Category: On My Soapbox!

Suppose I will write this while my fingernails are seething, along with my ears, head and all that I have. If you could look at me, you might even see smoke escaping from my head. I am so annoyed! So irritated, and oh so — well, let’s don’t go there. I’ll attempt being nice since my diplomatic nature has the tendency to kill with kindness — Julia Sugarbaker Style! If my fingernails were not polished, I’d probably be nibbling them to the bone, and that is not something I like to do.

What? You might be asking? Just what is it that is pushing my buttons…Are you ready — here goes!

While filing bills, etc. I decided to review my credit card bills, noticing two months of charges for two Sirius/XM radios.  I only own one car. Yes, my husband has a Sirius radio too, but his bill is separate from mine and I shouldn’t be charged twice a month for one bill. At least, I thought. Silly me!

So, here’s the story. I phoned Sirius radio to resolve the issues. Big mistake. Really a big mistake!!! When I got a male on the phone who had difficulty with English, I requested to speak to someone in America. Well…that didn’t work…he was overseas and not certain how to get an American. So much for speaking to an American. Understand please, I am all for immigration, but I’m also against outsourcing American jobs overseas and that is why I requested “American.” In America, we need jobs! Reluctantly, I gave up, shared my suspicions…account number…address…last four digits of my account…my home phone number…etc. and on and on. I wanted to ask if he wanted a blood or DNA sample too!

So, on we go, for over one hour to resolve the issues. I bought a new car in March with a three-month free subscription. When I went to cancel my old account with XM Radio to establish my new car and the subscription — well — apparently the party on the other end decided to activate my husband’s Sirius account with mine. We have separate cars…separate accounts…separate credit cards… What is the problem.

On and on I go, like someone trapped on an endless spinning wheel getting no where. My husband’s account didn’t exist… Oh please! Then the real issue was when this imbicle requested to speak to my husband!

I was so angry I walked outside and screamed. My neighbors probably know why…she’s on a roll again! My dogs quickly got out of my way!

To make a long story short, I got nothing from Sirius, with exception of being placed on hold/speaking to someone else/then getting disconnected.

How convenient!

Frustrated, I called the credit card company. Seems it will take about six weeks but I will get a credit issued to my account!  It will be interesting to see if my husband’s Sirius radio is cancelled today, like the customer service reps suggested. I dare them!

Also, I dare them to send me a survey via e-mail. This blog should do the trick to my reading public.

According to the credit card company, they’ve had many complaints about the billing with Sirius Radio. If you have an account, maybe you should review your bills for several months, especially if you have additional people living in your home with cars.

To say the least, I am livid! Seriously considering canceling Sirius Radio!

I inhale. Exhale. I feel better, but I’ll make certain this information is shared with others, including all of my friends. After all, I’ve been told I am not a woman to cross or argue with. I suppose it is my Southern Julia Sugarbaker style! When I see something that is wrong, I stand up and become an advocate.

And now, I shall step of my soapbox and open a bottle of wine! Have a great evening!

While writing today, I came across something that I feel I must write about. As a child and a young adult, I was always addressed as “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes.” My mother said it was not a term of endearment and that ‘when kids call you “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes” they are ‘putting you down.’

Each time I heard that description, I cringed. Later, as an adult, I heard someone in the workforce describe me as “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes,” and a “Pollyanna.”

Here it goes again, I thought, choosing to keep thoughts to myself.

Today, I would like to thank everyone in life who has ever described me in such a way. Little did I know, those descriptions were actually compliments. All of my life I have lived with verbal abuse of my peers, my mother and others. Perhaps surviving the verbal abuse taught me strength, determination, and pride — to stand alone when others criticized me.

Let’s define the terminology of “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes.” In the 1700’s, there was a short story published with the title, “Goody Two Shoes.” The term of endearment for me describes someone who strives to be her best, and to do her best…I confess, that description is definitely who I am. Always striving not to say ugly words, and not to gossip or be ugly to others. I have always worked hard to conduct myself as a professional, to be diplomatic and to be kind to others, even those who are ugly to me. Nevertheless, with age, comes wisdom — along with the determination to be equal and to not allow others to mistreat me. Today, I am described as a feminist.  It is true that I have a reputation as an opinionated woman who speaks her mind and most definitely will give my opinion when asked, and many times — when I am NOT asked. I will open doors for men, and the elderly. I say nightly prayers, and I have always worked hard to be a lady. A Southern belle? Not exactly! I am more of the Steel Magnolia — a woman who stands her ground when needed and definitely does not allow a man, or others to push me around. Not anymore! I believe in equality and strive to be all that I can be as a friend, wife, mother and woman.  Thank you all who have ever whispered those descriptions to me, or behind my back. “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes,” and “Pollyanna…” Perhaps IF you ever walked in my shoes, you would understand and appreciate that life is too short. We must look for the good, not the bad, and we must learn to smell and appreciate the flowers. Perhaps a cliché? So, are the descriptions.

Yes, I am “Miss Goody-Two-Shoes” and I am proud of who I am today!

OK! Here I go again! Stepping on my soapbox before I walk, before I do Zumba, and before I get relaxed! I simply must get a few things off of my chest!

Here Goes!

Last night while rehearsing for the upcoming show for an organization I shall not name, I noticed something that disturbs me. Is it not the Twenty-first century in 2011? Do women really have equal rights? Well, if you watch the observations of some men, I dare say not!

During my rehearsal and the rehearsal of my best friend, we had lots of bright lights in our eyes. No problem. We have to get accustomed to the bright lights if we are on stage. After our rehearsal, I noticed that every time a male talent got on stage to perform the flash of a camera was an additional light. No problem. I felt certain that women would get their fair share. The scenario continued. Each time a woman performed, no flash. Each time a male performed — FLASH!

Since I am a member of several non-profit organizations, and the editor to a few, I know a lot about the political structure and how favoritism exists. Nevertheless, the more I observed this action, the more offended I became.

My husband noticed, so he inquired. While it is true I do not like to be photographed, I still believe in the rights of women to be treated equally. A few minutes later, a tap on my shoulder and a suggestion that ‘he didn’t mean to offend me.’ I wasn’t offended – just curious as to WHY only men were being photographed.

Looks like the squeaky wheel gets the oil — AGAIN! When rehearsals were over, all the ‘women who wanted to be photographed,’ and ‘those who didn’t get their photograph taken,’ were requested to approach the stage. Of course, my friend and I approached.

Today, in the mail I received another incident of how we women are still not considered the equal. A publication from one of the non-profit organizations I am a member of arrived in the mail. Flipping thru the mail, I almost trashed it thinking it was another unsolicited piece of junk mail. It wasn’t! This publication has been soliciting this format for at least over one year now. This is the first time in many months that I’ve actually taken the time to read it, since it is so small it screams out to me, ‘another piece of junk mail. I’m so small I’m not important!’ The MALE version of this organization publishes a magazine format magazine. Such a subliminal message! Just when will the world recognize ALL PEOPLE ARE EQUAL, REGARDLESS OF RACE, SEX, GENDER, RELIGION AND ON AND ON.

Off my soapbox and back to work — writing! Stay tuned!