A couple days ago my Mom was throwing something away in the garbage when she noticed little tiny 'pellets' by the garbage can. Those little suckers were mouse droppings. We think a mouse (or family of mice) got in the house, and decided to move in.

She freaked out. My Mom tore everything out of our cabinets, cleaning like a maniac. Most things went in the garbage, including some pots and pans. Irrational? Maybe. But I could see her not wanting to cook in pots or pans that were used as a mouse restroom. Gross. Then she announced to my Dad that it was time to renovate the kitchen. He tried talking her out of it but apparently she's not having it. Can't blame her. I'm not a fan of mice either.

Of course, when my parents decided to remodel the kitchen, they decided to remodel everything attached to the kitchen. The contractor my Dad hired is gutting the kitchen, removing the brick fireplace, tearing out all the ceilings and putting in recessed lighting, putting hardwood floor throughout the entire first floor (including foyer, dining room, family room, kitchen, and hallways), and also planning to remodel the guest bathroom at the same time. Bad idea Dad!

I know it's selfish to say this, but it really sucks having strangers coming in and out of the house. Change in my environment bothers me a lot. I've always been like that. When I was eight and we moved into the house we live at now, I remember having anxiety attacks and feeling like I was going to die. At 8 years old! I've grown up a lot since then and have learned to deal with change a lot better, but when things like this happen, all the old feelings return and I feel like that freaked out 8 year old kid again.

Hopefully the renovations won't take longer than a week or two, but that's probably wishful thinking on my part. My Dad thinks it will take a lot longer. However long it takes, I hope it's worth it.

Tomorrow I'm visiting with my 83 year-old-grandmother. I can't wait - she's a blast to be around. A few months ago she started showing signs of dementia. Up until then, her mind was amazing and she could out play me in Scrabble or one of her card games. I'll write a post about my grandma for another time. It makes me sad thinking about it. I like to remember the way she was when I was a kid. I'm taking her out to lunch at our favorite restaurant, and then take her shopping for groceries. She tends to buy double or triple of items she doesn't need, and forgets to buy the items she needs.