After much debate I have finally decided I am ready to grow up. My parents should be really excited about this too. Especially since they have only been asking me when it’s going to happen for the past 20 years.
In December I will be 35 and I am really looking forward to that. I remember being 15 and having so many plans for how my life was going to be by the time I hit 27.
- I was never going to be married. Ever.
- I was going to have at least 2 kids… with my long term boyfriend who was never going to be my husband.
- I was going to own a house.
- I was going to have an amazing job that required very little work.
None of that is how my life is today. I am actually happy about it though because I really love how my life is now. I have a great life… a calm life - if you don’t count work, work, pets, work, and um, work.
I am ready for a slight change. I am ready to anchor myself in Texas, and build a house. I’ve been secretly searching for one, and might have actually found the home I want to live in for the next 10 years. It’s in my price range and absolutely perfect.
Of course, nothing in the world of Monique is that simple. I am now getting ready for what I imagine to be an uphill battle. I am going to have to change my lifestyle and become a cheapskate… not that I spend a lot of money as is. Maybe I can get rid of those extra channels on Direct TV that I never watch, but keep because I imagine one day I do plan to watch them. I also don’t really need to buy a new pack of socks every 2 weeks. I can do without post it notes too. I tend to buy those just because they are pretty and I like sticking them places. But I guess when I look at that new pair of shoes, or Coach bag, I am going to have to resist the urge to splurge on that. I am going to be enjoying far less steak and lobster dinners too. What about my M.A.C. obsession? I guess I will have to curb that as well. And the smaller things I like… like panties? Does this mean I have to buy less pairs of panties? What about the girls? Do they get less toys now? Do I have to give up my Febreeze plug-ins as well?
Ok, maybe I won’t get a house.
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
Lol! You need to get a house. It’s an accomplishment. I didn’t think about that before, but I realized now that it’s different if you’re getting age :). Hey, when is that December birthday of yours? I am December too.
Oh my GOSH! How exciting. The first year I bought my house I was REALLY scrimping. After I got used to it, it slowly changed.
You are going to do great! Keep us updated!
Monicas last blog post..Sanctuary - New Design
A house comes with its own new and wonderful learning experiences. Stretch out…see if you like it. We’re only going to ride this train once; well…nobody has ever told ME that it’s their second time around.
Jacquelines last blog post..For Women Only: A Silent Affliction
Oh, how wonderful! For a couple years, my husband and I scrimped and saved to get enough for a down payment on our first house. We realized we really didn’t give much up, just our “toys” that we once thought we MUST have. Truth is, we really don’t NEED all that. Good luck and let us know how the search goes.
Kathys last blog post..Anyone Need a Hug?
Oh Monique, it’s so worth it! You don’t need Direct TV, post it notes or new panties!
You can do it, you can do it!
You can, you *can*!
Now drop and give me 20.
cardiogirls last blog post..Choose wisely your pen and paper
Oh, go buy that house! And stop spending money on all that other stuff, because you’ll need to be spending on original Aerten artwork. hee hee hee
Kellys last blog post..Mandala 8-27
@ Manilenya - My birthday is on the 27th… two days after Christmas. It really sucks. lol
@ Monica - I am ok with scrimping, kind of. But there are just some things that I see and get sucked into buying. Like it’s hypnotizing me.
@ Jacqueline - I know that’s right. And for me, it was pretty much love at first site when I saw this particular house. I really don’t even want to look at any more.
@ Kathy - I think if I give up my obsessions, my husband would give up his toys. We’d be cranky for a bit, but we’d be in our house, which is all that matters, right?
@ cardiogirl - I think I can! But… sometimes, those panties are so cute!
If I were to even try and drop you 20, I’d be on the floor so long I think I would need some new panties. lol
@ Kelly - I can get down with that. Some original pieces on my wall so when people ask me I can be snooty and say “I’m sorry, she is my own personal artist.” I’d fit in real well the rich people around here then.
Hmmm…
Don’t grow up completely! That’s when it’s all over! Nooooo! Well, enjoy life is more so what I’m saying. Just never lose touch of what was fun to you. I’ve grown up myself a bit. Home. Job. Bills. But I always rattle my cage every once in awhile to feel alive. Rattle the cage every once in awhile!
MikeC
MikeCs last blog post..Run a Marathon
You do NOT need to give up your Febreeze plug ins. Just start couponing.
People get them for free (sometimes evening earning money on them) all the time. And if you’re willing to switch brands, this week at Walgreens the Glade plug in warmer things are BOGO and there were BOGO coupons in the paper this Sunday. Which means FREE warmers. =) And if you do the rebate (which I am) you actually EARN $4. I love Walgreens. And Rite Aid. You can get the best deals.
I totally understand what you mean though about changing your lifestyle. It takes a commitment. In May I decided that we weren’t saving enough and I was going to try to fix it. It’s amazing the things we spent money on - just because we thought we could. I’m much less brand loyal now and our garage is fully stocked with free or almost free things like pasta sauce, candles, cleaners, etc.
We want to build a house and I can only imagine the stress that will come with that. But owning a house is a ton of fun. We love ours.
castocreationss last blog post..The Truth in Georgia
My advice is to buy a house you can afford without scimping. There are always unexpected things that come up too so you really shouldn’t push it to the limit. When we bought our first home, the real estate class we went to for first-home owners said we could afford way more than what I thought we could afford. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to them and went with my lower figure instead. Even that was tight for awhile at first. You can only scimp so long without going nuts if you’re used to spending. A house is a major responsibility and a money grabber too. There’s always something that either needs fixing, maintaining or improving!
Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”s last blog post..Attention Entrecard Users!
Did you see my tweet about giving up cable for a few months? Yeah. Right there with you, girl.
Athenas last blog post..At least I keep things interesting
You are too funny! I don’t know if I could give up the panties either…
I bought a house about six years ago and I wish I had thought about the property taxes, maintenance costs, grounds upkeep and the like. Take your time and clip your coupons now! Have fun… oh, in case I forget between now and then: Happy Birthday. I’m gonna be 40 next month and I may forget by December! :))
Petulas last blog post..Simply touching…
You can grow up, but stay a kid at heart. BTW I listened to your post as well as read it. I am piggybacking and signing up for Odiogo. Thanks for showing me a new toy.
cool. i say save for it so it will be a blessing and not a curse.
it’s worth it.
naturals last blog post..Doggone, Grandma
I would be more than happy to make all of those sacrifices to obtain my dream home. All but the Fabreeze plug ins. Gotta have those!
meleah rebeccahs last blog post..My Writing Buddies
Happy birthday to us. I’m December too.
Can’t say I’m going to be 35 though. lol
Buy the house! Then I will come live with you, therefore never having to grow up
Only joking, I am 27 in October and still write lists like I am 15. Travel the world is still on the top. By the time I am qualified and have a proper job, houses will be to expensive to buy.
Claires last blog post..Splish splash
I want to thank you for your prayer because it worked. I passed my test
Carol
ladyhawkcjs last blog post..Keeping In Touch
I say BUY THE HOUSE. If you have decided you can handle being a Texan for a good while, if you can afford the house along with increases in taxes and insurance (both of these are going to rise), and the everyday expenses of upkeep, utilities, and lawn work - BUY THE HOUSE.
For me, my 40’s were I thought the best time of my life…..now I’m in my 50’s and saying the same thing.
This is a great time in your life, enjoy everyday!!!!
Mamaflos last blog post..Someone Thinks I’m Awesome (besides my husband)
Buy the house girl. You deserve it. Everything will seems to adjust once you make the committment. Having your own house makes you enjoy it better. You can do the things you always wanted to do in a house. I love my house. Good Luck and keep us posted.
Pkayfits last blog post..Creative Photography # 10 A Canyon Full of Colors
Growing up is over-rated.
But buying a house is great. Highly recommend that.
I found that we had to cut back on the fun stuff for a bit while we settled into our new budget, but then we could slowly reintroduce the fun stuff again.
Whatever happened to your plans to move back up North? I was hoping to see Monique Chicago-bound.
haleyhughess last blog post..Doodle Water
Dear God, please don’t give up Post-It notes.
A friend of mine who lives in an apartment has been thinking about buying a house. I told her last Christmas, our gift to ourselves was a new furnace. That changed her mind pretty quickly.
JD at I Do Thingss last blog post..I Did Things in Canada so you don’t have to
LOL HOW many socks and panties do you buy and why do you buy them so often? Geebus. I’ve curbed my M.A.C obsession by stopping wearing makeup everyday. I wear light foundation and blush - that’s it. It’s saved me so much money already. Good luck buying a house hun… you can do it. I know you can.
Oh and don’t buy the plugins!! Get candles!
fragilehearts last blog post..Best friend
Lost my previous comment… but I basically wanted to know: Why do you buy so many panties and socks? And also I curbed my M.A.C obsession by simply not wearing as much makeup everyday as I used to. Light foundation and blush. Such a simpler life getting ready too.
Good luck buying your house… and uh, buy candles not plug-ins!
You got a Kick Ass Blogger Award from me:
http://angelika1972.blogspot.com/2008/08/kick-ass-blogger-award.html
Angelikas last blog post..I wonder if I remember what happened Sunday?
Your #1, and #3 were on my list too!
But my list also had that I would have a ranch for displaced wild mustangs.
But then I “met” someone and #1 happened. I never owned a mustang ranch, but then again, I think I have quite a few years left to get to have that.
As far as your questions…be like my old roommate and handwash and hang your underwear on a rack in the dining room or where you will always walk past it. Then you will say “geez, I have too many pairs of panties…how could i possibly have that many? That’s unnatural” and you will solve your want to buy more really quickly.
TheSnackHounds last blog post..But the Buffet was GREAT
you are braver than I for considering buying a house, but if it’s what you want in your heart of hearts, you’ll find a way. (or a way may even find you! )
chat blancs last blog post..Attack of the Tiddy!
Buy the house. Today. Right now. Don’t wait.
Even if you can’t find the absolute must have house right now, you can find something that you and your man can make yours. When the housing market bounces back, sell it and get another house if you want. Why not?
TheMan and I did that. We had a little house and decided we wanted a big yard. So we sold it. We’ve done some repair work and have seen the value go up about $20k. No lie. We plan on selling it in 5-10 years and buying a little homestead out in the middle of nowhere. There really is no better investment than your own place.
Consider how much you’re paying in rent. Talk to a realtor and see if you can get a mortgage with that much or less a month. Then you can budget accordingly and find something that fits into your current lifestyle. Ex: in our area, rent for a whole house is about $100 more per month than we are paying on our mortgage. As long as we don’t take out anymore loans and make slightly higher than necessary payments, we are actually saving money by owning our house.
The taxes and insurance should be included in your mortgage cost if you can swing it (escrow). If these two things are putting you off, consider that the cost of those on your rental are being passed to you. So whenever your landlord pays more he/she passes that amount on to you. Get a good realtor and you’ll be able to swing the monthly payment with a little more left over.
(Sorry if I sound a little lectury (??) there. I just think it’s a good idea to have your own home if you can swing it.)
I had a moment like this last week, when I stood in my living room, took a look around and said to myself…if I want to have any more kids, I need to buy a house. I too went through all of the channels I dont watch, asking, do I really need to color my hair every 6 weeks, or have new boots every winter…? Hmm…sacrifice.
Jazzys last blog post..Major Credit Card Companies Don’t Want You To Learn The Truth
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