
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
I told ya - it was chaos today... I think wine is needed, just not tonight...
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess, Travel



And since she brought up bubble skirt, we'll consider this partial photo retribution. May I present, Madden 2007. Never go to Dave & Busters with Reese & EJ. Those two competitive crazy kids went nuts.

So, with that, I will be blogging off and on - still trying to do NaBlahBlah so if I do a couple one liners or random ramblings about people we encounter, be kind. And, be prepared for a photofest when I return. That is, if I'm not recovering from the cocktails...
Labels: Blog 365, Memories, Random Mess, Travel




Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess

Labels: Blog 365, TV, Yay or Nay

Labels: Blog 365, Memories, Random Mess, Travel
What are you waiting for - click, click, click!
Labels: Blog 365, Weekly Round-up

Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, Random Mess, Weekend
Labels: Blog 365, Friends, Travel
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess, Soapbox
Labels: Blog 365, Cash Back, Guilty of Idiocy, Redeemed From The Trenches, Shopping, Soapbox
Labels: Blog 365, Guilty of Idiocy, Soapbox
I have a huge Guilty of Idiocy post but, in the interest of time and because I'm later than the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, I figured I'd post quickly before I departed to my new role as the crazy nosy neighbor on the porch, cardigan & all. All I need is a cane and to learn how to scream "Whippersnappers" and I'm set. I've already got the attack cat.Labels: Altamonte, Blog 365, Crime, PD
A Va-Va-Vooom Red Shoe is a must for EVERY fashionista's closet. Check out the IVA

For a classic T-Strap with some spectator style, why not try the LILLA

For a basic black pump, why not check out the MIMI. (I know I am)

Want something a bit more embellished? Check out the LINDAR.

Trust me when I say there is more - much much more, but what are you waiting for - click click click!
Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, Obsessed With, Shopping
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
I'm about to put out an A.P.B. for my PR mojo. Sadly, it's missing.Labels: Blog 365, PR, Random Mess






Labels: Blog 365, Cooking, Obsessed With, Shopping
Labels: Blog 365, Friends, Random Mess, Shopping, Weekend
Labels: Blog 365, Cooking, Health, Shopping
Labels: Blog 365, Movies, Music
I promised y'all a fluffy story and, by God, y'all will get the fluffy story.
Setting: Nice sunny day
Location: Downtown Orlando
Cast of Characters:
Last Thursday, my friend SL and I decide that we're going to run to Starbucks. It's our 10 min. getaway from the call of the office and we needed some air. The shuttle had launched and a walk was needed. We cross the street on our way to the Starbucks by the Westin Grand Bohemian and a co-worker sees us on the street.
Co-Worker: "Hey - go by the Westin. I just saw Kobe Bryant and *mumble mumble mumble*"
Lys: (thinking - basketball - I hate the Lakers) (ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ) "Okay"
SL: "LETS GO THE LONG WAY. YAY!"
Let me tell you about my boy SL - he is one of the most cheerful, positive people and loves to meet people. He wants to meet a Laker, by God I'm going to find a way and he's gonna meet a Laker. And, knowing how entertainment/sports personalities are - security can be an issue. Obviously the Lakers were playing the Magic. I have NO love for the Magic. I'm a 76ers gal, myself, but hell - if a team is gonna come here and spank the Magic, I'm all for it. The only player I have a bit of affection for is JJ Redick (have you SEEN him - *swoon*) but he plays, like what, 7 minutes a game - what the hell. (Hey Van Gundy - play him more and I won't scream at the 76ers on the TV to spank y'all like a baby, okay?)
Back to the scheming. With celebs, there's a trick to it. You never approach when they are at a restaurant. That's just rude, IMO. Often they don't want to be recognized. If you do happen to encounter, keep it short, sweet and perhaps they will take a picture. ALWAYS show proper respect for the security team. They have to deal with alot of crap.
So, considering our options, it dawns on me "Hmmmm - perhaps H. and his fam had met the Lakers - perhaps I can use the publicist angle to get SL a pic or autograph in case fans are milling about." [Trick o' the trade people trick of the trade.] Like MB has said, everyone knows H. and his family - they might not until they hear the song and then they freak out. I've had people CRY when H. wasn't at a gig that I was working. (BTW - having the same fan tell me how lucky I was to know H. blah blah blah, that still makes me giggle. And I blame H.'s brother who told her, "Hey - talk to Lys - she's close with H." GRRRRRR) MB has been "terrorized" for lack of a better term (he'll say "annoyed" or "bugged") by one inquisitive fan. So yeah. I'll use that angle if it helps a friend.
[Lys whips out cell phone to call MB] "Drats - no answer"
And, sure enough, there's one of the Lakers, Lamar Odom. He looks pissy and by GOD that man is tall (he's 6'10) Here are a gaggle of fans wanting to meet and I hear security say to the excited fans "I'm sorry, Mr. Odom is on the phone right now. Maybe when he's done". [Odom was far from on the phone - man was listening to his iPhone. Your gal ain't stupid].
Also there was Kobe Bryant, I nod in acknowledgement as he's in conversation, Kobe nods - 'sall good.
I had to resign myself to the fact that I would have to call H. since, of course MB refused to pick up his cellie. Dangnabit!
[Cell phone gets whipped out again, dials H. furiously].
H.: "Lyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyysssssssssssss. How ARRRREEEE you?" [he begins to babble] (H. has a habit of drawing my name out and enunciating a few words.)
[I realize that I need to cut this to the quick]
Lys: "Hi H. - I gotta make this quick. Think back - did you guys ever meet, sing for, something for the Lakers"
H.: "Maybe. We sang for a lot of things. I'm not really sure. Why?"
Lys: "Well MB isn't answering his phone and I didn't want to bug you but Kobe Bryant's here and I wanted to pass on your regards and my friend wants to meet him"
H.: "Sure! What are the Lakers doing there?"
Lys: "Playing the Magic, probably."
H.: "Wow." [H. rattles on and on and on - Utah, Cold, Snow, Weather, Sundance, blah blah blah]
Basically, I had to interrupt him to say "Hey let's catch up later" (TWICE) so that I could find a way to finagle a way for SL to meet the Lakers. And, as MB will testify - H. on the phone sometimes takes finesse to get him off the phone and not have your ear hurt. Especially since I haven't talked to him in over 6 months.
So, SL and I go into Starbucks and order and, as waiting for the coffee, here goes Kobe Bryant looking through the window. Again, he nods, smiles and walks away. 'Sall good. He's probably in the hotel. Then I see the most vile, annoying thing that placed Lamar Odom on my craplist for life.
Through the 'bucks window I see this older woman arriving in a cab to check in at the Westin. The Valet guy goes to help her get out of her car. See the Westin is good whereby they will give the BEST service to everyone - they don't care if you are a celeb or not. Here in Orlando, if you are spending a gaggle of $$$$ at their spot, you are royalty. As they are helping her out of the car, slipping behind her and bumping her out of the way is one Lamar Odom. I thought my eyes were deceiving me but no, Mr. Odom, earphones in his ears, bobbin' his head to the tunes is sittin' his 6'10" ass in the cab and the woman is standing there dumbstruck. She hasn't even GOTTEN HER BAGS OUT OF THE VEHICLE! And here he is motioning for the cab to move on. What the hell! The woman, thankfully, got her bags out of the trunk so his impatient ass could leave the hotel and do something. During this whole time, can I say he did not sign anything for fans, take pictures, nothing - he just was wearing some godawful hoodie, bobbin' his head and listening to his iPhone with a pissed off expression on his face.
Kobe, on the other hand, did NOT seem like an ass. As a matter of fact, I have a newfound respect for Kobe. He was pleasant, signing stuff and just all around nice. Sadly, I didn't get to meet him and talk for a hot minute and intro SL to him or pass along H.'s regards but oh well.
That evening, I get a call from MB inquiring as to my call earlier. I asked if H. and his family ever sang for the Lakers. I got a "NO!" and then I was told H.'s brother goes to the games but here I would have been saying "Hey H. and blah blah blah" when it really was his BROTHER that likes the Lakers. Note to self - ask MB - do NOT ask H. I should have known better. But I did want SL to meet a player because he was so excited. Oh well. It was for a good cause.
Finally, the next day as SL and I were making a return jaunt to the 'bucks I joked that he'd see some sights as the game was that night. Sure enough there were a gaggle of groupies waiting outside. Inside, the players wives were sitting in the super fancy restaurant and there were diamonds drippin' all over the place and lots of cocktails. I told SL that the wives aren't stupid - they understand the whole aspect of players/groupies and they are putting a halt to any groupie lovin' that might take place, but the wives were also enjoying themselves while the players were practicing.
Again, no Kobe and I might have made a few nasty comments to Lamar had I had seen his pushy gimme the taxi behind, but oh well.
So - that is our albeit brief encounter with sport celebs. And no, I'm still not a fan of the Magic (or the Lakers).
Labels: Blog 365, Celeb, Orlando, Random Mess
Many many MANY thanks to Erin over at ERIN COOKS who alerted me to an interesting fact - my feed was not showing up on people's readers. I don't check my feed on my own reader - because, quite honestly, I'm still behind on blogs I find. I even had to weed through my sidebar to see what blogs are active, what are dead - what ones are coming back (Y'all know who you are - this is my begging - PLEASE! :)), etc.
If y'all know me, I can program the time on my VCR, set up the electronics in my house and I am smart for a blonde yet when it comes to that damn DVD recorder that's collecting dust, I'm inept. I'm learning computers slowly. I'm not a whiz like my boy BR who is beyond technologically savvy. I'm still learning all the bells and whistles on the new 'puter and every day is a new revelation. Hell, it took me YEARS to learn how to cross crap out edit. I'm no HTML wiz by any means, but I get by. So when I heard my feeds were not burning, I jumped on Feedburner so quickly my own daggone head was spinnin'. Off to the help section, browsing, clicking, finding other people with issues, hitting up Bloglines F.A.Q., etc. etc. etc.
I think I fixed the problem, but I apologize for the 26 posts that showed up in people's feeds today. I seriously did not make up 26 posts yesterday. I'm yappy - but even I can't post 26 different items in a day. There's not that much in this blond brain of mine. I am, however, blogging daily for 365 days my friends - sometimes twice. It's the Na-Blah-Blah thing some people dared others to do (Hotfessional - you know I'm callin' you out, right?) and oy vey - fresh content daily has this gal's brain on overdrive. I even sit with my friends and when something happens, they'll comment "This would be GREAT for blog fodder, right?" Yeah - my friends are *ahem* special (jus' playin' - I lurve my friends. They are fabulous!)
I will have a fun post later today - promise, because it's in relation to something that happened last week and I've been meaning to blog about it. Let's just say it involves H., MB and a VERY tall man - well two. And yours truly wound up wearing flats. Go figure.
Labels: Blog, Blog 365, Random Mess
Two episodes in and I have to say, I confirmed it. Thank you Lipstick Jungle - I'm absolutely crushing on Andrew McCarthy. Sadly, I have yet to meet a man like his character. Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, TV
Denise, over at Do You Have That In My Size, did a little Valentine post, of sorts and its something that really made me think. You can check out the rules here or here at Hilly's page.So there, I'm done waxing poetic on what it is about me I love and now I'm out to "Enjoy myself". If y'all want to post, go right ahead :) And if you do decide to do this at your blog, let me know and I'll visit.
Happy Valentines Day y'all. Enjoy the day and, in the words of that old tune, Love The One You're With...Labels: Blog 365, Meme, Random Mess
Oh. My. Gosh - the wonders of YouTube…
This video was recently uploaded and, as I check NightTracks every so often, I saw this and went “OH NO They DIDN’T!” Little insider info - one of the guys in the video was from *ahem* a certain band before he joined this group and I had a huge crush on him when I was 12. Then I met him. Crush dissipated rather quickly but the album is still on the CD rack. MB/Ana - do. not. go. there or I will not, in no way, be visiting Utah.
Boys Club "I Remember Holding You"
And - in the true giggle fest fashion - gotta love when I prep for Philly and run across gems like this. What is up with EJ and that damn whistle of his?
Pretty Poison on that show that will not be named lest Big Brother come across this post... ;)
Enjoy!
Labels: Blog 365, Memories, Music, TV
To ease the pain of the loss of a gorgeous pair of iridescent pumps, I think I want THESE. I'm a sucker for Ombre and I have YET to have a good black pump that isn't peep toe. Aldos is Euro sizing so I'm going to have to try these suckers on. *sigh*Labels: Blog 365, Shopping, Soapbox

Yes, as if you don't know from the quotes on the side bar, I'm one of those gals who HAD to watch Sex & The City every week. I have every season on DVD and there are episodes that I can watch over and over and over again and it still captures my interest for the entire episode. I adore Candace Bushnell's writing and, in my quest and eternal hope that H. would get a CLUE as to how a REAL woman thought, eons ago I lent H. my Season 1 of Sex & The City. (No it didn't help AND his mother thought it was soft core p*rn - go figure.) When I heard that they were developing Candace's book "Lipstick Jungle" for the small screen and on network tv, I knew that, more than likely as it was *ahem* 'Network Television', it would be watered down but still - classic Candace since it was her overseeing everything. Everyone was touting it as the second coming of "S&TC". Then there was that fall out between Darren Star, producer of S&TC and Candace Bushnell whereby next thing you know each had a show for rival networks - Darren Star with Cashmere Mafia for ABC and Candace Bushnell with Lipstick Jungle for NBC.
Well, c'mon - I mean Darren Star had Patricia Field - the original stylist from S&TC for Cashmere - I'd HAVE to love it, right? Same premise - a gaggle of girlfriends living the high life in NYC. Realistic, no, but then again - how many shows are focused on high powered women - not too many.
I watched a few eps of Cashmere and as it went on, I quickly fell out of like with it. Yes, the story premise is cool, I adored the fashion but the STORY didn't grab me - it was definitely trying to recreate the Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte vibe but sometimes one can try TOO hard, you know. And that was its downfall for me. I didn't race home to see it on the Tivo. I didn't save it to watch again and get fashion inspiration. Truthfully, there was really only one fashion inspiration, maybe two for me but that was it.
Everyone's been yippin' about the competition - Lipstick Jungle - on NBC and I was DETERMINED not to like it. I love Lindsay Price and think she's a fabulous actress since her All My Children days but Brooke Shields - oh lord no. I refused to read/watch any press for it because, inevitably, in interviews you know some tabloid journalist will ask her "How's TomKat and Suri" or something stupid like that and that would absolutely overshadow the concept of the show. And I'd get pissed. And I'd refuse to watch at all or give it a chance -- hey - at least, if anything, I'm honest. I'd harbor annoyance and resentment of some sort. In reality, I'll admit that I was afraid that they would destroy the book. The book I've read a few times and devoured it quickly, enamored with all the characters and what I envisioned they would be in my mind - not a Brooke Shields ensemble cast.
I'm here to admit I watched it last night and, well, you see, ummm, errra, well, like, you know....
I was wrong. I was absolutely dead wrong.
Lipstick Jungle is not a new Sex & The City. Lose that idea, please when you watch it - don't draw similarities or try to compare it - it's its own entity. It was true to the book, imo (which some of those tv critics/journalists might want to read and don't use S&TC as research/reference only). These actresses flushed out the characters so well and the chemistry between all three doesn't even seem forced. It flows. The fashion is impeccable. The storyline - it was a pilot and a bit rough but still, well written. The acting - hell I actually believed that it wasn't Brooke Shields and her Calvins up on the small screen but Wendy Healy, studio head always trying to please everyone. The insecurity and strength was VERY well played and Lindsay Price stole the show with her interpretation of Victory Ford. Kim Raver (formerly of "24") plays the high powered magazine editor Nico Reilly and I thought she did the whole "act with balls" type interpretation of the high powered woman with a touch of humanity.
One final thing - the eccentric billionaire who woos Victory is played by none other than ANDREW MCCARTHY - OH. MY. HOLY. HELL! If anything took me back to the days of Pretty In Pink and wanting to trade places with Molly Ringwald it was last night. That man STILL has it. He really got into the character. And did you see him - seriously. Well take a gander.

Lipstick Jungle, you hooked me. I didn't want to like you, I swear, but I'm a goner.
For those that did NOT get a chance to see it/forgot to set the Tivo/fell asleep or just want to give it another chance - you can download it for free at www.nbc.com/Lipstick_Jungle/ or catch it on the USA network this weekend.
I get ALOT of interesting google keywords leading some new visitors here (some of which we'll save for another day of NaBlahBlah365) but one favorite of readers is that Food Network Chef - Giada de Laurentiis.
I adore this piece. It's FAR from gaudy, sits perfectly at the base of the neck (and has an extender which can be a godsend for us plus size gals!) and just is stunning. It captures the random hitting of the glint of silver much like Giada's necklaces do during a natural shift. Its sterling silver and I have to say, it is one of my favorite go-to pieces. I've been wearing it almost every day this week and I just got it on Friday. It is quite the conversation magnet.
So, if Giada inspires you or you just adore some well made jewelry, why not pop over and get a little somethin' somethin' for yourself for Valentines day from D. Celestine Designs. I can't praise Diana's work high enough. You will NOT be disappointed - Trust!
Also - for those that must have stuff as seen on Everyday Italian, I created a little list on Kaboodle that will be updated as I come across stuff in my shopping travels. You can check it out here. This is for those other googlers that ask "Giada kitchen knives" and "Everyday Italian pot". Those that are looking for stuff related to her clothing or various *ahem* YouTube vids - you are on your own my friends. This isn't that kind of place.
**Giada Necklace Photo courtesy of D. Celestine Designs
Labels: Blog 365, Food Network, Review, Shopping
I thought voting in Florida was a diabolical mess. Well, let me assure you my friends - far from it. Dealing with Gateway is like asking for all your teeth to be pulled, re-implanted and then pulled again - all without Novocain.
I have NEVER, stress NEVER dealt with such a shoddy run call center - EVER - and I've dealt with some pretty bad ones. Gateway wins the "CALL CENTER AZZHATS" award and, surprise surprise, they don't outsource. These azzhats are in Utah of all places. I tried, really I tried, to curb my cussin' and "Oh Lord" remarks because, I am calling a predominately Mormon state. I'm conscious of that. Ask Ana and MB how often I curse around them. Well, ask Ana because I've been lax with MB lately.
On with the storytime...so grab your coffee (or cocoa for those in Utah) and settle in. This one makes Stamps.com look like company of the year
It all began on January 16th when I ordered my laptop battery from HSN, where I bought my old laptop. See I got my laptop 4 years ago and I have had a great run with it. It worked well when I needed it outside of the black screen of death issue that just happened and the fact that the battery only held 20 min. at a full charge. So, shortly thereafter I get the battery and notice it looks a little long for my laptop. Sure enough, I get it home and hold it in its packaging to the laptop battery and - dammit - it's too big. Note to the HSN Idjiots - it's NOT the right size for my laptop so DON'T REFERENCE IT ON YOUR PAGE AS THE RIGHT ACCESSORY! Now this has to be returned. Dratdangnabit!
Thankfully I kept all the original shipping containers, invoices, etc. (I am wary of tossing anything I get from HSN for the first 30 days - just in case). I look on the Packing Slip and see: FOR RETURNS CALL 866-447-0520. See that word - RETURNS - remember that this is the number they give me for Returns. It will come into play soon - promise.
I call the Return number referenced on the invoice last week and was told by a Mark Jones that no, that is NOT the number to call for returns. Since I bought it from HSN, I need to call the HSN customer number: 800-933-2887. Thankfully I take notes during most of my calls, even if they are scribbles but can make out most of my chicken scratch.
Well, of course the flu struck and, in the interest of NOT having to retch every five seconds and put THEM on hold, I decided I'd take matters into my hands and call HSN today. I get routed to the ever so lovely *roll eyes* Ruth who tells me "No Ms. Lys - you need to call GATEWAY. Their Return number is 866-447-0520. We can't accept returns from Gateway without a Return Authorization Number which you can only get from Gateway. You need to talk to a supervisor."
Do my eyes deceive me? Wasn't that the same number I had to call first who then told me to call HSN?
Oh. Hell. No. Now I'm sick of being played like a ping pong ball and made my anger known. I've had a great relationship with HSN which is now in jeopardy by this mess. It's now Feb. 6th and this sucker HAS to be Fedex'd by tomorrow because I'll be DAMNED if I am not getting my $102.08 back. Now that I've lost 14 min. out of my life, let me go call Mark Jones and his little buddies and rip their throats out and shove it down a supervisor's neck, right? (Sorry - graphic is the only way I can go when I'm that mad. My mom's friend Mo used to say "I'll rip their heart out through their throat and feed it back to 'em". I just modified the phrase a bit. I don't go for the heart - I'll go for the jungular - quicker that way.)
I call the Gateway Number and first up to bat - JOSEI (Badge # GWN9499) (and yes I'm beyond putting that out there because this mess is going to get emailed to Gateway). Josei gives me nothing but grief. He's in the Utah call center and just keeps asking for my DESKTOP SERIAL NUMBER. It's a Laptop BATTERY dingbat - NOT A DESKTOP COMPUTER I'm returning. For 22 minutes we tango and he's rude, interrupting me at every turn and then I had to whip out that "tone" I reserve for the insanely stupid.
I told him as he interrupted me again with a phrase I used to only reserve for Cable Thieves. "OPEN UP YOUR EARS AND LISTEN, JOSEI. DO NOT INTERRUPT ME AGAIN - I DON'T INTERRUPT YOU - DON'T YOU DARE INTERRUPT ME - Do. You. Understand. Me." (If you borrow - say it slow, enunciate the last line and add a touch of menace.) Trust me, if Josei was in front of me - there would be a hand to the mouth silencing him while I make it clear he needs to shut the hell up. I don't care if he's got cooties like the whole Kelly Ripa/Clay Aiken scandal because extreme measures need to be taken and dammit - he WILL shut up. When dingbat Josei finally understands that there is serious trouble, he tries to get a supervisor - I give him the serial number and model number of the item I'm returning which, conveniently, they cannot even process anything without - idjiots. He tried to transfer me TWICE and can't figure out the phone system. His solution - he hangs up.
NOW there are veins poppin' out of my forehead. I'm LIVID. I call back and get - MANUEL (Badge # 9464) in the Utah call center and let me tell you - 28 minutes of drivel. Manuel kept trying to reference my old laptop and wanting to tell me "Ma'am there is nothing we can do - it's out of warranty." I'm not calling about the LAPTOP I bought 4 years ago - I'm calling about the BATTERY I just bought. Now it's on and blood WILL be shed (well virtual but you know what I mean). He kept saying he can't create a "call ticket" without the laptop information. Forget the battery - it has to be the laptop from 4 years ago. What the hell kind of kool-aid is his butt drinkin'? The tone returns and I seriously think he is scared because he kept trying to figure out what to do. Then he tells me "Well if you register your new laptop NOW, we can take care of the battery return". What. The. Blankety Blank Blank??? I responded "That new laptop that I just dropped a huge amount of change on - It's going home to Circuit City and Toshiba will be getting my business from now on".
He also is bright enough to let it slip that I have to be approved to return something. I have to be APPROVED - are you freakin' kidding me? After hearing that, I had half a mind to ship it to MB who IS in Utah and he can go knock on Gateway's door and pay them a visit. Because, if y'all think I'm bad - MB is 10x worse. He does not stand for stupidity at all.
OK - back to Manuel. Manuel said perhaps I should call HSN for a return authorization code. Oh. No. He. Didn't just go there. Finally, like a lightbulb he gives me a number: 888-205-0452. I ask "Manuel - what company is that to?" and draw a silence from the other end. I told him "Manuel - it's not rocket science, honey. The number you just gave me - 888-205-0452 - What Company Does That Go To - GATEWAY OR HSN?" speaking very slowly that way he can see if his brain can process the info. Again silence. Then I get put on hold and he comes back on and says proudly "Gateway". Give that boy a cookie. Of course I'm far from tactful and tell him I hope that after the 60 min. of my life I just wasted with all of this, it better be right or definitely all hell will break loose and, sadly, he's getting drug into it.
I call 888-205-0452 resigning myself to the fact that I'm going to have to tango yet again and repeat myself AGAIN and y'all know if I have to say it a third time, we're done. I'm still sick, tired and now beyond irritated. I get Georgie (Badge No: MA5202) who, like manna from heaven, had a clue. As a matter of fact, she had alot of clues. She knew her material, and, in 10 min. time, return authorization is processed, emails are supposedly being sent and they are paying for my shipping. Not only that, she was surprised that Gateway printed the 866-447-0520 number on the invoice as it was extremely wrong. The return number is - wait for it - wait for it - 888-205-0452. Do you THINK they tell their reps that. No - they want them to make us customers jump through hoops like circus animals. So - if it wasn't for Georgie, you know damn well the laptop would be going back to CIrcuit City and then I'd be blasting Gateway for the 15% restocking fee as well. As I told Georgie, if this goes right - the laptop MIGHT not be returned. Key term is might - because they still have a week or so to piss me off further. Georgie was the only one who did things right - surprisingly. And, as such, I told her she should be commended because Dumb (Manuel) and Dumber (Josei) clearly need either retraining or to find another job, preferably not at Gateway. Not to mention, one can infer that if I got 2 idjiot reps, I'm sure there are more that at that call center.
The point to my rant is this: Gateway - for someone so technologically advanced - your processes and customer call center training reps are ass backward. You need to get your crap together or you are REALLY going to have difficulties. I'm sure you don't care about a little customer like me, but if there's a customer like me having problems - I'm sure there are 10 more that haven't spoken up. And collectively, pissed off customers won't help you guys AT all for something so easy as processing a return authorization number for a LAPTOP BATTERY. 60 minutes of anger, frustration and utter disgust for what, so supervisors don't have to take a call? Are supervisors THAT busy because, clearly, they aren't training the reps properly. I mean what's so important - they obviously AREN'T supervising.
And yes - next item I buy a computer, right now Dell is looking better than you guys - and I'd rather deal with a call center in India right now than ever have to speak to Josei again. And with as much as I detest Dell and think their product is shoddy - it takes alot for me to say that.
(BTW MB - I'm REALLY NOT GOING TO UTAH AFTER THIS!)
Labels: Blog 365, Guilty of Idiocy, Soapbox
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess

Labels: Blog 365, Current Events

Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
Labels: Blog 365, Cooking, Shopping
Labels: Blog 365, Memories, Music
Labels: Blog 365