It's Not Work If You Love Doing It

Unless you're working 14 hours a day without days off....then it's definitely work. I think I've done a pretty good job of not using this blog just as an outlet to complain about things. The purpose in creating this was so that I could keep everyone updated on how my summer has been going, and give people a little more insight into what working in this business is like. So, while I'd like to let most of the bad days pass and not mention my more difficult days, I suppose that doesn't give you a really accurate presentation of how things are going. Now, I don't mean to say that I've been miserable and just hiding it...I have truly meant everything I've said about this place: that other than the horse poo, I love it here.
And I can't even smell it anymore. I think that means I've been here too long..

Anyway, I'll keep this next part quick. Yes, I still love it here. Yes, I will probably still come back, depending on where all of my family is at after I graduate. Yes, I'm enjoying my summer. But right now, I'm tired. It's not a surface tired...I'm getting enough sleep. It's mind, body and soul exhausted. We just released our lowest rates of the season, and I've been working 14-15 hour days since last Friday, with no days off in sight. I'm on the phones with angry, confused, upset, and some just frankly mind-numbing people for 12 hours straight. Lately the phones have been so busy that the boss has been ordering us lunch so we don't have to get off the phones. I go into work at 8 a.m. and leave between 9 and 10 p.m. each night. Oh...except- where am I tonight? Babysitting. Because apparently on the one night I get off at 7 I can't just take that and run with it and enjoy a relaxing evening of nothing, I have to accept a five hour long babysitting gig.
Now, I can't pretend that this is easy. The bright side is, there are very few jobs out there even in this business that would demand these kind of hours on a regular basis. The 84 I put in this week will probably not continue for the following weeks...hopefully. There's another bright side to the tunnel- I think I mentioned in the last blog that we reached our 99% occupancy goal in the month of July, so the owner is taking us all out for a boat cruise. I'm not sure, however, if I mentioned that we did receive our goal and prize for August- 99% occupancy for the month of August, too! Things are looking great, we have less than 100 room nights left to sell, and they're going quickly. So...have you guys figured out the problem yet? No? I'll give you a hint. My last day is August 30th, I start school on September 2nd. The Silver Service Dinner that the owner has offered us as incentive towards our August goal will most definitely take place after I leave. I had wondered and worried a little bit about this, but I got a really exciting email this week from my boss! He invited me back up to the island for the dinner, saying that if I was able to make it that I am invited back for it. So I'm coming! ...if we get it, God willing.
cough cough. If you haven't stayed yet, contact me. cough. COUGH.



Anyway, yeah. The other good thing that happened is I've started getting more people on the phones actually mentioning to my managers that they think I'm doing a good job. I'll share one of them with you that was sent via email and forwarded to me,
"[Name omitted] I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the beautiful room assignment (I think it was room 242) that we received after Elizabeth made the extra effort of requesting an upgrade for us. The view was stunning and greatly appreciated. The hotel was by far one of the best I have ever been in. I also wanted you to know that Elizabeth handled most of the calls that I put through to the hotel prior to my arrival. Her customer service was outstanding! You are very lucky to have her as part of your team. She is a very patient person."
I love stuff like this! It's really nice to be affirmed every once and a while. Makes me feel like I'm definitely in the right business.
The other funny thing that happened was a guest who called to make a reservation, but said he would need to call back before booking because they had to check if their dog sitter was available. I said, "Well, is your dog cute? I'll watch her for ya! ...just kidding I don't think I can do that..!" So, we got to talking about their dog, and this and that, and they're from Toledo and "oh, I know people in the Cleveland area," and "Yes, I have an adorable tiny fluff ball puppy too!" and on and on. So he hangs up, and then calls back a week or so later to reserve. He asks for me, we make the reservation, it's all good. Then, about three days later Sandra gets a call, turns to me and says there is a so and so on the phone for you. I have her transfer the call over and it's that guy again! He literally called me to tell me that they picked up the dog from the sitter, she had a great time and that he remembered where he heard Niagara U from...his niece just graduated from there! How funny is that? Then he asks for my email address so he can send me pictures of his dog.

I now have pictures of this man's dog in my work inbox.


So, ladies and gentlemen, here is the lesson of the day: Do not ask people about their pets. Ever.