Smokey Morning

I am the weenie of the day today at work, which basically means I have to be here around 7 am to bring up the system. No problem right? Well, I stepped out of the house this morning and was awakened by the foul and acrid smell of charbroiled trees. It was almost unbearable when I took the dogs out. My eyes were watering and I could not stop sneezing. I got ready for work and didn't even put on the news or radio this morning. Probably should have because we have some serious smoldering brush fires and they have wreaked havoc on the traffic situation in Brevard. The two major roadways everyone takes anywhere (I-95 and SR-528) were closed because visibility was nil and countless accidents have occurred. Wow, did I wish I knew this before I left. I normally take US-1 to work but since all the roads are closed, everyone else wanted to take that road too. Great! The wind shifted and now everyone is thrown for a loop. Needless to say I was still able to make it to work at a reasonable time (albeit late), but as I sit here writing this many people I work with are still not at work yet. Stuck in gridlock is never a fun place to be. Man, we need some serious rain here. Do your rain dance!

On another subject, let me vent a little about this. Rene' and I were discussing this yesterday and I am sure she will vent her opinion about this too. I think everyone feels similar on this. I think gift cards that expire are the stupidest thing I have ever heard of. You pay these restaurants, retail stores, Spas, etc. all this money to put on a little piece of plastic that you will eventually spend at their stores. So, the fact that they expire is basically enabling this money to become contingent on time. What!?! Money contingent on time? It is my money (or your friends) and it has the same value as any other dollar. In fact, mister man, you already have my money; let me spend it at your store when I should so choose. Let me tell you about the most recent encounter I have had with this situation. I received a spa gift card from my ex for my graduation. Well, time goes by, I put it in a cabinet and then we break up, I move out and cannot find it before I move. The funny part is that I actually looked for it. Well, he eventually finds it and brings it over to me. Well, crap it expired like 3 months ago. Perfect! I decide I am going to call the spa and plea my case. It takes them 5 days to get back to me and I get 2 phone calls from it. The first from Becca (a woman claiming she is the general manger) saying there is nothing she can do for me. Basically, she is telling me "we have your money, ha ha!" and that I am a big moron for not using it when I had the chance. Too bad. Ok, so I am pissed but what can I do right, I have already whined and cried. I get a call yesterday from the apparent real GM named Andy. He made me work for it but he extended the gift card for a month and no more. He made sure he was very clear on that. I just wanted to go off on him. I mean, you already have the money. Now it is your turn to provide a service. I guess everyone wants something for nothing. Oh, wait, I do. I think I am done with this for now ;-)