Embarq Free

There's a bit of irony with a dash of sarcasm in this post's title. Embarq sucks. And they're hardly free. Oh, you've read a vent here or there about my trials and tribulations with Embarq. Suffice it to say that in the past two years and three months that I have lived here I have spent more time on the phone trying to figure out my bill, contesting my bill, wondering why I do not have service, or trying to reduce my services so that I might better afford my bill. Embarq provided three services for us: land line, Internet, and cell phone. Internet being the only one that worked consistently and was relatively affordable (compared to other options). But alas, it didn't matter how we tried to work it, our bill was always $150/month. I tried a long distance package. I gave up long distance all together. We reduced the number of minutes on the cell phone. We added minutes and bundled. We tried slower Internet. The impact was never greater than $10/month.

Finally, it became a choice between phone and Internet or groceries. We chose groceries. Those of you who have tried calling me know I've not had service since the 5th or 6th of October. It's been a quiet four weeks. And aside from my minor withdrawal from the Internet at home, I've rather enjoyed the peace. I spent two years living in Eureka Springs after graduating from Hendrix without a phone. I can spend a few years living in the 'Burg without a phone.

And so today, the Embarq Saga ends... Of course, they got another 90 minutes of my life that I'll never be able to get back!

It began at 1:00 this afternoon. I called to make a payment on my bill and reevaluate my services in hopes of lowering my bill. I made said payment (and she assured me that my payment was not enough to restore my services, and I said I understood, no problem) and when I reminded the gal that I needed to discuss reducing my services, she hung up on me.

I called back. Got another gal. Explained that I needed to ask about a $159 charge on my bill (for services NOT received) and that I needed to talk about changing up my services. She explained, very patiently, that even though I did NOT have phone or Internet services, that the $159 was my charge for October, after all they didn't give my phone number away. Something about fine print. So I asked to speak to a manager to resolve the issue. The line was disconnected.

I called back. I cancelled my services. The gal assured me that I would be "pro-rated" for October, but the bill would not come out till November. She directed me to the wireless people to cancel the cell phone (which they're planning on dropping in the near future anyway!).

There I spoke with another gal. She disconnected the service. I asked her about the bill. We got to the 'hard questions' and we were disconnected (again!). I am so not kidding.

So I called back. Spoke with another gal at wireless. She said that I indeed cancelled my wireless, but that my other services had been restored. "No, they can't be! First my payment wasn't enough and secondly, I cancelled them," I moaned. "No, I show that you cancelled the wireless, but not your other services. But you're right, your services should not have been restored" She kindly connected me with a gentleman who worked in cancellations.

He was confused. He found it difficult to believe that I had been on the phone for about 75 minutes and had experienced three dropped calls. (Note: I was being very nice. No cussing or screaming.) So he began the process and provided me with a confirmation number (!) and I asked, "Should I call wireless back to make sure I the cell phone is cancelled?" "No ma'am, it's taken care of now. Is there anything else I can help you with?" "Why yes, I need to talk to somebody about my bill. There's $159... do I need to talk to billing?" "I can handle it for you, what's the problem."

And so I explained that I was being charged for services I did not receive. That I have NOT had service in four weeks, not since October 6. That I was not going to pay $159 for charges dated 10/13 - 11/12. And I asked, the gal earlier said I couldn't not be pro-rated for those days because I didn't not "cancel" my services and you were "saving" my phone number.

Long story, longer... He agreed to stop the bill on the 6th and pro-rate from there. Of course, I forsee another call to Embarq in November when I receive my final bill.

But I will no longer be using their services.

Well readers, this means that contacting me via the phone will be virtually impossible; just ask my mom or Shannon. But you can still reach me at the office (leave a message if I am in class) and you can email me at my gmail or UCM accounts.

Bye-bye Embarq!

G.I.

And I'm not talking about G.I. Joe.

Orion had his 5th colonoscopy and 3rd endoscopy on Monday, October 27 at Children's Mercy in downtown Kansas City. At 11, Orion has been living with U.C. since he was 2.5 years old, however it was his third birthday before he was diagnosed by Dr. Sarah Barlow at Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis. Since then he's been on a variety of medicines (Pentasa, Colazal, Prednisone, Imuran, Rowasa). He's had a scope every other year; he just loves the clean out procedure. Ugh!

Children's Mercy in K.C. has an interesting approach to G.I. procedures. We were in and out in less than three hours. We arrived at 8:15 (15 minutes late due to horrid traffic!). We spent half an hour waiting, half an hour filling out paperwork, less than hour for the two procedures, and about 30 minutes in recovery. Orion was completely OUT of it after the procedure. Imagine an 11 year drunk! Not pretty. But they "needed the bed" and wheeled him out, poured him into the back of Grace and we were on our way by 11:00. He slept most of the way home and felt much better by the time we arrived in the 'Burg at Noon.

Orion had no problems (other than some noxious gas) that afternoon and we spent the afternoon reading, napping, and enjoying a small fire. Both J and I felt that Children's did rather rush us. It was difficult driving with Orion (all out of it and unhappy) till he passed out again. The doctor was busy and our consult consisted of "Orion had patchy inflammation which might indicate Crohn's instead of U.C. It will be a week before the biopsies come back. But I won't be able to call you for two as I'll be out of town next week." And to top it off, we didn't get any pictures to bring home! (Orion usually enjoys a lil' show and tell in science class!)

So now we wait. We should know something in a few weeks' time. As always I'll keep you posted.

Making the Grade

Dear Readers,

The results are in! Orion has successfully survived his first quarter as a sixth grader. I don't know if it has been harder on him or me... Probably me. Letting them grow up is hard. To start of the year John took Orion to his before school social and met the teachers. We kept parent involvement to a minimum. I didn't send my usual letter describing Orion's various learning features (C.A.P.D. & Dyslexia) or his need for frequent bathroom breaks (U.C.). I held back. I wanted to see how middle school was going to work out. All the time, ready to jump in and rescue him...

But so far, there has been no need. Each of his teachers commented on his lack of organizations skills and how that's keeping him from making better grades. Each of his teachers commented on what a respectful and good student he is. The conference was student led, so he showed me work he wanted to share, explained work the teacher wanted to share, and discussed his strengths and weaknesses. He even had an "improvement" plan for Communication Arts (since his state test was a few points below "proficient" and in the "basic" pile. I told him I wasn't worried as his score might be "basic" he was still above the state average! I'm a bad mommy!). After that, he walked us through the Book Fair (I'm glad I left my purse in the car!), we took a parent survey, and went to the cafeteria for cookies and report cards.

Orion's first quarter grades are:
2 Cs
2 Bs
2 As

I am so impressed and so proud of Orion!

For those of you who would like to read more about Orion. Visit his blog. It is no longer invitation only. The Life of Orion is open to all. Enjoy!

Curious?

Curious about what Orion and I have been up to during our evening together? Bop on over to the Galactic Apple and check out my recent post about our evening readings. We're reading Roland Smith these days. He sure does write some page turners.

October Catch Up!

October has been a busy month! I've had more meetings than I can count. I've even forgotten several meetings. I'm analyzing my data. And analyzing the data of others (various papers I'm working on). But more importantly, I've not taken the time to blog and wish my friends and family happy days!

Birthdays to Note:
Dominic is 17 as of October 9!
John is way over 40 as of October 12.
My most best special brother-in-law, PD had a birthday on the 18th!
My sister had hers on the 19th!
My other brother-in-law will be 60 something on the 31st.
My friends Jim, Danny, Eric, Darryl, and Nancy all celebrated their birthdays this month too!

Our 15 th wedding anniversary was on the 2nd. I think I actually blogged about that.
Tree and PD celebrated their 10th anniversary on Friday, October 17th.
Michael and Robin celebrate their 14th or 13th anniversary today, October 22!
My Aunt Fran (Dad's little sister) and Uncle Joe (Mom's little brother) celebrate their anniversary tomorrow on October 23rd.
Mom and Dad shared that anniversary as well.

It's been a busy month! Happy days friends and family! Happy days!

Brr!

Happiness! Joy! I slept with the windows open last night. Quilt and down comforter covering me. Naked as a jaybird. The temperature dropped to 38 or so! My bedroom was a nifty 54 degree! I slept so well. Mmmm! Autumn, bring it on! I'm read.

Sleeping Weather

Finally. Some weather I can sleep to. The temperatures have dropped a bit, particularly at night. Last night we had a low of 47. The same should be true for tonight as well. I kept my windows up and hauled out my down comforter. I slept soundly for the first time in months.

Why is it that I sleep better when the bedroom temperature is 60 or less? With air-conditioning, I still cannot get my bedroom below 75 in the summer. Thankfully we had a mild summer.

Here's to a wicked winter! I'm ready. Bring it on!

Puppy, Kitten, & Dog

Castor Cat and Satan's Littlest Minion (a.k.a. Nibblet) are asleep under the coffee table. Mom and Michael will recognize the legs of said coffee table as they both previously owned and operated the above pictured coffee table (Coffee table, Lane, circa 1961).


But back to the pests, rather pets. Castor, the kitten, named for alpha star in the constellation Gemini is our last kitten left. She will be six months old at the end of October. Castor's brother, and twin, Pollux (now Dusty) has a home with our associate department chair and Helen (completely grey) is now Sassy and lives with three college gals behind the library. Truffles, a.k.a. Mama Cat, has resumed her outdoor lifestyle and thanks us regularly for her spaying by leaving us giant rodents on our front and back steps.


Satan's Littlest Minion is a wee bit of a beagle and something else; she's not supposed to be much more than 15 pounds fully grown. We troubled over her name for several weeks- trying out names like: Lola, Lolita, Leeta (She seemingly liked this name...), Whorfie (She did not like this one...), Lil'bit, Nibblet, and Satan's Littlest Minion. It seems S.L.M, or the diminutive "Minion" has stuck. I must say, she is the devil. As wee as she is, she is nothing more than a poop factory. She also seems to be able to jump, straight up in the air, about four feet. She thinks nothing of knocking things over or climbing on top of things (Like the dinner table!) to get to what she wants. The only thing that saves her is that she's so darn cute.



Nola, pictured above, has grown into a gorgeous, well-behaved, albeit slightly neurotic, dog. She has an impressive bark. She is a good big sister to Nibblet.

Yurt

I've often thought about my 'dream home.' What would it look like? Where would it be? How would I build it? Even as a little girl I would spirit away my father's plan books for second homes, country homes, and the like. While my ideal spot for a home has remained fairly constant: wooded, mountains or hills, with a lake or river close by, my ideal 'house' has taken a variety of forms. This is one of the more unusual. A yurt.

My brother often warned against living in a circular abode, but I am fascinated and drawn to the simple complexity of the yurt. The largest I've seen offered are 30' in diameter. This would afford about 750 square feet of living space. Tight, for sure, but without interior walls, possibly more roomy than my most recent rental house at 850 square feet.

There are several places where one can investigate and shop for yurts. Some of my favorite include: Pacific Yurts, Rainier Yurts, and Colorado Yurt Company. Check them out. Let me know what you think. Until then, I'll dream about living off-grid and plan how to arrange 5,000+ books in 750 square feet.

39 Beautiful Years...

If you ask my husband how long we've been married, he gets this far-away look in his eyes, smiles, and says "Thirty-nine beautiful years..." Of course folks give me the oddest look. I know, I hardly look old enough to be married at all. Ha! Interestingly, J has been using the "thirty-nine years" line for at least four or five years. Does that make yesterday our 43rd or 44th anniversary?

Actually, it makes it our 15th (October 2, 1993). Yes, that's the "Crystal Wedding Anniversary." Or now days, the gift of watches (!). Mmmm... I hear if I make it to 25 years, I might "get out early for good behavior!"

Unfortunately, I've hardly been good. :-)

115, 85, 100

I had a great game last night. Followed by a cruddy game. And and okay game. Okay for me that is.

I'm on the verge of a bigger ball. I've been using an 11 pounder. At first it was too heavy. But I had no control with the 10 pounder. Now that I seem to be more consistent, I seem to leave ONE pin. Three suggestions were made: throw the ball harder, begin your approach one step up (or back), and use a heavier ball. I've given up on the first two. And seemed to have good luck with the 12 pounder. But lord I was hurting...

Let's see what next week looks like.