PHONE COMPANY Shenanigans

This is a TRUE STORY...It's not incredibly suspenseful or scary.  It's actually, sadly, pretty friggin predictable.  I started not to name the company but decided that defeated the purpose of this post and I'm not publishing anything that isn't true.  

My mom has been retired getting close to 10 years and until this week, still hadn’t gotten herself a computer.  Although she has wanted one for a very long time, it was just an expense that wasn’t necessary and there are many of us who just can’t afford to splurge on items of luxury or pleasure.   Most people seriously can’t even imagine how lucky they are or know what it’s like doing without many things they take for granted on a daily basis.  Anyway, this year for her birthday, my mom finally decided to get herself a computer.  She had decided to go with her current phone carrier (who she had been with forever—literally) since I had numerous problems with my cable company since swapping over to them over a year ago.  She called her phone carrier, which now offered internet service as well (AT&T) and scheduled them to come out to hook up the internet.  They told her, or confused her enough, that she believed she needed to go buy a new phone, a “digital” phone because she was under the impression her own phone (not a rotary) wouldn’t work.  She told AT&T that she already had phone service with them and that nothing needed to be done to her phone.  She went anyway and bought her very first computer AND a new phone and spent several days getting more excited and ready for the internet to be hooked up.  When AT&T showed up to install the internet, they completely confused her and she found out that her phone was turned off completely.  She is extremely upset because she has had this same number for over 40 years (literally).  I had this same number ALL through school and anyone who may need to find either of us, has this old number.  Anyway, she was confused and upset because she said not only was the guy at her house was being ugly with her and when they got someone from AT&T on the phone so she could discuss her home phone being cut off, they not only yelled at her, but also said it couldn’t be hooked up for a couple of days and they weren’t sure if that old number would still be available.   It is absolutely ridiculous and if this is how AT&T does business, especially that they would not only yell at a customer, but an ELDERLY customer on top of that!  I really hope they lose some business.  

I was pretty mad when I heard what had happened but let you try to get a real person on the phone.  Seriously,  I think these companies keep you on hold for 20 minutes so that you forget why you’re calling or calm down by the time they get on the line.  I spent 24 minutes of my lunch “talking” through menus that couldn’t understand ME, then putting an employee on the line from who knows where that couldn’t even understand what I was talking about much less me understand HIS accent.  Then, after 24 minutes, he gave me ANOTHER number to call instead of transferring me which seemed very odd, to me.  I didn’t have enough time to make another call and then my mom told me later she would just forget the number she’s had for over 40 years because she hates AT&T and…well, there were some explicit words relating to her experience with AT&T that I will leave out at this time.

  

This isn’t the first time I’ve had issues with AT&T.  Up until a year ago, we had our cell phone service with AT&T.  The ONLY thing I liked about it was that we had roll over minutes that we never, ever used.  I rarely talk on the phone, but text and email a lot.  So there were always a gazillion minutes for my mother to use calling her siblings who are spread out.  With AT&T, I continued to have dropped calls and no service at places that should have had a signal, including many times at my house which is about a mile to TWO different AT&T stores.  When it was about a month shy of my 2 year contract being up on my phone (my mother’s phone was WAY past upgrading), my cell phone broke to the point that it would make more sense to get a new phone.  SO, since I had a month left on that contract, I decided to keep paying for those 2 phones with AT&T for another month just so they wouldn’t give me a hard time about canceling or issues about my contract.  In the meantime, I also went to Verizon, as EVERYONE kept telling me to go to Verizon because they had better service, especially in the country.  Well, I didn’t think Verizon was any cheaper, in fact, they were a little more for less minutes and data.  BUT, I needed to have service in the country and was tired of all the dropped and missed calls.  I signed up with Verizon and got both my mom and me new phones with temporary numbers until our contract at AT&T ran out the next month.  The next month, I waited 3 days after my contract had run out and had my number canceled at AT&T and swapped over to Verizon.  This was THREE DAYS after my contract ran out. 

AT&T, to this day, has harassed me on the phone, sent me ugly letters saying that even though I waited till after my contract was up, that I still owed another month.  I disputed their claim from day one!  I made SURE that everything was paid in full and my contract was up with AT&T before canceling them.  They continue to harass me and have sent this so called “debt” to a collection agency.  I would love to hear about yours or a family member’s issues with their phone, cable, internet or any other company that you have had problems with recently or in the past.  Let’s spread the word about these companies that continue to act ugly and treat their customers with disrespect!  Your friends and family listen to gripes more than you realize, especially when it’s time for them to make a decision concerning one of those issues.  Let your voice be heard!! 

Stupidity shenanigans

Check out @Kunplugged's Tweet: https://twitter.com/Kunplugged/status/424708767264284673

Pen Pal Shenanigans

So, just in case I didn't have enough on plate right now, I have charged myself (I hate it when people say 'charged') with managing a free pen pal match up service.  I did this because I literally spent hours searching for such a list and most out there charged money or just didn't feel right.  Since my child is homeschooled, I am starting with homeschool groups all over the world among other "safe places" and will go from there.  Please keep my email as a reference for future pen pal interests.  I look forward to hearing from you, but please....ZERO WEIRDOS or PERVS because I WILL find out and not just because I dislike you to the point of puking, I will SO expose you it's not even funny (to you)!
Katiegrimesrotton@gmail.com

Charter Communications Shenanigans

I am sending the following letter to Charter Communications due to continued problems. 

I took out my address, although, I'm sure if you really wanted to know, you could find it.

Katie Grimes Rotton

XXXX My Street

Montgomery, AL  36117

Acct # ___________________

Security Code _____________

January 15, 2013

Charter Communications

941 Charter Commons Dr.

Town & Country, MO  63017

ATTN:  CCA – Charter Phone

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is in reference to the service at the above address being interrupted and completely out for several weeks, now.  The original call was on Sunday, December 9^th, when first noticing the phone didn’t have a dial tone.  I am not sure how long it had been out but it hadn’t been over a day or so at that time.  We had just not used it yet, that day, until I noticed it was out. 

Anyway, after spending close to an hour on the phone with someone who walked me through unplugging and plugging back things, she finally said she was going to have to schedule someone to come out.  I told her that I work during the day and the only day I would have was the following Friday (the 14^th) available for anyone to come out because I was already off that day due to prior plans.  Due to THOSE plans, I could only hang out at home in the morning that day, so she scheduled someone to come Friday, Dec. 14^th between 8-10 AM.  After she scheduled that, I also told her how the cable had never been buried since June, either, because I was told originally that someone COULD come on a Saturday and was told they would have it done either the first or second Saturday after installing services.  No one ever called or showed up to bury cable and I had already called about it once earlier when I was having another issue.  I was told again that someone could come out on a Saturday.  She also had me sign up for some kind of service insurance or something even though I told her no one had touched the inside wiring and there shouldn’t be anything wrong with it.  So, I ended up adding more stuff to my already expensive bill for a service that isn’t working.

After my call on Sunday, Dec. 9^th, I received a call early the next morning from a worker who was at my door saying no one was there to let them in the house.  I told them no one was supposed to be there and that they weren’t supposed to come until Friday.  He asked, “Did I want to reschedule?” I didn’t WANT to reschedule….it was already scheduled for Friday, not Monday.  So he had someone else call me and stay on the phone while I was at work, being pretty snippy with me because they acted like it was my fault for the rescheduling.   Then, as I’m going over everything with new person on phone, she says there was never a work order put in for the cable (EVER) and it wasn’t scheduled on a weekend and they couldn’t do it on a weekend.  I had never been told that previously and I went through the WHOLE story again.       I finally had to tell person that I had to hang up now, because I had people waiting in front of me.  I asked her to do what she could.  That next weekend, someone DID come to bury the cable.  I was very surprised and they got it down pretty quickly.  So, I had been checking the phone & internet all week and it would work one time and then go out again.  So, on Thursday night (the night prior to scheduled visit), I checked the phone and it worked.  Again, Friday morning, it worked so I went ahead and canceled the work order because I didn’t want to get charged for a visit if everything was working.  Well, of course, after canceling, the phone and everything went out again later and hasn’t been back on since. 

Now, though, it isn’t just the phone and internet that isn’t working.  Now, the DVR/cable in one room is not working at all.  We can pick up just a few basic channels but the rest is either “unavailable at this moment” or the signal isn’t coming through and the channel is scrambled.  There is only a handful of lower channels that aren’t scrambled.  THIS has been going on for almost over 3 weeks, but again, I can NOT be there for anyone to come inside, nor do I have someone who can take time out of their day to come sit at my house.  It really seems as if Charter would be able to do something about all of the above listed issues, from outside the home or at cable boxes or from your office.  You are able to do SO much stuff and are “the best” this and that (according to your advertisements) but if you can’t fix an issue without coming inside someone’s home.  That is really a shame.  It is extremely inconvenient and even impossible most of the time for some people to take off work to deal with these issues.  Furthermore, there isn’t a thing that could have touched ANY of the plugs or outlets, inside or out, so if everything was working for a few months, nothing should need to be changed just “because” unless that is the only way to correct problem. 

I was sent a bill and went ahead and paid it so there wouldn’t be any issues concerning payment.  However, I am very unhappy that I am being charged for service that is not working. 

Phone – Hasn’t worked since December 9, 2012  (except for the night prior to & the morning of  the scheduled work visit but was back out before end of that day). 

Internet—Same as phone. 

Cable TV—The main DVR in the Living Room has the time on it but that TV isn’t working right now so I can’t check the signal strength.  However, the 2^nd DVR in another bedroom is completely out and has been for almost 2 weeks.  There are only a few channels that work w/o being scrambled.  ZERO premium channels are working and I have been charged for all of this. 

It would be more than appropriate to be credited for this service that hasn’t been working, from December 9, 2012 – January 16,  2013 at a minimum.  Any days after the 16^th that it is not working properly, will be documented and should be credited, as well.  This should be reflected on my online, as well as paper billing.  It would also be in everyone’s best interest if this service was fixed promptly so as to prevent further monthly fees from being credited to my account due to nonworking services.  If the above account is not promptly credited and the problem remedied, further action will be necessary to resolve this disappointing issue.   Further action may involve, but is not limited to dropping Charter service due to Charter not fulfilling its agreement and the continued bad service and repetitive need to troubleshoot and call for tech support; publishing this and future letters on complaint boards, Facebook, Twitter (I manage 4 accounts now & about to add 4 more), blog, and other Social Media venues; informing investors of these and other known consistent problems; and other actions to be determined by customer.   

Furthermore, it has come to my attention that this could be “the norm” with Charter.  I wish I had known about a website solely devoted to the disappointing service of Charter.  Charter customers all over the United States have voiced their frustrations concerning Charter and I plan to voice mine, as well, and will start promoting this website so that others can do the same.  What an embarrassment to your company to have a website created just because Charter can’t perform its services as stated in the advertisements and by the sales representatives.  There are also local venues to voice complaints about issues such as these and if the problem persists with my service and is not resolved quickly, I plan to make it known so hopefully, I can save someone else the frustrations of dealing with Charter Communications.

Sincerely,

Katie G. Rotton

334-XXX-XXXX  (This is the house number provided by Charter that is NOT working.)

334-XXX-XXXX (cell, may leave message)

Cc:  Charter Communications, Montgomery Office, 5990 Monticello Dr, 36117

        General Inquiry Office, 12405 Powerscourt Dr., St. Louis, MO  63131

        Robin Gutzler, Charter Investor Inquiries

        Anita Lamont, Communications and Media Relations

        John Miller, Communications and Media Relations

Gentleman Zero

THE BLUE IGUANA BAR PRATTVILLE ALABAMA

I would have posted this much earlier but I just found out yesterday that "GZ" will be at The Blue Iguana tonight.  I also just saw this ad and the part about being voted one of "Birmingham's Best" or something.  Check it out.  Hope you have time to make it.  They play anything and everything and are really good!  And, I'm NOT just saying that because the singer is my nephew!

Baby Bunny Shenanigans

I am going to try and post the pictures first and then come back and tell you about them because I wasted time poking on this touch screen the other day and tried to upload some pics and it never went through nor saved as a draft.  Fun times.  That sounds like a "blog shenanigan".  Anyway, I hope you adore these guys as much as we do already!

Crimson Tide Friend Shenanigans

Most of you, if you know me AT ALL, know how I feel about the Crimson Tide (that is the University of Alabama football team for those of you out in space, in the middle of the Dead Sea, or are just plain stupid).  Anyway, if you don't know....(and I also really don't like to use the word 'hate')....but I HATE THEM.  I REALLY, REALLY HATE THEM. 

So, it means a lot that I am doing this for a friend but I think he did a great job on this and I wanted to share it with you.  His name is Tony Beckham and he's a nut.  He made a video and it's making rounds on YouTube.  You may have even already seen it. 

This is the first time I've tried putting a link in a blog post, so I hope I'm doing it correctly.  Best wishes to Tony and his ventures in whatever he hopes to accomplish!

http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/11/montgomery_man_turns_up_the_al.html

Visit To The Huge Mall Shenanigans

Again, sorry it's been so long...there's really no excuse, well there are lots but I won't bore you with them.  (Working full-time, homeschooling, no working computer at home, alleged 'smart phone' that turned out to be stupid, many other non-working appliances or issues in house, etc., and the list goes on and on but I'm working on resolving many of these issues.). Anyway, this past week, I took my 9 year old to the Galleria Mall in Birmingham for the first time.  I had not been in, let's see...about 9 years maybe?  They have a "Galleria Blvd" now thay apparently opened about 8 or so years ago but I wasn't expecting it but I HAD looked them up online and saw that they had a store now that my son would freak out over, so I kept it a surprise (and told him to bring his own money--wise decision).  I won't bother you with a play by play of our entire day but he is planning our next trip and we both LOVED the surprise store.  I also learned that most stores and zero kiosks will accept personal checks and I don't use credit cards anymore...so, I didn't spend very much at all.  I guess that's a good thing in disguise.  Here are a few pics from the surprise store (Lego). 

*I apologize for any typos or weird space issues.  This is my first time trying to blog from my "smart phone" and I HATE this tiny touch screen.

Happy Saturday!

Steak Tips Shenanigans

June 26, 2012

OMG...I totally don't know where my brain is today. I am going to blame it on sleep deprivation and stress and being so fricken cold in this office that every muscle hurts (yes, I'm blaming THAT on the cold and not my age or the fact that I don't exercise--shut up). So, I was brought a list of lunch orders this morning and asked to place the order. I do this on a regular basis so this isn't a big deal at all. Although there are LOTS of places to eat in Montgomery, there aren't too many places that deliver, so it's usually either Chappy's or Steak-Out for this crew. When they answer the phone, we go over ALL of the who, what, when, where and all of that before we get to the order. Then, I'm on the third order down and I say that So & So wants Steak-Tips (med well) w/ blah, blah, blah.... and he says, "We don't have steak tips." I pause, looking at the list that everyone wrote with steak tips and I'm like..."You don't have STEAK TIPS?" And he goes, "We have Steak Teriyaki but no Steak TIPS." And STILL not realizing what the crap I've done...I'm like..."But we order them ALL the time!" And then, I go...."OMG...can I call you back?" And he's like, "Are you sure?" And I'm like...."Yeah...positive. I'm SO sorry." It went a little smoother when I called Steak-Out. Think I got a new gray hair out of that one. Someone must have swapped out my regular coffee with decaf or something today and payback's a b*tch!

Neurologist's Stupid Question Shenanigans

June 26, 2012

If you don't like TMI, skip this one and I apologize if my language upsets you.  No, actually, I'm not that sorry.  It's not that bad.

So, I go to my neurologist the other day for a checkup because he won't renew my prescriptions--I discover this when I'm OUT and at the pharmacy to pick them up for the following month.  In case you didn't know, it's not a real good idea to stop cold turkey or skip blood pressure meds or most any med for that matter.  Anyway, I'm finally in front of my doctor and he is, as usual, asking me the same questions that the nurse has already asked me and noted down my answers.  Then he throws in another question that kinda pissed me off a little.  He asked, "Do you still menstruate?"  I'm like....seriously?  Don't you have my stupid chart in front of you with all that crap on it?  And how fking old does it say I AM?  A few weeks ago, a dude in the liquor store is looking at me like I'm not even the person on my driver's license and said I looked awful young to be born in 19## and yesterday a couple of my younger co-workers were floored when they found out my age. But, this wonderful doctor who sees LOTS of people daily and knows their ages is asking me, "Do you still menstruate?"  Yes, mother fker, I still menstruate.

P.S.--I was just asked if this was about me cause they thought it was one of those "funny e-mails you just send around". Yeppers, unfortunately, it's a true story, about me.

Dogs Attacking Dogs Shenanigans

Hello again.  This post is going to be a bit disturbing so if you can't take looking at a heartbreaking picture....stop reading now.  However, I hope you will continue because this type of thing happens quite too often, unfortunately, and I thought I would post something about it in an effort to do something about it.  Maybe it will help, maybe not.

This is a picture of a friend’s dog that was attacked by a neighbor’s dog and the conversation that follows the pic is taking place over the last day on Facebook.   It hurts for me to even LOOK at these pictures and I am removing names from these posts to protect everyone’s privacy.  I felt this was one small way I could help from miles and miles away.  The neighbors, so far, haven’t offered an apology or any sort of help with a vet bill or any sympathy what so ever and it just seems (to me) like if your dog was the one who went into someone else’s yard and did ANY sort of injury to another animal or person or property, you would feel SOMEWHAT responsible.  Wouldn’t you?  Maybe that’s just me….I don’t know.  You decide for yourself.  I hope they are able to come to a peaceful resolution, if there IS such a thing in a case like this.  It’s really sad.  We all love our pets, no matter the size or breed just like we love our kids and other relatives when they do something wrong.  But that doesn’t mean they aren’t responsible for their actions, right?  Again, it’s always heartbreaking to make decisions that hurt our loved ones but we have to do what we know is right sometimes to protect others in the long run. 

(Note:  After deleting names down to just initials, I realized that some people have the same initials, but I think it’s fine although.)

My Friend--Taking a poll: if Neighbor 1 lets their dog out of the fence and it goes to Neighbor 2's back yard and attacks and chews up smaller dog out for a bathroom break, should Neighbors1 reimburse Neighbors2 the bill for the ER that saved that dog's life?

MO--yes  

LS-- Yep. Quickly

WM-- As a vet who has been in the middle of this situation many times, absolutely yes.

PD-- without question.

KW--Oh M! Sorry!!!

KW--Same here, Dr M.

SF--Is this really so different from one child attacking another in their own yard? Parents #1 would be responsible then right? Why should dogs be any lessor a responsibility? So yes!

TW--Hell yes.........

SH--In VA the aggressive dog could be put down - also since the dog is off leash the owner could be sued for physical and emotional damages ... sorry to hear about your dog

DS--Do we vote online or by phone? And how many votes per person? I say yes but I want to make sure my votes count.

KG--No doubt !! And should sue if not !!

HM--Absolutely yes!

 My Friend--But you see, their crazy Blue Healer isn't aggressive to their knowledge. So what if I had to chase him off my acre just to get him to drop my dog, then spend the night at the ER while he fought for his life? They just can't believe I'd ask for the $960 back.

SH--Also your home owner insurance may help your cost?

KM-- Sue

KT-- Funny you said blue healer, just had a convo w someone who had a blue healer attack their 3 yr old daughter and caused her to have 3 surgeries to correct facial damage. Owner didn't think their digit was aggressive either. And yes, they should pay for the bill!

KT-- ‎*dog

My Friend--‎KT the vet said Everyone's always talking about breeds like pit's and rott's but blue healers are responsible for as many attacks as they are. There is a leash law, it wouldn't also apply to my dog in my own yard though, right?

DH--I'm going with Sean's suggestion. Is this itty bitty that y'all just got? Are thee girls ok? Oh and that would be a dead blue healer

KM—M, if you don't make them responsible for this its gonna happen again.

My Friend--Yes, we adopted him from a shelter in March, after he was picked up eating out of dumpsters. Sweet, Pom/Corgi mix with some street sense, and I worry he won't be the same.

SH--I do not think you have to have your dog on a leash on your own property. Also if your community has a HOA - they would have guide lines.

MA--definitely

DH--Is he home yet? Just baby him to pieces.

My Friend--‎KM, I agree, next time it could be the kids. They aren't returning any calls, and these are people we liked, had over for swim parties and BBQ's, it's insane. Regardless of the money, they haven’t even called to see if he survived. If my dog had been eaten while on their property, I wouldn't ask for or expect a cent. How was I friendly with such tacky people?! hahaha

My Friend--He's home, and stable, still has the drainage tubes and big collar and will need a lot of extra care. I'd be over there with my checkbook in a nanosecond if the roles were reversed. I'd throw in made from scratch lasagna and a store bought cake! My cakes are never edible.

DH--At the very least they could have gone to the vet with you. No apology or anything?

DH--Doesn't the vet have to contact Animal Control to report the attack?

NB--They definitely need to pay!!! That's awful, M. I'm so sorry:-(

My Friend—Nada, DH, I should have asked, wondered that myself this afternoon. I didn't know if I should call the police, animal control, a lawyer, all three? I'm waiting on J to get home to go over there. Because I tend to have a very non-peaceful reaction to people who wrong my family.

MM-- If my dog did that, paying the vet bill would be the least I could/would do.  I'm so sorry you all are having to deal with this.  Must have been terribly traumatic.

DH--I showed my husband and he is beyond furious so I don't think you getting slightly ticked off is out of line.

DS--Seriously, I need some kind of confirmation on my vote.  I heard "Thank you voting for Contestant 1" so many times last night, I heard it in my sleep.

MM-- You need to unleash your Opelika roots on 'em.

HD-- Oh M! How horrible! Yes, YES, YES they should pay ans YES! I would be terribly worried that next time it would be one of the kids! Hope the girls weren't too traumatized. ~ hugs

DH--Please tell us how it goes.

JB-- I would call animal control and the police to make a report. More than likely they will quarantine the dog for 7 days to run all kind of tests. Then just go from there. That is so sad :( poor baby. I would be furious and wouldn’t just be able to sit at home, so you’re doing better than I am. I hope he makes out alright. Prayers.

LC-- yes!

MW--Oh, that just breaks my heart and pisses me off at the same time! So my answer is YES, HELL YES! And also one dead neighbor dog.

My Friend--I will, and thanks. And DS that better be a typo since Phillip was #2! This is awful but in a crowded lobby last night with other stressed owners and their dogs, they did not serve wine so I coped after a long while by quietly redialing my votes for Phillip while I cradled Charlie. The nurse called us finally, and when I tried to hit "end" in the middle of a vote I hit speaker instead. You could have cut the judgement with knife when THANK U FOR VOTING FOR CONTESTANT 2 screamed at me.

DS--Wait, I was voting for Phillip. Are you kidding me with #2?

My Friend--JB I've left messages but I am better at taking care of the kids and Charlie and venting here than I am at resolving anything peacefully. They get today to address it in some way. Not tomorrow.

CS--M! Oh my gosh, I don’t even know where to begin!!! I am so sorry for Charlie! and yes, that question you asked is a no-brainer rhetorical one! I'm sooooo sorry!!!!!!

AP-- Absolutely!! That happened to my parent's neighbor last Christmas...two pit bulls actually killed their Rat Terrier. I hope that's not your dog?

SK--  ‎:( poor pup!! Hope he heals quickly & yes tacky neighbors should pay, the very least they should do. I'd call animal control too. Hope your girls are handling OK. :(

GI-- Abso-freakin-lutely! That's horrible! Poor l'il thing!

My Friend--‎AP, yes, he's ours, we just adopted him recently, I would have come UNGLUED had he died. SK, thanks,they are taking it well just trying to understand why they can't hold him and walk him. He hates taking all the meds and that's an ordeal but we're so lucky he lived.

AM-- HOLY COW!!!! I think I would kill someone (or something) that did this to my sweet dog. That poor baby. Bring these pictures over to their house along with the vet bill. If they don't pay they are losers...I hate using that word but in this case it would apply. That is horrifying. So so sorry. :-(

MC--Little YES! Every dime PLUS gas money and the therapy bill for the family of smaller dog! OMG!

My Friend-- ‎AM last night I was caught between fear and rage and today it's just rage. Thanks so much for all the good advice, and for the distraction--I get to appear sane for another day.

DS-- So sorry M  :( and my goodness what is wrong with those owners..

AT-- i think they are responsible

KN-- M... I have your back girl. I'm tempted to drive up and have a quiet word with your neighbors, however, money will be the last of their concerns when I'm done "chatting" with them. I'll start by smacking their cell phones across their faces for not returning your calls, stick their checkbooks up their arses for not reimbursing your costs, shoving their meaningless apologies down their throats for not caring at all and pinning them down and biting off their ears just so they understand what your poor baby felt like........... I think that should just about cover it!!!!!

KN-- Ps - which neighbor by the way to the left or right of your house? Would hate to bite the nice neighbor's ear off!!!!

KT-- Absolutely....that would be the right thing to do. So sorry you and the girls are going through this. Hugs to you all.

My Friend--‎KN I pick you to have my back, DONE. You sassy Aussie's are so graceful with your beat downs!

LR-- OMG! I'm so sorry M. Poor dog. This makes me angry!

KV-- Hell yeah neighbor #1 needs to cough up the dough!

CY-- so sorry to hear and see this, my answer is yes. and i am sure you have seen my dog pics, i love dogs, i have two pits, and they are sweet as heck, but we have a neighbors american bulldog that gets out all the time and comes in our yard. and our dogs have met before and seemed ok a couple times, but once mine got on their a little and busted his lip. if my neighbors dog comes in my yard and gets hurt by my dogs, should i pay?

LM--sorry to hear, we have a situation with a neighbor similar that has just put a rocweiler (sp?) in their yard on a swing set chain, my 12 year old is scared to go in our on back yard because they do not have a fence. It is bad enough my hubby has to ride the lawnmower in the yard with his 45 on his side, but it comes in the yard, it will be a dead dog. I love animals, but don't like them scaring my young un or anyone elses kid.

My Friend--We finally get a text from the neighbor and I'm going to need meds to keep from kicking their door in. She said it was "so kind" of us to worry for the children on our block but that their dogs "played with other dogs before they put them on shock collars in a fence" And it is unfortunate their heeler also had a bite mark and "unfortunate" he wandered out of his fence onto our property, just as it's too bad ours left the safety of it's pool enclosure. She said she is aware that some people "are taken advantage of by emergency vets who know owners love their pets but that she is sure the little guy will be bouncy and happy real soon"

KR--OMG....are you kidding me? I'm just seeing all this and your last post about their text.  Soooo, perhaps it's unfortunate that all of your friends are going to kick their a*s and it's too bad that their heeler might not see the light of day again??? IDK, that's just me. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. We just had 2 HUGE dogs move in next door and although I love big dogs, J is terrified and scared to go in our back yard and I am worried they will break through our very old privacy fence to get to my tiny dog while I'm not home.

CR--Wow M I am so sorry :( I absolutely think, even if not legally-which I don't know the answer to-common DECENCY would prevail and they would WANT to do the right thing. Yes, I say contact animal control in the very least to make a report. Then, take your photos, have them blown up into a large poster board sign and post in in your front yard with a caption about the "sweet" dog across the street ;)

CR--Oh, and might I add if this happened to K or K you can imagine S’s reaction....pretty sure the vet bill would be the least of their concerns.

My Friend--Right?! Well J's still thinking he and the man he thought was decent, his pal (her character has long been in question) could work something out, "man to man, business owner to business owner". Not to be the pessimist who wants warfare with neighbors in our small community, but we’re officially past that.  She sent that after she saw the photos.  We are WAY past civil resolution.  I called animal control and should hear from the sherif soon. 

CR—Well hopefully he is right and they can work something out. I know warfare with the neighbors is NOT a fun thing...our started BEFORE we moved in when the neighbors dog tried to attack S on our back porch!! Irresponsible pet owners are the worst!!

My Friend—I love the sign idea, and since there's not a lot of traffic through here, door to door fliers could be fun. either way, they're going to feel this. I should probably pray now. :)

KR—I kinda think THEY should be praying right now..but maybe that's just me. Sorry, I'm probably being hateful.

DH—OK report it to animal control or play blonde and call the police to warn them because if it comes near the girls it will die.

DH—And by the way I'm sure their dog was bit as a defensive action.

MT—HELL YES!!!!

MT—M, I'm thinking police report and animal control.

My Friend—Yes, that's what it’s coming to, then to small claims, and then I'm afraid we're pretty much the suburbs version of the Hatfield&McCoys. Oh well..they had their chance with the ball.

DH—I think any sane parent in the subdivision is going to side with y'all. Common sense has to kick in and see that this dog has attacked once and could do it again. You and your hubby are taking steps to make sure this is not a child next time.

MT—M, is that poor Houser??

My Friend—No, it's Charlie, we adopted him in March from a no kill shelter visiting PetsMart-I wasn't there looking for a pet. But he looked so much like a little dog I had and loved back in Auburn, so.. home with me he went.

***These were all the posts, since I last checked.  I hope I have deleted all names and I went ahead and took out the post times and “like” thing because it was just too much.  If I have missed deleting anyone’s name, I sincerely apologize and hope you don’t mind me posting this. 

Bowling Champ--(Shenanigans)

I'm very ashamed at how long it's been since I've posted.  I said I was going to start a blog, but now I guess, I'm basically starting over.  I have even completely forgotten how to do everything on here and will play with it later.  Maybe I won't screw up too much while learning.  We'll see.  I just wanted to MAKE myself start writing again, as I am tired of Facebook and want somewhere else to PLAY and express myself! 

Today, I have to brag on my baby, I mean big boy, a bit! We were at the bowling ally for over SEVEN hours this past Sunday for the end of year awards and then the Tournament of Champions.  The way they do the "TOP" is very confusing to new people in bowling, like me.  He had to play several different people (all of which have higher averages than he has by a long shot) and he played a total of SEVEN games, which is AMAZING for him since he is usually tired after two, and he WON THE WHOLE TOURNAMENT!!!  He was SO excited!  He gets a jacket and a trophy ordered with his name on it, like the one in the picture.  I am most proud of him for hanging in there for SEVEN whole games and keeping a great attitude!

This is a picture of my 8 year old and his Coach. 

The Weather Forecast Shenanigans

Am I the only one who has noticed, like in the past year or so, that the weather “people” haven’t been getting BETTER with all their fancy shmancy equipment and whatnot?  They are getting much WORSE at predicting the weather on a day-by-day basis.  They TRULY don’t know in the A.M what it will be like in the P.M.  Have you noticed that?  If there are others out there like me…oh right…well, if there is anyone out there who likes to plan things around the weather forecast, for example, I don’t really like to waste a day off if it’s not going to be sunny outside.  I mean seriously.  Why the crap would I want a day off if I can’t be outside getting some sun and whatnot?  I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it, but it’s TORTURE for me to be inside when it’s sunny.  I don’t know, I guess it’s possible that other people don’t even realize how horrible the weather people have gotten and maybe that’s why they still put up with this crap.  Well, it would be fanTAStic, to me at least, if some of you would do me the favor of printing out the weather forecast on a daily basis and then make notes on it for about a week or so and just SEE how horrible they are.  No, I’m not a friggin freak, I’m just trying to prove a point.  HA!  I mean, they have said on Friday that it was going to be SUNNY both Saturday and Sunday and showed bright suns with zero clouds in the little picture and all that.  Then, the next morning and all day Saturday, I never saw the sun--at all!  WTH?  I don’t understand how you can be THAT wrong.  That’s not a little off--it’s a LOT off.  Don’t get my hopes up and then crash and burn them like that.  I have enough of that.  GEEZ!  If they want to be safe, they should just say “partly cloudy” everyday, but it wasn’t even “partly cloudy” that day at my house.  It was COMPLETELY cloudy.  UH!  OK, I’ll try to stop ranting now because I want to enjoy my 3 day weekend, but I swear, I BETTER have some decent weather!!!  They SAY it’s going to be in the 80’s at least and I can handle that!

April 7--The Montgomery Zoo Shenanigans

This past weekend was Zoo Weekend in Montgomery and Jake & I were there from 9-2 on Saturday!  It was better than I expected.  The last time I went to something like that was a Zoo Boo and was pushed and shoved and stood in long lines and said I would never go back.  This time, we hit it early and it was great!  If you've never been to the Montgomery Zoo, you are really missing something.  They have improved it SO much since I was a kid.  I remember how awful and small the cages were when I was a kid.  They continue to add new exhibits and features to the zoo every year and it HAS to be one of the best, now, in the entire South.  I would bet on it!  They just opened an actual PONY RIDE that is permanent with the most beautiful ponies that take you on a cute little trail, not just a circle.  They also let you feed the giraffes and I think you're supposed to get to feed the elephants, but we missed that one.  It was SUPER NEAT to get to feed and pet a giraffe.  They have also built a wonderful playground to stop and rest and even have a picnic if you choose.  And they are FINALLY taking advantage of that beautiful lake/pond, whatever you choose to call it, with PADDLE BOATS!  YES, that's right!  You can rent paddle boats for, in my opinion, a very reasonable price for 30 minutes.  One of the latest exhibits they are building, is a MUCH needed new habitat for the alligators (or alligator, as I only saw one this time).  Since I was a kid, the alligators have always been in that very small area and I'm sure they would be much happier in a larger area and it would be more interesting for us, too.  Perhaps they can put that GARGANTUAN Alligator Snapping Turtle in there w/ them if they are able to live together "peacefully" and/or each species hold their own.  In addition to ALL of this, (they should be paying me to write this) there is a museum that is pretty cool, in more ways than one, because it's air conditioned and very nice when it's hot outside!  So, I REALLY started writing this, not to commend the zoo on how wonderful it is....but it is...but to talk about the train and how my child wouldn't ride it this time.  I had asked him several times if he wanted to ride it before it got real busy and we had to wait in line.  Then later, we were crossing the tracks one time in the back and he tells me that was where they had an train accident when they were on a field trip to the zoo with the school.  I had forgotten about this because his father actually went with him on this one.  As he described the incident, it actually sounded like it was a pretty scary accident for a train full of 1st graders, as the train apparently was knocked off the tracks and at least part of it onto its side (now this is coming from a 7 year old).  It didn't occur to me on Saturday that this must have scared/traumatized him enough that he wouldn't want to ride the train again until this morning.  One of my co-workers was in a pretty bad accident this past weekend and it sounds like she was very lucky to have walked away from it.  She, of course though, is going to be scared/traumatized for a while at the thought of thinking she was about to die as she was about to hit an 18-wheeler (yes, she walked away from that).  It made me think about my son and the train and how he was scared to ride it this weekend and how he must be scared right now, only he didn't say it out loud.  I'm also wondering about all the other kids that were on the train that day, as it was full of 1st graders.  Are they ALL scared to ride it, now?  You  never know what is going to affect a child and how much it will affect them.  Something very little, TO YOU, may affect THEM, a LOT.  There are things from my childhood that stick out in my mind that affected me more than it probably should have, but it did.  It's just something to think about and even when your kids are very small, what we do WITH them and TO them and AROUND them really, really, REALLY affects them.  

April 7--Update, I'm still here

Warning, this first paragraph has to do w/ politics (yeah, weird coming from me) so skip it if you get offended by that sort of thing. 

WOW!  I  usually would NEVER write or even comment about politics, AND....I HATE, absolutely HATE all these shows on tv nowadays and usually stay on The Animal Planet or The History Channel, etc., AND....I have never really like Donald Trump or his spoiled daughter, BUT....he is on The Today Show right now, and he just got my vote if he runs for president.  He is SO getting my vote.  Meredith asked him what his doctrine would be concerning foreign affairs and he said (I may not be exact in my wording), "Let's take care of our own people first."  He said how we build roads and schools in Afhganistan and the next day they blow them up.  Then the next day, we start rebuilding them again when we can't get money to build schools and roads in Alabama (he said AL first) and he named a slew of other states.  He went on about this and other stuff that so far, I actually didn't disagree with and that is unusual.  I actually liked what he said.  He made more sense than anyone else I've ever heard yakking about all that.  Anyway, enough about that.  Like I said, I normally don't talk about that and I don't watch his show.  I thought about watching it this season because of the celebrities that were going to be on it, but I just don't have time for that. 

Well, I had hoped that when I started a blog, I would be able to actually write stuff a little more.  I think I need to realize that it doesn't always have to be something LONG and profound, right?  I think I made a mistake by saying I would work today, as I had originally taken today & tomorrow off for the homeschool expo, but I just have WAY to much to do at work (it's RELAY season at ACS) and I think Friday & Saturday will be the most important days at the expo.  But then I saw the weather this morning and it's going to be in the 80's, after it's bounced around from the 50's, 60's and the usual Alabama Spring weather, and I could SO be outside today.  Oh well, maybe I'll have another day outside.  It's torture for me to be inside.  It really is.  If you don't know me very well, I am someone who NEEDS to be outside in the sun.  I know the sun is bad for your skin, but it's good for my soul.  It is really and truly the ONLY thing that can totally relax me.  I love to just go out and sit or lie in the sun, period.  I like working in my backyard, too.  I have a garden that desperately needs more attention along with the rest of the yard. 

Time to get ready for work...WHOO HOO!      I guess this has just been a quick update to say that I'm still alive (if you call it that) and not much of a post.  I am going to start sending short blasts from my phone as a post.  I have no idea how that will look yet.  If I don't like it, I won't do it again.  Happy Spring!