Whose Money Is It Anyway?

My first rant!!!  I'm so excited!  This isn't even what I initially wanted to bitch about but you know, when things come up, other stories have to be put on the back burner. 

Money - A subject we all know about.  The money game sure is something, isn't it?  I'd like to know why, if we don't get our money to the creditors when we're supposed to, we get charged out the ass with fees, our credit goes to hell, and we can basically be ruined.  All because we don't get our money where it needs to be and in the time it need to be there.  But heaven forbid, when it's the other way around and a creditor, bank, store, whatever, owes us money, time is of no importance to them.  In fact, they couldn't care less about giving us our money back. 

This is what happened to me.  The story itself is kind of amusing because it lends to my airheadedness.  :-)   I schedule a few bills through the "billy pay" service our credit union offers and really like it and have never had any problems, until last week.  It just so happens that a couple of my creditors need checks cut to them, instead of their payment coming out electronically.  I have no idea why that is, it just is.

Stupid me, I've been paying my kid's orthodontist through bill pay and quit using the coupon payment book so I really had no idea when the bill would be payed off.  Well, the orthodontist's office called me last week and said they just got this month's payment but the account has been paid in full so I didn't need to be sending them anymore payments!  haha  I must have looked like a real winner to these people, giving away money like it's nothing.  I asked the lady to send the check back to me.  She said she was going to write "void" across the check and mail it back.  Seemed all good and fine to me.

While waiting for this check, I got to wondering how bill pay works, when the check has been cut to a creditor but now is coming back to me.  Seemed like the bank could fix it pretty easily though.  They know me.  They know my bank/bill pay account.  They know the money came out of my account.  Easy breezy, right?  Um....NOT!!!  I called today, explained what happened, and told them I now have the check so how can I get the money put back into my account.  Oh no, I can't do that.  Since void is written across the check, it is void to even me...the person that holds the account to where the flippin' money came from in the first place.  What the hell?!?!  I'm not a happy camper.  Then this lady continues to explain to me that I'll just have to wait about a month, when the bill pay system will generate some kind of message, alerting me this check hasn't been deposited or cashed (Well no shit - I HAVE IT!!).  I guess this will then generate a stop payment toward the check and that is when it will get credited back to my account.  Are you kidding me?  This is the most absurd thing I've ever heard.  It's my money, and a piece of paper, called a check, is holding it hostage?  And there is no one that can do anything about it?  I have to wait for a computer program to realize nothing is being done with this check and then something will happen.  Time frame?  TWO MONTHS!!!!  I just have to laugh - it is absolutely ridiculous.  

I think I'll call my mortgage company, my car company, the utility companies, and tell them all I'll get their money to them in a couple of months.  We'll see how that goes.  

There's so much that is wrong with this and I ~ AM ~ PISSED!  

What do you think?!  Is this insane or what?

(KA)   

DOCTORS, PAIN IN MY.... HIP

Boy has it been awhile. No worries, we're no less sassy, possibly more bitchy.

Doctors ~ you can't live with 'em, you can't live without 'em. Actually I'd like to live with one so I wouldn't have to work. Anywho... please explain the policy of not being able to schedule a medical appointment in advance unless it's routine?

I have had hip pain for over 6 months now. I've seen the doctor twice. I've taken steroids. Had injections. Done therapy. Now I'm living on all natural joint-ease supplements & Osteo Bi-Flex. I am not even 40. . . yet.

Today hit pretty hard. The hip always aches & I try to ice it more often lately. I stretch it before & after workouts. While walking I had to pause 3x due to sharp pains down my leg above my knee. When I eventually made my way back from my little adventure to the restroom, I found myself leaning to one side & rubbing my hip to release some pain. From the looks of it, I seem to be releasing more than pain.

That's it, I call the doc. I don't care for doctors or appointments. I avoid them as much as possible but I just can't take the discomfort any longer. I am a Zumba® instructor (yes I'm aware that most likely is the culprit but that ain't gonna stop me so someone has to fix the issue!) and my hip is quite precious to me.

I'm told I can't make an appointment in advance. I have to call the day of.

Say what?? The day of ... what? Pain? Got that... had that, let's just get this figured out.

I can't come today, I want to come on Monday.

Ok then call Monday morning.

She rustles through the appointment book & says, it would be more mid morning since it's booked for the early hours.

Wait... since you're already IN there & looking at the book, just pencil (or type) me in. Nope.

Instead I must get up early & play the dial game as if I'm trying to win NKOTB tickets like I did when I was 16 (dont' judge) hoping I'm the 10th caller and can get a good time. Do you KNOW how many calls come into doctor's offices on Mondays??? Ugh.

Instead I may get an afternoon appointment that now makes me late for work since I had to stay home hoping I'd get an early appointment OR better yet.. No appointment at all.

This makes no sense to me. I am a planner. I'm trying to plan my day AHEAD of time. Let my boss know I'll be late or I'll be off or I'll be leaving early. I'm not a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" kinda girl.

I think this is bull & stupid. I'm sure they have their reasons but they're just not enough. What if everything fucntioned like doctor's offices?

You want to book our venue for your wedding? Great, call the day of & we'll see if we can fit you in.

You want to book a room? Awesome, call us that day & we'll see if we have any.

You wanted that delivered for Monday? Ok, just call Monday & we'll ship it out.

Make sense? Yea, didn't think so.

What TRULY Makes Up a Family Unit?

Boy have we not posted in awhile, sorry folks, maybe we've mellowed out in our old age & just don't bitch as much anymore...........nah! don't be silly!!!

Latest news - Bi-Nationas gay couple is facing deportation of one of the men because his visa has expired & though they were legally married in 2008 in CA, the federal political bullshit won't acknowledge this as a "legal marriage".



This topic does play close to my heart, is that a problem?? If so, don't continue reading then.


These two men, have been partnered for 20 years, how many couples out there can say that?? They have adopted & raised 4 beautiful children ages 11, 8 and 6 (twins) Thus meaning SOMEONE in this "messed up" system of ours had faith & didn't judge so that this gay couple could adopt & raise these kids. Why not? Are these kids better sitting in foster care or orphanages??? Instead, just like you, me, your parents, your neighbors, and friends, they run a household. Full of feedings, sibling rivalry, laundry, homework, boo-boos, hugs & kisses, bedtime stories, tears & laughter.... so why treat this marriage any differently????


The government is willing to say who cares that this has been a family unit for over 11 years (with the addition of children) who cares that one father will have to work & take care of these 4 children by himself, who cares that they are ripping the hearts out of 6 loving human beings?? Guess what......... I CARE!! I am disgusted, angry, sad & embarrassed that this is EVEN a topic in this world. What makes anyone else better than the next??? Who says a heterosexual relationship is more "just" or proper than a gay couple?? I just can't wrap my brain around it.


This is a fucking power trip, truth be told. Let's tell people WHO they can love. Let's show these queers that we won't stand for this! Let's break up this normal family to prove our point~ which is???

Here's MY suggestion, GET OVER IT!! I don't care who you love or who you screw, so why are people so obsessed with other's sexual encounters/relationships??? I mean, I know the country is in perfect order & there's just nothing else to do but pick on the gays... but come on, can we get a break every so often?? <-- insert sarcasm font here

I thought about conducting this blog in a mature, well spoken manner but I said "tough shit". This is about feelings, things that piss me off & if you haven't noticed yet.......... I'M PISSED OFF! So though this is not my most 'professional', well thought out blog, it is what it is & I'm here to say KISS MY ASS YOU JUDGEMENTAL, IGNORANT ASSHOLES WHO CAN'T JUST LET PEOPLE BE THEMSELVES & LOVE WHOMEVER THEY CHOOSE!!!!

That being said, my heart goes out to the family. I have met them a few times & they are such a beautiful family unit. If you don't believe me, see for yourself.

Gag Me With a Spoon Already

This isn't even worth the space or time, but damn it I'm sick of KK. So here's my two cents.

Please explain to me what "service" the Kardashians serve to our society? They have a show called "Keeping up with the Kardashians". I still haven't figured out why I would want to do that. Yet America feeds into this useless bullcrap. So they're businesswomen....... and?? What makes them different or special? It's just another "Paris Hilton" wannabe. Her last name is Hilton therefore we need to worship her??? Please explain, because I'm just not getting it.

So basically we have a bunch of so-called "idols" that are making a fortune off their fortune. Is that why I make crap off my crap? I finally see how it works. Oh wait HERE'S why Kim is famous (this is a quote from Wikipedia)

She rose to fame in 2007, when a sex tape with her and then-boyfriend Ray J was leaked.

Well there ya have it folks, all our questions have been answered......... I couldn't be more disgusted with what tv allows & what Americans support. I believe Paris Hilton had the same kind of scandal. THIS is what we're teaching kids to idolize? Thank goodness I have a boy, hopefully HIS standards are higher, then again he's 16 so probably not.

To top off my point because I've already wasted MY time & YOURS is now we have this "celebrity" filing for divorce after 72 days of marriage. Not only do I "SMH" at this because of the sheer fact that she never gave the marriage a chance & rushed into this multi-million dollar wedding/marriage but I am LIVID that here we have a heterosexual couple who is divorcing after 72 days & yet my partner & I of over 8 YEARS can't legally get married. WE'RE the bad examples to society, right??? Chaps my ass I tell ya!

So please America stop supporting such mindless, money hungry "celebrities" so that we don't have to see any more statistics such as:

Kim Kardashian was reported by the New York Post as the highest-paid television reality star in 2010, and was estimated to have earned $6 million from the show and endorsements for products.

So glad they didn't have to struggle on the measily millions they had BEFORE this show.

I ask again, please invest your time & energy into something worthwhile. If all you're getting from this show is green with envy or a boner ask yourself is it really worth it putting more money into these people's pockets & less into your brain.

If they go to Jared, punch them

You know, not often do I very vocally voice my opinion, which would be shocking because I do blog for Sassy Bitches ;)  But I try to hold my tongue, and I try to always handle situations diplomatically.  Then there are occasions in which I fail miserably.

Customer service is paramount to me.  I have pretty strong opinions about it.  I feel, if you make a conscious choice to open a business, then you better realize that customer service will make you or break you.  If you make a conscious decision to work in the customer service field, then you better not give me attitude or act like it is paining you to go to work every day.  There are many jobs that you can find in which you won't have to deal with people (Ask me, I have one).  Don't go work in customer service if you are just going to be an ass.  Oh yeah...I'm hot over this one, people.  Better buckle up.

My birthday was yesterday, and as a gift Brian gave me a beautiful Pandora bracelet.  Sadly, while I am not a tiny person, I do have the most freakishly small wrists ever.  So your typical wrist apparel will not do.  Watches always have to have many links taken out, and bracelets almost never fit.  Lucky for me, Pandora recognizes this and has many different size options.  So when I received my bracelet and it was a bit too large, I recalled the conversations I had had with Pandora representatives who made it clear that
A.  Pandora has lifetime warranties on their jewelry.
B.  If you ever need replacement or exchange, all you need to do is go to a store that is an authorized Pandora dealer and they will always exchange/replace for you, without a hassle. 

Two guesses what happened when I walked in to my neighborhood Jared store (an authorized Pandora dealer) to have my bracelet exchanged.  They wanted a receipt.  Well, as I explained to them that it was a gift, and that my soon to be hubby could have shopped at any store within a 3 state radius, thank you long distance relationship, it is not likely that I could provide them with one nor was I willing to call him at work to figure it out.  She honestly wanted to know where he could have POTENTIALLY purchased the bracelet so that she could search the database of every damn store to locate his receipt.  For "inventory" purposes.  Really? I am going to trade you my brand new bracelet for another brand new bracelet in a smaller size, which I received as a gift, and was told that such things would not be an issue, and you need to go to all of this trouble to find a stock number? Are you serious right now? 

I suspect it is not often that we women walk into a jewelery store and just buy ourselves a gift.  And Jared is, sadly, probably one of the most well known names in jewelery these days (can I say how sick I am of those stupid commercials at this point?).  Yet you chose to make exchanging a gift a major ordeal? I think I could have gotten into the White House easier than I could have exchanged this damn bracelet. 

I am not entirely unreasonable.  I understand that if I had walked in there and wanted $50 for my bracelet, that would be a whole different story.  But to just exchange one for a properly sized one doesn't, in my humble opinion, need to be this complex.  Not to mention, its not the effing hope diamond here, its a damn bracelet.

I am sure you can imagine the vocal level, and now that I recall, probably quite colorful language tossed in for good measure that was used to explain my displeasure.  This was only carried to an increased level when, after calling another associate over for assistance, I was told that "I HAD to understand."  No.  I really don't HAVE to do anything.  And seriously woman, not a wise idea to follow me as I head out of the door talking about "Ma'am you are really being unreasonable, you really do have to understand."  I cheerfully (ok, maybe not so cheerfully) let her know that the only thing I needed to understand was that their customer service sucked and what SHE needed to understand was how much business Jared just lost when I walked out the door.

That just wasn't enough for me.  I was very upset about this (see I don't do this often, so when I do, I do it properly).  So I drafted a very wordy (shocker) letter to the corporate headquarters to let them know of my extreme displeasure.  I received a response similar to the one I received from the store about how they needed the receipt information for stock purposes. 

Look.  It is a $50 bracelet.  One that Pandora limits the sale of to certain stores.  It doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize that it is a Pandora bracelet and certainly if your associates can't figure out their own inventory to know that they sell this item, I think you have bigger problems than this irate customer. 

Sadly, I did not keep the original wordy communication that I shared with them.  But what I did do was save my final response to Jared for your entertainment pleasure. Happily I share this with you.  And I remind you, don't shop at Jared.  You know you will always remember this blog and how vehomently I feel about this if you even step in the store.  There are other amazing places to buy Pandora (oh, that reminds me.  A lovely little shop called Penelope will be exchanging my bracelet for me.  Let me know if you want their number).  Jared really needs to get their crap together, because sadly I can refer you to many who have had major frustrations with their return/exchange policies.  Don't believe me?  Google that shit.  Seriously.

Here you go, I hope you enjoy :)

"No worries, I actually contacted a competitor who was more than willing to help me out with exchanging my gift for the proper size, as I was told by the Pandora company itself that I should be able to do.  You can rest assured that not only was I told by this jeweler that she had heard a similar complaint more than once, but additionally I have shared my story via a status update to more than 300+ Facebook friends, many of whom gladly shared information with their friends.  Interestingly, many of those who responded indicated that they had received equally crappy customer service.  I will spend as much time as possible telling anyone who will listen of my experience and persuading them to shop at the competitor's stores rather than to ever shop a Jared again.  Social media is a powerful tool in advertising, wouldn't you agree?  It is a shame, I am sure this will not be my only Pandora bracelet, as well as charm purchase to be made."  

Never Thought I'd Be Sick of Singing

Is it just me who's had enough of the reality shows??? Sure there's a few "good ones" out there but the musical type reality shows are hogging prime time and I even LOVE music. I saw a bit of the X Factor (also known as American Idol II) as I strolled by the tv. If Idol would have listened to me (duh who wouldn't) I had said from the beginning that they were limiting themselves by putting a cap on the age range. I found it ridiculously unfair to basically be saying: "You can't be an American Idol if you're over the age of 28. Really? And who's genius idea was that? Simon.




We have American Idol which premieres with 3 shows per week. Then narrows the contestants down & only shows twice a week. Bummer, whatever will I do with an extra night?! Can we say OVERKILL?!? Not only that, it goes from January to May. Five months you're chained to your tv folks. Is it really worth it? With all that sitting you might want to start watching Biggest Loser too to get some tips on how to get off your ass every once in awhile.




Now comes the X Factor whose hosts amazingly resemble the original Idol panel of judges. Simon & Paula back together again - such a love/hate relationship. I think they're shaggin'. Another hottie was thrown into the mix, Nicole Scherzinger, key word here "WAS". Yep, after one episode she is no longer on the show. I haven't found details yet, if ya know it, share it please!



Then there's The Sing Off which I won't bust on because I actually love this show, pure, raw talent to be able to re-create popular songs with only voices.This is where Nicole's judging debuted. No going back now, Sara Bareilles has been hired to take her place.

Lastly (or so I hope) The Voice - again a panel of famous judges (awesome ones I might add) choosing the next best vocalist BUT the key to this show is that the judges CANNOT see the performer therefore their decision is not swayed by appearance. I LOVE this idea. I remember the first year of Idol (Winner Kelly Clarkson) where Simon would flat out tell people they were too fat to be famous. OMFG what an ass. Only skinny people can be famous? Sorry to say that Adele is no size zero but she's smokin' hot with a badass voice. Take your ignorant remarks & black tees back to England chap! :p~

Bottom line, music is frickin' awesome & if MTV would actually play music videos maybe the basic channels could stick to more intriguing shows. . . . . Then again, do we really need another CSI???

I'm guessing you said yes?

Well, for those who haven't heard yet (because I will admit, I am a bit obsessed about it and keep talking about it non-stop), I am newly engaged :) So thus, this post is done at the request of my dear friends who haven't heard the story yet. 

Preface this, for those who do not know, the story of the two of us.  We went to school together, and were best friends from middle school on.  Oddly, we never dated, which is quite amusing because everyone else knew we should have, we just didn't quite catch on to that.  Admittedly, I adored him yet never told him.  I found out almost 2 years ago that he felt the same.  After a few "OMG how did we not mention this years ago?" conversations, and some other life events that led us to where we were in a position to date, we decided to give it a go.

We took a vacation to see a dear friend of ours from high school.  She was the first person I shared our dating news with, as she was one of the people who would really "get" how big of a deal it was for us to be together.  She was thrilled, and also reminded us that we should have done it long before now.  She lives out of state, so we decided to take the little guy and head down her way to visit with her and her family.  At the end of the week, she and I were sadly packing my stuff in the car to leave.  When we came in from outside, my guy asked if he could talk to us.

Clearly, that struck me as odd.  Usually, when something like this happens to me, either A...something bad has happened or B...I'm in a lot of trouble.  I don't like being in trouble, and I am not often in trouble with him, so my first though was something bad had happened.  Especially given the look on his face...see???

So I walked over and gave him a hug.  Weird...he didn't let go.  And his heart was pounding.  Oh no...this can't be good.  I wonder what happened.  As we are standing there, he started talking about how we had known each other for 20 years, and how we had come full circle, we were in our old HS friend's house for vacation.  That kind of thing.  What that had to do with anything bad, I wasn't sure.  But I was bracing for the worst.  "We've come full circle so its only appropriate that I tell you I've decided to join the circus and won't be taking you with me."  I dunno, something weird, for sure, had to be happening. 

So then he says the sweetest thing I have ever heard.  "Ever since I met you, I've always called you my princess.  Well, now I think its time that I make you my queen."  Something clicks....he reaches in his pocket...and I think I squealed like a little girl.  I'm not sure...I was so utterly shocked, I could have done or said just about anything.  Although, with my hand slapped over my mouth, I probably wasn't saying much of anything.

He popped open the box, to show the most amazing ring I had ever seen.  Got down on one knee (see, I think he read JT's blog) and asked me to marry him. 

It definitely deserved a kiss.  I couldn't just let him stay down there on his knee all alone ;)

(notice...the ring is still not on my finger)  I am blubbering like a crazy woman (no comments from the peanut gallery about my legendary crying ability, either).

He finally says two of the funniest things. 1. "I'm guessing you said yes?" and 2. "Can I put this on your finger, please?"  I think he was sick of hearing me bawl in his ear and say "We should have done this 20 years ago." ;)

I realized, shortly after he put the ring on, that someone had been snapping pictures and that we really weren't the only ones on the planet at that moment, although it had seemed as if everyone else disappeared :) So, I turned around and grabbed my girl, who, btw, was crying equally as much as I was.  She knew how much this meant to me.  I adore that girl.

Her amazing hubby, had been tipped off by my guy, that he was going to propose right then.  He ran, grabbed the camera, and thanks to him we have amazing pictures to show off.  He is the best :)

(Here is where I say...we were in our jammies...I had woken up not too much before this.  I really could have used some makeup and non-jammie clothes, and I would have if I had known a camera was going to be anywhere in the vicinity)

We had to grab our technology to start the calling/texting process to spread the word. 

I couldn't stop kissing him ;)

I called my girls to tell them the news.

And then we commenced to texting all of our family and friends to let them know the news as well.

And ... my sweetie's favorite pic, I am quite sure....

They added the picture to the end of the disc.  They said I cried so much that poor children had to run from the tears.  They are so mean to me ;)