Proposition 8

OK, so I've been really trying hard to stay away from this topic, but, if you are a Facebook friend, I'm sure you've noticed that I've started posting things about it lately.  The more I read and understand it, the more I think it should pass.

First off, I think one thing that people need to know is that THIS IS ABOUT CALIFORNIA.  Of course, if it passes there, I'm sure it will move on to other states.  

In California, domestic partnerships have the SAME RIGHTS as actual married couples, so this IS NOT about gay rights.  This is about something much bigger.

Did you know that in Massachusetts they have started teaching children about gay parents in Kindergarten?  And, judges have ruled that parents have NO RIGHT to know what their children are being taught about it.  One man was sent to jail because he believed firmly enough in knowing what his children were being taught.  

If we don't pass Prop 8 in California, we may lose our rights as parents to decide what our children learn.  

Our churches might also lose their tax exempt statuses if they refuse to perform gay marriages.  

Guys, I have gay friends, and I love them to death, but this is not about their rights, as they have the same rights.  This is about making religious persecution constitutional, and I can't have that on my conscious.

Things I Would Never Do

As I looked around me this past week, I saw things going on around me that made me very uncomfortable.  And, I think part of the reason I am single is because these are things I would never do.

1.  I would never tell people I liked a person, and then go to his house to hang out with him and other friends, and cuddle with his roommate, in plain sight of everyone else in the apartment.

2. I would also never cuddle w/ 3 guys in one night, all of which I have no feelings for.

3. I would never throw myself at someone I had no interest in just because someone I know liked them.

OK, I think I'm done ranting.

Hiatus

So, I haven't posted in a while, and I thought it might be time.

I had some thoughts lately that I wanted to share with you about customer service.  I have worked in the food service industry, and also at Walmart and Blockbuster, so I know about good customer service.

Rules to follow:

1.  Listen to your customers!  ( They shouldn't have to repeat an order 3 times because you weren't listening).

2.  Train your staff to always be helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable.  (If a customer has to wait an exorbitant amount of time for food, they should know why).

3.  Take the extra step.  (If a customer wants to know where something is, bring them to it.  Don't just point.)

4.  Commit to quality service.  (If you work at McDonald's or Sizzler, you should still make it a point to have quality service.  People remember BAD service long after they forget good service.)

5.  Treat people with courtesy and respect.  (We all want it, you should give it.)

6.  Never argue with a customer.  (I know that the customer is NOT always right, but, if you argue with them, they are going to feel more wronged in the end.)

7.  Assume that your customers are telling the truth.  (Most people don't like to complain.  In fact, a lot will go out of their way to avoid it, so take their complaints the way they are meant.  They are unhappy.  Make them happy.)

On the flip side.

Rules for customers:

1.  Know Exactly What You're Complaining About And What Action You Want.  (Don't just say, "I'm unhappy.  What are you going to do about it?"  Have something in mind.  And, make sure it is comparable to the problem.)

2.  Never Demand To Talk To The Manager.  (A lot of times someone else can solve the problem.  And, if they can't, ask politely to speak to the manager.  People are more likely to want to help you if you're polite.)

3.  Address Letters To Individuals.  (No "To Whom It May Concern".  If you write it to a specific individual, they are more likely to get it.)

4.  Keep Your Expectations In Check.  (When shopping at WalMart, do not expect a Nordstrom's experience.  But, do expect good customer service.)

5.  Don't Just Complain. Praise, Too.  (Everyone likes compliments.  It make hard jobs easier.)

OK, I'm done ranting for the day!  :)