Poker Mania at ChezChani

Just for the heck of it, I've been making fun pokerwear. Check it out...and keep checking because I'm pretty sure I'm not done.

Out With The Old In With The New (Year)

First off, I don't do New Year's resolutions. If there is something in your life that needs to be resolved, do it right away. Do NOT wait for a New Year.

I have set my mind to getting back into the whole Etsybloggers swing of things. That means monthly blogs, the subject to be determined by the Etsybloggers. First one of the year:

1) Now that 2009 has come to a close, what will you remember most about last year?

2) Now that 2010 is here, what do you have planned/look forward to/hope to accomplish this year?

I don't know what I'll remember most about last year, memory has become fleeting. I know in the future I'll remember things but not be sure which year it happened.

The good stuff, I adopted AC. I saw Snowball, my sweet little kitty I had to leave behind when I left LA. It was fortunate too because '09 was also the year she died. I got into contact with Tom again, one of the people in my life I was closest too but lost touch with when I came to Las Vegas.

I came back to the strip after 2 years working in locals casinos. For the most part, tourists come to the casino to have fun, locals come to complain.

As far as what I want to accomplish this year? Again, I don't make these decisions by the year. I will continue to work on eating healthy, exercising, enjoying my crafts and my kitties. And one big one, it's on a note in my bathroom where I can see it everyday "Keep Your Mouth Shut."

The Card Fairy

When playing poker, it's very VERY important to protect your hand. What better way than with The Card Fairy?

Customer Disservice

I work in the Casino Industry in Las Vegas. Just got an email from a friend who works at a major strip property telling me about all the layoffs.

Businesses panic in times of recession but one has to ask oneself, is laying people off really for the greater, and long run, good? What will make one casino stand out from another in a time when there are less players to fight over? A. The company that has better deals and B, (and maybe B. should be A.) Customer service.

Granted smaller companies may not be able to make their payroll these days, and laying people off may be their only chance of survival.

I am an Embarq customer. Have been for some time. I also have dish network. Wondering if a switch to something else will save me money. Perhaps Cox Cable though I've never cared for their advertising practices. If I should switch my TV service, perhaps I could get the best deal by switching my high speed internet as well. But last week I had a problem with my DSL. It took just a phone call to get it resolved, Embarq made some changes, got me back online and promptly sent me a new modem. A small mention of this in my blog led to a comment by an Embarq customer service rep, letting me know to contact them if there is any problem. Then, an Embarq guy started following me on Twitter, also telling me to let them know if there is any problem. And you know what? As a result, I will not even consider leaving Embarq. Why? CUSTOMER SERVICE!

I was working in a large poker room of one of the largest casino companies. A customer was trying to get through on the phone, to the front desk to see if his room was ready. Not having any luck I offered to call the Diamond Lounge to see if they could find out (that is the lounge for higher limit players.) I could not get through either. The man said “this is ridiculous, I’m never staying here again, I’ll stay at the Wynn.” So this major company saved, say $8 an hour on an extra employee at the desk or lounge, but lost a big player. Now this company shoves the customer service concept down it’s employees throats like I’ve never seen anywhere else, but doesn’t provide the manpower to achieve it.

Eventually, things will get better, but the customer who did not receive the service they deserve, will already be gone and comfy in the place that treated them properly. And they will not come back.


And Now For Something Completely Different. The holidays are approaching faster than a speeding bullet. I'd like to make a suggestion for your gift giving this year. Buy from ChezChani. Well that's one idea. Here's another. Why not buy a gift that will surely make your friends/family happy as well as supporting a fine charity? Best Friends is an amazing animal sanctuary. Check out their store for some affordable fun gifts. You can really make a difference and at no extra cost to you. You're buying the gifts anyway, right?

Catching Up

Finally made my first Julie Ann Smith designed bracelet. Took a long time and was not easy to do but I think it was worth it. I just love her colourful fun designs. I have 3 more to try. Minor adjustments must be made as the patterns are in odd count Peyote and I prefer to do even count (want to know why...inquire within.)

Anthony and I went to see the tiger cubs again at The Secret Garden. They are out of the nursery and have a lovely area of the garden. We were lucky to catch all 5 of them out there. They were getting their bottles when we arrived. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't think there is anything cuter than a tiger cub.

I guess the jury is still out on the success of the e-poker tables at the Excalibur. I have not gone over there yet, I get most of my info on the message board at twoplustwo. We did go to opening night of the Eastside Cannery. First new casino in that area in ten years I believe. They did a very nice job, I wish it much success. The poker room is in a premium location, right by the front door. Cannery North, take notes. We didn't play because the players cards from the old Cannery didn't work there and the line was too long for new cards.

There is hope that the temperatures will drop out of the hundreds soon. Not soon enough for me.