NY wedding weekend

B and I went out to New York over the last weekend in June to attend B's cousin Liz's wedding. As usual, my bad travel luck reared its ugly head. We were scheduled to fly to LaGuardia on Friday evening, and we arrived at the airport with time to spare. However, as we sat waiting, we heard rumblings that the flight was canceled. Because we really needed to get to NYC that night (our car rental was waiting, etc.), I ran to the counter to get in line. The agent came out and confirmed that our flight was indeed canceled due to bad weather. He gave us two options: catch a flight in the morning or try to catch a flight to JFK that was leaving at about the same time as the LaGuardia flight. We desperately needed the JFK flight, and I was trying hard to hold our space in line. However, people kept cutting in front of me. I called B over (she was on the phone with NWA) and explained what was happening. She then told the people cutting in front to back off and that we were going to return to our place in line. It was awesome. I wish I had that much chutzpah, but I don't. She also helped someone else who was cut off by grabbing her boarding pass and saying she was with us. Brilliant!

Anyway, we got our boarding passes for the JFK flight and ran over to that gate to board. We were already worried about our luggage (stupidly, I decided that we should check a bag, as we needed to bring both dress clothes and casual clothes. I don't know why I did this, as I know better.). The flight attendants told us that the ground crew was going to try to transfer our bags, and we figured they probably would, as they had almost a full hour to do so. Alas, we arrived at JFK but our bag did not. B managed to be first in line at luggage service desk (we had a bad feeling so she decided to wait there while I stood at the conveyor belt). Unfortunately, the woman helping her had NO clue what she was doing. B had to help her fill out the form on the computer, and even then, she almost reversed our home address with the hotel address. It took this woman FOREVER to help just B - I can't imagine how long the rest of the folks were waiting.

Not only did we not have our luggage at this point, but we also had no way to get to our rental car, which was at LaGuardia. Fortunately, B was able to reach her cousin Jenni and her husband Rob, who graciously and generously agreed to pick us up at JFK and to take us to the car rental shop. This was especially kind, as our flight was delayed and then we had to wait to file the missing bag claim - I think it was well after midnight when we were able to leave the airport.

After Rob and Jenni dropped us off, we decided to try to find a 24-hour store out on Long Island so we could at least buy toothbrushes. Oddly, every store on Long Island, including gas stations, must close at 1o or midnight, as nothing was open. We finally gave up and went to the hotel. We were able to purchase a few basics there, and finally went to bed at 2:30 or so.

The next day, Saturday morning, we called about our luggage. We figured it might arrive that morning even, as there are tons of direct flights from MSP to NYC. However, NWA had NO idea where our bag was - none, nada, zero, zilch. WTF?! As someone said, how is it that UPS can track millions of packages, some tiny, some huge, etc., always knowing where they are, but the airlines can't manage to move bags 100 yards from one gate to another without losing (or damaging) them? And how can the bag go from on the plane to completely lost??? What happens there? I'm very curious, and if anyone knows what happens at airports, let me know. I need a behind the scenes tour!

Anyway, also on Saturday morning, the whole gang (B's parents, B's siblings/significant others and kids plus me) went to Huntington Station to look around. I wasn't too impressed with the area - nothing special. After that, we went to Liz's and Justin's pre-reception, and I met TONS of B's family members. I had a good time at that, despite having to wear the same clothes as I wore on Friday (jeans and a polo, not exactly appropriate attire, but oh well).

After the pre-reception, and after learning we weren't going to be receiving our luggage any time soon (NWA still had no clue where it was), we decided we better go buy some new clothes. Fortunately, our dress clothes/shoes and pajamas were in our carry on, but we really had very little other than that. We found a local Target and bought some shorts and polos - what a waste of money, as we didn't really plan on buying clothes in New York! Sigh. After our shopping adventure, the family took Rich and Marleen out to a local Indian restaurant to celebrate their 35 anniversary - congrats!

Sunday was the big day - Liz and Justin's wedding! As I mentioned, we had our dress clothes, so we were in good shape for this. The wedding was at a country club in Long Island - quite nice. Unfortunately, I didn't figure out the ceremony was outside until that day...and I didn't really wear the best clothes for a hot, sunny day. Oh well, I was fine. I felt bad for the elderly though - most of them had to flee to the shade! Overall, I had a great time at the wedding and the reception. Liz and Justin are so genuinely happy that it's hard not to be happy for them. I hope their marriage brings them nothing but joy. Oh, a funny sidenote - I "caught" the bouquet. Really, Liz threw it so hard at me that it bounced off my legs and I just picked it up. I guess this means that B and I better follow through with our wedding plans! ;)

After the wedding (which was in the late morning), some of the family decided to go to Jones Beach, a state park in Long Island. We walked along the boardwalk (it was quite cold by the water so no swimming for me), and had a nice time. As we were walking back to our cars, B noticed a motorcycle accident on the side of the road. Because she had just renewed her CPR and first aid certification, she decided to go up and offer her help. The motorcyclist, Rich, had made it to the grass, but it was clear he was in significant pain. B told one woman to call 911 and then assessed the situation. She looked at Rich's eyes and then asked him to sit down. He made it onto the grass and leaned back, and despite our efforts to keep him talking, he lost consciousness. I was holding his hand when this happened, and all I could think was, "dear God, don't let this guy die right in front of me." B then instructed us to rip his shirt off in preparation to do CPR. Fortunately, she could then see that he was still breathing (shallowly), and she found his pulse, which was weak. Rich then suddenly awoke and became quite belligerent, yelling at us and asking who we were. Luckily, his friend was there and told him what happened, and he let B keep helping him. He then lost consciousness again, and B monitored his breathing/heart rate. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the beach EMT arrived (B's dad Rich ran to the beach to find them). B asked if he needed a second for CPR, but the EMT said his partner could handle it. Not wanting to get in the way, we left, not knowing whether Rich made it or not. I hope he did. It was quite scary, and I was definitely jittery afterward. I was also extremely proud of B - she was quite heroic, and I think she gave that guy a chance to live by acting quickly and handling the scene. Amazing, really amazing! My baby rocks!

After all that excitement, we went back to the hotel and then out for some Italian food. Then it was time for bed (our luggage still hadn't arrived btw), as we had to head into the city in the morning for breakfast with B's grandparents and to catch our flight home.

On Monday morning, as we were getting ready to go to the airport, NWA called us and said, your bag is at LaGuardia - do you want us to deliver it? Hello morons, we are now on our way back to Minneapolis! B asked them to put it on the plane, but they refused and said we had to come get it. Seriously? NWA is ridiculous. Unfortunately, we hadn't built that scenario into our travel plans, and we weren't sure we could make our flight if we had to add that extra step, especially after we got lost on the way to the airport (one of the major roads was closed). B called NWA back and basically said, "you will put that bag on the plane," and they relented.

After a crazy ride, we arrived at the airport and barely made our flight - I HATE when we cut it that close. I really don't want to do that again. As we waited in the security line, we ran into Mike, Aviva, and the boys (they also got lost), so we helped them through security and with boarding. The flight home was fairly smooth, and by some miracle, our bag was waiting for us at the MSP baggage claim. Ironically, it had a RUSH tag on it. Ha! Clearly that didn't happen. Oh well, at least we had it - I was starting to worry that it was lost forever, and I had a lot of my favorite clothes/shoes in there.

After that hectic trip, B declared that she is done with traveling for a while. It's just too stressful, and the airlines are a BIG part of that. I think I agree with her, at least somewhat - maybe I shouldn't travel for a while either. The travel gods seem to hate me (my flight home from London was canceled in 2007, forcing me to stay an extra day after 40 days away from home, my luggage was lost for five days at the beginning of my Jerusalem trip, my first flight on the way to Jerusalem was canceled, a 2007 flight to Florida was canceled and we almost missed the entire weekend trip, one of my suitcases was once lost and returned to me with a hole and a tire track over it, etc.). I seriously do not have good travel luck - perhaps the next step is a plane crash, and I certainly don't want to tempt fate! :)

All in all though, despite the travel woes, I had a great time in NY, and I'm so glad I got to be a part of Liz and Justin's wedding celebration. I love weddings. I also really enjoyed hanging out with B's immediate family and meeting her extended family, as I had heard so much about all of them. Now I can't wait until our wedding in September - yay!

PS - NWA gets the idiot of the week award. Really, all airlines probably deserve the award permanently, but I'll go with the week for now. I only have so much power after all. Haha!

Idiot of the Week Award - 3/22/09 - 3/28/09

The Idiot of the Week Award for this week goes to Fast Traxx movers. B and I purchased a used television armoire on Craigslist. My mom and I went to examine the armoire, and we found it to be in pretty good shape. The doors opened and slid back, the drawer worked, the backing was attached, and it held a 32 inch TV. The molding was loose on top, and the piece had some dings/scratches. However, for the price, I loved it and decided to buy it.

Unfortunately, the piece is HUGE, meaning that B and I couldn't carry it or move it in her Santa Fe. So, I decided to call Fast Traxx moving, as they advertise on CL all the time. The price was reasonable, and they were recommended by Angies' List - usually a decently safe bet. Plus, I didn't think that much could go wrong, as it's ONE piece of furniture. Boy was I wrong!

The movers arrived with the armoire, and eventually maneuvered it into the apartment. I noticed the doors were detached, but I figured that was just for the moving process. I asked them about the doors, and they then slyly stated, "oh, one of the doors fell off while we were moving it, but the sellers said it should pop right back in" or something similar. We then attached one door without any problems, but the other door wouldn't attach no matter what we tried. In fact, some random parts kept falling out of the hinges, which definitely seemed odd to me. I questioned the movers again, and they then said that the seller said this was normal and that I should call them for advice. Because I figured they were being truthful and that the seller would have advice for putting the door back on, I wrote them a check, with a decent tip, and sent them on their way. Big mistake (sidenote - I need to learn to not trust people so easily - it was probably obvious that they broke the door at this point, but I accempted their explanation - doh).

After the movers left, I called the seller, who almost laughed when I told her what they had said. She said that the idiots didn't tie the doors shut or take them off (even though both she and her boyfriend told them to do so) before they turned the armoire on its side and that as a result, the doors flew open and one fell off. I then closely examined the hinge and could see instantly that she was telling the truth - the hinges were REALLY bent and that's why the pieces were falling out. I immediately called the movers, who conveniently didn't pick up, and left a pretty forceful message stating that I didn't appreciate their lying to my face and that I expected them to return my check. I was upset that they broke the armoire, but I was more upset that they had lied to my face. Absolutely ridiculous.

Poor B and I then had to spend the rest of the day attempting to fix the door (as what good does a TV armoire do if the doors don't work - the whole point is to hide the TV!). After several trips to Home Depot and Rockler Woodworking, we couldn't find matching hinges, so we tried to jerry-rig a solution with smaller hinges and wood putty (parts that weren't exactly cheap). That didn't work, and poor B had to chisel out the wood putty before it completely set. After that failure, we gave up for the night, but I continued to scour the internet for matching hinges. I finally found something and emailed the local Rockler manager, who responded on Monday that he thought he could help us (PS - Rockler is a great store - very helpful personnel. I highly recommend it. They even gave us our money back for the wood putty and small hinges, as it was their recommendation.). B went over to Rockler later that week and voila, we had working hinges and a working door again. Nice!

Unfortunately, Fast Traxx's idiocy didn't end with the doors. As we set up our TV equipment, we also discovered that they managed to rip the particle board backing off the back of the armoire, and I think they damaged the drawer as well. Plus, the TV shelf wasn't as strong as it should have been. At this point, B and I didn't know what to do, as we had already spent more money than we had planned. We aren't very handy, and we had no idea how to fix a piece of furniture. We knew we could fix the molding and the particle board, but that was about it. Luckily, B had a moment of brilliance and decided to ask Gordy, her landlord, if he would look at it. He said sure, and after a couple of hours of his time, we have a functional armoire! He only charged us for the hardware, about $10. We keep pestering him to tell us what we owe him for his labor, but he just shrugs it off. What a great guy!

Anyway, while we are thrilled with the armoire now, the point of this entry is to tell folks to avoid Fast Traxx. I understand that furniture can be damaged during moves, but lying about what happened is COMPLETELY unacceptable. I was so angry that I actually decided to write an email demanding my money back, and I wrote it from my work account. I've never done that before - meaning that I've never used my position as an attorney to receive fair results, if writing an email can even be called that. I felt weird about it, but I'm not sure why, as I only asked for fairness. Even if I wasn't an attorney, I would have taken those jokers to small claims court, as they seriously damaged the furniture and then lied about their actions. And, who knows if they even noticed my signature - probably not. I need to get over feeling bad about demanding fairness, honesty, and good customer service. Seriously.

In Fast Traxx's defense, they did return the check after my emails. That was decent. Regardless, they still receive the idiot of the week award, and I definitely advise against using their services. Pay a little more for good, honest movers, and you won't have to spend money and a week repairing broken furniture! :)

Idiot of the Week (maybe even the year)

I was just reading a friend's blog and came across a mind boggling entry capturing her recent experience. To summarize, my friend wrote to state senator Paul Koering, the Republican who represents the Brainerd area. Despite his Republican status, Senator Koering is gay. However, he still plans to vote no on the recently introduced bill (S.F. 120) to legalize gay marriage in Minnesota. My friend wrote him a polite letter asking him to reconsider his position. In response, she received a poorly written, extremely rude letter from Senator Koering's legislative assistant, Ken Swecker. Seriously, read the letter. It's amazing that Mr. Swecker is still employed, and I say that as a former legislative assistant. My senator would have fired me on the spot if I had written and sent that letter out from his office (I think anyway - on the other hand, he used to tell the anti-gay folks where to go. It's different when he does it though). Not only is the letter incredibly rude, but it is also horribly written. Where did that guy go to school? Did he go to school? Yikes, Senator Koering - you have a stupid, uneducated loose cannon working for you. Beware.

I honestly think my jaw actually dropped while I read that letter. Who does Mr. Swecker think he is? He has no right to treat Minnesotans that way, even if they aren't Senator Koering's constituents. His job is to help Senator Koering represent his district, not to be a total asshole.

I do know what it's like to be bombarded with letters from non-constituents, and I understand how frustrating it can be. I worked for my senator for five sessions, and we received 100s if not 1,000s of such letters/calls each session. I also endured the anti-gay onslaught of 2004, when we received 1,000s of horrible, hateful letters and phone calls from people telling my senator to vote for the gay marriage ban (and saying many nasty things in the process). I literally received threats and was told I was going to hell on a regular basis (I actually saved copies of some of the letters if you don't believe me). I had to threaten to call security to protect my boss, and I fought tears on many days, as I read and listened to awful, ridiculous, hateful statements. Through all of that, I never once responded to those folks in a manner resembling Mr. Swecker's letter. Not even close. Did I want to? Absolutely. Was it the right thing to do? No. That wasn't my job. I represented my senator, and such a response would have embarrassed him. Also, while such a response might have felt terrific, it wouldn't have done any good, as arguing with folks filled with that much hatred rarely accomplishes anything; it's like arguing with rabid anti-choicers.

Mr. Swecker's response is even more ridiculous because I sincerely doubt that he is dealing with the level of hatred I endured. I cannot imagine that the pro-gay marriage crowd is telling Senator Koering that he is going to hell, and even if some of them are saying stupid things like that, I don't think most are (plus, I don't imagine that Senator Koering is receiving that many calls/letters, period). I'm sure most people are simply writing to ask him to reconsider his position, like my friend did. Regardless, no call or letter would justify Mr. Swecker's response. He has a right to hang up on rude callers, and he has a right to respond curtly to rude letters, but what he chose to do was absolutely ridiculous. Simply stated, there is no excuse for Mr. Swecker's behavior, and Senator Koering should be ashamed to employ him. Really, ashamed. I mean it. Mr. Swecker's letter is embarrassing, and it reflects poorly not only on him, but also on Senator Koering.

In good news, if Mr. Swecker ever wants to run for office, that letter will probably come back to haunt him. Perhaps not in that little Senate district, but it will elsewhere. Heck, in time, it might even hurt him up in Brainerd, as more and more people realize that bigotry is bigotry, regardless of who the victim is. I sure hope it bites him in the ass someday, sooner rather than later. For now, let's hope he is the laughing stock of all state senate employees - you can help with that. Spread the word - Ken Swecker is a bigoted idiot, and he wins Schmiddy's idiot of the week (if not the year) award. Also, feel free to call Senator Koering at his home to complain about Mr. Swecker's rude behavior - Senator Koering needs to know who works for him. Thanks.