Came home on August 23rd to a trashed house. Took pictures of said trashiness and alerted renters they would not be getting their deposit back. Anger ensued, which resulted in several e-mails and certified letters being traded via negotiations. Have 300+ pictures of damages to home, yet still agreed to pay her $200 to get her to go away and not take us to court. Looking back, we should have gone to court.
Painted the bedroom a lovely shade of chocolate brown. Ran out of time to paint the other bedroom and bathroom that said renter pained electric blue! Lived with tape on the walls for two weeks until my parents graciously came over to help me take it down. Carlye is helpless without her Sam. Have three color squares painted on the living room wall as we were deciding which color looked best. Three months later it is still there and the other remaining rooms have yet to be painted.
Boxes arrived two weeks after promised. Only a few broken pieces and a lot of headache for me, still have yet to file a claim for a new desk and lamp. At least our stuff is finally here. Had to change the locks and attempted to re-grow the grass as it had been trampled and murdered by the stupid renters. Man do I regret not just selling the house! Living as a single gal since Sam was called back to NYC.
After 25 days apart, Sam returned for a short visit, only to get strep throat which increased his visit to over a week (yay!), which was mostly spent resting and unpacking a few boxes. Every room still filled with boxes and it doesn't feel like home. Rescued a kitten from possible demise thanks to coyote in my parents' neighborhood. Named her Ka-T (Katie) and the boys have adjusted well to having her here.
Ka-T and a crocheted hatStarted my new job on September 8th. A little disappointed but it's growing on me. Glad to be back in the field making a difference. Not glad to be putting close to 400 miles on my Red Rocket each week. Have a huge caseload and am a little overwhelmed but like getting paid, no matter how small the checks.
Able to reconnect with two life-long friends. Enjoying hanging with Amanda and Rhylan (and the reclusive Chris) and loved getting together with Shayna and family. So glad that I'll be spending more time with them and that their children will actually know me. Hopefully they'll know Sam too, but he has to return home first.
Me and Shayna
Me and MaddieGot affectionate nickname from Rhylan (Curry!), which lasted a week or two until she began saying my name correctly, well, correctly for her (Car-Wee). Am a little sad that the nickname didn't stick. Oh well... At least she loves the blanket I made for her and loves to get "cozy" in it.
Me and Amanda
Rhylan and her BlanketLove spending every Saturday with Shelly and Joe watching the Longhorns play. Disappointed to spend one Saturday away from them and with my mom, which caused Texas to lose to Texas Tech! Enjoying cooking with Shelly. Not enjoying making macaroni and cheese at home for me (it's hard to cook healthy for one). Had a great time going to Texas wineries for Shelly's birthday - can't go wrong with a limo ride and free booze. Loving most of my co-workers and missing some of my old ones.
The gang at the vineyardEnjoying spending weekends with my mom although that will come to an end when Sam is here permanently. Tired of fielding questions as to the date of Sam's return and to the status of a new job for him. Answer: "I don't know!".
Missing Sam terribly. Missing friends in New York. Sad that I missed the birth of Mateo to Stacey and Carlos. At least the care package arrived to them in time. Got to make Stacey cry with the scrapbook I made her. Made Sam almost tearful with the scrapbook I made him.
Mateo and his blanket
First attempt at baby booties and baby hatCan't really think of anything else. Still crocheting up a storm. Made a blanket for my grandma which she liked but commented that it didn't "match anything". Finishing a toy for Sam, several scarves and another blanket for Mateo. Still need to re-do the blankets for Shayna's kids and start the blanket for my mom. Several requests to teach my friends how to crochet. Need to stop buying yarn. Need to get faster at crocheting so I can be more productive.
Grandma's blanketSam will be here on Saturday for ten days. Looking forward to heading to Louisiana for Thanksgiving with the family. Hoping to actually paint the bathroom and hang the curtains. Haven't seen Sam in seven weeks and am not sure I remember what he looks like.
Okay, now I'm officially done! (I think!) Gonna get ready for work and start cleaning the house in preparation for Sam's return. Later gators!
