Weeping for Willow

How do you get over the one that got away? How do you get past having lost an opportunity because you simply didn't move fast enough, when it seemed you had all the time in the world? The same way you get over a relationship: time, putting yourself out there again and again, and tequila.

After the cream puff on Willow Rd slipped through my buyer's fingertips, even I went through a bit of mourning. After all, from the moment my heels clicked across the ceramic tile floors I wanted to move my things in and start painting. I could see my buyer's family growing in this house, could see them laughing in the bedrooms, cooking dinner together in the kitchen, playing with the dogs in the backyard. Now it was time to go back to pounding the pavements.

We viewed one property in Rox-a-roni (aka hilly, silly Roxborough) and I was happy to leave the borough quickly...if you could see my suburban ass trying to navigate the should-be-one-way-but-aren't streets, you'd understand. The Rox property was perfect for a single young professional. If anyone's interested let me know, we can check it out. Super pricey paver patio, nice layout, neat details, quiet street,

Anyway after I managed to not sideswipe any parked cars on my way out of Roxborough, we headed to Wallingford. The first home we saw ("distinctive", so said the flyer) was a duplex with a great backyard. The sellers had so graciously left every light on in the home, as if to demonstrate the place was so affordable you could just run up the utility bills with blatant disregard. They also left the stereo on for us, and there was a car in the driveway. I was half-expecting to startle someone as they emerged from the shower, having forgotten they had a showing scheduled. And yet, we were alone. Ultimately the home fell short when it came to the basement ceiling height, but could have been good nonetheless.

Then we have 211 Ash Street, which my buyer has nicknamed Ass St. Ass St. is one block over from the beloved Willow, and has the same street number but pales in comparison. Hence the new moniker. The overgrown roses on the bush out front are a cheerful yellow. So is the siding. So are the awnings. That much cheerfulness just seems, IDK, a little too much? Just a lil. I think the faux-wood contact paper covered tiles in the bedroom did it for me, but it was fun playing bus stop/train station/telephone booth in the oddly constructed back porch area. I wish I'd had my roller skates, because this home took me right back to 1989, being a little girl bored at my grandmom's house, skating back and forth on the walkway through her rowhome's backyard. Well...at least it gets point for nostalgia.

For all my skillful maneuvering through the snaky hills of Manayunk, it was backing out of this driveway that I clipped my passenger side mirror. I almost had a heart attack!! Do you know how much it costs to replace electronic side view mirrors with integrated turn signals? It ain't cheap! Luckily a few minor scratches were the extent of the damage and we were on our way.

Treating my clients to only the best is important to me. That's why when we hit up the drive through at McD's for tap water and a meatless cheeseburger, I made sure I took care of the $6 bill. I don't want other agents to be intimidated by my red-carpet service so keep that on the low....

I became so preoccupied with my crispy chicken ranch snack wrap that I took a wrong turn and we ended up on the main drag of Brookhaven. I remembered an awesome home I had shown there months ago, and surprisingly enough there was still a for sale sign in the yard. Oh my gosh! Could this be a sign? Could this be the one? We made a bold move...we pulled into the driveway with no appointment, prepared to knock on destiny's door. The homeowners pulled in seconds after us, creating an awkward parking scenario on top of the already ballsy ambush. Sadly, the home had sold and they just hadn't gotten around to removing the for sale sign. BUT it was worth a shot and good for a little rush.

We're back at it in a few nights. Hopefully we'll find a spot so great that they'll be thinking Willow Schmillow. For now, I'm listening to 'Weeping Willow' by the Verve on repeat and eating my feelings via Ben & Jerry's, hoping their offer falls through after the home inspection. I just can't believe it's over, waaaaaa!!!!