Cloudy by the Christmas tree

Today the plan was for me to go off to work, leaving Miss W to play on the computer and fix herself frozen pizza, while someone from TTR cared for Number 2. I’d been assured that someone competent and more than capable of dealing with Number 2′s OCD and quirky habits would arrive. Well she did arrive – late. And complaining that the house smelled of cats. And that she could not stay until 6.30, as agreed, because she has 3 kids. I said I would call TTR to see what could be done, she also got on her phone to complain about cats and informed me that she has a severe allergy to cats. She was walking around the house, peering everywhere with a look of distaste on her face.

I called TTR to report all this and was told about her severe allergy to cats, which I was so tired of hearing about at this point that I said I didn’t care. Was assured they would send someone before she had to leave so Number 2 would not be left alone, and feeling very uneasy I said goodbye and left. Babysitter from hell called me at work at 11 to inform me her arms were breaking out in hives and she was taking Will to the TTR office. She added that she did not feel ‘comfortable’ about leaving Miss W alone and wanted to take her home with her! “No charge,” she said. “This is out of the kindness of my heart.”

I very nearly told her where she could stuff her kindness but that would not have been in keeping with the Christmas spirit so I just said she was very nice, but that would not be necessary. I then called TTR and told them I never wanted her to darken my doors again. It was so nice to see David here with Number 2 when I got home, but now I am uneasy about leaving Number 2 tomorrow. TTR have come up with a plan but snow is forecast and if the weather is bad I am going to just stay home.

Something I have been struggling with is my monthly bills from Qwest – I’ve been trying to get Mr W’s cell phone charges off my bill, not as easy as you might think, as he needs to call and cancel himself. I almost had heart failure today when I opened the bill, as instead of hovering over $200 as usual it was over $300! This is thanks to new Verizon charges, I am paying roughly 45 cents for every minute that Mr W uses his cell phone. Just after David left the phone rang and who should it be but Verizon, asking me if I was happy with their service. “No I bloody well am not!” I said, and started to say why – was switched to customer service. I absolutely do not usually swear on the phone, but was so frustrated.

Well – to cut long story short as my name is on the bill I am liable for all charges, yet I cannot simply drop the wireless charges myself. They droned on for a bit about switching me to a more economical plan, but I think that after Christmas I will have to switch to Comcast for my phone/internet service and TV. Mr W’s charges this month were $117.92, it was bad enough paying $40. 

Nice things today though . . . got my evaluation at work and had the chance to say goodbye to my boss and thank her for letting me go back to work at the library. Obviously I wish I didn’t have to leave, but what a nice 2 1/2 years it has been, being around old friends and making new ones. Came home tonight to find a parcel from Mum and the little $4.00 necklace I ordered myself from Etsy a few weeks ago. It is made out of a scrabble tile and has my name on it, it is quite unique and pretty.

Supper is on – teriyaki salmon and baked spuds for me and Miss W, and she has some classical music on the radio, so I am just going to unwind and read my book . . .