ch-ch-ch-changes

I was cranky today and unsure why—then I was reminded by my mother that I had a whole lot going on. A whole lot being: I closed on my house on Friday (yippee!!), bought a car the same day, started a new job a week and a half ago, and am starting over in Houston.

First things first: The Closing. Kind of stressful, I must admit. Signing papers 45,000 times, not really knowing what you’re signing, seeing “2038” as the year you pay off your mortgage, and also seeing “Sarah Martin, An Unmarried Woman” on documents. The latter caused me to get all defiant, until my mortgage lady (I’m sure she has a more official name than that) told me that they put the same thing for single men.



So I get the keys. And a 2008 planner with Fidelity National Title, as well as a big chocolate medallion of the mediocre corporate giveaway quality with same logo. The most exciting of all the gifts is the set of keys to MY OWN HOUSE. CRAZY. Did I mention it was crazy?

So I’m all in a daze, not quite comprehending, following my very, very chatty real estate agent in his Mountaineer over to my new house. He hands me the final key to the front door from the lockbox on the front door, and I notice that the “FOR SALE” sign is finally down. Said real estate agent exits, and then. Now what?

I’m so relieved to have all of these people out of my life, the real estate agent, the mortgage people, the title guy, the listing agent, the seller.

Now it’s time to measure for blinds—the place is like a fishbowl, no window coverings. Mum, being so wonderful, sets to work measuring as I sort of wander around, not quite sure how to do anything. We look at some paint colors, mum finishes with the measurements, and we get out of the house for lunch at the local Onion Creek. A cool joint, with very funky types and Radiohead playing all day. And lots of draft beer. It makes me feel good to see people without bleached hairdos and too-high heels for the daytime.

Next, why not go ahead and put myself further in debt by buying a car? I end up buying a used Mini Cooper S, blue with a white roof and double sunroof. It’s a peppy little thing, lots of power in the engine, and 6 speeds. Love it! Love it! So I sign the paperwork, get the keys, and mum and I decide to meet at Lowe’s to look at fridges and washer/dryers—essential to actually move in to my place.



I have fun driving to the store. People actually LET ME IN when I’m signaling. Is it the cute mini or can I just slide in more easily because my car is, like, two feet long? I feel like a little girl around my older siblings, the older siblings being, of course (this being Texas and all), the H2s, the Chevy Silverados, the Ford F-10s, the Lincoln Navigators, the Cadillac Escalades. They all tower over me. And I like it. As long as they see me and don’t actually drive/back over me.

I walk with mum, after meeting her in the parking lot, to the area where they sell fridges and w/d units. And promptly, my brain shuts down. It says, “oh, no, sister, no more big decisions today, no more debt”. So, we thank the hilarious salesperson and gracefully (ok, maybe not gracefully) exit.

A date that evening with a guy my friend Nick set me up with, our second date. Wine and dinner, and lots of great conversation. He is not from Houston, travels every week for work, well-traveled, intelligent, and mature. I’m really looking forward to getting to know him better. Oh, and he CALLS. When he says he will. Like a respectful adult. Go figure.

Fall into bed early, and awake the next day, none of it having soaked in yet. When will it? Will it happen all at once, like a shot of espresso, or gradually, like a latte? I do know that this was the right decision. And that feels awesome.