We might be getting a roommate

I hope we're doing the right thing. It will mean a big change for us.

My friend who has offered to help with the painting of my room has been without a REAL home since she left her husband many months ago. She has been living in Yakima, and moved into a trailer on a friend's property. Trouble is, it has no running water, therefore no plumbing. She has to go into the house to use the bathroom and get water. Also, the heater is so bad, it can't keep the trailer warm during the very cold Winter months.

She has been thinking about moving back to Tacoma, and perhaps live with another friend of hers. The trouble is, that friend, despite her willing heart, is (for lack of a better description) white trash. She and her husband, plus a grown son and his two kids live together in a two bedroom house. They were evicted from a one bedroom house in May. She has a good State job, but she doesn't pay her bills. Her other son just got out of prison where he was serving for check fraud. It's one full catastrophe situation after another. On their way over this afternoon, they stopped by a "house for rent" a few blocks from here. My friend said it had four bedrooms, and she could have the upstairs for $200. But thinking about it, she kind of broke down and wondered aloud if she could move in here with us, knowing that it would be a healthier environment for her.

It will take some work to clear out 18 years of accumulated stuff that is upstairs. Our upstairs is not considered actual living space in the house because it's only six feet tall down the center. But my friend is 4'11" (and I'm just 5'4") so it's not really an issue for us. She stays with us frequently, and is comfortable up there.

This could be a win-win. She likes to help and could get me out and about for walks and things. She could be helpful to me, as a caregiver would be, in exchange for (very) cheap rent. She has applied for disability, and should know by July whether or not she qualifies. If she does, she could pay some rent. Plus we would both be getting food stamps. And no, I would not report that she moved in with us. I would consider it a "temporary" situation, because I don't want to compromise my benefits in any way.

Still, I don't know. I am a very quiet person, and she does like to talk. She needs to be busy ALL the time. But I think we could work that out. (fingers crossed) Also, she may provide the kick in the ass that DH seems to need so he will do more than just watch TV all the damned day long. Just sayin'. There are things that need to be done around here.

So, as it stands right now, she will be moving in sometime this summer. Once things get settled with her divorce. My God, I hope this works out. I really do. So why then do I feel so nervous about it?

Good night, TTYL and Be Well
Also, Happy Father's Day to all Dads!