Brutal End to a Brutal Day

So the good news was that I got the MacBook Pro. The bad news was that I also discovered I had another infected abscess. That really took away from the day. This time it was on the right hand side and, of course, since that is my dominant hand I tend to use that arm more often. I was just at the hospital a month ago for this... I really didn't want to go back. But I know what happens if you don't get it taken care of. You end up at the ER crying like a baby when they cut it open. So I was trying to be happy about the MacBook Pro (once I got it working anyways) but was exhausted, in pain, and dreading that trip to the ER. Each time I end up having to go in twice and each visit is about 4 hours.... Not exactly how I wanted to spend the long weekend.

So Friday I make my way down to the ER. When I get there it is packed. So I get through triage and take a seat. 30 minutes later not a single name has been called, either for the fast track or for the non-fast tracked. I did get to see the security guards have to restrain someone after they ripped their IV out. I think it took about 2.5 hours for me to make it to the fast track area. How the hell is this fast tracked? By this point I am developing a REALLY bad migraine. Finally get in to see the doctor and he tells me it's too small to drain and puts me on an antibiotic. Now it's good news that they don't have to surgically drain it. But that also means that I could end up having to go back if it worsens. The other bad news is that they put me on an antibiotic. I have no drug coverage currently and am so broke that I borrowed $20 to cover rent. So then I ended up having to borrow another $25 for the antibiotics.

Finally have something to eat while I take the medication. And the migraine is so bad that I am trying not to vomit. It's pretty rare for the pain to be that bad. I get home and lay down on the futon. I wanted to stay up so I could take another round of the antibiotics before going to bed. But it was pretty brutal. I was dozing off and on. It was also hurting my neck.

And just when you thought it couldn't get any worse.... at 2:00 a.m. the fire alarm goes off. So not what I needed. Splitting headache.... and the alarm is not quiet. So I stumble around to get shoes.... keys... phone.... and then head out the door. Now I run into a guy in the hallway that tells me the alarm was pulled on the 4th floor and shows the alarm. But at least it's quieter outside so I keep going. And I am standing out front when the command post arrives. He asks me how I'm doing. My response, "Better if the alarm wasn't going off." Then 2 fire trucks arrive. But they didn't stay long. This must have been the shortest alarm ever which is good.

Today is a much better day. The migraine is gone. So far today the medication has not made me nauseous. I suspect that will be a short lived thought since it made me feel pretty sick yesterday. Went out and got some sun. Now I am relaxing. I am pretty tired from my lack of sleep Wednesday night... and just a culmination of things so I am taking it easy for the remainder of today... and probably the rest of the weekend too.

Shiny, New MacBook Pro

Wednesday I woke up and I was a little depressed. It seemed like it had been one thing after another and leading that discouragement was the fact I still had not received the replacement computer and didn't even know if it had shipped out. In fact I was assuming that it hadn't. It was frustrating. I wanted my computer back. I wanted to bring this story to conclusion. So I check my email... still no tracking information. *Sigh* And then go downstairs to get the mail. As I get off the elevator a FedEx shipping label catches my eye. It couldn't be... or could it? My phone wasn't blinking indicating there was a message... But I decide to check the label and it was for me. All of a sudden I had a reason to be excited.

But then I was left with another dilemma. As of late I have been going to bed really late... as in dawn has also broken and I am just heading to bed late. And with the medication I am out cold for at least 5 hours. I don't want to sleep through the delivery. So then I am faced with what to do. I had 3 options... 1. Go to bed when I normally do and get up for the delivery, then be tired all day. 2. Stay up until after they deliver. 3. Pull an all nighter. Now staying up for an extra 4 hours or so didn't sound too difficult and sounded like the best solution.... Boy was I wrong.

So at about the time I would have been on my way to bed I was putting on Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl and then Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. But at 9:00 a.m. all I want to do is sleep.... And was starting to get irritable. The delivery guy showed up at 10, an hour later then he was here the day before. Now he must have thought I was high on something. I answer the door and he starts talking about how he was here the day before and going on some spiel. I was fixated on the MacBook Pro he had in is hands. And all I could think was, "Just give me the package so I can go to bed." Finally I sign for it and he leaves.

Now do you think I could go to bed? Of course not. I deleted most of the applications on the PC. Shut it down and took out the wireless card. Replaced it with the modem. Found the software for the computer and put it by the door for Steve to pick up later. Then I unpacked my new computer and turned it on. Went through the setup assistant an downloaded a couple of applications I knew I wanted. By this point it's noon and time for a nap. Slept for about 4 hours and then got up. I was still exhausted but didn't want to throw off the sleep schedule any more than I already had.

Spent the remainder of the day installing software and setting my computer back up just the way I like it. But when I connected my external drive I ran into a problem. The USB port wouldn't always recognize the drive... which was the same problem I had with the other MacBook Pro. That was not good news to me. So I connect it to the other USB port and get nothing. Reconnect it to the first port and it works fine. So I go back to what I was doing. Well Steve comes by with my camera and I want to take the pictures off. Plug it in and get nothing. Now I don't want to disconnect the external drive because that is what holds most of the documents and music. So then I try a USB keyboard and get no response. After waiting 2.5 weeks for the replaement computer all I can think is that it's a DOA system. I don't want to wait even longer. And Steve is in the process of taking the other computer. Believe me I don't want to erase the drive and start over either. I had just spent about 7 hours getting it set up. So now that I am about ready to cry. Things are not looking good. Fortunately, I had spent 4 years troubleshooting so all hope was not lost. I did a hardware reset and both USB ports began working. *Huge sigh of relief*

So here I am blogging from my nice, new computer. It is the first display that is mercury free. It's LED based which also means the picture is there instantly, no delay. With the glossy screen it also looks much brighter, and more vibrant then my old computer. I haven't really been able to test the battery life yet. But I really like it and am glad to be able to bring this to an end. Now I just have to talk to executive relations about it, as a follow-up and discuss getting my AppleCare refunded so that I can purchase a new one for this computer.

And just in case you are wondering... I also bought a lap desk which is designed so that you can use the computer on your lap without having to worry about the heat dissipating and burning you. I'm still testing it out. Ergonomically I think it might be a bit of a problem since I now have to raise my arm to type. But we'll see.... now if only it had a cup holder too. Then I would be all set.

Just When You Thought it Couldn't Get Worse

Ever notice that when you think that things couldn't possibly get any worse they do?  I won't go into details since this is a public blog... but let's just say I am currently reminded of high school and not in a good way.  I really don't feel like dealing with this shit at the moment.  All I want to do is bury my hand in the sand like an ostrich... or even become a turtle and withdraw into my protective shell.  Wake me about the middle of next week when things might have resolved themselves.

Like Pulling Teeth

This is rapidly becoming one of those weeks.... those weeks that you just want to forget about. Just to get something accomplished it feels like I have to pull teeth.  I have actually gotten to the point where I am holding off calling the National Student Loans Center about my interest relief because I don't want to take the chance that it becomes a fight.  It should go smoothly since I am on EI but we'll see.  That looks like it will be a task for next week.

I'll spare you the boring, mundane details of the week.  The biggest source of frustration has been my dealings with Apple.  Yes I am happy that the computer is being replaced.  However, I do not have the new computer.  In fact as of 5:15 this afternoon I don't even know when I am getting said computer.  What they didn't tell me is that the had to build the system since I wanted the glossy screen on it and that leads to delays of the system.  I was told that it should be shipping out last Friday and would arrive at the beginning of this week... That didn't happen... and no one told me there was a delay.  I had to call (long distance on a cell phone no less) to find out.  I got no sympathy for the fact I am still without my computer.  All I got was "It should be ready soon."  That would have been good to know a week ago.  So where does that leave me?  I still prefer the Mac OS to Windows and Apple to Microsoft... But it does not make me the happiest customer.

And speaking of pulling teeth... I really do need to get one of my teeth looked at... possibly even extracted.  But seeing as I am currently unemployed and have no dental coverage I suspect I'll be suffering a while longer.

No Green Thumb....

I am a Canna What Flower Are You?

"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting people know that."

Faith Restored in Apple

I was going to wait to post this... but now seemed as good a time as any.  I had emailed executive relations about my experiences and then last Monday I took my computer into the local service provider.  I was sad to be leaving it behind.

Now as I walk in the guy behind the counter says, "It's a Mac" as if he had never seen one before.  I'm already getting scared here.  So I put it on the counter.  He looks at it and says, "Is that a MacBook Pro?"  Genius... why yes it is.  He pretty much rushes me through it all as if to get me out of the store.  Wasn't even going to get the case number until I asked him if he wanted it for the technician.  And as I am leaving I look at the sheet of paper with the details.  He has it written down as a 17" MacBook Pro.  That would be nice.... too bad I don't have a 17" MacBook Pro.  Wonder if that means he overestimates elsewhere too... Okay that was just mean... cruel even...

So I leave and was even more despondant.  I was without my beloved computer and was scared about what was going to happen to it.  Was it going to come back in one piece?  Were they going to tell me nothing was wrong?  Was the tech going to blame me again since it's not a laptop.  Yes I know it's not a laptop... However should the computer be hot enough to burn you in a short period of time?  I get home and call executive relations back (he had left me a message in the morning).  He tells me there might have been a miscommunication and he wasn't necessarily going to be repairing the computer.  He wanted to talk to the tech about it and make sure it hadn't been dropped from the third floor or something.  So now my hopes have gone up a bit.

Tuesday he calls me back to tell me they are replacing the computer! :o)  I will be getting a brand new computer.  He laughs when I tell him that the F11 key isn't so useful on my PC (You'd hvae to own a Mac) and he laughs when I tell him he made my day.  Now I was about to walk into Sobey's at the time so it was a pretty short call.  I go in and am wandering around the store when it dawns on me that I didn't tell him I want the glossy screen.  And if I am getting a new computer then I want the glossy screen.  About 10 minutes later he calls back to confirm the address.  I tell him I want the glossy screen.  We had about a 5 minute conversation on just the glossy vs matte screens and how it seems to be split as to what people prefer.  And then I also get to hear the specs about the computer.  I already knew that they were going to be a step up from what I currently have.  So now I am like a kid in the candy store.

Wednesday I got the legal paperwork and had to fax it back in.  He was out of the office but called any ways to make sure I got it.  I had already called his office about the AppleCare I currently have on the computer and was surprised when he called.  Thursday he called again to let me know they had the computer and that he had received the fax.  Friday I called him to see if the computer had shipped out.  He was hoping it would be shipped out by the end of business day so I should have it near the beginning of next week.  I think I have talked to him more then I do a lot of my friends.  Is that a bad thing?

So I am excited.... I am getting a brand new computer and just have to be patient until it gets here.  If you know me that is easier said then done.  I couldn't even stay away from the computer and today I finally moved the computer so that I can watch TV while still on the computer.  I really need to get out more.

Dawn Breaking

So Friday we were under a tornado watch. For pictures check out my post on the topic. Now I am normally up late. I really hadn't intended on being up that night until sunrise. Had it not been for Azrael I might have missed out. But as the sun started to come up he was sitting by the balcony door. He really is a sun worshipper. And I felt this pull to head out onto the balcony. It was cool outside after the storms from Friday and the fact it was so early in the morning. It was also very cathartic. As the sun was coming up I really saw it as new beginnings... The storm had passed and here was the sun. I wasn't just feeling this about the weather though. It was also a representation of new beginnings in my life as well. As I stood there with the camera out I also felt a sense of peace. For once I wasn't hearing a lot of traffic and all the other sounds that come from apartment living. It was just me looking out on nature... Well nature and a parking lot but that didn't sound quite as therapeutic. This picture really does not do justice to that sunrise on Saturday morning but I hope that you can enjoy it and feel some small sense of peace when you look at it.

Hearing Voices

A little while ago I was looking for something on Yahoo and stumbled across the question as to why people talk to their pets. Clearly the person asking saw them as nothing more then animals and thought that talking to them had no value. That made me a little angry... or at least defensive. I talk to Azrael all the time.... I realize that he has no idea what I am saying. But he can tell by the tone and inflection whether or not it's positive or negative. Don't worry I am not going to be one of those crazy cat ladies with a house of cats.

There is a lot to be said for pet therapy. Now you have to find the pet that is right for you... but it is very rewarding. They say that pets will match the personality of the owner. That sounds about right. Azrael is relaxed and gentle but every once in a while will go psychotic. *lol* Pets are full of unconditional love. They don't judge you for what you say (It helps when they don't understand... I suppose someone who doesn't speak your language might also have value *lol*) and are just there for you.

Ding, Ding, Ding... Round 3

Since I hadn't had enough of technical support time for round three. This time Steve called on my behalf since I was too distraught to do it. He was arguing with the customer relations representative about the fact I had been burned severely enough that a month later you could still see the marks from it. They stuck with the whole "take it in for service" comment. Then she asked to talk to me. So I got on the phone and repeated my whole experience with support and being burned. Their final answer was service. So I asked for a supervisor and she was unable to find her manager but promised someone from executive relations would call me back. And again I was told to take it in for service. I was offered reimbursement for a loaner computer while it is in for repair. That's better then nothing except that it is standard procedure so it's not like I was really being offered that much. Secondly, it was reimbursement so I still have to pay up front for it. Thirdly, they don't offer loaner computers at the local service center any ways. I am aware that they can replace the computer for customer satisfaction but I was not about to play the political game that I know the procedures. I want everything to be above board. All I really want is to feel like I am a valued customer and so far that really hasn't happened.... There has been no offer of compensation (an iPod or AirPort Extreme would be nice) or even a replacement computer. All I know is that I don't feel valued at all. I feel like no one gives a shit about what happened to me. And I suddenly feel disillusioned since I believed so much in Apple and now I just don't know what to think. But I give up... I'm not going to get the resolution I want and it's just taking too much energy to continue on with the fight. From a corporate (and financial) standpoint they may have won... but this experience will stay with me and has certainly changed how I see Apple.

Today's Weather

Just a few pictures taken earlier today from the balcony. This was before the rain....

Tech Support Round 2

So after almost a week my call to technical support was still bothering me. I did not want to relive the whole experience of being fired. I wanted to just be a customer. Was that too much to ask? Apparently it was. It was actually physically affecting me. So I decided to call back. Time for round two. But this time I want customer relations.

As soon as I realized that I was first going to have to speak to someone from technical support I pretty much had a panic attack. Got through to customer relations and finally got an apology. It's amazing what a difference that would have made in the first place. After all I was burned by the computer and am potentially scarred for life. That picture was taken today, about a month after the incident. It's faint but you can still see the marks in the skin.

However since it was botched the first time I had never been asked the safety questions. So I was back to the land of product specialists. Once again it was time for a mini panic attack since I knew it was possible that I would get someone at my former employment. Fortunately I didn't. So he asked the safety questions and still told me to take it into a service provider. Now I am just frustrated and don't feel like I am being listened to. The computer is overheating and burned me. On top of that the optical drive needs to be replaced and so does the logic board. So basically they want me to take it in and be without the computer for a week while they replace all the internal components. I know they don't want to replace the computer because it costs them money... but this has been an extremely poor experience. He puts me on hold to read over the other case notes. I was in tears while on hold. After 5 minutes or so I stopped crying, just in time for him to come back on the line. And I gave up fighting at that point. I was on the edge of losing it again so I just accepted that the final answer (from him any ways) was that I would have to take it in for repair. And he said he would send feedback on the first agent... which really doesn't mean a whole lot. I should know.

So once again I just feel defeated. I am frustrated by the whole experience and want someone to actually make me feel good about the company again. The worst part is that it's not even about the computer at this point. It's about the way the call was handled. I never want to call technical support again. So again I have to think twice about buying another Apple computer.