Happy New Eyes – Let’s Rock Resolutions!
After many years of sticking plastic lenses in my eyes, I developed an allergy to my contacts. Can you say, “Owieeeee??!?” Lasik always sounded like the way to go, but fear always got the best of me. No longer able to wear contacts, I researched doctors, did the whole pre-screen thing, and had the surgery DONE (really!) within a week (I knew that waiting and thinking about it would mess with my head.)
So here I am a few weeks later, seeing better than ever and wondering why I didn’t do this sooner. When I squint my right eye, I can hear the famous Steve Austin, “do-do-do-do-do” (bionic eye sound effect).
The whole experience got me thinking about how fear holds us back. Some guru once said that the acronym for fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. I don’t know about that… having a laser beam drill into my eyes is real…scary… real scary. But, I had to deal and move forward – because I was forced to make the change.
How often do we have blurred vision without knowing it? We begin to believe that the blur is normal and live with it. It usually isn’t until we get out of the situation that we see things more clearly. Why didn’t I leave that job earlier? Why didn’t I get out of that relationship sooner? Why didn’t I get Lasik a long time ago? Are you seeing things clearly right now? What is holding you back? Fear? Lack of money? Confidence? Why does some change have to be forced upon us for us to realize it is what we wanted all along?
Here’s How to Get New Eyes for the New Year (without surgery):
Positive Future Focus
Ask yourself, “What is possible?” and play only to the positive. Too often, we focus only on the negative outcomes. What if I ask for a raise, and I get it? What if I tell my spouse I need him home from work every day at 6:30, so we can eat together as a family, and he agrees?!
Risk it
If you are risk adverse, try chanting, “Ohhhhh what the heckkkk, gooooo for it anywayyyyy.” You will never know the outcome until you try. If it doesn’t work, at least you can move in another direction.
Forget New Year’s Resolutions
Making goals once a year? Forgettaboutit! It is easy to get down on yourself the very first week. Most people give up by March. “Oh well, there’s always next year.” What? Even if you blew it, you can still do it! Reset your thinking at the beginning of every month. Yell, “Happy New Month,” and refocus your efforts. Are you really wanting to rock your resolutions? Yell, “Happy New Week,” and start off Mondays with a bang rather than a sputter. Truly, every day is a new start. Right now I can hear Scarlett O’Hara saying, “After all… tomorrow is another day!” and she is right.
Think it and Ink it
Write down what you want to accomplish and keep it in front of your eyes. This will help you set your internal GPS. It is certainly easier to get to your destination when you have a map. Especially, those of you who never ask for directions – you know who you are. Recalculating…
Partner Anyone?
Find an accountability partner who can keep you motivated and on task. A friend and I are on a health kick, and it is fun to check-in at night to see how we did. She offers great suggestions and also makes me feel better by sharing that she snuck some chocolate too.
So open your eyes this year and move toward what you want, while steering clear of what you don’t. Make a plan and don’t give up. We are all afraid…feel the fear and do it anyway. Have a clear vision, focus and let’s make 2012 a great year… starting today. Rock your resolutions! Do I hear that bionic eye sound effect?
Permalink | Tags: focus, goal setting, new year, outlook, resolutions | Posted in Happy New Eyes - Let's Rock Resolutions! | No Comments
Tis the Season to Be Busy
My mantra is to have less stress and more fun in my life. What could be more fun than the Holiday Season, right?
Wait. What? Sadly, the holidays seem to bring less fun and more stress! The tipping point for me has been one small question: Are you ready for Christmas? Heavens NO!
But… you go ahead… dress your car like Rudolf and inflate your inflatables. Or keep them deflated on your lawn, if you prefer. Unpack that holiday blingy sweater with the pulsing lights, trees, snowflakes and reindeer. Break out the recycled, regifted fruit cake. GO for it! Just don’t ask ME if I’m ready for Christmas.
Am I alone on this? The dreaded question in question tends to bring out the worst in me. Why? Because I’m not ready!
Consider Using Better Holiday Banter
What Christmas song do you sing the loudest?
Which movie? “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas?”
How are you taking time out to enjoy the Season? A Massage? Lunch with friends?
Slow Down
Stop and sip some eggnog. Sprinkle some nutmeg while you are at it- or add something stronger. Breathe.
Take a Perfection Vacation
Remember to soak up the magic this season has to offer. If you don’t get the perfect gift or miss sending a few cards, the world will not end. The best gift is time with those we love. Skip a few errands and call your college roommate for a chat.
Remember the Reason for the Season
The Holiday Season is about making memories and so much more. I’m definitely ready – really really ready — for joy, peace and goodwill towards men (and women).
Know When to Say When
Stop “doing” and start “being.” We tend to overdo it in many regards throughout the holiday season. Many people claim that they just can’t say, “no.” OH YES YOU CAN! Be kind and gracious, “I’d so love to help on the 2018 Holiday Pork Belly Roast Strategic Planning Committee for Rising County, Tennessee but I just couldn’t give it the time and attention it deserves. But thank you so much for asking. I’m honored.”
Remember: saying “no” to something usually means saying “yes” to something more important. So am I ready? NO. Am I baking cookies? NO. Am I snuggling with the kids and watching Frosty the Snowman for the 100th time. YES!
Less stress and more fun? Bring it on! Happy Holidays, ready or not here we come….
Permalink | Tags: Fun, holidays, questions, stress | Posted in Digitally Distracted | No Comments
Mean People Suck (profits and kill your bottom line)
When did people stop having fun in their jobs? Granted, I know not every job is “fun,” but turn that frown upside down, Grumpy Pants. Global Whining is at epidemic proportions. Don’t add to it! If you can add play into your work, you may find that people like to work with you, customers are happier, and a better bottom line is the result.
As a professional speaker, I travel…a lot. By now, you’d think I had perfected it. Not so. Two million miles on American, I still travel like a rookie. It is not unusual for me to haphazardly pack the morning of a trip, leave late and have to sprint through the airport while saying a prayer for a short security line. Shake your head if you will – I shake my head enough for both of us – but it is sort of S.O.P for me. On a recent multi-city trip, I missed the cut-off to check my bag (full of books) by 2 minutes.
Global Whiner / Ticket Agent: “Youʼre late.”
Me: “I know…is there anyth-”
GW / TA: “Shhh…don’t say a word and I will try to help you.” Mumble, mumble, mumble, something about people needing to be quiet, plan better, mumble, mumble…
After running back and forth behind the counter and hitting 10,000 keystrokes, she checked my bag and curtly handed me a boarding pass, (insert mean-spirited voice) “I am the only one who would have done this for you. Youʼd better run.” I felt like a beaten puppy. Bad Traveler – BAD!
Yes, I was grateful she helped me make my flight, and sure she had the ‘right’ to judge me (whatever that means), but making me feel small didn’t make me love the airline more. Au contraire.
Have you ever gotten what you wanted only to feel yucky inside? Have you screwed up only to have someone keep reminding you that you are a dork…especially someone you are giving your business/money to? It feels wrong.
Trying to do too much the morning I left for the airport was totally my fault. But instead of making my morning worse, the agent could have brightened it! Simple words such as, “Let me help you. I will do what I can. Hang tight.” Anything but trying to shame me into gratitude (not possible, by the way). What a gift a little understanding would have been, and it would have increased the loyalty of this 2 Million Mile Super Triple Platinum Diamond Travel-More-Than-Pilots customer. I would have walked away singing her praises, feeling grateful promoting her airline to anyone who would listen.
So here are a few tips that will brighten your day, as well as the day of everyone around you!
Go for the Oscar. Check your troubles and bad attitude at the door. How would you act if you loved your job and the people you work with? Pretend you do and see how it turns your day around.
Change your face. If you try only one thing, consider smiling. Greet coworkers and customers with a smile rather than a scowl. Just the physical act of smiling tells your brain that you must be happy, and you truly begin to feel better.
Wash out your mouth. Take the positive words challenge. See if you can go a day without saying anything negative. No gossip, criticizing or judging allowed. Only allow positive words to come out of your mouth. You will be surprised at how good that tastes.
BOOGIE - Be Outstanding Or Get Involved Elsewhere. Get out! There are so many people out there who donʼt have jobs, who would absolutely LOVE the job you are griping about. If you don’t like your job and you’re sure you never will, find something else, and move over. You’re taking up space in someone else’s dream job.
And if you are on the receiving end of a Global Whiner one day, make up a story about that person – why is she acting this way – and move on. In the case of my GW, maybe her computer’s omnectivicator just broke. Or maybe she just found out she’s responsible to save the planet from an incoming piece of space junk. It could happen…?
Remember: don’t just live for the weekends! You spend too much time at work to be miserable. Learn to like it or even *gasp* LOVE it. Watch employee tension decrease, employee retention increase. You’ll have happier customers and a better bottom line.
And, donʼt be late for your flight, but if you are, go easy on yourself. You may be the only one.
Permalink | Tags: airlines, bad customer service, bottom line, mean people suck, profits, unhappy employees | Posted in Mean People Suck (profits...) | No Comments
Thanksgiving – the Right Way
Last week I asked my 6-year-old what she was thankful for and she replied, “Thanksgiving is not until next week.” Huhhh? So I had to whip out the, “We should be thankful everyday” speech. That got me thinking about thanking people, which led me to what bugs me about saying thanks and contemplating how we can do it better.
Here are some ways to make a thank you more meaningful and memorable:
No Shame in a Name
Thank you to the organizers. Thanks to those who helped me. Thanks to (insert large group). Does that really make anyone feel special? Drop the blanket people thank you. Whenever possible, use names. Robert C. Lee was right when he said, “The sweetest sound to anyone’s ears is the sound of his own name.”
Be Specific and Sincere
Hey man, thanks for everything. EVERY thing? What things? Tell the man what you appreciate in particular – the extra time he spent on that project, the speedy service that she provided to the customer. Of course, be sincere in your appreciation. People can feel it!
Keep Emily Post Alive
Thank you cards are an endangered species. If you’re like me, you’ve wondered if some mailed gifts even made it to the recipient. It means so much and takes so little time to send a heartfelt thank you note. Go the e-mail route if you must, but phone calls and handwritten notes are always better and more appreciated. Keep a blank set of cards at your desk, and your address book handy.
The Eyes Have It
When you have the opportunity to thank someone in person, make sure to look at that person in the eye. Direct eye contact deepens the message of gratitude and feeling of sincerity.
Respond Appropriately
When someone thanks you, a good response is My Pleasure, Happy to Help, or You’re Welcome. Consider the underlying message that a phrase like No Problem sends. Are you saying it could have been a problem? Normally helping someone is a problem? Am I a problem? It may convey a sentiment you didn’t intend.
So, Thank YOU!
Dear (your name) – I know how busy you are with work and family, and I really appreciate your taking the time to read this blog. If it makes you smile, I’d be grateful if you’d consider hitting the “share” button. Thanks in advance! It means so much to me. Happy Thanksgiving (your name), I appreciate you more than you know.
Permalink | Tags: appreciation, giving thanks, recognition, Thanksgiving | Posted in Give Thanks the Right Way | No Comments
The Cost Of Free Time
Like many of you, I have no fewer than 3 full time jobs. Truly. For me, it’s full-time speaker, full-time parent, full-time author-preneur. I know, it’s not possible to have three full times at once, but somehow I’ve pulled it off, triple-timing through August 22, 2011 (a date etched in my mind!), the day my youngest started kindergarten.
Confession time — are you ready? Being home with my babies has been wonderful, but I can’t tell you how many times over the past 8 years, I’ve dreamily looked out into nowhere muttering, “I can’t wait until BOTH kids are in school.”
Just the thought of having “free time” made me feel tingly all over! And oh yeah… I had big (no, huge!) plans. Most of the dream surrounds a clean and clutter-free house, long showers, creating magnificent collages with all the artwork my kids bring home, organizing pictures, working out and mastering the French cuisine cookbook I got as a wedding gift — 11 years ago. And there’s more – much more!
SLACKER?
I’ve now had weeks of “free time” since the babes entered school and I have done nothing. Absolutely nothing. In fact, I’m less productive than ever! Talk about twittering away your time (seriously)! What is going on here? It has been a roller coaster of emotions. One minute I’m freaking out from the quiet. Then I’m elated over the silence. And then I move on to a big dose of guilt – that I’m not doing anything productive. I could do something that in some way benefits my family. I could volunteer. I could work towards world peace. I could organize the garage, for Pete’s sake. But no.
Our chocolate Lab, Murphy, sits in my office and breathes on my leg, staring, telling me the least I could do is throw something in his general direction. Other parents have been the voice of reason, “Give yourself a break!” and “Let this be your FREE week.”
But I’m still having trouble, at loose ends. Where does the day go? It slips through my fingers and although some things are completed, many tasks mock me. One look at my office could easily warrant a call the police – it looks like it’s been ransacked. Yet I walk in, size-up my work space and make no effort to straighten. None.
WHO AM I?
Wait! Is being productive all it’s cracked up to be? Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to be “DOING” something? Why do I feel that while I Skype with my brother that I should be folding laundry? Probably the same reason I watch TV with the laptop on my tummy while simultaneously compiling the family photo album. Because a good person is productive, organized and above all else – checks things off her list!
But what about just “BEING?” Is there something productive about down time? Maybe if I had more down time, I would be more relaxed and less apt to want to strangle the lady fishing for exact change in the check out line. Perhaps I wouldn’t be so late to things, which could (hopefully) result in my driving more slowly, resulting (hopefully!) in fewer tickets. Why should I feel guilty about a nap? Even saying that I want a nap makes me feel like a slacker.
IS DOING NOTHING, DOING SOMETHING?
I guess what I really want is to be okay with me…the me who’s been busting my butt, wiping butts for 8 years. I want to feel like I deserve that 3 pm margarita and matinee with my neighbor (greasy popcorn and all!), but somehow, I keep comparing myself to all those power-house high-achieving moms — as well as the OLD me, who had a check list a mile long EVERY DAY and by gum, I got most of it done!
When you’ve been on the “Jane, stop this crazy thing!” treadmill, it may take some time to adjust to walking on solid ground. Not being “productive” just may be the thing to help you be productive when it really counts. So does that mean that doing “nothing” may really be good for “something?” I’m still a bit twitchy even as I write this, but people say that will go away. Breathe deeply and count your blessings rather than your minutes.
Okay, Murphy, time for your walk — go get your ball! And, when the hubby comes home and asks what I did today, I’ll hold my head high and tell him that Murphy and I had a great walk, and I caught up with the neighbor down the street. And now I need a nap.
Permalink | Tags: being, freedom, productivity, speaker, time | Posted in Digitally Distracted | No Comments
Talk Show No-Go
It’s some people’s guilty pleasure, and some people’s trashy treasure. There is a hostile takeover of the airwaves by sleazy television shows (affectionately called “Junk TV” in our house) – and I almost got sucked into the moral vacuum. Most reality and talk shows are like car accidents. You don’t want to look, but you can’t help yourself! Turn it off. No! Maybe I’ll just watch a bit longer. OFF! No! Have you ever had that happen before? You just pass by a show and end up indulging in the insanity – but just for a few minutes. And then a few MORE minutes? This is followed by disbelief that you wasted the last (insert crazy number) minutes of your life that you will never get back. Where is the Men in Black memory erase device when you need it? I digress…
Where Do They Get These People?
What would you be willing to do to be “famous”? Recently, I had an opportunity to find out. A reporter put out a query looking for someone who has a meddling mom to be a guest on a new talk show. Quick background: I have an amazing mom. She is my best friend. She is Italian. She is a meddler. I could give you many meddling examples, but this one tells all — she is on Twitter and I am the ONLY one she follows. Nuff said.
Have Banter Will Travel
After discussing the show with my mom, we both got giddy at the prospect of an all-expense paid adventure in NYC, so I answered the reporter’s query. The Producer contacted me and assured me that this was not a “chair-throwing” type of show; rather, it features human interest stories. She then interviewed us both, had us send pictures and invited us to be on this new show. She explained that it will air in Dallas and Houston this September in hopes of getting full syndication. They wanted me and my “hilarious mom” to have some fun bantering back and forth alongside three other meddling mom duos. For those who know my mom and me, “fun banter” is standard chat. So…NYC, Mom and me, our moment of fame…sounds like fun, right?
Reality Strikes
An assistant called to get details for our flight arrangements and had a few additional questions such as, “Do you have tattoos? Piercings? A weave? Gold teeth? A grill?” She wasn’t asking about a BBQ, but rather teeth jewelry. WTH?!? At that moment I get a call from my dad who found clips of the show on a web site (even though it has yet to hit the airwaves). Highlights included someone ranting about a cheating spouse and another clip had the esteemed host getting bleeped out as he was yelling at one of his own guests. What have I gotten myself into?
Creating My Own Reality
The show looked borderline chair tossing to me, and we decided to call the Producer and bow out. There was truly nothing to gain (other than a trip to NYC) and a lot to lose. My reputation, based on laughter and positive living, means more to me than a moment of “fame” if that is what you call it these days.
It’s not just about what you preach, or even what you practice. It’s also about the company you keep, what you support, and where you invest your time (and message). Being in the wrong place at the wrong time – even if you do right – ends up all wrong.
Off to plan a mother/daughter trip to NYC on our own terms. This Housewife of Denton County is out. We’re off to discover some GOOD STUFF of our own, even if we have to do our own hair and make-up.
Permalink | Tags: famous, Reality TV, talk shows | Posted in Talk Show No-Go | No Comments
Anti-Social Media
BranchOut has me out on a limb. Have you been invited to Facebook’s professional networking entry into the LinkedIn world? It started to clog my newsfeed until I downloaded FB Purity (http://www.fbpurity.com/ — thankfully, it’s free!) which alters your Facebook home page, showing only the most relevant information by filtering out the annoying and irrelevant messages in your newsfeed. It’s sweeeet!
So yes, I have been invited, but I’ve not accepted this invitation. However, the BranchOut request still shows up in e-mail as an alert. I feel guilty. Am I being anti-social media? Missing out on lifelong connections? Losing out on job opportunities? As it is, I get grief because I don’t accept all friend requests on my personal Facebook page. Maybe I’m an oddball here, but I want to personally know people on my Feed. In fact, I do try to be courteous by telling strangers that I appreciate the invite, but to please join me on my “fan” page. They rarely do.
As someone who has never been officially diagnosed with ADD, I am already distracted enough trying to keep LinkedIn and all-a-Twitter clever and relevant, while maintaining personal AND professional Facebook pages. I would like to enjoy my life, run my business, my household, travel, raise my kids, be a good wife, neighbor, friend, daughter and dog owner.
In the past, I relished being invited (to anything!), but not anymore. Don’t ask me to BranchOut. One more connection avenue, may unravel my brain. Aren’t there enough ways for us to be connected professionally? Yes, I could update it all with TweetDeck or HootSuite or TweetSuite but, do people really want to get the same show on 5 different channels?
Ironically, most people who are making BranchOut requests are already connected with me. Wanna talk? Call me. Wanna connect? Write me. BranchOut? That’s one tree I’m going to leave. Read more…
Permalink | Tags: BranchOut, Facebook, overwhelmed, Social Media | Posted in Digitally Distracted | No Comments
I Met Train on a Plane
How often do we sit on a plane – or anywhere for that matter – in our own zones, unaware of those around us? Whether it be a subway, plane, grocery store or dentist’s office, we are all thrust into the presence of others. Are you on your Crackberry, iPhone or just lost in your own thoughts? Are you truly present where you are?
On a recent flight to Orlando, I was with my speaker buddy Vince Poscente, and we were lucky enough to be riding in the First Class section (thank you upgrade coupons) of our Super 80 airplane. After 20 minutes of snappy banter, Vince looked at me and said, “Those dudes across the aisle are in a band.” How could he know this? “They are wearing skinny jeans and hearing aids.” Nice observation.
“Well, get the scoop,” I implored. We discovered they were in the Grammy Award-winning band, Train. Cool. Hey, I’ve heard of them. They were big (as in popular) and cute (well okay… I couldn’t really tell under the baseball caps and scruff).
Of course we spent the rest of the flight using the Go-Go Flight internet service to watch YouTube videos and listen on our headphone splitters to all things Train.
As a former radio personality, I pride myself on being up on the music scene and was dismayed, “They sang, Drops of Jupiter? Meet Virginia? Soul Sister??? I thought that was Maroon Five!” Wow I guess it has been a long time since I have spun records… oh crap… now you see the problem.
When we landed, Vince had only carry-on luggage and went directly to the hotel. I had checked a bag. This may be the first time I was excited to have done so. As a groupie would, I stalked Train into the baggage claim area. Come on, wouldnʼt you?! And of course I positioned myself right where the bags would be deposited. I knew the band would come. As hockey great, Wayne Gretsky once said, “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” So, I positioned myself appropriately.
Pergo (the roadie) was the first to arrive. Using my investigative skills, I found out they were performing a local gig in Orlando, and then moving on to Austria, then London. We did the requisite chit-chat and I learned that Pergo is an avid reader and really cool. We swapped favorite book titles and he even said he would look up my book, The Good Stuff, on Kindle. (Really? You think?) As I was leaving the baggage area, I passed right by Pat Monahan, the lead singer of Train! “Have a great time in Austria!” I said casually and brushed by.
I’d truly planned to keep on going, but Pat had a smile the size of Texas and a twinkle in his eye. It stopped me in my tracks (Train tracks- sorry, I couldn’t help myself). I backed up a few steps and said, “Can I get a photo opp?”
He was as gracious as he could be. “Can you take the iPhone self shot? Iʼm really good at it,” said Pat (to me!). Of course, I informed him that when I do self portraits, all I see are chins. So he grabbed my phone and took the shot. OMG!
So huge thanks Vince – for popping that man hole cover for me so I could get some daylight and see what’s going on in that big bad world!
Unfortunately, we are so programmed to stay in our own zones and not connect with others. Our faces are buried on our iPhones or Crackberries, catching up with people who are not there, while completely ignoring those who are. How much do we miss by not being present? How many really cool people are sitting right beside us and we overlook them because we’re engaged in our own private Idahos?
Now you might not meet a Grammy Award-winning artist. It could be a person that you kinda know through “seven degrees of Kevin Bacon” where you have a mutual friend. Or maybe you meet the perfect new friend!
I met Train on a Plane. Lucky? Yes. Did I open myself up to my present surroundings?
Yes. Maybe you should too.
Permalink | Tags: aware, distracted, iPhone, Train | Posted in I Met Train on a Plane | No Comments
Facebook Face-Off: Should a Smackdown be a PDA? (Public Display of Aggression)
Have you ever seen or been a part of an angry war of words on Facebook? Have you ever seen a response to a post that made you cringe?
Until recently, I’d been only a silent observer on the sidelines of such uncomfortable exchanges. But no more! Just last week, my innocent comment resulted in a somewhat heated exchange, and then my “friend” said he was going to “delete.” Delete? The comment? The Facebook connection? Our friendship?
Why Am I Here?
OMG! It seems as though people have forgotten the concept of friendship. With the click of a button, you can un-friend someone. It really is as simple as that. Although sometimes we all might wish it were that easy, real life friendships don’t work that way.
The whole purpose of being a part of this online community is to connect at a rapid pace with numerous friends simultaneously. What I love about Facebook is the ability to build on a friendship that you wouldn’t normally be able to, due to distance or time.
So what to do when someone makes a truly bone-headed comment? While your first inclination may be to pound a heated response into your keyboard and hammer down the send button, firing off a brilliant message for all to see, there are really no winners in the PDA world.
Prevent a Facebook Face-Off:
- Stick with people you truly know on your friend list. It’s not about the numbers. Quality, not quantity, right?
- If you don’t agree with something, consider taking it to your local Inbox instead of waving your dirty laundry in public. If you are having a fight at Christmas dinner, you would take it to another room, right? Same thing with Facebook.
- Pick up the phone. Find out what the other person is thinking. Tone is everything.
- Remember the saying, “It takes two to tango?” Consider walking away. Delete the comment and go for a walk.
- People can interpret written words any which way. Sometimes, a smiley face isn’t enough to take the sting off a biting comment. It reminds me of the backhanded, “Bless Your Heart,” one may get down South. Consider alternative interpretations!
- Remember why you joined Facebook in the first place — to connect and reconnect in a positive way.
- And most important, remember what your mama said, “If you can’t say anything nice…”
Why Can’t Everyone Just Get Along?!
What you post says a lot about you, whether in your status or your comments *see Status Brand blog*. It is awesome when my mom declares, “You have some really great friends. I love reading your wall because they are so supportive… and funny!” Yes, I’m fortunate to have some pretty cool, funny and talented friends – not to mention, kind, loving and supportive. There aren’t any “haters” in my circle — that I’m aware of anyway. They are more into public displays of affection than aggression. That’s the way it should be. Peace out.
Permalink | Tags: anger, Facebook, fight, peace, posts, status, understanding | Posted in Facebook Face-Off | No Comments
The Fountain of Texting Truth
So, one day you’re texting someone in the mall. The next day you’re featured in a viral video on YouTube. And the next, you’re on Good Morning America. How could this be, you ask?
Well, Cathy Cruz Marrero, 49, was walking through the Berkshire Mall in Pennsylvania and got so wrapped up in texting that she fell into the fountain. The misstep was captured on the mall security camera and subsequently posted on YouTube, quickly garnering over 3 million hits.
The craziness doesn’t end there. The security guard who leaked the footage was fired. And now Cathy has hired a lawyer and is considering suing the mall.
Lawyer: “We certainly plan to hold any and all people responsible.”
Me: “Are you kidding me? “Responsible? Cathy, perhaps you should look into the mirror. Were you expecting mall security to hold your hand while you were walking through the mall texting? Or maybe a guard rail around the fountain? Oh yeah…alert the jury! Ms. Marrero actually works in the MALL?! Huh?!”
But wait! I’ve just learned that Cathy has bigger problems than being publicly humiliated, as she is facing 5 felony counts of theft for stealing a co-worker’s credit card and going charge happy. BTW, she says she was texting a “church friend” before the fall. Do you think it was about the felony charges? I digress….
LOL!
Here’s the deal. First off, circumstances would be very different for Marrero had she not come forward, because I doubt anyone would have recognized her from the grainy video. Things also would be different if she had not come out and said that the video was not funny. Not funny? Has she seen the footage??? Come out and LAUGH about it with all of us.
As embarrassing as it is, many of us do silly things while on the phone or texting. I once saw someone on a motorcycle TEXTING. In my outrage, I tried to match speed with the textcyclist and mock him, but I couldn’t because I was on my iPhone and couldn’t spare the extra hand.
Texting Tipping Point
Marrero could be the new spokesperson for the dangers of texting while walking (TWW). Come on Cathy, now is your chance to put on your big girl bloomers and call out those other mindless texters who may be at risk! Tell them about the dangers and that there is in fact life after falling in a fountain. Think of those poor souls who are, right this very minute, hunched over, typing away, risking their lives crossing the street, ricocheting off various stationary sidewalk objects and bumping into other unsuspecting pedestrians.
Lawyer Be Gone!
Cathy – I know you can change all this… help others learn from your mistakes. How about “TA” – “Texter’s Anonymous?” It’s the new year. Look at your fountain bath as a baptism. Do something for the betterment of humanity. You Cathy, and you alone, can make a difference. Take a stab at making the world a better place – one lonely walking texter / distracted-driver at a time! All of us need a reminder to pay attention to the world and not just our smartphones.
Permalink | Tags: Cathy Cruz Marrero, fountain, texting, Youtube | Posted in Fountain of Texting Truth | No Comments
