Kathy

"Our code name will be Kathy". 
​
​That is the message I received when asking my guides for advice on whether or not to purchase an 1890 Victorian Farmhouse with a 3 story barn on a 1/4 acre of land in a not so perfect neighborhood in an urban area of a somewhat dying city.  Yes, a farmhouse with a barn on only a 1/4 of an acre of land in a very diverse neighborhood in the center of a downtrodden city and the code word is Kathy.  Yeah, that'll work.  Thanks for the help.  I'll go look at this other house that is way more suited for me with cute porches, a nice yard, away from the city, in my price range and doesn't have a ginormeous barn in its back yard.

"Dump".  
One word text from my son to my husband after looking at the "perfect" out of town house of my choosing.  DUMP.  Nothing more needed to be said on the drive back to my higher end suburban house in the upper crust of the Berkshires.  My son, not feeling well on this day, reclined back in the front see taking a bit of a shut eye moment while I once again ask my guides what to do.
 "Did I make the right decision to walk away from this house?"  "Why won't you answer me?"
 My annoyance growing more and more pronounced as I contemplate my dilemma with my sons constant dinging on his phone from the billion texts coming in.

"Our code name will be Kathy."
"Yeah, I heard you the last time."  "I'll hold my breath on that one."  

"Alex, my word, what the heck are all these messages about?!"
"Yeah, I know mom, they are certainly a bunch of  chatty Kathy's today."
 
What?  Did he just say "chatty Kathy's?"  Yup.
 "Our code name is Kathy." "Go look at the farmhouse."

So yeah, the interior is gorgeous! Totally renovated, wood floors, 2 baths, great kitchen, built ins, sun porches, hidden staircases, butlers kitchen from the 1800's, charm galore and a huge barn.  No land, old roof, needs a paint job and did I say, no land and somewhat shaky neighborhood, 127 year old house.  No closets.  Le'ts put in a offer.  Offer accepted.  SHIT.  

"You will get killed in that neighborhood."
"You do know how much can go wrong with an old house."
"There is NO land.  YOU need land."
"Are you f'n kidding me??!!"
"Feng Shui says you can't live on a ledge.  It is on a ledge."
"You won't be supported."  "Feng Shui is Form before Formula."  Huh???

 Helpful friends....  Panic attack.....wrong decision....stupid move....going to die....drive by every free moment and look at all that is going to cause my demise...

"The code word is Kathy."
​ "Shut up,  Can you not see I'm in crisis mode?"

Time to drive thru the neighborhood for the quadrillionth time,  kick myself for all that is going to happen and worry about all that could be wrong with the house all  without waiting for the inspection on Tuesday.   Park in front of the house that I might be shot in while noticing the  non existent yard that will not support me, watch the roof that may or may not be leaking and focus on the paint that is chipping on the huge front porch that I won't be able to enjoy for whatever reason I scare myself into believing.   Code name is Kathy my ass.

Now here I sit, in front of the house, watching people come and go, cars drive by and a lovely woman walking 5 little kids.  I've seen her before on my first one thousand trips by.  Doesn't she know that this is a rough neighborhood and she and her kids are without land, poor feng shuied and will most likely be robbed and murdered?  Better go talk to her.  

"Oh!  You are buying that house?  You are SO LUCKY!  It has such a great barn, more land than my house around the corner, such a beautiful porch, great sunsets from behind that barn, neighborhood is so diverse and rich with culture.  We love it here.  We came to raise these beautiful foster children.  It is a great place to live.  The houses are starting to come back and with more and more people coming into these houses, slowly but surely it is becoming a wonderful young neighborhood of families and the downtown is really shining.  I am so excited to hear you are moving in!"  

"Thanks, you have really eased my worries.  I was quite concerned.  Our inspection is on Tuesday, so we won't know for sure if there is anything of structural concern, but at least I feel safe.  Thank you so much.  My name is Jennifer."  

"Hi Jennifer, my name is Kathy and I am sure it will all work out and even if it doesn't, you wont' know until the inspection, so for now, just be excited for the new beginnings you are making!"

"Our code name is Kathy."