By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
It’s almost here and I’m excited! I feel so blessed to live in beautiful, Southern California, in a little doll’s house, with my Shih-Tzu, Krissy. I feel that 2009 is going to be a great year for our Country, my family and friends, and me personally … I can only wish the best for others, but I can personally change how I view my world, my life, and what I am manifesting… if that’s not who, what, or where I want to be! Wow, that’s powerful!
My mantra for the New Year is “To Thine Own Self Be True!” For me that’s a tall order because it means letting go of the restrictions and limitations I’ve placed upon myself and instead, see myself as a loving, deserving, worthy, nurturing, successful human being. It also means letting go of the expectations I’ve had and placed on others. It means respecting their view of the world without bemoaning they change to my way of thinking and doing. It’s called “live and let live!” This means I can travel lighter and let go of any emotional baggage I’ve bottled up, which only zaps my creativity and worthiness. Yes, it means getting rid of all the excuses, the coulds, woulds, and should and start living up to my full potential. It means being responsible! A noble undertaking indeed. Nobody else can do this for me. Just like nobody else could do my first Firewalk!
One of my goals this year is to write in my Journal on a regular basis. I find this is the best method for me to keep tabs on how well I’m living up to my dreams and goals and what I need to do to stay on track, should I veer off course.
Of course I’ve set both personal and professional goals for the coming year but I’m also keeping in mind that “less is more!” No more setting too many, or impossible, goals for myself. I intend to keep them manageable and doable. I don’t want to reach the end of the year, like this year, feeling burned out, unappreciated, and bogged down in minutiae.
To everyone out there, I wish you all a very healthy, prosperous and successful New Year! Do let me know how you are doing!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
IS CUSTOMER SERVICE DEAD?
By Shirley Carolan, ATM-G
Perhaps in my golden years I’m getting a bit naïve but I wonder whatever happened to the old adage “the customer is always right?” Did it go out of style with high button shoes? Are “20-somethings” not being taught the art of good customer service? Do they not know they are in a service industry/occupation? In essence, if it weren’t for people like me, who needed their employer’s services, they would not even have a job! So, what’s with young women who have this surly and indifferent attitude?
I did not want to ruin my holidays by ruminating on two incidents, that happened just before the holidays that have a common thread. And now, with the New Year fast approaching, I want to get out of the victim role and transcend them.
However, I felt like I was at the mercy of two behemoths: Tri-City Hospital and JC Penney. On November 24, 2008 I slipped and fell while walking my dog at 6:30 pm, smashing up my face and eye glasses. Mercifully, someone finally heard my moaning, called the paramedics and I was rushed off to Tri City Hospital by ambulance. Since I have a fractured back and total right shoulder replacement, I was unable to pick myself up and had no idea if I’d broken more bones – hence I needed the hospital’s emergency room services and x-rays.
On dismissal, about 9:50 PM I was given written follow-up instructions and walked to an exit door. When I asked could someone call me a cab to take me home, the young woman told me to go down the hall and tell the receptionist, on the left-hand side of the hallway, to call a cab. I tottered down the hallway, feeling a bit groggy and in a lot of pain, trying to see through my scratched eye glasses and made my request.
Thirty minutes later, I got my bearings and wobbled back through the emergency waiting room to the receptionist area. It was a different, much younger person on duty. I asked “How long does it take for a taxi to arrive?” She “didn’t know.” I asked could she please call the taxi company and find out if they had left yet? What seemed like ages, she dialed a number and said “I’ve got a woman here with an attitude …” I was too bewildered to remember what else she said. I stumbled back into the emergency waiting room as a cabbie came through the door calling my name.
I explained to the cabbie that I had no ID or wallet on me and she would have to wait while I went into my house to get money to pay for my fare.
As I slowly recovered from this second fall this year, the first in March when I fell and broke my nose, I realized that I could not see through my new eyeglasses, they were indeed scratched. I had just purchased them in August for $174.00 through JC Penney.
On December 8, I set out for JC Penney to see if the lenses could be saved. I gave my name and address to a young clerk and told her why I was there. She put that data into her computer and finally informed me that “the glasses were over a year old …” I took out my paid bill and insurance contract they told me I needed and showed them to her. I said “These eyeglasses are new and here’s all the documentation.”
She informed me that they, JC Penney, did not repair scratches and gave me a business card of a firm in Carlsbad that did. Then I showed her the insurance/guaranty form I had purchased from them and asked would new lenses be covered under this? What seemed like an eternity, I asked her what the problem was. She finally said “You bought these eyeglasses on sale. To replace the lenses will cost you $99.00.” I said “That’s not 10% of what I paid. There’s something wrong. Is this guaranty that I bought worthless?” She would not answer me.
Then, told her I was not interested in what the computer “said” I wanted the name and a website of the company who made the eyeglasses so that I could go on-line when I got home and research it myself. She would not give it to me. Another sales clerk wrote it on a post-it note and handed it to me. As I left JC Penney I told the young woman she needed more training in customer service, especially in dealing with senior citizens. She told me to come back and see her manager.
Neither of these incidents would have bothered me, I’m sure, had I not undergone severe trauma to my body, was in pain and my emotions were raw. Had I not had the accident, I would not have had to go to hospital emergency room, and I would not have to replace my new eyeglasses. Neither would I have encountered such rudeness from clerks working in a service industry. Perhaps someday they will even learn that the customer is their true employer!
My solution was not to go back to JC Penney and be insulted all over again but to start anew. I went to “Lens 4 Less” in Oceanside, talked to the owner, John DiBos, purchased a stylish Oleg Cassini frame, and had my new eyeglasses within a week! I was treated with respect, suggestions, and excellent service for far less money!
I guess the moral of the story is forget dealing with and buying from the big box companies, e.g., JC Penney, and deal with local merchants, small business owners, whom you can talk to face to face, negotiate with and get excellent service and value from.
Shirley M. Carolan
Speaker Writer Artist
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
artistwithaflair@att.net
www.shirleycarolan.com
http://angelscross.blogspot.com
http://smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Perhaps in my golden years I’m getting a bit naïve but I wonder whatever happened to the old adage “the customer is always right?” Did it go out of style with high button shoes? Are “20-somethings” not being taught the art of good customer service? Do they not know they are in a service industry/occupation? In essence, if it weren’t for people like me, who needed their employer’s services, they would not even have a job! So, what’s with young women who have this surly and indifferent attitude?
I did not want to ruin my holidays by ruminating on two incidents, that happened just before the holidays that have a common thread. And now, with the New Year fast approaching, I want to get out of the victim role and transcend them.
However, I felt like I was at the mercy of two behemoths: Tri-City Hospital and JC Penney. On November 24, 2008 I slipped and fell while walking my dog at 6:30 pm, smashing up my face and eye glasses. Mercifully, someone finally heard my moaning, called the paramedics and I was rushed off to Tri City Hospital by ambulance. Since I have a fractured back and total right shoulder replacement, I was unable to pick myself up and had no idea if I’d broken more bones – hence I needed the hospital’s emergency room services and x-rays.
On dismissal, about 9:50 PM I was given written follow-up instructions and walked to an exit door. When I asked could someone call me a cab to take me home, the young woman told me to go down the hall and tell the receptionist, on the left-hand side of the hallway, to call a cab. I tottered down the hallway, feeling a bit groggy and in a lot of pain, trying to see through my scratched eye glasses and made my request.
Thirty minutes later, I got my bearings and wobbled back through the emergency waiting room to the receptionist area. It was a different, much younger person on duty. I asked “How long does it take for a taxi to arrive?” She “didn’t know.” I asked could she please call the taxi company and find out if they had left yet? What seemed like ages, she dialed a number and said “I’ve got a woman here with an attitude …” I was too bewildered to remember what else she said. I stumbled back into the emergency waiting room as a cabbie came through the door calling my name.
I explained to the cabbie that I had no ID or wallet on me and she would have to wait while I went into my house to get money to pay for my fare.
As I slowly recovered from this second fall this year, the first in March when I fell and broke my nose, I realized that I could not see through my new eyeglasses, they were indeed scratched. I had just purchased them in August for $174.00 through JC Penney.
On December 8, I set out for JC Penney to see if the lenses could be saved. I gave my name and address to a young clerk and told her why I was there. She put that data into her computer and finally informed me that “the glasses were over a year old …” I took out my paid bill and insurance contract they told me I needed and showed them to her. I said “These eyeglasses are new and here’s all the documentation.”
She informed me that they, JC Penney, did not repair scratches and gave me a business card of a firm in Carlsbad that did. Then I showed her the insurance/guaranty form I had purchased from them and asked would new lenses be covered under this? What seemed like an eternity, I asked her what the problem was. She finally said “You bought these eyeglasses on sale. To replace the lenses will cost you $99.00.” I said “That’s not 10% of what I paid. There’s something wrong. Is this guaranty that I bought worthless?” She would not answer me.
Then, told her I was not interested in what the computer “said” I wanted the name and a website of the company who made the eyeglasses so that I could go on-line when I got home and research it myself. She would not give it to me. Another sales clerk wrote it on a post-it note and handed it to me. As I left JC Penney I told the young woman she needed more training in customer service, especially in dealing with senior citizens. She told me to come back and see her manager.
Neither of these incidents would have bothered me, I’m sure, had I not undergone severe trauma to my body, was in pain and my emotions were raw. Had I not had the accident, I would not have had to go to hospital emergency room, and I would not have to replace my new eyeglasses. Neither would I have encountered such rudeness from clerks working in a service industry. Perhaps someday they will even learn that the customer is their true employer!
My solution was not to go back to JC Penney and be insulted all over again but to start anew. I went to “Lens 4 Less” in Oceanside, talked to the owner, John DiBos, purchased a stylish Oleg Cassini frame, and had my new eyeglasses within a week! I was treated with respect, suggestions, and excellent service for far less money!
I guess the moral of the story is forget dealing with and buying from the big box companies, e.g., JC Penney, and deal with local merchants, small business owners, whom you can talk to face to face, negotiate with and get excellent service and value from.
Shirley M. Carolan
Speaker Writer Artist
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
artistwithaflair@att.net
www.shirleycarolan.com
http://angelscross.blogspot.com
http://smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
FRIENDSHIP IS GOLDEN!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
At this time of year especially, it’s nice to be surrounded by real/true friends; folks we can be ourselves with, let our hair down with, share our goals and dreams with, without worrying about being scoffed at or put down. Our families may not support us emotionally, and that’s too bad, but that is no reason to want to put our head in the oven! Folks can’t give what they don’t have! If they felt good about themselves, or loved themselves a little bit, they would not treat others unkindly.
It’s important not to go for “Tit for Tat!” It only wears you out and chances are good that you won’t win against your opponent, especially if s/he initiated the negative attitude/behavior/response. When you choose not to respond with “tit for tat” you will transcend your own limitations, rise above the personal feelings of hurt, shame, or inadequacy, and take back your power! Why give your power away to an idiot?
You will find your energy soaring when you realize that you are honoring your own principles and sanity. Until you personally experience the exhilaration of recognizing your true nature and power it’s difficult to appreciate your true value. But, when you learn to validate yourself the sky’s the limit! You will never again be beholden to folks who cannot support you emotionally!.
Tis far better to keep your sanity, realize they are doing the best they can, or know how at this point in time, and that’s all they have to offer, bless them, and let them go with love!
Enough of this soapbox! Treasure your friends! Let them know how much they mean to you. That doesn’t mean going overboard with expensive gifts. Rather, it is giving them the recognition they deserve, whether they expect it or not! Friendship is truly a give and take affair without the need for petty, limiting thoughts or, one-upsmanship. True friendship is money in the bank, better yet, it is priceless! So treat you friends with honor and respect and be sure to let them know how much they mean to you!
Happy Holidays!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker●Writer●Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
At this time of year especially, it’s nice to be surrounded by real/true friends; folks we can be ourselves with, let our hair down with, share our goals and dreams with, without worrying about being scoffed at or put down. Our families may not support us emotionally, and that’s too bad, but that is no reason to want to put our head in the oven! Folks can’t give what they don’t have! If they felt good about themselves, or loved themselves a little bit, they would not treat others unkindly.
It’s important not to go for “Tit for Tat!” It only wears you out and chances are good that you won’t win against your opponent, especially if s/he initiated the negative attitude/behavior/response. When you choose not to respond with “tit for tat” you will transcend your own limitations, rise above the personal feelings of hurt, shame, or inadequacy, and take back your power! Why give your power away to an idiot?
You will find your energy soaring when you realize that you are honoring your own principles and sanity. Until you personally experience the exhilaration of recognizing your true nature and power it’s difficult to appreciate your true value. But, when you learn to validate yourself the sky’s the limit! You will never again be beholden to folks who cannot support you emotionally!.
Tis far better to keep your sanity, realize they are doing the best they can, or know how at this point in time, and that’s all they have to offer, bless them, and let them go with love!
Enough of this soapbox! Treasure your friends! Let them know how much they mean to you. That doesn’t mean going overboard with expensive gifts. Rather, it is giving them the recognition they deserve, whether they expect it or not! Friendship is truly a give and take affair without the need for petty, limiting thoughts or, one-upsmanship. True friendship is money in the bank, better yet, it is priceless! So treat you friends with honor and respect and be sure to let them know how much they mean to you!
Happy Holidays!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker●Writer●Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
THIS WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
As many of you know, I have a penchant for falling and kissing the sidewalk! Last Monday night, November 24, was no exception. About 6:30 PM while walking my dog, Krissy, I tripped, fell on the sidewalk and smashed up my face. Somebody with a cell phone heard me screaming and paramedics rushed me to Tri City Hosp.
Mercifully, I didn’t break my nose this time, as last March, but I did manage to bugger up my teeth, lips, chin, and my eyeglasses are a total loss. While at the hosp. the Fire Dept. called in to say they had found Krissy and had locked her in my house, where she was when I got home at midnight.
And, this time, it was pitch black outside, so I have a good excuse but I’m determined to find out why I keep falling and breaking bones! Meanwhile, I am so grateful to be puttering around my home – it could be a lot worse!
Tuesday night while playing with my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, I detected a large, thick, lump on her back. Was it there last week when I took her in for her annual checkup and rabies shot? Did the vet miss it? H’m. I’d better call and take her in again. She was scheduled for Friday at 3:30 PM.
Thanksgiving was spent with my chiropractor and his family and was wonderful despite my “Halloween” appearance. This holiday is significant to my family since we boarded the SS America at Southampton, England on November 27, 1947 and set sail for America, arriving in New York on December. 4, 1947. It’s been an interesting 61 years.
Friday, the vet insisted the lump was not there the week before when he examined her but it needed to be removed immediately! They did some blood work and a biopsy and scheduled her for surgery at 8:00 AM Saturday morning.
I spent all day Saturday worrying about her and the severity of her condition. When I picked her up last night I didn’t recognize her. Her little 12 lb. frame seemed to have shrunk and she was all doped up. I quickly got over my worry as I settled the vet’s bill, $805.00! I know, I know you, can’t put a price tag on love and she’s my entire family!
It’s been an expensive week, when I tally all the drama up: the ambulance will cost $650.00 + emergency room treatment and x-rays. Plus cab fare home from hospital at midnight and now Krissy’s bill $805.00.
I’ve been up all night tending to Krissy. As I tried to get her out of the car to bring her into the house she screamed sending a blood curdling chill up my spine. She has part of her back (fur) shaved showing a 3 inch gash with tons of staples!! She goes back in 14 days to have them removed …
That was the week that was … and I’m glad it’s almost over!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
As many of you know, I have a penchant for falling and kissing the sidewalk! Last Monday night, November 24, was no exception. About 6:30 PM while walking my dog, Krissy, I tripped, fell on the sidewalk and smashed up my face. Somebody with a cell phone heard me screaming and paramedics rushed me to Tri City Hosp.
Mercifully, I didn’t break my nose this time, as last March, but I did manage to bugger up my teeth, lips, chin, and my eyeglasses are a total loss. While at the hosp. the Fire Dept. called in to say they had found Krissy and had locked her in my house, where she was when I got home at midnight.
And, this time, it was pitch black outside, so I have a good excuse but I’m determined to find out why I keep falling and breaking bones! Meanwhile, I am so grateful to be puttering around my home – it could be a lot worse!
Tuesday night while playing with my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, I detected a large, thick, lump on her back. Was it there last week when I took her in for her annual checkup and rabies shot? Did the vet miss it? H’m. I’d better call and take her in again. She was scheduled for Friday at 3:30 PM.
Thanksgiving was spent with my chiropractor and his family and was wonderful despite my “Halloween” appearance. This holiday is significant to my family since we boarded the SS America at Southampton, England on November 27, 1947 and set sail for America, arriving in New York on December. 4, 1947. It’s been an interesting 61 years.
Friday, the vet insisted the lump was not there the week before when he examined her but it needed to be removed immediately! They did some blood work and a biopsy and scheduled her for surgery at 8:00 AM Saturday morning.
I spent all day Saturday worrying about her and the severity of her condition. When I picked her up last night I didn’t recognize her. Her little 12 lb. frame seemed to have shrunk and she was all doped up. I quickly got over my worry as I settled the vet’s bill, $805.00! I know, I know you, can’t put a price tag on love and she’s my entire family!
It’s been an expensive week, when I tally all the drama up: the ambulance will cost $650.00 + emergency room treatment and x-rays. Plus cab fare home from hospital at midnight and now Krissy’s bill $805.00.
I’ve been up all night tending to Krissy. As I tried to get her out of the car to bring her into the house she screamed sending a blood curdling chill up my spine. She has part of her back (fur) shaved showing a 3 inch gash with tons of staples!! She goes back in 14 days to have them removed …
That was the week that was … and I’m glad it’s almost over!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
TOASTMASTERS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Tick Talk Toastmasters Club is a new member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. This is quite remarkable since we are a microcosm of a huge, world wide, non-profit, educational organization. Our club is pro-active and seized the opportunity to join the Chamber when one of our members, Debra Simpson, also a Chamber member, presented us with the challenge to get out of our comfort zone and spread the word about Toastmasters, Tick Talk Toastmasters in particular.
HOW We Do It!
We believe we can help business owners and their sales staffs reach new heights and more business by taking advantage of what Toastmasters has to offer: the opportunity, in a safe, professional environment, to learn how to communicate effectively, before an audience of peers, who will then give positive feedback on how well the presentation was given, as well as concrete suggestions as to where and how the individual can improve. This is invaluable feedback and gives the individual an opportunity to grow, gain confidence, and avoid the same mistakes repeatedly.
A great tool and benefit of a Toastmasters meeting is that everything is timed, thus members learn to give a verbal presentation in a specific time frame. They also learn how to put a speech/presentation together so that it embodies the techniques of good public speaking: an Opening, Body, and a Close, followed by delivery, vocal variety, and gestures.
Getting Your Feet Wet
Newcomers are encouraged to participate in “Table Topics” and practice the fine art of impromptu speaking! Before long, their confidence soars and they are ready to give their “Icebreaker” speech, thus introducing themselves, their company, their goals and objectives to the Club.
A Grammarian and an Ah Counter give reports at the end of each meeting so that members can learn where they need to pay attention, and how well they express themselves (grammatically).
Members are never left floundering for ideas or feedback. They receive a speech manual from Toastmasters International outlining their first ten speeches, with topic suggestions, delivery, and specific objectives for each speech. An evaluator is assigned to give instant, positive, feedback on each speech given. Once the ten speeches are completed they receive a badge from TI with their new designation “Competent Communicator.”
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPEECHCRAFT
Tick Talk Toastmasters is having a 6 week “SPEECHCRAFT” open to the public, starting in January. You’re invited! It’s a great opportunity to see firsthand how Toastmasters works, and how it can enhance your speaking, listening, writing and leadership skills! Yes, Toastmasters is more than just smacking your lips together and hoping something .
worthwhile comes out! We also have most professions represented: lawyers, chiropractors, therapists, teachers, etc. … those people who must address clients, students, etc.
Tick Talk Toastmasters meets every Thursday evening, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at Carlsbad-by-the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd. For more information: www.toastmasters.org. Our website is www.ticktalk.org. Our President, Doug Britton can be reached at: (619) 571-2263, or, info@ticktalk.org.
To Recap
When you join Toastmasters International you have joined one of the most prestigious, international, educational, organizations in the world! Not many organizations can boast this. It is among the largest, non-profit organization in the world! Members are committed to learning how to be better communicators, listeners and better leaders. This translates into being better workers, managers, leaders, teachers, parents, etc.
I look forward to meeting and greeting you at our next meeting!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Tick Talk Toastmasters Club is a new member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. This is quite remarkable since we are a microcosm of a huge, world wide, non-profit, educational organization. Our club is pro-active and seized the opportunity to join the Chamber when one of our members, Debra Simpson, also a Chamber member, presented us with the challenge to get out of our comfort zone and spread the word about Toastmasters, Tick Talk Toastmasters in particular.
HOW We Do It!
We believe we can help business owners and their sales staffs reach new heights and more business by taking advantage of what Toastmasters has to offer: the opportunity, in a safe, professional environment, to learn how to communicate effectively, before an audience of peers, who will then give positive feedback on how well the presentation was given, as well as concrete suggestions as to where and how the individual can improve. This is invaluable feedback and gives the individual an opportunity to grow, gain confidence, and avoid the same mistakes repeatedly.
A great tool and benefit of a Toastmasters meeting is that everything is timed, thus members learn to give a verbal presentation in a specific time frame. They also learn how to put a speech/presentation together so that it embodies the techniques of good public speaking: an Opening, Body, and a Close, followed by delivery, vocal variety, and gestures.
Getting Your Feet Wet
Newcomers are encouraged to participate in “Table Topics” and practice the fine art of impromptu speaking! Before long, their confidence soars and they are ready to give their “Icebreaker” speech, thus introducing themselves, their company, their goals and objectives to the Club.
A Grammarian and an Ah Counter give reports at the end of each meeting so that members can learn where they need to pay attention, and how well they express themselves (grammatically).
Members are never left floundering for ideas or feedback. They receive a speech manual from Toastmasters International outlining their first ten speeches, with topic suggestions, delivery, and specific objectives for each speech. An evaluator is assigned to give instant, positive, feedback on each speech given. Once the ten speeches are completed they receive a badge from TI with their new designation “Competent Communicator.”
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPEECHCRAFT
Tick Talk Toastmasters is having a 6 week “SPEECHCRAFT” open to the public, starting in January. You’re invited! It’s a great opportunity to see firsthand how Toastmasters works, and how it can enhance your speaking, listening, writing and leadership skills! Yes, Toastmasters is more than just smacking your lips together and hoping something .
worthwhile comes out! We also have most professions represented: lawyers, chiropractors, therapists, teachers, etc. … those people who must address clients, students, etc.
Tick Talk Toastmasters meets every Thursday evening, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at Carlsbad-by-the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd. For more information: www.toastmasters.org. Our website is www.ticktalk.org. Our President, Doug Britton can be reached at: (619) 571-2263, or, info@ticktalk.org.
To Recap
When you join Toastmasters International you have joined one of the most prestigious, international, educational, organizations in the world! Not many organizations can boast this. It is among the largest, non-profit organization in the world! Members are committed to learning how to be better communicators, listeners and better leaders. This translates into being better workers, managers, leaders, teachers, parents, etc.
I look forward to meeting and greeting you at our next meeting!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
O’ ROCKING CHAIR!
By Shirley Carolan, ATM-G
If you have a rocking chair and enjoy using it, then this article is for you! If you don’t have a rocking chair in your life yet, then I urge you to get one… whether you use it indoors or outdoors it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It’s also very therapeutic for your physical, mental, and emotional well being. Now, I know why President Kennedy appreciated his.
This morning, after I walked my dog, I decided to read the morning papers while sitting on my porch and gently rocking in my rocker. It was a beautiful morning, with the sun’s rays gently streaming down my body, a light breeze fluttered, and a stillness, bordering on peacefulness, filled the air.
Today’s news was positive … gone were the snide and cutting remarks of political parties, the rattling of old skeletons s in the closet, the candidates jockeying for position, etc. It was quite a relief to have the presidential and local elections over with and the results finally announced.
No more would I have to worry about whether or not to switch my party and vote for the opposing candidate. No more would I have to feel guilty if I did so. No more would I have to worry about the sanctity of marriage. As a naturalized American citizen I am proud to have voted and, I am proud to see my “adopted” country mature. I feel truly relieved.
As I put the newspaper away, I chose to spend a few minutes, with eyes closed just rocking in my chair. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven! I started to unwind and just let my mind wander. I was amazed at how grateful and privileged I felt. I had no ax to grind, nothing to prove, no regrets about aging, or fretting over health issues or finances. It was like an out-of-body experience. I felt like I was floating in the air, The birds sounded chirpier, the traffic was muted, my little Shih-Tzu was behaving, all was peaceful as I gently rocked to and fro in my rocker. I didn’t want the experience to end.
How happy I am I made the decision to redo my front porch this summer. Gone is the old outdoor carpeting, being replaced by a bright terra-cotta coat of paint over the cement. Nice rattan furniture, a sofa, a king-sized rocker, a queen-sized rocker, a lovely rattan coffee table, all surrounded by geraniums, chrysanthemums, grape ivy, jade and assorted evergreen plants. It has made this little doll’s house come alive!
Ah yes, I can now experience a glimpse of heaven whenever I want as I sit quietly rocking in my old rocking chair! Do yourself a favor and invest in one too. The benefits are enormous!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
If you have a rocking chair and enjoy using it, then this article is for you! If you don’t have a rocking chair in your life yet, then I urge you to get one… whether you use it indoors or outdoors it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It’s also very therapeutic for your physical, mental, and emotional well being. Now, I know why President Kennedy appreciated his.
This morning, after I walked my dog, I decided to read the morning papers while sitting on my porch and gently rocking in my rocker. It was a beautiful morning, with the sun’s rays gently streaming down my body, a light breeze fluttered, and a stillness, bordering on peacefulness, filled the air.
Today’s news was positive … gone were the snide and cutting remarks of political parties, the rattling of old skeletons s in the closet, the candidates jockeying for position, etc. It was quite a relief to have the presidential and local elections over with and the results finally announced.
No more would I have to worry about whether or not to switch my party and vote for the opposing candidate. No more would I have to feel guilty if I did so. No more would I have to worry about the sanctity of marriage. As a naturalized American citizen I am proud to have voted and, I am proud to see my “adopted” country mature. I feel truly relieved.
As I put the newspaper away, I chose to spend a few minutes, with eyes closed just rocking in my chair. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven! I started to unwind and just let my mind wander. I was amazed at how grateful and privileged I felt. I had no ax to grind, nothing to prove, no regrets about aging, or fretting over health issues or finances. It was like an out-of-body experience. I felt like I was floating in the air, The birds sounded chirpier, the traffic was muted, my little Shih-Tzu was behaving, all was peaceful as I gently rocked to and fro in my rocker. I didn’t want the experience to end.
How happy I am I made the decision to redo my front porch this summer. Gone is the old outdoor carpeting, being replaced by a bright terra-cotta coat of paint over the cement. Nice rattan furniture, a sofa, a king-sized rocker, a queen-sized rocker, a lovely rattan coffee table, all surrounded by geraniums, chrysanthemums, grape ivy, jade and assorted evergreen plants. It has made this little doll’s house come alive!
Ah yes, I can now experience a glimpse of heaven whenever I want as I sit quietly rocking in my old rocking chair! Do yourself a favor and invest in one too. The benefits are enormous!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
HURRY UP AND WAIT!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
The last five weeks have been extremely stressful and a real challenge for me. In fact, I put much of my life on “hold.” I had a health scare that bordered on terrifying. It all began with a simple annual physical, including some blood work on September 29. That afternoon I received a call telling me that more blood tests needed to be taken and to fast and return the next day. A week later my doctor informed me that I needed to see an oncologist.
That was my 2nd experience in “hurry up and wait.” Getting approval from my insurance company to see an oncologist of their choosing took another week! Getting an appointment with the oncologist took almost 2 weeks. More examples of hurry up and wait!
The oncologist ordered more blood tests (which my insurance company would not give her permission to take. I had to go to an insurance company lab resulting in more delays). Then an ultrasound was ordered.
Another week passed and still no word on a diagnosis of what might be ailing me. Since so much cancer runs in my family, I was really feeling quite nervous and upset. Once in a while I would catch myself silently crying. It took effort to say to myself “Now, Shirley, how would a national treasure handle this?” That thought was enough to calm me down. The woman who called me a “national treasure” back in September will never know the precious gift she gave me!
Since there is just my little Shih-Tzu and me I don’t have much family to share things with. My twin brother was off to New York and had his own challenges to handle. Fortunately, I have a few close, caring, and wonderful friends. They told me to keep my thoughts positive and reminded me that we attract what we think, whether that’s something we want or not. They also said that everything happens when it is supposed to happen. Therefore, let go of “hurry up and wait!”
Be that as it may, I decided to be pro-active about my health. I was not comfortable in my own skin any more. So, I called the oncologist’s office wanting to know the results of all the tests on Monday, October 20. I was told the doctor’s Assistant would get back to me. That didn’t happen.
This Monday, October 27 Dr. Frakes told me I do not have cancer or leukemia but my thyroid needs further testing and more blood work! While emotionally, mentally, and spiritually I feel so relieved and grateful, physically I am exhausted ... Now, I look forward to the results of the latest blood work. Also, I am learning that “hurry up and wait” seems to be the normal pace for the medical world and I am learning to live with it.
Meanwhile, I have just taken my life off “Hold” and intend to live it with gusto!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
The last five weeks have been extremely stressful and a real challenge for me. In fact, I put much of my life on “hold.” I had a health scare that bordered on terrifying. It all began with a simple annual physical, including some blood work on September 29. That afternoon I received a call telling me that more blood tests needed to be taken and to fast and return the next day. A week later my doctor informed me that I needed to see an oncologist.
That was my 2nd experience in “hurry up and wait.” Getting approval from my insurance company to see an oncologist of their choosing took another week! Getting an appointment with the oncologist took almost 2 weeks. More examples of hurry up and wait!
The oncologist ordered more blood tests (which my insurance company would not give her permission to take. I had to go to an insurance company lab resulting in more delays). Then an ultrasound was ordered.
Another week passed and still no word on a diagnosis of what might be ailing me. Since so much cancer runs in my family, I was really feeling quite nervous and upset. Once in a while I would catch myself silently crying. It took effort to say to myself “Now, Shirley, how would a national treasure handle this?” That thought was enough to calm me down. The woman who called me a “national treasure” back in September will never know the precious gift she gave me!
Since there is just my little Shih-Tzu and me I don’t have much family to share things with. My twin brother was off to New York and had his own challenges to handle. Fortunately, I have a few close, caring, and wonderful friends. They told me to keep my thoughts positive and reminded me that we attract what we think, whether that’s something we want or not. They also said that everything happens when it is supposed to happen. Therefore, let go of “hurry up and wait!”
Be that as it may, I decided to be pro-active about my health. I was not comfortable in my own skin any more. So, I called the oncologist’s office wanting to know the results of all the tests on Monday, October 20. I was told the doctor’s Assistant would get back to me. That didn’t happen.
This Monday, October 27 Dr. Frakes told me I do not have cancer or leukemia but my thyroid needs further testing and more blood work! While emotionally, mentally, and spiritually I feel so relieved and grateful, physically I am exhausted ... Now, I look forward to the results of the latest blood work. Also, I am learning that “hurry up and wait” seems to be the normal pace for the medical world and I am learning to live with it.
Meanwhile, I have just taken my life off “Hold” and intend to live it with gusto!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
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