Friday, August 29, 2008

A Good Experience

Yesterday, the A.C. just conked out. It wouldn't work. I heard a sound (which I later learned was the compressor circulating the refrigerant through the lines), but there was no air blowing and thus, no cooling. It was a hot, humid day. Not the best time for not having 'air'. I was dreading what lay ahead.

I now have air. And I can look back at the experience with a smile. It had a positive outcome. I learned a lot and verified things I learned. I also established a better relationship with the companies involved (there are two).

Here's an informal list of the benefits of this experience:

  1. I responded well. I didn't panic. I didn't freeze. I took charge and took action. I did all I could to make sure the problem was taken care of as quickly and as smoothly as possible.
  2. I was assertive as a squeaky wheel. Things moved faster because I followed up my calls to make sure things were being taken care of expeditiously. The property manager told me she'd call right away in the morning. Turns out, she didn't. It was only because of my morning call that she took action.
  3. I was thorough in my action. I made sure all the bases were covered. I lingered in the conversations to allow the thought process to develop. Some things just don't come up in split-second thought; they grow as the conversation develops. This brought about the offer by the property manager to stay at a motel for the night. I didn't take it up nor did I want to, but it was comforting to have the option available.
  4. I was observant. I watched all the work being done and learned a lot. I asked a lot of questions, too. This led to having the drain piped flushed out, which is good yearly maintenance recommended in the tips I read about. Also, I learned that it's not good to use the fan only if the air handler is in the garage because you are just blowing hot, humid air through the ducts and into the house. I also asked about the second filter slot. I didn't need it, so he sealed it up. This made the handler more air tight and thus, more efficient. Money saved and more cool air for less.
  5. Socially, I learned the dynamics between parties. I found out that the second repairman was not on good terms with the property manager. He feels she doesn't like him. He was about to say, but cut himself off. I think if was because he realized it would be an impropriety to say any more. I handled the interactions with the various parties well. It was a boost to feel like I did a good job all around.
  6. I was very good at finding the positive side of the situation. Yes, it was hot and humid inside. It was uncomfortable. I had a fan, though. And I had electric power. I thought of how this is what it would be like if a hurricane plowed through, except I would be in the dark with no refrigerator. One reason I didn't accept the motel offer was that I didn't want to leave all that I did have here. I'm glad I stayed because being in the subtropic heat reminded me of the visits to the Philippines. I actually had a pleasant feeling of nostalgia during the evening. It brought back a lot of memories and, even more appealing, a lot of sensations I had while on those trips.
  7. I used the incident to jump start the organizing process. I already had some momentum going, but this really got me moving. I got so much done in short order and the momentum is still driving me forward. Lots of small victories to celebrate all chunked together. This is probably the greatest outcome of all.
  8. I feel better prepared. I recently heard interviews with Amanda Riply, who wrote "The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - And Why". She spoke of the importance of drills and practice runs where you gain familiarity of what it's like to experience situations that are uncommon. This familiarity makes it easier to go through the unfamiliar when it actually happens.
  9. Sparking interaction. The relationship has been mended a bit with The Fussy One. We had a good reason to talk and had a common problem to work through together. It brought out some of ill feelings she's had that are pent up. I felt the release in allowing her to express them. We were able to find humor in the situation. It was great to laugh with her.
  10. I found where the grain bugs were feeding. It was Bing's kitty litter that I was keeping in the garage. They found it all the way from the kitchen. Originally, they came from the bulk grains I got from the natural food stores. I read that all produce and grains are likely to contain the eggs of buts. I remember wondering where the fruit flies were coming from and later learned that they were probably eggs laid in the banana bunches. It's something that it is difficult to avoid.
  11. I did well with this juggling act. I handled the situation well. I handled the various people involved well. I handled the physical challenges well. I still got my flaxseed crackers finished! I continued the dehydrating even though it generated more heat. It was one of those moments where there are pros and cons, and you just have to choose what you are willing to sacrifice for the gains you desire.
I think I got everything. It's striking to see it listed out. I see just how much I got from this experience. Socially, it was fun. Relationships were tightened. I that much more knowledgeable as a handyman around the house. I feel more prepared and confident in dealing with a disaster situation. I got a big push in my big goal of organizing everything thoroughly. I am more confident in handling all the various things involved in this situation. I am proud of how I handled everything. I got some practice in seeing the other side of difficulty. I told myself that this too shall pass. I observed with dramatic suspense how things would unfold to the end. I managed to laugh through this and have some fun.

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