vicarz | Solo domestic bliss

I'm so stupidly happy right now. Like 3some with no post-coital drama happy. Only, much much domestic-er.

It's a slightly breezy 72 and I'm only partially naked in front of the towel-curtained window computering. Last night Janna and Lisa, my neighbors, watched the debate with me in my home where with the windows and doors open, it's like watching tv on the porch. My neighbors were on the porch, so the sounds other than the (not blasting) tv were dogs yapping in the back, spanish in the front, and just life and warmth all around. Right before they arrived an ANC member stopped by talking about a permit application...I think someone complained about a lack of transparency, and now they're flyer-bombing us and ... and coming in person to canvas!? Good political god.

I can't wait to wander down the street to go to a boring ANC meeting.

I'm so fucking happy over nothing. I've hoarded my leave because some day I would be needing it to move and then just to enjoy my house. Understand in law school I hoarded my leave in case I ever needed it ... and I really never took that leave, not even for finals. That was a mistake, but I mention this to remind myself / my theoretical audience how much of a treat it is to take time off work. I made things hard on myself by not really taking leave to move, but instead still hoarding it and doing the packing after work and the gym for many commuter-hell days. Now the things I'm enjoying immensely are just silly - granted, I'm on leave today in the middle of the week with a light workload, several good decisions/orders received this week, and the discovery that was due Friday received by opposing counsel and issued early as well. My slate is all but clear...

Things I'm enjoying or enjoyed? Dumbdebate with neighbors! Neighbornoise through open windows! So many doors and windows open bugs fly through the house without really stopping. Drinking just a little too much! Moving the dishwasher top tray down to fit a cold-coffee bottle! Laundry next to my bedroom! Clothes in drawers! Knowing where both my toothbrush and razor are! Stopping in one of 2 bathrooms, both of which have fans! Knowing that although bathroom #3 has no light, it's been ordered, shipped, and arrived at my contractor!

I'm happy I stayed up late last night. I'm happy I was up late at 7:30 this AM. I'm happy I slept with the windows open from 6-7:30 and it was pretty quiet. I'm happy I'm starting to learn the schedules of my neighbors in their backyards driving and piddling around in the AM! I'm happy I can see things front and back, but I'm not 4 stories in the air - I can just hop down and be on the street or in the yard in a flash.

Millions of little things that I'll take for granted soon. Things I'll look at and not see. Every little detail I paid for with my saved up money over years of eating beans and rice at home. Every didn't eat out, all those years of staying at work, all that is finally having some payoff. I've been criticized for my years of sacrifice with no indulgence (other than my clublife). Well, I think this counts.

The fact it's also an investment and when it's done I may be living on a cost-neutral basis between rents and expenses, where my work income is 100% discretionary spending? The fact that soon I'll find laundry next to my bedroom to be a chore I want to put off or the dishwasher noise no longer a whisper compared to what i'm used to? I'm not there yet - right now I'm enjoying this immensely.

I like this wall color. I like that brick wall. I like the other brick wall and wondering if I can put the open-back bookcase in front of it. I'm happy I have files tucked into those file drawers I bought off an office auction for a song and moved in my car. I'm happy walking back and forth looking out the back and the front. I'm downright giddy! Over nothing, and that's half the fun right now.