You would think that after more than 11 years of working in financial news, I would’ve learned something. You would think that one of my co-workers would’ve told me I’m crazy for buying a house by myself. Ok, to be fair, my boss Scott did tell me. But, I’m sorry Scott (and you know very well), I never listen.

I blogged about my home buying “adventures” in September. Now, I’ve got an update. I moved in to my new home a month ago, and I do love it…with a few exceptions.

First, there’s that whole Big Foot thing. Let me tell you, he is alive and well and living in my backyard, scaring me and my dog in the middle of the night. OK, my Big Foot probably is the 7 deer that are always in my driveway, but they sure sound BIG!

Second, who knew that I would be inundated with mail from mortgage companies and oil companies and “welcome to the neighborhood” fliers. (But, yet, I still can’t find the good pizza or Chinese restaurants that deliver.) I need to eat, not re-fi! Don’t these people realize I already have a mortgage? And, after everything I went through trying to close, do they REALLY think I want to go through it again?

Crude prices are at record highs. Therefore, heating my house will be a challenge. I almost choked writing my first $800 check to fill the tank. (Dear Santa, please bring me some fuzzy slippers and lots of sweatshirts to keep me warm over the next few months.) Of course, maybe I don’t really have to heat my house. I already sat at home for 2 weeks in 53 degree temperatures. Then I called my dad, and he told me there are TWO emergency switches to get the heat on.

Yes, there are many things I have learned with the purchase of my new home. I have learned I can never go into Lowe’s or Home Depot with an American Express card because “no credit limit” means I will get everything I want (not just need), even though I can’t afford it. Money really doesn’t grow on trees…leaves do. And, raking those leaves is NOT as much fun as it was when I was a kid.

Though the number of leaves in my yard does seem endless, it is the financial side of owning the house that has been the biggest challenge for me. It’s amazing how things really are much more expensive when you pay yourself. Thankfully, my mom and dad have been extremely helpful with everything.

So, I just want to let my family and friends know that, for Christmas this year, you’re all getting a card and a special, extremely lightweight gift…the satisfaction of knowing your gifts are helping me pay for oil, a leaf blower, a lawn mower or even a pizza. Then I can invite Big Foot in for some dinner.