(Post #40) House Sitting High-Tech: When a Long Shower Triggers Security!

I know what you’re thinking: She’s already writing about her new house/pet sitting gig? It’s only been one night and two days! Well, I did wonder what surprises might await me, and here I am, with more than a few stories already. Thankfully, no disasters this time—just a few moments of, "Wait…what’s happening?"

The first day in this modern, high-tech condo felt like stepping into a sci-fi movie set. After my last sit, surrounded by nature, this sleek, tech-savvy home is quite the shift. And yet, it’s still filled with that cozy warmth that comes with personal touches. I get these little clues about who my hosts are from the way they’ve decorated. The walls are lined with modern art, the hallway brims with awards and certificates, and in one corner stands a floor loom—her creative outlet, perhaps? The space seems to tell a quiet story of remarkable lives.

Now, let me describe some of the condo’s finer details. The master bedroom has a remote-control bed, the ensuite boasts a luxurious shower with three showerheads (yes, three!), complete with a floating marble bench, and there’s even a double-decker dishwasher in the kitchen. The living room feels like a mini theatre with its reclining loveseats and flat screen TV. And then, there’s the view! By day, the balcony overlooks a sparkling waterfront with boats drifting by. By night, the city lights up, and I can see the iconic Johnson Street Bridge illuminated, along with the twinkling marina and downtown lights. It’s magic from sunrise to sundown.

But this tech-savvy haven wasn’t without its quirks. On my first night, after a delightful walk along the waterfront with Niki—the cutest miniture schnauzer who has already trained me to hand out treats at her command—I decided to take a long, leisurely shower in that luxurious bathroom. I basked in the water pressure, lost in the spa-like moment.

The next morning, I woke up ready to start the day…until I realized I had no water coming from the washroom faucet. None. Anywhere. Was this déjà vu from my last sit? I frantically checked every faucet before finally calling the superintendent, who assured me it was probably just a tech glitch. Apparently, some tenants here have an app-controlled security system that can turn the water off remotely if it thinks there's an issue. Turns out, my long shower triggered a “water overuse alert,” and the owners, now halfway across the world in Athens, got notified that their water was “running too long.”

One quick message from them later, and voila! They reset the system from Greece. Isn’t technology something? I guess I’ll be keeping my showers short from now on…or at least setting a timer!

As for Niki, she’s a dream. This well-trained pup knows exactly how to charm treats out of me. She waits by the elevator door, expecting her treat as soon as we step in. She sprints down the hall, sits by the condo door, and gives me a look that clearly says, “Where’s my treat?” She’s polite, obedient, and a total delight to walk. Honestly, I think these walks might be more for my enjoyment than hers.

So, here I am, adapting to high-tech living, soaking in breathtaking views, and bonding with Niki. It’s been an unexpectedly eventful start, but I think I’m getting the hang of it. Just another day in the life of a nomadic sitter—learning the ropes, one gadget (and treat) at a time

Morning View from Windows

NEXT(Post #41) Full Circle Reflections: From Victoria’s Condo to Adventures on the Horizon

View from Balcony

 

First of Many Walks with Niki