Finishing Saturday

          We had signed up to feed the missionaries for Saturday.  Roland had requested them to come at 4:00 but they said they could not come until 5:00 – which is their normal eating time.  We were doing another breakfast dinner but with a few changes – such as having waffles. Roland believed he could start the dinner at 3:00 and have it ready by 4:00.  I think with the amount of time he spent trying to repair the cable, he would just assume have not had to deal with the missionaries at all.  However the arrangements had already been made.

With the cable disconnected and his working to get it repaired, I started a countdown which I don’t think helped his mood at all.  I thought it would be nice if he showered before our breakfast dinner got started.  I ran over the list in my mind – eggs, waffles, sausage and bacon.  It seemed like there was something else but I could not figure it out otherwise I would have started the hash browns right away as they seem to take the longest to cook. But Roland had me start on the waffle batter while he was in the shower.

 Before I had even started my foot found some water which I slipped on.  I did the splits before falling onto my behind – which is not the only part of me now bruised.  My arm hit a spindle on the chair as I was falling down.  I think that hurt more than my butt.  Jenna was in a panic.

“MOM!  Are you okay?”

“No,” I was upset about how my day had gone.  I was on the floor crying and she offered a prayer that we would continue to get through the day and that we could keep focused on the positive.   was NOT a good day overall.  I suppose there were a few perks to it – like when Jenna offered a prayer that we would focus on the highlights and not allow the day to get us down.  I made the batter before Roland returned and Jenna started in on the waffles.

I then took my shower and returned to set up the chairs and food outside.  I was on eternal hold with the cable company when the elders arrived and Roland was still cooking dinner.  They had arrived early. Jenna took the dog outside and kept the missionaries company until Roland and I were able to join them.  I brought out the waffles and hash browns and told them to go ahead and bless the food and get started – which they did.

Meat still in the oven eventually made its way out and the eggs were still on the stove.  We brought the dog inside so that the Elders could enjoy their food without her lustful looks.

Roland made a temporary switch over to the local antenna.  I rolled my eyes as TV just isn’t that important to me.  It didn’t do anything for the internet.  Roland watched TV while I went into our room to type some thoughts for the missionaries as they had requested.

Welcome to the Hotel California

I often feel like I am an extra or cast member in one of those poorly made science fiction movies in which the government has ordered everyone into isolation.  I feel bad about those who have to go to the hospital as it feels like they will never return.  The only thing missing from this sf weirdness is the standard silver jumpsuit that seems to be the attire of the entire planet – though we never see the entire planet.  Nor do we really know for certain if the jumpsuit truly is silver as it is a black and white movie.

 We’re grounded to our houses for our own protection while a selected few get to be out in the public eye for “our protection” – and they end up being eaten by the monsters or disintegrated or whatever.  And those few who are left in their homes have absolutely no clue what is going on.

        There are truths and there are rumors, precautions and scare tactics, internet jokes and so forth.  After a while people are uncertain as what to believe.

        My phone seemed to be ringing off the hook on Thursday – lots of text messaging.  No hook, really.  That was just a figure of speech.

        We had had an activity planned for Saturday.  RS birthday party (which is today, by the way) and luncheon.  Should we cancel?  Should we continue?  Pray.  The activity was cancelled two hours before we received word from church headquarters to cancel all meetings.  ALL meetings.

        It generally takes the world a lot longer to catch up with what the prophets have already revealed.  But the schools announced that Friday would be the last day for a couple of weeks.  It is going to be more than two weeks.  Kids may not return to school until September when they are supposed to start a new year.

        I dialed several numbers after I returned home.  I left many messages and did not talk to anyone directly until about the fifth call.  I understand why the average person would not pick up the phone as my area code shows up differently than the one in Douglas County – but most of the people that I called have me in their system.  Only I felt like all phone communication was in an apocalypse. There was the start of that eerie science fiction.

        My nephew’s baptism was originally scheduled for the 14^th.  I thought that odd as my granddaughter’s was the week prior.  And then his was changed – at the last minute it sounds.  What a blessing that was as they were still holding meetings on the 7^th and having more than 25 in attendance was permitted.

        Yes.  We were told more than 200.  No more than 250 (it changed, conflicting messages – which was true?  Which is true now) and yesterday the governor of Oregon said no more than 25.  Actually 24.  Within 30 minutes we had heard 10 in some places.  Are you kidding me?

        I am so looking forward to general conference on the 4^th and 5^th.

Circle Colors

Is it possible that the elements could be so cold that the signal for internet is lost?  The outside has gotten below freezing between 1:00 and 5:00.  Jenna, who has gotten up as early as three (strange child) was trying to sign up on the internet yesterday and was frustrated with it not coming up. If she couldn’t get on her devise (which she would seriously give up for non-electronic entertainment) I wasn’t even going to bother trying mine.  Mine has been having problems ever since Roland received a new updated computer from his work.  It must be sucking up more signal or something.  That isn’t fair.

As Roland was toying with Jenna’s device, I got up and checked the status on the box.  One light was solid green, one light was blinking green.  One light was blinking orange.  The other two were out.  I mentioned that it was probably the internet – and the last time we had encountered that problem it was not so much a household thing – but all of Myrtle Creek had been affected (it must be really great for people living in the sticks).

The TV had been turned to the news.  It would be cold all day in Eugene, so bundle up.  Eugene’s whether doesn’t always mirror Myrtle Creek.  I didn’t figure it would do a lot of good to ask Echo as Alexa is on the same power as the internet – yet I knew I wouldn’t be able to pull the forecast upon the internet.  Either Jenna or Roland asked, “Alexa, are you working”

The red glow came on and she apologized that she was not working but to try again later.  Jenna than made a comment about the friendly blue that is received when Alexa (or Echo) is working but referred to the red color as the circle of death.

Strange Things

            I had gone to bed early on Thursday. Really early.  I don’t know why I was so exhausted.  I wish I had been that worn out last night.  Perhaps I would have slept better.

Yesterday I had awoken just after midnight and could not get back to sleep.  I left the room in hopes that watching TV would return me to slumberland.  Most every channel seemed to air infomercials and those that didn’t weren’t showing anything that interested me at that moment.  Thus I decided I would try Netflix.  I was told that the internet was out and a suggestion to check the cable.  What?  I was hoping to fall back asleep, not wake myself up to check chords – uh, no.  I don’t remember what it was that finally returned me to sleep.

            It was a while later when I heard Roland get up, but I was determined to sleep in for as long.  That was short-lived.

“Did you pay the internet this month?”

“It comes out automatically.”

“I can’t sign in.  Internet is not coming up.”

I tell him about the Netflix message.  How do we check to see if the Internet is out when we don’t have the Internet to check?

Roland tried to call our carrier, but his phone didn’t appear to be working and so he used mine.  I don’t think he got through.

He turned on the TV.  It appears that there is another hurricane in Louisiana.  One man interviewed remembers Katrina and over time you just get used to it.  I don’t think I’d hang around long enough to get used to it. I think I would be for moving away from Louisiana.

I wouldn’t think the conditions in Louisiana would have any bearing on Oregon’s internet, but you never know.

Roland suggests he drive to the Church or McDonald’s to see if he can get reception there.  No reception – neither place.  I had had my suspicions that it wasn’t just us who were without.  It came back on at 7:00.  I did not check my email until about 7:30.  That is when I found  Evelyn’s message and woke up Jenna.

Jenna stayed until 11:00 and I returned her last night for a couple of hours.  Evelyn came to the car with her and praised up and down how much she loves my child.  I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t like Jenna. She really is a remarkable human being.

After one of the worst night’s sleep of my life, I drove Jenna back to the farm this morning.  I realized I hadn’t washed the windshield (which had been on my agenda) and my back window was fogged.  Really?  July?  I needed the defogger. 

For the first six miles, the speed limit goes from 45 to 35 to 30.  After that, there is a sign that ends Myrtle Creek and the speed zone.  I think there are some people who may actually drive it at 90.  Crazy fools!  There is absolutely no rationalization to doing that – especially on curvy roads that have a downward drop.  I don’t really want my car to end up in a tree because the driver behind me wants to drive like he’s in the Indianapolis 500.

Twenty minutes there, twenty minutes back and my back window still had dew on it when I pulled into the driveway, retrieved a baby wipe and washed the windows. I’m thinking it may not have been the best choice.  I am so so sleepy.  I will definitely be taking a nap this afternoon.

Agism - Where Do I Start?

Currently, I am taking a class called “Sociology of Aging”.  I know it will be a good class and look forward to these next three and a half weeks.  The course will end before I know it.

My instructor is quite animated and reminds me of my late sister-in-law except happier.  I enjoyed listening to the lecture yesterday as the happiness in her voice and arm movement (I have only had one other instructor record herself).  I know her teaching methods aren’t going to appeal to everybody, but I enjoy the bonus of hearing joy.

I tried reading the book but was becoming bored with the way it was written and turned to YouTube instead and found some informative videos on the subjects and some that came across even more boring than the reading.

I have also volunteered to test market a hotspot device through the school so they can monitor how much time I spend on research and study.  Only they won’t be getting an accurate reading.  My internet, WiFi, hotspot, whatever cuts out on me every day.  Every Day!  I spend more time going from one device to another or not being on the internet at all.  I’ll start assignments or posts (such as this one) on one device and post it on another.              Grrr . . .

          So now that I’ve finished this post, perhaps I should start on my assignment. 

Tired and Frustrated

My laptop gets internet

My PC does not

No cloud communication

For quite a while now so

What’s the point?

I started a two-week assignment

January 31 to February 13 –

And I’m still there

A few have asked if I can work

For them

I said “Yes” to one and the boss asked

If I could work longer

Yesterday I had others ask if I could work

May and June.  Their boss (our boss) said “No”

She wants me to continue with the

Assignment I started in January

I have to give a speech this week for

The only class that I am taking right now

I am so glad there is only one.

It was tough taking two classes with work

I know many people work full time and go

To school full time.  I think I

Could handle it once

Not anymore.

I wish my PC was more vibrant

I wish the screen on my laptop was bigger

I wish my house would clean itself

This is a boring post and I

am drained.

I Don't Trust Microsoft

            It might not even be Microsoft or Windows but rather a scam - which indicates that it needs to be corrected.  Constant interruptions whenever I use the web - I used to get a warning page with white captions in red background and even voice advising to call Microsoft IMMEDIATELY!  

Roland says he gets that too, but ignores and proceeds.  His computer is for work.  I guess if he can do it, I can do it.  The other day I was researching for an assignment.  I got the message that I had been locked out of my computer and my screen went white.  In the corner was a number to call.  I reported it to Roland who said he would look at it but was taking too long for me and so I called the number to give them hell.

            I got a recording.  Could I please take a short survey while I wait.  I guess.  I don't even remember what the first question was but I answered yes.  The second had to do with medical benefits and would I like to know more.  I pressed No.  Congratulations.  "You now qualify for a cruise for you and your family.  All expenses will be paid except for 65 dollars for each person who will be going.  Press 1 to learn more."  I did not press anything.  Going on a cruise for 65 dollars sounds awesome.  Going on a cruise for 65 dollars sounds too good to be true. Going on a cruise for 65 dollars sounds like a scam.  The message repeated.  I hung up. 

            Inadvertently I hit a key that brought up more options.  I wasn't locked out of my computer!  All I had to do was choose the second option and close down the screen that had popped up - giving me the illusion that my entire screen had gone white.  I was both relieved and upset.  I am so tired of deception.

  

Quality Customer Service? A thing of the past

          I'm actually quite impressed with Roland's phone skills.  I got rid of cable as we were paying outrageous amounts each month.  We have been able to pick up six stations with an antenna we purchased, but there was a day when I'm assuming the weather had interfered and we were only down to two.

          As mentioned previously, Jenna and I could live without the TV or cable.   We watch it because it's there, but would not miss it if it wasn't.  But Roland likes having the TV and had called another company to see how much cable would run.

          So our internet was with Charter.  We NEED the Internet.  Roland works from home online.  We both go to school online.  We need the Internet.  We do not need the cable.  Nevertheless, Roland found a great deal in which Frontier promised a cable and Internet package for the same amount that we were paying Charter for Internet only.  The first call placed was answered by a young guy from California who was living in Salt Lake.

          Why the heck would we be calling Salt Lake?  I had never even heard of Frontier until we got to Oregon.  The guy was friendly and after the information was exchange, we got a little personal (which I know is how he's from California) and he told us some jokes before he hung up.

          Our cable contract is through Dish and NOT Frontier.  And of course we are locked into it now because apparently Roland's electronic signature proves that.  The cable box was sent - but Roland wasn't sure how to connect it.  Someone came out to connect it and we had a SLOW connection.  Not even 12 full hours. Fortunately we had not cancelled Charter.

  

          I don't know how many times Roland has been on the phone with Frontier - asking employees for their first and last name and employee identification (because thus far none of the employees have been willing to give his or her last name - which I don't blame them.  Most have been good to give their employee number - or a number anyway (how do we really know) as Roland explains for the umpteenth time that "I need this for work . . . I was very clear about that from the beginning"  He always tells the employees to make notes on file and asks for the supervisor and that supervisor's supervisor.

          He is calm.  Although he is frustrated, he doesn't express anger.  But he does become more irritated with each call explaining himself again and again.  We still have the box.  We have asked for a box to return it in.  I have even taken it to the two locations here in Myrtle Creek - a warehouse downtown and the communication center? in Tri-City.  It was closed.  I wonder if it ever opens.  Or why it's there. 

          Frontier will probably go out of business.  We heard that from an employee.  No kidding.  I don't guess their exceptional customer service would have anything to do with it.

          I've been dealing with crisis of my own.  We're doing our taxes.  Need I say more?  No matter how prepared we believe we are, we're always missing forms.  At least three 1099s.  And so I've been trying to make contacts with each of the companies getting nowhere fast. 

          Actually, I did make progress with one company.  I've listened to at least 7 different recordings for another.  I finally left my phone # when I was given the option to leave with a promise of a call back within 24 hours.  Oh, they did call back alright.  But it was the WRONG company.  I was contacted this morning by one who received my phone number.  It took us a few minutes to realize that the number I retrieved from the other website had been connected to the other at one time, but was no longer a part of them - therefore she couldn't help me.  (Ugh)

          And the one human I get has an accent so thick that she had to slow down when pronouncing "Annual Summary" because I was hearing "Animal Movie" and I knew that is not what she was saying.

          I wish I had the patience and control that Roland does when he is speaking over the phone.  I am just too dang emotional.  Customer Satisfaction really hasn't seemed very satisfying this century.   

       I told Roland that one of the things I really like about living in Oregon is that I feel like a person and not just a statistic.  When I am calling corporations I feel even less than a statistic.