Time For Go-Go Juice! - Be Passionate With What You Do!

(Quietly spoken) Don’t you just love the rain? The soft pitter patters on the roof, windows, front porch…so serene. It is so nice right now as I type on my computer. Everyone is still asleep. No noise, no interruptions, no blaring TV – just the soft pitter patters of springtime and the wonderful aroma of Go-Go Juice. Good morning. You know, I was reflecting last night of how much I love my job working in hotels. Oh, that’s right – I’m still “working” getting back into one. From all my years of managing in the world of hospitality I have to share this with you … it’s not the paycheck (trust me). It’s the amazing accomplishments I’ve made, it’s an environment of clay ready to be molded into a piece of art, it building memories and it’s so rewarding from the relations I built. I was chatting with a former employee on Face Book – when I left my last hotel, everyone was dismayed. The hotel was not fairing very well after I was gone and of course combined with our devastating economy, it only got worse. But this former employee decided to take her cut hours and spend them wisely by going back to college to earn a degree in the medical field. She has faced so many challenges in doing this, yet she’s getting close to graduating. I’m so proud of her, you have no idea. She thanks me frequently for being her boss and how I made a difference when I was in charge. She reminded me of why I do what I do. In a hotel environment, one has so many opportunities to meet new people from all over the world and contribute to so many positive outcomes. I’ve met and served Queen Noor from Jordan on many occasions from working in Aspen. She does not come across as some staunchly political figure – she’s extremely pleasant, down to Earth – someone you might want to go play Tennis with. Esther Ferguson, wife of retired CEO of General Mills was a mentor and mother figure to me spending much quality time together. She once told me I had too much talent being wasted and that I should be making a six figure income (ok, so that helped me to like her even more, lol). As a general manager, I had a customer staying at my property who was doing a project for the police department. She was traveling alone and had made a comment that told me she could use “some company”. So I invited her to dinner one night. We spent hours talking about her deceased husband and showing me pictures of their participation and fond memories of being involved with the reenactments of the Civil War held yearly. We cried, we laughed – she was really cool. She sent me a wonderful gift of thanks for taking the time and such good care of her as her work involved grueling hours and lots of travels with her only companion, her dog. Another cool memory of mine involves dancing with an AMVET member. Those of you in hotels know what I’m referring to, but for those who do not, the AMVET is a group of members from WWII war – survivors and families of deceased veterans who served in the war. Now, most members are old – actually more likely ancient. The group stays a few nights, sometimes a week and displays all the memorabilia throughout the conference rooms and holds nightly events that end around 9pm. One evening I had an awesome country rock band playing in our bar, so I made an announcement to the AMVET members inviting them to join us for drinks and tunes. It was a push because most are too tired from the day’s events. They were all enjoying the music from their tables, so in the spirit of getting the “party started” I invited an older member to dance. He had to be at least 80 in years, had a dismembered arm and a huge smile on his face. He had absolutely no rhythm, but man, could he boogie! We laughed and had a great time. The group’s leader thanked me the next day for apparently being the best host they had ever had. So many stories I could share. But all in all, this is why I work in hotels – making memories for others, helping people, building relations and making money for the owners at the same time. It’s a great job! What do you like about your job? Or, are you unfortunately racing home to forget about it? Hmmm, just some food for thought. Well, Melissa is up and raring to go and I need a refill! Have an awesome weekend!

Time For Go-Go Juice! - Be A Man of Value!

Well, another day is here – it’s 1:52 in the afternoon and I’m Go-Go Juicing with a chocolate/banana shake. Quite a busy morning – sorry we missed each other, however, I didn’t want the day to go by without saying, “Hello”. I do want to share a quote with you I found this morning that left me pondering … “Try not to be a man of success, but a man of value”, by Albert Einstein. We all know that success is determined by the methods in which we measure success. I think that in the quote, it refers to achieving success that has an added value. I went to bed last night (more like two in the morning) believing what I would determine as having had an unsuccessful day. Like a good sales person as I train my own sales people, at the end of a day, did you close a deal? If not, you did not achieve success, if you did – kudos. I did not close a deal yesterday on any topic worth mentioning leaving me feel empty and unmotivated. In terms of self reflection, my view may be a bit short sighted. When I pondered the quote, I reflected on yesterday’s activities…did I create value in my actions that could lead to a close or yet achieve some reward that I did not see? Then it hit me: I had received a call from a former colleague with genuine thanks for all my effort in helping her with her project. It was really nothing – in my mind. I gave advice, typed up some ideas and made a few phone calls on her behalf. Now folks, I’m results driven and I have yet to find out her results which would normally tell me whether my actions for her did any good. However, the tone in her voice was like rays of sun shine beaming out of the phone. Her spirits were up, she had built up more confidence in her goals and explained how relieved she was in the progress we accomplished, and hence, I discovered value. I made a positive impact, motivated and brought relief to someone who will no doubt remember my actions as a good one. No doubt we all seek value, as business owners, executives, managers and of course as consumers. So, here’s my message for the day, “live valuably”. In that, you will achieve success. Enjoy the rest of your day!

Time For Go-Go Juice! - Getting a Job After 40!

Goooood Morning! Got your cup of GO-GO Juice? I do and it’s fully leaded. It’s 6:37 – Rachelle’s off to school, Alicia is next then the other two about an hour later. Whew! Well, I’ve got a couple interesting things about us coming up…Alicia and Rachelle are going to take their chance at “getting noticed” and auditioning this Saturday for the Disney Channel and other TV productions at the Columbus Convention Center. Neither is really active in drama or acting – but the idea just tickles their fancy. Even if they don’t get picked for anything, the experience alone should be fun and rewarding in itself. And I get to fly down to New Orleans on another job prospect – so wish me luck! You know, I think it’s about time I adjust my resume to adding “job prospector” to my titles of titles. Sheesh! It’s truly been a challenge. I’m looking at joining the 40 Plus groups to see what I might be missing – maybe I’ll find a hidden secret to promoting a middle aged professional. I’ve received a few letters from folks in my LinkedIn seeking work who are also nicely “seasoned”, probably more so than I. Sadly, age does become a factor in some industries, but not in all cases. Look at Chuck Norris – he just turned 70 and he’s still kickin’ around (no pun intended). I have a clergy friend who was just ordained last year and she just turned 71. God didn’t find her too old. Maybe age isn’t the issue, but rather how we carry our age that makes the difference. I look back at my mom (and if you’re hearing my thoughts right now, you know I still love and miss you), but man, age didn’t do her well…she was a coot. Sweet but off her rocker, God love her. On the other hand, I took in a homeless lady a week ago who is also searching for jobs. She is 60 years old. I know her skills and experience aren’t holding her down because she’s got an impressive background. No doubt her life situation has been a hindrance. When she lost her job, she eventually lost her home and lately, she had survived for two months living out of an abandoned apartment with just electricity (that never got shut off, lucky for her), but no heat, no cooking, no hot water. Then she went to living out of her car for the past two weeks. I’ve been there folks – the stories I could share about surviving this economy and caring for a family would just send shivers down your spine. But then, that’s probably why I got the referral about her. A friend called me regarding her situation and wondered with all my knowledge and connections, if somehow I could make connections for her. I said to “hell” with connections for the moment, she needed a warm home and a bed. We’re a big family in a small home, but there’s always room for more. Having got to know her now, age has been a topic. Yet, looking at her, she doesn’t appear her age and she could do circles around friends I know half her age. I’m helping her build a network and making referral calls on her behalf. Who knows, maybe she’ll get a great job – then she can hire me! Oh, life is good and sweet! You never know what lies ahead or just around the bend. Ok, well, the cup is empty, but the pot is full. Gonna get me some more and wish you all a fantastic day!

Time For Go-Go Juice! - Summer is Almost Here!

Mmmm, man that’s good. You know what I’m referring to…that first sip of steamy, hot fresh coffee as the warmth of the liquid slides down your dry throat from an evening’s sleep, how the taste just tingle’s your senses, warms up the chills and soothes that dryness away? Yea .... another sip ... Mmmm, Go-Go Juice to the rescue. Well Good Morning! Had a bit of a rough night. My baby daughter Melissa, age 3, kept waking up "whiney" through the night. I’m not sure if we’re now entering the stage of having nightmares or if she’s showing the symptoms of getting sick. The change of weather always seems to bring on viruses – some minor, some not-so minor. My one daughter Rachelle, who is 16 years old, is still recuperating from a severe case of Tonsillitis. Two weeks ago she developed the virus, got dehydrated and received two bags of IV fluid plus a shot in the rear to help fight it off. My son Buddy age 14, began his fever with a sore throat yesterday and still doesn't look all that “hot” either. I don’t know ... maybe it’s not the weather, maybe realizing their age it’s who they're kissing ... oh crap, it’s much too early in the morning to think about that one. I’ll stick to weather. Well, rain is on the way and I’m getting even more excited to watch the snow get washed away. Summer will be here before you know it. It’s not just good weather, summer means quality time with the family. Being a part of the travel and tourism industry, it’s cool to know where to take your family to get away. However, more and more families are looking for fun, but fun that doesn’t cost big bucks. We’re all watching our pennies right now, so what do you do and where do you go that's inexpensive? One idea is camping. Look up your local state campgrounds – they’re awesome! Most state campgrounds offer a variety of environments, views and features at low nightly fees. You pay on average between $10 to $35 a night and find yourself in camp units that offer fire rings, picnic tables, public bathrooms with running water, showers, hook ups for RV’s, nearby lakes and streams and lots of hiking. It’s a great way to enjoy some R&R while spending time with your kids. Here near Columbus, Ohio, we have one favorite campground called Alum Creek State Park. It’s got everything! Also keep in mind that state parks offer discounts for a number of memberships such as AARP, Good Sam Club, AAA and more, which of course brings the cost down even more. Did you know that there are hundreds of campgrounds you can stay at for free? Type in “free campgrounds” in your search engine and see what pulls up. There are lots of easy programs and ideas that will surely get you thinkin’ and maybe even itchin’ to do some old fashion campin’. Now is a good time to start planning your summer getaways ... heck, June will be here in just three short months. Well, it’s time for another warm up. I’d better get started with my day…hope your day is the absolute best!

Time For Go-Go Juice! - People Want to be Unemployed?

Good Morning…got you’re cup of coffee? Well, at this time of day, it’s funny that I’m still working on mine. Most of you are starting Ice Tea or Propel for the afternoon. I can’t believe it’s already 11:30am. The morning started out a bit hectic in juggling the kid’s different class schedules. What’s a mom gonna’ do? I know, pick a bone with a political figure…former House Majority Leader, Tom Delay. I think Mr. Delay needs some Go-Go Juice to stimulate and wake up those brain cells of his. Why? In a recent interview as published on the Huffington Post News, he stated that the unemployed Americans “wanted to be unemployed” referring to those of us job seekers as unmotivated to seek employment while we continue to reel in the big dough generated from Unemployment Benefits. Ok…so I’m looking around to see who he’s actually talking about? I don’t recall making enough on UC benefits that made our family a nest egg, let alone cover our living costs. Second, I’d like to know what jobs or companies he believes are just dishing out jobs left and right to available workers. In the last year, I’ve applied to well over 350 companies for numerous openings or just inquiries for a possible opening and am still looking. I have met with countless individual’s also job seeking who have endured the same challenges of getting an offer. Most companies have gone as far as to post an opening, but 1-2 months later rescind the opening to wait out the storm from the lost revenues generated by the bad economy. I myself have not only applied to jobs at my level of experience, but I’ve even dummied down to hopefully “just get a job” by applying to McDonalds, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations…the list my friends goes on. I am building new relations on Linked In and am now receiving people’s resumes from all over the country as we network together in effort to get employed. My UC benefits ran out – a lot of people’s have. The extensions have been for most people a savior. Let me explain our economy in laymen terms: The economy crashed, companies lost revenue, people lost jobs, people couldn’t replace jobs, people lost their livelihoods, what little income if any enters an unemployed workers pocket has not been enough to ring cash registers so companies remain negatively affected, no new jobs or companies have been created – everyone is suffering – therefore when one can’t pay all the bills for living expenses and basic needs, one turns to civic and community organizations for funding until they get waned, causing a high demand of funding requests on other entities such as churches, clubs and other organizations, but they become waned leaving nothing left but to turn to our federal and state programs for which we all have heavily invested into or we get entrepreneurial in hopes someone still has money to burn to buy whatever it is we sell. Get my drift? No doubt depression has set in for many unemployed Americans. Who out there even has the stamina anymore to apply for jobs that when they do become available – are eaten up quickly from the now extremely fierce competition to draw a paycheck? I’ll tell you…the American Spirit is still thriving in thousands of unemployed people – many of us have not given up the fight! So in the end, someone get Tom some Go-Go Juice and help him see the light. Write him, call him, do whatever you can to help him as well as those who agree in his thoughts to truly understand what we’re going through. You may visit the Huffington Post and the interview I’ve referred to by coping and pasting this link at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20100307/cm_huffpost/489050 With that, I bid you a good day – I think it’s time I grab an Ice Tea. ;)

Time For Go-Go Juice! - School Starts Too Early!

It's a beautiful morning in Central Ohio! The sun's out, birds are chirping and I can finally see the grass peaking up out of the frozen tundra of ice and snow that has dominated the ground the last few months. In fact, I can now walk on my sidewalk - without slipping even! I read this morning temps are rising to almost 60 degrees - whoo hoo! Well, my kids are thrilled this week with OGT tests going on all week in school, everyone gets to sleep in - well, with the exception of my one 10th grade student, she get's to take the tests. Which leads me to ponder as most parents do...why the heck does school start so darn early? I remember getting up around 7am to be at school around 8:30. That was pretty darn early as I recall. Today, my kids get up before the farmers do - 4:50am - rise and shine - shower, dress and out the door by 6:10 to catch a bus at 6:27 to start school by 7:10. Good grief! You know what I think? Kid's classes ought to be shortened by taking tests online, so class time can focus on studies, interaction and social learning which would then reduce amount of time in a day that schools would have to operate giving teachers more time to focus on new ideas, collaboration and methods that would enhance a students achievements. I would think this would reduce the amount of cost associated with long hours of operations that schools are challenged with. Probably even save a few tax dollars - that would be nice. What about our kids that hold a job? How much time do they get in sleep combined with long school hours, an average of 4 hours of homework nightly, social time with friends, catch up news with mom and dad - scarfing down dinner...? I don't know...today's lifestyle and education demands are so high for our children, given all our technology, I'm thinkin' we're working harder, not smarter with our students. All in all, shorter school hours could lead to a great deal of productivity and at minimum, more rest for our future leaders. Well, it's time for a second cup of java...have a tremendously great day!