Let The Competition Begin!

The past few weeks have been fused with rivalry.

Four weeks ago today, I walked into the branch and heard loud exclamations, "...aran! You HAVE TO do it! Everyone but Ellen! YOU can't play Ellen! Everyone but Ellen!"

Actually everyone but Karan and I. She abstained and I didn't want to play any way.

Dun, Dun, DUN!

The Biggest Loser - Guaranty Bank, Branch 312 Edition.

Just because they felt it was their season, Melody, Mark, Elizabeth, and Chase decided to start a first quarter weight loss contest. The buy in was $12.50 for a jackpot prize of $50.00 for the person who lost the greatest percentage of their body weight.

Since I was not a participant, I chose the path of host and moderator. :)

Chase donated his trusty bathroom scale, and I kept track of all the weight, pounds lost and percentages.

*Rabbit Trail*

Actually, I made this amazing Excel spreadsheet (With Chase as my Sensei) that detailed each participants weight as each week passed. I programmed the cells to calculate how many pounds were lost, and what percentage was lost per week. Then, it added all the totals together to show the overall loss for each employee - as well as the entire banking center!

(All the information can not be relayed however, due to it's classified nature. :)

It was amazing and exhilarating to create a piece of art like that!

Plus, yes, I did color coat it, using vibrant colors including the following: Red, Yellow, Lilac, Green and Blue. :)

*End Rabbit Trail*

So, Here is the breakdown about how the competition played out. :)

Mark only played for 2 weeks because, besides the fact that he gained rather than lost weight, he was transferred to another branch - to our sadness.

This is Mark's memorial "BEFORE" picture:

Someday, this man will be famous. I told him that, although I will not necessarily vote for him, I would be his personal assistant if he asked and paid me really well. :)

Please, for memorial purposes - look at the tie length. :)

After Mark was Elizabeth - who was the branch's biggest WINNER! She lost 3.3658% of her body weight! And ... she didn't even diet. She got amazing results with the least amount of effort. :) Here is her after picture. :)

Chase came in a very close second! What amazing effort! He lost a total of 6.0971% of his body weight! When I asked him what his continued plans were, he told me he hoped to loose 16 more pounds.
*SIDE NOTE*

I do not think his continued weight loss plan is a good idea. But he says he wants to be slender like me. In the most ... manly way possible.

*End SIDE NOTE*

(Drum-Role, Please!)

As expected, Melody - was awarded the Biggest Loser Award! YAY! She didn't have 1 donut or go to Shogun even once! Everyone was so proud of her consistent hard work! She lost a total of 7.0453% of her body weight! And she is still going strong!

Doesn't she look fabulous!

:)

As a whole, the branch did amazing! And the friendly competition created good moral and boosted productivity.

While everyone dieted, Karan and I enjoyed various sensations on our taste buds to our hearts content. We had Cheesy Bread one day - and Sonic Happy our a few times. :) It was marvelous.

So, in the end, every one feels better about themselves and everyone has learned valuable lessons about achieving goals. :) Plus, the economy is about to benefit when Melody takes Ben out on a $50 dollar dinner! :)

That was my idea.

Mark gave me kudos on mandating that the proceeds of the contest go toward the boosting the economy. :)

The whole adventure was quite regarding, and hilarious to moderate. :)

Business Card

My business card simply is not big enough. The title "Financial Service Representative III" simply does not cut the mustard. Ever. :) Karan and I have considered creating Mini Pamphlets containing our true job descriptions.

The following are some possibilities that I should add to my growing volume of duties at the bank:
Councilor
Therapist
Psychoanalyst
Rant-Pole
The Living Diary of Every Customer's Joys and Sorrows
Critter Killer (Because I am, among the ladies, the least afraid of bugs and lizards, I am often called upon to execute proper punishment for the intruders.)
Familial Advisor
Full time Babysitter/Caretaker of Customer's Children

Emphasis on the babysitter thing.

I have given numerous, delightful tours of the bank - for little children, to full Girl Scout troops.
Essentially, I take care of children at the bank - quite often - so that their parents can get their business done.
I know, Guaranty Bank has such fantastic customer service.

The first time it happened, I was just trying to help out a Personal Banker, but apparently, I did such a good job with the kids that watching them is now ALWAYS my department. :)
I got back from lunch just in time. Melody exclaimed, immediately - "ELLEN! Its Ellen! She's back! Yay!"

I turned to find my wonderful boss sitting beside this young blonde child.

This piece of paper was sitting in front of them. Can't you tell the play had been wild? :)

Instinctively, I knew exactly what was going on:
(1) The child was a riot.
(2) She was almost too much to handle.
(3) She needed some serious care taking while her grandparents took care of their business.
And Finally. :)
(4) It was up to me.

Now, I must admit, Sarah was a very charming girl, with a lot of energy and an adorable smile. The only setbacks were that she was sticky (until I introduced her to Germ-X :) and she had not completely mastered the art of discipline.

Children need to learn to release their energy in the appropriate avenues, you know.
Propriety in a banking center is key.
:)

As is my usual tactic, I decided to allow her to unleash her energy through the world of art.
As you can see she had a very active imagination - like my own. That is possibly why I understood her needs so well. :)

I tried to get her to draw actual objects in attempt to better organize the At-First-Chaotic play.

The above drawing was a princess who wore a beautiful dress.
This was my first drawing.
We had a drawing contest. I really thought I should win - But, she thought that my house needed some extra touches.
The small blue dots are "Rain", she insisted.

The yellow flowers were Sarah's idea. but the Car-port was mine. Since Chase was the drawing judge, I thought he would give me extra kudos for putting the car there. Cute right? :)

Of course, after seeing my vehicular plot, my coworker Elizabeth also thought a car would be a good idea. Cheater!

Essentially speaking, I took care of Sarah - with much appreciated assistance From Melody, Elizabeth and Chase - for the entire afternoon. I got back from lunch after one and was with her till 4:15.

The grandparents graciously offered to take me as their full time babysitter, and even when I kindly declined, they took my business card just in case.

I do love children immensely. But I see very clearly the ABSOLUTE necessity to discipline them, and teach them how to live service-minded, godly lives.

I greatly appreciated the learning opportunity with which I was presented.

And I also appreciated a shower when I got off work. :)

Karan and I definitely agree. We need our business cards expanded.

Moved By Change

Change is difficult for me. :)
And I state the previous with fervent emphasis.
Change has always been difficult for me. :)

I remember that incredibly humiliating incident long ago in the public library. I know the story has been increasingly dramatised over the years, but the truth is: my heart was broken that day.

I considered the library my second home; it was the palace filled with so many dreams and adventures in which Holly and I could always partake. The building, the layout, the memories seemed the embossment of my childhood. The library bore the signature of my soul, the fingerprint of my future.

I know this may sound sentimental. But I am still horrified by what happened that sad day long ago. I walked into the public library situated so beautifully downtown and was shocked to find that -

They remodeled my precious library.
They CHANGED my alcazar of adventures.
They tore down the fortress of my memories and marred the floor that knew my footprints personally.
It was horrendous.
And I ... sorta flipped out when I saw what they had done. There were a few tears, a few wails here and there ... it was just a very small altercation in the shattered castle of all my hopes.

Family members SERIOUSLY dramatize the entire event, and I know I will never live it down - BUT, at least I have learned a thing or two since then. :)
(1) It is best to bear hardship with a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4).
(2) You can not stop things from changing.

Now, I have learned to have better responses toward change over the years, but the subject itself still effects me deeply.
I am NOT a fan, I must say. :)

Today, I saw change. And, although they aren't as concerned as I am, my coworkers were surprised at the change as well.
:)
I have to say that this change cuts deep.

For the past year, or so, I have been cultivating a relationship with this one family of customers. They have 3 adorable children, and have been the most polite, grown up, engaging children you have ever met. Ryan is the oldest. Almost 14 years old and so precious. He has always spoken in complete sentences, tucks his shirt in, loves math, and saves diligently in the account we set up for him.

But today he came in a completely different boy! He was wearing a "Metallica" shirt, his jeans were ripped, and his phone has a band bangle on it. His shirt was not tucked in, he totally covered his nice leather wallet in duct tape, his ears are glued to his new IPOD, and he neglected to say "Good afternoon" when he came into the branch. Instead, he responded, "Sup" to my very proper and familiar, "Hello, Ryan!"

Plus, instead of learning about sea creatures, or reading up on Egypt this weekend - he is going to a movie. With his girlfriend.
Plus #2, he CASHED a check today. No deposit.

What happened to my sweet saver Ryan?
And who is this girl?!
He was still nice, friendly, and he chatted with me. He is STILL my little friend. But he was texting while I cashed his check. And he wrinkled his receipt.

That was a few hours ago.
I still haven't gotten over it.

Ryan may still be sweet and fun (?), but I know that things will not again be the same.
I know THAT because, even though I have learned to bear things a bit more calmly, my relationship with the library was NEVER restored.

Lord, in all these things, I praise Your name. Because I know You are faithful; You NEVER change.

Malachi 3:6 ~ "For I am the Lord, I do not change."
:)

Long story short. Today was a completely marvelous day. It was beautiful, it was filled with excitement, and it caused my faith in the Lord to grow.
:)

A Whirlwind Of Updates

This has to be one of the most delicious mornings of my life so far. :)

So much drama! So much excitement! So much comedy!
I know ... :)

I was awakened with an unexpected start. My whole being was in revolt against the rapid transition I had undertaken. The transition from the realm of dreams into the real world of beautiful nightmares. "Is it really time to greet the day?" How could my entire body deny that truth?

Thankfully, to my delight Dad assured my that I could get back to sleep. He had awakened me at 5 AM just to see if I needed to export school homework off his computer for my Spanish class. There had been a break-in at Venture, and Dad needed to take his personal computer to work, as about 10 work computers had been lifted by sneaking shadows in the night.

I was more than pleased to comply, retrieve my homework, kiss him goodbye, and return to my adventuresome dreams.

The real morning DID come all too soon however.

:)

But it is a beautiful day.

I opened the bank, and was completely surprised with the re-advent of frigid weather. What happened to the 70 Degree mornings and the sunshine?!

This morning, the entire bank staff is rejuvenated. We have started a little in-branch competition to see which of 2 teams will get the most consumer loan applications. Mark, Karan and I have solemnly determined to win. :) Yesterday, I succeeded in getting my weekly checking account for ANOTHER competition and, after basking in the glory of a $49,000 opening deposit, I can turn my attention to HELOCS.

Loans, after all have never been my strength because I don't personally believe that they are a good idea. However, so many people don't mind the thought of borrowing money, and we have a really good rate. I'll keep my eyes open!

This week has just been filled with drama:

For starters! Holly, Renee, Caleb and I had a party in her closet during a tornado this Tuesday. No worries, we were all set to be buried for days. We had Orbit Gum, numerous telephones, the Mother Ship on the line, water, shoes, couch cushions, and delighted spirits. :) Thankfully, Michael, Tim, Marcus, Daddy, Stephen, Mr. Fasolino, Caleb, and all the other church men made it home safely. :)

I had to snap a couple pictures of our experience. :)

The Lord was gracious in allowing us all to be safe. He is a marvelous God!

Then, besides the inclement weather:

Chase was practising his Darth Vader breathing technique over the loudspeaker.

Mark tried to feed me ice that was 3 years old and dangerously contaminated.

Everyone is talking about Valentines Day.

Elizabeth is hilarious. :)

Melody is the most fantastic supervisor in the history of existence,

and Karan is the most beloved PB you have ever seen.

We just had a customer who was 96 years old come to visit her - and he was driving.

Incredible.

Not to mention, Mark opened a business account for this amazing 12 year old youngster. I made the mistake of offering him a Dum-Dum, just like I do to all the kids. Little did I know, he is starting his own business, and was less than interested in my offer of friendship and sugar.

I bet he is a millionaire before he is 30. :)

The day that the Lord has given is beautifully filled with promise.

Father, thank You for all of the little circumstances you place in my life - the comical ones and the serious ones. By all of the adventures, You show me that You are God. Please, allow my life to bring glory to You today.

I pray these things to You Father, in the name of Jesus, by your Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Even In Banking, Give Me Jesus

Kelsey's death changed everything. The Lord used the horrible event to refocus my life, and call me to His side. He always used hard things in order to draw my attention back to Him. One thing he changed was one of my wake up songs. So many mornings, I wake up practically physically singing a hymn or praise song I know. And often, ever since Kelsey's death - one of the most common songs my mind contemplates as I wake is "Give Me Jesus" by Fernando Ortega. The opening lines go something like, "In the morning, when I rise - Give me Jesus. You can have all this world, just give me Jesus."

I love waking with Him in my thoughts. David said the Lord put a song in his heart - and I want to have a song in my heart too. A song that ever brings glory to my King.

Psalm 40:3 ~ "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD."
I was thinking about Him when I opened the bank this morning. :) Caleb reprimanded me for not being interested enough in biology. "How can you not be fascinated with the miraculous creation of the human race!" He poignantly asked me last semester.

I was totally ashamed. :) He is RIGHT! Biology, geology, physics. ALL OF IT. We can better understand the glory of God when we understand this world.

Thusly, after we opened the bank, I asked Karan for a petite respite so that I could enjoy and take a couple pictures of Gods miraculous creation. Check out the ice. :) I love how it completely frosted the foliage of the bank plants.
They are "Frozen in time" ...

I was careful to take the pictures before the early morning fog dissipated. I didn't want the sunlight to steal the frost. :)

Yesterday, we had to take special care to ensure that no elderly customer took a spill on the ice covered parking lot. Mark and Chase poured salt on the sidewalk and such, and I asked for them to take special care NOT to get salt on the Pansies. They are even more frosted today than yesterday. :) Maybe when the weather thaws out, the out door rodents will still be able to frolic in their shade.

:)

Or maybe the rodents wont return in the spring. Wouldn't that be nice?

All in all, the day is beautifully luscious. It beckons me as I wait patiently at my teller station. Perhaps our customers will be enchanted with the day as I am. It could be slow ... or perhaps they will want to come to the bank and relay their frightening ice experiences. It could be busy...

I can't wait.

The day promised beauty.

But even more, I want Jesus.

Neither Snow, Rain, Nor Treacherous Ice

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." That is the unofficial motto of U.S Post Men and is an inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City. The courageous words are derived from from Herodotus' Histories (8.98) as he referred to the ancient courier service of the Persian Empire.

Just last week, I thought about the job of a mailman. The position used to be held in high regard. It was a romantic, daring job. And now, no one even thinks about the men and women dedicated to brave the elements in order to bring small parcels of hope to the awaiting American people.

What would we do without letters? I think about my school friend in Ireland. We will write letters that are to be sent across the globe.

What about letters of encouragement, coupons and shopping adds? What about bank statements and bills? I do think I could do forever without getting another bill, but not if it meant my mailman sacrificing his enduring service.
Not if it meant I might never get another letter.

Well ...

:)

I felt like a postman this morning. Employees have to be dedicated. They need to be ready and willing to face incredible odds so that arrival at work can be prompt. I want my boss to be able to count on me.

I have never called in sick to work. I always come in only to have my boss send me home.

And Weather has not kept me from the bank yet.

Not even the ice storm we had last night.

It went something like this...

"Are you sure you have to go to work in the morning, Ellen?"

"Dad, I am sure. I need to get up around 6. Check the weather. And start out pretty early so that I can get to the bank on time."

"I don't want you driving if its icy." Dad warned.

"I know, Dad. But if I'm going to be CSM, I need to show up."

I went to sleep pretty early so that I would be ready to get up and get the car road-ready.

But, instead of having to brave the cold and freeze my innards, Dad entered my room and hold me not to worry. He would drive me in to work if I really needed to go. :)

I love my, Daddy.

Thus, the drive to work was incredibly adventurous. We were stuck for about 15 minutes on a small hill. My dad's pickup truck attempted valiantly to get over the crest, and finally succeeded. I thought we were going to be stuck forever!

My Boss was so pleased that I got to work on time. Nay, I got to work 20 minutes early.

I try to be a really good employee. I gave my Dad a big kiss for getting me here.

Maybe I am not the mailman after all. I think my dad needs that credit. :)

Meanwhile, I can tell that this day is going to be quite long and ... slow. :) We haven't had a single customer yet. But just in case, we are available and eager to assist their financial needs!

We all took down bets about how many customers we will have.. I think we will either have 2 customers before noon or NONE.

P.S. The empty banking center is going to put a damper on achieving our checking account goal. Where are we going to find the people!? :0

Improving AMEX with COLOR!

Organization is essential.
Especially in banking.
You might say it is the key to the doorway of success.
Organization and consistency – a bank can survive without these aspects.
But it would never thrive.
:)
Karan and I are the consistent organizers at 312.
She always writes in black.
And I color coat.
Believe it or not – we get along famously!

We have countless adventures every quarter when we succumb to the urge of our organizational skills. Today, we took a few minutes to complete the American Express Travelers Cheque audit and the American Express Gift Check/Card audit.

Now, I have only been here a year and a half – and I have just recently taken over more responsibilities. When I was promoted, a whole new world was revealed to me. There is so much to organize. So much to consistently maintain. So much to color coat. :)
The progress I am making is drastic, unique, and completely OCD.

I heard a joke once. It went something like the following:
“I am not OCD. If anything I am CDO … that’s alphabetical order. The way things SHOULD be.”
:)
Karan and I joke constantly about being OCD. We check locks twice, we have lists for our lists, we check each other’s lock jobs, we know dual control procedures backwards and sideways, and we fail to understand why people insist on forgetting to initial the night drop log. :)

I love improving my work environment. Thus, I love to organize – and one of the greatest ways to organize things, is to assign a color (or theme) to each type of items.

Now, that doesn’t mean that this process is stressful and takes massive amounts of work. Rather, organization starts with fixing the little things. And I can not tell you how much joy the small things can bring!

The AMEX Cheque Card/ Gift Card Log and the AMEX Travelers Check Log used to be contained in a grimy, historic folder that was practically falling apart in my hands. It didn't even have brackets! But ... :) I got this new binder and created the bright yellow coversheet for the logs!

No one can miss the vivid color - so no one should fail to initial the logs when AMEX products are purchased!



This is the side view of the new binder.

:)

When I called Karan to come back to the teller line and see my new accomplishment, she could only smile.

Cancer

Sometimes, the drama at the bank is not loud or boisterous. Sometimes, the drama is only something that catches my attention.

A man visited the bank today. One of Karan's second generation customers. I knew that his body must have been in incredible pain by the way that he walked. As he slowly pushed the door open, I greeted him and smiled. Shaking his hand was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I didn't want him to hurt any more. But I knew there was nothing I could do but encourage him in the simplest way I knew how.
I only smiled.

After he left Karen told me that Stan is in his 30's and that he has been battling cancer for only a small bit of time.
I am reminded at the frailty of man. He is "a breath that passes away and does not come again." (Psalm 78:39)

Cancer
The hand pressed firm against mine.
Cancerous.
A face in the prime of life
Yet, old eyes.

Death prowls.
And His demons whisper
To our souls.
I reached out in love
We all swim the same river.
Bodies ridden with disease
And souls in need of hope.

I smiled in friendliness
He thanked me
I watched him walk away
And breathed a prayer.

What about tomorrow?
Will I see him again?