One day a couple of months ago I came home to see a spray-painted line across my yard. This is never a good sign. It usually means that a utility company is going to dig holes, bring in large equipment, and generally make a mess — all for the greater good.
Sure enough, in early December it happened. The natural gas lines were being changed to a newer, better system. The workmen were polite, explaining what they planned to do, begging my pardon, and promising to be as quick as possible.
Rain slowed their work that week, and on the final day it was necessary for them to turn off the gas for the big switch-over. How could they know I was in the middle of cooking for a Christmas pot-luck? Nor was it their fault that I was not at home, having gone to the party, when they came around to turn the gas back on. They promptly came out the next morning.
When I related this tale of woe to a co-worker, she said, “Did you complain?”
“Oh, I’ve been complaining a lot,” I answered. Of course she meant had I talked to someone in charge. Which, of course, I had not.
So I tell this story to say this: I need to say what I have to say to the person I need to say it to.
Maybe that should be a New Year’s Resolution. If I have a complaint, call Customer Service. If my food order is wrong, tell the server.
Just yesterday I complained on Facebook about a political ad that appeared 10 times during a 2 hour program — the same ad — 10 times. To be fair, what he said was not offensive, but he said it so often!
I know that homemade commercials are shown on the local programs with great frequency, but a national candidate on a national network?
So I complained to my friends on Facebook. Many people agreed and ‘liked’ my post. But really, they can’t do anything about it.
I should complain to someone who can fix the problem of redundant political ads. And I will. Just as soon as I figure out who that is.
In 2000, shortly after I retired and moved to Arkansas, I attended open auditions at Center On the Square Theater in Searcy. I landed a part as the mother-in-law in Moon Over Buffalo. Thus began my career onstage . . . type-cast as a little old lady.
In October, at The Archies Award Night, I received a life-time achievement award . . . the first the committee has ever awarded. “. . . to someone who has dedicated the majority of (her) life to the arts. This is someone who has been in more shows than you can count. . .”
