Minimal Today, Millionaire Tomorrow

Perfect install AND clean up....Not

Learned --> Don't let courtesy (or fear of not being liked) replace your intent

Who would have thought today's events would come to this? All I wanted was a bit of Internet, a home phone and the ability to stream Hulu with a glass of wine. What I got was a slighted Verizon employee, lackluster service and a stark reminder of my power as a consumer. As a customer, for the longest time I thought it rude to express my discontent with a business or vendor. Figured if something was wrong, it was MY fault for not being clear enough, not having a crystal understanding of what I was after. Even as I type, memory lane resurges with multiple returns to Sephora, JcPenny, TjMaxx, etc - all of which are plagued with ME as the customer feeling like I'm doing the business a huge disservice by *gasp* not totally devouring their product.

But na-uh-uh..today was different. I wasn't happy with the service, nor the installation tech's attitude once she got on site. On the phone, she sounded sure, stable and damn-near angelic compared to her in-person persona. We finally meet up and bologna hits the fan: No time, no connectivity, no service installation. Oh, and because I'd used up the apparent "courtesy" one-hour installation, there's a high chance the next outing's gonna cost me AND there is no guarantee on the work that needs to be done. Call me crazy but I actually felt a jolt of confidence as I cancelled my order altogether. Sure I got hung up on, and got a tee bit of sarcasm from yet-another not-so-happy-Verizon employee, and that's okay.

I exercised my consumer right to choose, and made it clear that the service given did not meet my standards. No longer concerned with being nice, aiming for decisiveness and results - this was a great ~~little~~ (personal growth) moment of triumph. One that I look forward to repeating again and again, perhaps one day in person.

Besides, I don't like dealing with big bad businesses anyway.

Angie: + 10
Verizon: - 20 (I have a big mouth)

Before I moved into this apartment, I'd long wanted a place to call my own. Living with roommates wears on you, and while I had financially stable ones (for which I am grateful), I simply wanted a dedicated space for me and only me. I also grew weary of coming home to a dirty kitchen, stained carpet (thanks to pets....that weren't mine) and often a hodge-podge of strangers. Oh! Let me not forget the numerous times both the front door and windows were left ajar, with only strangers to account for my roommates whereabouts. Lordie, the stories...the mischief, all the filth and agony.

Fast forward to today, May 9th 2015: New Apartment + No roommates + Minimal furniture = Endless Possibilities.

From the dawn of time, I've been obsessed with hotels. The combination of luxury, minimalism and storage boggles me everytime. With a bias towards Sheratons, Hiltons and other luxury chains, (basically any hotel with white plush bedding --> sign me up!) I can think of no better way to celebrate my love of luxury hotels than to bring that same luxury home! How awesome would it be to sleep at the Hilton every single stinking night and forgo the astronomical lodging fees? Thankfully this apartment came with a few unexpected and-therefore-much-more-appreciated perks like a killer view, upgraded kitchen, hardwood throughout the entire out and a whopping 858 sqft. Let's start with some before pictures: