The building of character is never fun while it's happening

[linaewen]

The other day I was wishing for a transporter that would beam me here and there so I could get more done in one day. Today I am wishing for a time machine that would take me several months into the future, when this work on the guest house is finished (or as much of it as can be done at this time) -- when all the work teams are gone, the wrangling is done over what color paint and who is in charge of this project anyway, the dust is cleaned up, the furniture is set in place, there are no boxes of things piled in our bedroom because there is no other place to put them, and the guests that are going to come just as all the renovation work is barely finished have waved goodbye and told us how beautiful it all looks and they had a wonderful time.

I would just love to skip over all that character-building time; I don't really want to be reminded right now that this isn't really my own home, it's a place where I am serving temporarily (even if it's for several years yet and it's the only place I have right now); I don't want to lose what little space I have reserved for myself to retreat to when there is just too much going on all around me (though it would be nice to have a bigger bathroom, but does it have to be at the expense of "my" sitting room?); I don't really want to live for three weeks with a work team that has torn out the kitchen and is working on all three bathrooms at the same time (though they'll be doing the cooking for us, and making our lives as easy as possible).

But my time machine hasn't been invented yet, so I shall have to live through the character-building, which will no doubt add wonderfully to my ability to be flexible and gracious in the face of overwhelming odds. Prayers, please!

Other than my concern over what might happen as this work progresses and wraps up, it was a good day of getting things done and making decisions, and getting to know the fellow who will be heading up the work team coming next month. In spite of how gruesome it may sound, it is actually going to be fun, too, and there is just as much anticipation in the mix as there is dread.

But I do think I shall need a vacation after this!

:-D

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

where are those shocked emoticons when you need them? WOW!! NO!! YOU'RE NOT TRULY LOSING YOUR WHITE TOWER, ARE YOU?!?!?!?! But, but where will Boromir be written????? (((((((((((LIN))))))))))))) Definitely praying for you! Bless you, my friend. Truly, July is not terribly far away, just a few months, and you know how fast that last few months went! ;-) You will get to escape a little, in June, and then just keep looking forward to your special trip! Love you, Ladyhawk Baggins

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

My secret hope is that they won't have time to accomplish that little goal so I'll be able to hang on to my little room a bit longer. I'll find a place for me and Boromir, though, don't worry!

[gondoriangirl.livejournal.com]

If I could offer Sainthood, I would give it to you. That is an awful lot to put up with all at the same time for an extended period of time. Calgon Take Lin away!!!

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Calgon! That's the answer -- but I'll have to make use of it quick before I lose my bathtub, hehe!

Thanks, dear -- and the reminder not to panic is also helpful!

Hi there

[faramirgirl.livejournal.com]

Be careful what you wish for, it may come true. My prayers and thoughts are with you though this ordeal. I have a thought you could use the time machine to beam up BOROMIR.

Re: Hi there

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Wish I could beam up Boromir -- he'd be useful in helping to move furniture, LOL!

Re: Hi there

[faramirgirl.livejournal.com]

Well maybe you could use Gandalf for moving the furniture, never know what his staff can do!!!!!!!!!

[wadearturo.livejournal.com]

I don't suppose they'd put you up in a Hilton and pay all the expenses while this is going on?

Dang. I didn't think so.

Whenever it gets crazy, feel free to come on over to my quiet hacienda.
I will let you write in peace. Or we could just enjoy a nice glass of tea on the balcony and watch the children play in the street.

I'm serious. If you need to get away, call me, ok?

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

You bet I'll call you. ((((Wade))))

It has been suggested we might want to go stay elsewhere, but I don't know who would foot the bill -- and frankly, as rough as it will be, it will be worse to be living out of a suitcase on top of it. But I'll need to have extra days off during that time, I think. Tea on the balcony sounds lovely!

[wadearturo.livejournal.com]

I love that icon. *hugs you just like that*

[maidoforange.livejournal.com]

((((Lin)))). Of course you will need a vacation after this! I hope you get one.

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Thanks, dear! I think I'll need more than one, hehe!

[boriel.livejournal.com]

yikes!

keep reminding me to pray for you and keep me up to date on how your reno's are going....email is probably best these days.

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

I'm better, honest! ;-) But I promise about the email ((((b))))