Siding Makes Me Want To Go Into Hiding

For all of you who have ever lived through construction or renovation of any kind, I commend you.
And for my dear friend who is an interior designer, you should get a medal of honor. Six months ago
it was decided by my section of our Condo Association that we were having siding installation start in April. The assessment would be $30,000 dollars before purchasing any new windows. This announcement put me, as well as many of my neighbors, into a tailspin. Although I was a bit (to say the least) depressed over the sum of money, I knew that this project needed to be done. I live off of a ridge which gets very intense weather and rotting wood was prevalent on my unit. But, I dreaded this project with incredible angst.
   After setting up various appointments to disconnect and remove wiring for my alarm system; remove screens (which required removing ENTIRE windows which led to springs breaking, etc.) and 3 storm doors,  take down mirrors, lights, glass shelves, photos in frames, all the baccarat crystal, and cover furniture and carpet with drop cloths, I was ready to go. At that point, I was also ready to be committed to a mental institution or swallow a bottle of vodka, or both.  But that was just the preliminary events.
    Let the real games begin: At least ten men converged upon my unit Monday Morning. They began to remove the rotted wood, Tyvek the unit, remove windows. Hammers abound-the house began to shake. Parking spaces in the area were covered with dumpsters and siding, so there was nowhere to park. Holes began to pop, trim began to crack and my head began to pound. The next thing I know black tar was dropped all over my front steps and walkway-this is an issue that cannot be resolved. Once tar penetrates limestone (which is porous), it cannot be cleaned. Thus my newly renovated steps(done in the fall) must be replaced. At this point, I was totally distraught but tried to remain calm. What a joke-we all know who's writing this, right? It wasn't possible-there isn't enough Xanax in the world. By Wednesday night, I was literally waiting at the door for Jud to arrive and take me out drinking (which is usually a no no for me on Sun., Mon., Tues., and Wed.-but due to the renovation I made an exception). I then came home and promptly fell asleep-an unusual event for me: Depression and Vodka together make for a sound sleep.  Who knew?   Friday I was scheduled to have the deck doors and arch window removed as well as all the windows recaulked. More trim cracked, locks no longer lined up and worked, and the caulking looked as if my 4 year old grandson had done it. I explained how to caulk, how to smooth it, and the men redid it with the help of my tutorial.
Of course, the engineer now knows I am meticulous and anal and has commiserated with all my insanity. The workmen are not quite as compassionate, and besides they don't speak English-lucky for them!
    I do see an end in sight because they have to eventually move on to other units. Oh-did I mention all the shrubs and perennials are ruined?
    All this being said, intellectually I know this is not arms and legs, and that everyone I love is happy and healthy.  I realize that I need to put this in perspective. Easier said than done! The good news is that in a few hours it will be 6 p.m. and all the workers will depart for the weekend! Now if only my car doesn't have a flat tire from the hundreds of nails scattered everywhere-I will drive it to the closest bar and dream of the time when ADT will return to reinstall my security system and my new steps will be installed without black tar all over them.  The end is in sight and after my "Nineteenth NERVOUS BREAKDOWN" " I WILL SURVIVE".