Nightmare...

I keep having this recurring nightmare.

I'm on a boat, a boat that from afar looks wonderful and life-saving. We're all having a great time learning to play shuffle board. Then someone whispers that there's a small crack in the hull of the ship. They all say don't worry, it's no big deal. Hours later as I'm attempting to enjoy my time there, someone whispers that the problem is getting worse and we may have to fight for lifeboats. There's not enough room for everyone they say. I make my way towards the lifeboat, there's only one, and they say it's full. I wage a compelling argument and they squeeze me on the boat. They tell us we're only to be on the lifeboat for a small amount of time as the problem on the main boat is repaired. The crew tells funny stories and tries to ration out our supplies. Soon tempers flare in the small enclosed space. They keep saying how that if we're all just patient we'll be rewarded. Just hang on a little bit longer.

I always wake up wondering how much longer I can hang on...

Nothing better...

Seriously. Is there nothing better out there? I hate AT&T. They make my skin crawl with their terrible customer service and even worse products. Our home phone went out last Wednesday and was out till Saturday. At some point in the last 24 hours our phone service has gone out again. I'm usually pretty good with customer service people. I've been there, done that and can generally be very nice. Except with AT&T people.

The woman today proceeds to tell me that if they determine the problem is on my end then I will be charged, but she's fairly certain it's on their end. I ask if I will be notified prior to any repairs being made if I will be charged. She says no. I express concern over this fact. Instead of trying to make me feel better about the situation she adopts an attitude. Telling me how they won't come knocking on my door beforehand and that if I'm so concerned that I can run some tests myself. I have a mother and I know a patronizing tone when I hear it. However, instead of lowering myself to her level I just hung up.

Although I did at least get someone who speaks English this time...

You don't miss it...

There are things you take for granted in life. Things you don't know how much you need until they are gone. For instance a sewage pump.

Our sewage pump died Monday. This means showering in 3 inches of soapy water, when it's appropriate to shower for the time limit of 5 minutes. Flushing the toilet only when absolutely necessary. Selective hand washing. One load of laundry a day. Most importantly though it means I have a swamp for a backyard.

Never fear though! We bought an extended warranty on it back in 2006 for 8 years! Or so we thought. After numerous hours on hold with Home Depots warranty people they are now telling us we bought the extended warranty for a water heater.... We didn't even buy a water heater on that receipt. And yes, Husband has faxed them a copy of said receipt several times. So I've been without a sewage pump for 4 days now. And worst of all it doesn't appear to be getting resolved anytime in the near future.

Home Depot... you... f-ing... suck!

There is a small bright side to all of this though... Husband has gotten very creative with how to help it drain in the meantime. Let me just say it has involved everything from an old Soft Pool water pump to a shop vac. Gotta love him.

But Home Depot... I still hate you.

Two days ago was Husband's birthday. He's now 27.
I skipped my Chemistry class in favor of spending time with him on Valentine's day.
It's impossible to get anything done when he's home.
My house is a mess.

Husband and I have started a new tradition which is kinda lovely. Sunday mornings we get up early, have breakfast at our favorite little restaurant, then go to a $4 morning matinée at a local theater. It's nice to finally see all those "indie" movies that I've been secretly wanting to see for months.

I'll be honest, I'm not exactly the ideal receptionist. I really dislike being up front and away from all the action at work. I used to be small-task orientated but now I feel so absent minded that it's hard to remember all the stupid little stuff I need to do. I want to be so much more involved in the actual animal side of things not learning how to file and fax medical records. It's not that I'm unhappy necessarily it's just that I'm kinda bored. I don't think I'm destined to be a receptionist.

Apparently we are going to wind up owing money when we file our taxes. I'm not pleased.

Snapshots...

-Husband and I actually played rock-paper-scissors the other night in the car to determine who had to pump the gas. I won.

-I always order a Grande Chai Tea Latte when Husband and I go to B&N or Starbucks. It's not a difficult drink to make, you would think anyway. The other night, crazy girl at B&N first made my drink with coffee in it (WTF?!) then just gave me steamed milk. I was too deflated by then to do anything else about it.

-Working for a veterinarian does have it's distinct advantages. One of my kiddos was due for shots and instead of the nearly $200 fee it would have usually cost me for her annuals shots/checkup it cost a whopping $80. I may never leave.

-Monday nights now consist of Husband and I sitting on the couch yelling like crazy while watching American Gladiators. Talk about flashbacks to my childhood mixed with terrifying dreams about how huge they all are now... It's all very fun.

-This weather is really messing with whatever remaining immune system I have left. I don't really understand how we go from 70s to snowing in 24 hours but somehow it happens. I swear I wake up every morning feeling like I was hit by a semi but somehow manage to perk up by mid-afternoon. Either way it's getting old. I'm ready for summer.

-Furniture shopping sucks. You seem to be either hounded by sales people or completely ignored. Husband and I have been out recently and I have to say that customer service is non-existent anymore. It's somewhat unfortunate that I'm left with a few nice pieces of furniture but a very bitter taste in my mouth from the lack of good customer service.

-I'm also addicted to a teeny bopper canadian tv show called Desgrassi. I really need a life.