Talkin' Trash....

Many of you already know, but in case you don't, my husband and his cousin are in business together. They have their hands in several different things; port-a-johns, roll-off dumpsters, and a household trash company. I know what you're thinking--shew. And, that's about right, but to these guys, it "smells like money" :) Chad's cousin and his family have gone out of town, for a much needed vacation. SO, that means, I, being the supportive wife I am, stepped up to the plate and graciously volunteered to help out this week in the office. I basically just answer phones, write up new orders, take payments, etc...you get it. (did I mention VOLUNTEERED)


This week, has been quite eventful to say the least. I am not sure if there is a full moon coming, or if the crazies are just out in full force, but to be honest, I have enjoyed the free entertainment. I have taken all types of calls, and below I will give you some of the memorable lines from the week, ...I am however including my thoughts during these conversations in ( ). Feel free to imagine what you would have said if put in the same place. Or, feel free to tell me I am overreacting, and these are legit things to ask or say.


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Caller: Well, I am not even sure you all are my trash company, but I want to pay my bill. But again, I am not sure you are who picks my trash up.
Me: (well...1-look at your bill, who is it from? 2-what name is on the side of your trash cart? 3-do you just call random trash companies, and hope they take your payment?)


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Caller: I'm not sure when you pick my trash up, it's either Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.
Me: (1-what do you mean you don't know when they pick it up, do you not put your trash out? 2-well good thing it isn't Wednesday)


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Caller: I just need some information on your trash service.
Me: {I explain everything}
Caller: Do I need to separate my trash?
Me: I'm sorry, I don't understand the question.
Caller: Like, do I need to put paper in one bag, food in another,etc...
Me: No ma'am, just throw your trash away like you normally (?????) do.
Caller: Oh really.
Me: (huh?????? what in the world)


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Caller: When you come to pick up my trash, do I just sit the bags on the curb?
Me: (huh?????????) No sir, you place the bag in the cart, that we provide, and once a week take it to the end of your driveway, and we will pick it up, on your trash day.
Caller: Oh, ok.


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Caller: Yes, my trash hasn't been picked up in several weeks.
Me: Oh my, let me look up your account, and see what is going on.
Caller: Ok
Me: It looks like each time they have come by, your cart hasn't been out.
Caller: It stays outside of my garage.
Me: You need to take it to the end of your driveway the night before pickup.
Caller: Oh, I have to take my trash cart to the end of my drive for you to get it?
Me: (no...please, leave the cart wherever you please, and we will gladly come and get it each week. no problem. Better yet, let's turn it into a game of hide and seek.)


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These are just a few samples of what I have dealt with this week. It has kept me laughing, made the days a little shorter, and some have given me a headache. Overall, it was an interesting week. To think that when I started this week, I was more concerned about Chad and I spending ALL day EVERY day together, and that we may have ended up divorced by Friday, more than I ever thought of the interesting questions I would answer, or the stories I would be told. I think I will add one more job title to all of the others, and that is whatever title Dr. Phil has.....I did just as much relationship, and family counseling over the phone this week, as I did signing people up for trash service.


I also realized, that maybe I do have more patience for kids than I do for adults, making my current profession a perfect match. I had Chad giving me looks, and shhh'ing me when he could tell I was about to cross a line with a customer. For example; when I was waiting on my computer to pull up a customer account, and was asked 3 times in a matter of 30 seconds, "are you sure you know what you are doing"--I got the big bad Chad look when I answered her. {Ooopsie} I even got a shhh, and "the look" as I told a guy what I thought, when he said "my wife obviously doesn't have the mental capacity to remember to put our trash out" BUT I won't apologize for that one, NEVER. {Sorry Chad ;)} PLUS, I believe the guy learned a lesson, and probably won't do that again.


With all of this said, if you need trash service, let me know, or call the office....I promise I won't be there next week to write a blog about you, and the guys won't know any better! :)