Wow. It looks like I was really missed. First, let me say I'm really sorry for not being around but the last 2 weeks have been a nightmare. The mold in our apartment got so bad that we made the big decision to move even though our lease wasn't up until December. Our landlord was ecstatic about letting us out of the lease because that meant he could renovate the apartment and get a ton more money for it. Oh well. Anyway, we decided to move to Brooklyn where we could find a cheaper, bigger apartment and the commute to Manhattan wouldn't be too long. So last Thursday we moved to our new place but of course the new landlord lied to us and told us the place was ready for us to move in. Nothing could be further from the truth. No electricity. Plumbing messed up. They were still working on the place when we showed up and there were saws and saw dust everywhere! It was insane and horribly hot. So almost 3 days with no electricity and we couldn't use the tub, no hot water, rooms needing to be painted, and I could go on and on. I went back to the old apartment to clean it up and turn in the keys (and hopefully get a shower) but to my surprise ... they went into the apartment and gutted it in the few days after we moved out! Everything was gone!! I was in shock. At least we got most of our stuff out. So I call up the old landlord and he apologizes and offering me a rent reduction to make up for it. The new landlord also took off a week of rent to make up for all the "inconveniences" we have suffered.

So, the old landlord claims the apartment early and the new landlord didn't finish our new apartment. We felt like we were in limbo. And here we are in the heat with a baby girl and Wampi who was seriously freaked out and not wanting to spend another minute in that cage he lived in for 2 months.

Fast forward to tonight.

So here I am, finally in our new apartment with electricity, working toilets and a bathtub, lukewarm water and things seem to be settling down now ... but wait ... in blows Rita to Texas! I grew up in Texas and my mom and sister are now trapped in grid lock on I-45 going north to Dallas trying to get out before the Hurricane hits. My dad lives on a small farm south of Houston and he is headed Southwest to get away from the storm. His house is so old that winds of 100+ will most likely rip the roof off. My aunt had heart surgery last week and is driving alone with her cat and dog trying to stay in contact with my Mom and sister but the cell phone lines keep jamming. I'm all stressed out with worry.

So there you have it guys. My life has been a nightmare of neverending stresses for weeks and I'm sorry I haven't posted but hopefully you understand why. We are all doing better here (especially being away from all the mold rampant at the old apartment) but now I'm worried about my family. And I miss my old neighborhood in the East Village.

Wampi is doing great and, except for his legs bowing out in the back and his inability to jump, he seems much like his old self. He even caught a mouse earlier today and brought it to me. Yes, He loves me! =)

I'll try to post some photos soon but please bare with me ... my life has been chaotic and I'm one inch away from freaking out.