What A Roller Coaster Ride

This has been a rough week.

There have been so many back and forth decisions surrounding the housing situation. First the problem was that the real estate agent kept changing the terms on the MLS to a bigger deposit because only Zach was employed at that point. After several emails and phone calls between her and Donna we threatened to walk if they didn't give us back the original terms. They agreed so we submitted our applications. 24 hours after submitting our applications Kyle realized he didn't want to sign the lease because he hadn't found a job yet and realized how difficult it was going to be to find one in this economical situation. I completely understand his decision and everything, it was just tough timing for us. So then we told the realtor we may replace him on the lease with this girl that we had found if we decided to do a three bedroom place. I had emailed her to make sure she still needed a room and she did. Then after we told the realtor she tells me she has bad credit. That's fine, everything is still going to work out. Then she tells me her mom won't let her sign a 12 month lease because her mom pays half her rent and just got laid off, but she would let her sign a 6 month lease as long as it was with us - not the condo owner or any agency. That concerned me so I called the whole thing off. Bad credit + not wanting to sign a real lease just seemed sketchy. I email the realtor for Donna because we knew it was terrible news, and she calls me this morning saying they will reduce the rent if we'll still move forward. I figure it was worth taking the chance of having this girl sign the 6 month lease with us since Donna could still make it a legal document that we could take to court. So I tell the realtor we're just waiting for her to email me back, blah blah blah. She emails me back and is going to live at home for a few months to save money and move in with her best friend. So we just called the whole thing off. It is fairly relieving not to have to worry about this absurd situation anymore, but it's also terrifying trying to find another place we like, can afford and that will accept our dog. Most places we've lied to by saying hes a mixed breed, but these people knew he was a pitbull and they were fine with it. Plus, now that we're looking for a studio or 1 bedroom instead of a 2 bedroom we are more likely to be in a condo or apartment and less likely to find a place that wants a large dog, let alone an "aggressive breed." We could be screwed.

On top of all that Isabella is in California to visit and since we haven't moved out yet she is in Santa Barbara.. but was coming down once we moved in, which was supposed to be tomorrow. We canceled today so now we have to figure out what exactly we're going to do. She may sleep on the couch tomorrow night, and then Mitch and Donna are out of town so there will be a little more room in this house. Kyle told us today that he booked a ticket home for September 3rd. We knew he was leaving by he 6th because of the girls school and it would be just too many people in the house while they were in school. So now we are trying to get as much fun stuff in as possible so he can enjoy the rest of his time here. He does plan on moving out here in the future, just needs to have saved up more money. Hopefully that all works out because we would love for him to live here. Its hard to be around someone constantly for over a week, and we have been with him and we're getting along fine.

So the good news?
Well Mitchell and Donna seem alright with the concept of us staying longer since it would be all three of us. I am very fortunate to have such a tight knit and incredible family. We are still focusing on making sure we dont wear out our welcome and are searching for a place, but at least we aren't stuck on the street. Also I started babysitting for this family that needs help at least 4 days a week because they have 4 children, which go to three different schools, three of them are in sports, and the husband has to travel often for business. They are great people with really well behaved kids, and two of the kids are like 9 and 11 so they are helpful with the younger two. I get along with them very well and with the amount of hours I'll be working I will be making enough money that I don't really have to worry about rent until I find a job I really want to take. Plus, they know another family that needs a lot of help so I am going to watch those girls as well. So essentially Zach and my income fully depends on our nanny/manny skills. We are both taking care of children for our living, but at least they aren't children of our own. Oh, and Donna thinks she may know of a part time assistant/secretary job for me so I will have that kind of experience on my resume if I get it. That would be great. Another good note? The room Donna and I are renovating is coming along really well. We've had a lot of fun doing it and it looks great. At least there are a few things to keep me positive.