Customer Service

As you all know....I am really at the blogging thing. Today I need to vent. What is going on with today's customer service? Are people that complacent that they don't care? I had 2...TWO....DOS...back to back experiences today. It just reinforces that Sunday IS the day of rest and not to go out and run errands.

Incident number 1...Valvoline. Oh my. Everything was going great. Getting the much needed and overdue oil change. I paid and left. Well, I thought I would check out my new windshield wipers. I pushed the button for the washer fluid...nothing. It's empty. They didn't fill it up. So, I turn around and bring it back. Mind you I'm already up the road for my next stop. I get there and this kid who doesn't look old enough to even have a drivers license comes out. I tell him that my windshield washer fluid was not added and showed him my reciept. He asks me "Are you sure?" Ummmm excuse me? You are kidding right. I calmly responded...yes I am sure...there is no windshield washer fluid coming out. We walk out to my car. He can't figure out how to open the hood. I am standing next to him thinking I'm going to pop this kid in the head. Instead I kindly ask him to step aside and I will open it for him. I get it open, he turns red. He brings out the fluid and fills it up. I ask for the manager because I noticed another problem...the cap on the battery was still open. Though minor and I could of easily done it myself...I pointed it out. I figured I already made Doogie turn red....what's one more. He fixes it and tells me the next time I come in I can have a discount. I asked for a free oil change. I got it!

On to CVS...incident number 2. I'm checking out and the price comes out higher than it is supposed to be. The clerk "Velma" is this older lady that looks like she could snap at anytime. I was only buying one item. I told her the correct price...she told me "No, you are wrong, the computer says $6.79". I told her the price on the shelf is $5.79. That's right, I'm going to fight for the $1.30 difference after taxes. So I asked if I could show her. She walks with me looks at the price, compares it for a few more minutes and still tells me...I am sorry, you are wrong. WHAT!!!!???? I'm thinking I'm on Candid Camera at this point. I asked her how I am wrong with the price is CLEARLY on the shelf. She said her computer is correct and she will have to get the manager. At this point I'm ready to leave. The manager comes out and asks what the problem is. I told her I was being overcharged for an item and went through the whole thing all over again. FINALLY...I WIN!!! I get my one item, they give me a mile long of coupons which I throw away when I walk out.

Seriously....WTF....what is going on? What happened to the customer is right? Why did I have to go through a rougher debate that the Presidential Debate from the other night?
I am going to stay away from all stores on Sundays. The Chiefs need to win. KC is a happier place when they do.....

It's almost FOOTBALL time!!!

Yes folks, I am counting down until football season. It means I have survived the summer and ready for new adventures. Also, when it it almost football time, it means the big family gatherings. I have to say, it was fun. I can't believe how much everyone has changed, grown up and settling down for some. By the way cous...Laura...you looked AWESOME!!! I am so proud of you and what you have done. I miss you and we need to get together more often!! Time just seems to be flying by. I wished it would slow down just a bit!!!

What does a girl have to do to get a vacation?

I think it's time to take a break...take a vacation. It's sad to even think that the only way to get a break is to run into a sliding glass door. Yes folks, you read correctly. Yours truly had a moment. I wasn't paying any attention to what I was doing and walked right into a sliding glass door. Just picture the Windex commercial with the bird flying into the window and SMACK!!! Lights out! It hurt so bad. I thought it would be no big deal. The next day I'm feeling sick. I get sick on the road, brought myself to urgent care. Get a CT scan done. Then the Dr comes in...sits me down in the office. Great...they are sitting me down. No good can come from this, especially after they say..."Well, I have some news". Nice dramatic segway just to say "You have a concussion and what are you doing driving around?". If they only knew my boss. So, I get the excuse to rest my little head and sleep. So, to get a couple of days off, I guess I need to run into things. I don't suggest this method to take a break. It is hazardous to your health....

I'm a slacker

I didn't realize how long it's been. I have been so busy with work and more work that time has just passed me by. I have been workig longer and longer days. At least the work, sweat, tears, (insert violin music hear...and yes, I would like some cheese with my wine), paper cuts, and stress is paying off. When I say paying off, I mean my boss isn't calling me daily and yelling at me. It's like a scene from Office Space. "I do just enough work just so I dont' get hounded by 8 bosses" Ok, I do more that "just enough" but for a while, life was beginning to look like my TPS reports weren't good enough...and yes, I did forget to use the new form.

Anywho....dating as taken an interesting turn of events. Which basically I have now began to ponder is there any men out there that is a MAN? When I say this, I mean....can stand up for one's self, doesn't expect a woman to take care of them, that doesn't look like they are going to pass out if they even talk to a woman (yes, a guy can be that nervous...I witnessed it...not pretty). So, I'm just going to do my thing. When I figure out what my thing is, I will let you know. Until then I'm going to Whistle While I Work and try to figure out where all the real men have run off too.

Oh my

Have you ever had an experience that left you thinking "OH MY...What have I done now?" Welcome to my world. I thought I would try something new in the dating scene. Go out with someone older. The nice gentleman is great at conversation, very interested in me. Likes me a lot. Is stable...and so forth. I guess my question is, does age really matter? Can one person look past that? I think I can...I want to...but it's a HUGE factor..especially when you have a loving, caring, and on the occassion crazy family. I may need to go into hiding if this progresses.

The things I put myself through...one of these days I might learn...HA!!!

Cavemen

So, are all the guys out there that are single, "normal", have a job, and enjoy sports hiding in deep caves to where the good gals out there can't find them? I am thinking this theory is true. Better yet, when they do come out the cave, they want to run right back into them. Seriously...here is the pattern. Girl gets ready for a date (yes, another one). Puts on her best, even might shave the legs. Guy meets girl. Guy is interested....even shows it. Calls the girl...the "chase" is on. The POOF! Gone! Just like that? What is up with that? Why even bother coming out of the cave if you are just going to get the cold feet and realize you can't hang with an independent person who is strong willed, funny, enjoys sports and wants "it all." I'm far from June Cleaver as they get. More like a Gabby Reese or something like that. So, until the next one decides to come out and see the "light", I'm going to hang out, have fun, and keep on doing my thing.

My dear sweet, crazy cousin O' mine!

This next post is just for one of my dearest cousins in the world. Laura you should feel special right about now since you are getting your very own posting...from me. Now, we all now boys are crazy. I'm fond of the craziness. I like the craziness. So, no...I won't be switching teams..ewww. Not for me! LOL

Another one bites the dust

Well, just when I think things are turning around in the dating world..BAM! It blows up in your face. Ok, not literally, but it sure does feel like it. What is up with guys? I mean, a person goes to big steps to show that you know they are interested...calls everyday..takes you out...cooks you dinner, then poof...disappears! I know this is just another "life lesson", but OMG! What is up with the vanishing act? Do people not have the respect these days to say, look, I'm just not interested, or I think things are going great, but I have too much on my plate to give you the time you deserve. The answer is they don't. Nope. Nada...not so much. I may sound bitter. I'm actually more disappointed. I really liked this one. OH well...maybe it's a sign I'm getting that much closer to the real deal. Someone that will actually want me in thier life. With all the books I've been reading, I'm probably close to being able to being a psychologist...ha!

So, onto the next one...I have a few dates this week. That's right...a few dates. That is the joys of dating....you just get back out there and have fun!!!!

Hello ya'll!

Quick update....

Work is going well. It's totally fast paced, a little stressfull at times, and mind numbing, but I love what I'm doing. There is always a new challenge. For the most part, the people I work with are on board with me now being the boss. It's taking time, but I think I will eventually get there.

The dating situation is turning around to be a positive thing. I had a second date. We are going to see a movie Wednesday night. I really like this one! He is so sweet! I love the fact he gets the biggest smile on his face when he wants to ask me a question. I love the fact that he gets a little shy when he wants to tell me he wants to see me again. I'm having a good time getting to know him. I am amazed of where I'm at now compared to this time last year. It's so awesome to be with someone that is happy...and so far mentally heathly. I haven't heard the Psycho theme go off yet... =)

Ok...I'm giddy!

Ok, I have never been the best at dating. I usually go out, jump in head first, fall knee deep in feelings then get crushed. Well patience, time, and weeding out the psychos may have actually worked. I had a first date, working on the second date. Yes, I know...a second date!!! Novel concept I will have to say! The first date was yesterday. We were both soooo nervous. It felt like I had never gone on a date before. I'm surprised I was able to eat my dinner. Anywho, this guy is wonderful, sweet, down to earth. He has the sweetest smile. Also, he is a man of his word. He told me he would call me this week. Well, he called me a few hours after the date. POINTS! So, yes I'm giddy. I'm ready to do cartwheels. The cute thing is that he says "I'm not a dater". He says "I'm working on that". I told him, it's not easy, but we all have to start somewhere. GOOD! Not a player! He told me that he looks forward to spending more time with me and his nerves will get better...I hope for both of our sakes it does! So, yes, I'm a little excited, still keeping it in check. OH...it helps he likes sports (played baseball in college..what is up with me and guys who have played baseball?) and...fishing! YAY! Ok...I'm going to stop this rambling on...here's hoping there is more to come!

Thanks Brett!

Ok, as many of you may, or may not know, I'm a HUGE sports fan and have played various sports my whole life. One of my favorite players of all time retired from football today. Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers. Now, yes he is/was an awesome athlete. He has gone through many trials in life. I still remember watching probably one of the most memorable games I have ever seen...his dad just passed away the day before. Brett Favre walked onto that field and played the best game. Everything he threw was golden. There is something about that game that sticks with me today. Watching that game you had a sense that something bigger was him that day. Brett Favre is one of the few people that truly loves the game. You don't find that type of dedication anymore out there. The most important factor is he is a man of character. Honesty. Loyalty. He stood by his wife through her battle with cancer. She told him to go play when he wanted to be by her side. He also showed us, he is not perfect. I recently read an article that he spoke about being human and getting past the addiction to pain medication and alcohol. The man would play with a broken thumb, sprained ankle, just so he could be on that field. The point being is there aren't too many people in sports theses days that people can look up to. I grew up watching him (and yes, drooling everynow and again..the man is HOT!). He is a good guy and come time for another season of football, he will be missed. I will miss watching my "Brett Brett". Thanks for being that role model growing up and displaying what it means to show sportsmanship and being a good person off the field.

Update on the "date"

Ok, from my experiences in the fun world of "dating" there are warning signs I have learned. I did't go out with him. Before I even attempted a new date, something hit me. I was a little "scared" to go out. Yes, being a little nervous, sick to the stomach, sweaty palms, the feeling you might faint, or would rather get a painfull procedure done at the dentist is all normal feelings. I began talking to this new guy (we won't mention his name). Let's just say I'm glad too much information was shared. Long story short, there is a history of physical assult on his part. Granted, he was protecting his sister, but the loud, piercing sirens went off in my head when I heard "Yeah, he's lucky to be alive, I had him in a hold and he couldn't breathe." Now, one may think this was self defense, not so much. This was after his sister left a horrible situation. Some may say, "He is a good guy, give him a chance, he put his sister first and was protecting him" Others may comeback and say "That is violent, he has the capability to truly hurt someone." Then there is the fact he has to take sleep aids and has a history of depression worried me. I have had 2 relationships that depression was present. I learned that a person has to have the "will and want" to try to get better and lead a happy life. Right now I'm in a good place in my life, I don't have to find out. I'm breaking the cycle of the "caretaker". I want a man that is mentally and emotionally healthy. Stability is good. It's amazing what a little time will do, along with a lot of books being read. You learn so much about warning signs and what it is that you truly want. With a little time and patience, who knows, maybe my Prince Charming will come out of the hidden, deep, dark cave that he has been hiding in and sweep me off my feet. Ok, maybe not a cave, but he's hiding somewhere!!! =)

Moving on up!

Today was a great day. I was offered a promotion! It will be in effect Monday. I will be Center Manager. I am so excited! I was humbled to be the #1 pick for the job. It will be challenging and a lot of work, but it will be worth it. I met one goal...to be promoted within 6 months of employment. More importanly, once I find my replacement, it will get me off the road more. YEAH! They aren't wasting any time, I start a week long training next week. Thank goodness it's in KC! My new position will basically oversee that we are in compliance with State and Federal Regulations (blah) and get the location in the black...out of the red. There are so many pieces to this job, I can't name them all. All I know is this...I will have more stablility and I will be faced with new challenges that will make me think. I have missed "using my brain" HA!

On another note...I have another date tomorrow. I'm not saying anything. I'm going to try that route for once and talk about it afterwards! Stay tuned! =)

Been a while

I have been slacking yes. Things have been a little hectic lately. The good thing..the weather was awesome today! Almost flip flop weather. In honor of the warmer weather trying to make its way here is a pic of Sunset Pier and the awesome palm tree on the beach I took when I was in Florida...I wore flip flops....I think I have an obsession with flip flops...ha!

Answers

Ok, I got the answer I was waiting for. It was nice, to the point. I got it through the good old e-mail. I like the lines "You are a great, strong girl with a great heart." At least for once I got a reply. He wasn't that into me. He likes someone else. Awwwww. I am really good at getting first dates. Then.....insert cricket noises here......nothing. I have began to look at the type of men I attract. Though it's always brief, there is a pattern. I pray that I will be led to the man I am meant to be with. I long for the days that I don't have to have multiple "first dates." The game is getting old. I want to settle down so bad sometimes it hurts. Then again, I see how blessed I am that I have this time to discover what I'm all about. I've had a lot of heartbreaks, the last one did the biggest number on my heart. Perhaps this is the Man Upstairs way of telling me "I'm trying to save you from another heartache." Anyway, I at least for once I got an honest answer. Oh...the kicker of the email..."I hope we can stay in touch...I have single friends." All righty then! Yes, please pawn me off onto someone else since I wasn't good enough...I'm not bitter.

So on the eve of another birthday, I will continue to do my thing. I look forward to another year of dating bliss =)

Will he call or not call?

Ok, not to put a jinx on anything, but I had a really good first date last night. Good conversation. Laughed a lot. Wasn't nervous. So onto the next big test. Will he call me? I am starting to find it very interesting if a guy will actually follow through with what they say they will do. It reminds me of a couple of chapters from "He's Just Not That Into You." If a guy isn't interested, why can't they just say "Look, had a good time, but I don't see this going anywhere." That would be fabulous! No, instead we get to hear "I had a great time! I will call you!". The phone sits quietly, patiently waiting to ring. Nothing. Why the games? Now, I know as women we are guilty also, but I have learned in the adventures of dating to just say, "Thank you for a wonderful time, it was a pleasure meeting you." If they ask me out and I'm not interested, it's OK TO SAY NO! Life would be so much easier if they didn't beat around the bush. You spend money on me. You act interested the whole time we are out. You wink. You smile. You are charming. So why act like a 3rd grader and run away? So, as I await to hear (or not to hear) from the last date I had. This much I do know...it was fun. I met someone I wouldn't have otherwise, and I survived another experience. Dating...it's a hoot!

It's flu time!

I really have nothing to say. Well, I do, but that would mean I would have to use all of my energy to type it all out. My fingers hurt just typing this (well, not really, I was being a little dramatic). I have had this junk for almost a week. I can't keep my social life on hold! Well, what's left of the good old KC social life. I have a date on Friday! A date that can not wait! I'm finished now. If I keep on going, I may sound Dr. Suess =)

"Silence is golden...but duct tape is silver"

I have the worlds biggest headache. Every little noise is like sitting next to speakers at a concert and have it blarring right in your face. Plus it doesn't help when there is a TV turned up way too loud, my loving family that doesn't understand, when I'm sick...the world stops, I'm moody and don't want to socialize. I think I'm on the mends though. Nothing like a NyQuil coma induced sleep. This cold/flu things sucks. Oh well....tomorrow sounds like more fun...a wintry mix heading our way!!!

In other exciting news I may have a date. I know...I said I was on a break. I did say that if opportunity presented itself without me forcing it or looking for it I would consider it. Well, I considered it. I'm going out. At least I can say I have a date after the hyped up holiday of Valentine's Day. =) Good times. If being sick with a stupid cold and having the chance to go out on a Friday night is all my worries, I think I'm doing just fine.

Hello ya'll!

What a busy week it has been! I think for the first time in 2 months, I am able to sit down and relax! Novel concept if you ask me. Work is picking up. I see some major changes in the near future for my center location. I have been basically looked upon to be the motivator, to keep things going as we grow through growing pains and fixing some past existing problems. I'm up for the challenge. I almost feel like I'm on Survivor. I will be the last one standing...too bad there won't be a million dollars waiting for me.

For the first time in a week the weather is nice and I'm sick. Gotta love living in airports. Speaking of which....I survived the terrible, white knuckle, bracing for my life drive to the aiport on Wednesday. Driving at 4 in the morning with snow/iced packed highways and having stupid semi-truck drivers whizzing by at 60 miles an hour was just peachy. At least I made it. The trip is done. Here's hoping I don't have to go back to the Lou next month.

Travel

Keep me in your prayers as I travel to St. Louis tomorrow morning. The Corporate world does not care that it will be snowing, bad weather. Hopefully my flight will take off on time. I will get home at a decent hour tomorrow night. Since when did we all become so crazed that safety doesn't matter? Good times. I'm finished complaining now. All is good.

Again....the question of the week is "When is it going to be flip flop weather?" I think I need treatment...I'm very OCD about being able to wear flip flops....=)

Good times...

As I sit here and kick back watch another Super Bowl I have come to realize football season will be over! What is a girl to do? Wait...I still have college basketball. That was close. Anyway, sports has led me to thinking about men. Why you ask? Well this weekend I made a decision. I'm taking a break from dating. It's a little much when going out becomes a chore. I enjoyed meeting new people, getting all fixed up, but a person begins to think..."Where is the quality?" I read an article recently that KC is one of the worst cities for dating. I will have to agree. At least I have some good stories. There was one fellow that thought it would be ok to follow to my car, not step away until I kissed him. RIIIIGGGHHHT. Psycho just isn't hot anymore....ha! Or the best one the guy asked me out then says I should pay since he was "intrigued" to see how independent I was. So, I showed him...I paid my half and left (I wouldn't of done that....but I knew the waitress). So, as I go on this journey, I welcome the opportunity for any new fellows. Until then, I'm taking a much needed break.

On a lighter note...when is it going to be flip flop weather? I mean to have thunder, lightening, sleet, rain all in one day? I was confused on what season it was!

The First One!

All right, I have now entered the big world of blogging. I have no idea what will become of this. More than likely, it will be a good place to share thoughts, stories, pictures, and keep family and friends updated. This should be interesting!