I Just Got a New Water Heater

That's right. By 10:30 a.m. this morning, I had a new tank. Who wants some?? It all began yesterday as Joe was loading the car with his bags and noticed the old tank was leaking out into the garage. It was a kick in the ass that he was able to notice what was occurring but had absolutely no time to help me do anything about it since he had a flight to catch. Damn damn damn. So I saw him off and then returned home and just stared at all the water. I'd already talked to my property manager's maintenance dude, Ron, who sounds like the old man from Family Guy but without the whistle. He was of little to no help in that initial conversation, so I called him back and left a message. It was close to two hours before I heard back from him, and when I did I gave him a tactfully hard time. Long story short, I bought a shop vac (you can get a 6 gal for under $40 from Lowe's) and vacuumed up all the water, as it was beginning to seep through the wall of the garage and into the laundry room. Apparently Ron didn't understand that my garage is not free standing and leaving standing water in it is not a good idea. The idiot. Also he didn't tell me the right valve to shut off. Finally, when one of his minions called me, I was told the right valve, which involved climbing up on a ladder to see over the top of the tank (it's on stilts). I then set up fans for several hours to dry everything out along the walls, and this morning, I got a new set up. Even though I was pissed about the amount of work I had to do as a mere renter, I realize this was a good experience for one day when I'm a homeowner. Yes, yes.

That said, I haven't had a lot of time to miss Joe during the first day of him being gone. But shit it's only been a day anyway.

I really need to be doing work today. My progress notes are due tomorrow for my crap job. Then tomorrow I have to actually work my crap job. God dang it. During the five weeks while Joe is gone, my main goal is to get a real, full time job. I'm also going to finish off my furniture refinishing projects and will set up one of the spare bedrooms as Joe's Army room. All his crap absolutely must have a central location...with a door that I can shut to hide it all. :-) Ooh, and I must also finish the taxes. I made Joe sign everything before he left, but for good measure I also finally have general power of attorney that doesn't expire for two years. That will make life so much easier!!

I also need to start a self-improvement project while Joe is gone by way of working out and eating better. We'd been eating pretty well, but in the last week and a half I've completely fallen off the wagon. Help me, Oprah!

Speaking of while Joe is gone, (which seems to be all this post is about), an MP on post got shot in the leg last night during a routine traffic stop at around 1:00 a.m. They're doing full vehicle searches today along with the usual 100% ID checks to everyone who goes on post, as they're still looking for the shooter. The whole thing is scary, especially since I think a lot of us, myself included, feel that post is the safest place to be. Even just one shooting compromises that feeling. I hope they find the shooter. Recently, a disgruntled post employee burned down the main JAG building, and with help from the feds, they found that bitch. Hopefully, we can go two for two.

To lighten the mood, let's close with this video. I'm sure everyone but my mother has seen it on Facebook already, so Ma this one's for you. It's Dexter!