BISSEL's Customer Service

June 14, 2010 to July 23, 2010 was the amount of time to get a replacement part from Bissell

3 - orders shipped. This was the amount of separate shipments made to me.

1 month and 9 days without a vacuum.

3 kids and 2 adults to make a mess on our carpet.

Luckily we could borrow a vacuum.

Here is the story.

On June 11th, I left the dirt cup of my Bissell vacuum on my stair, not the smartest thing to do but none the less it was there. While coming down the stairs I proceeded to knock the dirt step down the stairs, slide down the stairs, put a whole in my wall and sit, yes, sit on the dirt cup. I do not know how many dirt cups are made to take my weight but I broke it.

Unknown that we could buy replacement parts we proceeded to buy a new vacuum. On Monday June 14th I decided to see how much a dirt cut would cost from Bissell. $20 was the price and I had to wait 7-10 business days. So I waited and waited,

2 weeks went buy and I received the package, I was excited I can no vacuum, instead of sweeping my carpet. I pull it out all excited and put the pieces together, but it doesn't fit. I even try to jam it on but there was no way to make it fit. This was the wrong piece. I believed it was the American version of the same piece I need.

I called up Bissell and talked to them about the piece not fitting and that I believe they sent me the American version of the dirt cup. Well, they continued to assure me that no it was the right piece, they could send me another but it would take 2 more weeks. I asked to talk to the supervisor and he repeated the same words as the associate. I then asked to talk to someone at the corporate headquarters and was told they would call me back in 1 to 2 business days. (Which didn't happen).

I then decided that I would just let them send me a replacement cup so then I could show that they don't fit. Because one could be a bad part but two wouldn't be. So off to the waiting game again. We waited and waited and waited and waited almost 3 weeks before it came. After 2 and a half I decided to get the corporate headquarters phone number and called.

Jill was his name and he was the head of customer service. The phone call was pleasant. He said everything I wanted to hear and even found the part and would expedite it to me so I could receive it the next week. (That would be the week of July 12 to 16). I finally felt relieve to get the part coming. July 16th came and went no part, It took a whole extra week from what I was told for the part to come.

July 23rd it did come and we can now vacuum yeah. No was this worth my time. Not sure. The headache of them not listening to me about a different part for Canada vs. USA. Not sure. One thing for sure I will think long and hard before we purchase anything else from Bissell.

Band-aids

What is the obsession of band-aids? Why are kids so excited to have something with adhesive stuck to their skin? Don't they know that it might hurt when it is taken off. Don't they know that the reason we have band-aids is when we are hurt and they cost money. A sticker would probably be just as fascinating. If only a sticker would stay on the body longer than a few minutes.

The reasoning behind this of course is my kids. My eldest son hurt himself. I am not sure exactly how but he came up from downstairs and said he had an "Owee". So I checked to make sure there was blood. (The rule was that no band-aid unless there is blood). He proceeded to get a band-aid and I put it on.

Tonight before bed he wanted a new band-aid, as the owee was still bloody a bit I allowed him to get a new band-aid. At that same time my second son said he wanted a band-aid. Without me saying anything, he proceeded to hit his finger against the wall and said "ow". The first time I didn't recognize what he was doing. So my son hit the wall with his finger again said "ow" and looked at a finger hoping there was an owee. That is taking the blood rule to a whole new level.

I gave in. He got his band-aid.

Vanity

While at Wal-Mart today my two boys were obsessed with the mirrors. Each would find a mirror and look into it to admire themselves. Even sometimes one of them would talk to the image in the mirror or pretend to break the glass. Why are they so intrigued with the mirror? Is it vanity, or do they just like to see themselves?

While doing this they were acting their normal selves, not caring about the fact that people see them acting childish for they are children. My daughter, especially, loves to walk around the house strutting and talking all the time. In the supermarket she also plays and talks and giggles throughout the store. I like that kids start off not worrying about what others think.

Can you imagine a child in Wal-Mart looking at a mirror and wondering if they look fat, or ugly or bald or thin? How foolish would it be if a child wouldn't do anything crazy unless they knew no-one they knew was watching. The great thing about kids is that they are confident with who they are that they act themselves. Sometimes to the great dismay of their parents.

Self-Serve & Crafts

Look-in, Decide and Reach the three step process to get food. When it comes to snacks around here the kids are able to find their own (well at least the two older ones). Our youngest I think has gotten fed up with being left out. She decided to follow what her brothers had done. At one she is already able to provide food from the fridge. After our eldest opened the fridge and got his own orange. She seized the day, or opportunity and looked in, decided and proceeded to grab. Being so small she practically hurls herself into the fridge. But low and behold out she comes with her very own shiny apple. Look at her triumphant face. Apparently my wife feels that she must be starving them that they learn at a young age to get their own food.

My wife comes up with great ideas for birthdays, and other occasions. She has been the designer behind Thomas, Spider man, and Dora cakes. Her great ability of designing and created these masterpieces is excellent. I just wanted to share the gift her mother got for Mother's day. A home made edible bouquet. Well done.

KIDS

When I got married, I was hoping to have a lot of kids, as many as my wife will let me. Some people ask why. My usual response is why not. God told Adam to "Be Fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth..." At that time they were the only two on the earth and mankind thus continued from them down to this day. Now we have billions of people on the earth so why should I desire to have kids. Here are some of my reasons:

1. JOY - The excitement and joy of experiencing the miracle of a new baby is indescribable.

2. HUMILITY - How inspiring and frightening that God entrusts me with raising children.

3. LESSONS -This is a little longer than just one line.

• Who else would teach me to be patient as they need to "do it myself."


• Who else would teach me to laugh and some disasters such as an empty corn starch box on the floor.


• Who else would teach me to forgive and forget as they often get angry but a few minutes later are playing happily as if nothing happened.


• Who else would teach me to be sympathetic, empathetic and full of kindness as they wonder why you are crying or want you to help them understand, or walk up to strangers and say I love you.


• Who else would teach me to put others first as many mothers can attest, as their lives often are put on hold or changed completely as children are raised.


• Who else would teach me to be less selfish as they always ask if I can share my bowl of ice cream even though they just finished theirs.


• Who else would teach me the joy in helping as they willing just want to spend time with you even if it means doing the dishes or vacuuming.


• Who else would teach me the acceptance of all, as it doesn't matter to them who you are, what you look like, or where you come from.


• Who else could teach me to be Christ like but a child who is submissive, meek and full of love.

These are some of the reason I want kids. Of course having them is not the easiest thing in the world. But who said life was easy. I love my kids.

Food for Thought

The manner in which we respond to others can convey more than just the words. If someone asks us a question or to do something we respond, sure, ok, fine, whatever, if I have to. Not only does the way we answer matter but the tone of voice and body features convey more than the words. What would happen to the world if a positive response came when people ask for favors. "I would love to" would convey a joy in helping, doing and volunteering. Try it for a week and see how your outlook would change.
Winston Churchill once said "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Let us all be optimists in our responses.

Lunch with Lettuce

My son loves salad and veggies. Sometimes we need to tell him he cannot have any more salad until he eats his meat or potatoes. However, when it comes to lettuce in his wraps he does not like it. Today my wife made him a wrap with sour cream, ham, and cheese and I said he had to have lettuce. Well he takes his first bite and glares at my wife exclaiming, "I DID NOT WANT SALAD ON MY WRAP." As he continued to eat he would be talking fine then take a bite and send "daggers" to my wife with this glare. The funny thing is it was my fault the lettuce was in his wrap.

Photo Shoot

My kids, my kids.

They love pictures and have for awhile. The enjoyment of getting their picture taken is taken to a new level after they start learning to pose. Today we took some close up pictures of our three and five year old. The three year old posed nicely and as we asked. Then our five year old got some pictures. Now he is a poser a quality trait learned from an older cousin that now, it is hard to get a picture with out him posing. Kids are so sure of who they are and act naturally around everyone, especially at home. The three year old looks innocent and charming while the five year old is crazy and loud. Well pictures can equal a thousand words or hide what really goes on behind.