2010's A Wrap - Bring On 2011

With a few days left in 2010, let’s call it a wrap.  Here’re some questions to help you close out this year.

Wrap Up 2010

What were the breakdowns and disappoints of 2010?   Get them out of the way.  Write them down and let them go. 

List your Successes, Wins, and Accomplishments.    Your list should have at least 25 wins on it.   Need reminding?  Check your calendar, Facebook, ask friends, etc. to review the year. Own that you really did these things. 

How are you personally and professionally different since 2010 began?    What did you learn?
This is the stuff MBA school doesn’t teach.  True insights have the transformational capability of shifting you into a new,  more alive place!

What are you most grateful for?   You’re using the basic principle:  whatever you appreciate and give thanks for will increase in your life.   This list could have at least 100 things on it.  Go ahead, be audacious and write them down.  Seeing is appreciating.

How will you celebrate your 2010 accomplishments?   This honors you, your tenacity and boldness.   It could be the beginning of an annual ritual.   What would be a fun, special thing to do for yourself?  With whom do you want to share it?

Now it's time to take the best of  2010 into 2011.   Create your New Year!   Bring on 2011.

How will you create your new year 2011?    Each year I select a theme to remind me daily how to be to accomplish my goals.   My 2010 theme is Be Bold, Be Happy, Play Big since I was tired of missing some goals.  I posted it in key places in my office, bathroom and frig so it's in my face.  Each time I think about being small, sad or shy, it reminded me they weren't the plan.  I love bright colors and art so I drew my theme big and bold.  What’s  your  theme?   What would it look like? What is a metaphor you can use?  Get creative, out of the box and have a good time with it.

What from 2010 do you not want to repeat?   Think about all events that happened within your company/department and the effect they had on you and your team.  Ask your associates for their ideas, too, if you’re at a loss.  These are hard, unforgettable lessons learned. 

What do you want more of that happened last year?    Include everything no matter how big or small. Ask your associates for this, too.

Where can you be fearless in 2011 regarding your business?    Get out of your way and step up to your greatness.    What one habit do you need to trash?

What’s the biggest personal goal you have?   Look at your life and wake up that idea or dream.  What is it? How can you breathe life into it, embrace it and make it happen?   Who can help you?  How would your life be if this happened?
If you answer candidly half these questions, you’re on your way to a smart 2011.  I’m rooting for you and your success.   Need some help?  Let me know – I’d love to hear your goals and ideas.  Make 2011 your smartest year yet. 

Get Outta My Way: 8 Ways to Stop Self Sabotage

“Oh, yes.  I’m glad to help you. “ Leslie said. “What do you need and when?”   Sally replied, “Tomorrow.  I know your inbox is full and you’re under deadline. I do need your help.  Thanks. That really helps me out.”
“A full inbox and under deadline is an understatement”, Leslie thinks.  “Already I’m late with my own  project and here I am saying yes.  Why did I do that?  Why didn’t I say NO?  I want Sally to like me …”
How many times have you done this?   You just sabotaged yourself - again.  How can you change that?  With the same clarity and cunning that your Inner Critic – aka the Bitch - uses, you can overcome your saboteurs.   Here’re a few ways to begin.
·         Know you have to change. Habits can get you ahead and habits will keep you stuck.  You’re leaving your comfort zone behind.  Make a decision to change and be willing to be uncomfortable until you assimilate new beneficial behaviors.
·         Notice what you say and what you think when you say it.  Are you saying yes when you want to say no?  Are you letting people waste your time and make you late?  Are you being polite so you won’t hurt their feelings? Pay attention to what you say and what you’re thinking as you say it. 
·         Ask what you’re getting out of sabotaging yourself.    Do you get to stay in your comfort zone?  Get to be liked?  Look good?  What’s in it for you to keep doing these things?
·         Explore different options/ways of behaving.  Rather than letting inane conversation eat up your time to be liked or polite, what would happen if you honored yourself and your time?  Could you say “Let’s talk more about this later.” and claim your time?  Remember the airlines have an agreement with you that the plane leaves with or without you.
·         What’s the smart woman’s way?  Look at mentors and leaders in Women in Insurance and Financial Services.   What do they do that you’re not doing?  What can you learn from them?

Busting your saboteurs is a process.  As much as I want to give you a quick fix, I can’t.  It’s a process and takes time.    Following are more proven methods to use and begin building a solid foundation.

·         Team up with a like-minded trusted friend who wants to shake her sabotaging ways.   Set each other up for success by agreeing to check in daily at first to review your behaviors, support each other and hold each other accountable to change. 
·         Include fun rewards for successes and incremental changes, no matter how small.   You are making progress and deserve rewards.
·         Acknowledge yourself for your successes and failures.  If you didn’t make a change, it’s ok today. Tomorrow will bring another chance to do it again. 

In Smart Women Make Their Own Rules, I write “Blessed is the smart woman who changes what gets in her way.  She shall have an easier life.” 

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly at Pinecone Hollow

From the opening game on April 15 to the last on Labor Day adventures in Pinecone Hollow Cafe I have blogged. It’s time to wrap up that adventure of research on leadership from the bottom up with this Good, Bad and Ugly critique from my cashier’s view.



The Bad


Tall Boss went off on me when I asked him if the soda machine, which was broken for 3 weeks,  would be fixed.


With the exception of tools for the cooks there were no tools to make our job easier, like opening 12 cardboard boxes a night. A knife was no where to be found. I brought my own box cutter. No more manicures sacrificed.


Today’s way of doing things is the opposite of yesterdays.


The temps in the Café ranged from 95 degrees at the registers to 115 degrees at the grills. Why pay big bucks to go to a sweat lodge when you can work at the Café and get paid to sweat!  It's a promise sweat will roll down your back.


The Ugly


Placido embarrassed all of us when he had a melt down and cursed where customers could hear him. At the same time he was slinging hot greasy squirrely fries into the trays so most fell on the floor where they were stepped on. Grease was tracked all over the floor so we had to walk very carefully during the busiest time of a sold-out night.


The Good


The big boys that cooked all the food were my angels. They reached boxes in high places, hefted heavy boxes I couldn’t and watched my back. And they made sure my food orders were filled in a timely fashion.  Bless those guys.


Wonderful music played by great bands serenaded us as we prepped for the evening’s work.  Usually it was beach music, my fave.  How did they know? 


Several customers tipped us.


There was usually a breeze on the ‘veranda’ on the second floor concourse, outside the Café door.


Many things happened to blog about from getting fired and rehired because the boss forgot he fired me, Hiker hit on me, and the antics of Pinces and Princesses.


And finally once on a sold out night all systems were on – everyone showed up 100%, even Princesses put their attitudes on hold for the jam. All jived perfectly – Dancing with the Stars couldn’t have done better. We created hundreds of happy fans. We proved we could work like a well-oiled machine.

And what did I get out of the whole experience? Compassion for the servers of the world who help me by doing their job, no matter what it is.  I'm kinder and gentler for having been a Squirrelette for the summer of 2010.


What Would You Do?

Friday morning was sunny and cool. After a client meeting I put some things in my car and noticed a woman leaning against a car two spaces away. She moved very little, looking relaxed as tho’ she was meditating. Who meditates in a parking lot? Especially this parking lot.


It’s a very trendy upscale shopping center where customers are highly controlled, uptight and buttoned up. Their classic stylish clothes help them blend in wherever they are.

Not wanting to scare her, carefully I approached the woman. A slurred reply to asking if she was alright told me she was not. She swayed, closed her eyes and leaned against the car again. I was afraid she’d fall over into the parking lot and hurt herself. Then she could get hit and cause someone else harm. What should I do?

From her answers to my short questions she mumbled “Get Tammy in Starbucks.”

Fortunately the car she leaned against was unlocked. I don’t know if it was her car and I didn't care. I opened the back door. With my guidance she sat down on the seat. At least if she passed out, she wouldn’t get hit by a car, I thought.

Into Starbucks I went. No one was Tammy. A young mother and the barista remembered the woman, saying she was acting odd. Together the young mother and I said we didn’t know what to do. My first thought was for the woman to be out of harm’s way, then to not cause harm for someone else. And what would be any backlash on me for actions I might take. What do you do?

The young mother, unable to find her sunglasses, went to ask the woman if she had them. A few minutes later the young mother returned, saying she found the woman passed out. The young mother went to the closest store where someone called 911 and rescue was on the way.

If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

Stupid or Smart?

Labor Day 2010 was a special day.  Not only was it a holiday marking unofficially the end of summer. It was Emancipation Day - my last day as an employee of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Placido, Pipper, Princess and I started at the first game April 15 and were amazed that we made it to the end.  Abe, Tall Boss, Princesses and Princes couldn’t take me out, even with firing! 
The last blog about Hiker and getting hit on brought many comments.  “he may call....I am betting yes.  fun to think about for sure-good for you!!”   “What a great story!  Let me know if he gets in touch...if not it is his loss for sure!”  were a few.   I so appreciate you reading the blog and taking time to send your cheers.
And this note came. “How many other 'smart' women set themselves up like this?  You can get hurt or worse.  What kind of example are you setting?”  she wrote.  I was expecting more of these. How many of you thought it?  
Here’s the rest of the story of why I gave so easily my contact information.  There was a huge high counter between Hiker and me with many people passing by.  It couldn’t have been more public.  The whole time Hiker was talking I was checking my intuition.  Was he slimy? Did I feel safe?  What was my gut saying? 
Hiker said his wife died in the previous fall and his 3 children were taking him under their wing.  Hence his visit to the Squirrels with his daughter who lived here.  His expertise in the financial end of healthcare takes him on consulting gigs around the world. We’d been to the same places in Asia and Africa, struggled with jet lag and had much more in common with international travel. That created a unique connection. 
He considerately stepped aside when I had to wait on customers and introduced himself properly to Abe.   Conversation was easy and natural, never contrived.  My gut said this guy is OK.  My bigger question was “Where were those kids and why was I the only person here to wait on customers? “ 

When he asked for my contact info, it was clear he’d thought about it and had a plan.  He made it easy as he handed his biz card to me with all his contact info while he asked for mine.  That was impressive - you gotta love a salesman.   With mission accomplished he turned and disappeared into the stands. 

And I felt great.  Face it, gals, it does wonders for your ego when one finds you attractive and lets you know it.

When Hiker left, the Princesses and Princes bounded out of the side room. Little did I know they were eavesdropping on every word. They got in my face, hugged me and congratulated me with high 5s, complements and big grins.  Princesses and I giggled with delight. 

They saw me differently.  I was one of them now because they got hit on, too.  Thanks to Hiker my struggle of connecting with them was over.   

About Hiker – still no contact. 

That's Why I'm Here.

It was a sold out night for the Flying Squirrels. We were slammed busy selling hot dogs and squirrely fries at Pine Hollow Cafe. With an endless line of customers, they begin to look the same as they stand in front of me. I chat with the ladies and banter with gents to pass time when they wait for their food. We laugh, they get their food and disappear into the crowd. Their face is replaced by the next one. "What can I get for you?" begins the next round. 

No people in line means a break to the side room to sip the allowed water and woof down my nutrition bar. With hunger pangs satiated, it's back to the register to serve more fans.

"What can I get for you?' I asked the man deliberately headed toward me. "That's why I'm here" he said The last time I heard that burgers weren't on his mind.

He went on to say he was enjoying the game with his daughter and her family. It was a special July 4th visit with them. Then I remembered earlier he'd been with a younger guy. They got "Hello Handsome. I love it when the best looking guys get in my line." my usual greeting to all guys. We chatted about things that escape me and soon I heard myself say in response to his comment " I'm single. If you're single, we can chat about that. Do you have a girlfriend?" to which he quickly added "I'm shopping but I haven't bought yet." And so our conversation went for a few light moments. "After you finish all that, come on back for more." I said as they headed into the crowd, arms loaded with food.

Now he really was back. He mentioned he'd gone hiking with his son in Peru and works around the world - now that's my kind of guy. No customers were in line so we talked for a few minutes. Every so often a customer would appear.

"What can I get for you?" I asked. "I'll have a jumbo Diet coke and Jumbo Fries." "Coming right up", I say as I look around to see that I am alone.

The Princesses and Princes have disappeared. With that order filled, Hiker comes back and we resume our chat. "Dang, here's another customer." I think. To Hiker I say "Would you mind stepping over there while I wait on these folks? I don't know where the other cahiers are." He politely accommodated me.

On we chat and here comes Abe, Tall Boss's boss, to clear my register as usual. Here I am being hit on and the big boss shows up. "I hope he understands." I think. This time Hiker isn't moving. What am I going to do? I introduce Abe to him and bingo, I found out his name as they shake hands. Am I embarrassed or what? This is bizarre. This is like being in a sitcom.

With Abe gone Hiker pulls out of his shirt pocket 2 blank cards, handing them to me with a request that I put my name and number on one and give it back. Is this guy smooth or what? One thing I've learned about successful salespeople is they know how to ask for the order. In my best print I honored his request. He put the card carefully in his pocket, said so long and away he went into the crowd.

Suddenly in my face were the Princesses and Princes, "You've got it going on. I can't believe you got hit on. Who knew! What'd he say? Are you going out with him?" they wanted to know. High fives filled the air with shouts of "Way to go!"

"Where were you? I asked. "Several customers got in line and I had to wait on them."

"We were in the side room listening." they beamed.

When I took this gig working for the Flying Squirrels, I never thought I'd be writing about this. And what began as an adventure has turned into research on leadership from the bottom up.   I'll blog more about that later.

For this Labor Day I'm sharing a humorous experience and a gift I've received - compassion for the people who wait on and help me.

As you celebrate your Labor Day holiday with family and friends, think about the people at your office that help you. As you go about this holiday weekend dedicated to working folks, in the moment share your smile with the strangers in front of you wearing those uniforms and laboring to help you have a good time.

Happy Labor Day to you and yours.

PS -  As for Hiker, he sure had all of us feeling good and having fun for an evening.  I still haven't heard from him. 

Ketchup slides off the fan

“Welcome back. I’m so glad to see you.” Placido greeted me as I showed up for the game on Wednesday, the day after I would be ‘no-show’.  Princess said “A friend of yours came by last night and I told them you didn’t work here any more.”

How did that happen? Here’s the rest of the story.

“This is bologna. I’m not standing for this.” I heard myself say. “They’re looking for more help and I was just fired. This is nutz and I’m not taking it.” But what to do was the question.

What began last spring as an adventure has turned into research about leadership from the bottom up. There is so much more to learn.

Placido didn’t stand up for me as a good employee, well trained, and training Princesses as they come on board. Tall Boss didn’t fire me to my face. Tall Boss knew from my requests to be off that my company was having an event on the 27th and scheduled me anyway.

Several days after the ketchup hit the fan, I called Tall Boss and told him my scheduling dilemma. “I was scheduled to work on the 27th. My company is having an event where my attendance is mandatory. Just like you have to be at each game. How can we work this out?” I asked.

His voice indicated he was unusually calm. He replied “That’s a Tuesday. It’s usually not a busy night. Don’t worry. I can cover for you.” Being one to jump on desired outcomes I said “So you want me to come in on Wednesday the 28th? To work as scheduled?”

“Yea. Come in. You’re covered for Tuesday.” Tall Boss verified.

Mission accomplished. And that’s the whole story.

Ketchup Hits the Fan

“Where were you Sunday?” Placido said. “I was at the John Mayer concert. I asked off that night.” I replied. “Well, you weren’t here and you’re a no show.” he continued.

“Okay, Placido, I don’t know what’s going on. I asked off.  Everyone knew I was going to hear John Mayer. I’m here tonight. What job do you want me to do?” “Oh, your usual cashier. Glad you’re here.” he said.

Tall Boss appeared with the register money prior to opening. “Smokie, you were a no-show last night. Where were you?"

This refrain is getting too familiar. If I’m one thing, it is reliable and on time. For heavens sake, that’s one thing I'm known for. On four or five occasions I’ve heard “Where were you last night?” Monday night is class. I made a commitment for this class every Monday night through mid Sept.

"What’s going on with the no-show?" I wonder. "I request time off as told. Placido, Tall Boss and fellow Handsomes and Squirrelettes know I won’t be there. They know it’s either class or my ‘real’ job. What’s the deal? Am I getting scheduled when he knows I won’t be there? Is this a set up? I’m a bottom-level-making-$7.50-per-hour-employee. What’s the problem?" I ask myself. One thing I’ve learned is that game night is not the time to discuss anything with Tall Boss. Note to self – this research on Leadership from the Bottom Up is interesting.

That evening the pace was leisurely with a steady line that moved quickly. Patrons were awake and remembered what they wanted when they got to me - a treat in itself. It was Scout night. Fry Guy was on top of Squirrely fries as that’s food of choice for Scouts of all genders and ages. Yes, there are food trends and patterns for various fan groups.

About 8:30 pm Placido said “It’s time to cut back. Smokie, you can go now. And Tall Boss said if you can’t be here next Tuesday, don’t come back.” “My company is having an event next Tuesday and I have to be there. I told Tall Boss that when I requested that night off and he understood. I think he heard me.” I recounted. “He said if you can’t be here next Tuesday, don’t come back.” Placido repeated. “So I’m fired?” I asked. “Guess that’s right.” Placido said quietly. I was fired. Where is Donald Trump's flair and showmanship?

Wanting to leave on good terms and take the high road, in a state of shock, I went to each Handsome and Squirrelette, told them how much I enjoyed knowing them and wished them the best of everything. Princess gave me a big hug. To my surprise Placido asked for a hug and said “I’m going to miss you.”

Lessons Learned on the Job

Adventure with the Flying Squirrels is multifaceted. Lest you think it’s all about baseball, after 27 games at Pinecone Hollow Café, much has been learned. Here’re a few lessons from a bottom-level, don’t think about work after you clock out, employee.
1. A diverse team of 4 generations has rhythm to do the job with finesse and minimum spills.
2. One can drink a fountain soda without lids or straws. If you must have lids and straws with your sodas at the Diamond, you’d better bring your own.
3. Like Microsoft Vista, cashiers’ brains and touch screen registers shut down at peak times.
4. In the queue, there is a zone where customers mentally go away, forget where they are and why they’re there.
5. Customers can’t talk on the phone and order food at the same time. So much for multitasking.
6. Opening cardboard boxes with my bare hands builds muscle and ruins manicures. At the risk of sounding like a feminist, isn’t that why there are strapping young men working there?
7. When a guy says “That’s why I’m here.” in reply to “What can I get for you?,” he’s not looking for burgers or fries. More on that later.

The Star Sprinkled Banner

“National Anthem. Stop what you’re doing. Take your hat off.” yells Pipper. A FUNN Staff rule is to stand still, hats off, during the playing and singing of the National Anthem. I’m loving showing respect for our country. The crew know I’m the anthem nazi (is that an oxymoron?) about it and get choked up and teary when I hear it.

“Princessaaaahhhhhh Princess, put your phone down and stop. It’s the National Anthem.” I say under my breath. If looks could kill, I’d be waving my banner in the sky.

Customers are surprised. At first, they kept talking and ordering. I did the Post Office routine (I’m not seeing you) and ignored them. With a look of total surprise I saw the light bulb come on their faces and they got that it’s the National Anthem and everything stops for it, including them.

All kinds of singers have their time with opening the game by song. It’s American Idol tryouts baseball style. The Anthem is very difficult to sing, according to Placido. It’s also long. At the quickest it takes about 3 minutes. That doesn’t sound long but when burgers are ready to come off the grill, that’s a problem.

One night a young woman was giving it her best, most reverent, deliberate shot. And the burgers burned. Another night the singers were children, their tiny sweet voices not audible at Pinecone Hollow Café. Customers were standing still, a few were enjoying their beers, others were shushing their family. No one was hearing it. There everyone stood, facing the flag.

I love to sing so I started singing in the second line…”what so proudly we hailed”. Princess took over the musical presentation, thankfully. She belted it out like nobody’s business. We were glad, excited and surprised! Turns out she’s a trained singer and sings professionally! Who knew!

Between Placido and Princess I’ve learned more about pitch and singing than imagined. We want to hear them sing a duet. Perhaps they will when we can’t hear the singer on the field.

Another time the young woman struggled with the pitch, notes and words. I’ll give her credit for standing before the large crowd as she deliberately gave it her karaoke best. The pitch and tempo she slaughtered. Then she sang “oh, say does that star sprinkled banner yet wave…”

That star sprinkled banner is still waving over the land of the free and the home of the brave. Happy Birthday USA!

Learning to Jive

Pinecone Hollow Café is a long slot of space painted Flying Squirrel gray. It’s about 40 feet long and 11 feet wide. One third of it is the storage room, the rest is cooking and serving space. The back is lined with deep fryers, grills and refrigerators, all the things that get hot. The front is the customer service area lined with registers and soda machines. In between is space for 14 of us to walk, zig and zag without hitting each other. After 60 minutes we finally get a rhythm, dancing with fervor and finesse with hands loaded with sodas, burgers, tenders and fries.

Princess yells “The soda machine isn’t working.“ “Oh great. I’ll call the Coke man.” says Placido, taking a break from wrapping burgers to radio for help. In short order Coke Man arrives and with skill you’d expect, sodas are flowing again. If only Skywire would show up and get the register going. It’s hot over here at the grill. How many hot dogs and buns have I wrapped?" I'm thinking. (Would you believe 800?)

The game is SOLD OUT! That’s good news. Being a part of the excitement, providing fun for the customer and doing the café jive with new friends really is exciting and stretching me big time. That is why I’m doing this, right?

“Big, tuck in your shirt tail. It’s the dress code. Tall Boss is on the way.” Placido says. Thank heavens for shirt tails. It covers up those drawers hanging out. I am so glad they’re wearing drawers – otherwise I'd surely be mooned.

“Blackberry, you keep checking that thing. Are you waiting for a note from Nutzy? All the Princessahs must be expecting to hear from him too. Are you having a contest to see who gets the note first?” I ask. We’re in the storage room taking a break and drinking water to replenish ourselves. My ears are ringing from all the conversations. It’s a baseball Tower of Babel.

Break is the 2 minutes when we’re drinking water, sweeping, straightening up, getting some food under the heat lamp and drinking more water.

It’s back to wrapping dogs for Doggie Dude and burgers for Burger Guy. We’re grooving with the Pinecone Hollow jive, zigging and zagging in the aisle.

As happens to all good things it’s time to close the Café which takes 45 minutes. The point is to clean up and be ready for tomorrow’s business. 14 of us work there and there are 14 ideas of clean. My area is where I began – the lifeless cash register. While fans animatedly leave the Diamond, the Funn Crew is having a different experience.

My legs are throbbing, feet are stinging. I am worn out. With all tools in everyone’s hands, Pinecone Hollow Café is clean and ready to jive in tomorrow.

The Funn Squad is dirty and droopy. I wonder if those spongy insoles would make a difference. The parking lot is two blocks away - much too far away. Wish there was a trolley to take me there. "Feet, don't give out yet," I pray. Slowly I crawl to my car dragging my lifeless tail behind me. Prayer's answered again.

Living a Chinese Fire Drill - Part 2

Hot dog orders were piling up. Doggie Dude was sinking fast. All the food in the Café is frozen and those hot dogs were double frozen. Doggie Dude was rolling them on the grill just to speed up thawing. Once nicely cooked and brown he stuck them in the bun and it was taking too long to nicely cook and wrap.

I have wrapped presents and sandwiches and I’ve unwrapped plenty of hot dogs to dress them. It couldn’t be hard. Doggie Dude needed to concentrate on cooking them. I watched him wrap one and I was trained. Like Skywire said “It’s easy.”

I had a job! Anxiety was gone. My job was secure because those suckers disappeared every time we’d get one in the hot box. Princess had a hungry customer wanting 12 of them.

Princess and Princessahs were shouting their orders for us: 10 hotdogs, 5 chicken tender meals, 6 squirrely fries, 3 ¼ large cheeseburger meals. Doggie Dude and I are wondering what these people look like that are getting all this food. Hadn’t anyone eaten before they came? Blackberry was checking his blackberry for Lord knows what between every customer. “One more plain burger meal. 12 squirrely fries. Eight hotdogs.” all the Princessahs yell.

Tender Chic was working the deep fry baskets of fries and tenders with both hands, fries flying everywhere as she filled meal and jumbo orders. “This is really hot. Watch. I’m coming through.” “How many orders do you want?”

On a scale of 1 to 10 this Chinese fire drill was a 12 and rising! No one had worked together or done the job before and we were drinking from the fire hose.

“They just radioed me The National Anthem’s started. Stop.” yelled Pipper. Yea! Finally I can stop and turn around and see who’s ordering all this food. A Flying Squirrel rule is to stop what you’re doing, remove your hat, and stand stone still while the national anthem is played. We’re told “Don’t worry about the customers. They’ll catch on.”
I’m loving this. I can be an anthem nazi when it comes to respect and exhibiting proper behavior when it’s played. My world travels have given me much pride and high regard for our symbols of freedom and all that America stands for. That’s enough about my soap box now. Back to the fire drill.

Customers waited in line patiently. Nothing better than starving customers to serve. They kept us informed of game status when they left the stands about 60 minutes earlier. No kidding – that’s what they said and they were pleasant. They knew we were doing the best we could. Princess did have fries thrown at her by one woman. I wish she hadn’t done that. Someone was waiting for that order.

My legs are beginning to ache and my feet are throbbing. I wrap another hot dog. Does anyone have some aspirin? Where is the rubber mat to stand on? Oh, there isn’t one. Tennis shoes are little cushion on this concrete floor. I forgot my spongy insoles and my binoculars. How unprepared can one be?

Life with the Flying Squirrels at Pinecone Hollow Cafe - Part 1

It was April 15. With my tax extension safely filed and out of mind off I went to work at Pinecone Hollow Café. It’s the third-base third-floor concession stand at the Diamond, home of Richmond's Flying Squirrels. My official uniform is standard issue: ball cap and red t-shirt proclaiming FUNN STAFF. Decked out with khaki pants and tennis shoes, I met my co-workers for this exciting sold-out opening night. And the fun began.

Actually it was a Chinese fire drill – squirrel style. This blog is about life at Pinecone Hollow Cafe. Names have been changed to protect the obvious.

Placido quickly told us some rules – shirt tails tucked in, no eating on the job, etc. Skywire cruised in to show us how to work the newly-installed, never-used cash registers. “It’s easy. It only takes 2 minutes to learn. I’ll be around to help.” He said as he reeled off instructions. It’s a touch screen with the menu in print so small binoculars are needed to see it. And I didn’t have them with me. What was I thinkin’ leaving home without them!

What a team we are. Placido is the manager and boss of Pinecone Hollow. Tender Chic whips out yummy squirrelly fries and chicken tenders, Burger Boy flips the burgers and Doggie Dude grills hot dogs on the 'back line'. I’m part of the ‘front line’ with Big, Blackberry, Princess and assorted Prettys. (I’ve been on front lines before because I’m short and this is a whole different front line.)

My teammates are in their late teens, early twenties, one 40-something and I. For most it’s their only job, for others it’s a second job. Honestly I wouldn’t know any of them if I weren’t here. And that’s why I’m here – to stretch and grow personally.

The view from our nest is a beer stand against earth-toned gray concrete interrupted by people cruising by - unless they're standing in line waiting for food. There is always a breeze coming down the concourse. A sliver of grandstand seats and sky is visible through an arch.

It’s Opening night – sold out at 9,000+ tickets. And 5,000 of them are standing in front of our cafe to get their food and beverage!

We'll learn how it all works in a jiffy. We're ready.

The concern I had about reading the screen was for naught as the register shut itself down in the middle of my second sale. Mr. Skywire "I'll be around" was nowhere to be found. And no one knew how to fix it. Such relief I felt.

And anxiety. Instantly I was jobless and scads of people were lined up for food. Oh no! PLAY BALL!

Every Woman's Edge

In a recent radio interview for www.radiogogirl.com hostess Jen Towner asked the age-old question. “How do we get our sexy back?” That implies sexy got lost. Just look at today’s women and you’ll see that indeed their sexy has gotten lost. Glimmers of it are few and far between.

I’m not talking cleavage and too tight clothes and skirts up to your bum.

I’m talking about every woman's essence. It’s nothing you can hold in your hand like chocolate. It is a feeling, an attitude, a confidence, an edge that every woman has.

Sexy got laid aside to work careers for pay and to work your other non-paying job for family. Nothing is left for the woman part of you. Tired you fall into bed, too tired for more than sleep. The next day you get up and do it all over again.

No wonder sexy got left out or tossed out with dirty diapers. Now back to Jen’s question "how do we get sexy back?"

There’re several tips for busy gals on the go with fast careers. Here’re two to start with.

First fall in love with your best feature. Cherish it like your best piece of jewelry or favorite person. Whether it’s your eyes, shoulders, legs, bum, chin or whatever, own it and adore it.

Tip # 2 is Smile. Yes, smile. You can do that on the run. Smiles light up you and everyone around you. People hear them over the phone and respond positively. And it takes only 14 facial muscles. Wouldn’t you rather have smile than frown lines?

The professional woman’s authenticity shines when she’s sexy and owns that part of herself. Sexy is the edge every woman has.

More Lessons from The Celebrity Apprentice

Round three continues gals (Tenacity) against guys (Solidrock). They were to produce an advertorial (whatever that is) for Norton 360 and Life Lock. As usual group meetings decide the project manager and tasks are handed out to make the winning project. Winning is the goal.

Here’re some lessons learned from celebrities in this show to raise money for their fave charity.

1. Be clear about every area of the project, especially the outcome you want. Summer couldn’t explain clearly to their photographer what they were doing so he knew how to capture what she wanted.

2. Know how to use a computer. Rod Blagojevich couldn’t turn the computer on to do research he was asked to do. I don’t care if he did run a state with 60,000 employees, as he says. This is 2010 and he needs to know computer basics, like how to turn it on and type more than hunt and peck.

3. PowerPoint can have too much copy on it. The guys presentation had so many words explaining what the product did that it couldn’t be read. The type looked like scribble because it was too small. Don’t they know pictures speak a thousand words?

4. It’s OK to quit. Darryl Strawberry volunteered to be fired because he 'sorta' wanted to go home. His body language and degree or lack of participation from the beginning showed he was so over The Celebrity Apprentice.

If you want to learn business, how the dice rolls, and how to deal with egos, tune in. The lessons are too many to count. And talking straight, like Donald Trump does, is the best practice of all. You may not like it and he doesn’t care. It works.

The Coaches Voice

“I could hear my coach clearly. His voice was loud telling me what to do.” Speedy Peterson said. While he was almost suspended 50’ in the air twisting and turning his body with skis attached, he could hear clearly every word his coach was saying.

“I was really calm for some reason,” Peterson said of the moments before the jump that moved him from fifth to second place in the final round of the night of the 2010 Winter Olympics. “I was just out there for myself having fun. It was everything that I could have imagined.”
You can see his jump at http://tinyurl.com/y9pbbtn.

Isn’t that how the best times happen? You’ve practiced til you could scream and you know you’re ready. You take the chance and go for it. When you show up fully being 100% you, knowing your support team is there for you completely and having fun like you’re ‘in the zone’, you are a winner.

Many times clients tell me that when they do something they've been coached on in our sessions, they hear my voice saying, “Why are you doing that? How does get you to your goal?” Having your coach in your corner, showing up and doing your best can be the road to a gold medal in business and life.

February Resolution Done!

I’d heard about the Sunday afternoon jam @ Cary St. Café. Off I went on 2010 Resolution to do something new for February.

As many as 15 musicians of all ages and sizes gathered with fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo and bass to jam Sunday afternoon. They filled the tiny stage. Colorful instrument cases spilled onto the floor.
They played lively tunes easily with finesse. The rhythm set even a person without rhythm tapping feet and moving to the beat.

Friends played cards at the bar after solving the crossword puzzle of the day. A student played on his Mac. Groups of 2 and 3 drank their adult beverages and gabbed – each talking louder than the other to be heard. Universal cheers went up from hockey fans watching the Canadians vs. USA in Olympic ice hockey.

Jessica kept me supplied with favorite snacks - chips with their signature homemade salsa and diet coke.

Like Cheers where everyone knows your name, there was camaraderie for everyone on a chilly Sunday afternoon in February at the Cary St. Café.

To Make or Not To Make Resolutions

Who hasn’t made a resolution to ditch it a few weeks later. Resolutions don’t work, I think, because they’re declared in a moment of irritation, they’re not fun and they are not connected with values. 2010 is the year I resolved , that’s right resolved, to do something I’ve never done before every month. They are the only criteria: haven’t done it before and do it monthly. My January resolution came early.
The thermometer said 22 degrees. (That's enough to turn me back. I don't like cold.) The sky was clear, the sun shining brightly. It was my first resolution day - the day I was going to laughter yoga at Yogaville. I’d read about it and decided that would be fun since laughing is a favorite activity. I signed up for the full day package, including lunch and dinner. This first time I’m jumping in completely.
I’d heard about Yogaville for years. The two hour drive went quickly as I wondered what the day would be like, who’d be there, what the food was like. The temperature was 18 degrees as I pulled into the parking lot.
The friendly host in the Visitor Center greeted me with “Welcome. You’ve come a long way. You need a cup of tea.” “First I need the restroom.” I said hurriedly. “It’s down the hall there.” said a sock footed woman. Information had said to wear warm socks as shoes weren’t worn in the buildings. Note to self: wear slip on shoes next time.
Registration was in the building across the grass (make that snow) square. I took off my shoes the second of eight times, to be told the proper building was behind me. Finally I got to the right building. The sock footed woman was Renee, who told me what to expect.
Laughter is very therapeutic. It produces endorphins, T cells to fight infections, reduces stress and exercises muscles. It’s contagious. And it feels good. Just try to be with someone laughing and not giggle at the least.
Laughing makes you hungry, too. After a round of Yoga Laughter, excitedly I went to lunch, curious to experience it. And tt was an experience. The salad bar had the usual fare. The hot lunch was various veggies. Nowhere was there meat or white bread, my usual lunch sandwich. I ate at the table designated the silent table to see if I could eat in silence. That was easier than drinking hot tea without my customary spoonful of sugar. Lunch affirmed I am a carnivore.
After lunch I toured Yogaville, 800 plus acres bounded by the James River in Buckingham County, Va. It is mountainous, beautiful and well kept. Buildings are scattered around the property. Lotus is the focal point, a picturesque place of meditation, and geese feeding in surrounding ponds.
After I raided my car to find a sweet peppermint treat, another laughter yoga class rounded out the day. This time my voice was hoarse and my face hurt from laughing. A nap and diet coke would’ve been perfect.
Dinner was served at dusk. Again the salad bar was the usual fare. Very tired broccoli and shriveling baked potatoes rounded out the veggies. Both screamed out for butter, sour cream, cheese. None to be found. Don’t even think about sugar. And so went dinner. Note to self: bring candy.
After dinner for the last time I put on my shoes, laced them up and walked to my car. A resolution was complete as I left Yogaville. The temperature was 34 degrees.
Still yearning for meat and sugar, eight miles from Yogaville I stopped at the first convenience store and bought a Milky Way. It tasted soo good as I drove down the highway headed home. And the next day the lunchtime juicy hamburger on squishy white bread was the best food I’ve eaten in ages.
Who says resolutions are hard to keep?

Snow Hysteria Richmond Style

For days weather forecasters are predicting the unappreciated – snow. In sunny VA sun is our major snow remover along with any vehicle that holds a blade large enough to push snow and person with a shovel attached to their arms. Activities are cancelled. Driving is dangerous because we don’t know how to drive in snow. Hysteria takes over.

The sun is shining through thin clouds this morning. Grocery store parking lots are full. Shelves inside the stores are emptying. (Could this be a stimulus plan?) Stores do a landslide business as shoppers buy three weeks of supplies to ride out the approaching storm.

Neighbor Patsy called after I finished putting my newly purchased provisions away.

“It’s going to snow. Do you have a snow shovel?” she asked.

“Absolutely not. I live here so I don’t need one.” I replied. Curious I asked “Why do you need one?”

“In case I can’t get out my door. “ she said.

When I asked where she was going, she said, “No where. It was 24 hours before my walk was shoveled after the last storm. And I wondered if we had to shovel our own walk.”

“Only if you like to shovel snow and can't wait.” I quipped.

Patsy and I laughed with each other because we had drunk the kool-aid and were infected with hysteria.

Unappreciated snow I really appreciate. I’m looking forward to tapping my fresh supply of hot chocolate, watching snow fall and reading while wrapped up in my zebra-stripped snuggie.

Create your 2010 smartly

January is the time for new beginnings. The cool short days now are perfect for thinking about what’s really important to you. You may not be able to do much about the recession. You can do a lot to have a great year. Here are some different ways to plan your year.
What are three main goals to accomplish this year? What’s important about them? How will your life change because you met them?
What one thing can you do that brings out the best you? Is it to join the gym and actually use it to firm up flabby arms and jelly belly?
What change can you make that will improve your life right now? Is it to clean out your closet, fix the broken drawer, clean the winter debris off the garden?
What change do you have to make? When does it need to be done? Probably the sooner the better.
Where can you lighten up?
What skill do you need to improve or develop?
What habit do you want to develop?
How can you put more fun in 2010? Perhaps a regular date night, a monthly night out with the girls, going to a new place for dinner, wear a pin upside down and see who notices, wade in a fountain, join a book club.
How can you do more of what you love to do? My favorite is laughing. Try it: laugh a good ole hard belly laugh ‘til your jaws and sides hurt because you laughed so hard.
What are you excited about?
What wacky, crazy thing do you want to do? This is the year to do it so get going.
Who can help you? While this life is do-it-yourself, it isn’t a do-it-alone job.
What do you want to be able to say on Dec. 31 about your life this year? And finally, if you had a theme for 2010, besides tie a knot on your rope and hold on, what would it be? Ask your teammates at work to pick one for the department and listen to an energizing conversation.
It’s a new year, new you and new times never experienced before. Go for it. Create your 2010 smartly.

Sometimes Good Enough is Good Enough

This holiday began with vacation with Don and friends. In great excitement I packed carefully for one full week at the beach. Extra winter gear for walks on the beach, batteries for the camera, food, presents to exchange and a 4’ tree filled the car. The tree was naked - to be dressed and lighted beach-side.

Since it was my first Christmas at the beach I decided ornaments would be whatever I found on and near the beach. Being a recovering complusive shell-picker-uper it was easy to find “ornaments” to dress the lighted bare tree. Shells strung with colorful ribbons did the trick. Feathers, pinecones, and lichen covered sticks added finishing touches.
The Christmas tree passed all expectations. To complete the image I took the tree to the edge of the water and took its picture. Geese and swans were feeding in the water nearby. Desiring a more authentic scene I placed the tree on the dock railing where birds and water made the perfect background.

I stepped back, centered the tree in the camera lens and felt a gust of wind. Crash went the tree to the dock floor as Don yelled “Oh no!” Branches fell out. Shells scattered and broke. Feathers laid in goose poop.

With his help the fallen tree and its dressings, minus feathers, were picked up and carried back to the cottage for a make-over.
Many minutes of fussing and re-doing produced a different look for the tree. It had a slight list to the right, lights were reworked and it was adorned once more with nature’s ornaments. Proudly it stood as if it had never wrecked, doing its job towering over presents and shells too big and heavy to wear.

“What does a Christmas tree have to do with 2010?” you’re asking.

The plan for the tree was carried out just right. I messed with it, unknowingly putting it jeopardy. The wind blew it over, changing everything around.

You have your 2010 plan. A force unseen and unexpected change can come along and change everything. 2009 is a testimony to that. Help from unexpected partners is available. The repair job gets you on track again.

Someitmes good enough is good enough.

Happy 2010 to you and yours. I hope all winds blow in the favored direction.