Monday, June 30, 2008

Twilight


Twilight by Stephenie Meyers is a very addicting series. I just finished the first book and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. I think I may have to buy it. Every copy in all our county libraries are on hold or checked out. I am 108 on the waiting list. Yes, I can't wait any longer.

I am not into vampire or zombie books, but Meyers' writing is so enthralling that I couldn 't put it down. The physical and emotional tension between Edward and Bella, the two main characters, is so strong that you can't help feel breathless after certain scenes. What I really liked about this book is that it's about the relationship between the vampires and the rest of the humans. Mainly with Bella. In a sense it's a love story but with so many complications.

It is a young adult book, so don't expect classic literature writing. It's an entertaining book and will make a great movie. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns into a t.v. show on the CW. But of course it will be ruined and turned into a "Gossip Girl" or something. So read the books.

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Now being a manager



Having worked in different office setting I know how management works. All us minions do all the work while management gets all the credit. Lucky for me I had great managers that trickled down their appreciation for all my hard work. The area of management that really bothers me is when dealing with customer service. Through college, I worked for a general contractor's office, who dealt with the reconstruction of homes after having experienced water damage or fire. It was stressful just juggling all the aspect of the construction w/out having to deal with the customer. We usually had impatient customers who did not understand how one step of the rebuilding cannot continue w/out the other being completed first. They expected everything right now! So as an office assistant I dealt with harassment, threats, foul language and general berating, until they got to their climax of "Let me speak to your manager!!" At this time I would place them on hold and explain the details to my boss, making sure and letting them know how upset they are. But when they came on the phone, the customer was as sweet as pie and very understanding. My boss wouldn't believe that people were so mean to me. The customer would always change their tune and listen to the manager while she explained to them the same thing I had just told them. I hated that!!!

But now...I'm on the other side. I am management. And people tend to speak to me more calmly since they think the person below me is incompetent. So at these times, I remember how my boss didn't believe Mr. Smith had just yelled at me and threatened me with bodily harm. I believe my employees and let them know that Mr. Smith is the incompetent twit. :)