I Value... YOU.

I can’t tell you how much I dislike hypocritical and judgmental attitudes.  It really is my paramount pet peeve.

I won’t mention an actual name or location; merely it was at a foodbank which I volunteer at.  The organization serves a vital need and I don’t wish to dissuade anyone from contributing time or donations due to the bigotry of an influential individual.

What I overheard tonight was appalling.  Let’s call her Ms. B.

“Sometimes I wish we were a Christian foodbank.“ Said Ms. B. Unsure if I’d heard correctly I asked what she meant by that.   The reply boiled my temper.

“Well you know” As she flicked her head indicating two women who might have been a couple.  Might have been. I don’t know, it wasn’t my business and so what if they were?

This offended me on so many levels, including the assumption that I would share such a narrow minded view.  At a place meant to provide at least some help for the less fortunate, no less.  My possibly overly loud response was “I think you’re missing the entire point of what we’re doing here.”  At the very least, Ms. B. received my message.  I checked out shortly thereafter; I don’t think my services will be very welcome in the future.

The tragedy of an empty supper table is not lessened by religion.  A person’s worth is not defined by a belief or social status.  No one has the right to judge you, tell you who you may love or impose their own sanctimonious viewpoints upon you.  Life can be hard, as evident of where I was tonight and it can be unbelievably lonely. If you’ve found someone to share your life and affections with, good for you.  May you continue to have good fortune.

No matter if you’re rich or poor, gay or straight, you’re still a person; a fellow human being to be treated with respect and dignity. You have value.

Never let anyone define you.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Good Business? Dragon Chow!

For those who see no value in social media as a medium for business, today's blog will prove you wrong.  In today's world, the blogger has power.  We can rate, rank or rant about a product based on our individual experience and businesses should take note.  Real people and opinions matter more than the late night infomercial.  Make no mistake, the quill is in the hands of the consumer. This isn't a commercial or a sales pitch.  I just want to blog about a dice bag that I'd ordered a week or so ago. 

No, I don't play dice and I haven't been a "gamer" in decades but allow me to explain this unique product. The seller was someone I'd had intermittently spoken with on Twitter, mostly laughing at one liners but she mentioned dice bags in a tweet.  "I don't need dice bags" I thought and continued to tweet using my brand new phone until I put the device down.

Then it occurred to me.  A dice bag is a protective bag and my phone is just charging on my desk.  Unprotected.

Here's the kicker.  See @GeekyLyndsay specializes in dice bags.  I've made suggestions to some crafters claiming customizations but honestly to most that merely means a color choice.  Lyndsay took the time to hear me out on what I needed; it didn't matter that the product wasn't the intended construction, that of a phone rather than dice storage.  Custom build? She seemed almost excited at the challenge of different fabrics, colors and even a unique size.  I gave her my custom specifications  (far outside her normal designs I might add) and took the time to work with me to see that I'd be happy with a well made product.

OMG she took the time to meet the customer's needs?!

That's the point of this blog today.  Too often a manufacturer or crafter has a set idea and that's that.  The customer chooses from the existing array, if they want something special, too bad.  I cannot tell you how refreshing my design experience with Dragon Chow was and how rewarding to find the extremely well made bag in the mail. And it is quality.  Phone pouch users might indentify with the Golla or other pouches from Amazon and Ebay.  I bought one of those too and it ripped within the first few days.  The Dragon Chow as far as I can see is double stitched, REVERSABLE, handmade and at about half the cost.  

From the pictures you can also see something else.... something that you don't see often when ordering.  A personal "thank you" from the crafter.  Not "Hope this fits your phone" but actually mentioning the model by name.  That's pride in your work, pride in your quality of service and flat out how to treat a customer. This is how all companies should be run, a more intimate and thoughtful experience that leaves both parties feeling happy and willing to do business again.

Remember the Twitter name: @GeekyLyndsay

And take a look at the product page: http://www.dragonchow.com/zencart/

Ok, my rant is done.  But honestly people, I don't rave about a product often, especially one I have no affiliation with other than being a very satisfied customer.

Make that repeat customer.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Don't Let Us Sick

There's a song by Warren Zevon that really touches me; it's one of those I can listen to repeatedly and never tire of.  For those who only knew of Warren Zevon from "Werewolves of London", you're really missing out.  The song I enjoy so much is "Don't Let Us Get Sick", a wistful tune to be sure about friendships and those closest to us. I've included a link at the bottom of the blog, the singer is Pat Guadagno.

Each year I try very hard to get into the holiday spirit but the stark reality is that the holidays have always depressed me.  There's always someone you know who is out of work and you worry for them. Many of my family are ill or getting on in years so the gatherings are getting more difficult to plan and attend.  The economy makes you wary about spending too much because there's no guarantees in the job market and every year there's another empty chair at the table painfully reminding us of our own mortality.  I'm working on getting that sprit that almost all of us have had at some point in our lives, but it's not easy.

Relationships are particularly tough.  For those that only know me as 'Grim' online, I try to be funny and light.  The truth is in person, I tend to actually be rather grim.  I'm an introvert and a loner, I don't make friends quickly nor easily anymore and tend to cherish a small number of intimate friends rather than a large number of acquaintances.  It's a defensive measure, I suppose and words to live by are "Don't get close, people leave."  They get sick, they get old and then they're gone.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a total humbug; I don't begrudge those who do take extreme joy in the holidays, I'm glad they're able to embrace the spirit of giving.  Goodness know we can use more of it in the world today.  Although I've been more social this year than practically in decades, I just see commercials, couples and children and the warm fuzzy intentions just adds to the feeling of funk.

So dear reader, if you've found this blog either by interest or by accident maybe you've learned a little about me.  I'm not one to usually open up about my personal life.

But I'm working on that, too.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avcKCZb-HCk