Thursday, September 29, 2005
glass baby
My boss just randomly called me told me about an opportunity that she wants me to take. They need people to cross train to take glass claims and be the adjuster for states that you don't need to be licensed in. The training is all next week (Monday thru Friday) from 8 to 5 and then I would take glass calls if needed for the next 6 weeks. They have so many people taking glass claims from hurricane victims that there are not enough people to take regular glass calls. So I am gonna do it. So now I am off this Sunday! Sweet. 3 day weekend. Alone. Damn. Now, it's no more money, but its a big deal to be asked and it'll look good on the resume. Way random and out of the blue. But cool.
fun stuff
So at the time I would normally call my mom, I figured I should blog.
Well, lets just hope this morning is not an indication of things to come.
I was on a call at work and my cell phone kept ringing, well vibrating, and it was Chris. I pulled a major no-no, but he kept calling so I knew it was something important. I put my caller on hold and answered my cell. The genius locked himself out of the house. Yup. I had to finish up my call and go home. It wasn't that huge of a deal, but I had to use my lunch time to do it. My lunch time at 7:20am. It was excitement, that's for sure.
So, my parents made it to Toronto, but just barely. I looked at their flights and knew that their lay over in Atlanta was greatly reduced to about 30 minutes. I hoped that they had made it, but wasn't sure. My mom did call me a couple hours ago and told me they made it, but had to run. A picture very few people can imagine, but to those who do, you will enjoy the image. So, I did talk to my mom for like 2 minutes. She said their hotel is right on the lake and it is cold. She said it was like 55 degrees and windy. That is freaking wool coat weather for us heat freaks. At least I know they made it so I can relax about them for awhile.
Well, lets just hope this morning is not an indication of things to come.
I was on a call at work and my cell phone kept ringing, well vibrating, and it was Chris. I pulled a major no-no, but he kept calling so I knew it was something important. I put my caller on hold and answered my cell. The genius locked himself out of the house. Yup. I had to finish up my call and go home. It wasn't that huge of a deal, but I had to use my lunch time to do it. My lunch time at 7:20am. It was excitement, that's for sure.
So, my parents made it to Toronto, but just barely. I looked at their flights and knew that their lay over in Atlanta was greatly reduced to about 30 minutes. I hoped that they had made it, but wasn't sure. My mom did call me a couple hours ago and told me they made it, but had to run. A picture very few people can imagine, but to those who do, you will enjoy the image. So, I did talk to my mom for like 2 minutes. She said their hotel is right on the lake and it is cold. She said it was like 55 degrees and windy. That is freaking wool coat weather for us heat freaks. At least I know they made it so I can relax about them for awhile.
the strangest thing
Yesterday Chris's boss told the office that he had a strange request. Does any one want to drive an RV to Biloxi, Mississippi? Chris's response was "Sure." He likes a good road trip. Well. It will be confirmed today, but it looks like he's really going to be doing it. His firm has people there helping with a rebuilding project and they need more places for them to stay. And apparently the only available RV's (meaning ones that are not already being used as shelters) are way out here. So, since their employees need it, they are going to deliver the RV to them and then fly home. Chris and another guy from the office are going to do it. They tried to see if I could go to, but the plane tickets were so expensive that they vetoed that idea. I am concerned about him doing this and driving across the country in an RV that he's never driven before and going into a part of the country that is in turmoil and chaos. As crazy as the whole thing sounds, it seems to be the only solution that his company can come up with. And it's a little late now for him to back out. They will have to drive straight thru without stopping so they can get this done over the weekend. They are pretty sure they are leaving tomorrow. Like I said, it should all get confirmed today.
And being the selfish female that I am... what does all this mean for me? I will be alone for 3 days. Not just without my husband, but my parents left this morning for their cruise. They will be gone for like 16 days. Now, I have gone 16 days without seeing my mother, but I haven't gone 16 days without talking to her on the phone in like forever. This will be very difficult for me. She's not just my mom, she's my friend. I will be lonely and needing my sister (*hint*hint* - CALL ME, Beck!).
And being the selfish female that I am... what does all this mean for me? I will be alone for 3 days. Not just without my husband, but my parents left this morning for their cruise. They will be gone for like 16 days. Now, I have gone 16 days without seeing my mother, but I haven't gone 16 days without talking to her on the phone in like forever. This will be very difficult for me. She's not just my mom, she's my friend. I will be lonely and needing my sister (*hint*hint* - CALL ME, Beck!).
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
update: fall TV
I have some serious Tuesday night TV issues! Why is everything good on Tuesday night? That's nuts. Something has to move or I will be very upset.
So, from 7:00 to 8:00 I have Gilmore Girls (I forgot to put that one on the list!) AND America's Next Top Model.
And starting at 8:00, I have My Name is Earl, Commander In Chief and Amazing Race.
I have the ability to record 2 shows at once, however you cannot watch a third unless I change the imput on the TV (which Chris told me after I missed the beginning of Amazing Race). This is just too much flipping and recording for me. Something has got to change. Now, I did watch Commander In Chief and it was really good. All except for Geena Davis's lips. She wore this horrible red lipstick in every scene and you (well at least I couldn't) can't look at anything else on the screen. She needs to tone that down. And about Amazing Race... I was not all that upset that I missed the beginning. All I can say to those at Amazing Race is "If it ain't broke..." This new season has families. It's really dumb. The tasks are much simpler because there are kids to consider. I like seeing couples fight, but watching all those families fight on TV is not nearly as fun. I'll probably keep watching it, but it will move to the bottom of the priority list.
So, from 7:00 to 8:00 I have Gilmore Girls (I forgot to put that one on the list!) AND America's Next Top Model.
And starting at 8:00, I have My Name is Earl, Commander In Chief and Amazing Race.
I have the ability to record 2 shows at once, however you cannot watch a third unless I change the imput on the TV (which Chris told me after I missed the beginning of Amazing Race). This is just too much flipping and recording for me. Something has got to change. Now, I did watch Commander In Chief and it was really good. All except for Geena Davis's lips. She wore this horrible red lipstick in every scene and you (well at least I couldn't) can't look at anything else on the screen. She needs to tone that down. And about Amazing Race... I was not all that upset that I missed the beginning. All I can say to those at Amazing Race is "If it ain't broke..." This new season has families. It's really dumb. The tasks are much simpler because there are kids to consider. I like seeing couples fight, but watching all those families fight on TV is not nearly as fun. I'll probably keep watching it, but it will move to the bottom of the priority list.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
fall TV
new shows on TV that I like so far...
Everybody Hates Chris - the best part is Chris Rock's narration
My Name is Earl - seriously, this is the best comedy on TV. It doesn't feel like a TV show. It feels like a part of a movie and I just want to see more. Jason Lee is to die for!
Prison Break - Why is that guy so good looking? If he wasn't, it would be worth my time.
and looking forward to...
Commander in Chief
new season of Amazing Race
old favs that I am soooo glad to have back...
Nip/Tuck
CSI
America's Next Top Model
Medium
The OC
Everybody Hates Chris - the best part is Chris Rock's narration
My Name is Earl - seriously, this is the best comedy on TV. It doesn't feel like a TV show. It feels like a part of a movie and I just want to see more. Jason Lee is to die for!
Prison Break - Why is that guy so good looking? If he wasn't, it would be worth my time.
and looking forward to...
Commander in Chief
new season of Amazing Race
old favs that I am soooo glad to have back...
Nip/Tuck
CSI
America's Next Top Model
Medium
The OC
fruit flavored tootsie rolls
I am obsessed with them. I love when Halloween candy comes out. They sell candy that they do not sell year around. I especially love the vanilla and cherry flavored ones. I need to stop eating them and get some self control!
Monday, September 26, 2005
blisters
Last night I decided I needed to sweep the front driveway and the carport. It was really bothering me. So I just went out and did it. Without even thinking of the consequences. Let's just say that the next time I sweep, I will be wearing my gardening gloves. I have blisters on both hands. And one little one on my foot. Ouchy.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
How is it...
that the Bengals are 3 and 0? They won again today. That's crazy.
Now the Cardinals on the other hand, are looking to be the opposite of that today.
Neat.
Now the Cardinals on the other hand, are looking to be the opposite of that today.
Neat.
for the sake of science
I have been keeping track of some of the "normal" things that happen when people call to file claims. I thought it would be interesting for people to see what I have to deal with on a daily basis and how frustrating this job can be. Plus, it's my attempt to prevent you from doing this when you call ANYWHERE. Because, trust me, this stuff does not just happen to insurance companies.
A little Insurance lingo lesson first:
An "insured" is a person my company insures
A "claimant" is a person involved in the accident that my company does not insure
And when it says "people" it means a combo of both claimants & insureds
Alright. Here we go.
Over the course of 2 days, when filing a claim...
28% of people did not have a pen or paper with them
6% of insureds did not have info on the claimant vehicle
10% of insureds did not have their policy # with them
10% of people did not know where the accident happened (either road name or city)
4% of people do not know their work address
10% of people had accents that I could not understand
1% of claimants do not know their own insurance company
1% of people do not know their own date of birth
1% of people do not know their own address
You might not believe some of this, but it's true. Funny, huh? All I can say is please have at least your own information with you when you call a company. And the not having pen and paper drives me nuts! What did you think you were doing when you called? Did you not call to file a CLAIM? Meaning that I would, at some point in the conversation, give you a CLAIM NUMBER that you probably should write down? Come on people.
A little Insurance lingo lesson first:
An "insured" is a person my company insures
A "claimant" is a person involved in the accident that my company does not insure
And when it says "people" it means a combo of both claimants & insureds
Alright. Here we go.
Over the course of 2 days, when filing a claim...
28% of people did not have a pen or paper with them
6% of insureds did not have info on the claimant vehicle
10% of insureds did not have their policy # with them
10% of people did not know where the accident happened (either road name or city)
4% of people do not know their work address
10% of people had accents that I could not understand
1% of claimants do not know their own insurance company
1% of people do not know their own date of birth
1% of people do not know their own address
You might not believe some of this, but it's true. Funny, huh? All I can say is please have at least your own information with you when you call a company. And the not having pen and paper drives me nuts! What did you think you were doing when you called? Did you not call to file a CLAIM? Meaning that I would, at some point in the conversation, give you a CLAIM NUMBER that you probably should write down? Come on people.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Let me clarify
I had many comments from my sibling unit about my open letter post yesterday. I will clarify what I mean when I said that "I hit them" does not explain what happened. It might explain what happened if that was included along with the description like, "I made a left turn and I hit them." But when someone asks you what happened in a car accident and you tell them "I hit them." That does not explain what happened. Get it?
And "They pulled out and hit me" does not explain what happened either. People are so vague sometimes and it's really annoying. They don't realize that I can't read their minds. Because in their minds, it makes perfect sense. But a comment like "They pulled out and hit me" could mean a million and one things happened. Pulled out means what? They turned? They went straight? They changed lanes? See. It doesn't explain what happened at all.
So my point is, when you explain to your insurance company what happened, they really want to know.
And "They pulled out and hit me" does not explain what happened either. People are so vague sometimes and it's really annoying. They don't realize that I can't read their minds. Because in their minds, it makes perfect sense. But a comment like "They pulled out and hit me" could mean a million and one things happened. Pulled out means what? They turned? They went straight? They changed lanes? See. It doesn't explain what happened at all.
So my point is, when you explain to your insurance company what happened, they really want to know.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
an open letter to anyone reporting an accident to their insurance company:
"I hit them" does not explain what happened!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
work frustrations
I think I have pin pointed my frustration over the last few days.
The people that I work with. Now that we are all sitting in different seats, I have a different view and see different people. I used to sit facing the rest of MY team. But now they are all sitting behind me. I now face another team and they are driving me crazy. They get here on time, for the most part, but they sit around and don't sign on the phone until the very last minute that they have to avoid getting a tardy. Technically, we start at 7, so you are supposed to be logged in the phone at 7. But as long as you log in by 7:07, you are considered on time and not tardy. You are not supposed to do this, but they ALL DO! So I sit here and watch them not working while I am taking calls. This morning I was the first one logged in and there were 8 people here. I had also taken 2 calls before anyone else even logged in!!!!!!!! Then, they get up and walk around when we have calls on hold. You are not supposed to do that. And I think the worse part is that their manager doesn't care. If she cares, she lets them get away with it. Their availability must suck. It's really hard to sit here and want to do the right thing when all you see is other people slacking. This was a frustration that I had at Discover. I don't want to let this eat away at me. I think I need to change desks so I don't have to look at them. I need to discuss this with my boss. She will understand, thank goodness. So I get all worked up and mad at my coworkers and then I have no patience for the callers. This is a vicious cycle that I need to break.
The people that I work with. Now that we are all sitting in different seats, I have a different view and see different people. I used to sit facing the rest of MY team. But now they are all sitting behind me. I now face another team and they are driving me crazy. They get here on time, for the most part, but they sit around and don't sign on the phone until the very last minute that they have to avoid getting a tardy. Technically, we start at 7, so you are supposed to be logged in the phone at 7. But as long as you log in by 7:07, you are considered on time and not tardy. You are not supposed to do this, but they ALL DO! So I sit here and watch them not working while I am taking calls. This morning I was the first one logged in and there were 8 people here. I had also taken 2 calls before anyone else even logged in!!!!!!!! Then, they get up and walk around when we have calls on hold. You are not supposed to do that. And I think the worse part is that their manager doesn't care. If she cares, she lets them get away with it. Their availability must suck. It's really hard to sit here and want to do the right thing when all you see is other people slacking. This was a frustration that I had at Discover. I don't want to let this eat away at me. I think I need to change desks so I don't have to look at them. I need to discuss this with my boss. She will understand, thank goodness. So I get all worked up and mad at my coworkers and then I have no patience for the callers. This is a vicious cycle that I need to break.
a few random things...
finale of Big Brother tonight - If Ivette wins, I don't know what I will do. I strongly dislike them both.
premiere of Nip/Tuck tonight - It's about damn time. It's been since January for christ sake! And so begins the weeks of Wednesdays that I will be very tired having stayed up late on Tuesday nights to watch. At least until daylight savings. This is my favorite show on television.
new John Mayer Trio video - Not much to look at, but a great song. Check it out here.
the cancellation of The Comeback - Not a big surprise. At least I don't have to watch it any more. I watched it because I thought it would get better, but guess not. Read about the cancellation here.
Sorry I haven't been writing much. Just haven't been in the mood.
So to remind myself, here's a list of things I need to blog about:
- Emmy's
- Jeremy Piven's Emmy defeat boo hiss
- work frustrations
- fruit flavored tootsie rolls
- new shows on TV that I like so far (ie. Prison Break)
- and new shows I am looking forward to
premiere of Nip/Tuck tonight - It's about damn time. It's been since January for christ sake! And so begins the weeks of Wednesdays that I will be very tired having stayed up late on Tuesday nights to watch. At least until daylight savings. This is my favorite show on television.
new John Mayer Trio video - Not much to look at, but a great song. Check it out here.
the cancellation of The Comeback - Not a big surprise. At least I don't have to watch it any more. I watched it because I thought it would get better, but guess not. Read about the cancellation here.
Sorry I haven't been writing much. Just haven't been in the mood.
So to remind myself, here's a list of things I need to blog about:
- Emmy's
- Jeremy Piven's Emmy defeat boo hiss
- work frustrations
- fruit flavored tootsie rolls
- new shows on TV that I like so far (ie. Prison Break)
- and new shows I am looking forward to
Monday, September 12, 2005
VACATION
So I had mentioned before that our friends from Indianapolis are coming to visit in November. Well, its all starting to come together. They got their plane tickets and are going to be here from November 4th(which is the day after my birthday, in case you didn't know!) to the 12th. How cool? They wanted to do touristy stuff while they are here, because neither of them have ever been to AZ. So, we are planning a trip within their trip. We are going up north. We are leaving on the 8th and going to the Grand Canyon. That night, we are going to stay in this cabin (we just booked it today!). The next day (the 9th), we are going to drive to Sedona and site see. We might even go to this winery. That would be cool. The night of the 9th, we are going to stay in Cottonwood. Then on the 10th, we are going to go to Jerome and shop. We will then drive home the long way thru Mingus Mountain and Prescott. We will probably do dinner in Prescott and then drive home that night. We are gonna rent an SUV and go crazy. It's gonna be so fun. Chris and I did a trip like this a few years ago. But this time we are going to the Canyon and staying in the cool cabin. I am so excited. This will make a birthday week celebration for me!
Sunday, September 11, 2005
To Bright Star:
Yesterday I was watchin Wild N Out in MTV (do you watch this? it's hilarious!) and who was performing but our new favorite rapper, T.I.
I about died laughing.
Edited to add: OHMYGOD. Guess who just got punked!!!!!!!!!
I about died laughing.
Edited to add: OHMYGOD. Guess who just got punked!!!!!!!!!
Friday, September 09, 2005
thunder wake up call
This morning I was woken up at around 6:45am by this insanely loud clap of thunder. I just shot right up. It made car alarms go off all over the neighborhood. Then it started to pour for like 2 minutes. The rain continued for about 25 minutes or so. These storms are what they call microbursts and they happen here at this time of year. Now it will humid all day and probably won't rain again. Great. Just enough to get my car windows all messed up. But at least I don't have to water the yard and trees today. Free water. Sweet.
So my plans for today are not much. I am still in my pajamas. I was up late watching I don't even know what on TV last night. And I did not intend to even by awake right now. Normally I sleep til at least now or 10am on Fridays. But I after the thunder, I could not go back to sleep. I laid on the couch for awhile after eating my cereal, but I have been on the computer most of the morning. I wanted to listen to the shows that downloaded... I mean, somehow obtained...overnight. So I am rambling on my blog and checking out the news. I need to go to the post office, but no one is ever in a hurry to do that, right? I also need to go to Target to pick myself up some more plastic bins. I am trying to work on clearing out the kids room of boxes. I have found that most of that stuff just needs to go into storage and I do not want to just put boxes in the shed. It's not a well built shed and I think anything in a cardboard box would get damaged. So, I need to get some more bins and just organize the stuff and get it outside. That room is still full of stuff that we are going to donate and sell in a garage sale. It's just too hot to be having a garage sale right now. So that stuff can stay in that room, because I know it will be leaving soon enough. So that's my plan for today.
There is one hurricane benefit concert, Shelter from the Storm, tonight and then tomorrow is the one on MTV that I mentioned a few days ago, ReAct Now: Music & Relief Concert. So I will be watching those this weekend. I also have two movies to watch from Netflix. Oh yeah, we signed back up for it. I was tired of being out of the loop on movies. Plus we have this huge TV to watch them on.
And speaking of TV, our cable is working again. We had to get a new cable box. But we are pissed because we lost everything that we had recorded and saved. There were things on there that I hadn't even had a chance to watch. The tech guy that they sent us was a trainee. And not a trainee working with someone else to learn. But a trainee by himself. He didn't even know how to plug the cable box in. Chris had to show him. So, even if it was possible to save the hard drive on our DVR cable box, that dude wouldn't have known how to do it. He had to call tech support about 4 or 5 times while he was here. It's every frustrating. He apologized for not being able to save our box and the last thing he said when he walked out the door was, "Don't switch to satellite." I am not kidding. Was he reading our minds? We are thinking about it, but I am hesitant because I know that weather effects satellite and it gets so windy here. I would be more pissed to have the TV go out when its windy than I am now that I lost my shit on the cable box. We are between a rock and a hard place. But anyway, its back working. So I can finally see again what is on TV. I hated not having the guide or the info button. You get so dependent on that and don't even realize it. I was so dependent on it that they other night I called my mother and had her hit her info button on her TV to tell me when something was on. Yeah, I know.
I am still listening to the show from the 7th and he just said, "Come on move. Bitches, move." It made me laugh because I read that article I posted below and it said the first few rows were full of girls. He called them bitches. They were not getting into the song and he called them bitches. That's so funny. He is finally speaking his mind. I am really happy that the girls who are there just for him and not the music, are getting called out. Now mind you, he is amazing to look at, but I love the music just as much.
Yup. The blog all about my obsession with John Mayer is BACK!
So my plans for today are not much. I am still in my pajamas. I was up late watching I don't even know what on TV last night. And I did not intend to even by awake right now. Normally I sleep til at least now or 10am on Fridays. But I after the thunder, I could not go back to sleep. I laid on the couch for awhile after eating my cereal, but I have been on the computer most of the morning. I wanted to listen to the shows that downloaded... I mean, somehow obtained...overnight. So I am rambling on my blog and checking out the news. I need to go to the post office, but no one is ever in a hurry to do that, right? I also need to go to Target to pick myself up some more plastic bins. I am trying to work on clearing out the kids room of boxes. I have found that most of that stuff just needs to go into storage and I do not want to just put boxes in the shed. It's not a well built shed and I think anything in a cardboard box would get damaged. So, I need to get some more bins and just organize the stuff and get it outside. That room is still full of stuff that we are going to donate and sell in a garage sale. It's just too hot to be having a garage sale right now. So that stuff can stay in that room, because I know it will be leaving soon enough. So that's my plan for today.
There is one hurricane benefit concert, Shelter from the Storm, tonight and then tomorrow is the one on MTV that I mentioned a few days ago, ReAct Now: Music & Relief Concert. So I will be watching those this weekend. I also have two movies to watch from Netflix. Oh yeah, we signed back up for it. I was tired of being out of the loop on movies. Plus we have this huge TV to watch them on.
And speaking of TV, our cable is working again. We had to get a new cable box. But we are pissed because we lost everything that we had recorded and saved. There were things on there that I hadn't even had a chance to watch. The tech guy that they sent us was a trainee. And not a trainee working with someone else to learn. But a trainee by himself. He didn't even know how to plug the cable box in. Chris had to show him. So, even if it was possible to save the hard drive on our DVR cable box, that dude wouldn't have known how to do it. He had to call tech support about 4 or 5 times while he was here. It's every frustrating. He apologized for not being able to save our box and the last thing he said when he walked out the door was, "Don't switch to satellite." I am not kidding. Was he reading our minds? We are thinking about it, but I am hesitant because I know that weather effects satellite and it gets so windy here. I would be more pissed to have the TV go out when its windy than I am now that I lost my shit on the cable box. We are between a rock and a hard place. But anyway, its back working. So I can finally see again what is on TV. I hated not having the guide or the info button. You get so dependent on that and don't even realize it. I was so dependent on it that they other night I called my mother and had her hit her info button on her TV to tell me when something was on. Yeah, I know.
I am still listening to the show from the 7th and he just said, "Come on move. Bitches, move." It made me laugh because I read that article I posted below and it said the first few rows were full of girls. He called them bitches. They were not getting into the song and he called them bitches. That's so funny. He is finally speaking his mind. I am really happy that the girls who are there just for him and not the music, are getting called out. Now mind you, he is amazing to look at, but I love the music just as much.Yup. The blog all about my obsession with John Mayer is BACK!
I Got A Woman
Have you heard Kanye West's new single with Jamie Foxx, Gold Digger? Well, it samples a Ray Charles song called I Got a Woman. Fun song. The reason I bring this up is because as I mentioned below, the JM3 started their tour 2 nights ago and I was (somehow *wink*) able to obtain a copy of the show from the 6th and 7th in San Francisco. They performed I Got A Woman and MY GOD it is amazing. I am loving listening to this. It's such great music. He is so amazing. He is my escape from the crazy things I have to deal with. What's wrong with that? Nothing. Plus, hearing him sing makes me happy and makes me smile. And groove in my chair. And puts Jamie Foxx to shame.
John Mayer Trio starts touring...
'I'm a bluesman,' says Mayer, but the little girls may not understand
I get it baby. And I ain't no little girl.
I get it baby. And I ain't no little girl.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
God Bless me?
I know you all want to know what the people who are filing claims about the hurricane say when they call. I just can't always talk about it. It gets to be too much. I have to become immune to it, just like I have for people telling me about their car accidents. Not that I don't care. I am just the kind of person who wants to help people and carry the burdens of others. And I can't carry it all. I have developed this thick skin were I try to not let what I hear get to me. I have to. I try to not even remember what they say. And today and yesterday were so terrible for me that I just couldn't even comprehend the things I heard. But I will tell you that I will never forget the lady that called today. After completing the claim she said to me, "God Bless You." God Bless me? This was after she told me that she got out of New Orleans with the clothes on her back and a bag with about a weeks worth of clothes and that is all. God Bless me? I am not the kind of person who says that to people so I didn't say it back, but I said it in my heart. No. Not God Bless me. God Bless YOU. I still can't process it. After all she's been thru, she says God Bless me. I am bringing myself to tears right now and that is why I couldn't talk about it earlier. I needed more time to even say out loud that this happened. And the things I heard yesterday will never leave me. I am so profoundly changed by these people. And they will never know that. I wish there was a way I could let them know, but I need to do my job and take care of their claim.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
this was posted on my company website...
Here are some strategies to help you deal with the callers and your own feelings:
- Take a news break. Watching endless replays of footage from the disaster can make your stress even greater. Although you'll want to keep informed - especially if you have loved ones affected by the disaster - take a break from watching the news.
- Be kind to yourself. Some feelings when witnessing a disaster may be difficult for you to accept. You may feel relief that the disaster did not touch you, or you may feel guilt that you were left untouched when so many were affected. Both feelings are common.
- Keep things in perspective. Although a disaster often is horrifying, you should focus as well on the things that are good in your life.
- Find a productive way to help if you can. Many organizations are set up to provide financial or other aid to victims of natural disasters. Contributing can be a way to gain some “control” over the event.
- Control what you can. There are routines in your life that you can continue and sometimes you need to do those and take a break from even thinking about the disaster.
- Look for opportunities for self-discovery and recognize your strengths. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of persevering through hardship. Many people who have experienced tragedy and adversity have reported better relationships, greater sense of personal strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, deeper spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life.
- Take a news break. Watching endless replays of footage from the disaster can make your stress even greater. Although you'll want to keep informed - especially if you have loved ones affected by the disaster - take a break from watching the news.
- Be kind to yourself. Some feelings when witnessing a disaster may be difficult for you to accept. You may feel relief that the disaster did not touch you, or you may feel guilt that you were left untouched when so many were affected. Both feelings are common.
- Keep things in perspective. Although a disaster often is horrifying, you should focus as well on the things that are good in your life.
- Find a productive way to help if you can. Many organizations are set up to provide financial or other aid to victims of natural disasters. Contributing can be a way to gain some “control” over the event.
- Control what you can. There are routines in your life that you can continue and sometimes you need to do those and take a break from even thinking about the disaster.
- Look for opportunities for self-discovery and recognize your strengths. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of persevering through hardship. Many people who have experienced tragedy and adversity have reported better relationships, greater sense of personal strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, deeper spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life.
if that wasn't enough
Did I mention that our cable is out? Well, not totally out. But our cable box is dead. We can still get all cable channels, except for digital and HD channels. We discovered this on Sunday and they said the soonest someone could come out to fix it would be Thursday. We could always take the cable box ourselves to the store, but we have things saved on our DVR that we do not want to loose. We are hoping that having someone come out that maybe they can save the hard drive in our box. But my gut tells me they will just switch out the box and everything will be lost.
What else is gonna break? Doesn't it happen in threes?
edited to add: I missed the season finale of Entourage!! Thank God HBO reruns. Don't tell me about it.
What else is gonna break? Doesn't it happen in threes?
edited to add: I missed the season finale of Entourage!! Thank God HBO reruns. Don't tell me about it.
i hate cars even more now
I was late getting up for work. I hurried to get ready and rushed out to find that my car will not start. I get nothing. No clicking sounds. Nothing. The lights on the dash come on and the radio does too. But that's it. Joy of joys. I had to wake Chris up and have him bring me to work. I had no choice but to come in today. If I didn't come in today, I would not get paid for yesterday. Since yesterday was a holiday, if you call off the day before or the day after, you don't get paid for the holiday. Great day to have a dead car. I called my dad and he thinks that it's just the battery. Lets pray to God that is all it is. Chris is gonna pick me up today and we are gonna try to jump start my car and take it Checker to get a new battery and pray that works. Please God let it be just the battery. I HATE CARS!
Monday, September 05, 2005
Sunday, September 04, 2005
John Mayer performed on Larry King Live last night to help raise money for the Hurricane relief. In case you missed it, watch it here.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
that's what I'm talking about...
ReAct Now: Music & Relief on MTV, VH1 & CMT
I am liking what I see happening now. People are slowing stepping up and doing what they can.
Last night, my dad and I went to an Arizona Cardinals pre-season football game and at the entrance, they had buckets and were asking for donations. Near the end of the game, they said that at that game alone, they raised over $47,000. That was very impressive. (More on the game later.)
I didn't watch that Hurricane Relief concert on NBC last night because we were at the game, but apparently it was successful. And everyday there are more and more celebrities coming out and donating and volunteering to be on shows to raise money. I am really glad to see it finally happening.
I am liking what I see happening now. People are slowing stepping up and doing what they can.
Last night, my dad and I went to an Arizona Cardinals pre-season football game and at the entrance, they had buckets and were asking for donations. Near the end of the game, they said that at that game alone, they raised over $47,000. That was very impressive. (More on the game later.)
I didn't watch that Hurricane Relief concert on NBC last night because we were at the game, but apparently it was successful. And everyday there are more and more celebrities coming out and donating and volunteering to be on shows to raise money. I am really glad to see it finally happening.
Friday, September 02, 2005
what can you do?
Dave Matthews Band to Do Benefit Concert
I would expect nothing less. They are an amazing group of guys who care about people and want to help. I hope more bands and celebrities step up and do more. I know there are some, but not nearly the amount yet that came out for the tsunami relief. This is our own country people. Come on.
And I look at the pictures and wonder what I can do? The first thing is Never complain about the heat. It's gonna be 104 today, but I have my house, my car, food, water. Another thing we need to do is put our problems in perspective. I think I forget to do that as much as I should. I can't complain really about anything. I have so much in my life and we need to be thankful for what we have and know that it can be taken way that quickly. Tell your family you love them all the time. And donate money to the Red Cross. I know it doesn't sound like much. The kind hearted people of this country want to do so much more than give money. We can pray. Pray for those who are dying and the families left with nothing. Pray that God will save the ones he can and those he cannot save, he will take with him and they will be safe.
I would expect nothing less. They are an amazing group of guys who care about people and want to help. I hope more bands and celebrities step up and do more. I know there are some, but not nearly the amount yet that came out for the tsunami relief. This is our own country people. Come on.
And I look at the pictures and wonder what I can do? The first thing is Never complain about the heat. It's gonna be 104 today, but I have my house, my car, food, water. Another thing we need to do is put our problems in perspective. I think I forget to do that as much as I should. I can't complain really about anything. I have so much in my life and we need to be thankful for what we have and know that it can be taken way that quickly. Tell your family you love them all the time. And donate money to the Red Cross. I know it doesn't sound like much. The kind hearted people of this country want to do so much more than give money. We can pray. Pray for those who are dying and the families left with nothing. Pray that God will save the ones he can and those he cannot save, he will take with him and they will be safe.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
what can you say?
Yes, I work for an insurance company. An auto insurance company.We insure more than 450,000 autos in the area effected by the hurricane.
I know that before I joked about it, but my criticism was more of the media coverage not the actual event. My company is scrambling to try to do the right thing for our customers. But we have no idea when these claims will ever be handled.
I know that most people watch the coverage on the news and it is devastating. But let me tell you, talking to the victims is 100 times worse. These people call to file the claim even though they have not seen their vehicles. They say things like, my home was destroyed and my car was in the garage so I know it is damaged even without seeing it. What do you say? We are all at a loss here. All I can say is you and your family take care. One lady said that she was staying at her aunt's house but does not know if she will be there tomorrow. She was so upset. All I could do was tell her to call us back if she goes somewhere else so that we know how to reach her. This is so bad. These poor people. They are calling them refugees on the news. At first I thought it was another over exaggeration from the media, but the more I think about it, that is what they are. I try to not dwell because if I do, I will cry. All I can do is be as nice to these people as possible and tell them we will help them as soon as we can.
I know that before I joked about it, but my criticism was more of the media coverage not the actual event. My company is scrambling to try to do the right thing for our customers. But we have no idea when these claims will ever be handled.
I know that most people watch the coverage on the news and it is devastating. But let me tell you, talking to the victims is 100 times worse. These people call to file the claim even though they have not seen their vehicles. They say things like, my home was destroyed and my car was in the garage so I know it is damaged even without seeing it. What do you say? We are all at a loss here. All I can say is you and your family take care. One lady said that she was staying at her aunt's house but does not know if she will be there tomorrow. She was so upset. All I could do was tell her to call us back if she goes somewhere else so that we know how to reach her. This is so bad. These poor people. They are calling them refugees on the news. At first I thought it was another over exaggeration from the media, but the more I think about it, that is what they are. I try to not dwell because if I do, I will cry. All I can do is be as nice to these people as possible and tell them we will help them as soon as we can.
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