Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Blog

  • Happy Tails — Little Cleet…Cleet


    Dearest Readers:

    Today I want to share more updates about the progression of our little foster child, our Schnauzer-Maltese mix, Cletus, aka “Little Cleet…Cleet.”

    I am happy to report that slowly, and I do mean ever so slowly, little Cleet, Cleet is learning that some humans are good and worthy of loving. Now that he is in our home, and comfortable, I have watched him growing, and loving us. A few weeks ago, we had a prospective adoptive family for him. Since I am a volunteer for Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas, they requested me to do a home inspection/interview. Cletus absolutely detests having a leash placed on his collar and he fights me every time I attempt one. This date was no different, so I placed him in a step-in halter, leashed. He relaxed and walked a bit. Perhaps Cleet, Cleet is aware of my hesitance and fear of leashing him since we kept him on a leash for a week whenever he went outside after running away from us. Now, he simply refuses to walk with a leash, although the step-in halter worked.

    Arriving at the couple’s home, I encouraged them to walk him on the leash. He was skittish at first, and then, he suddenly darted towards me, and jumped up on my leg, as if to say, “Help me, Mommy.” I was touched.

    Interviewing the couple while Cletus relaxed in the chair, I felt comfortable that all would be well with this couple. They had the tenderness and atmosphere I thought Cleet, Cleet would respond to; however, the next morning, I received a phone call. They decided to withdraw the application and not adopt Cletus.

    For about two days, Cletus responded to me, moving closer to me each time I touched him. Could he know that he was about to be adopted? I suspect he knew something was up, so I reassured him that all was AOK and he would still be with us, for a while. Friends have told me that we should adopt him, but we have so many animals now, I am hesitant; nevertheless, I believe if Cletus could express what he wanted, he would say ‘I have a home…right here…with the boys and this family.’

    With each day I am seeing new changes with Cletus. On one occasion, I was sitting in the den, with the other dogs around my shoulders (resting on the back of the sofa) and at my feet. Hank simply loves to curl around my feet. Perhaps to keep my feet warm? Who knows. Out of the corner of my recovering right eye, I saw Cletus, moving ever so slowly towards me. His head moved to the left, then the right…quickly, he dashed towards a toy and ran back into the breakfast room, with the toy in his mouth. This was a first! Now, Cletus wanted toys. He dropped the toy in his bed, deciding to find another. Carefully, he trotted to the den and the basket of toys. He snooped around, found a colorful rope and trotted back to his bed. I watched him for a few minutes, as he carried three toys to his bed!

    Another bit of encouragement — a few nights ago I placed Cleet, Cleet on my bed. He turned his body in several circles, noticing several pillows on the right side of the bed. Quickly, he jumped on the pillows and flopped down. Shakespeare wasn’t too happy about this, but a few minutes later, the two of them had their heads resting on the other, bonding as doggies do when they are comfortable.

    Resting my eye, I heard a growl, realizing it was Cletus. I patted him and he moved closer. I moved my hand, and when I did, little Cleet, Cleet licked my fingers! Another first! A few minutes later, he was playing with my fingers, gently gnawing at them!

    There are still occasions where little Cleet, Cleet will withdraw and refuse to respond. Last night while resting my eye again, I slipped my hand on him, patting him gently while singing a song to him. “I think you need a new name,” I said. He lifted his head.

    “How about Barney?”

    Cletus ignored me.

    “Well, sweet little Cleet, Cleet…what is a name you will respond to?”

    No response. Sometimes this sweet little bundle of charm can be quite stubborn!

    “How about Barnaby, Cleet…Cleet?”

    Cletus lifted his head, stood up and moved closer to me.

    “Hello little Barnaby.” His body was resting right next to me, as if he was glued to me!

    Perhaps now he has a new name. Many of my friends have said I needed to change his name. My response – not until he tells me the name he wants. At first, we called him Cletus. He gave us funny looks, so we called him Benjamin. He liked it for about a day. Today, I’ve addressed him as Barnaby and each time, he’s looked at me — deep into my eyes — something he’s never done before.

    Could it be that sweet little Cleet, Cleet and I are finally communicating, or could it be that he has observed how independent and somewhat sassy I can be — when something fails to please me? Maybe he’s taking notes from my behavior? Yes, that is just what this household needs, another opinionated, stubborn, feisty and independent family member!

    I suppose that will be another discussion — for another Happy Tail with Sweet Little Cleet…Cleet…the little boy who wants to find his own home, happiness and name.

    Hello, Barnaby!

     

  • Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas Announces a Fund-raising Cookbook


    ImageMarch 1, 2013

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    Contact:

    Barbie Perkins-Cooper, creativepr@bellsouth.net or srccookbook@aol.com

    “Doggone Good Cooking”, Cookbook scheduled for production — filled with delicious dishes for humans and animals alike.

    Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas [SRC] would like to announce the latest fundraiser for our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization – “Doggone Good Cooking”, Recipe Book, filled with 150 recipes and many images and collages of the rescue animals saved by SRC. The first edition cookbooks are on sale now for $20.00, with free shipping included. Profits from the “Doggone Good Cooking” Recipe Book will assist SRC with the vetting, rehabilitation, medical needs and rescuing of animals, including Schnauzers and other rescue animals that need our immediate care and fostering to save their lives.

    Imagine living a life fearful of humans, hungry, wet or tied by a chain to a tree, without water or food, or someone to care. Imagine human hands striking you, or using water hoses, or gardening tools to get you to move to the next area to do your business as a stud. Imagine a hoarding situation where animals are piled high, forgotten. Imagine a stranger or a family member removing you from a loving home, leaving you at a killing shelter. Such is the life of rescue animals no longer wanted by their families. Rescue animals used for breeding, puppy mills and other abusive, neglectful situations.’

    There are many heartbreaking situations that cause Schnauzers and other rescues to be treated in such a manner. When this occurs, Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas, [SRC] steps up to save these precious animals. According to their website, http://www.schnauzerrescueofthecarolinas.org “All of our adoption donations go back into helping with the care for other rescues. We are a group of volunteers within North Carolina, South Carolina, Southern Virginia, Eastern Tennessee, and Northern Georgia whose sole purpose is to rescue and secure loving, permanent homes for displaced Miniature, Standard and Giant Schnauzers. We foster our rescues in a loving family environment and spend many personal hours working with them to ensure that they are ready for a new home in an approved, adoptable family. We rescue because many animals would otherwise die. The average rate of animals killed each year by animal control facilities is 75% of all animals that enter their doors, the other 25% includes dogs and cats that are returned to their owners as well as those that are adopted.” The volunteers for SRC are a group of dedicated, loving members who strive to open their homes and hearts to these precious animals. The goal for SRC is to find adoptable homes for each animal. Fundraising helps to assist with the care, medical treatments and other necessary needs to give each animal a quality of life they deserve. SRC has opened their hearts to other animals, not necessarily of the Schnauzer breed.

    Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas is proud of their latest non-profit project which will provide additional funding to save the lives of abused and neglected rescue dogs. The 150 recipes included will be a great gift idea, including Soups, Salads and Sides, The Main Course, Sweet Treats, and Appetizers, Snacks and Critter Cuisine, ideal for people and pets.

    To purchase your copy of “Doggone Good Cooking”, please make checks in the amount of $20.00 payable to:

    Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas

    2323 Metts Avenue

    Wilmington, NC 28403

       

       

      

     

       

     

       
       

        

    For additional information, or to arrange an interview,

    Contact: Barbie Perkins-Cooper

    creativepr@bellsouth.net or srccookbook@aol.com


                           

     

     

  • WELCOME TO THE OSCARS


    Every year I watch the Oscars…at least, for a bit. I love to see the fashions, the glitz, glamour and bling, bling. Some of the gowns are magnificent. Others? Well, let’s just say, I enjoy fashion and glamour, and I certainly like to make that ‘grand entrance.’ 

    Tonight, I shall watch, hoping The Oscars is not boring – AGAIN. I look forward to seeing Barbra Streisand perform. Isn’t this the first time in over 30 years for her? She is such a class act.

    What else do I wish to see at The Oscars? There are so many great films out and I confess, I’ve only seen a few. As an aspiring screenwriter, I really should see more of them. My budget has convinced me to wait on some until they are available at Netflix, or at Walmart.

    I am pulling for “Zero Dark Thirty,” only because I’ve seen it and thought it was a great movie. I had my doubts about it, but must admit, it kept me on the edge of my seat. The language wasn’t what I expected as I anticipated the ‘four letter words’ and such. I was so thankful for that! I detest movies with the “F” word as a main character! If you haven’t seen “Zero Dark Thirty,” you must add it to your list.

    Oops…I must go and freshen up. The Oscars Red Carpet starts at 7pm tonight, and I simply must freshen up a bit — to admire, dream and wish I could wear one of those amazing designer gowns. Did I mention I’m on a budget. I live in the South and Congress is apparently refusing to decide what to do with the Sequestrian. Just when will those ‘good ole boys’ get their act together and realize the United States needs to work together as a team to boost our economy, but that is another editorial, coming soon!

    Perhaps that is why I enjoy The Oscars. It is a great escape for me to dream about life in tinseltown “Hollywood” and to wish I could live in such luxury.

    Oh well. It’s back to reality, isn’t it!

     

  • Meeting Influential People Who Change Our Lives – A Toast


    “People…People who need people are the luckiest people in the world…” and so goes the song recorded in September, 1964 by Barbra Streisand. That special song influenced me so much as I grew from childhood, recognizing that during my journey to adulthood I would meet  people…perhaps a person…one very special person…

    “With one person – One very special person… A feeling deep in your soul…Says you are half now you’re whole…No more hunger and thirst…But first be a person who needs people
    People, people who need people…are the luckiest people in the world…”

    As a singer, I’ve rehearsed, and rehearsed to sing “People”, coming to the conclusion that no one sings it better than Barbra Streisand. Never have I sang “People” in public, but there are many times the song plays in my mind, especially when I think about the special people who are in my life.

    I met such a person when I was blessed to meet Theresa Brousseau. A tall brunette, warm, inviting and engaging, Theresa Brousseau and I connected immediately during our first conversation. Engaged to one of her sons for a brief while, when I met her, she became my unofficial adopted mom. After our breakup, she kept in touch with me, sharing advice, guiding me along my way. Over the years, Theresa and I became close friends. Every year at Christmas, we exchanged Christmas cards and phone calls. Sometimes our phone conversations were lengthy, sharing bits and pieces of our lives, sharing stories about her son, his marriage, children, divorce and life.

    During this time, I was married and when Theresa phoned, I let my husband know our conversations were not planned exchanges for us but phone conversations of two dear friends. In all reality, Theresa was more of a mother to me than my mother was. Instead of addressing Theresa by her name, she became “Mom Brousseau.”

    After my marriage, I explained to my husband that Mom Brousseau was someone I wanted to keep in touch with; after all, she embraced me with love when she met me and she continued to share her love over the many years of our relationship.

    Every Christmas our phone conversations shared stories of our lives. She was close to all of her grandchildren, and she was active in the Catholic church and the community of Nashua, New Hampshire. She shared stories of cold weather, especially the snow storms of New England. She asked me if I was happy with my life. Did my husband treat me well? How was my relationship with my mother? When she asked the last question, I became silent. Did I dare share my estranged relationship with my mother?

    A few minutes into this conversation, Theresa listened to my tears. “It’s OK, dear. I know your mother was a hard woman to understand.,..”

    “How did you know?”

    “Remember when we met.”

    My mind drifted back to that special Christmas…the Christmas I met my future-in-laws. I remembered the warm, tight hug Theresa gave me and how I laughed saying “I’ve never had a motherly hug like that…It felt good.”

    Life has a way of changing our plans, along with our dreams, but Theresa and I kept our bonding tight. She was an amazing woman.

    Three years ago it suddenly dawned on me that Theresa and I hadn’t spoken in a while. Her phone number was imbedded in my brain, so I dialed the number, only to reach a recording. Surfing on the Internet, I discovered her home was for sale. Although I attempted to locate her, I wasn’t successful until I checked the obituaries. Reading her obituary, I realized she had passed away in a Hospice. How I hope and pray she was not alone at the Hospice.

    Last night, I dreamed about Theresa again. Tears flow down my face as I think about her and how she influenced my life. Hungering for a mother’s love all of my childhood, Theresa was the one woman who reached out, hugged me and showed me in so many ways how much she cared. To say I miss her phone calls, her laughter, her words of “I love you, Dear,” all are an understatement. No, we were not related. I did not marry into her family, but we shared a bonding, a tight connection, from the moment we first spoke on the phone, on the day her son broke up with me, and future phone calls.

    Theresa Brousseau was one of the most influential people to come into my life. For many years, I was blessed to know her. Now that she is gone, I truly miss her. Theresa, aka — Mom Brousseau, I miss you, your laughter, strength, encouragement and love so very much. If children could choose a parent, no doubt I would’ve chosen you. Rest in peace, while knowing you were a very special person in my life.

    “With one person
    One very special person
    A feeling deep in your soul
    Says you are half now you’re whole
    No more hunger and thirst
    But first be a person who needs people
    People, people who need people…are the luckiest people in the world.”

  • Happy Valentine’s Day


    Today, February 14, 2013 is Valentine’s Day. Reportedly, Valentine’s Day began when ‘a French man by the name of Charles, the Duke of Orleans wrote the first Valentine after he was captured during a battle in 1415.’ There are many beliefs about the importance of Valentine’s Day…how the Romans celebrated a festival on February 15…An additional myth is “Valentine’s Day is based on a belief that birds pick their mates on February 14, especially love birds.”  http://www.sunniebunniezz.com/holiday/valenday.htm 

    For me, Valentine’s Day grew to become a special day for love and appreciation after my husband had heart surgery in February, 1998. When the doctor met with me after my husband’s surgery, I jokingly shared that I was surprised he actually found a heart. “Sometimes he appears to be heartless,” I responded, thanking him for letting me know the prognosis.

    My husband’s recovery was short. He simply refused to rest and follow the doctor’s orders. He quit smoking, but he’s gained a significant amount of weight, blaming it on not smoking anymore. The reality is ‘he lives to eat.’

    Since 1998, there has been a new appreciation for us at Valentine’s Day. Today is no exception.

    If you are reading this, why not take an extra moment in time to let your loved ones know that they are a part of your Valentine’s Day…no matter who they are…no matter where they live, or what they believe…take one moment in time to say, “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

    Yes, no doubt today you will see lots of red…lots of expensive roses and flowers, cupids, red hearts, candies, love birds, arrows, and all that apply to a Happy Valentine’s Day. Years before his surgery, my husband used excuses for Valentine’s Day. He was ‘too busy,,,he forgot…besides, Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers, not married people…’ and so on. Funny, in 1998, he began taking the time to get me a card for Valentine’s Day. A nice card…something he actually picked out himself. Perhaps he found a new heart  after his heart surgery!

    Regardless who you are, please take a moment today on Valentine’s Day, to let those who are cherished by you, know how much they mean to you.

    A simple “Happy Valentine’s Day” will do!

  • On Whitney Houston


    February 11, 2013 was the first anniversary of the world’s loss of a dynamic singer/performer, Whitney Houston. The world still mourns her loss, along with her magnificent voice.

    To her family and friends, I wish you peace. Yes, it was heartbreaking to watch her “Homecoming” ceremony. I was one of the many glued to the television and my heart broke when “I Will Always Love You,” was played as she was carried in her casket from the church, to her final resting place.

    Words cannot describe how much we miss Whitney. The last of her years were not that good – drug addiction along with the loss of her voice. When she struggled to come back, I cheered her on and was mesmerized by her performance in “Sparkle.”

    For me, as a dedicated fan, I cannot understand why so many of our performers grow so attached to the drugs that eventually kill them. Look at the loss of Elvis Presley in 1977 – a victim of prescribed drugs. Since 1977, there have been many losses of our idols. Such a shame.

    For Whitney, I wish her well, hoping and praying that she is singing her heart out in Heaven. God had a purpose for her. Although we miss her, perhaps she continues to sing “I Will Always Love You,” for our loved ones in Heaven.

    God bless you, Whitney. We “Will Always Love You!”

  • Top 10 Workout Songs – February 2013


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs For February

    Fort Wayne, IN – February 1, 2013 – If you’re the sort of person who thinks a trip the gym should sound like a night at the club, this is the playlist for you. Ke$ha makes two appearances. Overseas icons Martin Solveig and Zedd contribute a pair of crossover hits. Lastly, Kelly Clarkson and Rihanna get remixed for the dance floor.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.

    Zedd & Foxes – Clarity – 129 BPM
    Ke$ha – C’mon – 125 BPM
    Bridgit Mendler – Ready or Not – 94 BPM
    Martin Solveig & Dev – We Came to Smash – In a Black Tuxedo – 132 BPM
    Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding – I Need Your Love – 128 BPM
    Rihanna – Diamonds (Congorock Remix) – 126 BPM
    Icona Pop & Charli XCX – I Love It (Cobra Starship Remix) – 130 BPM
    Conor Maynard & Ne-Yo – Turn Around – 128 BPM
    Kelly Clarkson – Catch My Breath (Cash Cash Remix) – 128 BPM
    Ke$ha, Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa, Becky G – Die Young (Remix) – 128 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: Admin@RunHundred.com
    ###

  • Holding My Breath in Anticipation that AT&T UVerse Works — This Time


    Dear Readers:

    I am pleased to report that AT&T communicated well with me this morning, sending a text stating that today is the day for your repair…then a phone call from the technician stating he would be at the house within 20 minutes. He was scheduled between the hours of 12-4pm. He arrived a few minutes before 12, which was great!

    The technician – I think his name was Mike, was most professional, walked inside, got to work to inspect and solve the problem. Apparently the phone and modem were connected together and at times I suppose they ‘over communicated.’ Don’t ask me. I’m a writer, not a computer technician. When I have difficulties with my computers, I contact my husband.

    No, my husband did not connect our UVerse. That was performed while I was so sick, and I could not even describe who came to our home then. My husband was home — attempting to take care of a most sick wife, the psychotic babies that live here — our pups, and he had to be here to let the installer for UVerse inside the house. I do recall they had to install fiber optics, and the rest is a total fog.

    All I know is that installation and UVerse is when the problems started. In December, I recall attempting to use the landline phone only to discover it was ‘dead.’ I didn’t call about that. You must remember, during that time, I was useless to everyone — especially to myself. So happy that I am well now, and let us hope UVerse is well.

    I look over at the modem, all the green lights are working, and there appears to be a gray box just a bit from it. Also, we have a new phone jack now, so the phone can be connected – apart from the modem.

    Don’t ask me the details! All I truly care about is that my landline phone appears to be working — for now. I’ll not have confidence in it until I use it to call my dearest friend in North Carolina. Every time we attempted to chat recently, either the phone would make a noise, or her voice would fade away – only to return mid sentence. I lost all confidence in UVerse then, especially when I would disconnect, to phone her again — only to either get a loud ‘fax’ noise, a bunch of busy signals, or a recording that her phone was no longer working. Duh! Do they think I have no intelligence and actually believe these recordings? Her phone was working only moments ago, when I phoned her! I suppose all of this technology is computer generated, so who knows if the problems are solved.

    As for me — I do hope the problems and headaches I’ve tolerated with AT&T UVerse and ‘bundling’ are resolved. I want to be a nice person on the phone — not someone who wishes she could slip her hands inside the phone system to choke the next customer service rep I spoke with. My hats go off to AT&T customer service reps. They are always so courteous to me. I was to the point that if one more of them said to me, “Yes, Ms. Cooper, I understand your frustration and I am here to resolve it for you…’ I was about ready to let the monster raging inside of me go on the attack — and I am not a violent person! ‘Calm down, Barbie. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe in. Breathe out!’ Sometimes yoga and meditation makes one want to do fooling things! ‘Inhale. Exhale.’ There. I feel better now, while I chew on my fingernails — something I never do!

    So, let us hope the headaches with AT&T UVerse are resolved and I’ll not have to see any more technicians come to my home.

    I think the beach is calling my name, or perhaps walking the bridge again — with one exception –it is so brisk and windy today, I doubt I could do either, and so I write…and I attempt to get the clutter from my office area demolished, shredded, or packed away.

    Hello, AT&T — thank you so much for your customer service today. Let us hope this chapter of my life is closed so I may adventure into some fun and relaxing adventures!

    I am so ready for some fun!

  • AT&T Still SUCKS


    Hello, Readers:

    Yes, it is me. Barbie Perkins-Cooper –once again stepping into the shoes of Julia Sugarbaker to inform my reading public about AT&T UVerse!

    IF you are even considering ‘hooking up’ with AT&T for ‘bundling’ or UVerse think twice. I have been on the phone with them AGAIN after my landline UVerse went out again.

    Now, I have an additional credit on my phone. Whoopee!

    Tomorrow, dispatch is scheduled to visit my home again — oh joy — just like they were scheduled last week and failed to show because “Dispatch was cancelled since AT&T is having technical problems.” I let them know they better show this time, or they will deal with me once again, and this time — well, Hell have no fury like a woman scorned! And Yes, I have caps on in this paragraph for a reason — I am so annoyed.

    How I wish my husband had not decided to switch to the ‘bundling with AT&T while I was so sick. That is something I can’t change, but I can certainly let my readers know about my experience.

    Hello, AT&T — yes, this is Barbie Perkins-Cooper, reporting once again about the disservice I am getting with your new toy — UVerse! Why don’t you fix it? I am sick of calling you daily to report “my phone or Internet doesn’t work — AGAIN!

    What ever happened to customer service in America? At least AT&T customer service reps handle the situation well.

    Let’s just say — the Julia Sugarbaker in me kicked in again — and this time, she is ramming the newsstand just to get her point across!

    I can only imagine how many landline business calls I am missing since UVerse chose to have these ridiculous problems again. This is getting to be a daily adventure for me.

    Readers, stay tuned! The adventures of UVerse is coming to a city near you. Let us hope and pray you have a landline and an Internet that really works! I don’t like working or playing with ‘big boy toys,’ and that is all that UVerse is. If I had to critique it or grade it — it would get a BIG F. On a scale of 1 to 10 with ten being the absolutely worst — AT&T gets 10, and that is not good!

    AT&T are you listening?

  • Hello, AT&T UVerse — Are You Listening???


    How am I doing this morning, questions Facebook. Are you certain you want an answer, FB? OK — here goes. Got up early after battling sleep – tired, but ready to check e-mail and surf the net for research purposes. You’ll never guess what I discovered! The wonderful — ever so dependable (NOT) DEPENDABLE — more like Pony Express dependability— UVERSE is not working AGAIN! I did all the diagnostic testing I could do. I phoned the catalog of phone numbers I am collecting — using my IPhone since the ever dependable land line is NOT WORKING AGAIN!

    By the time I connect with a rep, I am touched by her professional mannerism and ability to assist someone who is more like a displeased Julia Sugarbaker than the classy lady I always prefer being. You must understand — this is at least the sixth or seventh time I’ve dealt with these issues in the past week, and that does not include the days of no phone service when I was so sick — during December and early January. During those weeks, my head was a fog of illness and no one wanted to speak with me! Trust me, I am not a nice Steel Magnolia when I’m sick! Just don’t cross my path!

    Since we’ve had so many issues with UVerse, I supposedly have a credit on my UVerse bill, although I haven’t received the bill yet. Shouldn’t I be compensated for my time. Aren’t my skills, frustrations and professionalism worthy? Maybe not. I’m still just a bit P-O’d!

    For now, if someone asked me how I liked the ‘bundling plan’ with AT&T, I would say — RUN don’t walk away, and don’t EVEN consider bundling. Just cancel your landline and be thankful for cell phones!

    If someone asked me how I liked UVerse…I would probably step into the shoes of Julia Sugarbaker and say —

    “How do I like UVerse? You are truly asking me for my opinion of how I like UVerse?”

    “Well…let’s just say, UVerse appears to take a landline to a part of the Universe that has only barbarian lifestyles and not the lifestyle I am accustomed to living in the Twenty-first Century! UVerse appears to not work, more than it works…and when you book an appointment for dispatch to come to your home, while you wait…and Wait…anD WAIT…when you finally call them after waiting for four hours, you are told that “there have been a few problems within the Southeast, and all dispatch was cancelled for today…”

    Not even the courtesy of a phone call? No one had the decency to phone? “Not even an intern? Excuse me, I thought this was the computer era, where computers generate telephone calls to us during intimate hours…during hours where we are sitting with our families having dinner…during additional hours where we are attempting to relax, take a refreshing bath, or during times when we simply want privacy…and now you tell me that no one had the decency to phone my cell phone to let me know that NO ONE is coming to my home today, to repair these issues? My phone is still dead. Thank God I have a cell phone…Do I make myself clear, AT&T?”

    This morning, I was so ready for them, but when the nice, courteous, professional customer service rep spoke, my demeanor changed — immediately. I suppose it is true, and I have practiced this all of my life — “Kill with kindness.”

    AT&T has truly pushed my buttons lately, while I still collect e-mails with instructions of what to do — those e-mails failed to work this morning. Resetting the modem three times before calling failed to work…and I am supposed to be kind?

    And I ask you, UVerse, how is it that when I finally get the right person to speak with, she directs me to ‘reset the modem…’

    My reply, “I’ve done that three times so far. It hasn’t worked.”

    “Let’s try it once more.”

    OK — I place the cell phone down. Disconnect the modem, count to ten, and then to fifteen, reconnect the modem, and the bloody thing decides to work. I check the speaker of my land line…It works.

    OK — so let’s face it. Phones were created by Alexander Graham Bell — a man. Computers were created by a male dominated population, and of course, if you ask “Gore” the Internet was created by him. So, it’s obvious…this type of technology doesn’t like women!

    Who cares, I say — at least the stupid technology is working for now. How Long? Good question…maybe I’ll ask a man to respond, just to see how he will react.

    On second thought –maybe I’ll get a nice cup of coffee, read the local newspaper — The Post and Courier, and look for the typos and grammar imperfections! Now, that’s an idea!