I worked from home in the morning, and then went to the Lifeworks presentation in the B002 cafeteria for lunch. I’m so glad I went. One of the services, the least used one they said, is this “Everyday Issues,” service where you can tell them some service you’re looking for and they investigate it for you.
I’ve been wanting to get my windows replaced in my townhouse for a while now, but can’t get into starting the search for who does that kind of work, and getting referrals from folks, etc. So I sent them an e-mail when I got back to my office, asking if they have some places to recommend. Later in the day, I got this email back:
Thank You for Using Lifeworks Online!
Dear John:
Thank you for contacting Email a Consultant. I have received your request inquiring about referrals to services which would replace windows in your townhouse. At this time, I have asked our research team to look into this further. We will try to locate resources that are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau, as well as being licensed and bonded services. It is also a good idea to check their references to help make final decisions.
Our research process typically takes 3-4 business days to complete at which time we will provide you with a few referrals for your comparison. If you require additional resources, please feel free to contact us back for ongoing assistance. I anticipate being back in touch with you by the end of the week with any resources we are able to confirm. Please let me know if you require further assistance in the meantime.
Sincerely,
Debra Kiesl
Lifeworks Consultant
How cool is that?
I stopped at the Post Office on the way home to check the TCW mail. I ran by home, packed up the other TCW mail to take to the meeting tonight, and picked up my laptop.
Class was decent tonight, in spite of Dr. Dicks still being a little out of it from being sick.
Lars told some more war stories from his workplace, and I noted to Erin, “Have you ever noticed that whenever Lars talks about his job, he always slips into a war metaphor, and uses guerrilla warfare terminology?” It’s pretty funny.
At one point, Erin wrote on a piece of paper, “‘Smoothie Lady’ isn’t here tonight.” I just about fell out on that. I had to suppress my laugh for about five minutes. That’s “Angel,” I think that’s her name. She usually arrives 5-10 minutes late with a big old drink in her hand, and sometime during the class, inevitably, walks out, presumably to use the bathroom. And, while she’s in the class, she’s usually asking some annoying questions or sharing her life experiences.
Meagan told her story about trying to hook up her Playstation 2 with a LinkSys(?) wireless adapter and some other gadget from Roadrunner, all three of which needed to interact, none of which did, 5 hours on the phone with Roadrunner, LinkSys(?), and the PlayStation 2 vendor, with one of the helpdesks being abroad, with the directions for two of the items on the inside of the box, of which she had to tear the boxes to read. (Negativity abounded — sounded like rightly so — in this case.) She also talked about the government job fair she attended today — negativity.
I stopped at Whole Foods on the way to the board meeting, as Dr. Dicks let class out a little early tonight (7:00 instead of 7:15). I’m sorry but these people that are convinced (by advertising mostly I think) that they must eat this shit that’s three times the price of other food bewilder me. I mean do we really need to eat an organic chocolate bar?
I got a cup of coffee to go.
The board meeting was pretty decent tonight. We re-assigned my duties, which went smoother than I thought. We talked a lot about the “future of TCW,” and Beth talked a long time about ASPYN stuff. At 9:21, I said, “Guys, I need to stop in 9 minutes.” We did.
I stopped at the Food Lion on the way home.