Accomplished...Learned A Lot!

So, Sunday, we closed the door on the rental. It is ready to be turned over to its new occupants. It took three full weekends of sweat and tears to get it done, but it's done. Refrigerator was delivered yesterday and on the 29th, Housing Authority does their inspection for our tenants. I am so relieved that this is all done and we can get back to life at home. Over the last few weeks, I learned some lessons and things I'd like to share:

• What starts as a simple project will turn into something more complex that usually involves multiple trips to home improvement stores.
• Lowes and Home Depot have a deal to keep each other in business. In our case, we could get everything, but one thing at Lowes which would require a trip to Home Depot (and they are not close to each other).
• Whether we make a list or not, something is always forgotten requiring an additional trip out to pick it up.
• When someone says they are going to clean and get the carpets done before they move out, it usually is not true. And, they are probably trying to distract you from the crayon and pen markings on every surface...including the bathroom door!
• If a project seems too taxing and big, it usually is, but it can be done!
• I can paint like a pro...in three weekends, I did the majority of the heavy painting of a three bedroom house!
• Any paint being used will inevitably end up on me...my feet, legs, arms, hands, face...pretty much anywhere on me!
• The drive east is boring if you do it alone, but doing it with someone and an iPod with the most random mix of music creates many laughs and amateur singing contests!
• The drive requires stops at two Border Patrol checkpoints. These agents have a slightly easier task that those agents in the field. Personally, I have lost a friend in the line of duty while working for the USBP and have several friends and a cousin working for them. These agents risk their lives by being in the line of duty and in the field...more and more, I have a greater respect for what they do!
• We have great friends and family who support us...these trips have been augmented with dinners and visits!
• Testosterone is a powerful thing! Saturday night, we had dinner with our friends who drove in from EC. We went to dinner and ended up in a place televising a MMA main event fright plus the Mayweather-Marquez boxing match. We stayed and watched them for the sheer entertainment of the whole thing.
• And lastly, this whole time has shown me how lucky I am to be with D! It amazes me that he knows how to do all these manly handyman tasks. Plus, we have been able to connect, talk and spend some real quality time together. Without consistent internet, television or other distractions, it ups the time we spend talking. It's been stressful, but I'm glad that we've been there together to get it all done!

Yeah for accomplishments and lessons learned...that's what it's all about (do the hokey pokey!).