Blog #168: A Dear John Letter

I am sending this exact text to Aspen Athletic as soon as I have time to get to a post office.

Dear Aspen Athletic Corporate Headquarters In Charge Person,
It is the year 2014, and even though you appear to happily embrace the future by having a website, a web portal for making payments and scheduling trainers, and a seemingly competent web design person, I am required to send you this letter via certified mail to tell you to please stop taking $75 per month out of my account now that my contract is over. I have employed carrier pigeons, the pony express, smoke signals, and a singing telegram on the off chance this letter will not suffice. Sorry, but the midget stripper was out of my price range.

Did you know that Time Magazine, Spotify, and McAffee Antivirus have all been sued due to deceptive auto renewal policies? In fact, most companies these days play the safe and way less shady side of giving their consumer a ridiculous amount of fair warning that their subscription will expire followed by near pleading to renew. At the very least, even big wigs like Amazon let you cancel renewal to their premium membership through their website. It's almost as if they respect their consumers' right to decide what they want to spend their money on. Not you though, Aspen. You are the renegade, the cowboy, with your devil may care ways. "of course they still want me!" you exclaim, "they would be fools to not!" 

I respect that. Really I do. Everyone's gotta make their money somehow. It's hard out there for a pimp. And had my experience with your training program been positive I MIGHT have even let it slide. We'd have laughed about it together you and I. "Oh that Aspen Fitness and it's obsession with certified mail! Sometimes I think it just likes to feel special. Lolololol!"

Unfortunately for all of us though, my experience with your training program was MUCH less than positive. I joined the gym in January of 2013. I know what you're thinking but it had NOTHING to do with a New Year's resolution. I had already lost the10lb I wanted to and was looking to take advantage of your grand opening special at the club near my place.  Your actual gym program is fine. Reasonable price no contract etc. However, you really sell that personal training thing. That free health consultation/fitness assessment whatever is genius! Quick, tell me everything you think is still wrong with me and then that you can fix it at the low price of $70/hour!  And of course I am unfortunately like a great deal of women who heard the "not toned enough not fit enough not  enough" message and sought to throw money at you to fix me and make me "enough." Rookie mistake.

The free fitness consultation included scales and measurements and fat percentages and results you promised could be passed on to the other Aspen with trainers nearby (I was Boardwalk in KC but went to Liberty until it opened). So I was in. My first session with my trainer in Liberty? He had no such information. We spent the entire session redoing those measurements which was great for my self image again to hear how "not enough" I was so thank you. Free consultation now a waste of my time as you managed to use paid time for the same thing.

After a few weeks, the Aspen near my home opened so I switched back there, again after being assured that my information would follow me. Did it? You guessed it! No! So what happened? Yet another session of starting all over. No tracking of progress from my Liberty sessions so those were essentially lost time. I liked my new trainer though and was enjoying working with her. Then, one day, I went to schedule a session with her in your very innovative web scheduling software, and she was no where to be found. I only found out by sending an email to her personal account that she had left Aspen and that my account had been given to yet another new trainer over a week before and no one bothered to call me. So, another new trainer. At least it was the same building so she would have my chart and we could track my progress, right? Well, that was partially true. The only thing we could really track was weight, because as it turned out my old trainer had done all the tape measurer measures incorrectly. Meaning now that progress was meaningless. 

And as an insult to injury... part of the agreement was that my trainer would take an interest in my nutrition and check my food log... And the only person who gave me any sort of feedback regarding my eating was my first trainer who would implore me to eat more protein.

In April 2013 my job situation changed and I realized by July that I had neither time nor additional financial resources to find this little excercise in futility. I was able to cancel my gym membership effectively but not the training. No, apparently that contract was tighter than the one Ursula put on Ariel. Not even true love's kiss could get me out of the $75/month without paying an astronomical cancellation fee, EVEN THOUGH I had received terrible service and your team didn't hold up their end. And, in trying to explain my plight to your customer service reps, I got no empathy. Just another matter of fact "you're just a dollar sign to us" attitude.

But you know what? I sucked it up. I took it like a man. And when December 2013 came I had about $400 in unused sessions that I counted as a loss because I no longer had any desire to continue on the roller coaster ride that is Aspen Training. I celebrated my last deduction. "I'M FREE!!" I exclaimed.

But I spoke too soon. Because this January, despite my contract ending, you struck again. And when I called AGAIN to seek understanding and help, I was again treated like a dollar sign. "Oh you didn't know you had to send a certified letter? Sucks to be you!" While that wasn't the actual terminology used, that was the tone implied.

So now you have made it to the end of my tragic tale. Ideally you would just give me back the money for the sessions I didn't use because of your company's shoddy way of running things. At the very least, refunding this January payment would be an okay gesture. 

Since you are so reluctant to welcome the future I imagine you won't know what I mean when I say I'm posting this letter on my blog. But maybe one of the carrier pigeons can explain it to you.

To anyone else who made it this far... Thank you. And buyer beware.

Sincerely,

Marissa 

PS: seriously. Stop taking my money.

Blog #167: Things I can do

I've said before that I'm not much one for New Year's Resolutions but I do like to take some time at the beginning of each year to think of things I'd like to do in the year. However, as you'll find in post #166 that I'm a little nervous about this year. So, instead of goals or definite ideas of things I want to happen, I'm taking a softer approach.

So, without further ado - here are some things that would be cool if they happened in 2014 (but if not, don't beat yourself up over it- it's whatever.)

1. Get good at knitting for fun gifts and stress relief

2. Be intentional about maintaining relationships with those I care about.

3. Start working on my supervision hours for licensure.

4. Be open to any new adventures that present themselves.

5. Blog once a week

So, those are some things that have been on my mind for this year. Bottom's up 2014!

Blog #166: An Open Letter to the New Year

Dear 2014,

Please, be gentle. 

There are those of us to whom 2013 was unkind, and we are a little gun shy about being excited for you. It's nothing personal - it will just take some cautious care to engage us in the hoping and wishing a new year typically brings. We are like puppies who have been kicked around and are hesitant to trust new humans. 

So I ask you, New Year, to handle us with care. Give us time to warm up to you. Of course you will have some difficult times. No year is without them. But could you maybe ease us into them? Just give us some time to mend the wounds from the stress, loss, frustrations, and disappointments in 2013 before you test us with your own trials. 

Don't worry, 2014. We'll come around eventually and think about all the possibilities you bring and begin to think of the good things that could come with you. But for now, we're treading lightly, looking over our shoulders and making sure you aren't holding a weapon. Once we feel safe, we're all yours.

Sincerely,

Me

Blog #165: CHAMPIONS

THE BEARCATS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE IN THIS LONGER THAN USUAL BLOG YOU WILL HAVE READ THAT. 

Today I remembered a couple of things. I remembered why I love football so much. I remembered why I am so proud to be a Bearcat and why Bearcats are special. I remembered how healing an evening gathered with family can be. And I remembered that I am completely terrified to drive in any sort of winter weather.

I never really forgot that I loved football. More like I just took it for granted. Duh, Marissa loves football. No one is surprised. But watching the Bearcats WIN the championship game today was just a reminder of the combination of emotion, skill, and control that football is. 

I guess it's also no surprise that I'm a proud Bearcat. This is not news to anyone. And if it is then I probably need to have a conversation with you about your  comprehension and retention skills. But you tell me what other school can inspire friendships to develop simply because of the commonality of school. I went to a watch party on my own (because my date was my stepdad and he ended up working all night and not being up for a bar watch party) and I was a little frustrated about it. I had visions of sitting by myself like a loser moping. I briefly considered throwing in the towel on the watch party and just going to watch the game at my brother's house. But I went in anyhow. Within an hour I had a spot at a table with new friends. We visited, cheered, high fived, and left having exchanged numbers for future hanging out possibilities. I just believe that being a Bearcat really means being part of a family more so than other college. I don't know anyone else who identifies so strongly with their undergrad alma mater (except for other Bearcats - we stick together.) Sure, the fact that our football team has had a long run of success is probably helpful - but I can't help but believe that there's some kind of magic in being a Bearcat unrelated to sports that creates a bond in those who attended that's stronger than most. It's special for me to be a part of that and I'm so thankful that the choice I made on a bit of a whim as a 17 year old high school senior turned out to be one of the best choices I've ever made. AND WE ARE CHAMPIONS.

Following the BEARCAT VICTORY (sorry, all caps was necessary), I headed up to Smithville for one of my 3 Christmas gatherings this weekend (out of 4 total). I have been really struggling to be into Christmas this year for a number of reasons (I like to refer to it as "the perfect storm" of crap that could have gone down over the last few months). I've been basically forcing myself to feel the spirit of the season by watching every possible Christmas special, listening to Christmas music (on days when I wasn't too frustrated to stomach it) and participate in Christmas festivities. This struggle to "feel" Christmas was a bummer for me because I really love Christmas. I love the whole season from November 1 through the end of the year for all the family and festivities and feeling of gratitude and goodwill. And this year it's been more like I've been going through the motions. Like I've spent every last ounce of energy that I have on just existing and I don't have the resources to enjoy extra things. So, I was expecting that feeling to continue throughout the gathering. But, as soon as I got there, it was like a wake up call. Seeing the kids being adorable kids and the thoughtful gifts given and the conversation being had - it was so nice. It was like a feeling of warmth to just kind of remind me why this time of year is typically a happy one for me. It was a reminder that frustrating times are just that - times - and that they pass because that's what time does.

After the gathering it was time to head home - in the ice storm. I have a storied history with driving in winter weather that does include one totaled car as a direct result of the conditions. This storied history has lead to me being less than confident a winter driver. You might say I'm a bit timid behind the wheel as soon as the advisory starts. I'd kind of forgotten that because the advisories we've had so far have been lame and useless and the roads were fine - leaving me to think that I'm more confident of an inclement weather driver than I really am. But, don't worry, today I got my comeuppance. I got in the car to drive home in the pitch black dark as ice pretty much rained from the sky and solidified upon contact to whatever it landed on. I think I averaged 20mph over the whole drive. What is typically a 25 minute drive took me nearly an hour and by the time I got to park I was so exhausted and tense that I thought I might just sleep there. I mean, I made it without incident (likely thanks to the salt truck I refused to pass that graced me with it's presence for a little over half the drive) but I certainly wasn't comfortable. Then I got out of the car and promptly slipped and caught myself just before totally face planting it. So, to confirm, winter and I? Not friends.

This got more introspective than I really intended but let's roll with it. I just need the Chiefs to win tomorrow and to hone my Bunko skills and the weekend will be a complete success.

Until next time, Internet.

Blog #164: Tragedy strikes again.

Well.

It's happened.

After all the pain and suffering I've been through trying to get the internet set up in my apartment.

You'd think "This internet inconvenience alone is almost too much for just one person to handle. I'm impressed by her shear heroics of carrying on throughout this difficult time. Certainly she can catch a break and have the internet be really fast and the perfect choice for watching her shows on netflix."

And you'd be wrong.

The worst has happened. I chose the wrong level of internet and now I have to go through the whole process of upgrading my choice and paying more so I can have my streaming video.

WHY GOD WHY ME. WHY DO ALL THE BAD THINGS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME.  WITH ALL THE SHOWS ON NETFLIX AND HULU WAITING FOR MY EYES TO WATCH THEM, HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN.

Bad things DO happen to good people you guys. This internet situation is all the proof you need. All I can do is stream music and make posts on social media. WHAT IS THIS, THE STONE AGES?

No wonder I've been too stressed to eat.

Blog #163: Houston, we have wifi.

Okay. So remember when I made that post like a month ago and said I would have internet installed within a week? That was silly.

So, after a ridiculous back and forth between me, ATT, my apartment manager, ATT, me, my apartment manager that took approximately a month, WE HAVE WIFI HALLELUJAH. Granted, if I had made the necessary phone calls in a more timely manner to follow up on this it probably could have been fixed within a week or so but who has the time to make phone calls? Seriously. I want to know who has the time. I have no time. Ever.

But now, thanks to some above and beyond help from my apartment manager while I was stuck in St. Joseph,  as of today I have the internet in my home meaning my data plan for my iphone will finally get a break.

Because sometimes even though things very often don't work out the way you think they are going to, they still work out in the end. 

So, in celebration of that fact, below you'll find pictures of the things that are good lately. Because amidst stress and frustration and hard work and navigating family crises... there is good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a TON of Netflix to watch to make up for lost time.

Oh, and also BEARCATS ARE PLAYING IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME NEXT WEEK AND IT MAKES ME TYPE IN ALL CAPS.

Spent the whole day a while back with these boogers. It was exhausting but they are fantastic.

I'm thankful this picture exists in the world. And for the trip I had to hang out with these wackos.

Duh. CHIEFS. (We decorated this tree on the side of 360hwy in Austin)

It's true love between me and the Chestnut Praline Latte at Starbucks

Double: BEARCATS and I got new glasses. but mostly BEARCATS. Unfortunately I have a full and rewarding life so I am unable to drop everything (like family christmas festivities) for a trip to Bama for the Championship. But I will be watching and eating Mrs. T approved lucky licorice for my beloved BEARCATS.

First annual sister holiday baking day was a success, aprons and all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These boys are the best kids in the world, and that is a proven fact. Plus, look how they take after their favorite aunt in their stylin' specs! FOUR EYES UNITE

Blog #162: Studio Success

That they do. I'm about to show you what happens when you productively channel emotions... I wish I had taken "before" pictures because this isn't going to look necessarily beautiful... Because I am not an interior designer and am not too interested in "decorating" a studio not designed for visitors. It's purpose is more my own haven of serenity... So while it is rough around the edges there at least isn't an overwhelming feeling of anxiety whenever I look around. I apologize for the lack of structured sentences in this paragraph.

Behold!

You know, it took some time but I finally accomplished what I intended to when I chose to downsize to a studio. I got rid of some things, found a place for everything, and settled into a manageable living situation I can maintain. I seriously feel so much relief when I am at home now. To reward myself I ordered Internet that I'll self install Friday. And God said it is not good for Marissa to be without her shows. He said let there be Netflix. And it was good.