Dwelling

I know I have been woefully neglectful of the blog. I just haven’t had the energy lately, and to be honest, we don’t have much noteworthy going on these days. Lainey will turn 10 months on Friday, so check back for the newest collection of photos!

Right now, selling the condo is the biggest thing on our plate. We continue to get showings, but no second trips back and definitely no offers yet. However, we’re still in major limbo on what our next steps will be when we do sell, so I guess I’m glad things aren’t moving quickly.

We’ve checked out two possible suburbs, Oak Park and Park Ridge. Both were nice, but we thought Oak Park had a little more character. We also want to get out to Evanston for a drive around, but that won’t be for a few weeks. We’re off to Moline this weekend and then Mark takes off to party in Vegas the following weekend.

So, yes, we are entertaining the idea that we may have to make the migration to the ‘burbs. But, in our heart of hearts, we really want to stay in the city. I’m happy to say that a handful of houses have come on the market in the last week that could be doable. Of course, we are going by pictures, and as anyone who has ever house hunted knows, real estate pictures LIE!!! 

Mark and I keep talking in circles about the pros and cons of all the options and kind of haphazardly evaluating our choices. Maybe we can make use of the car rides to/from Moline to get some thoughts down on paper and really prioritize what is important to us and where we’re willing to bend and list the major challenges and perks each scenario presents.

For instance, yes, we can get more bang for our buck outside the city, but even a move to the close suburbs will add at least 30 minutes to our commutes. As it is, we leave with Lainey at 7am and I don’t get home with her until close to 6pm many nights. It kills me to think of losing another hour a day with her. (And don’t even get me started on Mark’s schedule and the impact of an extra hour of commute each day.)  

On the other hand, when I do get home with her, she could have a lovely backyard to run around in—and a nice school to attend—and safe streets to ride her bike—and trees and fireflies—and don’t all these wonderful things outweigh those extra hours missed? Or maybe they don’t.

And…what about Mark and me? What about being where WE will be happiest and the most fulfilled? Maybe that sounds selfish, but Lainey is much more adaptable at this point. If we decide to remain city dwellers, then a city girl she’ll be—smaller spaces and fewer trees be damned.  If we decide it’s time for a change and move, then she’ll spend a happy childhood at the next place we call home (and run off to the city of her choice at the first opportunity).

These are the thoughts that spin round and round in my mind. It’s a big decision that involves a lot of money and a least a little sacrifice, no matter what we choose. These are the times I really hate being an adult.