#512: Frustration

A rain storm last night knocked out my computer's modem leading to multiple irritating telephone calls to At&T tech support, having to slog through their convoluted recording system to get to a live person only to get have one call where the rep couldn't hear me, another when I was disconnected and on downhill from there.

But that didn't compare to today. My patience was sorely tried this morning.

After another night of insomnia I cleaned up and went to McDonald's to use the wi-fi, but it was down. I found out after I had bought breakfast. Could have saved money and calories if I had known.

Went to Denny's to see a line of waiting customers snaking out the door. Left and headed to a small cafe I often go to. Same thing, people out the door. At 0945! Does everyone have late breakfasts? Back to McD's. Still out.

Stopped by the bowling center that promotes free two-hour practice from 10:00-noon Saturdays for its league bowlers. It was closed, at 10:15, although the sign on the door showed opening hours Saturday as 10:00. Grrr!

Remembered our neighborhood center down the street has public use computers so drove there only to be told by the two teenage staffers that not only was the game room across from their desk closed on weekends but so too was the computer room. This was our conversation:

Me: Why is the computer room closed?

Guy staffer: Because we only have two of us on duty.

Me: So?

Guy: We aren't allowed to open the game room or computer room when there are only two of us here.

Me: Why?

Guy: I don't know. It's been that way for years.

This was a problem that the center manager assured me would be corrected last year when I needed to use one of the center's computers while mine was in for repair. Apparently her word wasn't to be trusted.

Me: Before I call my neighbor, our city commissioner, would you mind letting me use a computer for 15 minutes?

Guy: Okay.

I'm thinking: Duh, was that so hard?

When I finished, I asked him if this policy made any sense. He said no. I said I'd talk to the commissioner Monday, not just about the lack of computer availability but also about the center shutting out kids who want to use the game room.

What are we paying taxes for if the center opens the weight room, gym, restrooms and meeting rooms but not the rest of the center? I'll find out Monday when I call the commissioner, who does happen to be a neighbor and the person who supported me for the board position I hold on a city advisory committee. Should be interesting to see his follow up with the center's manager.

So now, at 7:45 p.m., I'm at Denny's catching up and looking forward to tomorrow when my niece's husband, an AT&T techie, stops by to install an old modem until the new one is delivered Tuesday.

Now, breathe in, breathe out, repeat.

Hoping your day was more peaceful.