Monday, July 23, 2012

Check!

With three weeks of summer break already behind me I’ve finally accomplished my to do list.
stuff 165There were many other things on my to do list, but for some reason these things kept eluding my memory so three weeks ago I wrote them down hoping not to forget.  Every time I walked out the door I was reminded, but it still took me three weeks.  Since I’m not terribly handy around the house I tend to put off those jobs that a) require me to be handy or b) require me to call someone handy.  On Sunday, I decided enough was enough.

Even though I was shown where and how to change my air filter on my new air conditioning last year, I couldn’t remember for the life of me.  After some online research I was able to remove both of the unit’s doors and located the filter for cleaning.  CHECK!  Since the sprinklers’ timer is right next to the AC I reset it as well.  With our hot temperatures, it was time to set the sprinklers to go off twice a day instead of once.  Luckily I keep the instruction sheet next to the timer.  CHECK!

Since my handy jobs were finished yesterday, I worked on the handy phone calls today.  I don’t like to make phone calls like this.  I’m not exactly sure why, BUT it could have something to do with the volume of phone calls made when making arrangements for someone handy.  In today’s case, between leaving messages and call backs, 17 phone calls in all.

The first one was quick and easy - one of my new shutters wasn’t staying closed.  After a couple of appointment time changes, the installer came by and fixed the thingy that kept it closed.  CHECK!

The last thing on my list was the one I dreaded most.  I’ve been unhappy with my gardener for a few years now.  He and his guys just “mow and blow”.  That’s what I pay for so it’s fine, but since I am the complete opposite of a gardener I need someone who will take care of things that need to be taken care – a broken sprinkler, a dead plant, dry grass, whatever.  My gardener didn’t do that on his own.  If I called and asked, sometimes he would, but a lot of time he wouldn’t so I couldn’t rely on them.  Regardless, making this phone call wasn’t just going to be hiring a new gardener but basically firing the old one, which was why I kept avoiding it I think. 

Anyhow, I finally called and arranged for another gardener (recommended by a friend) to tell me what he would do and give me an estimate.  I really liked him, and I think he’ll take care of my yard nicely.  He starts Thursday.  check…but there was still that pesky issue of canceling the other service.  I tell you what, I could never be in a business where I would have to fire people, ever!  Even though I was just stopping a service, I felt so bad about calling.  I did suck it up though and called, soooo hoping to get an answering machine.  When the woman who answers the phone picked up I almost hung up, a nervous wreck.  Instead I powered through and canceled the service with her.  She didn’t seem to care one bit, so it ended up being painless.  CHECK!

I always feel so empowered when I take care of home repair or maintenance…or maybe it’s relief that I don’t have to think about it anymore. 

13 comments:

  1. Yeah, I didn't think the mow and blow fella would be over bothered. If you had an acre or two then yes. But anything smaller it's costing him to visit on travel time for his team.

    I don't know your taste so I cannot give a pointer to what would suit that was low maintenance and indestructible. There are more of that type of garden plant about than you might think. But a good tip would be to try replicate a garden you really like.

    It might make sense to ask the new fellow if the grey water could be used. You might be shocked at the volume of paid for H2O you are sending down a drain. Then to pay a ruddy fortune to dampen your plants when a thirty gallon tank with a pump could have you in a virtual jungle. Sometimes in places like yours such a rig could pay for itself in a year. I know in Spain payoff is two to three years.

    Oh, most people doodle squiggles not classical egg and dart. :-D

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    1. At this point, my taste is whatever isn't dead. I've been so frustrated with it, and it's even worse now that it's so hot. I think there are things previously planted that probably shouldn't be there because they aren't part of my "zone", but I don't know enough about it. The last guy may have helped me plant new stuff, but he didn't have any ideas. The new one seems to. For outside, I just need someone to say "Put this nice plant here."
      I've only ever heard of grey water tanks in camping trailers. I looked online to check it out and so far all I've found was how to get it using a bucket...no thanks. :)
      That's an "I need to pass the time while on another freaking phone call" doodle. How nice to know it's fancy. ;)

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    2. I'll have a look on the www for a site that will explain in a crisp way.
      For now, grey is not brown or crystal clear. The bath, shower, washing. Basically the vast majority of water you use in the home.
      If I put it this way. A good garden can put 10-20% on the value of a property. It will sell quicker also.
      Hay hoos.

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    3. Here's a few to keep you going http://www.bewaterwise.com/knowledge01.html http://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor/tech.html http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/law/california/
      If nothing else you be less flannelable when you talk to the gardener/landscaper.

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    4. Thank you! I'll check them out. Isn't the Internet something. I appreciate it.

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  2. The only reason I married someone "butchy" is to do all the crap work around here. Hell, I would have settled for a dyke as long as the work gets done! ha!
    Listen, good job at getting those projects done. Isn't it funny when the companies don't care if you fire them. Their attitude says a lot about the company itself.
    m.

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    1. Ha ha! Well with your new yard you may need both! A handy husband is a good find...right now I'm borrowing them. I'll add Fred to the list. :)

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  3. How nice to have completed your list! I always feel good coming to the end because I always save the worst for last.

    Also, much agreement on the firing thing...I could never be in charge as I whimp out!

    Happy Tuesday :)

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    1. I usually get my jobs done early so I can enjoy break without thinking about them, but I always "forget" those kind of phone calls. Sadly break is coming to an end. :( No more have tos for now other than unpacking the classroom.

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  4. What a boring list on y our chalkboard. LOL! I'll make sure it looks much more interesting next time I come over. I am currently avoiding my to-do list...clean out my closet, clean my bathroom, and clean out LIvvie's drawers! *sigh*

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    1. I can always count on you to make that board exciting (and rated R) :). I probably should have done those clean out things, but I just didn't want to. I've gotta have something to do for winter and spring break.

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  5. I need a chalkboard just like that to put in my hallway by the door. I need reminders!

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    1. It works for reminders! It also works as a good party game where your friends replace your reminders with inappropriate ones. ;)

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