Patience is a Virtue #passwords #disability #privacy

Let's face it, I am not the most patient person in the world.  On a scale of 1-10, I would probably rate at around - hmmm let me think - 2!  However, to cut the queues I follow the protocols of procedure to lesson my angst in waiting.  For instance, in bank accounts I apply, and receive, the relevant ID logins and passwords to enable quick access. Or at least shorten the length of the 'We value our client's and you will be put through to a customer service operator ASAP!" statements, and the endless advertisements, reassuring me that I am in the hands of the Number 1 bank in the land.

These passwords and codes are to guarantee that your privacy, or security, is not breached in anyway. These automated voice banks promise you instant access to your accounts.  They clear the pathways for the operator with whom you finally speak. The operator no longer has to waste even more time mulling over whether you know your Great Aunties maiden name, who had 3 fathers, or the dog, that when they ask its name, you say an affectionate name, not the real thing, and bang, you're passing your toenail clippings down the line for DNA testing, to establish something you thought you had already established, when you logged in with those names and numbers.  

becomeabankteller.com

About 2 weeks ago, I decided as I passed my bank, that I would just go in and ask for a re-issue of a card in both our names as it expires while we are overseas.  To my surprise, the exercise was rather painless! She assured us that the reissued cards would arrive in the mail within 7 working days. 'Great,' we thought, 'I might physically go into the bank more often, as this seemed simpler and more efficient than I had imagined.'  Again, to my surprise in the mail came the new cards in 3 days. On looking at the shiny, new, virginal cards, I glanced at their beauty to see that the expiry date was the same. Thinking of human error, I decided to venture back to my bank rather than that phone call.  Again, quite painless, with the apology for her boss ticking the wrong box! All would be fixed and re-issue would be done again within 7 days.  Yes, in another 4 days, owing to weekend in between, the cards arrived again.  You guessed it - same expiry dates!!!!

On top of this, we decided that same day to do a bank transfer from our app to find, somehow, the limit (of our own money I might add) had been dropped remarkably.  I then ring the internet banking team with the usual protocols in place, ask to speak to a consultant. Then with the round of questions regarding my time of conception, my blood type, and sperm count, I was finally spoken to regarding reissue and the limit allowance.  She, then on looking into my profile, assured me that she would not be able to discuss unless my partner spoke on the phone to verify his existence and, maybe divulge his deceased father's brand of his first bicycle (remember he is Asian.)   I explained that my partner is deaf which would create a problem when speaking on the phone. I reminded her of the 3rd party disclosure we had agreed upon when opening the account in the first place.  After 1 hour and numerous discussions with her supervisors she accepted and assured me our limit had again been raised, along with following her step by step on my iMac to reinstate the original limit.

That night we decided to transfer some funds, only to be rejected again.  Oh bother I thought!!!!!  I rang the bank! After setting in the pass protocols was told that the consultants only work till 7 pm, thank you for your patience, and ring again in the morning after 9 am Eastern Standard Time.  To ease my lack of serenity I did partake in a few medicinal wines for comfort.  Next morning, I rang the bank, and again, was objected to the same scrutiny of privacy as the day before.  With already telling the consultant that this conversation might not be pretty, she accepted, and then advised that the quickest and most efficient way to deal with this was was to transfer my call to the bank who had done the reissue, so they may reissue again, as they would have our true signatures on file.  Two hours later, after being on hold, and listing my credibility and last ten transactions in order for security, I was spoken to by the original manager at the branch who assures me the re-re-reissue would transpire forthwith and the limit would be raised again post haste. Oh, and I forgot, 'Thank you for banking with the Number 1 bank in the land!' script.  

Ok my patience was tested.  I think I actually deserve some bonus queue jumps for it.  The point of the matter is, yes, I believe in national security and that some scammer does not access my account and spend my funds on Taliban subscriptions. But, and its a tough call when you have accounts in both names and singularly you can't access information unless both verify. (Though one had thought that that little password and passcode was the key to our account)  One can only imagine the plight my partner would have been in if I was not around or, he was making the inquiry as the deaf guy he is.  

archive.indianexpress.com

The question I am asking is, can these institutions think past the number crunching, and realize that some people cannot access in the way they propose for full visioned, full hearing, people?  Yes, it is fine to say that there are relay services for those with disabilities. But, can they also realize that we are all human and maybe need some easier methods to communicate.  With us for example, you have one hearing and one non hearing person trying to communicate. Neither can use the same service successfully especially if they are in joint names, without SMS's flying in with approval to speak or SMS's flying in to transfer. These SMS's, I might add, are on the very phone that is attached to the hearing persons ear speaking to the consultant at the time trying to verify himself.  You think I'm confused?? Put yourselves in the disabled person's shoes as they go through the conundrum on a daily basis.  Would it not be kinder to bring back some more personal assistance.  
 
These are my thoughts until next time stay safe, be kind to yourself, and to others, and keep in touch. Until then, I will go to try and transfer some funds, and make new friends, at the land's Number 1 Bank.

Cheers!

Bitchescoz
 
Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com

disabilities.uchicago.edu

Roundabouts! #life #control #freewill #confidence

Recently we visited a city that was made up, of what seemed to be hundreds of roundabouts, and very few traffic lights.  They ranged from the tiny to the enormous.  All seemed to work very well with the control of traffic rather than what I am used to, with a city full of traffic lights and signs.  My mind did however, think that the Town Planners maps may have been spread on the lunch tables of the road crews, and every coffee ring they placed on the map, would become the new roundabout.  Hence, so many of them! 

Anyhow, contemplating on the advantages of them, I believe that they are a very good idea.  God knows, how many of us have been stuck at a red light and there hasn't been a car in sight for what feels like a dragon flies lifespan! But, we sit there and wait patiently, for what maybe the car approaching from another state.  When you think about it, traffic lights are sort of like a fat controller, and we as the drivers are told when we may proceed.  On the other hand, roundabouts appear to be designed that we have control but, must be mindful of those who enter them.  

This brings my thoughts to relating these traffic controllers to our lives. Many of us are controlled by a process that has been established over the years, and it takes the thinking out of our actions to some extent.  Yes, with traffic lights we are taught to proceed with care. But for most of us, and I know that I am one, once that traffic light goes green, I very rarely look around to check for anyone else. Whereas on roundabouts, in a worldly sense you must be mindful, and ever thinking, of what is going on. Who is on them? Are they on your right? Do we proceed without hurting anyone, or ourselves, in our traffic of life.  

How many of us are controlled by the thought processes that have been handed down from generation to generation?  How many of us can escape those controllers, be free thinking, and caring for those around us.  Many discriminatory rationales have been embedded in our minds by our predecessors, and quite often, we don't think if they are really our own thoughts.  Quite often we just sit there, and wait with the pack to proceed, and not look around to see if we may hurt or harm someone. This in my mind is the Red light group!  Whereas the roundabout people learn to proceed with care, proceed with respect, proceed with ever changing conditions of peak hour or minimal traffic. This group is open to change.  This group is willing to allow those around them, access to the life roundabout, and not block them, but go with the flow.  These people still have free will. These people are ever learning.  These people are not governed by fat controllers, who dictate their minds and their actions..  

Therefore I think as decent law abiding citizens of this world, we should encourage our youth to proceed with care, proceed with compassion, proceed with love.  Yes, there will be minor accidents along the way but, if we teach our children to consider others, to have confidence to proceed and regulate the fat controllers, then I have no doubt they will navigate the road of life with ease.  They will know that each and every living vehicle on our roads, is worthy of entering that roundabout called life.  The traffic jams of life may be a thing of the past.

Therefore, I personally approve of roundabouts and keep putting those coffee rings on the maps of the world.  

Until next time, I welcome you to join me on my roundabout called life.

Cheers !

Bitchescoz

Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com

 

Procrastination #patience #tolerance #love #ambition

How to cope with Procrastination! 

Today, I want to talk about coping with procrastination.  You know, I  get anxious just spelling it, cause it takes to long. And, from that remark you might be aware I am not, dare I spell it again, the procrastinator.  I seem to be surrounded with them.  My partner, my bestie and quite a few others exist in my inner circle.  Mind you, sometimes, I feel that I am a catalyst for their behaviour. That they somehow take pleasure in making this 'want it now', dreamer' Aquarian wait, and sweat out their decisions.

I swear, at University, I must have been dreaming in a magazine when they spoke of Myers Briggs type indicators, and how we are attracted.  I think I must have been dreaming that whole semester because I am surrounded by them! Surely if I  had paid attention, I might have avoided the penance that I have had, for such a long time now.  I love to jump out of bed and run headlong into things! And yes, I have made some very silly mistakes along the way, from not meditating upon the mysteries as to how, and why, I should do something.

Yes, it frustrates me that people aren't as quick to scathe the pinnacles of life that I attempt.  But yes, I surrender, it is also assuring that before I climb my mount, someone is there, contemplating, planning, thinking clearly. Despite me ready to fly without my fairy wings attached, they are there navigating the conditions, and checking work place health and safety regulations, before we attempt our course of action.

Yes I long for them to just scream the adage of Nike 'Just Do It!'  But I must sometimes realize that these people are put on earth for a purpose and, not to just sit back and watch others fall, or fail, miserably.  These people are designed by God to drive people like me crazy.  No not so.  God put these forward and deep thinkers on Earth to plan for a future, a future that is secure, a future that is not based on instinct and dreams alone. Yes, I am sure these people engineered the journeys into space, designed the tallest buildings so they would not topple, research the possibilities of curing the common cold (no wonder its taking  so long).   These people are organizers, implementers and visionaries.

Yes these people do infuriate people like me, but without them I would be a covered with bruises and have skinned knees.  Coping with them?  We just have to draw breath,  think a little before we leap, take their feelings, and thoughts, into consideration.  They must have a valid point.  We are created equal after all and I must give them time to get used to my scatter brain, 'seat of the pants' way of life.
So thinking these thoughts, I cope with any slow thoughts those around me have.  I thank our maker that this world is full of individuals. This world is full of people who care, who think, who do things different from each other but together, we can achieve goals, build dreams and create a wonderful future.

Together we form a magical woven cloth that when milled together can make a glorious world.

Now Honey, can you just make up your mind on our new refrigerator or our perishables will be lost.

Cheers!

Bitchescoz

Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com
 

Is Patience a Virtue

 
Today at the office we were discussing the virtues of patience, and I got to wondering how many of us actually do have patience.

We all like to think, and tell everyone, that we are patient but, I think it is great to acknowledge that some of us are in denial.  I for one trust my instinct that, along with my other intolerances of intolerance to gluten, intolerance to seafood, I also believe (self diagnosed of course) I have an intolerance to queuing. I also believe, or is that hope, a change in diet and a little detox may cleanse my liver of the shit that has built up on it. Therefore I wait 'patiently' for  the remedy to cure my ailment that I think may have come from birth.

I guess even back then I was suffering from this intolerance - you see I was to be born in the February but no - I decided 'no waiting' - I'm coming out on the 22 January! And, while I'm at it I'm not coming out the normal pathway - I'm not going through 'that'! So, I decided to never allow myself entry to those areas, and came  'out' via Caesarean Section. A path fit for Kings (or is that Queens)!

 Yes, I believe that some of us have a greater tolerance for patience than I, and believe with a little encouragement and reassurance from my friends and partner that I too, may achieve that feeling of euphoria they have, when they  wait in line at the supermarket, or hang on the phone waiting to be fast tracked because you are a valued customer.

Ok! Having established that I do in fact, lack the ability of 'patience' what do I do about it? Do I stand in the supermarket queue and smile sweetly at the 15 people in front of me with more than 10 items in their basket in the express lane?  Do I simply take a novel to the phone while waiting for the bank to tell me I have moved up in the queue? Should I encourage the other shoppers to join me in song '100 green bottles' while the checkout operator has called for a price check from a staff member who has obviously gone on long service leave? Should, when I get to my turn on the bank queue forget that there are 120 others waiting after me and discuss my retirement package, coz when I ring and get on queue the next time, retirement may have happened upon me while waiting?

Having let my partner read what I have written thus far, he slaps me and says, I have to breath deeply and think happy thoughts and that good things come to those who wait.  My immediate thought is have I changed gender and I am in a birthing suite delivering his child naturally?  And if so, I want him here experiencing my pain, slap him up on the gurney and give him a full body wax while I think happy thoughts.

Back into thoughts on patience! Yes, I accept his and my friends thoughts on the euphoria one should achieve in these times. Yes, I accept that I was wrong in thinking of throttling the customers in front of me and that I should offer to push there overladen trolleys to their cars (while I wait) and that I will achieve great abundance of good things happening to me for waiting so long. I should also believe that I should apply more tact and diplomacy to each situation.

Now having gained this knowledge of how to reach a plateau of peace and tranquility, I pour myself a nice glass of wine, sit patiently, write my shopping list, pass it to my partner lovingly and say, "This is what I need from the market Honey, the frequent shoppers card is in my wallet - don't forget it. Oh and it might be best to ring the bank and see if you have enough money in the account to pay for your purchases!"

Cheers

Bitchescoz