Well, I'm leaving for Japan in one week (I'm actually leaving on Friday, but since I have to be in the car on the way to the airport at about 3:30 am, I'm just not counting that day), and as if I don't have enough to take care of in the next week, yesterday we woke up to a $900+ charge on our credit card for our automatically paid water bill.
Yes, you read that right. NINE-EFFING-HUNDRED DOLLARS. For WATER.
Colby immediately went to work trying to figure out what is wrong, calling the water company, making calculations, and generally stomping around the house with a look of stormy consternation upon his face. I just tried to stay out of the way and resist the urge to go to the bathroom. We're currently working under the assumption that the meter is broken. According to our toilet, it uses 1.6 gallons when it flushes and according the meter, it is using approximately 16. You'll notice a very importance difference in decimal places in those two numbers.
Granted, we've been using a lot of water lately as we've put in new grass seed and a new garden and we've been trying to keep them thriving in our recent near drought conditions. But we have definitely not used $900 worth of water. So. That's been fun! I'm thinking of just building an ark and floating away from all of our cares and worries on all of this water we're supposedly using.
I'm also stressing a bit because my next (and last) class begins on the 24th, the day before I leave for Japan, and I know I'm not going to have time to finish all of my work for the first week before my flight and I'm not going to have any homework time during my trip. Last summer, there was a week long break in the summer, and I thought it fell between these two classes, so that's why I thought the trip would work out perfectly time-wise. But apparently, Grand Canyon has gotten rid of their summer breaks. Argh! So, I'm going to email my professor as soon as possible and request an extension on my first week's assignments.
I'm still searching for the perfect day bag for Japan. I got the Sherpani Flora Minor in the mail the other day, and while it's an awesome day bag, I'm concerned about also using it as my sole carry-on. My goal is to carry only one day bag and a 24" expandable suitcase to make train-hopping easier, and I'm bringing this small hideaway tote in case I absolutely cannot cram anymore souvenirs into my bags. I ordered a different day bag that is a little larger than the Sherpani to do a test run--now I just hope it gets here in time! I really want the Sherpani to work because it is so much cuter, but I feel like the Rick Steves is going to be a better size.
(L) Rick Steves Avanti Flight Bag, (R) Sherpani Flora Minor
On top of that, I have homework to finish for the last week of my math class, I haven't even started packing or organizing for Japan, and we have two pages of house projects to finish before Colby leaves. But on the positive side of things, our bedroom, master bath and upstairs hall is finally painted after three days of workmen tromping through our house and it looks AMAZING! And we're leaving behind all of our cares and worries on Saturday for a romantic weekend in downtown Charleston. We can only do what we can do, and everything else has a way of working itself out. This weekend I just want to focus on enjoying the time I have left with my husband and eating dessert. Priorities, people. Priorities!!
Ooh, I like the Sherpani ... and really, having a bag limit the amount of stuff you can carry/buy is a good thing. Bags get heavy, yo.
Posted by: Lynn | June 17, 2010 at 05:15 PM
That water bill is insane!!! I hope they come out and find out what's going on with it.
And I can't believe you are going to Japan next week. How long is the trip for? Have tons of fun!
Posted by: Jass | June 17, 2010 at 05:39 PM
Wow, I had a heart attack over a $65 water bill (sewer is included and Tom's parents were here for a visit last month and so there were more showers, more dishes and more laundry piles). $900 might knock me dead!
Posted by: Jenn | June 17, 2010 at 09:22 PM
a $900 water bill!? that is insanity, hope that gets fixed asap!
and yay for japan! i have a feeling your teacher will understand, but woo that is so exciting.
Posted by: katelin | June 18, 2010 at 01:03 AM
I love how you wrote how you were trying to resisting the urge to go to the bathroom, that was hilarious! But, nonetheless, I would have automatically pooped my pants if I received a $900 water bill. That is flipping insane. They better get that straightened out ASAP!
So will you be blogging from Japan? I want to hear all about it!
Posted by: Kaley | June 18, 2010 at 02:55 AM
Your water bill reminds me of the $400+ (so adjust for inflation here) electricity bill we got when you were 2 and Britt was a wee little bitty. Daddy had moved to Virginia already, so I was tragic and pitiful, but the electric co. said the meter was spinning correctly - it was a $400 mouse that had shortcircuited the heat pump! The repairman thought I was in such desparate straights that he didn't even charge me for fixing the problem:) See -- children can be a good prop in some situations!!!
Posted by: The Incubator | June 18, 2010 at 02:03 PM
I waited on a Japanese couple last night who spoke very little English--in fact, the 3 words they said to me were "Bud Light" "Lemonade" and "Check"--and I couldn't help but think of you in the exact opposite situation very soon! It's gonna be so fun for you!! :)
Posted by: Brittany | June 18, 2010 at 09:11 PM
Have such an amazing time in Japan!!
Posted by: garden state prep | June 19, 2010 at 03:07 AM