With all of my boys back at school today I felt ready to face the list of jobs that had been growing during the Christmas holidays. This included going to various banks and building societies, and whilst I was paying in and taking out my money I couldn't believe how many things the staff were trying to sell me.
At the first bank it was a credit card, a loan and a savings account, and at the second it was another credit card, and both children and adult's saving accounts. Even at the Post Office where all I wanted was to post a parcel and buy some stamps I was asked about switching to their phone land line and getting top ups for my mobile. Although I pretended I had just switched phone company so I didn't need to listen to the sales patter the cashier was very diligent and still kept going. At least if they are on the phone you can politely cut them off and put the phone down but face to face it is more difficult to escape quickly without being rude.
I appreciate that the staff are only selling what they are told, and I am sure there are quotas, but when you go into a bank with two tellers and seven people waiting it's so frustrating having to wait for longer than necessary because you can hear the staff are trying to sell contents insurance to someone who is really not interested.
As we are all too aware economically things are tough for everyone. If a savings account is needed most people will shop around for the best deal before they open it. I wonder how many customers actually say "Hey, that's a really good idea, let me give you my money now and sort this out. I have a lot of time and am able to sit down immediately. I don't want to compare what you are offering with anyone else, and am more than happy to tie my money up with you and for it to be in a not to be touched account for the next five years."
Perhaps I am getting to hett up. I should forget about the banks and think about food shopping before the weekend. Then I will be able to buy some Easter eggs. Oh no, I feel another moan coming on.........
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Monday, 2 January 2012
Resolution or Reflection?
At this time of year I always feel bombarded with articles and comments about New Year resolutions. Whether it is on Twitter, Facebook or from friends everyone wants to know if you have a resolution. It would be easy to answer with the standard I would like to lose weight/get fitter/do more exercise/tone up answer that I have used for many years, but the truth is that this is just a constant in my life that I lapse in and out of all year and I never get a physique or weight that I am totally happy with.
I could resolve to ensure that my children spend less time in front of the TV and X-Box and more quality time either with me or doing more constructive things, but in my house this is viewed as a war and although both sides win battles at different times there is no overall winner or loser and so this probably doesn't count.
So can I think of a resolution or should I approach this from a different angle? Perhaps I should just view the new year as the next chapter in my life. Each year will bring it's own highs and lows and each year is a chapter in my book. As this is the start of chapter forty something what would I like to include in it? Are there elements I want to change in my life or new things I need to add? To answer this requires a step back from the day to day vagaries of my life. I know that I am very lucky to have four (and in my opinion very handsome if sometimes temperamental) sons, a husband who I may moan about occasionally, but who is supportive and loves me, a home which needs some work here and there but is generally ok, and great family and friends. I am very fortunate and I should appreciate all that I have, but that doesn't mean that I don't need to make some changes.
I know that I want my Blog to be very successful in 2012 and to try something new in my work life. A business I have been running for a long time has now closed and a fresh challenge is needed. I am not sure what this is yet but it is something I need to do for me and now my boys are older it is something I can give more attention to. I have a family function to organise later in the year that will be a big event and I want to make sure it is successful and fun for everyone who is there. I love the theatre and concerts and if I have the opportunity (and money) hope to go to both. There are many aspects of this chapter in 2012 where the pages are blank and it will not be completely filled until the end of December 31, but in the meantime I am not making any quick fire resolutions just some thoughts, hopes and plans that I can fulfil over the coming months.
I could resolve to ensure that my children spend less time in front of the TV and X-Box and more quality time either with me or doing more constructive things, but in my house this is viewed as a war and although both sides win battles at different times there is no overall winner or loser and so this probably doesn't count.
So can I think of a resolution or should I approach this from a different angle? Perhaps I should just view the new year as the next chapter in my life. Each year will bring it's own highs and lows and each year is a chapter in my book. As this is the start of chapter forty something what would I like to include in it? Are there elements I want to change in my life or new things I need to add? To answer this requires a step back from the day to day vagaries of my life. I know that I am very lucky to have four (and in my opinion very handsome if sometimes temperamental) sons, a husband who I may moan about occasionally, but who is supportive and loves me, a home which needs some work here and there but is generally ok, and great family and friends. I am very fortunate and I should appreciate all that I have, but that doesn't mean that I don't need to make some changes.
I know that I want my Blog to be very successful in 2012 and to try something new in my work life. A business I have been running for a long time has now closed and a fresh challenge is needed. I am not sure what this is yet but it is something I need to do for me and now my boys are older it is something I can give more attention to. I have a family function to organise later in the year that will be a big event and I want to make sure it is successful and fun for everyone who is there. I love the theatre and concerts and if I have the opportunity (and money) hope to go to both. There are many aspects of this chapter in 2012 where the pages are blank and it will not be completely filled until the end of December 31, but in the meantime I am not making any quick fire resolutions just some thoughts, hopes and plans that I can fulfil over the coming months.
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