This is a personal update. We just found out last night that we have to redo all the plumbing pipes in our 90 year old home we bought 2 years ago. This comes after non-stop flooding challenges that were related to the actual water and runoff problems from living in an area that is not used to rain, and getting atmospheric rivers and an abundance of water last season. That resulted in having to dig up and fix, in certain places reroute, the water flow from the existing French drains. The same year, this one, our dishwasher malfunctioned and created more water damage in our kitchen which led to the discovery of leaded countertops which led to a kitchen remodel, which is now halfway done.
Then, two days ago the toilet started bubbling.
This one year alone, 2024, has by far and wide been the most challenging of all years. There have been so many personal problems beyond these listed that are still so very private and multi factorial spanning multiple family members. It’s been a year of untold sorrow.
Yet there is still so much hope for an end to this non-stop saga of extreme adaptation.
Or, maybe the adaptation is the only key here. If there be no end, building resilience as far as I see it, is the only way. It’s the only way to move through it. That might not look entirely graceful, but sometimes the key is survival IS thrival.
Maybe that’s why I decided to join this challenge with NanoPoblano—but not really; I’ve had so many challenges that challenges and “getting out of the comfort zone” talk just sounds like BS to me. Not that any cheer peppers take that type of tone. They are a uniquely sincere bunch, living the best they can—not a lot of talk about living out of the comfort zone. Maybe they are working on it, too: still trying to create a comfort zone that never quite existed.
I choose to join OTHERS. I’m not alone. I know that life has been truly traumatizing for so many, mental health conditions are on the rise, and extreme weather and political unknowns have people on edge.
Here’s the thing though:
We are gonna get through this. All of it. Will we be a smidge wiser: YES.
Pause.
This is that fancy time of year when people are all getting together with their families to celebrate the holidays. I will get the gift of having my father come to visit for 2 weeks. That will require adaptation. However, I am so looking forward to seeing him and sharing this Thanksgiving holiday for the first time in so many years. He’s not really a big celebrator. He’s from the school of hard knocks and that’s also how I’m here.
Life is short. Having a roof over my head, sharing love, and knowing that I live in a sanitary environment with my family is good enough for me. Each day has been coming with its surprises. I’m grateful we caught this collapsing old pipes problem now before we had a bigger catastrophe. Sure it’s still a very costly problem, but at least it’s not worse.
That’s all I can say about everything that’s not great: at least it’s not worse. And for the first time, those words are more reassuring and comforting to me than any time they came before (or from someone’s else’s mouth).
Day 4
Fiesta Estrellas 
Oh, Ka!!!! Sending lots of love and light!!! And what a coincidence that we are having trouble with our bathroom sink suddenly rusting…and our kitchen faucet leaking. UPon some research…it could be due to old pipes…or more likely our hot water heater. So I am conducting a test to see which it is…at this point…wishing for the water heater!!! Sending lots of patience…and just confirming that you’ve got this…no matter what!!! ❤
Lorrie 💗💗💗
I’ve got no words right now! 🙂 just love 💗 thank you. 🙏🏻
_/\_ ❤
Mmm, water, fluidity, movement. And you changed as they changed you. If a little painfully, in your mind as well as your pocket. It’s at that point that something really powerful wants you to move house…and you get a really goods price for it ‘because’ you have great drainage, new kitchen etc 🤣
It has been a powerful couple of years Ka, so much so quickly. But I would hope a little rest and recreation is at its end. Even if just a nice book by a pool in your new home 🤗😂❤️🙏
Thanks my friend, it helps to see it from a place of observation and not utter frustration—both parts are included though! Lots of forces in motion for sure!! Constant growth and change! Love you, friend!!! 😍
Much love and light to you and yours also Ka, and a heartfelt rest too 🤗❤️🙏
This was such a helpful and meaningful comment. I really thought I had replied to this one. I remember this comment. So I’ve found a couple of issues with the comments that somehow get stuck in “pending” void. Many of them I felt like I had read and approved. Some of them I thought I even replied to. Finally some I never ever even had the pleasure of seeing before!!! And this “pending” comment issue is still different than the issue with being unable to write in the box that at least 2 people reported so clearly. I am still working on it! 🤗♥️. Want to get to the bottom of it and funny how this post was about piping. I feel like my blog is clogged!!! 😂 💦 🚿
Gonna have to figure out how to open the flood gates or something… which is the other major problem at the house that we just fixed in this past most recent season. It’s been a lot, 2024, and 2025 is not showing any signs of slowly down: but the quality of it all is different, somehow. 🤷♀️
It has been a little testing in recent times, and you almost feel like your emptying a bathtub with a thimble 🤣 Breeeeeathe…we’ll get there kind lady 🤗❤️🙏
That’s a very apt analogy! Haha 🤣
Very creative, Mark ✨
I’m so sorry to hear of the troubles you are dealing with, Ka, sending love, hugs, strength and patience! 💙💪🤗
Sending love and hugs and hoping that life settles down quickly for you and your family. 🙏
Thank you my friend. It has been certainly eventful in so many ways, and not really too many ways has it been comfortable, but overall, I’m stronger for it all. Love and hugs to you as well! 💕💕🤗