cabenson: (Bruin Thomas)
[personal profile] cabenson
Mrs. CB and I spent the weekend rolling from one car place to another in search of the ideal vehicles at the ideal price. Were we successful? Hell yes! but I'll get to that in a minute.

Have you ever had a really bad "customer service" experience? One that was bad enough that simply shrugging it off wasn't an option? One that has you writing letters and boycotting businesses? We had an experience like that yesterday. Most of you have heard of Wendy's Hamburgers. Columbus is the "home" of Wendy's International and just as NYC has a Starbucks on every block, we have a Wendy's everywhere we turn. And we go there at least once a week, if not more when we are really busy.

We usually do take-out, but yesterday we wanted to talk cars, so we went inside to eat. I was paying for the order while Mrs. CB grabbed napkins and ketchup and such. As I was getting my change, I saw Mrs CB slip and fall. There was grease all over the floor-someone in the kitchen must have had it on their shoes. Not watching the clerk because I was asking the wife if she was okay, the change didn't make it from the clerk's hand to mine. As I am turning to apologize for dropping that one penny, the clerk actually said, "Dang! You don't need to grab it out of my hand! It's not my fault!" I think you can imagine my shock. I lowered my voice and gave her The Look. I explained that I couldn't have grabbed it from her hand because I was paying attention to my partner who was sprawled out all over their greasy floor. I was pissed beyond pissed, but surprisingly, kept my cool. I did ask to see the manager but the manager never came out. We're going to write a letter of complaint, not so much because the kid behind the counter was being a little bitch, but because we asked to see a manager and no one came out- hell, no one even asked Mrs. CB if she was okay except me. And really, someone could have been seriously injured. Thank god Mrs. CB is a tough old broad.

She did take her frustration out on a Ford dealer who was unfortunate enough to treat my gal like a "stupid woman". She was looking at a Focus and said, "Oh it gets 25 and 28." The salesman said, "Those numbers signify how they measure the miles per gallon." I seriously thought of just running back to the car and taking off, but if I had, I would have missed Mrs. CB dragging this guy from car to car to car in 90 degree heat even though she had no intention of purchasing one of their cars.

So, yeah, cars. We left today in my 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Sport Coupe to check out a dealer's inventory and came home with:

A 2006 Toyota Matrix XR for me in Indigo Ink Blue with a light gray interior. This car is marketed as a wagon, b ut it's really a compact SUV Power package, great mileage, 6-disc CD player with 6 speakers, AUTOMATIC for my poor back, power sun roof- it's the car I really wanted for a deal we could not pass up. And I got $1000 more in trade-in for the Cav than I thought I would.

Mrs. CB fell in love with a 2006 Toyota Corolla Sport in Impulse Red-it looks like a candy apple- with a dark charcoal interior. She has the power package and the sport package and OMG! a 6-CD player. Her Imprezia had a cassette deck. And you know what? Mrs. CB looks really good in it too!

So this week is gonna be a little less busy now. I go back to the surgeon tomorrow-although the infection seems to have let up, there is a hard mass there again. I think we may just try to have the thing removed when I'm off next month. What's one more surgical scar on my back?

My niece and nephews are visiting my parents for the next 2 weeks so I need to try and get up there to see them. We see The Dixie Chicks a week from tonight- SO looking forward to that show. Bruin got mad and hissed at me last night. We have since made up (kitty treats and shredded cheese!)

The most important thing happening this week is something I just learned about a few hours ago. My stepmother has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is having surgery on Tuesday. It looks like they caught it in time, but she and my dad never want to worry us kids so we don't know a whole lot about what's going on. She's really one of the most wonderful, caring and giving people I have ever had the pleasure to know, so if you have a few extra prayers hanging around Tuesday morning, send them her way.

Okay, I think that's about it. Have a good Monday, people! And drink lots of water and stay cool!

Date: 2006-07-17 02:35 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jandyle.livejournal.com
Wow, lots to comment on.

I'm really sorry to hear about your stepmother. I hate it when my parents have medical "things" and don't tell me much so I don't worry. They should really have learned by now I just worry more that way. I'll be sending good thoughts and strength her way (and some to you, too, of course).

Wendy's is evil, but I'm pretty sure they put crack in the 99 cent chicken nuggets because...damn. But I would so totally write a letter/call/be a general bitch after the way you were treated today. Yuck!

Oh, and yay for new cars! Pretty. :)

Date: 2006-07-17 10:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
Thanks for the well wishes. My hope is that since it's same-day surgery it's a simple lumpectomey.

Wendy's is gonna get a BIG letter!

New car smell is lourve :)

Date: 2006-07-17 02:43 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stargazer1960.livejournal.com
Thanks for all your patience in the heat, baby.
And thanks for my cool icon.

Date: 2006-07-17 10:45 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
You are welcome squared.

Date: 2006-07-17 02:47 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] saveferris.livejournal.com
Wendy's is the place I love to hate. Love the food, hate what it does to my waist-line.

As is typical for someone nursing along a 13 year old car, I frequently have in the back of my mind 'the list' of cars I'd pick from if the Integra died today. Toyota's are looking good to me. They obviously worked for you and Mrs. CB! Congrats, Congrats! I think my first test drive would be the Yaris. Did you look at that one?

I (and I'm sure you and Mrs. CB, too) can't wait to raise a glass and toast the end of your back issues...

Most importantly: Sorry to hear about your stepmother. You bet I'll have some prayers to spare.

Date: 2006-07-17 03:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lietya.livejournal.com
Good luck finding a Yaris to look at. :) We've been looking all over two states, and leaving our phone #s at all the dealerships, but they're just flying off the lots!

I can vouch for Toyotas; we've got a 13-year-old car of our own, a Camry with 190K miles, and it's still running beautifully and our mechanic says we could get another 5 years out of it. (I'd rather *not,* of course!)

Date: 2006-07-17 03:53 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] saveferris.livejournal.com
If there's God or something similar, I won't have to worry about looking for another year or two... and by then supply should work it's magic on demand.

I would love a new or newer car, I just don't want a car payment until it's absolutely necessary.

Date: 2006-07-17 10:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
Wendy's is the only fast food burger I'll eat...but I swear I didn't order a side of 'tude with it.

We are very pleased with not only the deals we got, but the service we received at Toyota as well. When the finance guy found out we were a couple, he offered to re-write the loans in both names (which we declined because we had just waited an hour so he could play interpreter to some chick who didn't have Teh Credit) And the car is perfect! Just high enough without being obnoxious. Of course I make up for that part ;)

Thanks for the thoughts for my stepmom-every little bit helps.

Date: 2006-07-17 02:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dragynflies.livejournal.com
Completely off topic, but I was driving around town yesterday and saw someone with the license plate MRS CBS. And I totally thought "What are they doing in Wisconsin?"

Date: 2006-07-17 10:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
Bwahahahahahaha! Maybe we'll drive that-a-way some day . Barring any relapses, my back should be up to serious car travel by next summer.

Date: 2006-07-17 02:57 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lietya.livejournal.com
Oooh, you both have excellent taste! :) (we're Toyota fanatics - 2 Camries and plans to buy a Yaris or Camry hybrid, depending.)

I'm really glad Mrs. CB is OK, but what a little witch at the counter.

And good for her for making that Ford dealer pay. (You wouldn't want a Ford anyway. Most of 'em are dreadfully unreliable.)

Date: 2006-07-17 03:01 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lietya.livejournal.com
(oh, and of course my good thoughts to your stepmother!)

Date: 2006-07-17 10:51 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
We are very pleased with the Toyotas. We had b een leaning that way all along, but it was hard for me to give up 15 years as a Chevy driver.

And thanks for the good thoughts :)

Date: 2006-07-17 03:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eclecticfan.livejournal.com
just had to one up me, huh stud?

;P

congrats on the cars - very nice indeed

at least my new toy wont take years to pay off....

Date: 2006-07-17 10:53 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
just had to one up me, huh stud?
Should I mention I have high-speed cable too? Besides, you still have me beat with a website and a smoking camera. And now a bitching laptop.

Date: 2006-07-18 12:41 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eclecticfan.livejournal.com
Should I mention I have high-speed cable too?

now that's just mean... ::pouts::

and hope your step-mom came through with flying colors!

Date: 2006-07-17 03:08 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] maroukian.livejournal.com
I certainly hope your stepmother's treatment is successful. It is encouraging that they believe they have caught it in time.

Congratulations on the cool new wheels! I really like that Matrix. And everyone knows about the Corolla's reliability and it's all optioned out- cool! I think you made terrific choices!

Date: 2006-07-17 10:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
Thanks for the well-wishes for my stepmom. I'll be hovering by the phone tomorrow.

Mrs. CB drove the Matrix to pick me up from work and couldn't get over the height on the vehicle. Almost as high as a van, but oh-so-much smaller and trendier

Date: 2006-07-17 04:36 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bodhi-chenrezig.livejournal.com
Sorry to hear about your Mum.. Hope she does ok and they get it all.

and congrats on the car-age.

Date: 2006-07-17 10:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
Thanks dude!

Date: 2006-07-17 11:28 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] charliesmum.livejournal.com
Extra hugs for your stepmother from me.

Wendy's in general tend to have customer service problems, I don't know why. I'm glad the Missus is okay, at any rate, and they should be glad she isn't one of those lawsuit happy people who would welcome a 'slip and fall' with open arms.

Date: 2006-07-17 01:13 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] coolbyrne.livejournal.com
and they should be glad she isn't one of those lawsuit happy people who would welcome a 'slip and fall' with open arms.


That's what I was thinking- those two cars would be paid off, like, yesterday! :)

Date: 2006-07-17 10:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
Thanks for the kind thoughtsd :)

We were concerned that an elderly person might fall as well especially since no one came out to clean it up.

Date: 2006-07-17 01:46 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] theholyinnocent.livejournal.com
I'm sending good thoughts and prayers to your stepmum. It is a relief to hear they caught it in time.

Goddamn those asshats at Wendy's. These kids think that dispensing with the attitude makes them all-powerful and important, when in fact they are just twatting twats working a shit job. Glad Mrs. CB is okay; we don't need both of you with back problems!

BUT...hella cool vehicles!

Date: 2006-07-17 10:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cabenson.livejournal.com
Thanks dude!

I don't think she expected me to quietly growl back at her. She looked a little scared ;) And the important thing was that Mrs. CB was okay and no one else got hurt.

Damn but the Matrix drives nice. I can see EVERYTHING!! now.

Date: 2006-07-19 12:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] raginhoops.livejournal.com
Happy to hear that stepmum came through ok. It is always nerve racking to just wait for it to end. Well wishes for recovery and good health through the treatment.
Damn those greasy floors, but it's what makes them burgers taste good. However, it is a sad statement on our youth that she couldn't be bothered to care. Lucky Mrs. CB was unharmed by the wipe out.
As for cars!!! My wife would have loved the car shopping with y'all. Toyota is a great choice. Reliable and great handling vehicles- with the added bonus of the pretty.
As for the lump left, it may just be what we call proud flesh or granulation tissue in a wound healing by secondary intention. Keep an eye on the bastard.

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