I got a promotion! Too bad it didn't include a pay raise...
The following email was sent by HR to my company today:
I am pleased to announce that Heather has accepted the position of Technical Marketing Specialist within the Market Development Team. Heather joined our company in September, 2004 and has made an outstanding contribution in her role as Technical Support Analyst. We look forward to working with Heather in her new role.
This should be good... It's pretty much my dream job. Too bad it didn't come many months sooner. Ah well...
My question is: "Isn't it standard for a promotion to come hand in hand with a pay raise?" I'm new to this whole thing and am trying to become familiar with industry "standards"...
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Ah... A day in the life of Tech Support
An email I received from my coworker, Jason. Haha... his email made MY day!
It's rare that an email from a customer makes my day but this one did. This is what a sys admin should be. He read the FAQs, got the info he needed and then sent us exactly the info we need to help him.
Beautiful. Now if only the rest of the jerks we deal with would learn....
An email I received from my coworker, Jason. Haha... his email made MY day!
It's rare that an email from a customer makes my day but this one did. This is what a sys admin should be. He read the FAQs, got the info he needed and then sent us exactly the info we need to help him.
Beautiful. Now if only the rest of the jerks we deal with would learn....
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
The results
Well, the manager from E&C called me today at work, promptly at 8:30 as I said I would be there. As it turns out, I am a total dork and realized ON THE PHONE with him that I had somehow lost my ability to add and instead subtracted my tip from my bill... hence the confusion. The waitress actually did the right thing and adjusted correctly. Ooops! That's ok though cause I don't have a problem admitting when I'm wrong and apologizing as necessary.
The manager was so much more concerned about the fact that I had also complained about the shitty service that I received, that he wanted to do anything to make it up to me. I got out of it:
$5 cash to accomodate for the overcharge on my virgin daquiri
Gift certifcates to E&C
His business card to be sent with the gift certificates so I can personally call him the next time I'm in Ottawa to get reservations (no matter how busy the night), and the best service I've ever experienced in a restaurant!
It's amazing what a little "stink raising" can do. I actually feel badly about how this came about (ie. my stupidity and inability to add), but wow, it's cool to think about what I got out of it! :)
Well, the manager from E&C called me today at work, promptly at 8:30 as I said I would be there. As it turns out, I am a total dork and realized ON THE PHONE with him that I had somehow lost my ability to add and instead subtracted my tip from my bill... hence the confusion. The waitress actually did the right thing and adjusted correctly. Ooops! That's ok though cause I don't have a problem admitting when I'm wrong and apologizing as necessary.
The manager was so much more concerned about the fact that I had also complained about the shitty service that I received, that he wanted to do anything to make it up to me. I got out of it:
It's amazing what a little "stink raising" can do. I actually feel badly about how this came about (ie. my stupidity and inability to add), but wow, it's cool to think about what I got out of it! :)
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Random Pics
Some very random pictures posted here. Be sure to read the disclaimer first - don't say I didn't warn you!
Some very random pictures posted here. Be sure to read the disclaimer first - don't say I didn't warn you!
Credit Card Warning
Word of warning: always check your credit card statements and compare the receipt with the list amount on the statement.
Today, while catching up on some financial records, I came across another discrepancy on my credit card - the third one I've caught in the past couple of years since I've started checking my statements.
The discrepancy comes from a transaction at the Elephant Castle in Ottawa. While visiting a friend the weekend of the marathon, we went out for some drinks. Although we had totally shitty service, we were in such a rush to get out that I simply tipped a buck (grudgingly), and signed the receipt without even looking at the bill. Turned out that she had charged me full price for 2 margaritas (even though mine was virgin that time), but I was willing to forfeit the few dollars since it obviously wasn't worth challenging by the time I realized it.
However, after reviewing my statement today, I discovered that the final tally had been upped a couple of bucks and she raised my $1 tip to $3. Since this is TOTALLY unacceptable, I decided to fight this one and called the restaurant to complain. Ended up speaking with the evening manager, so I have to wait til tomorrow to see what happens.
I had a very similar situation with a restaurant in Toronto a couple of years ago, although at the time, it seemed like an innocent mistake. I guess in these situations you never know. But regardless, it really does reflect badly on the restaurant. If it was intentional, it boils down to fraud (read: illegal activity). If it wasn't intentional, it's pure carelessness. Either one, not so good.
Be careful out there!
Word of warning: always check your credit card statements and compare the receipt with the list amount on the statement.
Today, while catching up on some financial records, I came across another discrepancy on my credit card - the third one I've caught in the past couple of years since I've started checking my statements.
The discrepancy comes from a transaction at the Elephant Castle in Ottawa. While visiting a friend the weekend of the marathon, we went out for some drinks. Although we had totally shitty service, we were in such a rush to get out that I simply tipped a buck (grudgingly), and signed the receipt without even looking at the bill. Turned out that she had charged me full price for 2 margaritas (even though mine was virgin that time), but I was willing to forfeit the few dollars since it obviously wasn't worth challenging by the time I realized it.
However, after reviewing my statement today, I discovered that the final tally had been upped a couple of bucks and she raised my $1 tip to $3. Since this is TOTALLY unacceptable, I decided to fight this one and called the restaurant to complain. Ended up speaking with the evening manager, so I have to wait til tomorrow to see what happens.
I had a very similar situation with a restaurant in Toronto a couple of years ago, although at the time, it seemed like an innocent mistake. I guess in these situations you never know. But regardless, it really does reflect badly on the restaurant. If it was intentional, it boils down to fraud (read: illegal activity). If it wasn't intentional, it's pure carelessness. Either one, not so good.
Be careful out there!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Speaking of new words...
I've been having some of the weirdest sleeps lately with the heat we've been experiencing. I am still managing to fall asleep each night (even though my room is a hot stuffy box with no air circulation) with the aid of my fan and my ability to sleep with no sheets on me (I used to have problems with that in the past).
A couple of weeks ago, I woke up several times in the night for reasons unknown. One of those times I got up, and stood staring out my window. I'm not really sure why... maybe I thought I heard a noise outside, or maybe I wanted to see if I could get some fresh air. But in my sleepy state, I couldn't help but notice a strange movement in the townhouse window across the street from me. After refocussing my eyes and taking a second glance, I realized that I was seeing my neighbours "in the act" in their living room with the curtains wide open. It's weird though cause it's all such a blur now, that I wondered if it was something I could have been dreaming. The only thing that I really remember clearly was the blinds coming down shortly after I noticed the movement. They were Venesian blinds and were in two separate pieces covering the whole window...
The next morning when I remembered what had happened, I looked across the street and realized that my neighbours didn't have venesian blinds. Totally confused, I thought for sure I must have dreamt that scenario. It wasn't until the next day when I noticed the blinds in the window of my next door neighbour that fit the exact description. Somehow, I must have seen their reflection in the window across the street. So so soo weird...
Anywho... after all that, I was telling a friend this strange story and his response was "So... you're into Voyeurism, eh? ;)"
Haha... although I really don't think it's true, I did learn a new word out of it all...
I've been having some of the weirdest sleeps lately with the heat we've been experiencing. I am still managing to fall asleep each night (even though my room is a hot stuffy box with no air circulation) with the aid of my fan and my ability to sleep with no sheets on me (I used to have problems with that in the past).
A couple of weeks ago, I woke up several times in the night for reasons unknown. One of those times I got up, and stood staring out my window. I'm not really sure why... maybe I thought I heard a noise outside, or maybe I wanted to see if I could get some fresh air. But in my sleepy state, I couldn't help but notice a strange movement in the townhouse window across the street from me. After refocussing my eyes and taking a second glance, I realized that I was seeing my neighbours "in the act" in their living room with the curtains wide open. It's weird though cause it's all such a blur now, that I wondered if it was something I could have been dreaming. The only thing that I really remember clearly was the blinds coming down shortly after I noticed the movement. They were Venesian blinds and were in two separate pieces covering the whole window...
The next morning when I remembered what had happened, I looked across the street and realized that my neighbours didn't have venesian blinds. Totally confused, I thought for sure I must have dreamt that scenario. It wasn't until the next day when I noticed the blinds in the window of my next door neighbour that fit the exact description. Somehow, I must have seen their reflection in the window across the street. So so soo weird...
Anywho... after all that, I was telling a friend this strange story and his response was "So... you're into Voyeurism, eh? ;)"
Haha... although I really don't think it's true, I did learn a new word out of it all...
Friday, June 24, 2005
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
New 'do', New beginnings
I bit the bullet and got my hair cut today. Although I was totally terrified (I never do anything drastic to my hair), and not thrilled about spending the money (I've already put this expense off for over 4 months), it turned out to be a good experience. I figure I'm good for at least another year now before I go for another one...
I bit the bullet and got my hair cut today. Although I was totally terrified (I never do anything drastic to my hair), and not thrilled about spending the money (I've already put this expense off for over 4 months), it turned out to be a good experience. I figure I'm good for at least another year now before I go for another one...
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Monday, June 20, 2005
Totally exhausted
So I realized this weekend just how much a wedding can take out of a person - even if you're not involved in it and merely attending as a guest! Going to a wedding is a full-fledged event:
up early in the morning to get ready and prettied-up
drive a couple of hours to get to the ceremony
and then head straight into party mode for the remainder of the day.
Drinking from 5pm-1am is always a test of stamina! And combine that with several hours of dancing, it's a good recipe for a long nap the next day!
Regardless, it's almost ALWAYS worth it. Heather and Neil brought in the start of their marriage with a great party! Good times were had by all. A few strange stories from the priest that we can all laugh about for years to come and some great drunken memories to go with it...
Looking forward to the next one when Kelly gets married this August!
So I realized this weekend just how much a wedding can take out of a person - even if you're not involved in it and merely attending as a guest! Going to a wedding is a full-fledged event:
Drinking from 5pm-1am is always a test of stamina! And combine that with several hours of dancing, it's a good recipe for a long nap the next day!
Regardless, it's almost ALWAYS worth it. Heather and Neil brought in the start of their marriage with a great party! Good times were had by all. A few strange stories from the priest that we can all laugh about for years to come and some great drunken memories to go with it...
Looking forward to the next one when Kelly gets married this August!
Spoke too soon?
Haha... pretty ironic posting given my last one...
Sunday night I worked at the Running Room from 1-5pm. Afterwards, I headed straight to my student's house where I was supposed to meet with her for her very last tutoring session before her exam. After ringing the doorbell a couple of times, I realized that no one was home and that I'd been stood up without notice. I called and left a message that night to let her and her mom know that I had stopped by and that I wasn't sure if I had any more free time to fit her in again before her exam. She MSNs me today with what was I *think* an apology and expecting me to fit her in no problem. Although I am good at rearanging my schedule for my students, I am simply too busy to do it for her this week (not to mention, have no incentive to after Sunday's behaviour). The shitty part is that I would totally charge for such a thing, but now that I've mixed personal relationships with business, it's hard for me to turn it back on them... Oh well... I guess lesson learned. Define my policies well ahead of time and let people know that I require advanced notice of cancellations. I've learned a lot with this "tutoring" business of mine and look forward to putting it into play next time around...
Haha... pretty ironic posting given my last one...
Sunday night I worked at the Running Room from 1-5pm. Afterwards, I headed straight to my student's house where I was supposed to meet with her for her very last tutoring session before her exam. After ringing the doorbell a couple of times, I realized that no one was home and that I'd been stood up without notice. I called and left a message that night to let her and her mom know that I had stopped by and that I wasn't sure if I had any more free time to fit her in again before her exam. She MSNs me today with what was I *think* an apology and expecting me to fit her in no problem. Although I am good at rearanging my schedule for my students, I am simply too busy to do it for her this week (not to mention, have no incentive to after Sunday's behaviour). The shitty part is that I would totally charge for such a thing, but now that I've mixed personal relationships with business, it's hard for me to turn it back on them... Oh well... I guess lesson learned. Define my policies well ahead of time and let people know that I require advanced notice of cancellations. I've learned a lot with this "tutoring" business of mine and look forward to putting it into play next time around...
Friday, June 17, 2005
I love my students!
As the school year is coming to a close, I am starting to realize that I'm gonna miss the students that I've been tutoring for the past 5 months... Each one has been it's own unique challenge (some more than others) but I've been able to make progress with all of them which makes me (and them) happy. It's also really nice to know that my students respect and appreciate what I've done for them.
My biggest challenge student, Alex, has been an interesting experience. She's got quite the personality I tell ya! Although she's a hard one to describe, a few words like "crazy" and "wild" and "no shame" come to mind as some of her strongest personality traits. It's not uncommon for me to pull up to her house and hear her yell out her bedroom window "Heather... you are sooo HAWT!" (as she likes to spell that one) as I'm walking up to her doorstep.
The other day she MSNd me to say "guess who got yo' sweet-ass a birthday present!!" I laughed out loud as I tried to imagine what she could have possibly picked out for me. When I told her she really didn't need to do that for me, she responded with:
Well...I donno usually I hate everyone...and usually i never get along with people who tuttor for me because they make me feel very inferior for some unknown reason but you make me feel comfortable and I listen when you teach me and I listen when you slide in life lessons here and there.
You deserve a present. you mame are a hard working s.o.b. I'm proud of thee lol
After stopping by last night, she greeted me at the door with a great big huge card that she made, and gave me some really fun and funky pj bottoms that are a wild green colour. What a girl I tell ya! But what fun she has been...
I am already working on the idea of some "summer school" sessions with the parents of my students. This will help with the "tutoring" withdrawl and you can't beat making some extra money on the side too...
As the school year is coming to a close, I am starting to realize that I'm gonna miss the students that I've been tutoring for the past 5 months... Each one has been it's own unique challenge (some more than others) but I've been able to make progress with all of them which makes me (and them) happy. It's also really nice to know that my students respect and appreciate what I've done for them.
My biggest challenge student, Alex, has been an interesting experience. She's got quite the personality I tell ya! Although she's a hard one to describe, a few words like "crazy" and "wild" and "no shame" come to mind as some of her strongest personality traits. It's not uncommon for me to pull up to her house and hear her yell out her bedroom window "Heather... you are sooo HAWT!" (as she likes to spell that one) as I'm walking up to her doorstep.
The other day she MSNd me to say "guess who got yo' sweet-ass a birthday present!!" I laughed out loud as I tried to imagine what she could have possibly picked out for me. When I told her she really didn't need to do that for me, she responded with:
Well...I donno usually I hate everyone...and usually i never get along with people who tuttor for me because they make me feel very inferior for some unknown reason but you make me feel comfortable and I listen when you teach me and I listen when you slide in life lessons here and there.
You deserve a present. you mame are a hard working s.o.b. I'm proud of thee lol
After stopping by last night, she greeted me at the door with a great big huge card that she made, and gave me some really fun and funky pj bottoms that are a wild green colour. What a girl I tell ya! But what fun she has been...
I am already working on the idea of some "summer school" sessions with the parents of my students. This will help with the "tutoring" withdrawl and you can't beat making some extra money on the side too...
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Weird signatures
Sometimes I see some of the weirdest signatures coming into our Support Inbox here at work...
For instance, today I received one from some dude that says "We all enter this world in the same way: naked, screaming, and soaked in blood. But if you live your life right, that kindof thing doesn't have to stop there."
Umm... Am I the only one that finds that somewhat rather disturbing?
Sometimes I see some of the weirdest signatures coming into our Support Inbox here at work...
For instance, today I received one from some dude that says "We all enter this world in the same way: naked, screaming, and soaked in blood. But if you live your life right, that kindof thing doesn't have to stop there."
Umm... Am I the only one that finds that somewhat rather disturbing?
Monday, June 13, 2005
Birthday Card Fun
Here's the text from the birthday card I received from my sister...
For your birthday Sis, here's something that'll give you the figure you've always wanted...
Do-it-yourself breast implants!
Step 1: Inflate balloons
Step 2: Place in bra
Step 3: Go out and have a Happy Birthday!
Enjoy!
(with two pink balloons taped inside)
Gotta love my family!!
Here's the text from the birthday card I received from my sister...
For your birthday Sis, here's something that'll give you the figure you've always wanted...
Do-it-yourself breast implants!
Step 1: Inflate balloons
Step 2: Place in bra
Step 3: Go out and have a Happy Birthday!
Enjoy!
(with two pink balloons taped inside)
Gotta love my family!!
Friday, June 10, 2005
What?! Backstreet's Back!?
Haha... wow... even I'm impressed with my punny subject line! But seriously... I thought the BSB had totally died off! According to Much Music, however, they are back on the charts with a new song. And as it turns out, I actually really like the song. Given the latest events of my life, it's hard not to come close to tears thinking about it, but aside from that, the it's a really catchy tune. Go Backstreet!
On a sidenote, I'm still searching for a really good place to download songs from. I'm trying to teach myself to play guitar, but it's waaaaaay harder to learn a song without the recorded format to familiarize myself with how it sounds. Any suggestions, please send them my way!
Haha... wow... even I'm impressed with my punny subject line! But seriously... I thought the BSB had totally died off! According to Much Music, however, they are back on the charts with a new song. And as it turns out, I actually really like the song. Given the latest events of my life, it's hard not to come close to tears thinking about it, but aside from that, the it's a really catchy tune. Go Backstreet!
On a sidenote, I'm still searching for a really good place to download songs from. I'm trying to teach myself to play guitar, but it's waaaaaay harder to learn a song without the recorded format to familiarize myself with how it sounds. Any suggestions, please send them my way!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Car insurance renewal
Yesterday I completed the very exciting task of renewing my license plates for the very first time. I had such a wonderful experience, that I thought I'd share it with my blog readers :)
Most important lesson learned: Do NOT renew your plates at the MTO cause it is a total waste of your time. I've heard nightmare stories about the long lineups there and I experienced it firsthand once when I had to get my picture taken when renewing my license.
Alternative solution: Visit the MTO kiosk! A co-worker recommended this thing to me and I'm so excited about knowing it exists! This thing is available in most major cities (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/kiosk/locations.htm) and I visited the one at the Conestoga Mall. It's the easiest thing ever, and in less than 4 minutes you can have your plates renewed.
Word of advice, however... be certain that you have ALL information you need prior to approaching the kiosk. This includes:
- Insurance policy number (not sure why they want this info)
- Total # of kms on your odometer (I had to guess at mine - hope it was accurate enough!)
- payment method (can either be credit card or debit)
Hopefully this can make someone's plate renewal process a little more enjoyable the next time it's due :)
ps. man this makes me feel old! I wonder how many more years I'll be renewing my plates for...
Yesterday I completed the very exciting task of renewing my license plates for the very first time. I had such a wonderful experience, that I thought I'd share it with my blog readers :)
Most important lesson learned: Do NOT renew your plates at the MTO cause it is a total waste of your time. I've heard nightmare stories about the long lineups there and I experienced it firsthand once when I had to get my picture taken when renewing my license.
Alternative solution: Visit the MTO kiosk! A co-worker recommended this thing to me and I'm so excited about knowing it exists! This thing is available in most major cities (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/kiosk/locations.htm) and I visited the one at the Conestoga Mall. It's the easiest thing ever, and in less than 4 minutes you can have your plates renewed.
Word of advice, however... be certain that you have ALL information you need prior to approaching the kiosk. This includes:
- Insurance policy number (not sure why they want this info)
- Total # of kms on your odometer (I had to guess at mine - hope it was accurate enough!)
- payment method (can either be credit card or debit)
Hopefully this can make someone's plate renewal process a little more enjoyable the next time it's due :)
ps. man this makes me feel old! I wonder how many more years I'll be renewing my plates for...
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Congratulations to Laura & Mike! (Laura P that is :)
I just got word from Laura P that she and Mike got engaged this weekend in Owen Sound! Mike planned it all out with Bruce and Janet and took Laura to one of the most beautiful spots in Owen Sound to do the proposal - Inglis Falls. Laura was totally clueless, but after some thought, decided to say yes ;) Her ring is beautiful and they're aiming for a wedding date in May or June of next year. Man... the weddings are just starting to roll in these days! It's gonna be a busy summer next year! Congratulations guys!
I just got word from Laura P that she and Mike got engaged this weekend in Owen Sound! Mike planned it all out with Bruce and Janet and took Laura to one of the most beautiful spots in Owen Sound to do the proposal - Inglis Falls. Laura was totally clueless, but after some thought, decided to say yes ;) Her ring is beautiful and they're aiming for a wedding date in May or June of next year. Man... the weddings are just starting to roll in these days! It's gonna be a busy summer next year! Congratulations guys!
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