When I started working on my first house, I had no idea that I would be moving in a few months after a global pandemic began. This caused deliveries to run late and technicians in high demand. But as of last week, I’ve celebrated one full year of living here.
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Meeting My Neighbors
I knew I’d be living across the street from my grandmother, but I didn’t really think about what that would be like. Now I can say that I’m so grateful for the time we get to spend together. We swap food, her with cakes and me with bread. I take blueberries and basil from her yard. I can also feed her cat when she’s out of town. My parents will be moving here soon, so we will have plenty of family nearby.
Little Free Library 
Bailey in the creek
In many ways, the pandemic has made it easier to meet neighbors because so many people were housebound. Walking my dog most days, I get to see what people are up to. It’s how I found all the Little Free Libraries near my house! I’ve also seen so many creatures like a blue heron, deer, a raccoon, hawks, foxes, and a goat that belongs to the house around the corner.
Finding the Neighborhood Spots
I’ve grown up in this part of Marietta, but it’s been many years since I spent a lot of time here. But this year has allowed me to try new places. I’ve found my closest bank, coffee shop, grocery store, and a lovely walking trail. I’ve also tried new-to-me restaurants like a Salvadorian restaurant and a quick-service sushi spot.
A speakeasy in Marietta 
Walking trail
Part of the appeal of this neighborhood was its proximity to the highway (much faster to the city) and the Braves stadium. Fans couldn’t come to games last year but that has changed this year. The restaurants around it are also convenient for a night out.
House Updates
Home Office
Since last year’s post, I’ve fully unpacked in my office, where I spend most of my time. I’ve had doors installed and painted them a shade of millennial pink.
I bought a new printer, an Alexa Echo Dot, and a huge whiteboard that keeps my deadlines organized. I also upgraded with a new monitor and a desk chair from Staples (also sold on Amazon).
Living Room
A mantle was installed without consulting me so it wasn’t a good fit for the space. It’s since been replaced with one that is the right size. The television was initially mounted off-center so that’s also been fixed. Not much has changed, apart from new plants and cute blocks of Charleston row houses.
Dining Room and Kitchen
Not much has changed in the kitchen apart from the dining chairs that were painted black to better fit in with the other colors. I’ve also added some cookbooks to my built-in. I can still praise my oven, which heats up so quickly that we got rid of our toaster oven.
I’ve also gotten a few kitchen tools like a new food processor and my mom’s Instant Pot. If you have any suggested recipes, send them my way!
Upstairs
The guest room has become Sammi’s office as she started a remote job a few months ago. In the hallway, I’ve framed a photo of my late grandfather’s time in the military and moved the vintage suitcases underneath it.
The only updates in my bedroom are a borrowed lingerie chest, new prints on the wall, and a hook added to my bathroom wall. Sammi added one to her bathroom as well.
Backyard
I’ll admit that I have played little to no role in the upkeep of plant life at my house. The lawn was a mix of sod and seed so it’s done better in some patches than others. We have a neighborhood kid come cut it every few weeks and I’ve helped in spreading pinestraw.
Everything else, Sammi maintains. We’ve bought some plants at actual nurseries but many have been either taken from my parents and grandparents’ houses (some even dug up) or from a local plant sale. I did, however, pick out a cute cafe table on Overstock where we’ve had lunch outside during nice days.
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