On Being Old 4 Frustration with Phone Calls and Lack of Customer Service

One thing I find about being older is my lack of patience. Although, I don’t know if it’s fair to blame my lack of patience after growing up during a time when customer service was very important to businesses. There was a time they’d go out of their way to make the customer happy. There’s no such thing as “the customer is always right” anymore. 

I remember when a real person answered the phone. She would listen to your needs and direct you to the right department. It was nice to hear a pleasant voice and it made you feel welcome. Or there would be an answering machine with a short message asking you to leave your number and they’d call back. And someone would.

Nowadays, a machine picks up and you’re barraged with a dozen questions. I feel I’m being interrogated and half the time, the automated questions have nothing to do with what I want. There are times the fake mechanical voice says, “I’m sorry, I don’t understand your question …”  Then there’s the repetition of “This call is being recorded …” and the worst is, “Your call is important to us.” (If my call was important, they’d have a real person answer the phone.)

I totally lose it and become a screaming lunatic. It’s a nightmare to get to a live representative and then you end up being interrogated again. Or, if ending up with a representative from another state, you might get a “We don’t service your state” answer. I’ve had that happen numerous times ... as smaller businesses are bought out by corporations from other parts of the country.

And then to top it off, many want you to answer a survey afterwards to tell them how they did. Oh, don’t set me off with that one! You’re not allowed to say what you really think. All the answers are pre-set up.

I’m to the point where I don’t want to do business with a company that puts you through this. Especially a local company. I find it horribly rude to their customers.

Oh, I know all the reasons … what’s that famous line? “Follow the money.” It’s always about the money and businesses find many ways to cut their costs, at the expense of their customers.

Unfortunately, what choice do you have? Put up with it or don’t get the service or products.

On Being Old 3: Random Acts of Kindness

I was at Shaw’s. Shopping is a struggle for me as my knees and ankles ache almost all the time. Standing in place is worse than walking which makes the wait very painful, especially after walking up and down those long aisles.

In spite of that, and no matter how close to tears I am during the waiting, I always talk to the cashier and bagger, even including others in line with kind comments. I’ll compliment strangers in the aisles, too, just to offer bits of nicety and cheer in this stressful world. By the time I gimp to the car, though, I have all I can do to walk.

That day, there was a big pickup truck parked fairly close to my driver’s side. I slowly opened the back door careful to not hit the truck. I’d just put the first bags in the backseat when the truck’s driver came out with her few groceries. I offered to move and let her get her things unloaded. (I usually let people who have less stuff and/or move faster than I go first.)

She told me she could put her things in on the other side. When done, she came back to me and offered to hand me my remaining bags, so I didn’t have to walk back and forth to the cart. (Even though it was only a few steps, my legs were screaming.) Then she took my cart to the carriage stall.

I was so grateful. Yeah, I could have and would have done that (I always take the carts to the stalls), but to have a stranger help … there’s something so special about that. There are kind people around. Every time I start to lose hope in mankind (hearing news horror stories of criminal activities every day), I meet a kind, thoughtful person.

“Random acts of kindness” is so important these days when it seems random acts of violence is something we all must be so wary of lately.

About this column: I have so many topics to write about regarding being old. It’s hard to decide which to choose. My list is growing longer faster than I can cover the subjects. Yet, I don’t want this to just be about my issues. I’d like to hear from others, too, as we sometimes deal with issues differently.

I’m a believer that telling our stories may help others dealing with similar. Talking/writing also helps us not feel so alone with our struggles. Others can relate and have their own stories to tell.

 

 

On Being Old 2: The Need for Simplicity and Consistency

Another thing I’m coming to realize about being older is the necessity for simplicity and consistency. I find these days I easily get confused when forms are complicated with a lot of reading involved. Trying to decipher directions can often be confusing (like directions on how to put things together. How often is it almost impossible to follow those?) Of course, those writing the directions understand them.

I remember years ago my husband and I trying to assemble a TV/stereo cabinet. We finally had to throw the directions aside and figure it out on our own.

Then there’s what I call my BS meter. My brain totally shuts down with frustration when I feel I’m being forced to do something that doesn’t make sense. Or having to repeat – like every time when I go to the dentist having to fill out the same forms. “Nothing changed since the last time I was here. Why do I have to do this again?”

Or, at the doctor’s when they make you fill out a form, then you get in the office, you’re asked the same questions you just filled out on the form. (One reason I haven’t been to a doctor in 30 years. Wow, has it been that long? Yes.)

This past week was dealing with some income tax issues and I spent three days in tears. I was so confused when the accountant sent me a multiple page IRS directive with a form to fill out which I’d never seen. Isn’t that why I pay an accountant? To do these things for me?

They set up all these programs for seniors … what about just making things less complicated? Simplicity and consistency will help a lot. 

Another Letter to the Editor published in the InterTown Record

On Being Old: Speaking out about being old

I read a story in AARP magazine about a series of murders and robberies of well-off elderly women living alone in independent living communities in Texas. This had been going on for several years with the housing officials declaring their deaths as “natural causes” in spite of relatives reporting their loved ones had been robbed.

There was also a short article on “When Ageism Kills.” Robert Love, editor in chief, said, “It has been called the last acceptable prejudice…” 

This further got me thinking of the plight of older p0eople. Why should we get pushed under the rug because we are retired with health and body declining? Why should we have to pay more for groceries because we’re no longer feeding a family and smaller packaging is more expensive than family-sized? It’s like being punished for being old and alone. Plus, older people eat less.

For an example, places like Shaw’s offers sales on items if you buy five or more. What would older people do with five boxes of pasta (or any product) that might take months to use up, let alone needing more space to store these extras?

Older people are not all the same. Some are in better health than others, but it seems most are all treated as not having any worth – unless they’re very active in community projects. So much focus and programs go towards families with children … which is fine as they need help, too. But it’s like the elderly get written off almost as if they are no longer important. 

Then, older people have to go out of their way to seek help, sign up for elderly services, etc. And, dealing with Medicare or any insurance is not easy, no matter how easy they make it sound. It’s a nightmare, and each year to be hounded by insurance companies trying to get you to change providers is harassment in my book.

I know, I know, younger people don’t want to hear the plight of the elders. I was there once. I remember thinking, “I don’t want to think about being old. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.” Well, I’m there and it’s not easy, especially being a mostly stay-at-home person.

I believe this is a topic that needs to be more openly talked about. Older people shouldn’t have to be afraid or ashamed to discuss their issues. What happened to “Respect your elders?”

This was originally published as a Letter to the Editor in the InterTown Record newspaper. We decided to continue, and it’s turned into a weekly column.

Comments on “Rick Steves’ Art of Europe” series

"Winter Comes to the River" WIP pastel painting

Last night I watched the last two episodes of PBS’ “Rick Steves’ Art of Europe.” It was an eye-opening six-part series from the beginning with the art of cave dwellers to today’s amazing development of street art on the walls of buildings. The show just wasn’t about paintings and sculptures but covered architecture, too.

I love the history and it was interesting to see how art changed over the ages as the opportunity to create grew. Of course, some of the earliest of grandiose art was instituted by the pharaohs of Egypt creating grand art. Oh, those pyramids and statues with tombs full of art pieces.

And I’ve always been intrigued by Greek and Roman styles (having studied Latin for three years in high school). Much of the art was religious depicting various gods and goddesses. When Christianity came to the fore, besides bible scenes, the art included hideous depictions of what happens to nonbelievers.

Art became more grandiose with only the super wealthy and the church able to afford it, and while the magnificence is stunningly beautiful, I am turned off by it. To me, it’s too much. While it’d be fascinating to see castles for the architecture, I, personally, would not want to see all the opulence of the great halls, churches, and cathedrals. Too much to take in all at once with humongous works making individuals seem so small. (I know, that was the point.) It just seems to me that all that gold could be put to better uses. It’s just too much, as I said.

My favorite episode was the last one, Modern. This was when art became more about the regular, everyday people, their work, and landscapes. Art that peasants could afford. That’s not saying I like all styles, but that’s what I love about art. We can be individuals and establish our own styles. Art does evolve.

I wish they’d do an episode like this on art in the U.S.

PS: The painting I'm working on is from a photo reference courtesy Duane Wheeler.

Staying Wholehearted Has Become Impossible

How do I stay wholehearted when I’m angry and sad over the state of the country and world? I almost feel there’s no hope… (and I know many people will denounce me for that statement.) But I feel what I feel and believe what I believe.

Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, and it is MY opinion, but I totally believe our current government is out to destroy this country! I believe all these shortages and so-called supply chain issues are made up to bring American citizens to their knees. Hard working taxpayers are becoming the new slaves.

I know, I know, sometimes there are problems, but I fully believe a lot of what’s going on now is about government and big-business takeover. Those in power are jockeying for position. Nothing that’s going on is about helping American CITIZENS. Break people’s spirits and they will topple. The wedges drive people farther apart. It’s almost like we’re dissolving into tribes again. Look at the past and see the similarities to then and now.

I watch a lot of history shows and read books and articles on history. Since the beginning, every civilization has come to an end and a new civilization comes forward. Maybe it’s our time to fall. Two thousand years is about the norm, and we’re getting there. Look at the Egyptians, Romans, Aztecs, Chinese dynasties, and many other cultures. For a while they had great societies with great leaders, then came the fall. History repeats!

And yes, there are always struggles with depressions and recessions. Some countries conquer others and turn those conquered into slaves. Some countries eventually rebel against their government when their leaders become too corrupt and greedy.

The histories also include religions. Again, I will cause controversy with what I say, but everything I’m seeing and reading has me seeing religion as another way to control people. Religion has always been a factor in wars and control, too.

Yes, I believe there’s something greater than us – whether a God, or many gods or spirits, or whatever. Yes, I pray every day and night. However, I don’t believe in the what I call “man-made” religions where certain MEN have determined how a certain religion should be.

Just look at how different religions have changed over time. How often have people been brainwashed (again, my wording) using fear that if they don’t follow certain dictates, they will suffer horrors in the afterlife. People are taught that anything that goes against what their particular religion dictates is the work of Satan or the uncleansed or whatever words used by the religious.

Do I have answers? No. All I know is what I’m seeing and coming to understand about life. Whenever someone tells me what I should do or believe, I’m questioning the why. Who does it benefit? Words are words too easily believed. I now look at the actions and attitudes of those making the speeches. Too often they are not practicing what they preach which makes me wonder who’s really benefiting from the dictates. (There’s little difference between dictates and dictator.)

“Follow the money” is a phrase we should all be paying attention to. Again, who’s benefiting.

I wonder when the box cars will come for those of us who dare to speak out.

I’m already grieving the loss of life as I once knew and believed in. I’m scared. My heart has been broken so many times, I don’t know if I can ever feel wholehearted again. How sad is that.

Sometimes Life’s Burdens Get Too Heavy

The burdens that no one else can help me with are getting too soul crushing. I can hire someone to do heavy lifting and such, but there are personal things that I alone have to deal with… like IRS taxes… and I just can’t get my brain wrapped around it.

Last year, my accountant retired, and I waited too long to find a new one. I settled on a guy after everyone else I’d called wasn’t taking new clients.

The guy I dealt with charged me so much money (and he creeped me out). I can’t afford his astronomical prices. He’s more than double other accountants, and this year, he’s already added yet another form and another charge (which is due by Jan. 31). I don’t even want to face him or hear his voice. Just thinking about it makes me feel sick to my stomach. For someone who doesn’t come out ahead at all, to pay that price is just highway robbery as far as I’m concerned – some business professional making a lot of money off someone who has little.

The pressure is getting to be too much. I’m at a loss at what to do. I’ve spent the last three days in off and on tears and today isn’t any better. I didn’t even want to get out of bed this morning. I so totally understand why people choose to go homeless or commit suicide. Sometimes the weight of life’s complications gets too hard to bear.

This is one of the disadvantages of being alone. There’s no one to share the burden with. Everything falls on my shoulders. These past two years have had almost more heartache than joy. This past year alone, I’ve had paintings stolen, been scammed for a lot of money, had to put my beloved Pele-kitty down, and had my credit card compromised for over $1,000. Even the simple joy of feeding the birds has stopped because I can’t deal with the rodents.

Yes, I have a couple of good friends who offer support, for which I’m very thankful, but it’s still up to me to handle this all – alone. And yes, I choose to be alone, but sometimes…

And, I’ll admit, being older, my brain doesn’t handle stress well anymore. When people talk fast, my brain can take it all in. I easily get confused, frustrated, and angry especially when it comes to reading what I call crap and having to fill out forms. And, having to make phone calls and deal with all the automated messaging crap sends me over the edge and I turn into a screaming lunatic before I can get to a “real” person.

Right now, any joy I have in life has disappeared. I feel like a bottle cap (with all it’s sharp edges) floating in stormy seas that threaten to sink her. And the waters are getting rougher and there’s no land in sight. When does one give up fighting?

They say you have to make your own happiness, and for years, I was doing well with that. I’ve had good times, done good things, and gotten much enjoyment out of life, but these days, the bad overcomes any good. I had hoped 2023 would be a change for the better, but it’s not starting out that way.

I guess I was wrong in thinking, when I moved here, I was setting myself up to have an easier life and enjoy my final years (however many years that would be.) However, coasting I am not. It’s turned into a super hard, icy decline full of sharp rocks that cut me to the core. (And because of my choice to be alone, there’s no one to hold me in these times and tell me everything’s going to be alright.)

Many people handle things better than others. I’m not handling this well at all these days. It makes me wonder. Did Mum cry a lot? I think I only ever saw her in tears once or twice. If she did cry, she hid it from me. I wish I could ask her, talk to her about stuff. Funny, because I used to think we talked about most anything, but I realize now she kept a lot of secrets.

Me, I’ve never been able to hold back tears. I grew up being called cry-baby, too sensitive, and too emotional. I can’t help it. I FEEL things deeply and can’t hide it.

And I wonder if this is why many people turn to alcohol and drugs. They can’t deal with life’s issues. I could never go that route, though, because my body makes me sick if I have more than one drink and getting high isn’t enjoyable as the couple times I’ve tried, it just makes me feel icky. I’ve always said that’s my body’s way of or my higher power keeping me from going down that road. I’m glad I’ve never been tempted to go that route.

So, I plow on through the furrows of life dealing with mud and ice and snow. And, with all this, I don’t even have any motivation to go in the studio and paint.