As previously mentioned, I don't have much to do in my job. I'm the receptionist for a very quiet reception. My main job is answering the switchboard and putting calls though. An hour may pass without anyone calling. That doesn't happen that often (normally at least 1 call in 30min). This is why I have so much time to blog right now.
I have twice sent emails out to all in the building offering to do any word processing that they might need. I can't really offer to do anything else. I can't even really photocopy as I have to stay at the desk just in case someone does call (or arrive at reception) and the photocopier/printer is at the other end of the building. They don't really need much help with that. I've done a bit of mail merging, tidied up excel spreadsheets, typed up notes, made power point slides. Each task has only taken me about 30min (the power point slides took the longest and only because I had to search the internet for official company logos and had to keep stopping to check layout etc was as desired).
Last week one of the advisors was down and looking flustered and said she might have something I could do, but that it wasn't really work. I leaped on it! She is quite heavily involved in her church and will soon be going to Uganda for 6 weeks to help with a mission there (I think they're building a school or something). She is fund-raising for her trip as well as helping out with other things for the church, but she has heaps of real work to get done before she leaves. Thus I ended up making a new letterhead for the Church council to use, writing and mail merging a letter from the council asking for sponsorship for a Family Fun Day (I also made up a spreadsheet of the proposed sponsors, printed the labels and stuffed the envelopes), designing a poster for the Family Fun Day and making and cutting up flyers (yay for guillotines) for the same day. I've also volunteered to do some baking.
This was brought to me bit by bit and done over several days. I am pleased to help. I don't belong to a church, but I believe in supporting efforts to build an inclusive community. I worry that we are becoming more and more seperated from the people around us eg, not knowing our neighbours. Plus, good is good is good, whatever religion.
Today after my morning tea (I get a break at 11 and at 4, someone else mans the desk then) I came back to my desk and found an envelope with my name on it. I was very surprised and pleased. I mean, a card! I didn't feel like was doing her a big favour, I felt that she was doing me a favour by giving me something productive to do. I opened the card and there were gift vouchers inside!
Stunned. I thanked her in person and she thanked me back. I feel kind of bad accepting it as I've already been rewarded with my good helping feelings. Not too bad though. I mostly just feel happy.
Point of Fashion: changeable
Current Obsession: miracle berries