I’ve had a challenging couple of days dealing with the “wildlife” in my apartment. Night before last I noticed a very large cockroach flying above the window across from my bed. I was both creeped out and pissed off. I thought I had them under control with the Combat gel that Murray recommended. I was so upset that yesterday I posted somewhat of a tirade on my blog and then eventually took it down.
I went on the Boquete Community Group looking for another place. I was almost laughed back to Wisconsin when I said I wanted a place with no cockroaches. After digging a little deeper into the information on Combat, I discovered that it is indeed one of the best treatments, but it is not an overnight sensation. It takes a little while for the nest to be eliminated. But then it is effective for up to a year.
AND THEN!!!! (and this is the “Sorry” part) I made another move and put glue paper down outside one of my doors, thinking this would stop the huge spiders and cockroaches from creeping in under the door. What I did not think through was birds. I opened the door this afternoon to see how the paper was working, and there was a bird stuck to the paper. I felt so horrible. As I frantically tried to trim the glue strip from its claws, I soon realized that it was hopeless. I had to drown it. So, the bird kingdom is not happy with this gringa today.
I have now moved the glue strip to the inside of the door base.
Yesterday, in my emotional turmoil, I talked to Gloria about the possibility that I might not come back here next year because of the cockroaches and my needing to have a happier space to live in. I told her not to make any changes right now on my account. She was immediately responsive. She said that she has no problem with my treating the apartment for cockroaches in any way I want. She just doesn’t want to do it in her own space. I did not realize that. Gloria has agreed to have the entire place painted and put in the shelving that we had already planned.
She said she just wants me to be happy. She has a good heart. I feel like I am always walking a fine line of being unreasonable.
We also discussed that when I come down next year, I can fix up the place any way I want and deduct the cost from the rent. This now feels like a win-win. I can enjoy the place and not have to worry about packing things up and lugging them around.
Betty said that she would help me fix it up. I have a list of things I need, which I shared with her, and I will share with the rest of the group before I leave. During the coming months, they can keep an eye out for things as they shop.
I met Sandra Cripe and Laurie Collier at Mail Boxes, Etc. today to submit the final copy of the Being Prepared manual for production. So, that’s done. They would now like me to try producing a flyer for the class on April 20th.
Today’s fun:
I eventually put a blue wash over the two on the top left.
I love all of your beautiful art. You’ve spent a lot of time during the learning process and it sure payed off.
Chrissy, your cards look so “happy!” They reflect who you are. As far as the La Cucharachas, no bueno. How exciting to be able to decorate your haven.
I’ve gone three days now with no roaches. Hope they’re through with me. I’m going to look at another place today. Just in case things don’t go well here. I can’t imagine finding a more beautiful patio, which is where I spend the majority of my day. But…you never know.