Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A Test


Today is going to be a test of all the things I've been studying. I'm struggling not to go "postal" on my contractor. You may remember the Bad Ju Ju Closet. It started out to be only a three day project. Now we are into week four and the room remains torn up, the closet not even close to being finished, and soon we will have company that will need to sleep in that room. The contractor took part of the shelves to be redone two weeks ago, and then went on vacation! Yep, and without even a phone call. I left a message with him yesterday that all we wanted was the name of the cabinet maker so we could get the rest of the shelves, and find someone to finish the job. No response.

So now I need to use all the tools I have learned to put some space between my anger and fear, stop the storyline, meditate, visualize the outcome needed, and breathe....

I know this has been sent to me to help me learn what it is I need to learn. I know this to be true. The Universe provides the necessary tools to help in our spiritual progression. That's what this is all about. Ghaaaaaa

I'll let you know how I do.

40 comments:

ellen abbott said...

Just remember, if you don't learn it this time, next time will be even harder.

Doncha love those cosmic lessons.

Meeko Fabulous said...

Good luck!

luksky said...

I struggle every day...isn't it always so much easier to preach it than practice it???? Good luck with your test. :-)

L'Adelaide said...

oh nancy, this is so terrible when people leave us in the lurch, with nowhere to fall...and with company coming too!! Yikes, I wish I knew someone to help you up there but alas, I don't think I do!

I agree we are sent things to help us grow and learn the things we need but sometimes, I wonder about that....I mean do I need to know how to fix the toilet or do something I paid someone else to do for me? I don't know--it seems a fine and frustrating line sometimes!!!

I shall send you much creative and patience energy, my dear

GYPSYWOMAN said...

yes, sweetie, it's about what one can learn from neer'do-well unprofessional contractors who have no sense of personal or professional worth....learn to do it ourselves!!! :) can't tell you how many times i've been left holding the paintbrush, dirty carpet, over grown weeds, non-functional plumbing or electric, etc - and now, i KNOW i can lay shingles! just have to figure out how to get up on the roof without falling off...
peace - and more peace - jenean

Jen said...

Eh, it's just a closet. If it's not done then it's not done. Hang a nice curtain over it if it's not done by the time company comes- and when the contractor finally gets back to you tell him you will not be needing his services anymore and you will get the remaining cabinets yourself and have them installed by someone recommended by the cabinet maker or something. Sheesh!

Just because it's a tough economy is no reason to slack off on your job.

L'Adelaide said...

I forgot to ask , you had mentioned having problems getting onto blogs earlier in the week and I know mine is having problems for some...I have been told it's fixed by one person and so wondered, if you have a chance, if you wouldn't mind just popping over to see if you can get on my blog and if so, leave me a little AOK?

no worries if you can't...I think it's working==at least good enough! ;)

blessings to you...

Elizabeth Bradley said...

You would think, since there isn't much work out there for carpenters and contractors, that they'd do their best. I used to work with these guys and so many of them are flakes. It gives the industry a bad name. Janinacide makes a good point, you can hang a curtain over it if it's not done. Your guests will understand.

Joanne said...

My vote is cast with Jeninacide. First, hang a curtain. I think I'd start fresh with someone new, and IF the first contractor even calls you back, leave him in the lurch with those cabinets he took. I'm sorry for the headache, sheesh, it's really terrible to be treated like that.

JeannetteLS said...

You didn't get that book called "Living on Contractor Time." They don't use time zones, clocks, watches. Nope. A contractor explained it all to me just before I fired him--he figures he does all the garbage no one wants to do, has no perks, so he makes his own. Shows up when he wants and takes a few days when he wants--especially in the middle of a project. Yup. Not sure that I agree that things necessarily happen as part of a plan for us to learn, but I DO agree that sometimes that's the only thing we can do--find whatever lessons we can, take it with grace and move on. The curtain's a great idea. And your blog is terrific, by the way. GOOD LUCK

Reya Mellicker said...

Sometimes, though, it's only human to blow your stack, yell ... even curse. I just read that cursing actually helps reduce pain. Someone in Britain did a study.

I might read the contractor the riot act. Sometimes it's the squeaky wheel that gets the job done.

After the shouting and cursing, THEN I sit down to meditate and get all zen. You are human, after all!

DJan said...

I have felt my blood pressure rising when talking to someone on the phone who does not seem to realize that I feel taken advantage of, and how it makes me feel. Finding equanimity in the face of incompetence takes some doing. Good luck with that! Thanks for sharing, and I'm hoping we will hear how you ending up dealing with this guy.

Rosaria Williams said...

Ouch! You can't help but be dismayed. Sorry.

Verily I go. said...

I feel your frustration......BUT, I think a medium size Buddha and a candle is all it needs. I'm teasing Nancy, tequila on the way.

Brian Miller said...

agree with ellen. get it right this time, you don't want another. warm wishes, hope you pass...

Sylvia said...

I had one of those, with my fence. It's so hard to stay calm and to find a spiritual way when someone takes our money and doesn't do the work! I didn't... I hope everything will be all right!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Oh, just hang the curtain and make light of the situation. Laugh with the company about the unfinished room. When they leave, call the guy and assure him that you understand why he left you in a lurch and will be sure to tell every one you encounter about his shoddy business prctices......all with acheerful up beat attitude. This always seems to meke men nervous.

robert said...

It is a German saying which knows, that 'the ax in the house, makes you without need of the carpenter.'

Unknown said...

OMG,
Ellen is right,
I have never regreted something I "didn't say".....
Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Ha ha its your homework from planet earth. Let us know when your vision comes to life! I must be a 1st grader here on earth because I have so much homework

Von said...

Never sweat the small stuff and in the light of what else is happening in the world this is the small stuff.Irritating, annoying but it can be got round and think of the learning!

scarlethue said...

Goodness that's frustrating. I work with contractors on a daily basis. They can be a shady lot. Good luck.

Pyzahn said...

Really, what it's all about is that some contractors are lazy, unprofessional bozos.

But you can use their bad JuJu as reminder to be thankful that you are a responsible person. Ommmm.

Then you beat the bozos with a 2x4. And report them to the BBB so someone else doesn't have the same awful experience.

Peace be with you.

Anonymous said...

I honestly think you would put more of an artistic touch to that stinky closet anyway. Contractors! Who needs em'?

Break a leg!

Marlene said...

Nancy, I am expanding my kitchen end of month..and I am soooo nervous..its a new contractor...and its the kitchen a room that is used daily...I understand your frustration.. contractors here are notorious for NOT calling back.. and once they start the job and your at thier mercy...it only gets worse...I wish you luck... wish me luck to! Marlene

Midlife Roadtripper said...

I think its okay to swear a little while you're meditating and learning all that stuff you're supposed to learn from this.

Remember, this, too, shall pass.

Best of luck with it.

~JarieLyn~ said...

Your positive attitude still shines through all of your frustration. I like you.

Deboshree said...

Hello my dear friend,
I'm sure you will do good.
When someone has the will then things will always happen their way.
All the best.

Love
Deboshree

Adiya said...

Breathe in and out and in and out... Still, you're having the right attitude about this and i give you a great big resounding round of applause!

Dave King said...

I guess we've all been there to some extent at some time or other, but you do seem to be going the whole hog. Hope it all works out well for you - and in time!

Mental P Mama said...

Lord. Have. Mercy.

Hilary said...

I understand the frustration.. truly I do, and if I was in that situation I'd be fretting about it all too.. BUT.. if I had the privilege of being a guest in your home, I wouldn't care one bit about how the closet or room looks. The task will get done eventually. Don't impose that time limit on it, because really, it won't matter to your house guests.

Unknown said...

Oh man I know how you feel. My parents contractor built them half a fireplace and then disappeared. HALF A FIREPLACE? Granted this is south carolina they life in but don't they deserve a whole fireplace? I mean come on!

Herrad said...

Hi,

Came by to say hello, hope you are doing well and enjoying summer.

Love,
Herrad

Marguerite said...

Gosh, Nancy, you have the patience of a saint! If you have already paid this contractor, I guess that you're locked in? If not, I'm with your daughter on this one.

TheChicGeek said...

Never pay them until they have completed the work!!!
I've learned that one the hard way too :)

Good luck! Think of it this way, you are acquiring new skills and you will have a great sense of empowerment upon completion! You can do it, Nancy :D
xox

Lori ann said...

Dear Nancy,

I bet you get your point across, firmly, but without upsetting yourself and eventually you'll have a new closet. Which is going to be so nice someday!

good luck ☺

The Good Cook said...

This is why I never pray for patience - I'm afraid I'll be sent something to try what little I have!!!
Good for you for working your plan and not letting your plan work you!

Anonymous said...

*snigger*

Unknown said...

It all sounds frustrating, I am impressed with your patience. Its quite motivating especially when faced with all sorts of annoyances. Thank you for your post, it helped me persevere with patience as well in a currently similar frustrating situation.