This weekend was packed with wild and fun stuff to do. Friday evening was dinner with the Greers and the Hollers, a going away dinner for Buck, Rachael and the girls. They are moving to New York City this week. We all met at Round Table Pizza to enjoy great pizza with friends. On Saturday, Bill, Dean and I met at the church at 7:00 AM. We rode motorcycles to Mineral for coffee and on to Chester for breakfast. It was beautiful (but little chilly in spots). We had breakfast and great conversation at the Kopper Kettle. I had a huge plate of biscuits and gravy. Following breakfast it was back down the mountain for a ride through Lassen Park.
We were told there were suppose to be 100+ bikes coming into the park. We waved alot! We stopped at both visitors centers and then caught Hwy. 44 to Shingletown. From there we to the cutoff to Manton, to try to catch Gary at home. We were not successful so we headed for home. We rode nearly 200 beautiful miles!
On Sunday after church, we all went to Francisco's. This would be the last lunch with the Hollers. It was great! When we got home we filled the raft and headed to the creek. We had been wanting to do this for quite some time. The water was warm and the rope swing kept calling the girl's names. It was a blast! I spent most of my time paddling the raft and getting use to how to manuver it. We went home tired, but it was a good tired.
We are seriously looking at moving to another state. Tina and the girls will be going to Tennessee in a couple weeks to take a look. We are currently in research mode.
Current weather: suppose to be 95 degrees today. There is fire on the mountain so alot of smokey haze. There were cinders on the bike when I went out to start it this morning. The smell of smoke is in the air.
-Norm
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
I Passed!
Yesterday I took my motorcycle license drivers test. It was at 4:00 PM, in the heat of the day. Yesterday's high was 110 degrees. The DMV instructor was pleasant and had a great sense of humor! I did well on the actual driving part. I can now drive at night, carry passengers and ride on the freeway. With this new license also came the purchase of a new helmet for the passenger. We purchased a Bell Bandito. When we got it home and went to take off the packaging, I noticed the following sticker "Caution:use care when removing packaging from the helmet to avoid injury or damage to the helmet". I am sure it is made to withstand a great amount of pressure and abuse so to think that by simply removing the plastic case from around the helmet I could damage it. Weird!
My first ride on the freeway was a great one. I thought big trucks doing 60-70 mpgs would be more of a problem but nothing out of the ordinary just keep both hands on the handlebars!
Current weather: Expected high of 95 degrees today and beautiful. This is alot better than the three digit temperatures we have been having. It's gonna be a great weekend!
-Norm
My first ride on the freeway was a great one. I thought big trucks doing 60-70 mpgs would be more of a problem but nothing out of the ordinary just keep both hands on the handlebars!
Current weather: Expected high of 95 degrees today and beautiful. This is alot better than the three digit temperatures we have been having. It's gonna be a great weekend!
-Norm
Thursday, July 20, 2006
A Difficult Week and Hot!
While on my motorcycle ride to work on Monday morning I remember thinking what great ride it is. I am taking back roads that are lined with oak trees. When I arrived at work I was told the news about coworker. There had been a shooting at their family home and she was dead. It is still unclear what happened. The investigation is still going and the autoposy will be done on Friday. We also had a visit from OSHA. I have been working deligently to get needed documents and training records. Next, an employees mother called about reports of the air conditioner in our building not working. This was untrue, but they called the local new t.v. station anyway. A reporter came out to access the situation. They did a very favorable report on us.
Thankfully these happened at the first part of the week. Thing are a little slower now.
After all my projects were finished last night. I soaked in our small pool. It felt so good!
No word yet about funeral services.
I still think it was a nice ride in on Monday. It is all that has followed that has been difficult.
Current weather a staggering 110 degrees! Rumor has it, it could get up to 117 be the end of the week.
-Norm
Thankfully these happened at the first part of the week. Thing are a little slower now.
After all my projects were finished last night. I soaked in our small pool. It felt so good!
No word yet about funeral services.
I still think it was a nice ride in on Monday. It is all that has followed that has been difficult.
Current weather a staggering 110 degrees! Rumor has it, it could get up to 117 be the end of the week.
-Norm
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Wood Go-Carts and The Neighborhood Hill.....
I remember spending childhood summer days pounding nails building wooden go-carts. These involved finding a piece of plywood big enough to sit on. It seemed there was always scrap 2x4s available and we would use them to support the back axel and wheels. Next we would take another 2x4 and attached it front and center to the plywood with a bolt. This was our steering. The front axel and wheels were attached to this 2x4 piece. The final touch was attaching a rope to the 2x4 or the front axel. Now we are ready to go.
Our section of the neighborhood was perched high on a hill. Our home was at the top of a paved street. Around the corner from our home was another paved hill with a dip at the bottom. We had a great time going down and up, down and up.... This is how we spent a number of days. These same hills were also great for skateboarding and testing our the latest two wheel creations. This was back before helmets and safety gear. I think I left a good deal of skin on these sections of street and still lived to tell about it!
Weather today: 94 degrees and a beautiful day. The ride today on the Reflex was great and enjoyable.
-Norm
Our section of the neighborhood was perched high on a hill. Our home was at the top of a paved street. Around the corner from our home was another paved hill with a dip at the bottom. We had a great time going down and up, down and up.... This is how we spent a number of days. These same hills were also great for skateboarding and testing our the latest two wheel creations. This was back before helmets and safety gear. I think I left a good deal of skin on these sections of street and still lived to tell about it!
Weather today: 94 degrees and a beautiful day. The ride today on the Reflex was great and enjoyable.
-Norm
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
God; Strong and Loving
I am re-reading Wild At Heart by John Eldredge. I just finished Chapter 2. At the end of this chapter he has posted this verse: "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you O God are loving. Psalms 62:11-12.
In reference to Wild At Heart, the point is being made that we as men need to be strong. There is definately a place for this. I love camping and the outdoors. I have a newfound love for motorcycle riding. While I do not consider myself a manly-man, there are times when I need to be strong at home and at work.
The other side of God is His love. I desire to be a loving husband and father. Also a caring and compassionate boss and case manager. When I speak I hope there are two things that are heard, I am strong. As with God a defender of the weak. That I am loving and tender in all areas of my life.
I look forward to an upcoming motorcycle ride with my friend Bill to Lassen Volcanic National Park. I am looking forward to an upcoming family trip to southern California to watch my daughters in their showcases. Strong and loving.
Current weather: 104 degrees and a slight breeze.
-Norm
In reference to Wild At Heart, the point is being made that we as men need to be strong. There is definately a place for this. I love camping and the outdoors. I have a newfound love for motorcycle riding. While I do not consider myself a manly-man, there are times when I need to be strong at home and at work.
The other side of God is His love. I desire to be a loving husband and father. Also a caring and compassionate boss and case manager. When I speak I hope there are two things that are heard, I am strong. As with God a defender of the weak. That I am loving and tender in all areas of my life.
I look forward to an upcoming motorcycle ride with my friend Bill to Lassen Volcanic National Park. I am looking forward to an upcoming family trip to southern California to watch my daughters in their showcases. Strong and loving.
Current weather: 104 degrees and a slight breeze.
-Norm
Monday, July 03, 2006
A New/Old BBQ
I had to put our old gas barbeque to rest earlier this summer. It was an old Kenmore with a wooden frame. We got it when we were apartment managers. A tenant left it behind so we adopted it.
I have been on the lookout for another one. The other day I stopped by our local Salvation Army store. They had several and one was in very good condition. They wanted $24.00 for the best one. I left empty handed. A few days later, the banner went up 50% off everything in the store on Friday! I got a nice BBQ for $12.50! I have a tank and need to fill it up then I will be in business. I love BBQ hot dogs.
I will hopefully be filling the tank tonight and then let the Qing begin!
Current weather: 100+ degrees. It was a great ride in this morning.
-Norm
I have been on the lookout for another one. The other day I stopped by our local Salvation Army store. They had several and one was in very good condition. They wanted $24.00 for the best one. I left empty handed. A few days later, the banner went up 50% off everything in the store on Friday! I got a nice BBQ for $12.50! I have a tank and need to fill it up then I will be in business. I love BBQ hot dogs.
I will hopefully be filling the tank tonight and then let the Qing begin!
Current weather: 100+ degrees. It was a great ride in this morning.
-Norm
Friday, June 30, 2006
Honda Reflex
Well, I continue to ride the Flex to work. It is great! I really like the 70 mpg. I recently installed headphone speakers in my helmet so I can have tunes or listen to the radio. Next week I will take my motorcycle drivers test. I have a goal to ride Hwy. 36 to Fortuna. In a car this road is abit of a bear but I really think it would be a great ride on a bike. There are small little towns along the way: Platina, Mad River, Wildwood and Bridgeville just to name a few. It's about a 3 1/2 hour ride to the coast. We could grab some seafood or burgers and ride back home. That sounds like a great day!
Current weather: 100 degrees and a slight breeze.
Current weather: 100 degrees and a slight breeze.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Happy Anniversary To Us!
Today Tina and I celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary! It seems like only yesterday we were honeymooning in Monterey and San Francisco. God has blessed us with two beautiful girls and a nice home. To celebrate we went as a family to Disneyland. It was the world premier of the new Pirates of the Caribbean-Dead Man's Chest. We saw all the stars walk the red carpet down Main Street USA. What a great event! Rides and stars were the order of the day. We returned home at 2:00 AM on Monday morning. I was so tired at work yesterday and slept very well last night.
We recently got a dog. His name is Mitchell. We is a "pound puppy". Call us the rescuers! The two cats we already had kinda freaked out with this new addition. Mitchell stays in our fenced back yard. The cats main entrance into our home was through the back sliding glass door. Needless to say they now enter through the front door only.
Current weather 109 and very humid. The air conditioner at work is on the fritz so it has been very uncomfortable. Weather people say "cooler temps are on there way" I say........they just can't get here soon enough.
-Norm
We recently got a dog. His name is Mitchell. We is a "pound puppy". Call us the rescuers! The two cats we already had kinda freaked out with this new addition. Mitchell stays in our fenced back yard. The cats main entrance into our home was through the back sliding glass door. Needless to say they now enter through the front door only.
Current weather 109 and very humid. The air conditioner at work is on the fritz so it has been very uncomfortable. Weather people say "cooler temps are on there way" I say........they just can't get here soon enough.
-Norm
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Parents, Christians and Public Schools
I have been thinking about a question for quite some time now. But first I must tell you what forces me to ask it. We have two daughters. Hope will be in 7th grade next year and Grace is going into 4th grade. Since the time Hope was in Kindergarten we have been involved in PTA and other activities at their school. It has become our family's school and we take ownership of it. We do this first as parents and secondly as Christians. Sadly, too few parents get involved in the education of their children or even know the name of their child's teacher. It appears to be a respite time for parents while their children are in school or at at school activities.
As I said earlier, my daughter is going into 7th grade (middle school). This school will be attending has not had a good reputation in the past. Recently, I sat on the interview panel for a new Principal and Vice Principal for this school. I am very pleased with the people who were chosen for these positions. I feel it is going to be a great year! My brother has a daughter (my niece) who is the same age as Hope. They applied for an inter-district transfer to try to tranfer to another school/district. By brother has substituted at this middle school in the past.
So, here my question. If all the Christians leave public schools who will be left to run and advocate for the students in them? Numerous times I've heard it said that "They are taking God out of the public schools". Sadly, Christians are taking God out of the public school each time they pull their children out (salt and light). I remember the fear we had when Hope started in elementary school. Now through alot of participation and prayer we have help to make a school a better place for everyone. It has not been easy and required alot of time and meetings, but all students, staff and families of the school have benefited.
I challenge you to get a staff list of your child's school and pray for each person on it, or just start with your child's teacher. Walk the campus inviting Jesus there. It is your school and in your neighborhood. If we don't, who will?
Weather today: 106 degrees and windy.
As I said earlier, my daughter is going into 7th grade (middle school). This school will be attending has not had a good reputation in the past. Recently, I sat on the interview panel for a new Principal and Vice Principal for this school. I am very pleased with the people who were chosen for these positions. I feel it is going to be a great year! My brother has a daughter (my niece) who is the same age as Hope. They applied for an inter-district transfer to try to tranfer to another school/district. By brother has substituted at this middle school in the past.
So, here my question. If all the Christians leave public schools who will be left to run and advocate for the students in them? Numerous times I've heard it said that "They are taking God out of the public schools". Sadly, Christians are taking God out of the public school each time they pull their children out (salt and light). I remember the fear we had when Hope started in elementary school. Now through alot of participation and prayer we have help to make a school a better place for everyone. It has not been easy and required alot of time and meetings, but all students, staff and families of the school have benefited.
I challenge you to get a staff list of your child's school and pray for each person on it, or just start with your child's teacher. Walk the campus inviting Jesus there. It is your school and in your neighborhood. If we don't, who will?
Weather today: 106 degrees and windy.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
A Need For Heroes
This weekend I attended a reunion for students of Sierra Christian Academy. I attended this school from first through ninth grades. It changed administration in my tenth grade year and eventually closed. Every two years a reunion is organized for all former students of the school. It was held this past weekend.
Our family was extremely involved with this school and spent many summer days helping to clean, build, paint or doing whatever was needed. We were also close to the administration and teaching staff. Several were in attendance at this reunion and all set at the same table. I watched as they laughed and recalled memories. The thought struck me these are some of my heroes. I can remember days when the school did not having enough money to pay a bill and they would call the student body together for prayer. Someone then went to the mailbox and there was a check for the exact amount that was needed. This happened on several occasions during the 9 years we attended. The hours spent in prayer for students. God used them to impact my life and countless others. In Hebrews 11 we read about great heroes of the faith, this weekend I saw a few more that could be added to the list. These heroes have encouraged me in my faith. I thank God for them.
Weather today: 105 degrees with a warm wind blowin'. This is why I live here!
-Norm
Our family was extremely involved with this school and spent many summer days helping to clean, build, paint or doing whatever was needed. We were also close to the administration and teaching staff. Several were in attendance at this reunion and all set at the same table. I watched as they laughed and recalled memories. The thought struck me these are some of my heroes. I can remember days when the school did not having enough money to pay a bill and they would call the student body together for prayer. Someone then went to the mailbox and there was a check for the exact amount that was needed. This happened on several occasions during the 9 years we attended. The hours spent in prayer for students. God used them to impact my life and countless others. In Hebrews 11 we read about great heroes of the faith, this weekend I saw a few more that could be added to the list. These heroes have encouraged me in my faith. I thank God for them.
Weather today: 105 degrees with a warm wind blowin'. This is why I live here!
-Norm
Monday, May 22, 2006
A Fun Answer To High Gas Prices
Last Friday we purchased a Honda Reflex Scooter. It is a 2002 with 400+ miles on it and in near mint condition. I have been riding it pretty much all weekend. On Thursday I went to DMV and took my written test for a motorcycle license. I passed. The permit is good for 1 year. I can't take passengers, ride at night or on the freeway. I will be taking the driver's test soon. This scooter is a 250cc and gets 80 mpg! It will be perfect for my 40 mile commute to work. Until I get my license I can take backroads to avoid the freeway. I am looking forward to this. I purchased a quality helmet from the local Yamaha dealer and need to buy gloves. On my ride home after purchasing it began to rain and got windy. I now have a deeper respect for BIG SEMI TRUCKS! I told Tina when I got home "I could see how people get addicted to riding motorcycles".
The commute just got alot more fun and cheaper too!
-Norm
Weather today: Rainy, windy, and about 60 degrees.
The commute just got alot more fun and cheaper too!
-Norm
Weather today: Rainy, windy, and about 60 degrees.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Tents, Fans, Flying and A Great Concert
What a wonderful weekend this past weekend was! Friday evening I purchased two dome tents from some of my clients. I was a little leary of the condition before I'd seen them but was pleasantly suprised. I scored both for $15.00. One is a six person and the second is a two person. They're in great shape and all the parts are there too!
Saturday morning our local airport hosted the Young Eagles Free Fly for kids. Tina and I took the girls. The pilot that was going to take them said they were so light that one of us was able to fly in the plane with them. Tina didn't want to go. We flew over the girl's school and the river. It was a beautiful day to be in the air. The rest of the day was spent trying to install a ceiling fan in Hope's room. The way our house is wired the light switch control the bottom plug of a wall outlet. So, the installation of a ceiling fan requires putting a box in the ceiling and wiring it to the switch. I am not an electrician so this took a good portion of the day. The overall project is to install three ceiling fans all involving the same situation. I got the first one done about 11:00 Pm.
Sunday included Morning Worship and a Men's Group trip to In-N-Out Burger, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, and the installation of the second ceiling fan. On Sunday evening we drove to Redding to see Hawk Nelson, Falling Up and Thousand Food Krutch (TFK) in concert. It was an incredible evening. I don't think there was a part of that I didn't enjoy. We got home about 11:30 Pm. Hope and Grace loved the concert and then came home to newly installed ceiling fans.
Weather today: 86 degrees, sunny, breezy and perfect weather!!!
-Norm
Saturday morning our local airport hosted the Young Eagles Free Fly for kids. Tina and I took the girls. The pilot that was going to take them said they were so light that one of us was able to fly in the plane with them. Tina didn't want to go. We flew over the girl's school and the river. It was a beautiful day to be in the air. The rest of the day was spent trying to install a ceiling fan in Hope's room. The way our house is wired the light switch control the bottom plug of a wall outlet. So, the installation of a ceiling fan requires putting a box in the ceiling and wiring it to the switch. I am not an electrician so this took a good portion of the day. The overall project is to install three ceiling fans all involving the same situation. I got the first one done about 11:00 Pm.
Sunday included Morning Worship and a Men's Group trip to In-N-Out Burger, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, and the installation of the second ceiling fan. On Sunday evening we drove to Redding to see Hawk Nelson, Falling Up and Thousand Food Krutch (TFK) in concert. It was an incredible evening. I don't think there was a part of that I didn't enjoy. We got home about 11:30 Pm. Hope and Grace loved the concert and then came home to newly installed ceiling fans.
Weather today: 86 degrees, sunny, breezy and perfect weather!!!
-Norm
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
5 Days of Magic!
We spent all of last week in southern California with five days at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. I had not been there since the completion of California Adventure and Downtown Disney. We spent quite abit of time in these new additions. By far the best ride in the California park was "Soaring Over California". What an incredible ride. Grizzly River Run is the "wet" ride. We went as a family on this. A total of eight people are loaded in the raft. By the end of the ride some part of you WILL be wet. While in California Adventure we went into the Hollywood section. This totally played games with my mind! It looks like Hollywood. We had the opportunity to see Aladdin. This rivaled any Broadway production. We also visited the Golden Vine Winery presentation. A definate highlight was the Disney Electrical Parade. I had seen it on video but the live version was outstanding!
Most of our evenings were spent in Disneyland. The 50th Anniversary Celebration will soon be coming to a close, Mickey ears with "50" scattered throughout the park and on every ride. The 50th fireworks presentation was beautiful (we saw this twice). Sleeping Beauty's Castle changed colors with each firework display. WOW!!! Our family spent alot of time in Fantasyland. I think my favorite was the Peter Pan ride. Judging by the lines it was popular with other people as well. Other family favorites include Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Matterhorn, and the Tomorrowland Rockets. We also saw the Fantasia presentation (two times). As we were leaving the park on Friday evening, Tina made the comment "I could stay a few more days". I agreed. Our family had a wonderful time!
Southern California weather was 60-70 degrees and sunny. It rained off and on Friday. We went prepared with umbrellas.
Weather today: Sunny, not a cloud in the sky and 74 degrees. I can finally dry out and mow the lawn!!!
-Norm
Most of our evenings were spent in Disneyland. The 50th Anniversary Celebration will soon be coming to a close, Mickey ears with "50" scattered throughout the park and on every ride. The 50th fireworks presentation was beautiful (we saw this twice). Sleeping Beauty's Castle changed colors with each firework display. WOW!!! Our family spent alot of time in Fantasyland. I think my favorite was the Peter Pan ride. Judging by the lines it was popular with other people as well. Other family favorites include Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Matterhorn, and the Tomorrowland Rockets. We also saw the Fantasia presentation (two times). As we were leaving the park on Friday evening, Tina made the comment "I could stay a few more days". I agreed. Our family had a wonderful time!
Southern California weather was 60-70 degrees and sunny. It rained off and on Friday. We went prepared with umbrellas.
Weather today: Sunny, not a cloud in the sky and 74 degrees. I can finally dry out and mow the lawn!!!
-Norm
Friday, April 07, 2006
The Building
First a little history. I used to work for a printing company as a press operator. I worked there for 4 1/2 years. Working there involved long hours and a business owner with an uncontrollable temper. It was not uncommon to start work at 7:00 AM and not leave until 9:00 PM. The next morning the owner would come in screaming about all that we did not get done! During my time there I met the owner of the building (the landlord). He was a different kind of guy. The landlord and the printshop owner we're always arguing about something, usually regarding much needed building repairs. Neither of them liked the other. I started a new job and would ocassionally stop by to visit my former coworkers. A couple of years ago the building burned and the business relocated. During the fire the building was gutted. The outside of the building was concrete and withstood the fire. Everything inside was burned.
Fast forward to yesterday. I drove past this building. The inside was never rebuilt. Yesterday I noticed the unusual part. They painted the outside of this building and the adjoining buildings. As I drove past I could see through the windows, it was an empty cement slab with nice paint on the outside. While the exterior had new paint, within the walls it was dead and lifeless.
I think there is a lesson here.
Often times we try to put on new paint or put on a new face. Inside we are lifeless, a cold dead slab with walls that could house something great. In Ephesians 2:1-6, we are dead IN trespasses and sin, but God who is rich in mercy brings us to life and joins us together with Christ. Unlike this building owner, God works from the inside out, rather than the outside in.
Weather today: Raining (still!). 58 degrees and getting cooler as the day goes on. Snow a lower elevations this evening and tomorrow.
-Norm
Fast forward to yesterday. I drove past this building. The inside was never rebuilt. Yesterday I noticed the unusual part. They painted the outside of this building and the adjoining buildings. As I drove past I could see through the windows, it was an empty cement slab with nice paint on the outside. While the exterior had new paint, within the walls it was dead and lifeless.
I think there is a lesson here.
Often times we try to put on new paint or put on a new face. Inside we are lifeless, a cold dead slab with walls that could house something great. In Ephesians 2:1-6, we are dead IN trespasses and sin, but God who is rich in mercy brings us to life and joins us together with Christ. Unlike this building owner, God works from the inside out, rather than the outside in.
Weather today: Raining (still!). 58 degrees and getting cooler as the day goes on. Snow a lower elevations this evening and tomorrow.
-Norm
Thursday, March 16, 2006
MISSION:Excellent Customer Service
I like to receive excellent customer service. In my business dealings from day to day, I try to comments about the service I receive. Good as well as not so good. Following the experience I mention below, I had two excellent experiences. I commented to those businesses about their service as well.
Here is my story.
The other day I entered a local bank. I am not a customer of this bank, but in the past I had been a signer on a Client Fund account for work. We frequently went to this branch to make deposits. The following is a letter I wrote to the Manager following my visit. I have not included the name of the bank for personal reasons.
March 15, 2006
Mr. Manager,
Yesterday I entered your bank from the back parking lot and was shocked at what I saw. There was much remodeling being done and the smell of paint filled the air. As I approached the teller windows I was taken aback by what stood ahead of me. Counter to ceiling was what appeared to be bulletproof glass. I could not believe this bank had purposely placed a barrier between a customer service representative and me, the customer. I had to speak louder than normal to the teller and with no confidentiality whatsoever. When I asked the teller why these were placed here she replied “if you had been robbed as many times as we have…..” Nearly in the same breath I was asked if I would like to open an account so that I may be able to make my payment automatically? My next thought was “Why? It might just get stolen anyway”!
I do not have an account with (inserted bank name here) but did enter your bank to pay my mortgage. Why would I open an account at a place that doesn’t trust me even before I walk through the door? With her words your teller asked for my business, but the environment screamed of distrust.
The question I must ask: Don’t you trust your customers? My impression from the glass barrier is “no” and “the less human contact-the better”. I feel sorry about the robbery and even more that there are people who view this as a way to make ends meet.
There are other ways of handling this situation. Place a barrier between the robber and the money/safe. Not between the customer and the teller/customer service. It appears you are focusing on the one bad customer instead of the hundreds of good and honest people that walk through your doors each week. This letter speaking up could represent the hundreds that don’t, but take their business elsewhere-where we/they are trusted.
Coincidently, when I called your branch to get the name of the branch manager my call was picked up automatically. I was (automatically) placed on hold for 10 minutes with no answer. I had to call back a second time to actually speak to someone.
I recently read a book regarding developing excellent customer service practices. I highly recommend “Raving Fans” by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. The publisher is William Morrow and Company. It is a quick read and very insightful. I would encourage you to get a copy.
If you would like to discuss this situation further, please feel free to contact me. I may be reached at work (000) 000-0000; home (000) 000-0000.
Sincerely,
Norm
I have yet to hear from anyone at this bank. Could this be yet another barrier?
Weather today: Windy, rainy, and chains are required on all vehicles 50 miles up the road.
Here is my story.
The other day I entered a local bank. I am not a customer of this bank, but in the past I had been a signer on a Client Fund account for work. We frequently went to this branch to make deposits. The following is a letter I wrote to the Manager following my visit. I have not included the name of the bank for personal reasons.
March 15, 2006
Mr. Manager,
Yesterday I entered your bank from the back parking lot and was shocked at what I saw. There was much remodeling being done and the smell of paint filled the air. As I approached the teller windows I was taken aback by what stood ahead of me. Counter to ceiling was what appeared to be bulletproof glass. I could not believe this bank had purposely placed a barrier between a customer service representative and me, the customer. I had to speak louder than normal to the teller and with no confidentiality whatsoever. When I asked the teller why these were placed here she replied “if you had been robbed as many times as we have…..” Nearly in the same breath I was asked if I would like to open an account so that I may be able to make my payment automatically? My next thought was “Why? It might just get stolen anyway”!
I do not have an account with (inserted bank name here) but did enter your bank to pay my mortgage. Why would I open an account at a place that doesn’t trust me even before I walk through the door? With her words your teller asked for my business, but the environment screamed of distrust.
The question I must ask: Don’t you trust your customers? My impression from the glass barrier is “no” and “the less human contact-the better”. I feel sorry about the robbery and even more that there are people who view this as a way to make ends meet.
There are other ways of handling this situation. Place a barrier between the robber and the money/safe. Not between the customer and the teller/customer service. It appears you are focusing on the one bad customer instead of the hundreds of good and honest people that walk through your doors each week. This letter speaking up could represent the hundreds that don’t, but take their business elsewhere-where we/they are trusted.
Coincidently, when I called your branch to get the name of the branch manager my call was picked up automatically. I was (automatically) placed on hold for 10 minutes with no answer. I had to call back a second time to actually speak to someone.
I recently read a book regarding developing excellent customer service practices. I highly recommend “Raving Fans” by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. The publisher is William Morrow and Company. It is a quick read and very insightful. I would encourage you to get a copy.
If you would like to discuss this situation further, please feel free to contact me. I may be reached at work (000) 000-0000; home (000) 000-0000.
Sincerely,
Norm
I have yet to hear from anyone at this bank. Could this be yet another barrier?
Weather today: Windy, rainy, and chains are required on all vehicles 50 miles up the road.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Good Friends, Good Food, Good Night
Last night we had dinner with a group of friends at one of the family's home in the mountains about 40 miles away. My wife is a chef in training. Really, she is going to school to become a chef. All the wives were in the kitchen preparing the meal. It sounded like they were having a good time and doing what they enjoyed. The men were in the living room talking. At the meal, the great conversation continued accompanied by excellent food. I remember thinking "this is great. I enjoy the way this feels." We must have talked about everything, movies, food, drink, church, family, travel and laughed alot! Shortly after dessert someone looked outside and discovered there was about 1 1/2 inches of snow on the ground. With the exception of our hosts, we are all flatlanders, so there was some concern about getting down off the hill. Gary (our host) climbed in his four-wheel drive car and went to survey the roads. He returned with a good report. We all came down the hill together and made it home safely.
It was an evening filled with good friends and good food. A great and enjoyable combination.
-Norm
Weather today: Partly cloudy, 48 degrees. It hailed tonight for about 20 minutes.
It was an evening filled with good friends and good food. A great and enjoyable combination.
-Norm
Weather today: Partly cloudy, 48 degrees. It hailed tonight for about 20 minutes.
Friday, March 10, 2006
The Home Going of a Care Provider
Today, I attended the funeral of the group home administrator for some of my clients. The pastor who conducted did an excellent job. I find it interesting to listen as people recall a person's life at their funeral. As someone in attendance I found myself frequently thinking "I didn't know that about her". A few things I learned were that she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She accepted Christ into her life at 15 years old while attending Sunday School. What followed was a marriage that lasted until her recent death. Becoming wheelchair bound due to MS and all the challenges that brings. Even with this condition she had a huge impact on the lives of those around her and the residents she cared for.
Her greatest ambition in life was that everyone, her family, friends and each person she came in contact with would come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We met a number of times with each other and never talked Jesus. Most of our conversations centered around the clients we serve.
Each time I leave the funeral of a Christian believer, I can't help but think, who will take their place in touching the lives they touched? Such was the case today.
-Norm
Weather today: Freezing all day and currently snowing. Spring can't get here soon enough!!!
Her greatest ambition in life was that everyone, her family, friends and each person she came in contact with would come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We met a number of times with each other and never talked Jesus. Most of our conversations centered around the clients we serve.
Each time I leave the funeral of a Christian believer, I can't help but think, who will take their place in touching the lives they touched? Such was the case today.
-Norm
Weather today: Freezing all day and currently snowing. Spring can't get here soon enough!!!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Salsa and Chips!
I know this is my second post today! Leave me alone!
We are chips and salsa people. It is not uncommon for us to enjoy these while watching a movie or enjoying time together as a family. I enjoy trying new things in the kitchen and came up with my own salsa recipe!
I thought I'd post it for all to enjoy!
2 large tomatoes
2 red bell peppers
2 Jalapeno peppers
1 purple bell pepper
1/2 white onion
2 celery stalks
1 medium size carrot
1 tablespoon of pepper (or to taste)
2 tablespoons of salt (or to taste)
Chop all ingredients in a food processor and place in a bowl.
When everything has been chopped and mixed, blend all ingredients together in a blender. Place everything back in the bowl.
Cover and chill for 3-5 hours. It's excellent!!!
-Norm
We are chips and salsa people. It is not uncommon for us to enjoy these while watching a movie or enjoying time together as a family. I enjoy trying new things in the kitchen and came up with my own salsa recipe!
I thought I'd post it for all to enjoy!
2 large tomatoes
2 red bell peppers
2 Jalapeno peppers
1 purple bell pepper
1/2 white onion
2 celery stalks
1 medium size carrot
1 tablespoon of pepper (or to taste)
2 tablespoons of salt (or to taste)
Chop all ingredients in a food processor and place in a bowl.
When everything has been chopped and mixed, blend all ingredients together in a blender. Place everything back in the bowl.
Cover and chill for 3-5 hours. It's excellent!!!
-Norm
"Next Blog" Warning
There is a link on this website that is not the doorway to all that is well and good. It is the "Next Blog" link located in the upper right-hand corner of this blog. It is a gamble. You never know what is waiting on the other side. The best advise I could give is stick to the places we know are good. The internet while full of great places, things and images also contains things that I do not want stuck in my brain.
The Bible gives very good instruction regarding such things:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.-Phillipians 4:8
It reminds me of a chorus we sang in Sunday School: "Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. There's a Father up above looking down with tender love. Oh, be careful little eyes what you see."
Other verses to this chorus include "Oh, be careful little feet where you go....."
and "Oh, be careful little hands what you do....."
Another verse in the Bible I strive to live by is "Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up or us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."- Ephesians 5:1
How would an imitator of God surf the internet?
-Norm
Weather today is clear, breezy and chilly.
The Bible gives very good instruction regarding such things:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.-Phillipians 4:8
It reminds me of a chorus we sang in Sunday School: "Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. There's a Father up above looking down with tender love. Oh, be careful little eyes what you see."
Other verses to this chorus include "Oh, be careful little feet where you go....."
and "Oh, be careful little hands what you do....."
Another verse in the Bible I strive to live by is "Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up or us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."- Ephesians 5:1
How would an imitator of God surf the internet?
-Norm
Weather today is clear, breezy and chilly.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Busy Weekend
This weekend seemed to be a busy one. On Saturday, I took care of the church building. This is my every Saturday ritual. After I got home we went shopping. It is a goal to make our playroom/family room more presentable. We purchased a couple cabinets and a chair. We purchased them unassembled. I now have a couple projects to put together. Sunday at church our pastor is teaching through Matthew. Alot of geneology. He makes it very interesting. Following church we went to Round Table with a group of friends. It was great to talk and just be together. I enjoyed this time alot! These people are real!
Last night I was involved in a worship concert. The group was made up of musicians from a number of local churches. I play drums. It was a great time of playing together, but always involves alot of work. I really just wanted to be home with my family. We have something going on every night this week.
-Norm
Weather today 38 degrees, rainy and snow at about 1,000 feet elevation.
Last night I was involved in a worship concert. The group was made up of musicians from a number of local churches. I play drums. It was a great time of playing together, but always involves alot of work. I really just wanted to be home with my family. We have something going on every night this week.
-Norm
Weather today 38 degrees, rainy and snow at about 1,000 feet elevation.
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