Seriously??

I just had the worst customer service experience ever...well...not really EVER, but it did tick me off.

I am so so so happy that I am not, repeat, AM NOT a Dish Network customer. If I was, and had experienced my story today, I would promptly discuss the matter with my sweet hubby and get us to switch to Direct TV. (which is our network of choice).

Ok, now realize my experience was actually work related and it included me calling Dish Network to figure out a charge on my customer's account. It isn't a "personal" matter, but after my experience...I'm taking it personally!!

DISH OPERATOR: Hello, this is Craig how may I help you today (in an extreme, totally over-caffeinated, happy tone)

ME: Yes, I have a mutual customer who has a charge on their account that we would like to research the origins to. (in a nice, friendly tone, but definitely not too pushy)

DISH OPERATOR: (almost interrupts my above statement) what's the customer's phone number?

ME: (giving the digits...) My customer wasn't aware of a fee for the set up.

DISH OPERATOR: Yes, it looks like that is our $49.99 processing fee. Let me check our recording to make sure that this fee was disclosed during the sales agreement with the customer...(again, just a wee bit TOO familiar with having to say those exact words)

ME:...ok

DISH IDIOT: Yes, we have it on recording that we disclosed this fee (rambling crap, blah blah blah)....he goes on and on about that the fee would stick and they would not refund it per his supervisor's advice etc.

ME: (interrupting his rambling) could you explain what the fee is for? (again, in a couteous tone)

DISH IDIOT: (speaking more quickly than should be humanly possible) Its a processing fee where we have to generate the account number and get the paperwork ready for the equipment to be installed....

ME: (thinking...you have got to be kidding...you charge $50 to generate an account number and make an appointment?????).....so, its basically a frivolous fee? (mind you, I didn't say this in a jerky tone AT ALL...my customer even said so)

DISH JERK: NOW NOW Ma'am, there is no need to use such harsh language. Those fees are necessary and were completely disclosed to the customer at the time of the set up and they will not be refunded so thank you and have a good day....click....

ME: (IN TOTAL SHOCK)....he just hung up on me.....and I never ONCE uttered the words, "can the fee be refunded?"

The customer was nice to me about the whole thing (well, of course since it wasn't my fault). I had to hide my anger and total disgust for the jerk who hung up on me so that my customer didn't think I was a complete loon....but seriously?? seriously?? That conversation caused me to get a dial tone?

DISH NETWORK STINKS!

New Adventure

For the past year now, I've slowly picked up a hobby. I even blogged about wanting to try it during my NaBloPoMo adventure in Nov 2008. Notice, I didn't participate in the "adventure" in 2009....ya...totally got me burnt out on blogging. I'm not sure I've ever fully recovered.

....Sadness, I know.

So, I'm embarking on a new adventure. My hobby for making cards and other creative paper projects could potentially turn into MORE. I took the plunge and am signing up to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator. Now, not only do I get to create fun projects, but I can host club events to show others how to make them too! With a full time job as Ms. Banker Extraordinaire, I'm not sure how big of an endeavor this will turn into, but I'm still excited.

My friend and craft buddy, Jamie, and I have started a new blog called Crafting Among Friends. There, you can find current projects and crafting ideas. Eventually, I hope to use it to show my Stampin' Up projects too.

So, I guess for now - just wish me luck - oh, and if you would like to have a paper crafting party, just let me know!!! :)

Joyful

For the past several weeks, I have had this uncontrollable joy. It doesn't matter if I was doing a random job at work, taking care of laundry at home, or even going to the grocery store...my joy followed along. I've been saying hello to random strangers at stores and wish them a great day and even really meant it. Now, there have been a couple days where my joy was a bit lacking, but for the most part, every day is a joyous day.

In my life, I often have been called bubbly, happy, loud, etc. I guess its just part of my personality. In the past, I sometimes have to "fake" the happy when I'm not in the best of moods, but here lately, the joy that just spills out me is uncontrollable and natural.

So, I've been wondering about this joy. Why the sudden change?

Today it hit me like a ton of bricks.....BAM! It was the biggest DUH moment of the year so far.

My husband and I are participating in the One Year Bible Challenge at our church. Each day we read a section from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, & Proverbs. So far, I haven't missed a day. Not trying to toot my own horn here - so I'm just going to keep it real. Yes, I've read it...problem is, I'm not always remembering what I read. I'm following the Old Testament sections and can recall later in the day what it was about...but ask me about Psalms or Proverbs and my mind goes blank. So ya, I need to work on that whole meditating on the Word better.

So, back to the joy. My joy is totally Jesus Joy. (at least that's what I'm calling it) My day starts each morning with the Word of God running through my brain. My joy is totally of Christ and is simply a overflow of His immeasurable grace. Its the best feeling eva! Highly recommend it!!

To finish up this Joyous post, I thought it would be appropriate to leave you with some song lyrics that may be a bit childish, but still totally summarize the blessings that God is daily sending my way!

"I've got JOY down in my heart. Deep, deep, down in my heart.
J-O-Y down in my heart. Deep, deep, down in my heart.
Jesus put it there and nothing can destroy it, -stroy it, -stroy it, (HUH).
I've got JOY down in my heart. Deep, deep, down in my heart!"

I'm Back?

Well, its been far too long since my last post. So many things have happened....mostly good stuff.

We sold a house and moved into a new one. Fantastic blessing! It is actually the house my father grew up in. I have such wonderful memories of family gatherings in it, and now we can add more and more memories and stories. Its a great house to entertain, and we have already put it to use a few times.

My holiday shopping is almost complete. Just a few odds and ends left. I've almost completed my Christmas Cards and geared up for some a baking extraveganza Friday evening. I wasn't going to share my Christmas photo until after my cards are sent, but not many people read this blog anyway and its just such a cute pick...I'll go ahead and share!

So, hopefully come the New Year, I'll start blogging more. Life just needs to slow down a bit!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Always keep searching...

Today I was on a mission for a few times at our local Wal-mart. I really, really don't enjoy going there, but it was a necessity. One item in particular, I new could possibly be difficult to find.

Mason Jars.

I only needed a couple but figured the Mob...I mean Wal-mart would make me buy a pack of 12.

I searched through the container isle. Nope.

I walked down the dishes isle. Huh-uh.

I almost gave up before going down the pots-and-pans isle, but figured what do I have to lose.

Just in case you are ever looking for Mason Jars at our local Ponca City, America Wal-mart, look between the Crock-Pots and Curling Irons.


Seriously.

Encouragement

Today, a customer/friend stopped by my office and handed me a bookmark that she had made for me. No long conversation. All she said was, "I made this for you." Its a simple bookmark with a prayer printed on it that has been laminated. I taped it to my monitor at work as a constant reminder as to what my focus should be.....

Help Us, Lord Jesus
(Author Unknown but it may have been my customer/friend who wrote it...)

Help us to make you known in our lives, Lord Jesus. When people see us and know us let them see You in us.

Help us to understand who You are. Help us to know You personally and intimately in our individual lives.

Help us to walk daily with You. Help us to repent when we fall. Help us to give abundant thanks when you forgive and pick us up, again and again.

In the name of our Lord and Savior, You, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen and Amen.

Life Change Chronicles Continue...

Well, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot update the Chronicles daily....I have a life people. I know my faithful readers (all 2 of them) (who NEVER comment on the awesomesness...sadness and tears) have been dying for more....so here is an update.

I'm down 13 lbs. Woo hoo! This past weekend was rough - I ate a whole lotta yumminess that was full of badness, but still lost weight. It will probably catch up to me later in the week.

Hubby and I have decided to give each other an insentive to lose weight...so once a week, we weigh in and get paid. Cash. Moola. Green Stuff (not to be confused with "Green" Stuff). We get paid $1/pound, but also have to give back $1/pound for any weight gain. Since Hubby has lost over 30 pounds, I agreed to retroactive the payday. I'm such a reasonable gal!

So our dinners for the week are consisting of fish or chicken, veggies, and brown rice. Last night I cooked up some tilapia fillets in our Turbo Cooker (yes, the as seen on TV cooker). The only thing I've cooked in it so far is fish. We also own the Onion Chopper and think it is one of the best inventions ever.

We are both trying to work out twice a day, totaling 1 hour. I'm feeling the workout today especially in my ab area. Doing pretend hula hoops for 10 minutes really works over the abs!

I need to blog a little more about other family happenings - like the kiddos birthdays, family reunion, my amazing new hair do, and the spring "blizzard" for 2009.

So, until next time...peace out.