2016 started out with a bang....

So, as the story goes, things were going well, right?!?!  Good scans....good kids....good business...and then BAM!  Kitchen flood.  Okay, so that is it.  One would think.  But it never is.  A long, long time ago, I wanting to do a loft over then living room.  There was a contractor that had done a couple.  I was like, "Let's do it!"  We were half way through an upgrade to our kitchen at the time.  (If I am repeating myself.....move on...you have better things to do...)  I thought it would be one price and, well, this contractor was like WAY more than that.  Funny thing is that he said, "Well, I can't do it for that, but what is going on in your kitchen?!?!?!"  Apparently, he did not like the white floor with the black granite tops and the stainless steel appliances with yellow paint.  I explained that we were stuck on flooring and I was back in chemo and I did not know what to do.  It was just flooring and painting and the bathroom that I had all the stuff for, but no one to install it to finish it.  He said, "Well, why don't I fix this (meaning my horrible kitchen) and then we can see if we like each other and then we can talk about the loft.  I told him, "Okay, but it would have to be done in six days."  He replied, with, "Okay."  And he did.  I went to chemo.  I stayed at my parents after.  It sucked, but chemo sucks, but then I got to come home to my kitchen.  DONE.  Like he said  six days and I cried.  My kitchen was beautiful.  Better than I had ever thought I would see it.....but that was years ago......so fast forward......

So, as most of you know, our kitchen flooded.  It was not a pipe but the hot water intake tube to the dishwasher.  Who knew that could do that much damage?!?!?!  The insurance gives us all the money we claim....WHAT?!?!?!  Our contractor is stunned that never happens.  Well, it did.  On January 11th, we go into the remodel we realize that the plumbing is crap.  Contractor approaches us....mind you  he shattered the first pipe.  I love him, but WHA?!?!?!?  So now, here we are.....the pipes in our house suck.  They shattered on minimum impact.  $10000 later and holes in all or of walls, we are clear of all the bad pipes.  Poor guys.  No really poor guys, while they are telling me all the horrible stories of these pipes and then one guys has to take his roommate to the hospital for surgery and then another guy doesn't show up (this is why you get a GENERAL CONTRACTOR), I announce on Thursday afternoon that I am going to the hospital for my second out of four surgeries for my esophagus that I will be loopy on Friday, but Grant is able to handle all the questions.  Remember, I was suppose to have the entire house (outside the kitchen) to myself, but because of plumbing delays and disasters, I now have holes all over my house and then plan on sheet rocking in my Master bath on Friday.  They all look at me like I have six heads.  I said, "Don't worry.  The boys will come home.  They will ask you where the water is available today, they will do there homework and then Grant will be home at 4:00.  They are not allowed to bother you or use you for parenting.  They are used to the drill."  And it all happened that way.  They were all very sweet on Friday.  Not bothering me, only having my main contact come up and ask me questions.  I certainly did not dress up for them - pjs and my hair in a bun.  "I am sorry you have to go to the hospital...."  I reply with, "Don't worry, it is kinda my job, I will be back full force next week."  And I am.

The procedure which is called a EGD with banding or Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with banding went well.  Only one and a half of one this time.  Next one will be in March.  They put me under general anesthesia cause apparently I was a bit combative the procedure before.  I think I was challenging my Grandmother........  I have to keep doing these until they go down there and nothing is there to band.

So between the remodel, cooking in a make shift kitchen in my living room, PTA, and Bible Study I am full up at the inn.  Bible Study is SUPER interesting.....it is about observing the Sabbath.  Really observing quiet.  Oddly, I get this concept.  I had it during treatment because I could not do ANYTHING.  The quiet brings clarity.  It will be interesting as my position of President comes to an end, I am really looking at all the commitments I have made and all the commitments that I am responsible for.  I believe that 2016 will be a year of reflection, renewal and change.  I need more space to be quiet.....

Here are some pictures from the beginning....we now have all the cupboards out, plumbing in, and sheet rock up.

Happy Sunday,

Ang