Peace, Happiness and a New Year

[mleigh4]

Hi all,

A bit of a hairy day yesterday, got my stove delivered!

Friday night I TM H to let him know the 2 hour window that the new stove would be delivered by. H replied ok, to let him know when they called to say they were on the way. I replied that I don't know if they do that, they only gave me the 2 hour window, and I reminded him that the old stove has to be pulled out and ready to go because he said no to purchasing installation....

I got a bit nervous knowing I can not count on H, so I did something new for me. The old me would have just let it go, let it play out worried about what would happen to avoid being pushy or demanding, then get pissed when he let me down. This time, I flat out told H I need you to be here at such time and if he could not make it to let me know so I could have a friend come help me.

I also TM my local friend and had her and her hubbie set for back up plan. I expected H to give me crickets or snap back, but instead he replied he would be here at such time and asked for crepes and coffee to be ready.

Next morning, my friend checked in to see how I was doing, told her H promised to be here but that her and hubby were welcome to come join us for crepes and coffee. They came with mimosas as well!

At 5 minutes to 11, the time H promised to be here, H called to say he needed to hook up his trailer to take the old stove. Seriously, he just thought of that as he was leaving??! I just smiled and said that's fine, friends were here to help in case delivery showed up. H sounded taken back, but said he would hurry. He is 20 minutes away.

Sure enough, delivery shows up. Friend helped get old stove ready, turn off breakers, the things I needed H here for. Delivery guys were nice enough to carry old stove down to garage for H to take. Friends couldn't believe H was lagging the way he was, I just told them. Told you so! H pulled up just as delivery truck was leaving. You won't believe this....H had the nerve to be annoyed that delivery guy waved bye instead of staying to help carry stove into his trailer for him. Unbelievable. I let H know that delivery guy said he would have put stove in trailer if it was here....

So we all ate breakfast together. It was actually fun. Friends were happy to see H as the haven't for about a year. H and friends hubby used to hang out a lot, so they got to catch up. H mentioned he needed coffee badly, had not had any yet. I blurted, how late do you sleep in!? It's after 11! H did not like that, mumbled he had been up just watching tv. Ya sure, it was obvious he just rolled out of bed. After breakfast, friends had to go and H started installing the overhead microwave we got to match new stove.

Let's just say, it was a nightmare. H took about 4 hours. I can't tell you how many mistakes he made and steps he had to redo because he didn't think ahead to the next step. He even had to redo the bracket which left 2 holes in the wall that you can see, and he told me only I can see them because I am short and it's just an easy patch up job. Easy for him to say!

Anyway, I did a great job of STFU. I stayed close to help when he needed it and went about my business when he didn't. He kept asking me if I had certain tools and I kept telling him he would know better than me what is and isn't here. He had to go to neighbor across the street to borrow some tools and stayed over chatting for a bit. The kitchen was a complete mess, with open box cutters left out again. This time I pointed it out!

At 6:30, H was finishing up and S quietly asked me, why is daddy staying so long!? Once done, H played with the functions on the microwave and stove for about 1/2 hour, said he was very jealous. Finally he packed up the trailer and left, with a phone call that he forgot to close my garage.

It was a reminder of days when he lived here and would be like a mini tornado in the house leaving behind a commotion of noise and mess. I was happy to see him go so I could get my home back in order. I almost invited him to stay for dinner....but something told me not to. I appreciate his help, he saved us about $150, but it was exhausting!