Utility Companies

I know, it seems that I have dropped out of the world. Its just that there are always so many things to do, that talking to cyberspace keeps getting forgotten. Well, I suppose someone might really be out there.

I am spending the last week and this week remembering why I don't like cable/internet companies. We are trying to better use our money, and the cable company just raised out internet. Now, that might not be so bad, if the speeds were at all reliable, but they aren't. Some days it feels like we have dial-up. We've also discovered that our "local" phone number is "local" to a town three hours a way. Well, not that isn't very useful is it. So we are playing musical providers and phone numbers. Yipee! I'm thrilled.

So now we are back to dealing with one of my "favorite" companies, and that would be QWEST. Uuuugh! Last time they sold us a service that they could not provide to us, and then it took us four months to get the bill straightened out. So, we are supposed to start internet service with them today, its not up yet, and we don't have the modem. I arranged this the middle of last week. At the same time I wanted to sign up for an additional service that is offered through a branch of theirs. First rep says I need an account number, call back when I have one and the account is populated, usually the next day. So, next day I find an account number, I speak to rep 2, no, can't do anything until Monday and the service wont be complete for 1-2 weeks after I can add it on. It should be picking a number and flipping a switch, not complicated here. I think, this is bizarre, I call back the next day, rep 3 says call back Monday, but it should only take a week. Still crazy, but getting better. So I call back today, only two and a half hours to go before the promised completion. Rep 4 says, oh, we can't help you until the previous work order shows complete, its still pending. NOW WHY CAN'T REP 1, 2, OR 3 TELL ME THAT?! I'm about ready to strangle them, and I still don't have service. This does not look good for the next year or two. Oh ya, and the prices and fees keep changing from rep to rep and the internet. My first month has bounced from 131 to 60 to 115, I have no idea what the first bill will actually look like. At this rate it will be over 200, because I really don't think anyone knows what they are doing.

I have gotten to work on my sawblade, I'm contemplating the sky right now. And Hubby has me working on airplane drawings for him, so maybe I'll be making a little model airplane this week. Just think happy thoughts, find my little happy place . . .

Clean Air Again

My body is so happy to be home that its sleeps and my throat stopped hurting halfway between family and home. We'll blame it on the smog because family has never made me ill before. It is so nice to look down the street and see clear images. Oh, and smelling the crisp winter air in place of vehicle exhaust is wonderful.

We had a good trip, lots of good gifts, but most of all it was best just to see family and friends. Fuzzy enjoyed all the attention, except for the little incident with the fence. She sustained no injuries and was only a little sore the next day from it. I can't help but wonder if the cat was really worth it, she'll never know.

Hubby is suffering from reality, work did not go on vacation while he was gone. They are in hyperdrive for this week and hopefully everyone will survive.