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Post by disorganizeddragon on Apr 27, 2010 17:39:06 GMT -5
(I put an abbreviated form of this post this on my blog, but I've decided I also wanted to post here because could I use a little support . . .) Crap, crap, crap. Jumping gerbils on pogo sticks.  I come home from working several days straight, only to find a notice of doom on my door: Maintenance is coming in tomorrow to check and service the air conditioner. Did I say "crap" already? They didn't used to do this. But suddenly, out of nowhere, all of the air conditioners in our complex began having problems and breaking down. I'm sure the fact that each and every one of them was installed during the Nixon administration has nothing to do with it; we tenants are obviously abusing them in some way simply by turning them on.  So instead of buying new units--because there's absolutely no reason an air conditioner that's over 30 years old should need to be replaced--our poor maintenance guys now have to try to raise these things from the dead. Which, in my case, means they'll have to a) come thru my disaster area of a kitchen; b) continue thru my cluttered living room; and c) actually be able to reach it and take it out of the window and back down the stairs to work on it. Fortunately, I can close off the bedrooms and the bathroom, so I don't have to worry about those. What I really need to do is simply get everything into boxes--even the dirty dishes, if necessary--and make sure it's all out of the way. It sounds really easy. But then I look at all the stuff I have and I don't feel quite so confident. My head already hurts and I know it's going to be a very long night. I hope my kidneys are up to handling this much caffeine. If nothing else, this incident is the turning point for me. I've been working at ridding myself of clutter and I've gotten rid of quite a bit, but now I'm really ready to kick this cleaning and de-cluttering into high gear. I'm sick of being scared to death of every knock on the door, afraid that who's ever there will want to come in or will get a glimpse of the chaos. I feel like I'm wanted for a crime I didn't commit, unless being clutter-challenged is a crime. So I'm ready to whip this whole place into shape. If I survive tonight. |
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Post by _Linda_ on Apr 27, 2010 17:53:33 GMT -5
DD- All you can do is try your best. I wish you much luck in your endeavour.  I am sending you good thoughts.  |
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Post by notsomessyshell on Apr 27, 2010 18:11:41 GMT -5
The dreaded notice of doom! You can do this. I like the dishes in boxes idea. I never thought of that. You are making such strides in your decluttering! Keep going. I bet the maintenance man will barely notice the house seeing as he has a mountainous chore ahead with your Flinstone era a/c unit. If you tire just close your eyes and listen you can hear us cheering you on..... You can do it Dragon!!!!! We are with you in spirit.
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Post by morningglory on Apr 27, 2010 18:39:03 GMT -5
We had a similar panic last week. Got a call that the guy was coming to inspect our house for the insurance company, and it had to be done within two days of the call. I spent probably 15 hours doing heavy housework, as I thought he would be checking every single room of our house. I think I burned a lot of calories, anyway...
Based on that experience, my advice is to keep eating good food every few hours for your energy level, and take periodic rests of 5-10 minutes. And keep us posted!
Good luck!
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Post by handymandy on Apr 27, 2010 18:48:17 GMT -5
There have been times when I have shoved and stacked things in order to clear a wide enough path and then I covered the mess with sheets. Embarrassing yes, but they can only guess at what is underneath but can't actually see it!!!!
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Post by dtesposito on Apr 27, 2010 18:54:22 GMT -5
Oh Dragon, you have my sympathy! I wish I could come over and help you. Keep us posted on how you're doing, I'm going to be on and off all night and I will keep an eye on this thread. Do you have boxes to work with? Don't forget you can stash some stuff in the oven. Good luck! Diane |
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Post by success19 on Apr 27, 2010 19:37:57 GMT -5
Sounds like where I live - they act like things don't wear out or fall apart or just need replacement and they wonder why half the complex is empty?
As long as they can get to what they need to - don't worry too much.
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Blackswan
Banned
Joined: October 2008
Posts: 6,388
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Post by Blackswan on Apr 27, 2010 20:18:28 GMT -5
Cheering you on! You can do this! Chat helps too!
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Post by moggyfan on Apr 27, 2010 20:28:56 GMT -5
Here's what I think: Sweaty air conditioning workmen are not going to be too picky about your housekeeping as long as they can get from point A to Point B without tripping over themselves (or you or your stuff)! If you can't find a suitable box, you can always stash those unwashed dishes in your oven (as long as you remember you put them there,  !) |
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Post by success19 on Apr 27, 2010 21:09:18 GMT -5
They look inside our ovens here - seeing if it is nasty or something I quess - or there are buggies crawling in there? They are picky about cords on the floor or blocked windows - I quess that is a fire hazard.
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Post by mish on Apr 27, 2010 22:21:45 GMT -5
Bleh. I think after having to take down and fix the unfixable (x how many apartments?), your mess would be the last thing on the AC guys' minds. Maybe make a good impression in other ways, like offering a cool drink (they probably won't, but at least you offered!). I've done the "sheets over the piles" things before, and it works for everyone except mothers. But mothers usually find stuff regardless.... *sigh* Hang in there, we're cheering for you!
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Post by disorganizeddragon on Apr 27, 2010 22:45:13 GMT -5
A big thank you to everyone for your support! It's great to be cheered on and get practical suggestions, all at the same time. The best of both worlds! Diane, I do wish you could help me. Right now, the only help I have is my cats. They're being very helpful. This would go more quickly if they'd stop helping. (After I finish posting this, I'm going to put on one of bird cams. That should amuse them for a while.  ) I appreciate that you're going to keep checking in on me. And putting dishes in the oven is a brilliant idea. I almost never use my oven because my toaster oven works much better. It'll be nice to actually use it for something for a change. As of right now, I've taken out two big bags of trash and filled a box of donations which I put in the trunk of my car. The couch is lined with boxes for various items--dirty clothes, papers to be shredded, books, random items, etc. I had to leave to go on a box hunt because I didn't have nearly enough and I may have to go out one more time (but I hope not). If I can just make a pathway large enough for them to get this behemoth A/C thru the kitchen and living room and do my best to make it not appear as if a bomb blew up in here, I'll be happy. Well, actually I'd be happy if they weren't coming in here tomorrow, but I guess you can't have everything. (Where on earth would I put it?)
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Post by sparkle on Apr 28, 2010 0:44:31 GMT -5
I just know this is going to turn out well and in addition to a jump start on de-cluttering, you are going to have a new air conditioner that will make your life better in many, many ways. I agree that all the maintenance guys will carel about is a path and some space to do their work. Try to make the path as wide as you can so they don't bump into something and have the walls come tumbling down. What you have done already is mighty impressive, dd. I have a feeling you're even going to get a decent nap. Lots of support for you coming from here.
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Post by jkordestani on Apr 28, 2010 1:56:09 GMT -5
Don't forget that they have to come back to put the unit back in! This will give you a chance to make a second impression ... Good luck tonight and just do your best - this is all you can do anyway  |
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Post by DJ on Apr 28, 2010 5:46:32 GMT -5
my apartment was horrific when i got a 48 hour of entry notice. i didn't get it cleaned up. they had a path to what they needed to get to. i offered them their choice of a hot fresh cup of coffee or a cold soda from the fridge. they declared my apartment their favourite apartment to go to ever. some kindness and hospitality can go a long way. they usually have to deal with hostile angry tenants because they usually see tenants when something goes wrong. the maintenance staff here IS pretty bad at being maintenance staff but they are nice people. :} you can get through dealing with your home. you've managed harder tasks in the past and you can tackle this one |
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