None the wiser…
Another week down and much has happened. Early this week we found a house that we loved; a little far out of the way, but all the charm and sophistication that an old Cape Cod-esque house from the 30’s could have. It was certainly not uniform with the style of house we’d been looking at: more contemporary, post 1990’s construction with modern flares or at least the potential to have such. But we stumbled upon this one almost by accident, as if it was meant for us. Never before in this search had we had not only liked the house but almost felt an inexplicable emotion for it; almost as if we were already at home. Perhaps it was the proximity to the lake – just a block away from waterfront – that reminded us of our water-bound upbringings. Perhaps it was the smell of the woodshop above the garage that reminded us of our grandfathers, a tinsmith and woodworker but both hobbyists by nature. And contrary to my initial assumptions, the house was not the dilapidated mess I thought it would be. In fact, it was quite sturdy and solid around us, with a history of roots stretching well past the topsoil and into the black earth below it. And it was the first house that both of us felt the same about.

We quickly drafted an offer only four days after it entered the market and after only two consecutive visits. Not fast enough, though. Despite our working into the late hours of the evening and contemplating the most compelling bid we could, another couple outbid our offer by ‘substantial amounts’ which one could only assume was tens of thousands more than our already ample offer.

I can’t say it’s comforting to know that they probably paid more than what the structure was worth, because in fact, they were probably just as enamored by it as we were and were willing to pay more for a feeling than a building or the dirt surrounding it. But like all situations, there’s a bit of me that believes a little in karma; or fate, destiny or divine intervention. Somehow I have to believe that we were not meant for that house and that despite our drawings to it, it was not meant for us; although that medicine is a little hard to swallow this soon. Four weeks into our house search, we’re already getting tired of the rat race and pressure to find our home while interest rates allow good spending.

Somewhere in this mess of a week, we also received a letter from the pastor at the church where we’re to marry in July of 2004. The letter, unexpected of course, was to notify us that the church policies had changed and that the church would no longer cater to the needs of non-members when it came celebrating weddings under its roof. Apparently the wedding coordinators were over stretched on their commitments and thus, they were eliminating the number of ceremonies the church performed. He closed the letter with a mechanical “I am sorry I cannot schedule your wedding,” despite the fact that we were under the impression that our wedding was already scheduled. Again, I have to wonder if this is fate or in some sort of cruel joke, divine intervention.

After this past week I know that we are somehow wiser for all of what has gone on (both written here and unwritten) but I don’t feel such. These issues, which I anticipated to be mechanical and methodical are more emotional than I expected and consequently, much more tiring.

posted by paula 10:52 PM