A Time of Change..

While thinking about what to write my new blog post about, I realized that the Watson family's lives are changing so much that I could probably write a good "memory lane" post about all the craziness that is happening. I have also embraced the fact that this post will probably make my mother and sister cry - it's the Watson Women genes.. we are doomed to cry at the drop of a hat.

So what am I talking about, you ask? Well.. I have moved out of my apartment and into the Schlosz' family house in Round Rock and my parents are moving out of their house and into my apartment. Crazy? Yes, I think so.

Growing up we moved around a lot as a family, I feel like we have lived in every part of England possible, yes that is a slight exaggeration.. but you get the point. We then left England and moved to the states and landed in Little Rock, Arkansas. Hmm... no comment. We then moved to Austin, Texas. And since then, both of my siblings have gotten married :tear:, 4 dogs have been added to our family, 2 college graduations have happened, and 2 high school graduations have happened. 2 grandchildren have been born, both the parents had the big 5-0 :), 1 sibling moved out of town, and the other out of state, and we have met so many great people. I'm sure I'm missing many other events, but you get the point, a lot of big stuff has happened since moving to Austin.

But now, there is a time for change. The word alone can often scare many people, but depending on the way you look at it, it can also be a great thing. Change challenges us, as humans, to not freak out at the "altering" of what we have gotten used to. I admire my parents for their courage and strength to face many challenges that come from change in their years of marriage. And now they take on yet another huge change, moving from a big ol' house into my 1 bedroom apartment.

So, 10636 Floral Park Drive, we solute you.
From birthday parties, to engagement parties, to baby showers, to anniversary parties, to family reunions - you have given our family shelter and a great home to live in. But now, it is time for you to be the home for a new family and bless them.
So, here are a few pics to celebrate the great time we had in this house, but to also look forward to the new memories to come. So, yes. Christmas will be different this year, Thanksgiving will be different this year. But, I'm learning to understand the true meaning of these times, to celebrate with the ones you love; Whether with a huge Christmas tree with presents and a big table to sit around, or in a new place where things are a little more cosy.

This is the classic look of our living room after all the prezzies have been opened in the afternoon:


Mum and Dad's 50th Birthday


My lovely family <3


I love this picture, it's from last Christmas, Derby and his grandad :)


Mum's yearly masterpiece:


Laura + Jack


The classic "too early to take pictures" photos from Christmas morning:


Han and Dave lad:


The classic present that Dad buys Mum every year even though they promise not to get each other gifts:


Han and Dave are engaged!


The snow day when Han punched me in the face...


While we pretend to help with the tree


Grandma and Grandpa Visiting:




The cake making masters!


Putting up Christmas lights!


The Man of the house!


Thanksgiving:


A VERY old picture from a great time when family came to visit form England




Karaoke nights!


BALLOONS!


One of the many parties:


No comment..


Laura doing Han's makeup for her Jr. Prom


Being goofy


Jack Lad representing his British pride!



Tornado warning.. everyone in the closet.. with a bottle of wine!


Father's Day 2009:


Alright.. you've all seen enough :P
But you get my point... it's been a great house and we have all grown up so much since moving in years ago that December day. Lets see what the next years bring!

How to avoid being the customer everyone hates

Dear friends,

Today comes a lesson to you all. This lesson I teach you with words of wisdom from 6 years of working retail. Follow these simple steps to avoid being the customer that anyone in the world of customer service hates.

Step 1.
When we say, "Hi, how are you doing?" DO not ignore us. We're not asking for a novel back or anything, we're just looking for a "Good thanks, and you?" Even if you don't mean it. Pretend you do. Come on people. Do not be the person that will look us directly back in the eye and then look back down at the ever-delicious-looking pastry case that I PREPARED for you this morning. Rude.

Step 2.
If you are on the phone.. you are CLEARLY not ready to place your order. Would I take your order while I'm chatting on my cell phone? Nope. Because that would be considered preposterous - yet I'm supposed to figure out when you're talking to me or talking to the other person who is giving you some lame excuse as to why they can't meet you for coffee that day after all.. probably because you're a jerk face who won't get off your phone. HOWEVER, there is one excuse in this situation. You get big time brownie points if you go through the phone/place order scenario - but then come back at a later time and apologize. You will then be forgiven.

Step 3.
Do not complain about the prices. Such a simple step, one would think. However, to some of us - it is not. I have to tell you all, and to some of you it may be like telling a child about Santa Claus, but... WE.DO.NOT.MAKE.THE.PRICES. We only stand there and whip up these magical drinks that you order. I do not sit around on a Monday morning and think.. hmm.. how much do I wanna charge these suckers for their morning latte? Nope. That doesn't happen. So when you complain to us, that's why we have the face "Yep.. haven't heard this before" or the "I just work here" face.



Step 4.
Do not get frustrated with the assortment of questions we ask you at the registers. We are told to do this. We do not have the option if we feel that you look extra busy compared to the other hundreds of business men that walk into my shop everyday. Do not sigh. Do not "humph". Just simply answer the questions with a yes or no and we can all move on with our day.



Step 5.
Money. As we all know, there are many ways to pay with money. Cash, credit, debit, gift cards.. and so on and so on. Some not valuable options:
-Throwing money on the counter
-Putting money on the counter when I'm holding my hand out... you can put your 4 dollars in change in my hand, thanks.
-Walking away without paying and thinking we won't notice. We do.
-Tapping your credit card on the counter while I get your 1000 calorie carrot cake Mr. Track suit and protein powder drinker.
-My tip jar. Contrary to popular belief my tip jar is not sitting there to assist you in the payment of your large drink and food item. I have no idea how some people fail to see this.

Step 6.
The final step I will address to you all today... Never. EVER. Say to someone working in customer service - "You must be new here." Why? Because we can't read your mind? Nope. This is NEVER ok to say. It is offensive and rude for you to assume that because you make up whatever drink you want, not on the menu of course, and we try our best to create it and it's not perfect - chances are that does not mean that person is new. Don't even try to say it. You can think it, but never my friends, say it.

I feel better, don't you?
I hope you take this lesson to heart, lets make the world of customer service a happier place :) One friendly customer at a time.

Until next time,

J