moving...again?!?!?

Well the past two weeks have been interesting to say the least. I've put in a request to my landlords, about a week ago, to prematurely terminate my lease. This request went with a thumping heart and a million prayers as I know that there were a couple ways that letter could have been received and of those ways, more than half were negative! :sigh:

Well, full of class and grace, my wish has been granted under one circumstance, the house gets sold/rented before I leave. So as of last week Monday, the house is now on the market and once a prospective person(s) signs the contract, then my contract is terminated- IMMEDIATELY.

Quite the interesting predicament huh? Well a little background so you can understand what drove me to such a drastic decision:

1. finances: we aren't begging or selling but we aren't doing as well as we were a couple months ago when we had two full incomes and one set of bills. There were some disappointments regarding scholarships and financial opportunities at the beginning of the semester that I had no control over so we just 'rolled with the punches' and now realize that these punches are hurting! :-) I would do anything now to decrease some strain on my husband who takes his job as 'provider' very very seriously!!!

2. distance: I've mentioned I'm getting awesome exercise walkng to and from school and honestly, I'm ok with it. EXCEPT at 5pm or later once the sun begins to set and the normal walk becomes a safety risk...single female walking street in dark on same route at least 3 times per week...hmmm I know I watch too many crime dramas on tv (I'm addicted) but the reality is, despite my feelings of safety in this area, there is always a potential risk and I should be constantly aware of it. Now that I had a nice reminder about this 2 weeks ago (I'll spare you the details-nothing serious but creepy), it's more of an issue than it was before. I didn't even mention the impending winter that's approaching and how this 1/2 hr walk will soon become brutal when I'm faced with the elements: snow, wind, ice, slush... NOT. FUN. ANYMORE

3. opportunity: I wasn't looking for a new place. let me put that out there... but like life, tons of opportunities blow your way once you are in a situation (eg have a job, have a home etc). Where were all these awesome vacant, reasonable, clean and close apartments when I was looking???? well apparently, right where they are now! I just had no clue of the area and where and how to look etc. But on a serious note, a friend/classmate somehow decided to ask on my behalf (without me even knowing) and found that the 2 bd apartment next to theirs (share an indoor duplex), was vacant with a price that beat what I currently pay and inclusive of utilities...which I currently pay! ahhhhhhh that had my head spinning for at least 3 days before I fully processed. I would be saving anywhere from $300 per month if I were to move. ahhhhhhhh and I wouldn't have to stress about a car because this place was 15 mins closer to school and closer to more convenient stores etc. and NO LEASE. which now I'm more appreciative of especially since I'll possibly be moving at an awkward time.

4. companionship: this is the last on the list and the least practical reason to break a legal binding contract but in my heart, is the first on the list. I would be literally a step away from two wonderful women who have slowly become friends and then a block away from other classmates/friends. WOW. this offers me some human contact outside of class days... that idea alone floats my heart. what can I say- I love my independence but I love being around people I care about more! This provides the best of both worlds!

So those 3 (ok...4) reasons drove me to write that letter and request to be released. I didn't quite expect this response but its fair and workable...but it's also very sporadic or unplanned. That is, I have no clue when someone is gonna make an offer/close/sign. Furthermore, I kinda wanted to be out here as of December when I leave for break, to start a new life in January. I'm going to be gone for about 3 weeks...what if I don't pack up before I leave and something happens and people want in the house beginning of month? I don't return until January 11th...and would be DISTRAUGHT if I have to leave Nassau on 'emergency' to come and move.

So the plan is to move before I lofe. Of course, moving means paying deposit on new apartment and confirming move in date before I even have move out date confirmed. ACK. can you say...drive me cazy?

I'm prayerfully waiting...quietly to just get some direction. The best scenario is for something to happen now or within the next 2 weeks so I'll know clearly to move and I just be 'homeless' i.e live on my new neighbors' couch for the last couple days I'm here but life is so funny...those 'best scenarios' rarely play out.

If you've got an extra prayer- lift one up on my behalf please. for wisdom. and also I'm praying for a quick turnover of this house. I don't mind (although I would love not to) paying December rent which is due in 2 weeks but I really really really want to start January fresh and paying only one rent!

Lord, I know you are there..you've heard me, you know my heart, and you my predicament. I quiet my heart to hear from you. I know you have my best at heart and is working everything out for my good. I love you. I also lift up everyone that passes through this page - let your Spirit become real to them, may their greatest need be met and know that it is YOU!~ your daughter, Gia

Happy Sunday!!!!!!!