I don't swim in your toilet...

So, please don't pee in my pool. A similar common courtesy too often overlooked:

Grocery Cart,

I don't park in your cart corral, so please don't corral in my parking space.

Thanks,
Automobile

Seriously folks, put your carts away. If I can't walk past the three carts parked in the *handicapped* space without gathering them and putting them away, how is it that you don't think twice when you park the cart there to start with? If I see you park a cart in a parking place, I will 1) go and get it, 2) glare at you (making sure that you see me and feel the burn of my daggers), 3) put the cart in its appropriate place, 4) glare at you again (just for emphasis), and 5) shake my head (as if to say, "what's wrong with this world?").

Common courtesy... as dead as chivalry?

Home Sweet Home

And sometimes, a bit sour. House hunting. This, friends, is not a misnomer. It is difficult work. Finding the house was easy. Having the stuff it takes to make it through the offer, purchase and sales, and financing confirmation are what makes the effort a hunt. An admitted control freak, waiting and depending on others to get the job done was the most difficult part for me (though we couldn't have been in better hands). Now, all the hard work is done and we just wait for the closing. We couldn't be more excited about the home and feel it is just the perfect "starter home" for us.

What have I learned in the process? I remember now why I opted for the MA and PhD over the JD. I am suddenly reminded of how very little I like the legal environment (sorry, RMF). I thank the bear of an attorney the sellers enlisted for reminding me why I made that life decision.

Here are some of our favorite parts of the house!

The Hubby has never been able to have his very own braai...not anymore. Neither has he ever had to cut the lawn. Not for long.

This picture was meant to highlight the scalloped effect on the ceiling. I just love them.



We love the corner fireplace, hardwoods, and the opening to the kitchen!



Never again will I sit on the floor with a bowl of cookie dough and cookie sheets for a lack of counter space! There are even more counter tops on the other side of the fridge you see peeking out from behind the brick.



Pull out shelves in the pantry cabinet and all the lower cabinets. Yes, organization makes me happy!