Yes, it has! And I have been so busy thinking and praying and praying and thinking.
In April, Michigan grandson Garrett will be 16 and there's already a pick-up truck (what else?) sitting by the barn waiting to be tagged and insured. A few days after Garrett's birthday, grand daughter Gracie will celebrate her 12th birthday and she is spending her free time at sleepovers at home and with her friends. Both of these kiddos are so busy with football, weight training, soccer, basketball and ballet all the while earning straight "A's" on their schoolwork. My taxi and babysitting services are no longer needed. So, with that being said, I have listed my home to sell.
I have absolutely no regrets. I know many of you wondered at my decision to come north to live so quickly after HC Baker died, and I wondered too. There were many days when I had to force myself to get out of bed, wash my face, brush my teeth and just breathe. In the past three and a half years, I have had the opportunity to love and be loved abundantly by Garrett and Gracie. When they were born, I was so far away and every time I visited, I had to re-introduce myself to them. We have spent my time here creating wonderful memories I know I will always remember and cherish, and I hope they will too! I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. It's been wonderful, and my heart is full.
So once I completely decided to stay for a while and sold my blue cottage and bought the gray beast, I began another part of my journey. As many of you know and some of you have seen, I tackled this house with energy and enthusiasm. I loved watching this house become my home. There is not a room I have not poured my heart into. I love what it has become. But now it's time to move on.
I have been blessed in so many ways by TR Baker. He has been my roommate, my heavy lifter, my yardman, and on many occasions, my "grounder"! TR Baker will remain in northern Michigan. He has wonderful friends, a great job with a bright future, and he loves the out-of-doors just like his Dad. He will make his own way and continue his journey.
Once my home sells, I plan to come back home - Louisville, Kentucky. I have missed my daughter Libby and her family, my sisters and their families, my friends and my church. I have made many new friends up north loving every minute as I was welcomed into this precious community of Topinabee with open arms. Great people are here, and they have wonderful plans to keep this a growing and friendly place to live and vacation. What I have loved most about it is it's a family town. And there's nothing more important than your family.
Without a doubt, I have the most loyal, supportive friends and family in the world. I have discussed my move with several of them and they are ready to help me adjust AGAIN! My word for 2014 is DISCOVER, and that's what I plan to do this year. I look forward to discovering more about myself and others, and especially what the Lord has in store for me next.
There is still a bit of time for any of you to come for a visit. A wonderful old friend is coming in a few weeks. He's quite brave as this morning's temperature was a few degrees below "0" and outside my back door is 4+ feet of snow. I'm excited to see him! I have plenty of bedrooms, a furnace that works really well, and extra pairs of wool socks! You can do this!!!!! (That's a phrase I tell myself often! I also tell myself change is good!)
Don't let exciting opportunities pass you by! DISCOVER what's out there for YOU! I love each and every one of you and am so grateful for the support you have given me. Get ready...I'm on my way back! xxoo
Prayer requests -
My friend CH is on the same "sell my house" journey. Please pray for her.
My friends, husband and wife B & R J are BOTH undergoing chemo treatments. Please pray for them.
Continue to pray for our military and their families.
Pray for our country.
P.S. - Thanks for keeping me laughing with your photos of 3 inches of snow in Louisville!!!!! You all are a funny bunch!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Dear Delta...
You don't know me nor do you care about me, but I just need to tell you a few things. I've waited two days to write this in my attempt to let my temper return to a manageable level. I'll start at the beginning, and I will try and be as brief as possible.
In case you don't know, you have a monopoly at my little local airport in Pellston, Michigan, PLN. You charge incredible amounts of money for any flight leaving there. You have two daily flights in and out of Pellston. The 6:30am one originates here. Explain to me how it can be delayed. And yes, we get a lot of snow in the winter, but it seems to me someone would be planning for any issues that might arise due to our winter weather. And also, keep in mind, when the pilot throws that throttle forward to speed down the runway for take-off, and the aircraft does not move because the wheels are spinning on the ice, the passengers do take note! FYI...the second try was successful!
I made it to Detroit. Now, explain to me why I always depart the aircraft at gate one and my connecting flight is always at gate 2000 on another concourse! I am aware your fares are based on mileage so I wonder if you get some sort of rebate based on the number of steps your travelers make inside the terminal. Do those restaurants and bookshops offer you a kick-back per face they see walking by? Just curious!
I made it to gate 2000 in another concourse and immediately notice the word "delayed" instead of my anticipated departure time. OK, I decide I'll not ask the question and simply sit down and wait (amazing for me). In a few minutes another passenger walks to the check-in desk and asks that age-old question...WHY? You ready for this answer Mr. Delta? Here it is..."They (who is they?) didn't schedule a crew for this flight". I just left a blank space because I wanted YOU, MR. DELTA to think about that for a moment. Are you dialing your HR person or how about your logistics person. If all else fails, how about the flight crew scheduler!!! Yes, that's the one! Do you have that position in your company? I bet you do and I bet you have several people performing this task. Are you paying them? Maybe you have tenure in your company. Is that it? The person who is answering questions at the desk now picks up the announcing microphone and tells every one the flight will be delayed while we wait for a crew to arrive. Where are they? Are they sitting in a bar just down the way, at home asleep on their only day off in a week, having an argument with their spouse, hungover from the night before????????? What do you think the passengers think? An HOUR later, the crew arrives and cannot open the door to the jetway because the person who was at the check-in desk has left! They finally find a person to open the jetway door! Finally we board and fly off into the gray sky!
*This next part is just a little personal observation regarding my travel experience. The lady across the aisle has a little boy maybe 2 years old. He screams the whole flight because he wants out of his seat to walk the aisle and play. To his mother's credit she refuses. However, she doesn't offer him an alternative like say a game to play, crayons and coloring book, a snack, READ TO HIM...I can think of lots of things to do with a two year old. Then there's the little girl, maybe five years old, sitting behind me. She tap danced on the back of my seat the entire trip. I gave her mother who was sitting across the aisle (??????) several "looks" and she would say "Honey don't do that". I finally stood up from my seat, turned to this child and told her if she didn't stop kicking the back of my seat, there was a possibility I would and could break her legs. She began to cry and her mother looked terror stricken! Good! Another instance of a mother not properly prepared for air travel. Mr. Delta - how about some children's books or coloring books and crayons on board? How much could that cost you?
I finally made it to Louisville. ONE HOUR AND TEN MINUTES LATE!!!!!!
I'm not done yet Mr. Delta. I want you to have a peek at my return flight!
I arrive at the airport (SDF) for a 5:30pm departure. This is the airport where hundreds of UPS planes take off at all hours of the day and night! It's called World Port and SDF is responsible for keeping all activities there running on schedule. Exactly what part to you play in this? All the way through the security check the monitor still reads "on time". Five minutes later when I arrive at the gate check-in, the board reads delayed till 6pm. I'm not going to panic. I've had a great but very short family visit. I take deep breaths and tell myself, it's only 30 minutes. I figure if the flight departs at 6pm, we'll begin to board around 5:30. Well Mr. Delta, 5:30 comes and goes. I have a connecting flight in Detroit with a fairly short layover and I'm now thinking about that gate 2000 thing! I walk to the check-in desk and ask how much longer I can expect to wait. They look at me and tell me they just don't know. I explain to them about my connecting flight and if I miss it, there's not another flight to Pellston until the next afternoon. And I certainly DO NOT want to spend the night in the Detroit airport. I go back to my seat, take out my book and hope I can block this airport experience out of my mind. About 20 minutes later a woman approaches me and calls me by name. "Ms. Baker, could I talk to you?" She begins by telling me she wants to discuss "worse case scenario". First of all Mr. Delta, her name is Kelly and she is the first Delta person I have met who is actually concerned about your customers. She tells me there is a chance I will make my connection as she has looked at the situation, and it's very likely my flight to Pellston will also be delayed. If I decide to change my flight (at no cost to me), she has already put my name on the passenger list for the next two flights to Detroit the next day. I did thank her and tell her I appreciated her efforts but I "booked" this flight because I wanted and needed to be back home on this day, not tomorrow. I wait it out and finally we board the plane. At boarding, Kelly is there and tells me my connecting flight is delayed and it looks like I will make the connection. Thank you Kelly.
OK, I'm on this plane and it's 7pm - 90 minutes later than expected. Once seated and buckled in, I notice the flight attendant. She's wearing an unpleasant expression. Maybe she didn't get what she wanted for Christmas or had a rough New Year's Eve! When it's time for "beverage service" she rolls her cart to my seat and asks if I'd like anything. I can't resist and tell her I'd like to make my connection. She replies that's not her responsibility! I declined a beverage!
I made it to Detroit and once again had to change concourses for my connection and made that too! There were finishing boarding and I ran down the jetway to the plane. The flight attendant was very pleasant, smiling and looked happy! I find my seat, buckle up and realize I'm gonna' make it home. Deep breath! Wait! What's that sound? Really, what's that sound? It sounds like a dog barking. What? Seated behind me is a woman with a tiny dog in one of those purses with the little screen door. And the dog is what my family has always called a snack! (We've always had big dogs!) We are finally in the air and the dogs is still unhappy. I hear her talking to this dog. The next thing I know, the dog is quiet. Wonderful! Well, in actuality, she has removed the dog from its' screened purse and is holding it. And then the flight attendant passes by and politely tells this lady "Delta rules" state the dog must remain in its' carrier. Geeze Louise! Back in goes the dog and it resumes its' lamenting until landing in Pellston.
We are ONE HOUR AND THIRTY MINUTES LATE!!!
I thought any problems with my trip were now over. I was home! However, my luggage was not. Mr. Delta, in addition to paying way too much for my ticket, I paid you an extra $25 to check my baggage for the trip to Louisville and another $25 for the trip back, and you can't even keep it on the plane with me! I will tell you Pellston was very kind about my non-arriving luggage. I completed the paperwork and went home. Within 24 hours they had sent me an e-mail telling me they found my luggage and it would be arriving around 3pm and they would then deliver it to my home by 5pm. Thank you. And yes, my luggage made it home...with a huge crack. I've taken a photo of the damage and have e-mailed it to the address on my baggage claim check. Wonder how that's gonna' workout?
I know this has been a long letter, and you'll probably file it in the round file, but I could not let my experience go by without letting you know the problems I faced. I'm sorry for anyone working for you as I would not want to be a team member of a company who holds customer service in such low regard. I even said that to one Delta employee. I suggested they find another job. I do not belong to your preferred customer club as I do not want you to think I like you! I don't! And if you treat your preferred customers better than you treat me, SHAME ON YOU!!!! Yes, I'll definitely fly Delta again I'm sorry to say but there's that monopoly thing again! I have my fingers crossed you or someone will heed my words. Customer service is the most important thing you can do to insure success. You have lost track of that concept.
Good Luck in 2014. You're gonna' need it!
In case you don't know, you have a monopoly at my little local airport in Pellston, Michigan, PLN. You charge incredible amounts of money for any flight leaving there. You have two daily flights in and out of Pellston. The 6:30am one originates here. Explain to me how it can be delayed. And yes, we get a lot of snow in the winter, but it seems to me someone would be planning for any issues that might arise due to our winter weather. And also, keep in mind, when the pilot throws that throttle forward to speed down the runway for take-off, and the aircraft does not move because the wheels are spinning on the ice, the passengers do take note! FYI...the second try was successful!
I made it to Detroit. Now, explain to me why I always depart the aircraft at gate one and my connecting flight is always at gate 2000 on another concourse! I am aware your fares are based on mileage so I wonder if you get some sort of rebate based on the number of steps your travelers make inside the terminal. Do those restaurants and bookshops offer you a kick-back per face they see walking by? Just curious!
I made it to gate 2000 in another concourse and immediately notice the word "delayed" instead of my anticipated departure time. OK, I decide I'll not ask the question and simply sit down and wait (amazing for me). In a few minutes another passenger walks to the check-in desk and asks that age-old question...WHY? You ready for this answer Mr. Delta? Here it is..."They (who is they?) didn't schedule a crew for this flight". I just left a blank space because I wanted YOU, MR. DELTA to think about that for a moment. Are you dialing your HR person or how about your logistics person. If all else fails, how about the flight crew scheduler!!! Yes, that's the one! Do you have that position in your company? I bet you do and I bet you have several people performing this task. Are you paying them? Maybe you have tenure in your company. Is that it? The person who is answering questions at the desk now picks up the announcing microphone and tells every one the flight will be delayed while we wait for a crew to arrive. Where are they? Are they sitting in a bar just down the way, at home asleep on their only day off in a week, having an argument with their spouse, hungover from the night before????????? What do you think the passengers think? An HOUR later, the crew arrives and cannot open the door to the jetway because the person who was at the check-in desk has left! They finally find a person to open the jetway door! Finally we board and fly off into the gray sky!
*This next part is just a little personal observation regarding my travel experience. The lady across the aisle has a little boy maybe 2 years old. He screams the whole flight because he wants out of his seat to walk the aisle and play. To his mother's credit she refuses. However, she doesn't offer him an alternative like say a game to play, crayons and coloring book, a snack, READ TO HIM...I can think of lots of things to do with a two year old. Then there's the little girl, maybe five years old, sitting behind me. She tap danced on the back of my seat the entire trip. I gave her mother who was sitting across the aisle (??????) several "looks" and she would say "Honey don't do that". I finally stood up from my seat, turned to this child and told her if she didn't stop kicking the back of my seat, there was a possibility I would and could break her legs. She began to cry and her mother looked terror stricken! Good! Another instance of a mother not properly prepared for air travel. Mr. Delta - how about some children's books or coloring books and crayons on board? How much could that cost you?
I finally made it to Louisville. ONE HOUR AND TEN MINUTES LATE!!!!!!
I'm not done yet Mr. Delta. I want you to have a peek at my return flight!
I arrive at the airport (SDF) for a 5:30pm departure. This is the airport where hundreds of UPS planes take off at all hours of the day and night! It's called World Port and SDF is responsible for keeping all activities there running on schedule. Exactly what part to you play in this? All the way through the security check the monitor still reads "on time". Five minutes later when I arrive at the gate check-in, the board reads delayed till 6pm. I'm not going to panic. I've had a great but very short family visit. I take deep breaths and tell myself, it's only 30 minutes. I figure if the flight departs at 6pm, we'll begin to board around 5:30. Well Mr. Delta, 5:30 comes and goes. I have a connecting flight in Detroit with a fairly short layover and I'm now thinking about that gate 2000 thing! I walk to the check-in desk and ask how much longer I can expect to wait. They look at me and tell me they just don't know. I explain to them about my connecting flight and if I miss it, there's not another flight to Pellston until the next afternoon. And I certainly DO NOT want to spend the night in the Detroit airport. I go back to my seat, take out my book and hope I can block this airport experience out of my mind. About 20 minutes later a woman approaches me and calls me by name. "Ms. Baker, could I talk to you?" She begins by telling me she wants to discuss "worse case scenario". First of all Mr. Delta, her name is Kelly and she is the first Delta person I have met who is actually concerned about your customers. She tells me there is a chance I will make my connection as she has looked at the situation, and it's very likely my flight to Pellston will also be delayed. If I decide to change my flight (at no cost to me), she has already put my name on the passenger list for the next two flights to Detroit the next day. I did thank her and tell her I appreciated her efforts but I "booked" this flight because I wanted and needed to be back home on this day, not tomorrow. I wait it out and finally we board the plane. At boarding, Kelly is there and tells me my connecting flight is delayed and it looks like I will make the connection. Thank you Kelly.
OK, I'm on this plane and it's 7pm - 90 minutes later than expected. Once seated and buckled in, I notice the flight attendant. She's wearing an unpleasant expression. Maybe she didn't get what she wanted for Christmas or had a rough New Year's Eve! When it's time for "beverage service" she rolls her cart to my seat and asks if I'd like anything. I can't resist and tell her I'd like to make my connection. She replies that's not her responsibility! I declined a beverage!
I made it to Detroit and once again had to change concourses for my connection and made that too! There were finishing boarding and I ran down the jetway to the plane. The flight attendant was very pleasant, smiling and looked happy! I find my seat, buckle up and realize I'm gonna' make it home. Deep breath! Wait! What's that sound? Really, what's that sound? It sounds like a dog barking. What? Seated behind me is a woman with a tiny dog in one of those purses with the little screen door. And the dog is what my family has always called a snack! (We've always had big dogs!) We are finally in the air and the dogs is still unhappy. I hear her talking to this dog. The next thing I know, the dog is quiet. Wonderful! Well, in actuality, she has removed the dog from its' screened purse and is holding it. And then the flight attendant passes by and politely tells this lady "Delta rules" state the dog must remain in its' carrier. Geeze Louise! Back in goes the dog and it resumes its' lamenting until landing in Pellston.
We are ONE HOUR AND THIRTY MINUTES LATE!!!
I thought any problems with my trip were now over. I was home! However, my luggage was not. Mr. Delta, in addition to paying way too much for my ticket, I paid you an extra $25 to check my baggage for the trip to Louisville and another $25 for the trip back, and you can't even keep it on the plane with me! I will tell you Pellston was very kind about my non-arriving luggage. I completed the paperwork and went home. Within 24 hours they had sent me an e-mail telling me they found my luggage and it would be arriving around 3pm and they would then deliver it to my home by 5pm. Thank you. And yes, my luggage made it home...with a huge crack. I've taken a photo of the damage and have e-mailed it to the address on my baggage claim check. Wonder how that's gonna' workout?
I know this has been a long letter, and you'll probably file it in the round file, but I could not let my experience go by without letting you know the problems I faced. I'm sorry for anyone working for you as I would not want to be a team member of a company who holds customer service in such low regard. I even said that to one Delta employee. I suggested they find another job. I do not belong to your preferred customer club as I do not want you to think I like you! I don't! And if you treat your preferred customers better than you treat me, SHAME ON YOU!!!! Yes, I'll definitely fly Delta again I'm sorry to say but there's that monopoly thing again! I have my fingers crossed you or someone will heed my words. Customer service is the most important thing you can do to insure success. You have lost track of that concept.
Good Luck in 2014. You're gonna' need it!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
In the overall scheme of things...
How many times do we allow ourselves to get upset and frustrated over things that can be resolved?
Because it is so cold up here and with a foot and a half of snow on the ground, I do not make it to the post office every day. I finally went Monday and brought home what looked like an exciting assortment of Christmas cards plus a few other pieces of mail. Once home, I sorted it all and opened the cards first. Love Christmas cards. They're another way to keep in touch with those you love. I always touch the signature believing I am touching that friend's hand. Then I go through the other mail. I saw a piece from Lincoln Financial Group and opened it. I have TWO life insurance policies with them and figured it was a notice to tell me my premiums were going up again. (I have this set up as a monthly automatic withdrawal from my checking account.) This, of course, is insurance crap and HC Baker always took care of this. In a nutshell, here's what the letter said.
First of all, the salutation read "Dear Policyholder". (I've been paying you money for years and you can't even use my name?) The letter told me they had not received payments for this particular policy since January 26, 2012. That's almost TWO years ago! I should tell you now that I don't balance my checkbook each month. I go on-line every 3 or 4 days to check my balance, scroll through to see what's been paid, see what's yet to be paid and make sure there's enough money to cover it all. I see Lincoln Financial every month so I don't give it another thought. Well...remember when I told you in the last paragraph I have TWO life policies with them. It seems only one was "drafting" from my account. The letter went on to tell me during this nearly TWO year "lapse", the policy has been in force with no break in coverage (I wonder what the story would have been had I died during this time!!!) Continuing with the letter...They want me to send "back" payment by January 2, 2014, or the policy will lapse for non-payment of premiums. If I have any questions, I'm to call the person who sent me the letter at the number which is listed below.
OK - I NEED OXYGEN NOW!!!!!!!!!! I'm not even close to being any kind of genius, but do you mean to tell me a company as large as this one is just now, after TWO years, discovering I have not paid a premium? Who are these people? I check the envelop and the letterhead to make sure it's not from some prince in Africa and then dial the number.
I'll give you the abbreviated version of this because you won't believe most of it anyway. The following is all true I swear!
Letter sender call - She's not "in" today but if I need immediate assistance call back and ask for could not understand the name and press could not understand the extension number.
Called back and listened to press one for this and press two for that and I pressed 3 for idiots!
Connected to Sharon - explained my situation and she connected (wanted to get rid of me fast!!!) me to Robert. Get ready because here's where the fun begins. Robert sounded 12 but assured me he could help. Robert also called me Jo Ann. DEEP BREATHS!!!! He could not help me and I asked to speak with his supervisor. Robert told me his supervisor was not in. I asked for his supervisor's supervisor. He's not in either. I asked if they had their office Christmas party over the weekend and everyone had stayed home to get sober. Robert told me there was no reason for me to be rude. DEEPER BREATHS HERE!!!! I asked Robert who the president of the company was and he told me Dennis Glass was the President, but he wouldn't be interested in talking to me. DEEPEST BREATHS HERE!!!! I asked for Mr. Glass's number. Robert didn't know it. As I'm talking to Robert, I "google" Dennis Glass and discover his office is in Radnor, PA, his address and phone number. I give the phone number to Robert and hang up.
I call back using the corporate number to reach the main "switchboard" (if that word is even used anymore) and a lovely woman answers. I quickly explain my situation and frustration with all those who words have proceeded this call and ask to speak to the highest ranking person at this address. She told me that would be Mr. Perez who is the Director of this office that houses over 3000 employees. I asked her if she would connect me to him and she said "certainly"! (Good Girl!) Lo and behold, Mr. John Perez answered his own phone. I was shocked and told him so! I also told him I could tell we were on speaker phone and if he had any others in his office, he might want to turn that off. I began my re-cap of conversations. He was incredibly polite, listened without interruption, and apologized for all of the unacceptable responses I had so far received. I gave him names and key words like policyholder and being called Jo Ann and everybody off today and un-understandable messages and the list goes on. He promised me he would get back to me within 24 hours and gave me his direct phone number. So ends Monday!
Tuesday, 2:35pm! I answer my phone and meet April. She says she wants to help me. So as not to waste her time or mine, I ask her if she has talked to Mr. Perez and she says YES. Ok, let the conversation begin. I repeat Monday's conversations and ask her if she is amazed by all this and she replies YES. I also told her my insurance husband is dead and I am continuing to learn how to do all this stuff, and I tell her I do not do a very good job with my checkbook. She tells me she is so glad I called because she has been made aware they have a few training issues. She apologizes repeatedly and assures me she will personally deal with all of this. She also tells me the company will make whatever arrangements are necessary for me to make the "lapsed" payments. She's actually listening and understanding my issues. We really had a lovely conversation and actually laughed together a few times.
I don't know if y'all do the same thing but whenever I have this kind of experience, I have to tell someone about it just to say it again. Stupid I know but necessary. So my next call is to a very dear friend, and I ask him to just listen to my story. I tell him not to offer any help or explanations, just listen to me. I repeat all of this and then get all "weepy" and tell him I have to end this conversation and I hang up. What's wrong with me??????? So I spend the next two hours attending my very own "pitty" party by myself (of course) and then fix myself a bowl of grits! Later, my dear friend is brave enough to call me back.
So this morning I call the money man and tell him to unload something so I can write a check to this company. I won't be buyin' that airplane I wanted! (That was a joke!) And now I've written it all down for you to read. I won't blame you or think less of you if you don't read it. It's a pretty long story and all about me...again! I will believe that you love me so in the overall scheme of things what else matters? I have wonderful FRIENDS!
P.S. I now cannot afford stamps for my Christmas cards so here's your greeting.
I LOVE YOU ALL! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH OF YOU AND BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY 2014! XXOO
Because it is so cold up here and with a foot and a half of snow on the ground, I do not make it to the post office every day. I finally went Monday and brought home what looked like an exciting assortment of Christmas cards plus a few other pieces of mail. Once home, I sorted it all and opened the cards first. Love Christmas cards. They're another way to keep in touch with those you love. I always touch the signature believing I am touching that friend's hand. Then I go through the other mail. I saw a piece from Lincoln Financial Group and opened it. I have TWO life insurance policies with them and figured it was a notice to tell me my premiums were going up again. (I have this set up as a monthly automatic withdrawal from my checking account.) This, of course, is insurance crap and HC Baker always took care of this. In a nutshell, here's what the letter said.
First of all, the salutation read "Dear Policyholder". (I've been paying you money for years and you can't even use my name?) The letter told me they had not received payments for this particular policy since January 26, 2012. That's almost TWO years ago! I should tell you now that I don't balance my checkbook each month. I go on-line every 3 or 4 days to check my balance, scroll through to see what's been paid, see what's yet to be paid and make sure there's enough money to cover it all. I see Lincoln Financial every month so I don't give it another thought. Well...remember when I told you in the last paragraph I have TWO life policies with them. It seems only one was "drafting" from my account. The letter went on to tell me during this nearly TWO year "lapse", the policy has been in force with no break in coverage (I wonder what the story would have been had I died during this time!!!) Continuing with the letter...They want me to send "back" payment by January 2, 2014, or the policy will lapse for non-payment of premiums. If I have any questions, I'm to call the person who sent me the letter at the number which is listed below.
OK - I NEED OXYGEN NOW!!!!!!!!!! I'm not even close to being any kind of genius, but do you mean to tell me a company as large as this one is just now, after TWO years, discovering I have not paid a premium? Who are these people? I check the envelop and the letterhead to make sure it's not from some prince in Africa and then dial the number.
I'll give you the abbreviated version of this because you won't believe most of it anyway. The following is all true I swear!
Letter sender call - She's not "in" today but if I need immediate assistance call back and ask for could not understand the name and press could not understand the extension number.
Called back and listened to press one for this and press two for that and I pressed 3 for idiots!
Connected to Sharon - explained my situation and she connected (wanted to get rid of me fast!!!) me to Robert. Get ready because here's where the fun begins. Robert sounded 12 but assured me he could help. Robert also called me Jo Ann. DEEP BREATHS!!!! He could not help me and I asked to speak with his supervisor. Robert told me his supervisor was not in. I asked for his supervisor's supervisor. He's not in either. I asked if they had their office Christmas party over the weekend and everyone had stayed home to get sober. Robert told me there was no reason for me to be rude. DEEPER BREATHS HERE!!!! I asked Robert who the president of the company was and he told me Dennis Glass was the President, but he wouldn't be interested in talking to me. DEEPEST BREATHS HERE!!!! I asked for Mr. Glass's number. Robert didn't know it. As I'm talking to Robert, I "google" Dennis Glass and discover his office is in Radnor, PA, his address and phone number. I give the phone number to Robert and hang up.
I call back using the corporate number to reach the main "switchboard" (if that word is even used anymore) and a lovely woman answers. I quickly explain my situation and frustration with all those who words have proceeded this call and ask to speak to the highest ranking person at this address. She told me that would be Mr. Perez who is the Director of this office that houses over 3000 employees. I asked her if she would connect me to him and she said "certainly"! (Good Girl!) Lo and behold, Mr. John Perez answered his own phone. I was shocked and told him so! I also told him I could tell we were on speaker phone and if he had any others in his office, he might want to turn that off. I began my re-cap of conversations. He was incredibly polite, listened without interruption, and apologized for all of the unacceptable responses I had so far received. I gave him names and key words like policyholder and being called Jo Ann and everybody off today and un-understandable messages and the list goes on. He promised me he would get back to me within 24 hours and gave me his direct phone number. So ends Monday!
Tuesday, 2:35pm! I answer my phone and meet April. She says she wants to help me. So as not to waste her time or mine, I ask her if she has talked to Mr. Perez and she says YES. Ok, let the conversation begin. I repeat Monday's conversations and ask her if she is amazed by all this and she replies YES. I also told her my insurance husband is dead and I am continuing to learn how to do all this stuff, and I tell her I do not do a very good job with my checkbook. She tells me she is so glad I called because she has been made aware they have a few training issues. She apologizes repeatedly and assures me she will personally deal with all of this. She also tells me the company will make whatever arrangements are necessary for me to make the "lapsed" payments. She's actually listening and understanding my issues. We really had a lovely conversation and actually laughed together a few times.
I don't know if y'all do the same thing but whenever I have this kind of experience, I have to tell someone about it just to say it again. Stupid I know but necessary. So my next call is to a very dear friend, and I ask him to just listen to my story. I tell him not to offer any help or explanations, just listen to me. I repeat all of this and then get all "weepy" and tell him I have to end this conversation and I hang up. What's wrong with me??????? So I spend the next two hours attending my very own "pitty" party by myself (of course) and then fix myself a bowl of grits! Later, my dear friend is brave enough to call me back.
So this morning I call the money man and tell him to unload something so I can write a check to this company. I won't be buyin' that airplane I wanted! (That was a joke!) And now I've written it all down for you to read. I won't blame you or think less of you if you don't read it. It's a pretty long story and all about me...again! I will believe that you love me so in the overall scheme of things what else matters? I have wonderful FRIENDS!
P.S. I now cannot afford stamps for my Christmas cards so here's your greeting.
I LOVE YOU ALL! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH OF YOU AND BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY 2014! XXOO
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Sunday's prayer...
Dear Lord, this morning I'm struggling with the focus of my thoughts.
As I look out my window, I see plenty of snow on the ground and more blowing through the frigid air. Thank you Lord for the seasons. You blessed me with eyes to see and witness Your wonders. I am also blessed with a warm home (though some would disagree!). Thank You for the many kindnesses You have sent my way!
Only ten days until we will celebrate your birth. I am blessed with the knowledge of Your amazing gift to me. There is no way I can ever repay this except to always work hard and do Your will. Let others see You in me. That thought alone brings an overwhelming desire to go outside and run up and down the street (cautiously) shouting Your name. Thank You for Your patience with me!
This will be the fourth Christmas celebration without HC Baker. I must admit from time to time I still pause and question why. That's when my heart jumps and forces me to remember Your will, not mine. I am blessed as I totally and completely understand and accept this, but my heart still has an empty corner (better than a gaping hole). Thank You for Your steadfastness!
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend yesterday with Gracie. Those times are irreplaceable...priceless as the commercial says. How true. We shopped until we dropped. I am so blessed by my family. Not one of them ever questioned the life-changing decisions I have made since my "widowhood", and they have supported me in every way. Being with one or some or all of them will always make me smile and know the strength and power of love. Thank You for my earthly interpretation of Your love!
On many days, I'm not sure I would have survived if not for my "heavy lifter" - TR Baker. Through all that happened in 2010, both of us survived and pretty much in tact! My survival is due in a huge part to TR Baker. He made my loneliness not so lonely. I have been blessed by him. He listens without making judgments, he has a keen insight into other people and situations and he's been my "heavy lifter" and yard man and snow shoveler and furniture mover (he hates to hear me say I want to re-arrange!) and pizza maker and...! Thank You for knowing best!
Daily I am blessed in untold ways by my friends, old and new and re-newed! When I see Frank in FL is improving daily, I know Your hands are on his shoulders. When I know EE is home safely and in the loving arms of his family, I know Your hands are on his shoulders. When I talk with B & R J and they are laughing, I know Your hands are on their shoulders. When all my friends are smiling, I know You are with them in their lives and keeping them in Your arms. Thank You for guiding our paths!
In sixteen days it will be 2014. I laugh when I remember reading the novel 1984. I thought that was a million years away. And remember how all us earthly idiots thought the year 2000 would "cause" everything "computerized" to crash and burn. Well, we've made it to 2014. I wonder what it will bring! I'm happy feeling absolutely no regrets about the decisions I've made in the past three and a half years. I am amazed at all I've learned and been able to achieve. And my journey is not over yet. I've made a few decisions about 2014 and am looking forward to seeing how You will guide me. Thank You for walking with me.
And in closing, please Lord, be with all of our soldiers and their families this Christmas season and every day where ever they are. Protect them. Bring them home as quickly as possible. Thank You for guiding them!
To all who read this MERRY CHRISTMAS! Be thankful for every breath you take! Enjoy your life, whatever it holds. Make the decision every day to be the best person you can be in every situation you encounter. I love this thought...there is always someone who will trade places with you.
Happy Sunday! xxoo
As I look out my window, I see plenty of snow on the ground and more blowing through the frigid air. Thank you Lord for the seasons. You blessed me with eyes to see and witness Your wonders. I am also blessed with a warm home (though some would disagree!). Thank You for the many kindnesses You have sent my way!
Only ten days until we will celebrate your birth. I am blessed with the knowledge of Your amazing gift to me. There is no way I can ever repay this except to always work hard and do Your will. Let others see You in me. That thought alone brings an overwhelming desire to go outside and run up and down the street (cautiously) shouting Your name. Thank You for Your patience with me!
This will be the fourth Christmas celebration without HC Baker. I must admit from time to time I still pause and question why. That's when my heart jumps and forces me to remember Your will, not mine. I am blessed as I totally and completely understand and accept this, but my heart still has an empty corner (better than a gaping hole). Thank You for Your steadfastness!
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend yesterday with Gracie. Those times are irreplaceable...priceless as the commercial says. How true. We shopped until we dropped. I am so blessed by my family. Not one of them ever questioned the life-changing decisions I have made since my "widowhood", and they have supported me in every way. Being with one or some or all of them will always make me smile and know the strength and power of love. Thank You for my earthly interpretation of Your love!
On many days, I'm not sure I would have survived if not for my "heavy lifter" - TR Baker. Through all that happened in 2010, both of us survived and pretty much in tact! My survival is due in a huge part to TR Baker. He made my loneliness not so lonely. I have been blessed by him. He listens without making judgments, he has a keen insight into other people and situations and he's been my "heavy lifter" and yard man and snow shoveler and furniture mover (he hates to hear me say I want to re-arrange!) and pizza maker and...! Thank You for knowing best!
Daily I am blessed in untold ways by my friends, old and new and re-newed! When I see Frank in FL is improving daily, I know Your hands are on his shoulders. When I know EE is home safely and in the loving arms of his family, I know Your hands are on his shoulders. When I talk with B & R J and they are laughing, I know Your hands are on their shoulders. When all my friends are smiling, I know You are with them in their lives and keeping them in Your arms. Thank You for guiding our paths!
In sixteen days it will be 2014. I laugh when I remember reading the novel 1984. I thought that was a million years away. And remember how all us earthly idiots thought the year 2000 would "cause" everything "computerized" to crash and burn. Well, we've made it to 2014. I wonder what it will bring! I'm happy feeling absolutely no regrets about the decisions I've made in the past three and a half years. I am amazed at all I've learned and been able to achieve. And my journey is not over yet. I've made a few decisions about 2014 and am looking forward to seeing how You will guide me. Thank You for walking with me.
And in closing, please Lord, be with all of our soldiers and their families this Christmas season and every day where ever they are. Protect them. Bring them home as quickly as possible. Thank You for guiding them!
To all who read this MERRY CHRISTMAS! Be thankful for every breath you take! Enjoy your life, whatever it holds. Make the decision every day to be the best person you can be in every situation you encounter. I love this thought...there is always someone who will trade places with you.
Happy Sunday! xxoo
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Here's what's happenin' plus some of my other interesting observations...
I'm not much for TV and when you watch TV with TR Baker, it's always an adventure. As we watch something, he is scrolling through to see what else is on. And then we check to see if it's available in HD, and if so, we switch to that. Then, when commercials come on, we fast forward through them. And sometimes, I think more often than not, we must record a program for later viewing. So this evening I sat down to watch the national news alone. I like Scott Pelly, don't know what station that is, but on my TV it's 10. If any of you don't like him for whatever reason, keep it to yourself. I like his looks, his delivery, and the sound of his voice. He is able to show just the right amount of caution and/or concern. And a plus to watching him is a rerun of the Big Bang Theory immediately follows his newscast. I love the Big Bang Theory. I love all the actors and the roles they play. I believe the writers to be some of the best in the business. The show always makes me laugh. (I might add it's followed by Two and a Half Men and I always turn the TV off just as it begins. I hate that show and don't get me started on why!) Anyway...during Big Bang Theory I saw a commercial and had to laugh. I recognized Adam Levine who I understand, a few weeks ago People Magazine selected as the "Sexiest Man Alive"! (People Magazine must be loosing it!) So here's Adam Levine waking up in a bed next to a woman. IS HE MARRIED? THIS IS PRIME TIME FOLKS! He jumps out of bed and begins searching for clothes. He finds pants, a shirt, a jacket and heads out the door. As he begins to run down the stairs he realizes he has forgotten his car keys and turns back. As he approaches the door, it opens and the woman who was in bed with him hands him the keys. And then it happens...the voice-over tells me to shop the Adam Levine Collection exclusively at KMart! So this is what it's come to! The sexiest man alive has a clothing collection and it's sold exclusively at KMart. There are just no words I can put together to explain what I think of this. 'Nuff said!
In another commercial I did discover some good news. If I ever have a legal problem that seems too big to handle, all I have to do is dial 1-800-Call-Sam. Sam's gonna' fix my problem. Good to know! And now you know it too! We're all lucky! End of my TV watching for tonight.
I've got plenty to do. This Sunday is the Topinabee Holiday Home Tour and my home is one of the homes that will be visited by anyone who buys a ticket. (They're $15 in case you want to join the tour! If you should actually come for a visit, I'll buy your ticket!) I've been decorating for two weeks now and have everything in place. I've put up three Christmas trees, put tiny white lights on two grapefruit trees (HC Baker grew them from a seed 35 years ago and since his death, I have been able to keep them alive - that's amazing!), 5 wreaths, 4 Nativities, various stand alone decorations including 2 light-up cardinals in honor of U of L, and today picked up my 4 huge live poinsettias for use around the house. The only thing I haven't done is cut a bunch of evergreens to put in the (non-working) fireplace and outside in a copper tub. I have until Saturday afternoon to do that and hopefully sometime between now and then, it will not be snowing and I can get out into the front yard to the trees I need. I'm now working on cleaning! I hate cleaning "around" the Christmas decorations. The first guests should arrive around 1pm Sunday afternoon and surely by then I can make the dust disappear! Keep your fingers crossed.
I still would like to ask all of you to continue praying for several friends. Frank in Florida spent Thanksgiving in the ICU after having his 3rd heart attack. CH is still in the middle of a mess, EE is almost home, and R had surgery and needs a quick recovery. There are so many others in need of our prayers - our soldiers and their families wherever they are, those who are fighting health and personal battles, the children of the world, families displaced by poverty or disasters, and I must add our politicians who need brains and to realize they are serving us...YOU and ME.
Best wishes of the season to each of you. Merry Christmas! xxoo
In another commercial I did discover some good news. If I ever have a legal problem that seems too big to handle, all I have to do is dial 1-800-Call-Sam. Sam's gonna' fix my problem. Good to know! And now you know it too! We're all lucky! End of my TV watching for tonight.
I've got plenty to do. This Sunday is the Topinabee Holiday Home Tour and my home is one of the homes that will be visited by anyone who buys a ticket. (They're $15 in case you want to join the tour! If you should actually come for a visit, I'll buy your ticket!) I've been decorating for two weeks now and have everything in place. I've put up three Christmas trees, put tiny white lights on two grapefruit trees (HC Baker grew them from a seed 35 years ago and since his death, I have been able to keep them alive - that's amazing!), 5 wreaths, 4 Nativities, various stand alone decorations including 2 light-up cardinals in honor of U of L, and today picked up my 4 huge live poinsettias for use around the house. The only thing I haven't done is cut a bunch of evergreens to put in the (non-working) fireplace and outside in a copper tub. I have until Saturday afternoon to do that and hopefully sometime between now and then, it will not be snowing and I can get out into the front yard to the trees I need. I'm now working on cleaning! I hate cleaning "around" the Christmas decorations. The first guests should arrive around 1pm Sunday afternoon and surely by then I can make the dust disappear! Keep your fingers crossed.
I still would like to ask all of you to continue praying for several friends. Frank in Florida spent Thanksgiving in the ICU after having his 3rd heart attack. CH is still in the middle of a mess, EE is almost home, and R had surgery and needs a quick recovery. There are so many others in need of our prayers - our soldiers and their families wherever they are, those who are fighting health and personal battles, the children of the world, families displaced by poverty or disasters, and I must add our politicians who need brains and to realize they are serving us...YOU and ME.
Best wishes of the season to each of you. Merry Christmas! xxoo
Sunday, November 24, 2013
The Sounds of Winter
I has snowed continuously all day. Don't know what the total for the weekend is, but we have several inches on the ground. It's also freezing cold! This is the time of year when the dogs get confused trying to find a place to use the bathroom. All of their fall "markings" have been concealed by the snow, and they sniff all over looking for a familiar place. That dog's life ain't so easy in the winter!
I was thinking today about the sounds of the seasons. It's easy to recognize spring because you wake up in the morning to the sound of leaf blowers and lawn mowers getting the yards uncovered from the winter. Summer sounds are all about boats and jet skis on the water. Fall doesn't have a sound so much as it has a smell...leaves burning. And now it's winter. When you wake up in the morning, you can hear the highway department trucks plowing and salting or sanding the roads. The other distinctive sound comes from the snowmobiles on the trail. It must be easier and faster to get a snowmobile ready than it is to get a boat ready. Everyone seems to be out today enjoying the snow.
It's Thanksgiving week and once the turkey and all the trimmings have been digested (hopefully) on Thursday, Friday is the day for the "lighting" of Indian River. There's a huge craft show at the high school, all kinds of sporting events, and in the evening, the Christmas parade ending with the arrival of Santa. If the weather permits, he will arrive on a dog sled. It's all very festive. Wish all of you could be here. I do have plenty of room and looking at my calendar, do no have any guests scheduled. The vacancy sign says YES!
Last night Gracie and I went to the Cheboygan Opera House for the Northland Players performance of "White Christmas". My wonderful neighbor was one of the stars - actually she was THE star! During the final singing of the title song, the audience was invited to join in the singing. What fun we had!
So the season has begun! I wish each of you a Thanksgiving to remember. As one of the songs in "White Christmas" reminds us, count your blessings. We all have so much to be thankful for and yet there are others who are struggling at this time of the year. Their hearts may be heavy, their finances depleted, their homes cold or maybe destroyed during last week's tornado, or maybe they have health issues. Several weeks ago one of my oldest, dearest friends told me her husband had been diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. We both cried and prayed his treatment would be successful. I spoke with her last Thursday to check on her and her husband and as soon as she answered the phone, she began to cry. Once she recovered she told me she had been to the doctor for help with fatigue, thinking it was due to taking care of her husband. After lots of blood work and tests, she has been diagnosed with another form of cancer. So on Tuesday's and Wednesday's, she drives her husband to chemo treatments and on Friday, he drives her to her treatments. I ask your prayers for both of them and for all those suffering whatever pain is in their hearts.
Love to all of you and remember to count your blessings. xxoo
I was thinking today about the sounds of the seasons. It's easy to recognize spring because you wake up in the morning to the sound of leaf blowers and lawn mowers getting the yards uncovered from the winter. Summer sounds are all about boats and jet skis on the water. Fall doesn't have a sound so much as it has a smell...leaves burning. And now it's winter. When you wake up in the morning, you can hear the highway department trucks plowing and salting or sanding the roads. The other distinctive sound comes from the snowmobiles on the trail. It must be easier and faster to get a snowmobile ready than it is to get a boat ready. Everyone seems to be out today enjoying the snow.
It's Thanksgiving week and once the turkey and all the trimmings have been digested (hopefully) on Thursday, Friday is the day for the "lighting" of Indian River. There's a huge craft show at the high school, all kinds of sporting events, and in the evening, the Christmas parade ending with the arrival of Santa. If the weather permits, he will arrive on a dog sled. It's all very festive. Wish all of you could be here. I do have plenty of room and looking at my calendar, do no have any guests scheduled. The vacancy sign says YES!
Last night Gracie and I went to the Cheboygan Opera House for the Northland Players performance of "White Christmas". My wonderful neighbor was one of the stars - actually she was THE star! During the final singing of the title song, the audience was invited to join in the singing. What fun we had!
So the season has begun! I wish each of you a Thanksgiving to remember. As one of the songs in "White Christmas" reminds us, count your blessings. We all have so much to be thankful for and yet there are others who are struggling at this time of the year. Their hearts may be heavy, their finances depleted, their homes cold or maybe destroyed during last week's tornado, or maybe they have health issues. Several weeks ago one of my oldest, dearest friends told me her husband had been diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. We both cried and prayed his treatment would be successful. I spoke with her last Thursday to check on her and her husband and as soon as she answered the phone, she began to cry. Once she recovered she told me she had been to the doctor for help with fatigue, thinking it was due to taking care of her husband. After lots of blood work and tests, she has been diagnosed with another form of cancer. So on Tuesday's and Wednesday's, she drives her husband to chemo treatments and on Friday, he drives her to her treatments. I ask your prayers for both of them and for all those suffering whatever pain is in their hearts.
Love to all of you and remember to count your blessings. xxoo
Friday, November 15, 2013
Mad as a wet hen!
Not sure how mad a wet hen is, but I am sure I can top it! OK, I admit I am 66 years old and probably not as tech savvy as I should be, but gimme a break! My story begins 5 months ago.
HISTORY -
I saw a "help wanted" ad in the local newspaper for a writer. The company "looking" was the local newspaper, The Cheboygan Tribune. Having been thinking about finding something to do, I thought this could be a great opportunity. The ad requested a resume and samples of my writing. Not a problem. However, I did not have a current resume and was pretty sure my old resume did not present an updated approach. I went on-line to find a "FREE" service to help me. I found Live Career - Home of America's #1 Resume Builder. I read through the website and saw "FREE" everywhere. The website also promised to promote my resume to thousands of employers around the world. I worked on my resume and put together one that had all the 2013 appropriate buzzwords and phrases used in today's workplace. When I completed it, I tried to post it to my own computer so I could forward it to the newspaper along with my writing samples. It wouldn't post. So, I saw the link for a live chat, and believing my tech skills sufficient, I clicked it. Someone immediately answered my "call". I explained I didn't want my resume posted for 1000's to see, I only wanted to post it to my own personal computer. Well, it turns out I am apparently selfish with my resume and consequently that would cost me $2.95. I asked about the "free" part and it's only "free" if you allow Live Career to do what they want with it. I decided I would exclude Live Career from my job hunting experience and spend the $2.95. GET READY - HERE COMES THE REALLY BIG MISTAKE I MADE! I put the $2.95 on my credit card. It's a major credit card and linked to my personal checking account. Believing all was right with the world, I clicked the "fine print" request (without reading it) agreeing to the terms of the website and went on with my life. By the way...I sent the resume and writing samples to the newspaper and NEVER heard a word from them. I even e-mailed the contact information listed in the ad and still didn't get a response. I cancelled my subscription to the paper! What's wrong with these people? Idiots, that's what's wrong with them!
UPDATE -
I do all my banking on-line (wondering about that now) and as I was reviewing charges, I saw a $34.95 charge from Live Career. WHAT????? As I continued to look, I saw they had been charging me $34.95 for months! What for and how did they gain access to my checking account? I called them immediately. "Gabe" answered my call. I don't know if Gabe was a man or a woman but I do know English was not his/her first language. Needless to say that added more fuel to my fire! After calmly (I promise) explaining the situation to Gabe, he/she checked my account (ACCOUNT??????) and told me after I completed my resume writing, I had 14 days to cancel my subscription!!!! "Subscription to what" I asked. The "service" he/she responded! You need to know I'm still not screaming into the telephone, but the top of my head is about to blow off! "What service? I payed $2.95 to not use your service"! Gabe said "I checked the box agreeing to their terms"! Dammit to hell!!!!!!!! I took a couple of deep breaths and then asked how they were able to access my checking account. Gabe said my credit card was linked to it and that was something else I had agreed to. Oh my! So I asked how I could cancel this right now. He/she said he/she could do that for me while I was on the telephone with him/her. I then asked what the possibilities were for me to receive a credit for the previous months charges. He/she said he/she would speak with their supervisor and find out. Surprise - I'm put on hold. A few minutes later Gabe came back on the line and said "Good News" (I swear!). He/she would be able to credit my checking account with $25.80! I said thank you and hung up.
FINDINGS -
I am clearly not as smart as I believe I am.
I will NEVER again not read the fine print.
I will stop using my checking account linked credit card on-line.
I will continue to use my HUGE influence to let the world know how awful I think Live Career is. I
did the same thing to Home Depot and everyone knows how effective that was!
I will continue to use all of you as my sounding board for my life as a poor retired widow woman on a
fixed income.
I love all of you and thanks for listening. The wet hen has dried off a bit!
xxoo
HISTORY -
I saw a "help wanted" ad in the local newspaper for a writer. The company "looking" was the local newspaper, The Cheboygan Tribune. Having been thinking about finding something to do, I thought this could be a great opportunity. The ad requested a resume and samples of my writing. Not a problem. However, I did not have a current resume and was pretty sure my old resume did not present an updated approach. I went on-line to find a "FREE" service to help me. I found Live Career - Home of America's #1 Resume Builder. I read through the website and saw "FREE" everywhere. The website also promised to promote my resume to thousands of employers around the world. I worked on my resume and put together one that had all the 2013 appropriate buzzwords and phrases used in today's workplace. When I completed it, I tried to post it to my own computer so I could forward it to the newspaper along with my writing samples. It wouldn't post. So, I saw the link for a live chat, and believing my tech skills sufficient, I clicked it. Someone immediately answered my "call". I explained I didn't want my resume posted for 1000's to see, I only wanted to post it to my own personal computer. Well, it turns out I am apparently selfish with my resume and consequently that would cost me $2.95. I asked about the "free" part and it's only "free" if you allow Live Career to do what they want with it. I decided I would exclude Live Career from my job hunting experience and spend the $2.95. GET READY - HERE COMES THE REALLY BIG MISTAKE I MADE! I put the $2.95 on my credit card. It's a major credit card and linked to my personal checking account. Believing all was right with the world, I clicked the "fine print" request (without reading it) agreeing to the terms of the website and went on with my life. By the way...I sent the resume and writing samples to the newspaper and NEVER heard a word from them. I even e-mailed the contact information listed in the ad and still didn't get a response. I cancelled my subscription to the paper! What's wrong with these people? Idiots, that's what's wrong with them!
UPDATE -
I do all my banking on-line (wondering about that now) and as I was reviewing charges, I saw a $34.95 charge from Live Career. WHAT????? As I continued to look, I saw they had been charging me $34.95 for months! What for and how did they gain access to my checking account? I called them immediately. "Gabe" answered my call. I don't know if Gabe was a man or a woman but I do know English was not his/her first language. Needless to say that added more fuel to my fire! After calmly (I promise) explaining the situation to Gabe, he/she checked my account (ACCOUNT??????) and told me after I completed my resume writing, I had 14 days to cancel my subscription!!!! "Subscription to what" I asked. The "service" he/she responded! You need to know I'm still not screaming into the telephone, but the top of my head is about to blow off! "What service? I payed $2.95 to not use your service"! Gabe said "I checked the box agreeing to their terms"! Dammit to hell!!!!!!!! I took a couple of deep breaths and then asked how they were able to access my checking account. Gabe said my credit card was linked to it and that was something else I had agreed to. Oh my! So I asked how I could cancel this right now. He/she said he/she could do that for me while I was on the telephone with him/her. I then asked what the possibilities were for me to receive a credit for the previous months charges. He/she said he/she would speak with their supervisor and find out. Surprise - I'm put on hold. A few minutes later Gabe came back on the line and said "Good News" (I swear!). He/she would be able to credit my checking account with $25.80! I said thank you and hung up.
FINDINGS -
I am clearly not as smart as I believe I am.
I will NEVER again not read the fine print.
I will stop using my checking account linked credit card on-line.
I will continue to use my HUGE influence to let the world know how awful I think Live Career is. I
did the same thing to Home Depot and everyone knows how effective that was!
I will continue to use all of you as my sounding board for my life as a poor retired widow woman on a
fixed income.
I love all of you and thanks for listening. The wet hen has dried off a bit!
xxoo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)