Simon left a message at work that he wouldn’t be in, a sick kid. So it’s just Carole and I. I’m very pleased that my first few days in the office weren’t terribly busy with calls. Today made up for them big time, including making calls for Simon for the next interview day in early February. I planned to do other CPI work at home.
It was 5:10 and Carole and I were getting ready to close the office when the phone rang. I answered and it was someone wishing to register for a progam in Belfast. Carole took the booking while I finished making copies of the forms Simon and I would need for Dublin next week.
I was more tired than I’d been since I arrived. Sincerely, I don’t know how Carole does it alone on Monday and Friday. Certainly, I think we can help a bit with different ways of organizing or doing tasks, but it’s still a lot for one person to do. I know I’ve only been in the office for just over a week, and I’ve got so much to learn. It’s very different. I felt very competent in the US; had been trained in most aspects of the company, but then I could always phone Mel or Raquelle for assistance. Now, if I’m on the phone with a customer, it’s not very easy to do that. Now, if Carole’s in Shipping—there I am. Luckily, Instructor Calls are no problem for me, but I’m not adept enough to do registration and orders. I know it in my head, but it hasn’t translated to real life yet. Carole and Claire do the “hard” stuff on the databases, but I’m able to answer questions and assist in other ways, while I’m trying to get the “system” of the office figured out.
Of course the UK office is only supposed to take up about 60% of my time, and that hasn’t been the case in the beginning. I do love it, and find the whole experience fascinating.
Funny, the reactions I get when I answer the phone. Some people act surprised and to one guy I said, “It’s obvious I’m from the states.” He said, “Well, that’s what I thought but didn’t want to insult you by saying so.” I kind of laughed and he quickly covered by saying that I could be Canadian and lots of Canadians are insulted when you mistake them for Americans.
I walked in pouring rain to the bus stop, with my umbrella buried in my bag. Another lesson learned. Always keep the brolly on top. Anyway, by the time I got home, made dinner, and dealt with email I was bone tired.
When I went to bed last night about 10, I read awhile as I do every night. (It’s been years since I haven’t had a TV in my bedroom. I like it.) I tried to go to sleep about 10:30 but I noticed that I wasn’t able to breathe through my nose. I’d taken my decongestant and antihistamine but decided to use a nose spray I had as well. No use. Got up and read until midnight and also got on my writing bb to talk to friends but felt horrible. Finally I was able to sleep. I was so afraid I had a cold. Yuck. I want to experience an Irish pub next week so I will NOT be sick.
posted by Jerilyn Dufresne, author @ 10:25
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