The saga continues

I am not going to get into the details of what each phone call to my service provider has entailed, but it is incredible that each time, the story has been different. What I find shocking is that each person doesn't know the entire story, or doesn't know the product very well. 

I've been like a dog with a bone this time, just because. It's definitely been a test of my patience, and in the past I would get angry, raise my voice (OK -- I'm being very polite when I say that), and I decided that, for this particular issue, I would not. I would remain a calm adult with a very annoying problem. 

I passed that test, and I may just have resolved the issue. 

I had given them until midnight last night to fix this problem, and while it technically isn't done, I now have a technician coming to the house TODAY to fix it. 

Here is what I have learned about dealing with this type of issue with a service provider, and it is not the first time, nor will it be the last, because it doesn't matter who your provider is; the level of service you get for resolving an issue is partly our responsibility as well. It shouldn't have to be that way, but it is reality. 

1. Have your account number and magic pin or whatever it takes to authenticate yourself. If you don't, it can take a very long time for the call center to authenticate you, which just makes the situation bad before you even get started. 
2. LISTEN to what they are saying. They would say one thing, and WAIT a minute -- what exactly does that mean? It was only by listening that I was able to figure out what the heck was going on and how to escalate it or fix it. 
3. WRITE everything down. I did not get the names of everyone I dealt with because what would that prove? But before they transfer you, get the phone number and the name of the department you are being transferred to. If you get disconnected, that is another frustration. 
4. STAY calm. I know this is a challenge, and it sounds ridiculous to say, "I am furious, I am very frustrated" in a quiet voice. It doesn't seem right, but you know what? Getting angry just raises your blood pressure, and that doesn't help anyone. 
5. BE persistent. I've been calling every day now to check on the status. I get someone different, who provides a different angle on the situation. 
6. ESCALATE -- this call had to be escalated, and that only happened because I stayed calm, asked some tough questions, and voiced my frustration. I got this wonderful person (Chloe), who was a pleasure to talk to. She was knowledgeable about the product and what needed to happen. 

She even arranged a call back in two hours (and did so) to see what was happening at home. Of course, I am madly trying to reach someone at our house to check. Anyway -- she thanked me profusely at the end of both calls for being calm and patient. It is a two-way street here. 

Personally, I couldn't care if the TV ever got fixed, but then I wouldn't pay for the service, nor would I have the box in the house. But that's not the point—The World Series is about to start, and DH doesn't have a TV. So I've been trying to get it fixed for him. 

Thankfully, my SIL is staying with us, and while DH is at work today, she can let the technician in. He is bringing the darn remote and EXTRA backup equipment in case he can't get this to work. I've never had issues with the technicians, so please don't let me down!!!!

Remember, how I said that staying in this house I found on Airbnb would save me money? Well, it is, but then Dad turned around and cost me a lot of money! We were having a chat about computers, and if you aren't aware, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of October 14. While that is not an issue, Windows 10 will still work on your computers; the security issue needs to be addressed. They will no longer support security, and you can bet your bottom dollar that hackers will have a field day with that. 

As we sat at the table, I was looking at new computers because Dad's computer is older and likely won't support a physical upgrade to run Windows 11. 

Well, my laptop runs Windows 11, but my home computer doesn't. OH crap -- I probably need a new computer as well. Remember, the hinge that supports the monitor is broken, so I have to prop up the screen since mine is an all-in-one. 

I don't think my old computer will handle a memory upgrade either, and the new operating system might better support the way I work with my many windows open at any given time. Yes-- I am a bad computer user. Well, currently on this computer, I only have FOUR windows open in Google, plus my email and PowerPoint. I'm doing pretty well. 

I looked at new all-in-one computers last night, and well, Best Buy has a good sale on that ends today! I put one in my cart and will likely buy it today and pick it up next week. Sigh --- there goes my savings! But on the bright side, that means I shouldn't buy anything at the quilt show, which I didn't need anyway!!!! See how that all works out!!!

I mentioned recently that my mom has five siblings, including herself, and they are all still alive. So I have managed to make arrangements to meet ALL of them before I leave on Sunday. That was a bit of a feat because I'm also spending a day at the Saskatoon Quilt Show. As someone mentioned, you never know when they won't be here, so it's good to visit. 

The rest of the week is going to be busy!!

I've probably said this before, but it is because of my parents that I find it acceptable and necessary to have multiple projects on the go at any given time. This is the workshop at the museum where my dad "works." Keep in mind, this guy is 92, and while he has some minor mobility issues, he is going strong. 

Dad in "his" workshop

He loves rebuilding engines, and if he can't buy or repair the parts, he learns to make them. It just blows my mind, and he is trying to teach the "younger" generation how to do what he does. The same way that I just seem to know how to put a quilt pattern together, he knows how to rebuild these engines. Some of these engines are over 100 years old. There were some other people there yesterday, working on an old engine that had stumped Dad and his boss. The two people were the boss's dad and unDad. You should have seen the excitement on their faces when puffs of smoke came out of the exhaust. They didn't get it going. But they were close. 

It's a joy to visit the museum to see what the heck they are working on. This is why I am who I am!!! 

Here he is beside one of the engines that they will be working on the minute the snow flies. 

Dad and one of his projects

I have to laugh because this engine was totally seized up. Nothing moved as it had sat outside for 30+ years in the weather. They now have permission to work on it -- a big deal because it's an artifact. I'm not going down that road. 

Anyway, as any intelligent person would do, it seems that Dad and the staff have been adding a bit of oil here and a bit of whatever else there to start loosening up the bolts and whatever else is holding the thing together. Everything is loose now, so when they are allowed to touch it, they can literally pull it apart immediately. 

That's just how we work with quilting. Pull out the components of that project so they are ready to go when we are!!!!

The similarities in the way we work are hilarious! 

I got some answers for him at the bank, and we meet with the accountant today, so hopefully he will be all set for the rest of this year and into income tax time. It is a crazy world out there, and when the way you do things changes, it's not easy for the elderly to comprehend. I'm just trying to help them work their way through that. 

I spend time with Mom as well, and I'm madly trying to finish binding the edge of her hexagon quilt. It's not going to happen on this trip, and I MUST finish it when I'm home, so I don't have to bring it out again unfinished. 

Binding the hexagon quilt

It's going well, but I swear I had two sides done last time I was here —alas, I only had one side and part of the next. For sure, I will finish the second side and hopefully partway down the next. It's a long process, but it actually does go pretty quickly. It's tedious, and I'm not working in the most ideal conditions. 

Then I have to run a line of quilting around the entire perimeter, close to the edge, to hold the batting and keep the edge firm. So on the next virtual retreat, instead of working on my stuff, I need to get this done. 

I had to laugh because people are constantly dropping off artifacts at the museum, and this one was lying on the workshop lunch table. I took one look at it and turned it over, moved the parts, and knew immediately what it was. 

A rug hooker

You can't really tell in those pictures, but there is a needle at the ends of those two pieces. It's like a giant punch needle, but used to make rugs. Yes -- I was right and there is actually an engraved label on the wood. I also did a Google search and confirmed it's for rugs. 

Well, it's time for me to get moving. I need to get breakfast, then head to the accountant. 

Have a super day. 

Ciao!!!

PS -- I just got a call from the technician, and he is on his way to the house NOW. Yikes—thankfully, dear SIL is there. Let's pray that the issue is resolved. As patient as I am, I'm tired of this whole mess.