Content warning: hoarding
The silver lining is that the ordeal ended up being the catalyst for myself and other family members to really push for certain changes, especially regarding clutter and the number of cats. There has been improvement, but there is still a long way to go.
But, at the time, it still was an inescapable damper that took days to navigate during what was supposed to be a retreat from that kind of stress.
I could talk for days about that ordeal alone, but I won’t do that anymore here. Instead, let me move onto the 💩
that happened the third day of vacation in March 2024!
My parents ended up going through with getting a whole new unit right then and there. Which wasn’t great, because the amount the unit cost could’ve gone towards rent or mortgage for a decent home that is accessible for people with gradually-increasing mobility issues.
Content warning: hoarding
The silver lining is that the ordeal ended up being the catalyst for myself and other family members to really push for certain changes, especially regarding clutter and the number of cats. There has been improvement, but there is still a long way to go.
But, at the time, it still was an inescapable damper that took days to navigate during what was supposed to be a retreat from that kind of stress.
But later that day we found out my dad called the heating company that installed the furnace ~10 years ago (which was fine!)… but then the heating company told him the parts for that particular furnace aren’t made anymore so he would have to purchase a whole new unit.
Commence “The Comedy of Errors” 😬
My parents ended up going through with getting a whole new unit right then and there. Which wasn’t great, because the amount the unit cost could’ve gone towards rent or mortgage for a decent home that is accessible for people with gradually-increasing mobility issues.
The furnace they had at the time was ~10 or so years old, so (at least in my partner’s mind) it definitely had some life left in it and likely just needed the problematic pieces replaced. We just needed details about the furnace unit, and then we were going to do some research on the parts to determine what to expect pricing-wise for that, and then guesstimate the pricing for labor.
But later that day we found out my dad called the heating company that installed the furnace ~10 years ago (which was fine!)… but then the heating company told him the parts for that particular furnace aren’t made anymore so he would have to purchase a whole new unit.
Commence “The Comedy of Errors” 😬
The fire department arrived, & they determined the carbon monoxide leak was due to some sort of small, double-paned glass panel on the back of the furnace unit breaking. The fire department turned off the nat gas and whatnot.
We advised my parents to use the electric space heaters for the next few days until we were back home, and we could help them with next steps (e.g., consult with multiple heating companies and determine which has best pricing for the repairs, etc.).
The furnace they had at the time was ~10 or so years old, so (at least in my partner’s mind) it definitely had some life left in it and likely just needed the problematic pieces replaced. We just needed details about the furnace unit, and then we were going to do some research on the parts to determine what to expect pricing-wise for that, and then guesstimate the pricing for labor.
Content warning: hoarding
Now, mind you, the house by that point was incredibly cramped up. Also since it was the dead of winter not long after some Lake Effect Snow, my dad had been caring for a classroom’s worth of cats in the house. So. Yeah. 😒
The fire department arrived, & they determined the carbon monoxide leak was due to some sort of small, double-paned glass panel on the back of the furnace unit breaking. The fire department turned off the nat gas and whatnot.
We advised my parents to use the electric space heaters for the next few days until we were back home, and we could help them with next steps (e.g., consult with multiple heating companies and determine which has best pricing for the repairs, etc.).
Alright, continuing this thread with the March 2024 “avalanche of weird 💩” that exploded all at once during what was intended to be a relaxing vacation to get away from it all.
I left off at the text I got from my nephew on the second day of vacation about the carbon monoxide leak.
Content warning: hoarding
Now, mind you, the house by that point was incredibly cramped up. Also since it was the dead of winter not long after some Lake Effect Snow, my dad had been caring for a classroom’s worth of cats in the house. So. Yeah. 😒
Continuing “Natalie in a Nutshell: ‘2024 Was a Dumpster Fire’ Edition” tomorrow. I need sleep.
Some good news for 2025 though: after disassembling the drop ceiling in the closet in my office because of a mouse, we built up an anti-mouse barrier. I also decided to use this as an opportunity to get a very early start on spring cleaning and am 85% of the way through re-assembling my closet & office.
So, yay! 🎉
I’m a tiny step closer to being able to do fun webdev things in my office again.
Alright, continuing this thread with the March 2024 “avalanche of weird 💩” that exploded all at once during what was intended to be a relaxing vacation to get away from it all.
I left off at the text I got from my nephew on the second day of vacation about the carbon monoxide leak.
Then, on the second day of the vacation, I get a text from my nephew that there was a carbon monoxide leak at my parents house. He got them out of the house, and that the fire department was en route.
Luckily, this was in the early afternoon so everyone was awake and alert to hear the carbon monoxide monitor go off. Definitely glad it didn’t happen in the middle of the night.
Continuing “Natalie in a Nutshell: ‘2024 Was a Dumpster Fire’ Edition” tomorrow. I need sleep.
Some good news for 2025 though: after disassembling the drop ceiling in the closet in my office because of a mouse, we built up an anti-mouse barrier. I also decided to use this as an opportunity to get a very early start on spring cleaning and am 85% of the way through re-assembling my closet & office.
So, yay! 🎉 I’m a tiny step closer to being able to do fun webdev things in my office again.
Anyways! Fast forward to early March 2024.
My partner and I are starting a much-needed vacation with my BFF from high school and her partner. A very much needed break for all of us—from work stuff and family stuff. It started off very refreshing.
Then, on the second day of the vacation, I get a text from my nephew that there was a carbon monoxide leak at my parents house. He got them out of the house, and that the fire department was en route.
Luckily, this was in the early afternoon so everyone was awake and alert to hear the carbon monoxide monitor go off. Definitely glad it didn’t happen in the middle of the night.
Natalie