Thursday, December 13, 2007
***Blush***
To combat boredom, myself and a co-worker make paper snowflakes to decorate our cubicles. Yesterday I was leaving a message on a customer's voice mail. While explaining how I fold my paper, I realized I had not ended the call. Approximately 40 seconds was for message and the other 90 seconds was explanation on how to make paper snowflakes. I don't blush often but my co-workers noted I was beet-red.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Oh Snap*
I spent most of today calling customers to let them know when they can upgrade their cell phone. From as much as I remember, this is a VERY revealing conversation I had today. The names and places have been changed to protect the innocent (and not so innocent).
Teacherlady: Hi, is [Bob] there?
Wife: No, he's at work. Can I take a message?
TL: [Company preamble] Can you let [Bob] know that the cell phone he purchased from us about two years ago is eligible for an upgrade [later this month]?
W: You must have the wrong [Bob], we don't have a cell phone.
TL: Is this the [Bob Smith**] residence?
W: Yes, what address do you have?
TL [Cherrytree Lane]
W: That's our house. When was the phone purchased?
TL: Two years ago.
W: Hmmm, When was the last call made?
TL: Sorry, I don't have access to that information. Only if [Bob] called directly could he find that out. If there has been some sort of mistake, tell [Bob] to call us directly so we can get this fixed.
W: Umm, [long pause] well thank you for telling me. [long pause]
TL: Well, [awkward pause] thank you for your time and hope you have a good day.
A couple minutes later I was on the phone when a co-worker told me there was a very angry woman on the phone who would talk to no one but me. By the time he tried transferring the call, she had hung up.
I explained to my co-workers and supervisor what had happened. Then I told them what I wanted to say the customer if he called in mad. "Number one: It's not my fault that you two have trust issues. Number two: It is not my fault that you are dumb enough to use your house number as your customer contact number for your secret cell phone."
* I never use the phrase but that was my honest reaction after hanging up the phone.
** The real name is actually uncommon so it was no mistaking that I had the right house.
Teacherlady: Hi, is [Bob] there?
Wife: No, he's at work. Can I take a message?
TL: [Company preamble] Can you let [Bob] know that the cell phone he purchased from us about two years ago is eligible for an upgrade [later this month]?
W: You must have the wrong [Bob], we don't have a cell phone.
TL: Is this the [Bob Smith**] residence?
W: Yes, what address do you have?
TL [Cherrytree Lane]
W: That's our house. When was the phone purchased?
TL: Two years ago.
W: Hmmm, When was the last call made?
TL: Sorry, I don't have access to that information. Only if [Bob] called directly could he find that out. If there has been some sort of mistake, tell [Bob] to call us directly so we can get this fixed.
W: Umm, [long pause] well thank you for telling me. [long pause]
TL: Well, [awkward pause] thank you for your time and hope you have a good day.
A couple minutes later I was on the phone when a co-worker told me there was a very angry woman on the phone who would talk to no one but me. By the time he tried transferring the call, she had hung up.
I explained to my co-workers and supervisor what had happened. Then I told them what I wanted to say the customer if he called in mad. "Number one: It's not my fault that you two have trust issues. Number two: It is not my fault that you are dumb enough to use your house number as your customer contact number for your secret cell phone."
* I never use the phrase but that was my honest reaction after hanging up the phone.
** The real name is actually uncommon so it was no mistaking that I had the right house.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
"All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down"
At my previous school, one of the teacher assistants JUST HAD to tell me her daughter's first impression of me. Her daughter pulled up to drop her off at the front when she saw me for the first time. She turns to her mom and says "Look how skinny she is, that's just disgusting." Umm, thanks for the story? The lady thought it was really funny.
I rarely get compliments on my physical appearance. I'm not saying I should but it would at least be a good counter-balance to garbage that comes out of people's mouthes abut my weight. Comments like "I hate how skinny you are" and "You're so skinny, it disgusts me". I've had other comments like "I must weigh 100 pounds" or "I'd break like a twig" or "Eat more, you need to fatten up." What do you think that does to a person's self-esteem? Those are the sort of things that absolutely ring in my ears. Sometimes I want to scream "I'm OK with the way I look, why can't you be OK with the way I look!"
I've even had people "joke" about me being anorexic. Like me having an eating disorder is the ONLY I could be thin. High metabolism, genetics, food allergies and eating relatively well have NOTHING to do with it. There was one friend that said something along those lines that was so hurtful that I walked away from him and never spoke to him again. Talking to people that way is just cool.
This past spring a girl friend was tell us how great it was that this guy was bashing skinny girls. First off, bashing someone else's appearance is not considered a compliment. Secondly, wouldn't anyone rather have a compliment than feeling better by making others feel worse?
When did it become socially acceptable to bash people for the way that they look? I once a friend told me that if she didn't know me she'd hate me because of the way that I look. That is a ballsy statement. My first reaction was wondering how she would feel if I said the same thing to her. I'd probably get slapped and deservingly so.
Lessons of the Day: Instead of tearing people down, try building them up.
Bonus Lesson: People will try to tear you down no matter how you look.
I rarely get compliments on my physical appearance. I'm not saying I should but it would at least be a good counter-balance to garbage that comes out of people's mouthes abut my weight. Comments like "I hate how skinny you are" and "You're so skinny, it disgusts me". I've had other comments like "I must weigh 100 pounds" or "I'd break like a twig" or "Eat more, you need to fatten up." What do you think that does to a person's self-esteem? Those are the sort of things that absolutely ring in my ears. Sometimes I want to scream "I'm OK with the way I look, why can't you be OK with the way I look!"
I've even had people "joke" about me being anorexic. Like me having an eating disorder is the ONLY I could be thin. High metabolism, genetics, food allergies and eating relatively well have NOTHING to do with it. There was one friend that said something along those lines that was so hurtful that I walked away from him and never spoke to him again. Talking to people that way is just cool.
This past spring a girl friend was tell us how great it was that this guy was bashing skinny girls. First off, bashing someone else's appearance is not considered a compliment. Secondly, wouldn't anyone rather have a compliment than feeling better by making others feel worse?
When did it become socially acceptable to bash people for the way that they look? I once a friend told me that if she didn't know me she'd hate me because of the way that I look. That is a ballsy statement. My first reaction was wondering how she would feel if I said the same thing to her. I'd probably get slapped and deservingly so.
Lessons of the Day: Instead of tearing people down, try building them up.
Bonus Lesson: People will try to tear you down no matter how you look.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Happy Birthday Sister!
You are a whiter shade of pale but you will always be yellow baby to me. Happy 27th birthday Maryanne.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Impressive
I impressed a young coworker today with my parallel parking skills. It was a tight spot and it took me a bit to get in. He watching me the whole time and I thought he was going to give me a hard time. Bonus points for it being a left side parallel park.
My boss thanked me today for what a good job I've been doing. I don't really think I am doing anything special -- I work hard and ask lots of questions to make sure I am doing it right. The job isn't hard but a lot of my coworkers put the zzzzzzzzzzzz in lazy.
That was then this is now. I started training for the job I was actually hired for today (two weeks after I started). There is so much to learn but it is pretty easy. The funny thing is they've decided to train the inbound reps (what I was hired for) to do outbound calls (what I've been doing for the past two weeks). Since I've been doing such a good job, they told me I'm going to help train. Me? I'm the newest employee and I'm helping train.
My boss thanked me today for what a good job I've been doing. I don't really think I am doing anything special -- I work hard and ask lots of questions to make sure I am doing it right. The job isn't hard but a lot of my coworkers put the zzzzzzzzzzzz in lazy.
That was then this is now. I started training for the job I was actually hired for today (two weeks after I started). There is so much to learn but it is pretty easy. The funny thing is they've decided to train the inbound reps (what I was hired for) to do outbound calls (what I've been doing for the past two weeks). Since I've been doing such a good job, they told me I'm going to help train. Me? I'm the newest employee and I'm helping train.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
I need a Putin shirt
The U.S.S.R. Is Back (on Clothing Racks), Natasha Singer, Published: November 27, 2007
Young and trendy Muscovites are in the throes of nostalgia for the staples of Soviet childhoods.
Young and trendy Muscovites are in the throes of nostalgia for the staples of Soviet childhoods.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
At a Loss for Words
A school I was supposed to sub for in Calgary is now without a math teacher. They've contacted me, asking if I'd be interested in the job (not offering it but asking me to apply for it). What? You've got to be kidding me. The first thing that popped into my head was "Why didn't this happen a month ago before I moved?" I politely replied that I just started a new job and am content with my decision to return to university.
The job is not the problem. I mentioned it to a friend who is very upset that I left. The question was asked "What's stopping you from coming back?" I know exactly what is stopping me from coming back. How do you tell a good friend that misses you that you have no desire to move back?
The job is not the problem. I mentioned it to a friend who is very upset that I left. The question was asked "What's stopping you from coming back?" I know exactly what is stopping me from coming back. How do you tell a good friend that misses you that you have no desire to move back?
Friday, November 23, 2007
SNL Members Hit the YouTubes.
Studio Boss Roger A. Trevanti at the NY Picket Lines
The Mighty Pencil -- HOW TO SUPPORT THE WRITERS
The Mighty Pencil -- HOW TO SUPPORT THE WRITERS
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Gimme List 2007: Part 1 - DVD Edition
I've been thinking about what I want for Christmas. So far I've only thought of DVDs.
** FYI: Help is in limited release in Cineplex theatres next week. In Regina it is only showing once on Monday.
- Project Runway: The Complete Second Season (2005) - I've been recently rewatching the second season late at night. I can't tell you how many times I've seen the episodes but it never gets old. The designer "Walk Off"? (of course, Nick and Santino were the best). I could not stop squealing.* The designers dressed as figure skaters? I nearly peed myself. Zulema requesting a walk off then taking Nick's model? Outrageously fabulous backstabbing. I totally want to be BFF with Daniel V. I have an even greater desire to watch TV and be sarcastic with Santino.
- Veronica Mars: The Complete Seasons 1-3 (2004) - I know I have all the episodes on tape or downloaded. This has to be my favourite show of all time, I need the official.
- Help **- I've want this on DVD FOREVER. It has been on my Christmas list for at least three years. I'm serious people!
- Return of the King (Extended) - the only from the LOTR I don't have. It has been on my Christmas list since it was released. I'm stubborn and refuse to buy it for myself.
** FYI: Help is in limited release in Cineplex theatres next week. In Regina it is only showing once on Monday.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Cat Hair Makes Me Want to Barf
Alternate title: Janny's First Full Day of Work
Yeah, I thought that would get your attention.
Today I started work at a call centre. I was hired for inbound tech support calls but I can't start training until next week. They ask if I'd come in this week and help with outbound customer care calls. I started my training last night with the expectation I'd be making my first calls today.
What a gong show. There were so many technical problems. One of the supervisors (a long time friend who got me the job) was supposed to listen to my calls and give me feed back but her phone setup wasn't working. She suggested we use another supervisor's phone. Sitting down in her chair, I immediately had an allergic reaction to the cat hair on her coat. Wow, I have never had that bad of an allergic reaction to animal hair (let alone that little of hair). Immediately my throat swelled up and my eyes started to hurt and water. Whenever my eyes hurt, it eventually gives me a migraine which makes me nauseated. Fortunately the other supervisor needed her desk and phone so we just had to wait around until the other phone setup was fixed. I was so glad to get away from that coat.
There were many technical problems through the whole network so I didn't get a lot done on my first full day. From what I was told, the calls I were able to make went well. I didn't think I did that well but then again all I could think about was not throwing up from the cat hair. Not pukey Janny will be a call centre superstar.
I showered and took an anti-histamine. My eyes and throat are better but anti-histamine doesn't help the nausea.
Yeah, I thought that would get your attention.
Today I started work at a call centre. I was hired for inbound tech support calls but I can't start training until next week. They ask if I'd come in this week and help with outbound customer care calls. I started my training last night with the expectation I'd be making my first calls today.
What a gong show. There were so many technical problems. One of the supervisors (a long time friend who got me the job) was supposed to listen to my calls and give me feed back but her phone setup wasn't working. She suggested we use another supervisor's phone. Sitting down in her chair, I immediately had an allergic reaction to the cat hair on her coat. Wow, I have never had that bad of an allergic reaction to animal hair (let alone that little of hair). Immediately my throat swelled up and my eyes started to hurt and water. Whenever my eyes hurt, it eventually gives me a migraine which makes me nauseated. Fortunately the other supervisor needed her desk and phone so we just had to wait around until the other phone setup was fixed. I was so glad to get away from that coat.
There were many technical problems through the whole network so I didn't get a lot done on my first full day. From what I was told, the calls I were able to make went well. I didn't think I did that well but then again all I could think about was not throwing up from the cat hair. Not pukey Janny will be a call centre superstar.
I showered and took an anti-histamine. My eyes and throat are better but anti-histamine doesn't help the nausea.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
We Live in a Weird World...
'Virtual theft' leads to arrest, Wednesday, 14 November 2007, 14:37 GMT
Habbo Hotel users create a character and can buy furniture
A Dutch teenager has been arrested for allegedly stealing virtual furniture from "rooms" in Habbo Hotel, a 3D social networking website.
Wow, That's a Really Great Idea
With the current WGA strike, the casts of SNL and 30 Rock are running full benefit shows to help out their production staff. With the NY theatre crews on strike, I guess it is pretty easy to find space for it. I wish I could go.
Source: Studio Applies Majeure Force to Office, 30 Rock, Natalie Finn, Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:20:07 PM PST
SNL, with host Michael Cera and musical guest Yo La Tango, will run through an entire episode Saturday at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Manhattan, with the cast of 30 Rock to do the same on Monday. Proceeds from both already sold-out shows will go to each program's production staff.
"We are doing this to raise spirits, raise awareness and raise money for our hardworking production crews who will be having a hard holiday season if this strike continues," SNL player Amy Poehler said in a statement.
Source: Studio Applies Majeure Force to Office, 30 Rock, Natalie Finn, Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:20:07 PM PST
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
PROJECT RUNWAY!
Although it is yet to be viewed by yours truly, Project Runway Season 4 premiered today! I watched a rerun of the season 2 premiere this evening and I was practicing my Heidi Klum impression.
My pre-season winner prediction is Daniel Franco. HHAHAHAHA, I'm hilarious. Unfortunately anyone who would get the joke does not read my blog. Sigh.
My pre-season winner prediction is Daniel Franco. HHAHAHAHA, I'm hilarious. Unfortunately anyone who would get the joke does not read my blog. Sigh.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Lynnie and Janny's Day of Fun
I posted new pictures on Flickr. They are mostly of the day Lyn and I spent at the Science Centre.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
So not fair
For the last week I've had, at times, extreme pain in my kidneys. I went to the doctor about it and she figured I'm not drinking enough water. Yeah, right. I know I drink enough water but whatever. I'll drink more water and hope I get better.
For the last couple days I was feeling better until last night. This morning I woke up in pain, it hurt to breathe deep. By this evening, my kidneys were feeling better but then my stomach was upset. When my stomach settled down, I got a migraine. I feel like I can't win.
For the last couple days I was feeling better until last night. This morning I woke up in pain, it hurt to breathe deep. By this evening, my kidneys were feeling better but then my stomach was upset. When my stomach settled down, I got a migraine. I feel like I can't win.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
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