the closets

The carpenters came today to discuss some mistakes in the building.  I'm naive in all things construction related and I don't know when or how to convey what I want, relinquish or demand, trust or insist.

It's always on my mind, that obnoxious American way that insists on getting their money's worth from a service, and insisting on perfection or what not with customer power.  

In my last visit to Minnesota - it was a terribly hot and humid day and my father had called the cable guy to come and fix a cable in our attic.  When the young man came, and realized the problem and that fixing it meant crawling around in our suffocating hot attic - he declined.
"I will come back and take care of this in a few days."
"What do you mean you'll come back.  Why not do it now?"
"It's too hot."
"It's your job."
"My boss said not to because it's too hot."
"I think you can manage it, it is your job," my father insisted.

My mother and I weren't sure what to do - we both were siding with my the young man.  Not to gang up on my father, but he sure sounded like a stubborn and cranky old codger.

I don't know where that line is - but I am very aware of the attitude in me - the expectation and judgment rather than kindness and mercy.

Tolga's really good at being kind, thankfully.  We pointed out some crooked shelves, and showed our disapproval of the mangled molding.  I showed my mistake and misunderstanding about the the shelves backing and the size of a corner closet - and the owner's assistant smiled pleasantly and promised to fix everything.  He also told me my Turkish was good.

I told Tolga, "I'm not sure if they are super nice, or just knew what to say."

The problems that may not be fixed:
Our corner cabinet.  I had imagined white and fitting in the corner.  It is wooden, shiny, and filling up the corner - coming about a foot further than I imagined.  I had showed the worker the mark, he showed me further out - and I thought, oh, yes, bigger IS better.   And I didn't consider the door wouldn't be able to open fully, not did I considered the monstrosity that would be in the corner outside our door - sorely sticking out in it's wood color set against everything white.

The stain.  I had asked for an antique stain.  Later, my brother wanted to know what I mean by that - apparently its not a thing, or a thing that's different with each type of wood.  I had sent a picture, and the men said, no problem, no problem - but then, after the two week job turned into two months - they asked me while I was in the midst of entering grades and that meltdown - which color I liked best.  None were what I asked.  When I said none, I was told I had to pick one.  I had picked one months ago - and no one mentioned it couldn't be done.  So after being pushed into a choice - I suppose it would have been okay - but the lacquered it.  I don't know if that's the right word.  But when I think of the closets now I think of our furniture from the 70s - shiny.