language barriers

A few months ago I had to have a new hard drive installed in my laptop. It is not atypical for me to need some expert to look at my computer. I don't have good luck with computers. I get viruses. Programs do things on their own. I even had one spontaneously combust. Not joking. I knew it was on it's way out but as I sat with it on my lap smoke started pouring out of it. As a result, most of my friends are smart enough to not let me touch their computers.

This gives you an idea as to the level of computer expertise in my office since when something goes wrong with a computer their they all come to me for help. And they keep coming even though I usually cannot solve the problem.

After the hard drive was installed I needed to reinstall my Microsoft Office. I looked everywhere for that disk. I tore apart closets. I looked in the filing cabinet. It was no where. If I am lucky (which I tend not to be) it was packed away and in storage. But all the stuff got moved with my mom. So if I still have it (which I do not promise is this case) it is 700 miles away.

I need WORD! I need to be able to open my resume and cover letters -- if I ever find another job to apply for. So I called Dell. I asked if they could send me a replacement disk. And to my surprise they said yes. Maybe my luck is changing. And they said they were sending it for free. I like Dell. And my luck is definitely changing.

I waited 48 hours and the disks came today. Yippeeeeee! So after the child was in bed I set up the computer so I could install it. It was only at that point that I realized that they did not send me a replacement disk for Microsoft Office. They sent me a replacement disk for Windows XP operating system. I don't need that!!! Did I not say the right thing? Word. Operating System. They sound different to me.

I don't want to buy it. I want them to send it to me. I called Dell. At 9:44pm. And I waited on hold. And waited....and waited... and waited. At 10pm I get an automated message telling me to call during business hours. I DID!!! You were open when I dialed. You were open while I waited. How can you hang up on me while I am holding? At least finish the calls that are waiting. How rude!

Mean Mama