It's amazing how fast time goes. I was just sitting here thinking about what I've lived through in the past 33 years, and WOW have I been blessed.
I've had many friends over the years that have helped guide and shape my life. I've been blessed with a family who loves me and supports me and I've managed to follow God's path enough to have found Chad and be loved.
When I look back on my life so far I wonder why I've gotten to have such an amazing journey. Not everything has been perfect, but all the trials and bumps along the way have made me who I am. There were times I felt like "why me" and now I have to laugh because I wouldn't change a thing. Not one!
Celebrating everything God has given me tonight.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Saturday, November 6, 2010
One year later!
Looking back on the year~ WOW!!!!
A year ago I was in bed recovering from leg surgery. Trying to figure out how to use crutches without falling...let's just say it took some falls before I got the hang of it!
I was also struggling with closing my company I took 8 years building. Trying to figure out how I was going to let some many down with out falling apart myself. After tons of praying, I was able to finally come to terms to where I felt God was leading me.
It wasn't easy. I lost friends who had been with me from the start who just thought I was making a selfish decision. I guess they thought I was going to "pocket" all the money. HAHAHAHA!!!! I'm still trying to pay off bills!
In the end, I found my true friends and those who were just "business friends". During the same month my husband was in a bad motorcycle crash, and his grandma passed away. It was one of those months that I felt like the devil was out to get me and I may never come through the fire.
I did make it! Nothing less of God's grace. Now, a year later~ My leg is healing....slowly, business is closed...well on the internet, and for the first year in my marriage, Chad and I can do things at a minutes notice and I don't have to put out fires and think about the company prior to my husband.
Throughout my years running LDT as a home party plan I was truly a slave to it, but loved every minute. Going in at 5am and leaving around 6-7pm. Working weekends to get things done, I always felt like I had everyone's world on my shoulders. I knew how it would effect so many families and their lively hood closing the doors. (truly was torment for me at times.) But I also knew that God was the only one who could help them, and He was the only one I needed to focus on for me and my family.
I will always hold the time dear to my heart. For about 4 months this year I would find myself crying or "second" guessing my choice, but every time I did God would show me again that He has a different plan for me. I've been able to get more involved in church, start a bible study and so much more.
Following God's path might not always be easy, but the rewards are great! Thank you Lord for this wonderful year~
A year ago I was in bed recovering from leg surgery. Trying to figure out how to use crutches without falling...let's just say it took some falls before I got the hang of it!
I was also struggling with closing my company I took 8 years building. Trying to figure out how I was going to let some many down with out falling apart myself. After tons of praying, I was able to finally come to terms to where I felt God was leading me.
It wasn't easy. I lost friends who had been with me from the start who just thought I was making a selfish decision. I guess they thought I was going to "pocket" all the money. HAHAHAHA!!!! I'm still trying to pay off bills!
In the end, I found my true friends and those who were just "business friends". During the same month my husband was in a bad motorcycle crash, and his grandma passed away. It was one of those months that I felt like the devil was out to get me and I may never come through the fire.
I did make it! Nothing less of God's grace. Now, a year later~ My leg is healing....slowly, business is closed...well on the internet, and for the first year in my marriage, Chad and I can do things at a minutes notice and I don't have to put out fires and think about the company prior to my husband.
Throughout my years running LDT as a home party plan I was truly a slave to it, but loved every minute. Going in at 5am and leaving around 6-7pm. Working weekends to get things done, I always felt like I had everyone's world on my shoulders. I knew how it would effect so many families and their lively hood closing the doors. (truly was torment for me at times.) But I also knew that God was the only one who could help them, and He was the only one I needed to focus on for me and my family.
I will always hold the time dear to my heart. For about 4 months this year I would find myself crying or "second" guessing my choice, but every time I did God would show me again that He has a different plan for me. I've been able to get more involved in church, start a bible study and so much more.
Following God's path might not always be easy, but the rewards are great! Thank you Lord for this wonderful year~
Friday, October 22, 2010
Becoming Let's Do Tea - part one
Many people think when I started Let's Do Tea that this was a life long dream.....well sad to say, it wasn't!
All I remember about tea growing up was my mom gave it to me when I was sick with toast, and we had sun tea all summer long. Other then that I never really paid any attention to it. Until about 10 years ago. As you have read I was flying for an airline. I had moved to Chicago without knowing a soul. I had worked with a lady named Lisa that had become a fast friend. After about two months I received a gift in the mail. It was from Lisa! It was a cup with this wonderful scented tea. I remember thinking how this just melted my heart and made me remember being at home with my mom when I was sick.
About two years and a move to Texas went by and I came across that mug. It took me right back to that feeling. I really think that might have been the "seed" planted to start me on the path to LDT.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Focus on earthly things
The past few days I've been helping my parents pack their house as they are moving into a smaller house about 1.5 hours away. This has been a great blessing as we are going through everything with my parents and brother. Its funny, we as kids look at things as, I hope to hold onto this once you've passed, or when your gone I'll be sure to give this to my kids. As I found myself the past few days thinking those exact things, a thought hit me....Where is your focus?
WOW!!! It was as if God was saying "child, look to what your true inheritance will be". How often do you really look at the things in your house, apartment, even car and say; "I know someone who will use this" and give it away or sell it.
We focus so much on what we have and what more can we add, that we forget that one day we will be in glory with our maker, and that should be our focus. Somehow that is still not enough.
I'm not looking at everything in my house, inch by inch and putting them in piles. Things I use, things to sell. If I don't use them, I'm getting rid of them. Yes, there are something that have been given from family and friends, but honestly, there are so many without. I found myself praying "God, its all yours". I don't want a fire to burn my house down, but if it did I'm just willing to accept it and move on now.
Thank you Lord for opening my eyes to focus on my eternity and not on these earthly things~
Thursday, October 7, 2010
"Oh, miss" - part one
Yes, this was my name....well, you would think it was my name. As a flight attendant you get called many things, but "oh, miss" is the one that sticks the most.
I've always said I could write a book off the things I've seen or experienced being a f/a....well, a blog will have to do!
Graduation day was here! It was September and we had been given our assigned bases just two days prior to graduating.
After we celebrated Wednesday night the next morning we were picked up for a 7am flight to our new home base. Mine was Chicago! There we receive a quick tour and given instructions to get a place to live, phone and address set up prior to starting on Saturday....it was Thursday around 4pm!
Yep, this was the glamour everyone must have been raving about. Have you ever tried to get an apartment in a day. With no car, no idea what street is what or where you are! Better yet, we had been in training for 6 weeks with no pay. Plus we only had a piece of paper stating we were hired with the airlines, but no way for the apartment to do a validation check due to security.
Well, after finding a wonderful brownstone in Chicago I had a place to stay, with two other people. Oh the joy!
My first flight, I was so air sick I thought for sure I would have to quit. I was the number #1 which meant I had to make the announcements, take care of first class and the pilots. To top it off, we had a passenger become ill. Yes, welcome to the job!
As I scrambled to get everyone fed, announcements made suddenly I hear someone talking about a passenger in the back of the plane. Come to find out the poor guy was passing kidney stones. Now, don't get me wrong I felt bad for him, but on the outside I found these words coming out of my mouth "REALLY, why are you flying?" As I had to find a Doctor to give this poor guy pain meds I found that the endless amounts of paperwork I had to start filling out.
"What's the person's name, what seat is he in, did he check bags" and on and on... I don't know, he's screaming in pain, I'm thinking he doesn't even know his mane right now!"
I got though the paperwork and as we were trying to put ourselves and the plane back together for landing I found myself thinking...."they never said it would be this crazy the first flight out!"
Needless to say, we made it and everything turned out fine. Of course I did forget to button down the first class kitchen area, and as we landed everyone found out as the coffee pot came flying out and tray went everywhere. Yes, my first flight!
I would have some of the funniest, and scariest things happen during my 5 years, but the best was meeting my husband.
More to come~
Monday, October 4, 2010
Servant I will be~
You know we hear the phrase "Servant Leader" in sermons and at church, but why not in everyday talks? What is a "Servant Leader?!?" I believe it's one who seeks to follow God, and put others ahead of ones own needs.
I truly try my best everyday to wake up and put God first! Does this always happen, unfortunatlly no! But the good news is, I wake up the next day and try again.
I try to put people before my needs. Don't get me wrong, I take care of myself, but that is different from putting others first. Women are great at this due to our "mothering nature", but Great Leaders are also good at this. So how do you become a Great Servant Leader?
I believe you first have to become a Servant. Being a Servant to God and following Him has helped me to become a leader. Trust me, I don't think myself a Great Leader, but I pray I'm seen as a servant. I want to be Great at this one trait and I believe the rest will come.
I know that God has great plans for all of us, but we first need to bow our knee to His will.
Come....be a servant and be blessed~
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Memories~
Have you ever sat down and thought about your past? A memory comes into mind so deep that you feel like you're there reliving it right then. Everything comes back the sound, smell, taste...everything!
That's how it is for me when I think back to Montana. Let me tell you a bit about it, and see if I can take you there. I grew up moving all over the US....more then 30 moves in under 20yrs. However Montana just stuck. We lived in a small town called Darby. Where there were more bars then churches. Going 25mph you could clear the main street of town in under five minutes, and that was with traffic! Well, this is were I grew up! The local hang out was Mr. T's gas station. This is were everyone who was anyone...well, nope just everyone was there on a Friday night after the game. It didn't even matter what game. With the senior class of 22, that parking lot could hold almost everyone that attended the high school....in any grade!
I loved it there. Spring time.....oh! You could smell spring in the air with the bloom of Beargrass and Paintbrushes, the hills would be covered in them. Trees would start to bloom and come to life after the cold winter...like magic. Wild strawberries would bring out the bear cubs for their first taste of the mountain. I would go down to the river just to see how cold the water was...watch it glisten in the sun and wait for summer to dive in. And the summers...how can I not tell you about summer?!?
Lazy days with friends, hiking looking for antlers, biking to the lake, fishing on the river or just hanging out. But the sunset.....when the sky turns vibrant orange at first and then fads to purples and blues as you watch it fade. Its almost like God painted just for you. At last the sun would be gone behind the mountains to rest for the night only to reveal thousands upon thousands of stars that look like you can reach up and touch them at any moment.
Yes, this is my town! I have loved every place I've lived. And I've lived in some wonderful places. One of the best memories of Montana was fall. Every fall as the trees turned into hues of yellows, orange, burgundy's and brown the best thing would happen. It would be time for a star shower. Every November like clock work there is a big meteor shower called "Leonids". My mom and I would plan everything. We would get our sleeping bags and thermos of hot chocolate and go out and lay in the front yard and watch till the sun came up to see the magical show God performed for us. How I loved those nights. Talking about everything under the stars.
Now that I'm in Texas and married I still go out ever November...now with my husband. We get blankets and drive out to where there are no more city lights and watch this wonderful show.
If you have the chance to catch the show...mark your calender...November 17th this year. Enjoy~
That's how it is for me when I think back to Montana. Let me tell you a bit about it, and see if I can take you there. I grew up moving all over the US....more then 30 moves in under 20yrs. However Montana just stuck. We lived in a small town called Darby. Where there were more bars then churches. Going 25mph you could clear the main street of town in under five minutes, and that was with traffic! Well, this is were I grew up! The local hang out was Mr. T's gas station. This is were everyone who was anyone...well, nope just everyone was there on a Friday night after the game. It didn't even matter what game. With the senior class of 22, that parking lot could hold almost everyone that attended the high school....in any grade!
I loved it there. Spring time.....oh! You could smell spring in the air with the bloom of Beargrass and Paintbrushes, the hills would be covered in them. Trees would start to bloom and come to life after the cold winter...like magic. Wild strawberries would bring out the bear cubs for their first taste of the mountain. I would go down to the river just to see how cold the water was...watch it glisten in the sun and wait for summer to dive in. And the summers...how can I not tell you about summer?!?
Lazy days with friends, hiking looking for antlers, biking to the lake, fishing on the river or just hanging out. But the sunset.....when the sky turns vibrant orange at first and then fads to purples and blues as you watch it fade. Its almost like God painted just for you. At last the sun would be gone behind the mountains to rest for the night only to reveal thousands upon thousands of stars that look like you can reach up and touch them at any moment.
Yes, this is my town! I have loved every place I've lived. And I've lived in some wonderful places. One of the best memories of Montana was fall. Every fall as the trees turned into hues of yellows, orange, burgundy's and brown the best thing would happen. It would be time for a star shower. Every November like clock work there is a big meteor shower called "Leonids". My mom and I would plan everything. We would get our sleeping bags and thermos of hot chocolate and go out and lay in the front yard and watch till the sun came up to see the magical show God performed for us. How I loved those nights. Talking about everything under the stars.
Now that I'm in Texas and married I still go out ever November...now with my husband. We get blankets and drive out to where there are no more city lights and watch this wonderful show.
If you have the chance to catch the show...mark your calender...November 17th this year. Enjoy~
Friday, April 16, 2010
Criticism and how to deal with it right!
When you start a business there are many things that motivate you! Passion, desire, love for the product, people, money, the list can go on and on. I have a passion for people. I love to help, make things better, see other grow and learn.
There are many reason's I started my company and for seven years I put EVERYTHING into it, and I do mean everything! However there are somethings you don't even think about when thinking about your dream coming to life.
You learn that people will lash out for no reason, or take the most minor thing and turn then into life or death. Some things would just shock you! For instance I had one email that told me what a terrible person and christian I was. How "I couldn't be trusted due to the lack of my evil ways" What was this grave thing I did to this person....I put the wrong label on the wrong tin of tea. Honest mistake considering we have over 100 teas, and only five different colors of labels. To be honest I'm shocked it didn't happen more often. This was laughable, but I truly hurt the person who received the error.
These are things that happened daily. With over 850 consultants and thousands of customers, I was sure to get at least one-two calls or emails a day. So, why an I writing about this....easy! There are many books that will tell you about running a business, how to do the accounting, ordering, website, ect....however there is nothing that tells you about the complaints to prepare for. Yes, you can read about great customer service, and how to train your employees to deal with customers, but I've not found anything on the market that told me "hey, when you receive an email or call ripping you to the core of your being, this is how to deal with it and keep the customer".
No matter what you start, people will be just that...people! Don't ever put one group above the other. The ones that start with you, hold hands and grow together will do the same things. Nobody is above the fact that if and when something goes wrong it will be YOUR fault and they will be the first to tell you why! It never mattered if it was the "shipping and receiving dept, payroll, or whatever" it all comes up to you.
So, a few thoughts on how I took this and made them into a "semi-positive" outcome. First, I prefer emails. Why?!? You can scream get mad and blow off tons of steam prior to responding. I'm being real here!!! You need to walk away from the issue think about it and then come back to it. I'm not saying leave it for a day, just an hour. Then respond. Make sure your tone, if an email, can not in any way be taken wrong. Start with "I'm so sorry this has caused an issue" Even if it's nothing, make them feel like you hear them and you feel for the fact they have to deal with this. Then go over the issue, what you will do to fix it, reassure them you care about them, and close the subject. If they come back with anything else other then thank you, be strong in how you are dealing with it and say "I feel this matter is closed. Thank you for your support."
If you receive a call, I feel like taking the complaint and writing everything down (other words let them talk, don't respond until their done) tell then you want to get the best result and that you would like some time to call them back. Give them a set time and stick to it! Do the same, get it off your chest....punch a bag...whatever and get back to them in the same manner as the email. Write out your response. This helps you and them stay on track and keeps things moving in the right direction.
Remember, you can and won't please everyone, and it's OK to tell them that. However you need to be willing to take the criticism if this is the roll you choose in life. I know it can be personal, but if you leave that at the door it makes this roll much easier!!!
I hope this helps!
There are many reason's I started my company and for seven years I put EVERYTHING into it, and I do mean everything! However there are somethings you don't even think about when thinking about your dream coming to life.
You learn that people will lash out for no reason, or take the most minor thing and turn then into life or death. Some things would just shock you! For instance I had one email that told me what a terrible person and christian I was. How "I couldn't be trusted due to the lack of my evil ways" What was this grave thing I did to this person....I put the wrong label on the wrong tin of tea. Honest mistake considering we have over 100 teas, and only five different colors of labels. To be honest I'm shocked it didn't happen more often. This was laughable, but I truly hurt the person who received the error.
These are things that happened daily. With over 850 consultants and thousands of customers, I was sure to get at least one-two calls or emails a day. So, why an I writing about this....easy! There are many books that will tell you about running a business, how to do the accounting, ordering, website, ect....however there is nothing that tells you about the complaints to prepare for. Yes, you can read about great customer service, and how to train your employees to deal with customers, but I've not found anything on the market that told me "hey, when you receive an email or call ripping you to the core of your being, this is how to deal with it and keep the customer".
No matter what you start, people will be just that...people! Don't ever put one group above the other. The ones that start with you, hold hands and grow together will do the same things. Nobody is above the fact that if and when something goes wrong it will be YOUR fault and they will be the first to tell you why! It never mattered if it was the "shipping and receiving dept, payroll, or whatever" it all comes up to you.
So, a few thoughts on how I took this and made them into a "semi-positive" outcome. First, I prefer emails. Why?!? You can scream get mad and blow off tons of steam prior to responding. I'm being real here!!! You need to walk away from the issue think about it and then come back to it. I'm not saying leave it for a day, just an hour. Then respond. Make sure your tone, if an email, can not in any way be taken wrong. Start with "I'm so sorry this has caused an issue" Even if it's nothing, make them feel like you hear them and you feel for the fact they have to deal with this. Then go over the issue, what you will do to fix it, reassure them you care about them, and close the subject. If they come back with anything else other then thank you, be strong in how you are dealing with it and say "I feel this matter is closed. Thank you for your support."
If you receive a call, I feel like taking the complaint and writing everything down (other words let them talk, don't respond until their done) tell then you want to get the best result and that you would like some time to call them back. Give them a set time and stick to it! Do the same, get it off your chest....punch a bag...whatever and get back to them in the same manner as the email. Write out your response. This helps you and them stay on track and keeps things moving in the right direction.
Remember, you can and won't please everyone, and it's OK to tell them that. However you need to be willing to take the criticism if this is the roll you choose in life. I know it can be personal, but if you leave that at the door it makes this roll much easier!!!
I hope this helps!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Time flys!!!
I can't believe it's already April 15th!!! Where did the time go?!? So many thing have happened, let's see if I can catch everyone up!
Right before the holidays I found a tumor in my leg. Had it taken out and everything was fine, but I did find out I'm not good on crutches. After the 1st fall you would think I would learn, not me! My hind end isn't black and blue anymore....thank goodness!
About 2/3 through November it became clear I couldn't keep my business going in the same direction. Chad and I would be homeless right now if I did. This was hard to do, but I had no choice. For the past few years we have struggled with keeping the doors open, but it all came down to closing up shop....well, in a sense. We are still online and offer all 100 teas. However, many people whom I had built a good relationship with were very hurt by my choice. It's been a hard few months, but with each day it gets better. God shows me how I'm doing the right thing.
One day I'll write about some of the things that were said and emailed to me....what a shock!
More later~
Right before the holidays I found a tumor in my leg. Had it taken out and everything was fine, but I did find out I'm not good on crutches. After the 1st fall you would think I would learn, not me! My hind end isn't black and blue anymore....thank goodness!
About 2/3 through November it became clear I couldn't keep my business going in the same direction. Chad and I would be homeless right now if I did. This was hard to do, but I had no choice. For the past few years we have struggled with keeping the doors open, but it all came down to closing up shop....well, in a sense. We are still online and offer all 100 teas. However, many people whom I had built a good relationship with were very hurt by my choice. It's been a hard few months, but with each day it gets better. God shows me how I'm doing the right thing.
One day I'll write about some of the things that were said and emailed to me....what a shock!
More later~
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Happy Birthday to Jim Rohn
Wishing a happy birthday to Jim Rohn. A man who gave so much. He opened doors with his ideas and methods of sharing and growing people. Thank you to someone who gave us a gift.
Some of my favorite quotes by Jim:
"Give whatever you are doing and whoever your are doing with the gift or your attention."
"The greatest gift you can give somebody is your own personal development. I used to say, 'If you will take care of me, I will take care of you.' Now I say, 'I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me.' "
"A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better."
"Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming."
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune."
Thanks again Jim for all your insight and the gifts you left us with.
Some of my favorite quotes by Jim:
"Give whatever you are doing and whoever your are doing with the gift or your attention."
"The greatest gift you can give somebody is your own personal development. I used to say, 'If you will take care of me, I will take care of you.' Now I say, 'I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me.' "
"A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better."
"Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming."
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune."
Thanks again Jim for all your insight and the gifts you left us with.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Great Quotes
What are some of your favorite quotes?
Here's one of mine:
"The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people" ~ Roosevelt
Here's one of mine:
"The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people" ~ Roosevelt
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembering 9/11/2001
Thinking back on this day....wow! I can't believe it was eight years ago. I was a flight attendant for American Airlines. I had just moved to Dallas from Chicago that August. I was working reserve the month of September, which means I was on call. Any flight they call you for, you take. It was Tuesday morning, and my phone rang, it was my dad. I could hear in his voice something was up. He said go to the TV and turn on the news. At that time only one plane had hit the towers. As I turned on the news, I remember thinking, that must have been a big plane, and then the next plane hit. I said to my dad...."That was a United Plane."
As they started to release small details I learned the first plane was AA. I told him I need to get off the phone. I started looking up all AA flights trying to track down names of the crewmembers flying.
As I watched...with the rest of the nation I started making calls. Quickly AA took down all access to the computers. This is done so that people can be contacted correctly. However I had already seen the name of the first crew to go down.
I receive tons of calls that day, family, friends, co-workers. It was a hard day, and it got worse. I lost a friend in the first plane, and I felt blessed to not be flying. The night before I had flown home from a double NY layover, I had just been there.
I feel very blessed to not have been on a flight that day. I had friends that were on planes sitting on runways with passengers for 72 hours. ATC wouldn't let any plane take of after getting everyone down. They all had to stay put.
I lived in an apartment in the landing path of DFW airport. At anytime you could see 5-10 planes in the sky either taking off or getting ready to land. Not that night. There were no planes in the sky. Wednesday would be the same....nothing. Like a bad movie coming to life.
I received a call on Thursday from AA asking if I would be willing to take a flight. I jumped at the chance. I wanted to help, needed to help. I took a flight into Pennsylvania. This was to take investigators in and to help get AA crew members out. We did have some passengers as well that had been cleared from the FBI. I was one of six flights that day.
As I arrived to take my flight, the airport was like a ghost town. I walked two terminals and didn't see a single person. I rounded the corner to head to my gate and I could see a small group of people. As I approached they stood to their feet and started clapping. It took AA seven hours to find a crew of five to take a flight, and I was one of them.
It was overwhelming the feeling I got walking to the gate. One lady ran to me and gave me a hug saying "thank you for being so brave". I was tearing up, trying to hold it together when the captain of our flight grabbed my bag and said "if you can't do this I understand." I told him I was happy and proud to take the flight.
I had called my family to let them know I was going. My parents were great, but I could tell my mom was ready for me to quit my job.....she even told me I could and move back home.
The flight went great. We landed around 11pm. I was the number #1 that flight. It was my one request when I took the call from AA. I wanted to be the last chance prior to someone breaking through the cockpit. I don't know why, but I felt like I was ready to give a little hurt back if I needed to.
As we landed I made the announcement that you all hear when you fly, but this time it was a little different.
As I summed up with announcement I add "Thank you to everyone for being so understanding during this time. We thank you for flying with American. God bless you and keep you, and God bless America!"
As I said those words the entire plane broke with cheering. Passengers were clapping and standing to their feet, people got up and started hugging complete strangers. As we parked at the gate and the cockpit door opened. Passengers one by one came off the plane. Tears streaming down their face looking to find the words to thank the crew. Two passengers had on their military hats and gave a solute to the pilots. They gave me hugs and wished me well. The woman who had hugged me at the gate came close to me and said "Thank you." gave me a hug and walked away.
I'm so blessed I was able to witness this, there would never be another flight like that in my career. I was able to be there and do something.
So, to all my fellow Americans, remember those who went to work and gave their all that day. We pray for those left behind and that God's grace be poured down on you, on us, and on the world.
Remembering 9/11/2001
As they started to release small details I learned the first plane was AA. I told him I need to get off the phone. I started looking up all AA flights trying to track down names of the crewmembers flying.
As I watched...with the rest of the nation I started making calls. Quickly AA took down all access to the computers. This is done so that people can be contacted correctly. However I had already seen the name of the first crew to go down.
I receive tons of calls that day, family, friends, co-workers. It was a hard day, and it got worse. I lost a friend in the first plane, and I felt blessed to not be flying. The night before I had flown home from a double NY layover, I had just been there.
I feel very blessed to not have been on a flight that day. I had friends that were on planes sitting on runways with passengers for 72 hours. ATC wouldn't let any plane take of after getting everyone down. They all had to stay put.
I lived in an apartment in the landing path of DFW airport. At anytime you could see 5-10 planes in the sky either taking off or getting ready to land. Not that night. There were no planes in the sky. Wednesday would be the same....nothing. Like a bad movie coming to life.
I received a call on Thursday from AA asking if I would be willing to take a flight. I jumped at the chance. I wanted to help, needed to help. I took a flight into Pennsylvania. This was to take investigators in and to help get AA crew members out. We did have some passengers as well that had been cleared from the FBI. I was one of six flights that day.
As I arrived to take my flight, the airport was like a ghost town. I walked two terminals and didn't see a single person. I rounded the corner to head to my gate and I could see a small group of people. As I approached they stood to their feet and started clapping. It took AA seven hours to find a crew of five to take a flight, and I was one of them.
It was overwhelming the feeling I got walking to the gate. One lady ran to me and gave me a hug saying "thank you for being so brave". I was tearing up, trying to hold it together when the captain of our flight grabbed my bag and said "if you can't do this I understand." I told him I was happy and proud to take the flight.
I had called my family to let them know I was going. My parents were great, but I could tell my mom was ready for me to quit my job.....she even told me I could and move back home.
The flight went great. We landed around 11pm. I was the number #1 that flight. It was my one request when I took the call from AA. I wanted to be the last chance prior to someone breaking through the cockpit. I don't know why, but I felt like I was ready to give a little hurt back if I needed to.
As we landed I made the announcement that you all hear when you fly, but this time it was a little different.
As I summed up with announcement I add "Thank you to everyone for being so understanding during this time. We thank you for flying with American. God bless you and keep you, and God bless America!"
As I said those words the entire plane broke with cheering. Passengers were clapping and standing to their feet, people got up and started hugging complete strangers. As we parked at the gate and the cockpit door opened. Passengers one by one came off the plane. Tears streaming down their face looking to find the words to thank the crew. Two passengers had on their military hats and gave a solute to the pilots. They gave me hugs and wished me well. The woman who had hugged me at the gate came close to me and said "Thank you." gave me a hug and walked away.
I'm so blessed I was able to witness this, there would never be another flight like that in my career. I was able to be there and do something.
So, to all my fellow Americans, remember those who went to work and gave their all that day. We pray for those left behind and that God's grace be poured down on you, on us, and on the world.
Remembering 9/11/2001
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Failing Forward
Failing!!!! Why is she writing about Failing?!? This next book review is on one of my favorite authors, John Maxwell. Maxwell has published over 60 books. He has some of the top books on Leaders in the world. This first book talks about something that most people want to hide from others.....FAILURE!
I'm all too familiar with this topic, and proud to say that failing has helped me move forward in life and business. We sometimes forget that our moms would tell us to "try, try again" or when we fall you have to "get right back up on that horse". This doesn't change as we get older, we just don't look at it the same as we did as kids and someone cheering us on to get back up.
"We overestimate the event and underestimate the process. Every fulfilled dream occurred because of dedication to a process". This is just one of the many points in this book that I too sometimes forget to take into consideration.
If we took all the times we missed a question on a test and never took another one, who would have won? Well, considering you would not have graduated first grade, I'm thinking reading this would be a little hard to do. Or what about trying out for track and entering that first race? Did you win straight out the gate without practice and dedication? I'm thinking, not.
As we grow up and become adults we don't stop this process. There is still a learning curve to everything, and when you think you have it mastered, there is always another angle.
So, failing is a must, but there is a second part to the title of this book.....forward.
When it talks about failing it also talks about moving forward. You can fail and stay "stuck in a rut" as they say. But again this book talks about using what you learn to move forward.
This is one of my favorite quotes: Michael Jordan, June 21, 1991, Wins First NBA Championship:
"I've missed more then 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot - and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
Whether it's losing a race, missing that shot, or changing directions, you just have to keep moving forward and learning from your challenges.
Maybe we need to replace the word failure with learning. That's what it is!
It's an opportunity to learn from what happened and move forward.
This book is worth getting. If everyone could go back to when they were in their teens and read this book, how would it have helped? I can tell you that it has changed my life. It has taught me to view things in a different, yet better light, and who can't use that?
I can't wait to hear your comments.~
I'm all too familiar with this topic, and proud to say that failing has helped me move forward in life and business. We sometimes forget that our moms would tell us to "try, try again" or when we fall you have to "get right back up on that horse". This doesn't change as we get older, we just don't look at it the same as we did as kids and someone cheering us on to get back up.
"We overestimate the event and underestimate the process. Every fulfilled dream occurred because of dedication to a process". This is just one of the many points in this book that I too sometimes forget to take into consideration.
If we took all the times we missed a question on a test and never took another one, who would have won? Well, considering you would not have graduated first grade, I'm thinking reading this would be a little hard to do. Or what about trying out for track and entering that first race? Did you win straight out the gate without practice and dedication? I'm thinking, not.
As we grow up and become adults we don't stop this process. There is still a learning curve to everything, and when you think you have it mastered, there is always another angle.
So, failing is a must, but there is a second part to the title of this book.....forward.
When it talks about failing it also talks about moving forward. You can fail and stay "stuck in a rut" as they say. But again this book talks about using what you learn to move forward.
This is one of my favorite quotes: Michael Jordan, June 21, 1991, Wins First NBA Championship:
"I've missed more then 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot - and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
Whether it's losing a race, missing that shot, or changing directions, you just have to keep moving forward and learning from your challenges.
Maybe we need to replace the word failure with learning. That's what it is!
It's an opportunity to learn from what happened and move forward.
This book is worth getting. If everyone could go back to when they were in their teens and read this book, how would it have helped? I can tell you that it has changed my life. It has taught me to view things in a different, yet better light, and who can't use that?
I can't wait to hear your comments.~
The Mary Kay Way
Every month I will be blogging about a new book. I would love to hear your comments or what you have gotten out of my blog.
Well.the first book I wanted to talk about is The Mary Kay Way! This is a wonderful book. If you have read this book, I would love to hear your comments. It's one of those books that you go back to time and time again and find something new that sticks out. I keep this great book on my night stand and thumb through it often. When I first heard the story of MK, I thought she was in her early twenties with a toddler, trying to make ends meet...well, that was not the case.
MK was already retired, son grown and looking to put together a company that would hold her values, yet promote women. Hence Mary-Kay was born. It didn't happen over night, but she just kept plugging away at it, implementing rules and guidelines that help run the company today.
When MK passed away her son and granddaughter filled her shoes.
I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet MK. She has helped me in my business more then she will ever know. From the people who did meet her, they say she was in a class of her own. She always had a smile and a kind word. She practiced the "Golden Rule" that she instilled in the MK legacy. If you run into one of her consultants, you can ask them about this rule, and they will be happy to tell you what it means.
Mary Kay has helped more women thrive around the world in business as well as helping many charities. I truly urge you to pick up this book, read it, and apply what you can to enrich your life.
Well.the first book I wanted to talk about is The Mary Kay Way! This is a wonderful book. If you have read this book, I would love to hear your comments. It's one of those books that you go back to time and time again and find something new that sticks out. I keep this great book on my night stand and thumb through it often. When I first heard the story of MK, I thought she was in her early twenties with a toddler, trying to make ends meet...well, that was not the case.
MK was already retired, son grown and looking to put together a company that would hold her values, yet promote women. Hence Mary-Kay was born. It didn't happen over night, but she just kept plugging away at it, implementing rules and guidelines that help run the company today.
When MK passed away her son and granddaughter filled her shoes.
I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet MK. She has helped me in my business more then she will ever know. From the people who did meet her, they say she was in a class of her own. She always had a smile and a kind word. She practiced the "Golden Rule" that she instilled in the MK legacy. If you run into one of her consultants, you can ask them about this rule, and they will be happy to tell you what it means.
Mary Kay has helped more women thrive around the world in business as well as helping many charities. I truly urge you to pick up this book, read it, and apply what you can to enrich your life.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Strawberry Green and After 7 Review!!
Hey Everyone!
I wanted to share this link with you! It's a review of our After 7 Rooibos and Strawberry Green tea.
http://www.rockingtherepublic.com/green-tea/lets-do-tea-after-7-seven-rooibos-and-strawberry-green-tea-review/
Let's hear what you think!
I wanted to share this link with you! It's a review of our After 7 Rooibos and Strawberry Green tea.
http://www.rockingtherepublic.com/green-tea/lets-do-tea-after-7-seven-rooibos-and-strawberry-green-tea-review/
Let's hear what you think!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Catalog Woes
You look at catalogs out there and always think....that would be fun to publish....NOT!
I wanted to share our catalog trials with you all, as I'm sure you'll get a great laugh out of them!
I'm very hands-on. I like to be involved in all projects. I know that at times it's best to sit back and let the professionals handle things, but I still like to watch from the side-lines. As we started moving forward and finding products to debut in the first catalog putting together the "look and feel" of the company, let's say the first try was not so great!
As we did the photo shoot and wrapped up, we started working on wording. If you can't tell, this area is not my strong side. With tons of help from family and friends we finished the first ever Let's Do Tea Catalog! Excited for the launch, nothing could stop us. We had a web site, catalog and a plan, who needed more.
Well the launch of the company was January 1, 2004 and by January 15th over 80% of my blessed catalog was discontinued! Yep, you got it! Not even available if I did have customers. This was a huge learning experience.
We printed 10,000 catalogs and threw away about 9,800 of them. Our catalog has truly evolved since then. Still we make mistakes or get products that tend to have a short life, but it's not an easy job! We have put together a wonderful team that always does our catalog, but like I said in the beginning, I'm very hands-on.
I still pick all our products, handle the photo shoots, and do all the layout and wording. However, there is a team of proof readers (they still miss things), photo touch up (sometimes the pictures still look funny), and more. But we all do our best and put our heart and soul into this time consuming project. We all love this task and look forward to making it better every chance we get.
So check out our newest catalog at www.letsdotea.com
Enjoy the labor!
I wanted to share our catalog trials with you all, as I'm sure you'll get a great laugh out of them!
I'm very hands-on. I like to be involved in all projects. I know that at times it's best to sit back and let the professionals handle things, but I still like to watch from the side-lines. As we started moving forward and finding products to debut in the first catalog putting together the "look and feel" of the company, let's say the first try was not so great!
As we did the photo shoot and wrapped up, we started working on wording. If you can't tell, this area is not my strong side. With tons of help from family and friends we finished the first ever Let's Do Tea Catalog! Excited for the launch, nothing could stop us. We had a web site, catalog and a plan, who needed more.
Well the launch of the company was January 1, 2004 and by January 15th over 80% of my blessed catalog was discontinued! Yep, you got it! Not even available if I did have customers. This was a huge learning experience.
We printed 10,000 catalogs and threw away about 9,800 of them. Our catalog has truly evolved since then. Still we make mistakes or get products that tend to have a short life, but it's not an easy job! We have put together a wonderful team that always does our catalog, but like I said in the beginning, I'm very hands-on.
I still pick all our products, handle the photo shoots, and do all the layout and wording. However, there is a team of proof readers (they still miss things), photo touch up (sometimes the pictures still look funny), and more. But we all do our best and put our heart and soul into this time consuming project. We all love this task and look forward to making it better every chance we get.
So check out our newest catalog at www.letsdotea.com
Enjoy the labor!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Starting Point
Believe it or not, but I was never into direct sales prior to LDT. It was one of those "ah ha" moments in my mom's kitchen that lead us to where we are now.
I knew after years of looking for that "something better job" that it was me that was the "something." People ask me all the time: "Were you scared to fail?"...Uummm yes, aren't we all, but I think it was also that fear that helped me to keep pressing on. It's easy to dream, but never put any thought into action: "too busy, cost too much money, who has the time, too many too's.."
But once I started talking about tea, it was all I could think about. After days of looking online and reading about tea, soon it became all I could do not scream at the top of my lungs....THIS IS IT!!! Needless to say, everyone else took some convincing. As this idea started to grow, I never thought, I'm going to be a home party plan! Nope, the first idea was to be a "trendy hang out" with only difference from Starbucks and me was the product line.
So I began to put my plan into place. Searching for a building, products, you name it. I found out, building aren't cheap, who knew?!? I had just moved from Chicago to Dallas, had a boyfriend, job, no debt, why in the world would I want to rent a building for five years? So I went home to Mom for some much needed advice. As Mom and I sat in the kitchen on a beautiful April day, I said, "maybe I can go around to my friends and sell until I have enough money saved to open a store". My Mom then said: "oh, like party lite?!?" and like a light it hit us both...HOME PARTY PLAN!
Well, this sums up how we came to being a Home Party Plan Company, but to say the least, this was just the beginning. Since that April day we have grown not only as a company, but in the DSA as well.
I look forward to more "ah ha" moments, and would love to hear yours!
Meredith
I knew after years of looking for that "something better job" that it was me that was the "something." People ask me all the time: "Were you scared to fail?"...Uummm yes, aren't we all, but I think it was also that fear that helped me to keep pressing on. It's easy to dream, but never put any thought into action: "too busy, cost too much money, who has the time, too many too's.."
But once I started talking about tea, it was all I could think about. After days of looking online and reading about tea, soon it became all I could do not scream at the top of my lungs....THIS IS IT!!! Needless to say, everyone else took some convincing. As this idea started to grow, I never thought, I'm going to be a home party plan! Nope, the first idea was to be a "trendy hang out" with only difference from Starbucks and me was the product line.
So I began to put my plan into place. Searching for a building, products, you name it. I found out, building aren't cheap, who knew?!? I had just moved from Chicago to Dallas, had a boyfriend, job, no debt, why in the world would I want to rent a building for five years? So I went home to Mom for some much needed advice. As Mom and I sat in the kitchen on a beautiful April day, I said, "maybe I can go around to my friends and sell until I have enough money saved to open a store". My Mom then said: "oh, like party lite?!?" and like a light it hit us both...HOME PARTY PLAN!
Well, this sums up how we came to being a Home Party Plan Company, but to say the least, this was just the beginning. Since that April day we have grown not only as a company, but in the DSA as well.
I look forward to more "ah ha" moments, and would love to hear yours!
Meredith
Our Story!
Let’s Do Tea was conceived by Meredith Tieszen in November, 2002 while flying for a major airline. After talking the idea over with her mom and partner, Jerry Moore, they decided this was where God was leading them.
Let’s Do Tea helps open doors for hospitality and sharing health facts while enjoying a cup of tea.
The past few years have been blessed with on going growth and friendships that would not have been possible without God’s touch. He has brought us more then we could have hoped for and continues to bless us every day.
We feel fortunate to work with such wonderful people and hear their stories.
Thank you Lord, for your amazing gift and grace!
Let’s Do Tea was conceived by Meredith Tieszen in November, 2002 while flying for a major airline. After talking the idea over with her mom and partner, Jerry Moore, they decided this was where God was leading them.
Let’s Do Tea helps open doors for hospitality and sharing health facts while enjoying a cup of tea.
The past few years have been blessed with on going growth and friendships that would not have been possible without God’s touch. He has brought us more then we could have hoped for and continues to bless us every day.
We feel fortunate to work with such wonderful people and hear their stories.
Thank you Lord, for your amazing gift and grace!
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