Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Distraction and Yellow Page Scammers
I consider myself an observant person. I notice things and remember. My husband has called me at work to help him find something at home. Frustrating as this phone call can be, I usually remember where the item can be found. I try to keep myself aware of my surroundings and not be distracted.
This week I failed to be observant and aware because I was distracted. On Tuesday, my Dad had a cardiac catheterization. They were checking his heart to determine if he has a blockage. I was worried about him and waiting to hear the results of his test. The phone rang at work and I was expecting it to be my Mom with the results. On the other end of the phone was a Scammer who happened to call when I was distracted. The phone call went something like this:
Scammer: “This is a courtesy call to update your free online business yellow page listing.”
He read off the company’s name, address and phone number.
Me: “Yes, that is correct.”
Scammer: “Thank you for verifying the information. In order to update the listing in the computer, I need you to answer a few recorded questions to confirm. I will dial the number and help with the prompts.”
He dialed a number and continued.
Scammer: “Please answer the questions loud and clear. I will hit all the prompts.”
Faint Recording: State the name of the Company
I could faintly hear the recording.
Scammer: “Name of company”
I replied.
Faint Recording: State the physical address
Scammer: “They are looking for the address.”
I replied. A few questions were asked requesting basic information. Each time the Scammer would help by stating the question.
Scammer: “The final question verifying that you approve the update.”
Very Faint Recording: “….approve…..$39.95…..months”
Me: HEY! Wait a minute! I heard the recording mention $39.95.
CLICK
The Scammer ended the call.
On a normal day, I would not have answered the questions. I know about the phone frauds for online Yellow Page listings. Why did I answer the questions? There is only one reason I can think of….I was distracted. It can happen so quickly. I let my guard down and gave a Scammer a window of opportunity.
I am irritated at myself and wondered how often I get distracted. Am I easily distracted? I did not think so…but maybe I am…I hope not.
I write this post as a reminder to myself...pay attention.
This week I failed to be observant and aware because I was distracted. On Tuesday, my Dad had a cardiac catheterization. They were checking his heart to determine if he has a blockage. I was worried about him and waiting to hear the results of his test. The phone rang at work and I was expecting it to be my Mom with the results. On the other end of the phone was a Scammer who happened to call when I was distracted. The phone call went something like this:
Scammer: “This is a courtesy call to update your free online business yellow page listing.”
He read off the company’s name, address and phone number.
Me: “Yes, that is correct.”
Scammer: “Thank you for verifying the information. In order to update the listing in the computer, I need you to answer a few recorded questions to confirm. I will dial the number and help with the prompts.”
He dialed a number and continued.
Scammer: “Please answer the questions loud and clear. I will hit all the prompts.”
Faint Recording: State the name of the Company
I could faintly hear the recording.
Scammer: “Name of company”
I replied.
Faint Recording: State the physical address
Scammer: “They are looking for the address.”
I replied. A few questions were asked requesting basic information. Each time the Scammer would help by stating the question.
Scammer: “The final question verifying that you approve the update.”
Very Faint Recording: “….approve…..$39.95…..months”
Me: HEY! Wait a minute! I heard the recording mention $39.95.
CLICK
The Scammer ended the call.
On a normal day, I would not have answered the questions. I know about the phone frauds for online Yellow Page listings. Why did I answer the questions? There is only one reason I can think of….I was distracted. It can happen so quickly. I let my guard down and gave a Scammer a window of opportunity.
I am irritated at myself and wondered how often I get distracted. Am I easily distracted? I did not think so…but maybe I am…I hope not.
I write this post as a reminder to myself...pay attention.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Summer is Supposed to be Relaxing…Right?
I could not wait until school let out. I imagined free evenings with no homework or after school activities. I thought I would have more time and less stress.
I must have been dreaming…
My daughter loves summer camp. She wants to go full time (M-F 8:15-5:15). I guess I should not have been worried. The original plan was for her to go to camp three days per week and her Nana’s house two days per week. Camp is full of activities, field trips, swimming and many kids. I am happy that she loves camp but the extra two days require more money and more driving.
In addition to camp, my daughter will be rehearsing for a play for the next five weeks. There were over fifty kids who auditioned and only twenty-five speaking parts. She was in the play for the last three summers but was not sure if she wanted to participate this year. She auditioned and was excited when she found out that she got a small speaking role. The rehearsals are Monday - Thursday from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. The rehearsals during the last week are every day and last until at least 10:00 pm. Parents are required to volunteer and help with ticket sales, set construction (9 different scenes), raffle items and advertising.
I spend a lot of time in a car. Driving back and forth to camp, to work and to play practice. I did not even mention my full time job, dojo responsibilities, tai chi, the gym, annual karate seminar or housework. I have a few vacation days scheduled near the Fourth of July. During that time, I will be helping replace a roof on the garage. We have a detached three-car garage with office. It is a big roof but not too steep. I helped replace the roof on our house. The best part about this project is that we are getting a dumpster. It will be a great opportunity to clean out the house and throw things away.
Tonight at play practice, the parents will begin construction on a shark skeleton made out of wire, pool noodles and paper mache.
I am tired already.
I must have been dreaming…
My daughter loves summer camp. She wants to go full time (M-F 8:15-5:15). I guess I should not have been worried. The original plan was for her to go to camp three days per week and her Nana’s house two days per week. Camp is full of activities, field trips, swimming and many kids. I am happy that she loves camp but the extra two days require more money and more driving.
In addition to camp, my daughter will be rehearsing for a play for the next five weeks. There were over fifty kids who auditioned and only twenty-five speaking parts. She was in the play for the last three summers but was not sure if she wanted to participate this year. She auditioned and was excited when she found out that she got a small speaking role. The rehearsals are Monday - Thursday from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. The rehearsals during the last week are every day and last until at least 10:00 pm. Parents are required to volunteer and help with ticket sales, set construction (9 different scenes), raffle items and advertising.
I spend a lot of time in a car. Driving back and forth to camp, to work and to play practice. I did not even mention my full time job, dojo responsibilities, tai chi, the gym, annual karate seminar or housework. I have a few vacation days scheduled near the Fourth of July. During that time, I will be helping replace a roof on the garage. We have a detached three-car garage with office. It is a big roof but not too steep. I helped replace the roof on our house. The best part about this project is that we are getting a dumpster. It will be a great opportunity to clean out the house and throw things away.
Tonight at play practice, the parents will begin construction on a shark skeleton made out of wire, pool noodles and paper mache.
I am tired already.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Review: Please Stop Laughing at Us
In April, I wrote a review of Jodee Blanco's book Please Stop Laughing at Me. It is the type of book that stays with you long after the book has been returned to the shelf. I have been searching the book stores for a few weeks and I finally found a copy of Jodee Blanco's follow up project Please Stop Laughing at Us. (I know I could have bought it on line but I like book stores.) The book chronicles Jodee Blanco quest to stop school bullying.
Similar to her first book, I sat down and read the book start to finish. She discusses how her life changed after writing her first book. Jodee was asked to speak to school students, parents and educators. She became an advocate for children. The targets of bullying found a voice through Jodee. They flooded her with emails, letters and requests to meet in person. She traveled the country and school bullying was everywhere. The kids were suffering, the parents were suffering and the school administrators and teachers were suffering.
Jodee Blanco walks into schools and tells her story. It is brutally honest and inspires change. Her presentations convey how it feels to be the target of bullying and the long term affects. She offers survival suggestions for Students, Parents, Educators and Adult Survivors.
Jodee Blanco's website is full of useful information. The following links are survival tips from her website.
This book is for everyone. It is a wake up call!
My personal wake up call was a phone call I received from my daughters school nurse during third grade. The nurse called me to let me know that my daughter was in the office again with a stomach ache. I will be forever grateful to the school nurse who really listened to my daughter. The nurse told me that my then eight year old daughter confided in her and said:
"Kids have been mean since the first grade. Now that they are older, the kids are finding new ways to be mean."
School bullying has to stop.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Self-Defense Classes are Like a Box of Chocolate….
….You never know what you are going to get.I must begin with a caveat. The self-defense classes I am referring to are one or two session classes taught to non-martial artists. The classes may be for an organization, church group or business. The class covers basic self-defense techniques for adults. I am not referring to seminars taught to martial artist or women’s self-defense classes.
As far as self-defense classes go, I have been a participant, an instructor, an observer or an assistant. The truth is that you never know how a self-defense class is going to go until it is over. This is true even if you are well prepared with goals for the class and a lesson outline. Take for example two self-defense classes with the same instructor and identical curriculum. One class could be a great success while the second class might be unpleasant.
What is the difference? The participants. I have compiled a list of individuals or personality types that have made appearances at self-defense classes.
Regular Participant: This is the largest group. This individual is willing and interested to learn self-defense. These people come to the session with an open mind. They are excellent participants, pleasant to be around and a joy to teach.
Reluctant Participant: This individual was forced to attend the session. They do not want to learn self-defense and have absolutely no interest. This is the first person I spot among the group because they are usually standing with their arms crossed with a bored expression.
Over Enthusiastic Participant: This individual is the first to participate and often volunteers. They are enthusiastic for the attention not for the pursuit of information.
“I Know a Better Way” Type I: This individual has previous martial arts experience. The often do not divulge their background. He/she is polite and listens but you will find them practicing the releases/locks their own way. They may even show other class participants their variation.
“I Know a Better Way” Type II: This individual does not have martial arts experience but still believes they have a better way. They may have seen it in a movie or learned it through a different athletic pursuit. You will hear them exclaiming, “Well, I would do it this way.” There is an opportunity here for the self-defense instructor. If Type II demonstrates and their technique is faulty, they can learn a valuable and possibly life saving lesson. Type II will either get angry or accept the correction. In my opinion, it is better to find out that a technique does not work during practice than on the street.
Quiet Observer: I think it is important to look for the quiet observer. This person is an intense listener, participates but does not ask questions. They look like they want to say something but refrain. At the close of the self-defense class, we provide our phone number and email address. In less than a week, this person usually calls with a specific question or concern.
The Disbeliever: This individual does not think self-defense works. They ask many questions and look for the exceptions. They love to offer “What if?” scenarios.
Ok…that is my list but I am sure there are other characters that make guest appearances at self-defense seminars. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Reluctant Participant: This individual was forced to attend the session. They do not want to learn self-defense and have absolutely no interest. This is the first person I spot among the group because they are usually standing with their arms crossed with a bored expression.
Over Enthusiastic Participant: This individual is the first to participate and often volunteers. They are enthusiastic for the attention not for the pursuit of information.
“I Know a Better Way” Type I: This individual has previous martial arts experience. The often do not divulge their background. He/she is polite and listens but you will find them practicing the releases/locks their own way. They may even show other class participants their variation.
“I Know a Better Way” Type II: This individual does not have martial arts experience but still believes they have a better way. They may have seen it in a movie or learned it through a different athletic pursuit. You will hear them exclaiming, “Well, I would do it this way.” There is an opportunity here for the self-defense instructor. If Type II demonstrates and their technique is faulty, they can learn a valuable and possibly life saving lesson. Type II will either get angry or accept the correction. In my opinion, it is better to find out that a technique does not work during practice than on the street.
Quiet Observer: I think it is important to look for the quiet observer. This person is an intense listener, participates but does not ask questions. They look like they want to say something but refrain. At the close of the self-defense class, we provide our phone number and email address. In less than a week, this person usually calls with a specific question or concern.
The Disbeliever: This individual does not think self-defense works. They ask many questions and look for the exceptions. They love to offer “What if?” scenarios.
Ok…that is my list but I am sure there are other characters that make guest appearances at self-defense seminars. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Meditation – Along Came a Spider
Tai Chi class began with meditation. We sat down on a mat, closed our eyes and focused on our breathing. We were to sit with our spine elongated and shoulders relaxed. The instructor told us to take our mind and place it inside the body.Having a class on meditation was perfect timing. I am trying to adjust to my new summer schedule. I do more driving in the summer because I take my daughter to camp or to her Nana’s house in the morning. My mind is preoccupied because I have several family members’ who have health concerns. There is just a lot going on.
You would think that I would be able to take advantage of a few minutes to relax and meditate.
That is not what happened.
My first problem was that I could not find a comfortable seated position. Ever since my knee injury, my hip is not as flexible as it used to be. My right hip goes out of socket occasionally. I found a comfortable way to sit and began to focus on my breathing. This lasted a brief minute before I encountered the next obstacle to my meditation…a spider. Yep…I felt a spider crawl across my leg and my mind temporarily focused on the spider. I quietly took care of the spider and returned to my meditation. A few minutes later the session was over.
My Tai Chi instructor talked to us about being “in the moment”. I recognize that it is not easy to get there. My mind wanders to a large “to do” list, obligations/appointments I have to meet, not to mention family and work responsibilities. The class worked on the second section of the Yang long form and finished with push hands.
I should have ignored the spider. :)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Worrying – A Mother’s Prerogative
Today I am worrying about my daughter.
It is her first day at Summer Camp. She has never gone to day camp before. My husband and I have always been able to make other arrangements for her care during summer vacation. My parents will be helping me out by watching my daughter two days per week. Since my husband and I both work full time, we needed to find a good place for her to go the other three days.
Not many programs accommodate part-time day campers. Most places want you to pay for the entire week. I found a camp that I was familiar with and has a good reputation. I signed my daughter up. An added bonus...one of my daughter's friends from fourth grade is attending the same camp.
This morning, I woke her and she exclaimed,
“I do not want to go to camp.
I want to stay home.
I do not want to go to camp.
I am tired.
I do not want to go to camp.
It is like school.”
She eventually crawled out of bed mumbling and grumbling. My daughter is not a morning person. During the car ride, she continued to voice her opposition to camp. When we arrived, she dawdled getting out of the car. We went to the registration desk and filled out all the necessary paperwork (signed in, ordered lunch, paid for camp). A camp counselor showed her to the lockers and took her in to the gym.
I turned around for my hug “goodbye” but she was already socializing in the gym. I finally received a very brief version of a hug. I lingered at the front desk for a few minutes and took my last peek into the gym before I had to head off to work.
Now…I am worrying.
Did I choose the right program?
How carefully do they watch the kids?
Is she having a good time?
Does she have enough to eat?
Did she put her sunscreen on?
Are the kids nice?
I could go on…and on…and on….
When I pick her up this afternoon, I am hoping to find a happy smiling face. I will know soon enough.
It is her first day at Summer Camp. She has never gone to day camp before. My husband and I have always been able to make other arrangements for her care during summer vacation. My parents will be helping me out by watching my daughter two days per week. Since my husband and I both work full time, we needed to find a good place for her to go the other three days.
Not many programs accommodate part-time day campers. Most places want you to pay for the entire week. I found a camp that I was familiar with and has a good reputation. I signed my daughter up. An added bonus...one of my daughter's friends from fourth grade is attending the same camp.
This morning, I woke her and she exclaimed,
“I do not want to go to camp.
I want to stay home.
I do not want to go to camp.
I am tired.
I do not want to go to camp.
It is like school.”
She eventually crawled out of bed mumbling and grumbling. My daughter is not a morning person. During the car ride, she continued to voice her opposition to camp. When we arrived, she dawdled getting out of the car. We went to the registration desk and filled out all the necessary paperwork (signed in, ordered lunch, paid for camp). A camp counselor showed her to the lockers and took her in to the gym.
I turned around for my hug “goodbye” but she was already socializing in the gym. I finally received a very brief version of a hug. I lingered at the front desk for a few minutes and took my last peek into the gym before I had to head off to work.
Now…I am worrying.
Did I choose the right program?
How carefully do they watch the kids?
Is she having a good time?
Does she have enough to eat?
Did she put her sunscreen on?
Are the kids nice?
I could go on…and on…and on….
When I pick her up this afternoon, I am hoping to find a happy smiling face. I will know soon enough.
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