You’d think after a year of hurdles — a hurricane, months of insurance paperwork, builder changes, and finally demo day — that we’d be on our way to rising from the rubble.
We were ready. Plans finalized. RV life organized. Hope renewed.
And then came our next delay — courtesy of the federal government.
Apparently, because our house sits one block from a small public airport, our rebuild requires FAA approval before construction can move forward. Yes, the same FAA that oversees airplanes, flight paths, and airspace safety… is currently deciding the fate of our driveway.
And because of the government shutdown?
They’re closed.
So our rebuild is, quite literally, grounded.
Waiting for Takeoff!!
The Irony Isn’t Lost on Us
We’ve weathered a flood, a full demo, and more paperwork than a pilot’s logbook — and somehow, it’s air traffic control that’s holding us up.
I can’t help but imagine the conversation happening somewhere in Washington:
“Sir, there’s a family in Tampa trying to rebuild their house.”
“Near an airport?”
“Yes, but it’s one of those little local ones — you can see their backyard from the runway.”
“Ground them until further notice.”
So, here we are.
Stuck in FAA limbo.
Not because we don’t have permits. Not because of builders or materials.
But because our dream home needs… flight clearance.
Finding Humor Where We Can
If there’s one thing we’ve learned this year, it’s that you either find humor in the chaos — or the chaos finds you.
So as we wait for the skies (and the government) to reopen, we’re channeling our energy into something productive: Halloween decorating.
And by “decorating,” I mean the one thing we currently can decorate — our porta potty.
Yes, you read that right.
Since we can’t build a house, we’re making the most festive construction-site bathroom in Tampa.
A few string lights, a mini pumpkin, maybe a plastic bat or two — and we’re calling it “The Haunted Loo.”
Lessons From the Tarmac
All jokes aside, we’ve learned to let go of timelines.
We used to think of delays as failures. Now, we just think of them as… well, future blog content.
Somehow, humor has become our building material. And maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Until the FAA gives us clearance, we’ll keep doing what we do best — finding joy in the ridiculous, laughing at the delays, and making memories in the middle of the mess.
Because if there’s one thing this rebuild has taught us, it’s that sometimes you have to stop waiting for the clouds to clear — and just build your Halloween porta potty instead. 🎃
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Two Dogs and a Demo 