Remember when parents used to be parents and not your ‘friends’? I remember when my mother and father told me to do something it meant not now, but RIGHT NOW. I moved-no questions asked and if I couldn’t remember exactly what I was told to me I would figure it out, because there was no way I wanted to go back to Gary or Gayle and ask “what did you tell me to do?” ADD/ADHD didn’t exist and ‘I forgot’ was not a good enough reason. Not doing something when and how you where told when I was a child was reason for an immediate beat down. However, it seems parenting these days has gotten extremely laxed. I hear kids in stores telling their mama what they ‘not gone do’, the kids at school don’t turn in homework because they didn’t want to do it, and the worst in my opinion are the kids who walk around dressed like mini Beyonces and Lil Waynes-these are children for Pete’s sake, they need our guidance not our friendship.
It’s sad that children have so much control over their lives during a time when they need to be taught how to not only develop but also manage their emotional, social, and cognitive abilities. Maybe I’m old school but I believe that a lot of this madness is because the parents are not only young but also a bit irresponsible themselves. How does one teach a child to stay in a child’s place if they themselves are children?
And I can’t tell who the mother is. Not because the mother looks young, because we all know black don’t crack and with lipo, collagen, and botox anyone can look 21. I can’t tell because now the mother and daughter both look like Nicki Minaj clones. When I was growing up and a mother walked into the school building you knew she was a mother, she not only dressed as one, but she carried herself completely different than that of a sixteen year old girl. Now I can’t tell, because both go out in public looking a hot ghetto mess. Remember Clair Huxtable? Now that was what mothers looked like when I was growing up “hair done, nails done, everything did,” but the mothers when I was growing up weren’t wearing junk nails, pink and blue colored weaves, and tiny t-shirts that read ‘I got that Good-Good.’
I empathize with the kids whose mothers should be cited for leaving the house dressing and acting inappropriately, because they are not allowed to be children. These parents, mainly their mothers (in my opinion) treat them like friends. These innocent children have no idea what their mothers are really doing to their psyche. At 6 you may not understand what is going on in that moment, but trust when you get older and begin to look back on your childhood memories you will most definitely remember and be embarrassed about that time when your mother came up to school with her head partially wrapped, crusted saliva still on the sides of her mouth, wearing pajama pants, no bra, Fuggs, and cursing out the classroom teacher with morning breath so bad that the teacher’s eyes begin to water. It’s not only embarrassing it’s inappropriate for a mother to come to their child’s school and act ignorant, way to set an example.
Speaking of inappropriateness, just because it was made in a child’s size does not make it okay for them to wear it. I hate to see little girls wearing knee high boots with a heel on them and mini-mini skirts with liquid leggings; it’s just not cute to me. The child can barely walk in flat shoes and you go and buy her a pair of boots with a heel on them, I don’t get it. The poor thing is still developing fine gross motor skills, you’re hindering her natural development. And liquid leggings and mini-mini skirts aren’t appropriate on most adults so why in the world are you dressing a child like that.
Heels, skirts, and liquid leggings are one thing because they can be taken off and don’t leave permanent marks on one’s skin. Now I can understand getting your daughter’s ears pierced when they are little-it’s a rite of passage in many countries, but getting them pierced 2/3 times I believe is not only ridiculous but also sad. Even if your 5 year old asked for a 2nd or 3rd that doesn’t mean that you agree to it. I also think the trend of little boys getting their ear pierced is wrong as well, but I have several friends who think otherwise, so who am I to judge, but I can have my opinion, can’t I?
All I’m saying is that when you become a parent some things have to change, you can walk around acting like a 16 year old if you want, and still do the things you did in college, but why would you want to? With age there comes a sense of entitlement, at least that’s how I feel. I had my son when I was 23 years old and while I wanted to kick it every weekend I knew he needed me as a mother more than I need to be at Bar Cincinnati or Have a Nice Day Café. I’m proud to be a mother and if that means no longer being able to go out every night and kick it at Martino’s, dancing on top of bars with my best friend then so be it.
Will Smith was right, parents just don't understand.
Love, Live, Life!
1.20.2011
1.14.2011
Maybe I Talk Too Much
There was a lot of good topics to talk about this week. Here are Top 10 Things I’ve Talked About This Week. I know who cares, right? But it's always good to be in the 'know' so in case you missed it, here you go.
10. Girl Scout Cookies. It’s about that time of year and everyone I know who has a little girl between the ages of 5 and 12 has hit me up already asking “how many boxes you need?” I’m scared to answer my phone because I am sure there will be a troop leader or a mother on the other end talking about some cookies I can’t have. Everyone knows the Thin Mints and Lemonades will have you acting like an addict looking for their next hit. I have to peek out my window, cut out the lights and hit the floor because I know there’ll be some little girl dressed all cute in her uniform with that damn order form. Sorry folks, not this year I have weight to lose and cannot have those tasty little treats in my pantry calling me.
9. While it didn’t premier until Thursday, January, 13th we talked about it since seeing that man live with all those rats. That’s right A&E’s Beyond Scared Straight. The women in “Chowchilla” The Valley State Prison had all of us, even the manliest man biting his finger nails. Diabla and Green Eyes could whip a lot of today’s youth into shape-hell they made me thank my mommy for what she did to me, because I know I was a difficult teenager. Maybe President Obama can get some kind of program together where the most at risk youths can go into that prison and get their lives right.
8. Ohio. Well mainly Cincinnati. TLC’s Police Women of Cincinnati which made all Cincinnatians think about how much crime there actually is in Cincinnati. I had friends and family calling me all night asking “Is Cincinnati really like that?” “Why are you still there?” “Have you ever been to some of those places?” My reply, yes the areas shown are really like that. My job is here and in this economy you don’t leave what you have for what could be. Ummm, I plea the 5th on that last question, look I was young and dumb at one point in my life and that’s all I’ve got to say about that (in my Forrest Gump voice).
7. Ophiuchus. No not Laurence Fishborne’s character in the Matrix, but the 13th Zodiac sign. Everyone who believes that their sign defines who they are were a tad bit upset. Had me professing Scorpio for life because there’s NO WAY I could live the rest of my life as a Virgo. Well most of us who don’t follow astrology follow the Zodiac, which “has signs fixed to the seasons. Most Westerners, and all those horoscope pages we eagerly check, go by the zodiac. These signs follow what early astrologers called star signs, whose reference points are the tropics that form a ring around the earth. The zodiac is based on our relationship to the sun, not the stars.” Claudine Zap. Most astrologists don’t even use the 13th sign which has been known for some hundreds of years and apparently this topic is talked about every 13 years. So for most of us our identities are still the same, but if you follow astrology that is linked to the constellations you may need to check to see exactly who you are now. As for me I’ve been a Scorpio for 30+ years and I’ll continue on being just that. Has Your Horoscope Changed?
6. The marriage of Verizon and Apple’s IPhone. When the IPhone first came on the scene everyone was excited because there was an “app for that”, but what about the service? AT&T did not and still does not have the best service. Well we all know Verizon’s service can take you to the bottom of the earth and you will still be able to “hear me now”. Well the two have paired and quite ‘possibly’ got it right. Notice I said possibly, there are still many kinks so don’t be so eager to drop service with your current provider. Check out the pros and cons before switching Verizon vs. AT&T.
5. Jay Z and Kanye West. WOW two of my Top 5 on one CD. Is this possible? Am I dreaming? Nope the single H.A.M, which dropped Tuesday, January 11th, has been in heavy rotation on radio stations and links for the song have flooded the walls of Facebook. The single comes off the highly anticipated collaborative album Watch the Throne, due out sometime this March. While I don’t care for it as much as some of their other collabos, with a sick beat by Lex Luger, the 19-year-old kid who has provided beats for Rick Ross and yes even Waka Flocka Flame, H.A.M will still have most Hip Hop Head and rap enthusiasts going Hard As a Mutherf**ker.
4. Sarah Palin. There is something to be said about Palin’s lack of common sense. I’m not sure I’d call it ignorance, because that leads us to believe that she had a lack of understanding or was somehow unaware of what her words ‘could’ do. While I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, I cannot understand how Palin’s violent rhetoric and imagery in regards to Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the other Democratic candidates in the 2010 midterm elections can be misconstrued as ignorance. Palin knows what words can do. She’s great a manipulating other people’s words to her advantage. She did it all throughout her run to Vice Presidency and continues to do it to get out of the sticky situations she puts herself in. Whether Palin’s words were the motive behind the young man who tragically killed 6 and wounded 14 in Arizona we can’t say for sure. No matter if you call Palin ignorant or believe that she just lacks common sense she apparently makes up for it in personality. She has a huge fan base, a book deal and a show on TLC. Does she sound like someone who is ignorant? I doubt it.
3. Marsha Ambrosius’ Far Away video. This video deals with some heavy topics that within the African American community we tend to avoid: homosexuality, bullying and suicide. There is not much to be said about the video as I feel it speaks for itself so please check it out. Far Away. Also, if you watch 106 & Park and believe this is something that needs to be seen and talked about more you can vote for it on the 106 & Park countdown, 106 & Park.
2. President Barack Obama. Say what you want about President Obama but he gave one of the most inspirational and moving speeches I’ve ever heard at the memorial service for the victims of the weekend shooting in Arizona. Held at the University of Arizona's McKale Memorial Center on Wednesday, January 12th President Obama’s words gave a sense of hope to the city of Tucson. His speech was even well received by his naysayers, "I'm no fan of President Obama but loved his speech. In fact, it's the first one I've ever liked. Like others, I was a bit taken aback at the cheering," commenter Dexterdoggy said. While many loved his speech and thought it was the best speech Obama has given since his run for the Presidency as well as while he’s been in office some believe the speech was inappropriate for a memorial service and that Obama was there only for political reasons, well he is the President of the United States.
1. The Game. I know this is not more important that the tragedy of Arizona and President Obama’s speech but it was and continues to be the most talked about topic this week on Facebook, Twitter, and around the office cooler. For those of you who DVR’d it and have not seen the season premiere of The Game you can continue to read I will not give anything away. There was so much going on in the season premiere that honestly I was a little disappointed, now I’m not writing it off but the first episode on BET definitely had a lot of changes that as a fan of the show I did not necessarily appreciate. I hope that the shows being on BET does not affect the rest of the season. Check out a trailer, The Game. See new episodes on BET, Tuesdays @ 10pm.
Happy Friday Folks!
Love, Live, Life
Nicole
Writing it down helps and this is my therapy.
10. Girl Scout Cookies. It’s about that time of year and everyone I know who has a little girl between the ages of 5 and 12 has hit me up already asking “how many boxes you need?” I’m scared to answer my phone because I am sure there will be a troop leader or a mother on the other end talking about some cookies I can’t have. Everyone knows the Thin Mints and Lemonades will have you acting like an addict looking for their next hit. I have to peek out my window, cut out the lights and hit the floor because I know there’ll be some little girl dressed all cute in her uniform with that damn order form. Sorry folks, not this year I have weight to lose and cannot have those tasty little treats in my pantry calling me.
9. While it didn’t premier until Thursday, January, 13th we talked about it since seeing that man live with all those rats. That’s right A&E’s Beyond Scared Straight. The women in “Chowchilla” The Valley State Prison had all of us, even the manliest man biting his finger nails. Diabla and Green Eyes could whip a lot of today’s youth into shape-hell they made me thank my mommy for what she did to me, because I know I was a difficult teenager. Maybe President Obama can get some kind of program together where the most at risk youths can go into that prison and get their lives right.
8. Ohio. Well mainly Cincinnati. TLC’s Police Women of Cincinnati which made all Cincinnatians think about how much crime there actually is in Cincinnati. I had friends and family calling me all night asking “Is Cincinnati really like that?” “Why are you still there?” “Have you ever been to some of those places?” My reply, yes the areas shown are really like that. My job is here and in this economy you don’t leave what you have for what could be. Ummm, I plea the 5th on that last question, look I was young and dumb at one point in my life and that’s all I’ve got to say about that (in my Forrest Gump voice).
7. Ophiuchus. No not Laurence Fishborne’s character in the Matrix, but the 13th Zodiac sign. Everyone who believes that their sign defines who they are were a tad bit upset. Had me professing Scorpio for life because there’s NO WAY I could live the rest of my life as a Virgo. Well most of us who don’t follow astrology follow the Zodiac, which “has signs fixed to the seasons. Most Westerners, and all those horoscope pages we eagerly check, go by the zodiac. These signs follow what early astrologers called star signs, whose reference points are the tropics that form a ring around the earth. The zodiac is based on our relationship to the sun, not the stars.” Claudine Zap. Most astrologists don’t even use the 13th sign which has been known for some hundreds of years and apparently this topic is talked about every 13 years. So for most of us our identities are still the same, but if you follow astrology that is linked to the constellations you may need to check to see exactly who you are now. As for me I’ve been a Scorpio for 30+ years and I’ll continue on being just that. Has Your Horoscope Changed?
6. The marriage of Verizon and Apple’s IPhone. When the IPhone first came on the scene everyone was excited because there was an “app for that”, but what about the service? AT&T did not and still does not have the best service. Well we all know Verizon’s service can take you to the bottom of the earth and you will still be able to “hear me now”. Well the two have paired and quite ‘possibly’ got it right. Notice I said possibly, there are still many kinks so don’t be so eager to drop service with your current provider. Check out the pros and cons before switching Verizon vs. AT&T.
5. Jay Z and Kanye West. WOW two of my Top 5 on one CD. Is this possible? Am I dreaming? Nope the single H.A.M, which dropped Tuesday, January 11th, has been in heavy rotation on radio stations and links for the song have flooded the walls of Facebook. The single comes off the highly anticipated collaborative album Watch the Throne, due out sometime this March. While I don’t care for it as much as some of their other collabos, with a sick beat by Lex Luger, the 19-year-old kid who has provided beats for Rick Ross and yes even Waka Flocka Flame, H.A.M will still have most Hip Hop Head and rap enthusiasts going Hard As a Mutherf**ker.
4. Sarah Palin. There is something to be said about Palin’s lack of common sense. I’m not sure I’d call it ignorance, because that leads us to believe that she had a lack of understanding or was somehow unaware of what her words ‘could’ do. While I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, I cannot understand how Palin’s violent rhetoric and imagery in regards to Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the other Democratic candidates in the 2010 midterm elections can be misconstrued as ignorance. Palin knows what words can do. She’s great a manipulating other people’s words to her advantage. She did it all throughout her run to Vice Presidency and continues to do it to get out of the sticky situations she puts herself in. Whether Palin’s words were the motive behind the young man who tragically killed 6 and wounded 14 in Arizona we can’t say for sure. No matter if you call Palin ignorant or believe that she just lacks common sense she apparently makes up for it in personality. She has a huge fan base, a book deal and a show on TLC. Does she sound like someone who is ignorant? I doubt it.
3. Marsha Ambrosius’ Far Away video. This video deals with some heavy topics that within the African American community we tend to avoid: homosexuality, bullying and suicide. There is not much to be said about the video as I feel it speaks for itself so please check it out. Far Away. Also, if you watch 106 & Park and believe this is something that needs to be seen and talked about more you can vote for it on the 106 & Park countdown, 106 & Park.
2. President Barack Obama. Say what you want about President Obama but he gave one of the most inspirational and moving speeches I’ve ever heard at the memorial service for the victims of the weekend shooting in Arizona. Held at the University of Arizona's McKale Memorial Center on Wednesday, January 12th President Obama’s words gave a sense of hope to the city of Tucson. His speech was even well received by his naysayers, "I'm no fan of President Obama but loved his speech. In fact, it's the first one I've ever liked. Like others, I was a bit taken aback at the cheering," commenter Dexterdoggy said. While many loved his speech and thought it was the best speech Obama has given since his run for the Presidency as well as while he’s been in office some believe the speech was inappropriate for a memorial service and that Obama was there only for political reasons, well he is the President of the United States.
1. The Game. I know this is not more important that the tragedy of Arizona and President Obama’s speech but it was and continues to be the most talked about topic this week on Facebook, Twitter, and around the office cooler. For those of you who DVR’d it and have not seen the season premiere of The Game you can continue to read I will not give anything away. There was so much going on in the season premiere that honestly I was a little disappointed, now I’m not writing it off but the first episode on BET definitely had a lot of changes that as a fan of the show I did not necessarily appreciate. I hope that the shows being on BET does not affect the rest of the season. Check out a trailer, The Game. See new episodes on BET, Tuesdays @ 10pm.
Happy Friday Folks!
Love, Live, Life
Nicole
Writing it down helps and this is my therapy.
1.12.2011
I’m OVER It!
Since 2011 is here and I’ve vowed to no longer bite my tongue. I feel it’s only fair that I talk about the over talked about topics that I’m so over.
10. Facebook (FB) shutting down in March 2011. FB has been shutting down since July 2009 and it’s still here. It if by chance it shuts down there will be other social media sites. So please let’s stop talking about it.
9. Niki Minaj, Lil Kim, & Foxy Brown. I can’t tell you how I’m so over it. I am not a Nikki fan, but Lil Kim hasn’t put out a CD and no other woman has taken command like Nikki so until someone puts out something to shut her up, let’s get off of it already. Foxy Brown just STOP, you can’t come out of no where with a TERRIBLE diss track and think you’re still relevant.
8. Pajama Jeans, While the concept seems ideal, jeans that are as soft and comfortable as pajamas I don’t know want to see or hear anymore about them. And if I see one anyone I know wearing them in public I’ll probably scream. This is just as bad as wearing pajamas in public-NOT CUTE! IMS.
7. Lebron James leaving Cleveland. He’s gone, he plays for the Miami Heat, get over it. I’m over all the hype. Can we not talk about his leaving Cleveland every time the Heat plays. Move on already!
6. Reality TV. I will be the 1st to admit I LOVE REALITY TV from Hoarders to BBW, but it’s becoming so saturated. I mean everybody and their mother has a reality show. I know I don’t have to tune in to watch it but I am over this craze, let’s get back to television sitcoms already.
5. Snow. I know we are not even a month into winter and more snow is to come and I posted about how “we live in Ohio and we get it every year and stop complaining…”, but I am tired of it already. It’s just an inconvenience, especially when you have a newborn to get in and out the car. Bring on the April showers and the beautiful May flowers.
4. Post telling women what they need to do to get, keep, and satisfy a man from a man who does not know how to keep, and satisfy a woman because like the women he speaks about he too is single. Com’n now, seriously, really? Do I need to explain why this is so counterproductive?
3. Haters. Look haters have been around since time began. Everyone, even the ‘Urklest’ dude has haters. Now that we’ve established that everyone has haters, can we stop talking about how everyone hates on us.
2. Music that comes on the radio. Black and Yellow, Make It Rain Trick, Speakers Going Hammer…too nursery rhymey and repetitive for me. I can’t take it. I tune in to listen to Russ Parr in the Morning and The Tome Joyner Morning Show and occasionally I listen to the new songs. “You wanna see some ____, I wanna see some cash...make it rain trick, make it, make it rain trick.” These are not lyrics, you don’t have flow, and I’m over the radio.
1. Fake Females. Look we are FB friends but don’t get on FB and act like we are BFFs. We barely know each other and when I see you in public you hardly speak. I’m over the fakeness, you have been deleted!
That is all for now.
Check me out @ http://nicole-aworkinprogress.blogspot.com/
Love, Live, Life!
Nicole
10. Facebook (FB) shutting down in March 2011. FB has been shutting down since July 2009 and it’s still here. It if by chance it shuts down there will be other social media sites. So please let’s stop talking about it.
9. Niki Minaj, Lil Kim, & Foxy Brown. I can’t tell you how I’m so over it. I am not a Nikki fan, but Lil Kim hasn’t put out a CD and no other woman has taken command like Nikki so until someone puts out something to shut her up, let’s get off of it already. Foxy Brown just STOP, you can’t come out of no where with a TERRIBLE diss track and think you’re still relevant.
8. Pajama Jeans, While the concept seems ideal, jeans that are as soft and comfortable as pajamas I don’t know want to see or hear anymore about them. And if I see one anyone I know wearing them in public I’ll probably scream. This is just as bad as wearing pajamas in public-NOT CUTE! IMS.
7. Lebron James leaving Cleveland. He’s gone, he plays for the Miami Heat, get over it. I’m over all the hype. Can we not talk about his leaving Cleveland every time the Heat plays. Move on already!
6. Reality TV. I will be the 1st to admit I LOVE REALITY TV from Hoarders to BBW, but it’s becoming so saturated. I mean everybody and their mother has a reality show. I know I don’t have to tune in to watch it but I am over this craze, let’s get back to television sitcoms already.
5. Snow. I know we are not even a month into winter and more snow is to come and I posted about how “we live in Ohio and we get it every year and stop complaining…”, but I am tired of it already. It’s just an inconvenience, especially when you have a newborn to get in and out the car. Bring on the April showers and the beautiful May flowers.
4. Post telling women what they need to do to get, keep, and satisfy a man from a man who does not know how to keep, and satisfy a woman because like the women he speaks about he too is single. Com’n now, seriously, really? Do I need to explain why this is so counterproductive?
3. Haters. Look haters have been around since time began. Everyone, even the ‘Urklest’ dude has haters. Now that we’ve established that everyone has haters, can we stop talking about how everyone hates on us.
2. Music that comes on the radio. Black and Yellow, Make It Rain Trick, Speakers Going Hammer…too nursery rhymey and repetitive for me. I can’t take it. I tune in to listen to Russ Parr in the Morning and The Tome Joyner Morning Show and occasionally I listen to the new songs. “You wanna see some ____, I wanna see some cash...make it rain trick, make it, make it rain trick.” These are not lyrics, you don’t have flow, and I’m over the radio.
1. Fake Females. Look we are FB friends but don’t get on FB and act like we are BFFs. We barely know each other and when I see you in public you hardly speak. I’m over the fakeness, you have been deleted!
That is all for now.
Check me out @ http://nicole-aworkinprogress.blogspot.com/
Love, Live, Life!
Nicole
1.07.2011
Customer Service and Common Courtesy: Have They Become a Thing of the Past?
On New Year’s Eve I ventured out to Kenwood Mall, something I normally don’t do, not because I don’t like to shop, but because I hate shopping around this time of the year. Why you ask, because people seem to be ruder and less courteous after Christmas. Seems like the day after Christmas that holiday cheer that had people saying “Happy Holidays”, “Merry Christmas” and/or, “Seasons Greetings” was sucked right out of their body. Maybe they’re upset that they didn’t get what they wanted for Christmas and instead got those God awful pajamas that make your skin itch from their great aunt Gertrude. Maybe they’re upset they have to work on New Year’s Eve, I don’t know what their issue is, but that day I seriously thought I was on MTV’s Boiling Point, because no matter where I was there was a sales clerk who I thought I would lose it on.
I took my son into the Gamestop inside Kenwood mall. Now my son who had some cash and $80 in Gamestop gift cards. I’ve taught my son when he goes into a store he needs to look the sales person in the eye and ask for what he wants. Azaan asked the sales clerk about a specific game. The clerk responded we don’t have it and proceeded to help the next customer. No, “do you want me to check the 20+ Gamestop stores within a 15 mile radius,” NOTHING! Since the sales clerk didn’t offer to, Azaan asked the guy could he call another store to see if they had it. The guy looks up the number and begins to rattle it off to my son. Now Azaan got a cell phone for Christmas and is still learning about cell phone etiquette and was more than eager to dial any number given to him. My naïve nine year old pulled out his cell phone and began to dial the number. I stepped in and told Azaan to put his phone away. I advised the clerk exactly what his job was. He told me he had paying customers waiting. Hhhhmmm, my son has $80 worth of gift cards and cash in his wallet, was he not considered a paying customer? Anyway since when did sales clerks stop being courteous enough to call other stores to check to see what store may have the item you are looking for? As he told the next customer to step up, I asked to speak to a manager. “I am the manager” he said curtly. At this point, I was too through. I gathered my kids, placed the 3 games Azaan wanted on the counter and left. The sales clerk offered no apologies and continued working-if that’s what you would call it.
The whole time we were in GameStop I didn’t here one “your welcome” or “thank you”. Many of the clerks replied “no problem” I even heard a few clerks say “ugh hugh.” Ugh hugh, I mean seriously. Where has the customer service gone and when if ever will it return? Whatever happened to the customer is always right and if not right, at least treated with some respect. Now I know people have bad days, but this was kind of service is experienced far too often from far too many people.
While I came home and wanted to write a letter or call to let someone in that company know about my experience I had to attend to my many responsibilities. I am one who will call when I receive excellent service and you better believe I will call or write when I receive poor service. While I didn’t call or write the day it happened I remembered this morning when my son asked if I would take him to Gamestop after school. With that reminder and the help of the internet I found an email and telephone number where I could direct my complaint. While nothing may come of my email or phone call I feel that you have to call stores to let them know about your poor service. I mean, if they don’t know about the problem, how can they fix it? Nicole
Now, while I've experienced terrible customer service and some of it was the fault of the sales clerk there are many times that 'we' sabotage our own shopping or dining experiences. I’ve come up with several ways to get better customer service.
1. Compliment the person giving you the ‘service’
When you tell the person giving you the service that you were pleased it is likely that they will continue to give good service. Drop a compliment card; tell management about the good service you received. If they don’t know that you are happy with the service they may say why continue to do it.
2. Keep receipts
If you have been over charged, charged for an item that you didn’t purchase, or want to return an item it is easier when you have receipt. You cannot go into a store with an attitude demanding they do what you want and you don’t even have a receipt as proof of purchase.
3. Understand what you are getting
If you go into a restaurant and are unsure of something on the menu, ask the waiter or waitress how it’s cooked, what’s in it, how can it be changed to fit what you want to eat. If what you want is not on the menu ask them can they make it for you, you may have to pay a little extra but a lot of restaurants will do this for you. If it’s an item that you are purchasing such as a TV, gaming system, appliance, etc., research it. Don’t purchase anything without asking questions; otherwise it is likely that you will get something you really didn’t want.
4. Ask to speak to management
Most of the time the sales clerk can only do so much in regards to making a decision other than how to give you your change. They don’t even have keys to over-ride a purchase for God’s sake. If there is something wrong with your service don’t browbeat them, just ask to speak to a manager. If they’re management ask to speak to the owner. You can’t expect someone low on the totem pole to do something they are not authorized to do.
5. Check yourself
Too often we are the one with the attitude. It is possible that we are having a bad day and go into the situation claws out and the sales person is feeding off of our energy.
If all else fails just kill em’ with kindness, no sense in raising your blood pressure!
Love, Live, Life!
I took my son into the Gamestop inside Kenwood mall. Now my son who had some cash and $80 in Gamestop gift cards. I’ve taught my son when he goes into a store he needs to look the sales person in the eye and ask for what he wants. Azaan asked the sales clerk about a specific game. The clerk responded we don’t have it and proceeded to help the next customer. No, “do you want me to check the 20+ Gamestop stores within a 15 mile radius,” NOTHING! Since the sales clerk didn’t offer to, Azaan asked the guy could he call another store to see if they had it. The guy looks up the number and begins to rattle it off to my son. Now Azaan got a cell phone for Christmas and is still learning about cell phone etiquette and was more than eager to dial any number given to him. My naïve nine year old pulled out his cell phone and began to dial the number. I stepped in and told Azaan to put his phone away. I advised the clerk exactly what his job was. He told me he had paying customers waiting. Hhhhmmm, my son has $80 worth of gift cards and cash in his wallet, was he not considered a paying customer? Anyway since when did sales clerks stop being courteous enough to call other stores to check to see what store may have the item you are looking for? As he told the next customer to step up, I asked to speak to a manager. “I am the manager” he said curtly. At this point, I was too through. I gathered my kids, placed the 3 games Azaan wanted on the counter and left. The sales clerk offered no apologies and continued working-if that’s what you would call it.
The whole time we were in GameStop I didn’t here one “your welcome” or “thank you”. Many of the clerks replied “no problem” I even heard a few clerks say “ugh hugh.” Ugh hugh, I mean seriously. Where has the customer service gone and when if ever will it return? Whatever happened to the customer is always right and if not right, at least treated with some respect. Now I know people have bad days, but this was kind of service is experienced far too often from far too many people.
While I came home and wanted to write a letter or call to let someone in that company know about my experience I had to attend to my many responsibilities. I am one who will call when I receive excellent service and you better believe I will call or write when I receive poor service. While I didn’t call or write the day it happened I remembered this morning when my son asked if I would take him to Gamestop after school. With that reminder and the help of the internet I found an email and telephone number where I could direct my complaint. While nothing may come of my email or phone call I feel that you have to call stores to let them know about your poor service. I mean, if they don’t know about the problem, how can they fix it? Nicole
Now, while I've experienced terrible customer service and some of it was the fault of the sales clerk there are many times that 'we' sabotage our own shopping or dining experiences. I’ve come up with several ways to get better customer service.
1. Compliment the person giving you the ‘service’
When you tell the person giving you the service that you were pleased it is likely that they will continue to give good service. Drop a compliment card; tell management about the good service you received. If they don’t know that you are happy with the service they may say why continue to do it.
2. Keep receipts
If you have been over charged, charged for an item that you didn’t purchase, or want to return an item it is easier when you have receipt. You cannot go into a store with an attitude demanding they do what you want and you don’t even have a receipt as proof of purchase.
3. Understand what you are getting
If you go into a restaurant and are unsure of something on the menu, ask the waiter or waitress how it’s cooked, what’s in it, how can it be changed to fit what you want to eat. If what you want is not on the menu ask them can they make it for you, you may have to pay a little extra but a lot of restaurants will do this for you. If it’s an item that you are purchasing such as a TV, gaming system, appliance, etc., research it. Don’t purchase anything without asking questions; otherwise it is likely that you will get something you really didn’t want.
4. Ask to speak to management
Most of the time the sales clerk can only do so much in regards to making a decision other than how to give you your change. They don’t even have keys to over-ride a purchase for God’s sake. If there is something wrong with your service don’t browbeat them, just ask to speak to a manager. If they’re management ask to speak to the owner. You can’t expect someone low on the totem pole to do something they are not authorized to do.
5. Check yourself
Too often we are the one with the attitude. It is possible that we are having a bad day and go into the situation claws out and the sales person is feeding off of our energy.
If all else fails just kill em’ with kindness, no sense in raising your blood pressure!
Love, Live, Life!
1.02.2011
Loving You
Was talking with a friend the other day and then today I read a few status updates on Facebook that had to deal with relationships ending. Many of these statuses had the woman questioning what she may have done wrong. Now I’m not naive and I know that this woman may have been at fault, but here lately I’ve noticed that way too many women are getting down about a man who was not down for them to begin with. I was reading and came across this quote from Toni Morrison. It pretty much sums up what I would love to tell some of my friends and just women in general. Toni Morrison hit the nail on the head with this one.
"You think because he doesn't love you that you are worthless. You think that because he doesn't want you anymore that he is right -- that his judgment and opinion of you are correct. If he throws you out, then you think you are garbage. You think he belongs to you because you want to belong to him, don't. It's a bad word, 'belong.' Especially when you put it with somebody you love. Love shouldn't be like that. Did you ever see the way the clouds love a mountain? They circle all around it; sometimes you can't even see the mountain for the clouds. But you know what? You go up top and what do you see? His head. The clouds never cover the head. His head pokes through, because the clouds let him; they don't wrap him up. They let him keep his head up high, free, with nothing to hide him or bind him. You can't own a human being. You can't lose what you don't own. Suppose you did own him. Could you really love somebody who was absolutely nobody without you? You really want somebody like that? Somebody who falls apart when you walk out the door? You don't, do you? And neither does he. You're turning over your whole life to him. Your whole life, girl. And if it means so little to you that you can just give it away, hand it to him, then why should it mean any more to him? He can't value you more than you value yourself." ~ Toni Morrison
A man that loves you will allow you to be who you are, doing what you do. He will not try to change that. Too many of us, women, are too consumed with being in a relationship that we are not 'being' who we want to be. We cut our hair for our man because he likes it short; we lose weight because he says we’re too big, we don’t go out with our girlfriends because he says we kick it too much. I’m married and I’ve done it as well. Many of us whether we are married or just dating are in love with being in love-we want the fairytale. In love with being in love so much that we give too much of ourselves and when the relationship comes to an end, there is nothing left for us-essentially we lose ourselves in our men. We have to STOP doing what someone else wants us to do and START being who we want to be. A man can't love you if you don't love yourself.
Remember “you are a human being, not a human doing!” ~ Unknown
Think about it!
Love, Live, Life!
Nicole
"You think because he doesn't love you that you are worthless. You think that because he doesn't want you anymore that he is right -- that his judgment and opinion of you are correct. If he throws you out, then you think you are garbage. You think he belongs to you because you want to belong to him, don't. It's a bad word, 'belong.' Especially when you put it with somebody you love. Love shouldn't be like that. Did you ever see the way the clouds love a mountain? They circle all around it; sometimes you can't even see the mountain for the clouds. But you know what? You go up top and what do you see? His head. The clouds never cover the head. His head pokes through, because the clouds let him; they don't wrap him up. They let him keep his head up high, free, with nothing to hide him or bind him. You can't own a human being. You can't lose what you don't own. Suppose you did own him. Could you really love somebody who was absolutely nobody without you? You really want somebody like that? Somebody who falls apart when you walk out the door? You don't, do you? And neither does he. You're turning over your whole life to him. Your whole life, girl. And if it means so little to you that you can just give it away, hand it to him, then why should it mean any more to him? He can't value you more than you value yourself." ~ Toni Morrison
A man that loves you will allow you to be who you are, doing what you do. He will not try to change that. Too many of us, women, are too consumed with being in a relationship that we are not 'being' who we want to be. We cut our hair for our man because he likes it short; we lose weight because he says we’re too big, we don’t go out with our girlfriends because he says we kick it too much. I’m married and I’ve done it as well. Many of us whether we are married or just dating are in love with being in love-we want the fairytale. In love with being in love so much that we give too much of ourselves and when the relationship comes to an end, there is nothing left for us-essentially we lose ourselves in our men. We have to STOP doing what someone else wants us to do and START being who we want to be. A man can't love you if you don't love yourself.
Remember “you are a human being, not a human doing!” ~ Unknown
Think about it!
Love, Live, Life!
Nicole
1.01.2011
Not Another Resolution
“So it’s a new year and you’re still in a funk? That's because you thought on January 1, 2011
(1-1-11) a magic wand was gonna wave over your life and make everything all better! NOPE You're gonna have to put some work in!” Authenticity! TruYu
It's 2011 and everyone has made their resolutions, said goodbye, adios, and deuces to a year that was just yesterday, and claimed this year to be 'the' year. Yesterday a friend proudly stated "2011 is going to be a good year for me!" Now she said the same thing about 2009 and 2010, but at each New Year she was upset with how the previous year had gone. Maybe she thought all her worries from that year would go away and at midnight all would be better. No, those bills you created in 2010 will still be haunting you in 2011. The job you so hated on December 31st, yep you've guessed it, you'll still hate on January 1st.
Now I doubt that she believed that all her worries would end on December 31st, but many people make these unrealistic resolutions and expect that just because the New Year has come that all acquaintances will be forgotten. Sorry folks that's just a song and life does not work like that. Personally, I’ve never understood why people make resolutions to do or be a better person in the New Year. I mean what was so wrong with the old you? And if there was something so wrong and it needed to be fixed why did you wait until the New Year to fix it? Couldn’t have been too important to you, I mean you did wait 365 days to “fix” it. Now don’t get me wrong I’ve made my fair share of resolutions before and most of the time I’ve fallen short, which is why I refuse to put myself through this practice any longer.
Most of the time people make resolutions to lose weight, stop smoking, get financially or spiritually right, but fall short because they have not prepared themselves. You can’t say I’m going to start running a marathon and allow the New York Marathon to be the first time you’ve ever ran, well I guess you could but someone might find you laid out somewhere begging for water and air. We cannot expect to be transformed in a day. It didn’t take you a day to get into said situation therefore you have to believe it will take more than a day to get out of said situation.
This is not to knock anyone’s resolution, just make sure that if you resolve to do something that you are prepared to put in the time and work it takes, otherwise you are making the decision to let yourself down. This time next year I don't want to hear how you could've had Beyonce's body by now had you put those damn chocolate chip cookies down. No, but seriously, let’s stop waiting until the New Year to start transformation; the New Year is just that, a new year- a set of numbers that indicates a change in time. It does not mean that you have to resolve to do anything differently than you did last year. If you are not happy with something in your life prepare to make the changes effective immediately and work towards those changes daily, life is too short to wait and transformation is a slow progress.
Time is the one thing in life you’ll never get back-how will you spend yours? Resolving or solving?
Love, Live, Life!
Nicole
(1-1-11) a magic wand was gonna wave over your life and make everything all better! NOPE You're gonna have to put some work in!” Authenticity! TruYu
It's 2011 and everyone has made their resolutions, said goodbye, adios, and deuces to a year that was just yesterday, and claimed this year to be 'the' year. Yesterday a friend proudly stated "2011 is going to be a good year for me!" Now she said the same thing about 2009 and 2010, but at each New Year she was upset with how the previous year had gone. Maybe she thought all her worries from that year would go away and at midnight all would be better. No, those bills you created in 2010 will still be haunting you in 2011. The job you so hated on December 31st, yep you've guessed it, you'll still hate on January 1st.
Now I doubt that she believed that all her worries would end on December 31st, but many people make these unrealistic resolutions and expect that just because the New Year has come that all acquaintances will be forgotten. Sorry folks that's just a song and life does not work like that. Personally, I’ve never understood why people make resolutions to do or be a better person in the New Year. I mean what was so wrong with the old you? And if there was something so wrong and it needed to be fixed why did you wait until the New Year to fix it? Couldn’t have been too important to you, I mean you did wait 365 days to “fix” it. Now don’t get me wrong I’ve made my fair share of resolutions before and most of the time I’ve fallen short, which is why I refuse to put myself through this practice any longer.
Most of the time people make resolutions to lose weight, stop smoking, get financially or spiritually right, but fall short because they have not prepared themselves. You can’t say I’m going to start running a marathon and allow the New York Marathon to be the first time you’ve ever ran, well I guess you could but someone might find you laid out somewhere begging for water and air. We cannot expect to be transformed in a day. It didn’t take you a day to get into said situation therefore you have to believe it will take more than a day to get out of said situation.
This is not to knock anyone’s resolution, just make sure that if you resolve to do something that you are prepared to put in the time and work it takes, otherwise you are making the decision to let yourself down. This time next year I don't want to hear how you could've had Beyonce's body by now had you put those damn chocolate chip cookies down. No, but seriously, let’s stop waiting until the New Year to start transformation; the New Year is just that, a new year- a set of numbers that indicates a change in time. It does not mean that you have to resolve to do anything differently than you did last year. If you are not happy with something in your life prepare to make the changes effective immediately and work towards those changes daily, life is too short to wait and transformation is a slow progress.
Time is the one thing in life you’ll never get back-how will you spend yours? Resolving or solving?
Love, Live, Life!
Nicole
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