Frustrated

[beetiger]

The new gym facility that Rhys was going to have his birthday party at apparently isn't opening on time. They'll be *ready* by his birthday, but they are going to do two weekends of open houses, meaning they want to push his birthday back. I already have invitations and responses out, and furthermore we're not available till mid-November unless I cancel out our family trip to Furfright. And somehow I've gotten Rhys so excited about this birthday plan that he's totally refusing every other option I can think of for the correct date.

Not sure what to do. I *want* to call them and yell at them that having a two-week open house rather than meeting a committment to my son is a crappy thing to do, and I will, but I don't expect to have any actual change based on that.

So. Furious.

Comments

[just-the-ash.livejournal.com]

Don't call them and yell at them; incoherent fury won't get the job done.

Find your centered place and write a letter to their corporate HQ, with a copy to the manager of your local facility, stating in terribly, terribly correct and polite language -- language with a navy-blue suit on, if you will -- that having a two-week open-house rather than meeting a commitment to a just-becoming-three-year-old is a crappy thing to do. Hint strongly that you'd hate to have to take this to the media. (Where "take this to the media" could equal nothing more energy-consuming than writing a letter to the editor of your paper, of course.)

Coherent fury? That's a little scarier.

[beetiger.livejournal.com]

Sadly, if I actually want to have any kids come to the party, I need to get this settled today and get corrected invitations out. I can do this, but it's going to have to be after the fact, if it's goingot have the actual effect of getting Rhys what he needs.

[just-the-ash.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I'm so calm I'm still not awake. If you're still feeling rage-filled, I could call them and pretend to *be* you, if supplied with all the pertinent details. Otherwise, I'll just be sitting here on your side, thinking all good thoughts for you. See me? I'm the one in the bleachers ready to swoop down and poop on their heads.

My sister threw a fabulous backyard dinosaur party for her son when he turned four, and all of the guests and parents thereof were thrilled. She's piseco now -- she could probably give you many cool tips in the event you had to go to a backup plan.

[beetiger.livejournal.com]

Oh, I have many cool alternate ideas. It's just that Rhys has summarily rejected them all in favor of having a party "any day at My Gym".

He told me to tell them "How about just fifteen minutes, only yes at My Gym"?

Considering the place isn't open yet, I'm not sure how he got so committed. I think because the teacher spoke to him on the phone last week.

[marrionettegirl.livejournal.com]

thats not right,
if they made a commitment to have your party, its going abck on a deal,
definatly let corpate offices (if they have them) know what is going on.

*fuckers!*

Wouldn't it be nice?

[forgotten-years.livejournal.com]

It would be very good press for them to schedule their open houses AROUND Rhys' party. Which they've COMPED, btw, because of all the visitors and hangers-on who might be watching him have a great time.

It would be very bad press for every concerned friend of fan of yours, and all the bloggers and such, to show up during the open house when the general public, and the press, have a right to visit, asking embarrassing questions and expressing outrage. Particularly if they had INVITATIONS and were demanding to know why a 3-y-o's b-day was CANCELLED.

I'm sure there's at least one person in the blogosphere who knows someone in the press, if only a 'community rag,' who could call the office on your behalf today?

Re: Wouldn't it be nice?

[beetiger.livejournal.com]

Now *that* is a great idea. I wouldn't mind at all if they let random people come by and observe during his party. I'm going to suggest that when they call me.

Re: Wouldn't it be nice?

[orb2069.livejournal.com]

...Or - perhaps - It's an open house. Why not just hold the party there anyways? You and your guests are 'the public' as much as anybody else, I imagine.

Re: Wouldn't it be nice?

[chipuni.livejournal.com]

Yes, and it might be a good idea to let the nice folks at 800-469-4967 know exactly why you're upset, and to fax a copy of the letters you send to the press to 818.907.0735.

I'm sure that they'd be very interested...

[lesliepear.livejournal.com]

That isn't right. I would call and speak to the management today.