I know the people that would be its future tenants and hopefully, its future owners. It makes me happy to know who will be in there. And, if they can't buy it we'll just put it back on the market in the Spring during prime selling time and see who is interested then. No hard feelings. That's good too.

This has definitely been a lesson in patience and appreciation of others. Never take those you love for granted. I know I have and this is especially true with friends. I have been of the mind that my friends were only being kind in saying they loved our house and trying to reassure us that it would sell. It never crossed my mind that they might actually be interested. How rude is that of me?! This has also been a great lesson in marketing. NEVER assume that friends, family or acquaintances might not be interested in what you're selling. Yes, invariably there are those situations where it doesn't pan out or relationships go sour due to a bad transaction. However, most often than not, your friends and family also are the first to know how much time, effort and money you've put into something to make it shine. And, no random buyer or agent is going to understand or appreciate what you've really done to a place to make it not just livable but a 'home'.

To all my friends and family, readers and fans: THANK YOU!

Quiet Time

I've always had a respect for single mothers. I couldn't imagine how difficult it would be to be alone during your pregnancy or raising your child single-handedly. But, now that Chris has left for the summer to work at Camp I have two months without him as I transition from 2nd trimester to 3rd trimester. I'm only getting a small taste of what it's like to be alone and pregnant, and it has made me appreciate those brave, strong single women even more!

I treasure the quiet time I have, feeling the baby grow and wiggle and kick but I do wish Chris were here more often to enjoy her development as well. This is his baby too and he misses not being here to be a part of this. Not to mention the fact that there are SO many things that I have difficulty doing or just plain shouldn't do because of pregnancy. So, I have to be patient and wait till he can come back and take care to them for me. Or, I have to rely on friends to help me. I've never felt so helpless before. At least I have the dog to keep me company. He's taken over very well as my protector and takes his job VERY seriously! ;) almost TOO seriously. He won't leave my side for a minute, tries to nudge my belly with his nose (I think he believes I have a tapeworm in me or something) and he barks and growls at anything that comes remotely close to the house (squirrel, bird, an ant...you name it). But, don't take this as self-pity or complaining. I'm thankful for all the friends I have to help me out and this little trial has only helped me realize even more how many wonderful people are in my life. I know that Chris will be home soon and at least able to be a part of the end of our pregnancy and, more importantly, present at the birth of our first child. I'm just glad that the part of the pregnancy he had to miss is the one with the least amount anxiety attached to it. You have to find a silver lining in every cloud.