For the last several weeks I have been working overtime in order to start getting a handle on my debt. Yesterday I succeeded in finishing my alotted overtime, bringing an end to what I have called the Am Ex death march. The work seemed overwhelming at times, but in the end I think doing it was a good choice. Working the OT allowed me to become more comfortable with my job in general, and the extra funds will help in chipping away at the debt snowball.
In regards to the snowball I am making progress. I have lowered my spending by eatting at home more and out less, and have turned a deaf ear to Amazon ads. I havealso started saving on a monthly basis, which I hope will encourage me as I see the funds rise over time.
Apart from work life goes well enough. I have spent this weekend reconnecting with friends, and today has been spent in regrouping for the week ahead. I am thinking about attending church again, but will probably not be able to start until next weekend or the follwoing. Starting to go again will be helpful I think.
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thoughts From Work and the Week
In an attempt to follow up on the reserection of my social life I have decided to start blogging more often. This past week has gone well. Wednesday night I had a fantastic dinner with Hope and Joe of twice baked potatoes, steak in wine and mushroom sauce, and chicken wrapped in bacon with wine. An excellent way to celebrate the survival of the middle of the week. Hung out with friends at Chili's last night, and having a relaxing weekend before heading back into the fray.
Work is going well, and I am glad at this point I withdrew my letter of resignation. Think things will work out well.
On a side note I had an excellent experience with Chase. Not only is there web site one of the most blind friendly I've seen, but their ATMs are also wonderfully easy to use. Props to them for making their bank so blind friendly.
Finally the below is from work. Enjoy
John Wooden, one of the greatest and wisest college basketball coaches of all time, once said, “Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special and that you value.” It is so easy for us to go through our day-to-day lives without telling those who are closest to us – our colleagues, friends and family – how much we appreciate them.
Generally, appreciation means some blend of thankfulness, admiration, approval or gratitude. It does not take much to show appreciation – perhaps a smile or a simple thank you. Those two small words can mean so much, yet when is the last time you heard them or used them?
I know we have special events and holidays to show those in our lives we care about them. But don’t wait. Take the time to show and tell your family, friends and co-workers that you value them. Like coach Wooden, I won’t miss this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work in making SB/SE successful.
The chance to show appreciation can pass quickly, in the blink of an eye; it is up to us to not miss the opportunity to make someone feel valued and appreciated.
Faris
SB/SE Commissioner Faris Fink
Work is going well, and I am glad at this point I withdrew my letter of resignation. Think things will work out well.
On a side note I had an excellent experience with Chase. Not only is there web site one of the most blind friendly I've seen, but their ATMs are also wonderfully easy to use. Props to them for making their bank so blind friendly.
Finally the below is from work. Enjoy
John Wooden, one of the greatest and wisest college basketball coaches of all time, once said, “Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special and that you value.” It is so easy for us to go through our day-to-day lives without telling those who are closest to us – our colleagues, friends and family – how much we appreciate them.
Generally, appreciation means some blend of thankfulness, admiration, approval or gratitude. It does not take much to show appreciation – perhaps a smile or a simple thank you. Those two small words can mean so much, yet when is the last time you heard them or used them?
I know we have special events and holidays to show those in our lives we care about them. But don’t wait. Take the time to show and tell your family, friends and co-workers that you value them. Like coach Wooden, I won’t miss this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work in making SB/SE successful.
The chance to show appreciation can pass quickly, in the blink of an eye; it is up to us to not miss the opportunity to make someone feel valued and appreciated.
Faris
SB/SE Commissioner Faris Fink
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thoughts from work, the weekend, and a valid point
The weekend for me started off with a bang, as I ate an excellent meal on Friday night with a colleague at Wyncoops- a delightful spread of buffalo meatloaf and calamari. I subsequently worked overtime, which was quite relaxing, considering we were working cases as opposed to dealing with the non taxpayers we normally deal with.
I am spending an enjoyable Sunday relaxing and recharging the batteries for tomorrow, and enjoying a drop or two of gin in the process.
I must insert an excellent article which speaks about the need to be a soldier, as opposed to an entertainer, for the Gospel. I hope you will find it edifying.
Finally there is an article from work, which I wished to share. Enjoy.
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. – Jimmy Johnson, two-time Super Bowl-winning coach
This year’s Super Bowl is no ordinary contest. The game pits two of the most storied NFL franchises: the legendary Green Bay Packers, winners of the first
two Super Bowls, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, going for their seventh title.
So how did they do it? How have these two teams consistently risen above the rest – in short, what makes them extraordinary? I believe it’s the little things
– whether it’s extra time in the weight room, the additional hour spent studying game film, or working out longer on the practice field that turned these
teams into winners.
In our workplace, the little extras make a difference, too. Did you go the extra yard by thoroughly answering your customer’s questions with a smile or
by spending a few extra minutes to find the best way to solve your customer’s problem? Maybe you made a special effort to thank and recognize someone that
helped you.
While we most likely will never play in the Super Bowl, we do have our own tradition of excellence here in SB/SE. Faris and I believe that’s due to your
commitment to go above and beyond what it takes to achieve our business goals. You take ordinary efforts and make them extraordinary.
So, what little extra did you do today?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
On My first stripper and Robbing the Old Lady
For those who think my work is dull I offer the above catchy headline.
I receive a call today from a customer who tells me that she works in the entertainment business and gets paid only in cash, which is part of why she didn't file taxes... Well yes, I would imagine that line of work doesn't exactly come with a W2 and a health plan. Needless to say it was an educational experience to say the least.
The second part of the story is less amusing but still interesting. A 79 year old lady called me and I spent over thirty minutes trying to convence her that if she would simply pay the user fee to get into a monthly payment plan that she could send us $25 per month as opposed to the $157 she was sending in via her SS check. When we finally succeeded in bridging the communication gap she was practically turning cartwheels for joy. Nice to know it's the lady as a gender I struggle to communicate clearly with. :)
I receive a call today from a customer who tells me that she works in the entertainment business and gets paid only in cash, which is part of why she didn't file taxes... Well yes, I would imagine that line of work doesn't exactly come with a W2 and a health plan. Needless to say it was an educational experience to say the least.
The second part of the story is less amusing but still interesting. A 79 year old lady called me and I spent over thirty minutes trying to convence her that if she would simply pay the user fee to get into a monthly payment plan that she could send us $25 per month as opposed to the $157 she was sending in via her SS check. When we finally succeeded in bridging the communication gap she was practically turning cartwheels for joy. Nice to know it's the lady as a gender I struggle to communicate clearly with. :)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
On Sleep, Saturday, and Eyore
I had the delight of waking up this morning at 11am, and was struck by the thought that this time would in the days of my youth, have been far too late for the truly important part of Saturday- i.e. cartoons. I am amused by the fact that when I was younger I would happily wake up at 7 or 8am to watch favorites, and when I was a bit older WWE, where as now I long for nothing more then a few extra hours worshiping Somnus.
I was also amused to be called Eeyoreish by a friend this week. Although I think of myself as being more Tiggerish, or perhaps Owlish, I fear that now and again Eeyore does indeed describe me well. (On a side note I have been having heated arguments with family and friends for the last few years about Eyore's coloring. Imagine my delight when I found the wiki linked above proving that victory is mine. Glooting? Me?)
Work continues a pace. Making it through in a fairly good way, and starting to get a handle on the job. Looking at hosting a New Year's Eve party at my place and of course prepping for the annual holiday known as the date of my birth. :)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
On Sick Leave
As I contemplate sick leave the below poem came to mind, for some strange reason. I recommend it to all, young and young at heart.
Sick - Shel Silverstein
Sick
'I cannot go to school today, '
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
'I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more-that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut-my eyes are blue-
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke-
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is-what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is...Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play! '
Sick - Shel Silverstein
Sick
'I cannot go to school today, '
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
'I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more-that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut-my eyes are blue-
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke-
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is-what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is...Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play! '
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The IRS Isn't Scary
Got this at work and had to share. Amusing while still being true.
Do you remember trick-or-treating on Halloween when you were 5 years old and some high school kids jumped out in scary costumes? No doubt you screamed,
sent your candy flying and ran home.
Taxpayers sometimes experience similar feelings when they’re notified the IRS is auditing their taxes. Truth is, we don’t wear scary masks; we don’t jump
out and say, “Boo!” In fact, we’re doing our very best to make the audit process (and customer service in general) professional and not frightening.
In a new series of educational videos, “
Your Guide to an IRS Audit
,” a string of vignettes explains the examination process. The videos walk taxpayers through a typical audit from start to finish. They can see firsthand
the experience is very straightforward. SB/SE is at work creating a similar series to explain the collection process.
But we can’t rely on videos alone. We are each accountable to our own customers. We must explain the actions we are taking and ensure our customers are
treated with respect and understanding.
If you know someone who has been contacted by the IRS for an audit, send them the video links on IRS.gov. While they still may consider an audit unsettling
– maybe a little scary, even – they’ll find out who we really are: skilled, dedicated employees who take pride in delivering the best customer service
we can.
Chris
SB/SE Commissioner
Do you remember trick-or-treating on Halloween when you were 5 years old and some high school kids jumped out in scary costumes? No doubt you screamed,
sent your candy flying and ran home.
Taxpayers sometimes experience similar feelings when they’re notified the IRS is auditing their taxes. Truth is, we don’t wear scary masks; we don’t jump
out and say, “Boo!” In fact, we’re doing our very best to make the audit process (and customer service in general) professional and not frightening.
In a new series of educational videos, “
Your Guide to an IRS Audit
,” a string of vignettes explains the examination process. The videos walk taxpayers through a typical audit from start to finish. They can see firsthand
the experience is very straightforward. SB/SE is at work creating a similar series to explain the collection process.
But we can’t rely on videos alone. We are each accountable to our own customers. We must explain the actions we are taking and ensure our customers are
treated with respect and understanding.
If you know someone who has been contacted by the IRS for an audit, send them the video links on IRS.gov. While they still may consider an audit unsettling
– maybe a little scary, even – they’ll find out who we really are: skilled, dedicated employees who take pride in delivering the best customer service
we can.
Chris
SB/SE Commissioner
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Braille Readers Are Leaders
The time for the Braille Readers Are Leaders contest is quickly approaching, and once again I will be involved. The adult contest is a really cool fature that I am glad they are continuing this year. Anyone interested in joining me for a team should e-mail me.
Work continues a pace. On my new schedule, which is okay time wise, but is kicking me from here to next week with the actual being on the floor part. Thank God for the holy brew and gin in the evening. I trust this will get better, and in the meantime I have this ginormous Braille display to use while at work. Got a flu shot today, so am hoping it might leave me with a little more sick leave then otherwise. Here's hoping.
Trying to learn all the ins and outs of my Alva BC640 before the start of the contest, as I'd like to use it. Really a great display, but I very much look forward to the day when electronic Braille is more affordable. Hoping the Braille Wizard by NBP will be a solid step towards affordable electronic Braille, just like the Perkins Braille displays have been.
The National Federation of the Blind
Work continues a pace. On my new schedule, which is okay time wise, but is kicking me from here to next week with the actual being on the floor part. Thank God for the holy brew and gin in the evening. I trust this will get better, and in the meantime I have this ginormous Braille display to use while at work. Got a flu shot today, so am hoping it might leave me with a little more sick leave then otherwise. Here's hoping.
Trying to learn all the ins and outs of my Alva BC640 before the start of the contest, as I'd like to use it. Really a great display, but I very much look forward to the day when electronic Braille is more affordable. Hoping the Braille Wizard by NBP will be a solid step towards affordable electronic Braille, just like the Perkins Braille displays have been.
The National Federation of the Blind
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Humor at work and Shopping at the Temple
Work today was quite the roller coaster- I began the day getting an earful for joking with the customer about the quality of my equipment. I felt this was a simple statement of fact, and the appreciation of the humorous element of this fact would be fine to share with the customer (as that is part of the reason said customer is stuck for such a long period on the phone). Alas this is *not* the case. Considering my employer I wasn't expecting to have customers falling on the floor in laughter, but I found the talking to nonetheless unfortunate. Better to know now, then to have "issues" in the future I suppose.
Calls went fairly well today. My superior was pleased with them. The last one unfortunately involved a grumpy individual who sucked the life out of me over the phone, and then hung up before I could even assist him. *sigh*
So I did what any respectable individual would do- I went to the Temple of Capitalism and bought some Red Bull and chewy chocolate chip cookies. The latter I heated up in the microwave, and the former I made into a Jagerbomb. I also broke down and bought Wal-Mart's version of icyhot, in hopes it will help with the neck. We'll see how it goes.
Looking forward to a quiet evening consisting of books, a hot tub, and watching my favorite actress.
Calls went fairly well today. My superior was pleased with them. The last one unfortunately involved a grumpy individual who sucked the life out of me over the phone, and then hung up before I could even assist him. *sigh*
So I did what any respectable individual would do- I went to the Temple of Capitalism and bought some Red Bull and chewy chocolate chip cookies. The latter I heated up in the microwave, and the former I made into a Jagerbomb. I also broke down and bought Wal-Mart's version of icyhot, in hopes it will help with the neck. We'll see how it goes.
Looking forward to a quiet evening consisting of books, a hot tub, and watching my favorite actress.
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