Friday... ahhhh

I need to figure out a wet winter walking scheme. This morning when I left the house it was pouring. By the time I got halfway, it was too hot to wear my raincoat. I think maybe I'm going to go get one of those cheapo poncho's at the drug store. I can get a bright colored one so that when some car hits me they can't say they didn't see me.

Walking on Friday mornings is so different than Saturday and Sundays. My southern walk is past offices and warehouses and small businesses and they are just waking up on Fridays.

Even the Krispy Kreme crew was there getting started. I stopped to take a picture and instead ended up talking to this very yummy construction guy. (I know, I am a total slug and a half for not getting his picture... sorry.) He said that this particular KK is going to be special - two stories - the top floor will house the regional HQ and the bottom floor will be the store.

"And you know with management sitting on them, these will be the best donuts of all Krispy Kremes," he explains. Son, you are preaching to the choir here.

On the down side, they won't be finished until the end of March! My 55th birthday. How very sweet of them.

I think I'm going to go into the office and make sure I don't have to go back until Monday. Then hop in the car and head out for a poncho. Then home to get this weekend started!!

Friday... ahhhh

I need to figure out a wet winter walking scheme. This morning when I left the house it was pouring. By the time I got halfway, it was too hot to wear my raincoat. I think maybe I'm going to go get one of those cheapo poncho's at the drug store. I can get a bright colored one so that when some car hits me they can't say they didn't see me.

Walking on Friday mornings is so different than Saturday and Sundays. My southern walk is past offices and warehouses and small businesses and they are just waking up on Fridays.

Even the Krispy Kreme crew was there getting started. I stopped to take a picture and instead ended up talking to this very yummy construction guy. (I know, I am a total slug and a half for not getting his picture... sorry.) He said that this particular KK is going to be special - two stories - the top floor will house the regional HQ and the bottom floor will be the store.

"And you know with management sitting on them, these will be the best donuts of all Krispy Kremes," he explains. Son, you are preaching to the choir here.

On the down side, they won't be finished until the end of March! My 55th birthday. How very sweet of them.

I think I'm going to go into the office and make sure I don't have to go back until Monday. Then hop in the car and head out for a poncho. Then home to get this weekend started!!

The Continuing Guy-Who-Won't-Pay-Me Saga

In our last episode, I had received the notice back from the post office that John (The Guy Who Won't Pay Me)'s sales guy had signed for the invoice I sent. The invoice called for the $3,000 debt plus $1,425 interest and explaining that payment before November 5 would prevent legal action.

I got the return receipt last Saturday and heard nothing until just now when he sent the following email:

---------------------------------------------------------
Susan,

Sorry about my delay in responding. After talking with Kip [his partner] and looking at the company's cash flow position, here are three options for you to consider:

1. The company is about 8 months away from paying off a note it owes to Brian Fairchild [a sales guy he fired after I was gone]. At the time that note is paid off, the company can start paying you $250/month.

2. If you wish to be paid right now, the company can pay you the principal balance if you agree to forego the accrued interest.

3. You can convert the note plus accrued interest into additional shares of Company stock at $.75 per share.

Feel fee to call me to discuss any of the above. Do you know if you are able to attend the meeting?

John
----------------------

My response:

----------------------

Actually, John, there is a 4th option.

I have to say that I am really disappointed and pretty insulted that it took
an expensive postal option to finally get a response from you after several
years and several unanswered emails. And now you offer me a position in
line AFTER Brian Fairchild??! I honestly think I have been beyond patient
and I'm done.

I will offer this as alternative to resolving this in court:

I will accept full payment of the principal of $3,000 now (or by November 5,
2003) and I won't increase the interest. I'll accept payment of the current
interest due in monthly increments of $60 a month for 24 months starting
December 1, 2003.

If I receive a check for $3,000 and a written promise of the payout
described above by November 5, 2003, I will not pursue legal action.

And, no, I will not be attending the meeting.

Susan
-----------------

Had he just apologized properly and with any hint of regret, I would have taken the $3,000 now and given him the interest. But fuck his ass anyway. I think small claims court is going to be fun. (And why in the hell would I want even MORE stock in a company so worthless it cannot clear out a 5 year old debt?????? Run by a guy who hasn't got the sense or decency of a doorknob??????)

The Continuing Guy-Who-Won't-Pay-Me Saga

In our last episode, I had received the notice back from the post office that John (The Guy Who Won't Pay Me)'s sales guy had signed for the invoice I sent. The invoice called for the $3,000 debt plus $1,425 interest and explaining that payment before November 5 would prevent legal action.

I got the return receipt last Saturday and heard nothing until just now when he sent the following email:

---------------------------------------------------------
Susan,

Sorry about my delay in responding. After talking with Kip [his partner] and looking at the company's cash flow position, here are three options for you to consider:

1. The company is about 8 months away from paying off a note it owes to Brian Fairchild [a sales guy he fired after I was gone]. At the time that note is paid off, the company can start paying you $250/month.

2. If you wish to be paid right now, the company can pay you the principal balance if you agree to forego the accrued interest.

3. You can convert the note plus accrued interest into additional shares of Company stock at $.75 per share.

Feel fee to call me to discuss any of the above. Do you know if you are able to attend the meeting?

John
----------------------

My response:

----------------------

Actually, John, there is a 4th option.

I have to say that I am really disappointed and pretty insulted that it took
an expensive postal option to finally get a response from you after several
years and several unanswered emails. And now you offer me a position in
line AFTER Brian Fairchild??! I honestly think I have been beyond patient
and I'm done.

I will offer this as alternative to resolving this in court:

I will accept full payment of the principal of $3,000 now (or by November 5,
2003) and I won't increase the interest. I'll accept payment of the current
interest due in monthly increments of $60 a month for 24 months starting
December 1, 2003.

If I receive a check for $3,000 and a written promise of the payout
described above by November 5, 2003, I will not pursue legal action.

And, no, I will not be attending the meeting.

Susan
-----------------

Had he just apologized properly and with any hint of regret, I would have taken the $3,000 now and given him the interest. But fuck his ass anyway. I think small claims court is going to be fun. (And why in the hell would I want even MORE stock in a company so worthless it cannot clear out a 5 year old debt?????? Run by a guy who hasn't got the sense or decency of a doorknob??????)

Poncho Memories

No need to buy a poncho, I have one already! I found it in the trunk of my car. And it not only suit my current need perfectly, it's a lovely memory as well!

The year was about 1986 or so. I was an executive speechwriter at IBM working in Minnesota. I wrote speeches for the Lab Director and he had a good buddy at the IBM lab in Toronto. Good buddy was scheduled to face a hoard of System/36 customers who were dying to know everything about the as-yet-unannounced follow on product (the AS/400 but it was a state secret then). Good buddy needed help on how to satisfy the customers without telling 'em shit. And my boss loaned him me for the job.

I'd never been to Toronto before and I had to meet Good Buddy at 9 on Monday so I left on Thursday. The Blue Jays were playing that night. I dropped off my stuff at the hotel and took a cab to the stadium and bought myself a ticket. It was cold and rainy. (And it was in the old stadium - pre-roof.) So I bought myself a poncho before I got to my seat.

It was kind of a bleacher type arrangement and it became clear I was nestled in between great Blue Jay fans who attended a lot of games and all knew each other. They originally thought I was an odd duck because I was by myself and had bought one of those dorky ponchos. So we chatted and I told them why I was there and they were wonderful.

One of them was a trolley driver for one of those tourist trolleys. He insisted I take his tour the next day (which I did and it was great). One of the wives drew me a map of the under ground to and from Eaton Centre with all the best places clearly marked. After the 7th inning stretch one of the guys came back with a ticket for me for the Saturday game - sitting with all of them.

Small wonder why Toronto is one of my favorite cities in the world. And now I have wonderful LJ Toronto friends. Finding that poncho this morning was a great treat!

Poncho Memories

No need to buy a poncho, I have one already! I found it in the trunk of my car. And it not only suit my current need perfectly, it's a lovely memory as well!

The year was about 1986 or so. I was an executive speechwriter at IBM working in Minnesota. I wrote speeches for the Lab Director and he had a good buddy at the IBM lab in Toronto. Good buddy was scheduled to face a hoard of System/36 customers who were dying to know everything about the as-yet-unannounced follow on product (the AS/400 but it was a state secret then). Good buddy needed help on how to satisfy the customers without telling 'em shit. And my boss loaned him me for the job.

I'd never been to Toronto before and I had to meet Good Buddy at 9 on Monday so I left on Thursday. The Blue Jays were playing that night. I dropped off my stuff at the hotel and took a cab to the stadium and bought myself a ticket. It was cold and rainy. (And it was in the old stadium - pre-roof.) So I bought myself a poncho before I got to my seat.

It was kind of a bleacher type arrangement and it became clear I was nestled in between great Blue Jay fans who attended a lot of games and all knew each other. They originally thought I was an odd duck because I was by myself and had bought one of those dorky ponchos. So we chatted and I told them why I was there and they were wonderful.

One of them was a trolley driver for one of those tourist trolleys. He insisted I take his tour the next day (which I did and it was great). One of the wives drew me a map of the under ground to and from Eaton Centre with all the best places clearly marked. After the 7th inning stretch one of the guys came back with a ticket for me for the Saturday game - sitting with all of them.

Small wonder why Toronto is one of my favorite cities in the world. And now I have wonderful LJ Toronto friends. Finding that poncho this morning was a great treat!

Advice needed!!

Ok, gang... Here's what I just got from John The Guy Who Owes Me...

----------------------------------
Susan,

Both Kip and I want to resolve this in a manner that is fair to you. I'd
like to get together with you next week to discuss. There is a Starbucks
close by at Union Station. How does Monday at 3:00 sound?

John
------------------------------------

Needless to say, I have zero interest in meeting with him - none. Do I have to?

(If so, we're meeting at my Starbucks and at 4 on Monday.)

Or is there a response I can send that will get me the money and avoid the meeting? If they want to resolve it in a manner that is fair to me, I would have had my money for about 5 years now so that window is shut anyway.

Here's what I'd like to say:

John,

My position is not going to change by meeting face to face over coffee. You owe me money, I've offered you a generous settlement to enable you to both pay off the debt that was due more than 4 years ago and, at the same time, avoid legal action. A meeting isn't necessary.

Susan

Too much, right? Too harsh? Please don't make me meet them for coffe.

Advice needed!!

Ok, gang... Here's what I just got from John The Guy Who Owes Me...

----------------------------------
Susan,

Both Kip and I want to resolve this in a manner that is fair to you. I'd
like to get together with you next week to discuss. There is a Starbucks
close by at Union Station. How does Monday at 3:00 sound?

John
------------------------------------

Needless to say, I have zero interest in meeting with him - none. Do I have to?

(If so, we're meeting at my Starbucks and at 4 on Monday.)

Or is there a response I can send that will get me the money and avoid the meeting? If they want to resolve it in a manner that is fair to me, I would have had my money for about 5 years now so that window is shut anyway.

Here's what I'd like to say:

John,

My position is not going to change by meeting face to face over coffee. You owe me money, I've offered you a generous settlement to enable you to both pay off the debt that was due more than 4 years ago and, at the same time, avoid legal action. A meeting isn't necessary.

Susan

Too much, right? Too harsh? Please don't make me meet them for coffe.

Thank you!

You guys are the best and your advice and suggestions and points and insights are just exactly what I needed. It also occurred to me that meeting for coffee eliminates the email trail that might be handy to have in court.

The latest:

John,

I don't think meeting for coffee is necessary. If you and Kip want to
resolve this in a manner that is fair to me, then pay me what you owe me.

I've waited a very long time, patiently and quietly. I'm done waiting. If
you have a question about my offer of $3,000 by November 5, 2003 and $60 a
month starting in December 2003 until the interest is paid, then please send
me an email with the question and I'll try to be more clear.

Susan

Thank you!

You guys are the best and your advice and suggestions and points and insights are just exactly what I needed. It also occurred to me that meeting for coffee eliminates the email trail that might be handy to have in court.

The latest:

John,

I don't think meeting for coffee is necessary. If you and Kip want to
resolve this in a manner that is fair to me, then pay me what you owe me.

I've waited a very long time, patiently and quietly. I'm done waiting. If
you have a question about my offer of $3,000 by November 5, 2003 and $60 a
month starting in December 2003 until the interest is paid, then please send
me an email with the question and I'll try to be more clear.

Susan

Very interesting....

I just found this in the comment section of one of today's entries. I thought it was interesting enough to promote to an entry. I'm going to set aside the whole issue of anonymous posting, because, honestly, especially when posing a dissenting opinion, I think it's just too lame.

But The Commenter clearly has me nailed and he/she is right about the foreclosure on my condo. I did not pay that bill. I tried. I offered to pay more than 90% of it in a lump sum with the rest as I got it. The bank told me that a bad debt was worth more to them. And I still do think it's fairly ironic that while I must be on their books as a deadbeat, they continue to spend major bucks to regain my business.

And I'm totally missing how this relates to my trying to collect on money owed me. I'm not interested in a bad debt. I am resigned to getting only some or even none of the money owed me. Doesn't mean I won't fight for it. I'm just not seeing a lot of correlation here. But, then, sometimes I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer. But I'm happy to be a complete something and hypocrite is probably as good as any.

-----------------------------------------
Subject: Interesting.
Your journal is in the friend's pages of a buddy of mine, so I read your posts occasionally. I don't use LiveJournal, I don't have intention of starting some discussion with you, and my name is none of your business.

That said, I want to remind everyone that not too long ago, you posted about not defaulting on a loan for a condo you were buying in California several years ago. You even thought it was funny that the bank that had loaned you the money was sending you letters offering you loans at a higher rate than the loan you have on your current condo.

Really, you come off as a complete hypocrite. But, that's just my opinion, even if it is right.
-----------------------------------------

Very interesting....

I just found this in the comment section of one of today's entries. I thought it was interesting enough to promote to an entry. I'm going to set aside the whole issue of anonymous posting, because, honestly, especially when posing a dissenting opinion, I think it's just too lame.

But The Commenter clearly has me nailed and he/she is right about the foreclosure on my condo. I did not pay that bill. I tried. I offered to pay more than 90% of it in a lump sum with the rest as I got it. The bank told me that a bad debt was worth more to them. And I still do think it's fairly ironic that while I must be on their books as a deadbeat, they continue to spend major bucks to regain my business.

And I'm totally missing how this relates to my trying to collect on money owed me. I'm not interested in a bad debt. I am resigned to getting only some or even none of the money owed me. Doesn't mean I won't fight for it. I'm just not seeing a lot of correlation here. But, then, sometimes I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer. But I'm happy to be a complete something and hypocrite is probably as good as any.

-----------------------------------------
Subject: Interesting.
Your journal is in the friend's pages of a buddy of mine, so I read your posts occasionally. I don't use LiveJournal, I don't have intention of starting some discussion with you, and my name is none of your business.

That said, I want to remind everyone that not too long ago, you posted about not defaulting on a loan for a condo you were buying in California several years ago. You even thought it was funny that the bank that had loaned you the money was sending you letters offering you loans at a higher rate than the loan you have on your current condo.

Really, you come off as a complete hypocrite. But, that's just my opinion, even if it is right.
-----------------------------------------

LJ as family

When I decided I wanted to keep a journal on the computer, I looked at various options. I wanted it online so I could get to it from the office or home or Mom's or wherever. And I wanted it painless. I first set up a webpage but I never got into it. Then I hunted around. I looked at blogging stuff but it wasn't developed enough yet or too complicated and I didn't really understand the blogging thing and I wanted a journal.

So I looked at Live Journal. At the time I had no clue about commenting or community. I didn't know any LJers but, it looked like a nice place. I liked it for the tools and the look and the ease. Plus, I read some of the other LJer's stuff and it was fun and interesting and I wanted to play, too.

It took about 3 posts I think for me to 'get it'. And to find out that 'it' was the one of the most enriching and comforting and sympathetic and fulfilling and validating and often the funniest experiences of my life. "It" of course is the community.

I still post for me. Mostly. I am constantly thinking of entries and things to say and share and save. I actually do go back and read some of my own stuff to remember and rethink. It's a good organizer, a good grounder, a good way to noodle out stuff.

But, the community of LJ friends is what has taken center stage. When my friend, Connie, was here last weekend, I found myself often saying things like 'my friend, Anne in L.A. says...' or 'my friends who live near Fenway heard... ' or 'my friends in Canada or Rhode Island or England or all the other places...' Connie probably thinks I have actually met all of you face to face and you know what, it doesn't matter that I haven't. You are all part of my family of friends.

Today you have provided support and advice and insights and help and guidance and major guffaws like no group I have ever known before. If I knew how to spell verklempt, I'd probably say you make me all verklempt.

But I am so very grateful to have the richness of what you give me every day. Thank you.

LJ as family

When I decided I wanted to keep a journal on the computer, I looked at various options. I wanted it online so I could get to it from the office or home or Mom's or wherever. And I wanted it painless. I first set up a webpage but I never got into it. Then I hunted around. I looked at blogging stuff but it wasn't developed enough yet or too complicated and I didn't really understand the blogging thing and I wanted a journal.

So I looked at Live Journal. At the time I had no clue about commenting or community. I didn't know any LJers but, it looked like a nice place. I liked it for the tools and the look and the ease. Plus, I read some of the other LJer's stuff and it was fun and interesting and I wanted to play, too.

It took about 3 posts I think for me to 'get it'. And to find out that 'it' was the one of the most enriching and comforting and sympathetic and fulfilling and validating and often the funniest experiences of my life. "It" of course is the community.

I still post for me. Mostly. I am constantly thinking of entries and things to say and share and save. I actually do go back and read some of my own stuff to remember and rethink. It's a good organizer, a good grounder, a good way to noodle out stuff.

But, the community of LJ friends is what has taken center stage. When my friend, Connie, was here last weekend, I found myself often saying things like 'my friend, Anne in L.A. says...' or 'my friends who live near Fenway heard... ' or 'my friends in Canada or Rhode Island or England or all the other places...' Connie probably thinks I have actually met all of you face to face and you know what, it doesn't matter that I haven't. You are all part of my family of friends.

Today you have provided support and advice and insights and help and guidance and major guffaws like no group I have ever known before. If I knew how to spell verklempt, I'd probably say you make me all verklempt.

But I am so very grateful to have the richness of what you give me every day. Thank you.