the summer of mild inconveniences

About three months ago, we discovered toxic black mold underneath our kitchen sink. Two weeks after that, Anne and I packed up some bags and moved ourselves and our dogs out of our house, while a team of hazardous materials removal dudes tore apart our kitchen and made our house look like Breaking Bad.

A month after we moved out, we were able to come back into our house, because the mold (which originally appeared to be a few square feet, and ended up being much, much worse) had been successfully removed. The only problem with getting back into our house was our kitchen remained (and remains) torn up. Our refrigerator is in the middle of our living room. Our dishwasher is on our patio. We have no sink, so there’s no running water, so we can’t cook.

It’s all a real pain in the ass, and it’s made this entire summer feel like something we are enduring, rather than living.

But.

It’s important to me that I keep and maintain perspective. Starting at the very beginning of this, with the toxic black mold: nobody got sick, and we discovered it just before it spread into the walls in a way that would force us to literally tear our house down.

Insurance denied our claim for reasons that I think are bullshit. We tried and failed to fight their denial, and while it’s infuriating that they got away with it, we’re very grateful and very lucky that the whole thing didn’t cost as much as we feared, and we’re grateful and lucky that we can afford to pay for it out of pocket.

We had to be out of our house for over a month, but our friends let us stay in their home (they were out of the country), so we didn’t have to endure the cost and weirdness of living in a hotel for thirty days. We got to take our dogs with us, and we were in such a quiet and unfamiliar location, it gave me the solitude I needed to focus and finish the manuscript of the novel I was writing.

Did I bury the lede on that? My novel is currently with my editor, and even though I still need to do some work on it, it’s that much closer to being finished and published. That’s kind of a big deal for me.

Our same friends offered us their house in Hana if we wanted to get out of town for a little bit, and Anne used points and miles to get us an unexpected vacation in Hawaii for less than the cost of a single plane ticket. I’m grateful for that.

After we got back from Hana, we were able to move back into our house, even though the kitchen was (and is) all torn apart. We’ve had to eat out for every meal, which has not been awesome, but I’m grateful that we can afford that, and that we live in a place that has lots of healthy and affordable options to feed ourselves. I’ve been joking that we’re sort of like college students who eat out of take away containers, but with a fancy budget.

When we got back into our house about a month ago, we expected to live in the chaos for about five days, before everything was finished and restored to the way it was before … but everything takes longer than expected, and as of this morning, my refrigerator is still in the middle of my living room.

But.

I’m grateful that this summer has been, in perspective, a series of mild inconveniences that haven’t wrecked our lives. I’m grateful that Anne found someone who could replace our hardwood floor with an exact match, even though the boards in our house haven’t been made since the 1940s. I’m grateful that they matched the floors perfectly. I’m grateful that they were able to rebuild our cabinets and save our countertops so perfectly, you can’t even tell that they’re new. I’m grateful that the people who have done all this work on our home have been kind, honest, hard workers (who my dogs love, which is important. If your dogs don’t like someone, respect that, because dogs seem to have good instincts about people for some reason.) I’m grateful that, when this is all finished, I don’t think we’ll be able to tell that anything ever happened, because everything is matching close to perfectly.

I haven’t spent this summer making things, like I wanted to. I haven’t started writing anything new. I haven’t spent any time on my blog since June, and though it feels weird, I haven’t really missed it. I feel like I am in this part of my creative cycle where I absorb and consume and get inspired by other people’s creations, so I am nourished and ready for the output part of my creative cycle, whenever it decides to arrive.

I’ve spent this summer reading lots of books, and watching almost one movie a day. I know that sounds like goofing off and fucking around, but for me, it’s a fundamental part of my creative life and my creative self. I get inspired by good things and bad things, and I’ve consumed a lot of both this summer. I have found the same kind of comfort and familiarity in a book that I had when I was a kid: no matter where I am or what’s going on, I can open a book and lose myself in it. I’ve found so much happiness and comfort in the books I’ve read this summer, it’s inspired me to dedicate myself to finishing my novel asap, so I can maybe give people who read it the same escape and happiness I’m getting.

For my novel, I needed to find a slasher movie from pre-83 that wasn’t Friday the 13th or Halloween. It needed to be something that the kids in my story would have rented at the video store, and even though I could have gotten away with using one of those popular and well-known films, I wanted to find something different for reasons I’ll get into when I start writing my “here’s how I did it” posts about the novel, in the run up to its release. The upshot of this is that I’ve watched a TON of early 80s slasher movies this year, and holy shit am I primed to write and make one of my own, because I understand them at a granular level I didn’t think was possible, and I want to see what happens when I make my version of that kind of thing, even if it’s just a short script.

I’m grateful for the time I’ve had to do that level of research (some of them have been fun to watch, others are just terrible, but it’s always been worth it), and I wouldn’t have made the time if my house hadn’t been torn apart. Maybe I’ll even work an unfinished kitchen into the story, as an homage to this whole shitshow.

So. It’s been a summer of mild inconveniences, and I’m grateful and lucky that it isn’t so much worse. I’m grateful for the life I have, and for the people I get to share it with, especially my best friend and wife, Anne. I hope that, wherever you are and whatever your personal circumstances are, you get to share your life with someone who is as special to you as Anne is to me. I hope that you have the privilege (like I do) of looking at bummer things that happen, and finding some perspective that makes them feel less frustrating and annoying than they could be.

This is the first post I’ve written since I deactivated my Twitter. I wonder if anyone will see it? I wonder if I’m wrong about Twitter not making any difference in blog traffic or book sales. I’m going to feel really silly if I am. Anyway, I hope you’re having a good summer, and I hope that any inconveniences you have encountered have been mild.

Thanks for listening.

262 thoughts on “the summer of mild inconveniences”

Will, I’m glad you moved away from Twitter. There’s too much toxicity there, and you deserve to not have that in your life. I follow you on Tumblr!

Hope the remodel goes quickly!

Oh, black mold is a pain! My house was built in 1874 and there are always leaks to fix and holes to patch. I don’t mind doing that because I’ve found some interesting things inside these old walls, one being a shiny 1850 penny that looked like it was fresh from the bank.
I’m glad you’re able to keep happiness in your life despite things that get thrown at you. It’s tough sometimes. As far as Twitter goes, i haven’t missed it I actually had time to get some things done today. Your blog sent me an email letting me know you posted and I was glad to read it.

I have no memory of subscribing, let alone how I did it, but I am glad to receive an email every time you post. I have Twitter accounts but rarely use the site. It used to be lean and mean, now it’s just flabby with an identity crisis. Looking forward to when you unleash your novel upon us.

I so glad you are all healthy and safe . I’m excited to hear more about your book and northern projects. As for the kitchen displacement at least it’s barbeque season or got a insta- pot cooking for two is a lot more affordable than eating out . Keep your positivity going you are a inspiration.

Wil,
Always stay true to yourself, and thank you for sharing as always.

Malle Pennarsson says:

18 August, 2018 at 5:44 am

+2

I was just thinking about you today and wondering if you were doing okay since I hadn’t seen you post in a while. The feedly notification came just on cue. I’m glad you’re well.

Still get these posts via Feedly. Which I’ll be making more use of, along with Instagram, as I also am tired of Twitter’s bs.

Great attitude about your forced kitchen repairs. A friend went through a similar thing and it always takes so long.

And I connected with what you said about Anne. I feel the same way about my partner and it makes everything better.

I left twitter a long time ago because of the growing toxicity. I have never missed it, and I’m not surprised it has apparently only gotten worse, because nobody in charge has ever seemed interested in giving the problem anything more than lip service. I didn’t fully know how much the poisonous environment was affecting my mind and my mood until I was out of it.

I hope your troubles ease, and I look forward to reading your novel when it’s ready. Most things worth reading have many more than 140 letters!

Who needs Twitter? I just subscribed a while back and get an email when you post. Easy Peasy.
Glad to hear from you.
Rough summer, but maybe a good thing after all.

I see your post titles in my RSS feeds, which I skim once a day. It’s great to see that you’ve kept up with the writing and haven’t let the mundane annoyances of home ownership get you down. Hope you can get back to cooking very soon.

I’m not much of a fan of horror films, but, I’d be interested to see your take on one.

Thanks for dumping Twitter and helping to sanction (at least socially) some of the garbage content that’s being fostered online.

I’m really looking forward to the day your book gets published!

Your comment about watching a movie a day struck home for me. Not because it’s something I do, but because I translated it to something I would do for my job. For me,it read, “ and I am reading a piece of primary scientific literature outside of my field a day”. Which isn’t necessarily something that could further my craft, but it could. I am a biologist, and while plants aren’t my thing, I can learn from that knowledge. It would also be fun. You are a writer. Movies can be the practical application of your craft. Embrace the tangential. Also, I am so happy you got to take the dogs. How were the cats?

Yep, I saw it. Screw Twitter, I left when Trump got elected (total coincidence, of course†) but I follow your blog no matter how seldom you have time to write here. The black mold is a scary story of a dodged bullet, so glad everyone is OK. Write when you feel like it, we’ll be here.

†not a coincidence

Great to read your stuff again and I’m glad you found the silver lining in everything. Thank you for continuing to keep your fans informed.

I’ve never wanted to be on twitter, so it makes no difference to me whether you are on it or not.

I love the way you talk about Anne. I’m sure she deserves it, but she’s also lucky that you are wise enough to appreciate her and gracious and grateful enough to do so publicly.

And your ability to maintain perspective on your summer of inconveniences is admirable, as is your recognition that others, for whatever reasons, might not be able to see their own “inconveniences” as passing troubles with unexpected benefits.

I hope your autumn will be less fraught with mold, and the your poor refrigerator will soon be back in its rightful place.

Well, I saw this. Twitter or no

Your blog is in my feedly list, so I never miss a post. I’m having my place painted and having new floors put in. It’s much messier than I thought it would be, but it will be lovely when done.

Just dropping a note to say I see your posts through my RSS feed, not Twitter. Thanks for sharing about your summer.

Glad y’all are ok and that while things could have been worse, you have had some great things come out of the inconvenience. I saw this despite no Twitter, which I rarely check. I got here via Facebook.

Another RSS follower… screw twitter 🙂 While I’m writing, I appreciate your posts about mental health challenges… it helps me understand family members with similar conditions.

I receive your posts via email & I’ve felt like you are a friend even though you don’t know me at all. Not a stalker, just a fan. I’m ashamed to admit that I was busy on Twitter today before I remembered I was going to deactivate my account today. I don’t do any other social media so Twitterverse has been my thing. I want you to know that you are one of the main reasons I joined Twitter about 7 yrs ago, your honesty & humor have really made a difference in my life. Thank you.

Hooray for RSS

Ahhh… nice… I love how positive you are, and how you’ve taken step to refresh your heart and soul. (And also that you’re eating well 🙂 ) When the pressure comes back, remember these days, breathe deeply, and maybe watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PkrhH-bkpk

Morning Wil, from the other side of the pond 🙂 Glad to read your post (well, not the mould part, that sucks) Tbh, I had not realised you deactivated the Twitter, as I just dip in and out. Absolutely support that decision, it is great when it is people in similar creative minds bouncing stuff off each other (the film photography folk on Twitter are awesome), but the toxicity of the stuff where real life seeps in…. oh man… You’ve got such a grounded perspective on things, I could truly imagine you helping others (as you have been, via this blog, even if you don’t realise it). I’m a natural glass half empty person – this is kind of in the Scottish DNA 🙂 – so it is good to see someone else’s perspective on things. Cheers for that!

As we sometimes say over here – Lang may yer lum reek! 🙂

Hey Wil,
I keep up with your Tumblr, read the long posts on your blog and look forward to your burritos.
Hang in there.
Al in Japan

I follow your blogs, and looking forward to reading your novel. Good luck with that!

Hi Wil, thank you for this read. Thank you for being positive, despite all things around you and us. I really really admire you for your Twitter Fight. Oh and I get your posts via mail. I live in Germany so I get them in the middle of the night and read them in the morning, together with a nice coffee, just before I start work. Its a good thing. Your struggle for discipline the last months and years keeps inspiring me! I know you get this a lot, but you really seem like such a good person to drink a coffee with! Reading your emails in the morning comes close to that. Its like meeting a good and trusthworthy colleague at work. To you and your family all the best! If you want and can, keep writing! 🙂

This is the first post I’ve written since I deactivated my Twitter. I wonder if anyone will see it?

Mod bless RSS.

RSS and feedly for the win

This came into my inbox at the perfect time. Our summer hasn’t been great either (money, health, yada yada yada) but reading it has given me a different perspective.

Yes, things could have been better but the things we have done as a family are still precious. So as I sit here dosed on painkillers instead of being at an event I was looking forward to, I am thankful that I can sit and read books to research the life of a medieval nun (whole other story, don’t ask!) in comfort. With coffee. And Wil’s wise words.

I don’t think you need to worry too much about Twitter. I only ever dabbled with it – could never get the hang of it even without the shouting and nasty ness over there. I’m too wordy. I found your blog on WordPress and follow here with no problems. Really liked the sense of keeping track of things to be grateful for in this post. I try to do that on my blog sometimes – finds it helps to keep the gloom at bay. Hope your new kitchen is beautiful.

I needed this read today. Perspective is a powerful thing. I’m in an impatient creative mood at the moment and must learn to pause the output and allow to refuel and be inspired by work made by others.

I too have recently watched a lot of horror in preparation for a project coming up in October so looking forward to what comes from that research. (I wonder if Tourist Trap was in that list!)

Good luck Wil and the best to Anna and the family. I received notifications on of this by email and Twitter is whining along just fine without you. I rarely look at it. It takes you away from what’s important. Leave it alone until you need to promote.

Another great blog. I don’t Twit (or whatever the verb is for Twitter) and I still get your blog to my email inbox every time – very old skool! I do a blog on WordPress and share it on Facebook while often wondering if anyone is reading it. They are – we can both survive without Twitter! Thanks for sharing.

Dear Wil, first time I write a comment here, although I always read your posts (and feel much better after I’ve read them). Just a quick note to say I have no RSS or similar, and I usually check your website only 3 or 4 times a month, yet I knew immediately you had written a new post, because three different friends rushed to tell me. Word of mouth never dies, and travels faster than Twitter 😉

Looking forward to read your novel, and please forgive my English – you have fans in Italy as well…

Got it by email. Never “got” Twitter. The part where you reconnected with your childhood joy in reading books really resonates. I’ve been chasing that for awhile. I hate to blame the internet for the world’s ills but I do feel like screens have impacted that part of our lives.

Glad too see you back. I always enjoy your posts

Whisltes “always look on the bright side of life … ”
Anyways …

I think Twitter should have been renamed ‘Shitter’ ages ago.
It feels like looking at the sewer of the internet.
There may be diamonds hiding in there, but no one can ever pay me enough to take a look … never mind live there.

Wil, that’s so good. Not the situation (which sucks), but the way you dealt with it. As a fellow depression sufferer, I know just how easy and how far something like this could push us down a hole and then cover it with rocks to make it even harder to climb out of. (At least that the way it feels for me, sans medication) Great job!

I am so looking forward to reading your newest work.

All the best,

Albert

Chiming in here to say I saw it, I read it, and I am grateful for you!

Life is too short to water on things that don’t make you happy out enhance your life in some way. That’s why I stopped Twitter too.

I’m glad to see that you managed to find the positives in what could have been a shitty situation.

Thanks for continuing to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Good luck with the book.

This is such a positive perspective on the whole situation. I’ve seen you reply to so many asks on Tumblr in which you’re helping to reinforce others when they’re doing well or giving them hope and resources when they need some help. In that vein, I just want to say that I’m glad you guys were able to take so many good things from such a crap situation. That’s a really hard thing to do. And I’m so happy that you’ll be getting your home back to the way you love it. That’s really good news.

Hooray a post! I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed for forever, it feels like, so I always see your posts. Currently trying to figure out how to educate myself from the, hoping to figure it out soon, because while I get news there that I don’t get anywhere else, it has turned into a complete cesspit.

I’m really excited for your novel! Can’t wait for more news about it. Congratulations on finishing the manuscript!

My thoughts, in generally chronological order:

1 – Wait, WordPress has a ‘like’ widget????? wtf?
2 – Yes, people can still find your stuff, although, to be fair, I found it whilst Googling “‘Will Wheaton’ Twitter” to read about Twitter’s Infowars fallout
3 – Did you post a link on Mastodon? I follow you there, but not on counter.social because I get some serious weird vibes from my initial research into Jester so, no…
4 – on a related note, I see you have an inactive account on Mastodon.social (don’t we all?) and a main one on Mastodon.cloud, but the account on Mastodon.technology – is that you? I fear it may be an imposter…?

Wil says:

18 August, 2018 at 11:02 am

As far as I can remember, the only mastodon accounts I have are at .cloud and CounterSocial. I don’t recall setting up accounts on any other instances.

I love this post. Thank you, Wil. I love your honest exploration of the rhythm of your life this summer–the surprising bad, the unexpected good, the surly bites mixed with the sweet charms, then the ultimate respect and gratitude for life, just as it is. You also truthfully captured the ebb and flow of any creative endeavor–purposeful inspiration gathering, creative simmering, then bubbling stew of creative deliciousness–for sharing! Best wishes for the rest of the summer to you, too.

And, you’re so right, dogs definitely do have a keen sense of human goodness and kindness.

Another Feedly user here. I hope your kitchen is back to normal soon. I miss when you used to post food pics on Instagram, lol.

Excited for you and your new book, always grateful for reminders about being thankful, and grateful for sharing your life with us in a way that feels comfortable for you!

woohoo for perspective! It’s something that my there has been working with me lately, and it always helps to see others who share similar mh issues also navigate how to see past the vicisitudes of life. Can’t wait to read the novel!