I did it. I went to enroll for school. But the class I need was full. They had 1 spot left for the next session. I had to take a reading assessment test. I had to test out at 8th grade reading. Or else.

Of course I said to the woman. "I'm not going to have an issue with this. Can you hold the spot while I go take it?". and of course she said "No, we don't hold classes, but when you come back, interrupt me if I am busy, and I'll get it entered for you."

So. I walk halfway around the world to take the assessment test. Wait in line to take it. The whole while thinking "They're gonna fill that spot while I do this." Then, as I am taking this test, I was a nervous wreck. Thinking I was going to overlook something and fail. "OMG what if I fail? I told her I wouldn't have any issue with it. " So, I read things, re-read things, read the questions, went back to the context NUMEROUS times. I was sweating! lol

I finish the test knowing I missed at least one question, cause I hit the "Go ahead" button too soon and didn't double check my answer. OMG the pressure. So, I go out to the lady and tell her I am done, and that it made me nervous. She picked up my results, and said in a very gloomy voice "well....you know how it can be. Sometimes it is harder than we expect." My stomach dropped, it rumbled, I felt nauseous cause she all but told me I failed right? Then she shows me the first page, points to the number 58 and says "you needed a 58". OMG, what did I get? like a 57 or something??!!! I can't read at 8th grade level?!!?

Finally she gives me page 2, and says "you can't get any better than that." Whew. She had me goin. But I still wanna throw up. So, I take the form she gives me, and head back around the world to lady #1, but I can't remember how I got to lady #1. It's 8 degrees outside, and I'm in a hurry. I can't for the life of me find lady #1. (But, I can read at 8th grade level, so that's a good thing.)

I find lady #1. She has her door closed and 3 people in her office. *sigh* I tell the receptionist lady (Lady #3) what lady #1 told me to do if she is busy when I get back. She says "Really? You're supposed to interrupt her? She never says that." I said, "well, the class I need is full, all but one spot, and she said she'd enter my results quickly so I can register." Lady #3 says "I've never heard of that before". Me. "Me either, I'm new here, but I promise I didn't make it up.". She smiled and said "I'll go see what she says". So lady #3 stands outside lady #1's door for what feels like an eternity (probably like 20 seconds, but hey. I'm nauseous). She finally opens the door, shakes her head a lot, hands lady #1 the paper and just stands there. So I think "Do I go over there? what do I do now?". I'm getting evil looks from all of the people in line behind me waiting for lady #3 to help them. and did I mention, I feel OLD? OK, #3 is coming my way, I can't read her expression at all. But she has my test results in her hand. She hands them to me and says "OK, you're good to go". I'm like "go where?". Thankfully it is basically right behind me. Where the rest of the population of Kendall county is waiting in line.

I wait my turn in line, tell the woman what I need, and she hands me another form to fill out. I told her the course only has one spot left. She said "Oh, then we need to be quick. I'll get you in it while you fill it out." (wasn't that sweet? I must have had a little angel holding my spot for me.) So, she gets me registered. She then tells me to go next-door to pay, when it dawns on me. I never asked how much it will cost! Am I really competent enough to enter the work force? LOL

I paid, then decided I'd treat myself to my books from the bookstore. and that's a whole nother story. It's been way too long since I was in school. I'm excited. I bought 1 book. The other 2 on my list are shown as optional, and the bookstore lady (what would she be, Lady #8?) suggested I not buy those unless the instructor says to.


Whew!

I miss Jay Leno

Am I alone? Late night television is now ruined for me. I cannot believe how much I miss his humor. I see odd things and still think to myself "Wonder what Jay will say about this?".

Then I come back to reality. He won't be there tonight.

I can't get into Conan, and I've never been a Letterman fan, so I can't go there.

I have to wait until the Fall season premiers his new show.

I suppose people felt this way when Johnny retired and Jay took over. But when Jay took over, he'd guest hosted so many times, we all already knew him. Most of Jays audience doesn't already know Conan.

I haven't spoken to anyone who stays tuned to NBC after the late news since the big change.

Have you?

Common sense in Retail. Do they mix well?

Oh my, here I am, back on the customer service "rant". Although this is more about the lack of common sense.

I went to the pool supply store. I had about 8 things to buy. (different chemicals). Before the girl rang it up, I said "Uh oh, I left my debit card and check book at home."

Of course the card I had with me, couldn't take the whole amount, so I said "How about I buy the one I need for today, and I'll come back later for the rest?". No problem.

We swiped my card for the $18.00 item I need for today. Well, it WAS a problem. Her computer system wouldn't let her do this. It won't let her do anything other than complete the sale.

She called a few people. The man in line behind me finally left. She got a hold of someone and then said to me (after she hung up) "You have to pay for the whole thing."

Duh. If I could have, I would have. She said "But it won't let me do this". I said "I know, but I don't have the right card, or my checkbook. Remember?". We stared at one another for a while.

Finally, she called someone else. (maybe the same person, I don't know). She came back to me again and said I needed to pay for the whole thing.

I said "What if I just leave?" "

her "You can't."

me "watch me".

Her "but we already swiped your card."

Hmm. good point.

Me "How about you pretend I wrote a check for the balance, and then void the sale?"

her "I can't do that."

Me "pretend I paid cash, and then pretend you refunded the cash."

Her "I can't do that. It will throw everything off."

Me "How's that?"

Her "it will throw the drawer off".

Me "No it won't. You pretend to collect cash, then pretend to refund the same amount. "

Doesn't this make sense?!

Finally, I said "I have to leave."

her "I can't let you leave."

Me "I have to".

I had been there for an hour by now. I was initially happy with her service, but her lack of common sense left me perplexed.

I learned she didn't charge me sales tax on the item we swiped my card for. So I said "I'll leave you cash for the sales tax, but I'm leaving."

her "you can't do that. You have to sign for the charge".

Me "You don't need my signature unless I dispute the charge."

Her "you have to sign for the sale".

I left her my business card, $2.00 to cover the $1.52 sales tax, took my bucket of pool chemicals and left.

Will I go back there for my chemicals?

Doubtful.