*** free write alert: Not editing, not correcting, not changing-- just dumping some retarded thoughts from a retarded mind, that's a little pissed off.*** (side note to an important reader-- I tried changing the layout and got even more pissed off, I'll adjust at a later time. sorry for the unreadability-- and the use of a non-word there)
Just received my annual rate increase from the glorious YMCA. Yes, this is another middle class jerk-wad complaining about being kept down by the man. And yes, I know my only tangible actionable solution is to stop paying them, but I'm still going to say, "F the Y".
It happened this time last year, and the year before that. Matter of fact, I think it was 2008 when the shit that is the U.S.
"During these times, maybe the Y is going to give everyone a reprieve on rates..."
Nope. It was a letter letting me know that due to the extensive remodels and programs that were done the previous year, they felt it was necessary to raise our rates. It was like a punch in the dick-- not the kind I usually pay for, but my stomach still hurt and after I stood up I wanted to chain someone to my truck and drag 'em around the hood. It's that bad.
I did write them a letter back then. I got a response. And actually, it was a favorable response by anyone's standards- save mine. I forget what the letter said, if I find it I'll post it-- But essentially, I wanted more explanation and maybe even an apology, even a statement like this would have been better:
"Hey, we need more money and you have some and we're going to charge you more for the same services but we did replace a machine or two that you broke. Oh, and we are taking away towel service and opening gym membership to another 20k people. Sorry 'bout that."
I actually would have appreciated that last sentence. I get a sorry when I'm punched in the dick, I should expect one when getting rolled for my dough in a back alley. Digression. The response I got from my letter of disgust was this:
"Let's go ahead and reduce your rates for 6 months to half of what you are paying now and see where we are at. Does that sound ok?"
My first reaction? She ended a sentence with a preposition, but not important at this point (but it still bugs me, and I know I do it). I got mad because she wanted to reduce my rates based entirely on me complaining. That's akin to telling your employer that you are quitting and your employer says:
"Well, let's see what we can do to keep you."
And then comes back and offers you a raise. F the employer. Own a business, I get it, pay what you can to keep good employees. But if you've decided to leave and then more pay keeps you at the same job you decided to leave---? You should threaten to leave more often.
I took the lowered rates for those 6 months, I'm a poor writer, not necessarily stupid. My rates went up because I didn't have the balls to quit back then, just like I don't have the balls to quit now. Evidenced by blogging instead of collecting all my dog crap from the yard, the bunny droppings, and my own personal contribution and depositing on their windows in the form of "F the Y".
Maybe it's the time of year, the holidays. Maybe it's my frame of mind where during the holidays, I want to spend my money on my family. But I think it's deeper than that. My mom and dad raised me well. They taught me that good credit was important, that honesty was valuable (but not marketable if you're a writer), and to save some money for a rainy day. But what I've realized, is that my credit rating really doesn't help me get better rates at the bank, my outstanding payment history on anything hasn't done me as much good as the guy who chooses not to make his mortgage payments and is still bailed out and even better off. I've even learned that liars get better breaks in life, and that saving money for a rainy day actually means:
"You're gonna need some extra money when all your hard work and effort to protect yourself is going to be demanded by someone else, taken by someone else, or needed by someone else".
And it's the last part of my statement that gets me irked. Because my family gives, shares, and donates and we do it without want for recognition (I realize a statement like that is asking for recognition, but please don't take it that way-- I'm only trying to make a point). That point might be; The squeaky wheel gets the grease, because the squeaky wheel is the one that needs the grease! So, look out for yourself -- but NEVER at the expense of others and more often than not; looking out for yourself is all about looking out for others.
"Dear Y -- My family currently pays the most you can pay for a family membership and I accept that and I accept any increase under these conditions: Raise my rates, but also raise your rate. Raise your rate of human compassion for those you already claim to have compassion for: the families that cannot afford excessive rates. I challenge you. Y, to take my increase in rates; and lower the rates of families that are more stunned by these increases by the same amount. You'll break "even" (laughable) and I'll feel better (important). But most of all, we'll both be doing something for someone else. The difference is: I'll be happy about it.
Merry Christmas, Young Men's Christian Association... Really? Christian? "
F the Y --- Who do I have to punch in the dick to get a portion of my rates donated to charity?
