By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Maybe customer service is not dead after all but it’s certainly dormant in many cases. If you’ve ever experienced poor customer service from a company or institution that supposedly prides itself on good customer relations then you have a right to complain and let them know how you feel. Obviously, it pays to be clearheaded when you decide to let the “violators” know precisely what, when, where, how, who, happened, etc.
Last November I experienced very poor customer service at a local hospital, where I was rushed by paramedics in the early evening hours after a severe fall, requiring x-rays and medical treatment. The discharge was very sloppy, uncaring, and traumatic.
When I later received a letter from them asking me to complete a “patient satisfaction survey” on how well they performed their jobs, I decided to be honest and share what I experienced which meant reliving a painful experience. I thought that would be the end of it.
Lo and behold, on Friday, January 30, 2009, I received a phone call from Mike DeMott, Director of Performance Improvement at Tri City Hospital. He apologized profusely for the staff’s behavior. He also said he would like to read my letter aloud to the medical and office staff at their next meeting. He said it will go a long way to improve their customer relations since it was an actual experience and not a textbook lesson.
I told Mr. DeMott that since the survey wanted me to express my opinions honestly, and that they would be confidential I chose to answer it. I also thanked him for calling and expressing his concern and offering an apology again for the staff’s inadequate behavior.
This episode has restored my faith in this hospital. It wasn’t the first time I’ve received emergency medical treatment there and, it may not be the last. Now, I am over my misgivings and grateful that I took action.
Maybe that’s the lesson to learn – when you encounter bad or rude customer service speak up and let the powers to-be know about it!
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.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
SOMETHING NEW’S BEEN ADDED
By Shirley M. Carlan, ATM-G
One of my goals for this year is to add a short video of meaningful clips and music that I feel represents the essence of who I am, what I am, and what I feel is important in my life today. .. my “philosophy of life.” A tall order you might say …very metaphysical indeed. Why that theme instead of something related to your writing and speaking skills? Good question!
After spending many hours at the end of last year assessing what I enjoy about my life and what no longer serves me, I decided to keep it simple and not promote the business side in my video Writing and speaking will always be an integral part of my life, like breathing, and I will continue those activities and promote them separately. .
Lo and behold, after looking at many videos out there and wondering if I should invest in one, I discovered a local source quite by accident. Darlene Siddons is a friend and business colleague who started a video clip business last year, as one of her many successful ventures. I found her website video very inspirational and uplifting and decided that I wanted my own video. What you just saw was created by Darlene. I supplied the sayings and Darlene provided the slides and music and put it all together for me. If you would like more information please contact Darlene directly at: www.spiritedboutique,com., or, 760-.726-8390. She is easy to work with, very professional, creative, reasonable, and wants you to be successful.
To view the video please click on the following link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZntvslTMlkQ.
Your comments and emails are always welcome so feel free to leave me a note.
One of my goals for this year is to add a short video of meaningful clips and music that I feel represents the essence of who I am, what I am, and what I feel is important in my life today. .. my “philosophy of life.” A tall order you might say …very metaphysical indeed. Why that theme instead of something related to your writing and speaking skills? Good question!
After spending many hours at the end of last year assessing what I enjoy about my life and what no longer serves me, I decided to keep it simple and not promote the business side in my video Writing and speaking will always be an integral part of my life, like breathing, and I will continue those activities and promote them separately. .
Lo and behold, after looking at many videos out there and wondering if I should invest in one, I discovered a local source quite by accident. Darlene Siddons is a friend and business colleague who started a video clip business last year, as one of her many successful ventures. I found her website video very inspirational and uplifting and decided that I wanted my own video. What you just saw was created by Darlene. I supplied the sayings and Darlene provided the slides and music and put it all together for me. If you would like more information please contact Darlene directly at: www.spiritedboutique,com., or, 760-.726-8390. She is easy to work with, very professional, creative, reasonable, and wants you to be successful.
To view the video please click on the following link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZntvslTMlkQ.
Your comments and emails are always welcome so feel free to leave me a note.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
HOW TO STREAMLINE YOUR SPEECHES!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
My Toastmaster Club, Tick Talk Toastmasters of Carlsbad, CA, recently joined the local Chamber of Commerce. We wanted to build our membership and felt that business owners, companies, professionals, sales staff, etc. would benefit greatly from knowing how Toastmasters can help them communicate better, in both their professional and personal lives. Hence, the following is an article I wrote for their Business Journal.
"You know you’ve “arrived” when someone asks you to give a presentation to a live audience. Whether you talk about your business, products, services, new market trends, or hobbies, the rules are the same.
As a newbie, It is very tempting to want to tell your audience everything you know about your specific topic. But, a word of advice “Less is More!” It’s better to leave your audience clamoring for more than overdoing it with minutiae clichés, pet words, and jargon. The mind and the seat can only absorb so much. Better to save some material for a follow-up speech than to overdo it.
While the topic may be of utmost interest to you, if you’ve not engaged your audience, or given them something to think about, or take action on, then you run the risk of losing them!
Here are some tips, from a 28 year veteran of public speaking, to help you streamline your talk:
.
• Organize your material. Make sure it has a strong opening, body, and conclusion!
• Rehearse your speech! Make sure you “own the words” before getting in front of an audience. This will help you stay focused, handle nerves, stay within a specified time frame!
• Start your presentation with a quote, statistic, or controversial idea … it’s a good way to grab your audience’s attention.
• Use audio/visual aides: a handout, or miniature CD to give more details or examples.
Use slides, an overhead projector, flipchart, or music to create a mood.
• Wrap it up by asking your audience a question, e.g., “Before I conclude, are there any questions?”
• Tell your audience you’d be happy to send them more information, if they’d like to leave their name and email address at the end of your presentation.
The latter point is an excellent way to follow up with them and to assess if they have a genuine need of your products or services. It is a non-threatening way to market to a possible future client
These are just a few tools to help you streamline your presentation so that it flows, is interesting, and lets the audience know you are an expert on your subject. Hence, Less is More! If you’d like more information, please contact me at: 760-732-0663 or www.ticktalk.org."
Happy Speaking!
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.
My Toastmaster Club, Tick Talk Toastmasters of Carlsbad, CA, recently joined the local Chamber of Commerce. We wanted to build our membership and felt that business owners, companies, professionals, sales staff, etc. would benefit greatly from knowing how Toastmasters can help them communicate better, in both their professional and personal lives. Hence, the following is an article I wrote for their Business Journal.
"You know you’ve “arrived” when someone asks you to give a presentation to a live audience. Whether you talk about your business, products, services, new market trends, or hobbies, the rules are the same.
As a newbie, It is very tempting to want to tell your audience everything you know about your specific topic. But, a word of advice “Less is More!” It’s better to leave your audience clamoring for more than overdoing it with minutiae clichés, pet words, and jargon. The mind and the seat can only absorb so much. Better to save some material for a follow-up speech than to overdo it.
While the topic may be of utmost interest to you, if you’ve not engaged your audience, or given them something to think about, or take action on, then you run the risk of losing them!
Here are some tips, from a 28 year veteran of public speaking, to help you streamline your talk:
.
• Organize your material. Make sure it has a strong opening, body, and conclusion!
• Rehearse your speech! Make sure you “own the words” before getting in front of an audience. This will help you stay focused, handle nerves, stay within a specified time frame!
• Start your presentation with a quote, statistic, or controversial idea … it’s a good way to grab your audience’s attention.
• Use audio/visual aides: a handout, or miniature CD to give more details or examples.
Use slides, an overhead projector, flipchart, or music to create a mood.
• Wrap it up by asking your audience a question, e.g., “Before I conclude, are there any questions?”
• Tell your audience you’d be happy to send them more information, if they’d like to leave their name and email address at the end of your presentation.
The latter point is an excellent way to follow up with them and to assess if they have a genuine need of your products or services. It is a non-threatening way to market to a possible future client
These are just a few tools to help you streamline your presentation so that it flows, is interesting, and lets the audience know you are an expert on your subject. Hence, Less is More! If you’d like more information, please contact me at: 760-732-0663 or www.ticktalk.org."
Happy Speaking!
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.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND 2009!
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.
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.
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.
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