Not Much Going On

I haven't really updated this week because there really hasn't been a lot going on. And I have to admit, its one of the best week's I've had in a really long time. :)

Most days consist of AIM from 9-3 and then spending my evenings doing whatever I feel like I need to; from cleaning to reading, to exercising. I am really enjoying some freedom in my schedule!! Unfortunately, its not all great news...

The biggest news of the week has been the work on my bathroom. The original plan was to simply clean out the old caulk and re-caulk everything and hope that holds for a while. However, while Frank was working on the bathroom, several tiles started to fall off the wall. It was then that he discovered where the majority of the water was leaking. So, what was supposed to be a one day job, ended up taking all week (as usual!). Thankfully, I have wonderful friends!! And, hopefully this new fix will last even longer than the original plan. Thanks Jesus!

On Tuesday Frank fixed the leak from the washing machine and started on the tile. First, he removed the tile and got all the water out, then let it dry.

On Wednesday, he got some tile from Pastor Joe and put it in.

(I love how it not only doesn't match the other tile, but they are also 2 different shades of blue! I honestly couldn't care less how it looks, as long as it works!)

Yesterday Frank came and grouted the tile.


And finally today he caulked the tile, and everything else that needed it. It looks really nice! I am really praying that this lasts for a while!!

Of course, during this whole time we haven't been able to use the shower, and we have to wait 36 hours for the caulk to dry so we can't shower in the house until Sunday morning. Its been good motivation to go to the gym though (I have been showering there...I haven't been getting sweaty and not showering, I promise!)

The leak has been annoying and I really want it gone, but that isn't the main reason that I am praying this fix will last for a while. I got my gas bill in the mail today, and let's just say it was outrageous. The problem, however, is not the price of gas. The problem is, I have HORRIBLE windows. You can actually see the curtains moving with the wind, and in my bed you can feel a breeze. I have tried putting plastic over them, but it doesn't really help. I NEED new windows.
So, I will be pricing them this weekend and working to save money for that (I only have 4, maybe 5 that need to be replaced). I certainly don't have the money for new windows AND a new bathroom and judging by my gas bill, the windows need to be a priority. I will shower at the gym for months if necessary! :)

(This is Giz hanging out right by the heating vent. You know its cold when your cat, who is covered in fat and fur, has to warm himself at the heating vent! And yes, he really is that big!)

According to the people that I talked to, while I keep the thermostat at 60 (yes, I know that is cold...I can't afford more), my heater is having to work as hard as if I kept at at 75 or 80 because of all the heat escaping through the windows.

I did say I loved my house, right? ;)

A few other random things happened this week, but nothing huge to report. We had a dog trainer come on Tuesday to help with Beth (let's just say she's a bit rough around the edges, which is not unusual at all for stray dogs. It looks like she has been abused in her past), so we have been spending some time this week training her. Its kind of a slow process, but she is a really smart dog. I also took Bonita and Linda, along with their mom, to the jail to visit their dad (whom their mom is NOT still with) this week. We had some interesting conversations before and after. I am SO not ready for them to not be little girls anymore!!

That's about it! So exciting, huh? This weekend and next week I plan to really get working on my Kids Club, Prayer Pals and Children's Church planning and actually preparing for the spring semester. I have a lot of ideas, hopefully I will at least half of them accomplished! My plan for tomorrow, however, is simply to sleep in and then FINALLY clean the basement. I have a whole day with no plans, so it really should get done. Let's hope should becomes does. :)