House Rewards

Well, you'll be happy to know that after a year of contemplating I have finally made the decision to move. I had to settle. I wanted to own something and I tried to buy, but my credit wouldn't let me. That was six months ago. I said at the time that the energy I invested really trying to get into the condo had showed me how much I desired to own. Really, it showed me how much I was ready to move on. Spending the money I had put aside for a down payment on braces, when the call came again I knew that I would answer it by renting.

As soon as I allowed the possibility to enter my mind the opportunities came rushing in. Suddenly I was excited, and doors literally flew open for me. The call was answered in the form of a lovely little place close to work in a premier apartment community. I was attracted by the lush landscaping in their ad, and when I called inquiring about a third story apartment, she said they had just had an opening. I looked at it within the hour and was impressed by the amount of attention the builders had taken to ensure that the complex was aesthetically pleasing both inside and out. The whole community is nestled up next to a wildlife preserve and on the day that I visited there were deer tracks in the snow. Mature trees fill the interior of the complex as well, and the grounds include tennis courts, and swimming pool, and a hot tub. I later learned that during the summer complimentary drinks are served by the pool for renters and their guests. This and so much more!

The apartment that had just come available is at the back of the complex with a view of the wildlife preserve. It has vaulted ceilings and a washer and dryer, two things that by themselves make the move appealing. The complex has carports, garages, and little extra storage units near every building for the residents to use. The appliances are new, the carpet is new, and it was being freshly painted the day I came to look. On every single level this place is a step up for me; one that I deserve and can't wait to enjoy.

I have lived in my complex now for three years. For three years I have trucked my laundry down three flights of stairs and paid three dollars in quarters to wash a load. For three years my car has been exposed to the elements and my guests have had to walk over the river and through the woods just to get to my spot. I have cleaned this apartment thousands of times without ever getting the dirt out. I have dealt with ants in the summer, and drafts in the winter for three seasons. I am ready.

Don't get me wrong, I love this little place. I loved it the very first day I moved in and I still love it now. I love making it the cozy, well worn, nest on a rooftop that it is. And its super cheap. After living in someone else's basement, counting pennies for food, and walking to work every day, being able to live without a care in the world for money is wonderful. As I grew here, my income increased and slowly the constraints I felt at first were completely lifted. Now, I live in total abundance. That's an experience everyone should have once in their life, its great! That is also what I am giving up for another place that I love.

I was pouring over this before I made my final decision; going over my bills and the expenses I'd be taking on to have this new apartment. I'll have to live with a budget again. I'll have to cut the excess spending that I've been lavishly enjoying. I'll have to think about what I buy and think about saving again. I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't do it for any other place - there is no place I would rather live than this pretty new nest in real wildlife. It is everything that I wished this apartment would be and more. It has everything I enjoy about this apartment, and on an entirely new level. To me, that is worth paying for.

In a sense, it is the perfect reward to myself for making the best of the apartment I have now. It has been called the "ghetto" before by people who have visited, and certainly there are plenty of things I could have complained about. But it was my place and I loved it even for it's shortfalls because I knew how much I needed it. Psychologically it has been my castle simply because its all mine, and now I'm coming even closer to a real castle - something even the standards of quality living would love.

Its not an ego thing, either. While I'm proud of the fact that no one will be able to call my place "ghetto" anymore, and in fact I think it's going to be quite impressive, I wouldn't pay almost twice my current rent to get a compliment. I want to live there because I feel it more accurately reflects where I am in my life. I have a good job, I'm a stable and responsible person, I take care of myself, and now I pay my bills on time and I want something concrete that reflects that improvement. As my basement living experience can attest, it wasn't always this way, but now that it is I am ready for my home to show it off. Yes, I'm proud of myself and of what I have achieved personally and I want people to know. At the same time, though, its going to be me that enjoys the place, spends time in it, and pays for it. So it truly is my reward - I worked hard, and I deserve it.

That's the only thing that will get me through the whole process of moving anyway!