Things I Did Today

• Waited around for plumber.
• Let plumber (who was contracted by Home Depot, which had been paid in advance) into garage to begin installation of new water heater.
• Woke up father (who we've had to move in with temporarily) when plumber suddenly declared an additional $400 would need to be paid, immediately, by check.
• Tried to keep children quiet as their grandfather, who'd only had three hours sleep after a long night shift, got up from his bed and started making phone calls and giving the plumber suspicious looks.
• Fed children while plumber began his work (which included the extra work for which we are being charged).
• Began to panic when father announced he was leaving the house to go argue with the Home Depot lady about this extra charge.
• Decided that I could not rely on my younger brother, who was asleep in his room, to protect us should the plumber turn out to be a homicidal maniac. Retrieved husband's handgun from the safe.
• Kept handgun close by me while children played/watched movies/ate snacks.
• Breathed sigh of relief when father came home. Put gun away.
• Played with Mr. Potato Head.
• Got this blog.
• Fed kids some more.
• Alerted Dad to the finishing of the Great Gas Water Heater Installation.
• Spent time letting reddish-brown water flow from bathroom faucets.
• Went outside with Dad to hear what plumber had to say.
• Smelled gas.
• Asked why.
• Got satisfactory answer.
• Came inside and explained OTHER plumbing situation to plumber (it's a great mess, having to do with kitchen drain pipes and leaks and clogs, and I have had to explain it repeatedly). Was told he was not allowed to work on pipes located behind the wall.
• Was told by father that more plumbers would come later.
• Waited for more plumbers.
• Let them in.
• Showed them problem areas.
• Was told that I'd get a call later.
• Fed kids.
• Fed kids.
• Fed kids.
• Got call.
• Shouted for joy.
• Made dinner.