RIP My Salad Years

In 2003, while still working on my PhD, I got a Real Job^TM that paid Real Money^TM. It took over a year for that to sink in, during which time I continued to spend money as if I were a Poor Grad Student. Even later, my regular spending habits tended towards the frugal, interspersed with large purchases financed by money saved during frugal periods.

I have to remind myself of that. I have not lived like a monk all my life. I have been to Europe three times for pleasure. I have purchased two professional-quality harps. I had the security of knowing there was money in the bank. I had the luxury of never needing to worry about dropping "just" $20 or $40 on "Cloth and Clothing in Anglo-Saxon England" or whatever my latest enthusiasm was. Sure, I'm wearing a (very flattering) shirt that was a Goodwill find and pants from Target, but I'm wearing gorgeous, comfortable handmade Lucchese Classics cowboy boots on my feet. And never an unpaid credit card balance.

It was a good run.

And now, we're embarking on a new run - also (hopefully) good, but in a vastly different way...

I Can Has Home Ownership!

We did it! We signed the papers!

OH MY GOD WHAT WERE WE THINKING?!

Just kidding. (Mostly.)

Who wants to help us move? :) Anybody want to buy an elderly double-wide trailer, in good condition, with new kitchen appliances and located in a nice neighborhood convenient to MD-295? 3BR, 2 bath. $13K or make an offer. Lot rent is $520, but with sewer and water, etc etc., it's closer to $600.

Seriously, about the moving: We're doing one shift this Saturday, starting at noon. Pizza and beer will be had. The goal is to move most of the smaller and lighter stuff - clothes, small furniture, pictures, instruments, small appliances, some books. (To see how hard it will be - we have hopes that a hand truck and our basement entrance will allow relatively easy book transport.)

If that goes well, we may move the rest of it ourselves. Otherwise, we think we can afford pro movers. If you are the Gr! Me Lift Heavy Things! sort of friend (and you are inclined to help), don't come this Saturday. We'll really need your help if/when we're getting dressers and mattresses (and books and books) into the place.