She Almost Did It To Me!

My mother! She created a huge mess with the my internet company that it took a good 45 minutes on the phone, not to mention driving the customer rep up the wall, to resolve this issue.
Let me explain...

I've had cable internet with Videotron for about a year. The reason being as my mother doesn't use cable, instead she chooses to pay people to cook satellite cards for her, and I need the invoices under my name so I can expense them through my office. This situation has worked out fine for the past two years, I get my bill every month, pay the amount, then eventually expense the whole thing. Complications started about two months ago...

My mother got wind that Videotron offers, among their internet and cable television services, a telephony service (kind of a voice-over-ip deal). Their service is fairly cheap comparing it to the local phone company, so she got the brain wave idea that she would switch.
One day, I come home from the office and she tells me about her idea for switching. I knew I was going to be moving (didn't really know where, but I did know that I wanted to move) so I didn't put much thought into that, I just told her to wait. She, of course, didn't wait. She called around and tried to get the telephone service installed at any costs. I was relieved to find out that she couldn't add any services because the account was solely to my name. I again, told her to wait.

Eventually, a few weeks later, she some how managed to get everything installed. I didn't ask how, I just asked (and stressed) my internet account not to be messed with! I repeatedly asked if the cable TV and the telephony service was going to be under her name, basically ensuring that I was kept separate from any of this. She said yes, and kept saying yes. I guess I was satisfied with this response, as I didn't think much of it. I wound up with cable television in my room, as long as I wasn't responsible for it, I was pretty much happy!

Today, since I was calling all the utility companies to advise them of my change of address and to open accounts (gas bill, electricity bill..), I ended up calling Videotron and schedule a service transfer for two weeks from now, my moving date. This is how I find about the huge mess I was in...

Apparently, I had subscribed to all of their services, telephony, cable television (with the decoder box) and the internet. I didn't really question the claims, I just only thought "fuck, she (my mom) did it to me!!" Anyhow, I tried to cancel the extra services but I had been locked in a 12 month contract! So either I break the contract and pay the penalty fee or I just move with phone and all. I decided to move everything, after all where I go, I have to have an internet connection due to my work. So at that point, I was going to move with my mother's phone. She was not going to be happy. Oh well...

I call her, she had received a call from Videotron so she was up to date on what was happening. She freaked out... And I have no idea what did she do as they had assigned her a new phone number. I tried to ask her what had she done but, in her usual style of avoiding any and all blame to her, didn't tell me anything in detail. I decided to call back Videotron and straighten the whole situation out once and for all, lest I would be stuck with a 300$ bill at the end of the month. I wanted only internet service to be at my new apartment.

I reach a customer service representative at Videotron, I explain to her the situation in detail. I get put on hold as, I'm assuming, she talked to her manager. Eventually, she comes back and passes me to someone else. I again, explain to that rep the messed up situation and I ask her to please rectify it, somehow! After about 30 minutes on hold and answering small questions, I get a solution to my predicament.

What ended up happening, which is still in the process, is my mother will take control of all of the services for the time being. When the two weeks are up, and I am able to move, they will sever the internet service from her and place it under my name and address. This was the simplest solution they could come up with.

Anyhow, needless to say this was not a pleasant experience, and it not really over and done with, it will not be until I'm in my new apartment.

New Appartment

I just signed my lease for my new appartment. I went and spend a lot of money on cleaning products and some kitchen supplies. Spent today cleaning like a motherfucker. No matter how much I scrub, no matter how hard I wipe, an old appartment just cannot look new again. But at least it will look clean!

I had a friend come over and help me clean, she was nice enough to do a kick ass job on cleaning the dusty kitchen. I cleaned the bathroom and I did the living room. I've yet to finish with the firdge, the oven (basicaly finish off the kitchen) and clean the bedroom and the vestibule area. I am hoping I will get a lot of it done tomorrow, then it's just to wait until the right time to move my stuff. I cannot tell you how anxious I am for the first night in my new pad.

I went to have dinner with my friend at a newarby restaurant, near by my new place, as I have literally 20 different restaurants in a 6 block line. Dinner was extremely enjoyable! One of the best Indian cuisine restaurants I've ever tasted! I will be definetly coming back again, hopefully next time I go there, I'll only have to walk 4 blocks and be in my home.

Something that I've wanted for a long time!

Many moons ago, too damn many in fact, I moved back in with my mother to help her out financially. That turned out to be more of a commitment than I originally anticipated, as she came down with depression and some psychological issues. That was around 4 years ago! Now, she is a lot better compared to back then, she has been able to travel, she is relatively stable albeight ailing of all sorts, but that is to be expected when you are 72 years old. Fast forward...

My predicament has always been that I've not lived in my own home for a long time now. I've witnessed a lot of my friends move in and out of their places, arrange their homes in a certain way to please them and buy some decorations to put up somewhere. Meanwhile, I just sit in a corner admiring and secretly wondering what would I do if it were me who was living in an appartment.

My days of wonder are over! I have decided to strike it out on my own. To get an appartment for myself and to start my life as it's been pretty much put on hold for so long now. I will be awarded with some liberties in decorating my place as I see fit, to adorn the walls with my photos and do pretty much whatever I like.

I've started packing some stuff today, things as my books and DVDs are already in boxes, ready to be hauled into an appartment. I've yet to find a place, but that will not be very difficult, at least I'm hoping it won't. Just today, I'm going to call a place to arrange a visit. The price is good and the location is not excellent, but it will do. The complex is located near a major Montreal artery and it is close to where I have to be.

In the back of my mind, I am worried for my mother. Will she do OK without me? Is she ready to live alone? I know I am ready to live alone, I am quite anxious in fact. This is now a new chapter in my life. Turn the page.

Same same but different

Tuesday... My would be sliding down Mt. Royal plans were eviscerated yesterday, instead, I spent the night organizing and scanning some pictures of the wedding I shot back last October. It's about time I get that done. The plans are now to make a DVD picture show and give that to the newlywed bride. From those sets, we will sort out an album.
Tonight I'm going to the gym directly from the office. I l0ve my laptop bag as I can fit harness, chalk bag and shoes in there without the poor bag bursting at the seams or looking like a stuffed cannoli. The gym plans will be for tonight and tomorrow night. Thursday I have a dinner for a friend's birthday. We are going to an Afghan restaurant. Anyone out there ever had Afghani food?
*cricket* *cricket*
Oh well, I'll let you guys know how it goes.
One more thing, happy valentine's day to all you happy couples out there. You all make me sick.

Best of Craig's List

Just surfing a tthe office on a Friday morning. I go on Craig's list, because I have no life and his "best of" is priceless sometimes.
Lo and Behold, I find this gem. Now, my definition of a perfect girl is one that can say all of this:

I didn't vote for either George Bush
April 2oth is my New Years
I don't tear the tags off my mattresses til I get home
I always stop to pet dogs outside of grocery stores
I'm likely to have a different hair color every time you see me
I'm slippery when wet
I only use the rail when I walk down the stairs 30% of the time ( I love to walk the line ya know)
I've never read Playboy for the articles
I'll make you laugh
I've never been in one of Tommy Lee's movies
I'll never under cook the eggs
I'll never drink your last beer
I can make a mean pot of chili
I'll pretend I didn't see you look at that chick with the big boobs
I'll always be impressed with how strong you are
I know that handcuffs aren't just for the cops
I've never kicked a boy in the balls
I recycle
I do know how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll tootsie pop
I won't steal the vicoden out of your medicine cabinet
I'll take care of you when you're sick and sometimes just because I think you're the shit
I'll make fun of you
I come with my own set of ear plugs in case of snoring
I can give a kick ass back rub
I haven't been a house guest of O.J. Simpson
I like porn
I can't stand soaps
I've got a sweet 420 hook up
I don't care if you leave the seat up
I give road head
I think chicks are hot
I have my nipples pierced
I pump my own gas
I don't give a shit if I break a nail
I've got cookies
I don't chew tobacco
I take a shower every day, twice even sometimes
I like it when you pull my hair
I'll let you beat me at pool
I'll keep working until I chip away at your walls
I don't care that you go out with the boys
I don't eat crackers in bed too often
I think it's hot when you come home all dirty from playing hard
I like it when dogs sleep in the bed
I can't stand the mall
My tongue is pierced twice
I don't care what music we listen to in the car
I've never eaten a bon-bon in my life
My closet comes equipped with a shit load of hoodies
I'd never ask you to go to lunch with my mother
When you wash the dishes it turns me on
My heart will jump every time you walk through the door
I don't care if you cut your toe nails in the living room
I'll save everything you ever give me
I won't ever forget your birthday, and remind you when mine is coming
I can pee standing up (it's totally gross though)
I think Project Runway is fucking gay
You just can't stop reading this!
I've never even seen one episode of Dawson's Creek or Gilmore Girls
I always use my nails to scratch a lottery ticket
I know where to put in the oil, and have even done it it
I'll think you're just about the coolest person I know
My friends are hot
I don't have hardly any guy friends
I've never owned one pink thing
I think pizza and a game at the sports bar down the street is the ideal date
I won't fuck your friends
I won't fuck your brother
The kinkier the better
What the hell is "in the box"?
I always open a window when I paint
I've never been on Americas Most Wanted
The only drama I have any part of is on t.v.
I don't care if you watch my girly movies with me
I know how to make a fire
I can tie a cherry stem with my tongue
I've got secret tattoos
My kisses will take your breath away
I dig public sex
I didn't vote for the 25 ft smoking law
I don't care if you leave your socks on
You'll never have to do your laundry again
My best friend isn't a guy
I can't stand John Mayer
My burritos are the bomb
I never drive faster than 30 mph in a school zone
My weird habits you'll find adorable
You'll sleep better when I'm next to you
I have a membership at 3 video stores
I'd fuck Angelina Jolie too
I'll thank you every time you open the door
I'll never waste your love
I'll laugh at every joke even when it's not funny
I'd never give you shit in front of your friends
It gets better every time
Use as much salt as you want I don't care
I won't ever let you leave for work in the morning without your lunch
I'll help you find your keys
I don't stop and ask for directions either
I don't have a big brother, so you don't have to worry about getting your ass kicked ever
I've always got stoner food
I try not to pick my nose, or butt in public
We can watch your movie first
I've never owned anything Hello Kitty
I don't need batteries
I once ate a cricket
I eat red meat
I can kill my own spiders
I'll clean the house perfect every time your mom comes
I'll always have smooth legs
I like it when my hair gets messed up
I used to be able to put my feet behind my neck
I met Tom Green once
I got suspended in high school 3 times
My family is just as fucked up as yours
I don't want to get married
My kid already has a dad
I'll always want more
I like horror movies
I smell pretty good most of the time
I don't litter
When I can I give to charity
I can be ready in 30 minutes or less
I lose at arm wrestling every time
I've got dirty pictures of me on my computer
I look both ways before I cross the street
I have cable and HBO
I never look directly into the sun
I'll look cute in your shirt
I'm not a virgin
You're hotter and more hilarious than anyone I know
I'll show you my boobs at the store when nobody's looking
I probably have more porn on my computer than you
I old enough to remember when the space shuttle crashed
I still get carded almost every time I get booze
I won't ever leave makeup on your shoulder
I've never hung a pair of panty hose on the shower rack in my life
I like it when you call me a whore in bed
I can balance a check book
I'll help you not to forget your moms birthday
I would never yell "fire" in a crowded theatre
I"m really good at sneaking food into the movies
I was Branciforte Jr. Highs spelling bee champion 2 years back to back
I'll never say 'nothings wrong' when there really is
I know how to hold my own hair back when I puke
My fingers can spill out Mary Had A Little Dream on the piano better than Ray Charles
I've never cried over spilt milk
I have never stabbed anyone in the eye
I can count to 100 by 5's
I've never smuggled drugs out of the country
I don't care if you eat dinner without a shirt
I think it's hot when you masturbate
I never overload the washer
What else have you got to do?
I know that whipped cream goes on more than sundaes
I've never auditioned for American Idol
I don't eat yellow snow
I like it when you talk to your friends about me in bed
My sunday morning breakfasts will change your life
My chin fits 'just right' in your shoulder when you hold me close
I'll understand if you get jealous
I'm just that good
I never had sexual relations with Bill Clinton or anyone named Bill ever
I'm a pepper
You're getting very sleepy...
I've never been on Jerry Springer
I may have already won $10,000,000.
I have a subscription to the Herald
You won't be able to get me out of your head
I know that sticks are better than automatics
I'll let you drive every time if you want
I buy a new toothbrush every time the blue wears down
I know that objects in the mirror are bigger than they appear
I would never smoke the last bowl
I would never send you to the store for tampons
Flowers will get you laid every time
I've never gotten caught lip syncing on SNL
I have a $3.24 credit at PayLess Shoes
I have clean socks that you can borrow if you run out
I never leave the engine running while I'm pumping gas
I never run with scissors
I've taken the Coke/Pepsi challenge and won
Almost every time I have a winning bottle top
I know how to keep a secret
If you spell something wrong I just think it's cute
I've never failed a survey
I can almost every time find Waldo
I never put my fingers in the light socket
I'm a gemini
I have all my shots
It's okay I don't really expect you to last longer than 10 minutes anyways
I'm pretty damn funny
I'm not a doctor and I've never played one on t.v. either
I don't care if you eat off my plate
None of my friends are guys I used to have sex with
When you're sleeping I'll always try to be quiet
I have never run out of gas (well I just fucked myself there now, didn't I?)
I know the difference between they're, their, and there
You really kinda would dig having someone to cuddle with on the couch
I know how to get stains out of tshirts
I've seen every episode of "The Shield"
I've got rad hair
I know how to leave you satisfied and hungry for more every time
I'm really good at making lists
After reading this far you've already got too much invested anyways

Source

Pictures

Here are two pictures from my weekend in Boston. They were taken at the Museum Of Science while visiting the butterfly exhibit:


White Flowers

Hidden butterfly

Bag saga.. again

As of now, it still continues to unfold. I've just received a call from the Skyport, they were asking if someone would be at my house to receive my bag today. They will deliver it sometime this afternoon. I will finally have my candy! I'm still left wondering where my bag went to. Last night, I checked on the Air Canada website, to see the status of my bag. It was marked as being held at Skyport "as per problem" I'm wondering what that problem was. Did they empty my bag and remove my candy? Thankfully there is nothing of real value there, except for my climbing gear and clothing.

Today I feel very down... I'm not sure why, I just feel like I have no energy and no sense of direction. I'll probably be better once I get candy in me.