In comparison I feel like a model citizen

A friend texted me a little while ago: "I hate to ask, but I don't know who else to go to. Mind if Kat (not her real name) crashes at your place for a couple days? She doesn't have anywhere else to go and is essentially homeless."

Background: I've met Kat a few times. She's the friend of one of my BFFs, and I find her pretty insufferable. And she's a hot mess - had a shopping addiction, can't keep a job, dated a married guy, etc, etc, etc. So do I want Kat crashing with me? No, not particularly. However, even I'm not enough of a jerk to turn away a homeless acquaintance. So I said ok.

And then my friend called me. She had spoken to Kat and gotten more of the story.

Kat got kicked out of her apartment. Supposedly the landlord stopped by, decided it was "too messy" and gave her the boot. And Kat "accidentally" deposited "just one check" into her personal account from a nonprofit organization she volunteered for. A few days ago the police came to her place of work and served her with a warrant for arrest. She's been staying with the friend of friend, but a few days ago the woman had a nervous breakdown. Kat had to drive the woman to the ER and doctors told her she may not live with anyone else until she gets her mental health together, so Kat had to leave.

Ok, back the train up here. First off, as a landlord, I know it's not that simple to kick out a tenant. And we don't just show up to do spot checks. Even if we did, "messy" isn't a reason to evict. Especially in this economy. My guess, especially given Kat's history, is that she stopped paying rent and THAT'S why she got kicked out...and even then, it's NOT a quick process; it would've taken weeks or months.

As for the "accidental" deposit...Kat claims it was $500. I could be wrong, but I don't think $500 would rise to the level of charges and court, and certainly not sheriffs showing up at her work with a warrant. I'm pretty sure $500 and under is small claims court here. So I think Kat's lying about how it happened and how much money was involved.

The story about the woman and nervous breakdown is just bizarre. My hypothesis is that Kat's been crashing somewhere and overstayed her welcome.

She also claims she can't stay with her "boyfriend" because "no one is supposed to know they're dating." Umm, first off, we don't call that a boyfriend if it's a secret...and it's not even a "friend" if they won't help. Even the guy I casually hook up with occasionally would let me crash with him if I had nowhere else to go. Sounds to me like Kat's dating a married man again, and that's why he "can't" have her stay there.

I told Kat I work for xx (something government/state related) agency, and as such, can't be anywhere near her if there's an outstanding warrant; in fact, I'm legally obligated to report her whereabouts if I know said warrant exists.

Since then, radio silence. Our mutual friend (who's also horrified) texted to tell me I'm off the hook.

Jeez...I thought MY life was a mess! In comparison, I feel like a mature, responsible adult! I'm wearing clean clothes, my utilities are all working (at the moment) and I fed my dog today. I even did a 5k and a few craft projects over the weekend. Things could be much, much worse.



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A friend's dog died recently. It was terribly sad; Daisy was 14 and a much-loved member of their family...and just an all-around great dog.

One week to the day after Daisy died, my friend stumbled upon an item she's been trolling for on eBay for years. And although it usually sells for well over $100, there was a "buy it now" price of $44. After checking out, my friend realized that the seller's user name was "daisydog." She took it as a sign from Daisy. And I'm not going to lie, I kinda did too.

And then I started thinking....

I know several people who've said they experienced some kind of sign from a departed loved one. And selfish and ridiculous as this is...I was kinda miffed that I haven't had any kind of "sign" from my Memere.

Yeah, I know: completely ridiculous. But I miss her, a lot. Still.

When I bought my house (just over 3 years ago) my aunt gave me my Memere's silver tea set. Out of all the things from her house, this was probably the most meaningful for me. I used to play with it all the time when I went to my grandmother's house. I thought she must be a very fancy person to have such a fancy tea set.

However, the tea set has sat in boxes since it was given to me, and is now in serious need of a good cleaning. 

Before she got sick (so probably a year and a half to 2 years ago) my Memere gave me a small, high table that had been in her parlor - perfect to display the tea set. But, I left it in my parents' garage until I could bring it to my house - I didn't have room in my car. And it got damaged - irreparably, I thought. My dad was very apologetic, but said he was going to throw it out.

So that was that. Occasionally I'll tool around craigslist and look for a table for the tea set, but on the list of stuff that has to be done around here, that is wayyyy down on the list.

This past weekend, I was out running errands. I saw silver polish for a good price at Home Goods, so I decided to buy it. Even though I had nowhere to put the tea set. And I'm broke as you-know-what this week. It was the kind of purchase that made me question my sanity, just a little - totally frivolous and unnecessary, especially when I'm this broke.

The next day I went to my parents' house for Father's Day (which was awesome, btw...just an all-around great day). Lo and behold, my dad still had the table, AND he was able to fix it. I was SHOCKED. It's now sitting in my dining room, waiting for me to polish up the tea set.

This wasn't exactly a ghostly apparition, but then again, she was never one for big displays. I'd like to think she's still keeping an eye on me and helping out in her little ways.

Sick

I've had a sinus infection/bronchitis combo all week. Don't worry, though - this guy is taking good care of me:




Being sick = lots of time on the couch. So we've been watching a lot of History Channel and HGTV. The episode of "Love It or List It" is blowing my mind. (First off, the couple is on a $1.5M budget looking to upgrade their 3,000 sq ft row house. But I digress.)

The wife is pitching a fit about heated floors in the bathroom. "How can you not have heated floors?? Then you'd have cold tiles and we can't have that."

Umm, in my world, we live with the heat of the WHOLE HOUSE turned down low...never mind whether the floor's cold. And when I was house hunting, my wish list was that it wouldn't be TOO ghetto fab. LOL!!

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If dreams are the mirror of our soul, then what does this say about mine?

I've been having really weird dreams lately.

A couple nights ago, it was that my college roommate and I teamed up to rob a bank. I was the getaway driver, so I guess that makes her the muscle. (I think we did get away, too.)

Then one night the dream was about organizing all my shoes.

I have no idea what this all means -- except clearly I need a vacation.

My 'hood version of a walk of shame...

...is having to text my tenants to let them know that I'm having "overnight company." Since an extra car messes up parking in our already-crowded driveway.

Damn you, city that doesn't allow overnight parking on its streets! Way to blow up my spot.

Semi-wordless Wednesday

I'm guessing my 'hood didn't make the list.

Brewster Shaming

Guess who was just submitted to Dog Shaming??

This guy:

I'll let you know if/when he makes his Internet debut!