Dear reader,
We’ve just had winter solstice here, and T and I have kept up our cosy tradition of homemade hot chocolate and cookies. We also played Exit the Game - Dead Man on the Orient Express. We adore the Exit games! Even more fun than real escape rooms, IMO.
![Exit the Game: Dead Man on the Orient Express](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F76db1bd3-fb90-4b27-9f6b-e5b35da28292_4032x3024.jpeg)
![Exit the Game: Dead Man on the Orient Express](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F54c664b5-c796-48c9-9d64-e076ed68c5ec_4032x3024.jpeg)
In other news, we've tentatively begun house hunting. Two open homes to visit this weekend!
Property prices are coming down, so we feel like the time is right. We can finally afford something now.
I’ve never lived anywhere nice since moving out at 18—just a series of rented rooms in shared houses, a granny flat, T’s childhood bedroom, and boarding with T’s employer (I do NOT recommend such an arrangement). The last two living situations took a serious mental toll on us.
Currently, we’re renting a very basic 2-bed unit from T's parents. We have to use the larger bedroom as our shared office, and we sleep in the smaller room. We agreed to rent it sight unseen (T saw it years ago, but didn’t have a good memory of what it was like). After my first visit, I cried all night because I was so disappointed.
It’s fair to say I’m ready for an upgrade. I dream of simple luxuries like being able to fit bedside tables next to our bed, having more than one toilet, a bathtub, and a guaranteed parking spot! Also on the wishlist: an office space each, a walk in wardrobe, and a seperate laundry.
Leaving my full-time career to embark on the writing life has delayed our ability to buy a house, but I don’t regret my choice at all. And all said, I'm immensely grateful we've always had a secure roof over our heads. Every stormy night, listening to the rain beat against the skylight over our bed, I’m so glad we’re sheltered.
Still, I can't help but daydream about our future home, scouring my Pinterest inspiration boards, and envisioning what it will be like.
Here’s hoping the dream will become a reality. 🤞🔑
-Sara
PS: My book is SO close to being finished now! Just a few final touches to add.