my space.

ANYWAY, LONG STORY SHORT: DON'T SIGN UP FOR THE AMAZON CHASE CREDIT CARD. If you do, you better have good memory and check your online statement because you won't even get a reminder email or a mailed statement.

SHORT STORY LONG: So all you Amazon.com shoppers know that each time you check out you're greeted with this pop-up tempting you to sign up for the evil Chase-Amazon card to save $30 on your first purchase and earn rewards for shopping online. I always skipped over it but it was the holidays, I bought some gifts online, and I figure I could use that extra $30 towards something else- so yes, I applied and was instantly approved. Yippeee!

So this was back in December 2007. I get the credit card in the mail in early January, I don't activate it because I have no plans of ever using it again (I don't like having too many cards to worry about). Two months later, today, as I'm organizing my February bills, I wonder "Hey, what ever happened to my Amazon credit card statement? It's been two months already!" Maybe it was included with the credit card? I look for the credit card, and there's a web URL for accessing my account online. I try and I fail. It doesn't recognize my account number. So I decide I need to activate the damn thing and I end up with some customer rep overseas with a distinctive British-Indian accent reading a script about how I can customize my account and protect it from fraud, blahblahblah and he is of no help because right when I was going to ask him about my mysterious missing statement, he says "Thank you for calling. Good bye." Didn't even give me a "Do you have any questions?" prompt. After his long spiel, I try to access my account online again and it magically works this time- probably because I had activated it.

I look and find that I have an OUTSTANDING BALANCE. My bill was coincidentally due today even though I NEVER received a statement in the mail. It turns out that when you apply for a Chase card, they automatically sign you up for paperless billing, not giving you the option of mailed or electronic statements. I know we all want to be GREEN for the Earth and all that, but I personally prefer getting my credit card statements in the mail because I don't use them too often and it's good to get a reminder telling me "Hey, remember when you bought this?" Anyway, I pay up online and I am now crossing my fingers that I do not get hit with a late fee for being one day late. I ALWAYS PAY MY BILLS ON TIME and I am worried that Chase will ruin my good credit.

Curious, I do a little research on the internet and find that many people have been victims of Chase, some who didn't really notice they weren't getting a statement until 6 months when a collector called their house (imagine the late fees on that!!). Even though there is a possibility I will get charged a late fee (I know I've been a day or two late on some bills but they've cut me some slack in the past), I'm glad I remembered this now and looked into rather than later (or ignoring it thinking that I don't owe anything). Some called Chase and all the customer rep could say was that it was probably lost in the mail (gimme a break!!).

I'm going to cancel this card once my payment clears.

 

Audio:  Share a song that makes you nostalgic. 
Submitted by Alex. 

how about... "Boyz II Men, ABC, BBD... The East Coast Family..."
where else would i get my killer dance moves? ha.
sorry. i couldn't do just a song.

Video: Show us a clip of a TV show you miss.

Show us what's in your bag.
Submitted by Pants Party.

Contents of my everyday work bag. Ehh, nothing exciting. Mainly stuff to help me survive (keep me entertained, and give me an excuse not to stare directly at people sitting across from me during) my daily commute.

I always wonder why girls end up having to take so much stuff with them wherever they go when guys can fit everything they need in their pockets...?!

pictured: current read, muni/bart pass, keys, mobile phone, ds games, ds case, ds lite, eyeglasses case (glasses inside), sunglasses, eyedrops, hand sanitizer, contact lens case, emergen-c, generic airborne, tylenol, vaseline, gloss, carmex, altoids, earbuds, zen v:m, zen case, miss army knife, ID case (debit, cash, driver's license inside), pen.
not pictured: my bag (takes up too much space) and my work ID (just because).