3646 Orange Street

I survived my quick trip to Norfolk, and found a house, too. It was a crazy week, but it all worked out. We're still on the waiting list for a house in the military housing community, but for now, this house will do.

After a very long day, and about 4 hours of delays, I made it to my Holiday Inn, Virginia Beach at around 2:00 am. I slept for a while on Saturday and then got out and got going on the search. I was in the rental car for about 5 hours on Saturday trying to look at as many houses as I could. I got to know the area and didn't get lost once...that little GARMIN gadget was totally worth the money!

Sunday went to church and met some great people, then went to my hotel to take my Algebra final! Four hours to take the final, but I pulled off a 94.6% to make an A- in the class!!!! Yay, me. Monday was another long day in the car, looking and making phone calls. Nothing came up promising.

Tuesday I decided to go out to the Army base and get on the waiting list there. The lady there was very helpful, but of course we were at the bottom of the list there because we're not Army, so lower priority. However, when we were discussing options, the lady remembered that her main boss had a house that he was trying to rent. She called him on the phone right then, and he asked to talk to me.

So, after a few minutes, we made an appointment for the next morning for me to see the inside of the house. I met him Wednesday morning at the house and he showed me around. He is a really nice guy willing to let us do anything we want to the house and is willing to work with us when and if we get offered military housing. So, I felt pretty good about things and followed him to his office to do the rental application and background check.

He called the next morning to let me know every thing was good to go and we could keep him informed of our desired move it date and sign a lease when we get to Norfolk.

So, good things about the house: It is pretty good rent. The area isn't the nicest, but better than most in the Norfolk. Rent: $1195.00 per month plus utilities. 1400 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, backyard, detached garage, separate tool shed, deck with gazeebo, air conditioning units and celieng fans in every room, huge pecan tree in backyard.

Things not my favorite about the house: Built in 1941, so it's old and the floorplan is kind of strange and not very open, it's heated by oil, which in the east is VERY expensive, the neighborhood isn't the best, and the school really isn't the best at all.

So, for now, it should be fine, and it's only 6.2 miles from Little Creek Base where David will be going to school/work. I decided even before I went to Norfolk, that there may be a need to homeschool this year. Well, turns out that I don't feel good about the school at all, so I'm probably going to be doing just that. I'm scared and excited all at the same time. I've never home schooled before, and I'm going to school still, too. But, I felt strongly about it, so we'll see!

Here are some pics of the house. We will leave Newport on the 4th of August and probably move in to the house between the 7th and 10th. New adventure, here we come!