Hi Everyone,
This has been such a weird week.
It began with my annual checkup with a new PCP associated with Mass General. My old one left the practice last summer. I liked her a lot. She had a nice, easy way about her, yet no stone was left unturned.
The new doctor also left no stone unturned, but the difference is he threw the stones back at me.
I’m not going to get into what was so horrible; my bad. I should’ve interviewed a few doctors before giving Dr. Arrogant the gig. If I had even bothered to read his reviews, I would’ve run a mile. However, I was spoiled by my fantastic doctor in New York. Plus, most doctors I’ve seen in Boston have been excellent.
I will contact some lovely specialists I’ve seen for recs on Monday.
Oh, Laurel, can’t you give the PCP another chance? Maybe he was just having a bad day.
Nope. This is one of those life lessons it took me a while to get. He only gets one chance, and he blew it big time.
You see, I subscribe to the Maya Angelou maxim:
“When someone shows you who they aaaaaare… Believe them the first time.”
No wiser words were ever spoken. And I have found it to be the case 100% of the time. However, I spent years making excuses for bad behavior, hoping it would change. It doesn’t.
I’m not saying that people can’t change. Occasionally, they do, but it takes years.
Yes, the young doctor might’ve been having a bad day. But, he needed to leave that outside the examination room. I assessed that this was a personality flaw, not a bad day. So, the only answer is to stay out of harm’s way.
‘Nuff said.
Wednesday, I read my GC The Riot Act as nicely as possible.
It’s difficult to get super mad at him because he’s the sweetest guy and lies a lot less than most. lol Since March 1st, the carpenters have only been here about 1/4 of the available time, and that is no good. In one week, this renovation will be 11 months old. Many parts are unfinished that should’ve been completed months ago. No yelling. However, I made it clear on Wednesday that we need to complete this job by the end of June.
When I say completed, if there still needs to be some wallpaper going up or a bit of painting left, that’s okay.
However, I need two working bathrooms, and be able to move back into my bedroom.
In addition, the lead carpenter has had COVID all week. However, carpenter #2 has mad skills and got a lot done on Thursday and Friday. He put the casing around the existing entrance doors, upstairs, and and other missing pieces. What’s left needs to be installed after the doors go in.
The new baseboard is in, but the wainscoting panels and chair rail dying into the mantel need to be done. I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying the mantel. It is perfect.
Then, Thursday, early evening, it was clear that I had a cold, a sore throat, and body aches. Man. I AM SICK! And, yes, this time, I’m looking for sympathy. lol, I’ve taken two Covid tests, and both were negative. I had flu, RSV and pneumonia vaxes to try and prevent an exceedingly serious infection.
The other big thing that happened this week was I had a phone meeting with the rep for the company that makes the tapestry papers and fabrics.
I opened a trade account and told her about my blog. She sounded disappointed because there would be no future business from clients, and acted like she was making an exception to let me open a trade account. I don’t need to explain it to you guys.
I asked if they would give a further discount for personal use or in exchange for all the free publicity. Way before blogs, it was common practice in the design trade to give a designer an additional 10% off for personal use.
The answer was a flat-out NO. A discount for publicity, she said she’d bring it up at their meeting the next day.
She was also supposed to send me a PDF of images not on the website with more information.
I didn’t get it, and my intuition tells me I won’t get it either. However, it might be a moot point.
That’s because I began playing around with the two large panels in the living room.
Oh, and I found this lovely Louis XVI-style mirror in France. I know. But, hear me out. It’s at least 1/3 the price of similar mirrors here.
However, I made a rendering of the two living room panels and mirror.
No worries. This is a big fat a NO.
It’s all way too busy, too fussy, too much going on, and then we’re going to add the Egyptian Chandelier?
Impossible. Well, it’s not impossible, but it’s bad design. There are too many divergent elements competing for attention.
I realize I need a simpler design for the mirror without the frills. Well, I found three I adore. More about that soon.
In addition, because I was originally putting my screen on the wall opposite the fireplace and over the staircase, I set the sconces 17″ away from their nearby doors. 12″ would’ve been better. They’re not installed, but the boxes have been, and they’ve already moved them once.
So, I decided to go with my original idea and put the screen in that living room. It will reflect in the mirror, so there will be two gorgeous screens.
Now, for the fireplace wall.
Why do you have to do anything on the fireplace wall, Laurel?
Well, I don’t have to, but I want to. In the French rooms, there is usually a door, but in my case, I have over seven feet on each side of a blank wall.
What I really want is something with fewer colors and less going on. It also needs to work with the entry paper, screen, and whatever I’m doing in the den.
Well, I have just the thing.
I’m sorry, I’ll need to continue this on Monday.
While you can offer suggestions, I have it all figured out. Earlier, when I walked out of the bathroom, I looked straight ahead at the newly paneled wall on the kitchen side of the fireplace and gasped. I mean it! Instantly, I was what I had planned, and it was both elegant and smashing.
xo,
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23 Responses
That person who’s not offering you a personal discount of 10%, just because you’re no longer taking clients, is really short-sighted. I guarantee you that each time you present something beautiful here, I look to see where I can get it. And I click on the links you provide for your sources, routinely. And yes, I am planning to renovate my home in the not-too-distant future. So these “referrals” you’re giving in your blog matter! The best business referrals come by word-of-mouth. And you’re definitely providing word-of-mouth referral here – exponentially!
I’m sorry you’re feeling so physically ill. It’s actually pretty common to get last fall’s flu virus in March and April, even if you got a flu shot last fall. And that’s because immunity from the shots wears off after 4-5 months. Same thing happened to me in 2019. I had all the shots. I wound up getting the flu in late March, followed by pneumonia, followed by sepsis and hospitalization. For this reason, I now get my flu shot much later (late December or early January). And that seems to be working better for me now. Anthony Fauci (former CDC director) said he does the same. Anyway, I hope you feel better soon! Take good care of yourself!
And don’t worry about replying to any of us. Just rest and recover!
Hope you feel better soon! And I had no idea a professional like you would have a contractor who “lies a lot less than most”. I ended up using two different “guys” (as in, I know a guy) for my kitchen renovation and they lied all the time, especially about time: when they would come, how long a job would take, etc etc. I feel a little better now…and my kitchen did eventually get finished.
I very unexpectedly tested positive for Flu type A a few weeks ago, after having malaise and body aches for a few days. They did a dual test for Covid and flu and I tested positive for flu! Took Tamiflu for 5 days, but malaise lingered til just recently. Feel better!
Would you share what rug you have used in your rendering of your living room in this post? The entire room is so lovely.
I thought I had had a ghastly few days, but you win! sorry you are ill. I have heard that there is some awful new virus going around but no one knows exactly what it is. Always welcome news. Hope you find a new doctor. It is so hard to find one nowadays, I think, who isn’t arrogant and condescending. Often their help is subpar, too. Oh well. Just look at all your pretties that ARE done, and tell yourself, “this too shall pass”. Say it over and over and it will.
Laurel, I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well and hope you can get enough rest to get well quickly, with all you have going on, and find a new doctor! Stress doesn’t help at all!
I love the mirror over your mantle! With its reflection of your beautiful screen, do you need murals in the panels flanking the fireplace? Will they be competing for attention? It’s all gorgeous!
Lauren,
Sleep, fluids; glad it is not COVID which could really set you back! Check your level of B12…
Not that my opinion counts…but, I’m glad you are making a pass on the murals. I love murals but not the one you show. It is dull and busy at the same time. The mirror is awesome. If you feel better regarding changing the space on your side lanterns, do it. This is your dream. I just love spending someone else’s money.
Too bad you can’t make a contract on timing of completion…but with your changes, that might not work. Tell worker #2 what an awesome efficient job he is doing!!! I find smooshing up a person works wonders if it is sincere.
Rest and regain your strength.
Oh, Laurel. My heart goes out to you. Imagine that you are standing in a safe place and I am fluffing your aura. There, don’t you feel better?
Congrats on standing your ground about the physician. I keep telling people that doctors are selling a service and if you aren’t happy with the service you’re getting, you can take your business elsewhere. If a doctor doesn’t listen to me and respect that, at my quickly advancing age, I know my body, they won’t be seeing me again. Good luck finding your new PCP. At least you’re in a city where you have a plethora of choices. And feel better!
Your home is going to be so beautiful!! Renovations always take muchhhhhh longer than anticipated. Our two renovations were so frustrating and nerve wracking that my husband threatened to leave me if I attempted another (I want to change our kitchen/dining rooms :). So sorry you are suffering from a bad cold – me, too, and it sucks! Finding a good doctor is challenging. My wonderful PCP left the practice I use (for a concierge group) and now I’m seeing a sweet nurse practitioner, who brings in a doctor as needed. It’s working so far, but I do feel that I need to be my own healthcare advocate more than in the past (and I hate seeing doctors). That you for sharing your journey đź’š
Ugh, I hate being sick! I don’t know what is worse for you…contractors not working or contractors working & preventing you from resting.
I do prefer the simpler mirror. The one you found is lovely but not for over the fireplace.
Hope you are soon feeling better!!!
I can’t believe how beautiful your place is going to be!!!It is really coming together, and your attention to detail shows in every photo!
I can’t wait to see the finished result.
Do hope you feel better soon. I want to thank you for getting me back on your blog listing. I have now received your last couple of posts, so all is good. Much appreciate you taking it up with your rep. I had tried signing up again so many times but as you explained I was being blocked each time until you intervened. It is great being back!
What’s the difference between God and a Doctor?
God doesn’t think he’s a doctor.
I agree with one of your readers..I think you should test yourself again for Covid. Are the test kits current or from a while back? I have many boxes of test kits that I’m sure have expired by now and should throw them out, I suppose. I haven’t heard anything about Covid or anyone having it around here in a while. I suppose it could be still drifting around. I wonder if it is Covid, and your test kit is valid, could it be a new strain that the test can’t detect? Anyways..yes, your contractors seem to be dragging their feet on this reno. I know how frustrating that can be. It took our builders an entire year to build our ICF home. I’m not sure I’d ever go through that again. The length of the build was a huge frustration, but way too many stressful decisions to make along the way. Hope you’re on the mend soon, Laurel!
So glad that you decided the find another PCP after your recent appointment at Mass General. I had a negative experience with an orthopedists at Brigham and Women’s a year and a half ago. First and only appointment and it was the doctor’s demeanor that sent me figuratively running.
I hope you feel better soon.
I enjoy your blog and look forward to seeing which mural you chose.
Laurel
Sincerely hope you are better now, I had a short bout of dry cough, aches and tiredness beyond belief BUT I love your emails looking forward to them so very much.
Looking at the 2 large panels in the living room above I was thinking they needed to be switched I can see there is more light in the panel to the left but the tree branches just didnt sit well with me for some odd reason probably because I’m a Dark Green Advocate.
Anyway, I really like the staircase just beautiful and can’t wait to see upstairs completed!
Gorgegous kitchen makes me want to renovate mine asap.
Have a fabulous day
Rosemary
Hello Laurel, I am so sorry that you have not been well. Please get better soon. This post was a real kaleidoscope of various issues, but the idea of progress is there. You remind me of Dorothy Rogers’ classic The House in My Head: the contractors and architect were all great, but they had their delaying tactics, and sometimes had to be kept in line. Your apartment will be worth all the trouble in the end–we have already had a few spectacular glimpses.
–Jim
p.s. The nerve of that rude fabric rep!
Sorry about your cold. I hear there is a lot of spring cold going around.
I love the mirror.
So if the screen will be reflected in the mirror, you need something very simple inside the moulding.
I will suggest some stenciled motif or it could be wallpaper with a simple motif, not a fleur de lis which would be far too literal in my mind. The motif needs to be smaller and leave most of the background plain which could be color or a metallic finish. Or it could be an all over leafy motif, but tone on tone. Or I just saw a textured paper which suggested a mural without being a mural — so it just hinted at an abstract mural — really, just hinted.
I really wish we could insert links!! NAUZHA Champagne Metallic Chinoiserie Wallpaper Mural, Vintage Foil/leaves
You might want to keep testing! I believe Dr. Lena Wen recently commented that it often takes until Day 5 of symptoms to test positive for Covid. Day 5 is the deadline to benefit from the antiviral, Paxlovid. Mine took that long, but because my dh had already tested positive, I was diagnosed presumptively before testing positive myself. There are also sometimes false negatives on flu tests. Take care.
Change of season flu or just running on an empty tank your home has the look of brilliance and I am not even there in person! But it comes through on the site. In time you won’t remember the delays but the most important thing is to get better (mostly with rest) and remember you have it all sorted so go back to bed now and stay there.
Hope you feel better soon!
Feel better Laurel, tea with honey and lemon and some nice chicken soup should help and I hope you can sleep in all day Sunday. I had one of these bad non-Covid colds in March – it took a good ten days for it to pass. I hope you feel better soon. By the way the mirror in the first photo was very nice.