We were talking about ages today at work. The reason why we were talking about ages is because three of us are sharing a birthday tomorrow.
I heard all these women talking about how they were "25 and holding" and I thought about how happy I am to be the age I am. The thirties have been the best decade so far. My teens were turbulant to say the least. My twenties were confusing. Now, in my thirties, I'm finally more sure of myself - more confident. I feel more like a woman than I ever have before. After spending so many years trying to make everyone happy, I'm finally taking time to find out what I need to do to make ME happy. I am fully aware of my good qualities and my "could use some growth" qualities. And I accept all these qualities. I've found that I'm not beating myself over the small things anymore. I've found it easier to apologise when I am wrong and realise that it doesn't make me weak. Quite the opposite - it's because I'm stronger. I'm worrying less about what people think about me. I've learned so much about the world around me, and about myself. And there's a whole lifetime ahead of me to learn even more. I'm quite proud of myself for all I've accomplished and I look forward to all the opportunities that come my way.
I am 37 years old, and I've never felt more alive than I do right now.
Monday, September 29
Tuesday, September 23
Yay for options!!
So, as you might have guessed, I was pretty upset over my cell phone provider's "service". So today I decided to shop around and see what other options there were for me in town. It turns out quite a few.
My first stop was at one well known provider. They started putting in a credit check while I browsed phones and discussed rate plans. By the time I left the store, I had a phone and a rate plan picked out. We didn't sign any paperwork because while the credit check resulted in a deposit being needed, we didn't know how much yet. Since the person there said it could take up to five hours (why???), I was told that they would call me when it was complete.
So then I went to another place. I was in Future Shop and saw that they were indirect dealers for Koodo. What the hell, I thought, let's see what they say. A quick credit check resulted in NO deposit. Wicked cool! So I picked out a phone and browsed rate plans.
UNLIMITED TEXT MESSAGING INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL TEXTING
(yes, that really got my attention)
My old service provider never had unlimited texting. Yes, old service provider because in my mind, our relationship had come to a quick end :)
DOUBLE THE MINUTES FOR HALF THE PRICE
(you're kidding me, you mean I don't have to mortgage the house?)
THE PHONE WAS FREE
(yay!)
That sealed the deal for me.
So I wanted to port my number over because I had memorised it and everything. The process went in to have it ported over. I signed the paperwork and left the store a much happier person than when I went in.
While in the van, I got a call from the first place I went to. They informed me that it would be a $500 deposit. I laughed and said "no thank you".
A few minutes later I got a call ... from KOODO ... they wanted to let me know that there was a problem with the porting process and that my old cell provider was not allowing my number to go over. Apparently there was already a port out request already made by another provider. That's when I realised that the first place had started the porting process (without my approval). By now, I just didn't want to deal with it all so I got a whole new number. The nice person changed the number, gave me the programming steps and wished me a good day. You could hear him SMILING on the phone.
SO, now because I didn't port out my number (and therefore cancelling my account with ex-service provider), I had to call them to cancel. After being on hold for like EVER, I finally got through to someone who told me that even though I'm the authorised contact on the account AND the only person who calls in to do anything AND that the contact number was my cell number AND provided all information on the account that I couldn't cancel the line because the billing name was not my name. So now I need to have my husband call in with me standing next to him so I can give him all the information he needs in order to cancel MY line.
In the meantime, my new phone was still not accepting calls. So after I finished with ex-service provider (it feels really good to say 'ex'), I called the technical support to Koodo. I was put through right away. I talked to Mark. Mark helped me without any problems. I was done with the phone call in five minutes.
Then I decided I needed to do a master clear on my Samsung Jack. Sigh, nothing in the user manual so another call to the ex. Again I was on hold for 15 minutes. I talked with person who informed me that he had NO idea what a Samsung Jack was and that he'd need to put me on hold to research it. Then he came back onto the phone to tell me that he's not equipped to handle the call and cold transferred me to another department. Again on hold - only 10 minutes this time - before I talked to another person who then fired through steps to clear it. He used high technical terms (thank goodness I work at a centre and can kind of understand). Anyway, phone is cleared of everything.
Phew, that's all done.
And my phone is red :) And it makes cute sounds when I dial :)
My first stop was at one well known provider. They started putting in a credit check while I browsed phones and discussed rate plans. By the time I left the store, I had a phone and a rate plan picked out. We didn't sign any paperwork because while the credit check resulted in a deposit being needed, we didn't know how much yet. Since the person there said it could take up to five hours (why???), I was told that they would call me when it was complete.
So then I went to another place. I was in Future Shop and saw that they were indirect dealers for Koodo. What the hell, I thought, let's see what they say. A quick credit check resulted in NO deposit. Wicked cool! So I picked out a phone and browsed rate plans.
UNLIMITED TEXT MESSAGING INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL TEXTING
(yes, that really got my attention)
My old service provider never had unlimited texting. Yes, old service provider because in my mind, our relationship had come to a quick end :)
DOUBLE THE MINUTES FOR HALF THE PRICE
(you're kidding me, you mean I don't have to mortgage the house?)
THE PHONE WAS FREE
(yay!)
That sealed the deal for me.
So I wanted to port my number over because I had memorised it and everything. The process went in to have it ported over. I signed the paperwork and left the store a much happier person than when I went in.
While in the van, I got a call from the first place I went to. They informed me that it would be a $500 deposit. I laughed and said "no thank you".
A few minutes later I got a call ... from KOODO ... they wanted to let me know that there was a problem with the porting process and that my old cell provider was not allowing my number to go over. Apparently there was already a port out request already made by another provider. That's when I realised that the first place had started the porting process (without my approval). By now, I just didn't want to deal with it all so I got a whole new number. The nice person changed the number, gave me the programming steps and wished me a good day. You could hear him SMILING on the phone.
SO, now because I didn't port out my number (and therefore cancelling my account with ex-service provider), I had to call them to cancel. After being on hold for like EVER, I finally got through to someone who told me that even though I'm the authorised contact on the account AND the only person who calls in to do anything AND that the contact number was my cell number AND provided all information on the account that I couldn't cancel the line because the billing name was not my name. So now I need to have my husband call in with me standing next to him so I can give him all the information he needs in order to cancel MY line.
In the meantime, my new phone was still not accepting calls. So after I finished with ex-service provider (it feels really good to say 'ex'), I called the technical support to Koodo. I was put through right away. I talked to Mark. Mark helped me without any problems. I was done with the phone call in five minutes.
Then I decided I needed to do a master clear on my Samsung Jack. Sigh, nothing in the user manual so another call to the ex. Again I was on hold for 15 minutes. I talked with person who informed me that he had NO idea what a Samsung Jack was and that he'd need to put me on hold to research it. Then he came back onto the phone to tell me that he's not equipped to handle the call and cold transferred me to another department. Again on hold - only 10 minutes this time - before I talked to another person who then fired through steps to clear it. He used high technical terms (thank goodness I work at a centre and can kind of understand). Anyway, phone is cleared of everything.
Phew, that's all done.
And my phone is red :) And it makes cute sounds when I dial :)
Monday, September 22
I should have been watching Heroes
So I was watching Heroes tonight. Well, I tried to. I was distracted by the fact the my ever so wonderful cellular company was dicking my account around AGAIN!
They have been messing with my account for months now. Payments that I make that don't post until way late, losing data and texting for no reason and then reinstated with no apology, super long wait times trying to get through to someone, etc etc etc.
This time it was a text message that I received stating that I needed to pay them $61.56 that was overdue. No problem, I thought. I went to my computer and made the payment. Then I called them to let them know that the payment was made. Cos that's what you do.
Well! I'm on the phone with some imbecile in billing who lectures me on the posting times for banks (which I'm well aware of) and that if they don't receive the payment by tomorrow, that services will be cut off. Now keep in mind that my monthly cell bill averages $300 (give or take). I told imbecile customer service person dude that we both know that the payment will not post by tomorrow and perhaps an extension would be a good idea. I know they can do it. I KNOW. Then he tells me that since I've had many extensions in the past few months, that it was 'not an option' for me. NOT AN OPTION?!?
A: I never had an extension placed on the account
B: I have had to call in repeatedly to complain about services
C: He's LYING TO ME
I patiently (as a mother who would talk to a child) explained that if there were extensions on the account, it was because of errors made by them that needed to be fixed. He replied that it was 'not an option' for me. He totally CSRed me.
So, after bantering back and forth, I finally just asked for the contract end date. He told me that I would need to talk to general customer service. I know he could have just pressed the little button and get the pop up box that tells the contracts. But no, he transfers me through.
And I wait ... and wait ... and wait ... by now, I'm pissed! Now, I'm determined to find out the contract end dates.
(Wait, the story's not done yet)
I finally get through to someone in general customer service. After providing all my information (again) I ask for the contract end dates. Keep in mind that I just upgraded my phone, so I know I'm still under contract. But my husband's contract should be darn close to being done (since he's not upgraded his phone since they invented the wheel).
Imagine my surprise when I'm told that BOTH contracts are over in 2011. TWO THOUSAND AND ELEVEN!!! So now I'm on the phone for an extra 30 minutes trying to work THAT out.
Me: How is it that my husband's contact is extended when he's not upgraded his phone since 2005
Persondude: Ok, let me look into it
(wait for five minutes)
Persondude: Ah ok, it looks like he's not upgraded since 2007 so his contact is over in July 2010.
Me: No. He upgraded in 2005. December 2005
Persondude: Ok, let me look into that for you
(wait for more minutes)
Persondude: Ok, it looks like he must have had an upgrade of some sort in 2007.
Me: Look, please look at his equipment on the account. You'll see that it's from 2005
Persondude: Ok, I'll just put you on hold while I look into that for you
(puts me on mute so I don't talk at all)
Persondude: Ok, I see what happened. The upgrade happened in 2005. December 2005.
Me: Ok?
Persondude: I can put the contract back for you if you want
Me: Yes, yes I want
Persondude (sighing): Ok, that'll take me a few minutes
(I'm SO sorry for putting you out)
Me: Ok that would be great
(hears typing and feels happy that he's at least memoing the account)
Persondude: Ok, the contract is back to it was. The contract end date is December 2008
Me: Excellent. Let's talk about early cancellation fees
Persondude: Can I ask why you're asking?
Me: Because I want to know
Then he tried to convince me that my service provider is the best and has the best customer service.
Anyway, turns out that to cancel it will cost approximately $400. Believe me, it'll be worth it.
Now, I'm going to have to get Heroes and watch it tomorrow.
*watches previous post to cheer up
They have been messing with my account for months now. Payments that I make that don't post until way late, losing data and texting for no reason and then reinstated with no apology, super long wait times trying to get through to someone, etc etc etc.
This time it was a text message that I received stating that I needed to pay them $61.56 that was overdue. No problem, I thought. I went to my computer and made the payment. Then I called them to let them know that the payment was made. Cos that's what you do.
Well! I'm on the phone with some imbecile in billing who lectures me on the posting times for banks (which I'm well aware of) and that if they don't receive the payment by tomorrow, that services will be cut off. Now keep in mind that my monthly cell bill averages $300 (give or take). I told imbecile customer service person dude that we both know that the payment will not post by tomorrow and perhaps an extension would be a good idea. I know they can do it. I KNOW. Then he tells me that since I've had many extensions in the past few months, that it was 'not an option' for me. NOT AN OPTION?!?
A: I never had an extension placed on the account
B: I have had to call in repeatedly to complain about services
C: He's LYING TO ME
I patiently (as a mother who would talk to a child) explained that if there were extensions on the account, it was because of errors made by them that needed to be fixed. He replied that it was 'not an option' for me. He totally CSRed me.
So, after bantering back and forth, I finally just asked for the contract end date. He told me that I would need to talk to general customer service. I know he could have just pressed the little button and get the pop up box that tells the contracts. But no, he transfers me through.
And I wait ... and wait ... and wait ... by now, I'm pissed! Now, I'm determined to find out the contract end dates.
(Wait, the story's not done yet)
I finally get through to someone in general customer service. After providing all my information (again) I ask for the contract end dates. Keep in mind that I just upgraded my phone, so I know I'm still under contract. But my husband's contract should be darn close to being done (since he's not upgraded his phone since they invented the wheel).
Imagine my surprise when I'm told that BOTH contracts are over in 2011. TWO THOUSAND AND ELEVEN!!! So now I'm on the phone for an extra 30 minutes trying to work THAT out.
Me: How is it that my husband's contact is extended when he's not upgraded his phone since 2005
Persondude: Ok, let me look into it
(wait for five minutes)
Persondude: Ah ok, it looks like he's not upgraded since 2007 so his contact is over in July 2010.
Me: No. He upgraded in 2005. December 2005
Persondude: Ok, let me look into that for you
(wait for more minutes)
Persondude: Ok, it looks like he must have had an upgrade of some sort in 2007.
Me: Look, please look at his equipment on the account. You'll see that it's from 2005
Persondude: Ok, I'll just put you on hold while I look into that for you
(puts me on mute so I don't talk at all)
Persondude: Ok, I see what happened. The upgrade happened in 2005. December 2005.
Me: Ok?
Persondude: I can put the contract back for you if you want
Me: Yes, yes I want
Persondude (sighing): Ok, that'll take me a few minutes
(I'm SO sorry for putting you out)
Me: Ok that would be great
(hears typing and feels happy that he's at least memoing the account)
Persondude: Ok, the contract is back to it was. The contract end date is December 2008
Me: Excellent. Let's talk about early cancellation fees
Persondude: Can I ask why you're asking?
Me: Because I want to know
Then he tried to convince me that my service provider is the best and has the best customer service.
Anyway, turns out that to cancel it will cost approximately $400. Believe me, it'll be worth it.
Now, I'm going to have to get Heroes and watch it tomorrow.
*watches previous post to cheer up
Friday, September 19
Saturday, September 13
Sunday, September 7
You know ...
... you're going to Tim Hortons too often when your children play "coffee shop" and know your order.
Aaron: Can I take your order?
Adam: One extra large double double, one extra large regular, one blueberry muffin and one chocolate glazed donut please
In my defense, the muffin's for Aaron and the donut's for Adam.
I *may* be a bit of a coffee-holic :)
Aaron: Can I take your order?
Adam: One extra large double double, one extra large regular, one blueberry muffin and one chocolate glazed donut please
In my defense, the muffin's for Aaron and the donut's for Adam.
I *may* be a bit of a coffee-holic :)
Tuesday, September 2
The First Day of School (Part one)
It was a beautiful morning. The kids got up with no problems. They ate breakfast without an argument. We were ready for the bus. My parents came to see Aaron off on the bus (and take pictures) and to take Adam for the day. The bus came. We were very happy to see that it was the very same bus driver from last year. It was a great morning.
Before starting work, I called the school and the after school daycare to make sure that everything was in place. No, Adam will not be going to the after school daycare until next week. Yes, Aaron is to go to the after school daycare. The daycare is to pick him up from school. etc etc etc.
So, I went about my day. I called my parents during my first break to see how Adam is (he was having a great time). I called the after school daycare at 3:45. That's when the perfect day went south. The school put my son on the bus to go home.
Something happens when you're told that your five year old son is on his way home to be picked up by no one. Your heart stops. Because he's in grade one, he would have been dropped off even if no one was there. FIVE YEARS OLD!!! I still hold his hand in parking lots. He's not allowed to play outside in his own backyard unless I'm outside with him. He's FIVE! Tell me that a child of five would have been able to handle getting home from the bus stop all by himself and be fine. I think NOT!
I bolted out from work. Outside, I called my parents to see if they would go down to my place to see if Aaron was there. In the meantime, I was on the phone with both the after school daycare and the school to see where the hell my child was.
The school called the bus driver and asked him to drive him back to the school. Just in time also because when they got ahold of him, he was just getting to his stop.
The after school daycare had sent someone to the school to wait for Aaron.
My Dad and Andy were rushing to my house to see if he was there. He wasn't (thank goodness) so they came to pick me up.
We got to Aaron's school at the same time as the bus. I was inside talking to the principal and the person from the daycare.
When I looked at Aaron, I felt my heart beating again.
IF my parents had gone to the cottage for the day with Adam as originally planned
IF I had called the daycare even two minutes later
IF the school and daycare hadn't had gotten ahold of the bus driver
IF IF IF ... it could have been a very different story
The good news: Aaron met the nice daycare lady, he was happy with the long bus ride, and I got to spend precious after school time with him.
AND we finally got it all straightened out.
Well, until next Tuesday when Adam starts school.
Before starting work, I called the school and the after school daycare to make sure that everything was in place. No, Adam will not be going to the after school daycare until next week. Yes, Aaron is to go to the after school daycare. The daycare is to pick him up from school. etc etc etc.
So, I went about my day. I called my parents during my first break to see how Adam is (he was having a great time). I called the after school daycare at 3:45. That's when the perfect day went south. The school put my son on the bus to go home.
Something happens when you're told that your five year old son is on his way home to be picked up by no one. Your heart stops. Because he's in grade one, he would have been dropped off even if no one was there. FIVE YEARS OLD!!! I still hold his hand in parking lots. He's not allowed to play outside in his own backyard unless I'm outside with him. He's FIVE! Tell me that a child of five would have been able to handle getting home from the bus stop all by himself and be fine. I think NOT!
I bolted out from work. Outside, I called my parents to see if they would go down to my place to see if Aaron was there. In the meantime, I was on the phone with both the after school daycare and the school to see where the hell my child was.
The school called the bus driver and asked him to drive him back to the school. Just in time also because when they got ahold of him, he was just getting to his stop.
The after school daycare had sent someone to the school to wait for Aaron.
My Dad and Andy were rushing to my house to see if he was there. He wasn't (thank goodness) so they came to pick me up.
We got to Aaron's school at the same time as the bus. I was inside talking to the principal and the person from the daycare.
When I looked at Aaron, I felt my heart beating again.
IF my parents had gone to the cottage for the day with Adam as originally planned
IF I had called the daycare even two minutes later
IF the school and daycare hadn't had gotten ahold of the bus driver
IF IF IF ... it could have been a very different story
The good news: Aaron met the nice daycare lady, he was happy with the long bus ride, and I got to spend precious after school time with him.
AND we finally got it all straightened out.
Well, until next Tuesday when Adam starts school.
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