Valium Vickie

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

DJ Wanted for a 'Nontraditional Event': Volume 2

The first time I sought out the services of a reliable, professional DJ for a "nontraditional" event it was for a fictional organization called CHANGE -- or Challenging Homosexuals to Accept a Non-Gay Existence -- and I was pleasantly surprised by the response I received from one interested Jockey of the Disc. So I tried it again, with a different fictional organization and an even more absurd acronym. What follows is the word for word email correspondence I had with one highly rated professional DJ.

As usual, the names have been changed, and the actual email addresses, phone numbers and websites have been removed.

The Conversation


From: Kenneth Larson [mailto:XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2014 3:25 PM
To: XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
Subject: DJ Wanted For Unique Event

Hi Dickie,

I'm new to the Central Somewhere in the United States area, and I'm looking for a DJ for a unique event my organization will be holding. Your company was at the top of the Search list and had excellent reviews, so I figured I'd start here. We're very flexible on DJ style, price and date, so what is your booking process?

Sincerely,
Kenneth Larson

From: XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
To:
XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: DJ Wanted For Unique Event
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 12:11:17 -0400
Kenneth,
Thanks for reaching out to us. Please give us a call at your convenience to discuss your event details and we will be happy to give you pricing and information.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything at all.

Best Regards,

Dickie Grooves
Grooves Entertainment
Ph: 123-456-7891
Fx:
123-456-7891
www
.
XXXXXentertainment.com
From: Kenneth Larson [mailto:XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2014 11:35 AM
To:
XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
Subject:
RE: DJ Wanted For Unique Event

Dickie,

Thanks much for getting back to me. As promised, here are a few details on the organization and the event:
Here's some background on our association: We're an organization comprised of men of all ages (our youngest member is 26 and our oldest member is 77) with two common interests: 1) Our unadulterated love of the most beautiful machine ever created -- the corvette, and 2) our shared hatred of the unfounded stereotypes associated with the men who share this unadulterated love.

Our organization is called ACOAASP, which stands for the Association of Corvette Owners with Average- and Above-Average Sized Penises.

Since the birth of the Corvette, jealous individuals have been perpetrating the flat-out lie that the vast majority of Corvette owners purchase these vehicles not because they're superior machines and drivable works of art, but because we're overcompensating for our undersized members. That's simply not the case. In fact, almost a quarter of our members are above average in size, and our treasurer even dabbled in amateur porn before joining the association.

But that's besides the point.

ACOAASP's mission is simple: To raise awareness that owning a Corvette has absolutely nothing to do with some crazy preoccupation with penis size and hopefully enlist a few members in the process.

Because we're a new organization, we're holding a Beef 'N' Beer to raise some funds to get the word out about ACOAASP (we don't even have our website up and running yet!). So we're looking for a DJ for this event.

From: XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
To:
XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: DJ Wanted For Unique Event
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2014 13:16:43 -0400

Kenneth,

   Thank you for the information. This sounds like a great organization and a great event that we would love to provide services for. What date are you looking at for the event and where will it be held?

Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything at all.

Best Regards,

Dickie Grooves
Grooves Entertainment
Ph: 123-456-7891
Fx:
123-456-7891www.XXXXXentertainment.com
 
From: Kenneth Larson (XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com)
Sent:Tue 7/08/14 12:56 PM
To:XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com

Dickie,

I'm so sorry for the delay. I was traveling in Europe and had limited access to email. Have you ever been to Brussels? It's a beautiful place.

Anyway, thanks for the kind words and your interest in our event. I have to admit, our organization isn't for everybody and some people find it downright strange. However, it's something we're very passionate about. While there are definitely stereotypes more hurtful than Corvette owners and their members (e.g., the stereotype about all Asian people being late for everything and talking loudly through movies), all stereotypes are wrong.

So we're looking to hold the event either on any of the Saturdays in September, and we're considering holding it at a local American Legion or VFW Hall. Any suggestions are welcome. Are you available.

Sincerely,
Kenneth

From: XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
To: XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: DJ Wanted For Unique Event
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 14:38:37 -0400

Kenneth,

   So sorry for the delayed reply. Yes, we are available for any of them.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything at all.

Best Regards,

Dickie Grooves
Grooves Entertainment
Ph: 123-456-7891
Fx:
123-456-7891www.XXXXXentertainment.com

From: Kenneth Larson (XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com)
Sent:Thu 7/17/14 1:24 PM
To:XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com

No need to apologize, Dickie. As you can tell, I'm a bit slow on the email lately. Would Sept. 27 work for your schedule?

Kenneth

From: XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
To:
XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: DJ Wanted For Unique Event
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 11:44:15 -0400

Kenneth,

   No problem at all. We are definitely available for the 27th of Sept.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything at all.

Best Regards,

Dickie Grooves
Grooves Entertainment
Ph: 123-456-7891
Fx:
123-456-7891www.XXXXXentertainment.com

From: Kenneth Larson (XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com)
Sent:Sun 7/20/14 7:24 PM
To:XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com

That's wonderful news, Dickie! We were hoping for a reliable and popular DJ and, based on the reviews, that's you my friend!

We have one activity we were planning, and we wanted to see if you would be willing to MC it or if we would be better off going with an ACOAASP member?

Age is just a number ... yeah right, and a Corvette is just a car!
Kenneth Larson
ACOAASP founder and president

From: XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
To:
XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: DJ Wanted For Unique Event
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:46:19 -0400



Kenneth,

   We can certainly MC the activity as well for you. Or we will have a wireless mic so that one of your members could speak as well if you like.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything at all.

Best Regards,

Dickie Grooves
Grooves Entertainment
Ph: 123-456-7891
Fx:
123-456-7891
www
.
XXXXXentertainment.com

From: Kenneth Larson (XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com)
Sent:Sat 7/26/14 11:24 AM
To:XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com

Dickie,

Sorry for the delay. Like I said, I've been traveling a lot this summer. Ever since I got over my shingles, I told myself, "Kenneth, you've got to see the world, my friend." Let me ask you, Dickie: Have you ever sat on a beautiful woman's lap and basked in the glory of an Alaska sunset?

Anyway, I regress. So I talked to the organization, and we're set to book this event.

As far as MCing goes, would you be willing to judge a contest? Like I said, we're all about poking fun at the myths associated with Corvette owners. It's so ridiculous how obsessed people are with penis size and Corvette owners, you know?

So we're holding a "Best Penis Contest," where our members present themselves on stage to see who has the best member. It's based on audience votes, but here's the catch: Audience members have to pay to see the contest -- and all of that money goes right back to our organization.

So, as the MC, we'd just need you to make sure the contest runs smoothly and make a few announcements. You know, standard things like, "Wow, who knew Salvatore was packing like that?" Would you be willing to MC this -- or should we get one of our members?

Please let me know ASAP,
Kenneth

From: XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
To:
XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: DJ Wanted For Unique Event
Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:40:28 -0400

Kenneth,

  In order to proceed at this point I’m going to need you to give me a call to verify that this is a legitimate event and you are serious about booking with us.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything at all.

Best Regards,

Dickie Grooves
Grooves Entertainment
Ph: 123-456-7891
Fx:
123-456-7891
www
.
XXXXXentertainment.com

From: Kenneth Larson [mailto:XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2014 4:21 PM
To:
XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
Subject:
 RE: DJ Wanted For Unique Event
Dickie,

Of course, I'd be willing to verify the legitimacy of our event over the phone; however, it appears as though you only have a fax number listed in your email signature. So I'm not sure what direct number I should use to reach you?

Also, I'm a bit taken aback by your question,
Dickie. I've tried to be as honest as possible about our organization right from the start. If my memory serves me correctly, I let you know that the event AND the organization were unorthodox starting with the very first message I sent to you. Like I said, we're not for everybody. However, we're very passionate about our organization and this inaugural event. If you don't want to MC the "Best Penis" contest, like I said, I completely understand. It's no problem whatsoever to have one of our members do it. In fact, we have a member who dabbled in Improv during this tenure at Arizona State, and I'm sure he'd be thrilled with the opportunity.

If you're getting cold feet about the event for moral or other reasons, however, I only ask that you be upfront with me; I won't hold it against you. But please don't hide behind some fake claim that you're questioning the legitimacy of our event, because that's just not right.

Please let me know how you'd like to proceed with this.

Regards,
Kenneth
From: XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com This sender is in your safe list.
Sent:Tue 8/05/14 12:12 PM
To:'Kenneth Larson' (XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com)
Kenneth,

  Please do not take offense as none was implied. I am more than willing to host the event and any contests therein and have no moral or ethical opposition to the contest or your organization. I actually think it would be a cool event. I simply have picked up on a few red flags in your email that make me cautious and just want to speak with a live person and get some security that this will be a real event i.e. contract request and or deposit. If you could call me at this number 123-456-7891 to confirm, that would be appreciated.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need anything at all.

Best Regards,

Dickie Grooves
Grooves Entertainment
Ph: 123-456-7891
Fx:
123-456-7891www.XXXXXentertainment.com
Author's Note: At this point in the conversation, I was at a crossroads of sorts. See, I didn't want to call the DJ because then I wouldn't be able to post our conversation on here (I don't have the technology to record phone calls, and I'm not as good as I used to be at transcribing conversations ). So, in my mind, my only play was finding fault with the number the DJ had given me ...

From: Kenneth Larson (XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com)
Sent:Thu 8/14/14 1:22 PM
To:XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
Dickie,

I gotta hand it to you, you got me good! Well done, my friend, well done. I have to be honest, when I dialed that number you gave me and got the Chinese restaurant with the guy with the heavy accent (no hard Rs!), I was a little bit peeved. But then when I thought about everything, I have to admit, your whole prank was kind of brilliant.

You strung me along through all of those emails and made me think that you were interested in DJing our event, even though I sensed some hesitation right from the start. Then, at the last minute, you switched it up and started dropping hints that you were skeptical about the whole thing. Finally, to put the icing on the cake so to speak, you give me a fake phone number with instructions to call and verify the authenticity of the event/organization. And what do I get when I call? A harried Chinese man trying to take my order! (I was starving at the time, so I ordered -- and the place isn't half bad.)

I wish that you pulled the trigger a little soon (we did exchange a lot of emails!), but I'm a guy that has a great sense of humor so I don't hold any ill-will toward you, Dickie. But just a little advice: Some prospective clients may not find this type of thing as funny as I did, so I'd tread carefully with the pranks in the future. But who knows, you got it right with me!

Anyway, best of luck to you in your professional (and pranking) career moving forward. You really got me good, you crazy SOB!

Kenneth

Author's Note
: Following this message, a few days went by without any contact from this formerly interested DJ. I started to fear the worst, so I sent this message: 



From: Kenneth Larson (XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com)
Sent:Thu 8/21/14 10:32 AM
To:XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com
Dickie,

Listen, I understand you're not interested in the event and, like I said, I hold no hard feelings. But when I told my wife about your epic prank, she thought it was so funny that we should send it in to the Ellen show. Ellen is a day-time talk show that's hosted by this zany lesbian comedian named Ellen DeGeneres -- and it's hilarious! It's kind of an under the radar show (really big in Canada though I think), but I would highly recommend it.

Anyway, my wife thinks your prank would be perfect for the show. So I was wondering if you'd mind if I sent Ellen (aka, Ellen's people) our emails? (I'm guessing no, but I figured I'd ask anyway!!) On top giving people a good laugh, it'll probably be some good exposure for both of us.

Let me know what you think!

Kenneth

Author's Note: And then I received this response:

From: XXXXXX@XXXXXentertainment.com This sender is in your safe list.
Sent:Thu 8/21/14 11:14 AM
To:Kenneth Larson (XXXXXXXX@hotmail.com)
Please do not email me again.

Best Regards,

Dickie Grooves
Grooves Entertainment
Ph: 123-456-7891
Fx:
123-456-7891www.XXXXXentertainment.com

The End.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Transcript of my chat with a Capital One Rep

Capital One is always asking, "What's in your wallet?" Of course, the answer they're looking for is:  "A nearly maxed-out Capital One card with a criminally high interest rate. Thanks you guys!" A question you'll never hear from the Financial Giant is, "What's in your mailbox?" That would be silly because the Virginia-based company with a 2013 annual revenue of $22.4 billion and the most complaints of any credit card issuer between 2011 and 2013 already knows the answer to that question. Lots and lots of unsolicited offers from Capital One are in my mailbox.

That company must spend more than $100 in postage each year on me alone -- and I'm already a customer! I have a Capital One card in my wallet; it's been in there since 2005. And I don't even have any complaints about the card or the service. The mailings are another story. That's why I contacted the company recently. What follows is the conversation I had with a very helpful rep.

Note: Based on my completely arbitrary policy, I've changed the rep's name and rated my chat experience highly via the survey given at the end of the conversation. Also, I left the time stamp to show everybody just how long this thing actually took.

The Introduction


Secure Chat in progress
Welcome to our Capital One secure chat service! This chat will be monitored and recorded.
 Hi, this is Rondo. Whom do I have the pleasure of chatting with today?

You
12:49 PM
Hi Rondo, this is Jared Bilski
Rondo
12:50 PM
Hello Jared! 
Rondo
12:50 PM
How may I assist you today?
You
12:50 PM
Well, I'm a bit nervous about something
Rondo
12:51 PM
Please go ahead with your questions, I'd be happy to help you today. 
You
12:51 PM
OK, I'll try to keep this short ....
You
12:52 PM
I'm an amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, and recently I suffered a fairly traumatic head injury
You
12:52 PM
As a result, I've been doing things that I'm not accustomed to doing and I can't explain why
You
12:53 PM
Are you with me so far, Rondo?
Rondo
12:53 PM
I'm sorry to hear that. 
You
12:53 PM
Part of the job, my friend.
You
12:54 PM
No reason to feel sorry ... I never feel more alive than when I've in that cage ..
Rondo
12:54 PM
Okay.

The problem


You
12:54 PM
Anyway, here's where Capital One comes in ...
You
12:55 PM
Recently, I received a letter from Capital One, and on the envelope it said "The information you requested is enclosed."
Oliver
12:55 PM
OKay.
You
12:56 PM
When I opened the envelope, there was a letter letting me know about my Quicksilver credit card with a number to activate it
Rondo
12:57 PM
Okay.
Rondo
12:57 PM
Are you with me so far, Rondo?
Rondo
12:57 PM
Yes, I'm with you.
Rondo
12:58 PM
Just to clarify, have you applied for a new Quicksilver card online? 
You
12:58 PM
So, after receiving the letter, I start freaking out .. I'm 99% certain I never requested a credit card from you
Rondo
12:59 PM
Thank you for clarifying that for me.
You
12:59 PM
That's the thing, Rondo. I never did nor do I have any online record of doing so ...
Rondo
12:59 PM
Let me quickly access your account and check that for you. 
Rondo
12:59 PM
Please verify the following information to access your account: name (exactly as it appears on your credit card), zip code, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security Number.
You
12:59 PM
Sure thing, Rondo.

Note: I removed the part where I give out the highly sensitive personal info -- like my zip code ...

You
01:00 PM
Do you think you can help me, Rondo?
Rondo
01:00 PM
Could you please provide me with the last 4-digits of your account number?
Rondo
01:00 PM
Let me check what best can be done to help you.
You
01:00 PM
Oh ... you mean of my capital one account
Rondo
01:01 PM
Yes, that's correct. 

And this part with the account number.

Rondo
01:01 PM
Thank you for verifying that information. Bear with me for just a moment while I review the account.
You
01:02 PM
I will check on my CAT-Scan results
Rondo
01:03 PM
I appreciate your patience, Jared.
You
01:03 PM
And me your help, Rondo.
You
01:04 PM
Rondo, this may sound strange, but I'm in therapy ...
You
01:05 PM
And my therapist said that, to help me in tense moments, it may help to refer to people by a name I feel comfortable with
Rondo
01:05 PM
After reviewing your account, I'm glad to see that Capital One upgraded your non reward card to Capital One Quicksilver card.
You
01:05 PM
Would you mind if I call you Reginald for the duration of this conversation
You
01:05 PM
?
You
01:05 PM
That was my grandfathers name
Rondo
01:05 PM
Sure! Go ahead.
You
01:06 PM
Thank you, I know it's strange, but it helps
Rondo
01:07 PM
Now you can go ahead and earn rewards of 1.5% on your net purchases.
You
01:07 PM
I have crippling anxiety most days
Rondo
01:07 PM
I do confirm you that there is no cap for earning rewards on this card.
You
01:08 PM
OK, now I'm really confused, Reginald. So I did request the new credit card? And that letter was a result of my actions
You
01:08 PM
There's no record, so I must've called you guys in a fugue state following my head injury
Rondo
01:08 PM
No, your existing card was upgraded to Quicksilver card due to which you have received a  new card in the mail. 
You
01:08 PM
But that's highly unlikely because I'm generally terrified of talking on the phone
You
01:09 PM
Why was it upgraded?
Rondo
01:09 PM
I do confirm that upgrading your account will not impact on your credit scores.
You
01:10 PM
OK, bear with a moment, Reginald. First things first. You're telling me that the upgrade has nothing to do with my actions, correct?
Rondo
01:10 PM
Yes, that's correct. 
Rondo
01:10 PM
This upgraded was from Capital One.
You
01:11 PM
When then why did the letter say "The Information you requested is enclosed."
You
01:11 PM
?
Rondo
01:12 PM
I'm sorry, the each letter you will receive in the mail will be written same on a letter.
You
01:12 PM
I meant, "Well, then why ..." Sorry, my hands are trembling
You
01:13 PM
I'm sorry I didn't quite understand that last comment, Reginald
Rondo
01:13 PM
Let me clarify that for you. 
You
01:13 PM
I'd appreciate that!
Rondo
01:15 PM
The information you have received in the mail is only a general disclosure sent to all customers whose cards are reviewed and upgraded.
You
01:16 PM
Ah, no I get it. So in other words, the "you" in "The Information you request is enclosed," wasn't specific to me, was it Reginald?
Rondo
01:17 PM
Yes, you are right.
You
01:17 PM
In fact, the "you" meant everybody and it was part of a mass communication effort
Rondo
01:17 PM
Yes, that is correct.
You
01:17 PM
Hmmm ... well, can I offer one small criticism
You
01:18 PM
It is only meant to be constructive in nature, Reginald
Rondo
01:19 PM
I understand.
You
01:19 PM
Shall I speak freely then?
Rondo
01:20 PM
Please go ahead if you have any comment regarding this proactive upgrade.
You
01:21 PM
Here is my only point of contention: When I receive a letter specifically stating, "the information you requested is enclosed," I always believe the company is being 100% honest with me ...
You
01:22 PM
Therefore, I was under the impression that I was the one who contacted your company ...
You
01:23 PM
And that I requested a new credit card. Do you see what I'm saying?
Rondo
01:23 PM
I completely understand the point you are making in this regard.
You
01:24 PM
And based on the head injury, I was worried that I'd opened a number of credit cards in a fugue state, and this fear cause me great anxiety and led to added therapy sessions
Rondo
01:25 PM
As per the terms of the Credit Card agreement, it is an agreement with our customers that any changes in terms or upgrade with the card will be notified to customers well in advance so that you are well aware of the change.
You
01:25 PM
I know what you're thinking Reginald, "Well, this case is an exception, this could never happen to anyone else." Am I right?
You
01:25 PM
Yes, I have terms in my safe, it's the language I'm referring to Reginald
Rondo
01:26 PM
We appreciate your feedback. Please be assured that your comments will be forwarded to my manager to ensure that it is passed on to the appropriate parties.
You
01:27 PM
Listen, I'm not trying to be harsh here ... I just have a few more things and then I have a back and bicep workout scheduled
You
01:28 PM
All I'm saying is this: Maybe telling people the information they requested is enclosed is misleading when they never actually requested anything
Rondo
01:28 PM
Jared, we highly appreciate your time for providing us with your feedback. We always appreciate hearing from our customers about the services that we provide.
You
01:29 PM
I know successful banks care deeply about their customer and would NEVER want to mislead them
You
01:29 PM
So here is my suggestion. You can pass this along to your managers if you'd like, Reginald.
You
01:29 PM
Are you there, my friends?
You
01:29 PM
friend
Rondo
01:30 PM
Yes, I am waiting for your response.
You
01:31 PM
Instead of writing "The Information you request is enclosed," perhaps you can instead write "The information we really want you to see is enclosed" What do you think?
You
01:31 PM
A small but significant difference, don't you agree, Reginald?
Rondo
01:32 PM
I have took your comment and noted on your account so that this will be considered by my superiors.
Rondo
01:33 PM
Do you have any other questions for me today regarding your account, Jared?
You
01:33 PM
You have been very helpful, Reginald! Please tell them to let me know their thoughts. Also, I'd be happy to let your supervisors know how stellar your service has been
You
01:34 PM
How can I do that, Reginald?
Rondo
01:34 PM
It is my pleasure assisting you today with all your questions.

The resolution


You
01:35 PM
Well, if there's any way I can pass along my pleasure with your service, please let me know. Finally, one last thing:
Rondo
01:35 PM
You can send the feedback after you end this chat which will help us to serve you and improve the customer support. 
You
01:36 PM
I shall do just that! Now can you do one last thing for me?
Rondo
01:37 PM
Please go ahead.
You
01:37 PM
Can you end this conversation with the phrase, "Til next time, kid, just keep swinging -- eventually you'll hit something."
You
01:38 PM
?
Rondo
01:38 PM
If you need any assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Rondo
01:38 PM
We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to serve your financial needs.
Rondo
01:38 PM
It has been my pleasure assisting you. Happy Merry Christmas!
Rondo
01:38 PM
My goal today was to provide you with outstanding customer service. I hope I was able to meet that goal for you. If you'd like to provide feedback about your experience with us today, please click here to end the chat and answer a few quick questions.
You
01:38 PM
And ...
You
01:40 PM
You still there, Reginald?
Rondo
01:40 PM
Yes.
Rondo
01:40 PM
I noticed we are still connected. Is there anything else I can help you with today?
You
01:41 PM
Yes, Can you end this conversation with the phrase, "Til next time, kid, just keep swinging -- eventually you'll hit something"?
You
01:41 PM
It's an OCD thing
You
01:42 PM
Reginald, I can't tell if that last part was received?
Rondo
01:43 PM
I will be right with you.
Rondo
01:44 PM
One moment please. 
You
01:45 PM
A moment's just a note in the song of life.
You
01:45 PM
I'll wait
Rondo
01:46 PM
Thank you for your patience.
You
01:46 PM
No, thank you!
You
01:47 PM
So shall we end this now?
Rondo
01:48 PM
Sure. Also I do not have an option to type the above statement you had requested as per the chat etiquette on this professional chat. So I will be sending my standard closing statement. 
Rondo
01:48 PM
I regret for the inconvenience. 
Rondo
01:48 PM
My goal today was to provide you with outstanding customer service. I hope I was able to meet that goal for you. If you'd like to provide feedback about your experience with us today, please click here to end the chat and answer a few quick questions.
You
01:49 PM
Can you at least say, Is has been my pleasure assisting you today, Vito?
Rondo
01:50 PM
Is has been my pleasure assisting you today.
You
01:50 PM
Vito, can you add the Vito, part?
You
01:51 PM
As in, "It (not is) has been my pleasure assisting you today, Vito."
You
01:51 PM
Does that breach the etiquette policy?
Rondo
01:52 PM
Is has been my pleasure assisting you today, Vito.
You
01:52 PM
Sorry, Roid Rage is creeping up on me here.
You
01:52 PM
Thanks, Reginald. You provided great customer service -- and you were one hell of a grandfather
You
01:53 PM
See ya on the other side
Rondo
01:53 PM
Thank you and take care. 

Monday, December 01, 2014

'I'm Not Doing The Blacks!': A Tale Of Willpower

One of the most enjoyable parts of my relationship with my wife is convincing her to do things she's completely uncomfortable doing (not that, you perverts). Whether it's jumping off of a 40-foot bridge into a dangerously polluted river or agreeing that a Scott Weiland solo concert is a good way to spend our time and money, I take a lot of pride getting my wife to believe that my way is the best way. That's how I got her to go skiing.

Liz was terrified of skiing when we first started dating, but I was relentless and, eventually, she caved. For a while, she would only do the beginner hills, those sad, A-cup trails that were riddled with fallen children and stopped, watchful parents. But I wasn't happy going down the beginner slopes over and over again. So it wasn't long before I was urging my wife to try the more challenging trails. I'd gently try to convince by saying things like, "Come on, you're ready. The other hills aren't much steeper. You'll be fine."

This was met with more resistance than I'd expected, but that didn't stop me. Every time we went skiing, I kept pushing and pushing. Then, on one of our annual ski trips, we launched into a legitimate fight right as we boarded the ski lift together.

It could've just happened organically. But, I think on some level, I picked that moment to move the discussion from a playful negotiation to a full-blown argument because I was used to fighting with Liz in transportation vehicles. For us, the car is the equivalent of the UFC octagon. We tend to save up the bulk of our complaints and frustrations until we're seething with anger and ready to burst. Then we go for a 300-hundred-mile-long road trip to have it out.

The majority of our really good fights have taken place over the course of really long road trips. When we got our first dog, Luna, we were literally screaming at each other like a white-trash couple on COPS when I pulled the car into a rest stop to avoid driving the car into a tree.

I remember rushing to get out of the car while Liz continued her onslaught of strategic verbal jabs until I just lost it. "ALRIGHT!" I screamed as I slammed the driver's side door, hard enough to shake the entire car. A few minutes later, I was standing in line at McDonald's, when I got a text from Liz. "Get me some goddamn chicken nuggets," was all the text said, and just like that, my anger was gone. It's really hard to stay pissed at someone and take their fast-food order.

The breaking point


So I guess it makes sense that the fight really got going while we were riding the ski-lift together. After all, a ski lift is just like a car, an unenclosed car suspended 40-feet above the ground by old, bouncy cables, but a car nonetheless. Plus, because I didn't have to operate the ski lift, I could really focus on how right I was, too. And she had to listen to me.

By the time we got to the top of the mountain and exited the ski lift, Liz was so sick of my pushing and prodding that she started screaming at me, right in front of the dozen or so skiers and snowboarders who had also just gotten off the lift.

"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU WANT! I'M NOT DOING THE BLACKS!" Liz yelled.
Unfazed, I came right back at her, "STOP BEING A BABY ABOUT IT! YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT."

Let me explain something. There were three types of slopes on this mountain: Green circles or beginner level; blue square or intermediate; and black diamond or expert level. Since you, the reader, have been given some critical background on the events leading up to our meltdown, you know Liz was simply letting me know that she wasn't ready to tackle the expert-level slopes -- and not spurning some cuckold fetish I was trying to force upon her.

Photo courtesy of adweek.com


But to all the people on top of the mountain that day, it must've sounded like, for whatever reason, I'd had been relentlessly badgering some poor girl to have sex with one or more black gentlemen, even though she didn't want to, until she just lost it and started screaming about "not doing the blacks." And because we were having this argument in full ski gear on top of a mountain in front of a group of strangers, it had to seem like I needed to convince this girl to have sex with one or more black gentlemen right then and there. The urgency of the argument made it sound like I had the Old Spice guy waiting for her in the lodge. As if Liz would finish her run and he'd be waiting there in the lodge with a cup of hot cocoa and a bottle of wine, "You must be Liz. Let's go somewhere we can have some privacy."

By the end of the day we stopped fighting, and I actually convinced Liz to give one of the blacks [expert-level ski slope] a shot. She took a nasty fall on the way, landed right on her ass, and said she was sore for several days afterward. But despite all that, she loved the experience, and skiing hasn't been the same for her since.