Chapter 24

She Says: I am becoming that person who leaves the trusted friends/businesses behind. Another new haircut at Mojo City Salon! It is a business in  the live and workspace surrounding Renaissance Plaza.  And a new pharmacy...   My guilt of leaving the corporate Publix Pharmacy is diminished by using the local independent Hawthorne Pharmacy down the street from work.  Not even going to tell Kamal in person, going to have the USC Pharmacy student due it for me (ran into him at Palmetto Infusion).

So, I believe we have resigned ourselves to live in a construction zone again.  Just not able to get in with Home Repair Services, painter, etc. to get estimates and on vendor's schedules. Our agents not playing nice has climaxed and the unprofessional agents will not be in the closing together (hello middle school). In pre-preparation of moving in late June/early July I practiced household chores this morning. A little vacuuming, scrub the tub, toilet... Yeah I still got it!

Only other exciting news is my new suitcase! Didn't know how pricey these things can be but this Briggs and Riley carry on case (model is this picture is Neko) is that bomb! Perfect for my voyage to Chicago for the National Conference on Volunteering and service.

23.1

She Says: Sometimes it is the oddest things that can get one excited. We went to the Vacuum Center in Cayce fully expecting to purchase a Dyson ball canister, but walked out with a Miele Titan. This thing rocks!!!!! Cat hair won't get this one and it has a 7 year warranty on the motor. I knew the sales guy was for real when he agreed with me that the Phantom Furry was a GREAT vacuum cleaner (saying it was one of the best and it was a shame the brands is no longer in business). 

 
Now I can't wait to order a cool cat tree. My dilemma... one for height (58") and looks or one for height and scratching. Each has pluses and minuses. And in a similar decent price range... Will weigh out pros and cons with Jason. Leaning toward looks and trying a 20 inch sisal scratching post.


                                                  

Chapter 23

She Says: Making progress! A potential closing date of June 29 and furniture purchased. Baby steps, but steps in the right direction.

A little about Urban living. Another stellar first Thursday on Main. John Jr. and Nancy joined us (Jason has said more than once that they are like rock stars). More economy stimulation at Wine Down and Villa Tronco - all monies well spent. On Wednesday the Watkins clan had dinner at Mojitos Tropical Cafe and declared it a winner. While lite on vegetarian and fish dishes it is yummy Caribbean food, complete with an amazing avocado pie that tastes like a creamy key lime pie. Amazing service for a very reasonable price. Word is that the Mojitos are great too.

image from http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/117/1543235/restaurant/Mojitos-Tropical-Cafe-Columbia

22.1

Breakfast day one in the room.

She Says: So what has extended stay hotel life been like?  They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

The older kiddos slowly waking up... 

Jason on iPhone, Macka on floor pondering and Neko napping.

Neko and Koska admiring the view.

So see, things are really good! Think I'll go check out Saturday breakfast next!

22

She Says: Hotel living is OK! Ms. Lavern still hosts the breakfast (that little is approved on my diet), but nice ot catch up with an old colleague. Our biggest challenge is in room internet connection, Apparently every ethernet cord is broken in the property, so access in our room is iPhone only right now. Hence few blog updates.

The drama in our real estate transaction now appears to be benign...Remember that place that just felt right and how we were sad that our offer was not accepted? You may have guessed it, the sale fell through.  The seller's closing on new condo did not go through because the buyer couldn't come up with the cash to buy. Movers were called on the day of to cancel the actual moving of furniture. 

I am even firmer in my belief that things to happen for a reason. Our new place is 40K less and has so much more. If we can only get a move in date...