The coffee table/island has been put on hold .. where to start, I want to end on a happy note, so I’ll start with the ugly.
the UGLY
Friday night we received a call from management where we were staying. To say that it didn’t go very well would be an extreme understatement. I won’t go into the specifics, but it was very unprofessional and led to us deciding that we couldn’t stay there. Also, the fact that they weren’t able to fix the extremely slow internet (not good for bloggers .. and anyone in the 21st century) and the water was strange, after you got out of the shower you felt like you got out of the pool, it tasted horrible (I think it was river water that was chlorinated, yuck!!). I won’t be providing a name or link, but if you’re on Lake Erie, OH send me an email and I’ll tell you where NOT to go.
Lesson learned – do not rush to get into a place because you want to get out of a hotel … we had to stay at a not so nice hotel (when we got here in October) since the only decent hotel in town wouldn’t accept dogs, and since we needed an extended stay to look for housing .. that wouldn’t work.
the BAD
Saturday we were scrambling to find a place .. we did find one (yay!!) but then we had to coordinate moving all of our stuff out. We rented a Uhaul on Sunday (had to drive 40 minutes one way since that was the only one open, yuck). Loaded it ourselves, it was a long walk to and from the unit to the truck. I’m still sore. We got on the road around 6pm and headed towards Maryland. Why Maryland??? I gave up on finding an unfurnished place, because practically everything is personal vacation homes. However, the people where we are renting are allowing us to move a few things into their other rental next door, so we’ll have our own sofa, mattress and desk .. SO we left over half of our things with our parents in Maryland. In 24 hours we spent 12 hours driving and 12 hours sleeping/unloading sorting organizing boxes.
the GOOD
Last night when we arrived back in Ohio, we met the owners at the little house we’ll be staying in. They are super nice, and they completely built or remodeled (can’t remember, but he is a contractor) the little house we’ll be staying in. Since this is their home during the summer, they wanted to make sure that we were “ok” and go over a few of the specifics. I hope to share my good news that I mentioned on Friday soon .. I want things to firm up more before sharing too much. Even though it’s very good news, it has made things a little more difficult.
I’m definitely not sharing all of this because I want your pity, but you might be wondering what’s going on with my photos since it won’t look the same as they have in the last week or so.
The last few months have been extremely draining and stressful – It helped to take a few deep breaths and remember that the one of the most important things – the thing that really mattered was healthy and next to me – David and Annabelle too 🙂 We are extremely blessed.
I know that everyday I learn something new – recently I’ve had a lot of days with much bigger lessons. But in the end I’m stronger.
Wondering what this will mean for my blog? I’ll still be sharing projects, but we won’t be building as many things from scratch as before since we don’t have a garage and it is going to be COLD (got a taste of the sideways blowing snow last night). We love designing and building things, so we’ll be back to that very soon. Stay tuned! 🙂
I should have normal internet and be back up to speed in the next day or so (when I can get it installed at our new place) Thanks so much for your continuous support!! You all are the best!
what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. kelly clarkson says so, so it's true.
Finding rentals is the worst! I feel your pain. Good luck!
Wow, you've been through the ringer. Glad you're keeping things in perspective….what matters most is the person you're sharing this crazy ride with! It sucks to be going through this now, but you'll have some good stories to rehash forever! Best of luck in the "new" place.
I'm so sorry y'all have had such a hard time finding normal people to rent from. That stress is the worst, I know. Hang in there!!
The pull to have / return to / or get a home can be so strong. I think its because that's where our very personal connecting with the ones we love can take place freely. I can relate to your pain as I rushed our return home post fire restoration and have spent several years fixing that mess. Sounds like it is coming together for you in a better way. A lesson I learned through my experience, and sounds as though you are feeling this too, is home is in the moment wherever you are.
Phew- I don't envy you with all this moving. I hope things settle down for you now!!
It all sounds terrible, and I'll say a prayer for your sanity. 🙂 I'm sure you'll have a new appreciation for a home once you get settled.
oh boy what a disaster you've had to endure the last couple months! i'm happy things are looking up for you, and can't wait to hear more about the good news!!!
Moving is tough even when it goes smoothly. What an ordeal! Hope things go well from here and I look forward to your projects when you are able to get back to them.
Just found your blog via Apartment Therapy (awesome lamp!) and wanted to say that I am really enjoying your frugal design ideas. Hope things get easier for you soon!
Gracious – so sorry for all the stress and upset. Sounds like you are headed in the right direction now, though 🙂
sarah you're amazing and everything you do turns to gold. I love seeing how your genius at GW has transformed into this wonderful blog and following you along the way. Keep your head up 🙂
Good luck with all your changes and challenges! Look forward to hearing more from you soon.
Wow! You are a very strong person to have gone through so much in such a short period of time. I'm sure your husband is too. I will hold you in prayer that everything falls together in perfect order and you can relax.
Sending you strength, peace and a warm home!
xo
Pat
I don't know how I missed adding your blog to my blog roll, but after Pinterest stalking you for at least a year, I'm happy to be an official reader and follower! Your projects are amazing and you are so incredibly inspiring. We went through a cross country move this summer for my hubby's job as well (from the west coast of Canada), so it's neat to follow up on your journey. Sorry you've had so many issues with where you were staying. We were lucky to find a great place – but now we're having issues on the other end with our place we own on the coast that is rented out (being a landlord ain't what it's cracked up to be!). Looking forward to reading all your back posts and the posts to come! Looking forward to the good news!
Ohio has a lot of soft water. If the water was kind of stinky (sulfurous) and left a slimy feel on your skin it's because it is soft. Likely well water. Sadly there's just not a lot you can do about it. Glad you found a place…
oh good luck with it all- must be so frustrating!
Wow – it's probably a huge blessing in disguise that you got out when you did. Even if it was a major pain. I hope you guys enjoy the new place and look forward to reading the exciting news. 🙂