My Monday Mistake

Before you get frustrated with the kiosk assistant because the automated computer can’t find your flight itinerary, demand immediate attention from a random airline employee because you don’t want to wait in the bag check line for further assistance, and actually curse at another check-in woman because she too can’t find your flight information---even though you’ve provided a confirmation number---just make sure that you’re trying to check into the right airlines (In this specific case I was booked on United not American). Sorry about all that. Lesson definitely learned.

The Most I've Ever Paid to Fill Up My Tank, Brutal

What? Why?

This is the sign that stands outside of Club Lucky on Friday nights. I laughed out loud. Why so strict? After a quick google search, I discovered that MC colors stands for Motorcycle Club colors. Who knew? Apparently, that is absolutely prohibited. I was puzzled by all the rules and regulations, especially since this bar/restaurant is attached to a movie theatre. You're basically disqualifying everyone that goes to the movies on a Friday night. But do they stick? Yes. I watched two European tourists, wearing baggy clothing, high-tops, and stylish hats rejected at the door. In this type of economy, that's just bad business in my opinion.

My Beef with the Locksmith

This weekend, I foolishly locked myself out of a New York apartment. I was putting bags of trash in the hallway to be taken downstairs when the door slammed shut, automatically locking me out.

I was stranded with no shoes and no money. There was also no door man and no hidden spare key. I knocked on a neighbor’s door to get the maintenance man’s number. He informed me that he was not working today and that it would take him 45 minutes to get there, plus a whopping $80 for his services.

Frustrated, I contacted a locksmith who informed me that he could have someone there in 15-minutes for the same price. I went with the locksmith. Another man arrived 20-minutes later, out of breath from the 5-flights of stairs he was forced to climb.

Before starting, he went over pricing with me. According to this ass****, it would cost $80 to unlock the door. It would cost $35 for his services. Plus, it would cost an additional $125 to replace the lock that he was going to have to drill out. I stood there in shock. “What happened to the original $80 price I was quoted on the phone?” I asked. He explained that his co-worker did not understand the work that was needed, which is why he was explaining the different costs before he began. However, if I paid cash, he would “do me a favor” and charge $195 for the entire thing instead. “That’s a scam,” I shouted. “How can you quote one price and then charge three times as much?” The words sounded naïve as soon as I blurted them out. I had to remind myself that I wasn't in Kansas anymore.

The locksmith stood there with a blank stare, completely unwilling to budge. I refused to pay the exaggerated price and he left. I had to call the maintenance man again and beg for his services. Two hours and $80 later, I was back in the apartment. Defeated, I cancelled my dinner reservations that night and opted for Chinese takeout instead.

Who Wants Cake?

I recently threw a massive surprise party for my brother’s 25th birthday. Since my mom owns a bakery I ordered a gigantic cake. I said I wanted it to be “huge.” We decided on a German Chocolate masterpiece. This took two people to deliver. When my father dragged it into my apartment, I asked, “Do you think this is big enough?” He laughed in my face. We now have leftovers for Max’s next 10-birthdays.

My Big Mistake

I hate to admit it but I make mistakes sometimes too.

Last Friday I was traveling from Chicago to New York. I arrived at ORD a bit early and paid $75 to get on an earlier United Airlines flight. That’s right; United charged me a whopping $75 to make the change even though I’m a MileagePlus cardholder and travel with them all the time. When I got on the plane, a flight attendant informed me that there was no more room for my carry-on luggage and that I had to gate check the bag. I was annoyed but happy I had gotten on the earlier flight and handed it over.

That was my BIG mistake.

When I arrived at LGA, my bag wasn’t there when I walked off the plane. I was told I had to pick it up at baggage claim. I found it at carousal #1 (I think) and ran out the door to catch a cab.
But when I opened my carry-on at my final destination I was shocked to discover someone had stolen my jewelry pouch from inside by luggage. I had several pieces of valuable jewelry in a gold purse that I had slipped in my carry-on because I never expected to have had to check it.

Someone had opened my bag and swiped the pouch after it was gate checked (The picture above is a piece that survived the attack.)

As you can image, everything after that was complicated. The first person I called to file a complaint with was a COMPLETE idiot and in five minutes gave me four different types of
instructions. The second person I spoke to was much better and helpful. Basically I had to file a report. I also had to fill out a form and try and show “proof of purchase” for the missing items.

Let’s see, where am I going to find a receipt for a pair of pearl earrings my parents gave me for
college graduation six-years ago?

This is what I hope happens:

1. The dirty thief gets caught and I get all my stuff back
2. United reimburses me for my stolen jewelry, my plane ticket and the $75 it cost for an upgrade.

This is what will probably happen: Nothing. They’ll apologize for the inconvenience but say they’re not responsible for jewelry.

My advice to you is never ever check anything that is valuable. And don’t forget to take it out if you’re forced to.

Who Else Out There Hates Public Restrooms?

I can't stand them. I absolutely hate the fact that someone else can hear me while I'm going to the bathroom. So, over the years I've had to go to extremes to work around my complex.

If I'm at home and someone is visiting me, I always leave the water running while I'm going to the bathroom. I know, it's a complete waste of H2O, but I'm crazy. I also scout out private stalls wherever I am. College was the easiest for that. While working downtown in Chicago one summer, I would literally leave my office building, walk to a hotel next door, take an escalator up to the 3rd floor and use a private restroom there...I kid you not.

You'd think that at the age of 27-years-old I'd just get over it by now. No way. If I'm going to the bathroom and someone walks in, I automatically get stage freight and have to wait until they leave. It's a painful process. I'm also the girl in the stall next to you that starts to laugh when someone farts. It's a horrible quality of mine.

These flaws are why I'm absolutely ecstatic about my new job. There's a private bathroom! I can do my business and not have to worry one bit about it.

The catch...I have absolutely no problem going to the bathroom around members of my immediate family (including mom, dad and brother). I'll leave the door WIDE open, chit chatting away, while I'm using the lou. It's a sick problem. Everyone else is a nightmare.

If you're still willing to be my friend after reading this, thank you. I just had to flush it all out there.