Never a Bad Time to Wear Your Costume

Needless to say from the photos, the twins have gotten their Halloween costumes. Of course, there really is no bad time or place to wear them if you are three years old. A couple of days ago, it was in the yard (for one of them). Yesterday, they both wore them -- the one not seen here is a panda outfit -- to story hour at the library. Apparently, the twins were a big hit with the other kids in attendance who failed to seize the opportunity to show their Halloween spirit on a random Wednesday morning.

More Pics of the House

Here are some shots that actually show the inside of the house. The interesting part for me is that the previous owners actually *raised* the whole house to make the basement an actual useful and comfortable space.

A lot of the houses we looked at had nice main floors, but then a "finished" basement that they counted as living space. The problem was the ceilings were often low, or there were sections with cement floors, or there were only a few small windows -- or all three. In other words, it's not the kind of place you would actually want to spend time unless you had nocturnal tendencies. Plus, having children run free around exposed wires or heating ducts might be a little dicey.

So, while the square footage of this house is relatively low, it feels big to us because every inch of the house is useable and has a purpose after the renovation that the previous owners did around 2006. (Plus, after living in dorms, apartments, and condos for much of the past 20 years, anything might seem spacious to me.)

Brief layout description:

Main floor: open area that includes kitchen, two bedrooms, full bathroom. The kids will start out sharing one bedroom (which they do now here), and the other bedroom will be a playroom. When they are ready to separate, we'll split the kids and toys up into the two bedrooms.

Ground floor (my term to act like it is not basement living): master bedroom with bathroom, family room, office, another 1/2 bath, and then laundry area.

The House-Buying Process

So far, so good with the whole house business. The inspection happened and there were just a few minor issues that were found. The sellers agreed to address (that is, pay for) the small things we did want taken care of. The closing is set for October 20th, barring any surprises between now and then.

Just a few words for those of you who haven't bought property since the Great Housing Slide of the past couple of years. Basically, be prepared to fork over lots and lots of documentation. This house is the third piece of property I've bought (actually, this is the first one that includes dirt and ground as opposed to a room or two in a condo building). Anyhow, when I bought my first condo in 2001 or so, I think I had to provide a social security number and a pulse and I was approved for a mortgage payment I could never afford. OK, the first part of that sentence isn't true, but the last part absolutely is. (And, no I did not take the mortgage company on its generous offer to bankrupt myself or else I wouldn't be buying something right now.) Essentially the same story in 2005 when I bought the second condo.

This time around? Well, let's just say I've had to justify "unusual" deposits in my account -- that is, a couple of relatively modest amounts that didn't come from my employer. Not only did I have to write a letter, I had to provide back-up documentation when I explained the source. Of course, it has taken the banking industry millions of foreclosures and short sales to realize that giving out mortgages like candy might not actually work in the long run.

A New House

I've been a little quiet on the blog front lately. I do have a pretty good excuse: we bought a house this week. Well, to be more accurate, we are in the process of buying a house. This morning we had the inspection so I'm fairly confident -- knock on wood -- that things will proceed without major hiccups.

I think this house is a big step in my feeling more settled and connected here in Seattle. This house is in a great neighborhood where I can resume my life that centers more on a bike rather than a car (let's see how much this holds true when the Seattle rainy season kicks in). Regardless, just having the *option* of walking or biking to most of my daily activities makes me happy. For those who know my allergy to home improvement projects, it was remodeled a few years ago and needs no major attention from us.

So, I'll post more pics later, but here's one shot of where you should be able to find us in about a month or so.

Transitions

Just to keep up with the Seattle stereotype, I am sitting at a coffeeshop drinking an americano. I have a moment or two to write because this is the time where my "East Coast day" ends, and the rest of this one begins.

Let me explain. Since moving to Seattle, I have gotten up between 5:30 and 6:00am (usually) so I can start work at the same time as those in Boston, DC, etc. So far, that's worked out really well for the job. I feel more connected with my coworkers than I would if I just caught them on their way out the door while my day was beginning. It helps that I'm a morning person and like to get stuff done and out of the way.

The downside is that it is, in fact, on 2:30 in the afternoon here and I could easily imagine that it's dinnertime and get ready to wind down for the day. Fortunately, an effective medication for this feeling is espresso, which they really do have in abundance here. (My college roommates may remember watching 'Singles' a thousand times at the house -- although this may have just been Nancy and me. Seattle is not *quite* like that.)

Careful with Language

Here's a recent conversation with one of the twins.

Me (just returning from the gym to no one in particular): I'm going to hop in the shower.

Twin: No, you can't do that.

Me: Why not?

Twin: We don't hop in the shower. It's not safe.

Me: You're right. We sit carefully while we take a bath.

I didn't realize that an expression I use all of the time could seem like a call for potential mortal danger. She was right, though, if I were to actually hop in the shower, I'd probably gravely injure myself. (This is after I completely rolled and sprained my ankle -- at the park with the kids. This is what happen when you jump off a slide at the age of 36. It's not pretty.)

First Day of School

Like many people, this week is the start of the school year here. In our house, that means the twins will have their first day at their new pre-school, going twice a week for a few hours. And, in another shift in things, KLC will begin her part-time teaching position today.

I've always liked this time of year. There's something exciting and hopeful about it, even though it's been quite a few years since I actually took a class or did anything officially school-related. (Yes, I'm acutely aware that my 20th high school reunion happens next summer ...)

This year, it means experiencing autumn in a new city and climate. I've always thought that the fall was the best time of year in New England -- a partial reward for dealing with overly hot and humid summers that just happened and the bitter cold of the winters about to come.

I'm assuming things will be somewhat different here. Without sounding like too much of a newbie, but do the leaves change here the way they do there? If not, I will settle for the smell of wood-burning stoves, which is basically all it takes to get me into the autumn-loving mood.