Backtrack - Why We Passed Up On Travel Plans in 2011

It may not be much to some but for a family like ours who lived for 7.5 years with my in-laws, the next 7.5 years in our condo (a first acquisition back in 2000), and the next 4 years in a townhouse (after selling the condo), moving in to a modest house is surely an upgrade of sorts. Where before we only had 2 bedrooms, a tiny plot of garden and a single car garage, now we have more rooms and storage and slightly bigger spaces to move around and tend.

Here are a few pics during our move-in...



for luck right before moving in...


the first items we brought in...


minor finishing touches ongoing


no need for gates in this neighborhood


the kitchen was modified and made slightly bigger than the contractor's design


floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in the kitchen area because one could never have enough storage...


the ex-powder room, now toilet and bath


maple-colored closets in the blue room instead of having a huge dark piece of fixture


the living room, dining area, guest/tv room


This was a major project in 2011. And with it came more expenses too - amortizations, real property tax, insurance, maintenance and higher utility costs like power, water, etc. We all consciously remind ourselves to delay gratification and just live within a reasonable level. Not that we are the type to splurge but no outrageous expenses like designer bags, expensive trips or other doodads here for the time being. :)