I do not recall having a memory problem.

I keep telling myself to just put on my big girl panties and deal with these calls I have to make. They get more interesting as time goes on. After repeated calls to Fisher Paykel, they are sending someone out tomorrow to evaluate my washer _and_ my dryer. My warranty will cover it.

How did I make this miracle happen? Big girl panties. I gave up on help from Lowe's, no matter how nice the people were on the phone. When I called one of the two appliance repair places that Lowe's told me F-P recommended, I was told sure, they will come out - but I have to pay an $80 service call fee. We talked, and he suggested I call directly to F-P, which I did. What can be more entertaining than New Zealand accents? My former neighbor is from New Zealand. I never did understand a word he said, so I smiled and nodded a lot.

The first lady told me I had to lean over the washing machine and give her the serial number. I advised her that I am 5' tall, and there is no leaning over a washing machine to get a number off the back for me. I added that I currently have vertigo, so I am not leaning over anything. She asked if someone else could do it. I said I live alone (notice, I didn't really answer her question?). I gave up, said goodbye, and paced the floor. I would never problem solve anything if I could not pace. I usually mumble and talk to myself too, but I pretend I am talking to the dogs, who pace behind me and make mumbling noises. No videos, please. After a few rounds around the condo I headed into the bathroom and grabbed a mirror with a handle on it, some paper, and a pencil. I hung the mirror over the back of the washer, and found the sticker with the serial number. It was backwards and upside down. I copied down exactly what I saw, because I never developed the talents required to read backwards or upside down. I then held the results back up to the mirror, and viola! A serial number!

I called back to F-P, and of course got someone else who knew nothing. I gave her the name of the first lady and tossed in the case number, but she could not find anything. Unsurprised, I again repeated my usual song and dance as to how I found myself in this pickle. She started to repeat what the first lady said, telling meI might have to pay for a service call. I pulled up my big girl panties, got a firm voice, and said, no that just wasn't right. I bought F-P appliances because I was told they are excellent products and that the company backs them up.

She put me on hold.

She came back. "Yes, ma'am, we will cover the needed repairs to your washing machine. Please call back the appliance repair company as we have just called them and they know what to do." Do I accept that? Yes. But, I added that when the original guy was to bring back the part, I intended to have him also look at the dryer because I thought it sounded a little noisy. I said this because it's true. She said yes, ma'am, we will cover any repairs needed to your dryer, also.

The problem with the doctor bill seems to be under control. It's paid in full and not going to a collection agency. However, their records show two co-pays for $10 each, and the statement they sent me shows $10 for one co-pay and $10 service fee. Creative accounting? I asked for a copy of their records to compare to the statement they sent me. Big girl panties are now firmly in place.

The next decision was to head to the gym and work my ass off. Literally. As I was walking in the door to return home, my cell phone rang. It was the appliance repair company, confirming my appointment for Thursday. I said no, it's Friday, but if you can come Thursday in the afternoon, I am good with that. She said yes, that works. And ma'am? There is an $80 service call charge. I pinned my big girl panties to my bra (remember, I am short) and said, "No. F-P called your company." After some more confusion, I asked her what company she was calling from.

It seems that helpful Lowe's had called the other appliance repair company and took it upon themselves to schedule me for an appointment and assured them that I would pay the service call fee. I canceled the appointment, explaining to the lady that Lowe's made a mistake.

No call back from Phils's, the first company that was out and doesn't remember when they stopped servicing F-P appliances, other than it was after they were out here and before this week.

No call back from the carpet people. It has been two weeks, plus two years since I first called.

Here I am with my big girl panties, and I cannot even launder them until my washing machine is repaired.

Thanks, Deb, for the graphic :-)

|  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this

• #11 Comment from rgossett4195 
  7/18/08 2:43 PM | Permalink

  I am thinking it's time for some big BOY pants, perhaps Hanes, after all Michael Jorden says they don't have a tag in them.  rose~
• #10 Comment from monicasmemoirs 
  7/4/08 1:09 AM | Permalink

  So is that what I need to do?  Put on my big girl panties?  No more panties telling me what day of the week it is? ;-P
  
  It sounds like a saga that may continue for a bit.  Well, life has a way of doing that, huh?
  
  Monica
• #9 Comment from ksquester 
  6/22/08 9:37 PM | Permalink

  Oh Suzy...............what a pickle this all is.............ya need to starch those big girl panties!  Isn't it time for Arizona?    Anne
• #8 Comment from yakima127 
  6/21/08 9:14 PM | Permalink

  You are an amazing woman...will you make a jaunt to WA with your big girl panties and make some calls for me?  Please???  LOL!  J
• #7 Comment from dbp2000 
  6/21/08 1:28 AM | Permalink

  I loved when you finally had to pin the bgp to your bra!!  Too funny!  And, very resourceful getting the serial number. Way to go.
  
  Donna