Okay, so actually, this post is somewhat embarrassing, but maybe some of you will understand how one seemingly good morning could turn really bad, really fast. So, it all started with my morning routine. Wake up, eat a cracker (just in case of nausea), start making breakfast for Kayleigh, make lunches, and stroll over to the Keurig coffee maker and start a cup of coffee (don't worry, I mostly have decaf or tea). Usually, I pick something out real fast, add the water, push the button, bada-bing, and pretty soon I hear the comforting sound of the water heating up and pouring out a delicious brew.
Not this morning. No. The coffee machine would not brew. I talked to it for awhile, and made sure there was nothing wrong with the power or the inside of it. Then I added more water because that seemed like a reasonable solution. Still nothing. Okay, this thing is only like 3 weeks old, I'm muttering, it can't be malfunctioning when what I really really want is just a cup of coffee. But it was. I got the manual out and started reading, then proceeded to get more and more frustrated when all the troubleshooting signs pointed to "Contact Customer Service." This was not good. I don't have time to contact them. I have family flying here in two days, and I have no coffee pot. Okay. Stay calm. I was visibly irritated when Phil came into the kitchen and asked me what was wrong. I told him that we had to go to Macy's
right now and get this broken piece of junk traded in for a working model. To my surprise, he remained perfectly unrattled and said ok--we'll go on the way in to work.
So, he drops me off at Macy's and goes on an errand. "I shouldn't be long," I said. "This is just an easy swap out." Knowing I didn't have the receipt, but being a good customer and a card holder I thought they would be more than happy to help. The sales lady asked me how I was, and I told her that I was fine, but that I'd be better if she could help me exchange my coffee pot. I explained to her that it was a Christmas gift, that it had worked without a problem for 3 weeks, and that unfortunately I didn't have a receipt. Well, she didn't so much mind me not having a receipt, but it was the not-having-the-original-box-that-it-came-in which seemed to be more of a problem to her (who keeps their boxes when they get new appliances anyway?) So, I explained that I'm sorry I didn't have the box, but that all I wanted was to exchange it for a new one. She said she didn't know how to do that, so she'd have to call for a manager. Then she told me that they were short staffed that morning from a meeting the night before, and it might take awhile. Alrighty then.
After SEVERAL attempts to call a manager, (seriously, this took about 15-20 minutes with no responses) she left the desk and went to find someone. As soon as she was gone and out of earshot, the desk phone starts ringing. And ringing. I really wanted to reach over and pick it up and get the person on the other end to help me, but I resisted that urge. She came back after about 10 minutes, and said she couldn't find anyone. She finally got through to someone on the phone, and they told her that I could not exchange the machine without having the proof of purchase or the original box it came in. Then she looked a little bit alarmed when she saw me begin to sob in the middle of housewares that I really needed a new coffee pot. I told her I'm sorry, I don't mean to be such an emotional basketcase, but my family is coming into town and I'm having a big party at our house. I simply need you to exchange it for me. She then told me to wait there and she left me again...standing there, crying like a baby, uncontrollably--mind you, and with several other customers looking at me like, what's with the head case over there??
After what seemed like an eternity, I hear the click-click of "manager shoes" making their way to the counter. I think, maybe there is some hope. By this time, I had had time to compose myself and dry my eyes and pretend that I had NOT just had a breakdown in Macy's over a Keurig. She explained the same policy to me about the no-box = no-exchange, and told me that they had no way of knowing that I really, in fact, had purchased it from their store. SERIOUSLY, don't Wal-Mart and Kohls exchange things with no questions asked??? I'm really trying to pay attention to her, but at this point, the tears are streaming down my pathetic face. I apologized for my reaction, and told her that I am sorry I can't leave here until I get a new coffee pot, one that works. She told me to wait there, left me again, and came back about 10 minutes later. Her face was a cross between annoyed and complete pity. She then said that they would exchange it for me as a one-time deal. She reminded me about 5 times that they are not supposed to do this, and I really think she just saw how desperate I was. I hugged her and thanked her and apologized again for my "scene." This whole ordeal took about 45 minutes to an hour. And wow, when I left with my new machine, I felt good. I felt victorious. But I had a pounding, splitting headache, and I looked like a raccoon that had gotten beaten up and punched in the face.
After all of that, and as the day wore on, I felt more and more like a big loser for not being able to control myself, but man, help a girl out, Macy's! When I told Phil the story as he came back to pick me up and wondered what in God's name had taken so long, and why I looked like I had just been in battle, he couldn't believe that I'd lost it like that in the store. Normally, I can keep my composure pretty well in check. But this is not normal Karen, this is pregnant Karen, and I really had no idea that I had that in me. We got to work and he had to go out one more time to the post office and Albertson's on a last minute detergent run. I asked him if he would bring me back a fruit bowl--the really yummy one with all the berries. He momentarily pondered the fate of the Macy's saleswoman and manager, then looked at me with an expression that said, I had BETTER bring you back some fruit cause I don't want to be the next one that messes with you today.
Thankfully, there are people out there that can understand how sometimes, things that don't seem like a really big deal to one person, can be a really big deal to another. I think I helped those ladies at Macy's in a way--I think I helped remind them about the human aspect of working in retail, and to not treat people like a number or an inconvenience. And I gained an added sense of complete understanding for any pregnant-or otherwise very emotional-woman out there who just wants something to be right and for someone to just say, "Yes, I will help you." I am happy to say that there is now coffee running into my mug, and there is justice in my world.
