Well, I'm beginning to realize that "bookkeeper" is a very liberal term, depending on what one is willing to do as a bookkeeper.
Last week some time, an older gentleman called when I was not here, asking to talk to the "accountant". When Mom said I wasn't here, he started explaining that Telus was trying to rip him off and he needed help sorting out his phone bill. Mom slowed him down and said she didn't know what she or I could do about it, but said I would be back later, and gave him a rough time to call. However, Dad also spoke with the man and gave him directions to the house.
The time that Mom suggested he call was also the time that our first Local Spiritual Assembly meeting of the Baha'i year was to start, and he ARRIVED at that time. So I sat down with him, a flustered but pleasant man, to figure out what the problem was. He was willing to sign his whole life over to me if I could just fight with Telus for him because he was sure he had paid this huge bill that he just got. I told him that I doubted they would talk to me, but I would try. However, I didn't promise to get it done within the next few days - too much tax work still.
About a week later, (two days ago) he showed up on my doorstep again, showing me a disconnection notice. I promised, through much emotionally charged conversation on his part, that I would do what I could, but that he should be prepared to pay the huge bill to avoid disconnection.
So I did sit down yesterday to figure it out, between phone calls to clarify information, and then he just arrived again with more information. It wasn't looking good for him though.
Enjoying my Victoria Day sleep-in, the phone rang at 9 a.m., and it was this same gentleman, saying he wanted to come pick up all the paperwork he had left with me so he could just go in and pay the amount he believed he owed tomorrow. I groggily replied "Give me about half an hour". He said, "Oh, I guess that's reasonable."
By the time he got here at around 10:15, I had clearly established in my own mind that the only thing Telus was guilty of was legal highway robbery - his phone bills added up just fine. So I sat him down with a cup of coffee, and systematically showed him what had happened, with an apology that it wasn't turning out the way he had hoped. He was some deflated, poor man, and then asked what he owed me. I had only spent an hour on figuring out what had happened, so I charged him what I charge for an hour of bookkeeping, plus GST. A lot of drama for $26.25. As he was leaving, however, I pointed out that he is paying 16 cents a minute for his LD phone calls in North America, and almost $2/minute for his LD calls overseas. I told him I only pay 3.5 cents for my North American calls. He said, "I'll give you another $40 if you'll get me onto a long distance company that is cheaper." I told him I would work on it, but that I can't just change long distance phone companies for him. It will just mean that I'll have to find the best rate for him, and then go over to his house and walk him through the change on the phone.
I have the feeling I will be seeing a lot of this gentleman. Prices are going up, fixed incomes don't rise, and he admitted to being "nervous" and not being able to deal with some things. I can just see this frustrated old man telling other frustrated senior citizens, "Oh, take it over to that little girl in Whitelaw, the bookkeeper, she helped me figure out a problem with my phone bill and got me on a plan that I pay a lot less, and she hardly charged me anything to do it." (Old men often call any woman more than ten years younger than they are "that little girl.") Pretty soon I'll be the refuge that all the confused older people run to, to sort out their confusing bills.
Nonetheless, even if the result wasn't quite what he wanted, it was good to be able to clarify something for him and calm him down a bit, just by being calm myself and taking him through it step-by-step.
In other news, I took Jessa and Aislinn over to "Auntie Tineke's", (she's a lady whose son goes to school with Jessa, and apparently all the kids call her "Auntie Tineke" (Teenika), for them to check out the piano she had for sale. We now have a nice piano, rather than a keyboard, for the girls to practice on, thanks to Grandma. Jessa was getting so that she needed a pedal. Jessa is very pleased, and is beginning to compose her own music, so I think having a real piano, and maybe I'll buy her some piano music just a little above where she is currently, and she'll be playing around on the piano, making real music, just for fun.
Dad has just called supper.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sushi is back
Well, I'm a little confused about why these people did what they did, but I think the advice of Andrew, the by-law officer, is good, and that I should just leave it alone.
I spoke with him a few times and the law was clearly on our side because I legally adopted Sushi and he was the one who took care of the adoption. However, as usual with me, I cared less about the legalities and more about what was right. I would make a lousy lawyer. If they had had proof that she was originally theirs, I'd have been in a quandary about what to do, despite the fact that it took them five months to make a claim and we're only a few doors down from them, because she was in such miserable condition when we found her, yet if they had bought her, I'd have felt like I should give her back. Fortunately, it has been taken care of without such complications.
Not quite so sad today.
I spoke with him a few times and the law was clearly on our side because I legally adopted Sushi and he was the one who took care of the adoption. However, as usual with me, I cared less about the legalities and more about what was right. I would make a lousy lawyer. If they had had proof that she was originally theirs, I'd have been in a quandary about what to do, despite the fact that it took them five months to make a claim and we're only a few doors down from them, because she was in such miserable condition when we found her, yet if they had bought her, I'd have felt like I should give her back. Fortunately, it has been taken care of without such complications.
Not quite so sad today.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Life Happens
Well, the Martin Kerr concerts were wonderful and exhausting. Martin sings everything from children's songs to pop songs with uplifting messages to everybody's favorites, like the Alleluya song from Shrek. One of the teachers at the school commented that his rendition of that gave her goosebumps, and another said he made her cry. I was so glad to be able to arrange his performances and visit with him myself a little. Anyone interested in learning more about him and his music, or perhaps scheduling a concert or two can look up all the info on his website: www.martinkerrmusic.com.
After the concert yesterday, Jovani asked me to go to the school with him while he coached soccer. He does a good job of that and the children all respond to him well. He's got some good soccer players there too.
Then we took the girls to their piano recital last night, and all three did us proud. Aislinn swore she was not ready but played beautifully.
I was so tired I left Jovani to put the girls to bed. Then we had a lazy morning this morning but eventually got up to get ready for the arrival of four of Jessa's friends for her birthday celebration. Shortly before noon, Aislinn came in to tell me that Sushi got out of the house and she went chasing after her down the street, only to try calling her when she went into someone's yard. That someone was holding Sushi and not letting her go. He told her that he would come and talk to us later. Aislinn knew better than to go into a stranger's yard and try to grab Sushi away, so she ran home to tell me what had happened. I had a very bad feeling about it. I asked Jovani to go deal with it, so he went to see what was going on.
It seems that this couple believes Sushi to be their Maggie, a pure-bred Shih-tzu. They say they have the papers to prove it. Jovani explained how we found her and that we had been through all the necessary legal processes to adopt her, to which he received the reply that they didn't care about any of that, she's their dog and we can bring the RCMP or whoever we want, but they aren't giving up the dog.
Jovani spoke courteously and said that he would have to call the by-law officer, and came home. I called the by-law officer who helped us adopt the dog, and we are now waiting for him to come over to deal with the matter.
I am of two minds. The attitude of these people is unnecessary. Had they come looking for her - I've walked past their house with Sushi many, many times, as it is on the way to the school - and produced proof that the dog was theirs before we adopted her, I would have handed over the dog. Reluctantly, because she had obviously been badly neglected, but I would not have argued. However, suddenly laying claim to the dog six months after she's gone missing, when they could have approached us any time, asking if we'd found a Shih-tzu - well, it just isn't right. But neither do I want to respond in kind. 'Abdu'l-Baha says not only that we are supposed to forgive people who do us wrong instantly, but "If they poison your lives, sweeten their souls." I have no desire to get into a major battle with my neighbour over a dog, much as I am very, very fond of that dog. If I felt certain she would be well cared for I doubt I would make any waves even if the dog is legally ours. But she was scrawny, filthy and miserable when we found her. How can I just let her go back to such people?
So, we wait for the by-law officer to take care of the matter, and meanwhile I am missing my tail. Sushi followed me everywhere, just waiting for me to sit down so she could jump on my lap. She ran out of the house on one of the few occasions that she wasn't with me. No doubt it will be hardest when I go to sleep tonight and she's not right up on the bed at my back.
I'm a little sad today.
After the concert yesterday, Jovani asked me to go to the school with him while he coached soccer. He does a good job of that and the children all respond to him well. He's got some good soccer players there too.
Then we took the girls to their piano recital last night, and all three did us proud. Aislinn swore she was not ready but played beautifully.
I was so tired I left Jovani to put the girls to bed. Then we had a lazy morning this morning but eventually got up to get ready for the arrival of four of Jessa's friends for her birthday celebration. Shortly before noon, Aislinn came in to tell me that Sushi got out of the house and she went chasing after her down the street, only to try calling her when she went into someone's yard. That someone was holding Sushi and not letting her go. He told her that he would come and talk to us later. Aislinn knew better than to go into a stranger's yard and try to grab Sushi away, so she ran home to tell me what had happened. I had a very bad feeling about it. I asked Jovani to go deal with it, so he went to see what was going on.
It seems that this couple believes Sushi to be their Maggie, a pure-bred Shih-tzu. They say they have the papers to prove it. Jovani explained how we found her and that we had been through all the necessary legal processes to adopt her, to which he received the reply that they didn't care about any of that, she's their dog and we can bring the RCMP or whoever we want, but they aren't giving up the dog.
Jovani spoke courteously and said that he would have to call the by-law officer, and came home. I called the by-law officer who helped us adopt the dog, and we are now waiting for him to come over to deal with the matter.
I am of two minds. The attitude of these people is unnecessary. Had they come looking for her - I've walked past their house with Sushi many, many times, as it is on the way to the school - and produced proof that the dog was theirs before we adopted her, I would have handed over the dog. Reluctantly, because she had obviously been badly neglected, but I would not have argued. However, suddenly laying claim to the dog six months after she's gone missing, when they could have approached us any time, asking if we'd found a Shih-tzu - well, it just isn't right. But neither do I want to respond in kind. 'Abdu'l-Baha says not only that we are supposed to forgive people who do us wrong instantly, but "If they poison your lives, sweeten their souls." I have no desire to get into a major battle with my neighbour over a dog, much as I am very, very fond of that dog. If I felt certain she would be well cared for I doubt I would make any waves even if the dog is legally ours. But she was scrawny, filthy and miserable when we found her. How can I just let her go back to such people?
So, we wait for the by-law officer to take care of the matter, and meanwhile I am missing my tail. Sushi followed me everywhere, just waiting for me to sit down so she could jump on my lap. She ran out of the house on one of the few occasions that she wasn't with me. No doubt it will be hardest when I go to sleep tonight and she's not right up on the bed at my back.
I'm a little sad today.
Monday, May 11, 2009
May 11th
In deference to the guy who doesn't want so much pink showing on his screen while reading my blog, I have changed layout and colours. Thank-you for my morning laugh, David.
It is Jessamine's 11th birthday today. Yesterday her Auntie Heather and Auntie Bernadette (also known as Uncle Bernie) came for a quick Mother's Day visit. They brought tulips and lemon cream cake. We spent as much time out in the lovely May sunshine as we could. Because her aunt and uncle were here, we presented her birthday presents to her yesterday. She was given some little sun catchers for her bedroom, a pair of capris (when did we stop calling them pedal-pushers?), the newest Taylor Swift CD, a soccer ball and a croquet set.
The big events of this week will be the concerts given by Canadian Idol finalist Martin Kerr, in our home and in Whitelaw School on Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, respectively, the girls' piano recital on Thursday night, and then Jessa's official birthday celebration on Friday.
Meanwhile I have loads of work I'm supposed to be doing for bookkeeping and tax clients, and I promised to bring a couple of cakes in at noon for her class so the whole class can have some birthday cake.
We had a wonderful Ridvan celebration at my sister's house in FSJ on May 2nd, with Baha'is from here, Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek attending for prayers, lots of good food, and a nature walk through the Fish Creek Community Forest. The path was still icy and I almost fell several times. I visited with Carolyn of Dawson Creek on most of the walk. Her daughter, Raquel, is trying to go on a youth year of service in Chad, in August or September. Carolyn was telling me that she asked someone who had lived in Africa for a number of years if she would go back, and the woman's response was, "Oh, I would never go to Africa."
This made me think about if someone were to ask me if I would ever go to Belize. My initial response would likely be something similar, although I learned long ago never to say never. However, the truth of the matter is, even if *I* have no desire to return to Belize, I would not presume to suggest whether someone else should. Who am I to say that it isn't just what someone else needs? I think after almost five years back in Canada, I can give a fairly objective response to someone looking to travel to or do service in Belize. It isn't all peaches and cream, although most people think it is for the first few months, but neither is it hell on earth, much as it felt that way for the last few years for me. It is a place like most others - it has its pros and its cons. I suppose it all depends on what one wants.
The day before we went to the Ridvan celebration, my darling little Jessa dropped a table on her foot while helping to clean up at school. There were left over treats from an important visit, and her teacher tried to ply her with treats to make her feel better. Jessa thought that was funny, and assured him it was not necessary. He also praised her for being his best helper. I had to go pick her up from school because she could not even hobble home, so I brought Aislinn with me, who had the day off of school, and piggy-backed Jessa into the car, leaving Aislinn to walk home with Meadow when school was let out a half-hour later. Aislinn was delighted to visit with her friends among the staff from last year while waiting for her little sister.
Jessa's foot is still bruised and sensitive, but she has managed to do more than I would have given her credit for only a couple of years ago. When she was little, every bump and bruise received a great outcry. But as I said to Mr. P., her teacher, "My wimp is no longer a wimp." He said, "Jessa's not a wimp!" I said, "Not anymore, she's not." Jessa is turning into an interesting, vibrant, happy, intelligent, helpful and compassionate young lady, at only 11.
Well, I better go get ready to take the cake over to the school.
Love,
It is Jessamine's 11th birthday today. Yesterday her Auntie Heather and Auntie Bernadette (also known as Uncle Bernie) came for a quick Mother's Day visit. They brought tulips and lemon cream cake. We spent as much time out in the lovely May sunshine as we could. Because her aunt and uncle were here, we presented her birthday presents to her yesterday. She was given some little sun catchers for her bedroom, a pair of capris (when did we stop calling them pedal-pushers?), the newest Taylor Swift CD, a soccer ball and a croquet set.
The big events of this week will be the concerts given by Canadian Idol finalist Martin Kerr, in our home and in Whitelaw School on Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, respectively, the girls' piano recital on Thursday night, and then Jessa's official birthday celebration on Friday.
Meanwhile I have loads of work I'm supposed to be doing for bookkeeping and tax clients, and I promised to bring a couple of cakes in at noon for her class so the whole class can have some birthday cake.
We had a wonderful Ridvan celebration at my sister's house in FSJ on May 2nd, with Baha'is from here, Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek attending for prayers, lots of good food, and a nature walk through the Fish Creek Community Forest. The path was still icy and I almost fell several times. I visited with Carolyn of Dawson Creek on most of the walk. Her daughter, Raquel, is trying to go on a youth year of service in Chad, in August or September. Carolyn was telling me that she asked someone who had lived in Africa for a number of years if she would go back, and the woman's response was, "Oh, I would never go to Africa."
This made me think about if someone were to ask me if I would ever go to Belize. My initial response would likely be something similar, although I learned long ago never to say never. However, the truth of the matter is, even if *I* have no desire to return to Belize, I would not presume to suggest whether someone else should. Who am I to say that it isn't just what someone else needs? I think after almost five years back in Canada, I can give a fairly objective response to someone looking to travel to or do service in Belize. It isn't all peaches and cream, although most people think it is for the first few months, but neither is it hell on earth, much as it felt that way for the last few years for me. It is a place like most others - it has its pros and its cons. I suppose it all depends on what one wants.
The day before we went to the Ridvan celebration, my darling little Jessa dropped a table on her foot while helping to clean up at school. There were left over treats from an important visit, and her teacher tried to ply her with treats to make her feel better. Jessa thought that was funny, and assured him it was not necessary. He also praised her for being his best helper. I had to go pick her up from school because she could not even hobble home, so I brought Aislinn with me, who had the day off of school, and piggy-backed Jessa into the car, leaving Aislinn to walk home with Meadow when school was let out a half-hour later. Aislinn was delighted to visit with her friends among the staff from last year while waiting for her little sister.
Jessa's foot is still bruised and sensitive, but she has managed to do more than I would have given her credit for only a couple of years ago. When she was little, every bump and bruise received a great outcry. But as I said to Mr. P., her teacher, "My wimp is no longer a wimp." He said, "Jessa's not a wimp!" I said, "Not anymore, she's not." Jessa is turning into an interesting, vibrant, happy, intelligent, helpful and compassionate young lady, at only 11.
Well, I better go get ready to take the cake over to the school.
Love,
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