Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Friends

I have several really good friends, some across the country, some close by. I also have siblings.
So, when something important happens in my life and I share it with some friends and my siblings, how come the friends come to support me and my sibling blows me off? It's really quite hurtful and very disappointing.
Therefore, I will continue to stay with my friends, some have been in my circle for close to forty years, gather new one as often as I can and enjoy my life, with siblings on the periphery only.
Clearly I must downgrade my expectations of my sister so when I get little I won't be disappointed.
Did I mention that I really like my friends?

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Home Depot Sucks

I never thought I would say this, but I was almost cheated by an employee from The Home Depot.
As I'd written before, I was ready to select carpet to replace the worn one in the spare room.
I had found what I liked at The Home Depot and made arrangements for installation. I had the measurements, but no, a professional had to come from Sacramento, two days later. (Turns out my numbers were exactly the same as his, imagine!)
Another two days later I went to the store to make the purchase and was told a specific person alone sets up the installation schedule and she was not there. Over the next few days I called and left messages for her, to which she did not respond. Once a helpful person offered to pull my file and see how far this rug business had progressed and, importantly, exactly how much this would cost. I already had a close idea.
The total cost had risen by $97, about 25%! Say what? What did I buy? Carpet, padding, installation, and tack strips. Tack strips? I have tack strips, don't need tack strips. How many could I use anyhow?
And wait, who's in charge of my purse anyway? Oh, it's me!
I had the strips taken off, purchased the rug, with a three day cancellation option. Still no contact with Laura.
This whole mess was bugging me so I decided to get a refund, stopping at Carpets Galore on my way to Yuba City. I shared my story there, and my paper work. I found a rug there I liked, better quality as well. Those folks took a little more money off to make sure it would all cost less.
After leaving HD with my cash, having given the reason for canceling to the clerk, I got about a mile away when the phone rang. Of course it was Laura, the so, so, so sorry Laura. I pretty much blew her off, too little, too late.
I emailed the store management asked them to look into this and give me a call. Nope, they have not called me either.
This will cost them, as I will learn where things are across the street at Lowe's.
This morning the installer form Carpets Galore was here. The job took an hour, he used a short section of tack strip (part of the installation, no extra cost) brought his own vacuum cleaner, took the old rug and left. And he was nice to my dog! I will work with them for ever.