Procrastination

As it's 1:38pm and I have yet to start studying today, I figured now would be a perfect time to blog.

My life has not been interesting the past month. I go to work. I go to the gym. And I study. That's about it.

I thought I'd share some photos of my home as it's now becoming more decorated. I'd still like to get a chair with ottoman for the living room and some additional "things" for the built in book shelves.

I just bought the grey/yellow ottoman 

It's feeling like home. I'd like to buy a nice chair to go on the empty wall.

Kitchen. I could probably decorate a little more.

Kitchen from the other angle. I love the little table and chairs.

Dining room (Sun room)

Looking from dining room to living room.

I rented out one of the bedrooms and have a roommate. My bedroom is a bit messy right now. Otherwise, I'd post a photo. Although I get the most cleaning done while I should be studying, I don't really feel like cleaning it right now. The third bedroom is basically empty right now. It has the air mattress and the card table and chairs just hanging out.

I'm loving having a home and place to call my own. Definitely one the best decisions I made in 2014.

On to a productive 2015!

My Own Place

Anyone want to come over and fix some things... Pretty, pretty please? 

Home Ownership

If you follow my blog, you may remember a post awhile back when I put an offer on a property and it was accepted. That sale didn't actually happen because of the short sale process, the bank, and frustration involved in short sales.

So I was resigned to just wait until next spring to start looking again, but a few weeks ago, I was looking at properties online and I sent an email to my real estate agent to see what she thought and we decided to look at a property. I wasn't sure about it because it didn't have everything that I wanted, but after looking around, it just felt good. I could see myself in the place and it felt really comfortable. And it wasn't a short sale.

So I put in an offer and with a little negotiation it was accepted and I moved forward. Now, it's still not a done deal. But barring any unforeseen circumstances, I think I'll be closing on the condo in early November.

I have a lot of decorating and furniture purchasing to do. It is a lot of fun, but also a little overwhelming. I don't really know what my decorating style is and how to find everything that I want to fit the style of the unit and my own vision.

Overall, I'm just really excited about the prospect of being a homeowner. Sometimes it takes a few bumps and cancelled contracts, but I think this one is going to work out.

Enjoy some photos of the property. Hopefully the next person that visits me in Chicago will be able to stay in my very own condo!

If you're looking to move to Chicago and want a cool roommate, I'm probably going to rent out at least one of the bedrooms. It could be yours! ;)

3rd story of this building

Shared deck space with 1 other unit

Kitchen. I loved the exposed brick. I also bought the green cabinet.

Living room - gas fireplace

Master bedroom (with walk in closet)

Second bedroom

Sun room/dining room

3rd bedroom

Bathroom

Home Sweet Home

After reading articles like this, I decided that renting is just ridiculous. Luckily I live in a city where I can actually find some affordable housing within a decent distance from my job.

[Not this affordable, but you know, decently affordable.]

That's right. I'm working on PURCHASING a house. Well, a condo. 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. All to myself. No roommates. (unless I want some extra dough). I put in an offer today and it was accepted. It's a short sale, so it's not even close to a done deal yet. But I'm super excited. I've been dreaming about dining room tables and floor rugs all day.  I'd probably be dreaming about couches, too, but I've got nothing on the couch front.

What colors? What shapes? What do I like? So many decisions. I finally understand the appeal of Pinterest!

How much of an opinion do I really have? How do I decide? It's a mystery!

Remember that whole "kitchen gadget" post I made about a year ago? [You don't? I'm shocked!] You can start thinking of kitchen gadgets to get me. I'll be needing them in about 90 days!

Turkey Trot

Okay, okay. On to the life update.

I went to Detroit for Thanksgiving. I know I know. I didn't tell anyone that I was going to Detroit except 1 person. It was a stealth trip that was jam packed. With turkey, sports, movies, and pie.

The Lions won! (on Thanksgiving, no less!)
Pistons v. Lakers game (Pistons lost)
Catching Fire was AMAZING! My mom's reaction after the movie, "Wow! That was a really good movie" She even "volunteered" to watch it again with my dad since he couldn't come with us.
UM vs. OSU lived up to the rivalry even on a lackluster year (and I didn't freeze)

Posts only mean something if you post a picture so here:

Turkeys! (this photo was not taken in Detroit)

Photo shoot in the car

Those kids could have done a much better photo bomb. Do their parents teach them nothing?

Piston's game

UM v. OSU

"Melanie Likes Kitchen Gadgets, Too" Party!

In reference to my previous post about boycotting bridal (and baby) showers, I am open to anyone buying me a cool kitchen gadget. Here are some ideas for you:

A 4 Sided Grater. I could really use one of these. I've broken a couple of the ones you put over a bowl while you grate. (too much muscle, I guess)

I probably would never use these, but aren't they super cool? Quintuple Blade Herb Scissors. I just like the idea of having scissors with 4 blades. Maybe because I just like things done in quadruplicate. 

I tried my hand at some baking recently, and these Cooling Racks would have come in pretty handy.

I need a really good vegetable peeler. These are more temperamental than I previously thought. So choose wisely.

I'd really like a good Electric Griddle. 

Really good Paring Knives are essential for kitchen success. I hate that all my paring knives are always dull. 

I need a good Steamer Basket for my vegetables. Currently, my method to steaming vegetables is pretty primitive. 

These are pretty amazing Measuring Cups. Although I have measuring cups, these matryoshka dolls are actually measuring cups. These are just too fabulous for me!

In light of my impending spinsterhood, I figure a good "Easy Jar Opener" is a must have kitchen gadget. This way, when I'm the only one around, I can open that pesky jar of pickles.

I love corn holders. And these Unicorn Corn Holders are just A-Mazing! These are the ultimate kitchen gadget that would make my day!

Well friends, I hope you start shopping for me. I'm really at a loss over here for lacking in kitchen gadget goodness. :)

Family Dinner

My family generally prays before we eat dinner. When people tell stories about funny prayers, they usually stem from a child's innocence and beginning understanding of prayer. In my family, the funny prayers are pretty directly related to my mom.

"Please bless us that we might be fulfilled."

What? Fulfilled? As soon as we said "Amen," I burst into laughter. The entire dinner, tears were streaming down my face because everything we talked about made reference to being fulfilled.

I'm sure my parents hate the fact that I'm very critical of their language now, curse that statutory textualism training I've received, but I'm still hoping that I am fulfilled after a hearty meatloaf. (I hate meatloaf)