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Reflections on Familiarity

There they were, a few guilt-inducing words plastered boldly across my blog dashboard:  "Last post August 2, 2010."  I can't believe nearly a year has passed since I last put pen to paper -- errr, fingers to keyboard.  I realize that my time has been limited these days, but wow...

 

 

Road home (moving day), courtesy of my sis-in-law Denise

Today, as I was driving down the winding, tree-lined road that leads home, I found myself remembering a time when I couldn't make this drive without thinking about how blessed I was.  For someone who grew up surrounded by the browns and neutrals of a dry, hot desert, being able to pass by bright green trees and colorful wildflowers every day seemed incredibly special.  Lately, I've barely noticed the scenery. 

Not that long ago, I was so excited to decorate my new office, and now -- despite being holed up in it for hours and hours every day -- I can't even remember the last time I actually looked at the faces staring patiently at me from those pretty frames.
 

Yesterday evening, just as I was packing up my belongings to head home, my boss came to my office to tell me that there was a tiny buck munching on the flowers outside his window.  My boss knows how much I love wildlife and thought I might want to go outside and take a picture.  Even a few months ago, I would have jumped at the opportunity.  Now?  "I don't have the energy," I told him. 

 

What is it about familiarity that makes us stop paying attention to the simple things that once brought us joy?  While I'm grateful for my wonderful neighborhood, for my amazing job, and for Colorado wildlife, sometimes I just forget that I am.  Certain things in my life have become so familiar that I don't even think about them anymore.  I often say that I'll never grow tired of looking at Pikes Peak -- or that the breathtaking view from my company's property will never stop taking my breath away -- but I wonder if these statements are really true.  I sure hope so! 

One of my prayers this week is that God will help my loved ones and me to see all that's around us with fresh eyes each day.  I don't want to miss out on the sense of awe, wonder, and excitement that seems to accompany new experiences and relationships.  I yearn for a thankful spirit, a heart of praise for everything with which I have been blessed, even the "small" things like the scenic, tree-lined road that leads me home.

Good night!
Christina

Our Next Fifty Years

I came across this adorable video and had to share it with you. A sweet elderly couple decided to use the piano in the atrium at the Mayo Clinic to lighten the mood and make each other (and others) smile. A major reason that I married Aaron is because he makes me laugh. We bring out the goofy and the silly in each other, and I hope we're continuing to do that fifty years from now. Enjoy!

Essential - Critical - Must-Have

Do you ever feel like your life's become a Dilbert cartoon?

How did it get to be June already? It seems like just yesterday I was sitting at home in my jammies every day watching Rachael Ray before taking Max for a trail run. Oh, how life has changed!

As many of you know, I resigned from a position at a local bank as soon as I realized that the culture and direction of the company did not match my career goals. I spent my precious days at home doing a bit of freelance work and yearning to work for Compassion International. Aaron and I sponsor a Nicaraguan Compassion child named Jenssy, and I wanted nothing more than to find meaning in my work the way I knew I could at Compassion. I thought God was calling me to use my creative gifts in full-time ministry. I prayed and prayed, and I even interviewed for positions for which I was clearly overqualified, but nothing seemed to be the perfect fit. As always seems to be the case, God had other (better) plans. God is like that. And He's always reminding me that, no matter our vocation, we're all on mission for Him.

In March, I found what promised to be the job of my dreams, and I spent most of April undergoing an intense interview process (six total, plus a hair follice drug screen and a 185-question personality/logic test). At the beginning of May, I became the communications manager of a beautiful local country club. I love the job! I work on a picturesque property, where I write newsletters; design brochures, flyers, posters, and signage; take event photos; and manage advertising, among other responsbilities. Having the opportunity to leverage my creative talents at work has been very fulfilling. I am also blessed to work in an environment in which people take the time to thank me for what I do. The golf-related perks don't hurt, either!

They say hindsight is 20/20, and I'm able to understand now some of God's purpose in having me work at the bank. While it was a tough season in my life, I know that it strengthened my assertiveness, which has already come in very handy in my new position.

Knowing that this position is right where God wants me right now doesn't mean I don't face my share of challenges. Even though I'm new in my position, my workdays have already become very long. Sometimes I feel like my life has become a Dilbert cartoon; every task I'm given is "critical," "urgent," and "must-have." It's these days, though, that something beautiful is happening. It's these days when I find myself going to God more often. It's these days I'm reminded that I can't do it all on my own, and I'm not the one in control. As I become less, Jesus becomes greater (John 3:30).

If you're struggling with challenges, whether at work or just in life, remember that God is probably using these situations to draw you to Himself and to prepare you for a role in an incredible story.

So when I'm having an "essential/critical/must-have" kind of day, I'm going to try to remember to stop what I'm doing and simply go to Him in prayer . Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) And I'm pretty sure He meant it.

This had me in tears yesterday!

Aaron and I have been considering adopting another puppy so that Max has a companion while we're away at work. Since we love labs, I ended up at the Mile High Labrador Retriever Mission's Web site, http://www.milehighlabmission.com/. I am not one who cries easily; I can't really remember the last time, prior to yesterday morning, that I cried. However, as I read the following on their Web site yesterday, I suddenly felt hot tears rolling down my cheeks. Rescuing Max was one of the best decisions Aaron and I have ever made together, but adoption is a commitment into which one shouldn't enter lightly. Thank you to whoever wrote this beautiful piece of work, which should make people think carefully about dog adoption and rescue.

When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.

My house-training took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family... CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

The Cold Shoulder

What I learned this week: Even when it's snowing wildly, Max would rather be outside in his doghouse (which, to be fair, is equipped with a thermostat-controlled heater & memory foam dog bed) than inside the house with me. Go figure.

Pressure Cooker Love

When the White family came to visit us recently, they came bearing gifts, which included two huge bags of home-grown pinto beans -- the most delicious in the world, in my completely unbiased opinion. That, combined with my growing pile of Bed Bath & Beyond coupons, served as the impetus for my purchase of a digital pressure cooker. If you know me at all, you're aware of how ridiculously analytical I am. So, after reading through dozens and dozens of product reviews, I finally settled on a Cuisinart. I've been pleased with the other Cuisinart products we own (coffee maker, coffee grinder, toaster, juicer, food processor, stick blender, etc.), so I wasn't surprised by the pressure cooker's strong reviews.

I've already prepared several dishes in the pressure cooker and have become infatuated with this cooking appliance. Not only does it cook pinto beans like a dream, but it can also soften potatoes in mere minutes. When it was snowing the other day, I used it to make this:

I wouldn't dare show you these pictures without sharing my recipe. So, here you are:

Cheesy Potato Soup

4 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

3 onions, chopped

1.5 c. water

3 c. milk

2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

3 c. mild cheddar cheese, grated

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

parsley or green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Put potatoes, onions, water, and salt in pressure cooker. Set on high pressure for 3 minutes. Allow slow cooker to release pressure naturally. Transfer contents to a stock pot. (If you like your soup chunky, you may want to set aside a few chunks of potato to add back into the soup later.) Use a stick blender to puree the potato, then stir in the milk and pepper. Cook over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in most of the bacon, reserving a small amount for topping. Transfer to bowls (or bread bowls*, in my case!) and top with reserved bacon and parsley or green onion garnish. Enjoy!

*I just used a small knife to hollow out small, store-bought, round loaves of sheepherders' bread.

Trail Running Haiku

sun shining through trees
snow sparkling like glitter
amazing beauty

Important Management Principles

Lately, I've come to the realization that the communication and management principles that I studied so extensively during my undergraduate and MBA programs (which make so much sense!) are rarely applied in the real world. I'm not sure if it's that these approaches are "easier said than done," or if some other issues are at play. In any case, as I aspire to become the kind of leader I studied in school, I wanted to refresh myself on the most common management missteps. I'm sharing them here in case you're interested, too. My guess is that if you've been working in the professional world for any length of time, you've been on the receiving end of some of these management mistakes. Those of us who manage others need to remember how that felt and do what we can to avoid treating our own staff the same way.

1. Sending Mixed Messages - Don Blohowiak of Lead Well Institute wrote a fantastic article about how what managers do often contradicts what we say. For example, we tell employees that we have an "open door" policy and will always make time for them, but when they come into our office, we answer the ringing telephone or scan through emails while they're trying to talk to us. Another example: Telling an employee that she needs to take more intiative but then berating her for implementing a new idea without getting your "stamp of approval."

2. Focusing on the Negative - Let's face it: Screw-ups tend to grab our attention more easily than positive achievements do. However, if we're constantly pointing out our employees' mistakes without recognizing and thanking them for what they're doing well, they're going to become discouraged and unmotivated, and they'll probably look for other work.

3. Resisting Change - We all know the old saying that the only certainty in life is change. Yet many managers get stuck in a rut of doing something a certain way just because that's the way they've always done it. They feel threatened by anyone who challenges the process, and they become defensive. To stay competitive in the rapidly changing, increasingly competitive global marketplace, however, managers need to be flexible, open to fresh new ideas, and willing to embrace change, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.

4. Failing to Leverage Our Employees' Unique Strengths - I'll illustrate this management mistake with an example: Susie and John are two colleagues in the same department who have the same job title. Susie loves and excels at business development, but she isn't as strong in operations. John, on the other hand, really enjoys operations but dreads making sales calls. Many managers would make the mistake of making both Susie and John participate equally in sales and operations, but a strong manager would leverage their strengths and allow each to do what he/she does best. In other words, Susie would shoulder more of the sales responsibilities, while John would handle a greater share of the operational side. The two employees would complement each other. See how that works?

5. Squelching Employee Ambition - Often, we force employees to remain in a position for a certain length of time, regardless of their performance, before they can advance. We say that it's because they need to master the responsibilities of the position before we promote them, but if they're already blowing their goals out of the water, how is this argument even relevant? By prioritizing tenure above performance, we encourage laziness and mediocrity, and really, who wants that?

6. Thinking Our Employees Should Feel Lucky Just to Have a Job - In this tough economy, we might think that our employees' gratefulness for job stability is enough to keep them present and productive. The truth, however, is that most still need to receive recognition and career support to be motivated. Top performers, in particular, require special attention because of the significance of their contributions and their attractiveness to competitors.

A few other management mistakes come to mind, but I'll save those for another post. What kinds of problematic behaviors have you observed or experienced, and what was their impact?

- CLW

Culture Shock

Sorry I haven't updated the blog in a while, but I've been pretty busy lately. Aaron and I have both been working really long hours. Speaking of which, I recently secured a position with a bank whose corporate culture could best be described as "old school." Management trainees (MTs) undergo an initiation process unlike anything I've ever observed in the corporate world. As such, I was recently tasked with doing a skit at a regional staff meeting. The only guidelines I was given were that it had to be relatively short, humorous, and preferably humiliating. The following is what I delivered. Note that it's a rap to the tune of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song. I hope you enjoy it as much as our employees did.

Now this is a story all about how
my life got flipped, turned upside down
and I’d like to take a moment to be real frank
and tell you how I became an MT at a bank called [MY BANK].

In Lake Havasu City, where I was raised,
ridiculous heat filled most of my days.
Then in Arizona, at U of A,
I spent late nights cramming, with more of the same.

Summa cum laude, I graduated from school
and decided I’d rather live some place cool.
First we tried Albuquerque, which was still too hot,
so the hubby and I figured we’d give Colorado a shot.

He got an exciting job fixing people’s bones;
I was destined to become a corporate drone.
Then I saw [MY BANK]’s funny ads on tv
and thought it might be the Colorado bank for me.

After tests and interviews, I came on board
and, at the beginning, was incredibly floored.
Then reality sank in; I started working a ton.
Sixty-hour weeks just aren’t that much fun!
Being an MT is like pledging a frat,
complete with initiation, hazing, all that...

Luckily, though, this bank’s the best in the state,
with great customer service and a staff that’s first-rate.
So I’m pressing on; I’m sure you’ll see me around --
probably washin’ windows or shovelin’ snow off the ground.

---
DISCLAIMER: The postings on this blog are my own and don’t necessarily represent my company's positions, strategies or opinions.

Love - 365 Days a Year

I'm not very fond of Valentine's Day. Yes, it's "SAD" (Singles Awareness Day), and it's an extremely commercialized holiday. I'm frugal, so I struggle with the idea of my husband spending $25 on flowers that will die in a few days or on chocolates that'll just make me fat. Dining in a super-crowded restaurant doesn't really sound appealing, either. However, I think what bothers me the most about Valentine's Day is the fact that the holiday implies that people must be told to do something nice for their spouse or significant other. The thing about love, though, is that it's not something we can do just one day a year. It's something we must choose to do every day. Yes, it's a feeling, and a great one at that, but it requires communication, effort, and commitment, too. In a healthy relationship, we're constantly making gestures that communicate our love for each other. It's love 365 days a year.

Review: Sunbird Restaurant

Since having moved to Colorado Springs, Aaron and I keep hearing about how great Sunbird Restaurant is. It is a fine dining establishment that sits high atop a rocky bluff and is (I've heard) a popular venue for Air Force Academy graduation celebrations. It's also the #2 restaurant (#1 for fine dining) in Colorado Springs on urbanspoon and has been recognized multiple times by local news media as offering the best Sunday brunch in the city.

Aaron and I drive by Sunbird every day, so when he found discounted gift certificates on Double Dollar Deals a few months ago, he took advantage. On Sunday, we finally had an opportunity to visit the restaurant for champagne brunch. It was very crowded, which we figured was a positive sign, and we had to wait about 20-30 minutes to be seated. Having expected an impressive view, we were a bit disappointed that the Sunbird overlooks an industrial area of the city. However, this sentiment was quickly replaced by a sense of amazement at the wide selection of breakfast and lunch options available. in addition to scrambled eggs, potatoes, "enchiladas" that were more like tamales, London broil, mozzarella chicken, and several other entrees, the Sunbird's Sunday brunch included custom-made omelettes and fajitas, meat-carving stations, crab legs, freshly made waffles, chocolate fondue, and a tantalizing array of sweets that included creme brulee, miniature cheesecake bites, cakes, and my favorite of all-- freshly made bananas foster. Mmmm. The bananas foster was the only item that really stood out-- everything else was just ok-- but variety definitely wasn't lacking. By the end of the morning, Aaron and I were completely stuffed. I definitely felt a couple of pounds heavier when I went for a run later that afternoon, but it sure seemed worth it!

Our second trip to the Sunbird was tonight. Since I'd just returned from Denver, Aaron and I were eager to spend some time with each other. We planned to head to Marigold Bakery & Cafe, but since we couldn't get an early enough reservation there, we figured we'd try out the Sunbird's nighttime view instead. We scored a window table, and the city lights were a scenic treat. Live music in the bar area a room over made for a pleasant ambiance as well. Aaron ordered a "Chef's Creation" (house special): Pepper Steak. It was a three-course meal served with bread, salad, and sorbet. Though it wasn't a great cut of meat, Aaron really loved the sauce. Clearly not a cheap date, I settled on the Filet Mignon "Oscar style," which meant that it was wrapped in bacon and topped with crab meat, asparagus, and bearnaise sauce. As usual, I ordered it medium rare, and for once my steak wasn't overcooked! In fact, it was cooked perfectly and dripped with flavor. The asparagus was fantastic, too. For dessert, we split some of the most delicious bread pudding either of us has ever had. I guess I'll be going for a long run tomorrow to make up for my indulgence!

Though the Sunbird isn't exactly budget-friendly, it's definitely worth a visit, whether for a special occasion or just some drinks/dessert one evening.

Feeling Festive

Sleigh bells ring... Are you listenin'?

In the lane, snow is glistenin'...A beautiful sight... We're happy tonight... Walkin' in a winter wonderland.

Now that we're up in Colorado, Aaron and I are really enjoying getting to experience the seasons -- particularly Christmas! With all the deer in our neighborhood and the piles of snow we've been getting lately, it definitely feels festive. Aaron took the first photo of the deer over our back fence, and the second photo shows the trees in front of our house naturally decorated with icicles. The third photo is our Christmas tree. We opted for a real tree again and were lucky to find a 10-footer. Transporting it home, getting it into the house, and finally putting it up was a huge project, and I'm not sure if we'll be up for it again next year, but I'm sure enjoying the house smelling of pine. Other recent adventures have included hanging Christmas lights outside and installing a new doggie door for Max. The trees in front of our house (the ones pictured above with icicles) are probably about 30 feet tall, and Aaron decided to string lights around them, which involved a wire clothes hanger, PVC pipe, duct tape, chicken wire, patience, and a sense of humor. They look beautiful, though, and we're planning to buy even more for next year at the after-Christmas sales. The dog door was almost a full-day project, too, and now Max won't even use it without a great deal of encouragement (tips, anyone?). I hope he catches on soon, or we're going to be very frustrated!

Even though trying to balance work, Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, decorating, cleaning, shopping, etc. has been stressful at times, this is still my favorite time of the year. I am so thankful that God sent Jesus to the earth to walk among us and ultimately bear the punishment for our sins -- the most precious gift anyone could ever hope to receive!

Wishing you a Christmas season filled with joy!

With much love,

the Whites

Current Best & Worst of TV Ad Campaigns

Prior to my recent return to work, I had time to watch a bit of television, and I came across two television commercials that I felt merited comment. The first was Taco Bell's Black Jack Taco ad, which features a number of black items (black boots, black pants, black dog, black eye, black sheep, etc.) with runway-style music and a mysterious, designer-esque voiceover stating what each item is. A goofy-looking guy holding a black taco periodically interrupts, "Black taco?" The commercial concludes by showing a photo of the new Black Jack Taco, a limited-time item that costs 89 cents. Please allow me to preface my comments by admitting that I hate Taco Bell, so I may be somewhat biased. I find the fast food restaurant's food to be very bland, Americanized, and distasteful. In any case, I still find the need to comment on this commercial. The first time I saw it, I was baffled, and my confusion has not dissipated with subsequent viewings. Why would Taco Bell introduce a taco with a black shell? What makes a black taco shell at all appealing? After doing some research, the only differences I can identify between Taco Bell's standard crunchy taco and the new Black Jack Taco are that the new product has a black-colored shell, pepper jack sauce, and three types of cheese (big deal!). It's still just a taco, and an unappetizing one at that. I'd be curious to hear how sales of the new product are faring, as this, to me, seems like a major marketing failure.

Macy's "150 years" ad campaign, on the other hand, is brilliant:

With short clips from old black-and-white movies, the Macy's Thankgiving Day parade, and classic television shows and cartoons, Macy's uses nostalgia to connect with American consumers -- a strategy which, as I said before, is absolutely brilliant in light of the emotional, tradition-focused nature of the holiday season. Further, the campaign effectively differentiates Macy's from other department and discount stores during a time when recessionary conditions mean intense competition for the consumer's dollar. Will I shop at Macy's this holiday season? Maybe not, but I'm certainly impressed with the company's current marketing strategy.

Best Christmas Music

We've made it past Halloween to my favorite time of year -- the Christmas season! Right now in Colorado Springs, 3-4" of snow blankets the ground, so I thought it would be appropriate to share what I believe are the best sounds to accompany the season. Growing up, one of the first Christmas albums to which I became hooked was Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas. She does an incredible rendition of O Holy Night, and the original song Jesus Born on This Day, to which a children's choir contributes, is excellent. I also love Josh Groban's and Third Day's Christmas albums. Josh Groban's version of O Come All Ye Faithful and Third Day's Jesus, Light of the World (as well as the band's live version of The First Noel) are not to be missed. And, of course, Trans Siberian Orchestra offers some strong contributions, too!

Other songs in my Christmas playlist include:
The Christmas Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) - Alvin & the Chipmunks
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Thurl Ravenscroft
Twelve Days of Christmas - John Denver and the Muppets
Run Run Rudolph - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Frosty the Snowman - Jackson 5
Christmas Time Is Here - A Charlie Brown Xmas
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Jim Reeves
Merry Christmas DarlinNg - The Carpenters
Jingle Bell Rock - Max Bygraves
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams
Silver Bells - Elvis Presley
Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
O Holy Night - Whitney Houston
the Rat Pack's Christmas album
Christmas songs by Nat King Cole (O Tannenbaum, The Christmas Song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, etc.)
Harry Connick, Jr.'s Christmas album

Now it's your turn. I'd love to expand my playlist, so please tell me what I'm missing! Also, what is your favorite Christmas song of all time? Mine's probably a tie between O Holy Night and What Child Is This. I cannot help but worship when I listen to either of them!

Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season.

Warm Fuzzies

Today we received our first letter from the Compassion International child we sponsor, Jenssy. Since she's only four years old, a teacher where she lives in Nicaragua helped her to write the letter, and then Compassion translated it for us. Jenssy was full of questions for us, such as whether we have any children of our own, and she even drew a picture for us, which I've already given its place of honor on the refrigerator. I can't even begin to describe what I felt when I opened that envelope and unfolded the colorful picture inside, so reflective of a child's innocence and wonder. I can't wait to write back and send her a Colorado postcard and some family photos (with Max included, of course!). I am convinced that sponsoring a child through Compassion is one of the best decisions that Aaron and I have made, and we look forward to watching her grow.

Happy Fall!

I stumbled upon some tasty fall recipes and thought I'd share. A couple of weeks ago, I baked some pumpkin apple bread. It turned out pretty delicious, and you can grab the recipe here: http://www.recipezaar.com/Harvest-Pumpkin-Apple-Bread-73469

Last night, I made sausage-and-apple-stuffed acorn squash:

Recipe courtesy of RecipeZaar:

http://www.recipezaar.com/Sausage-and-Apple-Stuffed-Acorn-Squash-146036

We've also been enjoying seeing all the deer in our neighborhood. Sometimes we'll see 10 or 12 at once! When Max and I have been out jogging, we've come within just a few feet of some of them. Here's a photo of a buck that Aaron was able to snap right over our back fence. Aaron says some of the bucks in our neighborhood are the largest he's ever seen!

We hope you're enjoying the fall season, too!

Beware, “Discount” Prices May Mean Second-Rate Service: Our Experience at Appliance Factory Outlet

My husband and I decided to visit Appliance Factory Outlet on 8/29 after having seen television commercials about its lower prices and being impressed by the positive reviews on Google. We also prefer to support local businesses and the local economy. We were in search of a washer, dryer, and refrigerator for our new house. Our questions about delivery charges and service warranties stumped our Appliance Factory Outlet salesperson Joel, and he admitted that he was new. We were patient as he periodically checked with his colleagues for answers. Based on our space limitations and desire for energy-efficient appliances, Joel matched us with an LG refrigerator and recommended Fisher & Paykel top-loading laundry units. Because we entered Appliance Factory Outlet with the intention of buying and also liked the products, it was an easy sell. We purchased all three units, plus the service warranties, and requested that they be delivered to our new home on 9/10. The staff at Appliance Factory Outlet told us that wouldn’t be a problem. For the dryer, a scratch ‘n dent, out-of-box unit was available at a discount, so we arranged to have it delivered to the store early (on 9/3) in order for us to assess its condition prior to having it delivered. Joel told me he would call me when it came in. By late afternoon on 9/3, I hadn’t heard from Appliance Factory Outlet, so I called the store to confirm that they had the dryer. They did, my husband and I went to look at it, and it looked fine.

On 9/9 (the day before our scheduled delivery), I received a call from Joel that the warehouse no longer had our washing machine in stock. He told us that “they” (I assume he meant another store in the Appliance Factory Outlet network) had mistakenly sold our unit during a sales blitz of some kind and would not be able to deliver my washing machine until the following week. If I still wanted the other appliances delivered on 9/10, I was told I might have to pay two delivery fees. I needed the refrigerator on 9/10 and told Joel that I would not be paying a second delivery fee to be inconvenienced. I was frustrated (our new house didn’t come with a washer and dryer), but there wasn’t much I could do at that point but wait to hear from him the following week with a definite delivery date for my washing machine. Appliance Factory Outlet delivered our refrigerator and dryer on 9/10. The icing on the cake: When moving our old refrigerator down to the basement, the delivery men hit a lower-hanging part of the ceiling containing a heating duct, removing a chunk of plaster and denting the metal duct. Delivery man Ramon told me that he would have the warehouse manager, Jeff, call me that day about reimbursement for the damage, but I never received a call. And since I thought my husband could fix the damage, I was prepared to let it go.

That is, until the following week, when I received another call from Joel pushing back our delivery AGAIN, to 9/23. He said that Appliance Factory Outlet could not get a unit from the manufacturer sooner than that. In other words, I would have to go TWO WEEKS without being able to do laundry because of Appliance Factory Outlet’s mistake. I was livid. At that point, I called Appliance Factory Outlet’s President’s Hotline, which isn’t manned by any live people; it’s just a voicemail box to which I’m not sure any attention is paid. I left a message. Then I called Jeff, the warehouse manager, to discuss the damage to my basement. He told me he would follow up with me after he had a chance to speak to the store manager at my purchase location (who was conveniently out) but, at a minimum, would give me a $50 gift card to Appliance Factory Outlet “for accessories.” “We’re better than this,” he said. I never heard from him again.

I was so upset about not being able to do laundry that my husband went into the Appliance Factory Outlet store that Thursday and offered to buy the floor model at the out-of-box discount so that we could get a washing machine sooner. The manager wasn’t in, and the staff wouldn’t even entertain the thought. Frustrated, my husband threatened to purchase a washing machine elsewhere and have Appliance Factory Outlet pick up our dryer and refrigerator because we didn’t want to have anything to do with the company anymore. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any other store in town that carried Fisher & Paykel, which seemed to be one of the only brands that produced energy-efficient units with dimensions that would fit our shallow space. Our delivery date of Tuesday 9/23 rolled around, and I heard nothing from Appliance Factory Outlet. Finally, that afternoon, I called the store. Joel said he was “just about to call” me because he’d received a message from another salesman that my husband had gone into the store and cancelled the order the previous week. Therefore, Joel had cancelled the delivery. Now our delivery would have to be pushed back AGAIN, to 9/24. My husband never cancelled the order—he only threatened to do so—and if there was confusion about it, Joel should have picked up a phone and called us prior to the delivery date (such as on 9/22!) to clarify before making assumptions. Throughout all our conversations, Joel kept saying in a monotone how sorry he was for the inconvenience, but I certainly didn’t feel that was the case. I am sure he still received his commission!

When I spoke to the store manager at Appliance Factory Outlet, he never asked what would make the situation right. Instead, he told me he’d decided to extend the motor warranty on the washing machine to 10 years, since we’d already purchased a five-year warranty, and that it was all he could (read: would) do. When I asked to speak to the store owner, the manager told me he remains detached from operations but that he could get me in touch with the district manager if I’d like. At that point, I just wanted to be done dealing with Appliance Factory Outlet. What I learned from this experience is that it’s true that you get what you pay for. We saved money at the expense of customer service. (Fortunately I do love the products that we purchased, so that is one positive in the whole situation.) When I purchase additional kitchen appliances within the next year or so, I won’t hesitate to spend a little more to buy from a reputable company like Sears or Best Buy. I will NEVER return to Appliance Factory Outlet again, and I hope that sharing my experience will save someone else from going through what I did.

Elliptical machine for sale

For those who live in the Colorado Springs area, we're selling an elliptical machine. Please see the craigslist ad for more information:
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/for/1426107003.html

Cute Pictures of Max

I was going through the pictures in my camera today and came across these cute shots of Max. Since I haven't posted any of him in a while, I thought it was about time to share. Enjoy!

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Max is definitely a fireplace dog!

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His new favorite spot to sleep during the daytime seems to be our closet -- maybe because it's dark and smells like us?

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Max outside sunning on his Coolaroo (Notice the gravel? this is an old picture from our rental; we don't have any gravel at the new house!)

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Max and his new friend Ivy, a golden retriever puppy who belongs to our friends Kevin and Carrie. Ivy has her paw, and her head, on top of Max's paw. He did have his head on top of her head, too, and their cuddling was ADORABLE, but of course Max moved as soon as I grabbed the camera. I guess he didn't want me destroying his tough image (HA). Oh, well...