As a military family you are constantly moving and would like your children, especially your non school aged children, to socialize since you are not around family. So you go out and look for playgroups and frg socials to find someone to connect with and have your child play with. I am a member of Meetup.com. This is an excellent way to find social groups around you. People go to this web site and advertise their "clubs." For example, playgroups, scrapbookers, knitter, bike clubs, book clubs and so much more. I found this site when I was living in San Antonio and my son was an infant. I met up with a group twice but it wasn't for us. My son was just too young to socialize than.
When we moved to Colorado Springs my son was one and walking around so I decided that we should join a playgroup. I went back to meetup. com and joined Connect - the - Tots. This group was just great. The first time I arrived to a playdate I was immediately greeted by the organizer and was given the low down and at the end of the date I was asked what I thought and was ask to continue showing up. I did. This group did expand to over a 100 moms but I think that was great because there were NO CLIQUES. Of course you had a group of moms you saw more often and hung out with more often but I never ran into anyone unwelcoming. Everyone I met was very welcoming and spoke/treated everyone with great respect. I miss these women very much. I wish them all the best.
Well I got to Killeen and it was all a different story. I almost want to say because they are army wives because I did have a few problems with the few army wives in Colorado but this place is army wife central so I don't know. I joined Hot Mommas, a group of about 20 moms. Just like the previous playgroup the organizers here were absolutely wonderful. I was always greeted and always spoken to. The rest of the members never said a word to me. I would try to get into the conversations or make small talk but I would get a quick, "ha ha," an eye roll, and a walk away. I spoke with the organizers most of the time I went to anything. I did talk to one mom there but that is because she directly came up to me and told me that she would talk to me because no one else will welcome me. I honestly don't care as long as my son has an opportunity to play. The last event I went to was the Valentine's party. My son was running around with another little girl. They ran into each and bumped heads. She ran to her mother and said she got hit. I tried to apologize to the mother since he daughter was crying (even though I shouldn't have had to) but she didn't want to hear. "Oh well." I thought. Later that night she posted on the playgroup message board that her daughter got punched in the face. I was furious. I told her that if she spent more time watching her kids and less time socializing she would know what had happened. Evidently that comment opened up the floodgates and I was told by the organizers that I shouldn't "insult" anyone. If you people think that comment was an insult you got another thing coming. Every one of those mom lets there kids run wild to where they run outside the building, are sitting on the bathroom floor eating toilet paper and beating each other up. But since I said something, the truth, I rocked the boat and pissed everyone off. I left this group. I couldn't believe what idiots, yes Hot Mommas, IDIOTS, I was dealing with. Unfortunately Killeen is a small town and everyone talks to everyone, I haven't had luck with another playgroup. I "applied" to another one on Feb 12th and still haven't heard anything. I guess I will just have to wait until my son turns 3 in a couple of months then I can put him in sports.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Hair Salon Review
Here's my first review happened a few months ago but it still boils my blood.
Great Clips. Harker Heights
I am a stickler when it comes to customer service. I walked in and was standing at the counter to check in. Now the stylists were all busy but someone could have said, "Hi, have a seat we'll be right with you." I understand you are busy but don't just see we walk in and pretend I'm not standing there waiting to check in. So I waited. A stylist finished and then ran away to the back. I am assuming she was the manager since she was doing inventory and telling the other stylists what to do. She never came to the front to sign me in. I finally got up and asked to be signed in. I was given the eye roll. I guess I was inconveniencing her. I had my son with me since it was for his haircut. I wanted to see a product that was on the shelf so I asked him to get it for me. The "manager" was doing inventory nearby and saw him reaching for a product. She was telling him not to touch and I kept shouting "It's ok I want to see the product." She was more than likely ignoring me and as I was walking over to him I was able to stop this broad from SLAPPING my son's hand. I slapped the crap out of her hand to push it away from his. By this time I had the whole salon in a uproar about her attempting to hit my son. While I was yelling at her and how dare she attempt to hit someone else's child all she did was respond with, "I'm going to refuse you service. You need to leave". Ha Ha big loss to me. So if you go here and you see a fat, black haired woman watch your kids or they might get whacked. I understand that these stylist probably take a lot from peoples kids. Some run around screaming and knocking down things but that in no way gives them the right to strike a child. I probably should have called the regional manager to file a complaint but from what I hear from other people is that stylists change at that store so frequently that it probably wouldn't have matter.
Great Clips. Harker Heights
I am a stickler when it comes to customer service. I walked in and was standing at the counter to check in. Now the stylists were all busy but someone could have said, "Hi, have a seat we'll be right with you." I understand you are busy but don't just see we walk in and pretend I'm not standing there waiting to check in. So I waited. A stylist finished and then ran away to the back. I am assuming she was the manager since she was doing inventory and telling the other stylists what to do. She never came to the front to sign me in. I finally got up and asked to be signed in. I was given the eye roll. I guess I was inconveniencing her. I had my son with me since it was for his haircut. I wanted to see a product that was on the shelf so I asked him to get it for me. The "manager" was doing inventory nearby and saw him reaching for a product. She was telling him not to touch and I kept shouting "It's ok I want to see the product." She was more than likely ignoring me and as I was walking over to him I was able to stop this broad from SLAPPING my son's hand. I slapped the crap out of her hand to push it away from his. By this time I had the whole salon in a uproar about her attempting to hit my son. While I was yelling at her and how dare she attempt to hit someone else's child all she did was respond with, "I'm going to refuse you service. You need to leave". Ha Ha big loss to me. So if you go here and you see a fat, black haired woman watch your kids or they might get whacked. I understand that these stylist probably take a lot from peoples kids. Some run around screaming and knocking down things but that in no way gives them the right to strike a child. I probably should have called the regional manager to file a complaint but from what I hear from other people is that stylists change at that store so frequently that it probably wouldn't have matter.
Back with a Vengence
So I know it has been about 6 mos since I have written but that is all about to change. I have a little more time now. I have learned how to better manage my time. I have also decided to to change the format of my blog. Even though I am an army wife that does not consume my life. Actually it doesn't effect me at all really. I can not base my blog on this because I would not have anything to write. I am also a veteran, a mother, a fashion follower, and a consumer. I have decided to make this blog a little more personal and talk about things that interest me. I will talk about how I can't for the life of me get my son to listen. How being an army wife COMPLETELY overshadows the fact that I am a veteran and shouldn't be treated like I'm uneducated. I will also be doing reviews on places/playgroups/people I come across. I feel this is helpful and "military" related since we are always moving and wondering about places. As a mom I like to hear about products that were awesome or were a waste of money. I will not do many of these as you could just look them up at the store's website, but if I find something that's worth mentioning I will. I am trying to do a little bit of something for everyone. I always have things to say and now I can. I hope you enjoy my "expanded" blog.
****DISCLAIMER****
- I am going to be COMPLETELY honest. I will NOT sugarcoat anything! A swear word might slip in. I am very passionate about what I write.
- I will not use people's names. I will however use sgt, 1sg, cdr... whatever title they hold.
- I will not say anything negative about any military program. Unless something was utterly out of line. If I had nothing good to say about them that means they were, "ok"
- I will mention civilian businesses, products and playgroups by name and release location information.
- Any product reviews that I do are non bias and are based on my own opinion. I buy all the products and review them without receiving pay.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
FINALLY settled in but it wasn't easy!
This is going to be a long post. Have LOTS to say.
The movers came like they were suppose to but late of course. I was very satisfied with these movers very friendly and accommodating. My only complaint was they put my dining room table together completely wrong. I don't even know how they thought it was put together, when I wanted to slide it over a little so my son could play on the title the table just fell apart. Thankfully my husband was nearby to catch the table top or it probably would have cracked and cracked the tile. I had told the movers that we did not need them to assemble anything but the bed since it is easier with more people. Other then that hardly anything was broken. I think things became broken when they got "Shoved" into the storage crates. When the mover opened one of them up he was almost crushed since everything fell out on top of him. Thankfully it was just clothes and oddly shaped things. What was broken was a DVD rack. It was "cheapy" since it was from Wal Mart and made of partical board. Everything like that seems to get chipped or broken. My Dresser had a bent handle. Lot of force to bend a handle they were really shoving. Also a Torchiere lamp that I had to replace from the last move. I had 2 of the same Tochiere lamp one had a broken shade but was glued back together. The new one was perfect. When we received it the "fixed" lamp shade was completely shaddered and the new one was cracked. On the body the reading lamp portion was completely separated from the body. Some how all our other glass survived. Oh here is an important point of advice,
**When unpacking the boxes open up EVERY piece of wrapping paper.**
Even if you think it is for stuffing or there is nothing in it. LOOK! We had unpacked the whole kitchen and couldn't find the plastic piece that makes the microwave plate turn. We knew that it could only be in the kitchen boxes since they were the last thing packed. Thankfully we threw all the paper into the tall garment boxes. I opened up every piece of paper and finally found the plastic piece . A few other items were like that so be very aware.
So for the broken things the MOVING COMPANY reimburses you not the government. When you go to Transportation to turn in your paperwork they well give you all that information on what to do. The hubby hasn't showed it to me yet.
Ok so lets talk about this damn Property Manager of mine. When you are living in a predominately military town where they wouldn't exist if the post/base was there (Killeen, Lawton, etc)you are going to get royally screwed. They know soldiers need a place to live and if one soldier doesn't get it another one will. Thankfully I have gotten the workorders I have put in fixed. I just don't understand why they weren't fixed in the first place. "Normally" you wouldn't put a house up that looked like this,
To Be Continued (Laptop Dying)
The movers came like they were suppose to but late of course. I was very satisfied with these movers very friendly and accommodating. My only complaint was they put my dining room table together completely wrong. I don't even know how they thought it was put together, when I wanted to slide it over a little so my son could play on the title the table just fell apart. Thankfully my husband was nearby to catch the table top or it probably would have cracked and cracked the tile. I had told the movers that we did not need them to assemble anything but the bed since it is easier with more people. Other then that hardly anything was broken. I think things became broken when they got "Shoved" into the storage crates. When the mover opened one of them up he was almost crushed since everything fell out on top of him. Thankfully it was just clothes and oddly shaped things. What was broken was a DVD rack. It was "cheapy" since it was from Wal Mart and made of partical board. Everything like that seems to get chipped or broken. My Dresser had a bent handle. Lot of force to bend a handle they were really shoving. Also a Torchiere lamp that I had to replace from the last move. I had 2 of the same Tochiere lamp one had a broken shade but was glued back together. The new one was perfect. When we received it the "fixed" lamp shade was completely shaddered and the new one was cracked. On the body the reading lamp portion was completely separated from the body. Some how all our other glass survived. Oh here is an important point of advice,
**When unpacking the boxes open up EVERY piece of wrapping paper.**
Even if you think it is for stuffing or there is nothing in it. LOOK! We had unpacked the whole kitchen and couldn't find the plastic piece that makes the microwave plate turn. We knew that it could only be in the kitchen boxes since they were the last thing packed. Thankfully we threw all the paper into the tall garment boxes. I opened up every piece of paper and finally found the plastic piece . A few other items were like that so be very aware.
So for the broken things the MOVING COMPANY reimburses you not the government. When you go to Transportation to turn in your paperwork they well give you all that information on what to do. The hubby hasn't showed it to me yet.
Ok so lets talk about this damn Property Manager of mine. When you are living in a predominately military town where they wouldn't exist if the post/base was there (Killeen, Lawton, etc)you are going to get royally screwed. They know soldiers need a place to live and if one soldier doesn't get it another one will. Thankfully I have gotten the workorders I have put in fixed. I just don't understand why they weren't fixed in the first place. "Normally" you wouldn't put a house up that looked like this,
To Be Continued (Laptop Dying)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Somethings wrong with this Picture
So thankfully this move has been a success. The packers arrived promptly at 9am. 2 women. They came in looked around and went to their truck (size of a uhaul) to gather their materials. They started packing the master bedroom. I had stepped out to changed my son's pamper and when I walked in most of the room had been packed. I don't really have nice breakable things so I wasn't worried about that. They were just so quick that honestly I don't think they had time to go through things. Whatever I had that was breakable was nicey packed and labled. I was very confident about these packers and would recommend them to others. The one thing I did not care for and actually really bothered me was when they packed a "valuable" item in a box they put the name of the item and the serial number on it. Since our things were to sit in storage briefly I was uncomfortable with this, but they said it was policy. I later called and was told it was. There was a brief 30 minute delay between the packers and the movers. Although it was nice that the packers were not the movers. The driver was a little annoyed that it was not mentioned in his paperwork that he also had to pick up at our storage unit. He was driving a semi and no way was he going to make it in the storage unit. His attitude quickly changed and he was very thorough and proficient with his inventory of our boxes. Actually he was almost a little to thorough and didn't leave for our storage until 4:30 pm. He arrived at 12:30. My husband went with them to our storage and helped them move the boxes from there because we were tired and hungry.
We went house hunting (rental) this past Monday and did find a house we did like BUT what a crappy property manager. When they charge the previous tenant for damages done I would think they would fix the damages before they tried to rent the property again. Well not this place. Most of the damages are things we don't mind replacing like torn screens but when a dog destroyed the siding on the house to expose studs and water pipes then I am going to raise hell.
We were told that when the inspector comes out to go over our move in checklist with us he will "decide" whether things need to be replaced. If this is blatantly obvious that this needs to be fixed then I am going to raise all kinds of hell. It was a nice house, was available now and was a good deal that's why we overlooked it. Tuesday is when the inspector comes so we'll see what happens then. Also they gave us the wrong zip code so when I called USAA to move things over the agent noticed that I had the wrong zip. That meant I had to call all of our utilities over AGAIN because I was given the wrong zip.
Tell me since when has it taken 3-5 business days to have the electricity turned on! I have paid a prorated rent but can't "move in" until the 31st because the electricity isn't on. I really feel like I am being scammed.
We went house hunting (rental) this past Monday and did find a house we did like BUT what a crappy property manager. When they charge the previous tenant for damages done I would think they would fix the damages before they tried to rent the property again. Well not this place. Most of the damages are things we don't mind replacing like torn screens but when a dog destroyed the siding on the house to expose studs and water pipes then I am going to raise hell.
We were told that when the inspector comes out to go over our move in checklist with us he will "decide" whether things need to be replaced. If this is blatantly obvious that this needs to be fixed then I am going to raise all kinds of hell. It was a nice house, was available now and was a good deal that's why we overlooked it. Tuesday is when the inspector comes so we'll see what happens then. Also they gave us the wrong zip code so when I called USAA to move things over the agent noticed that I had the wrong zip. That meant I had to call all of our utilities over AGAIN because I was given the wrong zip.
Tell me since when has it taken 3-5 business days to have the electricity turned on! I have paid a prorated rent but can't "move in" until the 31st because the electricity isn't on. I really feel like I am being scammed.
Friday, August 13, 2010
I am SO tired.
Tomorrow's the day the movers come and thank god they do. I am so over this move already and it hasn't even begun. One day it was June the next it was Aug 12th the day before the movers. I had be preparing for this day for weeks but yet some how everything seemed to be done at the last minute. The hubby of course still isn't ready well I guess he's going to be S.O.L while my son and I are smooth sailing. I am just a ball of emotions. I am anxious, excited to be going home and scared. I have heard so many horror stories about the movers. My dad also decided he wanted to finally tell me everything the movers stole throughout his career. Thanks Dad, way to make me feel better. Well wanted to write a before and after post so my emotions and feelings are true. Still have a few things to pack and attempt to fall a sleep. Since Saturday I haven't slept well. My mind has been running a hundred miles a minute. Finally when this is over I can have a good nights sleep on my air mattress (lol) hey, better than sleeping on the floor. Well I'll have all the details for you tomorrow.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
That was it?
So yesterday morning a rep from the moving company came for our "presurvey." She was on time which was very refreshing. She was nice, polite, and very helpful. She went through all our bed rooms, closets (Eek, how embarrassing that was) and our cabinets and drawers, mentioned things that needed to be taken down or taken apart. She also gave us some info about the movers. She then followed my husband to our storage unit. She suggested to my husband that she put all his power tools into one of our tough boxes and put a lock on it. That sounds like a excellent idea, but I'm sure we will be held liable for that box since it will be previously packed. Unless I can have the movers pack it and I lock it up after? I don't know we'll see. I hope everything goes smooth. I read a post on the Military Spouse Message board that a woman has had her whole tv stolen. Are you kidding me? I have personally never had problems with the movers except when I was little my mother caught one of them going through her jewelry box. He was making sure she didn't have anything valuable he said. My last move they broke my beautiful Tiffany style Torchiere lamp. They left the glass on it and stuck it in the truck. That was stupid. Other than that nothing. I have always been nice to them and try to butter them up with drinks and snacks lol but I just want them to be happy.
Today my son went to his first birthday party. He had a blast. He is starting to be very social which is good. I guess those playgroups came in handy. He hit his first Pinata too. I told him to hit it and he looked at me like "What? Is this a trick" ha ha I've been having problems with him hitting so this was probably counterproductive. but after I did a swing with him he went to town and got a few hits in. After that he actually sat and ate and behaved. It was a miracle. I was very proud of him. Maybe one day it will click, "Hey if I behave and do what I'm told momma is happy. I can pretty much do what I want." ........ Nah!
Today my son went to his first birthday party. He had a blast. He is starting to be very social which is good. I guess those playgroups came in handy. He hit his first Pinata too. I told him to hit it and he looked at me like "What? Is this a trick" ha ha I've been having problems with him hitting so this was probably counterproductive. but after I did a swing with him he went to town and got a few hits in. After that he actually sat and ate and behaved. It was a miracle. I was very proud of him. Maybe one day it will click, "Hey if I behave and do what I'm told momma is happy. I can pretty much do what I want." ........ Nah!
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