Life changes on a dime. As a result it's taken me 5 days to write this blog. It's been updated and edited daily. So here's my story...
Cut to the chase right out of the gate. One week ago yesterday my parents lives, as well as my life and family's lives changed. I don't want to sound morbid, or negative but I believe we've come to the official "beginning of the end" for both my parents. Those of you who have lost a parent or are caring for a parent will understand what I mean by those words. I knew my parents were aging, but you always see them as "mom and dad" not as "80" & "83". They live in their own home, dad still drives. Overall, they're doing okay. But an unexpected ER visit a week ago just slapped me upside the head. Boom. Life changed.
The day before Thanksgiving my father was admitted into the hospital. I brought him to there to have some tests done. Upon set up for a cardiogram the nurse noticed my dad's left ankle was swollen. She asked how long it had been that way and my father replied "About a month". A doppler test determined he had a massive blood clot canvasing his entire leg. A blood clot? That's not what I brought him in here for. Next thing you know he's being put on mandatory bed rest for 5 days and is going into surgery to have a filter inserted that should protect him from any clots that break off. Holy cow. This came out of no where! Now, a week later, he's resting comfortably, or however comfortably you can be in a reahab center, but will return home in about a week. It's the "what will life be like when he gets home" part that's the mystery being uncovered as we speak.
My mom suffers from vascular dementia. She's got other ailments probably pretty common in most seniors. I've spent alot of time with her this past week. My living room is now a bedroom. I'm living her "typical day" trying to figure out how it all works, and how, exactly does her brain function? I've had a real glimpse to the world my dad lives in with her as well. All I can say is "pheewwww" - it's exhausting and takes an extreme amount of patience (a virtue my dad has always been blessed with) As mom now has a bed in my living room, while dad is at rehab, I'm learning that I hopefully have inherited my father's same virtue (cause I'm gonna need it - lol) You do what has to be done. It's extremely trying when it takes someone 2-3 hours just to stand up from the side of a bed. And yes, in my world I could accomplish 3-4 tasks in sixty minutes. In mom's world that's the time it takes to swallow 5 pills. I'm learning how to make it all work. Make sure she's taken care of with love and dignity. It's hard work. It's heartbreaking.
It's important for our parents to be happy and healthy for their remaining time - which could be months or years. In that time you're now juggling your own day to day family life, your business...your life while managing another entire household and two additional lives. What can you do but live day to day ready to roll with the punches. All the upcoming trials and tribulations that are in store for us are the mere pavement on the path we're on. Almost as if everything we'll be going through prepares us to be a little more ready to accept the final frontier when it happens. Does that make sense? I see a tremendous amount of decisions that will have to be made. You can try to formulate somewhat of a plan, but ultimately only the Big Guy upstairs knows what's in store. Life's a mystery. I guess that makes us all Nancy Drews and Hardy Boys.
My daughters (who have been tremendous with this whole thing so far) will experience these coming months, or perhaps years of caring for my parents. And more importantly they will experience family in its purest state. I remember helping to care for both of my grandmothers. One of them had a bed in our living room (hmm, sound familiar)until it was her time to go to a nursing home. We had a cow bell that my uncle had brought back from Germany sitting next to Nana's bed. If she needed us she'd ring the bell. There were many nights I remember waking up to that bell. Whenever I look at that bell it reminds me of her.
My other grandmother was very independent. She stilled mowed her own lawn when she was 92. 92! I'm 44 and could never push mow my yard (I'm more of a rider mower with cup holder kind of gal). I digressed, anyways, Grandma was never sick a day in her life. She lived a long life and passed on two weeks before Christmas at the age of 95. Gone just 6 months after being diagnosed with cancer. I remember being by her side. My parents went to California for 2 weeks to visit my sister. I spent every day after work with Grandma. At first we were able to talk, or she'd like us to pray the rosary together. By the time my parents returned she had slipped dramatically. Instead of Gram holding her rosaries it was me and my dad praying it for her. I remember trying to say the prayers out loud but the enormous lump in my throat sometimes prevented the words from leaving my mouth as I held back my tears. My dad stood strong and somehow got all the words to all the prayers out because he knew my grandmother found comfort in hearing them. That's the first time I personally SAW faith. I witnessed it from the very people who taught me to have faith. Days went by and things got worse. I remember the grumbling of her stomach as the morphine drip kept her from pain, but I knew she knew I was by her side, even though she couldn't open her eyes or speak to me. I just held her hand and felt comfort in that. It's been almost 20 years and I remember it all like it was yesterday. I was there to help my parents as they helped their parents and I will be here again for them now.
So I thank you for letting me share my thoughts and memories. We move forward. We take one day at a time. It's all good. It's all life.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Positive side to everything, even divorce
I was having a conversation with my friend Penny. She's in the beginning stages of a divorce having just "dropped the bomb" on her husband. Divorce is never easy. People get hurt. There's no way around that. BUT, divorce doesn't have to be this catastrophic event that so many people choose to turn it into. They're hurt, scared and almost seek revenge for their feelings, completely forgetting about all the other lives that are affected by the breakup. They're bitter. They think they'll feel happy when they see that "horrible person who's turning their life upside and taking away their comfort zone" miserable as they strive to make them "pay for their mistake" in ending the marriage. Talk about selfish, negative reactions that cause a situation to erupt in a bad direction. It doesn't have to be like that.
At the beginning of our conversation Penny was in tears and could barely speak. She feels extremely bad that she's going to end the marriage, but hasn't been happy for several years. She's stayed where she is because she didn't want to hurt anyone. Well, here's a news flash. You deserve to be happy. If you staying in a marriage for the "sake of the kids" because you think it will give you "happy kids" stop fooling yourself and give them more credit. Children see and absorb everything.
I most certainly am not sitting here writing to glorify divorce. Anytime a family is broken up it's sad, but it doesn't have to be tragic. Marriage is a sacred vow and dedication. But some times it just doesn't work out. And like any other "plan" in life, sometimes you need to restructure a bit. When you lose a job, isn't that kind of a form of divorce? Doesn't it involve alot of the same emotions?
I'm happily remarried for almost 10 years now and can look back down that road and realize that it was the best decision I ever made. It was the FIRST decision I made in my life that forced me to be selfish and put myself first. It was a decision that ultimately led me to happiness. And happiness makes it so much easier to love. It was an extremely hard first step, but the most important. I think women, in particular strive to make everyone happy. It's not natural for us to purposely upset the apple cart. But you can always put the apples back in the cart. Heck, you might even come across some rotten ones you want to toss. Toss away! There's plenty of new apples waiting to be polished an added to the pile.
The most important thing I told Penny yesterday was that divorce can be a positive experience. And this goes for most situations or obstacles you have in your life. Simply envision what your life will be like after the situation passes. Once the dust settles what do you see? How do you want it to be? Are your children happy? Is your spouse okay. Does he have comfort knowing that he's not alone. Knowing that he still can be a dad. Knowing that you still are a family, just with a new twist. Whatever you envision is what you will make it become. As Penny started to share with me her vision for her future, I told her simply "that's how you proceed". That picture is what you carry with you at all times. Sure, there's going to be tears, guilt, anger. Emotions are part of being human. Emotions tie in to any situation in life, good or bad. If you're fortunate to be in a situation where the breakup can be civil, then work together to make it the best for everyone. Stress the importance of family. You'll always be family. Tell your children that. Lead by example. In reality, when there are children involved, marriage is always "til death do us part" -- even when there's a divorce. Your "marriage" to your ex just morphs into a different relationship. You may not be husband and wife anymore, but you'll always be mom and dad.
Grant it, no relationship is perfect, but I have to say that my expanded family unit offers love, support and happiness to each other. My girls have a family that consists of 3 parents, 4 sets of grandparents, cousins, aunts & uncles. Although they might not all be from the traditional blood-line family tree...make no mistake..they are my girl's family. They have happy memories of childhood, vacations, holidays. My ex husband and I probably have a better relationship now than we did when we were married our marriage ended but our friendship has grown. My husband gets along okay with him as well. There have been many, many functions -- all the school plays, conferences, family celebrations that we attend, all 3 of us, as parents. We sit and enjoy them together. People actually make comments that they think it's great how we get along. For me, I simply ask why shouldn't you be able to get along for the sake of your children? You didn't divorce your kids, you divorced each other. (I'm well aware that there are some divorce situations that ties should be cut off for the sake of the children and the physical well-being of the spouse, but that fortunately, was not my situation) Your ex spouse will always be in your life and part of your life - always a branch on your tree. You've built a life together up until this point, for better or worse. But now, you've moved to a new bud on the same vine. It's your time to blossom!
I remember everything Penny is feeling right now. And as she opened up to me and shared her feelings I could take my self back to 12 years ago when I began my journey down that path. It's scary, sad and "unknown". But stick with your vision. As I sat around the dinner table last night, I saw before me MY vision. Sunday dinner with my family consisting of home made sauce spaghetti & meatballs (which, by the way is one of my memories of childhood). At the table, dressed with a fall tablelcoth, pumpkin candles flickering, and the "good china" sat me, my husband aka "the step-dad", our 2 daughters and 1 boyfriend who's been in the picture for almost 2 years, so I guess he's family as well. Everyone was happy. It all worked out just the way I envisioned it being. We had conversation, laughter and family time. As far as my ex and his survival? Both kids mentioned they talked to their father (and they talk to him every day, sometimes several times). In fact, our running family joke is that my ex-husband always manages to call whenever we're eating dinner - and we eat at all different times. The phone rings just about every time. Even he knows it's a "family laugh" we like to share. The dust is settled. No signs of catastrophe or tragic endings. Just change. My family grew and is stronger because of it. The picture I envisioned was to have happy, grounded children with a father active in their lives. I saw myself remaining friends with him. I would chose to re-marry if the right person came along (and he did). Most importantly I would find true happiness in my life and I definitely have.
Penny asked me to blog about our conversation. I know it's long. I hope that someone has read all the way to the end. I'm not a therapist, nor am I trained to give advice about marriage. But I can share with you, as I just did, how I chose to handle divorce. It's what worked for me. Family's grow. Families change. For better or worse, family is forever.
At the beginning of our conversation Penny was in tears and could barely speak. She feels extremely bad that she's going to end the marriage, but hasn't been happy for several years. She's stayed where she is because she didn't want to hurt anyone. Well, here's a news flash. You deserve to be happy. If you staying in a marriage for the "sake of the kids" because you think it will give you "happy kids" stop fooling yourself and give them more credit. Children see and absorb everything.
I most certainly am not sitting here writing to glorify divorce. Anytime a family is broken up it's sad, but it doesn't have to be tragic. Marriage is a sacred vow and dedication. But some times it just doesn't work out. And like any other "plan" in life, sometimes you need to restructure a bit. When you lose a job, isn't that kind of a form of divorce? Doesn't it involve alot of the same emotions?
I'm happily remarried for almost 10 years now and can look back down that road and realize that it was the best decision I ever made. It was the FIRST decision I made in my life that forced me to be selfish and put myself first. It was a decision that ultimately led me to happiness. And happiness makes it so much easier to love. It was an extremely hard first step, but the most important. I think women, in particular strive to make everyone happy. It's not natural for us to purposely upset the apple cart. But you can always put the apples back in the cart. Heck, you might even come across some rotten ones you want to toss. Toss away! There's plenty of new apples waiting to be polished an added to the pile.
The most important thing I told Penny yesterday was that divorce can be a positive experience. And this goes for most situations or obstacles you have in your life. Simply envision what your life will be like after the situation passes. Once the dust settles what do you see? How do you want it to be? Are your children happy? Is your spouse okay. Does he have comfort knowing that he's not alone. Knowing that he still can be a dad. Knowing that you still are a family, just with a new twist. Whatever you envision is what you will make it become. As Penny started to share with me her vision for her future, I told her simply "that's how you proceed". That picture is what you carry with you at all times. Sure, there's going to be tears, guilt, anger. Emotions are part of being human. Emotions tie in to any situation in life, good or bad. If you're fortunate to be in a situation where the breakup can be civil, then work together to make it the best for everyone. Stress the importance of family. You'll always be family. Tell your children that. Lead by example. In reality, when there are children involved, marriage is always "til death do us part" -- even when there's a divorce. Your "marriage" to your ex just morphs into a different relationship. You may not be husband and wife anymore, but you'll always be mom and dad.
Grant it, no relationship is perfect, but I have to say that my expanded family unit offers love, support and happiness to each other. My girls have a family that consists of 3 parents, 4 sets of grandparents, cousins, aunts & uncles. Although they might not all be from the traditional blood-line family tree...make no mistake..they are my girl's family. They have happy memories of childhood, vacations, holidays. My ex husband and I probably have a better relationship now than we did when we were married our marriage ended but our friendship has grown. My husband gets along okay with him as well. There have been many, many functions -- all the school plays, conferences, family celebrations that we attend, all 3 of us, as parents. We sit and enjoy them together. People actually make comments that they think it's great how we get along. For me, I simply ask why shouldn't you be able to get along for the sake of your children? You didn't divorce your kids, you divorced each other. (I'm well aware that there are some divorce situations that ties should be cut off for the sake of the children and the physical well-being of the spouse, but that fortunately, was not my situation) Your ex spouse will always be in your life and part of your life - always a branch on your tree. You've built a life together up until this point, for better or worse. But now, you've moved to a new bud on the same vine. It's your time to blossom!
I remember everything Penny is feeling right now. And as she opened up to me and shared her feelings I could take my self back to 12 years ago when I began my journey down that path. It's scary, sad and "unknown". But stick with your vision. As I sat around the dinner table last night, I saw before me MY vision. Sunday dinner with my family consisting of home made sauce spaghetti & meatballs (which, by the way is one of my memories of childhood). At the table, dressed with a fall tablelcoth, pumpkin candles flickering, and the "good china" sat me, my husband aka "the step-dad", our 2 daughters and 1 boyfriend who's been in the picture for almost 2 years, so I guess he's family as well. Everyone was happy. It all worked out just the way I envisioned it being. We had conversation, laughter and family time. As far as my ex and his survival? Both kids mentioned they talked to their father (and they talk to him every day, sometimes several times). In fact, our running family joke is that my ex-husband always manages to call whenever we're eating dinner - and we eat at all different times. The phone rings just about every time. Even he knows it's a "family laugh" we like to share. The dust is settled. No signs of catastrophe or tragic endings. Just change. My family grew and is stronger because of it. The picture I envisioned was to have happy, grounded children with a father active in their lives. I saw myself remaining friends with him. I would chose to re-marry if the right person came along (and he did). Most importantly I would find true happiness in my life and I definitely have.
Penny asked me to blog about our conversation. I know it's long. I hope that someone has read all the way to the end. I'm not a therapist, nor am I trained to give advice about marriage. But I can share with you, as I just did, how I chose to handle divorce. It's what worked for me. Family's grow. Families change. For better or worse, family is forever.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Girls Night Out Danbury
It's been a while. I've been extremely busy with Girls Night Out...which turned out to be hugely successful. People are still talking about it! It's been very exciting to take this event to the next level. Just as I am reinventing me, I've re-invented this event, and looking back, I'm pretty proud of what I accomplished in under 6 week's time. This years event had many, many new features that really turned it into a night out for women. And on Friday night, Girls Night Out WAS THAT NIGHT.
It had everything. Shopping, spa services, bingo, art gallery, wine tasting with acoustic guitar player, spiritual readings, fashion show, food, champagne, cannolli's made fresh, champagne, dj, dancing, and tons of prizes all night including a vacation to St. Maarten and a shot to win $50,000.
It was the highest attended Girls Night Out (this was its 5th anniversary). Two months ago, I would have told you I wasn't doing this event. But late in the game, I flipped the switch on and revamped the event. I made it different. Better. I was having fun with it again -- something I hadn't been having with it 100% for the past 2 years. I visualized what I wanted it to be and that's what it became. It's pretty amazing. And although this was the 5th year, I learned so many new things during the planning . I marketed heavily through email blasts and had a kick-ass website built by ThirstyLizards.com This was my first experience with really using the internet and a website as a big part of marketing. Now that I'm through it the first time, I can streamline and move smoothly down the river since the learning curve is gone. When you learn, you move forward. And every time you move forward you see a little bit more of the big picture. I won't go any deeper than that, I don't want to scare you away (lol). I prefer that my thoughts would lean you forward for more. All I can tell you is that it's incredible when you realize it's happening to you. Everyone should experience it.
So Girls Night Out 2009....that's a wrap. We came, we conquered. We had one kickin good time!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cathy vs ATT, you decide the winner
Ahhhh...the weekend. I was supposed to take my daughter to the City today without any plans or destinations. Just spend the day, wherever we ended up. Maybe go to a museum, do some shopping..who knows. But Mon/Tue she was home with 102 temp and cough. The temps gone, but the cough is still around, still has the potential to turn into bronchitis. Today's not the prettiest day to hop a train and schlep through the streets of New York anyways. Needless to say, my daughter was ready, willing and able to beat feet out of Danbury head off on our adventure. I hate it when you have to disappoint your kids. I promised her we'll go another day when she's not coughing. No kid likes a raincheck (heck they don't even like raincoats - lol) She was bummed. I feel bad. We'll hop a train another day soon, promise.
I have 2 situations that I experienced this week. Today's blog is a little different for me because I need to do some venting. I guess sometimes I just feel strongly enough about something, and this week there happened to be 2 different situations. So here goes...
Something really bothered me this week. What did I do? I took action. I called Ma Bell. That's right, I got on my Comcast phone and dialed the big one...ATT. I was able to get connected right through to marketing. I am very in tune with advertising. I think most commercials are just plain stupid and non-memorable. A good one shines. A bad one....is just BAD. Well, ATT, in my opinion hit a lower than low point. They aired a commercial that showed a family in their "tv" room. They're all fighting over watching tv. They each had their OWN remote and proceeded to point the remote at each other as if they were guns. The youngest child in the family enters the room, points the "gun" at either the brother or mother and says something like "I have this and I'm not afraid to use it". THIS IS FUNNY? And to top it off...the commercial ends with poor old grandma (did you ever notice it's always a grandma and not a grandpa, unless they show them as a couple - just a little side note). I can't even remember how the commercial ended. Did the family turn on poor ole gram? I don't know. I was so taken back by the whole lousy concept of the ad. It festered in me for 2 days. What are we showing our kids??? Then I took the initiative to voice my opinion. I did it in a nice, calm way. The woman from ATT told me she knew which commercial I was talking about and that she had taken 2 other calls from women with the same concerns. She said she would bring it to the VP of Mktg as she had done with the other calls (I believe she really did take my complaint to the VP). She told me she hadn't seen the commercial personally. She also said the other callers, like me, were just so affected by it that they had to call and say something. I said I couldn't believe they actually paid someone to produce such a digusting commercial, and that if ATT ever wanted some real creativity behind their commercials that would sell their products to call me (LOL -- no....I didn't really say that, but looking back, damn it, I should have -- it could have been my big break!). I thanked her. That was it. One voice in Connecticut. Probably brushed off as some "mom" who can't take a joke. What kool-aid were these people drinking when they wrote the spot? I' mean come one...did someone say "Hey, I got a great idea, lets have a show-down with a family. Won't that be a crack-up to see the bitter wife point the object square between her husbands eyes. And to really get them rolling on the floor lets have the son come into room and put the object right up to the back of mom's head. My sides are splitting this is so funny. NOT! Disgusting. Stupid. The creators should be fired!
Vent #2. My next experience of this week continues on the foundation of taking a stand. Keep in mind, that taking a stand doesn't always mean that you'll get something for your efforts. Most times its the personal satisfaction that you tried to hopefully correct a situation that is potentially hurting a business. Will ATT pull that ad? Maybe, maybe not, but I feel better knowing that I voiced my opinion and hopefully they'll take what I had to say into account. But I'm at peace with it. I did my part.
I think customer service rates at the top of the scale for a successful business. When I really feel that something's wrong I speak up. Do you? I don't want to paint a picture that I walk around finding fault with everything either. And I do want to make note that I will take the extra effort to extend a compliment for a job well done too. I'll give a store or company several chances to give me a good experience doing business with them. But if I'm not "feeling the love" I walk, and very seldom return. Business needs to remember perception is reality.
Case and point. There's a store in the mall that caters to the teen/20's market. The store LOOKS like it caters to teens/20 somethings and could pass as any teen's bedroom. Clothes EVERYWHERE. Over loaded, no organization, very messy. Hence, I don't shop there too often (heck I can stay home and look at bedrooms like that if I want to). Out of desperation, I purchased 2 different outfits for my daughter to wear, the next day, at her Confirmation (it's very hard to find suitable clothing for a church affair, everything is way too grown up and seductive for a 14 year old girl. We had been to at least 6 other stores). I brought them home. She picked the outfit she liked. I went to return the other. I manuvered through the mess with my bag and receipt in hand. Handed everything to the cashier, with a smile ready to get my $29 back. She proceeds to inform me that they don't offer cash back only store credit. Just who do they think they are? I paid cash. My cash. Clothes..no like...return..money back. Simple. I contained myself, as I know it's not the poor cashier's stupid policy its the company's. I asked her where that little tid bit of important information was posted. And there, in about a 6 font, single spaced on an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper shoved into a frame on the counter...was the fine print. Are you kidding me???? I don't want store credit for your sloppy mess. I want my cash back! I called their corporate #. The person on the phone (who seemed to care less about my dissatisfaction) simply told me to go to the website and email my complaint. That I did. Three days ago. No reply. This store is DONE in my books. My daughter will spend her $29 credit and not a penny more or less. And we wonder why American businesses aren't succeeding? It's not the economy. Nice excuse though. It's the lack of customer satisfaction.
Customer service my friends is what the gig's all about. Stew Leonards has it right
Rule #1: "The customer's always right" Rule #2: If the customer isn't right, see rule #1"
Customer Service = credibility (hmmm..there's that credibility score thing again)
credibility = loyalty. YES there is still customer loyalty. When was the last time you lost a customer because you were great to work with, did a super job and always had terrific customer service?
As you're out and about doing business. See what customer service is being presented to you, and visa versa. Happy staff? Knowledgeable staff? Store looks clean. Well lit parking? Sparkling bathrooms that don't have a 2' board attached to the key ring? And the simplest of simple customer service...perhaps the most important. Do they say "thank you". Watch for it. Be in tune with it. Let me know what you see. Thank you!
I have 2 situations that I experienced this week. Today's blog is a little different for me because I need to do some venting. I guess sometimes I just feel strongly enough about something, and this week there happened to be 2 different situations. So here goes...
Something really bothered me this week. What did I do? I took action. I called Ma Bell. That's right, I got on my Comcast phone and dialed the big one...ATT. I was able to get connected right through to marketing. I am very in tune with advertising. I think most commercials are just plain stupid and non-memorable. A good one shines. A bad one....is just BAD. Well, ATT, in my opinion hit a lower than low point. They aired a commercial that showed a family in their "tv" room. They're all fighting over watching tv. They each had their OWN remote and proceeded to point the remote at each other as if they were guns. The youngest child in the family enters the room, points the "gun" at either the brother or mother and says something like "I have this and I'm not afraid to use it". THIS IS FUNNY? And to top it off...the commercial ends with poor old grandma (did you ever notice it's always a grandma and not a grandpa, unless they show them as a couple - just a little side note). I can't even remember how the commercial ended. Did the family turn on poor ole gram? I don't know. I was so taken back by the whole lousy concept of the ad. It festered in me for 2 days. What are we showing our kids??? Then I took the initiative to voice my opinion. I did it in a nice, calm way. The woman from ATT told me she knew which commercial I was talking about and that she had taken 2 other calls from women with the same concerns. She said she would bring it to the VP of Mktg as she had done with the other calls (I believe she really did take my complaint to the VP). She told me she hadn't seen the commercial personally. She also said the other callers, like me, were just so affected by it that they had to call and say something. I said I couldn't believe they actually paid someone to produce such a digusting commercial, and that if ATT ever wanted some real creativity behind their commercials that would sell their products to call me (LOL -- no....I didn't really say that, but looking back, damn it, I should have -- it could have been my big break!). I thanked her. That was it. One voice in Connecticut. Probably brushed off as some "mom" who can't take a joke. What kool-aid were these people drinking when they wrote the spot? I' mean come one...did someone say "Hey, I got a great idea, lets have a show-down with a family. Won't that be a crack-up to see the bitter wife point the object square between her husbands eyes. And to really get them rolling on the floor lets have the son come into room and put the object right up to the back of mom's head. My sides are splitting this is so funny. NOT! Disgusting. Stupid. The creators should be fired!
Vent #2. My next experience of this week continues on the foundation of taking a stand. Keep in mind, that taking a stand doesn't always mean that you'll get something for your efforts. Most times its the personal satisfaction that you tried to hopefully correct a situation that is potentially hurting a business. Will ATT pull that ad? Maybe, maybe not, but I feel better knowing that I voiced my opinion and hopefully they'll take what I had to say into account. But I'm at peace with it. I did my part.
I think customer service rates at the top of the scale for a successful business. When I really feel that something's wrong I speak up. Do you? I don't want to paint a picture that I walk around finding fault with everything either. And I do want to make note that I will take the extra effort to extend a compliment for a job well done too. I'll give a store or company several chances to give me a good experience doing business with them. But if I'm not "feeling the love" I walk, and very seldom return. Business needs to remember perception is reality.
Case and point. There's a store in the mall that caters to the teen/20's market. The store LOOKS like it caters to teens/20 somethings and could pass as any teen's bedroom. Clothes EVERYWHERE. Over loaded, no organization, very messy. Hence, I don't shop there too often (heck I can stay home and look at bedrooms like that if I want to). Out of desperation, I purchased 2 different outfits for my daughter to wear, the next day, at her Confirmation (it's very hard to find suitable clothing for a church affair, everything is way too grown up and seductive for a 14 year old girl. We had been to at least 6 other stores). I brought them home. She picked the outfit she liked. I went to return the other. I manuvered through the mess with my bag and receipt in hand. Handed everything to the cashier, with a smile ready to get my $29 back. She proceeds to inform me that they don't offer cash back only store credit. Just who do they think they are? I paid cash. My cash. Clothes..no like...return..money back. Simple. I contained myself, as I know it's not the poor cashier's stupid policy its the company's. I asked her where that little tid bit of important information was posted. And there, in about a 6 font, single spaced on an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper shoved into a frame on the counter...was the fine print. Are you kidding me???? I don't want store credit for your sloppy mess. I want my cash back! I called their corporate #. The person on the phone (who seemed to care less about my dissatisfaction) simply told me to go to the website and email my complaint. That I did. Three days ago. No reply. This store is DONE in my books. My daughter will spend her $29 credit and not a penny more or less. And we wonder why American businesses aren't succeeding? It's not the economy. Nice excuse though. It's the lack of customer satisfaction.
Customer service my friends is what the gig's all about. Stew Leonards has it right
Rule #1: "The customer's always right" Rule #2: If the customer isn't right, see rule #1"
Customer Service = credibility (hmmm..there's that credibility score thing again)
credibility = loyalty. YES there is still customer loyalty. When was the last time you lost a customer because you were great to work with, did a super job and always had terrific customer service?
As you're out and about doing business. See what customer service is being presented to you, and visa versa. Happy staff? Knowledgeable staff? Store looks clean. Well lit parking? Sparkling bathrooms that don't have a 2' board attached to the key ring? And the simplest of simple customer service...perhaps the most important. Do they say "thank you". Watch for it. Be in tune with it. Let me know what you see. Thank you!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Nothing to do but smile, smile, smile
A week from today Girls Night Out will be here! Details are wrapping up nicely. I have a ton of exhibitors and a whole party atmosphere planned. Someone's going to win a trip to St. Maarten and we're going to give the first 550 people a shot at winning $50,000! The fashion show has evolved tremendously and we were able to secure 2 major retailers (JJill & White House/Black market) to participate as well as a local independent store (Such A Deal Consignments). I've added an art gallery and wine tasting area which I think the ladies will enjoy. My especially spiritual room is booked solid with all kinds of readers (angel, astrology, tarot, palm) The relaxation station is ready to pamper with eyebrow waxing, facials, makeovers. The exhibitors are all excited as well. One thing I pride myself on is that I like to pass my passion for the event along to the vendors. The point is to be interactive with people. I like to refer to it as "shake hands and kiss babies". That's what its all about. You know the adage, you only have 1 chance to make a good first impression. Stand up, make eye contact with people, and for God's sake SMILE. which by the way is my topic for today.
Exactly what happened to the art of smiling anyway? I'm the weirdo who tries to smile at everyone - whether I know you or not. I'll hold the door open and smile. I'll let you pull out into traffic. Yep, I'll wave you through and smile as I'm doing it. Someone bags my groceries...I smile and say thank you. A smile is a foot in the door. A smile makes you stand out. Now, please, I'm suggesting you slap a big red nose on your face and sport a multi-colored wig and big shoes to become the "smiling life of the party" everywhere you go....there is such a thing as going overboard (lol) I'm saying that a simple smiles does so much. It brings happiness. It brings comfort. Have you ever had someone smile at you at just the right moment during a difficult situation...how did it make you feel? It's almost therapeutic. It instantly brings your tension level down a bit. A smile brings a vibe up a level and lowers negativity. Smiles connect us - for one brief moment - to someone else. They're contagious. Just like yawning. One person yawns and suddenly you have to yawn. It's the same deal with smiling. Unless you're the ultimate scrooge, I would have to assume that if someone smiles at you...you smile back.
Our culture needs to smile. In fact we need smiles so much that when I searched for song lyrics on one site there were over 12 pages of songs that had the word in its title. So come on, it's an easy...effortless thing (okay, some of you might find it a bit harder to get starter....but I know you can do it) Smile at people. It will feel weird at first. You might feel a bit out of your comfort zone. Let's all stop being so damn serious and self-protective. We humans need affection and interaction. You encounter dozens of opportunities each day. Some of you are saying "No I don't I sit in my office all day and don't see anyone" WRONG. You see people every day. Or should I say, people see you. Personalities ring through just as much through written communication - emails, facebook postings, websites, etc. as actual face to face. And if you spend most of your day on the phone, do you have any idea how important it is to have a "smile in your voice". You will receive the results of your smile immediately with the person on the other end. You'll hear "the wall break down" simply because you sound happy to be talking to them. Do you know that about 75% of all voicemail messages I receive begin with me hearing a smile in the voice from the person leaving the message followed by a compliment about my message. (have you ever received a compliment about your voicemail message?) People make it a point to say something to me...BECAUSE I SOUND HAPPY in my voicemail. What comes through about you in your message? Most people are serious. Serious & BORING that is. Because business is supposed to be serious. Nonsense. A big part of business is personality. Erase your message and re-record. Add a little personality to it. When you answer the phone...but a spring in your step, life is good! A person who can answer the phone with a smile is priceless to a business. You're selling yourself. Do you want to come across like a nudge or like someone who's good to be around and is upbeat and positive. Someone who likes what they do. If you like what you do, you must be good at what you do. Get it????
Can all this really happen because of a simple smile? YES IT CAN! It will become part of who you are. You're throwing something out there to others that's positive. Do you think people are drawn to the big "grump"NO WAY. People want to be near the person who's happy, upbeat and positive. I'm not asking you to become a cheerleader with a "rah rah" attitude. Even us happy people have limitations -- but that's simply living with the mindset of "everything in moderation".
Here's my "mom" portion of today's blog (hmm.....did just the word "mom" make you smile???) As you're getting dressed for your day don't leave the house without the most important part of your wardrobe, a smile. Turn that frown upside down. When you smile...the whole world smiles with you" You know the drill.
Put your money where your mouth is...with 1 great smile! It's free...its easy...it contagious...everyone has one. EVERYONE. So come one...say cheese!
Exactly what happened to the art of smiling anyway? I'm the weirdo who tries to smile at everyone - whether I know you or not. I'll hold the door open and smile. I'll let you pull out into traffic. Yep, I'll wave you through and smile as I'm doing it. Someone bags my groceries...I smile and say thank you. A smile is a foot in the door. A smile makes you stand out. Now, please, I'm suggesting you slap a big red nose on your face and sport a multi-colored wig and big shoes to become the "smiling life of the party" everywhere you go....there is such a thing as going overboard (lol) I'm saying that a simple smiles does so much. It brings happiness. It brings comfort. Have you ever had someone smile at you at just the right moment during a difficult situation...how did it make you feel? It's almost therapeutic. It instantly brings your tension level down a bit. A smile brings a vibe up a level and lowers negativity. Smiles connect us - for one brief moment - to someone else. They're contagious. Just like yawning. One person yawns and suddenly you have to yawn. It's the same deal with smiling. Unless you're the ultimate scrooge, I would have to assume that if someone smiles at you...you smile back.
Our culture needs to smile. In fact we need smiles so much that when I searched for song lyrics on one site there were over 12 pages of songs that had the word in its title. So come on, it's an easy...effortless thing (okay, some of you might find it a bit harder to get starter....but I know you can do it) Smile at people. It will feel weird at first. You might feel a bit out of your comfort zone. Let's all stop being so damn serious and self-protective. We humans need affection and interaction. You encounter dozens of opportunities each day. Some of you are saying "No I don't I sit in my office all day and don't see anyone" WRONG. You see people every day. Or should I say, people see you. Personalities ring through just as much through written communication - emails, facebook postings, websites, etc. as actual face to face. And if you spend most of your day on the phone, do you have any idea how important it is to have a "smile in your voice". You will receive the results of your smile immediately with the person on the other end. You'll hear "the wall break down" simply because you sound happy to be talking to them. Do you know that about 75% of all voicemail messages I receive begin with me hearing a smile in the voice from the person leaving the message followed by a compliment about my message. (have you ever received a compliment about your voicemail message?) People make it a point to say something to me...BECAUSE I SOUND HAPPY in my voicemail. What comes through about you in your message? Most people are serious. Serious & BORING that is. Because business is supposed to be serious. Nonsense. A big part of business is personality. Erase your message and re-record. Add a little personality to it. When you answer the phone...but a spring in your step, life is good! A person who can answer the phone with a smile is priceless to a business. You're selling yourself. Do you want to come across like a nudge or like someone who's good to be around and is upbeat and positive. Someone who likes what they do. If you like what you do, you must be good at what you do. Get it????
Can all this really happen because of a simple smile? YES IT CAN! It will become part of who you are. You're throwing something out there to others that's positive. Do you think people are drawn to the big "grump"NO WAY. People want to be near the person who's happy, upbeat and positive. I'm not asking you to become a cheerleader with a "rah rah" attitude. Even us happy people have limitations -- but that's simply living with the mindset of "everything in moderation".
Here's my "mom" portion of today's blog (hmm.....did just the word "mom" make you smile???) As you're getting dressed for your day don't leave the house without the most important part of your wardrobe, a smile. Turn that frown upside down. When you smile...the whole world smiles with you" You know the drill.
Put your money where your mouth is...with 1 great smile! It's free...its easy...it contagious...everyone has one. EVERYONE. So come one...say cheese!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
No Fear...Just Move Forward
We've all heard the phrase "Attitude is Everything" and those who adopt this mantra into their everyday lives are the ones who achieve success. But what about the majority of us who can't seem to find that magic touch? What if your worst enemy (which is yourself, by the way) holds you down. Perhaps the other words of wisdom "we have nothing to fear, but fear itself" needs a few moments of our time to focus on how important these words are and really digest them.
How ironic that fear, is actually a motivator. It takes a lot of guts to pursue your dreams. Most people are happy pigeon-holeing themselves with the safe, secure lifestyle. You know the drill - get up, go to work, come home, go to bed. Wait a year to see if you might get a raise. Revolve your life around the amount of vacation time allotted to you. Dreams remain just that....dreams. It's much easier to say "I could never to that" "I don't have the time to learn about that" But how easy it is to answer the question "If someone handed you a million dollars, what would you do with it?" That question makes us feel like "a dream come true". Without hesitation we'll rattle off a list of everything we'd buy, places we'd visit, people we'd help (hopefully helping others would make your list) But when the list is done, you're back to reality. Back to work tomorrow morning.
Each of us has the power to achieve whatever we want. To adapt this way of thinking doesn't happen over night. Believe me, I've been working on it for a while now. I can tell you that for the past 6 months I have taken huge strides in embracing this concept more and more in my everyday life. I'm not the same person I was 6 months ago. I'm better. Stronger. More confident. It really is true that "attitude is everything". All you can do is take it one day at a time. When you focus on positive thoughts positive actions take place. As you adopt this mindset to your day to day life, I promise you, things change. Things change for the better. It's the coolest thing to experience, and it costs you nothing but your mindset and and attitude adjustment. You'll have less worries and more excitement because you won't look at worry as a bad thing it's just a challenge to overcome. It's hard to explain. You have to experience it for yourself. All you have to do to start is DO IT. When you find yourself worrying -- focus on what you expect to have happen. Really see what you want. If you walk through life with "woe is me syndrome" than "woe is me" is what life's going to hand you.
When you find opportunity in everything...you'll build a better you. You'll see a better you. You'll feel a better you. You will truly embrace that attitude IS everything. Get started today. "No fear...just move forward"
How ironic that fear, is actually a motivator. It takes a lot of guts to pursue your dreams. Most people are happy pigeon-holeing themselves with the safe, secure lifestyle. You know the drill - get up, go to work, come home, go to bed. Wait a year to see if you might get a raise. Revolve your life around the amount of vacation time allotted to you. Dreams remain just that....dreams. It's much easier to say "I could never to that" "I don't have the time to learn about that" But how easy it is to answer the question "If someone handed you a million dollars, what would you do with it?" That question makes us feel like "a dream come true". Without hesitation we'll rattle off a list of everything we'd buy, places we'd visit, people we'd help (hopefully helping others would make your list) But when the list is done, you're back to reality. Back to work tomorrow morning.
Each of us has the power to achieve whatever we want. To adapt this way of thinking doesn't happen over night. Believe me, I've been working on it for a while now. I can tell you that for the past 6 months I have taken huge strides in embracing this concept more and more in my everyday life. I'm not the same person I was 6 months ago. I'm better. Stronger. More confident. It really is true that "attitude is everything". All you can do is take it one day at a time. When you focus on positive thoughts positive actions take place. As you adopt this mindset to your day to day life, I promise you, things change. Things change for the better. It's the coolest thing to experience, and it costs you nothing but your mindset and and attitude adjustment. You'll have less worries and more excitement because you won't look at worry as a bad thing it's just a challenge to overcome. It's hard to explain. You have to experience it for yourself. All you have to do to start is DO IT. When you find yourself worrying -- focus on what you expect to have happen. Really see what you want. If you walk through life with "woe is me syndrome" than "woe is me" is what life's going to hand you.
When you find opportunity in everything...you'll build a better you. You'll see a better you. You'll feel a better you. You will truly embrace that attitude IS everything. Get started today. "No fear...just move forward"
Saturday, November 7, 2009
It's all a numbers game
Instead of "credit scores" that revolve - let's face it - around money, why don't we rate each other with "credibility scores" What would your number be????
Wouldn't it be great if we truly recognized and placed someones "moral fiber" under the microscope to determine their "worthiness". Credit scores, yes they have some merit (althought we lived find without them for how many years?) are nothing more than another number we're known by. It keeps us all in check. When we're good our number goes up, when we mess up, it goes down. Pretty simple. Pretty powerful too. Three little numbers have the ability to make or break you.
In some instances I'm sure that precious number is a fairly accurate rating. In fact, based on a "here and now" analysis I'd say it probably hits the nail on the head. But man, you bet your bippy you've got to keep your ass in line to move that number back up inch by inch. Payment by payment.
Some people definitately deserve a low score. They try to milk the system every way they can. Purposely maxing credit cards, dodging payments...because they've never had any intention of paying anyone back. No guilt, no remorse...they just get what they want. Take that same person and place them in a business world. You know the type. We've all seen and worked with, and in many cases, worked for him. He'll do anything to move ahead of others. He doesn't care who gets stepped on along the way. He has no time to be personal. Next to never makes eye contact with anyone. He can't even extend a true handshake - unless he thinks the receiving hand has something he can use. He's arrogant and watches out for himself first and foremost. His outward appearance projects confidence. He seems to have it all together. His credit score is impeccable...but morally, he's a dirtbag. Wouldn't you like to know his "credibility score" before you venture into a business deal with him? I'd much rather work with someone who's a 790 than a 250. Flip the situation around. You have a person who's fallen on some hard times. They made financial mistakes. They never in a million years saw themselves in a financial pickle. They admit to their mistakes and make a constant, conserted effort to improve. They have to live with a low credit score for quite some time before they "earn back" a higher rating. Their life is paralyzed. But their credibility rating would never have dropped as low or as fast as their credit score simply because of a few mistakes...because history had shown a consistent 850 credibility rating for this person, time and time again.
Am I nuts? I don't even know why this whole "credibility score" concept popped into my head a couple days ago. But it did. And when things like this are shown to me, I like to express them. Perhaps I'm "too deep" for some. That's okay. You can't be all thing to all people. And, for the record, my credit score is very admirable. No problems there, so I'm not writing because I'm some bitter person being held down by "the man" (lol). I just feel that if we adjusted our way of looking at each other, we would remove the amount of money we have, or don't have. It wouldn't be about how many vacations we take or how big our house is. At the end of the road, none of that matters. Nor, do all the numbers that have been such a forced part of our lives. In the end, your credit score goes away. Your social security # gets put in an "inactive file", your phone number goes to someone else. Even your license plate number gets recycled and made into a new number for someone else. But your credibility number? That's the one that sticks...forever.
Your mission for the day. Take a good look at your self, and as of today, what credibility score do you give yourself? 100-900. What score would you give the people in your life?
With confidence, I give myself 820
Life. It's all a numbers game. ENJOY the day. Make it "add up" to something great
Wouldn't it be great if we truly recognized and placed someones "moral fiber" under the microscope to determine their "worthiness". Credit scores, yes they have some merit (althought we lived find without them for how many years?) are nothing more than another number we're known by. It keeps us all in check. When we're good our number goes up, when we mess up, it goes down. Pretty simple. Pretty powerful too. Three little numbers have the ability to make or break you.
In some instances I'm sure that precious number is a fairly accurate rating. In fact, based on a "here and now" analysis I'd say it probably hits the nail on the head. But man, you bet your bippy you've got to keep your ass in line to move that number back up inch by inch. Payment by payment.
Some people definitately deserve a low score. They try to milk the system every way they can. Purposely maxing credit cards, dodging payments...because they've never had any intention of paying anyone back. No guilt, no remorse...they just get what they want. Take that same person and place them in a business world. You know the type. We've all seen and worked with, and in many cases, worked for him. He'll do anything to move ahead of others. He doesn't care who gets stepped on along the way. He has no time to be personal. Next to never makes eye contact with anyone. He can't even extend a true handshake - unless he thinks the receiving hand has something he can use. He's arrogant and watches out for himself first and foremost. His outward appearance projects confidence. He seems to have it all together. His credit score is impeccable...but morally, he's a dirtbag. Wouldn't you like to know his "credibility score" before you venture into a business deal with him? I'd much rather work with someone who's a 790 than a 250. Flip the situation around. You have a person who's fallen on some hard times. They made financial mistakes. They never in a million years saw themselves in a financial pickle. They admit to their mistakes and make a constant, conserted effort to improve. They have to live with a low credit score for quite some time before they "earn back" a higher rating. Their life is paralyzed. But their credibility rating would never have dropped as low or as fast as their credit score simply because of a few mistakes...because history had shown a consistent 850 credibility rating for this person, time and time again.
Am I nuts? I don't even know why this whole "credibility score" concept popped into my head a couple days ago. But it did. And when things like this are shown to me, I like to express them. Perhaps I'm "too deep" for some. That's okay. You can't be all thing to all people. And, for the record, my credit score is very admirable. No problems there, so I'm not writing because I'm some bitter person being held down by "the man" (lol). I just feel that if we adjusted our way of looking at each other, we would remove the amount of money we have, or don't have. It wouldn't be about how many vacations we take or how big our house is. At the end of the road, none of that matters. Nor, do all the numbers that have been such a forced part of our lives. In the end, your credit score goes away. Your social security # gets put in an "inactive file", your phone number goes to someone else. Even your license plate number gets recycled and made into a new number for someone else. But your credibility number? That's the one that sticks...forever.
Your mission for the day. Take a good look at your self, and as of today, what credibility score do you give yourself? 100-900. What score would you give the people in your life?
With confidence, I give myself 820
Life. It's all a numbers game. ENJOY the day. Make it "add up" to something great
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
I have another follower. Yipee! Welcome Eric. We worked together back in my radio days. Like-minded people always attract. Eric, too, possesses many important qualities for life: perserverance, determination, courage, resilience. We all pick these traits up along the way - or should I say, "some of us" pick them up, others step right over them or in some cases, stomp right on them (l0l). Glad to have you on-board Eric.
I have nothing new to report on Girls Night Out Danbury except that my big yellow lawn signs will begin to "sprout up" around the area. We put about 5 signs out on Sunday -- and can you believe that someone --- not sure WHY -- actually took the time to pull 2 of them out of the ground and lay them down. Another sign was taken off someone's front lawn. Who would do this? Who has time to do this? Anyways, we stuck the signs back into place and put a new sign to replace the one that had been stolen. Girls Night Out...Fri 11/20. Spread the word
Today I wanted to talk about resumes. Not your typical boring piece of paper with dates, job titles and job descriptions. Although the descriptions are always one of my favorites. I mean, come on, people totally exaggerate their past jobs - why? Because we all need to puff ourselves up to feel important. When I was in management, a resume was nothing more than a conversation starter. I didn't really dive into their past work life -- after all --- it's all in the past, so what good does it do me here in the present? I wanted to get to know my potential employee and found it better to trust my gut (intuition).
Take some time today to step back and look at your life. Formulate you're true resume. Your "life" job description. Take into account all the things you have done. After all, resume means "a summing up". It doesn't specifically say "summing up of every paid job I've had" ...just "summing up". But yet again, everything in life comes with a price doesn't it. We all get paid in some way, shape or form for whatever we do - the payment might not come in the form of traditional currency, but make no mistake you always get paid.
So here's a portion of my resume - in no particular order. Therapist, counselor, teacher, nurse, cook, laundry lady, housecleaner, mechanic, salesperson, secretary, dj, copywriter, producer, director, cashier, party planner, organizer, team leader, emcee, deliveryman, volunteer, blood donor, student, interior decorator, web editor, inn keeper, photographer, inventor, computer repair technician, writer, reader, movie critic, costume designer, image consultant, tour guide. WOW - I had no idea I was so multi-talented (lol)
Quite the eclectic mix huh? What doess your resume say about you? Dig deep. You've got years of experience. Give yourself credit for all you have done. How long is your list? The more you think, the more you'll come up with. If you're currently looking for a job...take a good look at your resume. Out of all your life experiences, which are the ones that "make you tick"? Look in that direction for your next career, and remember, Passion=Paycheck
I have nothing new to report on Girls Night Out Danbury except that my big yellow lawn signs will begin to "sprout up" around the area. We put about 5 signs out on Sunday -- and can you believe that someone --- not sure WHY -- actually took the time to pull 2 of them out of the ground and lay them down. Another sign was taken off someone's front lawn. Who would do this? Who has time to do this? Anyways, we stuck the signs back into place and put a new sign to replace the one that had been stolen. Girls Night Out...Fri 11/20. Spread the word
Today I wanted to talk about resumes. Not your typical boring piece of paper with dates, job titles and job descriptions. Although the descriptions are always one of my favorites. I mean, come on, people totally exaggerate their past jobs - why? Because we all need to puff ourselves up to feel important. When I was in management, a resume was nothing more than a conversation starter. I didn't really dive into their past work life -- after all --- it's all in the past, so what good does it do me here in the present? I wanted to get to know my potential employee and found it better to trust my gut (intuition).
Take some time today to step back and look at your life. Formulate you're true resume. Your "life" job description. Take into account all the things you have done. After all, resume means "a summing up". It doesn't specifically say "summing up of every paid job I've had" ...just "summing up". But yet again, everything in life comes with a price doesn't it. We all get paid in some way, shape or form for whatever we do - the payment might not come in the form of traditional currency, but make no mistake you always get paid.
So here's a portion of my resume - in no particular order. Therapist, counselor, teacher, nurse, cook, laundry lady, housecleaner, mechanic, salesperson, secretary, dj, copywriter, producer, director, cashier, party planner, organizer, team leader, emcee, deliveryman, volunteer, blood donor, student, interior decorator, web editor, inn keeper, photographer, inventor, computer repair technician, writer, reader, movie critic, costume designer, image consultant, tour guide. WOW - I had no idea I was so multi-talented (lol)
Quite the eclectic mix huh? What doess your resume say about you? Dig deep. You've got years of experience. Give yourself credit for all you have done. How long is your list? The more you think, the more you'll come up with. If you're currently looking for a job...take a good look at your resume. Out of all your life experiences, which are the ones that "make you tick"? Look in that direction for your next career, and remember, Passion=Paycheck
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Your vote counts!
In honor of election day, I post a this friendly reminder to all of you to exercise your right to vote. Or should I say, exercise your priviledge to vote. To me, local elections are more important. I guess it's because I see direct "day to day" results of what my mayor, common council and other elected officials bring to the table for my community. How great is it that you can go to many community functions and always see the faces behind the titles jumping in and participating in the community. That's what it's all about. So maybe the guy you voted for lost the election. You really don't the like the guy who won. But you know what. Do you really think that anyone runs for any office with the intention of doing a poor job? I think not. I think every politician is well-intentioned. After all, they're all human too. So get up, get out, and go vote. It's your ballot. It's your choice. It's a true slice of Americana.
Okay, no more politics (I hate talking politics). Let's talk FUN. Booth spaces are rolling in for Girls Night Out. There's still a ton of work to be done. The fashion show needs to be coordinated. More exhibitor space needs to be sold, but if the event were to take place tomorrow, it would be a wahoo-good time! Today's the day when hopefully we will learn that we have a TRIP to give away to 1 lucky GNO spectator. How cool will that be. Keep your fingers crossed. I don't know about you, but a tropical island get-away complete with sunshine and umbrella drinks sounds mighty fine to me right about now! Have you visited the website yet? Please do www.girlsnighoutdanbury.com
My reinvention. I'm learning so much and growing at such a rapid rate that it almost feels like there's this enormous wave that's pushing me forward. Imagine a surfer steady on his board as he rides this powerful force. Two things could happen --- he'll ride the wave safely to shore (I'm pretty sure this is the wave I'm riding), or he'll lose control and the wave will crush him. But hey....even if that does happen. No problem...you just catch the next wave! Have a great day. Aloha!
Okay, no more politics (I hate talking politics). Let's talk FUN. Booth spaces are rolling in for Girls Night Out. There's still a ton of work to be done. The fashion show needs to be coordinated. More exhibitor space needs to be sold, but if the event were to take place tomorrow, it would be a wahoo-good time! Today's the day when hopefully we will learn that we have a TRIP to give away to 1 lucky GNO spectator. How cool will that be. Keep your fingers crossed. I don't know about you, but a tropical island get-away complete with sunshine and umbrella drinks sounds mighty fine to me right about now! Have you visited the website yet? Please do www.girlsnighoutdanbury.com
My reinvention. I'm learning so much and growing at such a rapid rate that it almost feels like there's this enormous wave that's pushing me forward. Imagine a surfer steady on his board as he rides this powerful force. Two things could happen --- he'll ride the wave safely to shore (I'm pretty sure this is the wave I'm riding), or he'll lose control and the wave will crush him. But hey....even if that does happen. No problem...you just catch the next wave! Have a great day. Aloha!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday, Monday
I made it through last week and this is my first opportunity to blog. Last week was jammed packed. I worked long hours every day but the end result was all good! I hosted a very successful and inspiring Contacts & Compacts event. I handled a flood of interest in Girls Night Out -- I can't describe the extreme level of positive energy that is behind this event. It's like nothing I've ever experienced in years past. The biggest accomplishment for me this week was getting all the content onto my website. We turned it on live. Please visit it www.girlsnightoutdanbury.com. I'm stoked about how it turned out!
I managed to get all the shopping, menu planning, cooking, cleaning (with the help of my family pitching in) and preparation for my daughter's Confirmation all in place and ready for a wonderful day for her (even though I can plainly see she doesn't fully understand or have an interest in what the gifts of Holy Spirit will mean in her life -- but it will come to her, I have faith) A few trick or treaters rang our doorbell. How disappointing that more kids don't partake in the fun. I used to love going out for Halloween. It seemed like we'd visit 100 houses and were out for hours. We didn't care if it was cold or rainy. It was our big night to be out in the neighborhood --- at night ---- and with no parental supervision!!!! We didn't get in trouble. Nobody bit into a razor blade. We just had fun showing off our costumes and that was it!
Yesterday my daughter and I visited another college. What an exciting time for her. I remember it as if it were yesterday. College was my first real sense of independence. Being out on my own. Boy...that was GREAT! College life would connect me to more life-long friends who would "share the road" with me. We've laughed, cried, and have experienced everything together. Friends are truly one of the life's riches!
Today I'm back in the trenches building Girls Night Out. Many people to contact. Advertising to be placed. Organization and details are paramount. I've got 19 days to make it all happen.
I managed to get all the shopping, menu planning, cooking, cleaning (with the help of my family pitching in) and preparation for my daughter's Confirmation all in place and ready for a wonderful day for her (even though I can plainly see she doesn't fully understand or have an interest in what the gifts of Holy Spirit will mean in her life -- but it will come to her, I have faith) A few trick or treaters rang our doorbell. How disappointing that more kids don't partake in the fun. I used to love going out for Halloween. It seemed like we'd visit 100 houses and were out for hours. We didn't care if it was cold or rainy. It was our big night to be out in the neighborhood --- at night ---- and with no parental supervision!!!! We didn't get in trouble. Nobody bit into a razor blade. We just had fun showing off our costumes and that was it!
Yesterday my daughter and I visited another college. What an exciting time for her. I remember it as if it were yesterday. College was my first real sense of independence. Being out on my own. Boy...that was GREAT! College life would connect me to more life-long friends who would "share the road" with me. We've laughed, cried, and have experienced everything together. Friends are truly one of the life's riches!
Today I'm back in the trenches building Girls Night Out. Many people to contact. Advertising to be placed. Organization and details are paramount. I've got 19 days to make it all happen.
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