I'm convinced to the very core of my being that there are some very awesome people that work for Comcast but the company itself is a piece of junk. They overcharge for services that are so-so at best and say that they're only concerned with the customer. Well, bucko, I've had to call and complain to you damn near every week since I got your crappy service (which now requires a contract). You're crazy if you think that you've resolved my problems and NO, I do NOT want three free months of HBO to shut me up. I want you to resolve my issues and act like decent people! This post is purely based on my opinions and experiences so feel free to disagree.
I must admit that my Comcast repair guy today was amazing, though. Not only did he come out and fix everything but he fixed it with a great attitude and a nose-to-the-grindstone mentality. Sure, he flew off the handle when he thought he was outside of hearing range (in our driveway) on the phone with his friend about the half-ass job the tech before him had done and how he'd been a slacker. That just made me appreciate him more because he was willing to come out and fix what had been messed up. May the force be with you, dude and, although I'd never want to be with Comcast once this contract is up, if I ever become a millionaire, you're first on my list of people to "pay it forward" to.
In terms of the idiots you put on the customer service line, one word: MORON! They are acting like wreck analysts for car insurance company trying to give you the least amount of service for the most money. Well listen, sister, I'm not interested in upgrading because my signal already goes out every morning. No, I do NOT want to hear more about the new sports package because I already have to give you the blood of a virgin on a monthly basis just to get basic services. Wanna know what I'm interested in? The single working mom's cable budget....give me Nickelodeon, Disney, ESPN, and a couple other channels and don't bother with the rest...I don't need em. Don't bother giving me the whole set of Spanish speaking channels because (news flash), I don't speak Spanish.
The people at the Comcast office nearby me? AWESOME. They're helpful and honest. In fact, the last time I was in there, the lady said that if I call the local customer service line and get someone I don't like, hang up and try again because apparently the company is going through a transition.
Well let me just say that I hope that the transition involves some sort of kickass customer service upgrade and downgrade on the prices you charge, Comcast! I hope that you guys are starting to put the customer first and will give me what I actually deserve for the amount I pay instead of bullcrap, half-assed service.
Signed,
Me
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
If A Teenager Falls Over From a Club to the Head and No One's Around to Hear, Does She Really Make a Noise?
I am dead convinced that teenagers are like overgrown toddlers. They throw tantrums, stomp their feet, and expect the world to revolve around them...just like toddlers.
So here's the scenario:
A teenager in my household that we'll call "Alyssa" (just for shits and giggles) gets a phone call from a friend. Ironically, she doesn't even know WHICH friend is calling her and has a five minute conversation with her thinking that she's someone else. She gets asked to a birthday party and asks if she can go. Here's the conversation....
ALYSSA: Can I go to her birthday party?
ME: Who's HER?
ALYSSA: Melody, I think....(to person on phone) Wait, who is this? (pause then speaking back to me) It's Autumn.
ME: Yes, you can go to her party. When is it?
ALYSSA: (to Autumn) When is it? (to me) On a Sunday at 1:00
ME: Which Sunday? This Sunday, next Sunday, Sunday at the end of time......
ALYSSA: (to Autumn) This Sunday? (pause; still speaking to Autumn) Like the Sunday coming up?
Let me pause and tell you how agitated I was, at this point, not only that my daughter was NOT using ANY sort of phone etiquette, but also that this conversation seemed to be like talking to the dancing zebra with the rainbow afro wig on from Madagascar. You know the one....Da da da da da da da da CIRCUS da da da da da da da da AFRO, CIRCUS, AFRO, CIRCUS, AFRO, POLKA DOT, POLKA DOT, POLKA DOT, AFRO! But I digress....
ALYSSA: (to me) Sunday the 7th
ME: Okay, yes. I have a photo shoot that day but I'm pretty sure I can arrange it. What time?
ALYSSA: (to Autumn) What time? (pause) 1:00? (to me) 1:00-3:00
ME: Where is it?
ALYSSA: (to Autumn) Where is it? (pause) 1....4.......6......5.....off of Wadsworth and.....Wait can you just tell my parents instead?
ME: NO!!! You get the information. You're plenty old enough to get it yourself.....
ALYSSA: (to me; whining) But I can't remember all of it!
ME: Get a piece of paper and write it down!
Now this is the point where my frustration flew over the top. She rolled her eyes, sighed loud enough for the neighbors down the street to hear and then stomped....yes STOMPED across the room to make a dramatic event of it. Are you kidding me? Needless to say, there were words exchanged (because even though I love my daughter, that touchy-feely "I need to talk about everything instead of letting you know you're acting like a butthole" parenting is not my style). After she writes down the information and gets off the phone, she's like my daughter again: calm, happy-go-lucky...and then I have to speak to the person whom the demon was just exorcised from....
I don't care if you're the Queen, you do NOT speak to me like that. You're perfectly capable of writing down information. You're old enough to babysit, you're old enough to take care of this. This will be the LAST time you do that to me.
Sadly, it won't though. She'll continue it because she's a teenager. It's like when your loved one is transformed into a zombie...you don't WANT them to be a zombie but the damage is done. There's no turning back. The best you can do is contain it and give it boundaries and hope that someday it starts to act human again.
Until then, anyone up for a cocktail on a deserted island? Anyone?
So here's the scenario:
A teenager in my household that we'll call "Alyssa" (just for shits and giggles) gets a phone call from a friend. Ironically, she doesn't even know WHICH friend is calling her and has a five minute conversation with her thinking that she's someone else. She gets asked to a birthday party and asks if she can go. Here's the conversation....
ALYSSA: Can I go to her birthday party?
ME: Who's HER?
ALYSSA: Melody, I think....(to person on phone) Wait, who is this? (pause then speaking back to me) It's Autumn.
ME: Yes, you can go to her party. When is it?
ALYSSA: (to Autumn) When is it? (to me) On a Sunday at 1:00
ME: Which Sunday? This Sunday, next Sunday, Sunday at the end of time......
ALYSSA: (to Autumn) This Sunday? (pause; still speaking to Autumn) Like the Sunday coming up?
Let me pause and tell you how agitated I was, at this point, not only that my daughter was NOT using ANY sort of phone etiquette, but also that this conversation seemed to be like talking to the dancing zebra with the rainbow afro wig on from Madagascar. You know the one....Da da da da da da da da CIRCUS da da da da da da da da AFRO, CIRCUS, AFRO, CIRCUS, AFRO, POLKA DOT, POLKA DOT, POLKA DOT, AFRO! But I digress....
ALYSSA: (to me) Sunday the 7th
ME: Okay, yes. I have a photo shoot that day but I'm pretty sure I can arrange it. What time?
ALYSSA: (to Autumn) What time? (pause) 1:00? (to me) 1:00-3:00
ME: Where is it?
ALYSSA: (to Autumn) Where is it? (pause) 1....4.......6......5.....off of Wadsworth and.....Wait can you just tell my parents instead?
ME: NO!!! You get the information. You're plenty old enough to get it yourself.....
ALYSSA: (to me; whining) But I can't remember all of it!
ME: Get a piece of paper and write it down!
Now this is the point where my frustration flew over the top. She rolled her eyes, sighed loud enough for the neighbors down the street to hear and then stomped....yes STOMPED across the room to make a dramatic event of it. Are you kidding me? Needless to say, there were words exchanged (because even though I love my daughter, that touchy-feely "I need to talk about everything instead of letting you know you're acting like a butthole" parenting is not my style). After she writes down the information and gets off the phone, she's like my daughter again: calm, happy-go-lucky...and then I have to speak to the person whom the demon was just exorcised from....
I don't care if you're the Queen, you do NOT speak to me like that. You're perfectly capable of writing down information. You're old enough to babysit, you're old enough to take care of this. This will be the LAST time you do that to me.
Sadly, it won't though. She'll continue it because she's a teenager. It's like when your loved one is transformed into a zombie...you don't WANT them to be a zombie but the damage is done. There's no turning back. The best you can do is contain it and give it boundaries and hope that someday it starts to act human again.
Until then, anyone up for a cocktail on a deserted island? Anyone?
Monday, July 1, 2013
I Love My Gynecologist
It's not often that I get to hear the phrase "I love my gynecologist" spoken but it is definitely true in my case. Dr. Lewis runs her own practice close to my house and has a very close-knit, incredibly nice staff. Dr. Lewis, herself, is an absolute hoot! She's got an incredible bedside manner (straightforward and blunt but funny) and genuinely cares about her patients. Needless to say, I'm a fan!
Since I haven't entirely talked a lot about it, I should explain where my deep-seated affection comes from...my hysterectomy.
When I came into Dr. Lewis, I had an IUD impacted in my uterus. They tried to figure out how to get it out but it was jammed in there and causing some pretty awful side effects. Lo and behold, the hysterectomy becomes the treatment plan and we sprung into action. Not only did the doctor make sure that I was fully aware of the procedure, the side effects of every little thing, and what my long-term prognosis would be but she also laughed with me, talked with me about the positive points and made sure that I felt completely comfortable with what was going on with my body.
When I went in for my pre-op, I explained to the hospital staff that I was very nervous around needles. I've NEVER had a blood draw where I haven't felt the needle until that day. The staff was phenomenal! The staff fully explained to me what was going to happen the day of my surgery and what I could and couldn't do leading up to the surgery.
The day of my surgery, I woke up early and prepared myself as best as I could. The hospital staff was wonderful with getting my IV put in with minimal pain (numbed with a tiny needle so I didn't even feel the IV needle go in) and making sure that I knew what was going on but Dr Lewis was the one that calmed me down. She came in and met the man in my life, explained what was going to happen one more time and watched as they gave me the "happy juice."
What was supposed to be a 90 minute surgery was done in 45 minutes. She did a stellar job, didn't have to make an abdominal incision of any kind, and had me at a tolerable pain level and able to go home within less than 12 hours of the procedure. She checked up on me following the procedure and gave me a no-nonsense, simple answer to every question.
Today, I went in for my six week check up knowing that I won't have to see Dr. Lewis again for a year and found myself a little sad. I'd miss the staff and the doctor and be a bit sad that I wasn't going to be in to visit with them regularly (though the treatment was the whole reason I was there to begin with obviously). They'd become a bit of extended family to me. My post-op prognosis is great...released back to work full time, able to work out and do just about everything (ease back into it at my own comfort level). I'm thrilled to be a patient of Dr Lewis and I'm proud to say, "I love my gynecologist!"
Since I haven't entirely talked a lot about it, I should explain where my deep-seated affection comes from...my hysterectomy.
When I came into Dr. Lewis, I had an IUD impacted in my uterus. They tried to figure out how to get it out but it was jammed in there and causing some pretty awful side effects. Lo and behold, the hysterectomy becomes the treatment plan and we sprung into action. Not only did the doctor make sure that I was fully aware of the procedure, the side effects of every little thing, and what my long-term prognosis would be but she also laughed with me, talked with me about the positive points and made sure that I felt completely comfortable with what was going on with my body.
When I went in for my pre-op, I explained to the hospital staff that I was very nervous around needles. I've NEVER had a blood draw where I haven't felt the needle until that day. The staff was phenomenal! The staff fully explained to me what was going to happen the day of my surgery and what I could and couldn't do leading up to the surgery.
The day of my surgery, I woke up early and prepared myself as best as I could. The hospital staff was wonderful with getting my IV put in with minimal pain (numbed with a tiny needle so I didn't even feel the IV needle go in) and making sure that I knew what was going on but Dr Lewis was the one that calmed me down. She came in and met the man in my life, explained what was going to happen one more time and watched as they gave me the "happy juice."
What was supposed to be a 90 minute surgery was done in 45 minutes. She did a stellar job, didn't have to make an abdominal incision of any kind, and had me at a tolerable pain level and able to go home within less than 12 hours of the procedure. She checked up on me following the procedure and gave me a no-nonsense, simple answer to every question.
Today, I went in for my six week check up knowing that I won't have to see Dr. Lewis again for a year and found myself a little sad. I'd miss the staff and the doctor and be a bit sad that I wasn't going to be in to visit with them regularly (though the treatment was the whole reason I was there to begin with obviously). They'd become a bit of extended family to me. My post-op prognosis is great...released back to work full time, able to work out and do just about everything (ease back into it at my own comfort level). I'm thrilled to be a patient of Dr Lewis and I'm proud to say, "I love my gynecologist!"
Doctors....and me
Picking a physician can be a tedious task and one that I do not take lightly. I truly believe that the best physician for a friend might not be the best for me and the best physician by rating might be one that I don't prefer. I have a very specific list of qualifications I require of ANY physician before I'll let them treat me or any of my children. Here it is:
1. MAMA KNOWS BEST: While a doctor is trained in the medical areas, I stand firm to the adage that "mama knows best." I know my own body and my children better than a doctor. If I'm taking my child to a physician, it means that they're due for a well check or I know something's really wrong. With that being said, I do NOT like doctors telling me what I NEED to do with my kids or my own body. I appreciate the advice and I'll take it into consideration when researching and weighing my options but don't tell me what I HAVE to do. I think there are far too many antibiotics, antidepressants, and other drugs being handed out way too easily now and I prefer to let my body do what God created it to as often as possible.
2. LET'S TRY.... One of my favorite phrases to hear (especially from the pediatrician) is "Let's try...." It implies that the physician is willing to give some different, less drug-related options a try before jumping right into Medicine Heaven. Maybe that means trying Behavior Modification Therapy for ADHD or Sensory Processing Disorder. Maybe that means using the inhaler/nebulizer "as needed" and seeing how it goes before prescribing a daily regimen. Maybe that means suggesting locally produced honey instead of allergy medication or possibly even flushing with saline to prevent the allergies from taking over.. The fact is that these words tell me that there's some wiggle room and they're willing to work WITH me instead of telling me what to do.
3. BEDSIDE MANNER: For me, the preferred bedside manner is straight forward but not pushy. There's a rather thick line between explaining what's going on and telling me that my child's going to perish if I don't get a flu shot.
4. RESPECT THE ANSWER "NO": I know I've covered my aversion to certain vaccines before and I can honestly say that if I tell you "no" and explain my decision based on research of all kinds, I expect you to respect the answer and deal with it. No means no.
5. DON'T SPEAK DOWN TO ME: I am fine with "dumbing down" medical terminology (though I have an associate's degree that required me to take medical terminology AND years of anatomy under my belt from high school courses). What I don't like is being spoken to like a child, or worse, like someone who's illiterate.
That pretty well sums up the important factors (aside from the obvious, well-trained) for me. It's not the same for everyone but if a doctor doesn't meet these standards, they can kiss my happy ass goodbye as their patient.
1. MAMA KNOWS BEST: While a doctor is trained in the medical areas, I stand firm to the adage that "mama knows best." I know my own body and my children better than a doctor. If I'm taking my child to a physician, it means that they're due for a well check or I know something's really wrong. With that being said, I do NOT like doctors telling me what I NEED to do with my kids or my own body. I appreciate the advice and I'll take it into consideration when researching and weighing my options but don't tell me what I HAVE to do. I think there are far too many antibiotics, antidepressants, and other drugs being handed out way too easily now and I prefer to let my body do what God created it to as often as possible.
2. LET'S TRY.... One of my favorite phrases to hear (especially from the pediatrician) is "Let's try...." It implies that the physician is willing to give some different, less drug-related options a try before jumping right into Medicine Heaven. Maybe that means trying Behavior Modification Therapy for ADHD or Sensory Processing Disorder. Maybe that means using the inhaler/nebulizer "as needed" and seeing how it goes before prescribing a daily regimen. Maybe that means suggesting locally produced honey instead of allergy medication or possibly even flushing with saline to prevent the allergies from taking over.. The fact is that these words tell me that there's some wiggle room and they're willing to work WITH me instead of telling me what to do.
3. BEDSIDE MANNER: For me, the preferred bedside manner is straight forward but not pushy. There's a rather thick line between explaining what's going on and telling me that my child's going to perish if I don't get a flu shot.
4. RESPECT THE ANSWER "NO": I know I've covered my aversion to certain vaccines before and I can honestly say that if I tell you "no" and explain my decision based on research of all kinds, I expect you to respect the answer and deal with it. No means no.
5. DON'T SPEAK DOWN TO ME: I am fine with "dumbing down" medical terminology (though I have an associate's degree that required me to take medical terminology AND years of anatomy under my belt from high school courses). What I don't like is being spoken to like a child, or worse, like someone who's illiterate.
That pretty well sums up the important factors (aside from the obvious, well-trained) for me. It's not the same for everyone but if a doctor doesn't meet these standards, they can kiss my happy ass goodbye as their patient.
What Little Girls Are Made Of...
In my humble opinion, the old rhymes I heard as a child weren't always accurate. For example, the following is one I highly disagree with:
Sugar and spice and all that is nice; that's what little girls are made of
Snips and snails and puppy dog tails; that's what little boys are made of
Let's ignore the obvious sexism and favoritism in this little poem because everyone's entitled to their opinion. Let's also ignore it because I believe there is a degree of humor intended in this little ditty.
With that being said, I believe the poems should go a little more like this.....
Pouty lips, princesses, fairies and queens
Saying "you're ugly" just to be mean
Drama and whining and puppy dog eyes
When you don't get what you want, you should cry
BUT sweet little tutus and generous hugs
the way that they EEK when they see a big bug
Smiles and dollies and fun little tales
A kiss and encouragement when you feel like you fail
Hearts just as big as the universe wide
"Mom, it's okay" when you're just not sure why
Seeing your dreams come alive every day
....THAT'S what girls are made of
Dirt and farts and smells you can't pin
Getting angry and pouty every time you don't win
Staying up late and gross messy rooms
Pretending you don't know how to use a broom
BUT sensitive hearts underneath all that mud
Trying to be brave when their heads take a THUD!
Calling you super mom and saying you're best
Playing legos quietly when you have to get rest
Making you proud by opening doors
Acting a gentleman, manners galore
Making you realize you're doing a good job
....THAT'S what boys are made of.
Then again, maybe I'm a little biased.
Sugar and spice and all that is nice; that's what little girls are made of
Snips and snails and puppy dog tails; that's what little boys are made of
Let's ignore the obvious sexism and favoritism in this little poem because everyone's entitled to their opinion. Let's also ignore it because I believe there is a degree of humor intended in this little ditty.
With that being said, I believe the poems should go a little more like this.....
Pouty lips, princesses, fairies and queens
Saying "you're ugly" just to be mean
Drama and whining and puppy dog eyes
When you don't get what you want, you should cry
BUT sweet little tutus and generous hugs
the way that they EEK when they see a big bug
Smiles and dollies and fun little tales
A kiss and encouragement when you feel like you fail
Hearts just as big as the universe wide
"Mom, it's okay" when you're just not sure why
Seeing your dreams come alive every day
....THAT'S what girls are made of
Dirt and farts and smells you can't pin
Getting angry and pouty every time you don't win
Staying up late and gross messy rooms
Pretending you don't know how to use a broom
BUT sensitive hearts underneath all that mud
Trying to be brave when their heads take a THUD!
Calling you super mom and saying you're best
Playing legos quietly when you have to get rest
Making you proud by opening doors
Acting a gentleman, manners galore
Making you realize you're doing a good job
....THAT'S what boys are made of.
Then again, maybe I'm a little biased.
Coconut Oil for Moisturizing
Since I touched on "The Oil Cleansing Method" (which I am in love with for facial cleansing), I would also like to touch on using coconut oil for moisturizing my body. Maybe I am spoiled with Bath & Body Works thick creamy lotions but I have tried this coconut oil for months now and it's a no-go. It leaves me feeling dry a few hours after and has an oily feeling to start with (obviously because it's oil). I am NOT a fan, quite honestly.
Yes, I understand the risks of "artificial toxins" being put into my body. I've read the research. With that being said, call me crazy or selfish, I love my Bath & Body Works. I love the smell of it, the cream without oil, AND the way it keeps me from itching for an entire 24 hour period if applied right after a shower.
So keep your coconut oil for cooking and take a trip to the mall, in my opinion. It'll be well worth your while :)
Yes, I understand the risks of "artificial toxins" being put into my body. I've read the research. With that being said, call me crazy or selfish, I love my Bath & Body Works. I love the smell of it, the cream without oil, AND the way it keeps me from itching for an entire 24 hour period if applied right after a shower.
So keep your coconut oil for cooking and take a trip to the mall, in my opinion. It'll be well worth your while :)
The Miraculous Face Washing Regimen I'm in Love With
I confess that I was skeptical, to say the least, of a method of face-washing that added MORE oil to my skin, being that my skin already has adequate lubrication. With that being said, I was willing to try anything to deal with the rogue pimples and "bac(k)ne" that had invaded my shoulders and upper back. I found this method on Pinterest and decided to give it a try and IT WORKS! I've been doing it for two straight months and I am in love with this method. Not only does it give me an incredible, healthy glow but it keeps my skin feeling smooth and soft. I'm sold!
http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/
http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/
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