My life is usually lived on an even kiel, most days. But when the stuff hita the fan, it comes in 3's and they're usually doozies.

Yesterday, I met my lovely new downstairs neighbors who were moving in and as promptly as they set foot in their new home they showed up and accused me of causing a leak in their apartment. After they raised holy hell, I was summoned from work and threatened with a lawsuit if any more damage occurred to their apartment if I didn't come back at once.

I did leave work right away, but it was to prove to everyone that the leak was not coming from my apartment. After doing volunteer work for 3 years with Habitat for Humanity I know my way around floor plans and structural issues really well. Well, my words went ignored (after all I'm only a woman) and when I stepped out of my apartment to go see the water damage in the apartment downstairs the plumber, who I can't stand, took a sledghammer to my foyer then proceeded to tear up my cedar lined walk-in closet. I ran upstairs just as he was taking aim with his sledgehammer for my tiled bathroom wall. You see he decided to make the holes first and inspect afterwards. I was so angry I stood in front of the sledge hammer and tore it from his hands, pulled out my cell phone, called management and told them the only lawsuits were going to be coming from my attorney who happened to be sitting in my living room at the moment (my sister in law) from the inept way they were handling the situation.

Within the hour the leak was located (downstairs midway through their wall) and I was left to clean up the plaster dust that was on my floor, furniture clothes, etc. I have already obtained receipts from the dry cleaners and laundromat for the clothes that have to be washed as a result of the plaster dust.

I've taken pictures and documented everything (did I mention it's good to have your attorney in your apartment when this is going on?). Well, at one point my attorney (who's also my sister n law) put her litigator game face on and the result was: today I will have a crew in my apartment fixing all the holes and painting the walls. In addition, I've hired a cleaning woman to clean everything after they're gone, for which the board will receive a bill.

Of course, immediately afterwards I was both visually overwhelmed and saddened seeing the damage of the hurricane. Later, when I finally finished my software upgrade I visited all my affected BE (blog) family and was greatly relieved to see they were all okay. It definitely put things in perspective for me! Everyone in that area continues to be in my prayers!

Anyway, by the time I finished sweeping, dusting mopping, and finished preparing dinner for 5, my sister in law informed me that my brand spanking new computer Hi-Speed computer had gotten infected by what she believes was a virus. I had not had breakfast or lunch, let alone a snack, and it was looking like I wouldn't have time for dinner other than a meal bar. I was ready to scream and cry at that point. I didn't because I have to keep my most excellent attorney happy and my son remindded me, "don't worry mommy, you're really good at fixing computers. There hasn't been a computer you have not been able to fix yet."

That was the inspiration and affirmation I needed. SO, after having spent the last 5.5hrs debugging, disinfecting and upgrading (with only one major issue solved with the help of a most wonderful guardian angel), I am now back to blogging full time. YAY! [doing snoopy happy dance]

My new state of the art PC is so awesome he's been christened Bad Boy!

Posted by: Michele at 01:35 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
Post contains 658 words, total size 4 kb.

1 Glad you are blogging, sorry to hear about your apartment.

Posted by: vw bug at August 30, 2005 07:13 AM (8QWwp)

2 Glad for the new computer, condolences on the charming new neighbors. Recommendation: push hard now as they seem like the type that you need to keep pruned back and on the defensive. As for the plumber, keep going and get rid of him. Feh to them all. *wolf turns, rakes paw back towards the louts a few times*

Posted by: Laughing Wolf at August 30, 2005 07:23 AM (ofLxe)

3 I would include a letter demanding the stupid plumber be replaced. I'm glad the computer is working. I can send you new games now.

Posted by: _Jon at August 30, 2005 10:01 AM (R6yie)

4 Unfarkingbelievable. Can you get compensation for the lost work time? I'm thinking you need to install some big-assed bass speakers in your floor, pointing down at their apartment. 'Cause those new games _Jon's gonna send you really need good bass to be thoroughly enjoyed at 3 a.m. Congrats on not belting anybody. p.

Posted by: Light & Dark at August 30, 2005 11:16 AM (+Ds2b)

5 Sounds like nothing you couldn't handle in grand style, Michele. By the way, did the downstairs people have the grace to say, "gee, sorry"? Or is that asking too much?

Posted by: RP at August 30, 2005 12:08 PM (LlPKh)

6 Well... I'm just going to tear up my list of things to complain about, now :-) Glad it got better.

Posted by: Harvey at August 30, 2005 05:14 PM (ubhj8)

7 There's got to be a way you can rope those new neighbor's into the litigation... something. Jerks.

Posted by: Bou at August 30, 2005 10:27 PM (5JHEt)

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