I am over half finished with disk two. On my way to work this morning, I felt the tears well up in my eyes when I heard Marguerite (Maya's birthname) describe being raped when she was eight. Once again, Dr. Angelou's words took me to a place I've never been. I was fearful, saddened, and tired. Tired because of how she explains her weariness and exhaustion after the incident. Because I am listening to her story over my car stereo, I feel as if I am talking to over the phone and she is chatting with me and telling me her life's stories.
The fear of a child is expressed through her stories. She, as I am sure many children do, felt as though she had done something bad. She was fearful to tell anyone because her assultor had threatened to kill her and her brother if she told. What worried me is that I wondered how many children feel like this every day. How many children are sexually abused every day? I found a lot of data on the internet. According to one statistic, 500,000 children are sexually abused each year. That is over 1300 kids a day! I am sure that many cases go unreported, so if that statistic is true, who knows how high it really is!!!
Dr. Angelou was hospitalized and then suffered through the trial of her molestor. Her molestor never went to prison, his lawyer got him out of his 1 year, 1 day sentence. She wasn't sure how, but she wasn't sure how he was killed either. According to a police report, they thought that he had been kicked to death. Marguerite (Maya) did not speak to anyone, except her brother, Bailey, for quite a while after the death of her molestor. She states that she felt as though her words (from testifying at the trial) killed the man. She was fearful that her words were "a poison" and would poison someone else. She also felt that she loved Bailey so much and had spoken to him so many times before that her "poisonous words" would not harm him.
According to the "quick" online research I did this evening, there are many possible long term effects of the abuse. From juvenile deliquency to eating disorders and everything in between, I am sure it is a torturous life for the victim and the family. The most amazing statistic that I saw today was that 95% of teenage prostitutes were former victims of child molestation/sexual abuse. I guess it makes sense, but it was just very SHOCKING!
So, even though I have never been in the situation myself, I feel as if I got closer than I ever wanted to be to that situation when I heard Dr. Angelou's voice over my car radio today. I just pray for all of the victims and victims' families who have lived through the terror. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
May your family have a happy and safe holiday weekend!
(Sorry for being so gloomy today. Dr. Angelou is a wonderful writer and great writing has a tendancy to influence my mood.)
(Disclaimer: If these stats are incorrect, I apologize. I did a little research this evening and I checked the stats on a few sites and it was consistent. I hope I do not offend anyone by this post. I just posted this to share my emotions of the day.)
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Stories from my grandmother...
This weekend, my family will be getting together at my great-aunt's house for another family eating festival...Just as we did for Memorial Day. During this get together, I plan to sit down with my grandmother and other family members and document some of our family stories and stories from my grandmother's life. She is a great storyteller and I want to have the stories so that I can share them.
I hope to be able to get the stories posted soon so that you can hear the stories that I've heard during my childhood and that have helped shape me into who I am.
I hope to be able to get the stories posted soon so that you can hear the stories that I've heard during my childhood and that have helped shape me into who I am.
Maya Angelou...
I have just started listening to Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" on audio book. According to the recommendations of the local librarian, I should still read the book. I can now understand why. I am listening to it and it is giving me a visual of the events, but I am sure if I was reading the book myself, I would get more of a vivid visual.
I have wanted to read this book for a very long time. I have been a fan of Dr. Angelou's poetry for a long time. I also love her Life Mosaic products at Hallmark. I just have never sat down to read "Caged Bird". Many people have told me that it is a life-changing book.
I have only listened to the first cd (1 of 3), but I can already understand why people say that. As I was driving to and from meetings downtown today, there were several moments when I became teary-eyed. There were a few laugh out loud moments as well.
Dr. Angelou can paint a picture of time period and place that I've never been. Still, I feel as if I am a fly on the wall watching all the days of her life unfold.
I just finished her new cookbook, Hallelujah...The Welcome Table, and the short stories that lead up to the recipes were outstanding and vivid. I finally decided that it was time to sit down and read "Caged Bird".
I have read her poetry, her cookbook, and am now listening/reading "Caged Bird". Does anyone recommend any of her other works? I am going to try to read all of it sometime, but I just thought that someone might have a recommendation for the next one that I read.
And for those of you, who haven't read Dr. Angelou's work, I highly recommend it. Her new cookbook might be a good place to start.
I have wanted to read this book for a very long time. I have been a fan of Dr. Angelou's poetry for a long time. I also love her Life Mosaic products at Hallmark. I just have never sat down to read "Caged Bird". Many people have told me that it is a life-changing book.
I have only listened to the first cd (1 of 3), but I can already understand why people say that. As I was driving to and from meetings downtown today, there were several moments when I became teary-eyed. There were a few laugh out loud moments as well.
Dr. Angelou can paint a picture of time period and place that I've never been. Still, I feel as if I am a fly on the wall watching all the days of her life unfold.
I just finished her new cookbook, Hallelujah...The Welcome Table, and the short stories that lead up to the recipes were outstanding and vivid. I finally decided that it was time to sit down and read "Caged Bird".
I have read her poetry, her cookbook, and am now listening/reading "Caged Bird". Does anyone recommend any of her other works? I am going to try to read all of it sometime, but I just thought that someone might have a recommendation for the next one that I read.
And for those of you, who haven't read Dr. Angelou's work, I highly recommend it. Her new cookbook might be a good place to start.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
26 things about me!
I stole this from Moogie's blog site. (Her blog is lots of fun BTW) I thought it would be a good idea to let you know a little more about me. I apologize ahead of time for misspellings...I am doing this in somewhat of a hurry.
So, here's a quiz. I'd love for you guys to answer with your responses.
1. What time do you get up: 6:30 or a little after during the week, but I usually sleep in until 9 on weekends. Wrigley, our Shih Tzu/Yorkie, is our alarm clock!
2. If you could eat lunch with one person, who would it be? Gosh, do I have to pick just one? Probably my grandmother (my dad's mom). She was a published poet and I am sure she could teach me many more things. I would love to sit on the porch swing with her and listen to her sing to me again. I used to love that.
3. Gold or silver? Either, if someone else is buying!
4. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I think that it was Bad Santa. It's sad, but we don't normally go to the theater. We usually wait until it comes out on DVD or on HBO.
5. What is/are your favorite TV show(s)? I am obsessed about TV. Let's see... Just rambling through the list (in no particular order)....What Not to Wear, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Trading Spaces, American Dreams, Law and Order Criminal Intent(I am attracted to Vincent D'nofrio for an unknown reason.), CSI (Las Vegas & not the others), Extreme Makeover, Extreme Makeover Home Edition (Ty is too cute!), American Idol, Lost, America's Top Model, CBS lineup on Mondays, 30 minute meals with Rachel Ray, Paula's Home Cooking, Entertaining with Michael Chiarello, Low Carb and Lovin' It, Calorie Commando, The Next Food TV Star, Hell's Kitchen, and ANY makeover/home improvement show known to man. I know I've missed some. I told you I LOVE TV!!!
6. What did you have for breakfast? Cheerios.
7. Who would you hate to be stuck in a room with? Jerry Falwell. I think I would rather someone stab me a million times than to have to share the same air as him. I know one thing...if I ever get near him, he will get an earfull. I know that it is not nice to hate someone, but I can't help it. My mind and my heart won't let me not hate him. Although he is so full of hatred, I don't think it matters. (I tried to keep it to a minimum, but as you can tell, this is a touchy subject for me.)
8. What inspires you? People who use their experiences for good rather than lying down in the mess. I admire people who can pick up the pieces and move on with style and class.
9. What is your middle name? Renee
10. Beach, city or country? I like living near a city, but I don't want to live downtown. I am content with living near Charleston. It has southern hospitality, but has a lot to offer. (And the traffic isn't horrible)
11. Favorite ice cream? ANY KIND. My husband and I are addicted to ice cream. "Hello, my name is Jen. And, I am an ice cream addict."
12. Butter, plain or salted popcorn? butter and a little salt.
13. What color is your bathroom? One is a light sage and the other is purple.
14. Favorite color? PINK - "It's my signature color." What can I say, I love Steel Magnolias? (I've always loved pink, though.)
15. What kind of car do you drive? 2005 Hyundai Elantra
16. Favorite sandwich? Anything from Blossom Deli downtown. What can I say? I love Blossom and Chef Dodson is amazing! :) (I know, I know...it's a sandwich, but Blossom is just amazing period! Their dinner selection is great, too.)
17. What characteristic do you despise? closed-minded
18. Favorite flower? Calla Lillies. That is what I had in my wedding. Simple and Elegant...(just like me. HA I WISH!)
19. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would it be? Oh, goodness. Maybe NYC, Vegas, Italy, Greece, the Bahamas...I don't know. I would go anywhere I think. I love to travel.
20. Favorite brand of clothing? My favorite store is Lerner New York. Affordable clothes that are made well, fit well, and look great. They withstand lots of wear and I love their stuff.
21. Where would you like to retire to? I don't know. I'd love to retire, but I think that is a little far off for me to even consider. :(
22. Favorite day of the week? I pretty much like all days. Although, Mondays are my least favorite.
23. What did you do for your last birthday? At a Marketing and Communications Conference held at Flatwoods, WV. I ate dinner with a few strangers from the training. Oddly enough, by the time dinner was over, we were all friends! I still email and see a few of them! I had a great time! How great?! (I just wish my husband could have been there to celebrate with me. He would have had a blast, too.)
24. Where were you born? Beckley WV in Raleigh General Hospital.
25. Favorite sport to watch? I love Cheerleading or Dance Competitions. I watch football, baseball, and a little basketball with my husband. He is a sports fanatic. He, along with other sports fanatics, will tell you that cheerleading and dance are not sports. Well, I say that they are and that is what I like to watch, so there!!! HA HA
26. What fabric detergent do you use? Tide. I am allergic to everything else.
What about you? What are your answers. Take the quiz and post them here on the comments secton. I would love to see your answers.
So, here's a quiz. I'd love for you guys to answer with your responses.
1. What time do you get up: 6:30 or a little after during the week, but I usually sleep in until 9 on weekends. Wrigley, our Shih Tzu/Yorkie, is our alarm clock!
2. If you could eat lunch with one person, who would it be? Gosh, do I have to pick just one? Probably my grandmother (my dad's mom). She was a published poet and I am sure she could teach me many more things. I would love to sit on the porch swing with her and listen to her sing to me again. I used to love that.
3. Gold or silver? Either, if someone else is buying!
4. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I think that it was Bad Santa. It's sad, but we don't normally go to the theater. We usually wait until it comes out on DVD or on HBO.
5. What is/are your favorite TV show(s)? I am obsessed about TV. Let's see... Just rambling through the list (in no particular order)....What Not to Wear, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Trading Spaces, American Dreams, Law and Order Criminal Intent(I am attracted to Vincent D'nofrio for an unknown reason.), CSI (Las Vegas & not the others), Extreme Makeover, Extreme Makeover Home Edition (Ty is too cute!), American Idol, Lost, America's Top Model, CBS lineup on Mondays, 30 minute meals with Rachel Ray, Paula's Home Cooking, Entertaining with Michael Chiarello, Low Carb and Lovin' It, Calorie Commando, The Next Food TV Star, Hell's Kitchen, and ANY makeover/home improvement show known to man. I know I've missed some. I told you I LOVE TV!!!
6. What did you have for breakfast? Cheerios.
7. Who would you hate to be stuck in a room with? Jerry Falwell. I think I would rather someone stab me a million times than to have to share the same air as him. I know one thing...if I ever get near him, he will get an earfull. I know that it is not nice to hate someone, but I can't help it. My mind and my heart won't let me not hate him. Although he is so full of hatred, I don't think it matters. (I tried to keep it to a minimum, but as you can tell, this is a touchy subject for me.)
8. What inspires you? People who use their experiences for good rather than lying down in the mess. I admire people who can pick up the pieces and move on with style and class.
9. What is your middle name? Renee
10. Beach, city or country? I like living near a city, but I don't want to live downtown. I am content with living near Charleston. It has southern hospitality, but has a lot to offer. (And the traffic isn't horrible)
11. Favorite ice cream? ANY KIND. My husband and I are addicted to ice cream. "Hello, my name is Jen. And, I am an ice cream addict."
12. Butter, plain or salted popcorn? butter and a little salt.
13. What color is your bathroom? One is a light sage and the other is purple.
14. Favorite color? PINK - "It's my signature color." What can I say, I love Steel Magnolias? (I've always loved pink, though.)
15. What kind of car do you drive? 2005 Hyundai Elantra
16. Favorite sandwich? Anything from Blossom Deli downtown. What can I say? I love Blossom and Chef Dodson is amazing! :) (I know, I know...it's a sandwich, but Blossom is just amazing period! Their dinner selection is great, too.)
17. What characteristic do you despise? closed-minded
18. Favorite flower? Calla Lillies. That is what I had in my wedding. Simple and Elegant...(just like me. HA I WISH!)
19. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would it be? Oh, goodness. Maybe NYC, Vegas, Italy, Greece, the Bahamas...I don't know. I would go anywhere I think. I love to travel.
20. Favorite brand of clothing? My favorite store is Lerner New York. Affordable clothes that are made well, fit well, and look great. They withstand lots of wear and I love their stuff.
21. Where would you like to retire to? I don't know. I'd love to retire, but I think that is a little far off for me to even consider. :(
22. Favorite day of the week? I pretty much like all days. Although, Mondays are my least favorite.
23. What did you do for your last birthday? At a Marketing and Communications Conference held at Flatwoods, WV. I ate dinner with a few strangers from the training. Oddly enough, by the time dinner was over, we were all friends! I still email and see a few of them! I had a great time! How great?! (I just wish my husband could have been there to celebrate with me. He would have had a blast, too.)
24. Where were you born? Beckley WV in Raleigh General Hospital.
25. Favorite sport to watch? I love Cheerleading or Dance Competitions. I watch football, baseball, and a little basketball with my husband. He is a sports fanatic. He, along with other sports fanatics, will tell you that cheerleading and dance are not sports. Well, I say that they are and that is what I like to watch, so there!!! HA HA
26. What fabric detergent do you use? Tide. I am allergic to everything else.
What about you? What are your answers. Take the quiz and post them here on the comments secton. I would love to see your answers.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Maple Creative Receives Honorable Mention!!!!
Monday, June 13, 2005
Expect to hear more from Maple!!!
Maple Creative is awesome and everyone else in the nation is soon to find out what we have known all along!!!! The blog survey has been completed and I hope that the Maple Team hears some good news soon!!!! (see original post for details) I wish them the best and I will keep my fingers crossed for them. This is the accolades that they deserve! So, tune in with your eyes and ears for more information about Maple. They have been doing great things for some time, but I know that there are many more good things to come from Maple Creative. Maple is a team of talented, creative, and passionate people who work very hard for their clients and communities. So, hooray to the Maple Team for what they have done and what they will continue to do!
Thanks to my friends at Maple for all you do and best of luck! :)
(We are cheering you on! So, go Maple, go!!!)
Thanks to my friends at Maple for all you do and best of luck! :)
(We are cheering you on! So, go Maple, go!!!)
I'm shoked! Does anyone else feel deceived?
When I heard the verdict on the Michael Jackson Case this evening, I was shocked! Maybe I am wrong in saying this, but I feel that the media mislead us a little. For a jury to not convict him of any of the charges (not even the lesser charges), there must be a lot that we don't know. I know that the media interviewed the jurors this evening, but I didn't get a chance to see much of it. I am anxious to see the Today Show or Good Morning America tomorrow to see what the jurors have to say.
Does anyone else feel mislead? Were you shocked by the verdict?
Does anyone else feel mislead? Were you shocked by the verdict?
Once again...Snowshoe was outstanding!!!
Snowshoe did not let me down this weekend. We had a wonderful trip and consumed more food than I thought was humanly possible. The Red Fox on Saturday was outstanding! Thankfully, our dinner was included in our vacation package! When we got the bill to sign, it was $254!!! I think that is the most I have ever spent at a restaurant!!! (Thankfully, it wasn't actually money spent since it was included, but I can't believe that the check was that much!!!) Even though the bill was pricey, we did get four appetizers, four entrees, four desserts, two cappacinos and two bottles of wine. I am surprised that they didn't have to roll me out of there!!!! All four of us ordered something different so that we could try a variety of things. So, in one evening, we had a little Boar, Elk, Pheasant, Salmon, Escargo, Wild Turkey, Filet Mignon, Hen, and I can't forget all the desserts! I was especially fond of the Pheasant Ravioli Appetizer. I didn't care too much for the Escargo, but at least I can say that I have tried it. All the food was wonderful, but the desserts were not as good as I anticipated. The White Chocolate Lava Cake did not measure up to the lava/molten cakes that I have had at other restaurants. I had a praline, caramel, and fudge sundae, which was good, but not worth $6.99. The other two desserts included a Espresso Dark Chocolate Parfait and a Blueberry Creme Brulee. The Creme Brulee was good, but I will stick to the traditional recipe with the chocolate center. (After all, you can't really beat chocolate!!!)
It was a wonderful experience and I will definitely go back and visit the Red Fox.
Now to our room....When we arrived at Snowshoe, we checked in and went to the Rimfire Lodge, where we were staying. Upon arrival, I was so excited to find out how our room would look. I guess I was nervous too...concerned that my friends would not like it. :( Not to worry though, because the sound of our mouths dropping to the floor when we opened the door relieved my worries that my friends would be dissapointed. A large kitchen with dishwasher, sink, cabinets (fully stocked with dishes and cooking essentials), refridgerator, stove, and microwave. We could have cooked a full meal if we had taken groceries with us. But with all of the wonderful food at Snowshoe, who would want to cook??? (The room even had a picnic basket in the kitchen cabinet, equipped with wine glasses, napkins, silverware, and plates! WOW!)
What more could you ask for? Well...since you asked....A large living area with a full balcony and patio furniture, gas fireplace (even though we didn't need it), tv, stereo, and more!!! Each couple had their own bedroom (with a tv in the room!!) and bathroom! With two women in the room getting ready at the same time, the two bathrooms came in handy.
We lounged in the pool and hot tub on Saturday, walked around a little, and then got ready for dinner. I had a great weekend. It was very relaxing. We did a little sight seeing on Sunday on our way home. We went to Cranberry Glades and Beartown. I have lived in WV all my life but had never visited these spots. I am glad to say that I have been there and that it was while I was spending time with close friends.
I hope to load my pictures to the server tomorrow and I hope to add them in the morning.
I had a great vacation and I hope you do too!!! Best wishes on your adventures!
It was a wonderful experience and I will definitely go back and visit the Red Fox.
Now to our room....When we arrived at Snowshoe, we checked in and went to the Rimfire Lodge, where we were staying. Upon arrival, I was so excited to find out how our room would look. I guess I was nervous too...concerned that my friends would not like it. :( Not to worry though, because the sound of our mouths dropping to the floor when we opened the door relieved my worries that my friends would be dissapointed. A large kitchen with dishwasher, sink, cabinets (fully stocked with dishes and cooking essentials), refridgerator, stove, and microwave. We could have cooked a full meal if we had taken groceries with us. But with all of the wonderful food at Snowshoe, who would want to cook??? (The room even had a picnic basket in the kitchen cabinet, equipped with wine glasses, napkins, silverware, and plates! WOW!)
What more could you ask for? Well...since you asked....A large living area with a full balcony and patio furniture, gas fireplace (even though we didn't need it), tv, stereo, and more!!! Each couple had their own bedroom (with a tv in the room!!) and bathroom! With two women in the room getting ready at the same time, the two bathrooms came in handy.
We lounged in the pool and hot tub on Saturday, walked around a little, and then got ready for dinner. I had a great weekend. It was very relaxing. We did a little sight seeing on Sunday on our way home. We went to Cranberry Glades and Beartown. I have lived in WV all my life but had never visited these spots. I am glad to say that I have been there and that it was while I was spending time with close friends.
I hope to load my pictures to the server tomorrow and I hope to add them in the morning.
I had a great vacation and I hope you do too!!! Best wishes on your adventures!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
VACATION! WAHOOO!!!
At 2:30 tomorrow, my husband and I will depart for our weekend getaway. We will meet up with my best friend and her husband in Beckley at 3:30. We will then continue on our journey to Snowshoe Mountain.
To answer the question that is on your mind.....Yes, I know it is not ski season.
Even though we won't be hitting the slopes (which doesn't bother me since I don't know how to ski), we will be hitting the pool, hot tub, and the restaurants. We intend on spending time in the lodge playing cards and just relaxing. Many times, our vacations are so busy with sight-seeing and events that we have to come home to rest!!! This vacation will be different....we intend on spending a lot of time just resting and hanging out.
My husband and I went to Snowshoe for our honeymoon. It is so peaceful up there. Not only is it peaceful, but Snowshoe has some of the best food I have ever eaten. As much as I have talked about my previous experience at Red Fox to other people, I should get a discount!!!! Their website doesn't lie...."The Red Fox is proud to serve an extraordinary blend of hearty cuisine, gourmet delights and unique mouth watering wild game specialties. Guests at the Red Fox can enjoy impeccable European-style service, blended with American casualness with spectacular slope side views under a moonlight atrium."
As you may know from reading my other posts, I am a FOOD enthusiast. We have reservations for 5:30 at the RED FOX on Saturday. YUMMMMMMMM I can't wait! What will I have??? Probably a little of everything!!!!
I recommend Snowshoe Mountain for your next getaway! So many people go outside the state for vacation when we have wonderful getaways (for great prices) right here at home!!! Snowshoe is far enough away from me that it feels like a vacation, but you don't even have to leave the state!!! Snowshoe Mountain is beautiful and I hope to be able to post some of the pics from vacation when I get back.....
Have a great weekend!
****If you want more info on Snowshoe Mountain in WV, visit their website at www.snowshoemtn.com ********
To answer the question that is on your mind.....Yes, I know it is not ski season.
Even though we won't be hitting the slopes (which doesn't bother me since I don't know how to ski), we will be hitting the pool, hot tub, and the restaurants. We intend on spending time in the lodge playing cards and just relaxing. Many times, our vacations are so busy with sight-seeing and events that we have to come home to rest!!! This vacation will be different....we intend on spending a lot of time just resting and hanging out.
My husband and I went to Snowshoe for our honeymoon. It is so peaceful up there. Not only is it peaceful, but Snowshoe has some of the best food I have ever eaten. As much as I have talked about my previous experience at Red Fox to other people, I should get a discount!!!! Their website doesn't lie...."The Red Fox is proud to serve an extraordinary blend of hearty cuisine, gourmet delights and unique mouth watering wild game specialties. Guests at the Red Fox can enjoy impeccable European-style service, blended with American casualness with spectacular slope side views under a moonlight atrium."
As you may know from reading my other posts, I am a FOOD enthusiast. We have reservations for 5:30 at the RED FOX on Saturday. YUMMMMMMMM I can't wait! What will I have??? Probably a little of everything!!!!
I recommend Snowshoe Mountain for your next getaway! So many people go outside the state for vacation when we have wonderful getaways (for great prices) right here at home!!! Snowshoe is far enough away from me that it feels like a vacation, but you don't even have to leave the state!!! Snowshoe Mountain is beautiful and I hope to be able to post some of the pics from vacation when I get back.....
Have a great weekend!
****If you want more info on Snowshoe Mountain in WV, visit their website at www.snowshoemtn.com ********
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Exercising....
Well, as I mentioned in a post from a few days ago, I did actually start back with my exercise regimen. It got delayed until today, but at least it did get started. The video was 36 minutes of realization that I was REALLY out of shape. I have done the tradiational TaeBo videos before, but the new one that I bought before Christmas is similar, but adds more cardio to it. (Note: I bought the video before Christmas, but just took the shrink wrap off of the video today...Sad, huh?)
The workout was pretty intense, but fun. I was exhausted afterwards. I worked out downstairs in the rec/family room and when it was time to face the stairs to return to the living room to relax, I didn't think that I was going to make it. I kept thinking, "I don't remember having this many stairs."
I guess I've finally come out of the winter hibernation and now I have to work at getting back in shape. I went to the gym 6 or 7 days a week with a friend last summer and enjoyed it. When our schedules changed and we couldn't go workout at the same times, my workout regimen fell apart and I stopped going to the gym....
So, wish me luck on my search for physical fitness....:)
The workout was pretty intense, but fun. I was exhausted afterwards. I worked out downstairs in the rec/family room and when it was time to face the stairs to return to the living room to relax, I didn't think that I was going to make it. I kept thinking, "I don't remember having this many stairs."
I guess I've finally come out of the winter hibernation and now I have to work at getting back in shape. I went to the gym 6 or 7 days a week with a friend last summer and enjoyed it. When our schedules changed and we couldn't go workout at the same times, my workout regimen fell apart and I stopped going to the gym....
So, wish me luck on my search for physical fitness....:)
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Huntington Bank ad....
I just realized that I never posted this...
I heard the Huntington Bank ad last Friday and it got stuck in my head. It is a radio ad, but is very effective. The jingle is fairly short and the premise of the ad is that the announcers can't fit all the words into the jingle. It adds a little humor to the ad, but you catch yourself paying close attention to the words that they are saying because you are trying to keep up with the attempt to squeeze all the words into the jingle. So, not only is the jingle catchy, but the humor and the quickness of the words makes you listen closely to the ad...and you remember it. I still remember that Huntington Banks help their customers and their communities. I still remember a few of the services that they provide. Heck, I might even consider changing my account to Huntington. It was such an informative, inspiring ad. Not to mention, a innovative way of approaching service advertising. Their ad is definitely different from any other ad I've ever heard...especially any banking ad I've heard.
I just hope that Huntington can live up to their promises and their ad. This is because of recent events that have taken place.
That brings me to my pet-peeve of going through the bank drive thru. Ok. I was a teller at a bank during college...I hated it, but I still remember what it takes to do a transaction. Even when I was going through training, I don't think that I took as long as some of the tellers that I have had lately. RULE - You don't put your slowest teller in the drive-thru. You just don't. You absolutely DO NOT put your slowest teller in the COMMERCIAL window of the drive thru. OK, so now that we have discussed that....here is my pet-peeve. I HATE when I run out of deposit slips and I want to make a deposit....I know that is MY fault, however, I make it simple for them. I do not request the teller to send me a slip or even calculate anything for me. I send in my check with my account number on it (which is required at my bank) and write "FOR DEPOSIT ONLY" on the back of the check below my signature and account number. I would have got my right hand chopped off if I EVER cashed a check that was marked "FOR DEPOSIT ONLY" when I was a teller. I currently bank where I used to work, so I know what the rules are. So, why is it that the past several times that I have deposited my paycheck, they have sent me back an envelope with my entire paycheck cashed???? It irritates me so much!! I have sent the money back nicely several times and asked that it be deposited. They ask me for my account number and I reply, "It's on the back of the check." This past time, I replied by saying, "It's on the back of the check, right above the FOR DEPOSIT ONLY statement.", this time with sarcasm.....They apologize every time, but I get more aggrevated each time.
I have been considering changing banks....however, I am a automated payment user...so that means that I have to contact my mortgage company, college loan lender, my husband's HR dept (b/c he gets his check direct deposited), and a million other places where I pay my bill online using my bank account. I am just not up to talking to that many customer service representatives. I hate doing that! :(
So, I guess I am stuck with my current bank for a while until I have the time and patience to switch everything over.
It's not that I think I know everything about banking...heck, when I worked in the banking industry, I despised it. I just don't understand why depositing a check is so difficult. Besides, according the trainings that I went through as a teller, it is my understanding that a bank IS NOT allowed to cash a check that is marked "FOR DEPOSIT ONLY". And we had to review each check to see if the signature matched the payee name on the check...to check if the payee had an account with the bank where I worked and if not, was the account that the check was written an account of ours???? So, I don't understand why it is not still standard procedure.
Ok ok....I'll get off my high horse now and start looking around for a new bank and stop complaining.......I just don't understand why you can't get what you want when going through a drive thru....???? Why is it that the bank gets my transaction wrong, Taco Bell can't make my Fiesta Taco Salad the way that I order it....and Wendy's can never remember that I ordered NO MAYO on my husband's burger....
I guess fast doesn't mean effective/efficient. Oh well.....so what else is new?
I heard the Huntington Bank ad last Friday and it got stuck in my head. It is a radio ad, but is very effective. The jingle is fairly short and the premise of the ad is that the announcers can't fit all the words into the jingle. It adds a little humor to the ad, but you catch yourself paying close attention to the words that they are saying because you are trying to keep up with the attempt to squeeze all the words into the jingle. So, not only is the jingle catchy, but the humor and the quickness of the words makes you listen closely to the ad...and you remember it. I still remember that Huntington Banks help their customers and their communities. I still remember a few of the services that they provide. Heck, I might even consider changing my account to Huntington. It was such an informative, inspiring ad. Not to mention, a innovative way of approaching service advertising. Their ad is definitely different from any other ad I've ever heard...especially any banking ad I've heard.
I just hope that Huntington can live up to their promises and their ad. This is because of recent events that have taken place.
That brings me to my pet-peeve of going through the bank drive thru. Ok. I was a teller at a bank during college...I hated it, but I still remember what it takes to do a transaction. Even when I was going through training, I don't think that I took as long as some of the tellers that I have had lately. RULE - You don't put your slowest teller in the drive-thru. You just don't. You absolutely DO NOT put your slowest teller in the COMMERCIAL window of the drive thru. OK, so now that we have discussed that....here is my pet-peeve. I HATE when I run out of deposit slips and I want to make a deposit....I know that is MY fault, however, I make it simple for them. I do not request the teller to send me a slip or even calculate anything for me. I send in my check with my account number on it (which is required at my bank) and write "FOR DEPOSIT ONLY" on the back of the check below my signature and account number. I would have got my right hand chopped off if I EVER cashed a check that was marked "FOR DEPOSIT ONLY" when I was a teller. I currently bank where I used to work, so I know what the rules are. So, why is it that the past several times that I have deposited my paycheck, they have sent me back an envelope with my entire paycheck cashed???? It irritates me so much!! I have sent the money back nicely several times and asked that it be deposited. They ask me for my account number and I reply, "It's on the back of the check." This past time, I replied by saying, "It's on the back of the check, right above the FOR DEPOSIT ONLY statement.", this time with sarcasm.....They apologize every time, but I get more aggrevated each time.
I have been considering changing banks....however, I am a automated payment user...so that means that I have to contact my mortgage company, college loan lender, my husband's HR dept (b/c he gets his check direct deposited), and a million other places where I pay my bill online using my bank account. I am just not up to talking to that many customer service representatives. I hate doing that! :(
So, I guess I am stuck with my current bank for a while until I have the time and patience to switch everything over.
It's not that I think I know everything about banking...heck, when I worked in the banking industry, I despised it. I just don't understand why depositing a check is so difficult. Besides, according the trainings that I went through as a teller, it is my understanding that a bank IS NOT allowed to cash a check that is marked "FOR DEPOSIT ONLY". And we had to review each check to see if the signature matched the payee name on the check...to check if the payee had an account with the bank where I worked and if not, was the account that the check was written an account of ours???? So, I don't understand why it is not still standard procedure.
Ok ok....I'll get off my high horse now and start looking around for a new bank and stop complaining.......I just don't understand why you can't get what you want when going through a drive thru....???? Why is it that the bank gets my transaction wrong, Taco Bell can't make my Fiesta Taco Salad the way that I order it....and Wendy's can never remember that I ordered NO MAYO on my husband's burger....
I guess fast doesn't mean effective/efficient. Oh well.....so what else is new?
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