Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?

Posted on May 18, 2013 by getcluedin

We made a family trip to New Orleans for fun last weekend, and even though I brought back some crud with me (or, I got it when I returned here), we had a blast! We stayed at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street, just blocks away from everything! There is one thing I noticed this time that I had not before- New Orleans is not kid-friendly. Before when we went, they were in strollers or the Baby Bjorn, so it was easier. This time, both were walking (we are trying stroller weaning), and one of my kiddos can read. Yep- you know what I am about to say next. The shops carry the most inappropriate shirts and items with words like, “B__CH 1″ and “B__CH 2″ and you know it is even worse than that. So, there is my almost 6-year old, with proud mamma, sounding out the words, “show me your ….” on a T-shirt. She asks, “mommy, what does that word say?” It didn’t end there. So, I guess New Orleans is not as kid friendly as I thought. Granted, had we stayed Uptown, or on the West Bank, or Metairie, or near a suburb, it would have been fine but, we were smack dab in the middle of sin city.

All that aside, I wanted to share some fun pics from our trip and tell you more about the New Orleans Marriott. First, it has two heated outdoor pools- need I say more? One is kid entry, so they can stand up in it and just have fun for hours. Second, there is a separate pool for those crazy love birds you feared would end up in the room next door to you. So, your kids can remain segregated from all the “action.” The New Orleans Marriott is conveniently located on Canal Street and Chartres, one block from Decatur Street, and a few blocks from the infamous Bourbon Street. The staff there is amazing. Simply amazing. We were lucky with our corner room on the side which is called “riverfront tower”, and we got an amazing view of the Quarter, and the Mississippi. The Natchez Steamboat tooted its horn daily for our enjoyment, and we could enjoy barges passing by. The city view at night of New Orleans, and the Crescent City Connection were magnificent as well. I recommend the New Orleans Marriott because they do treat you like royalty there with southern charm one can only find in N’awlins. Parking is $35 per day plus tax so that is the only downside, but you can park at Harrah’s nearby if you are planning to gamble for at least 30 minutes a day on a player’s card. That is 0.3 miles away from this location.*

Cafe Du Monde- my favorite place of all, except on weekend mornings when there are lines so long, you will want to scream, “BEIGNET!” I definitely recommend eating there after dinner on a weeknight or after dinner when everyone else is on Bourbon Street acting crazy. Just don’t wear black, and bring your patience because it takes them sometime to serve you (just depends on who you get).

Gumbo Shop’s tasty white beans and rice

Vegetarian Eggs Benedict- Feelings Cafe

I love, love, love strolling along the river. We did not do the Aquarium of the Americans or Audubon Zoo this trip but they are great places to go especially with kids. If you want to hit the West Bank, take the ferry across and it is a fun ride on the mighty Mississippi. The City Park is a street car ride away, and the New Orleans Museum of Art is super cool. I already visited the WW II Museum on another trip here but it is a must see. A few places we loved to eat at and I had never tried some before- we loved The Gumbo Shop located in the Quarter. They have vegetarian options too and their white beans and rice, wow! To die for. Hubby had a po-boy and loved it. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the Mother’s Day brunch we had at Feelings Cafe located in the Marigny, a quaint, older revived neighborhood. They have vegan options which says a lot to me.

We were blessed because on this trip to New Orleans, my in-laws were with us, and stayed a few feet away, so on Saturday night, hubby and I got a much needed date night in the city while the grandparents spent time with their grandchildren. We had not been to a fancy restaurant like the one we found in the Quarter since before the kids were born! We went to Bayona’s in the Quarter, and it was simply put: superb. I even found a good veggie dish, and the dessert options were yummy-licious. Hubby and I got a chance to explore Bourbon Street and all the craziness of it, dance a little, and I got my hurricane. This drink is quite potent and a few sips and knock you off your …. I did not drink the whole thing at all. The coolest thing about New Orleans is that I could walk with my hurricane to the restaurant, and then take it back to the room- open container? Who cares? I love this city. It is a Libertarian’s dream come true. You can buy a daiquiri and then walk with it wherever you want. Notice I said “walk” – you should not be drinking and driving but, if you happen to “drive-thru” a daiquiri stand, remember to poke your straw through your cup after you get to your destination.

Dessert at Bayona’s

We didn’t get out to eat at half of the places we wanted to. And, the Marriott room service was not that bad either just a tad bit pricey. But sometimes, a momma just needs her room service. Anyway, all in all, great trip except for our minor emergency trip to Children’s Hospital because my little one landed on a table in our room. She is usually the careful one so this was a shocker. But, we were blessed at the treatment we received at that uptown Hospital as well, and in no time, we were back on the road, children’s motrin and all.

Biscuits from Copeland’s -buttery good

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans? (Yes, it’s a song by Louis Armstrong)... I certainly do know what it means to miss it.

Its a book – love it!

*Please note: This is a personal review- I did not get a compensation in exchange for writing this post for any of the vendors above. Again, this was a personal, family trip, and not part of a paid campaign.

Daiquiris – super sweet and super good – available non-alcoholic too

Thank YOU For Your Service

Posted on May 3, 2013 by getcluedin

I have been traveling a lot lately for my new assignment with the Reserves and that means that sometimes I am in uniform because I go straight to work, or do not have time to change when I head home.

In any case, I have noticed a marked difference in how I am treated when I travel in uniform versus when I do not. I generally never traveled in uniform prior to doing this job starting in January, so I am writing from limited experience. People are so kind to me- it is almost embarrassing. I blush, because I honestly am humbled by it. I do not feel that I do enough to serve my country, and yet when I travel in uniform, I am treated like a war hero. In reality, I am a support puke. Anyway, I know that serving means something different to all, but to me, everyone is in service. In some form or another, everyone does their part to make our country go, and to make their community a success. So the guy at TSA who smiles at me, directs me to a special line, and shakes me hand, to say “Thank you for your service,” is also a hero and serves as well – he is a civil servant, working for the Government, with a mission, and his actions affect all of us travelers who go through his line. Like my post on the Fred Factor, he is a Fred to many who go through his line – his actions have direct impact on many. He may not know it but when I thanked him for his service, it was not empty or without sincerity. I meant it. The flight attendant today, who was also a Fred, was amazing and when he and his fellow flight attendants thanked me for my service as I deplaned today, I also thanked them for theirs. Without their kindness today, and their understanding, I could have had a miserable flight. We all serve in some way or another.

Is there a marked difference in how people perceive me or judge me when I travel in uniform as opposed to when I wear sweat pants and a T-shirt? I am not 100% sure but there is a marked difference I have noticed. People are kinder, more accommodating and patient. But, I also know that we all serve, in some form or fashion. We all serve, with or without a uniform, in or out of the military. We all sacrifice. Sure, our military members, police and firefighters may give the ultimate sacrifice in service, but so would anyone in plain clothes- the mother, father, the teacher, and the everyday hero. It is important for all of us to judge each other as being in “service” to each other, to the nation we love, and for the greater good. If we did that, it would not matter what we wore when traveling, when walking down the street – we would honor everyone we encounter in the same manner. Worth, dignity and respect; it goes so much deeper than the wearing of a uniform.

So, remember, the next time you thank someone for their “service,” thank you for yours as well!

Excelsior & Silver Linings Playbook

Posted on April 14, 2013 by getcluedin

“Excelsior” is a Latin word meaning “ever upward” and this movie was all about it. What a great, charming, uplifting movie; one that you must see! I now understand why it was an Oscar contender and winner of some awards. The movie, Silver Linings Playbook, will capture your heart, and is a story about a guy and a gal finding Excelsior in their own way amid some challenges. In light of Get Clued In’s recent makeover, and focusing on the positive, speaking my mind (albeit diplomatically), and accentuating the positive, this movie captured my heart at a time when I needed to see it the most.

It is a cute movie, not super long, and in the discount theaters. So try to see it before it hits DVDs, but I guarantee you will love it!

Whale Done!*

Posted on April 11, 2013 by getcluedin

*Disclaimer: the tile of this post is copyrighted by the author Ken Blanchard. This post is a book review and the author of this post does not claim copyright or creative rights in the phrase “Whale Done!”

My husband checked out a book at the library and I did not think much about it until he told me some of the concepts in it. So, as an example, I would say “ugh, what are we going to do, our daughter is being very difficult.” His reply, “well, we need accentuate the positive and redirect her energy. That is what I read in this book….” Needless to say, after several more conversations about different scenarios like this, I felt I needed to read Whale Done! This book is not just about positive relationships at work and home but daily life. It can help improve just about all relationships.

This book by Ken Blanchard is a quick read and explores “the power of positive relationships.” What does this mean? What exactly is a positive relationship and how do you go about implementing it? The key concepts of this book are to focus on the positive in all you do and in everyone you encounter. This really struck a chord with me because that is my resolution for this year- being more positive, and trying to stay on a more positive track- at home, in my career (all the jobs I have), and with life in general. This book is written based on the concept of management in line with the style of training the whales at Sea World. It addresses the basic concepts those trainers employ, and applying them to human interaction. The biggest difference between whales and people: We have the advantage because we can talk to one another. The basic concepts are the same: “Build trust, accentuate the positive, and when mistakes occur, redirect the energy.” (Blanchard, p.19)

One of the concepts in the book is accentuating the positive and redirecting when someone is on the wrong track. For example, every day at home if I yelled at my husband about the dishes, or making the kids’ lunches, or dinner, or picking up his clothes off his home, will he want to be home with me? There is a good chance that he will want to come home late, stay at work late longer, or just not want to be at home at all. Who could blame him? I would not want constantly want to be berated after a long day at work either. Anyway, it is about expressing positive things about each other, in front of the kids, and to one another. Instead of saying “this is the wrong bread- you always buy the wrong bread,” you might try, “wow, hon, thanks for getting the groceries again- you are so kind to do so but remember, this bread is too thick for me so I generally buy X brand. I am not clear on which brand it is and I know I never told you so I will get it tomorrow and show you the labeling for next time.” There are essentially four kinds of responses to almost all actions: “No response, negative response, redirection, and positive response.” (Blanchard, p.30). Sometimes, sharing in the responsibility on why someone did something “wrong” or incorrectly helps the situation. Also, don’t accuse, put down, or blame the person. This would also not be a good time to bring up past issues. Focus on the thing that was done incorrectly and move on. The no response one is interesting- it is just ignoring the action you wish to not be repeated and a response is not really warranted. So, when the 6 year-old throws a fit, promptly moving her to her room without a word and ignoring her whining would be one example.

Some of the examples in the book are with teenage kids, but you can apply almost all the lessons to any age. For younger kids, you want to catch them doing something right and recognize right away. So, when they are being quiet and reading, doing puzzles, join in and hug them and say “wow, you guys are really doing great… can mommy play too?” My 4 year-old for example does not need much to know I am accentuating the positive. When she puts her toys away, I give her a huge hug, high five and say “OH MY look at this great job – you put your toys away! Wow! High five and good job!” This and a hug will make them realize that they get attention for doing the right thing. Now, conversely when she does not put her toys away, then what? Well, perhaps the approach would be to redirect her to the time when she did it right, instead of yelling at her which is negative. Constantly picking on the negative and only criticizing her when she is doing something wrong accentuates that behavior and after awhile, you are just a mouth piece and no one listens anymore. Trust is lost and the relationship suffers.

Obviously with my daughter, I do need to talk with her and address the behaviors that I want corrected, so the better approach may be to say, “hey, let’s put these toys away together so we can find them when we want them again… yeah I will help you and show you where they go, so next time, you can do it all by yourself and earn a high five and a hug.” This response also takes responsibility for showing her in case she did not know where to put the toys back. All of these same principles apply at work too.

Here is an example. My boss in one of my jobs this past weekend gave me my mid-term feedback, and it was super positive, and uplifting. He followed the book without even knowing it by providing words of encouragement, words accentuating specific examples of all the things I am doing right in the job. With that, he also gave me some things I needed to improve on but did it in a manner to say, “maybe we can both learn together because this is a new system.” I got it. The next day at the job, I learned that new system inside and out. He had motivated me and energized me so much this past weekend, it spilled over into my life, and other job too. And, he does it every weekend I work with him- he accentuates and points out positives right when he sees them instead of waiting for a feedback. Until I read this book I did not even realize it. I just know that despite it being work, and being away from family, this job energizes me. The boss makes me feel needed, and indispensable to the organization and he does it for every person in our organization. I am not even sure he has read this book but, wow! What an attentive boss who catches me doing things right and saying something about it. Now, keep in mind that one method to accentuate the positive will not always work with everyone. Each person speaks a different language, so Whale Done! talks about finding out what motivates each individual. What motivates employee X to do better will not be the same factor that motivates employee Y. One employee will react better to words of affirmation, while another may need monetary recognition, while another may need you to “show them” through your actions. Also, remember to give people specific examples of what they are doing right so it does not appear you are just being manipulative. So, say to your teenage daughter, “when you cleaned up your room and the loft without being asked to the other day… wow, thanks so much – you saved me time and really helped me out a lot- I REALLY appreciate that – why don’t I go ahead and take your chores for Friday so you can go out with your friends that evening.”

This book addresses the traditional work environment is one in which a boss generally says nothing when things are going right [ignores you] and only talks with you when something is wrong- i.e. criticizing you, or stating the negative. How nice would it be to get feedback early and often – at the moment you are doing something RIGHT. How nice would it be to hear from your boss on more than the occasions in which you are doing something he or she perceives to be “wrong.” Anyway, this book calls that system the “GOTcha” system. In this system, all people want to do is do their jobs and not be bothered because they are afraid every time their boss speaks to them they are doing something wrong. Wow! Tragic. I feel so lucky to not work (in any of my jobs) in an environment like that. But I can remember a job that was like that- I learned what not do and it has served me well.

Is all this a bit touchy feely for you? Well, yeah, this book was a bit of that too. But, great especially as far as my personal life is concerned because it is so important to build a healthy relationship with your spouse, a partnership rooted in love and respect, rather than one rooted in fear, anger, and discord. The chain reaction is that when kids see a healthy, positive relationship between the parents, they themselves feel more loved, respected, and model the same respect for others and each other. Whether you want to apply this all aspects of your life or not, I think there is a lot of value in recognizing the positives all around you and in the people in your life. Simple concepts of accentuating the positives, recognizing that progress is a moving target, and just recalling the principles from this book when you are about to fly off the deep end with your kids and spouse can really help your relationships. That is what the power of positive relationships is all about.

Whale Done! is a quick, good read. Along with The Fred Factor, Lincoln on Leadership, and other self-improvement motivational books, I definitely recommend this one for all facets of your life to create positive relationships.

A Decade Ago Today

Posted on April 6, 2013 by getcluedin

Here’s to the Internet, here’s to a match making website a friend recommended to increase my chances of meeting “the one” while I got stationed all over the world. Here’s to countless disappointing dates, numerous guys who wrote me and let me down, a few relationships and those I thought “got away” before he wrote me. Here is to an E-mail correspondence sent on April 6, 2003, from a guy 92 miles away. I knew nothing about him, not even his name. Here is to finding that E-mail three days later and recovering it from the trash can (thank you Hotmail(c) for not deleting it permanently). I had deleted it there because I had recently ended a bad relationship and was done with relationships forever (spoken as a dramatic reading). Here is to the end of that relationship and here is to my inner voice saying, “what the heck? I’ll write him back at least.” Here is to writing, “Hey, I’d love to meet you – feel free to call me..” and here’s to not playing games and giving him my number. Here is to him calling right away and not playing games either. Here is to setting up a date right away. Here is to taking that chance, and meeting in-person despite the butterflies deep down inside. Here is to having no expectations, no regrets, and putting no pressure on the relationship at all. And despite my asking him on the first date whether he was a Republican or a Democrat (don’t ask what party I was then-such a long time ago), here’s to him asking me out for a second date. Here is to dating, the big proposal, and everything since… the good, the tough, the very tough, the great, the sweet, the sour, the blessings, and the miracles in the life we have made. Here is to a decade gone, and the hope of so many, many more to come.

Here is to the journey, the destination, and everything along the way. Here is to having no regrets but learning, growing, crying, laughing, singing, and dancing together and with our children- daily.

Here is to a decade ago today.