Thursday, October 22, 2009
Warm Fuzzies
Today we received our first letter from the Compassion International child we sponsor, Jenssy. Since she's only four years old, a teacher where she lives in Nicaragua helped her to write the letter, and then Compassion translated it for us. Jenssy was full of questions for us, such as whether we have any children of our own, and she even drew a picture for us, which I've already given its place of honor on the refrigerator. I can't even begin to describe what I felt when I opened that envelope and unfolded the colorful picture inside, so reflective of a child's innocence and wonder. I can't wait to write back and send her a Colorado postcard and some family photos (with Max included, of course!). I am convinced that sponsoring a child through Compassion is one of the best decisions that Aaron and I have made, and we look forward to watching her grow.
Happy Fall!
I stumbled upon some tasty fall recipes and thought I'd share. A couple of weeks ago, I baked some pumpkin apple bread. It turned out pretty delicious, and you can grab the recipe here: http://www.recipezaar.com/Harvest-Pumpkin-Apple-Bread-73469
Last night, I made sausage-and-apple-stuffed acorn squash:
Recipe courtesy of RecipeZaar:
http://www.recipezaar.com/Sausage-and-Apple-Stuffed-Acorn-Squash-146036
We've also been enjoying seeing all the deer in our neighborhood. Sometimes we'll see 10 or 12 at once! When Max and I have been out jogging, we've come within just a few feet of some of them. Here's a photo of a buck that Aaron was able to snap right over our back fence. Aaron says some of the bucks in our neighborhood are the largest he's ever seen!
We hope you're enjoying the fall season, too!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Beware, “Discount” Prices May Mean Second-Rate Service: Our Experience at Appliance Factory Outlet
My husband and I decided to visit Appliance Factory Outlet on 8/29 after having seen television commercials about its lower prices and being impressed by the positive reviews on Google. We also prefer to support local businesses and the local economy. We were in search of a washer, dryer, and refrigerator for our new house. Our questions about delivery charges and service warranties stumped our Appliance Factory Outlet salesperson Joel, and he admitted that he was new. We were patient as he periodically checked with his colleagues for answers. Based on our space limitations and desire for energy-efficient appliances, Joel matched us with an LG refrigerator and recommended Fisher & Paykel top-loading laundry units. Because we entered Appliance Factory Outlet with the intention of buying and also liked the products, it was an easy sell. We purchased all three units, plus the service warranties, and requested that they be delivered to our new home on 9/10. The staff at Appliance Factory Outlet told us that wouldn’t be a problem. For the dryer, a scratch ‘n dent, out-of-box unit was available at a discount, so we arranged to have it delivered to the store early (on 9/3) in order for us to assess its condition prior to having it delivered. Joel told me he would call me when it came in. By late afternoon on 9/3, I hadn’t heard from Appliance Factory Outlet, so I called the store to confirm that they had the dryer. They did, my husband and I went to look at it, and it looked fine.
On 9/9 (the day before our scheduled delivery), I received a call from Joel that the warehouse no longer had our washing machine in stock. He told us that “they” (I assume he meant another store in the Appliance Factory Outlet network) had mistakenly sold our unit during a sales blitz of some kind and would not be able to deliver my washing machine until the following week. If I still wanted the other appliances delivered on 9/10, I was told I might have to pay two delivery fees. I needed the refrigerator on 9/10 and told Joel that I would not be paying a second delivery fee to be inconvenienced. I was frustrated (our new house didn’t come with a washer and dryer), but there wasn’t much I could do at that point but wait to hear from him the following week with a definite delivery date for my washing machine. Appliance Factory Outlet delivered our refrigerator and dryer on 9/10. The icing on the cake: When moving our old refrigerator down to the basement, the delivery men hit a lower-hanging part of the ceiling containing a heating duct, removing a chunk of plaster and denting the metal duct. Delivery man Ramon told me that he would have the warehouse manager, Jeff, call me that day about reimbursement for the damage, but I never received a call. And since I thought my husband could fix the damage, I was prepared to let it go.
That is, until the following week, when I received another call from Joel pushing back our delivery AGAIN, to 9/23. He said that Appliance Factory Outlet could not get a unit from the manufacturer sooner than that. In other words, I would have to go TWO WEEKS without being able to do laundry because of Appliance Factory Outlet’s mistake. I was livid. At that point, I called Appliance Factory Outlet’s President’s Hotline, which isn’t manned by any live people; it’s just a voicemail box to which I’m not sure any attention is paid. I left a message. Then I called Jeff, the warehouse manager, to discuss the damage to my basement. He told me he would follow up with me after he had a chance to speak to the store manager at my purchase location (who was conveniently out) but, at a minimum, would give me a $50 gift card to Appliance Factory Outlet “for accessories.” “We’re better than this,” he said. I never heard from him again.
I was so upset about not being able to do laundry that my husband went into the Appliance Factory Outlet store that Thursday and offered to buy the floor model at the out-of-box discount so that we could get a washing machine sooner. The manager wasn’t in, and the staff wouldn’t even entertain the thought. Frustrated, my husband threatened to purchase a washing machine elsewhere and have Appliance Factory Outlet pick up our dryer and refrigerator because we didn’t want to have anything to do with the company anymore. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any other store in town that carried Fisher & Paykel, which seemed to be one of the only brands that produced energy-efficient units with dimensions that would fit our shallow space. Our delivery date of Tuesday 9/23 rolled around, and I heard nothing from Appliance Factory Outlet. Finally, that afternoon, I called the store. Joel said he was “just about to call” me because he’d received a message from another salesman that my husband had gone into the store and cancelled the order the previous week. Therefore, Joel had cancelled the delivery. Now our delivery would have to be pushed back AGAIN, to 9/24. My husband never cancelled the order—he only threatened to do so—and if there was confusion about it, Joel should have picked up a phone and called us prior to the delivery date (such as on 9/22!) to clarify before making assumptions. Throughout all our conversations, Joel kept saying in a monotone how sorry he was for the inconvenience, but I certainly didn’t feel that was the case. I am sure he still received his commission!
When I spoke to the store manager at Appliance Factory Outlet, he never asked what would make the situation right. Instead, he told me he’d decided to extend the motor warranty on the washing machine to 10 years, since we’d already purchased a five-year warranty, and that it was all he could (read: would) do. When I asked to speak to the store owner, the manager told me he remains detached from operations but that he could get me in touch with the district manager if I’d like. At that point, I just wanted to be done dealing with Appliance Factory Outlet. What I learned from this experience is that it’s true that you get what you pay for. We saved money at the expense of customer service. (Fortunately I do love the products that we purchased, so that is one positive in the whole situation.) When I purchase additional kitchen appliances within the next year or so, I won’t hesitate to spend a little more to buy from a reputable company like Sears or Best Buy. I will NEVER return to Appliance Factory Outlet again, and I hope that sharing my experience will save someone else from going through what I did.
On 9/9 (the day before our scheduled delivery), I received a call from Joel that the warehouse no longer had our washing machine in stock. He told us that “they” (I assume he meant another store in the Appliance Factory Outlet network) had mistakenly sold our unit during a sales blitz of some kind and would not be able to deliver my washing machine until the following week. If I still wanted the other appliances delivered on 9/10, I was told I might have to pay two delivery fees. I needed the refrigerator on 9/10 and told Joel that I would not be paying a second delivery fee to be inconvenienced. I was frustrated (our new house didn’t come with a washer and dryer), but there wasn’t much I could do at that point but wait to hear from him the following week with a definite delivery date for my washing machine. Appliance Factory Outlet delivered our refrigerator and dryer on 9/10. The icing on the cake: When moving our old refrigerator down to the basement, the delivery men hit a lower-hanging part of the ceiling containing a heating duct, removing a chunk of plaster and denting the metal duct. Delivery man Ramon told me that he would have the warehouse manager, Jeff, call me that day about reimbursement for the damage, but I never received a call. And since I thought my husband could fix the damage, I was prepared to let it go.
That is, until the following week, when I received another call from Joel pushing back our delivery AGAIN, to 9/23. He said that Appliance Factory Outlet could not get a unit from the manufacturer sooner than that. In other words, I would have to go TWO WEEKS without being able to do laundry because of Appliance Factory Outlet’s mistake. I was livid. At that point, I called Appliance Factory Outlet’s President’s Hotline, which isn’t manned by any live people; it’s just a voicemail box to which I’m not sure any attention is paid. I left a message. Then I called Jeff, the warehouse manager, to discuss the damage to my basement. He told me he would follow up with me after he had a chance to speak to the store manager at my purchase location (who was conveniently out) but, at a minimum, would give me a $50 gift card to Appliance Factory Outlet “for accessories.” “We’re better than this,” he said. I never heard from him again.
I was so upset about not being able to do laundry that my husband went into the Appliance Factory Outlet store that Thursday and offered to buy the floor model at the out-of-box discount so that we could get a washing machine sooner. The manager wasn’t in, and the staff wouldn’t even entertain the thought. Frustrated, my husband threatened to purchase a washing machine elsewhere and have Appliance Factory Outlet pick up our dryer and refrigerator because we didn’t want to have anything to do with the company anymore. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any other store in town that carried Fisher & Paykel, which seemed to be one of the only brands that produced energy-efficient units with dimensions that would fit our shallow space. Our delivery date of Tuesday 9/23 rolled around, and I heard nothing from Appliance Factory Outlet. Finally, that afternoon, I called the store. Joel said he was “just about to call” me because he’d received a message from another salesman that my husband had gone into the store and cancelled the order the previous week. Therefore, Joel had cancelled the delivery. Now our delivery would have to be pushed back AGAIN, to 9/24. My husband never cancelled the order—he only threatened to do so—and if there was confusion about it, Joel should have picked up a phone and called us prior to the delivery date (such as on 9/22!) to clarify before making assumptions. Throughout all our conversations, Joel kept saying in a monotone how sorry he was for the inconvenience, but I certainly didn’t feel that was the case. I am sure he still received his commission!
When I spoke to the store manager at Appliance Factory Outlet, he never asked what would make the situation right. Instead, he told me he’d decided to extend the motor warranty on the washing machine to 10 years, since we’d already purchased a five-year warranty, and that it was all he could (read: would) do. When I asked to speak to the store owner, the manager told me he remains detached from operations but that he could get me in touch with the district manager if I’d like. At that point, I just wanted to be done dealing with Appliance Factory Outlet. What I learned from this experience is that it’s true that you get what you pay for. We saved money at the expense of customer service. (Fortunately I do love the products that we purchased, so that is one positive in the whole situation.) When I purchase additional kitchen appliances within the next year or so, I won’t hesitate to spend a little more to buy from a reputable company like Sears or Best Buy. I will NEVER return to Appliance Factory Outlet again, and I hope that sharing my experience will save someone else from going through what I did.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Elliptical machine for sale
For those who live in the Colorado Springs area, we're selling an elliptical machine. Please see the craigslist ad for more information:
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/for/1426107003.html
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/for/1426107003.html
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Cute Pictures of Max
I was going through the pictures in my camera today and came across these cute shots of Max. Since I haven't posted any of him in a while, I thought it was about time to share. Enjoy!
Max is definitely a fireplace dog!
His new favorite spot to sleep during the daytime seems to be our closet -- maybe because it's dark and smells like us?
Max outside sunning on his Coolaroo (Notice the gravel? this is an old picture from our rental; we don't have any gravel at the new house!)
Max and his new friend Ivy, a golden retriever puppy who belongs to our friends Kevin and Carrie. Ivy has her paw, and her head, on top of Max's paw. He did have his head on top of her head, too, and their cuddling was ADORABLE, but of course Max moved as soon as I grabbed the camera. I guess he didn't want me destroying his tough image (HA). Oh, well...
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Cultural Relevance: Christians & Halloween
Recently, in my women's Bible study, the topic of Halloween came up. A member of our group expressed her belief that Christians should not celebrate Halloween because it's an evil holiday that makes light of Satan and his demons. Everyone in the group, with the exception of me, seemed to agree. I'd rather mock Satan and his evil forces than to acknowledge his authority by spending Halloween afraid of the evils that might be taking place. After all, in the very Bible study during which this came up, we'd just read the account of Jesus casting demons out of a man. God has dominion over Satan and his demons, so what have we to fear? According to Luke 4:36, "With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out."
And while I don't particularly enjoy the grotesque costumes and decorations that some choose to use to in their Halloween celebrations, I believe the holiday presents Christians with a unique opportunity to interact with our neighbors and demonstrate our love for them (without an agenda). In the cities in which I've lived, it's been my experience that life has become so fast-paced, and our culture so independent, that many people don't even know their neighbors anymore. "People typically arrive home from work and immediately drive their cars into the garage," writes Christian blogger Tim Challies of his neighborhood. "More often than not they do not emerge again until the next morning when they leave for work once more. We are private, reclusive people who delight in our privacy. We rarely see our neighbors and rarely communicate with them." As such, Halloween seems, at least to me, to present a golden opportunity to develop relationships with our neighbors. Last year, I wrote about how inspired I was by what pastor Jonathan Bow's family does to celebrate Halloween. In addition to handing out candy, they grill up hot dogs, pass out hot chocolate, and engage in real conversations with their neighbors. My little sister Denise put together Christian-themed treat bags to hand out to the children in her neighborhood. Our church back in Albuquerque, City on a Hill (now Mars Hill Albuquerque), participated in a Halloween carnival at a poverty-stricken neighborhood elementary school. Aaron and I haven't yet decided exactly how we're going to celebrate Halloween this year, but you can bet our house won't be one that's dark and unapproachable.
I'm tired of our tendency to separate ourselves from the culture in which we live by only listening to Christian music, reading Christian books, participating in Christian networking groups, going on Christian cruises, sending our kids to Christian schools, avoiding mainstream holidays... the list goes on and on. I'm not saying that anything is wrong with any of these activities in and of themselves; it's when we stop interacting with those around us who desperately need to hear the Gospel that our behavior becomes problematic. We are on mission for Christ, and if we're going to be relevant at all and see lives transformed to live for Jesus, we need to figure out how to live in this world and culture without being "of" it. I believe that's what discernment is for.
Great reads on this topic:
Matters of Opinion: Hallowing Halloween by Anderson M. Rearick III for Christianity Today
Halloween Fast Approaches by Tim Challies of Challies.com
The Big Question: Halloween? by Jonathan Bow, pastor at Crosspointe
"Christians should... celebrate Halloween with gusto. If we follow the traditional formula of having a good time at his expense, Satan flees." -- Anderson M. Rearick III
And while I don't particularly enjoy the grotesque costumes and decorations that some choose to use to in their Halloween celebrations, I believe the holiday presents Christians with a unique opportunity to interact with our neighbors and demonstrate our love for them (without an agenda). In the cities in which I've lived, it's been my experience that life has become so fast-paced, and our culture so independent, that many people don't even know their neighbors anymore. "People typically arrive home from work and immediately drive their cars into the garage," writes Christian blogger Tim Challies of his neighborhood. "More often than not they do not emerge again until the next morning when they leave for work once more. We are private, reclusive people who delight in our privacy. We rarely see our neighbors and rarely communicate with them." As such, Halloween seems, at least to me, to present a golden opportunity to develop relationships with our neighbors. Last year, I wrote about how inspired I was by what pastor Jonathan Bow's family does to celebrate Halloween. In addition to handing out candy, they grill up hot dogs, pass out hot chocolate, and engage in real conversations with their neighbors. My little sister Denise put together Christian-themed treat bags to hand out to the children in her neighborhood. Our church back in Albuquerque, City on a Hill (now Mars Hill Albuquerque), participated in a Halloween carnival at a poverty-stricken neighborhood elementary school. Aaron and I haven't yet decided exactly how we're going to celebrate Halloween this year, but you can bet our house won't be one that's dark and unapproachable.
I'm tired of our tendency to separate ourselves from the culture in which we live by only listening to Christian music, reading Christian books, participating in Christian networking groups, going on Christian cruises, sending our kids to Christian schools, avoiding mainstream holidays... the list goes on and on. I'm not saying that anything is wrong with any of these activities in and of themselves; it's when we stop interacting with those around us who desperately need to hear the Gospel that our behavior becomes problematic. We are on mission for Christ, and if we're going to be relevant at all and see lives transformed to live for Jesus, we need to figure out how to live in this world and culture without being "of" it. I believe that's what discernment is for.
Great reads on this topic:
Matters of Opinion: Hallowing Halloween by Anderson M. Rearick III for Christianity Today
Halloween Fast Approaches by Tim Challies of Challies.com
The Big Question: Halloween? by Jonathan Bow, pastor at Crosspointe
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