Verizon Sucks
So this summer I chronicled my never ending battle with National City. Well it was more of a complaining post... read for yourself: Post. I am still with them, mostly because I don't have the time or money right now to start a new account. Their response was not what I had wanted, I hate them, they suck.

So it is Verizon's turn... they have been pissing me off since this summer when I was in Oregon. Well in Oregon as many of you might recall I barely used my phone. It barely worked when I was out there, so I never used it. I called in to get my plan switched to a lower minute plan, and they could not because I was a month late on my payment. So... I paid the bill, and then called back. However, when I called back, their computer was down and they could not change it. Because I was out of state, the little mall shops could not switch it for me. So... no rate change for me.

Then I broke my phone. When I call to get a new one (cause I have been paying for phone insurance) they tell me that there is a $50 deductible on the coverage. What! I mean a new phone costs 50 bucks, why would I pay 50 buck to get the same phone I have, when for 50 bucks I can get a cooler new phone? I could not use it toward a phone upgrade either... so I canceled the insurance, and hoped my phone would hold together for a while.

The phone lasted until I got to Michigan. I was hoping it would last until I had the money to get the new PalmOne Treo, but instead I switched the service onto my dads old phone. When I went in to get my phone service onto my dads old phone I once again tried to switch the rate plan. The lady told me, that since it was in the middle of a billing cycle, I should not switch my rate now. I need to wait until the beginning of my billing cycle... What? I just want it switched! I left in a huff, mumbling under my breath how much I hate Verizon as I walked by potential costumers in the store.

So now... I called this morning. Guess what for? To get my rate plan switched... and to complain about all my dropped calls in Albion. About the dropped calls... guess what? They blame it on me not updating the software on my phone (which I just tried to do... and it did not work! I tried twice). Switching my rate plan... if I want to switch my rate plan I need to sign a new contract! What crap is that!

I should be able to switch my plan, I am off contract with them. How can they make me sign a new contract in order for me to switch to a lower rate. This is garbage, plain and simple. I told her (Denise, the kind lady on the phone) that I wanted to leave Verizon because of this type of service. Why would I want to lock myself into a new contract just to be able to control MY phone plan? I do remember a year ago... when I increased my phone plan to the higher minute plan... they did not make me extend my contract... so why do I have to in order to reduce it? Things that make you go hum...

Denise, I am not mad at you. You seem like a nice lady, I understand it is not your fault you work for a worthless cellular giant that cares little to none about its costumers. So Verizon, enjoy these last last couples months of service from me... cause a little costumer service might have gotten me to stay. I like the deal T Mobil has on the Treo anyways...

So Verizon... "Can you hear me now?" You Suck.

Gone Fishing

Novali fishing in Kids N Stuff in Albion

With her little plastic fish. "I did it, I did it!" she screemed.

Well Novalí's visit is over. We had lunch today and they took off, back to Chicago. We had a blast. She loved her pink room, we watched movies, drew with chalk, and tons of other fun things. Not to mention showing her and Tamara my office and campus, Novali showed me how I need to leave my desk when I leave my office (always the organizer).

As always, I will put my photo-journalism skills to the test.

Playing the piano in the Kellogg Center, where I work.

Playing with her gifts, she can't come to Michigan without getting something. This is a little drum from my Primo Oscar.

Climbing the wrong way up the slide...

The playground here at Victory Park is huge and entertained her all afternoon.

Tuesday we went to Kids N Stuff. Tons of games and toys, she loved the fossil finding activity the most.

She also loved the little river. Fishing, fish races, and a little waterfall.

There was a truck in the middle, anytime she wanted to go to a new play area she told us she had to go in the truck.

She made us a meal in the kitchen. Mami got pizza and brocoli, papi got an egg and some bread. Cafe con Leche for everyone.

They had a little stage and costumes, she refused to sing into the mic, but she wore the band hat.

They had a fake shopping area, Novali bought cookies, yogurt, and granola.

Each day we wore each other out. I had to work in the mornings and at night we played and played. Watched Shrek, drew pictures, used her coloring book, and cooked.

Her last night was pumpkin carving. It was my parents's idea, my dad bought me one while they were here this weekend. So last night Novali carved her first Jack-O-Lantern. We even baked the seeds afterwards, not as good as mom used to make, but not bad for a first timer.

With her pumpkin... ready to carve.

She refused to get dirty for a while... but she broke down and reached inside.

Posing with her Calabaza (pumpkin) and of course... Nono.

I let it burn for a little while and we went inside.

Now it is back to the grind. I took Monday and Tuesday afternoons off of work, so I got some catching up with work stuff. At work we just got out holiday break schedule, I will get a full week and a day off for Christmas. Now I have to make plans!

Anyhow, back to work. I miss Novali already... it was nice to come from work and have her be there excited and hugging me. Helps with the daily stress and not taking work home.

Catching up
This weekend was about catching up. It started with a trip to see Orlando. Not the city, my chapter Brother from WMU, Orlando (who actually lives in Orlando). He was in Grand Rapids visiting his family and of course we had to go and see him. The night started with a trip to Kalamazoo where the WMU guys were meeting and hanging out at Vic's place. Vic got a nice little apartment on Cedar, one block from the B-B-Q Pit! Sweet! We waited for Rudy to pick us up, he was late, and had his cell off... so of course Vic and I kept calling him and leaving him messages. I think we hit about 20 messages... "Rudy have you checked your messages yet?" - We asked him that all night long.

Orlando (far right) and his brother Chris (Beta at GVSU) and his parents who rock.

EXODUS... the reunion tour. We had a lot of good times in Kzoo back in the day. Cedar Street, the smurf room, the scary third floor...

Orlando is a lucky guy, glad you are enjoying Florida Bro! (He transfered to UCF)

Lots of Brothers came out to see Brother "Martí".

We miss Orlando up here, he was a vital part of the chapter. I am glad he is loving Florida and having a good time. I know you are going places Bro! Keep up the good work.

Sunday was cool, my parents decided after all to come and visit. Good thing I got most of my painting done. I finished painting the living room a few minutes before they got there. I showed them campus, and we ate at Charlies. It was nice to sit and talk with them, we had a stressful family month and I am glad we took some time to chill. They also were very nice and got my curtains for my living room. Thanks!

Painting is done!

No more ugly paneling... anywhere!

So the house is nearly done. I need some more furniture in the living room and hang some paintings, then it will be done. I made a quick page on my website for my house with pictures and everything for everyone. You can see all the work I have done. Check it out. Mi Casa.

It was a catch up weekend. Caught up with Orlando, caught up with my parents, caught up on my painting, and caught up on some work. I am in my office right now getting a few things wrapped up so I can take some time off Monday and Tuesday since Novali will be here.

Here you go...
I have stayed away from political issues on my blog. My summer hippie debates and discussion on Catholicism where a little heated. Here I will not start a political debate, but wanted to link to Miguel's blog. He writes about political stuff often, or about what he and his cats ate for lunch.

In a post about the debates I made the comment it would be cool to be able to pick two people, pick a topic, and then have them debate it. I think it would make a great TV show! Fox... where you at? So check it out, and all the great suggestions:

Pick-a-debate Contest

I for some reason am blanking on some good suggestions. Anyhow... check out his page, or that post and leave him a comment if you have a good idea. I will be thinking of one and posting soon...

Here you go...
I have stayed away from political issues on my blog. My summer hippie debates and discussion on Catholicism where a little heated. Here I will not start a political debate, but wanted to link to Miguel's blog. He writes about political stuff often, or about what he and his cats ate for lunch.

In a post about the debates I made the comment it would be cool to be able to pick two people, pick a topic, and then have them debate it. I think it would make a great TV show! Fox... where you at? So check it out, and all the great suggestions:

Pick-a-debate Contest

I for some reason am blanking on some good suggestions. Anyhow... check out his page, or that post and leave him a comment if you have a good idea. I will be thinking of one and posting soon...

My Angel
I got some pictures of Novalí emailed to me by Tamara and my dad. So I wanted to post a few of them up here, no new updates to her site, but I will soon. Next week for sure!

I am excited because Novalí will be in Albion next week. Tamara will be bringing her during the week, which is cool so she can come into my office and meet people. Which I rarely got to do in my two years at GVSU. I got her room ready and I hope she likes it. I painted the room a dark pink color, which I think she will like. I got her a little chalk board on an easel so she can draw. Of course the DVD player is in her room and I am sure little will distract her from that! Eitherway I am really excited to have her around for a few days. Enjoy some pics:

Now there we go... peacefully sleeping.

Her hair all wrapped up... like she is at the salon.

Her in a ballcap... Nono in the stroller.

Jumping into the pool with my dad.

I can't wait til she gets here!

Sucker Born Every Minute
Those that know me know I like to car shop. Checking out used car lots, seeing what used cars are costing, and just looking inside of cars is fun to me. It is also what lead to me owning 8 different cars before I was 21.

Now I do actually need a car, but just don't have the money. Last time I had Novali for a week I spent nearly 300 on a rental car. I love the NX, but she does not have a back seat and can not transport Novali. The NX also needs about $700 in repairs. So I need another car, something to pick Novali up in, something economical, something that I can just drive. You heard that before huh dad?

So Saturday I was driving in Albion and saw a car sale and a little Nissan Sentra was out front. So I figured why not... Guess what? It was fully loaded, only 50k on it, and was a stick shift! Just what I have been looking for. I ask the dealer how much.... he does not want to tell me. Just says... "If you are really interested, we can get you in it." I was interested in the PRICE... He said before we get to haggling over price I want to be sure you like it. I drove it, liked it, asked him the price... and guess what? He won't tell me until I do a credit app.

I did the credit app... Heather and I were late to find a place to get my hair cut, but that was fine, this was gonna be an adventure. I sit down with the guy... he tells me the car is priced at about 10,900... it was a bank close out and he is gonna work me a deal. He quickly says the car is discounted 3000. Wow! What a deal right? The monthly payment he worked up for me was still at like 280 a month (priced at 7,900), I told him I can not swing that.

He says let me check on something... comes back... and surprisingly, just for me, cause they like me... for only 7000! That is nearly 4000 off the original price. Man you would think I know how to work a deal, so I tell him, still too high, I was looking to get a little economical car, something around 5500 to 6000.

What is funny is that.. when I said I need something around 5500-6000 he replies... "So you need something around 6000-6500"... Did I say that? No, he must of been rounding up. He comes back... "Let me earn your business... what if I can get close to 6000 for you? Will I earn your business?" I said I was not sure, and I might want to talk to my dad. He came back then... 6200... look at that! Man I can wheel and deal!

I told him I really was not car shopping, this looks like a great deal but I think I have to pass. I just can't swing that payment, and I need to wait another month of working before I get my car. Before even thinking about it, he said... "I will drop it to 6000 even, let me earn your business." He did not ask anyone, he did not think about it, he just dropped the price.

The bottom line... I did not get the car (stopped sweating now dad). This guy was working me... I think solely for the fact that he was trying to scam me... is why I did not buy the car. The final price we got to was fair, I checked and it Blue Booked at 6400, and it was in great shape. The fact that he would of sold me the car for 7900 is what makes me mad. I asked him to be honest with me, and tell me what fair value was for the car, but he would not. He played his little used car game, and it cost him this sale. If he had come to me, told me he could sell me the car for 6000, and work out a good financing deal... I might have driven off the lot the owner of a nice shiny silver Nissan Sentra.

P.T. Barnum said, "There is a sucker born every minute." Unfortunately for that slicky salesman I was not that sucker, and he did not... "Earn my business."

Edit: I looked online for information about PT Barnum, and come to find out that is not his quote. Interesting article about him here.

Trading Spaces
So my house needed a lot of work. The rooms all had funny colors in them, or crayon writing on the walls, paint peeling, ugly wallpaper, cheap paneling... the list goes on.

The paneling makes the room really dark, not to mention it's ugly.

Dinning room wallpaper, and who picked that green? Also notice the crooked light switch...ah.

My landlord gave me a budget, and I am going nuts on painting things. I will post pictures once I get all the major work done. I will do a little before and after page... so keep checking for updates.

Needless to say I have been paint shopping and trying to pick colors and decide how I want everything to look. I picked some cool colors, after switching back and forth many times, and came up with some good options for the house. I have done the work alone and really found it to be soothing and relaxing to sit and paint with the radio on.

Painting the details on the staircase was a pain in the butt!

Getting to all the corners and trying to do a good job was important to me.

This weekend I hope to get all the painting finished. This it will just be hanging things on the walls, and figuring out where to put my furniture. I am putting off painting Novali's room until next month cause I can not decide on a color... but maybe I will get inspire this weekend. We will see...

Reunion
This weekend the roadtrip crew went back into action. Yep, Vic and I hit the road together. In college him and I went everywhere. I remember by the time I graduated college I think Vic and I had visited a little over 25 chapters of Sigma Lambda Beta. Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Iowa, Washington DC, and of course every school in Michigan. Good times.

I picked up Vic on Friday and we rolled to Chicago in the NX. Same old Vic. He was not packed when I got there, had no clean pants to go out in so we had to stop and buy some, barely ironed his shirt, and of course... left his keys in Chicago. We met up with Reymall and had a great weekend, we used to hangout all the time in Kalamazoo. With me in grad school, and Rey in Chicago we just have not hungout much the last few years.

I did not get a picture of us this weekend. This is from Bronco Bash.

Current state of Vic's car... poor Kialac.

Vic totaled his car last month... no insurance. So now he makes 200 a month payments on an undrivable car. Same old Vic.

Tamara's 25th
Friday was Tamara's birthday. She always plans something big. She started the night at her favorite Maragarita place, Fernandos. Vic and I got into town later then planned so we did not make it for food. Instead him and I got some subway and went to Ontourage before anyone else. The place was cool, small, I got a free zippo, we got free drinks, and Rey showed up. We toasted my belated birthday (I never celebrated mine this year) and chilled before the rest showed up. We caught up, laughed it up, made fun of each other (mostly Vic actually), and talked about how we need to hangout more.

Once everyone showed up, and the drink specials ended we rolled out to CroBar. It is a cool dance club, the high energy Chicago style house music that I have gotten used to lately. We danced, I drank lots of water, made fun of Gelas cell phone holder, and I actually got lost for a while to take some time out for myself.

Maragarita's and Mexican food. Tamara's favorite.

At Ontourage.

With a bunch of her sisters and friends.

Tamara danced all night at Crobar.

Novali
She was too funny as always. Always with some unique item, feather pen was the item of choice this visit. Her Reboks with the lights on the side was a treat as well. She is still really shy around people, which is annoying for when my friends want to see her. She went and hid in her room when Rey and the crew came by. Oh well, she will grow out of it. Sunday I had to leave early so I did not get to play with her a whole ton, but I am excited because she will be coming to Michigan soon!

With her feather pen... and of course sunglasses

"Oh... thats so cool"... is her favorite saying right now.

Getting her locks worked on by mami.

All done... Cheese!

It was a good weekend. I am glad Vic was able to come with me, not just so we could catch up, but because I still can not find my detachable face to my car stereo (which means no tunes in the ride!). I of course did not get anymore house work done... but that is okay. The NX survived the roadtrip... but is in serious need of some repairs. Too bad I am broke again. Ah!

Nearly lunch... need to decide what to eat. Hum...

Back to the Grind
First I want to thank everyone for their support and kinda words on my blog about my abuelito. That was very nice. I had a relaxing weekend at home with my parents, my abuelita, and Miguel who came as well. I also got to talk to my Grandpa Coates and wish him a Happy Birthday.

I got back to Albion and got cracking on working on the house. I mentioned before I have a lot of painting and work to do to get the house looking like I want. This week I will wrap up the dinning room and get that done... I hope. One room at a time... slowly but surely.

Aside from housework I have had a very busy week. I got a pile of papers and items I have to take care of before the weekend, and of course setting up all my meetings for next week.... ah.

So far this week I got some errands done. Updated my license, paid car insurance, got trash service ordered, registered to vote, looked into local banks, and got my plates for my cars updated. Nothing like being a few weeks late with the plates... Anyhow I feel accomplished.

This weekend it's off to Chicago. I spent such a long time with Novali last time that now I miss her more then ever. It is also Tamara's birthday on Friday, like always she has a big night out planned with all her friends and sisters. Unlike me, she likes to do her birthday up big each year.

Well back to work...

And so it goes...
I am not a poet, nor a man who is good with the pen. I generally hide my feelings, but on occasion let things get to me. This morning my abuelito took his last breath. I am not really sad though, and I don't find that strange. I think this maybe the case for several different reasons. One, that if I live half the life of my abuelito I know I will have lived a great life and would not want anyone to morn my loss, but celebrate my great life. Another reason is that he leaves such a legacy on this planet, lives that he touched, family that he raised, and differences he made. I will always continue to see Enrique in my father; his strength, his wisdom, his caring, it all lives on....

Death is a strange thing, but it does not mean the end of someone. It just means the end of new things for them. It means now they are a memory, and with my abuelito his memory is a great one. He touched many lives, raised a great family, and saw more things then anyone would of ever expected from a little carpenter from Oruro, Bolivia.

I am even happier now that he got to come to the USA for one last time. He saw his two American great grandchildren, which means the world to me that he met Novali. More importantly that she met him. Here are two pics:

Abuelito: Novali is introducing her toys to him. This was in July in Chicago.

Abuelito and Abuelita playing with Valerie.

I don't know what to write. There will be no funeral here in the USA for us to attend. I wrote a little about him in a blog two weeks ago. Miguel also wrote something great about him on Abuelito's last birthday. Those two stories can be found here: edit: I just added two more

Miguel: Don Enrique: 03.25.2003 - Ciao Enrique: 09.17.2004
Sam: For Better or Worse: 09.03.2004
Andres: A Picture: 09.17.2004

My abuelito was an eccentric man, I know you might say most older men become that way, but he was a little over the top. If you read Miguel's story you know that abuelito always carried a small pencil and notepad in the pocket of his shirt. Remnant of his carpenter days I am sure. Well either way, my dad sent him as a gift a few years back some polo shirts. However there was a problem, the shirts did not have pockets! Fortunately the shirts where a little long for abuelito (he is not even 5 foot tall), so he took them to his tailor and had pockets cut from the extra material at the bottom. His shirts now had a pocket for his pencil and notepad, but when untucked had a pocket shaped hole at the bottom. Classic Enrique Centellas.

Thanks to everyone for their support during this hard time.

That's More Like It
Well the welcome flags are down... gloves are on... time to work folks. The parade of meetings is getting longer, but no longer the welcome wagon, now it's the, "What are you gonna do about this?" Wagon.

So what is rolling in on these new wagons?

Wagon #1 - This past weekend a fraternity decided to not follow the party rules really well... and when things got out of control did not feel it was their responsibility to get it under control. Hum? Got to love these simple miscommunications.

Wagon #2 - A sorority violated a Panhellenic Unanimous Agreement... that means... infraction, which equals Panhellenic Judicial process, which implicates me in more work and forms, and guess what, yep, more meetings.

Wagon #3 - I had to watch a video about how to safely drive a big van. Boring. It was a nice break in my afternoon though. Next week I get my driving test... to be officially certified. I don't mind this wagon so much. No pun intended about the wagon/van thing... ah.. nevermind.

Wagon #4 - COB. Continuous Open Bidding. So if a women, signs a bid with a sorority, but never gets fully initiated, she can drop out, and has to wait one full year before trying to join another group. Now... the records for who signed sorority bids are split into two different folders (Formal and COB), and I need to cross check those with a list of women entering recruitment this fall to make sure they are eligible. And guess what... I do not get even one full day to check... Agh.

For those who think I might be annoyed with these issues... think again. This is why I went into Greek Life... excitement! Something new, everyday. Call me crazy, but I love it.

My Work
Yesterday was very hectic. Meetings all day... Rho Gam Coordinator, Sigma Nu Consultant, Sigma Nu President, Theta Chapter Advisor, got some weekend Campus Safety Reports, and a long afternoon meeting with my boss. All in all a very productive day, which ended with a Tea Reception at the Delta Gamma Lodge. Very fun.

My Office
So people have been asking about my office. I have a great corner office with four huge windows. I have a brand new Dell PC with a huge flat screen LCD monitor. I have lots of space and a chair for the people who come in and meet with me, and room to pull more chairs in. I have a huge grey filing cabinet in one corner... very scary looking... and even scarier when I look in there at the piles and piles of stuff.

My Desk, I rarely put on the lights because of all the sun light.

My Mac and my K-Kup (refils for just 50 cents).

I am still working on getting more stuff moved around and files organized to my liking. I got my order of supplies and desk accessories today, so this afternoon I will square them all away.

The BBQ
The Greeks had a BBQ Friday and I had a great time. In between the fraternity houses there is a great open space for them to host programs. All the groups get along really well and the event was a lot of fun. Free food, good DJ and even more new names for me to learn!

The weather cooperated for us and everyone had fun.

The food line was always long and the burgers were tasty.

The Fraternities
Albion has six fraternities and they all belong to the NIC. Unfortunately there are no NPHC or NALFO groups right now... but hopefully soon we can remedy that. The history of Greek life here is very old and I love reading about how the groups got started here. They all have houses owned by the school, the buildings are all the same, just different furniture and letters on the outside. I think they have a very unique set up which works very well for them. Let me introduce you to my groups:

Delta Tau Delta. The oldest, founded 1876.

Tau Kappa Epsilon. The youngest, founded 1926.

Sigma Nu. Founded 1895.

Delta Sigma Phi. Founded 1917.

Alpha Tau Omega. Also Known As the football team. Founded 1889.

Sigma Chi. Home of their sweet heart song. Founded 1886.

The guys have been great so far. I know we have a good future ahead of us, and I am excited to be a part of it.

Later this week I will introduce you to the sororities.