Theft Recon Update
Yesterday, I spent my whole afternoon trying to get my life back in order after the THEFT. I drove 35 minutes to the driver's license office. Unfortunately, my file there was flagged with an alarm because the name on my social security card didn't match the name change on my driver's license back in September, after we got married. They gave me directions to the closest (I use that word loosely) social security office, in Grand Prairie. On the way there, I almost hit my breaking point when, while driving on the two lane road there, I got stuck behind (1) the mailman, (2) the trash man, and then (3) the school bus. When I did finally get there, I walked into what seemed like an auditorium of people...I took my number (#160) and listened to the intercom system as the lady called #75.
I waited three hours to see a representative from the social security office. Thankfully, he was very nice and very helpful, very understanding. He made all the necessary changes and sent me on my way with the one sheet of paper (something I could have typed myself) that the driver's license office needed to issue me a duplicate/replacement license.
When I got back to the driver's license office (another 45 minute drive) they barely looked at the sheet I presented...The sheet I had waited three hours for...But they got me all fixed in the system and ordered me a new license, so I didn't complain.
My cell phone carrier has been Sprint for the past few years. Some friends and I all converted to Sprint when we got our picture phones and learned how to text message. Todd also used Sprint, so we were able to take advantage of the "PCS to PCS" calling for free. Now...I've not had much luck with Sprint in the past. Their customer service SUCKS, and if you notice...When you go into their stores they're always crowded with customers (if you listen closely, ANGRY customers) and the counter is stocked with cocky sales guys who make sure you know that they know more than you, and are not in the least bit helpful. When I went in yesterday to get a phone, let them know mine was stolen, they were NO HELP AT ALL. I didn't expect them to be sympathetic (which they WEREN'T), their basic attitude walked my butt right out of there, they lost the LB as a customer.
So I drove down to Cingular and got the greatest deal on a "family plan" for both Todd and me, and got a pretty good deal on some phones. Sure, the phones aren't as fancy as the ones we had before...But why have a fancy phone when it's just going to get stolen from your purse at Wal-Mart?
I understand that in a person's lifetime, they likely only have to visit the social security office or the driver's license office a handful of times. But WHY...WHY are they the least efficient places in the world? Maybe I should be thankful, given the THEFT I just experienced, that it's necessary to have REAL PIECES OF PAPER to make things happen there. I didn't understand why I couldn't request another license online...Or why I couldn't handle my situation with the social security office on the phone or online. And don't even THINK about calling them - after you get through all the prompts, they'll tell you that you need to call back, they're too busy.
I'm tired of being bitchy. I'm tired of not sleeping at night. I'm just tired. Tomorrow will be a better day.
I waited three hours to see a representative from the social security office. Thankfully, he was very nice and very helpful, very understanding. He made all the necessary changes and sent me on my way with the one sheet of paper (something I could have typed myself) that the driver's license office needed to issue me a duplicate/replacement license.
When I got back to the driver's license office (another 45 minute drive) they barely looked at the sheet I presented...The sheet I had waited three hours for...But they got me all fixed in the system and ordered me a new license, so I didn't complain.
My cell phone carrier has been Sprint for the past few years. Some friends and I all converted to Sprint when we got our picture phones and learned how to text message. Todd also used Sprint, so we were able to take advantage of the "PCS to PCS" calling for free. Now...I've not had much luck with Sprint in the past. Their customer service SUCKS, and if you notice...When you go into their stores they're always crowded with customers (if you listen closely, ANGRY customers) and the counter is stocked with cocky sales guys who make sure you know that they know more than you, and are not in the least bit helpful. When I went in yesterday to get a phone, let them know mine was stolen, they were NO HELP AT ALL. I didn't expect them to be sympathetic (which they WEREN'T), their basic attitude walked my butt right out of there, they lost the LB as a customer.
So I drove down to Cingular and got the greatest deal on a "family plan" for both Todd and me, and got a pretty good deal on some phones. Sure, the phones aren't as fancy as the ones we had before...But why have a fancy phone when it's just going to get stolen from your purse at Wal-Mart?
I understand that in a person's lifetime, they likely only have to visit the social security office or the driver's license office a handful of times. But WHY...WHY are they the least efficient places in the world? Maybe I should be thankful, given the THEFT I just experienced, that it's necessary to have REAL PIECES OF PAPER to make things happen there. I didn't understand why I couldn't request another license online...Or why I couldn't handle my situation with the social security office on the phone or online. And don't even THINK about calling them - after you get through all the prompts, they'll tell you that you need to call back, they're too busy.
I'm tired of being bitchy. I'm tired of not sleeping at night. I'm just tired. Tomorrow will be a better day.
posted by Lauri at 8:18 AM
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