New Home New Year!

God is so, so very good! This year is about to end but He hasn't stopped giving us blessings. This year has been a challenging one, but it also brought in a lot of things to be thankful for.

A few days ago, Tuesday to be exact, we finally got approved for our home lease application. I was surprised that everything went well quickly and fast. No problems. We were not expecting it would be that quick. A week ago, during the Feast of the Mary Immaculate, I went to the open house by myself, after attending the mass. I liked the house, I felt it was good for the three of us and it looked much better than the first few houses we saw on some of the open houses we've been to.I also loved the fact that the area seems to be quiet, but busy in the afternoons when kids, my son's age are out to play (according to a resident whom I was able to talk while waiting for the agent). I asked questions, recorded a video about the place, discussed it with my husband. We both agreed to try it out. But we were not as hopeful. We were very much open to the idea that we might try out a lot of applications before we finally get our first home. Having no credit history might be a big factor. Another thing was that the date I wrote for our availability is 2nd week of January, which is actually still after a month! If I am a businessman, I would think twice of approving this application becuase I'll be losing a month's worth of rental fees. But we still tried. No harm in trying as they say.

We were not in a rush. We actually started praying for our first home when we were positive that Alvin made it in his new job. We just prayed for it everyday and we knew in our hearts that one ay it will just happen. After going thru a lot the last couple of months -- praying for something and the Lord asking you to WAIT (which is actually the HARDEST part), we learned our lesson.

We submitted our application Thursday of last week. By chance we saw that they had another open house for the property set for the weekend, Saturday morning, to be exact. Since Alvin was available I told him to drop by to the property so he has an idea what it actually looked like. Just like me, he was ok with the place. But was also open to the reality that we might not have an approved application. Before we left the place, the agent told us, that we might hear from them Sunday afternoon, regarding the status of our application.We went with our usual afternoon actvities, but we passed by Officworks to photocopy the requirements we might need in our future applications. That was how open we were.

Sunday passed. Monday passed. No calls. But we were not worried, although we decided to follow-up on Tuesday and to ask as well if we can bring in additional supporting documents. Tuesday morning I called. The agent said it was ok to bring in some more documents but the applications were still being processed. Lunch time, one call after another- visa copies needed, open house for a similar propert which is newly renovated, date of availability -- then I heard the magic words "you are approved." "What?! Is our application approved already?" I had to hear it twice because I can't believe our prayers were answered so quickly this time!

When I realized that January 5 was too early for us, I bargained again. I called two minutes after getting the good news. In my heart I knew that if the owner didn't agree, the house was not meant for us. We went to the office that afternoon not knowing if our appeal was granted. But as I've said everything fell into place. To make things simple, we gave our holding deposit and on Saturday we will already be signing the Lease Contract. That house is for us. It will be our first home here.

It is not a brand new house. It is not a big house. It is a small townhouse unit in a small community. Close to the bus stop. Close to schools. Close to the House of God. In three weeks time, I'd be very busy fixing the house. Putting everything in place. We are all excited. But aside from all these, we look forward to making it a home. So new year, new home!

I had an early Christmas present. I hope you get yours too! Merry Christmas!

Busy As A Bee!

I can't believe than in two weeks' time it'll be Christmas already! In a couple more weeks, Liam will turn 2 and of course 2009 will be over! What a year! I've been busy the past few weeks that I realized I haven't had the chance to write a blog again during the last 16 days!

So what kept me busy? Many. To start with, I have been getting more casual teaching calls and it means I had to report for work. By the time I get home, it'll be Liam time and house chores time as well. I spend my free time cathcing on FB hehehe.

Another that kept my hands full was of course my Christmas preparations. This includes my Christmas shopping, bargain hunting, Christmas gatherings and wrapping of Christmas present.

Next on my list is our house-hunting. After finally getting a better paying job, my husband and I are now really seriously looking for a place to rent. We are in the process of looking for that perfect home, perfect community, for our family, as we move out from my brother's place, after 9 months. We just started applying this week and hopefully, it'll be successful. Attending open houses takes most of our weekends as well.

That was short. It seems simple but it obviously took most of my time. I've been busy as a bee the past few weeks. Dead tired at the end of each day, but no worries, because the things that kept me busy are all blessings. Prayers that were answered, so I am not and I will not complain.

More busy days ahead of me!Hmmm, I am just wondering when I'll get the chance to write my next blog entry. I would be lucky if I even get to write 5 blogs this month! Oh well =D