I was so close!

I found an apartment that would have worked for me and the pets, and it's across the street from the niece and nephew's school.  They are giddy at the thought of walking to my place after school.  The landlord is a very pleasant fellow; we spoke for nearly an hour after he showed me the apartment.  It almost felt like a first date!  He's willing to work with me on deposits and the rent, and seemed to offer me a chance to help out in his office for extra cash, or a chance to deduct from the rent.

Then reality set in.  My paycheck was a little bit smaller than I had anticipated, and car insurance was due, I needed some groceries and pet food, gas for the car, and I'm down to just enough to get flea treatments for everyone with four legs.  I called the landlord to tell him I had to let the apartment go due to lack of funds.  He almost sounded concerned about where I would live, but I can stay here with my family a little longer.  He said he almost takes these Holiday months off to entertain family and hunt, so the apartment will be available whenever I need it.  He thanked me for being upfront with him, and said he still wanted to help me.  I've made reasonable tips these last few weeks, and my next check could be sizeable, but then the car payment and phone bill will be due.

I was hired for the steakhouse chain, and start Sunday night with an Orinetation and first follow.  I'm hoping to make cash money by the weekend after Thanksgiving.  *Fingers crossed*  But wait!  The Banquet Manager at my hotel wants to train me as his Captain.  I hear it can be a great deal of money, but it may not allow me to continue at the steakhouse.  And it could be inconsistent, the hours, that is.  Six or seven days one week, and only two or three the next.  I can still serve to keep up in hours.  I suspect I will take the job.  Why in the hell not?  And it does seem that I can start making more right away.  Maybe I could get that apartment- just a few weeks later.

It's important to say again, I'm so amazingly grateful for my family for allowing me and my pets to stay here, and not making me feel pressured to get out.  My close friend has been my biggest cheerleader, and I visit my Grams for a hug regularly.  She calls me her 'saving grace' and who doesn't appreciate hearing that?

My sister in law had a birthday Monday, and I bought her a few Hazelnut Cream scented candles in a wooden tray.  She had mentioned it was becoming 'candle weather', and how much she enjoyed the smells.  I love the way they smell, too!  I will need some for whatever new place I may inhabit.