I am victorious. In a very small matter.
We had an HOA meeting tonight, and I have been dreading it like I can’t tell you. We’re still trying to sell the condo (think good thoughts, please, oh, please — your thoughts are MAGIC), but as a member of the four-member home owner’s association, and as president, I kind of had to go to the meeting.
Well. Okay. You want the truth? The meeting was scheduled for two weeks ago, but I sicked out with a migraine (which I truthfully was fighting) and they rescheduled it, the lousy bastards. I just wanted them to have it and let me know how it went. Weak of me, yes. But I’m human, and I hate the meetings.
Really, I just hate these things. The knowledge that it was coming up has ruined a big part of many hours this last week, and I am SO good at not doing that. But the HOA defeats me. Just beats me down. Or, rather, the Problem Owner does.
We three who are not the Problem Owner are reasonable. We like to make repairs and pay for them. Seems like a good idea. We all win. The Problem Owner just likes to hear himself talk, and he makes things up with such flair that you believe him for a moment. Long moments. You think that you’re going crazy. And then you realize that you’re not crazy, he’s just rambling and doing a good job of it.
Plus, he just pushes my buttons like only two or three people in this whole wide world can do.
But I have to say that I am proud of myself for one thing: I am not a pushover. People think that I am, will even tell me that I am, that I should fight more. But I just don’t mind a lot of things that other people DO mind, so I don’t bother to fight. I don’t care if things aren’t always fair — I know I can’t make them be fair, so why stress out? Frustrating thing is that there’s nothing really WRONG with the place,
we shouldn’t be bickering like this — there’s no need. But he needs
to.
But when pushed, I push back. And I take care of myself and people around me. Tonight, when I thought the two male owners (we are evenly divided) might come to blows, I shut the meeting down. I actually said in the middle of the pointless argument they were having (courtesy of the Problem Owner), "Let’s wrap this up. So, point one was we want to get the deck painted. Point two is we need a permit for the deck work." I went on, finished my wrap-up and said, "Great! Let’s have a meeting next month to discuss that guy’s CRAZY ASS IDEAS." But I didn’t say that. I said, "Great. Let’s have a meeting next month." And we left, no one bloodied.
But I swear, there were ten or so minutes during which I was chanting in my head, "Run. Run. Run. Run." I’ve never run out of an uncomfortable meeting before, but I was actually considering it. So what? Just pack up my notes, smile politely at the two considerate owners, flip the Problem Owner the bird (which I can never do right — Lala says it’s because of my New Zealand half — see Flight of the Conchords) and run home. Never to return.
But I didn’t. Even though my face went BRIGHT red and my heart beat faster and I could actually feel my upper lip swelling (a stress thing that combines with MSG and hasn’t happened in years).
Know what? It’s OVER. And I leave for New York soon. I will be around My People and that damned meeting is over, and I’m so happy. I can’t wait to get on that plane and fly across the country for the love of yarn people. Because I’m not going for the yarn. Can’t afford it while trying to sell a condo. I’m going to see my clan. I can’t wait.
You are NICE, but you are too smart to be a pushover.
You are SO not a pushover! I used to work with a nun (yeah, I know – don’t start) who used to say about my DH “beware the wrath of a patient man”. And it’s true!
I’m the same way. I’m so easygoing – to a point. But get to that point? Heaven help you. The Taurus comes out and there is no movin’, nohow.
Have fun at Rhinebeck. I will be with you all in spirit “sniff” (still out of work)
One of the reasons I didn’t keep my condo in NM was because we had the world’s most dysfunctional HOA. My first co-op in NY had a wonderful HOA board, so when I joined the NM one, I was shocked at how self serving the members were. I totally feel your pain.
Can’t wait to meet you!!!!
” I could actually feel my upper lip swelling (a stress thing that combines with MSG and hasn’t happened in years)”
OMG, you get that TOO? I thought I was a Medical Oddity. It hasn’t happened to me in years, and it was indeed stress-induced, but FINALLY a minor mystery is solved.
You have my sympathies! My husband used to be on a HOA for a condo he owned and I used to to dread those meetings. He would not come home a happy man! I will think good thoughts about a condo sale for you and have lots of fun in NY!!!!!!
Good thoughts about selling the condo coming your way. Once you sell do you still have to go to the meetings? Or is that something different?
Have fun in NY; wish I could go. I’d love to meet you.
I hate people who just like to hear themselves talk. Good for you to finish up in a brisk, busiesslike way!
Self control is always the best policy, no matter the temptation. At least the jerk isn’t the president; that would be unbearable. I wish I was going to NY with you. Sob! I had so much fun in MD in May 2005.
Self control is always the best policy, no matter the temptation. At least the jerk isn’t the president; that would be unbearable. I wish I was going to NY with you. Sob! I had so much fun in MD in May 2005.
Self control is always the best policy, no matter the temptation. At least the jerk isn’t the president; that would be unbearable. I wish I was going to NY with you. Sob! I had so much fun in MD in May 2005.
Good. For. You! Brava!
Have a wonderful time with Your People! I made it to OR Flock & Fiber last month, and lordy, it was the best thing ever. May you have the same!
bury the staue of the saint upside down in the yard before you leave and the condo WILL sell.
yep.
I’ll think HARD.
Good for you, though….I’m SO proud of you!
xoxox
I guess since I’m a bayarea person, that it’s so hard for me to know that a crazy person can actually AFFORD real estate in this area. That is making ME crazy. Luckily I’ll be seeing you in Rhinebeck.
“Beware the fury of a patient man.” John Dryden
Yay! I’ll see you at Rhinebeck!! (I’m sosososososo excited!!)
Good for you for keeping the meeting under control. I’ll send good selling thoughts toward your condo. Enjoy Rhinebeck!
I am glad you held back, but next time, think about setting a skunk free in his condo. 🙂 Or a dead fish in a heating duct. Those were my favorite revenge fantasies for my upstairs neighbors.
Also: nothing is ever forever. You’ll sell that condo, or the dude will move. I promise.
I remember what it was like when we were in our condo and it was hell. The HOA would always fine us for having not picked up our dogs poop but it wasnt us. We actually caught people who were on the board not picking up after their dogs! We refused to pay and they made it into a HUGE deal. I couldnt wait to get out of there and when we did, man did we celebrate. I wish you the best in selling and it will happen soon dont worry. Maybe I will see you in Rhinebeck!