We have to renew our lease for August 2007 – August 2008 this Thursday, May 1. (yes, that is a good 3 months before our current lease runs out) We really would like to move so that we could have our “dream apartment” which would consist of (1) two bedrooms (2) a dishwasher and (3) a washer/dryer in our unit.

Forget the American dream — that’s been replaced by the Nelsons’ seminary-days dream.

I (frantically) searched the local newspaper ads and craigslist, and I found two places for us to look at on Saturday. But, alas, neither would work out. One didn’t have a dishwasher (despite what was advertised) and the kitchen was smaller than our current one … and there was less closet space (believe it or not). And the other one looked like it had not been updated in the entire time this landlord owned it (13 years). Granted it had two bedrooms, dishwasher, and washer/dryer … but when you have mismashed cabinets taken from the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, respectively, as well as carpet to “match,” who really cares that it has all the amenities you want?

So we were back to square one. I was reluctant — feeling doomed to another year of the 560 square feet we’ve called home (and office). But as we’ve talked it out and thought and prayed it through, we’re newly convinced that this is a good and right decision for now. And God has truly given peace, even contentment, which defies our disappointment in having to put off the pursuit of the Nelsons’ dream apartment for one more year.

Reasons why we’re (becoming) glad we’re staying:

1. no hassle of moving in the heat of July/August

2. better financial decision (not stretching our already tight budget)

3. convenient location — Bed/Bath & Beyond, Walgreens, Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Steinmart … all within a mile!

4. amazing maintenance staff — they even kill apartment mice for us

5. wonderful neighbors that we hope to continue building friendship with

And best of all: it’s COZY (better word than teeny-tiny small) and holds all the memories of our married life thus far.

I’m done with my old blog. It will be preserved and archived forever on the world wide web. So if you’d like to check out previous blog entries before today, go to http://www.hiddenglory.blogspot.com

This will be where I write henceforth …

I’m at home sick … but I’m not so sick I can’t do anything. So it’s probably the best kind of sick day. I had a fever last night and a super sore throat, so I decided this morning that it was best to call in sick. To rest instead of pushing it.

I don’t know what I’ll do with my day. Read a few of the books from the always-changing stack on my bedside table (i can’t ever just read one at a time). Catch up on emails, perhaps. Find new friends on facebook. Call about a few new apartments. Officially switch my blog over to wordpress??

Or perhaps have this blog as one where I post various writings more than biographical details. We’ll see…