Tuesday, November 22, 2011

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!

20 comments:

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

Awww yay! So happy at how happy you are :) Backwards decisions are only backwards if they are not right for you, which clearly this one was- therefore it's okay!

Stephany said...

I was thrilled for you then and I'm thrilled for you now. I can tell in just the way you speak about your condo and life downtown how much you love it so it was clearly the best decision for you!

AshleyD said...

It sounds like the condo has really been an awesome transition for you. I'm so glad that you love it and that it has been such a positive change. :)

Raquelita said...

Even though I only met you in person after your move, I could tell from the tone of your posts that you became much happier after you moved downtown! I'm really glad that it has been such a positive change for you!

paigearoo said...

That's so exciting! I remember your original post about really 'missing' Paris. I was impressed at how you were able to put your finger on exactly what it was about Paris that you loved and how you could recreate it in your own city. Very insightful.

I'm curious to know how 'high rise' living is. I've never lived in a building more then 3 storeys and right now I live on the first floor of my complex. Have you met many of your neighbours? Any crazy noises? For some reason, taking an elevator every day freaks me out....LOL :)

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

Your condo is pretty sweet!! I just love it! It suits you and yes, you definitely have a spring in your step and seem much happier from when I first met you in person in March (march?).

In a city like Minneapolis I don't think it's moving backward at all! Everyone has their own path and you are moving forward on yours!

missris said...

Sounds like you made the right choice for you, and you definitely seem happier being in the city!

Unknown said...

Love your condo! What's on your menu for your first big dinner party? Have fun!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, you'll be hosting a lot of people!! That will be so much fun for you to bring everyone into what's been such a new and positive part of your life, Lisa :) :)

I love that you've found the spirit of Paris in everyday, that makes me so happy for you <3

Leigh said...

You definitely have seemed a lot happier since moving into your new place and that's fantastic! Your apartment looks so nice too :)

Marlys said...

I love your condo and I'm happy that you're happy! Can't wait for Thanksgiving & then being together at your "home"!

Nora said...

I love, love, love your condo, even though I haven't been there! (Hopefully someday soon!!!) Open floor plans are my favorite and that kitchen is to die for. So is that view.

I don't think it is moving backwards at all; you made a quality of life decision which I think is huge! So glad you still love it there; enjoy hosting the family this weekend :)

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

Because of you, I remind Sweets and myself that if we really want more space in a couple years and aren't in a position to sell our place, we can always become landlords and rent a larger place, more suitable to our needs. Thank you. =)

Amber said...

Having seen your condo, neighbourhood and happiness first hand I had a HUGE smile on my face while reading this post. I just love your neighbourhood!!! I'm SO glad this has been such an amazing decision for you and I can't wait to come visit again :)

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

I love your place!! Can't wait to see it someday.

Caroline said...

I'm so happy for you! I don't think it matters if it's "backward" as long as it's right for you!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

You did good. Even if this was a hasty decision, you are right, it was a great one. I wish that I lived in a place where I had the choice to walk to work. When I lived in the city, I was so happy!

It is also SOOOO exciting that you have enough room for your whole family! You are going to have such a good time having Thanksgiving at your house! It may become a new tradition!

PS. I see the "storage area" is for aprons?!

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

i love your dining room table!

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Nice condo!! The table is great!! I love a large table, because they are perfect for entertaining.

Becky said...

I'm so glad you're so happy in your new place - I agree, your spirits have been lifted and it suits you so well!