Another Step Closer

Moving Day is 1 month away.

Last night I told Vinny that I found a house to rent. It did not go well, but I was honestly expecting worse. Had to keep reminding myself not to get hooked into debating every tiny point, every tiny question, etc. That just derails the convo.

Kept my reasoning focused on:
1. mismanagement of money for over 10 years
2. I'm very unhappy, only half-alive
3. want to be alone, all by myself, start over
4. the affair

He says I'm crumbling, running away, taking the easy way out.

I told him I'm finally standing up for myself, and telling him in advance. I could have just up and left with no warning.

Little Farmhouse

Finally! I have a solid plan! I met an ex-coworker for drinks a few weeks ago, and this whole topic came up. (Funny how tequilla can do that.) Suddenly, it occurred to me - her inlaws own a house that they rent, and the property is adjacent to my friend's house. She said that particular one is not available, but... the inlaws own a different house in town that has a tenant who will be moving soon.

Long story short: We made arrangements to see it, and I love it!

The scoop: The current tenant has lived there for 20 years. She is older, and is having great difficulty with the stairs, and has found a single-level place elsewhere. Everything is very clean, barely worn, but outdated. Owners will supply all new kitchen appliances, new linoleum tile flooring, and paint. (Of course, I volunteered to paint, cuz I like that stuff.)

It is a small 2 bedroom farmhouse on the north end of town. 6.6 miles from work. Has a nice backyard, plenty big enough for the dogs. It also has a 3-season porch across the front of the house, which might prove to be the best feature. Fuel is natural gas, so no oil tank to worry about. Owners will arrange for lawncare and snow removal, which is another big relief. All I have to do is look after myself and scoop up the dog poop.

All this for $700 / month. That's less than I was paying for my condo 7 years ago, and 1/3 of my current mortgage. I am so excited! And so terrified at the same time...

So the current tenant is moving out around Labor Day. Then I will have 2 weeks to paint, etc. And I'll move in Oct 1. That is 8 weeks away. Time to break this news to Vinny, and make more plans.