One million thanks

As the four of you that read this probably know already, I GOT THE HOUSE!

Officially officially, it's mine. I have keys, in my hand. After nearly six months of ups, downs, excitement and let downs, we are done! Well, done with the actual purchase. Now the real work begins. But first, I have to give thanks where thanks are due.

First and foremost, I have to thank my mom. Without her, this whole deal would not have been possible. Seriously. After we found out about the five thousand dollar bomb, I thought it was over. But, after seeing how much I was really really dying for the place, my mom came through without blinking an eye. There's something to be said for a mom who cares so much that you are happy that they will put you first. I am one lucky daughter.

Now, there's Shupe who,as we have seen in the last three days especially, has his work cut out for him. He has been here through all the crying jags when Jerky Bank #1 changed their mind, when I thought there was a $30k repair bill coming, and when I just got so tired of waiting I could kill someone. And now that it's ours, he has jumped to get to work, which is the reason why our demo is nearly finished and the first weekend isn't even over.

I have to take the time here to thank my realtor as well. As a family friend, I'm sure he thought, "Hey, I'll help. Sure. How difficult could it be?" Welp, after the events of the last months, I'm sure he regrets that decision. Of course, know he doesn't, but man has it been work. They hourly rate of this deal is probably down to Wal-Mart greeter status. He has put many, many hours into this thing, put up with my occasional grumpy email when it seemed like a new twist was just unbelievable, come to my office at a moment's notice to have me sign something or talk about conditions, and even gone to the house in the scorching heat to make sure repairs were made that were required before I could complete the purchase. And, to top it off, when I walked in my house for the first time, there was a bottle of bubbly, chilling on the floor with glasses and a card with my other key in it. What a way to begin a life at that house. For his efforts, I am truly grateful.

Also, my lender was amazing. This loan could not have gone any rockier, but he was there to make it happen. Once again, the time spent on this thing will not be reasonably compensated due to the extreme length of the transacton. Thank you to Nick, for all of your hard work.

I must also thank my great friends, who have been here through the whole thing, excited for me the whole way through. Even after talking about it for months, they still don't mind when I say, "Guess what is happening with the house today..." I really do have the world's best group of friends.

Now, to the project. It's been barely three days and we are moving right along. Everytime I walk in the door, meet a new neighbor, show friends and family the "before" house or even just have a beer on the front porch, I am as excited as I was the first time. Here's to a great future in my little shack that could.

More on the fun of demo later. Cheers!