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Here's the story of a girl who moved and the company who didn't cancel the gal's cable service when directed to.

Remember how I was in the midst of a massive work project right up until the move.  Well, during my very few minutes of downtime, I made all the move arrangements - canceling Electric, Telephone AND Satellite TV.  I also arranged new service of electric, gas, telephone and cable to the Philly apartment.  Now I'm a smart gal and I will toot my own horn thankyouverymuch.  However, guess what I find out when reconciling my bank accounts - DirecTV took it upon themselves to charge out $141.65 to my bank account for service up until NOVEMBER!  What the @*@*!*!*!  They "disconnected service"   Well - DOH - that should have been done in SEPTEMBER WHEN I ORDERED IT, specifically SEPTEMBER 15th! 

I call today and speak with two very competent CSRS who seem to have the right info and immediately get me over to the proper manager after holding for 23 minutes.  I'm routed to a Marie/Mae or whatever she wants to call herself and this gal has the NERVE to tell me "Well I need to see what's disputed".  HELLO - the whole effin' amount. I should have only paid a prorated amount for 11 days since my last payment on September 4th.  

So - smartazz Mae tells me "You work in law - you can send us a formal dispute correspondence to our PO Box and they can handle it from there."  First of all, yes, I do work in Law - so that means I want a signature and someone to hold liable for receiving the correspondence or a fax number.  See, when you inevitably will drop the ball again, I want someone's head.  I'm not stupid.  And then, compounding the drama, Mae snottily remarks, "Well there IS an early termination fee"  Early termination my butt!  I MOVED and I had been a DirecTV customer for over 4 years.  Hell, now that I think about it - I think it was close to 5 or 6 years.

Manager Mae turns out to SUPERVISOR Mae and clearly has a chip on her shoulder.  That chip got worse when she was told to find someone higher than her - even after angrily remarking "There's no manager available!"  Well, FIND ONE because I don't believe that Mae was the highest in the food chain on that call center floor.  Turns out I was right and, on the line comes April - a manager.  April is just as frustrated as me because DirecTV won't give them an address or fax number of the dispute idiots.  Plus their website is down so finding a legal contact is impossible.  So, after much apologizing, she and I were calmly trying to find an adequate resolution and after she put me on hold for another 7 minutes to see what she could do, I hear her come back on the line with "Ms. Lys" and then the dreaded DISCONNECT. 

ARG!!!!!!!  ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?

So I have to call back - and start to tell my story for the 4th time and, CSRs - take note - NEVER tell a customer "I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL!" because that is when I lost it - throat was ripped out at the unfortunate CSR who uttered that phrase and I told him - "FIND APRIL or a MANAGER.  Do not, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD put me back in touch with MAE!"

And, after 17 minutes, KEVIN a SUPERVISOR gets on the phone and - yet again - DISCONNECT as he's speaking. 

I finally had a come to Jesus chat with Joanne, a very sweet CSR and told her that if a manager doesn't get on the line soon, I'm about to go to the executives with this drama because DirecTV should have NEVER pulled this crap in the first place.  I know they are all about customer retention but c'mon already - I MOVED and into a COMCAST footprint.  I CANCELLED MY SERVICE.  

Again, I was put on hold and subsequently routed to a ROSE in some call center in the Philippines.  SO I had to go through the arguing AGAIN.  Even better was Rose telling me "Well, you get routed to managers all over the world".  So, the bell in my head goes off - we're dealing with outsourcing (you know how I detest companies that doe that).  And as she remarks "Well we mailed you a hard copy bill on Sept. 17th and Oct. 17th.  You know how the mail system is"  Well "ROSE", the mail system in my country - while not perfect - knows a FORWARDING ADDRESS plus I gave it to DIRECTV's girl on Sept. 4th when she tried to get me to stay with the company.  However Rose tells me that the note was only about payment and not the disconnect.  Now irate and boiling, I insisted on transferring to a manager in the states.  And, again during the transfer - you guessed it - a disconnect.  And their website is down and their office is closed now until the morning. 

However, know that in the AM, I will have a nice chat with USAA who will be made aware of this drama and a request for reversal of the charge will be put in if need be because I did NOT authorize DirecTV to use my debit card on November 16th, nor was authorization implied for ANY future use when I made a payment with said card on Sept. 4th.  And I will have a chat with the people in the DirecTV US offices when they open for the correct info as well as a hard copy of the bills.  And the legal dispute will begin because, as I was only supposed to be billed for 11 days of service, by their error and oversight, I was charged for 2 MONTHS of service.  Somehow 11 days does not equal $141.65.

Also, DirecTV - EPIC fail because for someone who always touted how great you were even during the hurricanes, your customer service - horrid.  For something so simple as a disconnect, your people couldn't even do that right. 

This fight is FAR from over...

Labels: Guilty of Idiocy, Inquiring Minds, Moving In Stilettos, Outsourcing, Wha Da Hell

Posted by Lys :: 1:29 AM :: 1 comments

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Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Barnes & Noble.com: EPIC FAIL!

First of all, can I tell you how red in the face I am - seriously I'm livid.  It's my birthday for cryin' out loud and I shouldn't have to wage war AGAIN with Barnes & Noble's inept customer service center for their idiocy.

Some background.  I've been a loyal B&N customer for YEARS.  I've held the membership faithfully.  I buy a TON of books, DVDs, etc.  I often enjoy the website's interviews, etc. and make a point to buy all my magazines there.  Needless to say they make a good sum of funds off me.  I've noticed that recently my orders have been *ahem* shall we say slow.  Now one of the perks of buying a certain amount online is "Free Super Saver Shipping" which you could set your clock by - 3 business days or so and *boom* it's in my hands.  Which is great like when I want to review Jaden's fabu new cookbook "Steamy Kitchen" and I am looking forward to the UPS guy knocking on the door with that gorgeously shot book (yes I leafed through a copy in the store - I couldn't wait).  I also ordered the Foodie Handbook by the one and only Pim.  Can we say I'm crazy stoked about both of these books - both of which I put back in anticipation of the order coming to my mailbox. 

Well - it's two weeks later and, guess what - not one but TWO orders are "lost in the mail".  That's my original order AND the order that they issued as a replacement for the first one that is "M.I.A" from a distribution center in NEW JERSEY - the next flippin' state over.

When I called with concern at the end of the week last week to find out what the heck is going on because well, you just can't get tracking from their inept distributor ARGIX DIRECT, they informed me that there were a few complaints and that the replacement would ship out via UPS to me from now on as I'm a member who has been with them for years.  The B&N operator was very understanding and also told me that she was having problems personally with this dumb as rocks (my description - NOT hers) ARGIX DIRECT.   She assured me it would ship out post haste and I again waited patiently for the little present to come to the door.  Now, mind you my Sephora order came and that I ordered SUNDAY NIGHT via UPS.  The UPS here in Philly rocks!  Love them (which, if you know me is quite the event because UPS in Orlando and New Hampshire seriously sucked!)

Well, I get an email from B&N which tells me that it reshipped my replacement order and *wait for it* it went via ARGIX DIRECT via US MAIL.  AGAIN - from New Jersey - next state over.  Shipped out and *boom* guess what - it's lost in the mail again and we can't find ANY tracking info for it because B&N and/or ARGIX dropped the flippin' ball.  What happened to "Ms. Lys - we're going to ship it to you ASAP through UPS so you won't have this problem again"

Needless to say, I lost my patience today when I had to talk to this gal "Cecile" or whatever who not only told me my address was wrong (newsflash - I changed it immediately when I moved and it's on all my receipts so check your flippin' screen dummy because the gal prior to you knew the right address) and then told me "ohhh - it's got to be lost".  When I told her I just renewed my membership and I wanted it canceled and refunded - no go.  She begrudgingly refunded my order cost for both books and I told her that we're having a hell of a breakup.  This is no Ross/Rachael Friends Breakup - this is the real deal as in don't call me, don't email me, lose my damn number we are O.V.E.R.  Seriously - OVER.  Which is sad and hurts me deeply because I really did love going to B&N and browsing the aisles.  Now, it's all Borders & Borders.com which is 20 min. out of the way for me but to prove my point, I'll do it. 

So Barnes & Noble - I don't believe a word of what you say anymore.  Clearly, while I know you are "cutting costs" by using this supposedly cheaper ARGIX DIRECT service, you just lost a very loyal (and profitable) customer.  I've put up with your lack of changing magazines, lack of stock in the Plymouth Meeting Store, etc. because to me B&N has been a part of my shopping loyalty since I was in college.  I just can't sit by and say "Oh it's okay" because really it's not.  What you are doing to customers is disappointing.  So, here's where I tell you publicly (and my readers) - do NOT buy the membership - it's not worth it.  And, that's money I will never see again but I'm sure you will need that $25 because you will lose more customers than me by year's end if you keep this inept shipping distributor.  Clearly, ARGIX has proved itself to be useless in my eyes not once but TWICE.  Go figure.

So excuse me while I head over to BORDERS to go buy the Foodie Handbook and Steamy Kitchen at FULL PRICE because, you know what, Borders has NEVER did me wrong like you have Barnes & Noble.  And I'm sure they will welcome my business (and wallet) with open arms.

Labels: Cooking in Stilettos, Guilty of Idiocy, Shopping, Wha Da Hell

Posted by Lys :: 6:15 PM :: 2 comments

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Monday, October 05, 2009

GUILTY OF IDIOCY: Altamonte Animal Hospital...

One of the stories from the move was a sad one - and one that left me shocked and still, to this day, very annoyed.

My pug, Mr. Wiggles is a character - of that there is no doubt.  He does tend to be very hyper and "wiggly" when he sees people initially but that's just how he is. 

When I left for Philly, I asked for sedatives for both him and Shadow as it would be a long drive and I wanted them to be calm.  Shadow had been sedated for her flight to Florida so I didn't think much of it.

The day of the move, we waited until about half an hour before we left to give the pets their meds.  Shadow was prescribed a 1/4 of a 10 mg. tablet of Acepromazine.  Wiggy was prescribed a full 25 mg. tablet of Acepromazine.  Shadow took her tablet with little incident.  However, Wiggy spit his out twice.  Finally, with the bribe of cheese, he took it and my dad took him for his last walk.  I was told it would take 30 minutes for it to take effect.  Well, within minutes, Wiggy promptly convulsed, lost control of bodily function and basically collapsed and couldn't walk. 

WHAT THE @*#@*@*@?!?!  I called the Altamonte Animal Hospital only be told I could "drop him off".  Listen here dummy - I'm leaving to MOVE TO PHILADELPHIA TODAY and you want me to DROP HIM OFF?!?!?  ARE YOU NUCKIN' FUTZ?!?!?!  Not to mention, after this incident I didn't trust them with a pen, let alone my dog.  She told me that it was my option to leave with him sick but I really should just "drop him off."  I about lost my mind.

As I sat with Wiggy, I started googling results of Acepromazine with pugs.  He kept lookin' at me with the saddest eyes and would try to walk but couldn't move his back legs.  Thankfully, he threw up the pill and still would go in and out of sleep.

I texted Rifleman asking him for a vet suggestion in Philly.  If they told me to bring him back to the Altamonte vet, I would - but I was far from pleased.  He came back immediately with the spot he takes his dog to - Wissahickon Animal Hospital which is right near the new apartment. 

Thankfully, Jen from the Wissahickon Animal Hospital talked me off of a ledge, got me calm and told me that he should be fine, especially if he threw up the pill.  That was the first step.  Secondly, she said that apparently he had a reaction to it but interestingly enough, the vet prescribed him 25 mg. for a 20 lb. dog.  That was enough to sedate a 100 lb. dog.  Some vets prescribe 1 mg. per pound but considering that they did one quarter of a 10 mg. tablet for my 12 lb. cat, shouldn't they have done the same for my DOG?  Jen made an appointment for me to bring in Wiggy after the move and told me it was safe to leave in an hour or so just to keep an eye on him and call if there were any problems.  During my phone convo, Wiggy woke up and haltingly started walking over to my dad for comfort.  That was the best sign ever!

I tossed their pills in the bag, vowing to never use them again.  During the drive, Wiggy had a couple seizures but would quickly snap out of it.  Can I tell you the immense amount of guilt I had for even sedating the little guy in the first place???

While I was driving through Georgia, my cell phone rang and on the other line was the Altamonte Animal Clinic's office manager wanting to talk about the incident.  I didn't hold my tongue at all - they overdosed my DOG!  We went back and forth a bit but she told me that the Vet was at liberty to prescribe a 25 mg. dose for Wiggy since it was his prerogative and Wiggy was so hyper.  While I understand that, I felt I should have been consulted first as I would have to drive with him and he had never been sedated with that before.  As his parent/owner, in the end, I didn't see how they could prescribe only a quarter of a 10mg. tablet for my 12 lb. cat yet a FULL 25 mg. tablet for my 20 lb. pug.  Plus - while they only see the hyper "initial" side of him, they don't see the quasi-calm guy I live with when the excitement of seeing people is over.

It is what is is and thankfully Wiggy was okay during his checkup with Dr. Jacobs at the Wissahickon Animal Hospital and absolutely adores everyone there.  HOWEVER, after this drama with Altamonte Animal Clinic and Dr. Hart, I could never recommend Altamonte Animal Hospital again.  This one lapse of judgement on their part could have taken him away permanently.  And being told to "Drop him off" like he was a rejected piece of luggage, that was just poor taste on their part.

Labels: Guilty of Idiocy, Moving In Stilettos, Mr. Wiggles

Posted by Lys :: 1:15 PM :: 5 comments

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Sunday, June 21, 2009

Wiggs Update and Why I Will NEVER Kennel Him At Preppy Pet Again...

I'm a bit perturbed - let me rephrase - I'm SERIOUSLY perturbed. Wiggs is not the most graceful pug but, if anything, he's pretty damn healthy for a pug.

Until this week. When I got home from Philly, I picked him up from his kennel, Preppy Pet Suites in Longwood. I spoke to them last Saturday and they assured me he was just fine. When I picked him up, Mandy made the remark that he was "quite rambunctious". Fine - I understand that he's quite the pain in the ass and I was fine with it. He got home and I checked his bag to only find that most of his food was still in there. What the hell did they feed my dog? I mean, if I'm paying $160 for the pug to stay there, dammit, they will keep his diet as is. I tend to research what is fed to him after many food dramas and he's on a steady diet (sans the TooJays but that's occasionally). They took it upon themselves to feed him Cesars which is something that is on "clearance" at the supermarkets here and I don't know what the hell is in it. Their reasoning "He wouldn't eat his Chef Michaels" Sure he wouldn't - he's conning you for people food. If you leave it - he eats it. They could have told me this on Saturday and I would have advised them as such - not just "Oh he's just fine and behaving!" I had words with them and also asked that they please send me his collar which they neglected to put with his things (Note to Dana - I'm STILL waiting for it - please send it ASAP!). I was annoyed but not fully ready to break up with them yet.

Fast forward to yesterday - the heat index is unbearable - mostly it's 98 but with a heat index of 108-110. As Lesli can assure y'all, pugs and extreme heat is NOT good. So, I tend to keep him indoors. I'm still going through hell with the air conditioning drama here at the apartment (*ahem* Yo apartment management, perhaps we need a new compressor - stop putting a bandaid on a gaping wound, 'k??). However, he has a fan, steady supply of ice cubes and his new platinum fountain of chilled water. He's good. However his panting and hacking and wheezing had me wondering yesterday what the hell was wrong with him. He was up every hour on the hour moving across the bed to find a comfy spot. I even put in those "ice bricks" that you use with coolers under the sheets so he could lay on top of them. Still he was far from comfy and started dry heaving. Basically, it was a restless night for both of us and the cat who kept coming in the room to check on him.

This morning, I figured enough is enough and called his vet who, thankfully, is open 7 days a week (Altamonte Animal Clinic and Dr. Hart and Dr. Schnars seriously rock!) Jennifer, hearing the panic in my voice, told me that they would see him early this afternoon. First, I learned that he lost .7 lbs at the kennel - not good. In addition, after Dr. Schnars examined him, not only does he have a fever, but also a nasty case of kennel cough. $130 later from this appointment and I'm sure it will be more $$$ in 2 weeks at his follow up and my savings account is going "SERIOUSLY WHAT THE @@*#*@!" However, they take the best care of Wiggs and I'm thankful that they could fit him in today and catch it in time. They even advised that I present the bill to Preppy Pet for reimbursement but that just would never happen.

Preppy Pet, however, and I will NOT be friends and I think it's time that I have a bit of a come to Jesus session with them besides telling them that I will no longer utilize their services nor recommend them to anyone - ever! I entrusted them with my pug and this just is unacceptable. While I know that kennel cough can happen, it shouldn't have been this severe.

On a sidenote: what's funny is the look on the tech's face when I told her that Wiggs was at Preppy Pet. Granted he was there for 6 days but apparently it was 6 days too long and you know that face like that gal made to Carrie in Sex & The City when she brought up Aidan - yeah, that face was the tech's face at mention of Preppy Pet. Perhaps I'm not the only person that will be breaking up with them in the near future.

Labels: Guilty of Idiocy, Mr. Wiggles, Random Mess, Soapbox

Posted by Lys :: 3:52 PM :: 4 comments

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Saturday, May 16, 2009

Guilty of Idiocy: FedEx Longwood...

Normally, when it comes to shipping stuff, I have always preferred FedEx over UPS.  Downtown Orlando - FedEx moves quickly, efficiently and I have little to NO drama.  UPS - well, we have never gotten along - not in New Hampshire, not in Lake Buena Vista nor in Altamonte.  However, when I prefer UPS over FedEx - you know there has got to be a problem.

There is one driver assigned to the route that my apartment complex is on and it has been that way since I moved here.  I have had issue after issue with this driver and, sadly, while I make my displeasure known, the Longwood office won't do a damn thing about it. 

One of the perks of living here is that we can sign an addendum to the lease where we give the complex the power to sign for packages.  All he has to do is go to the office and drop it off. Easy peasy, I say.  Does he - NO.  He claims that they "aren't open".  They are open from 10-6 every day so that's hogwash.  This recent incident is the 5th time this s.o.b. has pulled the same "noone is in the office; noone is at the apartment" dance and, like I told the CSR at the call center in India or wherever, should I see that idiot of a driver, I'm going to have restrain myself from punching him in the nose.  The call center knows I've called to have stuff escalated and I know they give messages to the manager of the Longwood branch.  What does that spineless twit do - hand it off to a customer service rep. to handle.  He is "too busy."  I left a message for his regional boss to call me - crickets.  And the issue has only gotten worse.

FedEx Longwood once tried to tell me that the reason for the "strain" on the drivers' workload" is that they were "on the Disney route".  Longwood is NOWHERE near DISNEY.  I'm not that dumb - the Lake Buena Vista office has that route.  They've tried to tell me that the driver delivered packages to the office and I need to look again.  However, it was NOT delivered as both myself and the complex manager went through each and every package and *boom* it wasn't there.  I left a message for a call back first thing - which I got at NOON the next day.  The spineless twit had a CSR call me to tell me that it was delivered on Friday and to look again.  No, newsflash - it was delivered that Saturday morning, NOT Friday as the driver alleged.  What was in the package - fresh pasta that needed to be refrigerated from FoodBuzz that I was to test for Cooking In Stilettos and, lo and behold, it was on the s.o.b.'s truck for 3 days.  The ice packs were no longer chilly.  It was warmer than a monkey's butt.  Here's the kicker - when it was FINALLY delivered, the driver turned the box so it was hidden with the "refrigerate" and address labels facing the wall.  That afternoon, when I opened it up and saw the fresh pasta just ruined, I about lost my damn mind.  What does the spineless twit of a manager do - nothing.

Then, this week - I had something delivered that will be reviewed on Cooking In Stilettos - what does the same driver do - leaves a tag saying that noone was there and that he'd deliver it again, all while noting that there was noone in the complex office.  Newsflash - they were in the complex office - especially at 1:00 in the afternoon.  There's about 4-5 people in there at any given time.  I about lost my damn mind on the poor kid from India who heard me out and agreed - there's a big problem.

Here's the problem - the driver is a lazy fool who not only doesn't deliver the packages as instructed, but he leaves them on his truck for a day or two, depending.  He doesn't deliver at the time he says he does - the complex office confirmed that for me.  He lies to his manager who tried to tell me that I was wrong.  I'm sorry - I got to SOBE late because he "forgot to deliver" my cards in February and I had to take time out of my day the next day to go to the Longwood office first?  Don't play me!  I don't appreciate the Pass The Buck Mentality that occurs at the Longwood office and, when I had to go there today to pick up the package that should have been left at the office like UPS did with their package this week, I got nothing but bullshit excuses from the guy in the front who tells me "the station manager of course will call you back" but HE wouldn't take a message - told me to call the 1-800-FEDEX number and they would get the message to the station manager.  WHAT THE #*@*@*#*  What a bunch of lazy ignorant fools is my opinion of the FedEx Longwood office.  Clearly, the manager and the employees at the Longwood station are all the same - too lazy to do their job CORRECTLY so, therefore, hopefully the corporate office will finally open its eyes to the crap going on there and make changes.

Enough, for cryin' out loud, is enough.  And it really sucks when I have to tell people "if you need to ship something to me, please use UPS because FedEx in Longwood is a bunch of idiots."

Clearly, I've given them too many chances and now it's war.  FedEx Longwood - CLEAN UP YOUR ACT!

Labels: Guilty of Idiocy

Posted by Lys :: 11:30 PM :: 1 comments

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Tuesday, May 05, 2009

The Quest for Plaid (Or, In The Alternative, Why I Consider B&N Workers Book Wardens)…

Y’all know that Jen Lancaster’s newest book, PRETTY IN PLAID: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending,Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart Ass Phase is out today, right?

Well, having read all of her books, starting with Bitter is the New Black, I know that if it's penned by Ms. Lancaster, it will be hilar. And, I, my friends, will need all sorts of funny as I'm being stretched in 20bizillion different directions.

Pretty In Plaid seems to speak to me on a different level as it involves fashion, including that dreaded 80s fashion because I, like many of you, have been guilty of the charges of all things popped collars, aquanet, blue eyeliner and the like. Not now, of course (well - navy blue eyeliner from Smashbox now done tastefully, mind you) but still. It's fashion related and I need a book that will make me want to read and not zone out and have my mind race in 20bizillion different directions like it does the other 23.59 hours of the day, ya know?

So, this is an exciting week - Jen Lancaster's book is released; Colin Cowie's new line debuts on HSN and, to cap it off - Real Housewives finale AND Lipstick Jungle S. 2 on DVD (which my Tivo is excited because I can delete those 5 eps. I haven't watched yet because I haven't had time). Some people get excited about vacays - I'm excited about Pretty in Plaid, Lipstick Jungle, Colin Cowie and trash tv. Yeah, I know - shush - do not judge.

Last night, I was hoping that some "overzealous" worker started putting out the new books so I dropped by Barnes & Noble to do a little reconnaissance. I circled the store - nothing. Not. One. Book by Jen. NOTHING - what the heck?? I look again - NOTHING.

This could mean one of three things - people are catching up on their reading in anticipation of the release (it's Altamonte so I'll go with probably nope). They could be sold out (again - Altamonte - nope.) So I'm guessing the salespeople are hoarding the books so they can do a nifty display. Yup - probably. However, wouldn't hurt to ask, right? I mean, c'mon - this is the store that sold G. Garvin's new cookbook a MONTH before it was to be released. DOH!

Spotting a clerk nearby, I nicely inquire, "Do you have Pretty In Plaid" to which she snottily replied "No, that's out tomorrow - you'll have to wait. We'll get fined if we sell it to you early." Hold up - wait a minute. Again, let's remind everyone that this is the SAME STORE that sold a cookbook a MONTH before it was to be released? They know me here and know that when I check out - I check out big. Plus, dangnabit - I'm a member who has paid my dues. Sell. Me. The. Book. It's only going to be released in >5 hours for flippin' sake (if we were doing a Twilight stakeout and it could be sold at 12:01 a.m.)

But the Book Warden would not be swayed. She had about as much of a sense of humor as my 1st Grade teacher, Sr. Marie, at Holy Cross who pulled my ear as a child for talking in line. There was no pleading my case and no room for negotiation, no matter how savvy my litigation skills are.

:::sigh:::

Fast forward to when I'm in line waiting to check out with a copy of the latest Cosmo and another clerk asked me if I found everything okay. I told her of my plight and she said "No, we'll get fined if we sell them early." like they were Stepford Clerks or something. However, this gal was much nicer and I resolved that I would just buy it on release day and then Barnes & Noble and I would be done with our membership tango. I won't even talk about how I talked a customer into pre-ordering the Neelys' new cookbook and the Stepford Clerks had no idea who the heck the Neelys were. My theory was - the customer wanted it and if the worker was too stupid, then how am I going to stand idly by while a clerk's lack of action (or brain power) might lose the Neelys a sale. Again, I digress.

Apparently, karma smiled on me for helping the Lost Customer and not ripping out Book Warden's throat and letting this go. In my morning email was a coupon for 30% off a book from - wait for it - Borders. And, yes, they are holding a copy of Pretty in Plaid for me...

What are you doing still reading this post - go out and pick up a copy of Pretty in Plaid! Trust me, you won't be sorry.

Labels: Books, Guilty of Idiocy, Jen Lancaster, Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 6:39 PM :: 4 comments

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Monday, March 30, 2009

To Wii or Not To Wii... Coupled WIth A Guilty of Idiocy...

I've been wrestling with the decision - Shoes or Wii and, if y'all know me as well as I think you do, you know that's a tough call.


Well, tonight - I bit the bullet and hustled my behind to Best Buy to pick it up. I figured I'd see if I liked the Wii first before I picked up the Wii Fit and did my research. See, when I make my mind up for a big purchase - it's not an impulse. It involves more than one trip, extensive research, in the case of shoes - some fondling action, and lots of what if scenarios playing in my head.


I originally was going to get it last week and, after I checked out, I went to pull out my USAA card and *bam* it wasn't there - I had left it on my breakfast counter in the kitchen. That's God's way of saying "Hold Up, Lys - have you REALLY thought this through?" Thankfully, I did as I had some major pet bills this week with Shadow's annual checkup and shots and their quarterly baths.


I've been through hell this past quarter and I figured that the Wii if anything would give me something to deal with the frustration of the daily and perhaps have some fun. Hell, even throw some exercise into the mix because, while Wiggs has been giving me quite the workout chasin' after his little troublemaking behind (more on that in a future post), I need something that really will push it over the edge.

So, tonight, off I went to Best Buy with the thought process of buying the Wii first - setting that up and seeing if I like it. If that worked out, then I'd pick up the Wii Fit this weekend using cash back if possible.

I walked into Best Buy and Oh.My.GOD it was like Christmas Stalkers all over the place. No matter how many times I told them I was "just looking", they came at me like a swarm of locusts. I even had this one guy go "Ma'am - if you have a question on games, I know them all - I play most of them". I felt like I was in an episode of Big Bang Theory and was about to tell one of those guys to take a hike.

I pick out a game (Cooking Mama - harder than it looks), grab the Wii and head to the check out. Then I get assaulted by this guy sellin' me HARSH on the warranty and talking to me like I'm a flippin' idiot?!?!? Ummm... newsflash bucko - I know way more than you think I do and, if there is a problem, your "quasi warranty" isn't going to help shush my mouth - thats fo' dayum sure. I have no patience for people that are stuck on stupid and this boy was stuck hard. He kept pushing and wouldn't accept NO for an answer so finally as I was ready to return everything and tell him that he can take that warranty and #*@*@*#*#, I decided to quell the evil wench inside of me and just tell him to finalize the sale - period. I had that look and he tried one last attempt and I shut it down quick. The Hard Sell = No More Sales at Best Buy. And when I say NO, I mean NO.

Damn! What part of NO did Best Buy People not understand - N or the O?

So, Best Buy lost a long term customer by a bunch of overzealous sales people at the Altamonte store. I'll be picking up any future games, etc. at any other store BUT Best Buy.

As for Wii - it took a bit but it's set up. And, since I'm taking the day off tomorrow to get the car checked out from the accident, I might have to drop by Sears to pick up the Wii Fit - because while they may stalk me, they know when not to push that button with me.

Do you Wii - and if so, any suggestions?

Labels: Guilty of Idiocy, Random Mess, Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 11:13 PM :: 6 comments

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Friday, March 27, 2009

Officer, I've Been Robbed!

Stories from Dorm Central:

Every Thursday, I have organic fruits and veggie delivered from Orlando Organics. I adore this service and I'm really pleased. I find myself looking forward to seeing what I get and making it like a challenge to use items I wouldn't normally pick up. It's up to me to leave a cooler outside my door on Thursday mornings for them to leave the goodies in. I've been really good about this for a while now.

On Thursday mornings, I get up, take the pug out for his walk and then clean out the cooler as I fill it with ice packs and leave for work. Simple - no problem with that routine.

This week, I get home and notice that in place of the cooler is an insulated bag from Orlando Organics but no cooler. What. The. HELL!?!?!

Now I left that cooler out about 8:30/8:45. They come around 11 - so that tells me that in that span of TWO hours, someone thieved the cooler. You could tell it wasn't out for trash as the ice packs were laid out nicely and there was paper towels lining it over the ice packs. Any IDIOT could tell that - trash only comes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This is THURSDAY.

SO, by my powers of deduction it leaves only one alternative - one of the dorm residents decided that they needed a cooler for beer for the multiple parties that have been going on around these parts - and my money's on the idiots who vandalized the elevator, raise hell on the floor and, of course, haven't learned what life really is about.

And boy did those punks hear my thoughts as I was discussing the issue on the phone. These kids aren't paying their own rent - their parents are as confirmed by the office. These kids go to GOLF SCHOOL for cryin' out loud - GOLF SCHOOL. And I'm guessing that 90% of those idiots won't even go pro - but sure Mom & Dad - send these boys to Florida with a nice car so they can learn how to be a professional golfer like Tiger Woods. And I might have said that should they get out of line, I'm whippin' out my cane and cardigan to call the Altamonte PD as the Courtesy Officer hasn't really been able to do much and the problem is getting worse. However, should the Altamonte PD have public calls about the drama over here, well then - the complex won't like that.

For two nights we've had peace and quiet - they keep trying to say hi to me and pet my dog (I am praying that Wiggs lets his leg fly on one of them) but they have gotten the mean mug and aren't worth my time to acknowledge.

However, should they care to return the cooler - well then, I'll be back to pleasant neighbor status.

Labels: Altamonte, Apt, Guilty of Idiocy, PD, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 10:40 PM :: 5 comments

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Sunday, March 22, 2009

To Quote Pretty Woman: Yo, Bloomingdales in Orlando - Big Mistake, Big BIG Mistake...

I swear - shopping at Bloomingdales has gone from being enjoyable to just downright irritating. I made an excursion to the Millenia Mall this weekend to do a little "retail therapy" - on the agenda: Cole Haan shoes, a little Kooba purse fondling and, of course, the Bloomingdales Home Sale.

While entering shoes, sales person did NOT greet - as a matter of fact, the Bloomingdales sales manager looked RIGHT through me and blatantly ignored me. Eeehhh, I thought - whatever. Well, he didn't get a sale, that's for sure. Nor did his sales peeps. I just laughed it off with my father.

Head over to purses on the hunt for some Kooba bags (my fave) - sales people were just not interested in working - more like interested in chatting and engaging in a lot of "customer - we don't have any customers". No sale for them.

I laughed it off again and told my father about that line in Pretty Woman - you know where she came back to the store going "Big Mistake - Big BIG Mistake" when the salesperson decided to not make a sale. See, I wasn't dressed "up" for Millenia - dress jeans, a wrap sweater and some sneaker like shoes. Of course the bag was recognizable - as the woman in Cole Haan followed me around like I was her BFF. However, handbag wenches in Bloomingdales were not helpful at all. Fine then.

Head up to the home sale and fell in LOVE with a Le Creuset wide oval oven which is smaller, much like a braiser, and not deep like a full dutch oven. I got ahold of a sales person from Furniture who was so helpful and we hunted for it left and right. The housewares sales person - Amal - well, when she felt that she had to do her job and help us after taking all the more "dressed up" people who didn't plan on buying a thing and those that were waiting AFTER me - decided to tell me that a dutch oven is just like the braiser - same thing and I should just buy the dutch oven. Newsflash, I know my Le Creuset and that, my dear Amal, is NOT the same. What's funny is that the gal from Furniture knew more than the housewares gal, Amal, and that, of course, gave Bloomingdales the title of Guilty of Idiocy. Epic Fail. Doesn't surprise me - the Orlando Bloomindales needs a severe overhaul.

Just as well - I love giving my money to better retailers like Chefs Catalog and other worthy spots that know their product lines. As for Bloomingdales, we're not going to be BFFs ever. Especially the Bloomies in Orlando.

Labels: Guilty of Idiocy, Orlando, Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 9:54 PM :: 5 comments

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Guilty of Idiocy: 1-800-Contacts

OK, rant time - I'm pissed.

So, for the past month, I've been pestering my eye doctor because I NEED my prescription for my contacts and, of course, J.C. Penny Optical has this woman who just, for lack of a better term, is an imbecile. I called her AGAIN this morning and the first words out of her mouth "Well you never spoke to me". Honey, I DID speak to you and YOU are an idiot is what I wanted to scream at her as I know her voice quite well. However, I just spelled out what she was to do and, within minutes, my script was in my hot little hands. Had I gone to the store, I would have lost my marbles in there and told her and her store manager that, clearly, while I should be nice she's wasted ONE month of my time and I can't get that back.

Wait - it gets better.

So I place my order with 1-800 Contacts who I have used for YEARS and, tonight, I get this message from them:

I apologize for this inconvenience, unfortunately we have been unable to verify
your prescription with your doctor's office. We have been in contact with the JC
Penny Optical ... are unable to locate your records. At this time we have
temporarily canceled your order since we are unable to verify.

HOLD UP! PUMP THE BRAKES! WHAT THE @*@**@# did they just say - JC Penny Optical couldn't find my records? They just sent them to me TODAY! And 1800 Contacts just straight up and cancelled my order without reaching out to me so I could address it? That's straight up foolishness. They made a unilateral decision without reaching out to a customer to tell them that it was a problem. I'm beyond annoyed.

SO, with that being said, I'm going to start researching options and, yes, I think a breakup is in order, not only with my eye doctor but also with 1-800-Contacts who I had a long and enjoyable relationship. Sadly, that is no longer.

Labels: Guilty of Idiocy

Posted by Lys :: 6:50 PM :: 6 comments

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Monday, January 12, 2009

Where Oh Where Has My Internet Gone...

I'm so mad at myself. I was doing a search and clicked on a link and *boom* I now have some stupid Fraud.spyware thing on my laptop that Norton *surprise surprise* can't fix. Wish I could switch to MacAffe but since this sucker is already paid for *sigh* I need to supplement my "protection".

So bear with me as I try to get things up and running... not that anything spectacular is going on *snort* outside of my break-up with Sur La Table. In my opinion, we're divorced and no chance for reconciliation. In their mind, they think they have a chance. They keep sending me emails, one of which was "How are you enjoying your order?" Like I even WANT to see that (note: Order done at other retailers. Sur La Table + I are SO over - there's not even a word to describe HOW OVER we are. Williams-Sonoma peeps even agreed with me that SLT seriously screwed up though Williams Sonoma was more than happy to take my $$$)

Let's go to a happy place - and one that doesn't involve me buying shoes or shopping at Sephora - those will come up later this week. OK, I have to ask - did anyone watch "24" last night? If so, what did ya think?

Labels: Computers, Guilty of Idiocy, Random Mess, Shopping, TV

Posted by Lys :: 8:45 AM :: 7 comments

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Thursday, January 08, 2009

Guilty of Idiocy: Progress Energy...

Progress Energy, we need to talk.

I've been your biggest defender since I moved to Central Florida 6 years ago. I was happy to hear that you would be my electric company when I moved to Altamonte because, well, we had a great relationship. You were the first to respond during a hurricane, we rarely had any power outages, your customer service didn't suck and we got along. I didn't even gripe (that much) about you raising the prices on my bill during the "energy crisis" because I knew everything was raising.

However, my alarms went off due to the fact that when the gas prices went down, my electric bill didn't. And, for a single girl living in Altamonte, I shouldn't be paying $200 a month in electricity. Thankfully, with the AC off, it's now down to $100 but still, with AC at the most it should have been was $150 for a 932 sq. ft. apartment.

Then I heard about THIS. Seriously, what in the blankity blank blank do you think I'm going to say. I have no choice but to USE you so I technically can't tell you to kiss it and break up with you via a post it note but seriously, a 25% RATE HIKE? ARE YOU FLIPPIN' CRAZY?

I have to really think twice about our relationship. Quite frankly, when your quasi new CEO is pulling down a salary and bonus that is quite sizable and you had a year last year that might have been the Best. Year. Ever. in terms of revenue (and, one could assume that it might give the execs either a really nice bonus or factor in future salary negotiations), I question the motives of the "rate hike" and the blah blah blah that your media person is spilling to the papers and such. I know people need to turn a profit but when does it go from profit to straight up greed?

Progress Energy - you are hereby on notice. I'm not drinkin' the kool-aid you are providing. Trust me on that. And, after my lease is up and I move, the energy company I have to deal with will be a huge factor in my decision because, quite frankly, I'm ready to tell you to bite. me.

We're already feeling the wallet pinch due to the costs of living in the Land of the Rat aka Orlando - namely low low low salaries and high high high cost of living. Please don't add to the financial strain that Central Floridians are dealing with by yet another "rate hike" and "economy" bull.

I just don't buy it anymore.

Labels: Current Events, Guilty of Idiocy, Orlando

Posted by Lys :: 7:43 AM :: 3 comments

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Wednesday, December 03, 2008

The One Where Ice Coffee Equals Christian Louboutin...

Tis the season to be jolly. For me, 'tis also the season to watch those pennies. So, while I was crunching my financial numbers and wincing repeatedly, one glaring cost kept coming up over and over again.

It's no secret that I can't make coffee. No matter how many times I try or new machines I get, the coffee I make still comes out tasting like swill. Not to mention, if I grab it at the 9to5, it's not as good as Starbucks aka 4bux. In talking with a co-worker and lamenting about the cost of living, lack of raises, inflation and how what was once a $50 grocery bill has since morphed into a $98 grocery bill, it's a surprise that some people can even function. As quickly as the money flows in, it quickly flows out. And when I starting thinking about where my money was leaking too, I had to focus on my coffee runs. Basically, my inner Suze Orman/Larry Winget/Jean Chatzky is freaking the eff out. And by freaking out, it means I have to admit a glaring problem - I just can't make coffee. And, those that can't make, buy. And by buy - yeah, I buy.

Here's what hit my little blonde brain today:

I run to Starbucks during work about 4 to 5 times a week. That's my 20 min. of piece and quiet (and normally my "lunch"). So, figuring that it averages at $6 per run, let's estimate that at $30 a week. Therefore, one could easily assume that it is $30 a week which translates into $120 a month and, therefore $2400 a year. WHAT THE HELL??

Couple that above figure with runs to Dunkin' Donuts at night and on the weekend, on average about 3 to 4 times a week. At an average of $5 per run, let's estimate that at $20 a week which translates to $80 a month and, therefore, $960 a year.

Add those two up and you get $3,360 - IN FLIPPIN' ICED COFFEE?!?!!!

My Bampa once presented the simple premise of equating a massively high bill to something that gives me pleasure to demonstrate what it translates to. (Back then it was a ridiculous phone bill from calling my boyfriend at the time = how many Limited Sweaters - but trust, I got the point). SO, let's see what can I get for $3,360?

2 Jimmy Choo Riki Handbags

5 pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes

6 Kooba handbags

10 pairs of Stuart Weitzman shoes

3.5 trips to Philly

and so on

Better yet - I could be earning ING interest on that $3,360. Therefore, with you readers as my witness, my coffee budget has been slashed from $50 a week to $20 a week (if that). I will have to learn how to brew coffee and, if it's still swilly - tough, I have to buck up and deal.

Tough times ahead...

Labels: Current Events, Guilty of Idiocy, PF, Random Mess, Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 6:15 PM :: 9 comments

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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Ulta, It's Not Me - It's You...

I've had to learn the hard way that when it comes to choosing between Ulta and Sephora, Sephora wins every. single. time.

Ulta and Sephora both sell premium beauty products, like a well stocked CVS but stocked with all things Smashbox, Jonathan Product, Too Faced and Bare Escentuals.

Now, granted - I detest the Sephora in Orlando quite frankly because Monica, the manager at the Florida Mall Sephora is what I would deem horrid. Her sales staff is just beyond rude, couldn't care less if you had a question and gossip like hens instead of waiting on customers, except for two. There are a couple girls at the store that have redeemed it out of the seventh level of hell and know the meaning of customer service.

Going to the Florida Mall is a good 30 min. out of my way. Ulta, much like Sephora, is literally 2 minutes from my house in the Altamonte Mall. Every single time I go into Ulta, I'm disappointed - with the service, the selection and the attitude. However, tonight I needed to pick up a sample size of Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer and refused to bring my big bottle because I'm stupidly attempting the carry on challenge again. (Note: Sample Size - that sucker was $17. Sample mah azz! If it didn't make my face flawless, I'd forgo the whole thing). Do I drive 45 min out of my way to the Florida Mall and back, I thought with a groan. However, I figured "Ulta has Smashbox - I'll just drop on in there". Well, like I do before ANY trip, I start browsing the aisles, trying on this, glancing at that and lo and behold not only do I have the primer but also small speakers for the iPod, travel sizes of some shampoo and conditioner that were marked $3.95 each and a couple other things.

Now, much like Sephora, Ulta has their own club - a rewards club if you will. When they first came into the Orlando area 3 years ago, I signed up. For the past TWO years, I've been bugging them to change my address to my current one and they have NOT done it. The last trip - when I picked up the Anastasia eyebrow kit - they talked me into getting a new club card for their new and improved club. When I was talking with them, they assured me it would go right in the system. Well, I didn't have my card on me tonight but figured that it was in the system.

As I'm checking out, they ring up the shampoo/conditioner - $7.00 each. I could have gotten JONATHAN for that price (well, if they carried a full product line - which they don't). I told the girl to put that crap back. She goes "Are you sure?" I told her that I would pay that for Jonathan, not some unknown name so yes I'm sure. Put. That. Back.

Total tab was about $22 so I'm mentally cursing myself out going "You should have just gone to Sephora in Holyoke, Lys. This is stupid." but I swipe my card and ask her to look up the account. The girl goes "Lys, what is your last name" and I tell her. She asks zip code and I go to give her my current one and she reads off my current address. The manager on duty looks over and goes "Nope - that's the old account". Wait a flippin' minute. WHAT? Are you telling me that AFTER I sign up for a new club account you FINALLY CHANGE MY DAMN ADDRESS.

ULTA - That's it - we're breaking up. I cursed that manager out then and there. It was bottled up for the longest so for her to come off all snotty and act basically like Monica from Sephora, I saw red. And when I saw red - I SAW RED. I told her loudly that this is why from now on Sephora will get my business because Ulta can't get their act together. She immediately throws corporate under the bus and says that it's Ulta CORPORATE not Ulta ALTAMONTE. Ummm.. nope. They both suck. And then I schooled her on what is wrong with Ulta ALTAMONTE - starting with HER.

Needless to say, Ulta you get a big FAIL in my book and, I'm not regretting this - we're breaking up for good. Don't knock on my door any more.

Labels: Beauty, Guilty of Idiocy, Shopping, Wha Da Hell

Posted by Lys :: 9:15 PM :: 5 comments

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Monday, September 29, 2008

Here's Something To Think About...

To those people on the Hill that rejected the bailout plan today, I ask that you please step forward.

Why, you ask?

Well, quite simply, I need to know who NOT to vote for on Nov. 4th. That will be MY birthday present to YOU, dear lawmaker.

Seriously, pull your head out of your butt and get a clue. I don't CARE if you have to go on the road to "campaign". I don't care about the CEOs with the big bonuses that need not get them. I don't CARE about the b.s. and the fact that y'all can't agree over a HAMMER let alone something that is detrimental to our country. You want to campaign - you pay for it out of the salary that I, as a taxpayer, pay your azz. But first, finish your damn job and then get out on the road!

I don't really go into politics on this site and for good reason. Everyone has opinions and opinions can be controversial. However, I'm pissed off and I need to vent. We'll go back to the fluffy bunny stuff tomorrow.

I plan on definitely having a "Come to Jesus" meeting with the phone numbers of certain senators for the state of Florida. We pay their salaries and dammit, they WILL be held accountable. However, one thing struck me as comical. On MSN.com, one senator was quoted about how he didn't want to vote for it because he was afraid of "losing [his] job". How about this - by not voting for it, I hope your constituents VOTE YOU OUT OF YOUR JOB! Also, per the article, apparently some people took offense at Pelosi's speech. My theory: To those that were "offended" - grow a spine, get a thicker skin and get over yourself. Who the hell cares if your whiny baby feelings were hurt. The fact is our country is in trouble and you want to "be offended". What are you, related to H. in some way, seeing offense where there might be NONE?

Ugh! Seriously, Washington - GET IT TOGETHER because if I had my way, there would be no gray. So, I order you lawmakers to see the writing on the wall and GET TO FIXING. Where's Larry Winget when we need him?

**jumps off soapbox**

Labels: Blog 365, Guilty of Idiocy

Posted by Lys :: 3:15 PM :: 7 comments

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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

You Reap What You Sow...

As I've said here, many trips that I've had as of late to Philly have involved get togethers, reunions, parties, etc. of friends from early years. One thing is curiously absent from many of these gatherings and that is The Show producer (who a friend of ours once 'affectionately' dubbed "Big Brother" and I now will deem BBB aka Big Bad Brother). However, BBB is often "too important" and "busy" to deal with things and he entrusts his handy dandy sidekick who I will forever refer to as "HenchWench".

Now, I don't have him on my press list. I don't include him on client things and I don't have to. Plus, by his behavior back in the day (and by that of his HenchWench now), I'm of the opinion that he has not earned my respect and will get no more than a dial tone or my famous "Don't mess with me" side eye glare. I have always given him credit for giving me the opportunity to learn PR, but, let's be honest, namely that's due to the one person at HIS office who took an interest in a shy kid and put [me] to work - not him.

BBB really doesn't speak much except through HenchWench and HenchWench is abrasive to the core. Let me tell you a bit about HenchWench:

• She speaks without knowing the facts, attacks like a damn pitbull and is penny wise but pound foolish.
• She doesn't see the big picture or how positive PR can assist with getting their goals off the ground.
• She's quick to say that The Show discovered this celeb or that celeb.
• She's quick to exploit push how The Show discovered a certain morning show host, movie star, choreographer, etc.
• She's quick to erase others who worked/danced/helped the show if they 'offended' her (or BBB) or didn't kiss enough butt to be in her good graces.
• She's quick to take assistance as she wasn't around during the show years but then bitches when she's not in control (micromanage much?)
• She thought doing business with Lou Pearlman was wise.
• She's quick to cry Copyright and Trademark but, as of today's date, I don't see the refiled papers that were due well over a month ago to the government offices.
• And we won't even get into her lack of spelling prowess. MB was going to send her a dictionary once she was so horrible.

HenchWench really doesn't know us and, personally, I don't really care to know her.

We joke often about how she's the pitbull of the office and whines and moans about how everyone is not grateful, how we should lay our gratitude at the feet of BBB since, in her opinion, we would have never gotten to where we are without HIM. Our own work, blood, sweat, tears and determination mean nothing because, in her world, we were "nothing" without The Show and The Producer.

Hold up. Wait A Minute. Lets pump the brakes a bit now.

Let's be honest here. Speaking for myself, I pushed MYSELF to where I am today. I have noone to blame but myself if things don't work. I don't point fingers and go "but xyz project didn't work because [insert name from past] didn't help me get noticed. The same goes for many of the people from the show who have forged continued relationships with everyone and they work in entertainment, have families and enjoy success. Are you telling me that they don't deserve that success because BBB, I mean HenchWench, says so?

Recently, in addition to the get togethers, there have been a bunch of personal videos uploaded on YouTube and, as expected, BBB (or HenchWench) comes out of nowhere and pulls a temper tantrum because, clearly, if he's not making money - he's HenchWench is not happy. And, reading some of the jabber that they are trying to put on Wiki is laughable at best. To boot - HenchWench is even saying that The Show [was] among the first "Reality Shows" before the phrase "Reality Show" was coined. Oh puleaze.

That provided some good giggle factor for the day. We could sit here and give you the dirt as to what happened when, where, who, etc. - and what was done AT the set and people would be like "REALLY?" We could tell you stories of **rn Czar and a few other good stories that would make you go "Wait a minute - huh?" Yeah, real my azz. The stories are quite amusing. There was drama on the daily but seriously, it doesn't need recounting here.

If I was to follow the rules of Karma they would be getting bit in the butt by others. However, I think I want to hand Karma a bit of assistance and I'm going to put this character and HenchWench on blast. If they want to get into the nitty gritty all while holding fast to what they deem their "precious" commodity, fine. Bring it. But be prepared when there is a response from our end - and it won't be pretty.

See, it's one thing to pull the wool over our eyes when we're kids. It's a whole different matter when we're adults and can see reality.

Labels: Blog 365, Guilty of Idiocy, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 12:46 PM :: 2 comments

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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Tis A Sad Day...

in the Lys household today.

I went to pick up three pairs of my favorite shoes that I dropped off at the local shoe repair shop here in Altamonte. I had dropped them earlier in the week and was excited to have my babies home. They've been in intensive care for some time - mostly because I wear the hell out of my shoes. There's no easier way to say it. Two pairs I wore all the time, my burgundy and teal peep toe NineWest pumps and one pair, my black and white spectator pumps from Steve Madden, was injured in a fall down the stairs during Project Hell Part III a few months ago.

When I dropped the shoes off the other day, I said plain and simple "I need the heel caps replaced, they need to be polished/shined and please make them look pretty". I think that was pretty simple, no? I told the gal about the heel issue with the spectator pumps and she assured me that they would find out what happened and could handle everything else with no problem and they'd be ready Saturday after 12.

Well, late yesterday afternoon, I guess they called my house but I didn't get a message today - namely because when I woke up, I went, did some errands and ran to pick up my babies. I get to the store and, after she wastes 10 min. looking around for the shoes with my ticket, she then went looking by last name and couldn't find them. As each pair of shoes was nestled in CLEAR bags, I told her simply, "They are red, teal and black & white STILETTO PUMPS", she would then pick up rhinestony gold sandals, black shoes, brown shoes with a "Are these it?"- all the while I'm ready to go "What part do you NOT understand" but I bit my tongue. Turns out, after 10 minutes and 3 times going up and down the shelves again and again, she saw them in the window of the shop and said "Oh we called you. He needed to know what you wanted to do and he needs to talk to you."

Obviously they aren't done. I told her I didn't get the message, she goes "Why not?" I got home from work and the movie and crashed - what the hell business is it of hers what the hell I did with my day? Then she had the nerve to ask why I didn't answer the phone yesterday AT MY HOUSE and I basically blasted her with a "Hey - I'm working during the day at XYZ. Do you think I have time to hold your guy's HAND and tell him how to do his job?"

See, he couldn't use common sense. Part of one sole was starting to detach - GLUE IT, DOH! He didn't replace the heel caps - they were the same. They were not polished. HE DID NOTHING. Not. A. Damn. Thing. So now I've wasted over 30 minutes of time on this idiot - and for what. Then she made a vital mistake - she told me that the brand of shoes that they are crap for shoes and they really weren't worth it to fix anyways. Mind you, I paid over $90 per pair for each shoe. But they are cheap crap shoes.

Wait a minute - I'm going to take this fashion tip from some girl wearing 4.99 platform flip flops, shorty boooty terry shorts, and her flashing underwear with some frog on her butt? (Excuse the judgement but this time I am mad). She tells me that patent can't be polished (OK, understandable, I guess) and that they are just crappily made.

I looked at her and then let it loose. I told her that I would gladly then take them to the Florida mall or bury them, I didn't know yet and, basically - I wouldn't be coming back. Her response "Well I could have him look at them again and you can call him at YOUR convenience. We're here 8-3." Now, I'm mad - really really mad.

Here's the REAL reason I am not going back - if I give a job to someone that is considered an expert in their field - they should be able to answer the most basic of questions, do the work and follow simple instructions. This guy waited until Friday afternoon to do so (they were there since Wednesday) and then was out Saturday so he couldn't have even DONE his work. They aren't doing a huge volume of business so I question who the hell needs their hand held and do I really want to give my business to such a shop. And I won't.

I spoke with my drycleaner after and asked them for a recommendation -their response "Wow - we send our stuff there for our customers." I told my drycleaner that knowing that, I obviously would not be having them handle my shoe repairs and thanked them for their honesty.

I haven't decided what I am going to do with the shoes and, while I'm frustrated, the gals at NineWest are trying to find me another pair of teal pumps. And, obviously, I'm not going to name the shoe repair guy but I won't be going back, nor will I recommend them either.

Thing with being the only "repair" spot in town or one of the few, it is not bad for business for someone not to listen to simple instructions. They are apparently too comfy in their niche and, if they want to continue doing so, fine. They just won't have my business. I have made more of an effort to be more understanding, but this really pissed me off. I shouldn't have to talk him through how to do his job and she shouldn't be running the shop because she, also, doesn't listen to instructions.

So that, my friends, is the shoe saga of the day. I was going to channel my inner Carrie Bradshow and rejoice over my old friends coming home. However, I have to either put the shoes down or get a second opinion.

And, perhaps, I just need to go to DSW and call it a day.

Labels: Altamonte, Blog 365, Guilty of Idiocy, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 9:07 PM :: 5 comments

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Thursday, February 21, 2008

Redeemed From The Trenches: HSN...

Well, after the Priceline Debacle, I have to give kudos to where kudos is due. Gateway is STILL in the doghouse but you know what - HSN did right by moi.

After publishing the last blog, I decided to call HSN and find out what's holding up the whole process of the Battery Return. No surprise that Gateway still has not yet alerted them to the return. No surprise that Gateway, rather than sending it overnight, sent it ground and that, in and of itself, would have violated the terms of the return contract with HSN if I had not kept my paperwork. No surprise that Gateway didn't give them the "top secret code" that I had to lose my mind to get which is their internal reference. Thankfully, I have the little "tracking" slip that the FedEx Kinkos gave me (Gateway doesn't let you just go to a Fedex Facility - it HAS to be a FedEx Kinkos that closes early and won't be open on weekends for shipments) and through the wonders of CSR Angels: Michelle and Senior Supervisor Debbie, they both raised hell over at Gateway and *viola.* All of a sudden, Gateway said "Oh yeah - we got that ummmm... 2/15/08" Dingbat - I sent it back 2/11/08 and explained it to Debbie of the hoops that Gateway insisted I go through to return everything. And, I had the paperwork to back me up - timestamped and everything. Debbie didn't waste any time. Gateway was out of pocket.

Debbie took care of me and I did tell her what an ace they had with Michelle as a CSR. She really is a pro. Gateway should take notes from them. Again, like I said, good job deserves recognition. Bad job calls for retraining. Horrible job - let's not go there. Your gal needs to keep the blood pressure down. And, HSN believes in customer retention so she's going to talk to her higher-ups about the drama that way they can avoid that in the future. She's also applying the credits so that it can finally be taken care of (and USAA processes quickly so your gal will have the money in a flash).

In the interest of full disclosure, at the end of everything, Debbie did also give me a coupon for a future purchase which, under protest from me and refusals of "That's not why I called", she insisted on putting it on my account. Note that the coupon did not pull them out of the doghouse - the actions of Debbie and Michelle did. I buy other things from HSN like entertaining stuff from Colin Cowie, Huggable Hangers and Terry Lewis leather jackets (delish!). I don't go crazy spendy there, but I do browse from time to time.

And, looking out from above, my putting it out there of wanting a blue Fujipix digital camera for the trip. Not finding one in any store around town for reasonable prices (or colors - c'mon ORANGE? Do I look like an orange gal?) led me to find a lovely gem on HSN's site which I did get for the Philly trip (because y'all need pictures, right?). Plus, I applied cash back and the coupon which led it to be MUCH lower than Circuit City was wishing for. Already HSN had it for $60 cheaper than the one I saw in the store and so I upgraded my shipping and it will be here Monday. I was going to purchase it anyways but I was still on the fence.

Am I pleased with HSN - you bet. They weren't the idiots. Am I livid with Gateway still - yes, but I'll work through it. Will it affect me buying a Gateway again - sure. I refuse to deal with idiot customer service and sadly the Gateway call center was missing a few marbles. However, I'm not going to penalize HSN for the actions of one vendor. They are applying my credit which evens everything out.

Bad Day turned to Good Day. And, I'll be damned if I'm not going to make a lemon drop martini out of lemons when life hands me a big bowl.

Labels: Blog 365, Cash Back, Guilty of Idiocy, Redeemed From The Trenches, Shopping, Soapbox

Posted by Lys :: 7:28 PM :: 2 comments

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