Once again, I am counting my blessings. A major hurricane, Helene, just did a hell of a number on the West Coast of Florida, and then continued on up to the Carolinas and caused lots of mayhem there. My family living in North Carolina is actually in worse shape than I am here in Largo, which has me a bit baffled to be honest. Alas, I am so thankful I was spared this time.

I was on the road for the past month seeing family and friends up and down the East Coast. It was a great run, and I had such a wonderful time seeing everyone. Road trips have definitely become therapeutic for me. As I travel for miles and miles, I think about how things are, what the next steps in life should be, and what solutions are possible. At the same time, it feels healthy to visit my friends and family and see that we are all in some sort of struggle that we’re all trying to work out. At times I feel we all lose sight of that fact when we get too caught up in our daily lives and don’t realize that the struggle is real for everyone.

I mentioned in my last post that I’m planning on renting out a room in my place here as opposed to renting out the entire house and moving out. I’m trying to remember if I had met the significant other I’m with when I wrote that post. Finally meeting someone here and having a relationship that actually seems to be working out for once has been a game changer I have to admit. As I try to look at the positive side, I’m looking at my options before me, and of course I can always change course if or when events change in the future.

After two years of doing major projects on my house, I’m ready to throw in the towel, at least for now. Who am I kidding? It never ends with a house, and definitely not with a sixty year old house. Still, I have to slow down on pouring money into this place and start to recoup expenses. My friend who has been staying here to help me with projects will soon be having to move on, once I can finally stop the steady flow of projects where I need his help. The projects seem to have no end. Right now we’re working on a door projects that has literally taken months, and it’s still ongoing.

With all that being said, those are minor issues compared to what could be going on right now had we taken on any damage from the hurricane. I am very thankful for the good fortune in life I’ve had lately. Meeting someone, having the freedom to travel and see friends and family, and now getting worthwhile improvements done to my house. We really do have to step back and smell the roses on occasion. But Helene, glad you’re gone, and it’s good to know you aren’t coming back.