You want me to plow what?

As the title clearly mentions, I'm a little unhappy. I'm sure America's Tire will know that in the morning. Please let me clue you in on the days events.

I knew I was going to either be absent from work today or late. My co-manager, having children, and all the schools being closed did NOT help things. He called in. I called in, and was provided a wondrous guilt-trip. This is not uncommon, but I'll be damned if I'm going to kill myself to get to work. It'll be a lot harder to fill my position on a permanent basis than it would be for one lousy day.

If anyone is familiar with me, guilt-trips typically work. Soooooo, I called America's Tire, since they are about a mile away, and within walking distance, even if the winds are gusting to 50 mph, and it's only 17 degrees outside(that's not even the wind-chill). I asked if they had any chains, and provided the size I needed. They said yes, and put a set aside for me. I offered to pay ahead of time, and they said it wasn't necessary. Okee dokee then.

I was getting all bundled up, at about 8:45am, and preparing myself for the walk of my life. I see a co-worker pop up on my instant messenger, and decided to whine for a bit. Also not uncommon.... He said it would be an awful walk in this cold, with the ice, and offered to come pick me up, provided our boss said it was ok. He was on his way 20 minutes later.

I jumped in and then out of the shower, threw on some jeans, and dried my hair. Before long, I was in normal clothes, and ready to go. The 80 pounds of fabric I was layered in, were sorely missed later in the day.

Anyway, he showed up, and we trutted down to America's Tire. Obviously, when the city shuts down due to ice, there are going to be a lot of people needing(wanting) tires or chains. 1 hour and 15 minutes later, I get a very nice young man asking me what I want. I told him I called earlier, and that I had a set of tire chains on hold for me. I provided my name and phone number, and he went digging. Came back and told me "Sorry, we're sold out."

"Excuse me? They were put on hold for me."

"Oh, well why didn't you say that?" I bit my tongue....

He grabbed a box from behind their small office door, and handed it to me. Charged me the $65, and I was on my way. In appreciation for picking me up, and helping me, I bought my co-worker lunch. Back at my place, we finish lunch, and head out to put the chains on my car. Even though he could just take me to work, I still need to get there for the rest of the week.

We open the box, and there are chains, but only one rubber thingy to hold them on. *grunt* I called America's Tire again. Explained I'd just been in, and picked up the set they'd held for me. Told the same nice young man, that I was missing this rubbery thing. He said they had plenty, and to come on back. I must have snorted into the phone, because my co-worker started laughing hysterically, and I knocked my phone out of my hand. I was less than thrilled. At least it is still in one piece....

Anyway, I went back. Walked in, and right up to the front of the line. I already sat through that mess once. Not again. The snippy remarks and dirty looks I got were more than worth it as far as I was concerned. I almost snapped at another customer in line, when he called me a b***h. Instead I quietly mumbled something insanely inappropriate(even for me), because I get stupid when I get mad. I think he heard me though, because he turned away. I'll use that one again....

So I calmly motion for some assistance, and quickly get my missing piece. "Oh, I wonder if you're set is where this one came from...." I grabbed it, grunted and walked out.

So we're heading back, and my co-worker informs me, that our boss is less than thrilled at the time it's taken, and we need to head in. So instead of putting the chains on, we just head to work.

Funny how the outside seems so cold until you walk into a meat-locker. Something was up with the heat. I don't know what, but I had my sweat-shirt, scarf, and gloves on ALL day. My toes are frozen....

Anyway, my co-worker has offered to come back to work to take me home after he leaves for the day. I offered to take him and his daughter out for dinner. He's been so nice, I felt I owed it to him. He of course tried to turn me down, but I insisted.

So after a wonderful dinner, and convincing his daughter that I'm not an evil witch, they drop me off. I decide to put the chains on tonight, since I'm already freezing. Open the box, and start sorting through the mess. What do you know..... There's only one CHAIN!

It's 8:30pm, and America's Tire is closed.

$65 for ONE CHAIN! Not ok.......

I am sure after I WALK in there tomorrow, and give them an explanation as to what they have put me through, the first thing I'll here is "You want me to plow what?" Followed shortly after by "Refund? Why?" With my selective hearing, I can imagine the next thing I actually hear will be, "I don't know officer, she came in, and just snapped....."

*sigh* Oh well, maybe I'll make it to work on time on Wednesday when the next blizzard hits. Not f*****g likely. *grumble*