To My 3 Loyal Readers:

Okay, okay, okay... I semi-fibbed. I didn't mean to do so, but I'm not totally gone from Diaryland yet. Just thought you might wonder since I'm adding another entry!

Love,
Michele

So are ya'll ready to hear about the latest "Michele Deal"?

I was going through a wad of mail and found a pamphlet from Hilton Hotels. Inside it stated that we had "x" number of points accrued based on Ben's stays at the Homewood Suites in both Orlando, FL and Augusta, GA during the months of March and April this year.

"Hmm..." I thought to myself. "I wonder what those points are worth?"

I call the customer service number and lo and behold, I'm entitled to one free night at a "Level 3" hotel that is one of their brands as it were.

Groovy.

In the midst of talking to Kenneth, the customer service rep, it was brought up that I was supposed to have received a voucher for a free night's stay at one of the Homewood Suites of our choice. (This is because of a HORRIBLE experience Ben had had at the Augusta, GA location. And you know how that guy rarely complains about things!)

I mentioned this to the rep and how we were told that the voucher would be sent to our P.O. Box but it never came.

Well, he transfers me over to a "specialist" and I tell her my story. (Now mind you, I had not intended to bring this up when I initially made the call.) I speak with Tamika and tell her what had happened. She explains to me that in her notes it says that Ben was compensated 100% on one of his night's stay. I explained to her that his company actually pays the bill and at the end of the day, it was *he* (Ben) who had to endure all the problems he had during his 10 day stay. I also politely pointed out that if the cost of the one night's stay was removed from the bill then the company benefits, not Ben.

She wholeheartedly agreed with me. She also said that the only problem that was reported regarding the room was that there was a missing can opener. I was flabbergasted! I said to Tamika, "That wasn't the only problem with the room. And I certainly wouldn't waste someone's time calling to complain if the only problem was a missing can opener!" Again, that made logical sense to her.

She apologized to me on behalf of the Augusta, GA location (I had gone into some detail as to what had happened and was able to do so because I keep notes about these things in my desk planner.)

She then offered to me a "Be My Guest" coupon that entitles us to one free night's stay at ANY Homewood Suites location in the country. She asked me for my address, I thanked her and shortly after the conversation ended.

Now, the coolest part about this (besides from the fact that I hadn't intended to discuss this when I first called) is that the incident occured in April and we're getting the coupon in A U G U S T!!!

C'mon! How cool is that?!?! Do I rock, or do I rock! (and no smart-assed comments from the Peanut Gallery!)

And you know who you are, Peanut Gallery-who-shall-remain-nameless- despite-having-a-name-ending-in-L-and starting-with-K!!!!!!

Until next time...peace, love & HEALTH!!!