How many times within a 24 hour period do you check Facebook? Tweet something? View your linked in profile? Check in somewhere using foursquare? What other social sites are you using on a regular basis?
Sitting here, I am trying to remember back to a time when there was no facebook, no twitter, no linkedin, no four square, no google buzz.... none of the social media that has the world wrapped in a warm embrace. How did we spend all the minutes... sometimes hours that we now devote to these vehicles? Social media... is it ruling your life? As I was trying to determine what to blog about this week, it crossed my mind, that I may be guilty as well. Before I sat down to write... I found myself checking all of my own social media sites. The thought occurred to me and I began to think about how often I am on all of them... and what did I do before all of these came along?
With the latest advances that our cellular devices and networks are providing we are now more connected than ever before. Every day, more technologies are coming out... it will only get more involved. I tried to think about the advantages and disadvantages of being so addicted to all of these. Is addicted the right term? Its kinda like when cell phones first came out or for me, when I got my first blackberry.... I was immediately known as a "crackberry" because I was the person who definitely checked emails and texted during dinners, lunches, meetings and all of the between. In my own defense and mindset... I thought I was being productive. I couldn't help myself. It dinged ... and I would feel compelled to check it and answer.
There came a time when my two grown children threw an INTERVENTION and the crackberry had to stop... especially when I was with them. It was then, that I realized how absorbed I had become... okay, I was addicted. Very addicted. So I began the process of breaking myself away... so that I would only check emails at intervals and that at night, I would set it aside for several hours. Just when I thought I had broken myself... of being SO addicted to it - WHAM... social media comes along and here we go again. Social media gives us justified reasons that we are all spending countless minutes and hours on our cell phones, ipads, computers, smartphones.... basically anything that has access to the internet or is it justified. The only thing to offset my addictive behaviour now... is that the world around me all seem to be caught up into it.
Can you remember the first time you logged into a social media site? If you were like me... you were like a fish out of water, afterall, most of the social sites at the time were targeting high school and college age. Once getting on and learning the navigation and trying to understand the whole purpose...my whole attitude changed. I didn't feel so inferior anymore, I wanted to learn more about it. Personally, I think social media has a lot of positives. On facebook, my friend list is a mixture of family, friends, colleagues and friends that I had in high school or college that I am now re-connecting and enjoying seeing where they ended up in life. Its a way to share photos and updates with all of those on my friend list at one time. It's also a way to be kept abreast of what's happening around me. Every morning, I can log on to facebook at any given time... and find out some news. Facebook is like a revolving door.. and its always entertaining but a lot of times it can be informative. Out of all of the sites, I use it the most and its really the more personal of the ones that I use. Secondly, I use LinkedIn where I connect with all of my professional friends and colleages. You can also browse the various groups, read interesting discussions, see what jobs are open, and yes, share status updates on it as well. Lastly, I do tweet as well. When tweeting, its usually something really specific as I do not have all of my accounts on social media intertwined. I have different sets of friends on each, although some do cross over to all three. Arent they LUCKY friends to be that connected to me? One of the other hot ones is foursquare, but I haven't completely dived in to that one yet. I do have a profile and login. I have many friends who use it and are "mayors" of various venues. I think I have only checked in to one place thus far... but I've been getting a lot of encouragement to get on board with it! So... who knows... in time... maybe I will conquer it as well.
Social media... has changed not only our personal lives, but also our businesses. Companies are creating budgets to implement social media as part of their overall marketing program. They are now hiring specific positions to develop, create, implement and execute a complete social media launch. Nowadays, there are more than 100 plus job titles related to this phenomen. Why? Instant gratification. On any of the social sites, you can tweet a message and instantly have it read by the masses -- provided you've done your homework and have a good following. Same on facebook, you can create a company page and instantly have your information and provide updates to large groups.... you can post a status... it goes out to all your friends and you can even request that they forward it to their friends... and so on. On linked in... in the group discussions, you can post a relevant topic or pose a question to colleagues...and you have access to answers from your peers. Not all of us are "social media gurus". We're adapting and learning as we go, but IF we are open to the idea of using it, eventually, we can become adept at using it. I think thats part of the evolution. Social media is changing the way we all do business. It's changing the way we communicate... 120 plus characters at a time in most posts.
It's a marketer's DREAM, as I've been told often over the last several years. But... at the same time... when you think about how much time we are spending on various sites... is it ruling our lives to the point where we lose sight of what's really important. The things in life that truly add value to it. I gave this some thought... and my personal answer is... I don't think we have changed the things we used to do... I believe we are now allowing ourselves to share what we are doing with all of friends or connections. I believe we are all much more open to sharing than we were in the past. We are sharing our lives openly and willingly. I think that it is up to each of us as an individual to be acccountable and understand the balance of time that we allocate to social media so that it doesn't rule our lives. There were several articles written, one in particular by Reuters on how being "so" connected can create undue stress, create sleep loss, and even in some cases weaken personal relationsihps. The article did a study of college students where they blacked out the sites for a week... can you imagine THAT withdrawal? But... after giving it some serious thought, maybe, that's a lesson for all of us... just to take a step back every now and then... so that we don't get so caught up in it and we remind ourselves that there is a big ole' world out there whether we choose to read a great book, see a movie, enjoy a play, dinner or just spend times with those we love. And... then after taking the break... we'll have something new to put on all our posts.
Social media doesn't have a hall monitor. It's up to us... to develop our own checks and balances so that it doesn't rule us. It can be an engaging way for all of us to connect whether on a personal or professional basis. At the same time... we also need to take a deep breath and every now and then step back for a few hours or days. Maybe a week?
Is it a fad? I don't know the answer for sure...but, I think it will be around a long time. I think more sites will be developed and as we continue to learn to use them, both personally and professionally, we will gain more insight and knowledge on how to be responsible with them.
Even in the world of blogging, social media is making it easier to get your thoughts into the hands, hearts and heads of others. Today, I am going to post my blog and link it to all of my sites... facebook, twitter and linked in and invite all of you to follow me on twitter@jenrobinson09, become my friend on facebook, or connect with me on linked in and even... foursquare.
Happy Tweeting, Updating, Checking in and Posting!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining! Mine had a Little Creole in it!!!
Why the Big Easy? I attended an annual beverage conference and from the minute I walked into the host hotel... I felt the cloud opening up and the silver lining shining brightly. Seeing and catching up with old friends and colleagues always makes me feel better. Going to conferences always inspires me and reawakens an energy that is always there, but sometimes gets lost. Hearing great speakers who are sharing their insights about industry trends, predictions, and expertise in areas that will only propel all of us in attendance to want to elevate our own knowledge.
Another great choice... Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse. Very comfortable and relaxed. The steaks are fabulous. They do ala carte sides... which if you do family style... is great for sharing. They also had a fabulous risotto... (wild mushroom)... Are you getting the feeling of how much I love risotto? Also... great wine choices!
All in all... New Orleans was just the silver lining, with that special touch of creole that I needed for feeling so blah these last few weeks. Even though, I lost my voice and will probably relapse... it was worth the few days of being with so many brilliant people who love a good time.
So... my advice is if you're feeling under the weather, just head south!!
Happy Thursday Ya'll!
Monday, January 24, 2011
REACH FOR THE STARS... the moon... the whole SHA'BANG!
Reach for the stars, you say? What does that mean exactly? Looking up to the sky and holding your hands up... and stretching... reaching... well... NOT exactly. Although, I am sure... that there have been many times in your life, just as there have been in mine... when I thought... that's exactly what I was doing. Just reaching to the sky. Do you wake up each day and reach for the stars? The moon? Pluto? Anything?
Success. What makes a person successful? What makes a business successful? How can you become successful? What makes your brand successful? What exactly is defined as success? Through-out my life, I have often heard those questions more times than I'd like to count. I have also heard tons of answers. Some that I agreed with... some I didn't. Most... left me pondering (yes, in the South.... we like to ponder...) .... which would eventually lead to yet... more questions.
What I have discovered in my own journey of reaching for the stars.... Success is not something that is neatly wrapped, tied with a beautiful bow and delivered to our door. It isn't easy to define because everyone views success by different measures. One person might believe that having all the money they could possibly spend is defined as success, while the person sitting right next to him making minimum wage believes that he is successful. One thing that I do know,,, success... doesn't come easy regardless of what your definition of the word. It takes hard work, drive, determination, commitment, belief, love and most of all it takes PASSION... with a capital "P"!!
When I was starting out in my career... I mentioned in an earlier blog about my mentor who told me attitude was everything. He also gave me lessons through-out my first career path that I have followed without fail. Actually... he still calls and gives me a lesson or two! It's funny... how at the age of 21... NOBODY can tell you anything. Now, at "29".... (okay... okay.... 29 +17)... ... I want everybody to tell me everything! One of the most important things he told me other than attitude is to know that the true value in life... whether personal or business is
..... people/ relationships. By george... he was absolutely right. The core of success for every person... and business...is relationships. Relationships enrich our lives every single day. Where would we all be without them?
Something that I found out early on... was to surround myself with positive, enthusiastic and successful people. I have been so fortunate through-out both of my careers to have met so many amazing, positive and successful people. Just being around them... I wanted "it". I wanted to know that feeling... of believing and loving something so much... that whoever I was talking to... could actually see, feel and taste the passion. If I believed... then they would believe. The intensity... is just surreal. Do you know what I am saying?
I am talking about taking something whether its in your personal or professional life... from nothing and building it... step by step... to completion. Using all of your energy, love and passion to create, develop, implement and execute. Watching it grow from nothing... to SOMETHING with your hard work and dedication. Your blood, sweat and tears. Results. Isn't that what we are all looking for when we take something on...the end result? For me... that was really my first step in reaching for the stars...... being around others who motivated me and gave me the "insight" to see what success could truly be. The old saying about surrounding yourself with successful people ... rubs off. I think there's something to it. I wanted their good fortunes... their happiness. (And again... I am not talking about financial reward, although... that's a nice bonus if it happens.) Little did I know.. how hard they ALL worked for it until I set about my own path to finding my success. As I spent more time with them, eager... to learn, listen... adapt... I found along the way... that they gave really great advice. From that point... I knew that I wanted to work for my failures... and I wanted to work for my successes. I wanted to surround myself with successful, positive and geniune people that I could call my friends as well as my colleagues. People that I could trust. Trust is something that is earned... not given.
I also realized along my own journey that there are many... who will take advantage of you IF you let them, They will try and spread their negative lives upon you. Does the phrase... Run, Forest Run mean anything??? Negativity is a disease that spreads... and it can absolutely kill your creativeness, your outlook... your will to get up and go, your motivation... it will make you cynical beyond belief... no longer have the passion or desire to be challenged every day. A good friend told me once... if you always look at the glass half empty.. it will be. Why not, turn it around... look at it half full. WOW! When you think about it ... it's really our choice and its one that we have to commit to making every day.
Success is hard work... and along the way...whether professionally or personally, you are going to have people in your lives who are there for all the right reasons... and then some who are there for the wrong ones.
I ran across a quote from Oprah Winfrey... and it struck me... as funny, but at the same time... completely true.
"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down".
For me, the quote put everything into perspective. How true is this in life in general? This quote really made me appreciate all my friends and colleagues who were with me in good times, bad times and all the in between. Choices. We all have choices and making them isn't always easy. Sometimes, we falter. More times than not, we fail. But... success means, getting back up after failing and continuing to try... continuing to reach... never giving up.
Step 3.. (you'd think I'd be to the clouds at least by now after all this reaching).... Following up and actions! Its one thing to say we want all these things...but, if you don't take the risk and actually TRY and do them, what's the point? If I told someone I was going to do something, then i need to have the courage and determination to follow through on it. If I found that I couldn't do it... then find alternatives or options, but never stop trying and most of all be realistic about what I can deliver. The phrase "underpromise and overdeliver"... is something that I have always kept close to heart. I have always tried to give to others as I would want them to give back to me. Sometimes... I've been greatly disappointed in the return. Other times, I've been pleasantly surprised. I realized that not everyone works the same was as me, nor do they have the same commitment. Effort is something that a lot of times... finds greater reward than the result itself. Why? Because if something in life is TRULY worth having... it will take EFFORT to get it. One of my biggest pet peeves... is when someone tells me they are going to do something... and they don't do it. If they make an effort and can't complete it or get it done... that's one thing... but just to say it and then do nothing. (It will set my blood to boiling!)
Lastly, for me... success was built upon educating myself and honing my own craft so that I was knowledgeable. Reading, researching, meeting others who were within my field, listening and really trying to become the best. You're never going to know everything... but, if you take time and grasp everything within reach to help elevate you at what you have chosen to do...success can't be far behind. I really used this within every aspect of my career. If I had a meeting, I would do my homework before the meeting. If I had a presentation, I would make sure that I knew what the objectives were and included them. I have always found that if you are prepared, excited and engaging... people are going to want to listen to you. Share the passion, but know your stuff!
It's an ongoing process, both professionally and personally... taking the failures and looking at them as opportunities. How do you turn a negative into a positive? How to take a set-back and use it to propel you forward? Enjoying the small successes as steps to get me to the bigger ones. There are set-backs, delays (we've all experienced them... many of them) ... but through it all... the challenge of continuing to reach for the stars is what drives me every day. I've gone through two careers... both with some longevity and with both of them... I loved what I did. I believed in what I was doing and I had a passion for it. Along the way... I met some wonderful individuals, many, who I am honored to call my friend today.
As my own journey in life continues to evolve..... I am still waking up every day.... and reaching for the stars and when the phone rings... and its a voice from the past giving me some sound advice.....a huge smile comes upon my face... and I look back at how far I've come.
I'm listening... to every word!
Zig Ziglar said it best... “Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be.”
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Life's Highway... An Open Road
Life's journey is full of surprises. It's a wide open road from start to finish. It's not a planned road map with all the right directions.... we all get lost from time to time even though many of us would like to think that we had every detail down. We each have a beginning where we are brought into this world. We have a middle where we are establishing ourselves as individuals - our own thoughts, our talents, our ability to learn... we are finding our way. As adults, we find that we want things out of life that will enrich it whether its a career, a family, financial stability... and yes, even world peace. Today... I reflect on the foundation of my own journey. ---- My parents.
I was very fortunate to have two parents who loved me. They didn't always say the words but I knew by their actions that they did. They provided for me, nurtured me, supported me, encouraged me and even when I had trials, tribulations and everything in between... at the end of the day... I could always go back home.. to my parents ....my foundation. (and... I definitely tested my parents and in many ways... I think that they tested me. At one time or another, haven't we all? But... through out my entire life, they never showed me anything but unconditional love even when i know they could have locked me up and never let me out of the house again. As I have often said to my own kids... there is NOTHING you can do, will do or want to do... that I haven't already done... so just shoot straight with me. I can only hope that I can be the same foundation for my own kids as my parents were to me.
I'm pretty lucky in the fact that I always had a close relationship with my parents. For 45 years ... I saw them every day that I was in town... and if I wasn't in town, I talked to them over the telephone. I am sure to many that sounds quite strange.... maybe it's because I am the youngest in my family... but whatever the reason, I wouldn't change it for anything. Don't get me wrong... we had plenty of disagreements over the years and it wasn't always an EASY relationship.... there were many years when it was just downright hard..... but, even in the good, the bad and even ugly... the older I got, the more time I wanted to spend with them.
Now... I no longer have that opportunity.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, several years ago, I underwent many changes professionally where I had resigned from my job in an executive management position. It was a life-changing decision and one that took a lot of soul-searching to make.... at the same time that was going on... my personal life took on some profound changes as well. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2008 - about 2 months after I quit my job. He passed away in July 2009 and my mother passed away 6 months later .... last January 2010 from COPD. ( Needless to say, the last 2 1/2 years have been a journey filled with raw emotions, ups and downs and many days, just a struggle to get up, but,I keep getting up. For my parents... they had their beginning, their middle and their end in the physical sense. They went through life's cycle. My parents were married 51 years (to each other), they worked, raised a family, had grandkids and enjoyed their retirement. (That in itself... says a lot.) My road map had a plan... that I wasn't even aware of until it happened and I know that God always leads us where we need to go..... there are definitely reasons that everything in life happens... even though we ourselves may not understand it... I didn't realize it at the time two years ago when my life had so many changes... but I know that I was given a priceless gift of time to be with my parents to help care for them and to give back to the two people who gave me life.
One year ago today, my mother passed away. Sitting here today, I am overcome with tremendous sadness and emotion. There has not been one day that has gone by that I haven't missed them. I have found myself in the grocery store calling my mother to ask for a recipe... to realize after a few short minutes.... the phone doesn't ring and that she's no longer there for me to call. When Ole Miss or another SEC team is playing on tv, especially during the bowl games, which was a favorite of my dad... I can't go up to their house and sit with him to watch. My children no longer have their grandparents to teach them about their geneology, their history... stories of the past when society was completely different but we all grasp for a glimpse of the days gone by. Our foundation is gone... but, not forgotten. Their memories and spirits live within each of us Their legacy lives through all of us. Grief is an emotion that has no time limit or procedure. Each person deals with it differently and for me... its day by day. There are many days when I am okay, and as time goes on, more and more that are good and great...... and there are others when I am teary eyed, emotional and feel as if I've been swallowed up by the grief. Those have become less and less, but they still happen... out of the blue, without warning. There is an emptiness to my life now, a sense of loss and disorientation that you didn't feel before... but, life goes on..... and each day, it gets a little more bearable than the day before.
Life is so precious and sometimes I think that we all get caught up in all the negative of it and we forget to be grateful for the many blessings bestowed on us every single day. We forget that our faith, family and friends are the true value in our lives... not money, not material items, not career accolades. (Yes, all of those things have a place in our lives and give us sense of accomplishment, but none of those things define us .) The news and media ... they play on our emotions day in and day out. Most of the time.. it's with just depressing news but have you noticed that when there is a good news story... like the one of the rescued Chilean miners -- it is hugely popular... it's inspirational, positive and just made you beam and cry because finally something wonderful had happened in today's society. I know that I sat up most of the night... watching one by one as those miners were rescued... holding my breath until they had them all. I don't think I am any different from everyone else ... People want good.
I've realized a lot about my own journey since I lost my parents.. and quite a bit about the relationship that I had with each of them and I know that I am one of the lucky ones. So, today, I am choosing to celebrate my mother's life (as well as my dad's) even though the emotions are still raw and I miss them more than mere words could ever relay... deep down, I know they are always with me and I know that in time... my grief won't be as overwhelming. As I continue my own journey, I know it won't ever be the same. I can never go back. I can only go forward and know that they will always reside within my heart and hopefully all the things that they gave me for my foundation, I will pass on to my own children and grandchildren.
.....For many of you... you are still able to pick up the phone... and have it answered. You are able to drive down the road and enjoy a visit for no reason at all. You're able to share a recipe, a ballgame, a trip or dinner. I hope that you won't waste another minute in doing so.
Life's highway... is an open road. We may not have the exact road map... and its definitely full of plenty of surprises for us. As we travel along, we choose our stops, our detours, our mountains and valleys and most of all we choose our direction. We hope that the choices we've made are the right ones and if they aren't... we get back on the road... and keep going. The core of our journey in life is our relationships within in it and it is up to us... to make the most of them.
I was very fortunate to have two parents who loved me. They didn't always say the words but I knew by their actions that they did. They provided for me, nurtured me, supported me, encouraged me and even when I had trials, tribulations and everything in between... at the end of the day... I could always go back home.. to my parents ....my foundation. (and... I definitely tested my parents and in many ways... I think that they tested me. At one time or another, haven't we all? But... through out my entire life, they never showed me anything but unconditional love even when i know they could have locked me up and never let me out of the house again. As I have often said to my own kids... there is NOTHING you can do, will do or want to do... that I haven't already done... so just shoot straight with me. I can only hope that I can be the same foundation for my own kids as my parents were to me.
I'm pretty lucky in the fact that I always had a close relationship with my parents. For 45 years ... I saw them every day that I was in town... and if I wasn't in town, I talked to them over the telephone. I am sure to many that sounds quite strange.... maybe it's because I am the youngest in my family... but whatever the reason, I wouldn't change it for anything. Don't get me wrong... we had plenty of disagreements over the years and it wasn't always an EASY relationship.... there were many years when it was just downright hard..... but, even in the good, the bad and even ugly... the older I got, the more time I wanted to spend with them.
Now... I no longer have that opportunity.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, several years ago, I underwent many changes professionally where I had resigned from my job in an executive management position. It was a life-changing decision and one that took a lot of soul-searching to make.... at the same time that was going on... my personal life took on some profound changes as well. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2008 - about 2 months after I quit my job. He passed away in July 2009 and my mother passed away 6 months later .... last January 2010 from COPD. ( Needless to say, the last 2 1/2 years have been a journey filled with raw emotions, ups and downs and many days, just a struggle to get up, but,I keep getting up. For my parents... they had their beginning, their middle and their end in the physical sense. They went through life's cycle. My parents were married 51 years (to each other), they worked, raised a family, had grandkids and enjoyed their retirement. (That in itself... says a lot.) My road map had a plan... that I wasn't even aware of until it happened and I know that God always leads us where we need to go..... there are definitely reasons that everything in life happens... even though we ourselves may not understand it... I didn't realize it at the time two years ago when my life had so many changes... but I know that I was given a priceless gift of time to be with my parents to help care for them and to give back to the two people who gave me life.
One year ago today, my mother passed away. Sitting here today, I am overcome with tremendous sadness and emotion. There has not been one day that has gone by that I haven't missed them. I have found myself in the grocery store calling my mother to ask for a recipe... to realize after a few short minutes.... the phone doesn't ring and that she's no longer there for me to call. When Ole Miss or another SEC team is playing on tv, especially during the bowl games, which was a favorite of my dad... I can't go up to their house and sit with him to watch. My children no longer have their grandparents to teach them about their geneology, their history... stories of the past when society was completely different but we all grasp for a glimpse of the days gone by. Our foundation is gone... but, not forgotten. Their memories and spirits live within each of us Their legacy lives through all of us. Grief is an emotion that has no time limit or procedure. Each person deals with it differently and for me... its day by day. There are many days when I am okay, and as time goes on, more and more that are good and great...... and there are others when I am teary eyed, emotional and feel as if I've been swallowed up by the grief. Those have become less and less, but they still happen... out of the blue, without warning. There is an emptiness to my life now, a sense of loss and disorientation that you didn't feel before... but, life goes on..... and each day, it gets a little more bearable than the day before.
Life is so precious and sometimes I think that we all get caught up in all the negative of it and we forget to be grateful for the many blessings bestowed on us every single day. We forget that our faith, family and friends are the true value in our lives... not money, not material items, not career accolades. (Yes, all of those things have a place in our lives and give us sense of accomplishment, but none of those things define us .) The news and media ... they play on our emotions day in and day out. Most of the time.. it's with just depressing news but have you noticed that when there is a good news story... like the one of the rescued Chilean miners -- it is hugely popular... it's inspirational, positive and just made you beam and cry because finally something wonderful had happened in today's society. I know that I sat up most of the night... watching one by one as those miners were rescued... holding my breath until they had them all. I don't think I am any different from everyone else ... People want good.
I've realized a lot about my own journey since I lost my parents.. and quite a bit about the relationship that I had with each of them and I know that I am one of the lucky ones. So, today, I am choosing to celebrate my mother's life (as well as my dad's) even though the emotions are still raw and I miss them more than mere words could ever relay... deep down, I know they are always with me and I know that in time... my grief won't be as overwhelming. As I continue my own journey, I know it won't ever be the same. I can never go back. I can only go forward and know that they will always reside within my heart and hopefully all the things that they gave me for my foundation, I will pass on to my own children and grandchildren.
.....For many of you... you are still able to pick up the phone... and have it answered. You are able to drive down the road and enjoy a visit for no reason at all. You're able to share a recipe, a ballgame, a trip or dinner. I hope that you won't waste another minute in doing so.
Life's highway... is an open road. We may not have the exact road map... and its definitely full of plenty of surprises for us. As we travel along, we choose our stops, our detours, our mountains and valleys and most of all we choose our direction. We hope that the choices we've made are the right ones and if they aren't... we get back on the road... and keep going. The core of our journey in life is our relationships within in it and it is up to us... to make the most of them.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Meeska, Mouska... Mickey Mouse!
oooooohhhhhhhh..... Tooodles!!!!!!! What? Ya'll don't watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse?
First, let me say a big ole' thanks to all of you who have been reading my blog. I appreciate all the notes as well on the blog itself, my inbox, emails, etc. Keep them coming, please! I hope that you're finding it enjoyable... maybe something just to take you away from your day for a few minutes. Feel free to forward it your friends and colleagues. The more... the merrier!
For the past two decades plus some.., it has become one of my favorite destinations and truly the happiest and most magical place on earth! I try to go every two years if not every year --that's how much I love it! If you haven't guessed by now... I am talking about Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida... Home of Mickey Mouse! From the moment you step on Disney property, you realize quite quickly that even as an adult, you are captivated. They have customer service down to a science and there is not one detail that goes unnoticed. I am sure, like all huge operations, they have their mishaps and frenzied moments, but from the normal eye... who would know? And the interesting thing is not only do they cater to children of all ages... but they've become a master at catering to adults as well. From destination weddings, honeymoons, adult trips... it boggles my mind at the marketing genius behind the mouse. For me... Disney is FIRST CLASS.. in everything they do.
This past year, I was there 3 times for different reasons, but the most special was in November, when it was Lane Wyatt's very FIRST trip and a cousin got married there. She had a dream wedding and Lane Wyatt LOVED it. He was overwhelmed by everything... and somewhat scared... okay, maybe a bit terrified of the characters if they got toooooooo close... but this trip, truly reminded me that seeing the world through a child's eyes are the blessings in life. (and if you're wondering who Lane Wyatt is... he is the love of my life - my grand and yeah, I know... I am much toooo young to have one, but I would not trade him for anything in the world.). Now... don't get me on a rant about that sweet angel, we'll be here all day... so... back to the MOUSE.....
Disney has so many accommodations to choose from these days from value to moderate, deluxe to luxury. Whatever your budget, there is something that can be quite affordable ... IF you plan in advance. Don't get me wrong... Disney can be quite expensive, but with preparations...it can be reasonable. Some of my favorite properties are
Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney Yacht & Beach Club
Grand Floridian
Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary
Wilderness Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge
....but honestly, there is not a bad one that I have experienced. They also have a campground for RV's. Now... if you don't want to stay on Disney property, where one huge advantage is the shuttle service to all the parks, which includes buses, boats and the monorail, (which to me... is a ride in itself)... there are tons of other hotel options in Orlando.
The main purpose for visiting WDW is obviously the parks.... there are now 4: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom plus a ton of water parks, a downtown area with restaurants, shops, DisneyQuest, and tons of other things to keep you entertained. For years.. I have been waivering back & forth on my favorite park... but every time... I always come back to the Magic Kingdom. There is something about turning down main street and seeing the castle that always... always.... gets me every single time. This most recent trip was no different. I was so excited myself and couldn't wait to see Lane Wyatt's expression. It was priceless. PRICELESS.
Typically, we purchase what is called a "park hopper" pass for how many days we are going to be there... and what this means is we can hop from park to park... within any given day. Our plan usually is to pick one park per day.... and hop over to another park at night unless there are special activities going on. Sometimes, we've been known to stay in the same park... all day and night. If our trip and time is short, we usually have a very tight schedule and strategically pick our parks... but, it can be done. They have a bunch of options on the tickets and types... so you just have to choose whatever is best for you. The also have discounts of all kinds - kids, seniors, military, etc. By doing a little research, you may be able to save a few bucks -- which you'll need for the mandatory Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream! Each park is broken up into sections... so if you can get a map... you can plan your route. My family has always has a methodical way that they "work" the park. Its a system that they have developed over the years and they have it down to a science. With the addition of "fast passes" several years ago...it provided them a new challenge to add to their method! (what are fast passes? passes that you can get for the most popular attractions that will give you a time to come back with very limited wait.)
RIDES... RIDES... AND MORE RIDES!!!!! Some of my all time favorite rides are: Pirates of Caribbean, Small world, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Winnie the Pooh (all of these are in Magic Kingdom) Rock n Roll Roller Coaster, The Great Movie Ride (Hollywood Studios), Kilimanjaro Safari (think tons of animals out in the wild), Mount Everest, Dinosaur (animal kingdom) and in Epcot... I love spaceship earth (that's the big golf ball looking thing), Nemo and Figment. Now... my kids (grown adult kids)...well, they would agree with some of my choices but they love test track, SOARIN, Tower of Terror and others that are on my list... .. Getting the picture? They are THRILL SEEKERS! The list of rides is endless...and I don't believe that anyone's list of favorites is ever completely the same.
Now, also in Epcot.. take plenty of time for the world showcase which is country pavilions where you can eat, drink, enjoy shows, rides and more from those countries. My favorite countries are France...and England. I absolutely love the Beatles show. Its just fab! Every park has plenty of great shows, 3D attractions, shops and MORE plus one central location to help with your bearings. (The castle, spaceship earth, the tree of life and the sorcerer's hat are all photo ops galore!) I would definitely encourage anyone who is going for the first time to experience all of it if you can because once you return home... you will have a lifetime of memories.
Now.. what's a Disney trip without the beloved Disney Characters. Tracking them down, getting autographs... its one of our goals every trip... even as adults. There is just something about being taken back to your childhood or watching your child's eyes light up and squeal with delight. I will say that this trip... Lane Wyatt grew very fond of Eeyore, Piglet, Woody and Donald Duck. (yes, Donald!) He did high five Mickey and Minnie and he loved spotting Goofy... from afar... but Pluto... will be banned forever. The character got a little over zealous... and pretty much traumatized him, but, it didn't last long. He was soon completely awed by another one. (They post locations and times for a lot of the characters, but be on the look out because you never know... when you'll spot one!)
Disney is also known for having some of the best restaurants around... and depending on your price range... you can find just about anything. Many of them take reservations, so, plan accordingly if you can especially in the crowded season! (Just remember.. that if you want to cut your costs... take snacks in with you.) In our early years of going, I would always have a backpack that had gummies, graham crackers, goldfish, etc. so that when the first ... "I'm hungry" hit and it wasn't lunch or dinner time and you were waiting in a line... I was ready!) I would highly recommend (especially if you have children) doing at least ONE character dining experiences. They usually set these up as a buffet type meal where certain characters come out during and take pictures, and visit with the kids. It's fun and the kids love it. They have them in all the parks, but... word of caution... MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY. Another all time favorite for me is the Hoop-de-doo Musical Revue... its a hoedown with a great show, BBQ Supper and the fixin's and fun. In Epcot, the restaurants in the country pavilions are definitely worth checking out... Mexico has a great one that I have to go to every single time I am there.
I would willingly go to Disney anytime... but to me I love all the SPECIAL activities that Disney creates during the holidays. When we were there in November, we were able to experience Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and walking down main street with snow falling, hot chocolate in hand, caroling, the huge parade, character shows and fireworks. Big, huge, delightful FIREWORKS!!!!! Of course, one thing the Mouse knows how to do is... DECK THE HALLS. The decorations, the costumes, the characters, the themes... it was magic!!!
One thing to mention.... There was an extra cost for the admission ticket to this special party so when traveling during the holiday, check to see if there are additional cost for any special events they may be hosting. I've heard some say that they felt it wasn't worth the extra cost...for me... it was worth every cent. I LOVE Christmas... and it just put me in the holiday spirit even more than I already was at that point. We also purchased the special DESSERT PARTY ticket .... because we wanted to experience every single thing we could on this magical night... and it gave us all the desserts we could possibly eat & hot chocolate ... and the best viewing spot in the entire Magic Kingdom for viewing the fireworks and Tinker Bell's flight. (What's that? Well, Tinkerbell takes flight before the fireworks starting at the top of the castle and down a wire that goes across the park to Tomorrowland. Sorta like zip lining - Disney style...) Disney also has a huge Halloween party in October that is worth a mention and visit.
When should you go? The best times that I have personally found thus far... are October, early November, and April. I have been when it was the most crowded (the week after Christmas, Memorial Day Week, during the summer) and when there was NO wait for any ride. But regardless of when you go, again, its about doing a little research and familiarizing yourself so that when you get there... you at least thought you had a plan. Now... don't get me wrong... I am not an expert on Disney by any means. There are plenty of folks who are by far more Disney-educated than me... but I am giving just my personal thoughts and opinions.
I have been fortunate to have been to both Disneyworld, Disneyland as well as experience the Disney Cruise Line and every single experience has never been a disappointment. (I will have another blog on the cruiseline... which to me is the top of the tier.) DisneyWorld is still my all time favorite, with the cruise line a very close second. They also have a land and sea package where you can experience the best of both worlds. The key is to really take time to plan your trip, especially if its your first time. They have a free DVD that they will send you and there are tons of books that might be helpful. One that I always used to purchase was The Official Guide to Disneyworld and it really helped me in the early days. (Gosh... that seems sooooo long ago.) The Disney website can also assist as well... and sometimes they have special offerings on it.
So... if you're looking for a great place to go where its warm and sunny (most of the time, although when we were there in November, at night... it got downright cold) plus most airlines offer really great deals into Orlando... and if you're driving, navigation is fairly easy once you get there. The MOUSE offers plenty to do, great food, lots of friendly characters, FIREWORKS... did I mention the FIREWORKS ????
If you want tons of memories that will last a lifetime... choose a Disney vacation. Planning is the key! Kids.... or no kids... I love it.. it never gets old. I keep thinking everytime I plan a trip there... will the magic be gone? .... and everytime I arrive... with a broad smile... the answer is ... THE MAGIC IS ALIVE AND WELL.
Thanks, Mickey! See ya real soon!!!! (Wonder what dates in 2011 look good?)
First, let me say a big ole' thanks to all of you who have been reading my blog. I appreciate all the notes as well on the blog itself, my inbox, emails, etc. Keep them coming, please! I hope that you're finding it enjoyable... maybe something just to take you away from your day for a few minutes. Feel free to forward it your friends and colleagues. The more... the merrier!
Many have asked if I would blog on places I've been and the answer is YES!!!! So... what am I blogging about today...... well... THE MOUSE of course. No, not a brown country mouse or a big city rat ... but the one who's ears are an international symbol of "HAPPY".
This past year, I was there 3 times for different reasons, but the most special was in November, when it was Lane Wyatt's very FIRST trip and a cousin got married there. She had a dream wedding and Lane Wyatt LOVED it. He was overwhelmed by everything... and somewhat scared... okay, maybe a bit terrified of the characters if they got toooooooo close... but this trip, truly reminded me that seeing the world through a child's eyes are the blessings in life. (and if you're wondering who Lane Wyatt is... he is the love of my life - my grand and yeah, I know... I am much toooo young to have one, but I would not trade him for anything in the world.). Now... don't get me on a rant about that sweet angel, we'll be here all day... so... back to the MOUSE.....
Disney has so many accommodations to choose from these days from value to moderate, deluxe to luxury. Whatever your budget, there is something that can be quite affordable ... IF you plan in advance. Don't get me wrong... Disney can be quite expensive, but with preparations...it can be reasonable. Some of my favorite properties are
Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney Yacht & Beach Club
Grand Floridian
Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary
Wilderness Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge
....but honestly, there is not a bad one that I have experienced. They also have a campground for RV's. Now... if you don't want to stay on Disney property, where one huge advantage is the shuttle service to all the parks, which includes buses, boats and the monorail, (which to me... is a ride in itself)... there are tons of other hotel options in Orlando.
The main purpose for visiting WDW is obviously the parks.... there are now 4: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom plus a ton of water parks, a downtown area with restaurants, shops, DisneyQuest, and tons of other things to keep you entertained. For years.. I have been waivering back & forth on my favorite park... but every time... I always come back to the Magic Kingdom. There is something about turning down main street and seeing the castle that always... always.... gets me every single time. This most recent trip was no different. I was so excited myself and couldn't wait to see Lane Wyatt's expression. It was priceless. PRICELESS. Typically, we purchase what is called a "park hopper" pass for how many days we are going to be there... and what this means is we can hop from park to park... within any given day. Our plan usually is to pick one park per day.... and hop over to another park at night unless there are special activities going on. Sometimes, we've been known to stay in the same park... all day and night. If our trip and time is short, we usually have a very tight schedule and strategically pick our parks... but, it can be done. They have a bunch of options on the tickets and types... so you just have to choose whatever is best for you. The also have discounts of all kinds - kids, seniors, military, etc. By doing a little research, you may be able to save a few bucks -- which you'll need for the mandatory Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream! Each park is broken up into sections... so if you can get a map... you can plan your route. My family has always has a methodical way that they "work" the park. Its a system that they have developed over the years and they have it down to a science. With the addition of "fast passes" several years ago...it provided them a new challenge to add to their method! (what are fast passes? passes that you can get for the most popular attractions that will give you a time to come back with very limited wait.)
RIDES... RIDES... AND MORE RIDES!!!!! Some of my all time favorite rides are: Pirates of Caribbean, Small world, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Winnie the Pooh (all of these are in Magic Kingdom) Rock n Roll Roller Coaster, The Great Movie Ride (Hollywood Studios), Kilimanjaro Safari (think tons of animals out in the wild), Mount Everest, Dinosaur (animal kingdom) and in Epcot... I love spaceship earth (that's the big golf ball looking thing), Nemo and Figment. Now... my kids (grown adult kids)...well, they would agree with some of my choices but they love test track, SOARIN, Tower of Terror and others that are on my list... .. Getting the picture? They are THRILL SEEKERS! The list of rides is endless...and I don't believe that anyone's list of favorites is ever completely the same.
Now, also in Epcot.. take plenty of time for the world showcase which is country pavilions where you can eat, drink, enjoy shows, rides and more from those countries. My favorite countries are France...and England. I absolutely love the Beatles show. Its just fab! Every park has plenty of great shows, 3D attractions, shops and MORE plus one central location to help with your bearings. (The castle, spaceship earth, the tree of life and the sorcerer's hat are all photo ops galore!) I would definitely encourage anyone who is going for the first time to experience all of it if you can because once you return home... you will have a lifetime of memories.
Disney is also known for having some of the best restaurants around... and depending on your price range... you can find just about anything. Many of them take reservations, so, plan accordingly if you can especially in the crowded season! (Just remember.. that if you want to cut your costs... take snacks in with you.) In our early years of going, I would always have a backpack that had gummies, graham crackers, goldfish, etc. so that when the first ... "I'm hungry" hit and it wasn't lunch or dinner time and you were waiting in a line... I was ready!) I would highly recommend (especially if you have children) doing at least ONE character dining experiences. They usually set these up as a buffet type meal where certain characters come out during and take pictures, and visit with the kids. It's fun and the kids love it. They have them in all the parks, but... word of caution... MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY. Another all time favorite for me is the Hoop-de-doo Musical Revue... its a hoedown with a great show, BBQ Supper and the fixin's and fun. In Epcot, the restaurants in the country pavilions are definitely worth checking out... Mexico has a great one that I have to go to every single time I am there.
I would willingly go to Disney anytime... but to me I love all the SPECIAL activities that Disney creates during the holidays. When we were there in November, we were able to experience Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and walking down main street with snow falling, hot chocolate in hand, caroling, the huge parade, character shows and fireworks. Big, huge, delightful FIREWORKS!!!!! Of course, one thing the Mouse knows how to do is... DECK THE HALLS. The decorations, the costumes, the characters, the themes... it was magic!!!
One thing to mention.... There was an extra cost for the admission ticket to this special party so when traveling during the holiday, check to see if there are additional cost for any special events they may be hosting. I've heard some say that they felt it wasn't worth the extra cost...for me... it was worth every cent. I LOVE Christmas... and it just put me in the holiday spirit even more than I already was at that point. We also purchased the special DESSERT PARTY ticket .... because we wanted to experience every single thing we could on this magical night... and it gave us all the desserts we could possibly eat & hot chocolate ... and the best viewing spot in the entire Magic Kingdom for viewing the fireworks and Tinker Bell's flight. (What's that? Well, Tinkerbell takes flight before the fireworks starting at the top of the castle and down a wire that goes across the park to Tomorrowland. Sorta like zip lining - Disney style...) Disney also has a huge Halloween party in October that is worth a mention and visit.
When should you go? The best times that I have personally found thus far... are October, early November, and April. I have been when it was the most crowded (the week after Christmas, Memorial Day Week, during the summer) and when there was NO wait for any ride. But regardless of when you go, again, its about doing a little research and familiarizing yourself so that when you get there... you at least thought you had a plan. Now... don't get me wrong... I am not an expert on Disney by any means. There are plenty of folks who are by far more Disney-educated than me... but I am giving just my personal thoughts and opinions.
I have been fortunate to have been to both Disneyworld, Disneyland as well as experience the Disney Cruise Line and every single experience has never been a disappointment. (I will have another blog on the cruiseline... which to me is the top of the tier.) DisneyWorld is still my all time favorite, with the cruise line a very close second. They also have a land and sea package where you can experience the best of both worlds. The key is to really take time to plan your trip, especially if its your first time. They have a free DVD that they will send you and there are tons of books that might be helpful. One that I always used to purchase was The Official Guide to Disneyworld and it really helped me in the early days. (Gosh... that seems sooooo long ago.) The Disney website can also assist as well... and sometimes they have special offerings on it.
So... if you're looking for a great place to go where its warm and sunny (most of the time, although when we were there in November, at night... it got downright cold) plus most airlines offer really great deals into Orlando... and if you're driving, navigation is fairly easy once you get there. The MOUSE offers plenty to do, great food, lots of friendly characters, FIREWORKS... did I mention the FIREWORKS ????
If you want tons of memories that will last a lifetime... choose a Disney vacation. Planning is the key! Kids.... or no kids... I love it.. it never gets old. I keep thinking everytime I plan a trip there... will the magic be gone? .... and everytime I arrive... with a broad smile... the answer is ... THE MAGIC IS ALIVE AND WELL.
Thanks, Mickey! See ya real soon!!!! (Wonder what dates in 2011 look good?)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Attitude is EVERYTHING!
Many years ago – not giving away my age here, I had a mentor who told me that 85% of everything you do is attitude and 15% is skill. He even drew me this PIE that broke it up and placed it on the wall at my desk. He told me to look at it every single day... and to believe it. He also emphasized that first and foremost in everything I do... sell myself. At the time, I was way too young to understand what he truly meant or appreciate it. I also, had "THE" attitude back in the day... that I knew everything. Thank goodness, he had the patience and ability to see the potential within me to care enough to turn me around. Not only did I learn a lot about attitude, I learned quite a bit about humility. If someone ever offers you constructive criticism in a positive manner, my advice... is to listen.
I learned so much in my early career about being positive and how a simple smile can change the whole outcome of a meeting, business deal or personal experience. Attitude can make or break you in all aspects of your life, not just professionally. A positive attitude goes a long way in helping secure your dreams. Negativity never wins. And so, on the advice of a very wise man many years ago… I changed my attitude. I realized that I can’t control every situation nor can I predict the outcome. I can, go about every day, with an open mind, a positive outlook, sharing a smile and being as prepared as possible and with those tools – become successful. Take a look around you and make a mental note of those people that you truly enjoy being around, both professionally and personally... I would bet that one of the reason's is their attitude.
For those of you who travel frequently, how many times have you been on an airplane and you met a flight attendant with a wonderful disposition or those times when you met one who seemed to be having a bad day? Which one made your flight more enjoyable or which one made you feel like you were an inconvenience for having purchased a ticket? What about when you are in a department store and the clerk was rude or seemed to be too busy to help? There are many examples of when someone’s attitude affected you whether negatively or positively and its in those moments, that there are lessons to be learned.
Business is no easy task regardless of your chosen profession. If you go into every day with a smile and a positive attitude, then, your opportunities are endless. Some of the most successful people that I have ever met — it was their attitude that drew me in. It was magnetic. They re-energized me and made me want to excel. They made me believe in what they were doing or wanting to do. Same goes on a personal level... when I meet someone with a smile on their face ... its contagious. If I am in a bad mood or having a bad day... I quickly forget and find myself smiling back at them. Do you realize how much time we waste frowning (no wonder all the wrinkles appear) and worrying about things we cannot change.
Trust me when I say this... I am a STRESSER. I stress about everything... no matter how big or small. For the most part, once I start stressing, I try my best to work my way out of it. I start to look for positive things going on in my life and really focus on those. Its not easy... and there are times when I don't always work myself out of it. But... I do put forth the effort. The old saying... When life gives you lemons... make lemonade has never been truer.
Someone once told me to hold a mirror up and watch myself while conversing on the phone. When engaging in positive conversations over the telephone, the outcome was always successful because the enthusiasm could be felt. Next time you are on the phone, give it a try – it might just be the key to your next deal. I have tried this and it really does work. At the time... it felt silly and I was pretty much giggling at myself the entire time, which led to me smiling and having a better attitude through-out the whole phone call.
Our attitudes to provide customers with results, a great experience and most of all a genuine smile and approach that shows we truly care about their business as well as our own. On a personal level, it shows that we are approachable and friendly. NOBODY wants to be around someone who is negative all the time. You know who I am talking about... all they do is complain... complain... complain...... about everything. Attitude should be at the top of our priority list every day to ensure that our enthusiasm about our opportunities life has to offer is clearly visible in every way. As my mentor once told me, 85% is the lion’s share… grasp it while you can.
I have often had strangers come up to me and say that they just wanted to meet me because they thought I was having such a great time and they loved my zest for life. More often than not, the conversation led to a friendship that I still have to this day. Engaging others is one of the biggest gifts you can give someone else. A smile is free. Offer it openly and often. The results just might surprise you.
I originally wrote this blog several months ago and was asked to repost it. So, with a few revisions... its got new life... and a NEW ATTITUDE.
: )
I learned so much in my early career about being positive and how a simple smile can change the whole outcome of a meeting, business deal or personal experience. Attitude can make or break you in all aspects of your life, not just professionally. A positive attitude goes a long way in helping secure your dreams. Negativity never wins. And so, on the advice of a very wise man many years ago… I changed my attitude. I realized that I can’t control every situation nor can I predict the outcome. I can, go about every day, with an open mind, a positive outlook, sharing a smile and being as prepared as possible and with those tools – become successful. Take a look around you and make a mental note of those people that you truly enjoy being around, both professionally and personally... I would bet that one of the reason's is their attitude.
For those of you who travel frequently, how many times have you been on an airplane and you met a flight attendant with a wonderful disposition or those times when you met one who seemed to be having a bad day? Which one made your flight more enjoyable or which one made you feel like you were an inconvenience for having purchased a ticket? What about when you are in a department store and the clerk was rude or seemed to be too busy to help? There are many examples of when someone’s attitude affected you whether negatively or positively and its in those moments, that there are lessons to be learned.
Business is no easy task regardless of your chosen profession. If you go into every day with a smile and a positive attitude, then, your opportunities are endless. Some of the most successful people that I have ever met — it was their attitude that drew me in. It was magnetic. They re-energized me and made me want to excel. They made me believe in what they were doing or wanting to do. Same goes on a personal level... when I meet someone with a smile on their face ... its contagious. If I am in a bad mood or having a bad day... I quickly forget and find myself smiling back at them. Do you realize how much time we waste frowning (no wonder all the wrinkles appear) and worrying about things we cannot change.
Trust me when I say this... I am a STRESSER. I stress about everything... no matter how big or small. For the most part, once I start stressing, I try my best to work my way out of it. I start to look for positive things going on in my life and really focus on those. Its not easy... and there are times when I don't always work myself out of it. But... I do put forth the effort. The old saying... When life gives you lemons... make lemonade has never been truer.
Someone once told me to hold a mirror up and watch myself while conversing on the phone. When engaging in positive conversations over the telephone, the outcome was always successful because the enthusiasm could be felt. Next time you are on the phone, give it a try – it might just be the key to your next deal. I have tried this and it really does work. At the time... it felt silly and I was pretty much giggling at myself the entire time, which led to me smiling and having a better attitude through-out the whole phone call.
Our attitudes to provide customers with results, a great experience and most of all a genuine smile and approach that shows we truly care about their business as well as our own. On a personal level, it shows that we are approachable and friendly. NOBODY wants to be around someone who is negative all the time. You know who I am talking about... all they do is complain... complain... complain...... about everything. Attitude should be at the top of our priority list every day to ensure that our enthusiasm about our opportunities life has to offer is clearly visible in every way. As my mentor once told me, 85% is the lion’s share… grasp it while you can.
I have often had strangers come up to me and say that they just wanted to meet me because they thought I was having such a great time and they loved my zest for life. More often than not, the conversation led to a friendship that I still have to this day. Engaging others is one of the biggest gifts you can give someone else. A smile is free. Offer it openly and often. The results just might surprise you.
I originally wrote this blog several months ago and was asked to repost it. So, with a few revisions... its got new life... and a NEW ATTITUDE.
: )
Monday, January 10, 2011
Finally... the weatherman got it right!
Seems the weatherman, FINALLY, got it right. It came a blizzard ... well, okay.. not really a blizzard, but it did snow pretty heavy in our part of Mississippi. That in itself is pretty darn amazing. Don't get me wrong... we've had flurries, ice and a even got a delightful surprise snow in December where we woke up to a White Christmas... but typically..... if the weatherman predicts snow or ice... it always seems to miss our little pocket of the world... well, EXCEPT this time.
Winter Wonderland. Snowmagedon.. Blizzard. Snow of the Century... I've heard so many nicknames for it... I felt like I was reading a baby name book... and of course, the weatherman (after getting it right - he was quite full of himself) had to add their dramatic flair to it as well and give it their own dramatic pause... Call it whatever your heart desires, but the next few days should be fun with all of the snow - if it sticks around that long. Temps are supposed to stay in the teens and not get above freezing... til the end of the week, so we might have our fill of snow by the time this is over.
Several days ago, when the weather channel had reported that a winter storm warning was going to be in effect for our neck of the woods.. I didn't really give it much thought. Did I mention that the weatherman usually gets it wrong? So... not really worrying too much... and being somewhat under the weather... I didn't get fully prepared for the "storm" until sometime late Saturday. Of course... by then... chaos had taken over our relatively calm town.
I had made my list and headed to Kroger and Wal-Mart. BOTH stores were packed and already running out of stuff. Nothing like marketing ploys to take advantage of eager snow seekers!
People were buying everything from the basics: water, milk, bread, peanut butter... to scrapers, anti-freeze, charcoal, salt and garbage cans. (yes, apparently you can cut off the top of the garbage can and sit in the bottom and it makes a pretty cool sled. ) You wouldn't believe the conversations that i overhead from excited shoppers trying to create the perfect sled... you know one that will really go. I thought.... thank goodness my family hasn't started acting this crazy yet... which if you knew my family... is an understatement. They are not about to miss out on any fun. The rest of Saturday went relatively peaceful and we all settled in to wait. Hoping.... keeping our fingers crossed that we were not going to be disappointed yet again.
So, Sunday arrives with a cautiously optimistic attitude and after church, my daughter looks at me and says... we are getting some vinyl. I look puzzled and said.. for what? She gives me a serious look like i have just grown 3 horns and says... to sled with on the hills. Now.. in my mind, I am trying to figure out exactly what she's talking about - I am at a loss. I guess my brain wasn't working properly... or maybe I am just that dumb. So, I venture out... and said... okay... how is that going to work? She excitedly informs me that my sister-in-law was headed to get some vinyl as in floor covering so they could cut out "sleds" and throw themselves on it and slide down the hills. (Now... there is a visual for you. or maybe the words... you might be a red-neck if... comes to mind.)
Around 3 pm, no snow in sight, we decided to take a drive over to my brothers just to get "the plan of action" down. We had no sooner, turned on the main road, until the skies opened up... and the snow began to fall. Now, I have to admit up to this point, I honestly did not think we were going to get anything near what they were predicting... so, I was a bit overwhelmed at the size of these flakes. My son and daughter (who by the way are both adults) start yelling with excitement as I am trying to concentrate on the road. My brother lives about 10 miles from me... and by the time we pulled into his long driveway, the roads were covered, the driveway, the yard... THE SNOW HAD ARRIVED.
As we got out... my son, (a 20 year old) was running in the snow and my brother opens the door and yells loudly... DONT MESS UP MY BEAUTIFUL SNOW! ha! Hysterical. Now.. as I listened to the plan for sledding... there was no doubt that my family was/is nuts and they along with every other person in town had gotten snow fever!!. Seriously... VINYL... floor covering... but sure enough, my adult
children, sister in law, nephew and his friend took the vinyl into the driveway and pretty soon... hysteria ensued. They were running down the drive, jumping on this vinyl and away they went. then... they got BRAVE... they went onto the road... where there was a huge hill... and sure enough, slippin and a sliding all the way down... yelling at the top of their lungs. Now, after the treacherous drive back home... and for those of you who know me... (you all know I cannot drive anyway) it was a very long 30 minutes or so that it took to drive 10 miles. Can you say nervous wreck? At this point, the snow had turned into sleet and it was mostly ice. We were disappointed that it didn't last.. but I thought, well, at least they had fun for a couple of hours.
Once we got home... my kids began trying to figure out how to make a better sled. You know one of those super duper rocket fueled ones that would ZIP down those hills. I kept telling them not to get their hopes up... because we may not get anything else. Both of them in unison... its gonna COME A BLIZZARD!
and what started out as a simple drive back over to visit quickly turned into... NIGHT TUBING upon arrival. As all of you are reading this, there are no adequate words to describe my family except crazy, fun, wild, complete and total chaos at times but most of all... resourceful and inventive. (Give my sister-in-law some duct tape, pvc pipe and wire... and she can create a masterpiece.) ha! Trust me.. that is a compliment! She's the most talented person I know!
They decide to take the mule (not a donkey... but the atv kind of mule) and tie a rope to the back and get an old tire... and here they go..... 8 p.m. at night... the mule with 6 adults in it... and one on the tire..... into the darkness with nothing but the lights of the mule and the blinding white to guide them. Clampett night tubing might become an olympic sport. Now, most folks in the county would have used a "car hood" or something more adequate, but not us... just a big ole' tire. By the time we finally all got to bed that night.. the excitement of tomorrow held new meaning. Bigger hills, faster sleds, snowball fights, snowmen... we were dreamin' big! 
... for myself... it was a day that reminded me... dreams do come true and spending time with our family and friends creating memories is truly what life is all about and it's precious and priceless. There is hope, even with the weatherman... and sometimes... you get it right.
Happy Snow Day.... and the next time the weatherman predicts snow or ice... I am going to make sure that I pay closer attention because who knows... he might go 2 for 2.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Home Sweet Home
So, what makes Oxford so darn special? Honestly - the people. The community. The history. Its a small college town located approximately 70 miles southeast of Memphis. Home to the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss... and our beloved Rebels. (Archie or Eli, ring a bell? - Yes, both are alumni). Tailgating in the Grove is definitely one tradition that everyone should experience at least once in their life. There are simply no words to adequately describe it, although later on... I may give it a whirl, because I do think that could make for a very interesting post.
But why.. the center of the universe as Oxford's square has been dubbed. The square is directly in the middle of Oxford, which by the way - from one side of town to the other takes about... oh, 10 minutes or less if there's no traffic. Surrounding the square, you will find some of the best shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars located anywhere in the south. These are local owned and operated and unique. A lot of communities lose their individuality, but Oxford flourishes with it. The square feels like home. Its the heart of the community and as you walk around it, you can feel the warmth and friendliness. It truly is... the center of the universe as we know it.
Arts! Paintings? Pottery? Music? Books? It's all here! As a person who loves to read and write, one of the best bookstores in the South is also proud to call Oxford home - Square Books. Oxford is known for it's artistic scene, being home to some phenomenal writers, both past and present: Nobel Prize Winner - William Faulkner, Larry Brown, Barry Hannah, Willie Morris, John Grisham... and the list of local artisans who share their talents is endless. From painters, potters, musicians to writers... Oxford is not in short supply by any means.
And talkin' about food.. yum! Oxford is home to some great local places and even though from time to time, we all fret because we don't have nearly enough chain restaurants, the choices available are some of the best. Taylor Grocery tops my list because its known for its catfish, but its located about 7 miles south of Oxford in Taylor. They have music playing pretty much every week-end and with the BYOB (for you city slickers - that's Bring Yer Own Bottle)... you can enjoy a great time. Others that I love are 208, Ajax, Volta, Bottletree Bakery and Boure.
Oxford has also been named one of the best small towns in America, along with one of the best retirement towns. There have been stories of people who came for a 3 day week-end and... well, they are still here. So, if you're ever passin' through and want a great meal and good time along with a touch of true Southern hospitality... I'll be glad to say... welcome to my Home Sweet Home.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Why, the Duchess?
well... it finally happened. Me and a Blog. Not two things that I would have ever put together, then again, maybe so. I am not sure that I even know the "correct" way to blog or what you're supposed to blog about... but, with the new year... here goes.
First, I guess we should get acquainted so that you might get to know the person behind the pen or in this case, the keypad. I am from the South, Mississippi, in fact. Born and as a friend of mine would say, reared here. You'll find as you continue to read my blog, that I am a genuine person. I speak, or in this case write, from the heart and there are definitely a lot of things that I am passionate about in life. You won't always agree with me and that's okay too. I don't like fake people. I don't like people who use others to get what they want, although, I've been told... it's just the way it is in life. I love to laugh and through my own experiences, I hope that I can share some of life's little joys with you. I am 46 and probably in the midst of my fourth mid-life crisis...but, I'm real.
I've been fortunate to have had two great career opportunities that allowed me to expand my world beyond Mississippi. I am the kind of person who enjoys life, but most of all, I enjoy the people who make up life.
So... why, the Duchess.
First, I guess we should get acquainted so that you might get to know the person behind the pen or in this case, the keypad. I am from the South, Mississippi, in fact. Born and as a friend of mine would say, reared here. You'll find as you continue to read my blog, that I am a genuine person. I speak, or in this case write, from the heart and there are definitely a lot of things that I am passionate about in life. You won't always agree with me and that's okay too. I don't like fake people. I don't like people who use others to get what they want, although, I've been told... it's just the way it is in life. I love to laugh and through my own experiences, I hope that I can share some of life's little joys with you. I am 46 and probably in the midst of my fourth mid-life crisis...but, I'm real.
I've been fortunate to have had two great career opportunities that allowed me to expand my world beyond Mississippi. I am the kind of person who enjoys life, but most of all, I enjoy the people who make up life.
So... why, the Duchess.
For the past 10 plus years, my career has been in the hospitality industry. Two years ago, I found myself making a decision where I had resigned from a top executive position and was trying to determine what to do with my life. I knew that whatever it was... I wanted to stay connected. People... relationships were my passion. I had talked to a number of my friends and colleagues who had told me that consulting was the way to go. So... I decided why not give it a try, but I needed a name - a way to brand myself outside of what I had been known for during the past 10 years, so... being from the south... one thing that people always told me was never lose the southern hospitality that I had always shown others. With that thought in mind, The Pineapple Group LLC came to exist. The pineapple is the international symbol of hospitality and although, I am the only person in my company, I decided to go with group because I felt like if there was something that I couldn't consult on, I had the relationships to facilitate an introduction to the right person and... it's a known fact for those who know me... I love being with people. During the past two years, I have been fortunate to have worked with a small circle of companies that I do projects for and we became a family... the pineapple family as I like to refer to them. We were in Puerto R
ico for a venue visit for a project, enjoying a nice dinner and a great bottle of wine and one of my friends became hysterical with laughter. Of course, we all wanted in on it... and he pointed above my head, because he couldn't speak... and hanging above my head.. was a picture of a huge pineapple with the head of a royal. Huge Pineapple head and all... and under the photo... it said "The Duchess". After the laughter subsided, the i-phone photos taken... we toasted it as a sign..something that was simply meant to be. From that point, I became affectionately known as "the duchess of pineapple". It was a symbol of great times with great friends enjoying what life has to offer.
ico for a venue visit for a project, enjoying a nice dinner and a great bottle of wine and one of my friends became hysterical with laughter. Of course, we all wanted in on it... and he pointed above my head, because he couldn't speak... and hanging above my head.. was a picture of a huge pineapple with the head of a royal. Huge Pineapple head and all... and under the photo... it said "The Duchess". After the laughter subsided, the i-phone photos taken... we toasted it as a sign..something that was simply meant to be. From that point, I became affectionately known as "the duchess of pineapple". It was a symbol of great times with great friends enjoying what life has to offer. So, you're asking, why...start a blog out this way? To me, everything has to have a beginning... so, why not? Hopefully along the way, there will be something of interest and maybe something helpful too. Maybe a hotel or restaurant you might want to check out after reading my blog, a wine or cocktail...or maybe a life experience that you can relate to that... brings a chuckle or giggle or maybe a shared irritation. Most of all, I hope that you find my blog real... genuine and from the heart.
As we say in the south....ya'll come back now... ya hear.
Jen Robinson
Duchess of Pineapple
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