shanmonster | It's Funny Because It's True

I barely slept last night. f00dave kept snoring or elbowing me, and I must have been woken up twenty-five times during the night. To top it off, I kept dreaming I was booking hotel rooms when I was sleeping. Horrible! Today is my Friday, so if I can make it through my shift, I'll have two more days before I have to do it all over again. I watched Office Space last night. It's a little too close to truth.

The poi practice continues. I've figured out all sorts of variations of the corkscrew, now, and I think I'm on the cusp of figuring something odd out with weaves, but I don't know what that is. Every now and then, something neat happens, but I can't quite replicate it intentionally. Soon, I hope.

I was planning on getting back to the gym today, but I think I'll try out my Callanetics tape, instead. It just showed up in the mail, and after reading all the freakish positive feedback on it at Amazon, I need to sate my curiosity. I bought it second-hand, and I want to see if it was worth the five bucks.

And now, without merit of segue, there's another flavour of annoying customer. This is the sort who tries to "trick" me into giving them better hotel rates. Here's a sample exchange from the other day:

Man: Hi. I want the lowest possible rate for a hotel room with two beds on May 28th at the hotel in London.

Me: Sure! I'll check availability for you. Are you travelling on business?

Man: I want the lowest rate.

Me: I will find that for you. Are you travelling on business?

Man: Yes. With the federal government.

Me: Our standard room with two queen beds normally goes for $300, but I can get it for you for $100 with the government rate. Would you like to book that room?

Man (in a devious voice): What about the rooms below that one?

Me: This is our standard room, and this is the lowest available price.

Man: Ok, so how about if I get two double beds instead of two queen beds?

Me: We don't have any rooms with two double beds at this location. I've checked through specials and packages, and the government rate is the lowest rate.

Man: I want whichever room is the cheapest. You have other rooms which cost less, right?

Me: Sir, this is the most economical option. Our other room types cost more.

Man: Fine. What's my confirmation number?

... And I don't even have so much as his name, let alone credit card information at this point. Augh!

And then there was the time the panicked stranded man called me.

Man: (Whingeing plaintively) My flight got cancelled until tomorrow and I'm stranded at the airport and I don't know where to go or what to do. Do you have any hotel rooms available?

Me: (Checking furiously for availability while talking in a very soothing manner): Yes, I do have rooms available. We have a special on this evening and I can get you into a room for $89.

Man: (on verge of tears) But I don't know how to get to your hotel.

Me: Don't worry, sir. We have a free shuttle service available. You can catch it from the arrivals level at the airport.

Man: (in hysterics): Ooooh, I don't have time for all this! I'm just going to sleep on the floor! (hangs up)

...

And now a few links before I go back to work and relive it all....

The Mickey Mouse Mask: "The mask was designed so children would carry it and wear it as part of a game. This would reduce the fear associated with wearing a gas mask and hopefully, improve their wear time and, hence, survivability."

Semen moisturiser big in Mexico: "A face moisturiser made out of semen has been launched in Mexico."

Understanding Joshua: Vulnerability on Film: Creepy, creepy photography (some NSFW).

Instituto de Estudos Orientais: Brilliant or dreadful logo design. You be the judge.

Weird Flash Animation: Well-crafted insanity from Tokyoplastic.