January 23, 2004

reasons why I'm freaking out (just a little bit)


  • It took Verizon two weeks to get the second phone line in the house set up, which was to be the dedicated dsl line. It took another two to get the number into their database so they would stop telling Earthlink that the number didn't exist everytime Earthlink tried to contact them about my dsl service.
  • As soon as Earthlink was ready to activate the dsl on that finally working second line, the second line lost dialtone.
  • When the (very nice, I should add) Verizon tech came to fix that line, which turned out to be a short in the line and Verizon's fault, whoever then corrected that short at the central office fixed my line so that it no longer had dsl.
  • A dsl tech came out today to find out why the dsl still wasn't working, identified that problem at the central office and told me he'd get it straightened out.
  • A half hour later, the main house number went dead.
  • Which leaves me still with a dialup connection and now no way for people to reach me other than my cell phone, since I didn't give out the number for that second (intended for computer only) line.
  • A contractor (also a very nice guy) came to give an estimate on the plastering and painting today and the estimate had five digits. That's five digits without any decimal points. Why so high? well...
  • The entire ceiling in my office is so damaged from a previous roof leak that it may collapse on me at any time. I need a new ceiling in here.
  • And he may not be able to preserve my beautiful molding.
  • Billy is at work all day, so I'm the one stuck at home, unable to leave, because someone has to let all these guys with tool belts in the door and make sure the dogs aren't let out, etc etc.
  • And I have a cold.
  • Still... Life is good. Really. I swear. I just have to keep reminding myself that I only have these headaches because I have this wonderful house.

    Posted by cari at January 23, 2004 09:10 PM
    • Comments

    Keep your eye on the prize, Cari! All this time and money and aggravation is an investment, and eventually your house (hear that? YOUR house!) will be safe and sound and fabulous and beautiful. (But damn! What's with the phone company?)

    Posted by: alison

    Gack! Five digits? The phone co. thing doesn't surprise me, although I have to say that every technician that's come out this way has been awesome and handy. I hope that gets resolved soon and you're back to full dsl/phone capabilities. And I agree with Alison--it's YOUR house! I'm still in awe.

    Posted by: Em

    For five digits? He can dang well preserve the molding for that price! You tell him I said so. I know that's one of the things you love best about that house.....

    Posted by: Rachael

    oh my deepest empathy...been there, done that. Strangely, I've had nearly identical phone/dsl/earthlink issues. Mine were finally determined to be because of the METAL lath underneath the plaster which I aint tearing out. No way no how, not for nobody. Soooooo, adorable techie guy gets to crawl under the house in the red clay and install it RIGHT (read:the way I want it. I must be connected. I must blog. I'm willing to pay for the privelege and give up other stuff in the process.)I'm on year 12 of the five year plan to rehab an 85 year old money pit (oh excuse me HOUSE). sigh. It is So worth it. Truly. KNITTING and Reading Proust helps. ;)

    Posted by: greta

    chamomille tea? or maybe jasmine? something warm, liquid and tasty. and cookies. yes. some warm-from-the-oven, home-baked cookies and stevie wonder's "journey through the secret life of plants" (or something comparable and to your liking). and some koigu, natch.

    yes. yes, that should do you just fine.

    take care, dearheart. and don't forget to laugh out loud.

    Posted by: nakachi

    You and Billy are a great team and the good...will outweigh the bad...POO, POO, POO!!! You have already made this house a home. I LOVE working with you and seeing your excitement and your joy.
    I LOVE you.
    Mom
    PS What a cute brother you have!!!

    Posted by: Mom