I have several Stress Buttons; I suppose most Folks do. I'd like to think that as I get older I'm also maturing and gaining a bit more control regarding my reactions to such challenges, but I know sometimes I don't succeed.
What is it about the word 'No' that People don't/won't understand? It it because it's often couched in smiles and diplomacy? "Unfortunately not." or "So Sorry, but we won't be able to do that for you." or "Yes, this procedure is fairly restrictive, isn't it?" I don't try to be patronizing. I really resist being rude. And I'm pretty good and smoothing over difficulties and offering acceptable alternatives.
But what is it about some People who think asking their Question several different ways will secure an answer more agreeable to their original purpose? And too, why is bullying and abusing someone seemingly so acceptable in the marketplace? I've seen colleagues in tears and I know I've wanted to bite a hole in the Front Desk at least twice.
I recognize when the stress of the moment is getting to me; there are at least two symptoms: the hairs on my (red) neck stand, and my Sciatica begins to act up.
Dear Guests and Customers and especially Off-Property Visitors -- I'd bend over backwards to assist you. But really, sometimes 'No' means 'No.'
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Travelogue: Day 8 (7 April 2011)
Hi Emily---
Breakfast with Jane and Amanda this morning. Coffee and ersatz Bear Claw for me. Kait came by a little later and joined us. Beautiful morning in Las Vegas!
We went to visit a house desperately in need of renovation and attention in regard to its walls and some unfortunate furnishings. It was fun to observe these Women in action. Being of the male persuasion, I thought it best to remove myself to the dining table whilst they focused on the Great Room. Obviously, I asked some worthless question or made some smart remark from time to time. Couldn't help myself. Ehhh, we all live on a Yellow Submarine anyway . . .
Then back to the Homestead to gather my things. To the Airport, Farewells and then on through Security.
LAS to DEN to COS and Home.
I held a Jewel in my fingers--
And went to sleep--
The day was warm, and winds were prosy--
I said " 'Twill keep"--
I woke--and chid my honest fingers,
The Gem was gone--
And now, an Amethyst remembrance
Is all I own--
Yes. Oh, Very Yes. Your Verse still works for me.
Kim
Breakfast with Jane and Amanda this morning. Coffee and ersatz Bear Claw for me. Kait came by a little later and joined us. Beautiful morning in Las Vegas!
We went to visit a house desperately in need of renovation and attention in regard to its walls and some unfortunate furnishings. It was fun to observe these Women in action. Being of the male persuasion, I thought it best to remove myself to the dining table whilst they focused on the Great Room. Obviously, I asked some worthless question or made some smart remark from time to time. Couldn't help myself. Ehhh, we all live on a Yellow Submarine anyway . . .
Then back to the Homestead to gather my things. To the Airport, Farewells and then on through Security.
LAS to DEN to COS and Home.
I held a Jewel in my fingers--
And went to sleep--
The day was warm, and winds were prosy--
I said " 'Twill keep"--
I woke--and chid my honest fingers,
The Gem was gone--
And now, an Amethyst remembrance
Is all I own--
Yes. Oh, Very Yes. Your Verse still works for me.
Kim
Monday, April 18, 2011
Travelogue: Day 7 (6 April 2011)
Dear Emily---
Spent much of the morning out at Red Rock Canyon. Mercifully, it was only in the 70s or so with the fresh breeze that accompanies the all-too-rare rainy mist. Just absolutely Beautiful Desert! Wonderful Geology in the Mohave! But I'm pleased to have missed it at 112 Degrees!
Lunch in the Private Community in which my Las Vegas Friends live. Upscale. A style to which I'd loooove to become accustomed! Not unlike a Country Club. Gated Community. Walls and Armed Guards. Many of the houses border the Golf Course. Very nice homes of extraordinarily appealing designs.
Then Downtown to The Bellagio! Gaming is not for me so I didn't indulge. Fountains and Flowers though! Superb design and display. Gorgeous! Then to Paris. Should have gone up the Tower but did not. Rather expensive dessert and coffee (What's not on The Strip?!). Obligatory Pic of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Lots and Lots of Conversation--and a blister or two.
Back to the House for a Golf Cart Tour of the Neighborhood. Then a Glass of Red, more talking into the night and to bed.
This trip is drawing to a close but it's been Excellent thus far.
Pet the Puppy for me?
Love You Much,
Kim
Spent much of the morning out at Red Rock Canyon. Mercifully, it was only in the 70s or so with the fresh breeze that accompanies the all-too-rare rainy mist. Just absolutely Beautiful Desert! Wonderful Geology in the Mohave! But I'm pleased to have missed it at 112 Degrees!
Lunch in the Private Community in which my Las Vegas Friends live. Upscale. A style to which I'd loooove to become accustomed! Not unlike a Country Club. Gated Community. Walls and Armed Guards. Many of the houses border the Golf Course. Very nice homes of extraordinarily appealing designs.
Then Downtown to The Bellagio! Gaming is not for me so I didn't indulge. Fountains and Flowers though! Superb design and display. Gorgeous! Then to Paris. Should have gone up the Tower but did not. Rather expensive dessert and coffee (What's not on The Strip?!). Obligatory Pic of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Lots and Lots of Conversation--and a blister or two.
Back to the House for a Golf Cart Tour of the Neighborhood. Then a Glass of Red, more talking into the night and to bed.
This trip is drawing to a close but it's been Excellent thus far.
Pet the Puppy for me?
Love You Much,
Kim
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Travelogue: Day 6 (5 April 2011)
Hi, Emily---
(This Note is a little stale and I'm sorry for it. I didn't always have access to a computer; only what I could rustle up where I was staying in public accommodation. And that often at odd hours.)
I left Oak Harbor this morning and was saddened to depart so soon. I would like to have spent a few more days and checked out more of her several nooks and crannies. But for what I envisioned for two days I managed quite well. Perhaps I'll be able to return. Another whack at the Whidbey Island Writers Conference perhaps?
I drove out to the north which took me over Deception Pass. Stopped for about half an hour to climb about the bridge and gawk at the view and shoot some BB Pics. Then on over to I-5 and south back to Seattle. A bit of mist here and there but no worries. Good flight to LAX for my connection and then a 757 on to LAV. Nice Plane--and were we packed! (Airport Food can be quite awful BTW--and Expensive! $22 for a stale Club Sandwich and a little wisp of a Salad? Whew!)
Saw a little of the City when leaving McCarran Airport. Plan to spend a good deal of time on the Strip tomorrow. It's already late, so I managed happily with a home-built cheese sandwich and some friendly conversation with Springs Folks who recently moved here.
Great visiting close Friends in Las Vegas! Their home straddles a Golf Course outside of the city and is so lovely! Gentle Breeze through the Palm Trees! (You can use that if you wish.) Stars Bright through the Desert Air. A little CSI NY in my room, an Ambien and on to sleep.
Good Night to You also, Emily,
Kim
(This Note is a little stale and I'm sorry for it. I didn't always have access to a computer; only what I could rustle up where I was staying in public accommodation. And that often at odd hours.)
I left Oak Harbor this morning and was saddened to depart so soon. I would like to have spent a few more days and checked out more of her several nooks and crannies. But for what I envisioned for two days I managed quite well. Perhaps I'll be able to return. Another whack at the Whidbey Island Writers Conference perhaps?
I drove out to the north which took me over Deception Pass. Stopped for about half an hour to climb about the bridge and gawk at the view and shoot some BB Pics. Then on over to I-5 and south back to Seattle. A bit of mist here and there but no worries. Good flight to LAX for my connection and then a 757 on to LAV. Nice Plane--and were we packed! (Airport Food can be quite awful BTW--and Expensive! $22 for a stale Club Sandwich and a little wisp of a Salad? Whew!)
Saw a little of the City when leaving McCarran Airport. Plan to spend a good deal of time on the Strip tomorrow. It's already late, so I managed happily with a home-built cheese sandwich and some friendly conversation with Springs Folks who recently moved here.
Great visiting close Friends in Las Vegas! Their home straddles a Golf Course outside of the city and is so lovely! Gentle Breeze through the Palm Trees! (You can use that if you wish.) Stars Bright through the Desert Air. A little CSI NY in my room, an Ambien and on to sleep.
Good Night to You also, Emily,
Kim
Monday, April 4, 2011
Travelogue: Day 5
Hi, Emily---
Rain All Day today in Oak Harbor. Ran about the Town just the same. Lunch and Dinner at 'FlyerS' and 'Seabolt's,' Local Establishments the Both of 'em; NO McCardBoard's or Whimpey's for me!
Writing Conf Review. Writing Conf Follow-Up Research. Writing. Clarity of Purpose Defined. More Writing. Focus and Direction Established. Still more Writing. Yes! This IS my Idea of Fun! BwaaHaaHaaHaa!
Called Mom! Visited some about the times She and Papa were stationed here. Wish She and Sister could have come up with me. Post Cards to some Folks. My MaMa looooves getting her Post Cards for where 'er her Children might be . . .
Enjoy a Quiet Evening,
Kim
Rain All Day today in Oak Harbor. Ran about the Town just the same. Lunch and Dinner at 'FlyerS' and 'Seabolt's,' Local Establishments the Both of 'em; NO McCardBoard's or Whimpey's for me!
Writing Conf Review. Writing Conf Follow-Up Research. Writing. Clarity of Purpose Defined. More Writing. Focus and Direction Established. Still more Writing. Yes! This IS my Idea of Fun! BwaaHaaHaaHaa!
Called Mom! Visited some about the times She and Papa were stationed here. Wish She and Sister could have come up with me. Post Cards to some Folks. My MaMa looooves getting her Post Cards for where 'er her Children might be . . .
Enjoy a Quiet Evening,
Kim
Travelogue: Days 3 & 4
Hi, Emily---
Sorry about the delayed post. Sometimes I don't get to a computer in a timely way; I must beg as I can for the House Guest Computer where I lodge for the evening.
A little regarding my Friday. I must confess I had not even heard of Garth Stein prior to the advertisement of this Conference. I picked up 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' on spec, thinking I should read it if I can before the Guest Speaker guest spoke. Well, I did read it and can tell you it's been a long time since I've been thus so profoundly affected and wept because of something in print. It's fresh (Canine, 1st Person) and worthy of your time. I thought of your puppy, Carlo, several times.
I spent the remainder of morning at a Chat House with like-minded Colleagues interested in Adult Fiction. And Yes! Of course we were on the Bay with a Wonderful, Wind-blown, Salty, Artisticly Inspiring View!
Bailed out of a good part of the afternoon and took myself for a Walk and then a Nap. Fatigue and Sugar issues I s'pose.
Dinner with the various Authors, Presenters, Editors, Publishers and Colleagues. Wonderful Conversation with several New Friends. (I maintain that Chardonnay is for Women and Sissies! Bring on the Pinot!)
My Saturday was invested in Evaluation, Selection and Publication of 'Worthy' Personal Writing Projects. These Folks definitely know their Stuff and don't putz around! Speaker after Speaker had something -- often many things -- that caught my attention. Lots of Useful Notes! Plenty of primary and secondary Reference Points! I fancy I've burned out one pen already! It was charred at the tip when I tossed it into the trash earlier this morning!
We fancy ourselves that Writing is so Artistic. And yes, I'm vain enough to think that at least some of what I write really is of literary quality. But what I heard Friday and Saturday (and Sunday) is 'Writing is a Business!'
Yes! I hear you! This I know! I'm convinced! I PROMISE I'll work faithfully the Business End of Personal Publication!
Evening Contemplation, Meditation, Prayers and to Bed.
But my mind is racing with Possibility!
Kim
Sorry about the delayed post. Sometimes I don't get to a computer in a timely way; I must beg as I can for the House Guest Computer where I lodge for the evening.
A little regarding my Friday. I must confess I had not even heard of Garth Stein prior to the advertisement of this Conference. I picked up 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' on spec, thinking I should read it if I can before the Guest Speaker guest spoke. Well, I did read it and can tell you it's been a long time since I've been thus so profoundly affected and wept because of something in print. It's fresh (Canine, 1st Person) and worthy of your time. I thought of your puppy, Carlo, several times.
I spent the remainder of morning at a Chat House with like-minded Colleagues interested in Adult Fiction. And Yes! Of course we were on the Bay with a Wonderful, Wind-blown, Salty, Artisticly Inspiring View!
Bailed out of a good part of the afternoon and took myself for a Walk and then a Nap. Fatigue and Sugar issues I s'pose.
Dinner with the various Authors, Presenters, Editors, Publishers and Colleagues. Wonderful Conversation with several New Friends. (I maintain that Chardonnay is for Women and Sissies! Bring on the Pinot!)
My Saturday was invested in Evaluation, Selection and Publication of 'Worthy' Personal Writing Projects. These Folks definitely know their Stuff and don't putz around! Speaker after Speaker had something -- often many things -- that caught my attention. Lots of Useful Notes! Plenty of primary and secondary Reference Points! I fancy I've burned out one pen already! It was charred at the tip when I tossed it into the trash earlier this morning!
We fancy ourselves that Writing is so Artistic. And yes, I'm vain enough to think that at least some of what I write really is of literary quality. But what I heard Friday and Saturday (and Sunday) is 'Writing is a Business!'
Yes! I hear you! This I know! I'm convinced! I PROMISE I'll work faithfully the Business End of Personal Publication!
Evening Contemplation, Meditation, Prayers and to Bed.
But my mind is racing with Possibility!
Kim
Friday, April 1, 2011
Travelogue: Day 2
Dear Emily---
Another long day today but not bad at all! I'll tell you one thing though; the Rain on this Island is Frequent and Wet! Certainly Wetter than in Colorado! But it's all been good.
Went to some very good Sessions today. One thing I'll need to focus on if I expect to sell anything is 'How to Pitch your Novel' for Introverts. Anymore, we're expected to sell to the Agent, sell to the Publisher, sell to the Marketplace. Oy Veh! What think you of E-Publication?
Very Colorful Writing Colleagues here in Coupeville. One reminds me of you in many ways. Her hair is not quite as deep an auburn as yours and she's perhaps a bit more pensive. Ahhhh, maybe I fit in all too well. I get a sense that not too many Folks come up here in a Dry-as-a-Bone Duster and Cowboy Hat.
Seafood again tonight. What?! Surely you weren't expecting me to come to the Great Northwest just to eat Chicken! But truth is, I miss MaMa's Cornbread!
More tomorrow, I'm sure. I've got some reading to do and then bedward for me.
Your devoted Adventurer,
Kim
Another long day today but not bad at all! I'll tell you one thing though; the Rain on this Island is Frequent and Wet! Certainly Wetter than in Colorado! But it's all been good.
Went to some very good Sessions today. One thing I'll need to focus on if I expect to sell anything is 'How to Pitch your Novel' for Introverts. Anymore, we're expected to sell to the Agent, sell to the Publisher, sell to the Marketplace. Oy Veh! What think you of E-Publication?
Very Colorful Writing Colleagues here in Coupeville. One reminds me of you in many ways. Her hair is not quite as deep an auburn as yours and she's perhaps a bit more pensive. Ahhhh, maybe I fit in all too well. I get a sense that not too many Folks come up here in a Dry-as-a-Bone Duster and Cowboy Hat.
Seafood again tonight. What?! Surely you weren't expecting me to come to the Great Northwest just to eat Chicken! But truth is, I miss MaMa's Cornbread!
More tomorrow, I'm sure. I've got some reading to do and then bedward for me.
Your devoted Adventurer,
Kim
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