Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Waiting

Life has seemed frozen in time since the flood. Every day is a terrible day of waiting and praying. Of stress and fear. We're waiting for the HOA to begin the repairs. They have the money from the insurance company, and yet nothing has been done. Almost 8 weeks we've been waiting with concrete subfloors and holes in the walls and duct taped carpets.

The last time I spoke to the president of the HOA, he yelled at me in the parking lot. He told me if I didn't like what the board was doing, I should get a lawyer. So we got one. But it's a slow process, and nothing is happening. So we wait.

We're waiting to see whether the first floor neighbors insurance company will sue us. We can survive this if we don't get sued. If they sue us, put a lien on the house, we'll be sunk. I lay awake at night and worry, but I know it could be months, a year before we know what will happen.

I hate leaving the house because I'm afraid of running into my neighbors. I dread taking the dog out, taking the trash out, checking the mail. I hate being home, and I set our deadbolt against them. Don't ask me why.

Living in a condo is a terrible situation. Your biggest (or in our case, only) investment can be held hostage by some dude with a third grade education and a chip on his shoulder. I regret the day we first laid eyes on this place.

Time seems frozen, but it's not. Bean is growing and changing. She's talking like crazy, she dances and sings gibberish songs. She gives eskimo kisses and real kisses. She tries to ride the dog like a pony. She's a very different girl than she was even two months ago. Last night Husband and I realized that all we have at home are "baby" toys. We promised this weekend to go find her a truck, some blocks, puzzles. Real big kid stuff.

I'm trying my best to focus on Bean, and not on the mess our lives have become. She's changing so fast... if I don't pay attention I'm going to miss it.

10 comments:

Aunt Becky said...

I'm so sorry, my friend. Waiting is positively torturous and given the circumstances, I can only imagine what you're going through.

Holler if you need a friend, okay?

Amanda said...

You definitely have my sympathy. Waiting is nearly impossible to bear. I'm sending good thoughts your way.

hgg said...

Enjoy the Bean while waiting for things to happen, but I know it's hard not to worry. More hugs!

The bean-mom said...

Ohhhh, virtual hugs to you and your family.

Enjoy that Bean. She's talking already?! Would love more updates (and pictures) when you get the time. Hang in there, Sciencemama.

Liberal Arts Lady said...

Sending virtual happy thoughts, hopefully things will start moving along! I absolutely understand your reaction to the neighbors - I used to bolt apartment doors against neighbors after any minor disagreement. I think it's a natural self-preservation kind of reaction.

Unknown said...

I hate waiting. I wish you speedy resolution to all this crap you have to deal with, and that you can enjoy your little bean growing and changing every day.

EcoGeoFemme said...

I know exactly what you mean about avoiding the neighbors and always feeling bad around them, although I never had a neighbor-drama on the scale of what you're dealing with. I'm sure it's really uncomfortable for you.

Is this also the time when your husband is away so much (I remember that he had heaps of travel coming up in the fall, but I can't remember when)?

Your readers are thinking of you, and thinking that you're a good person and not a bad neighbor. :)

mama of the valley said...

what a ridiculous nightmare this thing has been for you!

i'm glad to hear you have legal representation - hopefully that will help.

saying a prayer for you and yours...

Queen Zucchini said...

We are here for whatever you need. Even if it's just a body guard while you take the pup for a walk - I'm not afraid of flexing my biceps and giving intimidating stares...if only I was actually big and scary looking ;)

I know it seems impossible, but just try to remind yourself to get lots of rest and have lots of giggles with the bean. I hear if you force yourself to smile for 20 minutes it will actually make you feel happy!

I'm so so sorry you have to be experiencing all this. It is NOT FAIR. But you will survive, they will not beat you down.

Lots of love from our family to yours.

Candid Engineer said...

Oh Science Mama, I'm so sorry about all of this. I'm sure it is just miserable waiting, feeling like your whole life is in limbo. I don't understand why the HOA wouldn't move more quickly, given that several families were affected. These people are being horrible and rude to you.

Enjoy your lovely daughter, and try to focus your thoughts on the times ahead. Your place will get fixed one way or the other, and you can get the hell out of there and move on with your life.

Thinking of you. Hoping for the best.