red tape day!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Want to know where your tax dollars go on a daily basis??? I have been on the phone for three hours with veteran affairs for moms beneficiary benefits. H=SHe has been getting since last July, but they sent me a letter telling me she is not eligible, has never received them!! Would I like an application?????????????????

THey sent this form letter with 12 pages of forms that I have filled out twice and mailed to them per their request right after my surgery, (literally two days later) and again in November. They even sent back the envelope(used and stamped in every spot imaginable) that I mailed it all to them the last time!!!
I have this image in my head of somebody like Don Knotts in a teensy tiny closet-like office, painted green of course, with boat-load of rubber stamps, lifting them, stampin' and a poundin' on every inch of my papers!!
All but one page was actually filled out by Dd and the Veterans Affairs field agent in my moms bedroom at assisted living in September,, she then sent me all of it back in November to fill out moms expenses and income, which I did and returned the whole kit and caboodle. Back it comes yesterday, with this form letter,,INCLUDING MY USED ENVELOPE!! Thick?????

I started calling Detroit, two people and 92 minutes later, I was referred to Indiana, nobody in the office,, they were in conferences, apparently all over Indianapolis,, so finally I get a call back c=from nice lady and she gives me her personal phone number, addy to return ALL OF THE PAPERS TO HER , SO SHE CAN SEND THEM TO THE ORIGINAL FIELD AGENT, IN you guessed it!! DETROIT!!

So now I will be making a trek to the post ofice, a deed that I would put right up there with gnawing my own foot off at the knee,,
methinks it will be next week..
(prayer to my Savior: Please God, put me in line behind the person who only wants one stamp and has the exACT CHANGE!!!!!!)

oH MYELANTA!! Yet another VA person called me just now to see what I wanted,, she has the desk right next to the woman I was on the phone with for 90 some minutes but did not know what was going on,, but they were all VERY NICE AND PATIENT!!

Not to be outdone, I got two credit card bills from the sam company, but one of them was not mine, but billed in my name,, terrific...
Tack on another four agents to talk to there, in about 90 minutes,, had to tell them I am not paying any more bills nor extra charges!!
ANybody ever read "The Peter Principle"??

I have been attempting to wrap DD Christmas gifts for over a week now, today is the day,, of course since yesterday was the shortest day of the year, today is not much better it is dark at 3:30pm!! Got to be up and at 'em at 3 am..
I wish my calories burned at the same rate as my life does: Warp speed!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GABY1948 12/23/2011 8:33AM

I do NOT envy you your job. I was in charge of my mom's things until she died...and still had things mailed to me for 4 YEARS later! Idiots! Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 12/22/2011 5:04PM

Those VA people are jsut literaly stupid. What is the point of the forms anyways? What importance is it to your mother? Report Inappropriate Comment

KILLERANGEL47 12/22/2011 5:00PM

That's insane! It's astonishing to think how stupid some people can be! I hope it all gets sorted out soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

details

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

For those who inquire,,, my new laptop is an HP with 4GB/ 640RAM of hard drive, built-in webcam, Windows & package,, Lots of little things to use too.. I have Wifi router to use too,, my printer is wireless, so now I am utilizing those capabilities. I jsut registered my Staples rewards for the rebate,, instant rebate was $150 off,, Will get $50 in store credit added to present form ink and paper to make a big purchase later...
Of course, they want you to buy anti virus software,etc, but I already knew there is a great FREE software program to download for anybody that works better than norton.. have it on my desktop!!

I think I got a great deal at $429!! A couple years ago my boss bought hers (Acer with 2GB, 320 RAM.. for $399. Mine has Intel core, hers does not,, big difference...

i am very easy on electronic things and I was going to buy a portable DVD player after Christmas anyway, about $50-90!! Glad I can use this on our trips and be in touch,, am going to consider getting basic Skype to talk to other Skype friends...
anybody out there a Skyper??? I'm all for getting a free product!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GABY1948 12/21/2011 10:41PM

Sounds good...I know there have been really GOOD deals everywhere lately! DH and I both hav dElls that are badly in need of replacement but I am waiting a few months...I agree with you about free av software...I put free on my computer and dh's and I still had Bitdefender for 1.5 years but out it went! Had Trend Micro before and Norton...NEVER again! When dh got a virus last year I called mine and they took over remotely and CLEANED it out...on FREE AV software! I am interested in which you use mine has the initials of MSE...what is yours? Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 12/21/2011 6:33PM

I know HP's are great. My trusty HP desk top lasted me for 12 years but sadly it died late this past summer. but it did serve me well. Good luck on your new one. If i can learn to Skype I'll hit you up on your offer. Report Inappropriate Comment

New laptop!!!!!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

For the woman who resisted touch tone phones until fifteen years ago, I bought a laptop this afternoon! My co-worker, Zach, went with me to buy it, and started everything up for me. I am so bad at these things. I can push send and end, on my Dd tracphone and that is a biggie for me!
I finally decided that I want my connections when I leave town or am waiting endlessly for something,,

I will be able to take it with my next summer and can watch DVD's and print pics or whatever to my home printer from anywhere!! The wonders of science!!!! I was going to buy a portable DVD player after Christmas, but this was $200 off the price with extra rewards, so I got what I wanted and am happy!

Three more workdays and I can relax somewhat!! I am praying for those who are not as fortunate as I am this year,, I have been there, know how it is.. takes a lot of time and very hard work to make things happen for the better in ones' life...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TXGRANDMA 12/20/2011 9:48PM

Wow! So happy for you! I just bought a laptop in September, like you, I waited for them to go on sale. I bought it at Staples, and they set it up for me, for free. I paid only to have the antivirus program installed! I love my laptop, it enabled me to stay in touch with everyone while we were on vacation in New York State this past fall. We were gone 3 weeks, and I didn't miss a beat! You WILL love it! What kind did you get? Mine is an HP. Report Inappropriate Comment

NORASPAT 12/20/2011 7:19PM

I am so happy you had someone around to set it up. Even better to have someone to help you. DH Knows less than I do so we are in this togethert HUGS. Enjoy it, I loved mine when it was working right. I messed it up though. HUGS Pat in Maine x00xx0x0 Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 12/20/2011 6:56PM

testing the new laptop now, it will take time to get used to this! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 12/20/2011 6:27PM

a new lappy! That is terrific. Last month we got Ashley a brand new topshiba lap top from QVC.com and i pay $100. for 5 months great plan great deal and she can use it for college which she is starting in a few weeks. Your new lappy probably has a built in webcam and you can skype with whomever you want where they can see you via the webcam. I can do it on my cell phone but ahven't learned how yet. Look further in directions there's more you can do. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTHASPARKS 12/20/2011 6:02PM

Enjoy the new laptop, They are wonderful and you will use it so much. That you understand how fortunate you are and are grateful is wonderful! Report Inappropriate Comment

longer work days

Monday, December 19, 2011

Started working a couple more hours a day this week,, not too bad, but not as nice as NOT working.. Those darned little things called bills, they demand I work though..
Our dusting of snow yesterday was our second fall,, the first was a five inch blizzard Dec 1, but that is long gone.. tonight and tomorrow is freezing rain and then maybe some snow to top it off for driving. that week long vacation next August is sounding better all the time.. Lake Superior, here we come!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DUSTYPRAIRIE 12/20/2011 7:08AM

We got several inches of the white fluff overnight. Now the stars and moon are out and it's beautiful. Report Inappropriate Comment

NORASPAT 12/19/2011 10:34PM

Sorry it has to be. Take it easy and enjoy the season. I am waiting for snow. I wish it would never get here right now. I too would love to be somewhere warm. HUGS Pat in Maine. xoxoxo Report Inappropriate Comment

GABY1948 12/19/2011 6:55PM

Yes, August DOES sound good...and we have had less snow than you...so please keep it down your way Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 12/19/2011 4:43PM

dd is going with you next August? that would be lovely. Pictures of the snow please??? Report Inappropriate Comment

snow

Sunday, December 18, 2011

snow, cold, winter,ice, no sun, longjohns, astronomical heating bills.. OH!! It's winter in Michigan!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GABY1948 12/18/2011 6:12PM

Let's not talk about it anymore and maybe it will go away!!!!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 12/18/2011 11:56AM

I'm in my long johns, too. But we ahve no snow. Just fog. So you have your first snowfall? Was this during the night? Is it still snowing? Stay warm and safe. Report Inappropriate Comment

NORASPAT 12/18/2011 11:36AM

Us too here in Maine. I could barely see the mercury this morning but after a few flakes we are dry. Not warm though and the furnace seems to be on for ever. HUGS Pat in Maine. Report Inappropriate Comment