The inspection today went well - there were only three problems that we're asking they fix:

• The furnace is very old and very dirty, it needs to be cleaned, serviced and evaluated
• The electrical outlets in the kitchen need to be replaced with GFCI outlets
• The ceiling fan in the master bedroom needs to be balanced (it's wobbily)

Looks like it's actually gonna happen...

They counter-offered.  Everything the same except $2k more.  We sign the contract tonight.  We close on the 27th of August.

We put an offer on the townhouse.  Our second choice is an awful choice - the carpet is stained throughout, there is NO swamp cooler, just really old, crappy window air conditioners... the bottom floor felt fine, the 2nd level was a little warm, semi-uncomfortable... then the 3rd floor is unbearable - I walked up there, quickly looked at the rooms then walked downstairs.  It needs a lot of work, new flooring EVERYWHERE, A/C, new paint, kitchen is crappy... bleh. 

The second townhouse was everything that the pictures showed.  It was perfect.  Could use a lot of work, but it's livable the way it is.  We know by 7:00 tomorrow whether they accept our offer.  If they do and everything else goes good, we'll close on the 27th of August.

I found some pictures of similar units that have been nicely remodeled:

Since we are already approved, I figure it's safe to post pictures of the house we're in love with.  We call it the barn house, because of the name of the subdivision:

Outside - 2 car garage, central air, 1333 sq ft, 3 floors, 3 bed, 3 baths

Living Room

Kitchen - kinda small but doable - doesn't include refrigerator, $500 kitchen flooring allowance

Dining area (see the brick??)

Deck, above the garage, enter from 2nd floor

2nd Floor Bathroom

Master suite - only thing on top floor, 300 sq ft

Master Bathroom

Our second choice:

Outside - 1 car port, swamp cooler (blick!), 1680 sq ft, 3 floors, 3 bed, 2 baths

Entry with small living area

Kitchen, looks green and weird but it's just the way the florescent lighting hits the awful staining job.

Eating Area

Bathroom on 1st floor

Master on 2nd floor

Bathroom on 2nd floor that has 2 entrances for the two bedrooms

Upper floor, bonus room

Upper floor, bonus room/bedroom

Deck/storage area.

We don't like this one as much because of the swamp cooler, the weird kitchen and 1st floor, and no garage, but  it's big and there's a $2000 carpet allowance.

We just don't have an agent yet.  My dad was supposed to be ours but has no time right now so we have to wait until tomorrow to make some calls.  We're getting impatient...

So, fancy this:

We're approved for a home loan.

After three years of trying, we're finally able to buy a home.

He's doing a lot better now.

Swelling is almost completely gone.

It seems no one but my mother and I care that George isn't doing well.  They must think "he got what was coming to him." 

He went into emergency surgery today.  Got a stronger dose of pain medicine (the highest dose allowed to prescribe) and more antibiotics. 

Before:

Sick.

Day after:

Not bad at all - not very swolen.

4 days after:

The infection is taking over - you can see his swolen neck.

5 days after:

He can't open his eyes very much, he's been on a see-saw of excruciating pain and uncomfortable highs.

See all that red on his chest/shoulder?  That's the infection spreading dramatically.

Antibiotics that I have to give to him through his IV that's left in his arm:

That ball is straight antibiotics - with .9% saline.

I'm taking George to the emergency room.

Someone fucking pray for him.

George's mouth is infected.  The dentist cut his gums and squeezed out some puss that was stuck in there and said that should help it heal faster.  He's on antibiotics and a different pain med.
He's in so much pain he doesn't know what to do with himself.

George was doing great the first two days or so, talking on the phone, watching TV, drinking beer... but he's been sleeping for the last 30 hours, only getting up to get him more pain meds when it was time and to put bags of peas and corn on his cheeks for the swelling.  He's really swolen now and is in a lot of pain.  The ibproven and percocet and tylenol PM hasn't been helping... starting to get worried?
Was planning on going to work tomorrow.  Maybe I'll go in late.