10 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 9

First off, today I am participating in Emily's "A Day in the Life" post series.  If you wonder what a day of business travel is like, click over and read about my trip to Chicago in October!

Today I am thankful for my condo.

As you know, I moved into my new home in July.  While I took time and thought long and hard about renting out the condo I own and moving downtown, the decision on what condo to rent downtown was made extremely quickly.  I mean, this is the ONLY  place I looked at.  I was in CFA study mode and I really did not have the time to look around.  I saw this place, it had everything I wanted, the price was right, and it just 'felt right'.

The view from my patio!

While the decision was made in haste, it has ended up being one of the best decisions I have made in my life.  Yes - in my life.  It was unconventional to go from living in a condo I own, to renting it out and renting downtown.  I know for some that is a 'moving backwards' but I think anyone who knows me, knows that this whole decision to move downtown has been far from 'backwards'.  I have had many people comment on how much happier I am.  There is a spring in my step and a smile on my face as I walk or bike to work.  I still have days where I think - "someone pinch me because this couldn't possibly be my life!"

I love my condo's open floor plan.  I finally have room for a big dining room table - which has 2 leaves!

So today, I am reflecting on how great this move has been for me.  I've traded in a crappy, life-sucking commute for a 10 minute bike ride or 15 minute walk.  I grocery shop on foot.  There are miles upon miles of running paths (along a beautiful river) right outside my front doorstep.  I have a beautiful view, room to host family and friends, and room for a huge dining room table!

The kitchen has great storage (there is a pantry in the back) and a good amount of counter space.  Since it's an open floor plan, it's great for hosting as I can be in the kitchen but not feel like I am missing out on the fun!

This week, my family will gather in Minneapolis for Thanksgiving.  My brother & SIL are hosting on Thursday and I am hosting dinner on Friday.  I am so excited to show my apartment and neighborhood to my siblings.  I am especially excited that I have a dining room table big enough to accommodate 13 people!!  There will be 15 of us in total, but 2 are infants.  I never thought I would have room to host a meal for my family so I am feeling especially thankful this year that I can finally play the part of the host!