I had a really cool day yesterday. First, it was DD's birthday, so I knew we were going out for her birthday dinner (sushi). One bad spot was finding out DS will have to have 4 teeth extracted to make room for other permanent teeth. Poor guy, such a narrow jaw.
I stopped at THE HOUSE to talk to the agent after stopping at DD's school. Found out keeping DD in her same high school won't be nearly as difficult as I thought, if we move, so I'm feeling a lot more positive about this house now. (Still scared sh*tless, though.) The agent was great, gave me lots more info on design options and prices. Everything is a lot more reasonable than I'd imagined. She gave me copies of all the Homeowner's Association rules and even they're not terribly restrictive, just common sense stuff. The planting list is great, mostly desert plants but that's what we want to do anyway. And I figure a pot or two of annuals here and there won't be the end of the world.
Mike got home early, so after lunch we went to check out some appliance stores. I guess all that money we're "saving" on less expensive design options will be going towards appliances instead. Geeeeeeeeez! All the cool stuff is so expensive. I knew we couldn't afford a "gourmet" stove, but since when are fridges over $1000??? Not for a fancy one, just a normal large one. Even simple washers and dryers are pricey (I haven't bought stuff like this in 10 years). I realized that my biggest "want" is a quiet dishwasher. I know how dumb that sounds, but it's an open plan with the kitchen opening into the family room, with dining space in between. I want it quiet when we're in there after dinner. I won't even discuss range hoods (and of course I need two, one for over the torch).
The weird thing is, I'm feeling "conspired against" about this house. Everything is falling into place to make it possible. It seems almost too easy, and that makes me paranoid. I'm afraid to get too excited, want it too bad, and end up being really disappointed. Old habits die hard.