Could They Be Any Slower?

Well, I had a fun drive to work this morning. I had a flat tire, with a flat spare on top of it. There was a gas station not too far, but I still wasn't able to inflate the spare. So my car limped to a tire store belonging to a well-known national chain. It wasn't busy at all and I was probably the second or third customer there. I'd be back on my way soon. So I thought. I was there an hour and fifty-two minutes. I appreciated the courteous and professional service, but come on! They were just replacing a tire. Could they be any slower?

Eating Telemarketers For Breakfast: Dynasty Mortgage Called On the Carpet

As soon as it had become available, our household became amongst the millions of telephone numbers registered on the National Do Not Call Registry. It was extremely effective in stopping the incessant calls from telemarketers wanting to sell us stuff we didn't need or want.

But alas, there was one company - Dynasty Mortgage - that felt they were above the law. They called me twice, insisting they had every right to, despite my being on the National Do Not Call List. In fact, they were most arrogant and disrepectful towards me.

I'm not the only one they did this to. On March 1, 2005 the Federal Communications Communications commission issued a press release outlining their proposal to levy fines of $770,000 against Dynasty Mortgage for violating rules regarding the National Do Not Call list. The complaint against Dynasty Mortgage was pretty specific. I was sorry that I hadn't filed a complaint against them myself. Needless to say, I was pretty happy to hear Dynasty Mortgage was called on the carpet.

But just when I thought we were safe from these annoying calls, we got one not even a week later after the FCC's press release. My wife answered the phone and had me pick up. It was from AZ Prime One Mortgage. I think they were sorry they called. I thoroughly raked them over the coals, to which they arrogantly replied that were exempt from these rules. I spoke with the so-called marketing manager (what marketing manager works on a Sunday night?) who told me to do more research. I don't need to do more research - the FTC's rules are clear and specific on the rules - and AZ Prime One Mortgage is not exempt in any way shape or form (they are not a bank, savings and loan, or credit union).

Sadly, the so-called marketing manager would not budge on his position, and I informed him that he was an idiot and ended the call. I then filed a complaint with the FTC.

Word to telemarketers: do not violate the National Do Not Call List. I will eat you for breakfast.

Got Crutches?

Boy, I never thought it could be so difficult to find crutches for an average-sized person. But on Friday morning I finally acquired some.

I saw my doctor on Thursday to check out the foot I so gracefully wrenched the day before. He didn't think it was broken but sent me out for x-rays to be sure. That was an hour-and-a-half wait to take just three pictures. I still haven't heard what the results are. But I don't think it's broken, either. In fact, now that I've been able to pretty much stay off my feet, it's feeling much better. Praise God.

Desert in Bloom

With all the rains we've had this past winter comes a wonderful bonus - wildflowers galore. The Sonoran Desert is ablaze with wildflowers. Mountainsides which are usually drab and boring with the usual brown dotted with scrub and cactus are now thick with green and yellow. Unfortunately, when the rains have subsided for the season and the summer heat hits, we're in for a pretty rough fire season in the Phoenix area. But for the time being, we are blessed with this wonderful splendor.

I took a hike today through Thunderbird Regional Park, which encompasses the Hedgepeth Hills at the north end of Glendale. With camera in hand I took a lot of pictures and I'm sharing a few of my favorites with you now.

The weather was gorgeous today, although it was pretty windy.

I also had an unfortunate little accident. Coming down from the hill I was already on the good part of the trail (no rocks, just smooth, fine gravel and dirt) and being rather complacent and not watching the ground. I never saw the rut in the otherwise good part of the trail. My right foot planted itself - or tried to - into the rut. It doesn't look broken and it's okay if I don't put a lot of weight on it. Probably be real sore in the morning.

But considering the pictures I got, it was worth it. Enjoy.

Stately sahuaro cacti.

Even the cacti are in bloom.

The hills are alive...

Wedding in Tucson

This past Saturday we attended the wedding of my wife's cousin (once removed) in Tucson. We decided to make a weekend out of it. We left Friday afternoon (spent over an hour crawling in freeway traffic just trying to get out of Phoenix). We did make it in time for the rehearsal dinner.

Our hotel was about 10 minutes from the San Pedro Chapel, located in the old Fort Lowell neighborhood. It was a nice little ceremony with music provided by a mariachi band. The bride and groom (who had met in Spanish class at the University of Arizona) even exchanged part of their vows in Spanish.

The reception was held at the Wild Horse Ranch on the outskirts of town. This was a former dude ranch where John Wayne often visited while in Tucson. The food and atmosphere were wonderful!

We left Sunday morning in time to make it for church in Phoenix. Traffic on I-10 was much better, and the desert was decked out in wildflowers.

All in all, it was quite a relaxing weekend, something I needed when you consider how busy things have been at work (and why I haven't been posting much lately).