All that's left now in our apartment is a blow up mattress, a couple pairs of shoes, some clothes and odds and ends that will make it in the car for our travel across country.
As much as we have been looking forward to this move, it's hard to believe it's actually here. Driving down Lakeshore one of the last times yesterday, I was struck by how much we don't deserve any of the amazing blessings that have been given to us, especially in these last few weeks. How many times did we doubt that something would work out? How many times did we (ok, maybe I) question if God really wanted us back in Washington, DC, as nothing seemed to be coming to fruition? How many times did I wonder if He would really provide for all of our needs?
And now we're here, on our last day in Chicago. While I've been preparing and hoping, I will still be sad to leave many things of this city behind. An amazing community group (and three of our favorite kids in the world), an incredible job and rent about half the price of what we'll pay in DC. Even the skyline, the lake, the views will be something I no doubt reminisce on, as I look out at the squatty (though beautiful) DC skyline.
There's still quite a lot to get done today. Bank run, cable box return, POD pick up, final car packing and clothes washing, plus my last day of work. But tonight we will make sure that we celebrate this city that has been home for the last 22 months, that has been a place of education for both M and me and- most importantly- a place of substantial, beautiful growth.
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
And finally, it's official
Well, it's official. M and I are moving back to Washington, DC!
Today, M accepted a position doing his "dream job," and I accepted a position last Friday working for an organization I'm really excited about as well. It has been amazing to see these things come together in just a matter of weeks.
And the reality is that- while we've worked hard and done our "due diligence"- we also know that we have been blessed beyond measure in getting both of these positions. As I've said before, the health and wealth gospel that so dominates even mainstream American churches tends to make us think that if we love God then He's going to bless us with a job, a happy family and a white picket fence.
How wrong we are to believe that this is the case. God doesn't promise us material blessing. He promises us more of Himself.
It is with that perspective that we are, therefore, overwhelmed (in a very good way) by what we have before us. And we are so thankful that we have this opportunity. Next weekend, July 2nd, we'll trek halfway across America, back to our home of DC. Sure, we don't know yet exactly where we'll be living, but hey, that's minor, right? We'll finally be able to take a couple of days off and enjoy the Eastern Shore, and will end our "holiday week" with M's family in Alabama. And then, once again, the hard work of laboring with Him to see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, will start again.
Now, what to do about the name of this blog...
Today, M accepted a position doing his "dream job," and I accepted a position last Friday working for an organization I'm really excited about as well. It has been amazing to see these things come together in just a matter of weeks.
And the reality is that- while we've worked hard and done our "due diligence"- we also know that we have been blessed beyond measure in getting both of these positions. As I've said before, the health and wealth gospel that so dominates even mainstream American churches tends to make us think that if we love God then He's going to bless us with a job, a happy family and a white picket fence.
How wrong we are to believe that this is the case. God doesn't promise us material blessing. He promises us more of Himself.
It is with that perspective that we are, therefore, overwhelmed (in a very good way) by what we have before us. And we are so thankful that we have this opportunity. Next weekend, July 2nd, we'll trek halfway across America, back to our home of DC. Sure, we don't know yet exactly where we'll be living, but hey, that's minor, right? We'll finally be able to take a couple of days off and enjoy the Eastern Shore, and will end our "holiday week" with M's family in Alabama. And then, once again, the hard work of laboring with Him to see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, will start again.
Now, what to do about the name of this blog...
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A Big Week
M was recently selected as a Presidential Management Fellow, and this week is the three day job fair (hard to explain exactly how this works, but it's not just a normal job fair- people are actually interviewing you and hiring you, if not on the spot, then within a week or two.) And since it overlaps nicely with Easter- when our favorite church has our favorite service (and it also happens to be M's birthday), I get to come along, too!
It's a big week. The reality that we will be moving back to DC once M graduates is finally really sinking in...and I honestly can't hide my excitement.At the same time, there are a lot of unknowns- what exactly will M be doing? What will I be doing, besides basking in the glow of being back in DC? Where will we live? How muggy and hot will it be this summer in DC? You know, life-changing questions.
So if you're the praying type, we would definitely appreciate your prayers. Not just for a safe trip, but for a successful trip. That those positions M is most interested in would also be the most interested in him. And that, ultimately, he would be able to use the skills and abilities he's been given to make our country a better place. (Cue cheesy, patriotic music. And a few waving flags.)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Guess The State
Even though I feel like I could write a book about the things that have happened in the last five days, I'm going to go with something else for this blog post.
Yes, that's right.
It's the game you've all been waiting for.
Below are three pictures taken on our journey to Chicago (yes, I was taking pictures while driving with this very game in mind.) Your job is to guess what state these pictures were taken in. Your options are: Washington, DC, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Should be easy, right? Right...
Picture one. Yes, those are huge windmill thingys.
Got it? Now here's picture number two. Yep, it's a totally different state.
Ready for the last one? While this is what I stared at across all states, where do you think this particular picture was taken.
Yes, that's right.
It's the game you've all been waiting for.
Below are three pictures taken on our journey to Chicago (yes, I was taking pictures while driving with this very game in mind.) Your job is to guess what state these pictures were taken in. Your options are: Washington, DC, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Should be easy, right? Right...
Picture one. Yes, those are huge windmill thingys.
Got it? Now here's picture number two. Yep, it's a totally different state.
Ready for the last one? While this is what I stared at across all states, where do you think this particular picture was taken.
Why people make fun of the Midwest, I have no idea.....
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
We've Arrived
As of 2 pm on Monday, August 31st, we officially became Hyde Park Heroes.
The trip was incredibly smooth and easy (minus a little mishap in which the rental truck keys were locked in the rental truck as it was running. Thankfully my aunt has AAA!), and we only got lost once. Unfortunately for us, it was in Gary, Indiana. Not the brightest spot in the area.
I'll write more later, including a fun game of "Guess the State" from a selection of pictures taken on the journey. But for now I'll leave you with this: we love our new apartment, we love our new little neighborhood, and Mason almost sort of loves math camp. No, seriously. And avocados at the local produce store cost 69 cents each. YES I SAID 69 CENTS. And a red pepper? Oh, it's only $1.50 a POUND. A POUND!!!! That's practically free.
Stay tuned. More to come later today or tomorrow.
The trip was incredibly smooth and easy (minus a little mishap in which the rental truck keys were locked in the rental truck as it was running. Thankfully my aunt has AAA!), and we only got lost once. Unfortunately for us, it was in Gary, Indiana. Not the brightest spot in the area.
I'll write more later, including a fun game of "Guess the State" from a selection of pictures taken on the journey. But for now I'll leave you with this: we love our new apartment, we love our new little neighborhood, and Mason almost sort of loves math camp. No, seriously. And avocados at the local produce store cost 69 cents each. YES I SAID 69 CENTS. And a red pepper? Oh, it's only $1.50 a POUND. A POUND!!!! That's practically free.
Stay tuned. More to come later today or tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I am on a rampage against Comcast
That's right. You heard it here first. Down with Comcast!
I just spent the last hour and a half negotiating with someone to get internet and maybe, possibly, standard cable service for our new apartment. Don't be fooled: that $19.99 they're offering for internet only? Yeah, it doesn't exist. Unless you also fork over money for cable. And then once you do, you pay some ridiculous installation fee, when I could probably plug the cords in myself. The taxes and fees are nothing ($3.46) compared to the ridiculous prices. Oh, and no worries. In six months, your bill will nearly double (I'm not kidding. From $59.99 to $102.50). Woohoo! Sign me up for that!
Here's the problem. We have no other options. Sure, we could go with AT&T (maybe) for internet. If we could understand their website. Verizon doesn't offer service in our area, and apparently there aren't any other cable or internet companies that do, either. In some weird sense, I guess I can thank myself for that, as I used to provide legislative support to lobbyists who lobbied on behalf of Comcast...poor, oppressed company that it is. Oh gosh, I think I'm going to be sick.
I understand that it's a luxury to have internet and television. I'm fully aware of that (though, as I've mentioned before, there were four bars of cell phone service in the Middle of Nowhere, Rwanda, and I don't think they're paying these prices.) But aren't we supposed to crush monopolies here in the United States? Isn't that what we're about? Apple pie, crushing monopolies and picket fences? Throw in 2.5 kids and a cute puppy and you're living the American dream. But apparently this dream is turning into a nightmare.
Shouldn't I have some sort of choice in who I choose to provide these services to me, if I'm willing to pay the money for it? Or, at the very least, a standard, reasonable, public option that's available to everyone who doesn't care to have "blazing fast internet" (yes, he really said that to me)? Am I just supposed to give in because that's the only option I've got? Hear this, Comcast: I will not bend!!
Maybe I should rename this blog Hyde Park: unplugged. Or just write a book. No internet required.
I just spent the last hour and a half negotiating with someone to get internet and maybe, possibly, standard cable service for our new apartment. Don't be fooled: that $19.99 they're offering for internet only? Yeah, it doesn't exist. Unless you also fork over money for cable. And then once you do, you pay some ridiculous installation fee, when I could probably plug the cords in myself. The taxes and fees are nothing ($3.46) compared to the ridiculous prices. Oh, and no worries. In six months, your bill will nearly double (I'm not kidding. From $59.99 to $102.50). Woohoo! Sign me up for that!
Here's the problem. We have no other options. Sure, we could go with AT&T (maybe) for internet. If we could understand their website. Verizon doesn't offer service in our area, and apparently there aren't any other cable or internet companies that do, either. In some weird sense, I guess I can thank myself for that, as I used to provide legislative support to lobbyists who lobbied on behalf of Comcast...poor, oppressed company that it is. Oh gosh, I think I'm going to be sick.
I understand that it's a luxury to have internet and television. I'm fully aware of that (though, as I've mentioned before, there were four bars of cell phone service in the Middle of Nowhere, Rwanda, and I don't think they're paying these prices.) But aren't we supposed to crush monopolies here in the United States? Isn't that what we're about? Apple pie, crushing monopolies and picket fences? Throw in 2.5 kids and a cute puppy and you're living the American dream. But apparently this dream is turning into a nightmare.
Shouldn't I have some sort of choice in who I choose to provide these services to me, if I'm willing to pay the money for it? Or, at the very least, a standard, reasonable, public option that's available to everyone who doesn't care to have "blazing fast internet" (yes, he really said that to me)? Am I just supposed to give in because that's the only option I've got? Hear this, Comcast: I will not bend!!
Maybe I should rename this blog Hyde Park: unplugged. Or just write a book. No internet required.
Monday, August 17, 2009
FAQs
Here’s the part of this blog where I answer all of those “Frequently Asked Questions” regarding our move to Chicago. Hopefully I’ll cover them all with great aplomb.
Why are you moving?
This fall, M and I decided that it was time for him to go back to school in order to get his Masters of Public Policy. He spent most of November and December applying to schools (I believe the count was 13), never really expecting to get into all of the schools that he did. We had assumed we would stay here in Washington, DC and he would attend one of the great schools in the area, but when we found out that he had been accepted to the University of Chicago, our thoughts and feelings began to change. After talking with friends, family and M’s co-workers/superiors, as well as spending time in prayer, we decided to take the plunge and go with the University of Chicago’s program.
What are you going to be doing?
As of Monday, August 17th 2009, at 11:14am, I don’t have a job.
I take that back.
I have a part-time consulting job that will continue, but it’s only a few hours a month and, therefore, not enough to live on alone. I’ve had multiple interviews for multiple positions but still nothing. I’ve sent out approximately a bazillion emails to potential employers. No luck. I’ve applied for positions ranging from Coffee Maker to CEO, still nothing. Therefore, what I will be doing when we move to Chicago is….LOOKING FOR A JOB! We still feel very confident that we will be provided for, and I am beginning to see just how much this time of searching is refining me, humbling me and making me more dependent on the One who is my Provider. Don’t get me wrong here, though. I’ve raged. I’ve cried. I’ve thrown things (actually, I don’t think I have, but it seemed to fit with the other emotions). I’ve written letters to the President (you think I’m kidding…) I’ve felt depressed. I’ve felt that I somehow “deserve” a job. I’ve felt they must not understand how amazing I am. I’ve thought about contacting them and explaining to them why I’m so amazing. I’ve rethought why I think I’m amazing in the first place. I’m getting there.
Where will you be living?
Well, I’m sad to report that my letter to the Obamas has gone unreturned and so, therefore, we will not be renting out his house. Bummer. Instead, we’ll be renting an apartment on Hyde Park Boulevard (yes, we’ll be living on a BOULEVARD. How Parisian of us.) It’s a University Grad Student apartment, meaning all the other tenants are grad students as well. It’s a couple blocks from the church we think we’ll be attending, another couple blocks from the produce store I’m really excited about, and a quick bus ride for M to get to his classes.
What sports teams will you support?
M is extremely excited that the University of Chicago has a sucky football team (if they have one at all?) so we will continue to be Gators fans. Whew. That was a close one.
Additionally, seeing as how we will be living on the South Side, we’ll be official fans of the Chicago White Sox (and we think the Cubs are too popular already.) I know absolutely nothing about them, but hey, Go Team! We’ll also support Da Bears, simply because they are Da Bears. And we hope to go to Soldier Field in the middle of winter and watch a game. Because watching sports in -10 degree wind chill weather is apparently fun.
How long will you be in Chicago?
We don’t know for sure, but we hope to come back to Washington, DC once M graduates, which will be in two years. A lot can change between now and then, but as of right now, that’s what we’re thinking and feeling.
When are you going to have babies?
If I don’t find a job, I will seriously consider becoming a welfare mom. You have my word, and I’ll have your tax dollars.
When are you finally moving?
We pull out of DC on Sunday morning, August 30th. We’ll be stopping and staying with family in Columbus, OH, and arrive in Chicago on Monday, August 31st. Our last day at work here in DC is August 27th. You can come help us pack on Saturday, August 29th. No really. We would love to have you.
Are you excited? (Note, this is the most often-asked question that we receive)
WOOHOOOOOOOOOO! YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!!!! TOOT TOOT! YAY!!!!! YIPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
YES, we’re excited. Admittedly, not having a job is a bit of a downer, but we’re excited for this new adventure, for new friends and for this great educational opportunity. Saying goodbye is never easy or fun, but we are certain this is what is right for us. Being so newly married, the thought of going off together where we’ve never been known as anything other than a husband and wife is really exciting. Neither of us could have done this alone, and that’s why we’re so thankful that in this perfect timing, we have each other to travel with, encourage and minister along side. I don’t think we could ask for more.
Why are you moving?
This fall, M and I decided that it was time for him to go back to school in order to get his Masters of Public Policy. He spent most of November and December applying to schools (I believe the count was 13), never really expecting to get into all of the schools that he did. We had assumed we would stay here in Washington, DC and he would attend one of the great schools in the area, but when we found out that he had been accepted to the University of Chicago, our thoughts and feelings began to change. After talking with friends, family and M’s co-workers/superiors, as well as spending time in prayer, we decided to take the plunge and go with the University of Chicago’s program.
What are you going to be doing?
As of Monday, August 17th 2009, at 11:14am, I don’t have a job.
I take that back.
I have a part-time consulting job that will continue, but it’s only a few hours a month and, therefore, not enough to live on alone. I’ve had multiple interviews for multiple positions but still nothing. I’ve sent out approximately a bazillion emails to potential employers. No luck. I’ve applied for positions ranging from Coffee Maker to CEO, still nothing. Therefore, what I will be doing when we move to Chicago is….LOOKING FOR A JOB! We still feel very confident that we will be provided for, and I am beginning to see just how much this time of searching is refining me, humbling me and making me more dependent on the One who is my Provider. Don’t get me wrong here, though. I’ve raged. I’ve cried. I’ve thrown things (actually, I don’t think I have, but it seemed to fit with the other emotions). I’ve written letters to the President (you think I’m kidding…) I’ve felt depressed. I’ve felt that I somehow “deserve” a job. I’ve felt they must not understand how amazing I am. I’ve thought about contacting them and explaining to them why I’m so amazing. I’ve rethought why I think I’m amazing in the first place. I’m getting there.
Where will you be living?
Well, I’m sad to report that my letter to the Obamas has gone unreturned and so, therefore, we will not be renting out his house. Bummer. Instead, we’ll be renting an apartment on Hyde Park Boulevard (yes, we’ll be living on a BOULEVARD. How Parisian of us.) It’s a University Grad Student apartment, meaning all the other tenants are grad students as well. It’s a couple blocks from the church we think we’ll be attending, another couple blocks from the produce store I’m really excited about, and a quick bus ride for M to get to his classes.
What sports teams will you support?
M is extremely excited that the University of Chicago has a sucky football team (if they have one at all?) so we will continue to be Gators fans. Whew. That was a close one.
Additionally, seeing as how we will be living on the South Side, we’ll be official fans of the Chicago White Sox (and we think the Cubs are too popular already.) I know absolutely nothing about them, but hey, Go Team! We’ll also support Da Bears, simply because they are Da Bears. And we hope to go to Soldier Field in the middle of winter and watch a game. Because watching sports in -10 degree wind chill weather is apparently fun.
How long will you be in Chicago?
We don’t know for sure, but we hope to come back to Washington, DC once M graduates, which will be in two years. A lot can change between now and then, but as of right now, that’s what we’re thinking and feeling.
When are you going to have babies?
If I don’t find a job, I will seriously consider becoming a welfare mom. You have my word, and I’ll have your tax dollars.
When are you finally moving?
We pull out of DC on Sunday morning, August 30th. We’ll be stopping and staying with family in Columbus, OH, and arrive in Chicago on Monday, August 31st. Our last day at work here in DC is August 27th. You can come help us pack on Saturday, August 29th. No really. We would love to have you.
Are you excited? (Note, this is the most often-asked question that we receive)
WOOHOOOOOOOOOO! YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!!!! TOOT TOOT! YAY!!!!! YIPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
YES, we’re excited. Admittedly, not having a job is a bit of a downer, but we’re excited for this new adventure, for new friends and for this great educational opportunity. Saying goodbye is never easy or fun, but we are certain this is what is right for us. Being so newly married, the thought of going off together where we’ve never been known as anything other than a husband and wife is really exciting. Neither of us could have done this alone, and that’s why we’re so thankful that in this perfect timing, we have each other to travel with, encourage and minister along side. I don’t think we could ask for more.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Brought to you by the number "14"
Today's blog post is brought to you by the number fourteen...the number of days I have left at work here in Washington, DC. No matter that I still don't have a full-time job secured in Chicago (though I did just find out that I will be continuing my part-time consulting work!) We're celebrating that there's only 14 workdays left here! That's 14 days to help train my replacement. 14 more days of free coffee at Devon & Blakely next door. 14 more days of free gym access. 14 more days of a security clearance. 14 more days of eating lunch outside of the White House (in the blistering heat, apparently). 14 more days of paying DC taxes.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The B Word
Not THAT word. “Budget”, reader. Dear Lord, this word makes me cringe. Mostly because it either makes me think of government appropriations time or massive numbers I can’t comprehend in my everyday life. But, God help us, they’re necessary.
In planning our move to Chicago, it’s become increasingly important to take a good, hard look at where our money goes. I think I’ve referenced this before, but we’re trying to keep ourselves to a budget to help us prepare for our drop from two salaries to one (M will be a full-time student at least for the first few quarters), but it’s certainly not easy and is actually a little embarrassing when you see where your money goes. While I’m sure you would all be enthralled for me to now pull out my checkbook and give you a line by line analysis of our finances, I’ll spare you. Instead, I’ll give you a little example of some of the things we’ve learned.
Food.
What happened to the $1 for a big helping of chicken biryani off the streets of Bangalore? (Granted, that might be why I got an intestinal worm. But, whatever.) A dinner out in DC rarely comes with a bill of less than $50. So let’s say you’re being really, really good and you go out to eat three times in one month (I don’t think we’ve ever actually done this, but we’ll pretend for a moment. By the way, DC has some really fantastic restaurants. Where you spend much more than $50 for dinner. Trust me.) That’s at least $150 spent on something that you can only have once and that is gone from your system in 24 hours. At the most. Then, of course, tack on to that the occasional work-day lunch at an average $8.50 per person. If you eat out every day in one work week because your wife doesn’t get up in time to make you a lunch (and you’re too busy sleeping)*, that’s $42.50, and double that if your wife does the same for herself. $85 a week for a crappy sandwich?! Say that happens a total of two weeks in a month, and that’s over $300 on eating out (adding together lunch and dinner). This doesn’t even begin to capture what you spend at your grocery store each week. Maybe we should look into weeks of fasting.
Alcohol.
Oh man, if only we were Southern Baptists who hated the firewater. Unfortunately, as our dear friend Matt says, we’re Whiskeypalians (or rather Bourbonicans) who appreciate the occasional drink with dinner, especially when eating out. But a glass of wine usually ranges from $7-$11 (more if you’re at a nice restaurant) and even a beer is pushing $7 these days. Maybe it’s just the types of restaurants we like. But dang, that’s a lot for a single drink. And it adds up, too. Say you go out three times in the month, as I proposed above, and you and your husband have two beers and two glasses of wine between the two of you. And your wife even decides to drink the cheap wine. That’s 28 EXTRA dollars per meal for alcohol alone. That’s over $80 a month for what amounts to six drinks (that aren’t even that big, anyway). If your husband EVER drinks bourbon out (cough, cough) that’s another $12- he doesn’t like the cheap stuff- to tack on. Sheesh.
Rent.
Gone are the days of living in a group house where you can pay $550. Actually, scratch that, because I don’t think my rent has EVER been that low. Sure, living in the city is cool and we wouldn’t have it any other way….but when I say what we pay in rent, most of our friends outside of Washington, DC (minus friends in New York) gasp and pass out. And we got a really good deal! Granted, we’ve heard gunshots outside, but that’s just part of life, right? Anyhow, add to that utilities (especially in the winter) and we’re talking about no small chunk of change.
And, reader, that’s just a few of our monthly expenses. Suddenly we’ve realized that our two salaries go much faster than we ever expected and living on just one, while also trying to not use all of the educational loans we’re offered, won’t exactly be as easy as we thought it would be. That said, I think it’s a lesson in priorities, and is teaching us that maybe we don’t need a lot of the things we thought we did. And at least it hasn’t killed us yet.
If I don’t post here for a few weeks, someone send out a search party.
* I should note that the husband in this story has been so amazing and has been making lunch for himself and his wife for the past two weeks because his wife is actually getting up early and going in to her office gym (yes, she has a gym in her office building) to work out. Pray this continues.
In planning our move to Chicago, it’s become increasingly important to take a good, hard look at where our money goes. I think I’ve referenced this before, but we’re trying to keep ourselves to a budget to help us prepare for our drop from two salaries to one (M will be a full-time student at least for the first few quarters), but it’s certainly not easy and is actually a little embarrassing when you see where your money goes. While I’m sure you would all be enthralled for me to now pull out my checkbook and give you a line by line analysis of our finances, I’ll spare you. Instead, I’ll give you a little example of some of the things we’ve learned.
Food.
What happened to the $1 for a big helping of chicken biryani off the streets of Bangalore? (Granted, that might be why I got an intestinal worm. But, whatever.) A dinner out in DC rarely comes with a bill of less than $50. So let’s say you’re being really, really good and you go out to eat three times in one month (I don’t think we’ve ever actually done this, but we’ll pretend for a moment. By the way, DC has some really fantastic restaurants. Where you spend much more than $50 for dinner. Trust me.) That’s at least $150 spent on something that you can only have once and that is gone from your system in 24 hours. At the most. Then, of course, tack on to that the occasional work-day lunch at an average $8.50 per person. If you eat out every day in one work week because your wife doesn’t get up in time to make you a lunch (and you’re too busy sleeping)*, that’s $42.50, and double that if your wife does the same for herself. $85 a week for a crappy sandwich?! Say that happens a total of two weeks in a month, and that’s over $300 on eating out (adding together lunch and dinner). This doesn’t even begin to capture what you spend at your grocery store each week. Maybe we should look into weeks of fasting.
Alcohol.
Oh man, if only we were Southern Baptists who hated the firewater. Unfortunately, as our dear friend Matt says, we’re Whiskeypalians (or rather Bourbonicans) who appreciate the occasional drink with dinner, especially when eating out. But a glass of wine usually ranges from $7-$11 (more if you’re at a nice restaurant) and even a beer is pushing $7 these days. Maybe it’s just the types of restaurants we like. But dang, that’s a lot for a single drink. And it adds up, too. Say you go out three times in the month, as I proposed above, and you and your husband have two beers and two glasses of wine between the two of you. And your wife even decides to drink the cheap wine. That’s 28 EXTRA dollars per meal for alcohol alone. That’s over $80 a month for what amounts to six drinks (that aren’t even that big, anyway). If your husband EVER drinks bourbon out (cough, cough) that’s another $12- he doesn’t like the cheap stuff- to tack on. Sheesh.
Rent.
Gone are the days of living in a group house where you can pay $550. Actually, scratch that, because I don’t think my rent has EVER been that low. Sure, living in the city is cool and we wouldn’t have it any other way….but when I say what we pay in rent, most of our friends outside of Washington, DC (minus friends in New York) gasp and pass out. And we got a really good deal! Granted, we’ve heard gunshots outside, but that’s just part of life, right? Anyhow, add to that utilities (especially in the winter) and we’re talking about no small chunk of change.
And, reader, that’s just a few of our monthly expenses. Suddenly we’ve realized that our two salaries go much faster than we ever expected and living on just one, while also trying to not use all of the educational loans we’re offered, won’t exactly be as easy as we thought it would be. That said, I think it’s a lesson in priorities, and is teaching us that maybe we don’t need a lot of the things we thought we did. And at least it hasn’t killed us yet.
If I don’t post here for a few weeks, someone send out a search party.
* I should note that the husband in this story has been so amazing and has been making lunch for himself and his wife for the past two weeks because his wife is actually getting up early and going in to her office gym (yes, she has a gym in her office building) to work out. Pray this continues.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Top Five Things you Learn when You're Moving
5. The question "So when are you leaving, exactly?" makes you want to run and hide under a couch somewhere and cry.
No, really. I promise I will buy a plane with a big banner that says "M and E are leaving DC on XXXXX" (or some similar announcement) when we finally know. Believe me, I wish we did know. Shoot, I even have our "We've Moved!" cute little notices ready already! We're working on it, people! (And yes, I know you ask because you love us. We love you, too. It just stresses us- ok ME- out.)
4. Apparently the worlds of other people don't revolve around you.
Shocker, right? I'm pretty sure there's not a hiring manager in sight who has the same priority as me of "getting me a job as soon as possible". Haven't quite figured out why yet. OH wait. Probably because I am in no way a priority to them. Good lesson in humbleness, which I'm trying to take in...sort of.
3. Moving requires money.
Boxes cost money. Shipping peanuts cost money. Moving trucks cost money. Gas for said "gas-guzzling moving trucks" costs money. Apartments cost money. New parking stickers cost money. Should I go on?
2. You have a lot of crap.
I'm not talking about emotional baggage (though leaving a place- even for a little while- will make all sorts of emotions come out. Believe me). We're talking STUFF. Left-handed golf clubs that have not been used in probably 5 years (mine). Books from college (mine). Millions of picture frames (mine). Twenty different mixing bowls (mine). Millions of pairs of shoes (mine). Clothes you haven't worn in years (mine). I think there's a pattern developing...
1. You start to realize how much you're loved
Not to pull out the cheese on this one, but we have been overwhelmed by the love and good times we've been able to have with old and new friends alike. Maybe moving does something to you sort of like death (here comes the really bad analogy....) it makes you really value the time that you do have, and makes you want to strengthen bonds so that they are more likely to stay in place in the future (not sure how that works with the death analogy, but whatever). And you find out that people literally all around the country are praying for you, that they are hoping the best for you and, in our case, are hoping that we'll return to this community soon. And that really does make the tough times a little more bearable. Sniff, sniff.
No, really. I promise I will buy a plane with a big banner that says "M and E are leaving DC on XXXXX" (or some similar announcement) when we finally know. Believe me, I wish we did know. Shoot, I even have our "We've Moved!" cute little notices ready already! We're working on it, people! (And yes, I know you ask because you love us. We love you, too. It just stresses us- ok ME- out.)
4. Apparently the worlds of other people don't revolve around you.
Shocker, right? I'm pretty sure there's not a hiring manager in sight who has the same priority as me of "getting me a job as soon as possible". Haven't quite figured out why yet. OH wait. Probably because I am in no way a priority to them. Good lesson in humbleness, which I'm trying to take in...sort of.
3. Moving requires money.
Boxes cost money. Shipping peanuts cost money. Moving trucks cost money. Gas for said "gas-guzzling moving trucks" costs money. Apartments cost money. New parking stickers cost money. Should I go on?
2. You have a lot of crap.
I'm not talking about emotional baggage (though leaving a place- even for a little while- will make all sorts of emotions come out. Believe me). We're talking STUFF. Left-handed golf clubs that have not been used in probably 5 years (mine). Books from college (mine). Millions of picture frames (mine). Twenty different mixing bowls (mine). Millions of pairs of shoes (mine). Clothes you haven't worn in years (mine). I think there's a pattern developing...
1. You start to realize how much you're loved
Not to pull out the cheese on this one, but we have been overwhelmed by the love and good times we've been able to have with old and new friends alike. Maybe moving does something to you sort of like death (here comes the really bad analogy....) it makes you really value the time that you do have, and makes you want to strengthen bonds so that they are more likely to stay in place in the future (not sure how that works with the death analogy, but whatever). And you find out that people literally all around the country are praying for you, that they are hoping the best for you and, in our case, are hoping that we'll return to this community soon. And that really does make the tough times a little more bearable. Sniff, sniff.
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