I have Poets Corner up an running. I have a partner in crime now (teasing) Echo is an awesome writer and I am really excited that she wanted to join with me.
She has some awesome ideas for getting people to write. Writing ideas and other misc. FUN stuff!
I have also had a few other bloggers share their poetry. So don't be shy about adding your poems. Remember I can make them anonymous if you don't want to put a name to it!
Please take a minute to check it out.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
An Epiphany
I do my best thinking in the shower, or while trying to sleep or driving with my music blasting. All places that I do not have the ability to write.
So last night, I am laying in bed....thinking about general stuff and then the thought crosses my mind. How fun would it be to have a place where all the people that I blog with could have a place to display their poetry, and read others poems. There seem to be many people in our little blogger hood that love to read and write poetry.
So I created a spot called A Poets Corner for anyone who would like to share their poetry or short stories.
The way I am setting it up, anyone who wants to contribute would get their own label, so someone could click on a name and bring up every poem that person has contributed.
I will have you email the poems to me, with any information you want about who wrote it, when and anything else you want mentioned.
This is for everyone, anyone from Wizened Wizard (who writes beautiful poetry like a pro) to someone like me who is new at it. If you wanted to post as anonymous that is fine too, just note it in the email to me.
Please respond and let me know if this is something that you would be interested in...I thought this would be cool, as I love to go back and read peoples poems, but sometimes it is hard to locate them. If everyone thinks this is a big dorky idea...let me know and I will keep all future Epiphany's to myself...lol
Obviously I am a huge believer in free speech, so they only things I refuse to post are poems/stories that are racial or judgemental against other people...etc.
If you are interested...email me your poems/stories to bardouble29@sbcglobal.net
So last night, I am laying in bed....thinking about general stuff and then the thought crosses my mind. How fun would it be to have a place where all the people that I blog with could have a place to display their poetry, and read others poems. There seem to be many people in our little blogger hood that love to read and write poetry.
So I created a spot called A Poets Corner for anyone who would like to share their poetry or short stories.
The way I am setting it up, anyone who wants to contribute would get their own label, so someone could click on a name and bring up every poem that person has contributed.
I will have you email the poems to me, with any information you want about who wrote it, when and anything else you want mentioned.
This is for everyone, anyone from Wizened Wizard (who writes beautiful poetry like a pro) to someone like me who is new at it. If you wanted to post as anonymous that is fine too, just note it in the email to me.
Please respond and let me know if this is something that you would be interested in...I thought this would be cool, as I love to go back and read peoples poems, but sometimes it is hard to locate them. If everyone thinks this is a big dorky idea...let me know and I will keep all future Epiphany's to myself...lol
Obviously I am a huge believer in free speech, so they only things I refuse to post are poems/stories that are racial or judgemental against other people...etc.
If you are interested...email me your poems/stories to bardouble29@sbcglobal.net
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Let The Wild Run
When I was in High School I was in track. I was a sprinter. I used to run, and run and run....I loved the freedom I felt. I loved to just let everything go...feeling the wind, thinking of nothing but the goal.
I used to feel the same when I climbed on a beautiful horse. Tuck down, hold on and let 'em run. Horse and rider meld as one, reading their body, knowing their every move...It is like a love relationship, the two must move as one. There is deep beauty in their wildness, it is a raw passion.
Right now I feel burnt out. I want to feel some freedom. I want to run, I want to feel the wind in my hair. I am tired of the same routine....work all week, eat, sleep, do the laundry...start all over again.
I need a night to let it all hang out. I also am passionate about dancing. I love to dance. Any type: swing, ballroom, line dancing, two step, cha-cha, or just moving to a rock-n-roll beat. For me a night out is not even about drinking (of course I like to have a few)...I would rather dance than to get drunk (hard to dance when you are sloshed.)
It is Sunday evening, I don't feel like I had much of a weekend. Saturday I did demo in a nasty old house. My knuckles look like I took on a bully, but it is from ripping up old lino from a kitchen. Then we laid a beautiful new epoxy aggregate floor. Today was about laundry, grocery shopping, and house cleaning....
Geez, I hate it when I sound like "oh poor me" but that is how I feel right now.....
I used to feel the same when I climbed on a beautiful horse. Tuck down, hold on and let 'em run. Horse and rider meld as one, reading their body, knowing their every move...It is like a love relationship, the two must move as one. There is deep beauty in their wildness, it is a raw passion.
Right now I feel burnt out. I want to feel some freedom. I want to run, I want to feel the wind in my hair. I am tired of the same routine....work all week, eat, sleep, do the laundry...start all over again.
I need a night to let it all hang out. I also am passionate about dancing. I love to dance. Any type: swing, ballroom, line dancing, two step, cha-cha, or just moving to a rock-n-roll beat. For me a night out is not even about drinking (of course I like to have a few)...I would rather dance than to get drunk (hard to dance when you are sloshed.)
It is Sunday evening, I don't feel like I had much of a weekend. Saturday I did demo in a nasty old house. My knuckles look like I took on a bully, but it is from ripping up old lino from a kitchen. Then we laid a beautiful new epoxy aggregate floor. Today was about laundry, grocery shopping, and house cleaning....
Geez, I hate it when I sound like "oh poor me" but that is how I feel right now.....
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The Stillness
She sits, a lone figure in the miles of sand.
Rising she follows along the waters edge.
Bending she scoops up some sand,
and watches as the sand disperses in the wind.
Waves silently crawl to tickle her toes.
Soft lips of the breeze caress her cheeks.
She breathes in salt air and smiles.
Branches of a nearby tree conduct the song.
She closes her eyes, and listens to the chorus of silence.
The other day Baron Ectar spoke of "Easy Silence". To me easy silence is part of being able to be at peace with yourself. I love to sit by myself and just reflect. I can sit and just enjoy being in my own skin. So many people I know are afraid of their own skin, afraid to sit in silence and think. It reflects an ability to look inside yourself and really be able to talk to yourself.
One of my favorite places is the ocean. I love to take off my shoes and walk along a deserted beach. I love to feel the sand on my feet and the wind in my hair. Watch the power of the waves as they send spray up from hitting the rocks. I feel so small again the might of the ocean, but yet feel so at peace there. There is nothing more beautiful than the splash of color as the sun moves from the sky and appears to sink into the water.
Rising she follows along the waters edge.
Bending she scoops up some sand,
and watches as the sand disperses in the wind.
Waves silently crawl to tickle her toes.
Soft lips of the breeze caress her cheeks.
She breathes in salt air and smiles.
Branches of a nearby tree conduct the song.
She closes her eyes, and listens to the chorus of silence.
The other day Baron Ectar spoke of "Easy Silence". To me easy silence is part of being able to be at peace with yourself. I love to sit by myself and just reflect. I can sit and just enjoy being in my own skin. So many people I know are afraid of their own skin, afraid to sit in silence and think. It reflects an ability to look inside yourself and really be able to talk to yourself.
One of my favorite places is the ocean. I love to take off my shoes and walk along a deserted beach. I love to feel the sand on my feet and the wind in my hair. Watch the power of the waves as they send spray up from hitting the rocks. I feel so small again the might of the ocean, but yet feel so at peace there. There is nothing more beautiful than the splash of color as the sun moves from the sky and appears to sink into the water.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Used to be
Growing up...life was difficult to say the least.
My step dad divorced my mom and she went a little off the deep end. She didn't have a job, and was mentally unable to get one. We lost the house she and I were renting. She was willing to sleep at the mission or where ever she found a park bench. I was not willing to live like that, so the age of fourteen I found myself on my own. I got a job (had to fib about my age) and lived with families from my church and school friends.
Between the ages of 14 and 18, I moved 18 times. I became good at packing and moving. I kept things in boxes and only unpacked the essentials I needed for everyday. As I got tired of moving things became less important to me as it got more and more difficult to lug stuff around. This caused me to have a hard time putting down roots. To this day I have a hard time thinking of a home as mine, or even putting my things out. I actually still have things in boxes. One of these days, I want to really feel like I am home. I am going to take every last thing I own out and never keep boxes again.
These four years of my life were some of the loneliest of my life. I used writing and music as a means and release of not holding in the anger and the pain. Most of my writing was poems, but I also wrote some short stories. Some of the people I have shared them with say they are very sad and very dark. Yes, they are, they are a reflection of some very dark thoughts, sadness, and despair. But this was my release. I was able to go on about life, function and not fall apart or explode.
Having said that I want to share another poem I wrote. This is one that my English teacher asked me to submit for our class anthology. This one is a bit darker than the other one I shared in my other post. I clearly remember the day this was written. I felt very lonely and empty. I was thinking about my childhood and the abuse I had endured.
My step dad divorced my mom and she went a little off the deep end. She didn't have a job, and was mentally unable to get one. We lost the house she and I were renting. She was willing to sleep at the mission or where ever she found a park bench. I was not willing to live like that, so the age of fourteen I found myself on my own. I got a job (had to fib about my age) and lived with families from my church and school friends.
Between the ages of 14 and 18, I moved 18 times. I became good at packing and moving. I kept things in boxes and only unpacked the essentials I needed for everyday. As I got tired of moving things became less important to me as it got more and more difficult to lug stuff around. This caused me to have a hard time putting down roots. To this day I have a hard time thinking of a home as mine, or even putting my things out. I actually still have things in boxes. One of these days, I want to really feel like I am home. I am going to take every last thing I own out and never keep boxes again.
These four years of my life were some of the loneliest of my life. I used writing and music as a means and release of not holding in the anger and the pain. Most of my writing was poems, but I also wrote some short stories. Some of the people I have shared them with say they are very sad and very dark. Yes, they are, they are a reflection of some very dark thoughts, sadness, and despair. But this was my release. I was able to go on about life, function and not fall apart or explode.
Having said that I want to share another poem I wrote. This is one that my English teacher asked me to submit for our class anthology. This one is a bit darker than the other one I shared in my other post. I clearly remember the day this was written. I felt very lonely and empty. I was thinking about my childhood and the abuse I had endured.
Unbearable Reality
Single, salty tear creeps down,
leaving behind a wet trail.
Hot and bitter,
emotions erupt.
Fires of anger, drowned by fears.
Pain fills the slaughtered soul.
Billows of coldness surround.
Time can't heal the memories.
Hand of pain,
strikes again.
Invisible, unbearable scars.
Thoughts of intense agony.
Pleas that fall upon ears of the silent.
Detachment of mind eases the pain,
but only for a time.
Walls built up, only to be torn down.
Protection can not be found.
Nighttime.
Darkness encloses.
Images swirl,
blur of the day.
Eyes grow heavy,
slumber encompasses.
Struggles begin once again.
Cold sweat,
gasping for air.
Only a dream,
but reality holds its context.
I promise, I will also share some happy stuff I wrote and I have started writing again and when I finish something I will share it.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Another Day
Tomorrow is Valentines Day. It was a day for lovers...a day to be sweet and thoughtful to the person you love, but it has just become a day that just sucks! Not to say I don't like to feel special on this day....
I think that people who love each other need to strive each and everyday to make it work. Everyday a person awakes is a conscious effort to be a good husband/wife. Why should there be just one day a year that someone makes a special effort. It has become so commercialized, roses and candy double in price...things are expected...and the people that have no one in their lives feel like crap when every woman in the office receive $200 roses.
To me I would rather someone make a conscious effort to be a good partner and do the small things that make a relationship what it is. I would rather have a handpicked wildflower and a post-it-note that that says "I love you" than $200 in red roses (don't get me wrong, I love roses...but I would rather have them on a regular day than on Valentines day). I would rather get flowers brought home just to say..."honey I was thinking about you today."
It is the small details that make me happy. It is a look, a shared smile, a private joke. A comfortable silence that speaks louder than mere words. A touch that means a thousand things. There are the small things about the person you love, that you know brings them joy. Concentrate on these things and make the person know you love them daily.
Back when my ex used to try...he know I checked our PO Box every morning and he would go get one of my favorite chocolates and put it in a tiny box. He would put it in the PO Box for me to find when I got the mail. That is one of the sweetest memories I have, too bad he stopped trying.
Let me share a story of a girl I worked with a few years back. She is a well off, spoiled city girl. Who was dating a farm boy. The farm boy was enamored with this girl, and would have done almost anything for her.
Valentines Day came around, and through out the day several girls in our office received bouquets of flowers from their spouses. After lunch I was up front doing some paperwork and a delivery person came in with more flowers, she jumped up and said, "Are those for me? Oh they aren't red roses!" They were for another girl in the office, but she started complaining that they guy she was dating hadn't sent her roses. (Note: These people had only been dating about 2 months.) She said, "He better send me roses, or I am going to be pissed."
At this point my eyes were bugging out of my head at her audacity. BUT she continued....at this point she actually picked up her cell phone and texted this poor guy...asking where her roses were. I was absolutely aghast at her! I couldn't believe she had done that. At this point I walked away...I could not take anymore of the selfish, bitchy crap she was dishing out.
The next day, I just had to ask...did ya ever get roses? She rolled her eyes and said "ya, but he surprised me with them, he had dinner, a bottle of wine, a gift and roses waiting at my apartment when I got home. It was no big deal." I wanted to kill her!!! I couldn't believe that she was angry, that he saved money and made a nice dinner for her to surprise her and she was unhappy about it! People like her don't deserve to have someone waste their time on them.
I was so angry at her that she expected something...then she had the nerve to ask where her flowers were....When you have to ask, that in itself tells you where you really stand...
Take the time to make the person you love feel special, but make sure they know its not just because it Valentines Day...but because you truly love them.
I think that people who love each other need to strive each and everyday to make it work. Everyday a person awakes is a conscious effort to be a good husband/wife. Why should there be just one day a year that someone makes a special effort. It has become so commercialized, roses and candy double in price...things are expected...and the people that have no one in their lives feel like crap when every woman in the office receive $200 roses.
To me I would rather someone make a conscious effort to be a good partner and do the small things that make a relationship what it is. I would rather have a handpicked wildflower and a post-it-note that that says "I love you" than $200 in red roses (don't get me wrong, I love roses...but I would rather have them on a regular day than on Valentines day). I would rather get flowers brought home just to say..."honey I was thinking about you today."
It is the small details that make me happy. It is a look, a shared smile, a private joke. A comfortable silence that speaks louder than mere words. A touch that means a thousand things. There are the small things about the person you love, that you know brings them joy. Concentrate on these things and make the person know you love them daily.
Back when my ex used to try...he know I checked our PO Box every morning and he would go get one of my favorite chocolates and put it in a tiny box. He would put it in the PO Box for me to find when I got the mail. That is one of the sweetest memories I have, too bad he stopped trying.
Let me share a story of a girl I worked with a few years back. She is a well off, spoiled city girl. Who was dating a farm boy. The farm boy was enamored with this girl, and would have done almost anything for her.
Valentines Day came around, and through out the day several girls in our office received bouquets of flowers from their spouses. After lunch I was up front doing some paperwork and a delivery person came in with more flowers, she jumped up and said, "Are those for me? Oh they aren't red roses!" They were for another girl in the office, but she started complaining that they guy she was dating hadn't sent her roses. (Note: These people had only been dating about 2 months.) She said, "He better send me roses, or I am going to be pissed."
At this point my eyes were bugging out of my head at her audacity. BUT she continued....at this point she actually picked up her cell phone and texted this poor guy...asking where her roses were. I was absolutely aghast at her! I couldn't believe she had done that. At this point I walked away...I could not take anymore of the selfish, bitchy crap she was dishing out.
The next day, I just had to ask...did ya ever get roses? She rolled her eyes and said "ya, but he surprised me with them, he had dinner, a bottle of wine, a gift and roses waiting at my apartment when I got home. It was no big deal." I wanted to kill her!!! I couldn't believe that she was angry, that he saved money and made a nice dinner for her to surprise her and she was unhappy about it! People like her don't deserve to have someone waste their time on them.
I was so angry at her that she expected something...then she had the nerve to ask where her flowers were....When you have to ask, that in itself tells you where you really stand...
Take the time to make the person you love feel special, but make sure they know its not just because it Valentines Day...but because you truly love them.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Vulnerable Side
This weekend I read Wizened Wizards blog...in it she spoke of the need to express herself and the desire to be creative. I too share a burning desire to share and create.
Reading her blog opened my thoughts again about returning to my writing. I used to write, as a release for life. I was young and in high school and life was extremely rough for me. My honors English teacher kept encouraging me to write, he said I had an unleashed talent that needed to be explored. But after high school I tucked away the hurts and along with that went the writing.
I would like to share a poem I wrote in high school. Understand I am really almost reluctant to share this. This was written when I was going some of the hardest times of my life. This is very When I was younger I wrote with confidence, now I feel rusty.....I would love to hear constructive criticism...if you have something unkind to say I don't want to hear it....
Midnight in the Middle of Day
The empty cold enfolds all around you,
you feel ensnared by its ugly claws.
In desperation, you search for escape,
an escape from loneliness,
instead it draws you deeper,
deeper into the gaping void of despair.
You grasp wildly at anything for hope,
but in the moat of despair, nothing floats.
In time, you have no faith left.
As the tide wains, so does strength,
the strength of character ebbs away.
Life's pain crashes down 'round you.
You search for shelter,
a hiding place from life.
There is no place to hide, no shelter.
Waves of pain crash down,
over your drowning soul.
All hope is given up,
You're caught in the shadows,
the shadows of loneliness.
Reading her blog opened my thoughts again about returning to my writing. I used to write, as a release for life. I was young and in high school and life was extremely rough for me. My honors English teacher kept encouraging me to write, he said I had an unleashed talent that needed to be explored. But after high school I tucked away the hurts and along with that went the writing.
I would like to share a poem I wrote in high school. Understand I am really almost reluctant to share this. This was written when I was going some of the hardest times of my life. This is very When I was younger I wrote with confidence, now I feel rusty.....I would love to hear constructive criticism...if you have something unkind to say I don't want to hear it....
Midnight in the Middle of Day
The empty cold enfolds all around you,
you feel ensnared by its ugly claws.
In desperation, you search for escape,
an escape from loneliness,
instead it draws you deeper,
deeper into the gaping void of despair.
You grasp wildly at anything for hope,
but in the moat of despair, nothing floats.
In time, you have no faith left.
As the tide wains, so does strength,
the strength of character ebbs away.
Life's pain crashes down 'round you.
You search for shelter,
a hiding place from life.
There is no place to hide, no shelter.
Waves of pain crash down,
over your drowning soul.
All hope is given up,
You're caught in the shadows,
the shadows of loneliness.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Pass No Judgement
I have had enough! I have had enough of closed minded people who judge others based on a misguided, conception of what society and the media has labeled other people.
People often judge others because they are gay, or lesbian or goth or a flamer or any other non-conforming belief there is. I have met so many wonderful people who have one of these "labels" and it pisses me off that there are so many others in society who refuse to get to know these wonderful people because they can't see past their own nose.
There are good and bad in all races, sexes, colors, creeds and types of people. A person should never be judged on the color, sexuality, creed or belief. I believe that a should be held responsible for each of there individual actions alone.
I dated a guy not to long ago that got into a small debate with me and I wanted to clobber him over the head. He was a good 'ole country boy, who thinks there is only one right way and that is his way.
There was a commercial on TV about a toy of some kind that was educational and could be given to both girls and boys. He stated, "No boy of mine is ever going to have a doll." And oh boy, was the argument on!!!!
I myself would not purposely buy a boy a doll, but the flat out, judgemental way he stated that pissed me off to the point of seeing red. I in turn asked him if he had a son and a daughter and they were playing together and the boy was playing with a doll of the sisters, how would he react. He said he would take it away and hand him a truck. If the child grabbed a doll a second time, he would whip the kids butt.
We argued about that for two days, until I realized he was a closed minded guy who would never be able to look at others without the proverbial blinders he had over his eyes. Needless to say that was a short lived relationship.
This rant stems from a comment made by a friend the other night at dinner. I reminded them that they were being very closed minded about the subject and they laughed and agreed they were.
To me when someone is quick to judge, it is because of fear. It may be a fear of the unknown about the other person. I remember back when I was in beauty college and I encountered the first "gay" person in my life. "Markie" was different than anyone I had ever met. I didn't know what to think. It went against the upbringing I had, it went against every thing society said. I got to know the person, and when I felt comfortable I asked about it. I have been laughed at by others for asking, but I was curious and really liked this person, so I wanted to know about them. After speaking with this person, they became near and dear to my heart.
Take the time to know someone, take the time to care.
People often judge others because they are gay, or lesbian or goth or a flamer or any other non-conforming belief there is. I have met so many wonderful people who have one of these "labels" and it pisses me off that there are so many others in society who refuse to get to know these wonderful people because they can't see past their own nose.
There are good and bad in all races, sexes, colors, creeds and types of people. A person should never be judged on the color, sexuality, creed or belief. I believe that a should be held responsible for each of there individual actions alone.
I dated a guy not to long ago that got into a small debate with me and I wanted to clobber him over the head. He was a good 'ole country boy, who thinks there is only one right way and that is his way.
There was a commercial on TV about a toy of some kind that was educational and could be given to both girls and boys. He stated, "No boy of mine is ever going to have a doll." And oh boy, was the argument on!!!!
I myself would not purposely buy a boy a doll, but the flat out, judgemental way he stated that pissed me off to the point of seeing red. I in turn asked him if he had a son and a daughter and they were playing together and the boy was playing with a doll of the sisters, how would he react. He said he would take it away and hand him a truck. If the child grabbed a doll a second time, he would whip the kids butt.
We argued about that for two days, until I realized he was a closed minded guy who would never be able to look at others without the proverbial blinders he had over his eyes. Needless to say that was a short lived relationship.
This rant stems from a comment made by a friend the other night at dinner. I reminded them that they were being very closed minded about the subject and they laughed and agreed they were.
To me when someone is quick to judge, it is because of fear. It may be a fear of the unknown about the other person. I remember back when I was in beauty college and I encountered the first "gay" person in my life. "Markie" was different than anyone I had ever met. I didn't know what to think. It went against the upbringing I had, it went against every thing society said. I got to know the person, and when I felt comfortable I asked about it. I have been laughed at by others for asking, but I was curious and really liked this person, so I wanted to know about them. After speaking with this person, they became near and dear to my heart.
Take the time to know someone, take the time to care.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Old Fashioned Customer Service
I almost don't have words to describe how frustrating and disappointing my day was today.
About a month ago one of our designer book a large installation of a job over $10,000, to be installed today. From this one install we had the possibility of 5 more homes over the next year bringing in close to $60,000 in revenue for our company. When we get these big jobs in, we detail them and try to prepare, so that things go smoothly and the buyer feels comfortable writing a whopping $10,000 check to us.
This morning when I walked into work things seemed to be going so-so. The guys left at 8:00 to this job, later than they were should have to be there at the scheduled time of 9-10 (they had a 2.5 hour drive to reach this install site). BUT, if the guys are going to be late to an appointment they are required to call the customer and let them know they are late, and give an ETA of when they will be arriving. Almost all customers are fine with this, as most customers understand that traffic, accidents and such are unforeseeable occurrences.
Unfortunately at 10:40 I received a call from the designer stating the customer was beyond pissed as it was after 10:30 and none of the installers had called to say they were running late. I immediately got in touch with the installers manager and had him call the customer...things went from bad to worse. Our guys did not show up until 11:30 and had no excuse for there whereabouts.
What I am pissed about is we lost all the other installs from this client. All my guys had to do was one freaking phone call telling the customer they were running late. ONE FUCKING PHONE CALL. We lost $60,000 in potential sales and on top of that one of my installers had an attitude about it. I wanted to go through the phone and wrap my hands around his neck and squeeze, squeeze until .............
I am one of those people that call people sir and ma'am, I thank people for their business. If I tell someone I am going to call them, I do. I try to follow up on everything. Of course I am human and I do screw up, but I don't blame others or make excuses...I am the first one to say "OH no, I messed up", but then I try to do whatever is necessary to make it right.
My dad was a business owner and he taught me forever ago that the customer is the most valuable asset a company has. Without them, there is no company and no paycheck. He believed that the customer is always right. I 100% believe that, except when a customer is verbally abusive to an employee. There is no reason for a customer to be verbally abusive.
In a situation where I am a consumer, I can not stand it when the person I am seeking answers from doesn't know and makes no more to find out for me. Or when a young person is smacking gum, speaking in slang...talking to other coworkers about their wild night last night while helping me. Or when a person in customer service states they will call me back and they don't.
There is no reason for an employee to bring their bad mood or personal problems to work. If things are really bad, stay home and deal with the problem. No customer deserves to be the brunt of an employees bad mood.
I could go on and on about the lack of people who practice good customer service.
About a month ago one of our designer book a large installation of a job over $10,000, to be installed today. From this one install we had the possibility of 5 more homes over the next year bringing in close to $60,000 in revenue for our company. When we get these big jobs in, we detail them and try to prepare, so that things go smoothly and the buyer feels comfortable writing a whopping $10,000 check to us.
This morning when I walked into work things seemed to be going so-so. The guys left at 8:00 to this job, later than they were should have to be there at the scheduled time of 9-10 (they had a 2.5 hour drive to reach this install site). BUT, if the guys are going to be late to an appointment they are required to call the customer and let them know they are late, and give an ETA of when they will be arriving. Almost all customers are fine with this, as most customers understand that traffic, accidents and such are unforeseeable occurrences.
Unfortunately at 10:40 I received a call from the designer stating the customer was beyond pissed as it was after 10:30 and none of the installers had called to say they were running late. I immediately got in touch with the installers manager and had him call the customer...things went from bad to worse. Our guys did not show up until 11:30 and had no excuse for there whereabouts.
What I am pissed about is we lost all the other installs from this client. All my guys had to do was one freaking phone call telling the customer they were running late. ONE FUCKING PHONE CALL. We lost $60,000 in potential sales and on top of that one of my installers had an attitude about it. I wanted to go through the phone and wrap my hands around his neck and squeeze, squeeze until .............
I am one of those people that call people sir and ma'am, I thank people for their business. If I tell someone I am going to call them, I do. I try to follow up on everything. Of course I am human and I do screw up, but I don't blame others or make excuses...I am the first one to say "OH no, I messed up", but then I try to do whatever is necessary to make it right.
My dad was a business owner and he taught me forever ago that the customer is the most valuable asset a company has. Without them, there is no company and no paycheck. He believed that the customer is always right. I 100% believe that, except when a customer is verbally abusive to an employee. There is no reason for a customer to be verbally abusive.
In a situation where I am a consumer, I can not stand it when the person I am seeking answers from doesn't know and makes no more to find out for me. Or when a young person is smacking gum, speaking in slang...talking to other coworkers about their wild night last night while helping me. Or when a person in customer service states they will call me back and they don't.
There is no reason for an employee to bring their bad mood or personal problems to work. If things are really bad, stay home and deal with the problem. No customer deserves to be the brunt of an employees bad mood.
I could go on and on about the lack of people who practice good customer service.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Off the Deep End
As almost everyone knows the big news this week is about the lil lady astronaut, who drove 900 miles in a diaper to capture the person she saw standing in loves way.
This scenario is interesting on so many levels. To me there is a fine line between loving someone enough to lay down your life for them and being willing to take a life for them. I have loved so deeply that I would have taken injury to save the other person from pain. There are so many things a person would do for someone they love.
Grrr...I have so many thoughts on this and am having trouble getting them out.
When you love someone with a true and unselfish love, you want the other person to grow, feel loved, protect them from the world. There is give and take, there is trust and communication. There is even arguing and making up.
I really have a hard time seeing or comprehending what brings a person to the mental place where the lady was. To wear a diaper and travel to go meet the supposed lover rival. Geez, mentally you have to really be at a very scary place. That goes beyond normal into a realm of unbalanced and unstable.
This lady has so many things going for her...a career, she has been to space, (how many women can claim that? ) Yet there is something in her that is not satisfied with herself. There is something driving her beyond a level of reason.
I know people say that between love and hate is a very fine line...I just am having hard time really understand the driving force behind her desire to harm this other lady.
This scenario is interesting on so many levels. To me there is a fine line between loving someone enough to lay down your life for them and being willing to take a life for them. I have loved so deeply that I would have taken injury to save the other person from pain. There are so many things a person would do for someone they love.
Grrr...I have so many thoughts on this and am having trouble getting them out.
When you love someone with a true and unselfish love, you want the other person to grow, feel loved, protect them from the world. There is give and take, there is trust and communication. There is even arguing and making up.
I really have a hard time seeing or comprehending what brings a person to the mental place where the lady was. To wear a diaper and travel to go meet the supposed lover rival. Geez, mentally you have to really be at a very scary place. That goes beyond normal into a realm of unbalanced and unstable.
This lady has so many things going for her...a career, she has been to space, (how many women can claim that? ) Yet there is something in her that is not satisfied with herself. There is something driving her beyond a level of reason.
I know people say that between love and hate is a very fine line...I just am having hard time really understand the driving force behind her desire to harm this other lady.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
This and That
Well, so far this week has started out as kind of a long week. Work hours have been long.
And I have freaking writers block...or blog block, which ever works. I feel like writing, I sit here staring at the screen. There are things on my mind and things I want to talk about, but when I sit to write there is just nothing, just nothing.
I think some of it comes with the frustration I feel at work right now. Both days this week I have had to go without lunch, and worked from 7:30 until 5. I think I already feel burnt out. My new position is great and I am greatful to have my job, but I think employee abuse is against the law!!!!
I hope soon, that this writers block thing will go away, this is my daily way to relax and kick back.
And I have freaking writers block...or blog block, which ever works. I feel like writing, I sit here staring at the screen. There are things on my mind and things I want to talk about, but when I sit to write there is just nothing, just nothing.
I think some of it comes with the frustration I feel at work right now. Both days this week I have had to go without lunch, and worked from 7:30 until 5. I think I already feel burnt out. My new position is great and I am greatful to have my job, but I think employee abuse is against the law!!!!
I hope soon, that this writers block thing will go away, this is my daily way to relax and kick back.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
WE are Victorious
When the game first started, I have to admit I was a bit worried...Bears scored in the first play. BUT in the rest of the game the Colts dominated. In the second dominated the entire half!!!
WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO..... anyways...
Today I worked hard to clean so we could have a few people over, the barbeque was a hit...the game was good, (and wet). I am super buzzed. Hopefully I can write decent blog being buzzed.
I was thinking....I really enjoy the people I have meet in this blog neighborhood. We all seem to share one anothers sorrows and triumphs! I find myself thinking about ailing MIL's, DD's hockey games, Rockdogs book, LB's fire engine, Chucky going off to school, Barons farm, Dirks baby and wife, and all my other friends and neighbors. I just want all the people I have meet to know that I really appreciate you. Your friendship I cherish. Your blogs are inspirational. Thank you and keep it up.
WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO..... anyways...
Today I worked hard to clean so we could have a few people over, the barbeque was a hit...the game was good, (and wet). I am super buzzed. Hopefully I can write decent blog being buzzed.
I was thinking....I really enjoy the people I have meet in this blog neighborhood. We all seem to share one anothers sorrows and triumphs! I find myself thinking about ailing MIL's, DD's hockey games, Rockdogs book, LB's fire engine, Chucky going off to school, Barons farm, Dirks baby and wife, and all my other friends and neighbors. I just want all the people I have meet to know that I really appreciate you. Your friendship I cherish. Your blogs are inspirational. Thank you and keep it up.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Hands of time
Today something happened that made me feel...I can't even describe it, happy, sad, relieved and many other feelings. All my life I have waited for my mother to grow enough to just say I am sorry, or even just admit there was more she could have done to be a better mother.
This blog is not one of sadness, even though there were tears shed, this is a blog just sharing something that I never expected to happen and the joy it brought me.I got a package in the mail today. It was from my mother. I opened it up to revel a book inside. It appeared to be a childrens book. Upon further inspection...it was "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch.
This book brings bitter - sweet memories for me. I put it aside and could not even look at it for several hours. After a few glasses of wine , I was able to pick it up and begin to read...Several years ago, I attended a mother - son sweetheart night at school on Valentines Day. My step-son Gilbert and I went. There were valentines, and pictures taken, moms and sons danced to oldies, that night was so much fun. The last event of that evening was the librarian reading this book aloud. By the end of the story as moms were starting to pull their sons closer to them, there was not a dry mommy eye in the house. That night is a wonderful memory for me.
Tonight as I sat reading, the tears were once again pricking the back of eyes as the story brought the memories of that night back....I get to the last page of the book and noticed a letter.It was a letter written from my mother....She says "How I wish I could turn time around and make everything different but I can't. I wish I could take you to the park. I wish do things and go more places together the way mothers and daughters do. When I had my chance, I was selfish and wanted everything my way. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me....Why is it people always find out the mistakes they make when they are old. I wish I could sing to you...
I'll love you forever...
I'l like you for always
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be."
To my mom:
Mom, I forgave you many years ago. I can't tell you how many years I have waited to hear you say these very words to me. All the years with the heartache and abuse, I just wanted to hear these words. Yes, I forgive you... Time can not change the past, but there is always the present to get to know each other again. I love you forever.
This blog is not one of sadness, even though there were tears shed, this is a blog just sharing something that I never expected to happen and the joy it brought me.I got a package in the mail today. It was from my mother. I opened it up to revel a book inside. It appeared to be a childrens book. Upon further inspection...it was "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch.
This book brings bitter - sweet memories for me. I put it aside and could not even look at it for several hours. After a few glasses of wine , I was able to pick it up and begin to read...Several years ago, I attended a mother - son sweetheart night at school on Valentines Day. My step-son Gilbert and I went. There were valentines, and pictures taken, moms and sons danced to oldies, that night was so much fun. The last event of that evening was the librarian reading this book aloud. By the end of the story as moms were starting to pull their sons closer to them, there was not a dry mommy eye in the house. That night is a wonderful memory for me.
Tonight as I sat reading, the tears were once again pricking the back of eyes as the story brought the memories of that night back....I get to the last page of the book and noticed a letter.It was a letter written from my mother....She says "How I wish I could turn time around and make everything different but I can't. I wish I could take you to the park. I wish do things and go more places together the way mothers and daughters do. When I had my chance, I was selfish and wanted everything my way. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me....Why is it people always find out the mistakes they make when they are old. I wish I could sing to you...
I'll love you forever...
I'l like you for always
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be."
To my mom:
Mom, I forgave you many years ago. I can't tell you how many years I have waited to hear you say these very words to me. All the years with the heartache and abuse, I just wanted to hear these words. Yes, I forgive you... Time can not change the past, but there is always the present to get to know each other again. I love you forever.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Wasn't gonna post
geez....I know MANY of you out in blogland are not watchers of American Idol...
BUT I am a watcher....WAIT!!!! don't tune out yet, this blog is not about American Idol, but a man that was on the show about 5 minutes ago. He touched my heart.
This gentleman was in his mid 50's. The age limit for the show is 28.
His story was that his life long love of twenty years wanted him to be able to go on the show, they were collecting signatures to petition so he could be on the show, and during this time she was found to have cancer.
One of the things that uplifted her daily while she was sick, was when he came in with more signatures.
Two days before the audition she passed away, he went to the A.I. audition as a way to do something she would have wanted him to do. He did it for her and he then sang a song for her...
Of course Paula cried (that is a given)
That part that touched me was after he walked out...he stated - he was a winner!
I loved the attitude! To me he was the best one of the entire show.
Am I corny? YES and I love corny, mushy stuff like that.
BUT I am a watcher....WAIT!!!! don't tune out yet, this blog is not about American Idol, but a man that was on the show about 5 minutes ago. He touched my heart.
This gentleman was in his mid 50's. The age limit for the show is 28.
His story was that his life long love of twenty years wanted him to be able to go on the show, they were collecting signatures to petition so he could be on the show, and during this time she was found to have cancer.
One of the things that uplifted her daily while she was sick, was when he came in with more signatures.
Two days before the audition she passed away, he went to the A.I. audition as a way to do something she would have wanted him to do. He did it for her and he then sang a song for her...
Of course Paula cried (that is a given)
That part that touched me was after he walked out...he stated - he was a winner!
I loved the attitude! To me he was the best one of the entire show.
Am I corny? YES and I love corny, mushy stuff like that.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The "Weird Meme" all About Me!
Yesterday I was tagged twice to do the Weird things about me, meme. (Someone must think I am pretty weird) lol.
Soooo, lets see, I did some thinking and some more thinking and I think I have come up with a decent list of weird things about me.
1. When I talk, I talk with my hands. I can, at time become very animated. People always tease me that if my hands were tied I would not be able to talk. But I can talk even if my hands are still at my sides....
2. I talk to myself, and I answer myself back. I can have a full one person conversation! I also blast music and sing at the top of my lungs when driving in my car. (Something I would never force another human to listen to.)
3. I have my own "Barb" dictionary...I make up words as I go. I also use words like thingamajig, thingybobber, and dohickey to decribe things, when a normal vocabulary word won't work.
4. I seem to have a pension for remembering weird facts and small details of strange and unimportant events.
5. I have post it notes every where. If I don't write something down I am very liable to not remember it.
6. I love playing cards, I play almost any game there is, for Christmas one year I got a cd with 101 different card games on it and I have played almost all of them.
So there are some weird facts about me....Now its my turn to tag some people...I tag Chucky, Echo, Kati and Baron Ectar.
Soooo, lets see, I did some thinking and some more thinking and I think I have come up with a decent list of weird things about me.
1. When I talk, I talk with my hands. I can, at time become very animated. People always tease me that if my hands were tied I would not be able to talk. But I can talk even if my hands are still at my sides....
2. I talk to myself, and I answer myself back. I can have a full one person conversation! I also blast music and sing at the top of my lungs when driving in my car. (Something I would never force another human to listen to.)
3. I have my own "Barb" dictionary...I make up words as I go. I also use words like thingamajig, thingybobber, and dohickey to decribe things, when a normal vocabulary word won't work.
4. I seem to have a pension for remembering weird facts and small details of strange and unimportant events.
5. I have post it notes every where. If I don't write something down I am very liable to not remember it.
6. I love playing cards, I play almost any game there is, for Christmas one year I got a cd with 101 different card games on it and I have played almost all of them.
So there are some weird facts about me....Now its my turn to tag some people...I tag Chucky, Echo, Kati and Baron Ectar.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Updates and other Stuff
Several days back I blogged about a friend and his new "chickie". The new girlfriend was strange and I wondered how and if I should tell him. Many of you left me great comments about ways to tell him the chick was weird, or if I should say nothing at all.
At the time I decided to wait and see if there was a smooth way to broach the subject with him. I didn't have to.....
When I walked into work today, I could immediately see that something was bothering him. I told him to "spill it" and he told me to log onto yahoo personals (his account, I don't have one). He then told me that yesterday evening he had logged on to suspend his own account (because he wanted to be with her) and noticed that she had updated hers. He looked at it and saw she had just updated it that afternoon, she was still looking..... Needless to say he was flaming angry and called me just awhile ago to say he ended it with her. ( The sad part is that she was talking about giving him a key to her place...you don't say that to someone and then update your personals page).
This is part of the reason, I don't date guys I meet in bars...I don't date guys out of personals (yes Halo the guys I did date of the personals was back when I was 18...) So where are all the good ones????? Maybe all the good ones blog, or live in other states besides California....LOL
On to other subjects....
There is a lady that I work with that I feel sorry for. She brings so much drama into her life and she makes me exhausted just hearing about it.
For instance....all last week we heard about this really hot date she had on Sunday...she was on cloud nine. On Friday she came into the office to pick up her pay check and was down in the dumps. I asked why, and she told me that some person she knew put an "ugly" picture of her on myspace and she "just knew" the guy say the picture and would not want to go on a date with her. In my head I thought "What the f***". Out loud I said "oh I am sure he didn't see the picture and if he judges you on a silly picture, he isn't much of a guy." But she continued on...she was going to die a old spinster.....she was so fat, ugly, her skin was ......blah, blah blah....
All of us girls have days when we feel ucky, fat, ugly etc....But most of us only share that quietly with our close friends, not in an office setting where many people can hear you.
People need to understand an office is not the place to air your dirty laundry, sob stories and other dramas....
At the time I decided to wait and see if there was a smooth way to broach the subject with him. I didn't have to.....
When I walked into work today, I could immediately see that something was bothering him. I told him to "spill it" and he told me to log onto yahoo personals (his account, I don't have one). He then told me that yesterday evening he had logged on to suspend his own account (because he wanted to be with her) and noticed that she had updated hers. He looked at it and saw she had just updated it that afternoon, she was still looking..... Needless to say he was flaming angry and called me just awhile ago to say he ended it with her. ( The sad part is that she was talking about giving him a key to her place...you don't say that to someone and then update your personals page).
This is part of the reason, I don't date guys I meet in bars...I don't date guys out of personals (yes Halo the guys I did date of the personals was back when I was 18...) So where are all the good ones????? Maybe all the good ones blog, or live in other states besides California....LOL
On to other subjects....
There is a lady that I work with that I feel sorry for. She brings so much drama into her life and she makes me exhausted just hearing about it.
For instance....all last week we heard about this really hot date she had on Sunday...she was on cloud nine. On Friday she came into the office to pick up her pay check and was down in the dumps. I asked why, and she told me that some person she knew put an "ugly" picture of her on myspace and she "just knew" the guy say the picture and would not want to go on a date with her. In my head I thought "What the f***". Out loud I said "oh I am sure he didn't see the picture and if he judges you on a silly picture, he isn't much of a guy." But she continued on...she was going to die a old spinster.....she was so fat, ugly, her skin was ......blah, blah blah....
All of us girls have days when we feel ucky, fat, ugly etc....But most of us only share that quietly with our close friends, not in an office setting where many people can hear you.
People need to understand an office is not the place to air your dirty laundry, sob stories and other dramas....
Saturday, January 27, 2007
The opposite sex
Does anyone else ever have days where they are not comfortable in their own skin?
Most days I am happy, satisfied and did I mention happy? Most days I don't feel the need/desire to have to have someone in my life.
Then there are days like today when I really want to have someone in my life.
Today, I feel lonely....
I miss physical contact, conversation and closeness that is shared with someone special.
One of the things I miss the most about being married is how comfortable you feel with the other person.
My cat only converses so much with me, then walks away to go sun himself.
There is something about sharing yourself with someone that really brings fullfilment and satisfaction that goes beyong the actual physical sense (not that physical is bad by all means), and right now I just miss all of it.
Geez, I sound corny! or desperate....and totally lonely!!!!
Most days I am happy, satisfied and did I mention happy? Most days I don't feel the need/desire to have to have someone in my life.
Then there are days like today when I really want to have someone in my life.
Today, I feel lonely....
I miss physical contact, conversation and closeness that is shared with someone special.
One of the things I miss the most about being married is how comfortable you feel with the other person.
My cat only converses so much with me, then walks away to go sun himself.
There is something about sharing yourself with someone that really brings fullfilment and satisfaction that goes beyong the actual physical sense (not that physical is bad by all means), and right now I just miss all of it.
Geez, I sound corny! or desperate....and totally lonely!!!!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
"My Word"
When I say I give "my word" on something, it should be considered as good as a contract.
Am I a little to old school, old fashioned that a persons word and a handshake are a major thing of the past and should no longer be honored?
Let me tell you the story that prompts this blog.
Several months ago, while at the same job I am at, I received a call on my personal cell phone from a former work acquaintance (previous job). He (we will call him "Antonio") asked me about the place I worked and said he was interested in having the service done in his own personal home.
At that point I set "Antonio" up with a free (notice it is a free) consultation appointment with one of our desingers. (This signifies no obligation, consultation...no contract....FREE!!!!) "Antonio could have said never mind at anytime. I set him up with our best designer, one who would do a great job, and give him a great design.
(During this time I moved away from California to Kansas and had no intention of moving back.)
Several months later due to particular circumstances, I ended up back in Ca.
Back to the same job I had before.
The designer I had assigned to "Antonio" before I left called me and stated that "Antonio" was being a "pain the the _ _ _" (fill in the blank). The designer asked me to call "Antonio" and find out if he wanted our services or not. Not that our designer didn't want to do his job, but he was tired of messing with the guy. I called and left a message saying "if you want our services, you need to call _____ at this number and let him know.....Thank you"
A few days later the designer called me and booked an installation date for "Antonio". A week later, the designer called me and said he could not get ahold of "Antonio" for the deposite and to confirm designs. I left another message saying "let me know what is really going on, because we are going to cancel your installation and move on if we don't hear from you" about an hour later I got a call from "Antonio" saying he wanted the install, but could he pay the full amount at the time of the install versus two seperate payments, I stated that was not my decision, but the decision of the designer. "Antonio" stated "Barb, you know I am good for the money, I you my word... "
Needless to say based on this mans word, we went out and did the installation.
When he sent in the full payment, I breathed a sigh of relief and went about forgetting he even existed. About a week later, one of the accountants asked me if I was a friend of the guy... I asked why???
Dumb question......his entire $6000 check bounced.....
So there for my question, am I too old school? I am one that believes that a persons word and a handshake should be as good as a contract.
Am I a little to old school, old fashioned that a persons word and a handshake are a major thing of the past and should no longer be honored?
Let me tell you the story that prompts this blog.
Several months ago, while at the same job I am at, I received a call on my personal cell phone from a former work acquaintance (previous job). He (we will call him "Antonio") asked me about the place I worked and said he was interested in having the service done in his own personal home.
At that point I set "Antonio" up with a free (notice it is a free) consultation appointment with one of our desingers. (This signifies no obligation, consultation...no contract....FREE!!!!) "Antonio could have said never mind at anytime. I set him up with our best designer, one who would do a great job, and give him a great design.
(During this time I moved away from California to Kansas and had no intention of moving back.)
Several months later due to particular circumstances, I ended up back in Ca.
Back to the same job I had before.
The designer I had assigned to "Antonio" before I left called me and stated that "Antonio" was being a "pain the the _ _ _" (fill in the blank). The designer asked me to call "Antonio" and find out if he wanted our services or not. Not that our designer didn't want to do his job, but he was tired of messing with the guy. I called and left a message saying "if you want our services, you need to call _____ at this number and let him know.....Thank you"
A few days later the designer called me and booked an installation date for "Antonio". A week later, the designer called me and said he could not get ahold of "Antonio" for the deposite and to confirm designs. I left another message saying "let me know what is really going on, because we are going to cancel your installation and move on if we don't hear from you" about an hour later I got a call from "Antonio" saying he wanted the install, but could he pay the full amount at the time of the install versus two seperate payments, I stated that was not my decision, but the decision of the designer. "Antonio" stated "Barb, you know I am good for the money, I you my word... "
Needless to say based on this mans word, we went out and did the installation.
When he sent in the full payment, I breathed a sigh of relief and went about forgetting he even existed. About a week later, one of the accountants asked me if I was a friend of the guy... I asked why???
Dumb question......his entire $6000 check bounced.....
So there for my question, am I too old school? I am one that believes that a persons word and a handshake should be as good as a contract.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
I am one who loves to correspond with people. I love getting and writing emails, being a pen pal...etc.
BUT, let me tell you a HUGE, GIGANTIC pet peeve that I have. I hate getting chain letter emails....
I will not fall in love tomorrow at 7 pm. if I don't pass this on to 15 people.
I will not become rich and famous in 24 hours if I don't pass it on with in 10 minutes.
I will not have every prayer answered in my life if I don't forward to 7 people in 7 minutes.
I will not get a free coupon for dinner, Macy's or Old Navy if I forward then press a certain button...
I will not sudden become ugly and become consumed with warts if it is not passed on to 39 people in the next two minutes!!!!
GOOD GOD!!! I don't even read these emails any more....STOP sending me them.
Now I love getting funny pictures, stories and cute - silly stuff. But what I really love is someone taking the time to just pen a small note asking how I am, what is new in my life or to tell me some real story in their life. To me it is just taking some time to care about the person you are emailing....
BUT, let me tell you a HUGE, GIGANTIC pet peeve that I have. I hate getting chain letter emails....
I will not fall in love tomorrow at 7 pm. if I don't pass this on to 15 people.
I will not become rich and famous in 24 hours if I don't pass it on with in 10 minutes.
I will not have every prayer answered in my life if I don't forward to 7 people in 7 minutes.
I will not get a free coupon for dinner, Macy's or Old Navy if I forward then press a certain button...
I will not sudden become ugly and become consumed with warts if it is not passed on to 39 people in the next two minutes!!!!
GOOD GOD!!! I don't even read these emails any more....STOP sending me them.
Now I love getting funny pictures, stories and cute - silly stuff. But what I really love is someone taking the time to just pen a small note asking how I am, what is new in my life or to tell me some real story in their life. To me it is just taking some time to care about the person you are emailing....
Monday, January 22, 2007
Long Monday
Had a great weekend.....drank some wine, spent time with some great friends...meet my friends new psychotic girlfriend...did house cleaning and even spent some money on myself (for those who know me, I hate shopping and hate spending money on myself).
Today was a day of absolute hell!!!! The day started for me very early, and I got to work early. I was met with a large pile of faxes. Most of them were for me. I set about getting them organized and coordinated by designer. ( I work for a company called California Closets....They are a world wide company...they are in Kansas, England, New York etc. We install organizational types of cabinets and partitions in just about any room for storage. Each of our many designers is designated a different colored file folder to help keep them organized.)
Our designers have a bad habit of faxing me all of their designs over the weekend, it is not uncommon for me to walk in on a Monday and find 10 - 15 files on the fax machine.
After organizing them, they must be detailed, I do the first portion of detailing....figuring out if there are special orders or customized areas of installation. Highlighting specific upgrades and making a full accounting copy of the file. The file must then be entered into our software system. Each file takes time to detail, in between I am taking phone calls, (due to our downsizing, when I first started this position, I rarely had to answer the phone. )
In addition to my normal stuff, I played IT person today, of all the people in my company I am the most computer literate. (Chucky, no laughing at me...yes, I ask for computer help from him all the time...) Four of our computers were not reading the LAN line and were also not able print, three of the computers that were down were in our accounting department and that was not a good thing. So I was on the phone with a tech and also trying to get our new employees email working at the same time....
During this time, our secretary went to get things for a company meeting tomorrow, which left me being solely responsible for phones....and my boss started asking me for all my Monday report updates....
I truly felt like being a two year old and jumping up and down in a tizzy....I understand the concept of downsizing....but good grief, what is the deal with putting all the stress on a few employees.....
Today was a day of absolute hell!!!! The day started for me very early, and I got to work early. I was met with a large pile of faxes. Most of them were for me. I set about getting them organized and coordinated by designer. ( I work for a company called California Closets....They are a world wide company...they are in Kansas, England, New York etc. We install organizational types of cabinets and partitions in just about any room for storage. Each of our many designers is designated a different colored file folder to help keep them organized.)
Our designers have a bad habit of faxing me all of their designs over the weekend, it is not uncommon for me to walk in on a Monday and find 10 - 15 files on the fax machine.
After organizing them, they must be detailed, I do the first portion of detailing....figuring out if there are special orders or customized areas of installation. Highlighting specific upgrades and making a full accounting copy of the file. The file must then be entered into our software system. Each file takes time to detail, in between I am taking phone calls, (due to our downsizing, when I first started this position, I rarely had to answer the phone. )
In addition to my normal stuff, I played IT person today, of all the people in my company I am the most computer literate. (Chucky, no laughing at me...yes, I ask for computer help from him all the time...) Four of our computers were not reading the LAN line and were also not able print, three of the computers that were down were in our accounting department and that was not a good thing. So I was on the phone with a tech and also trying to get our new employees email working at the same time....
During this time, our secretary went to get things for a company meeting tomorrow, which left me being solely responsible for phones....and my boss started asking me for all my Monday report updates....
I truly felt like being a two year old and jumping up and down in a tizzy....I understand the concept of downsizing....but good grief, what is the deal with putting all the stress on a few employees.....
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