Friday, October 3, 2025

Friday, October 3, 2025

Tonight's picture was taken in October of 2007. Mattie was five years old and that day he was invited over to his preschool friend's home for a Halloween Party. One of the games was to make two parents into mummies. So myself and another mom volunteered. As you can see, Mattie and his team were busy wrapping me up in toilet paper. They did such a good job, you can't see me! I will never forget Mattie's preschool and the amazing experience it was for both of us. In fact, I would say that some of my most loyal and supportive friends I made at Mattie's  preschool. Which is amazing, since we were only at the school for two years.... but I think raising a preschooler is challenging and it bonds people together in indescribable ways!

Quote of the day: Sometimes things become possible if we want them bad enough. ~ T.S. Eliot

Something told me last night, that I should get up earlier today (than usual) to be ready for my HVAC inspection and service. Paul, my HVAC tech, was scheduled to come over at 10am, but sure enough he text messaged me at 8am, and told me he'd be over at 8:45am. All my techs know that I juggle my parents and they try their best to work around me and the multitude of tasks that I perform in any given day. Keep in mind that this is a service appointment I was dreading.

In all reality it is good that Paul came at 8:45am, because he did not leave my house until 2pm! Paul knew my biggest HVAC fear! It is no secret, as we have been monitoring my furnaces (which are 20 years old) since we bought the house. In 2024, was the first blow. I had to replace the first floor furnace, because it had a crack in it. Gas furnaces with cracks are illegal to operate, as they bring in carbon dioxide into the home. So whether I was ready for it or not, I had to purchase a furnace last year. That was when I met my HVAC sales angel, Dylan. Dylan worked with me in 2024 to secure an 18 month no interest loan. I was so excited that this loan was going to be paid off this month, but I should have known better than to keep my hopes up! 

Paul alerted me that the upstairs furnace had a crack in it, and truthfully I was ready to jump out the window. I am not exaggerating! Literally Paul had to shut off the gas to this furnace, which means there will be NO HEAT upstairs. Thankfully we are having warmer days this week, otherwise, I would have a big problem with my parents. At 90 years old, I find they run MUCH MUCH colder!

At 2pm, I had to pause the process because my mom wanted to go out for tea. So I arranged for the HVAC sales person to come at 5pm today! When I opened the door at 5pm, guess who was there? Dylan.... my HVAC sales angel! He opened up with the line..... we have to stop meeting like this!!! I laughed hysterically! Naturally Dylan is familiar with my home, the HVAC issues, and after evaluating the furnace in the attic, he sat down with me and told me what was needed. 

Which meant, yes.... another loan. We worked on applying for the loan together and I am getting much better at assessing the process and how I can budget it each month. Would I like a life where I did not have to worry about money, bills, and my future? Yes 100%! But the difference between 2024 and today, is I wasn't as scared about the loan application process. I don't like it, but there are many things in life I don't like. What I can say is with each financial experience, I gain more knowledge and try to make better and informed decisions. This is a steep learning curve for me because I have lived a lifetime without having to use these financial skills. Anyone who says an old dog can't learn new tricks.... is WRONG! As long as we are alive, we can learn something and in the process, I have accumulated a handful of angels who help guide me through these overwhelming times. When I say.... GOD HELP ME, his help does not always lead to what I expect or what I am asking for, but I find he does connect me with professionals who have helped me in extraordinary ways over these last two years. For all these amazing people, I am grateful.