MY day made!

Convertible or SUV?

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:03:00 +0000

With our trip to Vegas we decided to rent a car since we'd be there for six days. My boyfriend made all of the arrangements. Once we got through the line, Katie was the person that ended up helping us. She went through the regular language (which she has easily memorized) about renting a car. She then asked about if we wanted insurance.

She talked to my boyfriend about the different options and said that bout 40% of people end up getting the insurance. I probably wouldn't have got it, but my boyfriend ended up getting it. She offered more friendly conversation about living in Vegas and my boyfriend asked if there was a veterans discount. Katie said that our discount was already the best one, but that she would upgrade our car since he was a veteran.

That ended up being great since my boyfriend is 6'4 and 320 pounds (a midsize car probably wasn't the most comfortable). She gave us the option of a Mustang convertible or SUV. We thought about the convertible, but realized that 97 degree weather in Vegas might not be the best place to let the wind (or lack thereof) blow through your hair! So we went with the SUV.

Katie was great! Our car was great! Hertz is fantastic!

Solamente Agua Por Favor!

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:58:00 +0000

We were in Vegas and a resort that had a full kitchen as a part of them room. It had been an action packed day. All my boyfriend and I wanted was some water. It was at 11:30pm Vegas time (which was clear past my bedtime Louisville time where it was 2:30am). All we wanted was some water for the next day.

So, we found a Vons grocery store that was luckily open. We went inside and weren't the only late night shoppers. We got our water and went to the one checkout lane that was open. I would have assumed that everyone was tired at that time, but not Sandy - the lady checking us out.

Sandy was fully of energy. She greeted us with a warm welcome and asked if we had a Vons discount card. When we said we were there only visiting, she pulled out a card to give us a discount. She asked how our trip was so far. We told her it was great. She informed us if we were going to be in Vegas for a couple more days that we should check out the Vons in a different area because it's a really large one with a lot of offerings.

Although we were VERY tired, we walked out of the grocery with a smile. Sandy didn't have to make conversation with us, but you could tell that she really enjoyed her job. Sandy really enjoyed people. Sandy was actually excited to be there. Sandy, you're fantastic!

I Lash!

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Since I perform on a stage for my competitions, everything has to appear bigger and brighter - including my eyes.

I've worn fake eyelashes in the past, but never really thought I was successful. By the end of the night, one end was always sticking up and I'd hope I wasn't close enough for anyone to notice. For my competition in NYC I decided to use a better quality lash and I headed to Sephora in Oxmoor Mall. The orignal sales person didn't know much about lashes so she referred me to Elise.

Although she couldn't apply the lashes for me, she took me through all the steps that she uses to apply her lashes. She talked about the best way to maintain them and offered suggestions for storing them. She also gave some great tips on the best lashes for my face for what I'd be doing.

Elise made me feel that I could be a 'eye lash applying superstar'! And all of her advice paid off. In a hotel room in New York City early one Saturday morning, my eyes transformed into a beautiful wonderful. Thank you so much Elise!!!

Free pizza help!

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:44:00 +0000

While reading my local paper on Saturday I read about a free pizza giveaway on Tuesday and Wednesday. Being in the offseason for training, I was excited to have a free piece of pizza. The article listed phone numbers to call so I picked up the phone to make sure I wouldn't miss my free piece of pizza, pizza, pizza!

I called the Tony Boombazz Taphouse on Bardstown Rd to inquire. A worker named Sarah answered the phone. She told me about several of their specials, but didn't mention the free pizza. I read from the article to tell her what it mentioned. She let me know she hadn't heard of it yet and that the manager wasn't there.

Instead of just letting me go or telling me to call back, she offered to take my phone number, find out the information and return my call. Within 15 minutes my phone rang and Sarah told me about the wonderful promotion they would be having with a free slice of cheese pizza for their new Brooklyn pizza.

I appreciated that Sarah took the time to look into the information for me. I wasn't something she had to do. It probably wasn't something that most people would take the time to do. But, she did because she has a great heart - thanks Sarah!

New Pair of Feet

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Although I love getting a new pair of shoes, I don't get excited to get a new pair of tennis shoes. I usually keep a pair until the color has faded or the sole of the shoe is completely worn. With all of my recent fitness competitions, though, I now need to keep my tennis shoes up-to-date.

While driving down Bardstown Rd I saw the most wonderful thing. It was a sign that read "50% off"! Under the sign were boxes of tennis shoes. I felt like I hit the jackpot. The next day I returned to the Fleet Feet Store to look at their selection. They had several size 7 shoes. Although I generally wear a 7 1/2 I felt for half priced shoes I could get rid of half a size of my foot.

Laura walked over and started telling me a little about the different styles of shoes. I have a foot that practically has no arch so it was very important that I found something that has positive stability. After trying on all of the size 7 sale shoes, I stood up so Laura could feel my toe. Unfortunately, it was poking right at the top of the shoe. I hated that I'd have to pay full price now for a shoe, but knew it was essential for my training.

So, lovely Laura told me about some of their other regular priced shoes and made some great suggestions. I asked about the 'whiteness' of so many shoes and she offered suggestions for washing and maintaining them. She was very knowledgeable about all of the products and I knew I was in good hands.

I walked out of Fleet Feet with a new pair of shoes and felt great about my experience. Buying a pair of tennis shoes shouldn't put a smile on my face, but Laura did.

French Food's Finest!

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:46:00 +0000

I had never been to a French restaurant. So, while in Houston my boyfriend and I visited La Madeleine. Whenever I visit somewhere for the first time I always ask the employees what they suggest. On this day, Jerome was working and told me their most popular dishes.

We sat at our table and Jerome brought me out a huge plate of pasta. Jerome let me know that he added a little extra. I nibbled on half of it, but my boyfriend had to finish the rest off. As we finished eating, my boyfriend asked me if I wanted to try any of their desserts. Just as the question was asked, Jerome was walking to another table and said, "If you want desserts, I have your back".

I had a sweet chocolate dessert and this time ate it all! It was mmm, mmm good. As we left we tried to give Jerome a tip for the wonderful service that he gave. He smiled, graciously declined and told us he was just glad we came.

Thanks Jerome for all you do!

Mega Welcome at a Mega Church

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:38:00 +0000

While visiting Houston, my boyfriend and I decided to visit Joel Osteen's church. We'd heard about it and watched him on television. We woke up bright and early to attend the 8:30am service. The parking garage was massive and the church (which is in an old NBA basketball stadium) was simply impressive.

When we walked into the door, we were greeted instantly by Vernelle C. She was so excited to see us and to tell us about all of the wonderful experiences at Lakewood Church. You could tell that she felt that morning she was sent specifically to welcome us!

Vernelle showed us around the complex and took us into the church. Our eyes widened as we looked at the place of worship. We thought we'd find a seat toward the back somewhere, but Vernelle said "You're gonna get VIP treatment today!".

Who would have known that her VIP treatment really was VIP. Next thing we know, we are headed to the front row in the front of the church. It was a truly remarkable experience!

After the service on our way out the door, Vernelle caught us again. She had that same twinkle in her eye. It was truly a blessing to have met her and I hope to see her again.

More Than A Clean Room

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:52:00 +0000

While in Charleston, SC for a recent fitness competition, I was stretched out exhausted across my bed trying to rest before heading back for finals. Our maid at the Hilton Garden Inn, Anna, knocked on the door to clean our room. I knew I wasn't about to budge from the bed in order for it to be made, so we asked that the garbage be taken out to receive water and new towels.

My boyfriend is from the islands and he heard Anna's accent. He just knew she was from Jamaica or somewhere else. He asked her. She said she hears that all the time, but she was born and raised in South Carolina. She said she was raised in a country type setting and once she was closer to a city, her accent has somewhat changed. Regardless of the type of accent, it was a beautiful one.

Anna continued to talk to us about life in South Carolina etc... She was one of those people that you would have loved to sit and talk to for hours because you knew she had some wonderful stories to tell. As she finished cleaning the room, she wished me luck with my competition and went on her way to the next room.

The next morning as we were leaving for checkout and walking down the hall, I heard a voice yell "See you all later. I hope you enjoyed your stay". I didn't even have to turn around to know that voice was Anna's!

While at the front desk I asked to speak to a manager because I wanted to commend Anna. Before I even said Anna's name the supervisor said, "Let me guess, you're on the fifth floor with Anna? We hear that about her all the time!" It's an amazing thing when one person after another feels the same type of gratitude from one person. This shows that one person can make you forever remember a simple visit. Thanks Anna!

A Simple Card

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:47:00 +0000

This time of the year is always hard for me. It's my birthday - which is obviously a joyous occasion. However, at the same time, it's the anniversary of my mother's death. She passed away three days before my birthday. My parents wedding anniversary was also the same day as my birthday so I visit the mausoleum where they are buried every year on my birthday.

The week before my birthday I received a card from an unknown address. I opened it and began reading it. It was from Judy Morray, a lady at my church. I had been on the church's prayer list for the week and she wanted to take the time to send me a short note to let me know I was on her mind. She said she knew that it must be difficult for me to not have my parents around but that she knew I was making them proud.

I don't think when Judy sent the note that she knew that it was sent at the perfect time when I needed to hear those words. People rarely send you cards in the mail anymore, and definitely don't take the time to write a personal message. Her message was short, simple, sweet and full of so much meaning. Thanks Judy!!!

Free Grilled Chicken!

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:49:00 +0000

I, like the other millions of people in the US, printed out my coupon for a free grilled chicken meal from KFC. It was my last week that I could eat 'cheat meals' before my competition and I thought the grilled chicken was a good substitution. I researched the nutritional value of the chicken(very good) and picked out my sides that fit my list of approved food. I was on my way to a great lunch meal.

I arrived at the KFC by the old Showcase Cinema and noticed the drive-through line was rather long. No problem, I'll just park and go in. Well, when I went inside, the lines were equally as long. Everyone wanted their free chicken. When I arrived at the register I happily presented my coupon for the grilled chicken. The person taking my order, Kendrick, told me that there was a 15 minute wait on grilled chicken but they could give me fried now if I wanted it. No thanks, I didn't mind the wait.

I then proceeded to order my two sides (the coupon says 'your choice of sides') and wanted green beans and corn. Kendrick told me that they were giving everyone the same sides - mashed potatoes and one other thing. I told him about my dilemma and that I was training and couldn't have those two. He asked me to step to the side and said I could speak with the manager.

People continued flooding in to place their orders. Kendrick kept his cool through the entire process. Although the waiting area was now full of people, he did not break a sweat. He continued greeting each person positively and you would have never known how chaotic everything was around him. I believe that Kendrick's patience for the customers made all the customers that were in there calm overall. They didn't get worked up, because he didn't get worked up.

When the 15 minutes came, they packed the grilled chicken and people were on their way out the door. The manager gave me the two sides I'd requested and the grilled chicken was absolutely fabulous. I doubt when Kendrick came into work that morning that he knew how crazy the day would be. However, he made it work and filled a lot of people's satisfied stomachs!

Early Morning Oil Change

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:08:00 +0000

It was time for my Acura to get an oil change. It was a last minute thought and I wanted to try to find somewhere that I could get in within 24 hours. I purchased my car at Sam Swope Honda World and remembered that they had a 30-minute speedy service Oil Change. I checked online and saw that they opened at 7:00am. I tried calling to see if I needed an appointment but could never get someone to answer the line. I contacted a great salesperson there, Lamond Chandler, and he said to go on up there, they are open.

When I arrived, I was checked in by Danielle. Most people in the car business are men, but Danielle held her ground. She asked me questions about my car, looked up the previous services that had been done and made sure that she didn't suggest any extra services that I didn't need. She wrote down the approximate time that my car would be complete and I headed inside.

Five minutes before the estimated time, Danielle came out and told me my car was ready. She apologized for quoting me a little low on one of the services (she quoted me the Honda instead of Acura price) and I told her it was no big deal. She was very cordial and polite the entire time I was there. Even though it was pouring down rain outside, she made it sunny inside. Thanks Danielle for being a wonderfully caring person!

Washer Leak - Help!

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:17:00 +0000

It started with a small leak. The pan under my washer will fill up, although not overflow, and I noticed that the brown dirt from the washer was also there. A friend came and investigated and we found where the water was coming out.

After unsuccessfully testing several screws to see if something would fit, he suggested we take a photo of it and I go to a home improvement store to see what they suggest. That trip turned out uneventful and it was instead suggested I go to an appliance parts store - Marcone's in particular.

I arrived at Marcone's and was instantly greeted by Mark. He looked at my photo and said the leak was coming from the water pump. The cost for the pump was $50. I asked about how much it would cost for a plumber to fix it and he said he wasn't sure. He suggested, though, that since the washer was pretty old, it may be better just to invest the money in a new washer. He made several suggestions also of where to buy the washer.

While talking to him, I also spotted a cool product in the store that tests your dryer to tell you if it has the potential for a fire. I picked it up and told him I also wanted to buy that product while I was there. He suggested I not even waste my time or my money.

Although it was just a short and quick visit, I appreciated Mark's expertise and knowledge. Some salesmen want to sell you everything in the store, but Mark truly was focused on just giving me quality service. Thanks Mark!

Be Careful With My Blood

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:18:00 +0000

There is a screening at the University of Louisville that tries to watch for early signs of Ovarian Cancer. Since my mother passed away from this, I felt it was best for me to be a part of the screening. I participated last year and everything looked fine. This year, they wanted me to return for follow-up.

The actual screen was pretty quick. I was an ultra-sound. After that was completed they said they wanted to do blood work. I was hesitant to get blood work because the last time I gave blood (at a different hospital) they left this huge bruise under my skin that took several days to go away. I told Tracey Chatham about my hesitation and that everyone that takes my blood always comments on my protruding veins, yet they always seem to miss the vein on their first try.

She said they just didn't know what they were doing and used too big of a needle. I also told her about my last experience and she said that was because they didn't apply pressure afterwards. Tracey had a great personality and talked to me throughout the entire. Let me tell you - Tracey was a pro. She found the vein, stuck it right it and was able to fill three samples of blood.

You never think that having blood drawn will be a good experience, but I left the James Graham Brown Cancer Center with a band-aid on my arm, and a smile on my face!

Finding the Perfect Place to Watch the Heels

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:10:00 +0000

I had waited all day for 5:45 to come so I could watch my Tar Heels in the NCAA tournament. Imagine my dissatisfaction when 5:45 came and WLKY decided to show the Purdue game instead. I instantly threw on some clothes and headed out the door determine to find somewhere showing the game.

My first stop was the BW3 on Taylorsville Rd. They were busy, but there wasn't a wait. Most of the tvs were on the Purdue game but I asked if I could sit somewhere where I could watch UNC. The host sat me in my own booth and even turned a tv to the UNC game just so I could see it.

Nicole B. was my server. We started with my favorite drink, water on the rocks. Since I am getting ready to start training again, I wanted to try to eat as healthy as possible. I couldn't decide between naked chicken tenders or chicken wraps. I asked which one she'd suggest and she said the always eats the tenders, but if I am looking for a meal, then go with the wraps. Since I needed something to last an entire game, I went for the wraps. They were very tasty.

The UNC/LSU was very close for the first half. I jumped out of my seat several times and cursed several LSU fans that I felt cheered at the wrong time. The thing that was so wonderful about Nicole's service is that she let me have my space. Some servers can get on your nerve by stopping by every five minutes and asking if you need anything. Nicole did not. She let me watch my game and cheer on my Heels. When my water was low, she filled the cup. She asked if I needed anything, but never rushed me. Even though the restaurant started filling up and I was sitting at a big booth that held six people, Nicole made me feel welcome and that I was just as valued as any of her larger parties.

Toward the end of the second half, my Tar Heels pulled ahead and we moved on to the Sweet 16. Thanks Nicole B. for making my game watch experience a good one!

A Quick Jump

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Don't just hate it when you are ready to go somewhere, you jump in your car, turn the key in the ignition - and then the car won't start!? That happened to me this weekend on Friday night as I was headed out to watch the University of Louisville game with some friends. The car didn't even try to start. I looked up and saw that the inside light on the passenger side had been left on. (Can't blame it on anyone but myself!)

Luckily, I am a AAA member and pulled out my gold card to use their services. I waited until Saturday morning to call when I thought it would be less busy. I had to be less than ten minutes from when I called and I heard the AAA people pull into my driveway. Two men stepped out to assist me with my car dilemma. All it took was a quick jump, and they were done. And, even though it was a quick job for them they were very talkative and fun to be around. For them to be the first people I saw on a Saturday morning, they helped me start it with a smile. One told me I needed to keep my car running and drive around for about 20 minutes - what a great reason to get dressed and head to the gym!

Thanks Kenny and the Rescue Rangers team!

It's More Than Just a Rhinestone

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:19:00 +0000

I decided to 'bling out' my fitness costume. I estimated that I would need 90 rhinestones to complete my entire outfit.

When I arrived at JoAnn Fabric's in St. Matthews they had all types of rhinestones of various prices and sizes. I wanted the larger ones that had the best shine. The package I selected had 15 rhinestones in it. I bought four packages.

Several days later I was gluing on the rhinestones to my outfit. I realized that I must not have had my carbs that day because 15 x 4 only equals 60. I was too bags short. I returned to JoAnn's to get two more bags. But the didnt' have them. After searching, I was able to find one bag. I had to have these exact size/color rhinestones in order to complete my outfit for the stage.

I went up to the front counter to see if they had any more packages in the back. Two younger girls were working at the counter. One was able to determine that their system said they had 12 packages in stock. As soon as she says this, up walks Sherry, another employee. Sherry said they could probably be in this big box they just received. I thought she would just blow me off and tell me to come back in a couple of days, but she didn't.

She asked me to follow her to the side of the store with a box with A LOT of items. She picked up a couple of packages, they were weren't what I needed. She said the chance of finding these exact rhinestones is almost like finding a match in a haystack. Well, Sherry must have found that match because as soon as she said it, she picked up my package.

I came back a day later and gave Sherry my thank you card. She was shocked that I took time out to thank her for her time. Shen opened the card and read the letter. She made a difference in my life, so I was glad to make a difference in hers!

Buy One, Get One Free

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:09:00 +0000

Places like Walgreens are great places to visit when you need something at the last minute. There happens to be one around the corner from my house on Taylorsville Rd.

I had been researching different supplements to take for my fitness training and saw that taking fish oil can help decrease body fat. So, I threw on my shoes and took the short drive.

If anyone has ever seen the vitamins row, there are probably five different brands of vitamins. The price range varies. I think to myself, are there really that many different types of Vitamin C? Shouldn't all vitamin C's be the same? After standing there looking confused, I decided on a brand \of fish oil pills that was priced in the middle.

I arrived at the front counter with my bottle. The cashier, Susan, scanned the bottle. She then said, "Hold on a second" and scanned the bottle again. I had no clue what she was doing. Then she said, "That's what I thought." She continued to tell me that these vitamins were on sale - buy one, get one free. She put my bottle in a bag and told me I could go back to the vitamin isle to get my other bottle.

I thought this was such a nice, honest caring gesture. When I was in the store I didn't have a "MY Day Made" card with me. Luckily, when I arrived home, I noticed that Susan's name was on top of my receipt. I went back several days later on a day I knew Susan was working. She seemed a little surprised when I walked up to her, but once I explained my reason, a smile beamed across her face. She gave me a great hug and said this was the first time anyone had ever done anything like that for her. It's moments like this that remind me the importance of reminding people that they make a difference!

Oh My Neck (but not my back!)

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Neck issues are never fun to deal with. Especially when you can't sit up to get out of bed. Especially when it is painful just to brush your teeth. Especially when the thought of sitting through church makes you cringe. Especially when you wake up each morning unsure of whether or not you can move.

This was just how I felt during February. Nothing really seemed to be making my neck feel any better. I had been seeing Meghan at Jewish Hospital's Physical Therapy office. While I felt relaxed when I would visit, by the time I arrived back in my office I was back in pain. So much pain that I ended up receiving an MRI and then being referred to a Neurosurgeon.

But, Meghan saved the day! She started doing traction on my neck. When she did, as I left the office, it felt so wondeful to be able to move my neck in any direction without much restriction. Meghan did such a fantastic job that when I visited my Neurosurgeon he said he wasn't too worried about my neck since PT inproved my condition. So good that when I asked the Neurosurgeon if I could enter a fitness competition in two weeks where I would be tumbling, he said "Go For It!"

So good that my neck has started hurting much less. But, unfortunately so good that I may not need any more physical therapy visits. Meghan- you are the greatest eva!!!

At The Car Wash

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:59:00 +0000

The ice storm was not pretty. Although the trees were nice to look at, the salt on the road completely tore up my car.

I'm one of those people that hates to wash my car. I call it a "present" for my car whenever I give in a decide to wash it. This time it was definitely needed.

The temperature was under 32 degrees so I was unsure if they would be open. Surely enough, there was a sign on the garage door of the facility that said they wash as long as it is over 15 degrees. Good stuff.

I pull up slowly to the machine to put my credit card in. I feel a shadow walk up to the car. The owner of the facility asks if he can help me so I don't have to get out and stand on the ice. He takes my card, swipes it through the machine and hands it back to me. I was impressed by his kindness - especially when I looked down and saw that he had on no gloves. I asked, "where are your gloves?" He told me that he couldn't swipe the cards with gloves, so it was a sacrifice he had to make.

As I sat in my SUV and watched the suds clean my ride, I thought about the dedication this man had. It's a self run car wash so he really didn't have a reason for needing to be there. But he chose to. He chose to greet customers and make sure their experience was enjoyable - even if it was just a car wash! That's the type of service that makes you want to return! He didn't do it because he had to, he did it because he cared!

A Few Good Men

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:34:00 +0000

So, to compliment my beautiful new basement, I purchased a funky contemporary kidney shaped couch from Craigslist. This bad boy was almost nine foot long. I thought nothing about how to get it in my basement. I just knew I wanted it. I bargained and received it for a wonderful price. I called up my bud Will who has a truck. My friend Brian joined us and we headed to Lake Forest. We took it out of their walk-in basement. This sucker took three of us just to carry it to Will’s truck.

Upon arriving at my house, Will and Brian looked at all my doors. They scrunched up their noses. It won’t fit in that door they said. Probably not that door either. They talked about taking a door hinge off to make it work. I became worried that I’d just purchased a sofa that I wouldn’t be able to use.

We moved it in and out of the sitting room in the kitchen trying to get it at a good angle. That didn’t work. We moved the dining room table. No, still won’t fit through the basement door. We were finally barely able to fit it into the door and then it completely stopped. Will stood at the foot of the basement stairs and Brian and I pushed. Nothing. We pushed again. It budged a little, then it stuck. Brian said, WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A WAY! We continued to make small pushes and the sizes of the basement door started to creek. Who cares, I thought. I need this sofa. Finally we had the right push and the sofa made its way down the stairs.

But wait. Now down the stairs, it had to turn to fit into the actual basement. After several more minutes of brainstorming, Will figured out the perfect angle to fit it on the floor. We put the legs back on and put the sofa in a place that it will stay for the rest of its life!

Will and Brian never gave up on helping me accomplish my goal. When something didn’t seem to go right, they made a new plan and continued to improve. Some of our pushes were small, but in the end it contributed to great success. I walk into my new basement and love what I see. Thank you, thank you, thank you Brian and Will!!

I Love Me Some HH Gregg

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:23:00 +0000

I finally decided to join the flat screen family and purchase a tv for my basement. I’m one of those people who will do a lot of research before purchasing anything. Consumer Reports listed Samsung and Sony as the top LCDs and Panasonic and Samsung as the top plasmas. I looked online at various sites and found a good priced tv at HH Gregg.

I decided on a Panasonic plasma since it would be in the basement. I asked my salesman Ron about some sales that were going on and price matching. I saw one at Best Buy for a great price. He said it was for a 780 model instead of 1080. No problem, now need to figure out a size. The 50” looked amazing and the 46” was great, but saved me a little money also. Hmmm… what’s a girl to do? Ron told me that most people get a 42-46” and a 50” would be big time. Makes sense. So, I decided to downgrade and get a 42” tv.

I was happy with my purchase, loaded it in the back of my SUV and went on my way. Once I arrived home, I started surfin’ the net. I just decided to look up the 46” on Best Buy. I noticed that the 46” was only $100 more than the 42” at HH Gregg. I was right!!! I would have definitely paid only $100 to increase the size.

So, I called HH Gregg and spoke to Tim, a manager. I explained that I just left HH Gregg about an hour ago and found the Best Buy price online. I told him how much I wanted the 46” instead. He said they’d match the price and to come back. I rapidly put my shoes back on and went out the store.

Ann was working Customer Service and I told her what just happened. She looked the price up for Best Buy online and said they only match the price if Best Buy has the product in stock. They no longer had any available. What!!!!? I told her that I just got off the phone with Tim and he said they would match it. She said that was fine and gave it to me for the listed price. Yes!!!! She called back to the warehouse and asked them to bring the 46” to the front. Two guys came to the front and said that they too were out of this tv. Oh no!!!!

We all looked at each other with a confused look and Ann called Tim to come to the front. I put on my Yeager smile and Ann told him what had happened. I told Tim I appreciated all the help they’d done so far. Tim looked my way and said “just give her the next model up for the same price”. Bless you Tim!

Although I left with a beautiful upgraded flat screen TV, the thing that stays in my mind is the customer service. It started with Ron working with me for two days to select a tv. Then there was Ann who was so calm and understanding behind the customer service desk. Tim, the manager, made it all work and let me know they really care about the customer. And the warehouse guys carried the tv toward my car and sent me away with a smile.

Customer service truly is a team effort and I definitely drove away pleased!

Heel Yeah!

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:51:00 +0000

I’m the type of shopper that will get in the mood to buy a certain item of clothing and will visit several stores in search of it. Several weeks ago, I wanted a simple black dress. Then I was in search of a new sweater. My most recent quest was for some black Ugg-style furry boots. I started at Zappo’s but came up empty handed. From there I headed to TJ Maxx, only to end up at Off Broadway shoes.

I instantly walked to the shoe section, and standing there was my friend Joanna Rodgers. I first met Joanna’s family when I lived in Mallgate Apartments. Her sister, Kathryn, and I went to EduPlay (the pre-school that was in the complex). Kathryn, Joanna and I would go on to attend St. MAM (the after school program) during Elementary School. The Rodgers family started me in gymnastics. Kathryn eventually stopped taking lessons and Joanna transitioned into ballet. I remember her being oh so graceful!

In my growing years, the Rodgers family became an integral part of my life. I remember all the overnights we had together. They made me a part of their family. There were even holidays that I would spend to them. Thinking back, although I was the only drop of color in the family picture, everyone treated me just like a part of the family. Even their dog, Jenny B, welcomed me with open arms.

I used to always run into Joanna when I would go on dates to Macaroni Grill. I love Italian food and more times than not she’d be working. But she no longer works there and it had been several years since our paths crossed. To randomly run into her at the store brought back a flood of memories. Stories of my development and molding. Joanna helped me remember I that I am the person today to a compilation of a plethora of experiences and people. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the Rogers family!

Hook Up The Chops

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:55:00 +0000

I started training again for my next competition, so my eating choices are very slim. It was a Sunday afternoon and I was supposed to fly out at 7:00am the next morning for a conference. I didn’t want to cook too much, because it would be wasted food that I’d end up throwing away. I decided to order steak or seafood from somewhere. I remembered some great food I’d had at Lonestar so I looked up their nutritional information online. Yeah, some of it was pretty high in calories and carbs.

However, the pork chops were decent in nutritional value. I called me friend TJ that works at the restaurant asking what the sides of the day were. I asked him to put my order in and said I’d come in a pick it up. When I arrive, TJ and I talked sports and small talk. It was great conversation. When my to-go order came I reached for my purse to pay and TJ said, “Don’t worry about it.”

That made my day. Not only was the meal free, but the pork chops had the most amazing seasoning on them. I learned that it is not always strangers that can make your day, sometimes it’s just the simple gesture of a friend.

In Line at Target

noreply@blogger.com (MYeager) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Target has to be one of the best places to visit. You walk in the store for one thing, and come out with everything else! On this day, though, I was on a mission. I only needed three things, well really four but they didn’t have the forth item. The line for 10 items or less was not open and there were rather long lines for all of the others.

I was fine to sit and meditate while waiting in line and stood behind a woman with a lot of items. She looked over at one of the other lines and saw a clerk with a short line – however his light was off signifying he was still on the clock. She pointed to him and suggested I head to that line, but I told her it looked like he was ready for a break and I didn’t want to inconvenience him. So we stood in line.

When it came time for her to check out, she turned around and said “Go ahead, honey, you only have three things!” Really? I asked if she was sure. She said yes. That simple gesture made me feel wonderful. I turned around and told her about what I was doing and that she was the first person for me to honor. She smiled, open her arms and gave me a warm embrace.

So now we have two complete strangers hugging in the middle of Target acting like old friends. I didn’t get the woman’s name and may not recognize her if I see her again, but the memory will last a long time!