Saturday, May 27, 2006
America Voted
I am admittedly a fan of American Idol. This week when America voted & Taylor Hicks was crowned the new idol, I believe America got it wrong. To me he seems a one trick pony. Katharine, on the other hand, seemed tailor-made for the title reminiscent of Kelly Clarkson & Carrie Underwood with both a great deal of talent, beauty, & poise. I also would have been fine with Chris winning; however, he was given the boot a couple of weeks earlier. He too is both talented & charismatic. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Katharine/Chris surpass Taylor & become the true stars emerging from the season. I think both these singers have more staying power than Taylor.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Of Cats & Kids
With the arrival of Adam & Kelly's cat in April, I installed some barriers to keep him (Sammy) from my relatively new family room furniture as well as the relatively new mattress & down comforter in my bedroom . . . baby gates have prohibited his entry into these areas. This past weekend I had the pleasure of keeping my 2 1/2 year old grandson, Owen, an irrepressible cat lover. Unfortunately Sammy has hissed at Owen in the past so I planned to keep them separated just to play it safe. I explained to Owen that Sam wasn't used to new people, & that he can must not try to pet him unless I was there with him. The cats eat upstairs and go down to the basement to their litter boxes. So I kept Owen gated in the family room when Sam was upstairs & put Sam in the basement when Owen was out of the gated area. When it was bedtime for Owen I promised him I would leave his door open, so I had to put all cats in the basement . . . any of them would love to hop up on the bed & wake him. Before I would go sleep in his room, I would let the cats up & shut the door close Owen & me in. I became quite proficient in the logistics of all of this. Owen, however, was still intensely curious about Sammy so I let him gradually cultivate Sammy's trust by giving him a treat or gently petting him. . . ultimately, they were getting along just fine. Who knew that both Owen & Sammy would understand the need to be gentle?
Welcome to the World, Drew Jacob Zundell!
My son, Adam, (Drew's dad) expressed surprise that I had not yet blogged about him. How do I express my joy of the birth of this precious little boy without sounding cliche? There are not enough superlatives to adequately describe holding this sweet baby in my arms or watching the totally loving expressions on his parents' faces as they held him. Yes, it was love at first sight! Baby Drew is amazing and just watching him sleep is mesmorizing. He is a miracle, an answered prayer, a reaffirmation of faith. Welcome to the world, Drew Jacob Zundell!
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Consumer Wars
Round One . . .
A couple of weeks ago I purchased two different baby gates at Toys-R-Us and kept the receipt since I wasn't sure if either would work. One was $20 and the other $67. Adam helped me with the gate, and we both decided the $20 one was not only fine, but a lot less difficult to install. So I took the $67 gate back to the store only to be told that my receipt was incomplete . . . for some reason only the date, a survey, & the total sale were printed on it. I told the clerk that it was all I had been given. She informed me that the rest of the receipt should have been attached . . . I agreed with this, but I attempted to convince her that it was all I had been given. She then said I could only have store credit instead of a refund since I did not have the receipt. I asked nicely to see the manager who did believe me and agreed to refund my money.
Round two . . .
Last Saturday I went to Grease Monkey for an oil change. I was asked if I wanted some deluxe service package, & I responded that I just wanted an oil change. I took a seat inside as instructed & in about two minutes I was informed that I needed new windshield wipers. I agreed to have them put on. A couple of minutes later I was asked if I wanted my transmission fluid cleaned or replaced or something like that. I repeated that I just wanted an oil change and now new wiper blades. It wasn't long before a mechanic came out to see if I wanted my tires rotated. I said no. Shortly someone brings me two filters from my car, shows me they are dirty, & tells me I really need to replace at least one of them. I agree to that & inform him that I cannot afford anything further. So my simple oil change cost me around $100. It might have been cheaper to just agree to the deluxe package in the first place!
Round three . . .
At the end of the summer two years ago I bought a power washer at Walmart for $88 so that I could wash & seal my deck. I have used this washer about three times, & yesterday the machine smoked and burned. I loaded it in the box and trotted out to Walmart customer service. Of course I did not have the receipt since the machine was nearly two years old; however, I do believe it should have lasted for more that three uses. Anyway, I was told this is an item Walmart no longer carries, & that they best they could do was to give me the toll free number for Black & Decker. People began lining up at customer service, & I wasn't budging. I told the clerk I did not want to wait weeks or months to get a replacement from Black & Decker since I was currently in the process of cleaning & sealing my deck. I calmly asked to see the manager. A guy behind me was giving me encouragement by telling me that his family had the same problem with the exact same washer. They had contacted Black & Decker & waited for months for it to be replaced. After some time the manager arrives & reiterates the store policy. I explain to him that I needed a replacement power washer, a refund, or store credit. He then agreed to let me replace it with $88 credit & explains that if I chose a replacement that exceeds $88 I will have to pay the difference. I tell him that I understand & thank him. I finally find a power washer for under $150 . . . it is $84 . . .& take it back to customer service. The clerk there then tells me that it has to exceed $88 to be exchanged. I tell her that I do not want to pay an addition $60+ to exchange it & that it's fine with me to do an even exchange . . . I will forfeit the $4. She is convinced that she cannot do this, but while she is giving me a hard time about it, the manager approaches. He tells her it is fine for me to exchange the $84 washer for the $88 washer & instructs her to refund the difference to me. So I come home a little happier with a new power washer & $4 to boot!
A couple of weeks ago I purchased two different baby gates at Toys-R-Us and kept the receipt since I wasn't sure if either would work. One was $20 and the other $67. Adam helped me with the gate, and we both decided the $20 one was not only fine, but a lot less difficult to install. So I took the $67 gate back to the store only to be told that my receipt was incomplete . . . for some reason only the date, a survey, & the total sale were printed on it. I told the clerk that it was all I had been given. She informed me that the rest of the receipt should have been attached . . . I agreed with this, but I attempted to convince her that it was all I had been given. She then said I could only have store credit instead of a refund since I did not have the receipt. I asked nicely to see the manager who did believe me and agreed to refund my money.
Round two . . .
Last Saturday I went to Grease Monkey for an oil change. I was asked if I wanted some deluxe service package, & I responded that I just wanted an oil change. I took a seat inside as instructed & in about two minutes I was informed that I needed new windshield wipers. I agreed to have them put on. A couple of minutes later I was asked if I wanted my transmission fluid cleaned or replaced or something like that. I repeated that I just wanted an oil change and now new wiper blades. It wasn't long before a mechanic came out to see if I wanted my tires rotated. I said no. Shortly someone brings me two filters from my car, shows me they are dirty, & tells me I really need to replace at least one of them. I agree to that & inform him that I cannot afford anything further. So my simple oil change cost me around $100. It might have been cheaper to just agree to the deluxe package in the first place!
Round three . . .
At the end of the summer two years ago I bought a power washer at Walmart for $88 so that I could wash & seal my deck. I have used this washer about three times, & yesterday the machine smoked and burned. I loaded it in the box and trotted out to Walmart customer service. Of course I did not have the receipt since the machine was nearly two years old; however, I do believe it should have lasted for more that three uses. Anyway, I was told this is an item Walmart no longer carries, & that they best they could do was to give me the toll free number for Black & Decker. People began lining up at customer service, & I wasn't budging. I told the clerk I did not want to wait weeks or months to get a replacement from Black & Decker since I was currently in the process of cleaning & sealing my deck. I calmly asked to see the manager. A guy behind me was giving me encouragement by telling me that his family had the same problem with the exact same washer. They had contacted Black & Decker & waited for months for it to be replaced. After some time the manager arrives & reiterates the store policy. I explain to him that I needed a replacement power washer, a refund, or store credit. He then agreed to let me replace it with $88 credit & explains that if I chose a replacement that exceeds $88 I will have to pay the difference. I tell him that I understand & thank him. I finally find a power washer for under $150 . . . it is $84 . . .& take it back to customer service. The clerk there then tells me that it has to exceed $88 to be exchanged. I tell her that I do not want to pay an addition $60+ to exchange it & that it's fine with me to do an even exchange . . . I will forfeit the $4. She is convinced that she cannot do this, but while she is giving me a hard time about it, the manager approaches. He tells her it is fine for me to exchange the $84 washer for the $88 washer & instructs her to refund the difference to me. So I come home a little happier with a new power washer & $4 to boot!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Down from the Ledge
My son, Adam, often tells me he needs to talk me down from the ledge. Sons Trent & Ryan usually just tell me to calm down. I was, however, in a state over Beilein Watch yesterday. Going to tennis straight from work I realized at some point my cell phone was dead. If it hadn't been I would have spared myself a hour or so of anxiety as Ryan called me immediately when he heard on "Statewide Sportsline" the statement released by WVU that Coach B is staying. I probably have enough drama in my real life not to get so stressed by WVU basketball.
Something new has been creeping into my life over the past few years, and I finally have to acknowledge it. Yes, when Renea & Kelly became my daughters-in-law, they brought their love for country music into my life. Although I would continue to say I hated country music, I began to add "but I do like Faith Hill." Soon I was also adding a few songs by Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, & Keith Urban. Now with my nephew, Brooks, in college in Nashville, he has me listening to even more country songs. I still abhor the real twangy, whiny stuff, but I guess I can now add country as a category of music that I can rather enjoy.
Being outside the city I have a private garbage service. Oddly enough, the one thing this service will never take is yard clippings (the only thing that really would present no problem & could be dumped anywhere). I have had to be creative to find a way around this & will fill a bag approximately 2/3 of the way with clippings, then add other garbage on top to create the illusion of a regular bag of trash. I have recently found that many of my neighbors do the same thing. If the service finds a bag of clippings (& believe me, they look), they will just leave the bag. It's just frustrating that bagging garbage now requires so much ingenuity.
Something new has been creeping into my life over the past few years, and I finally have to acknowledge it. Yes, when Renea & Kelly became my daughters-in-law, they brought their love for country music into my life. Although I would continue to say I hated country music, I began to add "but I do like Faith Hill." Soon I was also adding a few songs by Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, & Keith Urban. Now with my nephew, Brooks, in college in Nashville, he has me listening to even more country songs. I still abhor the real twangy, whiny stuff, but I guess I can now add country as a category of music that I can rather enjoy.
Being outside the city I have a private garbage service. Oddly enough, the one thing this service will never take is yard clippings (the only thing that really would present no problem & could be dumped anywhere). I have had to be creative to find a way around this & will fill a bag approximately 2/3 of the way with clippings, then add other garbage on top to create the illusion of a regular bag of trash. I have recently found that many of my neighbors do the same thing. If the service finds a bag of clippings (& believe me, they look), they will just leave the bag. It's just frustrating that bagging garbage now requires so much ingenuity.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Beilein Watch
WVU's coach, John Beilein, seems to be a candidate for every single D1 opening this year. For me it is reminiscent of a time during high school when I dated a really gorgeous guy. It was hard to enjoy my time in the relationship since every girl in the school was always flirting with him. For me it was not "if," but "when," he would move on.
Although it is rather flattering to have Coach Beilein considered to be one of the best basketball coaches in the country, this constant speculation about his leaving is wearing me out. I have no idea if he is actively pursuing all these jobs; he may just have an agent who believes he should be a candidate for everything. He may just be so highly regarded he is automatically considered. However, there are other coaches who are held in high esteem & are not automatically mentioned every time there is an open position.
I would imagine all this speculation is quite a source of anxiety for our players as well as the seven new recruits. In addition, if he stays this time will it harm recruiting next year? It seems that it would be difficult for a player to commit to a program whose coach seems to always be seeking greener pastures.
Coach B has elevated WVU's basketball program to a new level and has done this with class & character. At the same time WVU has provided him an opportunity to receive national attention. He is admired here not only for his coaching abilities but also for his values. I hope he stays & that he will say something definitive to put the rumors to rest. . . if not, we will probably have a new Beilein watch every few weeks.
Although it is rather flattering to have Coach Beilein considered to be one of the best basketball coaches in the country, this constant speculation about his leaving is wearing me out. I have no idea if he is actively pursuing all these jobs; he may just have an agent who believes he should be a candidate for everything. He may just be so highly regarded he is automatically considered. However, there are other coaches who are held in high esteem & are not automatically mentioned every time there is an open position.
I would imagine all this speculation is quite a source of anxiety for our players as well as the seven new recruits. In addition, if he stays this time will it harm recruiting next year? It seems that it would be difficult for a player to commit to a program whose coach seems to always be seeking greener pastures.
Coach B has elevated WVU's basketball program to a new level and has done this with class & character. At the same time WVU has provided him an opportunity to receive national attention. He is admired here not only for his coaching abilities but also for his values. I hope he stays & that he will say something definitive to put the rumors to rest. . . if not, we will probably have a new Beilein watch every few weeks.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Transition
This weekend the arrival of Sammy the cat precipitated the transition from "unofficial" baby watch to the "official" baby watch. The plan is for Sam to stay here until Adam & Kelly have a larger place to live. Since he did live here for three years, we all hoped the adjustment wouldn't be too difficult. Sam arrived with his dad/owner, my son Adam, on Saturday. He climbed out of his carrier & was immediately filled with anger & anxiety. He began to both hiss & growl & was greeted with return hisses from my cats, Tigger & Trevor. He then headed for the basement to get away from all of us. Adam's efforts to coax him out were rebuffed.
Later Sammy did venture back to the top of the basement stairs where he lay hissing & growling at all passersby, human or feline. Both Tigger & Trevor were also hissing. At this point I began to wonder if Sammy would be returning to Maryland the next day instead of boarding with us. I was beginning to feel some anxiety myself.
Eventually he did come upstairs although he did continue to hiss. The growling stopped & was replaced by a somewhat pathetic meow.
At bedtime he went with Adam & only had one minor altercation with Trevor during the night. In the morning I found him napping in the living room & agreeable. I think he's beginning to adjust. Hopefully he will even come to enjoy being here. Tigger & Trevor are still a little skittish. None of them are eating much yet. So far there has been no actual cat fight, which was my biggest fear. So maybe it will be okay for all of us. Let the official watch begin . . .
Later Sammy did venture back to the top of the basement stairs where he lay hissing & growling at all passersby, human or feline. Both Tigger & Trevor were also hissing. At this point I began to wonder if Sammy would be returning to Maryland the next day instead of boarding with us. I was beginning to feel some anxiety myself.
Eventually he did come upstairs although he did continue to hiss. The growling stopped & was replaced by a somewhat pathetic meow.
At bedtime he went with Adam & only had one minor altercation with Trevor during the night. In the morning I found him napping in the living room & agreeable. I think he's beginning to adjust. Hopefully he will even come to enjoy being here. Tigger & Trevor are still a little skittish. None of them are eating much yet. So far there has been no actual cat fight, which was my biggest fear. So maybe it will be okay for all of us. Let the official watch begin . . .
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Unofficial Baby Watch
Unofficial Baby Watch
The unofficial baby watch has now begun for the new grandbaby, "BZ." Tasks to be completed during this period include, but are not limited to, getting directions to the hospital, getting a few essentials packed, & knitting like crazy to finish BZ's blanket.
I also am beginning to keep my cell phone on most of the time when I'm not at home or work. . . trying to be accessible 24/7.
Speaking of babies, how ironic is it that Tom Cruise & Brooke Shields both had baby girls yesterday in the same hospital?
Official baby watch begins next week. (April 23rd)
The unofficial baby watch has now begun for the new grandbaby, "BZ." Tasks to be completed during this period include, but are not limited to, getting directions to the hospital, getting a few essentials packed, & knitting like crazy to finish BZ's blanket.
I also am beginning to keep my cell phone on most of the time when I'm not at home or work. . . trying to be accessible 24/7.
Speaking of babies, how ironic is it that Tom Cruise & Brooke Shields both had baby girls yesterday in the same hospital?
Official baby watch begins next week. (April 23rd)
Monday, April 10, 2006
This & That
Spring, sun, daylight savings time . . . BRING IT ON!
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For years I believed that viewing golf on TV was about as exciting as watching grass grow. That all changed one spring when my youngest son, an avid golfer, & I went to Florida for Easter break. Since he didn't have his brothers, I was a candidate for watching the Masters with him. He coaxed me with talk of azaleas & patiently gave the back story on many of the players. Yesterday I found myself riveted to the Masters (as I have been during the past few years)as I watched my son's favorite player win, & of course, enjoyed the azaleas!
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They will never make a drug that provides as much exhilaration as spending a weekend with my exuberant two year old grandson. Is there a greater high anywhere that receiving an enthusiastic hug & kiss from this child? After hours of reading books, playing trains & trucks, & pretending to be animals, I am totally rejuvenated!
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After four weekends on the road it was back to reality this past weekend. Much of my time was spent in running errands & cleaning the house . . . Ugh! All necessities but certainly a lot less interesting!
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For years I believed that viewing golf on TV was about as exciting as watching grass grow. That all changed one spring when my youngest son, an avid golfer, & I went to Florida for Easter break. Since he didn't have his brothers, I was a candidate for watching the Masters with him. He coaxed me with talk of azaleas & patiently gave the back story on many of the players. Yesterday I found myself riveted to the Masters (as I have been during the past few years)as I watched my son's favorite player win, & of course, enjoyed the azaleas!
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They will never make a drug that provides as much exhilaration as spending a weekend with my exuberant two year old grandson. Is there a greater high anywhere that receiving an enthusiastic hug & kiss from this child? After hours of reading books, playing trains & trucks, & pretending to be animals, I am totally rejuvenated!
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After four weekends on the road it was back to reality this past weekend. Much of my time was spent in running errands & cleaning the house . . . Ugh! All necessities but certainly a lot less interesting!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
The month of madness
For some reason I often seem to be traveling during "March Madness." I can remember watching games in San Francisco, Phoenix, Orlando, & in at Stonewall Jackson resort in recent years. This past weekend I watched some games in Laurel, MD, with Adam & Kelly. This weekend I will watch with my friends at our Deep Creek girl retreat . . . fortunately, a couple of my friends are avid sports fans like me! I guess there is something about the prospect of spring that brings out my urge to travel as I am in the midst of my "March Tour" (four straight weekends of travel).
It's hard to believe that spring has arrived, however, since it has snowed every day. I will be one happy girl when this cold weather finally ends. At least the daylight hours are increasing significantly, and it is now possible to go to the track after work.
Feel good story of the day for this cat lover . . . the cat that fell 80 feet from a tree & survived! All she needed was a little kitty ibuprophen.
Question of the day . . . Can the Georgia Dome be as magical for the Mountaineer basketball team as it was for the football team last January?
Every year I have good intentions of having everything ready for both my parents taxes & my own to go to the accountant in February. As in past years, it is mid-March, & I'm still compiling data. Hopefully, the task will be complete before the end of the month. If I were anticipating a refund, it would have been done long before now!
It's hard to believe that spring has arrived, however, since it has snowed every day. I will be one happy girl when this cold weather finally ends. At least the daylight hours are increasing significantly, and it is now possible to go to the track after work.
Feel good story of the day for this cat lover . . . the cat that fell 80 feet from a tree & survived! All she needed was a little kitty ibuprophen.
Question of the day . . . Can the Georgia Dome be as magical for the Mountaineer basketball team as it was for the football team last January?
Every year I have good intentions of having everything ready for both my parents taxes & my own to go to the accountant in February. As in past years, it is mid-March, & I'm still compiling data. Hopefully, the task will be complete before the end of the month. If I were anticipating a refund, it would have been done long before now!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
What I'd like to tell TV Execs
It is frustrating to settle in to watch your favorite show only to find it's a) a rerun or b) not on. In the winter I do often spend my weeknight evenings in front of the television. I have a few suggestions for the powers-that-be for improving television schedules:
1) Episodic shows do not rerun well especially when random past shows are thrown into the middle of the current new season. Please show the full new season; then rerun it in order. "Lost," for example, has me totally lost with the frequent old shows interspersed among the new ones. "24" gets it right!
2) Give new shows a chance to find an audience. After the money has been spent to hire cast & crew, prepare a set, promote the show, give it a chance. I have heard that this or that new show is good or funny only to find that I couldn't watch because it was cancelled after 2 or 3 episodes. Some shows are instant hits; others take time to develop viewers. Along the same lines moving shows to different nights & time slots in the middle of the season is also confusing!
3) Don't give us too much of a good thing. When the "Millionaire" first debuted, it was a huge success so the network decided to air it a million times. Over saturation killed it fairly quickly. It appears that "Deal or No Deal" may suffer the same fate.
4) Taking HUGE breaks(aka hiatus)causes viewers to either forget about the show or to change their viewing habits so that they no longer care about the show. Would it be so terrible to run a show totally through all it's episodes; then begin a different show? Right now, some shows are interrupted for months with a new show, then the old one returns.
Once daylight savings time arrives, I will no longer care since being outside will trump anything on TV for me. In the meantime bring on March Madness!!!
1) Episodic shows do not rerun well especially when random past shows are thrown into the middle of the current new season. Please show the full new season; then rerun it in order. "Lost," for example, has me totally lost with the frequent old shows interspersed among the new ones. "24" gets it right!
2) Give new shows a chance to find an audience. After the money has been spent to hire cast & crew, prepare a set, promote the show, give it a chance. I have heard that this or that new show is good or funny only to find that I couldn't watch because it was cancelled after 2 or 3 episodes. Some shows are instant hits; others take time to develop viewers. Along the same lines moving shows to different nights & time slots in the middle of the season is also confusing!
3) Don't give us too much of a good thing. When the "Millionaire" first debuted, it was a huge success so the network decided to air it a million times. Over saturation killed it fairly quickly. It appears that "Deal or No Deal" may suffer the same fate.
4) Taking HUGE breaks(aka hiatus)causes viewers to either forget about the show or to change their viewing habits so that they no longer care about the show. Would it be so terrible to run a show totally through all it's episodes; then begin a different show? Right now, some shows are interrupted for months with a new show, then the old one returns.
Once daylight savings time arrives, I will no longer care since being outside will trump anything on TV for me. In the meantime bring on March Madness!!!
Monday, March 06, 2006
This & That
The Oscars . . .
In my opinion this year's show was rather lackluster. The most interesting part was the winning "Pimp" song, & its recipients. I'm no music prude ("My Humps" is one of my workout songs), but it's hard to imagine that song in a list of prior winners, i.e. "Moon River" & "Chariots of Fire" There was also an interesting moment when Jennifer Garner nearly fell while walking to the podium. She did cover nicely with a witty remark! I loved the joke about Bjork & Dick Cheney too. Otherwise, a very predictable show with too many montages!
The NFL . . .
I don't know any of the particulars about the union vs. the owners, but I do know that the current setup allows my small market team (Pittsburgh) compete successfully with the large market teams. I hope whatever the outcome is, they maintain the parity that makes it all work so well.
Podcasts . . .
My sons had some fun at my expense during a recent podcast just because in my haste to blog about some recent Olympic events, I neglected to look up the names of the competitors. This is so like me in daily conversation but is NOT typical of something I write.
Bonus . . .
Today my lunch, side salad from Burger King, had a bonus . . . 2 bags of croutons!!
In my opinion this year's show was rather lackluster. The most interesting part was the winning "Pimp" song, & its recipients. I'm no music prude ("My Humps" is one of my workout songs), but it's hard to imagine that song in a list of prior winners, i.e. "Moon River" & "Chariots of Fire" There was also an interesting moment when Jennifer Garner nearly fell while walking to the podium. She did cover nicely with a witty remark! I loved the joke about Bjork & Dick Cheney too. Otherwise, a very predictable show with too many montages!
The NFL . . .
I don't know any of the particulars about the union vs. the owners, but I do know that the current setup allows my small market team (Pittsburgh) compete successfully with the large market teams. I hope whatever the outcome is, they maintain the parity that makes it all work so well.
Podcasts . . .
My sons had some fun at my expense during a recent podcast just because in my haste to blog about some recent Olympic events, I neglected to look up the names of the competitors. This is so like me in daily conversation but is NOT typical of something I write.
Bonus . . .
Today my lunch, side salad from Burger King, had a bonus . . . 2 bags of croutons!!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
I have a "tip" for you
Last night we went to our customary dinner after playing tennis. The restaurant was not unusually crowded, & we were seated right away. Our waitress, however, seemed a little surly from the beginning . . . Actually acting as if she were doing us a huge favor by bringing bread when we asked for it.
Although we're not typically in a hurry, our service was extremely slow. Our waitress was nowhere to be seen & did not even stop by to check on us. I'll admit I was really hungry since I had skipped lunch but waiting an hour & fifteen minutes for four salads is excessive under any circumstances.
We finally did get our meals with no apology or explanation from the waitress. At the conclusion of our meal, the conversation turned to tipping. Everyone but me felt that we should not leave much of a tip since the service was so poor. I honestly felt there was no need to tip at all believing that a tip should be for average or better service. We ended up leaving a 10% tip.
Here's my real tip for this waitress. . . I realize you can't always control the kitchen, but you can control your behavior. You could have stopped by our table, apologized for the slowness of our service, offered to replenish our bread, etc. Had you been personable & even slightly interested in letting us know you were aware that our meals were taking an extraordinary amount of time, we would probably have tipped at least the standard 15%. Tipping has now become an expected practice not reserved for good service but for any service whatsoever. I do object to feeling compelled to tip when the server is not available or interested in my service. Perhaps if tipping were reserved for good service, the servers might be more interested in providing it.
Although we're not typically in a hurry, our service was extremely slow. Our waitress was nowhere to be seen & did not even stop by to check on us. I'll admit I was really hungry since I had skipped lunch but waiting an hour & fifteen minutes for four salads is excessive under any circumstances.
We finally did get our meals with no apology or explanation from the waitress. At the conclusion of our meal, the conversation turned to tipping. Everyone but me felt that we should not leave much of a tip since the service was so poor. I honestly felt there was no need to tip at all believing that a tip should be for average or better service. We ended up leaving a 10% tip.
Here's my real tip for this waitress. . . I realize you can't always control the kitchen, but you can control your behavior. You could have stopped by our table, apologized for the slowness of our service, offered to replenish our bread, etc. Had you been personable & even slightly interested in letting us know you were aware that our meals were taking an extraordinary amount of time, we would probably have tipped at least the standard 15%. Tipping has now become an expected practice not reserved for good service but for any service whatsoever. I do object to feeling compelled to tip when the server is not available or interested in my service. Perhaps if tipping were reserved for good service, the servers might be more interested in providing it.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Chicken or Tuna?
I heard on the radio yesterday that Jessica Simpson is furious with the MTV execs for portraying her as a "dumb blonde" on her reality tv show, "Newlyweds." Ironically she states the reality show was kind of scripted.
In response to this, here are some questions I would like to ask Jessica?
1) Wasn't your father (who should know you better that just about anyone) executive producer of your MTV show?
2) Did someone hold a gun to your head & make you do a Pizza Hut commercial for buffalo wings?
3) Did you read the script before shooting the scenes?
4) Why is this suddenly an issue?
Having parlayed "dumb blonde" into a multi-million dollar empire, Jessica is now miffed that this image of her is unflattering. Cry me a river!
In response to this, here are some questions I would like to ask Jessica?
1) Wasn't your father (who should know you better that just about anyone) executive producer of your MTV show?
2) Did someone hold a gun to your head & make you do a Pizza Hut commercial for buffalo wings?
3) Did you read the script before shooting the scenes?
4) Why is this suddenly an issue?
Having parlayed "dumb blonde" into a multi-million dollar empire, Jessica is now miffed that this image of her is unflattering. Cry me a river!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The Parking Game
Perhaps it is a sickness or a game, but I always seek the best/most convenient parking place anywhere I go. I guess it is especially unusual since I willingly walk or run for exercise every day.
I recently went to Walmart & discovered that my favorite "make a space" parking area had been fenced off due to construction. This area always had drivers making a space at the end of the rows making it possible to actually park near the entrance without being in a tow-away zone. My brother has been doing this in the Coliseum Blue lot for years which allows him to practically be the first car out at the end of a game.
Although I will pull into a loading zone to run into the grocery store and park in 10 minute parking at the hospital for longer than 10 minutes, I do have my limits. I will not block a fire hydrant or park in a handicapped space.
I do park in meter spaces without putting money in & will just pay the occasional ticket instead feeling that financially I am coming out ahead.
Actually, I assess parking areas & have my favorite "unofficial" spots at a number of locations.
I don't know if I'm lazy or crazy, but I always seem to have a good parking place.
I recently went to Walmart & discovered that my favorite "make a space" parking area had been fenced off due to construction. This area always had drivers making a space at the end of the rows making it possible to actually park near the entrance without being in a tow-away zone. My brother has been doing this in the Coliseum Blue lot for years which allows him to practically be the first car out at the end of a game.
Although I will pull into a loading zone to run into the grocery store and park in 10 minute parking at the hospital for longer than 10 minutes, I do have my limits. I will not block a fire hydrant or park in a handicapped space.
I do park in meter spaces without putting money in & will just pay the occasional ticket instead feeling that financially I am coming out ahead.
Actually, I assess parking areas & have my favorite "unofficial" spots at a number of locations.
I don't know if I'm lazy or crazy, but I always seem to have a good parking place.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Shawni Speaks
Last night I heard Shawni Davis in a sit down interview & must admit I was impressed. After his gold medal win he came off as rather selfish & surly; however, I now think he's a stand-up guy who has just been unwittingly caught up in a controversy that has been overblown by the media. It unfortunate that the USA speedskating team could not have managed this internally & not allowed the situation between Davis & Heldreth to escalate. And, by the way, why couldn't the relay event be last?
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Great Expectations
In prior years Mountaineer fans spent much of February hoping & praying to make the Big East tournament, i.e. not be one of the bottom two teams. These fans would hope against hope to win a game at the NCAAs as well. Bids for the Big Dance were few and far between . . . as were Top 20 rankings.
This year's team has lost three out of four games in the last three weeks during a grueling stretch in the schedule. It's rather amazing how lofty our expectations have become . . . We are no longer satisfied with making the BE tournament--we want one of the top four spots for a first round bye. We are a virtual lock for an NCAA bid, but we now want a high seed. I am glad to see our expectations rise in both basketball & football and am thrilled that we are no longer content with mediocrity; however, let's not set our goals so high that anything short of a national championship is a failure.
This year's team has lost three out of four games in the last three weeks during a grueling stretch in the schedule. It's rather amazing how lofty our expectations have become . . . We are no longer satisfied with making the BE tournament--we want one of the top four spots for a first round bye. We are a virtual lock for an NCAA bid, but we now want a high seed. I am glad to see our expectations rise in both basketball & football and am thrilled that we are no longer content with mediocrity; however, let's not set our goals so high that anything short of a national championship is a failure.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
More Olympics
As the Olympics continue the gold, silver, & bronze winners are only part of the story. Here are some other awards I would present . . .
Most Courageous
Lindsey Kildow
Best Female Impersonator
Johnny Weis
Cutest Couple
Tanith & Ben
Best Drama
Men's speed skating team (Davis/Heldreth feud)
Runner-up--Italian ice dancing pair
Biggest Disappointment
Bodie Miller
Runner-up--USA hockey teams
Most Gracious Winner
Joey Cheek
Runner-up--Seth Westcott
Most Gracious Loser
Apollo Ono
Worst Loser
Johnny Weis
Most Difficult Interview
Shawnee Davis
Best Interviews
Kimmie & Emily, USA figure skaters
Most Embarrassing Moment (Biggest Idiots)
(Tie)Lindsey Jacobellis' losing gold by showing off
Austrian team's drug paraphenalia in the Olympic village
Worst Hair Color
Bob Costas
Most Humorous
Ice dancing pairs falling one after another
Worst Costumes
(Tie) Ice dancing pairs--too many to count
Men's figure skaters--too many to count
Best Moment in Today Show Coverage
Matt & Al on a luge run
Most Courageous
Lindsey Kildow
Best Female Impersonator
Johnny Weis
Cutest Couple
Tanith & Ben
Best Drama
Men's speed skating team (Davis/Heldreth feud)
Runner-up--Italian ice dancing pair
Biggest Disappointment
Bodie Miller
Runner-up--USA hockey teams
Most Gracious Winner
Joey Cheek
Runner-up--Seth Westcott
Most Gracious Loser
Apollo Ono
Worst Loser
Johnny Weis
Most Difficult Interview
Shawnee Davis
Best Interviews
Kimmie & Emily, USA figure skaters
Most Embarrassing Moment (Biggest Idiots)
(Tie)Lindsey Jacobellis' losing gold by showing off
Austrian team's drug paraphenalia in the Olympic village
Worst Hair Color
Bob Costas
Most Humorous
Ice dancing pairs falling one after another
Worst Costumes
(Tie) Ice dancing pairs--too many to count
Men's figure skaters--too many to count
Best Moment in Today Show Coverage
Matt & Al on a luge run
Friday, February 17, 2006
Olympic fever?
I'm am usually all about the Olympics . . . this time around though, I'm getting rather disenchanted. Here are a few reasons why:
Why in the world are many of the men's figure skaters now dressing like women? Spare me the sequins, chiffon, & purple pants! What's next, eye shadow & lip gloss?
Athletes suspended or having medals stripped for doping . . . duh, perhaps they also need an IQ test since the OIC ALWAYS tests for drugs. I would think an Olympic athlete would take no chances here since the probability of being caught seems to be almost 100%.
Bode Miller who bragged about skiing wasted prior to the Olympics is running his mouth again. He says winning an Olympic medal means nothing to him . . . which is fortunate for him since he hasn't won any this time around. He may think he's coming off as a renegade; I personally think he's just a poor loser!
There are always a few games which seem to be just that, games. Where is the athleticism in curling or rhythmic gymnastics? These so-called sports could not be more boring!
Although I usually am riveted by two weeks of Olympic coverage, this year for me it's bring on "American Idol" & "Dancing with the Stars."
Why in the world are many of the men's figure skaters now dressing like women? Spare me the sequins, chiffon, & purple pants! What's next, eye shadow & lip gloss?
Athletes suspended or having medals stripped for doping . . . duh, perhaps they also need an IQ test since the OIC ALWAYS tests for drugs. I would think an Olympic athlete would take no chances here since the probability of being caught seems to be almost 100%.
Bode Miller who bragged about skiing wasted prior to the Olympics is running his mouth again. He says winning an Olympic medal means nothing to him . . . which is fortunate for him since he hasn't won any this time around. He may think he's coming off as a renegade; I personally think he's just a poor loser!
There are always a few games which seem to be just that, games. Where is the athleticism in curling or rhythmic gymnastics? These so-called sports could not be more boring!
Although I usually am riveted by two weeks of Olympic coverage, this year for me it's bring on "American Idol" & "Dancing with the Stars."
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Spooked
A few nights before Christmas a man called out to me in Walmart. He told me his name & said he went to high school with me. Although I didn't remember him, I didn't acknowledge this & foolishly conversed with him for a few minutes. He kept asking me about former classmates . . . where they were . . . what were they doing, etc. in addition to wanting to know what was going on with me. Of course, being the talkative person that I am, I provided him with all kinds of information. I excused myself, completed my shopping, & didn't really think about it again until I was heading to the checkout. The man stepped out in front of me & asked me if I would be back there the next night. *RED FLAG" (Who really would just hang out at Walmart for fun? I answered no & left just slightly unnerved.
I pretty much forgot about the whole thing until a couple weeks ago when he appeared at my office when I was alone during lunch. I kept the conversation as brief as possible, & he eventually left. Then I decided to look him up in my yearbook . . . he was not in my class on any of the classes 2 years before or after me. Now I am getting a little more concerned & share this with my friend, Nancy. She looks him up in the city directory, & we deduce he lives with his mother. "RED FLAG" We google him to no avail.
Next he calls the office for me. Fortunately I was on another line, but he got rather huffy with Nancy when she told him this.
Yesterday he came in again while I was with a customer. He lurked around until I was finished then attempted to start a conversation. I gave him a short, but polite response, then continued working & he left. By now we are also deducing that he does not have a job. "RED FLAG" Today Nancy saw him walking by the office before I came in.
Well, I am now getting spooked! I don't know what really constitutes a stalker, but this does cause me to wonder when/where he will appear next. I do know that I will try to be more discerning in the future as to what information I give out & to whom. Lesson learned.
I pretty much forgot about the whole thing until a couple weeks ago when he appeared at my office when I was alone during lunch. I kept the conversation as brief as possible, & he eventually left. Then I decided to look him up in my yearbook . . . he was not in my class on any of the classes 2 years before or after me. Now I am getting a little more concerned & share this with my friend, Nancy. She looks him up in the city directory, & we deduce he lives with his mother. "RED FLAG" We google him to no avail.
Next he calls the office for me. Fortunately I was on another line, but he got rather huffy with Nancy when she told him this.
Yesterday he came in again while I was with a customer. He lurked around until I was finished then attempted to start a conversation. I gave him a short, but polite response, then continued working & he left. By now we are also deducing that he does not have a job. "RED FLAG" Today Nancy saw him walking by the office before I came in.
Well, I am now getting spooked! I don't know what really constitutes a stalker, but this does cause me to wonder when/where he will appear next. I do know that I will try to be more discerning in the future as to what information I give out & to whom. Lesson learned.
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