Shaddup already!

I recently went to a new eyeglass store with Mrs North as she was looking for a new pair of glasses. In the space of about 5 minutes my ears were assaulted by hearing the following telephone greeting thrice in that span of time:

"We're having a great day here at Dr Barnes' EyeMart, this is so-and-so, how may I help you today?" And, of course, it was all done in a bright and cheery manner. They did a great job faking that sincerity, too.

That was brought back to my mind from the place to where it had been banished when I had the misfortune to have to place a call to AT&T on Monday. I was told to call a certain 800-number and ask for an work order, as we are having to move our phone line because of the impending arrival of the world famous Mother-in-Law Suite. The first person I got through to (after choosing from the various button-pushing menu options), gave the phrase I was destined to hear seven times over the next four phone calls: "It's a Great Day at AT&T, this is so-and-so, how can I make it a Great Day for you?"

The first person was somewhat helpful, although he could not give me what I needed. He did tell me what further information I would need to complete my request, though. After obtaining this information, I placed another call and told the person what I wanted. She had no clue. After I gave more detail, she transferred me to Sales. After telling me she was having a Great Day, and wishing me a Great Day as well.

Naturally, Sales was not where I needed to be. When I explained, I was met with silence, before getting the Great Day message again, and a transfer to yet another area, where I got yet another Great Day greeting, etc. At this time, my work phone rang and I had to hang up.

The next call began with my teeth gritting from the inane greeting, and a transfer (after "Uhhh...what is that?", and a wish for a Great Day! I was transferred to Business Customers this time. Not where I wanted to be, and not how I wanted to be greeted, either. I was getting irked, and said so, and then was disconnected when I was being transferred. Yeah, right.

The last time was the charm, though I did have to survive another Great Day welcome. I was at last able to converse with someone who knew what she was doing, and my request was placed within 60 seconds. I know she put the work order through as I received a voice mail confirming it had been processed.

I just wish I did not have to be put through the Great Day! wringer every single time.

It also brought to mind, for some odd reason, the opening lines to "Wannabe", the Spice Girls hit song:

Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want,
So tell me what you want, what you really really want,
I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want,
So tell me what you want, what you really really want,

You can look that one up, MegaByte.