Spring Break 2010

I feel like an ant. Slowly crawling along Interstate 4 to Orlando. Massive vehicles are passing me by paying no mind at all. I feel like I am living in the land of the lost. Just a speck of almost nothingness - plodding along trying to figure out where in the world I am. And why is everything else so overpowering and humongous.

Giants whizz by leaving their dust and debris to settle in front of me, next to me and on top of me. Somewhat similar to the invisible man or a tangle of dog hair blowing along in the breeze of spring. Towering monoliths blocking out the sun and vitamin D and clogging up the fast lane.

I feel like an ant. Ready to be squished and squashed by the mere act of living. Consequences and condemnations piling upwards into a shaky towering inferno. A little ant trekking off to Orlando and the fun times - oblivious to the surrounding melodrama of the final act.

Spring Break......AAAAHHHHH

Basin - apology

On a recent trip to Orlando I decided to stop at Downtown Disney to shop at my favorite bath and beauty store - Basin. Their products are wonderful, last a long time and are priced affordable. Woe is me - my shopping experience was not a positive one.
I listened to a conversation between employees that was best kept for the break room and I was ignored, overlooked and extremely frustrated by my treatment. Upon my return home (3 hours away) I sent an e-mail concerning my unpleasant experience. I also send e-mails when service and products are outstanding. I believe if you do your job and even go beyond your duties that you should be complimented.
So, off goes my e-mail and I believed that would be the last of that issue. I felt better for putting my frustration in writing. What a surprise when I received an e-mail from the employee who ignored me. I am hoping it was sincere and not forced by management. I have included the e-mail.
I will now shop online for these special products, although going to the store - touching, smelling and trying out these fantastic products is a great experience.

RESPONSE

I would like to make an apology to the guest that came into our store.I saw the guest approach the counter from my peripheral vision. I thenturned around to see if she needed anything, using an inquisitivefacial expression, as I often do. However, I failed to physically askif she needed help, because I mistakenly assumed that she had seen myface, and didn't need my help. I wish I had thought to ask the guest.Even though she didn't ask for a sales associates help, I should havetaken the initiative and asked her if she could be helped. I thoughtthat she was in a party with the other guests at another register, orperhaps she wanted to speak to the manager, who was busy with a sale ofher own. I meant no disrespect when I began ringing up anothercustomer, as I thought that she was waiting to speak with the managerwho was busy the that time.
I would like to apologize to that guest and say that my actionswere very discourteous, neglectful and ignorant. In addition to myignorance, I worsened things by taking part in a conversation thathindered me from creating an efficient, guest-friendly environment. Asan employee, I need to be attentive all guest interaction, and thissort of behavior detracts from where my focus should be: on theguests' needs.
Apologetically,

Blue Man Group

A stage show to blow out of the water all other stage shows. It's bizzzarrreee, crazy, hilarious, split side laughing with full audience participation. FYI - never be late for one of these productions.

It's hard to describe what goes on and why. It's just plain hysterical and unbelievable. It was not what I was expecting. You gotta go!!!!! I plan on going again and again.

The Blue Man Group leaves a lasting impression.

Orlando Magic

I went to Orlando and attened a seminar for work. I stayed in a very nice hotel - not the resort type but still a nice hotel. My room was on the 3rd floor and it overlooked the back parking lot. The view didn't matter so much as I was stuck in a conference room all day.

Early morning Friday - check out day. I went down stairs to find one of those rolling carts that you place all of your luggage on. I know, I always take too much. I really didn't need 5 pairs of shoes, two pairs of sneakers, 2 sets of flip flops for 5 days - whatever!

So I drag this rolling rack from hell up the elevator to my room. If you have ever tried to push one -holding a cup of coffee - you know what I am talking about. The wheels do not work together as a team. One goes North, one goes South, one twirls around like a dog chasing its tail and the other one is stuck and never moves.

I get to the door, spill a little coffee down the front of my white shirt and knock softly on the door. I know my roommate is up. No answer. Perhaps she is still in bed. I knock a little harder. No answer. She could be in the shower. My knock is now insistent. I add a little sound to my knock. The coffee spills all over. Now, I know she is just being spiteful.

I look up for some odd reason and I see room number 221. OMG!!! I'm on the wrong floor and at the wrong room and it's 5 AM in the morning. I drop the coffee cup on the carpeted floor and race down the hallway to the elevator - leaving the one and only rolling cart in front of their door. Two sprints away from room 221 I hear the door squeak open. I keep on moving and don't look back.