Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Sun, Aug 29, 2010 @ 01:17 PM
Lesson #2 (1 through 10) 2010
What good can come from McDonald's? Does anyone YOU KNOW ever win those contests?!
Not that I don't try, but I'm always skeptical. Recently, I went to McDonald's for a quick meal. And no one does it quicker than McDonald's. I know better than to eat those sandwiches but my judgment to get a salad was swayed by the TASTE THE GLORY contest going on this past June/July during the World Cup.
Bought the Big Mac - enjoyed it tremendously (read my previous Part 1 of this blog if you're horrified and repulsed). But truly bought it because of the contest. I've never won anything at McDonald's but my reasoning told me that it didn't mean I couldn't win in the future!
I peeled the little 'Taste the Glory' sticker off and texted the required information. And received the most amazing text back: YOU WON A 32 INCH FLAT SCREEN TV.
Wonderful - but then began the difficulty. I couldn't register on my Blackberry. And when I returned to my office, I again wasn't allowed to register.
I called McDonald's 3 times over 2 weeks - always receiving the promise the technical department would get back to me. It didn't happen. So I decided to test the power of social media.
As painful as it was to turn on a company that had given me one of the best business lessons I've ever received (see part 1) I was furious.
And so I tweeted: @McDonalds we do it all for you? (NOT) -nothing from your support team about my sony TV win.& I thought just the fat content was bad!
A few of those types of messages (find me on Twitter @vhtrabosh) and @ Kty_McD showed up offering to help. She was an intern at McDonald's and said she'd find me someone to solve my problem.
Janice from McDonald's marketing group called. And she walked me through the process. I was told the TV would be shipped in 4-6 weeks.
Two weeks ago, a 32" Sony Flat Screen TV showed up at our home.
So what are the TOP 10 pieces of wisdom from this story (by way of some of their slogans through the years)?
1. 1992: What you get is what you want: Social media can be a powerful tool which can get you results.
2. 1976: You, you're the one: @Kty_McD is a terrific addition to McDonald's.
3. 1990: Food, folks and fun: People do win these contests and you could be the one to win it.
4. 1984: It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's: Eating at McDonald's is not a bad thing - in fact, it's quite tasty and beneficial.
5. 1990: McDonald's - It can happen: Don't give up if at first it appears you can't win - do everything in your power and then choose to walk away if you can’t succeed.
6. 2000: We love to make you smile: Great customer service always makes a difference.
7. 1975: We do it all for you: Interns sometimes have a greater passion than the suits - and we can all learn from dedicated employees, no matter their status in the company.
8. 2003: I'm lovin' it: If you succeed in a tough situation, make sure you share the good news as readily as you did the bad.
9. 1975: We do it all for you: McDonald's is a great company. They've survived through bad press, poor decisions, complicated contests and underlying it all, must have had strong leadership at the top. Every great company goes through tough times - but great companies never stop trying.
10. 2007: Things that make you go 'mmm': McDonald's is a company that I'd like to know more about. I would enjoy coaching leaders in this company.
Never give up on your dreams. Obstacles can be overcome. And be appropriately appreciative of the people that help you along the way.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Mon, Jul 05, 2010 @ 01:44 PM
Did you ever as a teenager have a job that changed your life? A job, that as look back on it was like a great teacher in high school, and realize you’re better for having gone through the experience? McDonald's was that teacher and recently taught me another lesson.
Lesson #1 - 1973
I turned 16 and applied for my dream job – a counter person at McDonald's on State Street in Ft. Wayne Indiana. I got the job and after two weeks of doing a GREAT job, turned in my resignation. I was used to receiving praise for a job well done (thanks Mom and Dad). But our McDonald's was very busy – huge crews, great camaraderie – but not a lot of one on one with the managers. And I was certainly (by my estimation) not appreciated for my hard work. Huge disappointment. And quitting seemed to be the solution.
When I told my manager Sobi I was quitting he said, “Why are you leaving?” I said, “No one has told me that I’m doing a great job.” He gave me a deadpan look and said, “Let’s go clean LOT AND LOBBY” ehh. Back then, we had 3 sayings:
- If you’ve got time to gripe, you’ve got time to wipe.
- If you’ve got time to lean you’ve got time to clean.
- Double folding is our bag. (if that’s a bit harder to understand – go get a meal and see if your bag is double folded….I fear it may not be….)
Clearly Sobi was engaging in #1 and #2 of our sayings. No standing around at our McDonalds! As we began to pick up trash in the lot, he said, “Do you think you’re doing a good job?” “I do!” I responded. He looked at me and said, “Vicky, if you spend your whole life waiting for people to tell you that you’ve done a good job you’re not going to get very far in the world. Sometimes people are too busy or they don’t want to tell you. If you let that stop you, that will be your fault, not theirs.”
I seriously took that to heart and realized I could become someone through hard work or wait to become someone because someone else said I was good enough. I’ve opted for knowing myself more than waiting for another to tell me. I’ve also learned to tell others when they’ve done a terrific job.
I stayed at McDonald's and saved enough to go to Purdue in January 1976. I was part of the All American Team. I was a Swing Shift supervisor. And I took everything good from the company that was offered.
I’ve never lost my taste for McDonalds – literally and figuratively. And yes, I know that fat content is high….but did you know a little fat makes for a shiny coat??!
Though I never worked at McDonald's again, I’ve eaten there regularly over the years. Secretly “shopped” the store and looked critically at what was happening (I still do this!) Fretted about the bad reputation they’ve acquired over different issues, watched Supersize Me in horror, and from time to time sworn off their delicious but fatty food. I bought and retain my McDonald's stock. STILL wear my Ronald McDonald watch that I won in 1977, have all my original plush characters, and generally support them.
As I travel the world, I always find the local McDonald's from Australia to Italy to Russia to Israel.
You now know it’s dear to my heart. And my psyche. In the last couple of weeks my faith was shaken in this great organization but it has been restored. More soon.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Tue, Jun 08, 2010 @ 06:05 PM
Have you ever said something which you regretted? Have your words ever ambushed you and changed your image forever? What happens when we forget about the power of our words?
The velocity with which Helen Thomas’ career has been wrecked is both stunning and shocking. Helen Thomas, Dean of the White House Press Corps, with a career of more than 60 years, 50 of which she spent in the White House covering ten presidents made an unpardonable remark when asked about Israel on May 27, 2010:
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Any comments on Israel? We're asking everybody today.
THOMAS: Tell them to get the hell out of Palestine.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ooh. Any better comments?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Helen is wild.
THOMAS: Remember, these people are occupied, and it's their land. Not German. It's not Poland.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So where should they go? What should they do?
THOMAS: They need to go home.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Where is home?
THOMAS: Poland, Germany.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They should just go back to Poland and Germany?
THOMAS: And America and everywhere else.
The power of words. My friend S. Renee Mitchell has a voice mail that always makes me pause. She says in her recording: “Words have power. Use them wisely. Do your thing.”
That “do your thing” part always reminds me that no matter what we know, in the end, “our thing” will either make our words powerful or destructive. They can’t be revoked. They won’t lose their power. They continue to affect and affect others words, thoughts and actions.
On June 4, 2010 Ms. Thomas issued the following statement: “I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon.” These words have power too. But they don’t undo her previous words.
On June 7, 2010, she announced her retirement, effective immediately. Not the way she had planned. Her words, which have been her forte, became her destruction.
For those who don’t like Ms. Thomas’ political leanings, they’re crowing at this train wreck of a long career. For those who loved her spunk and courageousness, they could be cheering for her or saddened at her remarks. But whatever your thoughts on her words, remember: words have power. Use them wisely. And do your thing.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Wed, Apr 28, 2010 @ 12:32 PM
We're at the Jersey shore with for the week with our daughter and son in law. They rented a beautiful house on the beach - amazing views, fresh air, and a great boardwalk. The entire boardwalk is about 2.5 miles -perfect for a walk to get in my daily, much needed exercise.
My goal is to walk a 4 mph pace. And walk for 1 hour. Yesterday I set out and was determined to reach my goal. No problem. One hour later, I'd covered four miles. This morning, I set out to do it again. It was early, the beach is beautiful and empty this time of year. It was just me, my IPOD, and a desire to complete four miles in 60 minutes.
I'm focused. I'm going to get this done. I'm listening to Les Brown on the IPOD - ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! And when I get back to our beach house I go to the kitchen and as I'm drinking some water I stare out the window at this incredible view. And I realize during the entire four miles, my eyes were on the boardwalk, on the steps in front of me, and I missed the entire view of the ocean.
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More than surprised, I saw that I often am staring at the place just a couple of feet in front of me - missing the bigger picture. How could I be staring at an old boardwalk when the ocean is crashing on the shore and showing me its magnificence and beauty?? (Pretty easily it seems!) And certainly the greater message for me was that the boardwalk v. the ocean is just the metaphor of my life's focus.
Both views were continuously available. And the one that kept my attention was at my own feet. What am I learning?
- This boardwalk is old!
- Many boards have worn out and need to be replaced
- One area of the boardwalk looks exactly like another
- If I just look down at my feet, I have no orientation of where I am from the view
- It's flat and after a couple of miles, boring
- Looking at the boardwalk boards, I could be anywhere in the world
When I look UP, what do I see?
- Interesting shops, all closed until the memorial day weekend
- Buildings and homes that are for rent, but currently empty
- A few people running or walking who for the most part are looking at THEIR feet!
- A magnificent ocean with more wonder and mystery than I will ever comprehend.
- A beautiful sky with screeching birds who happily circle for no reason that is apparent to me
- How very small I am in the world, but I am here
- I can see my goal of where I'm headed (to the end of the boardwalk) and exactly where my goal lies in relation to where I am in my walk
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Looking down does not serve me! It gives me no perspective! And it's fairly boring. After this revelation, I looked up today. What a difference. And my walk of an hour went faster than the last time I walked yesterday.
Look up - face your goals. Whether it's two miles ahead of you, a goal of making the client call today, or something greater - a larger goal that will take many steps - many days - many moving parts. Imagine what happens when you clearly look at your goal - not just stare at your feet plodding along knowing you'll reach it soon.
Enjoy the journey - but notice where you're gazing. See you on the boardwalk!
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Tue, Apr 20, 2010 @ 01:10 PM
I recently had the honor of speaking in Portland Oregon at the Rwandan Genocide Remembrance Day at Lewis & Clark College. The Pacific Northwest Rwanda Association sponsored this important event. Second Counselor Andrew Tusabe from the Rwandan Embassy in Washington DC was one of the speakers who talked about the challenges and success that Rwanda is having in their country.
I am always humbled when asked to speak at such an event. But I have learned we must each do our part no matter how small we believe it is. Following is the text of my speech.
April 11, 2010
We are more alike than we are different.
Grief is universal; laughter connects people and the decision to change the world lies within each of us.
If you wonder why a mazungu is speaking today, you are not alone. I wonder myself. But I am. And so I'll share what I know - which I know is nothing compared to what many of you know.
I am here to commemorate and honor the people of Rwanda. Those of you who are here today, and to remember those innocents who were killed, through no fault of their own. Today, we honor those who suffered or died, more by our action than our grief.
I just returned from my 7th trip to Rwanda in less than five years. I pay for these trips myself so if you ever consider donating to Itafari, know you're not paying for my seat on the plane!
If you don't know my story, I went to Rwanda because one woman asked me to come and speak about hope. What do I know? I know what hope can look like. I know that healing can come over time. That when we lose someone we love, we can choose to never let their goodness die if we choose to focus on the difference they made while they were here.
Rwanda has changed tremendously in the five years since I've been traveling there. There's tremendous progress, but a huge amount that's left to be done. I was concerned on my last trip because the night before I was leaving, three grenades went off simultaneously in the city. More innocent people were killed. And the terrorists (my word) accomplished their goal: to make people afraid. And there have been more grenade attacks since. So what can you or I do about it? We continue on. We don't become overwhelmed or intimidated by cowards who use violence to speak, rather than words.
You may not be able, willing or interested in getting involved in the politics of your country. I can't blame you! I'm not interested in becoming involved in the politics of this country. But how you or I live our lives speaks volumes of what we truly believe.
You're here today. Some of you because you want to be. Some of you may feel you should be here. But you're here. And this unique group of people will never be gathered again. We represent different experiences, different attitudes, different goals, different hopes, and different dreams.
We have different colors of skin, are of different faiths or of no faith at all. We are men and women, boys and girls, young and old. We have vastly different experiences. Some of us want to talk about what is possible, others want to be silent. Some have hope, some have lost all hope. But what if who we are as a group, is just the group we need to be?
The role John and I play here today is a small one. I'm honored as always to be asked to speak. I'm so inadequate for this job, but I do it anyway. So know that I know I don't know much. But I'm passionate about making a difference in the world and the part of the world that I care to make my difference is Rwanda.
Some of the finest people I've ever met in the world are from Rwanda. Rwanda has changed my life. And so I do what I can to pay that forward. To change lives as mine has been changed.
I'd like to conclude with the following thoughts: your attitude and words have power. Choose (and use) them wisely. Don't wait until you're perfect to reach your goals and dreams. Never stop believing in the goodness that is in the world. Be vigilant in speaking out or taking action against those who would choose to tear down what is good. Disagree with courage and respect. Keep hold of your emotions so that you can be heard. Know that forgiveness is for your soul, not the soul of the one that caused you or a loved one harm. To find peace within yourself is the greatest gift you bring to the world.
Murakoze cyane and "kora ibyiza buri munsi" -
in Kinyarwanda, "do good every day"
To read more about our work in Rwanda please go to Itafari Foundation
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Sat, Mar 27, 2010 @ 05:59 PM
note: I'll be on blogtalk radio with Kisha on Monday April 12th, 11am EST. Click here for more details....but in the meantime, see below...
Given an opportunity, would you choose to change lives? Do you believe it's a function of what you have or what's available to you? Or will you charge ahead because nothing can stop you?
I interviewed Kisha Mays by phone Thursday and left the conversation inspired and determined to support her in her work of empowering women - because I will not miss an opportunity to support another woman who is focused and smart.
Kisha is in her late 20's with the wisdom of a much older woman. Her wisdom is evident in her actions, her focus and her determination to make a HUGE difference in the world.
I would have had the opportunity to meet her in person but the Women Empowering Women Summit she scheduled for March 27th(TODAY) couldn't get legs in Portland. WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?? (our loss, as my dearly departed Mother would say......)
With no anger, but some frustration, she and I talked about the fact that her successful summit, which she has held for the last three years in NYC with support and huge success, couldn't find press or anyone to pick it up in the FIRST stop in Portland of a national tour of her great summit.
It wasn't a matter of price $29.95 for the basic ticket up to $79.95 for the VIP Summit Admission. She's well organized and supportive of local charities. (25% of all ticket sales in Portland would have benefited a local charity).
Topics ranging from "What's your WOW Factor" to "How to Get Debt Free and Build Your Financial Wealth", local selection of a Shero and excellent networking opportunities. It looked excellent.
But as we all know, you can't put on these events on a wing and a prayer and your swarthy good looks...(well, at least I can't!!)
We must know when empowerment is available and then support it, even if it's not OUR program.
Look at this great site: http://justfearless.com and ask yourself: how can I become more empowered? If you're in the following cities don't miss YOUR opportunity: SAN DIEGO - OMAHA - KANSAS CITY - CINCINATI - SAN ANTONIO - TULSA - SEATTLE - MINNEAPOLIS - SAVANNAH - INDIANAPOLIS - TAMPA....your opportunity is coming.
Kisha is inspired by her grandmother and mother. Two women who remind her that anything is possible. She overcomes obstacles, sees the vision of what is possible, separates business from personal, seeks balance in her life, takes action, walks her faith and her talk, and knows she is called to greatness.
There is no pride in her journey - but fierce determination and joy that she can change lives.
Opportunity can be found or lost. May this quote by Hazel Lee not be you:
"I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour. I dripped it carelessly, Ah! I didn't know, I held opportunity."
Be a man or a woman who focuses on opportunity. Who steps into their own greatness. And one who is confident enough to surround yourself with women and men who challenge you and make you want to be a better person.
Attend this excellent summit - Be fearless and take the best from an opportunity when it arises.
Follow Kisha Mays on Twitter @KishaMays: become a FAN of Women Empowering Women on Facebook and if you have an opportunity to attend one of the Summits, don't miss it.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 02:23 AM
Do you ever wonder where you'll be five years from now? Wonder what life holds (good and bad) and if you could possibly truly imagine what it will be like?
The first time I was on my way to Rwanda in 2005 I journaled. I knew I'd be doing more as I flew home from that first trip -but never did I imagine that less than five years later I'd begin my 7th trip. I SAID in those first journal entries I knew I could do more. And while more was done, the "I" became a "we".
The time between my Women of Rwanda for World Vision event in May 2005 and my trip three weeks later in June 2005 was a world wind. After our successful event, I met within the week with two women who had heard me speak and asked if I'd consider holding a similar fundraiser when I returned.
"We'll see" I said. And see we did. That June in Rwanda, I was struck by the resilience of a people who had suffered greatly yet often were sincerely grateful for every opportunity presented to them.
The joy I felt, the acceptance and the responsibility to do what I could to help, was never a burden. It was an honor. And in these last five years, my enthusiasm has not wavered. My fierce belief in the strength of the human spirit is not lessened.
And with those two women, Karen Freelander and Bethe McChesney (and their spouses who supported them) we dared to dream that we could raise $50,000. And from that dream the Itafari Foundation was born. Now thousands more have joined us. We have raised over $350,000 and changed lives as our lives have changed through this work.
John, my husband has been my greatest supporter - my confidant, my engineer on projects in Rwanda, the voice of reason during my most unreasonable time. My most favorite traveling companion to Rwanda. No one waits more anxiously for me to return -no one more willing to step aside and let me be "Madam Itafari". He truly is the wind beneath my wings. Without him I am a grounded bird - (think platypus!)
My friendships in Rwanda are some of the sweetest of my life. I think it is the depth of character of these friends, our shared passion, their knowledge that I and Itafari are truly about Rwanda and what they want and need.
The women in Rwanda are magnificent. They know they have no time to play small - the stakes are too high -the needs too great. And someday, when their lives are over, while there might be regrets of what they couldn't do, what they did was more than most women in the US that I know could even dream of doing. It is a gift that I never would have dreamed of - that these women would become my friends and that the color of our skin would not be a distraction. And together our shared dreams, fears, doubts, and hopes could create something we never could have imagined creating apart.
The men in Rwanda with whom I work, partner, laugh and share lifelong friendships are equally as impressive. I am amazed at how hard everyone in Rwanda works. And no one with whom I work, from leaders in government to the poorest of microloan recipients is waiting to have someone else make a difference in their lives. They are determined to do it - and to be even a small part of their dreams is humbling and daunting (a good day for a friend and coach!)
The children of Rwanda have made me value my kids and grandkids even more. I see in my grandchildren only possibility. I don't know what they will do in their lives - but I believe they will live with great compassion and purpose.
My sons were forced to endure me and my ideas from the time I met them in 1980. Sometimes I would pack the holiday table with so many clients (from my days as a conservator/guardian for seniors) they would look at me - roll their eyes, and then be incredibly kind because I asked them to be. And my daughter Tara? I couldn't ask for a more loving daughter. We met when she was 17 and I was 23 - can you imagine?! How do you thank people in your life who let you just be you? In my case, it's by loving them every day and never forgetting the gift they gave, and continue to give to me of their support and love.
All of this comes to mind on my 7th journey to Rwanda. This 2nd leg, Newark to Brussels has such context of its greater purpose. I love the adventure of travel. Only anger and unkindness ruffle my feathers. Delays, cramped quarters, solving the impossible, tiredness, etc., are just signs I'm out of my comfort zone. And when did being in my comfort zone ever feel so comfortable to me?
I thank God for this crazy life I lead. I'm not pulled in a thousand directions, but I'm swept along in the directions I choose to go. It's a wonderful life - full of trials and tribulations, exceeded expectations and lost opportunities. Lessons, love and laughter. Works for me.
And from all of that comes a huge amount of accomplishment and satisfaction. It is about a life well lived - one of success and significance. And each of us get to define what those terms mean in our own lives.
If you know me well, you know I challenge you to keep your eyes on your own paper - to do NOW what you want to do. Build and sail that ship at the same time!!! (Beats sitting on an island waiting for someone to rescue you.)
Less self indulgent reading can be found on the Itafari website - it's good work - join us if you can. But most importantly, run with your dreams. If you need a rudder for the journey, coaching could be for you-I can provide it or give you some referrals. But most importantly, never give up. You matter, your dreams matter, and you can create something that will take your breath away.
Bon Voyage, and safe travels.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Sun, Dec 27, 2009 @ 02:30 PM
My work in Rwanda has changed my life. The Itafari Foundation and its work are a
gift and a challenge.
My perspective on
what is possible, the true meaning of the strength of the human spirit, my understanding
of inhumanity and its consequences: these ideas are no longer esoteric. (Though I still know so little). But I also clearly know that if we choose to
step out, before we are “ready”, we can accomplish the extraordinary.
This morning in the New York Times Magazine, the profiles
were the stories of people who died in 2009 who changed the world in one way or
another. I was reading about the passing
of Alison Des Forges in February 2009 as written by Elizabeth Rubin.
In the 1980’s Des Forges joined Africa Watch and was one of the first to warn
of the coming cataclysm in Rwanda. Her
personal friends died in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. While she tried to warn the U.S., the Europeans,
and the U.N., her voice was faint in warning in comparison to the world’s
conversation that the genocide was an African problem. She must have suffered deeply knowing she was
unable to force a world to turn and look upon its rwandan brothers and sisters.
After the genocide she continued her work in Rwanda. When the International Criminal Tribunal for
Rwanda was established, she traveled back and forth to the court in Arusha,
Tanzania to serve as an expert witness and strategist for the prosecutors. A five foot lion of a woman. And one of whom I had not heard except in
context to her book Leave None to Tell
the Story: Genocide in Rwanda –
Human Rights Watch et FIDH – 1999 – ISBN 1-56432-171-1.
Her comments were equally critical of all sides,
including the Rwandan Patriotic Front which overthrew the genocidal leaders and
went on to establish a stronger more peaceful country. Her criticism lead to her twice being refused
entrance into the country. I understand the
reasons by the Rwandan government and yet know that the result of her work has
helped Rwanda in the long run.
The same can be said of the movie Hotel Rwanda. It turned out (sadly) that Paul Rusesabagina was
not the man portrayed in the movie, yet the movie led to a great awareness of
the genocide. The movie allowed all of
us to look back on the horror that was partially created through our lack of
action. And because of that, I have no
criticism of the portrayal at the time.
So I do what I know I must do. Take the best, and leave the rest. Des Forges was not perfect. The movie was unknowingly flawed in its
portrayal of an ordinary man. Yet, we
cannot ignore what comes from extraordinary efforts to change the world.
Instead of dismissing someone or something in its
entirety, we should continue to have conversation. Enlighten those who are in the dark. Thank those who take a lonely stand. Be thoughtful in our approach to what is
foreign to us. And know we must never
give up on what we are most passionate about.
We must never believe that we can’t make a difference. That it’s too hard. That no
one cares.
That no one cares. Impossible in its logic. If you care, that is enough.
I enter 2010 with a renewed sense of what is
possible. 2009 was a very tough
year. I was unable to go to my beloved
Rwanda. Yet our work continued unabated
through the Itafari Foundation. Good and
compassionate people stepped up to make a difference. I am also blessed to call some of some of the
finest people I have ever known my friends, though they live 10,000 miles from
me.
Happy New Year. Be renewed.
Set impossibly high goals – and then work (not hope) to reach them. Can you imagine what the new year can bring? I can.
It will bring the extraordinary – and it will be accomplished by you and
me.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Wed, Dec 23, 2009 @ 12:31 PM
No, I cannot tell you
what came over me. But I can tell you I
was scrolling through Twitter this morning and contemplating a Starbucks non
fat peppermint latte and began to write a poem on twitter. I still don’t know why – except that it
amused me. And 14 tweets later (at <
140 characters each) I composed the following.
It’s not all work –
every day. Sometimes, it’s just about a
little joy. Merry Christmas to all – and
may your holidays be merry and bright! (BONUS: John enjoyed poem as I was composing and tweeting from bed so much he went out and got my nonfat peppermint latte!)
The Day Before the Day Before Christmas by @vhtrabosh
It
was the day before the day before Christmas and all through the home - it was
time to start stirring- now where is my comb?
The
stockings were hung, my gifts mostly wrapped. Does John need a leather jacket?!
No, he'll say 'take it back!'
The
cats are still sleeping, I've got a lot to do. But first I think I need a
Starbucks non fat peppermint latte (wouldn't you?)
So
off I head in my car, John still asleep, I see the strangest thing and shout
"what the bleep?!"
There's
Santa in the ditch, his sleigh upside down. No one's even stopping! No
reindeers around!
I
pull on over "Santa, why so blue?" He glances sadly at me, and says
"oh, @vhtrabosh, it's you"
"Do
you notice no one tweets of me? That Santa's not topic hot? No one remembers I
come back every year whether they speak of me or not?!"
As
an executive coach I knew right away-Santa's having a crisis of confidence-so
what do I say?
"Santa,
not everyone remembers to thank those who do good - to tweet about happiness
and joy as they should"
"Christmas
Eve is tomorrow- there's still time to spare. So quit feelin' sorry for
yourself and get up in the air!"
As
magic would have it, the reindeer appeared! They righted the sleigh, Santa
combed out his beard!
He
looked at me fondly-said, "you're just the best- here's a Starbucks gift
card- thanks for letting me get that off my chest!"
As
I watched him take off I knew he'd be fine, but it's important to tweet about
him at Christmas time.
I
heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight: "Happy Tweetmas to all - it's gonna
be alright!"
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Mon, Dec 07, 2009 @ 11:40 AM
And yes, it was cold enough for me too.
This past weekend I worked at the Itafari Booth at the Lake
Oswego European Market selling the baskets of Rwanda. From 9-4 on Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday, I
stood in our little booth and talked about the amazing women of Rwanda. The amazing resiliency of the Rwandan
people. What an amazing gift of $25 for a goat can be
for a child headed household. The
amazing difference that can be made with such small amounts of money when
applied in thoughtful ways. And how damn
(for those of you that don’t swear, that’s a coaching expression!) cold it was.
And it was cold. We
were in a tent but the bottom of the tent left about a foot gap. Saturday, the temperature began around 31°F
and over the course of the day reached 42°F.
Though the tent had this gaping hole, the sun came out; there was no
wind in the morning and a slight wind in the afternoon from the NNE of 8
mph. That evening I went to event and by
the time I headed home at 10pm the temperature was back down to 37° and the
wind was still gusty at 7 mph. (felt like 26°F) COLD. But I was bundled up and could hurry to my
car and then to my warm home.
Yesterday John and I arrived at the booth at 8:45am to a
much harsher situation. 34°F with winds
from the ENE at 16mph. (wind chill made
it feel like 24°F) The wind was picking
up our side of the tent and then slamming it back down. John secured it as best he could and then we
went out for a hot breakfast with our friends from Seattle – returning at
noon.
The sun came out but the wind continued to blow. Shoppers hurried by our booth, everyone
looked and felt COLD. We were all
remarking about the weather. A bit too
cold for the European festival we wanted.
And the coldness came through my underclothes, by sweater, my coat, my gloves,
my hat, my socks, and my boots. And all
I could think about was the homeless in Portland. Who were experiencing the same weather,
without ANY of the comforts I know.
Maybe a blanket, maybe a coat, hopefully a hot meal; but for
many, another night on the street. I
really can’t imagine being in the weather that we’re experiencing and being
much colder than I was yesterday - ALL
day - with no relief.
So I’ll do something about it. I’ll do what I can which is give a donation
to the Portland Rescue Mission who every day choose to help our homeless. I care not for your opinion on how they got
there, if they deserve it, and if they could do more to help themselves. That’s not the point of my point. My point is that I want to help the homeless
be warm.
Today is colder than yesterday. It’s 23°F with a wind chill that makes it
feel like 9°. So doing what I can is
what I must do.
Take an opportunity to complete your charitable giving this
week. Charities are really hurting this
year. I know. The Itafari Foundation has received considerably
fewer contributions – and we’re not alone.
You are welcome to give to us: Itafari Foundation. If you’re giving needs to be more local,
consider Portland Rescue Mission. If you’re
outside of Portland, who in your community could use some help? With whom do you resonate? What causes are dear to your heart? Now is the time.
Give a gift. Make a
difference. And bundle up: it’s cold out there.