Holy Doodle...I Chatted with 25,000 People Last Weekend!

I had a great time at the Cottage Life Show last weekend. My guess is the attendance soared over fifty thousand in total, and I swear I spoke to half of them personally.

I’ve taken a couple of days off work. I needed to. (You know the deal…there is only so much Rhondi to go around.) Reset and reload.

As my Blackberry BBM flashed throughout the day with comments like “the customer needs you, they met you at the Show and have questions,” or the familiar, “they only want to deal with you” I asked myself the following question... When was the last time I met someone new?

I can honestly count how many people in my life that I have truly let in. You know the old saying “a friend will help you move… but a true friend will help you move a body!” Keeping that in mind, let’s just say I only have a handful of people that would help me move (and I refuse to name the Hens that would help me move a body).

How is it possible to know everyone... yet not know anyone?  That’s how I’ve been feeling lately.

Work Rhondi is controlling the real Rhondi.

Glass half empty? No way! The goal oriented person I am wants to rebut. My inner self tells me that I will meet someone new in the very near future.

Don’t “Ma’am” Me…. EVER!

So it seems I have a birthday coming up. I’d like to be able to report that it will be my 25^th but that would be a lie. Not only would it be a lie, it would be a two decade understatement.

I remember worrying (way back when) that turning 30 would be really hard for me. I also remember being surprised when it wasn’t. In fact, to this day, turning 31 was the birthday I have struggled with most. I struggled because it was the reality that I was ...“In my 30’s”.

I recall having a conversation with my husband (about a week after I turned 31) because I'd spent a somber day in bed. When he asked what was wrong I replied; “If I have to spend the day in bed when I turn 31, I’ll bet I will have to spend a week in bed when I turn 41.” Without missing a beat I immediately added, “Jeez, I hope he’s good looking!” We still laugh about that comment today.

Age is a frame of mind. I believe that. But as my appearance changes & people see me with grown children, I tend to get called Ma’am, which never use to happen. I hate it - I’m not a Ma’am - I’m a Rhondi.

Just last week I was chatting with three male clients at work. As they were leaving, my friend Dean waved with a big smile and said... “See ya later Ma’am”. I quickly reacted.

“Don’t Ma’am me! Do I look like a Ma’am to you? Three days past dead is a Ma’am in my book... & I’m no where near dead!!!” All three customers burst into laughter.

As everyone made their way out the front entrance I heard a very loud exit bellow from my buddy Dean; “SEE YA LATER SWEET CHEEKS… “

…To which my equally loud and firm roar was “MUCH BETTER!”

When One Door Closes? Be Smart and Climb in a Window!

So my “four alarm fire” week finally ended. It ended with me playing hooky from work yesterday afternoon for some much needed ME time. Yup, what started out as a simple errand, ended up as an RTFR (road trip for Rhondi)!

Spring always has me restless but this year even more so. In my line of work, opening the lakes in Muskoka signifies that every single flood gate in my day to day life  open and open fast. My job will require me to work from sunrise, pretty much until sunset, six days a week, for more than six months. 

I’m not complaining; as I have blogged before, I am a leader and I’ve dressed for the job I want and have. 

It’s just that with my stressful week behind me I know now for certain that the lakes have opened a month early this year. So, as I head to the Spring Cottage Life Show next week I have to wonder, does this mean I will officially burn out and require a bib before the Asian tour buses arrive and the leaves change in the fall?

A very wise person gave me some great advice recently. They looked me in the eye and firmly stated “stop over thinking everything… you over analyze everything to death… !” Funny how when someone states the obvious it helps one understand the reality.

Yes-sir-reeee! Yesterday was the first time in a long time I didn’t over think and it felt really good. When was the last time I had as much fun as I had yesterday afternoon? Haven’t a clue, but I do know one thing for sure, it’s not going to be THAT long until I don’t over think ever again.

PSST…My boss is in Florida so no one tell him. He’d kill me for playing hooky when the lakes are open!!!

... Please Pose For Me Mr. Fireman!

Why is it lately I feel like I take one step forward and two steps back? 

My day started productively. My desk cleared itself nicely, had an office visit from two of my favorite clients, and spent my lunch hour in the sun. Definitely great, one step forward!

Missing in action mid afternoon, a friend text asking “…You there?” My response, “I have a four alarm fire!" My next text is something I have been asking myself for quite sometime. “Why is there never a good looking firefighter around when I need one?"  

In an effort to keep my post light, allow me to remind everyone that firefighters (as observed daily on my $20 calendar) truly have great skill. This afternoon, I could have embraced two of their very specific talents, which may have helped me personally in my time of need:

1. Their ability to instinctively assist and support with my situation at hand (trust me there were flames everywhere).
2. Their ability to perform a “real time” calendar pose right in the middle of the warehouse (which would have been followed by me asking if I could 'tap that ass' to relieve some extremely elevated levels of tension).  

Suffice is to say, neither rescue occurred….

TRUTH: I wish that I could take one day, hang out and observe, how certain folk would "walk a mile in my shoes".

Scratch that. Not an option. I’m sure they’d just complain. I know them. 

My shoes would not only be the wrong size but the wrong style. Hardest part for me to watch? How they’d take them off after 5 minutes because they would never be able to mange how quickly they move, in several directions, at the same time, to benefit everyone else. Hence my two steps back.

Legal Disclaimer: No firemen were harmed in the creation of this post

The Peacock’s Nest is Getting Ready to OPEN!

In all the years we have owned Orillia Lake; never has the ice been out this early, the snow disappeared so quickly, nor our red steel roof shed its winter coat and melted before the first day of Spring.

March Break for us has always been (as a family) when we would officially open the cottage. In the early years we’d take time off with the kids, snowshoe in, clear the decks and have our first stay of the new season.

In the last few years, due to part time jobs and graduation, family visits became fewer and farther between. What use to be our family haven became that place we played board games (yawn), listened to Super Hits Saturday Night (ick) and (God forbid) didn't have an internet connection! 

So many things changed last year. The weather was so poor we never opened for business until Canada Day weekend - and I spent most of my time there alone as both Tony and the kids seemed to have had enough.

This year my plan is to open early and spend as much time there as possible.

Not because I don’t love the house in town (and my standing Friday night tee time) but because I won’t entertain selling the spot until I have made an honest effort of enjoying it without the kids being around. Am I nervous for what the 2012 season will bring? No way.

My plan is to soak up as much sun as possible, read books and more books, and if it rains I'll just stay in bed and watch one of my 200+ movies. If that doesn't float my boat I’ll buy a jet ski.

I am dead serious. If I get cabin fever, I can trailer that puppy onto the big lakes in a heart beat. Glass half full? Absolutely! Who's the smart chick that isn't paying a crippling tax bill?

That's right peeps... I'm always thinking!

Sunday Sunshine Always Makes Me Smile…

I woke up this morning, jumped in the shower, and I have to admit I have a skip in my step. 

For me, there is nothing better than a spring like winter day (especially when it just happens to arrive on a day that I don’t have to haul my sorry ass into work)!

True to form, my list is complete for the day. Indoor chores are few and outdoor chores are many. The fact that I’ll be able to wear a heavy sweater & gloves has me ecstatic. There’s always something in the air on a day like today that makes me smile. It’s like I am unstoppable or something.

For whatever reason I always end up in the back yard with a bonfire started. Not because I have something to burn (though I have been known to empty the garage of stuff without warning) but because it feels right. 

I am so jazzed for a really great day that I don’t even give a crap (no pun intended) that my first outdoor chore is to clean Daisy & Dots front yard powder room. Bring on the wheel barrel and my rubber boots – I’m on a mission!

Who says you have to be in Jamaica this time of year to tan? 

Regrets? I’ve Had a Few But Who Hasn’t?

When I was standing at the YYZ luggage carrousel (at 4am) yesterday morning I heard myself saying to a couple close by that “I regret agreeing to a late checkout/flight from Jamaica."

I have been thinking about regret a lot lately....

Now that I am rested, I really don't regret the late choice. In hindsight, I was simply disappointed that my plane was delayed, making me overtired and grumpy. 

Personally, my regrets are few. More often than not lately, I've had a string of brutal, almost devastating, disappointments. Safe to say (for me anyway) I eventually recover from disappointment but regret tends to linger.

Confused? Let me help.

I regret never telling my mother that I loved her before she died. I have regretted that since her death in 1987. “I love you” was an unspoken phrase in our home growing up so taking that step was a leap.

In hindsight, I often think of her (at the end), wondering if I would have said the words, maybe she would have said them back. Either way, I regret never having tried. I wanted to “go there” but I guess in the end I didn’t want to be disappointed.

The moral of my story?

Will I regret calling you an asshole if you are one? Nope… Will I be disappointed if we never speak again? Definitely. Especially if you aren't an asshole.

"I Miss You"

For those of you that don’t know me very well, I am a list person. My desk at work is filled with colourful Post-it notes of tasks I need to accomplish. Every Saturday & Sunday morning, over my only cup of coffee, I make a list.

My dad Herve wasn’t always a list person but became one after he retired. He approached his tasks a little differently than I but he was a list person just the same.  

I use to ask him... “Dad, when are you going to get around to doing so and so” and his standard reply was always… “Rhondi, I have a list. Everyday I look at my list and pick three things that I want to get done. If something shows up at the top that I don’t want to do, I don't do it. It goes to the bottom... I know it will eventually make its way up to the top again.”

I can hear him speaking the words. I miss him. I miss him every single day, which brings me to this mornings question. Why do we miss someone?

When it comes to my dad, the math is easy. He was my beacon (taught me to golf, ski, & fish). My personal confidant (even though I always knew he liked my husband better). And my life coach (yes maam, I can change a furnace filter with ease and I love to do the yard work). So I guess I’m not really talking about him per say.

There are people I miss on a daily basis. Some are near to me, and some far away from me, but I still miss them. It’s hard to express to someone that you miss them. It’s not an emotion easily verbalized. I suppose that's why I rarely say anything to the person I am missing.

I guess the best practice may be to just acknowledge the void as just that, a dulling pain that can’t be soothed. I'll just close my eyes, think of all the good I have experienced, smile and quietly keep my thoughts of angst to myself.

Now back to my list. Hmmm, what shall I prepare for dinner? I just wrote down chicken. 

The Countdown is On!

It seems the countdown is on to my much needed and seriously overdue vacation.

I have been so busy with work (and other things going on in my life) that I've spent zero time thinking about my trip and what it will offer.

You’ll be encouraged to know that I have started packing. I started with the suitcase I usually board a plane with, upgraded to her larger (much older more attractive) sister, and today purchased a “Big Momma” of a thing because... “I really do need to take THAT many pairs of shoes!"

As I gazed at my clothes on the bed, I thought about all the summers we’ve spent on Orillia Lake since 1999. Has owning a cottage in Muskoka filled the void of a winter vacation?

Without hesitation. Absolutely! I live - work - and cottage - within 15 minutes of the other. Life does not get any better than that! 

We've raised our children (and help raise other peoples children) on our lake. Lived there the summer of 2002 until our new house in town closed, perfected my golf swing from what is now the fire pit, and the Reid’s (plus Shane) next door are truly a part of our family.

I’m not sure why I am second guessing my trip to the Caribbean. Possibly because the amount of money being spent could purchase a very good/used pontoon boat for the dogs. Settle down, I'm kidding. The money could have been spent on something much more practical... 

...A hot tub for Rhondi! 

Always Look To Yourself To Find The Answers...

I'm not gonna lie. I had a total crap day. My husband picked me up at work, took one look and me, and he knew it wasn't good. 

It wasn't a crazy bad day per say, just a crazy busy one, with some unexpected road bumps. I want to go on the record with the fact that I hate road bumps. No matter why or how they arrive - they just downright suck. 

So how does an exhausted, road bump rider like myself, take her glass from half empty to half full? As I soaked in my tub, I closed my eyes, looked inward and reflected then listed 25 things I know and understand about myself:

1. My life is complete because I am loved.

2. I have the most amazing and talented children.

3. I am one of the very fortunate in life that love what I do for a living.

4. I know that a hot tub & singing out loud, to my favorite song, will cure my woes at anytime.

5. I believe in God.

6.  I am a leader and I think that my skill set for business is genetic.

7. I feel a smile with my eyes is more important than words.

8. I know that theatre is far more rewarding for me than figure skating ever was.

9.  I have let certain people go & I miss them every single day.

10. I've had people use me and let them.

11. I've had people talk behind my back and let them. (Some I will never speak to again and some I have forgiven because I know they couldn't help themselves.)

12. I know that nursing both my parents to their death has changed my entire outlook on life.

13. I know I make mistakes and I try to learn from every single one of them.

14. I make an effort not to judge someone that hasn't "walked a mile in my shoes"...

15. I honestly feel Canadians need to pay more attention to politics.

16. I’ll take a "little great" in lieu of a "whole lot of nothing" any day.

17. I’ll pick Jane Austen over chocolate in a heart beat.

18. I hear circus music in my head on a regular basis.

19. I know stress shows itself in different ways.

20. I miss my mentors.

21. I know I'm strong on the outside. Fragile on the inside.

22. I love golf. My pitching wedge is my friend.

23. What you see is what you get.
24. I love fun... it's how I roll!

25. I am afraid of the dark. Always have been... always will be.

Is Leadership Thankless?

Certain things in my day to day life are really important to me.

How I spend my time has to be number one (heck it’s one to five) because life is short. Treating people the way I want to be treated is right up there too. If I go all “Tasmanian Devil” on you, believe me there is a reason! 

I’m not proud to admit that I can unequivocally be the single biggest bitch you may ever come across but I honestly try hard not to live my life in that lane. I am thankful for who I am and what I have. As a person, I feel I am generous. When it comes to sharing my friendship, life experience (been know to snow blow a driveway or two) I am there 120%. 

So here's the final jeopardy question. When you meet (or report to) someone in a leadership role, does that automatically change your perception of who they truly are?

My favorite quote of all time is “if you want to test someone’s character, give them power” I find that statement monumental. Yep, I am a leader. I am the first to put up my hand and admit that I dressed for the job I wanted (and that I have). But on days like today I have to put this out there... Why is leadership so thankless?

No point in explaining why I am asking the question (one leads in hopes that others will gravitate to the overall philosophy that enables them to receive a bi-weekly paycheck) but I raised my voice today. I have never done that in the workplace before.

Not going to lie, it has my heart heavy and my glass of wine chilled. That said, there is one thing I know for sure....

Tomorrow is a new day and I always GREET each new day!

Andy Rooney on Women Over Forty

Andy Rooney says:

As I grow in age, I value women who are over forty most of all. Here are just a few reasons why: A woman over forty will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, “What are you thinking?” She doesn’t care what you think.

If a woman over forty doesn’t want to watch the game, she doesn’t sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it’s usually something more interesting.

A woman over forty knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of forty give a hoot what you might think about her or what she’s doing.

Women over forty are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won’t hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it’s like to be unappreciated.

A woman over forty has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn’t trust the guy with other women. Women over forty couldn’t care less if you’re attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won’t betray her.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over forty. They always know.

A woman over forty looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over forty is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They’ll tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one! You don’t ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over forty for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it’s not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of forty-plus, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some twenty-two-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free,” here’s an update for you. Now 80 percent of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it’s not worth buying an entire pig, just to get a little sausage.

HEY LADY - via my guest Lynne Versteeg

I was thinking about posting to my blog tonight. Just as I was cracking my knuckles (and finishing my stretching exercises) my BLOG mentor posted.

Most of you know that I am pretty high maintenance. My job calls for it and my husband likes it. At the end of the day, I may emulate Lynne to a tee because "I yam what I yam..."

Enjoy her post. Click the following  http://shejustaintright.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/hey-lady/  ...it's well worth the read.

Cheers!

No Shit Men Are From MARS!

I’ve always considered myself a pretty good communicator.

That said, I know I tend to jump when it comes to subject matter.  In my defense, my “jumping” is an indication that far too much gibberish is happening. You know me, I always pontificate efficiency and productivity!

The point of my post started yesterday. I was communicating with a member of the opposite sex; very intelligent, professional, has his own teeth, well rounded bloke, when something went horribly wrong. With my options running out, I shook my head and rolled my eyes (you know… the “Rhondi Reset”) and I went at it from a different angle. Much to my dismay....nothing.

Why do men and women communicate so differently?

Is it communication or focus?

I'm not sure but either way no words can describe my/his frustration.

In the end it all worked out because we agreed to disagree. Good news is we will continue our banter, primarily because he feels I am "an odd duck".

Hey folks, my peeps know I've been called worse!

Define A True Friend…

Everyone hears what you say. 

Friends listen to what you say. 

True friends listen to what you don’t say

~Unknown

Last night after work I headed to a business/dinner meeting. 

When things were wrapping up I took the opportunity to get an update on a gentleman I 
define as a true friend. We’d lost touch in the last year or so - you know the drill - my 
job changed, his job changed, not to mention he now lives a bazillion miles away.

The point for the lapse is moot. I was shocked to discover that he’d had some pretty severe health issues recently with a very long road to recovery.

I won’t beleaguer everyone with the details; long story short, I picked up the phone today, called him and told him I loved him. It was like we spoke yesterday. I listened to everything he had to say to me about his situation but most of all I focused on what he didn't say. That gave me the real picture of how he's doing. 

Life is short folks. Far too short for regrets and losing touch for the people that make a significant difference in your life.

I’ll leave you with that - on this - the fourth day of 2012....