Dear First Columbia:

Not sure which of your female representatives with short dark hair and a dark skirt suit was driving a company van, parked illegally I might add, on River Street in [location omitted for privacy] Troy but she needs to WATCH WHERE SHE'S DRIVING BECAUSE SHE ALMOST BACKED OVER ME.  It was the unapologetic look that she gave me afterwards that really sent me over the edge.

Pedestrians have the right of way. Check your mirrors and blinds spots and only park in designated parking areas.

I'll spare you the stream of expletives that I'd rather be sharing with your representative.

Thank you for your time.

-Stray Farce

(yes, I actually sent this email to them)

        

I've been 80 days without my vehicle. Today was the day I was able to get my plates back. Unfortunately I don't have enough money to do anything fun, but at least I'll save on money since it costs less to drive than it does to take the bus.  I'll be able to get to both of my jobs without requiring a substantial commute.  And I'll shave an extra hour and a half off my day. Huzzah!

The reason I was out without a vehicle (for those of you not paying attention) was because of a lapse in insurance.  It was either surrender the plates for 80 days or pay 700-something dollars per vehicle (I had two).  I chose the former since I didn't have the money for the latter.

Lesson learned! I'm never doing that shit again, lemme tell ya.

I've been told that they're going to start bringing back employees at the Fruit Store.  I've also been working a data entry position with a bank doing tax stuff.  Both have been on hiatus for a while.  I'm hoping that once the corporate tax season picks up in a month that I'll be able to work around the fruit store job (if they start giving me hours soon).  Anything to keep my secondary income flow coming in so I can start paying off people and bills faster.  I'm on a mission to get my shit together.

And thank goodness that I've got my car back so it will make my goals that much easier to reach!

Hopefully now I'll have more interesting things to write about other than "got up. got on bus. went to work. got on bus. went to other job. got on bus. came home. lather rinse repeat"

I do want to thank the few friends who've come to my rescue on occasion (hopefully not too often).  When times are tough, it's a real testament to who your really good friends are.  And not just the ones who gave me rides, but that took the time out to come and visit (since I live in East Bumblefuck) or invite me out for some fabulous niceties, or just check on me in general to see how I'm doing.  I'm grateful to know such wonderful and thoughtful people.   I hope I can repay the kindness soon.  I love you all.

        

He makes me laugh

From: Freezepop
To: Stray Farce
Subject: help
(Sent Tuesday morning)
I'm trapped in a Monday, I need an escape trajectory!

From: Stray Farce
To: Freezepop
Subject: Re: help

Here's a toothpick, a rubber band and a ball of tin foil.  GO!

From: Freezepop
To: Stray Farce
Subject: Re: help


I need a magnet too do you have one?

From: Stray Farce
To: Freezepop
Subject: Re: help

I do! but it's shaped like a frouffy teacup. sorry.

From: Freezepop
To: Stray Farce
Subject: Re: help

It's not rotating somewhere between the sun and mercury is it?

From: Stray Farce
To: Freezepop
Subject: Re: help

hahahahaha I love you

Frouffy Tea Cup.
[Author's note: I did not choose this magnet.  It came with the desk when I started working here.  It was too gaudy and ridiculous not to toss.  Am rather fond of it now.]

        

Dear Tuesday: Please kindly have intercourse with thyself.

I accidentally misspelled Nursing Home with Cursing Home; however, I
imagine that's where I'll be ending up after today.

And what sucks is that I'm working at my second job all week (and possibly
weekend) so I can't even have a consolatory beer until SATURDAY.

*whimpers*

In other news: 38 days until I get my plates back. As Jake Shears sings,
"It can't come quickly enough..."


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Black and White Cab System
415 Fulton St
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 272-6961

I'd never taken a Troy cab before, or any in the Capital District.  My only experience with this transportation has been in NYC.

After the driver went to the wrong building to pick me up (I said nothing of this) and I'd finally entered the cab, I was told that we were picking up another rider.  I wasn't expecting this and questioned the driver, who gave me an attitude saying, "If you'd wanted a cab all to yourself, you should have said so."  I said, "I wasn't aware that I had to say so. I was calling the cab *for* myself.  I expected that I would be the only occupant.  I'm going to be late if you stop to pick up this other person"  The driver then relayed my statements to the dispatch who then quipped, "Well, she should have called earlier."

When I called for the cab, the reason I chose them was because they said that the driver could arrive to pick me up within ten minutes. I knew this would allot me enough time to get to work. I was not told that another occupant would be picked up.

I then asked the driver where the meter was and he told me there was no meter.  I figured only traveling three miles wouldn't cost that much but I asked him how much this was costing me and he said so (reasonable flat rate, within my expectations). I asked if I would be splitting the fare with this unexpected occupant and he said no. I asked why not? I was told that this is how Troy cabs have operated for over 45 years.  I then explained that I was not aware of that fact (I left my crystal ball in my other pants). I neglected to mention to him that he shouldn't assume as much either, though I probably should have.

Then the driver stated that he would take me directly to work because he didn't need to hear my "bitching in the backseat" at him and ruining his day.  I was taken aback not only by his rude behavior, but his swearing at me.  I became LIVID but shut my mouth because any further utterance would have resulted in an apoplectic fit and shown him the exact meaning of what "bitching" was and just exactly HOW miserable his day I could make.

I expect that a company would provide a modicum of professionalism when servicing clients. Apparently I overextended my expectations because this company has failed miserably. I will not be using them again and encourage others to think twice before doing so.

Next time I think I'll just be late and take the bus.

The behavior from the representative of this company was unwarranted and COMPLETELY unacceptable.  I expect this complaint will fall on deaf ears and the proprietors of this service could care less.  

        

Have been working a second temporary job which has me busy most nights and weekends.  I think I have some vague recollection of what my roommate looks like, I haven't seen her in over a week and probably won't see her until this weekend our schedules are so wonky.

Biking and bussing it around the Capital District is interesting. And surprisingly easy.  Most if not all buses have bike racks on them and can accommodate two bikes.  I don't see why people don't take advantage of this more often. And if you have a good friend who's a Union member, you can usually get WICKED cheap bus passes through them (thanks, anonymous friend).  Saving money AND the environment.  It's a pretty sweet deal.  And I'm slowly getting back in shape to be able to handle biking everywhere.  There's a lot of work to be done when it comes to my assive massive, but this is a good start.  And I'm starting to feel more better about myself than I was before.  Almost annoyingly so.  I've been hugging everybody for silly things. "I paid you back everything I owed you! HUGS!"  Stupid endorphins....

Freezepop has gone back to Antarctica.  He is most likely whizzing over South America as I write this.  I will miss him.  Verra verra much.  But the distance will be good 1. so I can focus on working and getting my stuff together financially and 2. to see if this lovely thing we have has the strength to withstand distance.  We shall see.  I'm thinking positively.

This is short and sweet because I'm beat tired after working until 2am yesterday and only getting three hours sleep.  Hope all of you readers are out there doing well.  It's warm again! Spring is coming! Get off your duff and get out and enjoy the day.  Do it for me since I can't at the moment.

Ta, folks!

        

Life Fuckery: truck plates were taken away until May which means my car is
parked and I have no vehicle until then. Long story. Still have no hours
at second job. Getting nastygrams from debt collectors (can't get blood
from a stone people, but I assure you, I'm continuing to work my arse off
to pay you. I promise. I don't want this debt, trust me).

Silver linings: I'm still legal to drive (there's just nothing to drive.
But I can DD for you if you wish). Though still "employed" at second job
despite lack of hours, found pick-up temporary employment until they put me
back on the schedule (at least it's something). Bussing and biking
everywhere is saving me money on gas, a little easier on the environment
and getting me in shape enough to prepare for spring/summer when I start
playing tennis again (provided I have time to play tennis) and will help me
get a kick start on weight loss. Mercedes finally sold and has been picked
up by new owner, so there's one less burden I have to deal with. Getting
along with roommate (and why wouldn't I? She's my friend and she's awesome
like that. Have decided living with girls is MUCH better). If I keep
working really hard, debt will be cleared in just a couple of years.
*crossing fingers and hoping for the best*

Other noteworthy news: Still have fish tanks for sale. Anyone? Anyone?
They come with filters and nets, chemicals and all kinds of neat things.
Just add water. And fish. Or rodents, but without the water. Unless
they're platypus. But those aren't really rodents. At least I don't think
so.

Um, so yeah. Life sucks a little, but I'm not going to let it get me down.
Just gonna keep working my butt off and do what I can because that's all I
can do.

Insert "Hang in there!" kitten poster here. Now, back to work.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential or sensitive information which is, or may be, legally privileged or otherwise protected by law from further disclosure. It is intended only for the addressee. If you received this in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, please do not distribute, copy or use it or any attachments. Please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and delete this from your system. Thank you for your cooperation.

        

Items of note:

-wrestled 6 pounds of Grafton Cheddar from a dog that took three humans
and a glass of water to free. Don't ask. No animals were harmed during the
recovery of said cheese. Kudos on the super thick puncture-proof packaging!
:D
-spent lovely weekend mini-vacation in Vermont with Freezepop (and got best
present ever even though I told him not to do anything special)
-am now suffering from Bubonic Plague (completely unrelated to first two
items unless I caught it from Freezepop's sister? hope not! This is awful,
hate to think she's suffering from the same ailment)
-New upstairs neighbors have been warned twice of their elephant-like
stomping and loud yelling (at 1:30 in the morning, keeping me from sleep is
completely unacceptable and justifiable grounds for decapitation if I
weren't so afraid of going to prison). Doesn't anyone know how to -talk-
to each other anymore? "Quiet Hours" are from 10-6. Please kindly fuck off
the noise, mmkay?
-ummmmm......
-yeah.
-oh! absolutely no personal time whatsoever. And now that I'm sick I have
absolutely no energy whatsoever. So much for priorities and taking care of
business around the house! >:/ or for things that I really need to take
care of instead of leaving people hanging....
-totally want to stick a Dyson vacuum into my trachea and suck out all the
gnastie stuff. What exactly was the point of the flu shot that I took
since I have been sick TWICE since I've taken it? Bollocks! Bollocks, I
say!

Have a good weekend people


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Well, I ended up taking my car somewhere else that would do the work for a
couple hundred less. I still couldn't afford the repairs, but at least it
got done and I feel safer driving.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential or sensitive information which is, or may be, legally privileged or otherwise protected by law from further disclosure. It is intended only for the addressee. If you received this in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, please do not distribute, copy or use it or any attachments. Please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and delete this from your system. Thank you for your cooperation.

        

Been having problems with my truck lately (among the myriad of other issues
with it) as I mentioned in my previous post. Turns out my rear calipers
are blown so all the brake duties are solely being supported by my front
brakes. And I'm leaking brake fluid because of it! Joy! And I can't
afford to fix it. So I ended up getting just an oil change for now and
will have to see how things pan out with my second job if they give me
anymore hours or not. Probably not. And top it all off, the guy at the
auto shop pissed me off because I S-P-E-L-L-E-D out my name for him and he
still called me Jess. That's SO not my name. And the other guy, after I'd
corrected him, called me Tess. ALSO! NOT! my name. Far from it. How the
fuck they got Tess or Jess from my non-monosyllabic name I'll never know.
Doesn't even fucking rhyme with "-ess". FAIL!

So, I'm thinking in the interest of safety, I should park my truck and take
the bus to work and only drive when I absolutely have to. Which I really
shouldn't be driving anyway because my registration is flagged because of
an insurance lapse, which I've since reinstated, but I still owe the DMV a
civil penalty (or I need to turn my plates in for 78 days)*. Also
something I can't afford right now. But another thing I can't afford is
time or lack of independence from the convenience of my vehicle. I don't
know how poor(er) people do it.

So, life pretty much sucks in the automotive department right now. Tried
calling some dealerships to see what I could do as far as trading in my
hunkajunk towards a new car. Can't get a new auto loan to absorb the
little that's left that I owe on the truck and get a pre-owned vehicle
because my credit is bad. Can't get an extension on my personal loan to
cover the brake repairs and the DMV penalty because my credit is bad. I
JUST got my credit cards paid off and I could put a large chunk of change
on both of them and max them out, but I don't want to use them because I'm
trying to build my credit UP, not down. I ONLY want to use them in case of
an emergency and right now this does not constitute as an emergency in my
book. I'm really trying not to lean on the credit cards if I can
absolutely help it. And I don't want to borrow money from anyone for it.
I know it's stubborn, but I'm already into two rich uncles for 4 digits, I
don't want to get into anyone else either. I'm tired of borrowing. I just
want to work and keep plugging away until I get things straightened out.

Talked to the bank and I might be able to get a deferment on my loans for
two months if I provide them with proof (which I have). But it hasn't been
the 18 months that you have to wait in between doing this and I already did
that last year so I could afford to move into my new apartment. They might
be able to make an exception, and at least it's an avenue to explore which
is a tad bit hopeful, but I'm not counting on it. I never count on
anything or anyone but myself. Stubborn? Yes. Foolishly so? Probably. But
I'd rather only answer to me than anyone else. And right now my ass
answers to all manner of debtage.

Have my day job but that's only enough to sustain, not get ahead (or be
able to afford the "oh shit!" incidences). If I want to get ahead and
actually be able to afford the shitstorm of things that ALWAYS SEEM TO
HAPPEN AT THE WORST POSSIBLE MOMENT I need a second job. But I can't work
a second job taking the bus everywhere because the time it takes to get
anywhere, there's not an employer in the world that will say "oh, you want
to get here by 6:30 and only work 2 hours so you can catch the bus home
because they don't run where you live that late?". Can't drive a car
that's broken. Can't fix it without a second job. What do they call that
when you're stuck between two situations and can't do one without the
other?

Oh yeah: FUCKED.

*sighs* Everything around me is breaking and I can't afford to fix any of
it. But at least I'm lucky enough to have a roof over my head. whoopee.
:/

Part of me wonders if I shouldn't just go ahead and turn in my plates for
the 78 days since I can't afford to pay for the brake repair right now
anyway, then I won't have to worry about the civil penalty, and it'll buy
me time to be able to afford the repairs. But then I really can't work my
second job. And I'm stuck taking the bus or my bike everywhere. Bleh.
It's doable, but damn what a pain in the ass.


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