Kudos to REI

Last week I went to REI for boots. My old boots had torn near the sole. They were less than a year old and still had a lot of treads, but I knew I had to get a new pair before they fell apart on the trail.

At REI the salesperson told me about the different brands. The ones that fit wide feet well were from Merrell. The problem was that the torn boots were Merrell boots also. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to buy another pair of Merrell boots. After all, the last pair I had came apart. As I told the salesperson about the last pair I had, she sent me to customer service.

The customer service person informed me that REI has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and they would be more than happy to exchange them for a new pair. After pulling up my record (I am a member), I was told to pick out a new pair. I tried on a couple of pair, and chose a pair of Merrell boots (they are still the most comfortable boots I’ve owned). I walked over to customer service wearing the new boot and turned in my old torn boots. The customer service person rang up the new boots, subtracted the cost of the old boots and I paid the 25 dollar difference.

I have never had a company do the right thing like REI did. If REI had just given me a discount on the new boots, I would have been happy with them. But, they went above and beyond what I would have considered fair. Kudos to REI.

New Job

I've recently been promoted to the position of Administrator of Policies and Procedures. This is a far different type of job than my last one (Technical Instructor). Not only is it different than my last job, it is different than what I thought it was.

I started the new job on a Monday, and the person who had the position before me came in (he's retired, but was contracted for 4 months to do a project) and went over the job duties. One of the job duties is writing technical specifications for contracts. I've never wrote a contract in my life. I started feeling overwhelmed. That night I dreamed of writing a contract for a bus and receiving a Flintstones type bus with everyone slicking their feet out of the bottom.

The rest of the week my anxiety level was high. I hate change anyway, and this just intensified it. It has gotten easier as the weeks pass, but I'm still a bit anxious. One of the things about this job is that during any given day you are working on 5 or 6 projects. I am a very linear thinker. I like finishing something before I start something new. With 5 to 6 projects, you work on this a little, then that a little, and then check on something else. It makes me feel I'm not getting anything done. I've been going home thinking, I've gotten nothing accomplished. This is not true, I've gotten a little bit of many thing accomplished. I've just not finished anything.

I know I just have to give it some time. After all, it's a new job.

Ben Franklin Day?

I am a veteran, so I understand Veterans Day. I honor those who have fallen defending my freedom, so I understand Memorial Day. I am an American, so I understand the 4th of July. I am a Catholic (lapsed), so I understand Christmas. I live in Atlanta, I partially understand MLK day.

I don't understand Presidents day. I understood Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's Birthday. These men did something that deserved honoring them, but lopping them in with Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, William Taft is insulting to them.

I don't understand Columbus day, ether. Are we celebrating someone getting lost? Because, if we are I think we should have a Labrador121 day. I get lost all the time.

Another one I don't understand, but I do like, is Thanksgiving. Are we celebrating that the first settlers didn't die, or the way we back stabbed the Indians for helping us. But, I'll forgive this holiday because it has pie.

I recently heard of a petition to make Saint Patrick's day a Federal holiday. I can partially see this because Saint Patrick was a righteous dude (you don't get the title of saint by being a bum), but, lets face it, it would be a holiday for the Irish so they can drink (remember, on Saint Patrick's day everyone is Irish). And, we already have a Christan holiday (Christmas) even if it doesn't resemble one anymore.

I would like to see a new holiday; Ben Franklin day. If anyone in American history deserves a day, it's Ben. This is why I think this:

1. Every holiday we celebrate has become a reason to eat, drink and party. Who better than Ben Franklin epitomizes this spirit?
2. The public library, which allows me to use their Wi-Fi to blog. I also blog at the coffee house, which Ben has no relationship with.
3. Ben was a great inventor. A person who used his head and hands. Isn't that inspiring to the generations of couch potatoes.
4. Last is my main reason. Day Light Savings Time. I can run and do things again.

Support Ben Franklin Day.

My Blond Moment

I left the movies the other day, and as I got close to my truck I noticed scratches all down the passenger side. I un-tucked my shirt and started rubbing the scratches with it. I was fuming. The scratches weren't as bad as they first appeared, but they were bad enough.

I paced around my truck swearing and trying to determine what I should do. About the time I decided to take truck to the car wash to get a better indication of the damage, I noticed that the GRRA (Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta) magnet was missing from the bumper. I kept staring at the bumper, because something was different. Not only did someone take my magnet but they installed a trailer hitch. Huh??????

Yes, I was having a blond moment. My truck was parked four spaces down from the truck I thought was mine.

Somethings I Find Funny

My motto.

Joe is going to have a fine pimp coat.

Never have to clean the litterbox.

Dog Logic

A friend of mine posted on her blog a set of rules for playing with her son (http://peepnroosmom.name/2008/02/03/just-so-everybodys-clear.aspx). These rules showcase a little boys' logic. This logic is universal with all little boys.

I started thinking about logic, and realized even dogs use logic. Here is Dog Logic:

• If something is unfamiliar - Bark at it.
  
• If something is unfamiliar and has a smell - Roll in it.


• If something is unfamiliar, has a smell, and is filthy - Chew it.


• If something is unfamiliar, has a smell, is filthy, and you can't figure out what it is - Eat it.
  

Remember, you can't argue with Dog Logic; you can only clean up after it.

I Didn't Know People Dressed Like Huggy Bear

The other day I went to lunch with a friend of mine and I stepped into the set of a 70s cop show. My friend and I were waiting in line at a fish restaurant close to work, this is not the nicest neighborhoods, and in walked a pimp right out of a 70s cop show. He was wearing an ankle length fur coat. Now I know what you're thinking, although wearing a fur coat is uncommon it is done. You may be right, but wearing it with a light blue suit with matching light blue fedora (with roster feathers sticking out of it) is uncommon.

My friend wanted to take a picture with his phone, but he didn't want to get shot doing it (it really isn't the nicest neighborhood).