On A Roll

I seem to be riding the crest of a big wave as the trend of positive events in my life continues unabated.  I got my electric bill last week stating that I had consumed 1230 kilowatt hours of power, yet the balance due was $0.  I watched for a correction on line for a couple of days before curiosity got the better of me and I called Stream Energy's customer service line.  I was informed because of the program to which I am contracted and the fact that I always pay my bill on time had earned me a rebate that covered all of this month's bill and left $10.88 towards next month's.  I said 'whoo hoo, happy day indeed' as after all a free month of any utility service is awesome as hell!  

I did have a little difficulty on Friday morning,  After an exhaustive search on line and by telephone trying to find someone who would refill my Lexmark 36xla and 37xla ink cartridges, I found that Fry's Electronics does supply that service.  I call the nearest location in Arlington, gave my cartridge types to the customer service rep and was informed that they would refill my 36xla for $9.95 and my 37xla for $14.95.  I hopped in my new ride and drove to the Arlington store (30 miles one way) and presented my cartridges at the service desk.  I was promptly advised that they do not refill my particular cartridges and would not now or ever do so.  This of course pissed me right off, so rather than make it a complete waste of time and gas, I went to the computer department to buy replacements.  I found where they were supposed to be, yet they were out of stock, strike two.  I was not about to leave without buying something to justify the trip so I bought an 8 pack of AAA batteries I needed for my flashlight and proceeded to cuss everyone from the counter to the cashier to the security person at the door, making sure they were well aware of my displeasure.  On the drive back to my place, I called the store to register my complaint, was put on hold then cut off before being able to register said complaint.  I redialed the store and got a hold of a supervisor who agreed that they too would be royally pissed off if they were in my position.  The supervisor offered to order and allow me to purchase  the cartridges from their on line site and they would pay for the shipping.  However the price they wanted was more than I would have to pay Lexmark for the same thing, and Lexmark would deliver them to my apartment, so I declined their offer.  I did feel better knowing that I was not wrong in my anger at the situation.  

After  the phone call was over, I stopped by Luck Optical on Camp Bowie in Fort Worth to test their advertised policy that said no appointment was necessary for an eye exam.  I was pleased to note that they were good as their word as I was in and out of there in less than an hour.  Everyone involved in the process was pleasant and helpful.  The exam plus the one extra test I took only cost me $54 altogether.  This went a long way to improving my morning .  

I went online when I got home to Zennioptical.com, to which I was turned on by Bailey Bradford, to order me some new glasses.  Their online customer service chat room was extremely helpful in explaining how the process works and how to match a new frame that works with my prescription as well as fits my face.  I was able to purchase a new pair of glasses with the frames I liked and which worked with my prescription plus a glare resistant coating and photo-grey lenses complete with delivery to my home for the grand total of $77.90.  Considering the fact that the cost on my last pair was $500, I thought a new pair of bifocal, photo grey, glare resistant lenses plus the frame for under $80 was a bargain too good to pass up.

Over the weekend, I caught up on my feeds, and with some friends I had not talked to in a while on Skype.  I also watched the season premier episodes of my favorite CBS shows, NCIS, NCIS LA and Elementary.  I watch them online so I am not tied to their broadcast schedules.  Then on Sunday, I took the new ride out to Irving to show it off to my best Gal Pal, Jennifer and catch up with her over lunch.  We went to the El Fenix location by Irving Mall where we proceeded to gorge ourselves on Mexican deliciousness.  We started with what they call a Funtita Fondue which was a neat little cast iron pan filled with a blend of melted Monterrey Jack, Chorizo and Green Chiles served with warm tortillas that was absolutely delicious.  For our entres, Jennifer had a beef and two cheese enchiladas covered in a sour cream sauce, rice and beans.  I had the El Fenix dinner which was a cheese enchilada, two tamales, a soft cheese taco, rice, beans and guacamole.  We were so stuffed when we managed to just barely walk out of there.  We had a great visit and we decided to get together soon to go to a DSO Concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center.  

The only downer of the whole weekend was the abomination which was the Cowboy game.  The Cowboys blew a 21-10 half time lead to lose 30-21.  They remain atop the NFC East with a 2-2 record only because the rest of the division has such lousy records themselves (Washington and Philadelphia both at 1-3 and the NY Giants at 0-4).  I swear the Cowboys look like world beaters at home and pussy boys on the road.  I just hope they do better than the two previous seasons where they managed mediocre records of 8-8.

All in all, it was a great weekend and I am looking forward to a much brighter future as time goes on.  In celebration, for your Monday Musical Moment, I have another compilation video from the Classical Music Club featuring the complete set of Impromptus for Piano penned by Franz Schubert.  The complete play list is to be found here.  The play list is followed by a collection of decidedly delicious dudes strutting their stuff in their best Monday's Undies for your visual appreciation.  Thanks for sharing part of your Monday with me, see you again tomorrow.  Until next time as always, Enjoy!