Abundance

So I spent over $500 at Target yesterday.

$500.

$500!!!

And spent $400 on a TV and stereo. And $800 on a new bed.

I grew up materially deprived. My mom and I were very poor when I was a kid. No, I didn’t lack for the basics—I had food and shelter and clothing. But the food wasn’t stuff I liked, often, but it was what we could afford. The shelter was usually, well, shelter. And the clothing? The clothing wasn’t usually in style or hip and therefore was just totally wrong (at least according to the kids on the playground).

When I moved out at 17 and tried to support myself with a minimum wage job at a fast food place, things didn’t improve. I have no idea where the furniture, pots and pans, and appliances (you know, a black and white TV) came from that were in my first place of residence (I had roommates, it must have been theirs). When I moved to the East Coast a year later the houses I lived in were all old and often broken down. My furniture was all still from roommates, trash picked, or thrift store purchased. Some of my best stuff was abandoned by the previous tenant of whatever place I was renting.

Eventually I bought a few things; for instance, I have a fairly decent set of pots and pans that I purchased. Charlie and I have bought a couple of bookcases, I think, and a bed (but the bed was just a mattress and we never got around to getting a box spring or frame). But every major piece of furniture is second-hand. The dining room table (which is quite lovely) was Charlie’s parents. The couch I bought for $75 from a friend. The comfortable chair was thrown away from a bookstore—meaning customers used it for three years before I got it. We have a vanity that subs as a buffet in our dining room that friends gave us. Charlie’s work desk is an old broken drafting table that our neighbor left in their house fleeing an eviction notice—ten years ago.

You get the picture.

At Target we bought things like a new set of knifes, a quite lovely TV table (waaaaaaay easier to put together, by the way, than Ikea), a cabinet for the bathroom, new towels, a new shower curtain—we even splurged on expensive but pretty shower curtain hooks. We also got a cover for the old crappy bookstore chair, new lampshades and a new lamp, and about a million other small things that we needed.

Then we bought a new 27” TV—which I feel is HUGE!—and a cute little 5-CD stereo. Admittedly, the TV was an “open” item, which meant that we brought it home all hillbilly without a box, but it was also half price! The 19” TV we had before got all weird about a year ago; you couldn’t read the bottom of the screen if you were watching CNN and the left edge of the picture was missing. The new TV is apparently a high-definition one because I can now count Jon Stewart’s nose hairs.

AND we bought a new bed. A really good firm bed—mattress AND box spring (delivered today! I’m going to bed as soon as I get home!).

I spent the whole day filled with such an intense feeling of abundance. It was truly wonderful. Our new house is filled with new things and the place looks absolutely fucking magical.

Charlie and I keep wandering around the house worrying that someone is going to call us up and tell us that we have to give it all back—the new TV, the new shower head, the house—everything. Charlie keeps saying things like, “Repeat after me: L-I-N-E-N C-L-O-S-E-T. C-O-A-C-H L-I-G-H-T. F-A-C-E T-O-W-E-L. M-A-T-C-H-I-N-G D-I-S-H-E-S.” These things are all new to us, new to this house.

And the house itself? Ah…the house. I've been shooting out of bed early every morning like it's Christmas just so I can go unpack and set up more. We only have Charlie's office and the library (ha! THE LIBRARY) left to do. I couldn’t possibly be happier with it. Sitting in my new living room is just a joy--there is something to be said for higher ceilings and wider rooms; it feels, you know, like home.

AND WE HAVEN’T EVEN BOUGHT THE NEW FURNITURE YET!!!

If this is a dream, don’t wake me up. M’kay?

Comments

[Kinneret]

1.

Congrats!! It's so much fun to be in your own dream house and buy stuff for it :)

Don't come down from Cloud 9 yet ... you'll find out who the Shrub nominated for the SC. *sigh*. It's better if you stay in dreamland a while longer :)

[Lana R.]

2.

delurking to say that you make me smile! Congratulations!

[Sarah]

3.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Nobody deserves to finally have a dream home more than you and Charlie.

[mary]

4.

Yay for you! Be happy.

[Susan]

5.

Target shopping sprees are always a good thing!
Your joy has given me perma-smile...enjoy your new stuff!

[Mollie]

6.

sounds like fun!! Target is my guilty pleasure too..

[samie]

7.

So happy for you!

[cheryl b.]

8.

Pictures please! I'm so excited for you.

[Colleen]

9.

You absolutely deserve all of this and more. Thanks for sharing your happiness with all of us. It makes my day to hear you feeling so good.

[Elissa]

10.

I grinned reading your entry. Enjoy your new house and all your new goodies!!!!

[Nina]

11.

Having nice new things is so much fun! Not to mention a brand new dream house to put them all in. I am so happy for you. And boy do you deserve it all! Best of luck with everything! A library! Nice!!!

[Anne]

12.

(wistful sigh) Ah Target! Don’t wake up yet cause I’m dreaming with you. Everything sounds lovely and divine, so happy that you and Charlie are happy. Can we expect to see pictures soon?

[Heather]

13.

I have all old stuff, mostly hand-me-downs. When i talk to my mom and beg her to buy new stuff so i can have her old stuff (It would be NEW to ME!!) she tells me that i will "Graduate" to actually having a themed, matching living room. Until then, I'm just hangin out, reading about other people buying all the cool shit at Target!

And the fancy SHOWER CURTAIN HOOKS?
Got those from mom too and they are so cool!

Oh, and as for TV's........ when i was growing up, i remember my dad in college and us being poor, unable to purchase a new TV, we had a 27 inch with sound and a 19 inch with the picture and we would listen to one and watch the other. They had them stacked upon one another. (yes, those were the good ole days of just being happy we had a TV!)

I'm glad my parents "graduated" though, like i said, i get their hand-me-downs.......

Congrats C on all your brand new cool shit! I'm so jealous and excited for you!!

I wanna spend 500 whole dollars too!!

[suz]

14.

I'm so happy for you! Please post pictures!

[laura]

15.

I'm so happy for you! You do sound like a kid on Christmas morning.

[wavybrains]

16.

It is so wonderful to see you so happy and excited. Savor that joy and keep it going!

[Ria]

17.

Dammit, you made me cry. But it's all good.

I am so happy for you both!

[ktpupp]

18.

Woo hoo! That's the only part I love about moving... getting new stuff and making the new place "Home"!

Now, we just need pictures, lots and lots of pictures of your new home, new stuff and happy faces!! :)

-=kt=-

[sarah]

19.

Cecily,
It sounds magical. Congratulations on all the newness.

My husband and I have only ever had used cars, really old used cars at that (10+ years). We just got our first new car (leased, but new!) and it feels amazing. I keep visiting it in the garage.
Sarah

[Caroline]

20.

I am so happy for you ~ nothing like a new space and new stuff to fill it!

Target Rocks!

[MollieBee]

21.

oh sweetie, that's so cool!!!

[Beth]

22.

A library?

You have a fucking LIBRARY?!

Can I come live with you? I promise I won't make a mess! and I won't eat much! Plus, I cook! and clean! and install shower heads!

Oh, who the hell am I kidding, I don't cook and clean around *here* much less at someone else's house!

Congratulations sweetie, you deserve all this and more!

[halloweenlover]

23.

Hurray for new lovely houses! We bought our first house in October and I definitely share this ridiculous absurd love of my little house, and its old and not very big! Congratulations! Enjoy all the shopping fun.

[may]

24.

congratulations! everything sounds fantastic. i love moving house, especially upacking and finding a new home for everything.

and shopping sprees are always awesome!

[Ninotchka]

25.

Oh Cec, I'm just so happy for you. Everything sounds so wonderful. I can't wait to see pictures. I know you sent some before but I want to see this house as YOUR home. It sounds absolutely dreamy. Enjoy it in good health, my friend!

Hugs,
Nino

[Lala]

26.

It makes me so happy to "hear" the joy in your "voice". You deserve to have new and good things, you deserve everything.
smilie smilie smilie smilie

[Kate]

27.

I am so happy for you I could cry! You and Charlie deserve this happiness so much. Don't ya just love Target? New stuff rocks!

Hugs,
Kate

[Heather]

28.

Oh it sounds wonderful!!! I am SO happy for you and Charlie!!

I LOVE Target. It's family joke that I can't go to Target without spending $56. For some reason, it's always close to that amount. (My BIL and SIL even gave me a gift card for my bday a few years ago with $56 on it :)!

Have you been to a Super Target??? They opened one near us about 6 months ago. It's a beautiful thing to behold.

Can't wait to see pics :) (Not being pushy, really....)

[jen]

29.

A lovely new house filled with lovely new things! I am so happy for you, enjoy it all!

[Camille]

30.

Sounds like so much fun Cecily!!! Big congratulations!!

[Lisa V]

31.

Very happy for you.

[Ally]

32.

How wonderful. Have fun and congrats!

[Dana]

33.

my dad grew up dirt poor, his theory - as long as you have some money in the bank and the bills are paid, spend the rest, you can't take it with you. I say go for it and enjoy!!

[Ellen]

34.

Aw, that just rocks. How completely awesome. We just bought a desk at Target, and it occured to me that every other piece of furniture we have is either a hand me down or a gift. Crazy, that.

[Kris]

35.

Sounds heavenly -- congratulations !!

[SusanJ]

36.

That's not hillbilly, that's ghetto honey.

You go you bargain girl you!

--SJ

[sarah]

37.

I am so happy for you. You deserve this. Good luck and best wishes.

[Erin]

38.

Cecily, I'm super happy for you, babe. But, what the fuck is a coach light? I'm seriously deprived.

[maia]

39.

Ahh wonderful! So great to hear after all the hassles you are reaping the rewards of the move :) Enjoy your new toys!

[R]

40.

awwww!!

[Julie]

41.

I have one request. Please please please post pictures of that banister. lol. I'm sorry, I know it's not funny now but it will be. What did the neighbors say? On another note. It's wonderful that you're getting to enjoy nesting so much. I'm so happy for you and Charlie.

[Carmen]

42.

Congratulations! Being in your first grown up house is so much fun.

I puffy heart Target. It's my favorite place to shop.

[Erika]

43.

Oh wow! What an awesome day - I'm so envious that you have Target (but not so envious that I'm moving back over that border ;). Sounds like you are having so much fun setting up your home....ummmm, do you need a resident librarian for your library? I'm neat and tidy, and make a mean chocolate cake.......

enjoy the new bed (snicker, snicker).....inquiring minds will need to know just how great it is! and just keep having fun, 'k? you guys rock!

[Julie]

44.

I am so happy for the two of you. You both deserve all the happiness in the world!

See you tomorrow :)

Julie

[TracyB]

45.

So so so happy for you. This is the new beginning you've been hoping for. Enjoy the happiness!

[Sylvie]

46.

What a good post! Great to hear you so happy... It is a FABULOUS feeling to wake up and just love your house so much. I can't wait to see it!

[Christine]

47.

You are so NOT hilbilly/ghetto. You are FRUGAL, which I hear is pretty trendy these days.

I totally endorse the cool shower curtain hooks. I had cheap plastic rings all throughout my first marriage. Bleccch. Although now my cool shower curtain hooks are holding up the "Hotel Quality" shower curtain.... (Baby steps, baby steps...)

Yeah, yeah, what everyone else said - we want PICS! (Bonus points for ones w/ full or partial nudity in them...)

[tngal]

48.

Cecily, I am sooooo happy for you and Charlie. What a great time you are having! Enjoy - you deserve it!!!!

April

[Chrissi]

49.

You have a freakin library? That's a riot, I love it. To be honest, I was close to tears when I read yout post. I am so happy for both of you...you deserve all the "new" stuff you can get. Have you discovered "Big Lots" yet...now that' an interesting store. I love Target....we even call it "Tar-shay"!!

Good luck and may our home be filled with love and laughter!

[Melanie (Phila)]

50.

Aww . . . I'm so happy for you . . . you go, girl. You deserve every bit of it.

[Jill]

51.

you happy = me happy

[KrimoJo]

52.

Congratulations! I'm so excited for you. It must feel great to buy some new stuff and be moving into a beautiful house!

[CursingMama]

53.

So totally overjoyed for you and Charlie! Glad that you are enjoying this move & all the wonderfulness that a new place can bring.

[Your Pal, Eric]

54.

Oh. My. God.
Congrats, you two. Couldn't happen to a better couple.

So, when are you having us over?

Eric, Eric, Sarah & Lily

[Your Pal, Eric]

55.

By the way:

http://www.fatwallet.com

For all your cheepnis needs.

[Tiffanni]

56.

I am SOOOO happy for you. You sound so happy...can't say I blame ya though, Target has that effect on me too! Congrats!

[Amy]

57.

So, what kind of ice cream shall we celebrate with today?

[Kim]

58.

Cec

Tears of joy for you! You sound like you are having a ball. This is the best news I have had today.

Pictures would be grand.

[luolin]

59.

Wow! For a library, I could overcome my fear of home ownership.

I once spent $100 at Woolworths in grad school-the first time I was living alone in an unfurnished apartment-but it was all boring stuff like brooms and sponges and dishsoap. Your target trip sounds like much more fun.
luolin

[Toni]

60.

I am *so* happy for you and Charlie!! It couldn't happen to a nicer, more deserving couple. A library! Y'all rock. How do the pets like the new digs?

P.S. Thank you for turning me on to The Daily Show. I now pee myself every night when I tune in, and it's re-invigorated my long-standing crush on him, too. This administration has brought out the political in me, and I'm swinging more left of center with every bit of press revealing the "integrity" gap that appears so evident.

[Thrice]

61.

Soooooooooooo, are you registered at Target for house warming gifts?

[SandyG28]

62.

Ok...I didn't read all the comments (I usually do) because I'm too damned far down the list today. Your post brought a smile to my face ~ I think mostly because I know you know you are rich in so many ways, and being able to get 'things' that you love is just one of the ways. You and Charlie deserve every ounce of happiness that this new home brings ~ thanks for sharing the joy. Oh, and jealous much about you being able to go to Target??? Yep, that I am. I want Target in Canada. Can we start a committee or protest or something?

[DMouse]

63.

That all sounds fab!

[Jen (yup...)]

64.

Congratulations and hooray! I'm so happy that something is going so right for you. And wicked-ass jealous of having a LIBRARY! Enjoy!

[Anna]

65.

I am so happy for you guys!!! "Charlie and I keep wandering around the house worrying that someone is going to call us up and tell us that we have to give it all back" -- I so know that feeling!

You do need to give back that old drafting table, though. Gotta make space for the new, and all that....

[grumpygirl]

66.

cecily, i loved that part of moving (and i was unemployed, so got to buy very little, and therefore cherished everything so much more!)

have a sofa idea for you: if you like the shape of your existing sofa, get denim (now blue, white or other color) slipcovers sewn. custom ones, so they look tidy and not store-bought. they're great with pets because you can literally put them in the washing machine (which is how i am able to have a white sofa with a cat who barfs).

all those years of interior design do help when you're trying to keep house!

[Angela]

67.

That is GREAT!!! I'm so happy for you! If you are dreaming, PLEASE stay asleep and stay this happy!

[Andrea]

68.

OMG... wow... Enjoy.

[Elise]

69.

All I can say is, YOU GUYS DESERVE IT. Oh, and the house looks awesome!! I cannot wait to see the furniture you guys picked out.

[Cathy]

70.

Just piping in to second that I'm so happy for you, that you deserve both deserve the best of everything, that I trust you will enjoy that new bed, and that I don't know what coach lights are either. All best!

[KimK]

71.

Cecily, I am so happy for you. Your place sounds so perfect. Congrats. You and Charlie definitely deserve it! Have fun with your new stuff. KimK

[Sarah]

72.

Um, HELLO?!!? You need to update your address on your Amazon Wish List. It still says 'Cecily has not entered a shipping address'.

You know, some people might want to help you celebrate. You are so selfish sometimes, jeez!

))<>((

[Amyesq]

73.

Ahh, sounds like heaven. All of it. So, when is the housewarming party and what can I bring? I make a mean seven layer dip...

[Libertate]

74.

Nice job! Keep up the good work!

[Trish]

75.

Your post made me laugh- because my household is a lot like yours. Odds and ends, it sounds like. SLOWLY, we are putting things together- like I JUST did my daughter's room after living in this house for a YEAR. And yeah- a lot of my 'finishing' touches came from Target! LOL!

[eriksgurl]

76.

That is so cool. I'm vry happy for you. I'm here because I'm the last in a meme chain from Carmen. :0)

[Debe]

77.

My history of owning things is so like yours that I could have written it. Except, we needed a new bed and had the money from an insurance settlement and I STILL couldn't make myself buy a brand new bed. So, our neighbors are moving and we bought an almost brand new one from them for $40 and a used entertainment center for $10, I will probably blow the money that was meant for furniture in bits and pieces and have nothing to show for it in the end.
Congratulations on getting into the house. I've been in the hospital and am finally catching up on what my blogging pals have been up to. It's good to read good news here.

[Julie O]

78.

"So I spent over $500 at Target yesterday."

Those are some mighty beautiful words.

I am so glad you have and can enjoy this abundance.

[Sheri]

79.

Hooray for you and Charlie! The new house sounds divine and you are absolutely bursting with positiveness and it's catchy. I'm excited about the house and all your neat stuff too! I can't wait to see more pictures!

[evieballerina]

80.

It sounds wonderful!!! You deserve this.