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Sink or Swim

December 21, 2010 By Sage 10 Comments

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that unglue me. My washing machine broke. I opened the door and water came rushing out. I’m generally calm in a crisis. Breathe. Think. Okay, how do I fix this?

It’s a old German machine. I managed to find a German owner’s manual online, and through the magic of Google, was able to clean the drain pump. I was feeling so hopeful! But when I ran another load, I flooded my basement, again.

I’ve been fortunate in my adult life that money hasn’t been an issue. A car repair or a broken appliance was never more than a slight inconvenience. But right now, I may as well be broke.

I don’t know how to get a new washing machine. I found a place to order one online, but they only offer curbside delivery. That’s so not going to help me!

My machine also has a weird outlet that’s not like the others in the basement, so I suspect the plug on the new machine will also need to be modified. How am I going to deal with that?

I hate that I don’t know how to fix things here. I hate that I can’t jump in my car, drive to Sears or wherever, speak to the salesperson in English, throw some money at the issue and be done with it.

The benefits of this experience of living abroad far outweigh the negatives, but sometimes, something as simple as a broken washing machine is enough to send me to bed in tears before 8 o’clock.

Sink or swim. There is no other choice. Tomorrow, I will find the strength and determination to swim. Again.

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Filed Under: Denmark

Comments

  1. Tammie says

    December 21, 2010 at 7:09 PM

    im sorry.

    there was a time when we first got together that my husband and i were so broke that i couldnt afford to take my laundry to the laundromat. it sucked. i washed out our laundry in the bathtub and hung it over the shower curtain rod. it took DAYS to dry.

    hang in there. you’ll get through this. and when you get your new washer you will love it so much you’ll be hugging it.

    Reply
  2. Sage says

    December 21, 2010 at 7:19 PM

    Thank you, Tammie :)

    Oh, that does suck! I hear you on the drying issue. The load that broke the camels back so to speak was towels. They’re hanging near the woodstove now, but I don’t think they’re going to dry this side of 2011…

    ~ Sage

    Reply
  3. gardenmama says

    December 21, 2010 at 8:26 PM

    I understand what you mean, I have never lived in another country but have lived very rurally and things were similar in some instances to what you are describing… wishing you peace and comfort!

    Reply
  4. Sage says

    December 21, 2010 at 8:41 PM

    Thank you, gardenmama.

    ~ Sage

    Reply
  5. Kimber says

    December 22, 2010 at 1:58 AM

    It’s always in the midst of our trials that we find out how strong we really are! You seem to be an amazingly creative woman, this too shall pass and you will be surprised at how you just kick into action mode and get the job done, much like your electric issues! Great blog Sage – good luck!

    Reply
  6. American Girl says

    December 22, 2010 at 6:22 AM

    Try El-Giganten or Punkt1 (preferred) – they would be the most logical ones to offer installation services. Also what might be helpful is taking along pictures of the weird plug so they can see exactly the problem and can offer advice as to how to get a machine for it. Most of the salespeople will speak english if you ask – so far I’ve had good luck with that *knock on wood* because when I try to speak danish, I just get attitude and they speak english anyway lol

    Reply
  7. Sage says

    December 22, 2010 at 7:42 AM

    Thanks, Kimber. This year has helped me find strength I never knew I had. It’s been one hell of an adventure for sure!

    Thanks, American Girl. I don’t have either of those where I’m living, but I may have found a place online that will deliver and install, just need a second opinion from someone other than Google.

    ~ Sage

    Reply
  8. Lisa says

    December 22, 2010 at 1:36 PM

    Thank you for the visit, Sage –

    I’ve recently developed a fascination with Denmark since discovering Claus Meyer’s cooking show, so I know I’ll enjoy poking through your blog. Sorry about your washer troubles – Magellan’s catalog sells all sorts of adaptor plugs – they’re also online.

    As for the coldness of the country, do you have Cuddl Duds?

    Reply
  9. MaggieGem says

    December 22, 2010 at 3:26 PM

    Times like these are very trying, I admire your spunk and strength! Looks like you’ve have quite a bit of good advice, I’m sure you’ll get passed this. Best of luck to you.

    Reply
  10. smilingsurfer says

    December 23, 2010 at 7:11 AM

    Any chance that your appliances are covered under a home buyer’s warranty?

    Good luck, I’m sure that you will resolve this problem very soon, Sage.

    Reply

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Once upon a time, I had the chance to move to the happiest country in the world!

My restless Aries spirit liked that idea, so I did what any girl in my position would do… I grabbed my cat, booked a one-way ticket to Denmark, and became an expat!

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