Vintage Cottage Dream

1071 West Live Oak Street, Miami, AZ

Something about this little cottage makes my heart go pitter-patter!

So here's a little background. Back in October 2012, I had a wild hair up my rear and I felt the yearning for the "next step" in life. Naturally, I evaluated the financials and thought- let's look at houses! Don't want to rent forever, right? I would love to have my home paid off in my 40s so I can enjoy my future retirement.

Therefore, I started working on my credit score and the search was on! I looked at a lot of listings in Queen Creek, San Tan Valley (where we rented at the time) and Martin's home town of Miami, AZ. Outskirts and suburban towns always appealed to me- not only for the price, but for the peacefulness of a smaller environment. I always imagined it being a place for the future- A simple place to settle down with kids and a family.

What can I say, I've always been a small town kind of girl.

I narrowed down the search and this cottage was one of the few we chose to view.

After viewing the bombers we looked at, this little fixer upper seemed like the perfect starter home for us.

The home has 2 bedrooms, both just about the same size with good sized windows and limited closet space. The bathroom had this retro looking yellow tile with a old fashioned tub and simple sink. The kitchen is roomy with a decent amount of cabinet space. A dishwasher and gas stove is always a plus. The eat-in dining room located off of the kitchen is a perfect amount of space for a 4 seater table and is delightfully brightened by a window overlooking the front yard. An addition built on the back of the home was a good feature for entertaining. I could just imagine Martin working in the workshop located in back of the house and enjoying his man cave time back there. The yard is clean, complete with a huge shade tree, built in flower beds and a nice front porch. The home soaks in 1966 vintage richness. It has hardwood floors and aged doors. The outdoor paneling is vinyl. The downside is- it need some TLC. The roof needs to be replaced, electrical needs to be upgraded, cosmetics need upgrading. My dream has always been to buy an older house with charm and make it my own. I believe things have more value if you make them your own.

Very few houses grab my attention like this one did. I hope to buy this house or one something like it after I graduate school. Once I make an RN salary, I'll be able to comfortably afford a simple house payment aside from city rent for the townhouse.

My heart just pours with excitement of the dream plans I have for this home and the potential it has in my future mind.

I know there isn't much that comes to mind when people think of Miami, AZ... but it seems like home. It seems like a family environment with an antique feel. It's the type of town that everyone, knows everyone. Families get their kids involved in school and sports. The town goes to their games and attends church. There is a single movie theatre and a handful on mom-n-pop shops and restaurants. Some of the best Mexican food ever! The weather and scenery is always near perfect since it's in the mountains. Cooler in the Summer and snows in the Winter. Gardens are grown easier too.

<Sigh>

One day...

Darla and Going Green

Living in Tempe, I've noticed people are much more outgoing and naturalistic. I love it! I've noticed mass transportation is widely used as oppose to hopping in the car for the first resort. When we visited a Art Street Fair down Mill Avenue a few weeks ago, I noticed alot of bicycles and parking racks. It reminded me alot of when I visited Holland. Bicycles used more than cars in downtown areas. Usually parking lots are for cars- not here. There were limitless rows for bicycle parking. Busy mothers and fathers biking their kiddos via bicycle attachments to and from points of interest. With that, I've done some research to see what options are locally offered to make life a little easier in the event "Plan B" ever occurs

(if my lil' vavoomba breaks down).

The Banner I work for is in San Tan Valley where no mass transportation is available. I can carpool or ride the bus as far as I could. Monthly bus/light rail passes can be purchased from human resources at a discounted price of $25. On the other hand, when I work St. Lukes there are a few more options.

Orbit is a small community transportation line that offers 5 routes throughout the City of Tempe for Free. The flag down method seems reasonable for the short, blue shuttle buses. It is a good resource for shopping, entertainment, transport to the light rail or all about getting around town.

The City Bus is always a great option. Although there is a fee, the discounted monthly pass I can get from work will be fantabulous for this. The City Bus can transport me to school and local errands. Not to mention, it has a bike rack.

I am proud the announce I am the proud owner of a vintage bicycle I thrifted from a local thrift shop. Originally priced, $25 brought down to $17.50 with the Saturday 30% discount. It's old and could used some TLC but she works! The paint is worn, the tires are sun dried and the chrome could use a shine. She did come complete with her original front headlight and rear light, in which I am in hopes of restoring. I can't wait to fix her up and make her sparkle. I plan on adding a basket for future errands, a cup holder for drinks and a ringer for safety. Seeing the bicycle brought back old, childhood memories of my brother, Brian, and I fixing up and riding our bikes everywhere in California. I immediately named her Darla! Name seemed fitting enough- she looked like she may have been born in that era.

I took her for her first ride down the canal last night. I rode from Rural Rd. to McClintock down the well lit path. She clicked and spun like a dream for an old gal. I think I was more nervous than she was. Last time I rode I bike, I biffed it pretty hard in Holland and landed a huge bruise on my thigh. Yeah- THAT was a fun one to explain after returning from vacation when my boss (at the time) walked me into her office and asked me if I needed help getting out of a "bad situation".

I think I may have rubbed off on the boy though- he wants one of his own now so he can ride with me.

When school starts, I can used the City Bus to the Light Rail or carpool with classmates.

All healthy, green options! Time consuming, but great options.

Spinning Whirlwind of Events: Work Training/Extra Hours * Kiddos for the Weekend * Organinzing the Stock * San Diego Plans * Date Night Success * Boys Birthday and New Car * School Anticipation

Work Training/Extra Hours:

Phew! I have been working my tooshy off as of late!!! I've been averaging about 60 hours a week between my full-time hours at Banner and my PRN hours from St. Lukes. Craziness!!! Banner has been so generous as to provide the opportunity to achieve all my necessary trainings before I start school too. Therefore, within a 3 week span... I completed a lab training to draw blood, Basic Life Skills training (CPR for health care professionals), Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Program (CPI: a defense course to maintain care, welfare, safety and security to myself, my coworkers and my patients on a last resort basis) and ACED days (a yearly skills check off). Hey... extra knowledge and fundage never hurt anyone :) I am truly grateful for the learning opportunities my job provides for the grand ole price of FREE.

Kiddos for the Weekend:

I took time off to help Martin with the kids for the weekend. His mom was going out of town to see the love of her life (none other than GEORGE STRAIT). This was the last tour he was doing and didn't have a Arizona date so she traveled to New Mexico for the weekend. We drove to Globe to pick up Anna, Alex and Auntie Girlie Friday night. They loaded up their things in the SUV and away we went. Mary was nice enough to fill up the gas and drink coolers for the gang. Nakiel came to play with Anna and Alex- whoa nelly! There must have been an elephant in the house with the amount of running in the house! I took them to the pool and we bbq'ed hambergers after I hit up the sales at the thrift shops all morning. After an accidental crackage of an iPod, we decided it was best to do something a little less active. We loaded up all the kids, got snacks at the dollar store, and went to see Warm Bodies at the movies. The movie was a romantic comedy about a zombie who turns human after falling in love with a human girl. Pretty cute. My sister picked up Nakiel after the movie and we relaxed. Sunday, we headed to downtown Tempe to fix Anna's iPod. While we were at it, I figured I would throw Martins crack iPod in there too for his birthday. When we got to Mill Avenue, there was an Art Festival going on. We walked around to kill time and went to Paradise Video to rent The Hobbit (it wasn't in Redbox yet). We met Chris later that night so he could take the car and the kids back to Globe for school Monday morning. It sure was a busy weekend but eventful.

Organinzing the Stock:

Monday night, Kristie and I had our work out for us with this job! The closet we called our "stock closet", filled with all of our couponing treasures, looked like the incredible blob. On Saturday (aka: 50% off day at Goodwill), I thrifted some shelves for a grand total of $6!!! Turns out- they're PeRfEcT! We had talked about getting shelves and organizing the closet since we moved in in the middle of February. However, we continues to scout out those deals and simply "threw" stuff in the closet. Soon, things piled up and things collected... and collected... and collected. Needless to say, there was lots of organizing involved, but shazaam! We ended up with a beautiful, very organized pantry/"stock closet" in the end. Now, I can open the door and just admire it with the the things we have come to accumulate. I say with great pride that we have come together and accomplished a common goal in that we will be able to successfully keep the household afloat during the challenging times ahead.

San Diego Plans:

I figured since we were all home after Kristie and I gave the stock an overhaul, we would make the reservations for he upcoming trip to San Diego. We had been meaning to do it for a while, but with our crazy schedules... it was hard to get together. We agreed to stay at the same Motel 6 Martin and I stayed in two years ago (Hotel Circle). It was a perfect middle ground between the Gas Lamp District and Mission Beach. The Gas Lamp District is a "happening", downtown spot where mostly young and middle aged people get together at local eateries and shops. Last time we visited here, we caught the UFC fight and drinks at a local bar and ate the most awesome fish tacos with mango salsa! I've heard it's a pretty hoppin' spot to party at night too. Mission Beach is one of my favorite San Diego Beaches... free parking, Luigi's Pizza- where you can get a slice of pizza as big as your head, waterside entertainment and amusements and surf shops. We are renting a car too- give our little vavroombas a rest and save the miles and wear-n-tare hardship. Can't wait to get out of town!!! It has been 2 years since our actual vacation. This will be the perfect relaxation get-a-way before school starts.

Date Night Success:

Since Martin and I have come up with weekly "date night", I have noticed that we have come closer. The wording "date night" makes it more official in that we are setting special time aside to not worry about the everyday push and shove for a night (day, at times) and just enjoy each others company and have FUN! Communication has definitely improved. It makes me feel like we are still "dating" and not just shackin' up (live-in boyfriend/girlfriend). So far, we've been to a revolving sushi bar, Harkins, Native New Yorker for "wing night", and various restaurants for his birthday.

Boys Birthday and new cars:

Martin started out the morning earlier than I did. He snuck out of bed about 7am to play XBOX with Ernest before I finally crawled out of bed at 9am. Once I was up, I got ready. I tamed my out-of-control hair by curling it, applied some light make-up and slipped into a white sundress with embroidered flowers. I had picked up the dress from a 75% off sale at the hospital gift shop during the Fall season. Ernest wanted to spend the day with us and I'm glad he did. Martin always enjoys hanging out with him.

Once everyone was ready, we piled into the Mustang and went to Denny's to cash in on Martin's free Birthday Grand Slam. I had the $2 order of biscuits and gravy with a side of egg whites scrambled with cheddar cheese and mushrooms. Once we were finished, we went to Fort McDowell Casino- our favorite local casino. To our surprise, he had $30 free play and an additional $30 to spend in the restaurants. I suggested we save to restaurant rewards for another night since we just ate and we agreed on an All-You-Can-Eat Snow Crab date night sometime. We all played for a couple hours. Martin and I have our favorite machines we usually go to: Genie, Big $1 Wheel, Pharaoh, Vegas Hits, Superman, Puppies: D.O.G....etc. I always joke with the boy that one day we'll be one of those cute lil' elderly couples walking an inch at a time with walkers in hand straight to the casino. Martin and I came out with nothing and Ernest broke even. It was fun- we hadn't been there in a while.

We proceeded to Joe's Farm Grill in Gilbert for (once again) a free birthday meal but for lunch this time. Nothing beats free. I had an order of their delicious garlic fries and he ordered a burger with fries. The make their own pickles and might I just say this: YUM! The weather was fabulous! Perfect mix between sunny and overcasty with a cool breeze. We started to sit on the picnic tables under the huge trees until I got chilled and we moved inside. This may sound weird but here it goes... the had the neatest themes bathroom I have ever seen at a restaurant! Yes, I said bathroom. It was white with silver accessories, built-in wall displays of barbie-style and men dolls. There was also an actual TV with a space doll themed show playing. Not to mention, very clean. FYI: Their sister restaurant, Joe's BBQ, also offers a free meal on your birthday- if anyone is interested. Feeling stuffed to the gourd and tired, we went home.

After being there for sometime, we started talking about Martin getting a car before school starts in May. We out our heads together and came up with a great plan. After hearing back from a dealership located in Show Low, we started exploring our options in the Valley. Martin shot up and off we went- down payment in hand. After some running around, we realized going with Cactus Jacks would save us $3,000 off the total price of the vehicle with the same monthly payment. We searched the parking lot looking at all the Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and one sparkled out in the crowd. A royal blue 2006 Chevy Malibu SS with black leather interior and a SUNROOF! We had talked about getting a car with a sunroof for road trips and this was perfect. The test drive was smooth and the engine was in excellent condition. There were a few flaws in the cosmetics in the interior but nothing that can't be fixed. 86,000 miles for something within our budget- couldn't go wrong with that. With the payment plan we agreed on, the car would be paid off in 2.5 years. Martin grinned from ear to ear. Standing there in disbelief, we signed the paperwork and drove off in Martin's birthday car. WOOO HOOO- I love it when goals are accomplished!

We ended the night with dinner at Hooters with Kristie and Ernest. Martin drove, of course! We ordered an order of fried pickles for starters since they were on the happy hour menu. The boy ordered his usual bone-in chicken wings and beer and I ordered my usual- bleu cheese burger with cole slaw. Instead of the traditional dessert for your birthday freebie, they let him spin a wheel with a variety of goodies listed for possible prizes. Just so happen, the wheel notch broke off when he spinned it. They determined it was a toss up between free dessert or a themed t-shirt. He choose the t-shirt to hang in the man-cave.

On the way home, I remembered the call I got from my sister this morning about Butterball Turkey Bacon being $1 at Albies. Turns out, they sold out but I got a rain check for the price. While I was there, I picked up a large piece of cake to light up and make wishes on at home.

Once we got home for the night, the boys started in on the XBOX while I put candles on the cake and had the boy make his wishes. We divided the small piece into four cake bites accompanied by a bowl of chocolate chip ice cream. Perfect ending to a long day :)

SIDENOTE: If you're looking for FREE or cheap stuff to do on your birthday. Research is the best thing to do. You'd be surprised at what pops up on the search engine on the computer!

School Anticipation:

I AM SO NERVOUS and ANXIOUS!!! I think the waiting part is killing me more than anything! School Orientation is officially set and the payment is in the account ready to go. We have been preparing for this since December and have done so much between then and now.

Drum roll please... recap on things we've done:

*Moved and got roommates

*Got a second car

*Set a budget (got rid of all the bills we could), applied for scholarships and set payment plans

*Stocked the freezer and stock closet

*Got a computer and accessories (ie: student desk, computer chair and mat)

*Switched work schedules

*Got misc. items for the home

*Set a projected schedule to prepare for decreased time spent together (ie: house chores and date night)

That's a whole, heck alot of change for a couple of months! We been able to achieve all of this in the short 4 months we've been at this. That makes me one happy girl!

So c'mon May 6th! BRING IT ON!

Peace! <3