Turkey, Chicken and Other Non-Bird-Related Items
First off... HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK!!! I love the Thanksgiving through January 1st time period, mostly because the holiday season revolves around food. Ask anyone who knows me well and they will tell you that I LOVE to eat. So I am practically giddy about the upcoming couple of months.
As far as the past couple of weeks... I've been a busy girl! Here's what's been going on.
On November 4, Emily had to cheer at a game in Pineville, which was about a 2 hour bus ride with her team from where we live. At her request, I went to Cane's, and drove to the school where she had about 15 minutes to eat in our car in the school parking lot before boarding the bus. When she hopped in the car and opened the Cane's box, which should have been a three-finger combo, this is what we saw:
In case you can't really tell what you're looking at, this is a half-eaten meal. SOMEONE ELSE'S half-eaten meal.
Emi was disgusted and I was livid.
My first thought was that some kid who worked in the drive-in window area must have decided that it would be funny to give somebody trash instead of the meal they ordered. Maybe a disgruntled employee? Although, that would be surprising since the window workers always seem to be so happy. I'll never forget the first time I drove through Cane's and the window worker asked, "Hey what's kickin'? You want some chicken?!?!" How great is that?!
This particular situation, however, was not so great. And I was NOT amused. So after sending my child on a two-hour bus ride hungry (which angered me more than anything) because I didn't have enough time to get her anything else to eat, I drove my narrow arse back to Cane's to have a word with the manager.
Apparently the Cane's staff had realized their mistake before I got there, because I was told by the manager (who looked to be about 24-25 years old) that a worker's meal had gotten mixed up with the new orders, and I was given the worker's meal instead of the one I ordered. Now, I am the events director at a country club and work very closely with the food and beverage staff. So I know that it is a HUGE health violation to have anybody eating in a serving line. Besides the "ick" factor, it's quite simply against the law.
So, because Emily and I love Cane's and have always had a lot of respect for the Louisiana-based business, I decided I needed to contact the corporate office. I wrote them a letter and included the picture above. And check this out... they contacted me BEFORE they even received my letter! As a PR person, I can tell you that this is the epitome of proactive public relations, and what every company should strive to do in any negative or crisis-type situation.
A lady from Cane's corporate office called to say she had heard about what happened and wanted to make sure she had all the facts. So I gave her the play-by-play, and included my knowledge of health code violations and my concerns about my child eating there again. She assured me that they have food-safety rules in place at every one of their restaurants, and that Cane's had already begun to use my situation to re-train their employees and provide an example as to why they have these rules and what can happen when rules aren't followed.
I must say, I was impressed. I wasn't expecting to be contacted at all, much less before they even received my letter. I can't think of another fast food place that would have been so eager to address such a problem. And at the very least, I'm betting the employees at that particular restaurant will be following the rules for a while.
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OTHER STUFF....
Veterans' Day Celebration
I was invited to sing at a Veterans' Day program at the Dixie Theater in Ruston on Thursday, November 10. I sang the national anthem to start the program, and then closed the first half with "Gold," by Linda Eder. (This link will take you to a video of the song from a few years ago. It's one of my faves. http://www.linneafayard.com/apps/videos/videos/show/712951-linnea-fayard-sings-gold) It was an honor to be asked to perform for a show that paid tribute to those who serve our country and I thoroughly enjoyed the company of all the other vocalists and musicians.
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Emi and the RHS Cheerleaders
Emi's cheer squad competed at a regional competition Sunday. It's a small contest, and one they use to practice/prepare for the national competition in Dallas in January. They brought home 3 first place trophies out of 4 categories, and did a fantastic job. Go Cats!
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The Latest on Mom
Mom's final test results came back late last week. She is cancer free! WOOOO HOOOOO! A big thank you to all of you who sent up prayers and continued to ask about her. She is thrilled, and as I'm sure you can imagine, so are her children.
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On Learning to Be Still
The situation I wrote about in my last post has taken a turn. I received a subpoena to testify in court next week on the matter. Like I said before, it's completely out of my hands at this point, but it appears that God continues to move. I have prayed that whatever happens I will be grateful and understand that it is His will. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.
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Fall Style Show
Our annual fall style show was last Tuesday. For such a successful event, it was a complete disaster! Trust me when I say this deserves a post all its own. I will elaborate when I receive the pictures.
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Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!! Until we meet again....
As far as the past couple of weeks... I've been a busy girl! Here's what's been going on.
On November 4, Emily had to cheer at a game in Pineville, which was about a 2 hour bus ride with her team from where we live. At her request, I went to Cane's, and drove to the school where she had about 15 minutes to eat in our car in the school parking lot before boarding the bus. When she hopped in the car and opened the Cane's box, which should have been a three-finger combo, this is what we saw:
In case you can't really tell what you're looking at, this is a half-eaten meal. SOMEONE ELSE'S half-eaten meal.
Emi was disgusted and I was livid.
My first thought was that some kid who worked in the drive-in window area must have decided that it would be funny to give somebody trash instead of the meal they ordered. Maybe a disgruntled employee? Although, that would be surprising since the window workers always seem to be so happy. I'll never forget the first time I drove through Cane's and the window worker asked, "Hey what's kickin'? You want some chicken?!?!" How great is that?!
This particular situation, however, was not so great. And I was NOT amused. So after sending my child on a two-hour bus ride hungry (which angered me more than anything) because I didn't have enough time to get her anything else to eat, I drove my narrow arse back to Cane's to have a word with the manager.
Apparently the Cane's staff had realized their mistake before I got there, because I was told by the manager (who looked to be about 24-25 years old) that a worker's meal had gotten mixed up with the new orders, and I was given the worker's meal instead of the one I ordered. Now, I am the events director at a country club and work very closely with the food and beverage staff. So I know that it is a HUGE health violation to have anybody eating in a serving line. Besides the "ick" factor, it's quite simply against the law.
So, because Emily and I love Cane's and have always had a lot of respect for the Louisiana-based business, I decided I needed to contact the corporate office. I wrote them a letter and included the picture above. And check this out... they contacted me BEFORE they even received my letter! As a PR person, I can tell you that this is the epitome of proactive public relations, and what every company should strive to do in any negative or crisis-type situation.
A lady from Cane's corporate office called to say she had heard about what happened and wanted to make sure she had all the facts. So I gave her the play-by-play, and included my knowledge of health code violations and my concerns about my child eating there again. She assured me that they have food-safety rules in place at every one of their restaurants, and that Cane's had already begun to use my situation to re-train their employees and provide an example as to why they have these rules and what can happen when rules aren't followed.
I must say, I was impressed. I wasn't expecting to be contacted at all, much less before they even received my letter. I can't think of another fast food place that would have been so eager to address such a problem. And at the very least, I'm betting the employees at that particular restaurant will be following the rules for a while.
_______________________________________________________________________________
OTHER STUFF....
Veterans' Day Celebration
I was invited to sing at a Veterans' Day program at the Dixie Theater in Ruston on Thursday, November 10. I sang the national anthem to start the program, and then closed the first half with "Gold," by Linda Eder. (This link will take you to a video of the song from a few years ago. It's one of my faves. http://www.linneafayard.com/apps/videos/videos/show/712951-linnea-fayard-sings-gold) It was an honor to be asked to perform for a show that paid tribute to those who serve our country and I thoroughly enjoyed the company of all the other vocalists and musicians.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emi and the RHS Cheerleaders
Emi's cheer squad competed at a regional competition Sunday. It's a small contest, and one they use to practice/prepare for the national competition in Dallas in January. They brought home 3 first place trophies out of 4 categories, and did a fantastic job. Go Cats!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Latest on Mom
Mom's final test results came back late last week. She is cancer free! WOOOO HOOOOO! A big thank you to all of you who sent up prayers and continued to ask about her. She is thrilled, and as I'm sure you can imagine, so are her children.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Learning to Be Still
The situation I wrote about in my last post has taken a turn. I received a subpoena to testify in court next week on the matter. Like I said before, it's completely out of my hands at this point, but it appears that God continues to move. I have prayed that whatever happens I will be grateful and understand that it is His will. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fall Style Show
Our annual fall style show was last Tuesday. For such a successful event, it was a complete disaster! Trust me when I say this deserves a post all its own. I will elaborate when I receive the pictures.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!! Until we meet again....
Comments
Wow..that is such a surprise to hear that the mishap was at "CANES". I recall the first time I had seen a Canes was when they opened one up brand new off of Youree drive in Shreveport. It became my favorite fast food chicken place. Friendly help etc. I was wondering if they sprang for some free coupons after all was said and done. Some people would have tried to really stick it to them and may well have succeeded, but being the class act that you are you were satisfied with a prompt response from the top.
Your court battle must be the current stressor for you. I can't imagine what all that is about but facing it head on and knowing you have always tried to do the best you can and being honest all the time undoubtely will see you through this . Curses to the person putting you through this.
So great to hear that your Mom is doing well and results have been good. This is going to be a particularly "Thankful" Thanksgiving this year .. Oh one last item i wanted to ask you.
I know you love music and have worked with some great talents in your day. I took your advise and went to a Michael Buble concert earlier this year and loved it . Now if you ever get the time please "You tube" this incredible blues/ rock guitarist " Joe Bonomasa". Have you ever heard of him? His curriculum vitae is that he was a child prodigy who could play Stevie Ray Vaughn note for note when he was only 7. I have been listening to his music for several years now . Eric Clapton has said that he feels Joe is one of the greatest blues guitarists he has seen ..including himself.
I just caught him in concert at the Hippodrome in Baltimore last week and I still get chills when I think about it. Please check him out if you don't already know about him.
Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving
Rick