Reflections on 2011: Part One of One

2011 was a year I’m going to happily put behind me.  Amongst several other notable things this year I also turned 30 and that’s been lame but I’m hopeful that 2012 will be a year of extraordinary self-exploration and growth.  Ha!  Probably not likely. 

Resolutions are how we plan for the upcoming year but in order to successfully create resolutions, we must reflect on the year behind us.  To me, resolutions need to be specific and brief and you need a plan of action that you can successfully maintain.  If resolutions are too lofty or not articulated and developed you have a high failure rate.  Here are my resolutions and more importantly my reasons. 

Llama Herding and My Dreams

I was recently emailed by a man named Jack Liu from Fence Farm.com about my grassland fencing needs.  I thought it would be a great time to explore my dreams of llama herding and so I sent Mr. Liu or as I refer to him, “Export Administrator” for information.  Here is the conversation (so far).  I do hope he responds. 

Dear Import Manager

Chinese farm fence factory main produce Galvanized wire, field fence (farm fence; grassland fence; ranch fence；fence post), pole and barbed wire.  Grassland fence is made from high-tensile galvanized wire.  Usage of grassland fence: grassland build, road construction; fixed-point graze and separate feeding. In the meantime, the fence can be used for family-owned ranch/farm with peasant and herdsman.  We can supply the standard size and also produce as you required.  If any of them interested of you, please send Inquiry to this email.

Best Regards,

Jack Liu

Website: www.fence-farm.com

Naturally, I responded.

BACK to the Thunderdome: Seriously… how’d you get my 20?

In the longstanding (about two months worth) of my replying to spam emails has it has taken me on quite a journey.  From finding my perfect match in the love department to my option of entering the truck driving world with CB handle “Mad Maxine.”  I wrote about the original truck driving email and my subsequent reply… and once again, I was met with a response from the other side.  It got me thinking and since I can only assume his interests mirror my own I shared them with him… we’ll call him Gil.  But it’s not his real name.
At this point, I’d like to point out the the spelling errors are NOT mine.  I chose to leave them in so you can fully appreciate the interaction with the highest level of authenticity.  I’ve even highlighted them for your convenience.

Customer Service Gets…Well…Intimate

Part of my job involves interacting with customers that have questions.  I work for a company that puts on races all over the world.  I get all manners of questions (and spelling/grammar levels) but today I think I reached new levels of dumb and it became dumb almost immediately.  

I had this interaction with a woman inquiring about clothing, or lack thereof, at an upcoming race in Amesbury, MA. 

 

Enter the Thunderdome: What’s your 20?

In the tradition of random emails finding their way into my Inbox, imagine my surprise when I received the following email today:
Truck Driving Career Expo
Do you want to find out more about the Truck Driving Profession?  Here is the opportunity to attend a free career information program to explore an industry with many High Paying Jobs available NOW! 
When:   Monday, January 23, 2012
Where:  Metro Community College- South   
                Campus- ITC Building- Conference Ctr.
What:   6pm Trucking Career Panel Discussion
                7pm-9pm   Visit with Various Trucking
                Firms, Training Schools, Financial
                Support agencies, & NE Trucking Assoc.
Program provided by Nebraska Dept. of Labor & the Nebraska Trucking Association
For further information; contact Deb Christensen-402-XXX-XXXX or Phil Sanders 402-XXX-XXXX at Nebraska Dept. of Labor. Please call to register if attending.
This is an automated email notification. Please do not respond.

My “Type” and Everybody Else

As has become a theme in my life, the people around me are trying to find ways to partner me up and marry me off.  Apparently, It’s a sad state of affairs for me to be single and 30 with two growing children.  Despite my full time job, my awesome friends, fun sports and events, and busy lifestyle; to my friends and family, my being single MUST make me miserable.  It’s at least once or twice a week I hear, “I have this guy friend from my gym you just have to meet!” or “This guy from my work would be perfect for you.” or, “My brother is getting a divorce, I should totally introduce you two!”