Wednesday, December 19, 2012

LONG TIME VERIZON CUSTOMER

LONG TIME VERIZON CUSTOMER

   Human beings do not like change.  That is a long established fact.  I have chosen to use Verizon as my wireless carrier for a long time.  I believe I first purchased a wireless phone in 2001, for obvious reasons:  my children were in school and I was working away from home for 12-14 hours at a time.  How do you treat customers who have been with you for 11-12 years?  You really do everything reasonable to keep them, right? 
   My Significant Other has been looking at the Samsung Galaxy Note 2's lately.  He said he saw advertisement on the television for buy one, get one on them.  He asked me if I would use one.  He also wanted to get his daughter the iphone.  We both have talk and text right now.  He is month to month with his carrier and my 2-year contract is up in a couple of months.  I really did not want to sign another contract.  His daughter has a pre-paid phone.
   However, I really will do a lot to put a smile on his face.  So, I gave Verizon a call.  They currently have their Galaxy 2's for $300.00-more or less.  I asked them if they would do a bogo on them, or sell them for $150.00 each.  The first rep. I talked with was pleasant but said she could do nothing for me. 
   I went online to search for the bogo that he referred to.  I could not find a carrier that offered it.
   I called Verizon back and asked for a supervisor.  Sometimes the supervisors really do appreciate the long time customers and will work with us if it is something reasonable.  Understand that buying three smart phones would require a data plan, a new contract and access for the phones.  So, basically that would guarantee the 3 phones for 24 months of service.  To add the lines, it is $30.00 each plus the data.  Three phones X 24 months at #30.00 each equals $2160.00.  That would mean if they would give up $150.00 for one of the Galaxy phones, they would gain at least $2160.00.  Simple math, right?  Would you give $150.00 for $2160.00?  Only a fool wouldn't!
   I was patched through to Andrea, a supervisor.  We talked for a minute.  I explained what I wanted to do and how it would benefit her company.  She stalled for time and claimed to be researching other companies for the bogo.  I really didn't call to find out which carrier was offering it, as I did not want to change carriers.  She finally said she would not sell the phones at the price I was asking for:  $300.00 for the two Galaxys and $100.00 for the iphone and $2160 for the service.
   So, I wished her a merry Christmas and hung up the phone.  Maybe we can elect her as our next President of America.  Some people just don't get it!

What are your thoughts?

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

UPDATE:  December 21, 2012

   I was awakened this morning by the phone ringing.  It was a lady from Verizon saying she had received my e-mail about the phones I was wanting to get for my Significant Other.  She thanked me for staying with Verizon for the past ten years and proceeded to tell me all the options I had, such as I could settle for a different phone or buy them from someone else, or wait a couple of years to purchase them, etc. 
   I thanked her for her trouble but really, I do not have mush for brains.  I am not a Democrat.  I possess critical thinking skills.  I already knew my options.   
   I don't need the phones.  My S.O. wanted to get one for me and one for his baby girl when he gets one for him AND he WILL get them.  I wanted to show him how great the people at Verizon were and how they appreciate loyalty,  how they understood good business sense.   Oh, well.  I was wrong on this one.
   Merry Christmas.
  
 

Friday, December 7, 2012

WINTER SAUSAGE SOUP

WINTER SAUSAGE SOUP


   I was going through my cookbooks the other day and came across the following recipe by Tincy Casey.  I don't know Tincy personally, but I am looking forward to trying this soup.  I hope the weather will turn cooler before long:

2 lbs smoked sausage, sliced, fried, and drained
1 medium onion
2 C carrots
1 (28oz.) can tomatoes, chopped and drained
1 C chopped celery
4 C cubed potatoes
1 C. rich beef broth
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T brown sugar
1 t black pepper
4 C shredded cabbage

Put everything except sausage in a large stock pot.  Let it come to a boil; lower heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.  Add sausage. 

   It seems simple enough.  I will update this post after I try the soup.


update:  The entire family (three generations) really enjoys this soup all year around.


You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

RUSSIAN TEACAKES

RUSSIAN TEACAKES





   This recipe is another favorite of my children.  For the past couple of years, I have been baking cookies for my families.   I feel it is more rewarding and is a better reflection of my love for them.

1 C margarine, softened
1/2 C powdered sugar
1 t vanilla
2 1/4 C all-purpose flour
1/4 t salt
3//4 C finely chopped nuts
powdered sugar

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix margarine, 1/2 C powdered sugar and the vanilla.  Stir in flour, salt, and nuts.  Shape dough into 1 inch balls.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake until set but not brow, 8 to 9 minutes.  Roll in powdered sugar while warm;  cool.  ROLL IN POWDERED SUGAR AGAIN.   about 4 dozen cookies

Let me know what you thought about them.

You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com