Customer Appreciation?

Today I learned that my credit card can be suspended for being late 11 days. Yup! I got a call today from AMEX, my payment was late due on Dec 12th and the call on Dec 23rd.

I returned to call to say we’ll pay the balance off, which is what we normally do. I had mistakenly filed the invoice away, thinking it was paid. I was advised the card was suspended and no it wasn’t a mistake it was the real deal; the card will only be reactivated once payment is received. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but a big part on relationship building.

This is a large company, I’ve never had the card suspended before, the outstanding balance is from last month alone, so what does that say about the companies practices? Do they want your business or not? I’m not sure, and I thought I'd write a complaint but that option is not available on their website.

Obviously, it upsets me, and truth be told my experience with AMEX is not a good one to start of with and if it wouldn’t be for the fact that we like the Air miles, they certainly wouldn’t get our business.

Anyone else with this experience from AMEX? Do you know how I can get in touch with consumer relations?

Have A Great Day

Lies Lies Lies

Why would you lie to someone? When is a lie okay in one situation and not in another? What does it mean when a love one lies to you. What does it mean when a stranger lies to you? What does it mean when a close friend lies to you?

I don’t have all the answers to these questions, but what I do know, is that for me, you can physically hurt me, you can do something wrong and tell me, but if you really want to hurt me than lie to me, especially if you are some one I trust.

I think the reason a lie is so horrible for me, is that you break TRUST, and that is a sacred thing. I guess you have to look at the reason(s), a lie was committed and if you feel the outcome justifies the means.

However, it’s still better to be up front and out with it. What do you think or should I say how do you feel?

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Don’t Be Fooled

 

To often we think that we can do things on our own, but can we? Really!  I’m not sure.  If you look at the Presidents of late, they didn’t get there on their own, they had/have a wife, that helps them get there.  Look at Hilary Clinton, as much as you love to love/hate her, she was definitely a stronger player than Bill.  Currently, Michelle Obama is more popular than Barrack.  So I’ll ask again, can we really do it on our own.  No we need a sportive partner and/or some really good friends. 

As you know I recently got an electronic keyboard, do you think I can learn to play on my own.  Not really, I’m already confused.  I suspect though that you can’t give up, if you do want to succeed and you must have the conviction that you will and can.  But it is okay to be humble and ask for help.  I can’t wait to afford lessons.

 

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What Happens

What happens when you are not ready to change but everything around you is? Something as simple as a TV, can move beyond your means. Today, we got a new TV as our old was ready to burn out. Simple right. Not really. Today’s TV’s are digital, but we are on the old analog system and we don’t subscribe to cable. Do you think the new TV worked? Nope! it didn’t. We had to go out and get help, we were told to by a High Definition satellite; our old stand by worked better. So now we have a newer bigger TV with poorer quality. The great news is that now we can hook-up the X-box, the WII and DVD player, we couldn’t before.

So really, what is happening here is we don’t conform to the norm, but we are not also so outdated; we are just in between. I imagine that at some point, we will be outdated.

Are these the tell tell signs of getting older?

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Paying To Help A Charity

 

I spoke about my lack of getting back into the health thing, especially after my last adventure.  Well I did it, I registered for a 5K trek to sponsor a local charity.  Did you know that these days you have to pay, to put yourself out there, to take part in an event as such.  I understand they need the money to organize the event, buy t-shirts and there are some other administrative bills that occur, but what is the cost of all of that?  In this particular event, they are asking for $40 and if you want to do a 30K the cost is $65.  If you get 2000 people @$45 that is $80,000 and 7000 @$65 that’s another $455,000, but could be more as the price can go up to $80.

I guess the foundation sets their own goal of what they are hoping to get.  If they get the participants they’ve reached their target, and any sponsorship obtained by the participants is gravy.  I hope this it.  Do you know the answer.

 

How do they know they will get the participants?

 

That’s easy, becoming a participant is two fold for me, I now have something to work for and the charity gets the money.  The real go getters here are the 30K participants, it’s a challenge for them and this is their past time.  I guess it’s away for them to measure their hard work, and to see how they compare.  All I know it’s a win win situation.

I almost feel guilty, using it to my advantage as well.  It’s all for a good cause, right?

 

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I’m So Excited

 

I just got my first electronic keyboard, I always wanted one and after having one under my finger tips the other day I really wanted to fulfill that dream.  My partner in crime gave me an early Christmas present.  I’m so excited.  I’ve gotten the stand, the stool and a couple of Adult learning books. I’ve already learned a few notes, and learned how to read of few as well.  It’s all very exciting I just had to share.

 

The other day when I wrote about this, I was sort of pouting thinking to much money, how can I justify this expenditure; especially when I haven’t worked in about a year.  Well it’s good to be loved.  If you have any tips for this beginner, please don’t hesitate to share.

 

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When Are You To Old To Learn?

 

I recently had a chance to play on an organ (electronic keyboard).  Now I’ve never taken piano lessons and I don’t think I’m musical, but now I want one.  The question is, if I get one can I learn to play, it looks very complicated.  You have to be coordinated (both hands at the same time, and multiple finger action), I tried! Yeah! I couldn’t but than again, one should probably learn one hand at a time.  Reading the music is another thing, OMG! Clefs, pauses, chords, measures, time signatures, quarter notes, etc.  Is it possible to wrap your head around all of that.  Is there a reason why they are always looking for a piano teacher?

All I ended up with was a sore elbow.

 

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Do You Have Too!

 

This topic is brought on by my partner, who keeps buying things and expecting me to like everything.  Why do I have to? I guess the proper etiquette would be to be grateful, and that I am; but really!!!  I know it’s all about making me happy and how can you fault that, but just because you like it doesn’t mean I have to, or it is the right one for me.  So don’t get insulted or let your feelings get bruised, isn’t it better to get the one that I will use and like.  Of course, realize the one I like better is the more expensive one; and yes it is worth it and yes there is definitely a big difference between the two.

 

Now in all fairness, I didn’t want this computer, but had had it with the old one, even though there is nothing wrong with it.  I’m glad that I didn’t send this one back.  So in a lot of cases, it’s worth it to shut up and deal with it, but on the other hand why live with spent money that will just sit in the closet.

 

Okay, done ranting.

 

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It Never Fails

 

LOL, After waiting two weeks to receive an item I ordered of eBay, I finally decided to inquire about it (see this is only the second I’ve purchased of eBay, and the first from the US).  I sent of emails to the seller both via regular mail and through eBay, and to USPS; I only had time to do one more thing, when my partner walks in with my long anticipated parcel.  Of course, before I could send never mind notices, the seller has already had time to reply.  Man did I feel like a boob. LOL!

Customer Service Does It Exist?

 

What is Customer Service these days, have you ever noticed that when you call for support you’re generally calling overseas.  Today I was on line for two hours and transferred three times before I got the right department.  Have you noticed that you have to provide so much information for anyone to even speak to you?  You provide that information only to find out your in the wrong department, well today each transfer was to do with being in the wrong country.  I did called the number I was provided for Canada.

Now in all fairness, I am focusing on those calls to tech support and one could say that they are not customer service oriented.  I also have to add that when I get a nice one, they certainly go out of their way to help.  But those people are few in between. 

I know when I look at job postings for tech support, they say you have to be customer service oriented; but when a rep says not his/her problem, what more do want or even just yells at you, were is the service in that.

Further, do you know how long I waited for the rude responder and how many people it took to get there?  It’s pretty bad when these large companies move jobs away from us to foreign markets, who don’t understand us, may not even know anything about North America, our ways etc.  Today, one guy thought it was the 10th, and when provided with my address was confused as to were Canada was.  Not his fault, what training did he have. 

I also know that, a foreigner not understanding me is one thing but when I get a Canadian being just darn rude, it makes you wonder why his/her employer is moving the service department elsewhere, perhaps they just can’t anyone to do the job here, in the fashion it was meant to be done in.

As for me, sometimes I get very upset and other times like today, I just know at the end of the day I will be still dealing with the issue; at least I got an email address to send my request to, not just a general mailbox. 

So at the end of the day, people in North America don’t want the low paying jobs, they take them but their heart is not in it.  Employers are to cheap to pay for good service so they contract out, and don’t monitor for quality control.  In places like India, they are more than grateful for the opportunity, it is a good salary to them and the demand is so great, that the rep’s are probably thrown onto the phones before they even had training, or even technical skills.

What is the lesson to be learnt.  The company benefits on account the consumer bought the product. The employees are happy for the North American jobs, especially when they live in an unbalanced society.  The consumer has the new product.  So if it’s all good, how come I have product that does not do what it is suppose to do?

 

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The World Today and our Emotions

 

I’m hearing about this boy in Nova Scotia that stayed two days in the cold and is in critical condition, and your immediately filled with empathy and hope that the child will be okay.  A woman is shot dead, while her child remained in the vehicle, now I’m confused and in awe, shocked.  A woman does a hit and run, a 60 year old is killed.  I don’t know about you, but I’m confused about where things are going.

 

Kids today seem to take pleasure in physical abuse, creating YouTube videos to show their handy work. Death by shooting is increasing steadily.  What is going on?  Has their been enough of a change in our society that emotions, morality, decency, value of life have all gone out the window.  Are we digressing as a society, becoming more like savages?  This behaviour certainly gives new meaning to the term Civilized Society. 

 

With the reports on how Seniors are being treated today, I can honestly say I don’t want to grow old alone. It’s scary.  What happened to heart and sole.  I’m sure somebody will tell me.

 

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It Never Fails

Ever notice that when one thing goes wrong, your sure to have more than just that one thing. I just spent two days trying to restore this new computer back to it’s factory settings and still last night, I had an improper closure. I see all the commercials for Windows 7 on how great it is, but I really don’t see that it is all that. You still get all the pop ups asking if you want to allow, and when something went wrong the trouble shoot couldn’t fix it. What is so different about this version as compared to Vista. I’m not a computer genius, but changes are not obvious to me. In all fairness, my partner got a new computer at the same time and sure enough, there are no troubles there. Could it be the user? LOL.

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Making a choice, how tough can it be?

 

Are we defined by our jobs, where we live, what kind of car we drive, or is it as simple as our personalities.  If it’s the later than I am trouble.  Actually, I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer here, it is what YOU make of it isn’t!.  I’m sort of a workaholic when I have a job that is; funny what I can’t do for myself I can do for someone else.  About a year ago, I made the decision to leave what I was doing, so that I could spread my wings into a whole new career path. I wasn’t going to get caught in the same work traps.  Bright ideal! We’ll not for me, a year later and I’m still in limbo.  Why is that?  Do I need professional help? I’m not sure.  I know there are lots of people who can just make a decision and go with it, or they just know.  What about us in between people?  Let’s face it we all can’t be chiefs.  My Dad fell into a job he loved in his earlier 40’s and cried when he had to leave it on account of MS.  I remember being in my 30’s and a 20 year old saying to me, don’t sweat it your not your job (she was a bright individual). How did you make that decision, did you chase the money or did you follow your heart, or was your career an accident?  I feel sad for all those new people to the country, who have chosen a profession and yet aren’t able to get employment in their perspective fields.

 

I’m ready to rejoin the work force and I have to tell you, I’m having severe headaches making a decision of what to do.  I need to get moving where I don’t know.  I’ve asked God to lead me in the right direction, but I think he wants me to stand up for myself.  If I’m being honest, I would tell you I kind of want to go back to school, perhaps full time but we need the money.  I don’t think my dilemma is not knowing it’s making a choice.  That is the real answer isn’t it?  I thought so.

 

In front of me are at least 10 job postings, some lead to where I came from, others to roles I’ve contemplated and others I have no business considering, I also have three courses I would and sort have to enrol in, if I want to pursue my interest.  WOW, look at that the real answer is in front of me.  Choose the course and work around them. If only it were that easy. Those part time jobs are not enough to pay for the courses. Back to square one, the ideal role is out there, and in the meantime I have to make a choice and make ideal.  I’ll let you know.

 

 

Have A Great Day

Rings – What do they Signify?

 

Are you married? If so, what does your wedding ring signify to you?  I’ve been with my partner for over five years and the issue of marriage has been a topic flung around but never committed to. It’s funny how everyone asks you when are you going to get married? So what does it signified to you to see someone else get married? I’m not sure, I’ve never really thought about it.  To night, I surfed the web for men’s (gents) rings, I had an ideal of what I was looking for but I didn’t find that one; still looking at all these rings, I’m not sure they said you are married now.  Don’t get me wrong, I wish I could have all the rings I saw; well not really, but still, how do you pick that one.  Maybe you just know and I just haven’t seen the right one.

 

Good Friends – Are like Jewels

 

Life is to short not to value those few good people in your life, who are there to support, encourage, most importantly are just there.  Who are your friends? Are they your family members, your partner, your co-worker? Who are they and can you tell the difference?  How many does one person have? I guess that would be different for each person.

What I do know, is that your friends are like jewels, they are precious and you should treat them as so.   Today, my sister surprised me with a gift that I knew was coming but the card she wrote was the most important thing.  I’m lucky one of my good friends is also my sister.  I have a friend that I don’t speak to except an email here and there, it’s been so long since I’ve seen her last, she is so precious to me.  I guess they come in all different shapes and sizes. I’m bad at keeping people in my life, I just don’t do good at keeping in touch and I’m not cliquish, I understand their importance, it’s just the way I am.  I’ll be old and know no one.

Be careful on who you spend your time and energy, it’s not everyone that will stick with you till the end.  Like a good marriage gone sour, you can lose friends in the same manner.  I say this from experience, it’s been several years, but I lost friends a few years back that I had over 10 years invested in.  I remember putting other people aside to stay by their side, hanging pictures in their home till 3:00 in the morning, arguing with my partner putting them in front.  I don’t think I’ll ever get over that experience.

On the bright side there was a lesson to be learned, I value what is close to me now even more than ever.  So to my friends I salute you.  Thank You for your company.

 

Have a Great Day

What can happen, just may.

 

Ever notice that when you’re tired everything seems bigger, better or worst than it really is; giving meaning to the phrase: ‘this too shall pass’.  Grandma sure knew what she was talking about. 

And that’s what happened to me today, what was already a bad situation got worse, the ‘what’ isn’t as important as how it made me feel. I was a SOUR PUSS if that’s a word.  I went the hold day pouting instead of accepting what is and just living.  Can I change today’s outcome, not in the physical sense but my mental state yes.   Sure I can, I am the driver and in control. 

However, why is it when you suspect the worst it occurs, but when you expect the best, it doesn’t happen.  What is the dillio with that?  Should you stay over something you have no control over, NO way.  The funny thing is as I’m writing this, the TV is showing people dancing at a funeral instead of crying.  How freaky is that. 

What do you do when you are upset?  I eat, spend money, and I am the moodiest bitch alive.  I’ve learned though to bite my tongue, that’s to avoid yelling at everything, but still I warn you stay out of my way.  Of course, this only applies to my immediate family.  What is your way of dealing with downs in everyday life?

 

Sometimes the best things in life, are right in front of you.

 

You know you have the best partner in life, when you can be at your worst, in fact, you can both be at your worst and yet you both act like nothing is wrong.  You just try to make the others’ day go a little better all while you can’t help being miserable.  Who else could do that, but someone who loves you.

 

Have A Great Day

When is giving your opinion too much?

 

Today I deliberated how much of my opinion to give.  I was telling a sibling, what I thought they should do, and than I told myself  that I made my statement, don’t dwell on it.  You can make a statement about something you think; but how much do you say about what you think, is more than enough?  Especially, when what you think pertains to someone, someone you know, someone you love.  There is a chance you can say too much, and as result, your message can get lost and appear pushy, and the receiver tunes you out, or worst gets frustrated, perhaps frustrated with you.  Is there a mechanism that should let you know when to much is TOO MUCH?   I’m not sure either.  I do know that I have seen fights break out, hurt feelings, a parting of the ways.  When this happens, you’re not just hurting yourself but everyone in your circle or your whole family.  I guess you need to watch how your receiver is taking it, or what and how they are responding, keep in mind they have a mind of their own and you need to respect their decision.

 

 

That aside

Spending time with someone who loves you.

 

 

Today I spent the day with my partner, and although the activities were not the most enjoyable, I still had that warm feeling deep inside; you know the one we associate as our heart.  Where does that feeling come from? Is that feeling of security a falsity?  How do we know what that feeling means? How can I feel that but not know what I should be doing with my life? Why am I at a crossroads with where I need to be, but yet feel security of where I am?  The hard part is the burden I place on my partner, it takes two to be in a relationship.  I don’t want to be unfair, I want to do my part, but somehow I feel incapable of doing so.  I know I’m lucky to have someone, don’t get me wrong.  I just want to feel whole as well.  I guess I should count my blessings and be done with it and just live.  Tell me what identifies you? Is it your career, your passion, the parts of the sum that make the whole? 

 

 

Have a Great Day

Its Hard to Stay on Top

 

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to stay on top.  I mean to have all your T’s crossed and i’s dotted. 

They say easy come, easy go but was it really easy come?  I am not just speaking of money; I’m speaking about rewards, achievements, accomplishments anything that took time and dedication to obtain.  You may realize the fruits of your labour or just rewards for your input.  But what do you do when once there, it is no longer.

I almost cried today.  I have a medical issue that has been rearing it’s ugly head since 2004, a solution was believed to have been achieved at the beginning of November, I was flying high.  Today, I’m told I have the same problem.  If it was just that, I’d say okay.  However, it isn’t.  It took one week to take away two months of exercise and diligence, okay, this one I’ll explain.  See I have swelling in my legs and the pressure makes it hard to even walk.  Continuous movement seems to do the trick once the swelling is down.  This week I’ve spent to much time at the computer and out of the blue I’m having difficulty, the shoes won’t go on and of course I’m having mobility issues.  Just enough to get you down.

I guess my question is, is it all about WORK?  Isn’t it bad enough we have to work for a living, why do we have to work for our health, our relationship, our friendships. Yikes. Time to take my happy pills.

Have a Great Day

So Many Things on my Mind

 

I’m sure you’ve had those days where you can’t seem to focus.  To much going on in your head and you can’t seem to make heads or tails of it.  I’m having one of those days, or of course I could be confused, or just to tired.

 

As my second entry to this blog, I wanted to address why I haven’t filled in my profile.  It’s simple really, I can’t figure out what to say.  I’m not a writer, so how do I express myself in a way that will be timeless and not just pertinent to now.  I’m sure that will come in time, although, I’ve noticed a lot of people haven’t or have skipped this part.  Maybe I will too.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Have a Great Day