This is the time of year when we traditionally get lots of concern/complaint calls from customers. We used to have extra help on board to answer telephones, take down basic information, do the background research.

This year is so different. For one thing, there are three waves of initial contacts, not just one big one. For another, we've not hired any extra assistance: our staff consists of me, the two office assistants and one data entry person (who just loves to answer the phone and knows just how to talk to a certain demographic of our consituency). More power to her.

The other thing that's strange is that it has been so quiet (relatively speaking) thus far. I've been busy, sure, but instead of being hammered (see previous years' late August entries), the situations I have to research and resolve have come in steadily, but not in an overwhelming barrage.

For which I am grateful. I've learned to take my blessings, large and small, as a gift for which I feel deep gratitude. I think back and remember past years...and I'm not complaining about the current situation.

There is something, however, of the sensation of waiting for the other shoe to drop....