What I learned in February

I've been meaning to do this for several months now, but this month I am writing a blog post on Things I Learned This Month. It's something that blogger and author Emily P. Freeman "sponsors," and you can link your blog posts to hers to show everyone what you learned this month.

And boy, was February a month of learning. That's why I finally remembered to sit down and do this - there's lots to tell. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.

xoxo,
E

1. Real estate is not for the faint of heart

 Also, real estate in Greenville is insane right now. I thought the guy that made a full asking-price offer on our condo four hours after we listed it was off his rocker - irresponsible, reckless, crazy, or maybe just clueless. After we started looking at houses, I totally get it. If you want a good price for a good house in a good location, you have to bring your best and highest, and you have to bring it fast. This was not at all consistent with my expectations of the house buying and selling process, but I think we adapted pretty quickly and have done a really good job being responsible while also going with our gut and making a quick(er) decision than we might have expected to make. And our hard (fast!) work has paid off...we're under contract on the gorgeous house with the giant backyard in Greer, and we couldn't be more excited!

This is the first real major life decision we've had to sit down, talk out, and make since we've been married, aside from moving to France. But let's be honest. We (okay, I) were definitely going to France, or die trying (you think I'm kidding about that?). There wasn't much question to it. So not only have I learned a lot about real estate, I've also learned a lot about mine and B's relationship, and I'm actually really proud of us for working so well together and discussing and agreeing so nicely. I'm excited for what the future holds for Team Stevenson. #BeingBESt

2. Patent law is complicated. And boring.

It's really never a good sign when you're interviewing a source for an article and he says, "I don't know how you're going to write a whole article about this. I do this day in and day out, and it's boring."

Welcome to patent law. The most interesting thing I learned is that the patent doesn't actually give the patent holder the right to practice his own invention. It just gives him the right to prevent others from practicing his invention. It also doesn't guarantee that you'll be successful when you bring your product or concept to market, but that kind of seems like common sense to me. Stay tuned for these, and more fun facts, in the April issues of both Greenville Business Magazine and Columbia Business Monthly...although this is probably not the best advertisement for my article.

3. My wanderlust will never be satisfied

Maybe it's all the hard work we did sprucing up the condo to sell, or maybe it's just the stress of the buying/selling process. Or maybe it would have come back regardless. Whatever the reason, my wanderlust is back, and with a vengeance.

I'd give anything to be preparing to move back to France again. Or Spain.  Or anywhere, really. I like being away, a little removed, a little isolated. And I want to see the world. There are so many places we want to go back to - England and Ireland, to name our top choices - and so many other places we want to see for the first time: Iceland, Morocco, Thailand, India, Argentina, Croatia, Japan, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands... Throw a dart at a map - I could go on a while. Instead of fighting my wanderlust and my desire to be out there seeing the world, I've decided to embrace it. It's a part of me, a big part, one that I can't change, and one that frankly I don't want to. And hey, we're going to L.A. and Sonoma Valley in April for a destination wedding for B's high school friend/anniversary trip for us, so that's something, right?

4. Books are my security blanket

I keep thinking I'm going to get caught up on all the books I've bought to read, and then I'll buy new ones. Um, no. Every time I think I'm even approaching finishing the ones I have, I get a sudden and irresistible urge to get on Thriftbooks.com or head to Mr. K's to buy a new book...or 5.

I'm not much for a ton of "stuff" such as knickknacks or stuff to clutter up a house, but I love knowing I have a stack of books I haven't yet read, with more on the way. It makes me feel safe and satisfied in the best way possible. They may not all be good, but they all represent possibility, so the more the merrier. Sorry, B. Good thing we'll be moving to a larger house soon.

5. I learned how to use GIFs in my blog

I've seen other people do it, but Weebly did not previously support GIF files. Now it does. And I'm really excited about it.