Kudos

After a frustrating day yesterday, our neighbor accidentally cut our internet fiber optic cable, on which we rely as we work from home. It was an accident; we don’t blame them. We contacted our provider after business hours and, to their credit, they showed up today before noon! The tech was very efficient and suggested that we re-route the line underground (at their expense) to prevent any future problems. Kudos for AT&T.

We also offer kudos to our reno contractor. After I expressed frustration with the slow pace of finishing the kitchen and bath, particularly because of a subcontractor, they are finding a new subcontractor to work on the kitchen tile starting tomorrow so that we can move forward on plumbing, electrical, and installation of appliances. We know that our primary contractor had workers doing as many little things that they could (such as adding drawer/cabinet hardware) despite the fact that major work couldn’t occur before tiles were installed. We appreciate that, even as we knew that it was impacting other projects. Yes, it’s their job to manage subcontractors—most have been outstanding—yet this one has held up the project by more than six weeks. I don’t think we should have had to complain before they made a switch, but I am glad they did when we highlighted it.

Today we had delivered a bunch of little things that we will need for the kitchen and bath, including a bathroom wastebasket, for example. We ordered them with the expectation that we would be installing them just about the time they arrived. Now, they’re just another set of items in storage. Yes, I’m whining again. These are normal aspects of a renovation. Yet they’re no less frustrating.

Part of that frustration is that we are about a month before classes begin Aug. 21 at IU South Bend. That means I’m amending syllabi and will need to have a functioning office shower downstairs (ideally) so I can get ready for classes and office hours online. That’s certainly possible so I am hopeful. However, we still don’t know when the furniture for our morning room is delivered, therefore even if the kitchen and bath are close to done, my work space might remain makeshift. And that’s okay.

I have two very full classes next semester and am heavily focused on how to get mostly freshman to go to class so they can actually learn how to do the work that paves the way for their college education. And maybe any education: such as a persuasive email to a home renovation contractor. Ideas welcome!