25/10/2008

House for Sale

All Dutchies will remember this song from way back:
'House for Sale' by Lucifer

"The sign went up one rainy morning just a couple of hours after dawn
Mrs. Hanley peeked out through her curtains, wondering what was going on
The neighbors said over coffee cups, that nice young couple is breaking up
In the living room the crystal and the linen sit all packed and set to go
I tell myself once more I won't be here this spring to see my roses grow
And all the things you tried to fix, the roof still leaks, the door still sticks
House for Sale
You can read it on the sign
House for Sale
It was yours and it was mine
And tomorrow some strangers will be climbing up the stairs
To the bedroom filled with memories
The one we used to share I know you always loved that painting
From that funny little shop in Spain
Remember how we found it
When we ducked in from that sudden summer rain
But I think I'll keep the silver tray
My mother gave us on our wedding day
House for Sale..."
To hear the song click here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df_DqGQTKTk&feature=related

Unfortunately, I have to inform all of you, that we are in this situation at the moment. The sign ‘For Sale’ has gone up this week and this and next weekend we will have Open Homes for interested viewers.

We had to decide to put the house on the market since our relationship is not working anymore. Some of you will be surprised, others maybe not. Of course living apart for a while has not helped with preventing this situation, but it is definitely not the (only) reason. We have gone through some rough times lately, as you can imagine while going through separation and will try to settle everything in a friendly way. The first major thing though is to try to sell the house, since this will give both of us more financial flexibility. With the present house market this might cause a problem, but we have a good real estate agent and are confident that it will all work out. It is a shame to have to sell, but on the other hand not a real drama, since it is only about money. Luckily we are both healthy and will have to go on with our lives and as soon as the finances etc. are settled we will be able to do so.

A real final divorce like we know that in The Netherlands will take a while, however, since in New Zealand you have to live separate for two years before you can officially divorce, so the official break up will take much longer. But for NZ law we have separated and will be regarded as ‘singles’.
I hope we haven’t shocked any of you too much with this news.

And I would have a lot more to tell you, like the exams that I just finished and my wines, but I will leave that for next time.

Cheers,
Anita