Jan's Blog

This land of America!

jan@load.com — Sat, 26 May 2007 16:06:00 GMT

Well, it's 'Blog Time' once again. Where does the time go! I'm finding that I enjoy writing the blog more and more each week. I find myself looking to see what I really appreciate, new things that could be used for a subject, and just in general being more aware of life and the people around me. So, I really am benefiting personally from writing a blog.

Having said that, my thoughts have been to having a wonderful weekend to relax and enjoy my family and friends on this special weekend. Get out of my normal every day 'rut' and into just pure relaxation! Now, that's not bad, is it? Well, no! Then, I thought that I really am truly blessed to live in a land where I have the right to choose the things I want to do. That I have the right to work, to play, to relax. With that, however, goes great responsibility for my choices.

So being the reflective person that I am, I started thinking about the price that others have paid for me to have those rights. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

I have never had the privilege of actually serving in the Armed Forces. When I was growing up, women didn't really do that. But, I would like to think that I would have served if I had been given the opportunity. I would like to think that I care enough about this nation to give my life to keep the rights and freedoms that are ours. Oh, I know there is alot of dissension going on right now in our country. But, it is still a wonderful place to live and be free.

So, please take time to remember our brave men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces around the world. Let's be grateful they are helping to keep our land safe!

Have a wonderful week!

Whew! What a week! Thanks for all the SUPPORT!

jan@load.com — Sat, 19 May 2007 01:39:39 GMT

It's time to go home and my blog isn't done yet! I promised that I would get it done before I leave for the weekend - so here are some of the thoughts that I have had during the week. I've been asked to head up the support team's push to convert all Support Articles to the LOAD.net site. This is an exciting task because we will be able to help you keep current on the new tips and fixes for all LOAD services. Also, this will allow you a place to give us feedback and to see what additional ideas other users have and different ways to accomplish different tasks. Here are a few thoughts that come to my mind when submitting questions or feature requests to support@load.com:

SUPPORT: I've been thinking a lot about is SUPPORT! Here at LOAD we work really hard to make sure the services you have chosen work for you and make YOUR job easier to do. Not always possible because very single user's needs are different. Still, a great user experience is, indeed, our goal! Please if you have a question - SUBMIT IT! The only stupid question is that one that is left un-asked!
COMMUNICATION: What I'm finding out is that within the wonderful world of technology users there is a huge GAP in communicating exact needs. And yet, just because technology is so wonderful - it is very precise. Which means when you write or call for Support - please be accurate and timely in identifying your needs. Vague statements such as, 'My Outlook isn't getting messages' or, "my e-mail isn't working" doesn't really explain what is happening and leaves our support team scratching their heads. Please be precise when submitting questions and include the following:

Operating System
Browser type
Service you are using
Connectivity provider (AOL, Verizon, ComCast, Cox, etc)
A detailed description of the problem you have encountered
Contact name and company (if necessary)

We are really excited to help you and have you take advantage of the LOAD.net community and harnessing the vast knowledge of our user base to help build the best Web's application experience on the Internet.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you - Have a wonderful weekend! Go JAZZ!

A Great Big Thank You

jan@load.com — Fri, 04 May 2007 16:36:46 GMT

Just a really quick note regarding something special that has happened to me this week. . . wonderful people have taken the time to either write and call just to say 'thank you.' Truly, each of you made my day!

Additionally, it brought to my mind that I need those with whom I work, clients that it is my privilege to help, and all those around me - to know how much I appreciate the time we have to spend time together.

Whether it is for just a moment or for a longer period of time, it doesn't matter. What matters is that we work together to solve a problem, clarify a position, exchange ideas.

Thank you all - from the bottom of my heart! Make it a wonderful day!

Wow! A Whole Week!

jan@load.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:13:13 GMT

Can you believe that it has been a week already - I'm suppose to make sure to get this done. (Can you tell that I'm still struggling with a personal blog?) Never mind! I can do this!

Constantly, I am learning things when our users call in with questions, that can be used both in my 'work life' and my 'other life'. Like - don't overlook the little things. Just this morning someone wrote in about not being able to receive their e-mail. Well, when it all comes down to it - they had added a space at the end of their e-mail address. One tiny little space. You and I don't see this little 'space', but computer programs recognize it as a part of the address and are unable to deliver the mail because it isn't the 'real' address. We say - but, that's just a little thing. Yup! It surely is. However, it makes the difference in the delivery or non-delivery of a message.

Well, as I was pondering this little point, it's the same in my "other" life. Little things do make a difference. Like being off 1/8 of an inch in a seam on my quilting shouldn't be a big deal. But, on 8 seams - all of a sudden I'm off an entire inch. Not a good thing! When I bake a cake and the recipe requires a 375 degree oven and I use a 450 degree oven to get it done quickly. . . Not a good thing! When I don't take the time to be kind to someone. . . Not a good thing!

At any rate, whether at work or at play - it's all those little things that add up to BIG GOOD THINGS in my entire life. Hmm - didn't mean to get carried away!

Here We Go!

jan@load.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:48:51 GMT

Well, I'm told that this is a place where I can put my thoughts about the world, my life and the glorious work privilege that is mine. :) Really, I am excited, a little scared about putting my thoughts "out there", but I'm wiling to try.

In thinking about the best part of my job, I think the part I really enjoy is working with new ideas and ways to help you do the best job you can quickly, easily and reliably. Currently, we are putting together a new Knowledge Base and Tips and Better Ways for the Web. Keep checking back often as we will share ideas that you have sent and ideas that we have to serve you better!

Additionally, working with all the people at the office is one "trip"! As you can tell from their Blogs, they keep me on my toes! Daily I learn from them.

Then - when I leave the office and need a great relaxation from the hectic world of the web, I turn to my love of quilting - even though I am a novice. It is so fun to work in putting together colors, design, and fabrics and become a 'one of a kind' quilter. How awesome is that! As I finish projects, I will post pictures for all to see. This will be a great challenge but oh, such fun!

Have a wonderful day!

Jan