Warranty Issues (Alternative Plans)

When, upon waking this morning, I came to the realization that what I would have liked most to do today was not a possibility, I decided instead to tackle a task or two that I'd been putting off for months. Right after I laid in bed and watched two or three episodes of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Because, after all, I couldn't do the main task until the stores were open, and it was Sunday morning after all - nothing would open until at least 10:30.

I decided that today was the day that I would once again gather up my mental and emotional energies and tackle a warranty issue with Best Buy. Best Buy is not my favorite store. I have had terrible service there, and every large electronic item I've ever purchased there has to be exchanged - it's a good thing I paid all that money for their extended warranties - I've needed them.

My television has been making a terrible squealing noise for months, usually starting after it's warmed up a bit - been on for an hour or so. Generally just about half-way through whatever movie you happen to be watching and really enjoying.

And so, this morning, I gathered myself up, and loaded the TV (which size for size could match me) into George and set off. This was the day I was going to see this problem solved. Or at least on the way to being solved.

I arrived at the store, loaded the TV onto a shopping cart, and made my way inside. Directed to the warranty desk with which I am very familiar (this was, after all, the third electronic item purchased from Best Buy that has required repair or replacement in the last year), I prepared myself to do battle.

And a battle it was. The guy at the service desk informed me that my warranty would allow for replacement, but I would only get a credit for what I'd spent, not a straight replacement to a current model. And, I would have to purchase a new extended warranty to cover whatever replacement product I selected, at a cost of around $100.00. When I asked if he knew if there were any models available in that price range, he replied curtly, "You'll have to look in that department."

And so, in full fume, I took myself off to the television department. Hunting around, I managed to locate a sales person. He looked like he was about 12 years old. He clearly wasn't shaving yet, and I could look him in the eye. I'm five foot two inches, and the only guys I can look in the eye are generally under the age of fifteen. I was all set to ask "Is there a grown-up that I can talk to?" but decided to explain my problem anyway. He showed me some options, and it seemed that not only would I get the privilege of paying for a new warranty, it would also cost me approximately an extra $150 to purchase a new television model. My frustration was growing when he stopped me, "Let me just go check on something for you."

When he came back five minutes later, he was my instant hero, and made me regret my initial internal desire to ask for service from a grown up. "We can do a straight exchange to this model for you." (He selected the model I'd been planning to select anyway.) "You'll just have to pay for the warranty." I was delighted. Especially since I'd already asked the customer service clerk about this possibility, and been told that it was impossible.

He carried the new model to the customer service desk for me, and stayed there (earning me a much politer experience with the customer service clerk) until I'd finished the exchange, and paying for the new warranty.

I left the store, vowing to fill out a customer satisfaction survey that praises this young man, and speaks strongly of my dislike for the customer service representative (who I've had the misfortune of encountering on previous trips as well.)

I got back into George, and wanted to cry. That says something about the level of my emotional energy these days. The tense moments, anger, frustration, adrenaline and relief of a bad customer service experience wore me out. I wonder where I can exchange my emotional health? Does it have a warranty? Who can I see about that?

In any case, I was exhausted. And overly emotional. About a television of all things. And about finally getting some decent service. And feeling guilty for having pre-judged the young man who finally helped me.

So I took the rest of the afternoon off.

Well, actually, I went grocery shopping with my roommate.

And then I worked on a project a friend asked for about eight months ago. It took me most of three hours to compile the list of items she'd asked for.

I read a little, alternating between Anne Lamott, and Teresa of Avila, the sixteenth century nun whose book I'm working my way through just presently.

I took a walk in the cold through our neighborhood with my roommates.

I watched a movie while I worked on some of those other things.

I made myself eat a whole plate of dinner.

I snacked. Cheese. Yogurt (mango pineapple - so good). Cashews. Blue corn chips with parmesan artichoke dip from the farmer's market.

I took another LUSH bubble bath.

I lit candles.

It wasn't really the day I was looking for when I woke up this morning. I had warranty issues, and made alternative plans. It brought odd emotions, and a sense of accomplishment from finishing two separate items on my mental "to do" list that I've been putting off for at least 6 months.

And now, I'm resting again.

I'll be hunting for another snack in a few minutes.

And going back to reading. Teresa next. I just finished one of Anne's essays.

I'm so glad it's a long weekend. I've needed three days of mellow unplanned, mostly resting.

Tomorrow will bring a wedding dress fitting with one of my roommates. And a family party later in the day. But mostly it will likely bring rest as well. Much needed rest.

And hey, I have a new TV. One that doesn't squeal half-way through your favorite movie. (I tested that theory this afternoon.) One that's all modern looking and flat screened. And it only cost me $130 in new warranty charges, and federal government taxes and electronics recycling fees for the privilege.