I hate parking tickets

I work downtown and have to park in one of the many lots near my office. I have been parking in the same lot for almost four years. I pay monthly and have never been late with a payment.

Prior to 2011, you got a new paper hang tag each month. In January 2011, these paper tags were replaced with plastic hangers with a microchip or something. Your license plate is suppose to be linked to your parking account, so if the tag thing won't scan, the parking checkers can type in your tag.

Well, about four months ago, I left the office, only to find a $45.00 ticket on my windshield.

#1 I already pay $77.00 a month
#2 my account was paid in full for the month
#3 my hang tag was clearly visible
#4 I've been parking there for four years

In order for me to resolve the issue, I had to contact a third party collections agency. Here's what set me off. I could not speak to a live person. I have to submit my appeal in writing. What kind of customer service is that?

Thankfully, I did not have to pay that ticket.

Here's where the fun begins. I got another ticket on the 19th. Guess what, my account was paid in full, my hand tag was clearly visible and I still have the same car.

I submitted my appeal like last time. However instead of getting the ticket dismissed. I was told I only had to pay $10.00, instead of the $45.00. And I only have 10 days to do so.

Not only is this complete garbage, but I haven't been able to get in contact with the local Central Parking office in Knoxville. I had to take time out of my day to actually walk into the office with the ticket and explain the situation.

A woman I had never seen before was working in the office and told me it was probably a glitch in the system and she would contact the collections agency as well to ensure this situation was resolved. She was suppose to cc: me on the e-mail.

Guess what, I never got an e-mail and don't have time to run down to the local office everyday. But this is it. I'm going to have to knock on doors again tomorrow.

This is an example of bad customer service. I am strongly considering canceling my account with Central Parking. I shouldn't have to wonder if I'm going to find a ticket on my car after a long day of work.

Thanks to the power of Twitter, I actually had a chance to be interviewed by one of the local news stations as they were doing a story on parking in downtown Knoxville. I had way too much going on in the office to make this work, but I should have made the time. Next time, I'm not saying "no".

Whew...

I feel like I've had this letter of recommendation letter for one of my co-workers sitting on my desk for months. In reality it has only been a few weeks, but I'm happy to say I finally finished it.

I always knew what I wanted to say, it just took me forever to get in on paper...or on the computer. I initially started to draft it by hand, but writing in my old college notebook gave me hives, so I had to change course.

Once I sat down to focus, I couldn't stop typing. My brain case hurts now. I think I need a cookie.

Johnny 5

Out of the blue, Keith finally decided to draw a robot for me. Granted, it started with him e-mailing me a photo of Johnny 5, but after some coaxing, he came through. I even got a word bubble. I know you're jealous.

January is always one of our busiest months in the office, so my robot buddy came into my life at the perfect time. I'm pretty sure I hit my breaking point yesterday. If I can make it to February without "short circuiting", I'll consider that a small moral victory.

At least I have Johnny 5 to keep a watchful eye on me.

"I'm a robot"

The photo that started it all...Screech and his robot friend, Kevin.

 Apparently when a few of my co-workers need to complete a project quickly yet efficiently, they go into "robot mode". One of my friends drew a robot dinosaur with the word bubble "I'm a robot". It finally hit me...I needed drawings of robots to add to their desks.

Keith's been a good sport. I send him e-mails saying "draw me this or draw me that" and he does. I think I need to add the word "please" next time. His robots gave us a chance to break up another jam packed week in the office. I gave him no direction, but each drawing fit the personality of their intended owner.

It's the silly little things like this that keep our team spirit up. Kind of cheesy, but it works.

This guy means business

This one likes to rule with an iron fist

This little buddy is almost too cute to be a robot

I think I have a shoe addiction

It's no secret, I have a thing for shoes. All types of shoes. For some reason, I tend to gravitate toward Steve Madden's. I saw these heels a while back, but couldn't justify spending $129.99. Yes, I know I spend that much on a purse without batting an eye.

I went to the mall over the weekend and found out these heels are on sale! Sale price is less than $100, but I still couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger. It's more of a "need vs want" thing for me. Do I want them? Heck yeah, I do....but do I need them? Probably not.

I last tried them on in September, maybe I should give them another test run before I completely rule out the purchase. I mean, it could always be an early birthday present to myself.

 Who doesn't need bejeweled heels?

If these aren't perfect for me, I don't know what pair are

Keeping it local

Yes, this is another post about food. This time, I decided to make a list of some of my favorite local dining establishments.

Pete's Coffee Shop: Since it's located downtown, it's also one of my favorite lunch spots. It reminds me of 'Cheers', where everyone knows your name. My team also likes to have our team meetings here. We haven't had one in a while, maybe I should schedule one ASAP.

Colonel's Cafe: Thanks to a friend, I just discovered this local gem a few weeks ago. They had me hooked when I saw that breakfast is served ALL DAY. The portions are huge and the staff are super friendly. Best bang for your buck, I my opinion.

Long's Drug Store: There are no words to describe this dining experience. You just have to try it for yourself. And don't forger to save room for a milkshake.

Ye Olde Steak House: I love meat and I love this place. If you've never eaten here, we can't be friends, it's that simple.

Bella Luna: Finally had a chance to dine here last night. With a special like Benton's bacon ravioli, how can it disappoint? It didn't.

Litton's: Kenny Chesney eats here when he comes home and their red velvet cakes come very close to Julie P's. Why wouldn't I like it?

Chandler's Deli: I like fried chicken & BBQ

When did I become such a "foodie"?

According to Urban Dictionary, a foodie can be described as:

A person that spends a keen amount of attention and energy on knowing the ingredients of food, the proper preparation of food, and finds great enjoyment in top-notch ingredients and exemplary preparation. 

A foodie is not necessarily a food snob, only enjoying delicacies and/or food items difficult to obtain and/or expensive foods; though, that is a variety of foodie.

While I may not be a wiz in the kitchen, I do enjoy eating a good/unique meal. I mean, who doesn't like to eat? But it seems like over the last few years, I've been moving out of my comfort zone to try different things.

If I had to pick, my bacon wrapped scallops over mashed sweet potatoes from the Flaming Bouy in Key West might top the list as "favorite meal". 

Might be the best think I ever ate

The crabcakes I had at the Hogfish Bar & Grill were a million times better than the one's I've had in Maryland. But, if you make it down A1A and stop at Hogfish, you have to try the hogfish. It's the ugliest fish ever, but one of the most delicious. You can thank me later.

There are way too many college bowl games...

Don't get me wrong, I love college football as much as the next girl, but there's nothing special about bowl season. I was an advertising major in college...I know it's all about the publicity, but I miss the good old days when the bowls had simple names...like the Citrus and Peach Bowl.

A few years ago, the Rose, Sugar, Fiesta and Orange Bowls had the best match-ups...I personally don't like the BCS National Championship Game being it's own thing. I liked it better when 1 of the Big 4 was the championship game. A la the 1999 Fiesta Bowl. The National Champion was clad in Big Orange that night, so I may be a little partial.

But let's be serious, some of these bowl names are down right silly. The "GoDaddy.com" Bowl, The "Famous Idaho Potato" Bowl, The "Kraft Fight Hunger" Bowl...I could go on, but I won't.

Part of their advertising is working...I remember the name, but will I buy the product....chances are slim. If I'm not mistaken, Notre Dame played in a the "Poulan Weed-eater" Bowl several years ago. I think that's normally the Independence Bowl, but till this day I still say, "...remember the time ND played in that weed-eater" game..."


For the record, I never bought a Poulan Weed-eater.

This is my story (Part 1)

These two vlogs (video blogs) broke my heart. Austin, TX teen, Ben Breedlove passed away on Christmas Day, but not before he could share his story.

How many times could you cheat death, know your time on Earth is limited and still live your life? How many times have you wondered if God really does exist? I wish I could say my faith is as strong as Ben's was.

This is my story (Part 2)