Not Just for the Holidays

When I was a kid, I recall desperately wanting a puppy for Christmas. It didn’t matter that we already had a dog, several fish and [eventually] a hermit crab. I wanted to be greeted by a cuddly, fluffy little puppy on Christmas morning.

It sounded like a good idea, anyway.

Thankfully, my parents had more common sense than to actually get me everything on my wish list, and I never received anything more than lots and lots of stuffed puppies…and one robot puppy that I could walk on my own.

The other day I saw a bumper sticker that really resonated with me: “Pets aren’t just for Christmas” and it really hit home. What happens after that cute ‘puppymoon’ phase is over…when the realization that pet ownership is a huge responsibility…one that they may not have been prepared for?

A person should elect to take on this kind of responsibility, not be forced into it.

The idea of giving a cute little puppy/kitty shouldn’t outweigh the fact that pets are an enormous responsibility. Now, as a pet owner myself, I understand why I never got that puppy.

My dog, Oscar, is an awesome little guy who I wouldn’t part with for anything-- but boy, is he a lot of work!

This holiday, please think twice before giving a pet as a gift. Shelters like Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary (www.safehavenohio.com) are filled with wonderful, adoptable pets…for people who ready to give them a loving home.

Merry Brinkmas!

Tonight is the second annual Brinkmas celebration. A little known, but very well celebrated holiday… and a personal favorite of mine for obvious reasons.

What fun is having a generic ‘holiday’ fete, when you can create your own theme party?

The origins of Brinkmas:
Having a birthday 4 days away from Christmas has its drawbacks. Contrary to the typical belief and most frequently asked question: “so do you get twice the presents?” my birthday is often overlooked, forgotten and rarely celebrated.
Over the years, this has become quite a sticking point with me, after attending and throwing fabulous soiree after fabulous soiree for friends and not receiving the same love in return.

So we’ve created a brilliant solution—Brinkmas! Not quite Christmas, not quite my birthday…just a fun, festive winter get-together to celebrate the end of the year, the beginning of the holidays and of course…my birthday!
I feel so loved!

“Merry Brinkmas to all, and to all a good night!”

12/16

As I look out my window at the snow shrouded Cincinnati skyline, I'm reminded of the view I had this time last week...




St. John's beach...but now I have lots of new pictures to share :) and a reason to make snowmen!

Update: a beef

So after all that hassle with my bank putting my money in the wrong person's bank account, I receive my statement the other day only to discover that they had re-deposited the money into the wrong one of my accounts.

Le Sigh.

Can't stay mad for long with sunshine on the brain!

Have a beautiful weekend :)

A Beef

I had another, more positive blog planned for this afternoon. But that will have to wait in light of an unforgivable beef that has just come to my attention.

No, it’s not even related to PR, marketing or advertising, BUT if you have an account at 5/3 bank, it might still be of some relevance to you:
This afternoon I received a call that one of the deposits I had made last month had accidentally been transferred to the wrong Allison Brinkman’s bank account. This other Allison Brinkman noticed the money in her account that shouldn’t be there and notified the bank.

I suppose I can only be so upset about human error, but it feels like such a grave mistake on their part. Especially considering that I handed the teller my identification along with my deposit slip to be doubly sure that something like this didn’t happen. And to rely on the honesty of others, well, let’s face it- in this economy, who’s going to say no to free money (especially several hundred dollars)?

To add insult to injury, when I called to complain, the morons transferred me to the wrong branch, and I spent the subsequent 20 minutes yelling at the wrong branch manager about his undisciplined and irresponsible tellers [sorry Jeff].

I will reiterate: customer service is key. Especially when dealing with a really, really wronged customer.

The name Allison is reputed to mean “one who speaks the truth” and in this particular case, I’m glad she did. Thank you, mysterious other Allison Brinkman!