Update (or Fifteen)

Since my diatribe of Thursday, there’s more news to tell! When I got home Friday night, there was a voicemail on my cell from the manager of my apartment complex, completely agreeing with me that the situation was unacceptable and that she is absolutely on my side in getting these repairs done correctly this time. (Me: Uh-huh. Sure.) She also mentioned that she had spoken with the district manager about the problem and that that person is on board as well. (Me: It’s getting a little deep…)

Friday night’s towel use: 5. But I did get to go to Panoply and watch children paint a playhouse and watch Cita’s students create new colors for the kids, and wow, had I forgotten how much energy four teenage girls have when they’re all in one group. Cita whips out her Droid (drool…) and notes that it’s going to rain in about fifteen minutes. Panoply is in a completely uncovered outdoor park. The best protection from rain in the park is your car. Four teenage girls can also clean up a giant paint-y mess in about three minutes. By the time the storm broke, we were already halfway back to our cars.

Aside: Cita’s mother is a power walker like me. I love that.

Saturday, Panoply was cancelled because the sky was falling. There really was potential for tornadoes and other nastiness, so it just wasn’t a good day for an outdoors art festival. I had all these great ideas to clean, and around 4pm I finally got around to it. Guess what I found on the floors of the laundry room and kitchen?

One call to maintenance and forty-five minutes later, a very nice man, originally from New Zealand, proclaimed my leak “The worst I’ve ever seen.” Awesome.

Towel use for Saturday: 10. As I pointed out to Lucy’s mom, I have a surprising number of towels for a single woman. I have somewhere between fifteen and twenty. Still, I’m having to wash towels three or four times a week. Imagine what that’s going to do for my water bill?

Sunday arrived without any new watery presents. I don’t think it’s fixed; I think I got a reprieve. I did get to do my volunteer shift at Panoply, where I was forced to sell raffle tickets and get a bit of a sunburn on my right forearm, and only on my right forearm. Re: selling – I am not a saleslady, folks. I hate it, I suck at it, I feel like I’m intruding into people’s lives, and it makes me so very, very uncomfortable. When I was a Girl Scout™, I couldn’t make myself sell Girl Scout Cookies™, and those things sell themselves. Seniors at my high school were supposed to sell magazine subscriptions to cover senior costs. Momma just paid them. I had a temp job some time ago for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and I could barely talk to people about volunteering their time. I.HATE.SELLING. I sold about fifteen tickets in two hours. Not too shabby.

An hour or so ago I got a call from my landlady saying that she was going to have to call in a contractor to fix the water leakage problem. (Me: You think?) She won’t know what will happen to my apartment or how long it’ll take, or if she’ll be able to give me a head’s up on the repairs before any large upper areas of the place are removed. This worries me because of my pure belief that there’s mold in there, and Biggs is fifteen years old (seventy-six!), and while I’m substantially younger than Biggs in human years, I don’t want either of us to breathe in mold. Landlady said that she would reduce my rent the amount of any hotel bill, but how does that help when I’m at work and spores are flying around everywhere, finding new places to grow? This is Alabama, people, and it’s been stormy and will continue to be stormy for a while. Stormy = humidity. Humidity = mold.

Water Is The Bane Of My Existence

This one's going to be a long one, so I highly recommend that you go get a refill of whatever you're drinking and some extra chips. Go on. I'll wait. Trust me; you'll need the extra nutrients. No? Calorie conscious, are you? OK, but don't say I didn't warn you...

You might remember that about a year ago I had some problems with water leaking into my apartment. If you follow me on Twitter or occasionally look at my Twitter updates on the right side, you might have also noticed that I, in January, once again had an issue with more water - but this time leaking into a creative place.

But starting this Sunday, I learned a whole new lesson about how water can get into interesting and new places. Let's start with an email exchange between B. and me about this fun:

From: B.

Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 12:21 PM
To: Christine
Subject: Leaking?

Just following up to see if your apt is still leaking. Ugh! What a headache.

From: Christine

To: B.
Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 10:29 am
Subject: RE: Leaking?

Last night the intrepid maintenance guy finally made it to my place around 8:15. It took some work, but I convinced him to take down that light fixture in the laundry room and drain it. It took even more work, but I managed to get him to replace the glass globe as well. He then told me he needed to take down the ceiling in the laundry room, and looked at me rather expectantly. “Ummm…no,” I replied. “You’re not taking down my ceiling at 8:30 on a Wednesday night. God only knows what’s between the apartments.”

“But I have to,” he replied, in his lilting Island accent. “It’s the only way to know for sure. Besides, the water we drained was clear.”

“It was yellow,” I responded, “Not clear. Not at all clear.”

“At least it didn’t smell.”

So I still have a ceiling. So far today, I’ve added to my arsenal a copy of the most recent Alabama Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 and a message left to a local attorney who is an expert in landlord-tenant law. And when I get home tonight, I better still have a ceiling.

From: B.

Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 12:45 PM
To: Christine
Subject: Re: Leaking?

I can't help but think I would have said "fine, take down the ceiling. Let me know which local hotel of my approval you'll be putting me up at tonight."

From: Christine

To: B.
Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 11:30 am
Subject: RE: Leaking?

He didn’t have the authority to OK that, and again, at 8:30? I’m usually in bed by 10, so I just didn’t need that mess.

Just got off the phone with the attorney, and am about to draft a Notice of Termination letter to deliver on my way home tonight. Essentially, this means that the landlords have 14 days in which to make all repairs so the apartment is habitable, including a mold inspection! Will you have a couple of minutes to read over it for me? It’s got to be great because I intend to post it on the blog as well.

From: B.

Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 2:17 PM
To: Christine
Subject: Re: Leaking?

Absolutely! Send it on over when it's ready. Also send me a text as a heads up that it's here so I can have a quick turnaround time for you. Have you now started looking for other places?

From: Christine

To: B.
Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 12:18 pm
Subject: RE: Leaking?

I’ve peeked around a bit online, but nothing real yet.

Thanks for looking for me! I really appreciate it.

From: B.

Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 2:26 PM
To: Christine
Subject: Re: Leaking?

Looks great! I made a couple changes, the one of greatest importance is "inhabitable" to "uninhabitable." I used track changes.

Good luck, baby! Also, remember that if you have it to them before close of business today, today counts in the calculation of 14 calendar days. At least it does in [her state].

From: Christine

To: B.
Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 12:30 pm
Subject: RE: Leaking?

I’m keeping all your changes; it sounds much better that way. The attorney says that because I cannot deliver the letter until after 5, tomorrow starts the counting. And that’s OK by me. I’m not exactly giddy at the thought of moving in 2 weeks, but I absolutely will. I do want out; it’s just such a short time frame! The attorney thinks that they’re get the repairs done rather than see me gone. I guess we’ll see!

From: B.

Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 2:37 PM
To: Christine
Subject: Re: Leaking?

Don't be surprised if you get threatened with eviction, non-payment of rent, other BS like that. Landlords hate having to make repairs and hate people who "tell on them." I'm betting that they slap some bubble gum and duct tape on the problem, have an "inspection" performed by someone who is in their pocket, and call it a day, thinking you will stay and put up with their half-a$$'d job. Either way, I would start buying boxes if I were you. Just make sure they can't see them when they come for the inspection and/or repairs.

OK. So B. rocks, she's absolutely right that I could be in for some retaliation, and I am not nearly as good of a proof reader as I thought.

Now, for the letter that I just hand-delivered, with a smile on my face, to the manager of my apartment complex. Prepare to be not only dazzled, but a little bit schooled in Alabama landlord-tenant law:

Notice of Termination

Dear Apartment Manager,

I am writing to enforce my rights under Alabama Code § 35-9A-401. Currently, my apartment (Unit X) is uninhabitable because of ongoing water leaks and damage that have rendered my laundry room and kitchen unusable. Also, it is my belief that my entire rental unit is unsafe due in large part to the likelihood of mold growing therein as a consequence of the disrepairs stated herein. Additionally, there have been prior leaks that have required repair. Below are the problems in my unit that are hereby addressed under the aforementioned statute:

1. Water leak in front bathroom, which caused excessive overflow through the bathroom ceiling fan as well as along the pipe line above the bathroom. This water damage has never been repaired.
2. Water leak in the master bathroom, which again caused water to escape through that bathroom’s ceiling fan. There was again a visible water damage line that extended into the master bedroom. This damage has been painted over and nothing further has been done to remedy the water damage.
3. On or about June 30, 2009, the front bathroom again leaked, allowing water once again to escape through the bathroom ceiling fan and the pipe line. As stated in #1, this water damage has not been repaired.
4. On or about April 18, 2010, a leak developed in the kitchen. Although the water did not escape the ceiling, there is a visible wide line of water damage to the ceiling.
5. On or about April 20, 2010, a leak developed in the laundry room, causing the globular light fixture to completely fill with water and then escape. Maintenance was made aware of the problem, but nothing was done that evening. On April 21, I encountered Ed in the maintenance department and he informed me that the leaks in the kitchen and laundry room had been repaired and that I should have no further problems. At approximately 6:45pm, I became aware of more water leaking into the laundry room. I called the emergency maintenance line and when Ed returned my call, he told me he would be to my apartment presently to ascertain the damage. Upon my request, he removed the globular fixture in the laundry room and drained it of yellow-tinted water. Again upon my request, he then reattached the glass fixture because of my concerns of mold exposure. As of the date of this notice, no repairs to the water damage have been made.
6. Throughout my tenure in this apartment, I have frequently noticed a dripping sound which sounds as if it is coming from above the ceiling fan in the living room. Although I have not yet experienced a water damage problem in this area, I suspect that it is only a matter of time before that section of ceiling also becomes a problem. I request that this area be checked for leaks and that if there is a leak, that it be repaired.

Therefore, I respectfully demand that under Alabama Code § 35-9A-401, repairs be made to all areas of concern given that they materially affect my health and safety. I also request that a mold inspection be performed by an independent licensed mold inspection company. If all repairs and inspections are not successfully completed within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of this notice, I will terminate the lease and vacate the property. Lastly, pursuant to said code section, I will no longer be bound by the lease dated January 8, 2010, and I will expect all deposits (if applicable) and prepaid rent refunded to me within thirty-five (35) days of termination of the lease as per Alabama Code Section 35-9A-201(b).

Respectfully yours,

Christine

I bet you wish you'd gotten those extra chips now, huh?  I'll keep you posted on developments.

I Really Do Blog, Damnit!

Hope, worry, ideals, and again, hope. It's been a very good Tuesday. Just saying that means that before I go to bed the world will implode.

We'll chat soon, no?

Week In A Nutshell

Wow, what a week. Even by my mood-swingy standards, this one was a doozy. And guess what? I've discovered a brand-new type of anxiety: Excitement anxiety! At least it's new to me. Its major symptoms include butterflies in my stomach, a more-than-normal-but-still-less-than-needed sleep, and the occasional tendency to point out to everyone exactly how big a badass I am. Everyone loves that part of my personality. I know this to be true.

So apparently I'm actually, really, for real kick starting a solo practice, complete with at least one client who will pay me! Possibly there will be two, and I will begin saving for a freaking smartphone. People, my phone is from about 2006, only holds 30 incoming text messages, and gets mocked by the Best Buy guys. I need to upgrade.

Aside: Why would my phone save only 30 incoming texts but keep 200 outgoing texts? I don't care what I write; I care about what others write to me. Stupid.

I had some really good support from the boy, who listened for almost two hours as I went on about this new anxiety and excitment and feeling that maybe, for once, I might actually know what I'm doing. That's some hardcore work for a boy with the attention span of a five-year-old. So thank you, honey. And thanks for last night, when I tried to explain some of my insecurities when it comes to us. And don't worry; we are just fine. I got great support as well from Wade, Cita, B, and Momma. I couldn't do this without all of you. I love you!

So I mentioned the insecurity part; the part where my brain cannot possibly accept that someone prefers me over the myriad women in the universe; the part that cannot trust that actions really do mean more than words. I hate that part of me, but it's in there, and I'll probably always struggle with it.

But I got some perspective in an email from Momma telling me that her heart is back in defib and we have to do this whole Coumidin/heart clinic/ shock procedure again. I managed throughout the day and cried all the way home from the hairstylist. This time, the fear was visceral and I got the beginnings of just how bad it could get and just how bad it will be when Momma dies. I told the boy I'd probably have to be committed to some place with the good drugs and the paper slippers.

This worry trumps everything else and kicks my ass back to where my priorities need to be. This is a good thing, but also a scary thing, and you know I'll tell you all about it as events unfold.

But think good thoughts for Momma. Please.

Saturday Night

It would seem that it's Saturday night, and another night alone. Bah; I should be used to such things by now. I'm grateful for friends and family who keep me balanced, and even better, occasionally off balance.

I've spent the last few days trying to have real conversations about real topics with the boy; things that matter a lot to me and things that hurt me. My timing's been off; he wants to joke and play and tell stories. I do understand. I often feel that way myself.

Timing - ain't it everything?

I'm looking forward to my weekly phone date with Momma tomorrow. For the past few weeks, we've been talking a few times a week instead of the weekly chat. I do love talking with her. It's true; no-one loves you like your mother does. She's been listening to me work out plans for the next phase of my life and is so supportive of my dreams of getting a solo practice started, and finally doing policy work. I want to work on bankruptcy and student loan policies. They certainly need a lot of work, no? And I'm a poster child for both causes.

I've missed the readers that have disappeared, and am so happy for those who stick with me. Thank you, all of you, wherever you are.

Listening: Anna Nalick: Breathe (2am)

Work Strife – and Lil Wayne!

Two of my coworkers do not get along with each other. Honestly, the phrase, “Do not get along,” might be the understatement of the day. One really, really, really dislikes the other. The disliked one moves around almost like an oft-kicked puppy, alternately trying to figure out what went wrong and being very angry that the other lady is angry with her.

Imagine the fun of coming to work each day. People, we’ve had to negotiate how we all greet each other in the morning. The only part I play in this is that I have to be in the meetings where, on occasion, we do these negotiations. Otherwise, I can play nice with the others, and my personal feelings about them don’t really come into play (in the aggregate). I do fully recognize that it was not that long ago that I wanted to tease one of them and then realized that I do know better. What I mean is that in this four-women department, I can work with them all.

So right now the two unhappy ones and the manager are having yet another meeting about how we can all get along. And I am so happy to not be in there. This does raise a question for me: Why is it so bad if people don’t get along? So long as we can work together, why do we have to be friends? Isn’t being able to hide feelings for the greater good (or work, as the case may be) kind of an integral part of growing up?

Asides:

1. Lil Wayne is blogging from prison. You’re welcome.

2. Shower Deep Thought: Although China may have one of the strongest economies on the globe, Americans will never respect the country because the strength of the economy comes from the government and not from the citizens themselves.

3. Net Neutrality! Please, do not let Comcast (my only internet provider option) determine what I get to see on the internet. And do not let your service provider slow down your access to this fascinating little (narcissistic indulgence) blog!