Reading an entry of by a friend of mine has prompted me to write this. You see, I'm a religious person, and I thoroughly enjoy the big picture of what my beliefs offer. I happen to subscribe to the Mormon way of thinking, in case you didn't know (officially The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--so I don't ruffle any of my Mormon friend's feathers). Whereas I am not married, I attend a congregation that is made exclusively of other single members like myself. I like the idea of this, as it offers the large number of us in our geographical region to have a network of others who become a second family or support net for most of us who are far from home and out on our own. Ultimately, (I think) the grand-scheme of it is to put singles in their twenties with pent-up sexual tension and anxieties together so that they'll be in closer proximity to other Mormons who are feeling these same feelings. They'll date, fall in love, marry (hopefully in that order), and make lots of Mormon babies. Now, Mormon friends, don't get angry, you know that's what "they" want. So, that being said, I have been in my current ward for a little more than two years, and I quite enjoy it for the most part. There have been ups and downs, but I have met some of the most interesting and enjoyable people during these past two years in the Langley ward. I happen to find myself in the previously mentioned pattern of dating, falling in love, and...well, you know the rest, and it comes as a result of being in said ward.
So, I don't really have a beef with the ward itself, but rather how we're being treated. As I mentioned in my previous post, we just got booted from our old building (which, incidentally is a bit of a deal, as it now takes 20 minutes to get to church rather than the previous location, which was seven), which was centrally located in the ward boundaries, was within walking distance from public transportation for those of us who don't drive (that was me a year ago), and now we are forced to meet at 2:30 because of "limited" parking spaces--never mind that there's a whole block of street parking on the very quite street. And, the ward's schedule will remain that way indefinitely because no one will complain to anyone who could change it. Before we were constantly at the later, 1-4 pm time slot. The logic is that the "family" wards have small children, and the early schedule works better for them. Last I checked, I was a small child in a "family" ward once, and we rotated every year, like every other congregation in the world. My parents dealt with it. So should the McLean Virginia stake!!
This is merely an illustration of an over-reaching mistreatment of singles in the church I feel. Maybe mistreatment is a harsh word, but I don't know what else to call it. You see, we're active, we contribute a lot to the church, we have the highest temple attendance in the stake, we volunteer time in our stake's family history center and at stake service projects, and we get shafted in return. All this because we haven't gotten married. Last I checked, we were all God's children, and equal in his eyes--regardless of marital status or fertility (heaven knows Sherry Dew harped on this a lot).
I refuse to see myself merely as a half of a future Mr. and Mrs. Darin. And, no accomplishment that I have made, or those of my many single friends, is of less worth because I , or they, are not married. I've worked hard for the life that I have, I've struggled, and have worried about a lot of things over the years. I have had many opportunities that I feel will help me be a better husband and father for them one day. Had I been married, I very well may not have had these experiences.
I don't want to belittle the lives of those people my age who went on a mission, came home and married a few months later and now continue to live in my home town (okay, maybe a little). It's not easy to raise a family, but to assume that I am not as mature as someone who is in this boat simply because I am single is preposterous.
I don't know entirely where I meant to go with this post, but just to get some of my sentiments out of me. I am not disgruntled with anyone who happens to be married. In fact, I'm quite gruntled with the prospect of being married and having a family, but I think some people need to take a look at what we singles are capable of and not treat us any differently because we don't have a husband or wife.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Today's List of Things That Must Go
It's been a few weeks since I have posted an enumerated weekly list of complaints, so here it goes:
1). Butt Parkers--Why do some people insist on backing their cars into parking spots? It irritates me to no end. I'm guessing that there is some theory of a quick escape if necessary. But when I see it in my parking garage at work(or at the grocery store), I know that it's less than likely that these folks are going to pull off a bank heist, and will need a quick escape. Besides that, in witnessing people backing their cars into a parking stall, it's apparent that it takes much more time ease your way slowly into the spot than to drive in forward and then back out fairly quickly when you leave. This must go (not always, but the people who insist on it every time they park must).
2).Cathy Mitchell--Well, not her in particular; she seems like a lovely lady, but the infomercial line "Who has the time?" must go. You see, I'll admit that I enjoy the occasional infomercial, and I have seen Cathy on quite a few of them. In fact, her latest endorsed item, the GT Express 101, is one that I personally find quite intriguing. What gets me though, is that while expounding on the great time saving benefits that the little machine offers, she says over and over "who has the time?" (to sit and wait for cinnamon buns to bake, or a chicken breast to cook, or what have you). Cathy, obviously someone who has nothing better to do than to spend 30 minutes watching you peddle a glorified George Foreman grill HAS THE TIME!!
3). 2:30 p.m. church--This is insane, we were informed yesterday, over the pulpit, that our congregation will be moved to a different meeting house about 1.5 miles away, which doesn't bother me much, but now we will begin at 2:30. Having a 3-hour church set means that we won't get out of our blasted meetings until 5:30. Come Sunday night football, I may have to start leaving a little early to make it home for some games. Ridiculous I say. I don't really think that it's fair that because we're the singles ward, we get stuck with the worst schedule possible--indefinitely at that.
4). John McCain--He must go. I'm sure I'll dedicate an entire post to my reasoning of why he's now a miserable human being, and is better suited to be the grumpy old man, sitting in a lawn chair, hand-watering his lawn while yelling at the "damn neighbor kids" for running over his hose with their bicycles rather than being the leader of the free world. But for now, suffice it to say that he must go. He complains that Barack Obama is "just talk," but he's not even that. Though Obama hasn't been entrenched in Washington the requisite amount of time to have the "experience" that the old codger has, at least he offers ideas. McCain doesn't even offer that, he offers bile, anger, a yellowed, slimy smile and a guarantee of four more years of the same failed policies that we're currently living with. So that grumpy old man must go.
5). People who try to make their testimony in Sacrament Meeting a stand up routine-- a joke or two is fine if that's your style, or if it puts you at ease to speak in front of a crowd, but seriously, when you go off on complete non-sequitur for the sheer purpose of a laugh--that ends up not being too hearty of a laugh at that--is not acceptable. 'Nuf said.
There are so many things that I think of, but never write them down. I'll try to keep better track of my annoyances as they come.
1). Butt Parkers--Why do some people insist on backing their cars into parking spots? It irritates me to no end. I'm guessing that there is some theory of a quick escape if necessary. But when I see it in my parking garage at work(or at the grocery store), I know that it's less than likely that these folks are going to pull off a bank heist, and will need a quick escape. Besides that, in witnessing people backing their cars into a parking stall, it's apparent that it takes much more time ease your way slowly into the spot than to drive in forward and then back out fairly quickly when you leave. This must go (not always, but the people who insist on it every time they park must).
2).Cathy Mitchell--Well, not her in particular; she seems like a lovely lady, but the infomercial line "Who has the time?" must go. You see, I'll admit that I enjoy the occasional infomercial, and I have seen Cathy on quite a few of them. In fact, her latest endorsed item, the GT Express 101, is one that I personally find quite intriguing. What gets me though, is that while expounding on the great time saving benefits that the little machine offers, she says over and over "who has the time?" (to sit and wait for cinnamon buns to bake, or a chicken breast to cook, or what have you). Cathy, obviously someone who has nothing better to do than to spend 30 minutes watching you peddle a glorified George Foreman grill HAS THE TIME!!
3). 2:30 p.m. church--This is insane, we were informed yesterday, over the pulpit, that our congregation will be moved to a different meeting house about 1.5 miles away, which doesn't bother me much, but now we will begin at 2:30. Having a 3-hour church set means that we won't get out of our blasted meetings until 5:30. Come Sunday night football, I may have to start leaving a little early to make it home for some games. Ridiculous I say. I don't really think that it's fair that because we're the singles ward, we get stuck with the worst schedule possible--indefinitely at that.
4). John McCain--He must go. I'm sure I'll dedicate an entire post to my reasoning of why he's now a miserable human being, and is better suited to be the grumpy old man, sitting in a lawn chair, hand-watering his lawn while yelling at the "damn neighbor kids" for running over his hose with their bicycles rather than being the leader of the free world. But for now, suffice it to say that he must go. He complains that Barack Obama is "just talk," but he's not even that. Though Obama hasn't been entrenched in Washington the requisite amount of time to have the "experience" that the old codger has, at least he offers ideas. McCain doesn't even offer that, he offers bile, anger, a yellowed, slimy smile and a guarantee of four more years of the same failed policies that we're currently living with. So that grumpy old man must go.
5). People who try to make their testimony in Sacrament Meeting a stand up routine-- a joke or two is fine if that's your style, or if it puts you at ease to speak in front of a crowd, but seriously, when you go off on complete non-sequitur for the sheer purpose of a laugh--that ends up not being too hearty of a laugh at that--is not acceptable. 'Nuf said.
There are so many things that I think of, but never write them down. I'll try to keep better track of my annoyances as they come.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I Really Don't Like that John McCain
McCain's Got 99 Problems
Seth Grahame-Smith of the Huffington Post
John McCain is having such a bad July that writing about his collective woes would require the patience and talent of David McCullough. Since I have neither, I turned (as I often do) to the wisdom of Jay-Z, and listed the first 99 that came to mind:99. Bush's willingness to talk directly with Iran.
98. Bush's new time "horizon" for troop withdrawals.
97. al-Maliki's endorsement of Obama's Iraq strategy.
96. Obama's headline-dominating foreign tour.
95. His disagreement with the majority of Americans on Iraq.
94. His lack of economic expertise and policy.
93. Obama's $52M June.
92. His $21M June.
91. 29% of the Latino vote.
90. 2% of the black vote.
89. Charles Keating (he'll be back).
88. Vicki Iseman (she'll be back).
87. Randy Scheunemann (he'll be leaving).
86. His band-aid approach to energy (more drilling, more nuclear, a $300M "prize").
85. His band-aid approach to healthcare (tax credits, more competition).
84. His band-aid.
83. Saying things like "I know how to win wars," despite his never having won a war.
82. His wife.
81. His ex-wife.
80. The Hagee/Parsley un-endorsement debacle.
79. An uninspired base.
78. Ape rape.
77. His bff, Joe Lieberman.
76. His claim that Czechoslovakia still exists (it doesn't).
75. His claim that Iran is training Al-Qaeda (they aren't).
74. His claim that Iraq and Pakistan share a border (they don't).
73. His claim that Somalia is the same place as Sudan (it isn't).
72. His claim that Vladimir Putin is the president of Germany (he isn't).
71. 71.
70. The images of 70,000+ screaming Democrats at Invesco Field.
69. Phil Gramm's "nation of whiners" implosion.
68. His unwillingness to call the situation in Afghanistan "urgent."
67. Steve Schmidt's failure to right the ship.
66. A new generation of Evangelicals who don't care what James Dobson thinks.
65. "C-nt."
64. "I hate the gooks."
63. His plan to resurrect Bush's plan to privatize Social Security.
62. The writer's rooms of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
61. His tarmac birthday party with Bush -- as Katrina made landfall.
60. "General Petraeus goes out there almost every day in an unarmed Humvee."
59. His belief that Americans are better off than they were eight years ago.
58. His "Frankenstein on barbiturates" oratory skill.
57. His beyond-pathetic "Pump" ad, which blames Obama for $4.50 gas.
56. His "Obama Love" ad, which blames the MSM for his terribly-run campaign.
55. His computer illiteracy (c'mon...this is 2008).
54. A tax plan that doesn't even TRY to hide the fact that it's geared toward the wealthy.
53. Bob Barr.
52. Ron Paul.
51. Rupert Murdoch.
50. His gay adoption/marriage high wire acts.
49. His immigration high wire act.
48. His torture high wire act.
47. His drilling high wire act.
46. His tax cuts high wire act.
45. Not churchgoing enough for some evangelicals.
44. Too evangelical for some independents.
43. His temper.
42. "I know what [Iraqis] want."
41. The starlet gap: McCain = Heidi Montag; Obama = Scarlett Johansson.
40. The Facebook gap: McCain = 173K supporters; Obama = 1.17M supporters.
39. His 1983-94 opposition to the Rev. Martin Luther King holiday.
38. His 2008 opposition to the Ledbetter Fair Pay [for women] Act.
37. His 2008 opposition to the G.I. Bill.
36. "100 years."
35. Viagra-gate.
34. His 0% rating from Planned Parenthood.
33. His 0% attendance record for the last six Senate Afghanistan hearings.
32. "Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno."
31. David Plouffe.
30. David Axelrod.
29. Republicans losing elections in traditional GOP strongholds.
28. His October 2002 insistence that victory in Iraq would be "easy."
27. His January 2007 insistence that he never said it would be "easy."
26. A resurgent Taliban.
25. Europe's Obamamania.
24. Kneeling at the feet of Jerry Falwell.
23. His penchant for gaffes.
22. 80% of Americans convinced we're on the wrong track.
21. The National Review calling his campaign strategy "likely to fail."
20. Another terrorist attack on U.S. soil "would be a big advantage to him."
19. Record turnout in the Democratic primaries.
18. A free Osama bin Laden.
17. "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran."
16. A campaign hierarchy dominated by lobbyists.
15. Suggesting Obama is a "Socialist."
14. The Dow Jones down 2,000 points for the year.
13. Foreclosures soaring, banks failing, and inflation at a 17-year high.
12. Still pushing his ridiculous, Big Oil-friendly gas tax holiday.
11. Being out-raised by Obama 2:1...in West Virginia.
10. His "no" vote on SCHIP (healthcare for poor children) reauthorization.
9. His support for overturning Roe v. Wade.
8. His consistent opposition to minimum wage increases.
7. Obama's 50-state strategy.
6. Al.
5. Bill.
4. Hillary.
3. Mitt.
2. John McCain.
1. George W. Bush.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Holier Than Thou
I've never really been big into LDS Church history, but judging by my summer, you might think that I was one of the Mormon fanatics who obsesses over this stuff--okay, not so much. But, considering my previous lack of interest, you'd be surprised to hear that I've been to not one, but two of what I would call the big four of the LDS Church hot spots outside of Utah here in the contiguous United States.
First, in June, my ward took a trip to Kirtland, which I wasn't totally stoked about, but decided to go check it out as sort of something to check off my list of things to do in my lifetime. I think that most Mormons have a sense that before they die, they should see Kirtland, OH and Nauvoo, IL definitely, and if they get a chance, Palmyra, NY, and the Missouri church-related spots (what I call the big four. Of course there's a couple others, but these are the biggies). I think it could be equated to the Muslim's pilgrimage to Mecca--except ours isn't a tenant of our religion. However, during the trip, I realized just how important the years in Kirtland were to the church. This is kind of where the church grew up, and where many important revelations were received.
So early on a Friday morning, we loaded up the buses (we travel in style), and made our way on the seven-hour journey.
See, stylin, along with Shelley, enjoying the picturesque scenery that is Ohio.
The first stop was the Johnson Farm, where Joseph Smith and Emma stayed for a while during their time in Kirtland. At one point this was the headquarters of the church. This is where the 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants was received. The feeling there was great, it was a small witness, confirming again that what I believe is true.
After the farmhouse, we went to a bar-b-que that was thrown by the local single adults in the area. It was kinda lame, and I decided against posting the two photos I took there.
After the BBQ, we went back to the hotel, and since I had seen the pool, and knew that having about 75 people there wouldn't be all that fun, I went with some friends (Adam, Dan and Melissa) to the bowling alley across the street where we played pool.
After the revelry at the pool hall, we went back to the room and played a spirited game of spoons, which I won. And I thought for a minute there that I would surely lose. (Adam and Rich may look a little stoned, but they're not).
The next morning, bright and early, we went to the temple and had a testimony sacrament meeting. All I can say about it was that it was truly amazing. Knowing the history of the spot, of the original dedication and all, helped to gain a new appreciation of it, and helped me to feel the Spirit in that meeting more strongly than I have in a very long time. It was truly beyond description.
Adam, me and Kasey outside afterward
An artsy sort of pic of the temple
The Newell K. Whitney Store, where Joseph and Emma stayed for part of their time in Kirtland. It also housed the School of the Prophets. And that's our missionary tour guide and Sydney.
This room housed the School of the Prophets, and was where the Word of Wisdom was received.
The childhood home of Joseph Smith
This is one picture from inside the Sacred Grove. It was an amazing feeling there. It was cool because in the group of people I was with at the time, we had people who had served missions, speaking three different languages. We each recited the First Vision in our respective language. It was pretty remarkable. I had told the experience probably over 1,000 times, and still know how to say it flawlessly in Portuguese, but I think that being in the place where it happened really seemed more profound than ever.
Trying to get an artsy photo inside the grove.
On top of the Hill Cummorah
After our whirlwind trip through Palmyra we packed in the Honda and drove back to Virginia. It was good times. So, though I don't think I had a proper appreciation for locations important to church history, I am certainly glad that I got a chance to visit these sites during this summer.
Since most people who read this are of my same faith, I didn't go into great detail about things that most already know. However, if you happed to read this and are completely confused, feel free to ask me a question anytime.
First, in June, my ward took a trip to Kirtland, which I wasn't totally stoked about, but decided to go check it out as sort of something to check off my list of things to do in my lifetime. I think that most Mormons have a sense that before they die, they should see Kirtland, OH and Nauvoo, IL definitely, and if they get a chance, Palmyra, NY, and the Missouri church-related spots (what I call the big four. Of course there's a couple others, but these are the biggies). I think it could be equated to the Muslim's pilgrimage to Mecca--except ours isn't a tenant of our religion. However, during the trip, I realized just how important the years in Kirtland were to the church. This is kind of where the church grew up, and where many important revelations were received.
So early on a Friday morning, we loaded up the buses (we travel in style), and made our way on the seven-hour journey.
See, stylin, along with Shelley, enjoying the picturesque scenery that is Ohio.
The first stop was the Johnson Farm, where Joseph Smith and Emma stayed for a while during their time in Kirtland. At one point this was the headquarters of the church. This is where the 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants was received. The feeling there was great, it was a small witness, confirming again that what I believe is true.After the farmhouse, we went to a bar-b-que that was thrown by the local single adults in the area. It was kinda lame, and I decided against posting the two photos I took there.
After the BBQ, we went back to the hotel, and since I had seen the pool, and knew that having about 75 people there wouldn't be all that fun, I went with some friends (Adam, Dan and Melissa) to the bowling alley across the street where we played pool.
After the revelry at the pool hall, we went back to the room and played a spirited game of spoons, which I won. And I thought for a minute there that I would surely lose. (Adam and Rich may look a little stoned, but they're not).
The next morning, bright and early, we went to the temple and had a testimony sacrament meeting. All I can say about it was that it was truly amazing. Knowing the history of the spot, of the original dedication and all, helped to gain a new appreciation of it, and helped me to feel the Spirit in that meeting more strongly than I have in a very long time. It was truly beyond description.
Adam, me and Kasey outside afterward
An artsy sort of pic of the temple
The Newell K. Whitney Store, where Joseph and Emma stayed for part of their time in Kirtland. It also housed the School of the Prophets. And that's our missionary tour guide and Sydney.
This room housed the School of the Prophets, and was where the Word of Wisdom was received.We had lunch and went to one other farm before leaving but had a good time in Ohio. I am very glad I went.
Two weeks later, I went on another adventure involving church history. This time to Palmyra, the birthplace of Joseph Smith, and where the church began here in the states.
Two weeks later, I went on another adventure involving church history. This time to Palmyra, the birthplace of Joseph Smith, and where the church began here in the states.
The childhood home of Joseph Smith
This is one picture from inside the Sacred Grove. It was an amazing feeling there. It was cool because in the group of people I was with at the time, we had people who had served missions, speaking three different languages. We each recited the First Vision in our respective language. It was pretty remarkable. I had told the experience probably over 1,000 times, and still know how to say it flawlessly in Portuguese, but I think that being in the place where it happened really seemed more profound than ever.
Trying to get an artsy photo inside the grove.
On top of the Hill CummorahAfter our whirlwind trip through Palmyra we packed in the Honda and drove back to Virginia. It was good times. So, though I don't think I had a proper appreciation for locations important to church history, I am certainly glad that I got a chance to visit these sites during this summer.
Since most people who read this are of my same faith, I didn't go into great detail about things that most already know. However, if you happed to read this and are completely confused, feel free to ask me a question anytime.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
My Chat with A Verizon Rep
My Phone is awful. I have replaced the battery once, got a new phone cause the original was defective, and now the battery has been acting up for the past two or three months, and I need a new one pretty soon. I went to the Verizon site to find the price for a new battery, cause I was going to see if it was comparable to one I saw online through Staples. Then a box popped up, offering me a live agent to chat with. And, as I love to chat digitally, I couldn't resist.
Here is what transpired, and my thoughts (in parenthesis).
Please wait for a Verizon Wireless sales representative to assist you with your order. Thank you for your patience!
A Verizon Wireless online pre-sales specialist has joined the chat. You are now chatting with Lori
Lori: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today? (A little Pushy I would say, not knowing what I wanted and just assuming I was going to order)
You: well, I don't want to order per se,
You: but I was wondering if you know the cost for a new battery for a motorola Krzr phone?
Lori: I'd be happy to help you with that. (This Popped up before or at the same time I mentioned the battery--how could she help me? She could have had no clue what I wanted--Lori didn't score points early on)
Lori: Are you an existing Verizon Wireless customer?
You: Why yes I am (Of course I am, you idiot, why would I be on this page if I weren't?)
Lori: Are you on the accessories page?
You: yes (Oh, I see, I just needed to click further)
Lori: It is $39.99 for the standard battery and $49.99 for the extended battery. (WTF? That's insane!! Staples had it for $13)
Lori: Which would you prefer to order? (Whoa!! Hold on there Lady!!)
You: that's ridiculous
You: neither
You: i can find it online cheaper elsewhere
Lori: I understand your concern. (This pissed me off, because having taken customer's calls--pretty much the same situation here--and knew that came straight from a card or screen Lori had in front of her)
You: how? how do you understand my concern? ("Lori, have you had to replace your phone's battery only to have to replace that same phone the same day, then have your the replacement phone start acting up about four months later? I don't Think so." I also kinda wanted to see how automated the system is, if there was a real Lori or if it was really Padma in New Delhi, or maybe not a person at all who would kind of get tripped up with a turn in the conversation there)
Lori: I understand your concern with prices, however I am unable to make any changes to the prices that are set forth on the web site. I am a consumer as well. (good one!!)
You: well, I know that
Lori: I've been in a very similar situation myself. (Have you really? Do you have the crappiest phone known to man?)
You: and I don't expect you to be able to
You: the thing is, this is the second time I've needed to replace the battery for this phone
Lori: Have you contacted Technical Support before regarding this particular problem?
You: and, from what I've read online recently, battery issues are common for this model
You: i've taken it to the store
Lori: You can contact our technical support team and they will be able to assist you with this today. The number is 1-888-233-4813.
You: well, Lori I appreciate that
You: thanks
Lori: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
You: not really
Lori: Are you eligible for an upgrade?
You: i wish
You: in a couple of months i think
You: i hate this phone
You: it's terrible
Lori: Unfortunately, you may have to pay the full retail price for a new phone. To see the full retail prices for our phones, you can log into My Account and click on the Upgrade Your Phone link. If your account is eligible for a discount, the phones will be listed at the promotional prices. If your account is not eligible for a discount, the phones will be listed at full retail pricing.
You: okay, thanks
Lori: They maybe able to honor you an early upgrade if the phone is messed up.
Lori: Thank you for visiting Verizon Wireless, I look forward to speaking with you again. Have a great evening!
So, That was my experience with Lori. In my humble opinion, my phone blows, but Lori was nice, as have been most of my Verizon agents. Thus making me not want do deal with the hassle of changing phone companies, but rather stick with them.
Here is what transpired, and my thoughts (in parenthesis).
Please wait for a Verizon Wireless sales representative to assist you with your order. Thank you for your patience!A Verizon Wireless online pre-sales specialist has joined the chat. You are now chatting with LoriLori: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today? (A little Pushy I would say, not knowing what I wanted and just assuming I was going to order)
You: well, I don't want to order per se,
You: but I was wondering if you know the cost for a new battery for a motorola Krzr phone?
Lori: I'd be happy to help you with that. (This Popped up before or at the same time I mentioned the battery--how could she help me? She could have had no clue what I wanted--Lori didn't score points early on)
Lori: Are you an existing Verizon Wireless customer?
You: Why yes I am (Of course I am, you idiot, why would I be on this page if I weren't?)
Lori: Are you on the accessories page?
You: yes (Oh, I see, I just needed to click further)
Lori: It is $39.99 for the standard battery and $49.99 for the extended battery. (WTF? That's insane!! Staples had it for $13)
Lori: Which would you prefer to order? (Whoa!! Hold on there Lady!!)
You: that's ridiculous
You: neither
You: i can find it online cheaper elsewhere
Lori: I understand your concern. (This pissed me off, because having taken customer's calls--pretty much the same situation here--and knew that came straight from a card or screen Lori had in front of her)
You: how? how do you understand my concern? ("Lori, have you had to replace your phone's battery only to have to replace that same phone the same day, then have your the replacement phone start acting up about four months later? I don't Think so." I also kinda wanted to see how automated the system is, if there was a real Lori or if it was really Padma in New Delhi, or maybe not a person at all who would kind of get tripped up with a turn in the conversation there)
Lori: I understand your concern with prices, however I am unable to make any changes to the prices that are set forth on the web site. I am a consumer as well. (good one!!)
You: well, I know that
Lori: I've been in a very similar situation myself. (Have you really? Do you have the crappiest phone known to man?)
You: and I don't expect you to be able to
You: the thing is, this is the second time I've needed to replace the battery for this phone
Lori: Have you contacted Technical Support before regarding this particular problem?
You: and, from what I've read online recently, battery issues are common for this model
You: i've taken it to the store
Lori: You can contact our technical support team and they will be able to assist you with this today. The number is 1-888-233-4813.
You: well, Lori I appreciate that
You: thanks
Lori: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
You: not really
Lori: Are you eligible for an upgrade?
You: i wish
You: in a couple of months i think
You: i hate this phone
You: it's terrible
Lori: Unfortunately, you may have to pay the full retail price for a new phone. To see the full retail prices for our phones, you can log into My Account and click on the Upgrade Your Phone link. If your account is eligible for a discount, the phones will be listed at the promotional prices. If your account is not eligible for a discount, the phones will be listed at full retail pricing.
You: okay, thanks
Lori: They maybe able to honor you an early upgrade if the phone is messed up.
Lori: Thank you for visiting Verizon Wireless, I look forward to speaking with you again. Have a great evening!
So, That was my experience with Lori. In my humble opinion, my phone blows, but Lori was nice, as have been most of my Verizon agents. Thus making me not want do deal with the hassle of changing phone companies, but rather stick with them.
"Who Cares, I Never Get Lonesome Cause I Treasure My Own Company"
I don't know if I've mentioned this, but since my girlfriend left me for Russia for the summer, I've been very bored. As a result, I have taken up a new hobby. Thanks to my roommate's being gone for the summer (thus making my summer even more boring) he has no use for his guitar for a couple of months. I've wanted to learn to play it for a while, and a good friend of mine is offering free introductory lessons, so in the past four weeks, I have been becoming quite the guitar pro. So, not really, but I have learned a lot, I have calloused finger tips and I have improved substantially--even being able to play a song or two. I'm stoked.
Anyway, as part of my not having much to do, I decided that I would finally go to a movie by myself. Plenty of people I know have done it, and do it often. I, however, have not been courageous enough to venture out to the theater by my onesies until today. I tackled going to a sit-down restaurant by myself last year before a doctors appointment (both are things that I didn't know if I would ever do by myself). I went to see Wall-E. It was a delightful film, but it made me miss a previously-mentioned person, who left me for Russia, a bunch. Though Wall-E and EVE were robots, I found their little romance rather charming, and the whole movie was just a lot of fun.
Turns out, I am a cheap date. I got a ticket, popcorn and a soda for $11. I may start to take myself out more often.
But, as I figure it, there's only about 16 days 'til Mel gets back (but who's counting?), thus ending my bored spell, and meaning we'll have to make up for a lack of adventures in the remaining weeks of summer once she returns. Any ideas are welcome.
Now, I'm off to practice the guitar again.
Anyway, as part of my not having much to do, I decided that I would finally go to a movie by myself. Plenty of people I know have done it, and do it often. I, however, have not been courageous enough to venture out to the theater by my onesies until today. I tackled going to a sit-down restaurant by myself last year before a doctors appointment (both are things that I didn't know if I would ever do by myself). I went to see Wall-E. It was a delightful film, but it made me miss a previously-mentioned person, who left me for Russia, a bunch. Though Wall-E and EVE were robots, I found their little romance rather charming, and the whole movie was just a lot of fun.
Turns out, I am a cheap date. I got a ticket, popcorn and a soda for $11. I may start to take myself out more often.
But, as I figure it, there's only about 16 days 'til Mel gets back (but who's counting?), thus ending my bored spell, and meaning we'll have to make up for a lack of adventures in the remaining weeks of summer once she returns. Any ideas are welcome.
Now, I'm off to practice the guitar again.
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