Not holding our breath, but maintaining optimism...

Our closing didn't happen last Thursday, as I mentioned. The buyers' loan is a USDA Rural loan, and the USDA Rural program only gets so much funding. When the money runs out, the loans have to wait. This particular program gets re-funded in late MARCH, I just learned, although there was hope that it would get more money on Inauguration Day. Haven't heard of that money actually coming through, so we shall see. In the meantime, we alerted our mortgage guy Ron who has found an intermediary to loan the money until the USDA money comes through. I have no idea if this will work or not, but Ron seems to think it will. So we are scheduled to go sign our closing papers tonight. Not holding my breath, but maintaining optimism.

My second job last semester came to a close, as I mentioned. I failed to submit overtime each month as I didn't even make time to do that, I was working for them so much. I've always been bad at that sort of thing, and I've learned my lesson. They're balking at my invoice of about $3300 in time I'm owed. I don't blame them for balking, but they can't say they didn't know I was working that many hours. I told them that all along. So I finally heard back this morning regarding how much and when I'll be paid, and the email just said that they need more information. Not holding my breath, but maintaining optimism.

Once we close on the house for good, we'll start looking for jobs in New York. This semester my classes are very small as attendance is no longer mandatory (thank you, GOD!). This means that only students who want my help are in class. No talkers, no behavior issues. It's a dream. But I only have about 9 students showing up on average, meaning I could leave mid-semester and the students could be absorbed into other labs easily. It's likely we'll stay through at least the beginning of the summer, but I'm hoping to leave around April 1. Not holding my breath, but maintaining optimism.

We had a lovely, lovely time in Chicago this past weekend. It started off being a quiet visit between my mother and myself. Then Brad's class schedule changed, his weekend opened up, and he got to come, too! We arrived late Friday night on a nearly empty plane (who wants to leave 70 degree Florida for 8 degree Chicago?) and saw our breath for the first time in about three years. On Saturday Brad and I woke up early and went for a drive in the lightly-falling snow. It was beautiful and refreshing to us, and reminded us visually that seasons change and God renews. After our drive we visited with Mom a bit until we decided to go for an impromptu lunch at Max and Erma's, Brad's favorite place. On the way there I suggested we go to Wildfire instead for a good steak, and everyone agreed to it. When we arrived, Mom's friend Sandi from Minnesota was there along with Steph! Mom was very surprised, and we had a lovely birthday lunch!

After lunch we rested at Mom's for the afternoon. We planned to play games and just relax for the evening, when at 5 p.m. who should appear at Mom's door but her brother, Allen, his wife, Mary Ann, and Grandparents! They drove up to surprise her for her birthday! She was shocked at this double surprise and we all sat down to visit for a bit.

After and hour or so I suggested we go grab a bite for dinner at Panera down the street. When we arrived, Mom ran into her housegroup friends from church. And then more friends just kept on coming! On her brother's initiative, we planned a surprise drop-in party at Panera and invited over 40 people. We were excited to see at least 25 come by despite the snow and cold!

The day was full of surprises and I think Mom is still recovering. On Sunday we met the family at a pancake house for an amazing breakfast, and then we all dispersed. It was a memorable, fun weekend and we're so glad we got to go! Happy big birthday, Mom! (I won't say which one.)

Stay warm, northern readers!

Edited to add: I just spoke with Ron the mortgage guy... the funding for the buyers is miraculously in place. The buyers are signing papers by Monday... still not holding my breath, but gasping a little... 3:30 p.m. cannot come fast enough!