Lucy in the house - where it's warm.
Another Picture to See
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
New Hairstyle
2-3 times a year I get in this funk where I want to change my hair. I am not sure what I want to do, I know that I just feel like my hair needs a change (again!)
So - my hair is naturally curly, so I need to limit my considerations to that. Right now I have long layers that go just past my shoulders. I haven't had bangs since high school and I am considering having bangs cuts, but I know I will want to grow them out again and I hate that in between stage where they are both too long and not long enough to do anything with. I hate those in between stages in anything, and I especially don't want to purposefully put myself in a situation that I might not look good for a while.
So, here are some celebrity curly hairstyles. But they have people helping them do their hair and making sure they look perfectly -- well-- perfect. I also don't like it when bangs are in my eyes. Maybe getting bangs cut is not such a great idea. Are bangs in or out? I read that full hair with body is in and the stick straight stuff is out (so, at least I got that going for me.)
Usually what I end up doing is changing the color and getting a trim. My hair is pretty much a dark blond with highlights of light blond, red, & brown in it. I was thinking of going lighter again. Our trip to Costa Rica is in little over a month and I need some warm-weather beach hair.
So - my hair is naturally curly, so I need to limit my considerations to that. Right now I have long layers that go just past my shoulders. I haven't had bangs since high school and I am considering having bangs cuts, but I know I will want to grow them out again and I hate that in between stage where they are both too long and not long enough to do anything with. I hate those in between stages in anything, and I especially don't want to purposefully put myself in a situation that I might not look good for a while.
So, here are some celebrity curly hairstyles. But they have people helping them do their hair and making sure they look perfectly -- well-- perfect. I also don't like it when bangs are in my eyes. Maybe getting bangs cut is not such a great idea. Are bangs in or out? I read that full hair with body is in and the stick straight stuff is out (so, at least I got that going for me.)
Usually what I end up doing is changing the color and getting a trim. My hair is pretty much a dark blond with highlights of light blond, red, & brown in it. I was thinking of going lighter again. Our trip to Costa Rica is in little over a month and I need some warm-weather beach hair.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
The Weekend Chronicle
Friday night Andy & I went out to Applebee's for a late meal and then were home and in bed by 10:30. I was exhausted.
Saturday morning and early afternoon consisted of making stuff for that evening, doing laundry, dishes, & clean the house (the normal weekend stuff). That night I had a Ladies Get Together and we had dinner together, went & saw the play "A Diary of Anne Frank" (it was freaking hot in the theater and someone farted - not one of us - but someone near us - luckily there was no air movement and the smell did not drift to us.) Then back to my place to have snack and drinks some cosmopolitons (& when I ran out of vodka, we swicthed to Boone's that Jessi brought - I used to drink a lot of that stuff when I was in college in my sorority) and singing karaoke with Karaoke Revolution for the PS2. 1:30 came and everyone had left (except Jessi - she was spending the night.)
Today I managed to sleep in until about 10am, although was bothered many times by Larry the cat and at 7 had to get up and give him some food. He's a bitch when he's hungry and has no food. I made some banana bread, worked out, made breakfast, planted some more seeds (flowers) & put them in this 4-tier greenhouse I bought from Fleet Farm, did more luandry & dishes (these seem to never end), took a sauna, went over to the outlet mall and got Andy some clothes, and finally came home and sat on my ass in front of the tv.
Saturday morning and early afternoon consisted of making stuff for that evening, doing laundry, dishes, & clean the house (the normal weekend stuff). That night I had a Ladies Get Together and we had dinner together, went & saw the play "A Diary of Anne Frank" (it was freaking hot in the theater and someone farted - not one of us - but someone near us - luckily there was no air movement and the smell did not drift to us.) Then back to my place to have snack and drinks some cosmopolitons (& when I ran out of vodka, we swicthed to Boone's that Jessi brought - I used to drink a lot of that stuff when I was in college in my sorority) and singing karaoke with Karaoke Revolution for the PS2. 1:30 came and everyone had left (except Jessi - she was spending the night.)
Today I managed to sleep in until about 10am, although was bothered many times by Larry the cat and at 7 had to get up and give him some food. He's a bitch when he's hungry and has no food. I made some banana bread, worked out, made breakfast, planted some more seeds (flowers) & put them in this 4-tier greenhouse I bought from Fleet Farm, did more luandry & dishes (these seem to never end), took a sauna, went over to the outlet mall and got Andy some clothes, and finally came home and sat on my ass in front of the tv.
Wedding Dresses
Well, they decided on the bridesmaid dress. Here is the bride's dress (my sister Miranda). I still have to go and buy my dress and get fitted for it. Everyone else ordered there's already.
Weeks 7 & 8 of 8-Week Plan
So, here is what you need to add to what you are already doing for the next 2 weeks.
Week 7
Have cooked greens twice this week
Increase walking to 40 minutes
Breath exercise 2x daily
Connect with an estranged friend
Volunteer
Week 8
Take Tonic (recipes in the book)
Increase walking to 45 minutes
Week Long News fast
Forgive someone
Buy flowers for yourself and for someone else
Review the changes you made and make realistic plan for yourself
Week 7
Have cooked greens twice this week
Increase walking to 40 minutes
Breath exercise 2x daily
Connect with an estranged friend
Volunteer
Week 8
Take Tonic (recipes in the book)
Increase walking to 45 minutes
Week Long News fast
Forgive someone
Buy flowers for yourself and for someone else
Review the changes you made and make realistic plan for yourself
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Yummy Recipes
I am making (or actually, just made) these recipes for tonight. I am having a Ladies Night (Andy's at a Guys Poker Night). There are 4 of us starting out with dinner at our place, then we are goingt o see the play "A Diary of Anne Frank" and then we'll come back here and be joined by some others & party into the night.
So, on the menu for tonight is salad, garlic bread, spaghetti w/ veggie & meat sauce (I put a ton of veggies in here -- zucchini, both yellow & green; onions; fresh mushrooms; black olives; spinach; garlic; tomatoes), plenty of red wine, and for dessert -- Carmel Bars (recipe below).
And I know my friends -- when we come back we will want to have snacks. I'm not friends with people that are little eaters. I don't think I could be friends with a little eater because I am a big eater, and well, you know what it feels like to hang out with a little eater and you are a big eater and you feel you are expected to eat little and then you are just dying of hunger inside. So, what I have lined up for snacks is some extra special guacamole & chips (& leftover carmel bars I am sure). So, my extra special guacamole recipe is below as well.
Now - the Carmel Bars recipe I first tasted at that baby shower I went to a couple weeks ago & asked for the recipe (Damn! My house smells so good right now from making these). I gotta warn you though - it is very rich. It's not an every day type of dessert.
Carmel Bars
50 caramels
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 2/3 cup flour
1 2/3 cup oatmeal
1 1/3 cup brown sugar
½ tsp soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup soft butter (melt it a little bit)
1 cup milk chocolate chips
Melt caramels & evaporated milk. Mix all other ingredients (except chocolate chips) together. Spread 3/4 of mixture in bottom of sprayed 9x13 pan. Bake 15 minutes @ 350 degrees. Remove from oven & pour caramel mixture over crust. Sprinkle chocolate chips over caramel mixture & sprinkle balance of crumb mixture over top. Bake 15 minutes @ 350 degrees.
Now for my extra special guacamole recipe. I start out using Bearitos Guacamole Seasoning packet (in the natural foods section, but you could use another brand). The recipe on this just calls for the mix & 2 avacados, but I have NEVER done just that. I have a thing about always having to change a recipe and make it my own, even it is is just a little (I did change the top recipe a little too - I just can't help it.) Now, back to my guacamole -- I usually just add some salsa & sour cream, but this time I took it even further and it is fan-freaking-tasttic. So, here's my recipe:
Extra Special Guacamole
1 packet Guacamole Seasoning Mix
2 avacados
1 T sour cream
1 T salsa
1 T red onion (chopped very small, I use a food processor)
1 tsp. cilantro (chopped small, in the food processor again)
1 roma tomato (chopped small - just go ahead and throw this in the food processor too)
1/4 tsp. lime juice
Directions:
Add packet to bowl with a flat bottom. Scoop out & remove pits from avacados and add to bowl. Add salsa & sour cream. Using a masher, mash the contents of the bowl to a consistnecy you like.
In a small food processor start by processing just the cilatro. When it looks like it is near your desired size, add red onion and process with that until desired size. Finally, add the roma tomato to food processor and hit the pulse buttom a couple times. Add this mixture to the bowl. Sprinkle top of guacamole with lime juice & stir everything together. Let sit for at least an hour so that the flavors can mix. Serve & enjoy.
So, on the menu for tonight is salad, garlic bread, spaghetti w/ veggie & meat sauce (I put a ton of veggies in here -- zucchini, both yellow & green; onions; fresh mushrooms; black olives; spinach; garlic; tomatoes), plenty of red wine, and for dessert -- Carmel Bars (recipe below).
And I know my friends -- when we come back we will want to have snacks. I'm not friends with people that are little eaters. I don't think I could be friends with a little eater because I am a big eater, and well, you know what it feels like to hang out with a little eater and you are a big eater and you feel you are expected to eat little and then you are just dying of hunger inside. So, what I have lined up for snacks is some extra special guacamole & chips (& leftover carmel bars I am sure). So, my extra special guacamole recipe is below as well.
Now - the Carmel Bars recipe I first tasted at that baby shower I went to a couple weeks ago & asked for the recipe (Damn! My house smells so good right now from making these). I gotta warn you though - it is very rich. It's not an every day type of dessert.
Carmel Bars
50 caramels
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 2/3 cup flour
1 2/3 cup oatmeal
1 1/3 cup brown sugar
½ tsp soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup soft butter (melt it a little bit)
1 cup milk chocolate chips
Melt caramels & evaporated milk. Mix all other ingredients (except chocolate chips) together. Spread 3/4 of mixture in bottom of sprayed 9x13 pan. Bake 15 minutes @ 350 degrees. Remove from oven & pour caramel mixture over crust. Sprinkle chocolate chips over caramel mixture & sprinkle balance of crumb mixture over top. Bake 15 minutes @ 350 degrees.
Now for my extra special guacamole recipe. I start out using Bearitos Guacamole Seasoning packet (in the natural foods section, but you could use another brand). The recipe on this just calls for the mix & 2 avacados, but I have NEVER done just that. I have a thing about always having to change a recipe and make it my own, even it is is just a little (I did change the top recipe a little too - I just can't help it.) Now, back to my guacamole -- I usually just add some salsa & sour cream, but this time I took it even further and it is fan-freaking-tasttic. So, here's my recipe:
Extra Special Guacamole
1 packet Guacamole Seasoning Mix
2 avacados
1 T sour cream
1 T salsa
1 T red onion (chopped very small, I use a food processor)
1 tsp. cilantro (chopped small, in the food processor again)
1 roma tomato (chopped small - just go ahead and throw this in the food processor too)
1/4 tsp. lime juice
Directions:
Add packet to bowl with a flat bottom. Scoop out & remove pits from avacados and add to bowl. Add salsa & sour cream. Using a masher, mash the contents of the bowl to a consistnecy you like.
In a small food processor start by processing just the cilatro. When it looks like it is near your desired size, add red onion and process with that until desired size. Finally, add the roma tomato to food processor and hit the pulse buttom a couple times. Add this mixture to the bowl. Sprinkle top of guacamole with lime juice & stir everything together. Let sit for at least an hour so that the flavors can mix. Serve & enjoy.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
5 More Minutes
Only 5 more minutes until work lets out. Yeah! Although I have a dentist visit afterwards.
We had a kid that totally tweaked out the other day, throwing tables, pushing chairs, punching file cabinets swearing profusely (lots of the f-enheimer) and slamming the door. Needless to say he got a little vacation. You could tell though that this kid was in control of himself, as he made sure not to hit anyone, although he culd have accidently. He comes back tomorrow, we'll see if he apologizes to staff & the other kids.
One kid I was meeting with was having peer issues and she so badly wants someone to like her that she ignores the very obvious lies and manipulation. I gave her some advice yesterday & some unwanted observations (she would rather have had me not say anything, but I did) and today she pulls me aside and is like "You were totally right about him." And I'm just like "So, this is the part where I say I told you so - right?" She laughs and says "Yes and proceeds to tell me about the next issue."
Time to go.
We had a kid that totally tweaked out the other day, throwing tables, pushing chairs, punching file cabinets swearing profusely (lots of the f-enheimer) and slamming the door. Needless to say he got a little vacation. You could tell though that this kid was in control of himself, as he made sure not to hit anyone, although he culd have accidently. He comes back tomorrow, we'll see if he apologizes to staff & the other kids.
One kid I was meeting with was having peer issues and she so badly wants someone to like her that she ignores the very obvious lies and manipulation. I gave her some advice yesterday & some unwanted observations (she would rather have had me not say anything, but I did) and today she pulls me aside and is like "You were totally right about him." And I'm just like "So, this is the part where I say I told you so - right?" She laughs and says "Yes and proceeds to tell me about the next issue."
Time to go.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
6th Week of 8-week plan
Here's the run down of what to add. You can look at previous posts if you want to see what you should be doing already.
Add:
Cooked Greens 1x this week
Increase walking to 35 minutes
Increase news fast to 4 days
Visit an Art Museum
Now I am not sure I'll get to an Art Musuem, but the purpose of the exercise is to exposing yourself to something beautiful, inspirational, & creative. I'm going to go see "The Diary of Anne Frank" at the local theater, so I think that could count just fine.
Add:
Cooked Greens 1x this week
Increase walking to 35 minutes
Increase news fast to 4 days
Visit an Art Museum
Now I am not sure I'll get to an Art Musuem, but the purpose of the exercise is to exposing yourself to something beautiful, inspirational, & creative. I'm going to go see "The Diary of Anne Frank" at the local theater, so I think that could count just fine.
Weekend Part #2
So, the second half was not nealry as thirlling, but we did stay busy.
Yesterday evening we went to a Candlelight Hike at the local state park. You could hike or cross country ski it, but there was just not enough snow. It was a nice walk. It was neat listening to the wind in the trees and seeing the glowing candles in the containers. They had a bonfire going at the beginning of the trail and that smelled so good and made me want to go home and start a bonfire int he back yard. It was a good night for a walk in the woods by candlelight -- not too cold. It was fund stopping periodically and making out on the trail.
After that we stopped at La Tapatia and picked up some food (some Gorditas & Ceviche). We have not seen any restaurant in the US have Ceviche on their menu. We fell in love with it when we first went to Costa Rica. Then we just watched a bunch of movies on cable.
Today - we got out of the house and went to Plaza Morena. It was their 2nd Anniversary and they had 50% off everything today only. So, the 2 of us packed away 4 different Mexican beers (Andy) and a raspberry margarita (me) and pina colada (me), lots of chips & salsa, combo #1 (Andy) & shrimp fajitas (me) and then came home. The Super Bowl is on now and New England is about to win.
Yesterday evening we went to a Candlelight Hike at the local state park. You could hike or cross country ski it, but there was just not enough snow. It was a nice walk. It was neat listening to the wind in the trees and seeing the glowing candles in the containers. They had a bonfire going at the beginning of the trail and that smelled so good and made me want to go home and start a bonfire int he back yard. It was a good night for a walk in the woods by candlelight -- not too cold. It was fund stopping periodically and making out on the trail.
After that we stopped at La Tapatia and picked up some food (some Gorditas & Ceviche). We have not seen any restaurant in the US have Ceviche on their menu. We fell in love with it when we first went to Costa Rica. Then we just watched a bunch of movies on cable.
Today - we got out of the house and went to Plaza Morena. It was their 2nd Anniversary and they had 50% off everything today only. So, the 2 of us packed away 4 different Mexican beers (Andy) and a raspberry margarita (me) and pina colada (me), lots of chips & salsa, combo #1 (Andy) & shrimp fajitas (me) and then came home. The Super Bowl is on now and New England is about to win.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Weekend - Part #1
I guess I technically started my weekend early -- on Thursday -- even though I had to work on Friday.
Thursday night I went over to Kate's house and she made tacos for us. Her & Cathy (who happens to be my tax accountant) planned this girls night out a few weeks ago. We went to this hotel called The Grand. There were 6 of us (me, Kate, Cathy & 3 of Cathy's friends). They have karaoke in their bar on Thursday nights. We had plenty of wine to drink before we got there so I was plenty buzzed. I knew people were expecting me to sing Baby Got Back, as Kate promised them as much. Cathy & I didn't expect each other to be as fun as we are, as we only ever knew each other in the business sense. But we all had a blast. Kate & I sang "our song" Goodbye Earl. And then I sang Baby Got Back & all the girls got up and started waving their tails around to the rest of the people there. We sang Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, which was totally not in any of our ranges. Then I sang I'm Too Sexy and once again the girls got up to strut their stuff. Kate tried singing Flashdance because she knows I just can't resist doing some type of interpretive dance to that song. She laughed so hard that I don't think she got even 20 words out. Then Kate sang something else that Carrie & I danced to (we were funny!). We ended the night with singing Happy Birthday to Carrie. So - of course all of this was with additional beverages. Then back to Kate's house for snacks. Needless to say, I was very tired Friday morning (as well as hoarse, my voice may have been able to pass for Barry White's - this always happens when I sing too much and strain my voice and am in a smokey bar.)
Last night, Andy & I headed out for a little getaway. I bought this "Getaway Package" to the Best Western in Menomonie, WI. It included a pizza from their lounge & 2 movie passes to a local theater. Actually - I am typing this entry at the hotel as I wait for Andy to get ready (he's slow this morning - very sleepy). We went to see Aviator. I thought it was just an ok movie. It was just shy of 3 hours. So, soon as he gets ready we head back home, with a few stops in the city. It was a nice little break from home, used the hot tub, and got to sleep uninterrupted from the cats, which is always nice.
I will post Part #2 later (after it happens.) Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Thursday night I went over to Kate's house and she made tacos for us. Her & Cathy (who happens to be my tax accountant) planned this girls night out a few weeks ago. We went to this hotel called The Grand. There were 6 of us (me, Kate, Cathy & 3 of Cathy's friends). They have karaoke in their bar on Thursday nights. We had plenty of wine to drink before we got there so I was plenty buzzed. I knew people were expecting me to sing Baby Got Back, as Kate promised them as much. Cathy & I didn't expect each other to be as fun as we are, as we only ever knew each other in the business sense. But we all had a blast. Kate & I sang "our song" Goodbye Earl. And then I sang Baby Got Back & all the girls got up and started waving their tails around to the rest of the people there. We sang Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, which was totally not in any of our ranges. Then I sang I'm Too Sexy and once again the girls got up to strut their stuff. Kate tried singing Flashdance because she knows I just can't resist doing some type of interpretive dance to that song. She laughed so hard that I don't think she got even 20 words out. Then Kate sang something else that Carrie & I danced to (we were funny!). We ended the night with singing Happy Birthday to Carrie. So - of course all of this was with additional beverages. Then back to Kate's house for snacks. Needless to say, I was very tired Friday morning (as well as hoarse, my voice may have been able to pass for Barry White's - this always happens when I sing too much and strain my voice and am in a smokey bar.)
Last night, Andy & I headed out for a little getaway. I bought this "Getaway Package" to the Best Western in Menomonie, WI. It included a pizza from their lounge & 2 movie passes to a local theater. Actually - I am typing this entry at the hotel as I wait for Andy to get ready (he's slow this morning - very sleepy). We went to see Aviator. I thought it was just an ok movie. It was just shy of 3 hours. So, soon as he gets ready we head back home, with a few stops in the city. It was a nice little break from home, used the hot tub, and got to sleep uninterrupted from the cats, which is always nice.
I will post Part #2 later (after it happens.) Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Timberlodge Appetizers
Get Apps for a Buck at Timberlodge. (Yes Andy, I said apps.) You can go through the website and sign up to get this coupon and they send you the coupon in an email & they give you this link. It's the same link for everyone.
We used this on Saturday and got some wings(w/ celery & ranch & blue cheese dressings).
I am sure I will use one again next time we go, as long as the link posted here is still good.
We used this on Saturday and got some wings(w/ celery & ranch & blue cheese dressings).
I am sure I will use one again next time we go, as long as the link posted here is still good.
A-OK
Had a physical and annual exam yesterday. Everything looks good. My blood pressure was great (105/58). A year ago I went on the "Patch" for birth control and it raised my blood making me hypertensive; I was not comfortable in my own skin having that high of blood pressure. Needless to say I did not use that form of birth control very long.
Had to get some shots too. I needed new tetnus and I asked to start the Hepatitis A series (series of 2 shots given 6 months apart). I got one in each arm, so they are a little sore.
Tomorrow I need to go into the lab to get my blood drawn to have a cholesterol check done. Last year it was borerline high, so that's not good. I've been walking a lot more and been taking supplements that are supposed to help with cholesterol, so we'll see how they have helped. You have to fast for 8 hours to have the test done, so I couldn't get it done yesterday as I had my appt shortly after lunch.
Had to get some shots too. I needed new tetnus and I asked to start the Hepatitis A series (series of 2 shots given 6 months apart). I got one in each arm, so they are a little sore.
Tomorrow I need to go into the lab to get my blood drawn to have a cholesterol check done. Last year it was borerline high, so that's not good. I've been walking a lot more and been taking supplements that are supposed to help with cholesterol, so we'll see how they have helped. You have to fast for 8 hours to have the test done, so I couldn't get it done yesterday as I had my appt shortly after lunch.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Companies that Piss Me Off
Andy told me last night that we are going to HAVE to move to Costa Rica because there will be no companies left soon in the U.S. that I will do business with.
I hate Sprint. They just steal your money with all sorts of charges. We don't do business with them anymore and won't do business with them again. See - that's what happens - I get pissed and that's it, no more business with them. They probably don't want to do business with me either.
Then there is this local plumbing company. This one particular company really pissed me off. They were double charging on the trip charges and extra time on the labor time and I just didn't want to be taken advantage of. BTW - I HATE TRIP CHARGES. WTF! So, anyways, I started out talking calmly to this woman there about the charges and I was getting no where and asked to speak to a manager and she refused - the bitch - and so I started to get mad and then she started telling me I should not get upset and should lower my voice - that pissed me off even more. So, I filed a complaint with the BBB and got money back for the extra trip charges, but they said they only charge for FULL hours, so I had to pay for 2 hours when it was only 1.25 hours. Bastards. I don't do business with them anymore. I have not had good experiences with plumbers and have a general dislike for them. Poor Andy had to learn how to do all sorts of plumbing since I don't like them. I hate the idea of paying $250/hr. on a weekend or a night because my pipe burst. We actually had to pay that once but luckily we had this insurance thingy that the sellers gave us and that covered it.
So now, my latest target is Dell. I have wasted 2 hours of my life online with them, 30 minutes on hold on the phone (which they never did pick up and I had to settle for online), 4 days of an unusable laptop & now another 2 weeks of an unusable laptop. First off, if they would give one customer undivided attention they could get done with the chat thing in 10 minutes, but instead last night I was there for 1 hour 11 minutes because it was 2-4 minutes between responses, and those were busy work stuff that did not solve anything. Now I have to wait for them to send me a box so that I can send my computer back and it will take up to 9 days for them to fix it (that's what they say, but the phone also said I would have up to a 10 minute wait and I was there for 30 minutes and still had no help.) I also hate that any Dell part or Dell ink for the printer HAS to be bought from them. You cannot buy it from any other place (except maybe eBay - you can find anything there and it's a very dangerous place for me, at times I am very addicted to Ebay.) So, I still have no working laptop. For some reason it is not recognizing the adapter and is only running off the battery and the battery runs out of juice. So, I am sure I am bound to get more pissed off before I get a working computer. I don't ever want to buy another Dell product just because their customer service sucks so bad!
There is also a seller on Half.com (elephant something) that I don't like. They sell a lot of stuff there and usually have the cheapest prices, but they cancel a lot of orders because "they don't have it anymore" (jackass - take it off your inventory then) and they FORGET to send out your stuff. I had this happen to me twice (both times I ordered several books from them at the same time). Luckily I always have gotten refunded through half.com, but it takes a LONG time to get your money back. So, now I just don't buy from them. Always check out feedback of people on half.com & ebay. That is what it is there for. There are some crummy people out there. I have to say that half.com has been good about refunding for crummy sellers and paypal has gotten my money back a couple times when sellers did not ship their products (so - kudos to half.com & paypal - both eBay companies.)
I am sure there are plenty more companies out there that piss me off, but that's the list of ones I won't do business with anymore because they piss me off so bad. Why put myself in a situation that I may potentially get upset? It makes no sense to me.
I hate Sprint. They just steal your money with all sorts of charges. We don't do business with them anymore and won't do business with them again. See - that's what happens - I get pissed and that's it, no more business with them. They probably don't want to do business with me either.
Then there is this local plumbing company. This one particular company really pissed me off. They were double charging on the trip charges and extra time on the labor time and I just didn't want to be taken advantage of. BTW - I HATE TRIP CHARGES. WTF! So, anyways, I started out talking calmly to this woman there about the charges and I was getting no where and asked to speak to a manager and she refused - the bitch - and so I started to get mad and then she started telling me I should not get upset and should lower my voice - that pissed me off even more. So, I filed a complaint with the BBB and got money back for the extra trip charges, but they said they only charge for FULL hours, so I had to pay for 2 hours when it was only 1.25 hours. Bastards. I don't do business with them anymore. I have not had good experiences with plumbers and have a general dislike for them. Poor Andy had to learn how to do all sorts of plumbing since I don't like them. I hate the idea of paying $250/hr. on a weekend or a night because my pipe burst. We actually had to pay that once but luckily we had this insurance thingy that the sellers gave us and that covered it.
So now, my latest target is Dell. I have wasted 2 hours of my life online with them, 30 minutes on hold on the phone (which they never did pick up and I had to settle for online), 4 days of an unusable laptop & now another 2 weeks of an unusable laptop. First off, if they would give one customer undivided attention they could get done with the chat thing in 10 minutes, but instead last night I was there for 1 hour 11 minutes because it was 2-4 minutes between responses, and those were busy work stuff that did not solve anything. Now I have to wait for them to send me a box so that I can send my computer back and it will take up to 9 days for them to fix it (that's what they say, but the phone also said I would have up to a 10 minute wait and I was there for 30 minutes and still had no help.) I also hate that any Dell part or Dell ink for the printer HAS to be bought from them. You cannot buy it from any other place (except maybe eBay - you can find anything there and it's a very dangerous place for me, at times I am very addicted to Ebay.) So, I still have no working laptop. For some reason it is not recognizing the adapter and is only running off the battery and the battery runs out of juice. So, I am sure I am bound to get more pissed off before I get a working computer. I don't ever want to buy another Dell product just because their customer service sucks so bad!
There is also a seller on Half.com (elephant something) that I don't like. They sell a lot of stuff there and usually have the cheapest prices, but they cancel a lot of orders because "they don't have it anymore" (jackass - take it off your inventory then) and they FORGET to send out your stuff. I had this happen to me twice (both times I ordered several books from them at the same time). Luckily I always have gotten refunded through half.com, but it takes a LONG time to get your money back. So, now I just don't buy from them. Always check out feedback of people on half.com & ebay. That is what it is there for. There are some crummy people out there. I have to say that half.com has been good about refunding for crummy sellers and paypal has gotten my money back a couple times when sellers did not ship their products (so - kudos to half.com & paypal - both eBay companies.)
I am sure there are plenty more companies out there that piss me off, but that's the list of ones I won't do business with anymore because they piss me off so bad. Why put myself in a situation that I may potentially get upset? It makes no sense to me.
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