It’s the day. Finally. It’s the first finish line, there is more than one, on a long trip toward construction and moving.
The day I speak of? Why October 18, 2018. I probably need to re explain for those unfamiliar with my life (new or amateur blog readers) and goings on. About a year ago we made the momentous decision to move. Chose Auburn as the destination (after much gnashing of teeth) and decided to build a house. We looked for open acreage to buy. Bought 5 acres. Hired an architect and engineer which are much needed for building on a slope. Architect determined where we needed to place the building. The site required a variance (permission) from the County. We applied. All hell broke loose. The “neighbors” got together to complain about it. Some “neighbors” are actually over the next hill and can’t hear or see us. Only one home within sight of ours. But NIMBYs are what they are. 3rd public variance meeting is today at 9am. Probably last one. We have already received unanimous County staff approval. But County is overly cautious. Today most likely will have variance granted, knock on wood. But, NIMBY neighbors can appeal two more times. And even sue the county if they desire. Like I said, this is first finish line.
We, lord willing, can take variance to our contractor and get a real estimate of costs. He, of course, has been unwilling to provide solid numbers until this final point. Once I get a real estimate, choices will be made. Number one, shall we build here or sell plot and buy a house? Now that we know what these people are really like I don’t want to live near them. Or talk to them. The value of the property goes up once variance is granted. I lean toward selling. I just want my money out. All the time and energy into this place is gone. No more cutting bait, time to fish.
All that aside, we got up extra early. Emily is going to the meeting. I am not in my happy place in court room settings so she told me to stay home. I agreed. Better her than me, she does not yell at officials. I am known to let all know what I think of them, at volume. Yes, I am one of those. No respect for the process. I do not care to hear comments, our systems used to determine opposing views are unfair and poorly run and need to be completely dumped and replaced. A monkey throwing darts at a chart would be a fine decision process.
I am going to work in a few. Once I finish all the morning duties, that is. I have no appointments or anything pressing. Which is fine with me. I can do what I need to do and may get my desk clean again. Yay.
Off to work. Usual nice drive. Nothing exciting. I got a call from Emily who is at the meeting. Turns out the moron running true meeting continued the process by continuing the process. He kicked it down the road. No finality. No one asked for the continuance. He just did it. Wtf? We can’t realy figure it out. Lots of emails with the douche after the meeting. We are working to get it done. I am confused. After the meeting Emily and I decided to not build, sell the land and just buy a house. Big step. We are looking already.
So onward to the office. Again, more post deadline paperwork. And, I prepared another tax return!! Ok, not so exciting but I did it. The client pays me with coffee. As much as I want. I call and he shows up with bags of coffee. And I do his taxes. It works perfectly. Over twenty years now. I also paid a few bills. I am sure everyone finds this thrilling.
After my day of thrilling paperwork I went home. The drive was weird. I am tooling along about 2 miles out, going at about 10mph. There is a 40’ flat bed in front of me with a load covered by tarps. And about 10000 bees swarming it. And me behind in an open top car. Covered in bees. For the next 4 miles I got to enjoy this. Yes, enjoy. No stings. But weird as hell, I mean really? A very strange trip.
The balance of the trip was comparatively normal and without note. Someone took he extra time to honk at me. I don’t know why. That was strange.
Got home, Marika was already there. She is here to pick up her cat and is spending he night. It’s always nice to see her. We decided to go out to dinner and ended up at the same place Emily and ate at a couple days ago. And we ordered the exact same things as then. Marika also ordered the same thing. It’s like we are related or something. Though I admit we all enjoyed our dinner.
We had discussions about many things during dinner. Mostly centered on food and our current diets. Marika and I are on the same diet. I was complaining because our scale is giving wacky readings. I weigh in on Wednesday’s and when I weighed yesterday I got seven different weights. That infuriated me. Tonight we were talking and Marika said “let’s go look at scales on the way home.” So we did. Well, Bed, Bath and Beyond has about 20 models of scales. Sonthe three of us weighed ourselves silly. And I now realize my scale is screwed up. So I bought a new one. And it was only $30. And I talked them into a discount because it was a floor model. Winner.
Back home. Sitting around. Watching TV. Very exciting. Very. Ate a snack. More TV. Marika doing same. End of day just never changes.