Bank of America Woes

A few weeks ago we lost our Becky, our premier banker with B/A. In the bank's wisdom, they eliminate the premier banking group and put me back with 1) the regular banking, or 2) the investment group. Don't really know which since the bank has yet to notify me the premier banking group no longer exists. I know because Becky and I talked. Let's look at these two options logically. 1) Taking something away from a valuable customer is never a good way to run a business. Now that I do not have someone to help me with my banking needs, why would I be incentivised to stay with B/A? 2) Putting me back into the investment group, the Merryl Linch team that ran that company into bankruptcy, is not exactly the group of people I want managing my money.

Case in point. Instead of calling Becky to renew Steven's CD we had to go talk to someone at our branch. Seeing how we both work everyday that only leaves Saturday available to do such. We went in the bank for a simple 20 minute transaction that ended up taking 1 1/2 hours. The fellow had no idea what he was doing and had to get his manager at least five times. Then somehow B/A managed to get my profile messed up and had the wrong SS number. Would they believe me to fix it? Heck no. I had to drive all the way home, get my SS card, and drive back to the bank. One might ask why not believe the customer when he tells you they are wrong. I think I gave him my ID 4 times. He then wants to verify my SS number so he says it loud enough for everyone in the bank to hear it. He kept saying how he was concerned about security and wanted to make sure everything was right. He said, for example, they need 2 sets of ID's to set up a new account (in this case a new CD). I said, but....., with your concerns about security, why didn't you ask to see the social security card (for Steven's account). They believed Steven when he said what his SS number was but would not believe me when I told them they had mine incorrect. That is how someone opened an account under their ID while using my SS number about two years ago. That person had picture ID, not in my name of course, and since B/A took her word for the SS number without verification her fraudulent activity got pegged to me.

I hope Becky lands a new job quickly with a local bank. B/A's days of having my money may shortly coming to an end. Only trouble is that most banks aren't much better. Too many "non-thinkers" is these position.

Family Fun

I am a little late but here are a few pictures from Rebekah's birthday party. Mike did the bbq cooking and just could not wait to taste his masterpieces. He is the best Barbeque-er in the family.


Robert's mom Lenore enjoyed holding her great-grandson Jonah.

Rebekah opened her presents. Can you tell if she liked the Little Einstien's computer from grandma and grandpa?

We recently had a great visit by Sue's niece, Jen and her three children Eli, Aive, and Caroline. the kids were so sweet and well behaved. Here they are watching TV with Rebekah. Thanks Jen for the fun visit. Come again soon.

Jonah is getting bigger and cuter. Grandpa is his favorite.

Too Funny to be True

So today we went out to dinner to PF Changs and Steven told us a story that happened today. While he was teaching a student driver he saw a lady crossing the street who dropped some dollars in the street. She climbed on a bus before he could tell her. About an hour later he was driving down the same street and the dollars were still there. He pulled his car up, stopped, and opened his door retrieving the few dollars.

We were still talking about this and how funny it was as we walked back to the car. He was joking about the money still being there and how no one looks down while they walk. I said I do because I don't like to trip or step in a hole. Just then I saw some money on the ground. I picked it up and it was 3 $100 bills. One for each of us. No one was in sight and since it in a drive-way of a mall parking lot we ended up with a nice night out.

The Princess

So....I am convinced we have the cutest granddaughter in the world. Afterall, what would you expect from a little girl with Sue's genetic makeup? Rebekah loves the Disney princesses, especially Cinderella and Snow White. Her Aunt Brenda bought her a Cinderella dress that she wears all the time at her house. At grandma and grandpa's house she has a Snow White Dress.

Recently a very dear friend of ours gave us a little slide set for the kids. Rebekah took right to it. It is the perfect size for the patio or inside of the house. Rebekah really enjoys it even when it is raining outside.

Rebekah has also discovered how fun a swing can be. She has been reluctant to try one and all of a sudden she loves it. Again, the cutest granddaughter in the world.

Finally, some great news which is hard to come by these days. Brenda and Mike are now home owners. They purchased a house in Simi Valley and moved in last Saturday. They needed to replace all the flooring, bathroom fixtures, and the kitchen; plus a lot of painting. End result is a very nice home. Congratulations.