Moving Day!

The movers have arrived from Memphis! Let the unpacking begin! Tomorrow evening husband and the kids should be here!!!! It is going to be a long couple of days, but hopefully not weeks of unpacking!!!

Sneak Peek!

I have been in Florida for a month now. I have transitioned and though still in the condo, I consider my new home well...home. I have been looking for a place to live for all of us for what seems like an eternity. Homes in Florida vary greatly from what we have in Tennessee. Land is precious here, so there usually are not big back yards, etc. This wouldn't be an issue except for two furry family members named Bentley and Lexy! There are more homes designed on the ranch, Spanish, or split floor plans than what we consider "traditional floor plans" in Memphis.

Being very particular (call it picky, OCD, difficult), I have probably worn out our poor realtor with the multiple emails and appointments to view homes. Last week after looking at homes until 8pm one night, we re-grouped that night and started focusing again on homes to look at. I was beyond disappointed and felt like I would never find anything suitable and would be living in Florida without husband, the kids, and the dogs forever (insert overly dramatic here). Before I headed back to Memphis, we looked at homes last Thureforsday morning. One home I was really excited to see. It was the last one we looked at. It was The. Last. One! I immediately fell in love with the totally re-modeled and upgraded 1975 Spanish style home with a fenced in yard and a pool!!!! This home is on a corner lot, which is pretty coveted real estate where land is difficult to come by.

The home and the deal did not come without some issues. Before looking at the home my realtor asked if it was available from the agent. We were told it was, but this wasn't exactly the case. The home already had another interested party and an offer had been made. So a bidding war commenced. Last Sunday after a two day back-and-forth ordeal, our realtor called and said the owners went with the other party's offer. I. was. devestated.

As I mentioned, being picky and overly dramatic the news was taken less than well. I guess upon hearing the disappointment in my voice, my realtor asked the agent what it would take to get the home. We were given one last shot at another counter offer and by Monday at 7pm, we were the new renters of a 4 bedroom 2 bath home in Coral Springs, Florida!

The news got better from there. Dennis was able to transfer with his job at FedEx and work from home. We were able to set up movers to pack the house in Memphis on Tuesday the 9th and move it in to Florida on Saturday the 13th. Best of all, husband and the kids will be here by Sunday, November 14th!!!

So more about this hidden jewel....as I said it is a Spanish style, 1 story home. The home has been re-done in modern accents. The kitchen is my most favorite room in the home, which is good considering how much time I spend in there! It was gutted and new lighting and cabinets were installed from Ikea. The back-splash has been done in brushed stainless steel. The cabinets are red (can I get a hoot from my Chi O sisters?!) The foyer lighting is a beautiful piece of blown-glass done locally here in Florida and is in yellow (red and yellow in the same house? yes! RHO BETA!)
The bath rooms have been re-done in a spa style with over-sized vanities and lots of storage. Both baths have doors leading out to the pool (cabana style). The back of the home leading out to the covered lanai with fans has screened in pocket doors perfect for the breezes we have been getting due to our "cold front" (highs in 70's and lows in 50's). The front of the home has wrought iron arch ways which lead to a tiled in court yard area.

We are so excited to make this house our home! We won't be going to Memphis for Thanksgiving, so it will be nice to spend the holiday at our new place. Dennis will also get to celebrate his Birthday in Florida as well! Landon's new school is literally across the street from our neighborhood and Lou's new daycare is two miles away. Tomorrow morning I meet the landlords and pick up the keys!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...

What started out as a simple visit to Memphis turned into a comedy of errors that has been my life for the past few days. When planning to see the husband and the kids, we decided I would use FedEx's standby flight program. Dennis has used it several times in the past without difficulty, so it seemed like a good option...
I say it "seemed" like a good option, because in reality, it was a terrible idea! I spent Thursday at the Fort Lauderdale airport only to be bumped off 4 flights. I later found out that due to weather Atlanta had 3 days prior there were still delays. So I made it to Atlanta and was told since I was on the delayed flight I couldn't fly out until the next morning (missed the last connector). This was unacceptable and being the determined person I am, I rented a car, bought 2 16oz sugar free Red Bulls, and drove the 5 hours to Memphis. I pulled in the drive at 5:30am; just in time to tell my kids good morning. Priceless!
I spent time with family and friends while at home. I was able to see the kids in their costumes at the FedEx trick-or-treat outing. I had a much needed Target run with Emily and brunch with Meghan and Sam. I loved on my kids, cooked probably one of the last meals I will prepare in our home in Tennessee, and slept in my glorious bed! The time, though brief was well spent.
Sunday afternoon it was back to the airport to return to Florida. That plan was a major F.A.I.L!!! I spent from 2pm until after 7pm waiting to get on a flight. Needless to say, I never got on a flight nor made it out of Memphis because AirTran over-sold all of their flights by 10% due to a sale they ran on fares over the weekend. So back home I went. I got to kiss the kids goodnight once more and prepared to fly out with real tickets this morning.
3:30 came very early this morning. I said my goodbyes again and began my return trip to Florida. I had to fly into West Palm Beach or risk a midnight arrival. This wouldn't have been such an isssue, however my car was at the Fort Lauderdale airport where I initially departed.
Here is where the train comes in. I took the Tri-Rail to retrieve my car. The Tri-Rail is the train and tram system in southern Florida (from West Palm to Miami). It is confusing at best and took the better part of two hours what normally takes about 30 minutes on I-95 to drive. But eventually I made it to the Fort Lauderdale airport, found my car, and was finally back in my new home!
It looks like Dennis and the kids will be joining me in our new home in Florida by November 15th! I cannot wait!!!