Quick hello

Hey yaars,

Hope all is well on your end (whomever YOU are!). Today was spent with yours truly dealing with my family's investments. Having inherited the 'patriarch' role in the family, I'm usually the one who makes the ultimate decisions on things. Thank God I've been somewhat shrewd in my thinking so far.

So today we planned on cashing out matured Canada Savings Bonds in order to re-invest them in another form. Of course you would THINK it would only take 20 minutes tops, but of course TD being TD, we got messed up. Because of the fact that our Bonds are named under "Mr. and Mrs. Rathore AND Survivor", the bank demnaded that Mr. Rathore be there. Of course Mr. Rathore passed away over 4 years ago. They then ask for a death certificate and will. We mention how we have banked with this bank for decades and that their records should show that we transferred his assets over to my mother and myself upon his passing - having already shown the proper documents.

After typing a few keys, going back to see a manager numerous times, and making us wait - nothing happened. We were given the stiff arm response of "Since it's been so long, our systems have removed the archived notes". Therefore, after an hour of waiting, we had to go home to get the death certificate. During the ride home we seriously pondered divesting our assets from TD and moving to another bank. We were not very pleased with what was transpiring!

Once we came back, with documents in hand, we were escorted to the financial adviser whom we were suppose to see upon cashing the bonds. She was shocked that we had taken so long (now almost 2 hours!), and upon some reserved complaints from myself, it was soon discovered that in fact my Dad's information WAS STILL on their systems! It even detailed the exact date we transferred funds, how much, and what he still had linked in his name. Basically, we had wasted two hours because of sh*tty service people!

The financial adviser apologized profusely, and promptly completed our cash-out. At this point, she was about to invest our money when we halted her, saying we'd have to "think about it". After all that had transpired, we thought it wouldn't hurt to somewhat make them sweat. This lead to my mother talking about how she hadn't eaten all day, was tired from work, etc. While not yelling, it was the typical sob story (and actually true!). And I guess that it was obvious we were sincere and truthful, as the adviser managed to hit us up with Tim Horton's gift certificates! Even though it wasn't her fault, we appreciated the gesture and her efforts in rectifying the situation.

So essentially, what should have only taken 20 minutes lasted damn near 3 hours! And instead of getting a nap upon arriving home, I had to immediately go to Cederbrae Mall to pick up the little brother! Oh the humanity!

To be fair though, all that transpired tonight did manage to get my mind of things. Well, that and my lunch earlier in the day with Derek. I don't think I've ever had a dull time talking with him, as he's always got great advice, interesting stories, and fascinating views on anything and everything. And I'm NOT saying this because he'll probably read this, but am doing so with the noblest of intentions. I don't think he's ever given me the oppurtunity to doubt my friendship with him, and for that I'm grateful. Now if only I could ever step INSIDE his house!

Despite everything that went down today, I'm still in good spirits. In fact, I'm surprised that someone today took the time to read my ENTIRE blog from post 1 up until last night's post. Whomever you are, you made my day knowing you spent that much time reading up on me! Of course if you're one of those haters on re-conn, well I got my AK ready :P

Talk to y'all l8er!