Why can't we just be friends?

Where is Anya? We can´t find her anywhere.

I am right here. Still.

Here is the deal. Technology and I... we are not great friends.  I can barely even use photoshop to support my photography hobby. If you have asked the above question recently it is because you have had to wait for my unusually slow response to your e-mails etc.

Let me explain. Last summer as I prepared to come to Germany I decided it was in my best interest to buy a laptop, in the event that I wanted to keep my relationships in working order of those back "home". A friend of mine said that he would help me find one since he was somewhat of a computer geek. (His words not mine) However, for some reason or another, that didn't happen. That is when my father and I spent hours looking for laptops online. He would sputter off what each one had, most of which was a foreign language to me. I was just looking for one that would take care of my basic needs. We finally found one that sounded pretty awesome. We did a little looking around and found it was on sale at a local electronics store. Lucky for us they had some in stock. I took my shiny new laptop home, and then let my dad play with it. I probably left to see Heidi and Kristen. I later showed it to our personal computer geek who agreed it was a good buy. I was pretty proud.

One day, my computer just decided it couldn't take life in Germany anymore, and it kicked the bucket. I was pretty irritated. It wasn't even a year old! I spent hours on the phone after that between talking to my father and the incompetent people in customer service. We were finally able to get my computer shipped all the way back to the U.S. for repairs... and then Heidi Miller brought it back when it was "fixed". I was happy to have my laptop back. Regardless, it appears that my laptop was NOT happy to be back because, not long ago, it gave up the ghost again. Same problem as before.Conveniently, my warranty had ended the week before. It was time to show my true colors a little.

I  called customer service. I was calm... though I felt like yelling. I gave the required information to which they then asked "Ok. Would it be OK if I called you Anya?" Though for some reason nobody can ever pronounce my name correctly. (Which is a pet peeve of mine. It is not that hard.) I was on edge as I explained my problem, to which I was told that nothing could be done. That wasn't going to work for me. I then expressed my feelings on the matter calmly and rationally (only for having worked in customer service before). I was then passed on to a supervisor of some sort, then to a different department, and their supervisor. I reiterated that I would not be paying for repairs that should have already been taken care of the first time.  I was finally informed that because of my situation, they would be extending my warranty until I was back in the U.S to get my computer fixed. I was happy, I wouldn't have to reduce anyone to tears today. (I know what you are thinking, and it's true. I am not sure I have ever purposely made someone cry.)

So there you have it. I am still in Germany. I am not purposely neglecting anyone (or am I?). It is true that we have other laptops at home, but they are often occupied by their owners. Therefore, I am currently writing from an internet cafe, which are a whole other blog entirely. I would blog about it now, but I am wary of the shady characters which surround me. If you have ever been to an internet cafe... I think you know to what I refer.

Just to get back to a few of you now. Taci. I would love to skype with you, but my laptop doesn't want to assist me in my contact with the outside world. E-mail me your phone number or give it to Heidi and Kristen, and I will call you (we have awesome long distance rates.)

Oh, and Ryan. We didn't define honesty. Honesty is saying what needs to be said, or expressing an educated opinion according to the best interest of the other party. I know that my definitions are not exactly up to par, but you try to feel inspired in these kinds of surroundings... I am not so good at it.

As for the rest of you, I will get back to you in due time. Patience people... patience, because Technology and I are not exactly on speaking terms.