We're getting there. Kind of. If you can believe it, we moved into a place that's almost twice the size of our old apartment, yet has about half the amount of storage space. Obviously we knew this when we placed our offer, but now that we're actually faced with piles of our crap everywhere, our lack of closets is starting to feel a bit daunting. The two biggest culprits are our liquor and our books. We have a shit ton of both. Although I'm proud to say that our collection in the liquor and books departments is stellar, they are also two things that a) are a royal pain in the ass to move, and b) don't exactly shine when they're just thrown about in random corners and on empty tabletops. But I'm getting a new bookcase and bar cabinet out of this deal, so I am NOT complaining.
This past week I've learned that home ownership is both crazy radical and weird. I've learned that although I never would have thought it possible that a kitchen could be put together using simply bubblegum and matchsticks, it actually can (obviously, we're working on fixing that glitch). I've learned that neighbors can be likable people (who knew?). I've learned that I'm quite good at refraining from punching an electrician in the face who rudely tells me that I'm in his way in MY OWN HOUSE. I've learned that blinds truly are a necessity (working on that, too). I've learned that not compromising our wants and staying in Oakland (in our same neighborhood, even) was one of the best decisions we've made in this entire process. I've learned that some people practically want your soul for a set of vintage Brazilian rosewood dining chairs (I'm looking at you, shop owner on Ashby in Berkeley). I've learned that the highlight of my kid's day is riding the elevator. And I've learned that the highlight of mine is using our dishwasher. Dishwashers are so cool, guys.
It's late, I'm sleep deprived, and my bed-sans-baby-who-sleeps-sideways is calling me. My sister and her boyfriend will be in town for the weekend, and then we're off to Mexico. I just wanted to quickly thank all of you who have been so supportive during our whole house-hunting ordeal. Yeah, I get it now... when it's right, it's right. Even if it takes eight stupid months.
i'm excited for your bar cart! also for your new home in general.
ReplyDeleteThe good (and Baaaad) thang about moving into a larger space is now you HAVE to buy stuff to fill it up.
ReplyDelete-How do you keep the Eames era recliner clean? I shiver thinking of baby mishaps or cat claws on that badboy
believe it or not, the eames has held out better than any other piece of furniture we own. after tons of research, i learned that leather is actually best for pets and small children. it's almost impossible to puncture, and spills just wipe right up. we ended up getting rid of our disgusting (due to cat and baby) couch, and ordered a leather one which should arrive within the next month.
Deletehere is what i NEVER understand. how do people afford to buy a new house and then BUY NEW FURNITURE FOR IT.
DeleteI'm with Jamie. We just keep saying, 'erm... we'll wait until after we renovate.'
DeleteWelcome home! It will feel settled before you know it. xo
ReplyDeletetrying not to be INSANELY JEALOUS.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! So exciting. And, I totally know the shop you are talking about!! My boyfriend & I went in there a couple of times before we decided that the high prices and hard sell were not for us.
ReplyDeleteYou probably already know this but, I recommend Klassik Living on San Pablo. It's not cheap but the prices are reasonable for the quality and they offer restoration. We browsed there many times and only bought a little dresser from them but were always treated super nicely.
holy crap. that guy's prices are INSANE. i almost couldn't believe it. i guess he sells to people who aren't willing to hunt for a better deal? i got a set of 4 for what he was charging per chair at lot 49 in temescal. tiny shop, but great finds at affordable prices. i've yet to check out klassik, but i do know of it... they might have the perfect bar for us. thank you!
DeleteSo excited for you all! Although honestly, I might be more excited about the bed sans baby. I NEED DETAILS! I am always eager to hear tell of families that co-sleep but move the little ones in to a crib between a year or two, because that what feels right for our family, and I need role models!
ReplyDeletexoxox Lu
pffff. cheech is a champion sleeper.
DeleteCongratulations on your new home, Celia! So exciting. I just saw the Instagram picture of Cheech on her beautiful big girl's bed (goddammit, she's cute). Hope she's sleeping well - and you and Joe too!
ReplyDeletemonument in downtown sf. it's a hike for you guys, i know, but MAN does that guy have a collection (i think some of his stuff is on 1stdibs.com).
ReplyDeletehells yes on the dishwasher. dishwashing was one of the chores i actually liked, so i didn't think it would make a difference; now there's an extra fifteen minutes to half an hour in my day, every day.
happy new-digs week, C. much love from my place to yours.
we also just moved into a house that's twice the size with less than half the storage of our old place, so i feel your pain. luckily, it has built-in bookshelves and a pretty big liquor cabinet. i'll just throw all the other extra stuff away.
ReplyDeleteanyways, congratulations. and thank goodness books and liquor are attractive, so they are fun to store.
ReplyDeleteThis is super exciting! I hope you have fun arranging little spaces. That's always my favourite of moving.
ReplyDeleteAnd, on the neighbours front, how great it is to have good ones? Our current next door neighbours are so good, that I have decided not to move ever again unless they do.