Every other year, my in-laws host my father in law's family for thanksgiving. There are roughly 30 people that come for the event and it always winds up being a stressful but fun time. In years past, my wife and I had been able to help a lot more with the cooking, cleaning and general prep that goes into having your entire family at your house. This year though, with everything going on in our careers, we weren't able to help. Well, let me rephrase that, we were, only not the same as in years past.
With my wife travelling so much anymore and my career taking off, I needed a project to work on after my real work every day so I bought an apartment building a couple months ago. Nothing special, I bought it out of foreclosure and it needs work. So, for the last two months, I have been working, with friends and hired help, to get this building ready for occupancy. I wanted it ready for January 1 which means I need it done by December 1 so I can show it off.
Luckily, I was able to fly through it and have it done. Last week, I was over my in-law's house before I had a meeting with the city to get my certificate of occupancy and my mother in law, Judy, came up with a great idea.
She said, "if you're going to have your C. of O., why don't we let the family stay there? Would you mind? They're furnished, aren't they?"
I said, "Yes, furniture is being delivered next Monday (thanksgiving week) so if that's what you want to do, I don't mind."
My father in law said, "What about your showings? Don't you want to get that started?"
I said, "Yeah, I have time for that though. No one is going to come for thanksgiving week. I like this idea. Plus, if there are problems, at least they only impact family and not tenants. I'll be able to fix them and spot them before tenants come in. Good idea Judy."
They all agreed and off we went. I got my Certificate later that day and I was set.
That Monday, as I was watching my furniture get delivered, I got a call from Judy.
She said, "Hey, is the furniture there yet?"
I said, "Yeah, watching it being delivered and assembled right now."
She said, "Good, can I come down tomorrow to see the place? I want to leave some treats for the kids too."
I said, "Sure, I'm leaving work around 1 or 2 tomorrow, how about meeting me here around then?"
She said, "I was thinking earlier. Some of the family is going to be showing up tomorrow night."
Not sure what she meant, I said, "Ok, well I have to go to the office tomorrow for a while. Maybe I can rearrange some things."
Her reply told me what I needed to know. She said, "Yes, I think it's in your best interest to do that."
I just chuckled and said that I would see her tomorrow.
The next day, I went to work early so I could leave early and meet Judy for our afternoon fling.