Numbers 5, 6 and 7, well, almost!

I couldn't be more thrilled with how many students I was able to certify! I was able to complete number 5, get completely through number 6 and all of 7, with the exception of one call. I have to admit that my day started a little shaky though. The students arrive at 630 pm IST which is 8 am CST. The issue is that our center doesn't open until 9 am CST. Now, number 5 new that we would start with him - he only had one more call to complete. About 10 minutes before 9, I went to his desk and saw that his headset wasn't set up - 25 minutes later and two cappuccinos, we were in business. Essentially, I would have been able to get through number 7 if we wouldn't have had the 25 minute snafu... on a side note, we have this little machine that makes espressos and cappuccinos (no, not like the ones you get at Casey's, these are the real deal!!) for free! I will absolutely miss this fringe benefit. I typically have one to begin my day and one after dinner - however yesterday... I felt the need for more as stress was creeping up my back. Caffeine isn't really the best idea when you're stressed but since I left my Camelback of Martinis in Chicago, I had no choice. I think at one point I just put my head in my hands and laughed - it's certainly better than crying, right? I learned my lesson though - we'll get that headset hook up started early today!

In hindsight, I should have certified number 6 and 7 before number 5. Both of these students have done rather well! They're taking calls like more experienced representatives! I think I freaked number 5 out though with the call I took... or maybe just sitting with him freaked him out, I don't know. It's over (thankfully) and he's taking calls successfully on his own.

Construction has resumed promptly at 9 am! For such a "luxury" hotel they tend to overlook some major details. Now don't get me wrong as many of my services have been fantastic - for example, my room steward, room service, hotel car and laundry have been great! It seems like the guest relations folks don't speak to the managers or room management - which I'd say is the backbone of a hotel. I wouldn't know much about that - let's talk about textiles and call centers, now those are my areas of expertise!!

Today it's about 99* out! It's hot! I'm winding down on my trinkets and making plans for tomorrow's last day of shopping (really Mehndi, bangles and a few scarves, oh and.... whatever else I might be able to slip in the small places of my luggage).

My goal is to get numbers 8, 9 and some of 10 certified before coming back to the hotel as I'll only have one more full day left.... wish me luck!