1492

In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Five Hundred sixteen years later I'm off work because of Mr. Columbus.

It's not the first time I've been off work for this holiday. I worked at a bank in college and also was off on these "random" holidays. However, when you work part time you don't appreciate time off. Fast forward five years since I worked at a bank and I am elated to have off today.

My mom is visiting so it's nice to have an extra day off to hang out with her. Next month I'm off for Veteran's day. I get off ten federal holidays each year. It's pretty much awesome.

So here is to you Mr. Columbus. For sailing the Ocean Blue and discovering this great land of America. Even if it was by accident we appreciate your discovery. I am glad this great nation chooses to honor you today.

Just give me dial up and bunny ears

I think my cable and internet company may be worse that UT's football team. Yes, they are that horrible.

In the past month I've had 5 technicians come to my apartment to fix my cable. The first tech installed a cable box incorrectly. So I had to have a second tech come out to fix what he messed up. Then I had two other techs come out to fix my internet and basic cable in my bedroom. We had fuzzy channels and our internet quit working. Both of these techs were unable to fix the problem.

Today there were five technicians at once working on the cable and internet for our entire building. The have messed up our digital cable box but our basic cable and internet is working. Every time these people come out they give you a six hour window to be home or you can sign a key release. I don't know why anyone would sign a key release and let a complete stranger in their home, but every time I call they tell me that is what I should do.

Speaking of calling, I have called Direcpath at least 15 times in the past month. So far I have acquired $48 in credit on my account. I'm not a very confrontational person, but I have yelled at several of the operators and most recently I asked for the manager and yelled at her. Unfortunately it does not help with getting prompt service but I do seem to be able to get more credit on my account.

Our cable company company is the only option we have at our apartment complex. So in essence they have a monopoly on the cable and internet service for us. Therefore, they can give us crappy service and we can't take any real recourse.