Moving.

It's the unit on the left.

We are most likely moving to Peabody in April. For those of you who don't live in MA, Peabody is about five minutes from where we live now, and it's pronounced PEA-buh-dee (not the way you would think).

I'm grateful that the tax return will be substantial this year, so it will cover moving costs plus necessary purchases, such as storage shelving and a washer/dryer (which will go in the picture below).

Also, the above picture is the other "wing" of the basement. Two wings which form an "L" shape around the garage.

Matt and I have been a little afraid to tell people that we are buying a house, which is kind of sad since a first home purchase is supposed to be an exciting venture. We are excited. The 8k tax credit is pretty sweet, plus the sellers of our home are paying the closing costs. Double sweet. We are happy to be putting all that money towards equity instead of rent. We are glad to make a place our own and not have to worry about whether the landlord will allow us to put nails in the walls.

Master Bed

Downstairs half bath

Kitchen (this picture was taken from the unit on the right - ours will have stainless steel appliances)

But we're also aware that there were many who hoped that we would move back to Illinois once our graduate school ventures were over, and there are probably some in MA who wish we would live in a different town.

Attic Storage

We love all people from our lives, near and far. It's especially difficult to know that our parents, who love us dearly, live in completely different states. However, this is a good choice for us. It is not perfect, but for right now it's a place which we can call "home."