Peopling

Its nice to be able to go home at the end of the day and have fun stories to tell. Customers offer a wide range of humor. Either Im laughing with them or at them. Both offer thier own variant of comedy.

Like the customer whe called 4 times last Friday and 4 more times on Monday with a new machine that he could not get started. Different techs walked him through the process of getting it going. Did he have it turned on, did he fill it with oil and gas, was he holding the bail bar when starting it. After the basics his machine still would not start. So the techs took him down the troubleshooting steps of checking wires and spark plugs and giving the engine a false prime. He was an irritated and reluctant participant and after so many attempts we set him up at a shop which je didnt want to go to because he lives near the border and things dissapear and he didnt trust the place. But once there it turned out they didnt handle warranty work for us. he was already pissed and this sent him over the edge.

Now at this point I think its fair to mention that the desk directly next to mine is manned by "D" the "customer complaint" manager, which places me in the unique position of having a more comprehensive knowledge of certain situations.

So D took the call and began with the customer at the beginning. This time the customer actually flipped the power switch on.... and it ran. Oh what joy it would have been to see that guy's face. Even funnier his name actually rhymed with dimwitt.

When I first was contemplating taking this job, i was a little hesitant. I generally freeze when asked questions. But in reflection thats mostly when the question is about me. I dont think about me generally and I get startled. But the phones are different. I expect the call and am prepared for the questions so Im not generally shell shocked.

Im not so good with my fellow employees however, especially one known as "K". "K" is the training dept. head. She stops me in the hall and asks me how Im doing. Why? I know the reports that are making it up to her paint me positively. My phone coach supervisor has shared screen shots of my desktop notes with the team and Ive been asked to share them with future trainies. My calls are graded with high marks and Im typically cheery. So why the question? My toungue is heavy my words mumbled and disjointed. She is squinting at me trying to understand and im squinting at her trying to understand. Akward. Just plain akward.

But despite those bumbling stumbling moments, I am developing some social connections. The woman, "S", who made it through training with me has asked me to help her move. Im waiting for "Boo" to return from a family emergency out of country. She is expected to be out for a month. Once she is back we will start garden club. "Mike Wasawski" took my recommendation to watch Monsters Inc and mentioned that the charactor was a good reflection of him. Ive invited him out for a bite sometime. "D" (who I mentioned sits by me) and I often share motorcycle stories and pictures.

When I told Greg of my plans and intentions of growing my social circle he fell to his knees in praise. Quite literally. I was not expecting that. Needless to say, he thinks its about time connor and I both step out of our reclusive shells.

Speaking of Con, he is still doing D&D and is upping his interactive activities by watching naruto. Its not a show he has ever wanted to watch but it will be a nice way to bond a bit more with the D&D host who is a little autistic and raves about it.

Greg has had a very long and trying week. On top of the normal duties and work, an emergency has come up on one of the farms. The farm chose to feed the young calves with a mineral rich feed which is a no no and can be fatal. This is no fault of the mill but he has been caught up in the investigation and its trying his energy and patience. He is really looking forward to the weather warming up so he can get back on the water for a little fishing r&r.

Meanwhile, house renovations and refresh continue to progress. I should be done in the next few weeks. Then it will be time to turn to garden prep. Life keeps us busy but its going good.

Oh so you want to know how I spend my breaks and lunch since Im not trying to use that time to write here. Today the weather was nice enough to scout out the walking path around the building. I have been putting in my paces in circling the machines in the garage. Although effective its not the same as stretching my legs outside. Of course if "S" and I share a break, i dont walk and end up peopling. But those instances are rare.