TIME OUT...by b. Malin
62
SO...HOW'S IT BEEN GOING
Well here I am, it's about 5:30 on Sunday afternoon, and I'm finally back to say "HELLO" to my Hub Friends...It's been a Fun Filled Week working on the "Condo with the View"... Am I being Sacastic? I'll let you be the judge of that, as I tell you some Frustrations that came along.
Monday...We arrive to find the "Commode" in our Bedroom DRIPPING...And the "Painter" looking HORRIFIED because he has just come from there. Lover Man says, "Don't worry, I can FIX it... the "Toilet Fill Valve" just needs a little tightening". Both the Painter and I are Impressed, as my man gets down on his knees and tries to Tighten that little valve. He does so, and then sees upon removing the lid from the Toilet Tank, that the "Fill Float" was also Broken. No Problem.. A run to Home Depot, and the Commode is ready for more ACTION. What a Guy, my Lover Man, I am in Love!
Tuesday...We arrive and the Painter is coming out of the Guest Bathroom and the first words out of his mouth are, "The Sink is LEAKING"! My Man says, "No Problem"...and back we go, this time to "Lowe's", to pick out a new Faucet, A Gold one, and the parts for underneath the sink. Well this FIX was going to take much LONGER... Lover man gave up on it by 6:30 p.m. with parts all over the place. Meanwhile, I had gotten the name of a "Joe the Fixit Man". I called him, much to Lover Man's Protest.. "Joe" could come by on Wednesday. "How much do you charge"? I asked him over the phone. "$25.00 an hour. I breathed a sigh of relief and Lover Man just grunted. I wind up leaving a note for the "Painter" not to use this bathroom sink...there is no running water, only a bowl sitting underneath.
Wednesday...We arrive and the "painter" is actually PAINTING! Joe the "FIXIT MAN" arrives with his young son of about 6, who is Large for his age, even though he is called "Little Joe," He and I wind up out on the Lanai, and I find myself impressed with this "Talkative boy", who is really very sweet and so well mannered. Meanwhile Lover Man shows Joe the "Problem Sink". Lover Man still wants to "Fix It" himself...This must be a GUY THING... Joe winds up giving him the same advice that Lover Man quoted to me on the drive home the night before. In his mind he knew what he was doing wrong, and how to solve it. Joe has been with us at this point, about 20 minutes. He has never touched the sink. I asked how much we owe him for his time and advice. He hesitates. "Would $20.00 be ok"? I say. "That's fine, Joe says, after all I didn't really do anything"...That's true I think as I look at Lover man who is Smiling, and looking so Happy...And Yes, he does Fix the Sink... That's My Man, My Lover Man!
Thursday... "Bill" the Licensed Contractor arrives with his Son, "Todd", the other Son, "Teddy", is in the Hospital with "Food Poisoning" that he got after the Super Bowl Game on Sunday. Of course we are shocked and sorry to hear that. Bill assures us that "Teddy" is built like a big Bear, and should be coming home over the weekend. Mmmm, I think, cute, "Teddy Bear"...I couldn't resist that thought! Anyway, the Boys are supposed to work on the ceiling in the kitchen, and update the Electrical with GFI's, as well as put up all the New Ceiling Fans. But now Bill will be helping Todd until Teddy is well enough to work. I say to Bill, "We heard he would need to get a "Permit"...He says "Nah, I know Robert the Buildings Supervisor, and he kinda WINKS at me. So I say, "Are you sure you don't need one". "Sweetheart he say, If I did, I'd be the first to get one, please don't worry your pretty little head about it". "Ok, I say, Ok". Meanwhile the "Painter" is saying, "you do need a Permit". Now as this day comes to an end, the "Painter" and the Licensed "Contractor" are GLARING SILENTLY at one another!
Friday...We arrive at the Condo, only the "Painter" is there with a story to tell. It seems that Bill and Todd arrived in their Truck promptly at nine, and started working on putting up the Ceiling Fan in the Living Room. No sooner had they drilled their first hole, the "INSPECTOR" arrived and shut them down. "Do you know why"? he said grinning from ear to ear. "Oh let me guess I replied, and then Lover Man and I both said in unison, "they needed a PERMIT". "That's right, the painter said smugly, They needed a PERMIT... didn't I tell you so"? "Yes, Lenny, you did, I sigh. "Hey, I didn't Snitch on them" he replied, "Those Inspectors just ride around until they see a Contractors truck...they're like Blood Hounds...they just sniff around until they find their man". Then "Lenny the Painter" goes back to painting, and Lover Man and I silently go out to the Lanai to take in the view and just Breathe.
Later on in the day, as we are leaving, "Bill the Contractor" calls to say "I guess you heard what happened"...I said, "Yes we did". "Who knew, he replies...It is what it is...I'll apply for the Permit on Monday...not to worry, just a little setback...you'll hear from me in a day or two". "How's Teddy doing"? I ask. "Well he comes home on Saturday, and with this little setback of ours, you know the Permit... he will be able to join Todd and I, hey, that's the bright side of the coin". "Yes it is" I say as I look at Lover Man, who can hear the whole conversation for I have Bill on speaker phone, he is nodding and Smiling. We say our "Goodbyes" and hang up. Lover Man grabs me and kisses me and says, "Time Out" it's the weekend! Yes I think silently, as I kiss him back, and remember all the returns we have to do on Saturday to Lowe's, and Home Depot.
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (2)
- Funny (9)
- Awesome (7)
- Beautiful (2)
- Interesting (9)
CommentsLoading...
So look at the bright side, b. Look at all the fix-up techniques you are learning. Someday you will look back at this and smile. Then again it may make you cry again. One never know.
Haven't heard from you in awhile, so welcome back. I'd run from any contractor who said you didn't need a permit when you knew it was needed. I'm glad you approach this with your usual humor. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Hi Mckbirdbks, Yes, we are Proud and Happy, and Extremely Tired! Lots to do, even with some Hired people...I'm so glad you Enjoyed my Humor in this Hub...It sustains me.
We are Laughing a lot Drbj...too TIRED to Cry...and most times there is such unbelievable Humor...Couldn't make it up! But as usual I so Enjoyed your Comments.
Hi Alocsin, I've been so Busy driving back and forth and buying what is needed for the "Condo with the View" that its left very little time at the end of a day, to write, or visit my Hubber Friends. So today, and Sunday, seemed to work in my favor. Thanks for your Comments, and of course for your Vote!
I really enjoyed this one,cleverly composed and full of humour!!
I vote up and here's to many more to share.
Take care and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Ah the joy of contractors :) Enjoyed your story and good luck.
OH dear, it never goes completely right straight away does it? what do they say? too many cooks? haha! I think your husband is probably the best bet to get it done, at least he's enthusiastic! lol! good luck!
You guys pay for my plane ticket and I'll fly down and fix everything up in a jiffy.
Nice writing.
The Frog
b. malin,
Nothing like a sense of humor, Home Depot and a beautiful partner!
Your adventures sound wonderful and like you have indeed earned the right to a 'time out'! Voted UP & FAB, mar.
This is so clever. I so enjoyed reading it!
Renovation is right up there on the stress list next to death and divorce!
Sounds like one of our adventures! Up and funny!
This story of your condo renovation is getting funnier and funnier, b. Malin, but it could also be getting more and more frustrating for you and Lover Man! It sounds like you're both still smiling, though. Good luck, and please share your next condo adventure - I'm looking forward to it!
Hi Elddwen, This has been one Crazy Experience, but so worth it. I'm so Glad you Enjoyed the Read and my Humor on it all. Thanks so much for your Vote!
Hi Susan, you got that right...I just hope my Contractor will be back with Permit in hand! Thanks for Enjoying my story, and the wish for Good Luck.
I guess he is Nell, and I just hope as I told Susan, that the Contractor will be back...Otherwise Lover Man may be doing much, much, more...of course the Inspector will be watching and yelling Permit, Permit!
Oh Froggy, you are Wonderful, however... are you Licensed...and DO YOU HAVE A PERMIT? So Glad you Enjoyed and thanks for the Compliment.
I think if this were my home and I lived alone - as I do - I would break down day one. I would feel like the world is against me. My attitude would not be the same as lover Man's reaction.
As for the painter vs. contractor, this is why even if I had lots of money and could afford to build my dream home from scratch, I would still buy a home that is already completed even if it wasn't exactly my dream home. I can't deal with the stress...
Time out only lasted a few Hours, but I do feel Refreshed and ready to tackle what comes my way...Yes, having a sense of Humor and seeing a "Hub Write" around every corner certainly Helps! Thanks so much for your Vote and thoughts, Marcoujor.
Hi Acaetnna, I guess my "Humor" is what it's all really about... and it certainly helps at the end of a Crazy day...Thanks for Enjoying.
Funnier Words have not been spoke, Breakfastpops...Sounds like you've also been through "Renovations" and Survived!
Lover Man and I have turned out to be a Laugh a Minute...So Glad you could relate, WillStarr.
You know Alicia, Lover Man and I could probably do Stand Up Comedy on the Renovations of... "The Condo with the View! Hopefully, things we'll start to go smoothly, for a change, but hey, it gives me Hubs!
Oh Flora, Lover Man is far from a "Happy Saint"...believe me there is a Temper there. Yes, there is definitely a lot of stress involved when you have to rely on a Contractor...Some work we just can't do ourselves and the Rules....PERMITS, PERMITS! But eventually we will close the door and call it ours!
Always a pleasure to have you back girly! Wow, what a week for sure. That condo and poor you? You always put a big smile on my face b malin, always. I see your avatar and I smile. No joke. I sure do hope things go better for you, but you have such a great attitude about it all though. Shows your true character. Great to hear from you and I send you both a lucky four leaf clover!lol
errr didn't fixing the commode require a license? and now a hub on what you did for the weekend????
voted up funny and great
'That view' will get you through anything! it's been a frustrating week for you both, but you are still smiling - well done!
This was funny and entertaining reading thank you and am looking forward to the next update!
All the best and voting up, Lesley
I definitely need that "Four Leaf Clover" Lyricwriter, we haven't heard from the Contractor, since this "little incident" with the Inspector...Hoping he has gone for the Permit! He said he would...Anyway Thanks for your Wonderful Comments Friend.
I'm not going to ask if the Commode needed a License...for it really was a matter of Tightening this, and Replacing that...Anyway Neeleshkulkarni, the Weekend was Fun. Thanks for stopping by and of course your Vote, and thinking my Hub Funny.
Hi Lesley, reading your Comments has made me feel Upbeat...Thank You. I'm so glad you could Enjoy my sense of Humor on all the latest Happenings... and thanks for the Vote as well!
Hi b.Malin! You tell this so well that I feel like I am right there with "Lover Man," the "Painter," and everyone else. Great! Just great!
Hi Dexter, I wish you were there, it's really been a Laugh a Minute...NOT!...But hey, it's given me a Few Good Hubs to Hub about. Thank you so much for your Comments, and Enjoying!
Hail to the handy man. Painter person. Heh. This is a fun read, and I sense the excitement of moving to a new place in it too. Nice hub of days. :)
Hi Astra Nomlk, and when these two start to get along, it will be a Good Day! Yes, the Condo with the View, is very Special to us...can't wait to make Memories there.
Ugh all those frustrations, but it is good to see you and Lover Man can still smile through it all. Those contracters are so cheeky.
You certainly deserved the 'Time out'
You have such a gift for making the nitty gritty mundane things of life funny and oh so entertaining.
Can't wait to see a photo of the final results! Sounds like the condo will be awesome once the renovations are done.
Your Lover Man is a keeper. What a guy- handy with tools and still retains his romantic streak.
Enjoyed this. Voted up across the board.
Hi Rosemay, Family has arrived for a few days, so the "Time Out" is extended...While we are still waiting for the PERMIT...The family Loves the "Bones" of the "Condo with the View". Thanks for your Thoughtful Comments.
Hi Happyboomernurse, Lover Man is a Keeper (most of the time...) and he is a Romantic. We all have our Moments of sheer Craziness...but, always, always, we have our Humor. Thanks for your Wonderful Comments, and of course your Votes.
Thank you for the update. Ah, the travails! Good thing you've got Lover Man there with you. :)
Hi James, you're welcome! Yes, he and I are quite the pair...We also took time out for Family Company...And tomorrow it's back to working on "The Condo With the View"!
It looks like you are enjoying being too busy to write. Is enjoy the right verb, I wonder?
Hi Flora, I wish I could say "we're having Fun"...Yes, the Family visited for awhile and that was FUN! But now we are patiently waiting for the PERMITS to come through so we can get things done at the Condo. Having Time to write, I have NOT had, and that's NOT Enjoyable. Thanks so much for inquiring.
Well, the fun of remodeling rarely ends but you convey this in a nice bit of humor and with your head held high. You do very well with much patience, likely much more than I would do. Loved reading this.
Oh Bobbi, it is What it is...and I really DON'T have much patience, especially when it comes to waiting, and WAITING for the Permit. Thanks for your Comments, and Compliments, always appreciated!
Good to be able to catch up a bit w/my fave* Hub person~
Nice update story, keep on keeping on. Your condo w/ a view sounds lovely & very exciting. Good health, love & happiness to u* & Stephan in your new abode w/ a view!
lol , Cher
Thank you so much my dear Friend Cheryl for all your good Wishes, so appreciated. Hopefully you and Steve will come next Season and Enjoy it with us.
Only one word needed here:- Brilliant!!!!I now look forward to many more.
Take care
Eddy.
Ahh, the joys of being a homeowner/condo-owner! All the little things that can cause big problems belong to you.
Pride of ownership goeth before the fall (of water dripping down the light fixture chain!)
Oh Thank You Elddwen. Your Thoughts are always Appreciated, and Valued.
Oh I hope NOT Perspycacious...Although we did have that LEAKY Commode, which I am Proud to say, Lover Man Fixed! Just Don't tell the Permit Guy! I'll be by to visit your Hubs.
Oh my! This sounds like a "How To" hub or "Jack of most trades"! Wishing you good luck:)
Hi Sunshine, I'm telling you, the "Talents" you don't know you have, until you buy a Condo that needs some Fixing! Thank You so much for your Wishes of Good Luck!
Hey Barb ~ Well since I am so behind in my reading, I must assume that these "little" problems with the condo have been resolved. I can only hope. You certainly have a way of telling a story and making us laugh. Wishing you luck with all you got going on!!!
Sharyn
Well Sharyn, I'm still waiting for the Permit to come through...But I now have a new Contractor who actually applied for it...unlike the other guy...But hey, where would I be without Turmoil in my Life...No Laughs! Thanks for your Good Wishes.
mckbirdbks Level 8 Commenter 3 months ago
The Room with a View is just bubbling over with pride of ownership. These events slow down after awhile. I enjoyed the humor of your story.