Computer Update

And now for some good news. I received the replacement computer earlier this week. :o) I ended up having to ship the computer back at my expense. At least they are reimbursing me for the shipping cost. Either way it has been a real hassle. Hopefully this time around it works a little better. I am still contemplating calling CR though. I like using words like "downtime", "Business critical" and "appeasement". We'll see. But at least I have my computer.

Offline

In case you're wondering why there haven't been any posts from me recently I am currently offline. I forgot to tell Cogeco that I was moving so they cut off my cable and my internet access. Oops. Guess I really should have told them. I am not sure when I will be back online since I still haven't gotten around to calling Cogeco. I am hoping by next weekend but we'll see.

Bad Timing

So it looks like my computer failure was also a victim of bad timing. I did get ahold of sales support today. In Canada they don't use FedEx. They send out a box by DHL. It takes 1-3 business days to arrive. Being the holiday weekend that meant a delay since there is no mail delivery Friday or Monday. So I should be getting a box on Tuesday or Wednesday. Then it will likely take a week before I actually do get the replacement unit in. Nice to know I will be waiting for the replacement longer then I actually had the computer for. :o(

Can't Anything Go Smoothly?

I am almost starting to think that I am cursed... even the small things that shouldn't be a hassle somehow manage to become a nightmare.

Take for instance my apartment. My roommate decides to move back home (don't even get me started on that one) so I have to find an apartment. I talk to the building manager and she agrees to let me just move into a one bedroom here and my last month's rent deposit would go towards that. So far so good... until the day before the move. I have already signed up for hydro and arranged for my cable to be switched over. Since the cable guy was supposed to be there I decided to make sure the apartment was open so I wouldn't be calling the super needlessly. The apartment was a write-off and they had done nothing to get it ready for me moving in. Not to mention the fact it was a tiny apartment and would cost me quite a bit since it was not all inclusive. So suddenly it's the beginning of April and I am scrambling to find a place to live. Fortunately, that part did turn out to be easy. I still haven't called Cogeco to let them know I didn't move in to that apartment and that I am moving to a new address.

There was also my mail forwarding. I had paid the money to redirect my mail to the new apartment... the one I ended up not taking. So I went down to Canada Post to stop that. According to them it had not even been entered into the system so they just cancelled that and sent me to another Canada Post office to get my money back. Aside from driving all over Peterborough twice to get that done I thought it was easy. Turns out I was wrong. For whatever reason they actually started forwarding my mail and then it didn't seem to be delivered anywhere. I had no access to the mail at the new address and they weren't delivering anything to the old/current address. Took about a week before I started receiving mail again. Pretty good considering according to Canada Post the redirect had not even taken effect since it had not gone into the systems.

Then there is the computer. As frustrating as it was that the computer was not working I figured I'd call tech support and they would set up a replacement computer. I never thought it would end up being this much of a hassle. I also didn't think I would be as long without the computer as I will be. They were just supposed to email me the FedEx labels. I could've driven (well that is assuming I drive... but any ways) to the CR office in Markham in less time then it's taken to get those labels. They told me 24-48 hours to receive the emails. Now tell me... why does it take 24 hours to receive an email? Better question... why has it been 4 days and still no shipping label? So now I have to waste time calling back... and I'll end up speaking to at least 3 different departments in the process. And I just want a working system. Is that really too much to ask?

Update on the Computer

So my $3000 laptop is still making a very nice paperweight at the moment. Still no FedEx labels to send it back. Since yesterday was a holiday they were closed and I couldn't call about it. Today I was at work so I'll have to do that tomorrow. Part of me feels like I should be all nice and not complain about it. But the reality is that I don't work for Apple. I have no obligation to be nice about it. I ordered the computer March 8th and did not get it until March 29th. I knew when I ordered it that there would be shipping delays. Even when I got it there was an issue with the case. But I sucked it up since the computer was working. By April 10th the computer was no longer working and required a hardware repair. It's now April 16th and nothing has been done about it. That's discouraging to me. I bought the computer to make my life easier and to make me more productive. So far it has been anything but. And now my agents are disappointed since I promised them I'd have the MacBook Pro there for troubleshooting. They understand it and it's not like they blame me. But I feel bad. I don't like breaking a promise. Not to mention the fact I spent $3000 on this system. I didn't expect a hardware failure in less then 2 weeks. Hopefully I can get some type of resolution on this soon. After all, I need to create some web sites to generate more of an income. Aaggghhh! Couldn't the replacement be a smooth, easy process?

Computer Troubles

So I got my laptop at the end of March. The wait was finally over and it had arrived. That was a nice thought. 2 weeks later I had a hardware failure. :o( I did all the troubleshooting I possibly could but it couldn't be revived. So I called tech support about it (how ironic is it that a tech support agent is calling tech support). It was a bad call but at least they agreed to replace the computer. I got told I'd have the shipping labels emailed to me in 24-48 hours. Then I have to send the computer back and wait for the replacement. I'm pretty patient... but I have web sites to design, video editing to do, and my agents were using the computer for troubleshooting. So I am not too happy about that part of it. And still no labels. Why does it take longer to send an email with the labels then it does to send me a box? If I don't get the email soon it will be time to call CR and see what they can do for me. I'll get to use words like "business critical", "brand new system", "appeasement" and then I'll see what deal I can make with them. I'm all about knowing the system and working it. Wonder what I can get out of it? Faster service... software... maybe even an external hard drive... Guess we'll see if I don't get those FedEx labels tomorrow.

Rheumatologist

So I went to the rheumatologist and he was concerned about the lack of movement in my lower back. That was also when I was really sick so he ordered a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. Then I had some fun x-rays of my spine. And he ran some tests. But at the end of the visit he said that he doesn't treat Fibromyalgia patients. He focuses on lupus and rheumathoid arthritis. I got the impression it was also because there were too many patients. So, once again, I feel caught in the middle. No one seems to want to treat it. But any ways they called me back a few days later wanting the tests to be redone and wanting me to make a follow-up appointment. I went back and got the tests done. I have no idea why they wanted me to do the tests again or want me to come back... I haven't had a chance to make another appointment. Then today my family doctor called wanting me to come in. I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the test results. I think my family doctor just called to follow up on the medication but I'm not sure. I guess I'll find out.

Living in Boxes

Okay so I am no longer in limbo. I went and saw the Talwood apartment today. It almost reminded me of my apartment back in London. There was actually a dining area and a balcony. The bedroom was bigger then the one I was looking at in my current building, not that it would take much. It felt like home. So I filled out the application and they got back to me pretty quickly. Said it would be 24 hours but I had my answer before my lunch break at work. So I can now breathe a sigh of relief. It's still going to be tough to pay but they give you a 2% discount if you pay your rent on time. And it will be cheaper then what I'd be paying here. But for now I'll be living out of boxes. There's no point in unpacking when I'll be moving in a few weeks. As soon as I pay my first month's rent (and last) I can move in. They aren't even pro-rating the rent which is a bonus. It will still be the end of the month before I have both first and last but at least I know that it is available and I don't have to worry about the back to back move.

I had to run a bunch of errands before work today to stop my mail from being forwarded and cancel the hydro. I still have to change my address and contact Cogeco since I am not taking the apartment here. I'll likely have to pay the moving fee twice but that's life. Not much I can do about that. Still have to cancel my Telus account as well but I am a little hesitant about that since the buzzer code is going to that phone. Not that I want to be paying for 2 cell phones... so I'll likely get rid of that this weekend. It's on my list of things to do.

Things at work are still going good. I'm back in the groove and feeling good about it. Been a long time since I felt that way. I don't feel stressed going into work. I notice the difference, especially when on calls. I used to dread phone time and tried to get out of it. It was like I did a 180 when I had to take calls. I was great with the agents but the thought of actually taking calls just filled me with dread. Now I am okay with it. Not focusing on my stats nearly as much and just relaxing.

Today I was reminded of friendships and supportive people. I already had a few people offer to give me a ride if I am on the same schedule. It made my day. I was concerned about how I was going to get to work, especially when on day shifts. I had mentioned having a housewarming when I move in and a few people are excited about the idea. I'm not used to being social. I used to go out all the time but really haven't done that as of late. I was so used to my own little world. I go to work and then go home and don't do much else. So it's nice that people want to get together when I move. I'm looking forward to moving, getting away from here, and changes. I'm going to invite the team over once I am settled in. I'm still pretty new on the team so I think it's a great way to get to know them... outside of work... Plus it's a chance to be social again.

And now it's about time I head off to bed. More errands to run before work tomorrow... and a chiropractor appointment. 8 hours of sleep would be nice.

Act 27, Line 4

Okay so it's really not a play but the challenge was to take the post that represents your age and since this is the fourth month find the 4th sentence. I'm thinking I had a lot more free time back then... I seemed to be posting at least once a day if not more often... now I am lucky if I post more then once in a week. Ahh the joys of going back to work... Then I was packing... and sick... and now am in limbo. Can't anything go smoothly? But now back to my 27th post... which was from ny Happy New Years post. I was wrong in my comments at L.Bo's page... Looks like I can't count. The actual 4th sentence was "2005 has definitely been an interesting year." But here is the entire paragraph.

"Wishing everyone a happy new year! As another year draws to a close I am reminded of the song "Closing Time" by Semisonic. "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." 2005 has definitely been an interesting year. For whatever 2005 brought with it: the good, the bad and the ugly, the year will be over in a little over 12 hours. So now it's time to reminisce about the previous year."

In Limbo

So this weekend was a little on the frustrating side. I decided to do a walkthrough of my new apartment. The cable guy was going to be showing up and I wanted to see if the carpets had been done. Plus I wanted to get an idea of the layout so I could figure out where to put things. This was on Sunday... since today was supposed to be move-in day. They had done absolutely nothing on it all weekend. All of the doors would need to be replaced, or rehung since they were in rough shape. The carpets had not been done. There was still furniture and odds and ends in the apartment. There were railings near the windows... I think to prevent people from thinking there was a balcony on the other side of the window (it looks like a sliding door) and the railings were extremely loose. It also got me thinking. The apartment is $625 plus utilities... so I am looking at about $800 a month. Not only was it not ready for me to move in as scheduled but now I am paying for hydro and cable in an apartment I am not living in at the moment. The apartment is basically an oversized bachelor. I'd be lucky if I fit my double bed in the bedroom, and that is without a frame for it.... Hmm... $800 a month... for that??? I was paying $875 for a spacious 2 bedroom. Something just doesn't add up here. And while it is convenient being that close to work... it just doesn't seem to be enough.

So tomorrow morning I am heading down to Talwood to look at the apartments there. Now the fact it's on the west side of town will make going to work a challenge since I don't drive but it's doable. I am not the only one that would be living over there. And it would be cheaper. It's $740 all inclusive. So I'd get back the hydro deposit and not have to worry about that. Plus from what I have heard they are pretty spacious apartments. Failing that I could also look at Citi Centre and be downtown. Either way I have to make a decision ASAP so that I can cancel the hydro, contact Cogeco and cancel my mail forwarding. I really don't like living in limbo. I'm also sick of living out of boxes... but in a few weeks I will be settled somewhere... just not sure where at the moment. I will always have a cardboard box I suppose. Peterborough really seems to bring out the best in me. Been homeless basically three times now since I left London... it's really getting old.

Nothing else in the way of news. I think that's enough news for one day. I'm hoping the rest of my life is event free. I could do with some peace and quiet.

Life at Work

I have now been back at work for a month. Until recently I don't think I had realized how much stress I was feeling before the LOA. I have been extremely relaxed ever since I came back. Having a good friend of mine as a team leader has definitely been beneficial. I wasn't sure how that would go over since we were agents together back in the day and have always been good friends. But so far it is going okay. I find I can just relax and not worry so much that what I am doing isn't good enough. I also find I am doing less work. Not to say that I slack off since that isn't in my vocabulary, as much as Christie and I joke about it. I get my work done and that's the important thing. I'm part of a great team and they have accepted me as part of the team. I become a great target when I'm in... but they do try not to hit the laptop. I guess they fear my wrath if anything happens to it.

I also finally got my MacBook Pro. It arrived earlier this week. I am still trying to get used to it. For some reason I almost feel like it's not mine. Maybe it's just because I am used to using the iBook at work from days gone by. Once I move I think it will get a lot more use as I get back into the web design and the video editing. I can use it at work and at home. That was why I went with a laptop. I live in the same building I work in so it is handy to be able to bring it downstairs for work and then also use it at home. Now I just need to get the web site done so I can actually make some money off of it. Otherwise it is just an expensive form of entertainment.

And now back to the NCAA. I am currently watching UCLA take on LSU. I already watched Florida beat George Mason. I always cheer on Duke and UCLA. LSU took out Duke already so now I am torn. I want to see UCLA win but LSU has been amazing and just dominated in the game against the #1 seeded Duke. So I wouldn't be heartbroken if they won. Then on Monday is the finals. Looks like I'll be unpacking while I watch the game... hopefully any ways.

Moving

So this is the weekend I'm moving. Well officially I am not moving until Monday so I guess this is the time for packing. I hate packing. The worst part is that I am only moving up a floor. I have mixed emotions about it. This is the 4th time I'll have moved since I got to Peterborough. I always thought that when I finished school I would stop moving annually. So I would really like to stop that trend and just settle in somewhere. I am excited about moving back to my own place... just me and Azrael. It has been a long time since I had my own place. I'm not completely against having a roommate but it's also not all it is cracked up to be. Jarratt was a roommate out of convenience and we didn't have that many common interests. Steve... well... what can I say about that one? I can only handle him in small doses as it is. As a roommate it was even more challenging. At least Jarratt would go out for a night and give me some space.

The other drawback to moving is that I am still not 100%. I'm not coughing any more but I am still incredibly fatigued. I can be active for an hour, maybe 2, and then just feel completely drained. Fortunately most of my stuff was packed but it still sucks. The lymph nodes in my neck seem to be swollen and the muscles in my jaw keep clenching. I think that once I get the move done and over with and can relax then I will really start feeling better.

There has been a lot of changes at work as well. They did away with the team leader position by restructuring the team manager role. We went from about 22 teams to 11 so they basically doubled in size. Instead of there being a team leader and then a team manager above the team leader there will just be team managers. This also means that some of the current team leaders are no longer with the company... opting to pursue other opportunities instead of taking on a different position when not hired for the team manager spot. As a performance coach the changes do mean some added responsibilities and some more stress. Over all nothing major though. I can still handle it. There was also a chance to apply for a leadership position where you would be an acting team manager as needed. Too bad I had the two verbal warnings before my LOA so for the next 5 months I am ineligible to apply for any position. I have to go 6 months without any disciplnary action before I can go anywhere. So far it's going okay.