Yep, after at least 3 years of waiting we have finally obtained new couches for the living room.
The couches needed replacement far longer than that but three years ago I determined that I would not get new couches until the dog, Elvis, died. I was really tired of the dog hair--vacuums just don't do the job! Besides, my oldest daughter is allergic to dogs and I did not want to support the source of the red eyes, sneezing, and perpetual runny nose that accompanied her visits forever. That is what began the countdown.
It took the dog two years to die. It's not that I didn't love Elvis he was just very very barky, and excitable. Elvis knew better than to get up on the couches, but he did it anyway. especially at night and when no one was home. He shreaded my front curtains, broke the antique library table. blured every window within reach, tore up the patio door screens, and continued to dig up the back yard until a week before he died. He also chased the light of a flash light--which was very cute--all his life as well. We were all sad to loose Elvis, he died on September 10. 2007 after 12+ years of friendship and unconditional love but he had a liver problem and was in pain at the last so we knew it was time. But now back to the couches.
I think everyone expected me to pick out and purchase the couches a year ago. And I would have, gladly! However, My husband, Pat, and I agreed to be on a "debt diet" of sorts two and a half years ago and I knew there wasn't money in the budget to spend on couches. My hesitation was compounded by the most unfortunate internal dialoge I developed from the diet. "i don't need that, Pat would be dissapointed in me if I bought that, it's just 'stuff" and I don't need any more stuff. Which on turn would lead to stomach and head aches. Even Christmas shopping has been miserable for hte last two years! How could I purchase couches? Besides, I am out of the design loop and realizing if the past was any indication of the future, these were going to have to last the resst of my mortal life! How coul"ld I find something that would be stylish, that I would like, and would last for 20 years? Just the thought of such a decision made me feel queezy.
Needless to say after a weekend of listening to my daughters complain about how uncomfortable the old couches were, and my "dreams" about redecorating the whole house--you know how when you've been on a food diet for too long you start dreaming about food? well it was like that--the offer by the kids to start a fund where they could contribute to the purchase, and discussions about thebest sale of year happening this week (it uaually occures in May but this year was put off until September), he caved.
On Tuesday Pat sent me and e-mail stating I could go ahead and make the purchase. It was a shock. So much so that I didn't dare tell anybody for fear it was just another dream. Actually on Wednesday I went to almost every furniture store and clearance outlet in town looking for the best price that met the other qualifications as well. I thasd to pass the style test of the kids, be durable (warrenteed for life), and sitable (not too low or deep or soft back with no support). I found three possibilities that I kept in mind when on Thursday I went to the U&I thieves sale.
It's always a good sale and the prices were ok--like everything else higher than years gone by. First I determined I sould buy a Broyhill as they had the best warrentee. I tried out many a "sit" and narrowed the possibilities to three. A couple of the ones I really likes were purchased out from under me by this time. But I just could not determine which one would actually look good in my house and pass the style test. So, I called Rebecca, my only daughter that lives less than 100 miles from me, and asked her to take a break from work and run down to the sale and consult with me. My Mom, aka Grenny, was shopping with me but had long since passed her limit and had headed for the car. Beck had no problem picking one of the three, the other two well weren't even seriously considered. I bought the pair she liked
The couches are brown-a good neutral-with a nice cordroy likt texture. They sit up nice and high, at least for now. And I believe will last a good long time. I know they are stylish, as stylish as I am going to get. I am really grateful to all those who have endure the years with me and most importantly for Pat who, for whatever reasons finally gave in! I love you! Unfortunately, now, the draperies just look worse than ever and I wonder how I will ever draw together the peach colored carpet, the brown couches, and tan walls.
