#SMED11
It is common knowledge that the way you feel has a direct impact on your behavior. On the other hand, your behavior is also influenced by your feelings. For the purpose of this week’s blog, I have randomly listed behaviours and the impact it has one’s own or the feelings of others:
BEHAVIOUR AND/OR ACTIONS AND THE IMPACT IT HAS ON FEELINGS
- Sticking to a diet and exercise programme: (Confidence)
- Buying flowers/jewelry or taking the one you love on a dinner date:
Love,appreciation, considerate, affectionate)
- Staying up long past bedtime to complete the assignment: (Overjoyed)
- Swearing and being rude towards a customer: (Disappointed / pleased)
- Telling lies to one’s loved one: (Ashamed)
- Over-indulging in food/alchohol: (Depression, guilt, shame)
- Spending too much time ‘with the boys’ :(Guilty, lousy)
- Meeting and getting married within i.e two weeks: (Impulsive)
- Always being on time, always being there for family and friends : (Reliable)
- Methamphetamine abuse by family member:(Helplessness, parental guilt, frustrated)
- Constantly trying to control/manipulate others : (Domineering)
- Saying whatever comes to mind/ not giving a hoot about other people’s
feelings : (Thoughtlessness, guilt)
- ‘Throwing one’s toys out of the cot’ : (Frustrated, fuming)
- Not follow reasonable requests/ instructions: (Frustration, anger)
- Youngsters participating in street drag racing: (Carelessness)
- Youngsters having unprotected sex : (Carelessness, guilty)
- Vehicle behavior : Car easily clocked 140-160km/h on the long stretch : (pride)
- Personnel experience: Son driving vehicle so that Mom can send out tweets :
(Thankful, appreciative)
On a personal note, I have always enjoyed mountain hiking. Not being the fittest in the group , my hiking excursions have mostly been laced with feelings that the mountain had to be ‘conquered’. However, a few years ago whilst participating in a ‘Spirit of the Wild’ mountain climbing programme, these feelings were challenged by a different approach to hiking.
Before setting out on the climb, the leader requested all group members to first request permission and guidance from Nature to enter her territory. Needless to say, after effortlessly reaching the overnight hut, my feelings subsequently changed from ‘conquering’ to admiration, warmth, and touched by Nature’s behaviour in granting us not only permission, but most importantly , giving us strength and endurance to enjoy nature’s splendor.
In the same way that attitudes and behaviours can be changed due to various factors and influences, so too can one's feelings change.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
FUNERALS ARE GREAT FOR FAMILY NETWORKING
#SMED11
Following the recent funeral of a family member, I came to realise that, as befitting the nature of such a sad event, feelings of sadness, bereavement and empathy are appropriately in abundance. On the other hand, particularly after the formal proceedings, the mood of congregants is more relaxed, and it is then that family and friends use the invitation to ‘join family of the lost one’ as a great social opportunity.
This is the time when people:
- catch up with family and friends not seen in ages;
- dish out compliments, i.e, ‘you’re looking good for your age’;
- catch up on latest information on who’s married, divorced and who’s
engaged;
- discuss and are usually suprised to hear and see how families have enlarged
over the years;
- check the weight management of others;
- find out and discuss who has had plastic surgery : boob jobs, liposuctions,
botox injections;
- evaluate skin texture and wrinkles that are for too severe in relation to
actual age;
- exchange telephone numbers, and increase followers on Facebook and Twitter;
- promise to stay in touch, meet up again and start arrangements for family
reunions.
It is also at funerals where one might meet up with one's first love or childhood sweetheart - there are many examples where a second or third marriage originated at funerals - particularly referring to when first loves are rekindled.
In conclusion, although a sad and dignified occasion, funerals can also be a great place to meet up and acquaint oneself with family neglected, and friendships of years gone by. In the circle of life, the Lord takes away, but the Lord also opens a window / opportunity for new friendships to blossom . Herein maybe lies the legacy of one’s death – new beginnings to friendship.
Following the recent funeral of a family member, I came to realise that, as befitting the nature of such a sad event, feelings of sadness, bereavement and empathy are appropriately in abundance. On the other hand, particularly after the formal proceedings, the mood of congregants is more relaxed, and it is then that family and friends use the invitation to ‘join family of the lost one’ as a great social opportunity.
This is the time when people:
- catch up with family and friends not seen in ages;
- dish out compliments, i.e, ‘you’re looking good for your age’;
- catch up on latest information on who’s married, divorced and who’s
engaged;
- discuss and are usually suprised to hear and see how families have enlarged
over the years;
- check the weight management of others;
- find out and discuss who has had plastic surgery : boob jobs, liposuctions,
botox injections;
- evaluate skin texture and wrinkles that are for too severe in relation to
actual age;
- exchange telephone numbers, and increase followers on Facebook and Twitter;
- promise to stay in touch, meet up again and start arrangements for family
reunions.
It is also at funerals where one might meet up with one's first love or childhood sweetheart - there are many examples where a second or third marriage originated at funerals - particularly referring to when first loves are rekindled.
In conclusion, although a sad and dignified occasion, funerals can also be a great place to meet up and acquaint oneself with family neglected, and friendships of years gone by. In the circle of life, the Lord takes away, but the Lord also opens a window / opportunity for new friendships to blossom . Herein maybe lies the legacy of one’s death – new beginnings to friendship.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
REMEMBERING MY LATE MOTHER ON MOTHER’S DAY
#SMED11
On Sunday 8 May, Mother’s Day will be celebrated in South Africa – thus providing the ideal opportunity to reflect and dedicate a blog to that special person in one’s life.
Although 22 years have passed since the death of my mother, her memories still linger on. Below an attempt to compile a written collage of Joyce de Wet (nee Newman).
BEAUTY
- She was a beautiful woman, blessed with a flawless ‘Oil of Olay’ skin
HOUSEWIFE
- Thanks to my Mom, our house was well-known to guests as, ‘when you knock
on the door, Joyce has already put the kettle of water to boil’
- She always cooked sufficient food and that included food for unexpected
guests
- I fondly remember the :
baked bread on Sundays; trifle at Christmas; pickled fish at Easter and the
pot of soup during winter
BIRTHDAYS
- Before she left for work in the morning, my mother had already prepared
the table with cake, sweets and treats for us to entertain our friends
after school
ARTISTIC FLAIR
- She was well--known for knitting cabled jerseys, crocheting and doing
embroidery work
CARE-GIVER
- She was dedicated to, and ensured the well-being of my father who suffered
from muscular dystrophy
GRANDMA
- My eldest son was privileged to have grandma as nanny. I believe it was
her who planted the seed and nurtured his musical talent.
CONCLUSION
Although her time as parent and grandparent was far too short, we will always remember and cherish her lasting memories.
On a lighter note : during a 2009 visit to New Zealand, my two sisters and I visited a graveyard at the oldest church in Russel’s Bay, NZ. Three gravestones marked Joyce, Olga and Newman, caught our attention. Next week my mother’s sister, Olga, will be buried.. True to her keeping, I am confident my mother has already prepared a cup of tea for her sister’s arrival.
May they rest in peace.
On Sunday 8 May, Mother’s Day will be celebrated in South Africa – thus providing the ideal opportunity to reflect and dedicate a blog to that special person in one’s life.
Although 22 years have passed since the death of my mother, her memories still linger on. Below an attempt to compile a written collage of Joyce de Wet (nee Newman).
BEAUTY
- She was a beautiful woman, blessed with a flawless ‘Oil of Olay’ skin
HOUSEWIFE
- Thanks to my Mom, our house was well-known to guests as, ‘when you knock
on the door, Joyce has already put the kettle of water to boil’
- She always cooked sufficient food and that included food for unexpected
guests
- I fondly remember the :
baked bread on Sundays; trifle at Christmas; pickled fish at Easter and the
pot of soup during winter
BIRTHDAYS
- Before she left for work in the morning, my mother had already prepared
the table with cake, sweets and treats for us to entertain our friends
after school
ARTISTIC FLAIR
- She was well--known for knitting cabled jerseys, crocheting and doing
embroidery work
CARE-GIVER
- She was dedicated to, and ensured the well-being of my father who suffered
from muscular dystrophy
GRANDMA
- My eldest son was privileged to have grandma as nanny. I believe it was
her who planted the seed and nurtured his musical talent.
CONCLUSION
Although her time as parent and grandparent was far too short, we will always remember and cherish her lasting memories.
On a lighter note : during a 2009 visit to New Zealand, my two sisters and I visited a graveyard at the oldest church in Russel’s Bay, NZ. Three gravestones marked Joyce, Olga and Newman, caught our attention. Next week my mother’s sister, Olga, will be buried.. True to her keeping, I am confident my mother has already prepared a cup of tea for her sister’s arrival.
May they rest in peace.
IT IS BETTER TO PRACTICE A LITTLE THAN TALK A LOT
#SMED 11
Looking at the title of this week’s blog, my initial reaction was to reminisce to days yonder when parents and teachers drilled into one’s head the following line: ‘practice makes perfect’ Other variations also include : more practice- less play ; more practice – less talking. Today one is especially grateful for the ‘practice makes perfect’ values instilled into us as children.
I believe that it is through consistent practice that one masters all new ventures and /or challenges in life, whether it is cooking, sport, painting, music childrearing, creative writing, public speaking, to name but a few. When confident in one’s ability in mastering the afore-mentioned, one is able to confidently talk about and engage on a variety of subjects.
Tongue in cheek, I cannot help but question when do those people who have gone through multiple marriages and divorces, get to the stage where they say, ‘ I have sufficient practice and have the perfect wedding/marriage recipe.’ I think it is more a case of practice a little and later talk it out in the divorce courts.
On the other hand there are those people who, through the gift of the gab, have the ability to chat away on any subject under the sun. They are the ones who are the life and soul at parties and on the social scene. Often, when one starts digging a bit deeper, the truth lays exposed for everyone to see –‘ Shallow brooks murmur most’.
On a personal note, I have recently taken the opportunity to review and reflect on the length and content of my blogs. Whilst I will continue to strive to deliver in accordance to ‘ every project is a self-portrait of the person who did it.’ – Norman Rockwell, from this week forward I will actively practice, and strive to write shorter blogs – and in the process talk less on paper.
Looking at the title of this week’s blog, my initial reaction was to reminisce to days yonder when parents and teachers drilled into one’s head the following line: ‘practice makes perfect’ Other variations also include : more practice- less play ; more practice – less talking. Today one is especially grateful for the ‘practice makes perfect’ values instilled into us as children.
I believe that it is through consistent practice that one masters all new ventures and /or challenges in life, whether it is cooking, sport, painting, music childrearing, creative writing, public speaking, to name but a few. When confident in one’s ability in mastering the afore-mentioned, one is able to confidently talk about and engage on a variety of subjects.
Tongue in cheek, I cannot help but question when do those people who have gone through multiple marriages and divorces, get to the stage where they say, ‘ I have sufficient practice and have the perfect wedding/marriage recipe.’ I think it is more a case of practice a little and later talk it out in the divorce courts.
On the other hand there are those people who, through the gift of the gab, have the ability to chat away on any subject under the sun. They are the ones who are the life and soul at parties and on the social scene. Often, when one starts digging a bit deeper, the truth lays exposed for everyone to see –‘ Shallow brooks murmur most’.
On a personal note, I have recently taken the opportunity to review and reflect on the length and content of my blogs. Whilst I will continue to strive to deliver in accordance to ‘ every project is a self-portrait of the person who did it.’ – Norman Rockwell, from this week forward I will actively practice, and strive to write shorter blogs – and in the process talk less on paper.
Monday, May 2, 2011
READ THE GUIDELINES DISPLAYED IN HOTEL ROOM
# SMED11
As an accredited Tourist Guide (WC6422), I used a recent short holiday break in Mossel Bay to :
- enjoy a well-deserved holiday break
- enjoy the tourist attractions and obtain first-hand information from being a domestic tourist
On the positive side, I’d like to confirm that the holiday had everything a domestic tourist could ask for :
- Friendly, welcome reception at hotel
- Orientation w.r.t. safety and security of vehicle
- Orientation w.r.t. collecting complimentary tickets to Dias Museum and/or access to Santos Beach
- Orientation w.r.t. restaurant facility : location, breakfast and supper time schedules
- Orientation with regard to use of PROCARD at hotel restaurant
Then there were also the small touches to make a guest feel really at home :
- Daily complimentary chocolates
- Daily weather forecast on bedside table
- Daily note on car’s window informing guest that window of car has been cleaned overnight
- Attentive and friendly car guard
All of the above made for a wonderful holiday in Mossel Bay – if not for the omission of one minor detail, namely:
"The restaurant is not part of the hotel, hence you have to make prior reservations."
On the first evening of our visit to the restaurant, we were asked the question, ’Did you make a reservation?’ to which I responded in the negative. Without any problem and/or explanation, we were ushered to a welcoming table where we proceeded to have our dinner served.
The follwoing evening the same question, ’Did you make a reservation?’ was put to us to which I again responded in the negative. We were then informed that the restaurant is not part of the hotel and in addition to catering for hotel guests, it also caters for outside guests - hence a pre-booking is required.
Back in the hotel room I made a thorough study of the hotel service guidelines and learned that :
- The brochure indicates the restaurant is part of the hotel facilities (shaded in)
- The hotel refers to the restaurant as "our restaurant offers…”
- Guests must contact the hotel reception for restaurant bookings
Armed with this knowledge, I requested clarity from hotel reception the following morning – upon which I was informed that bookings are not required. Apparently the restaurant informs hotel reception if they are full and they in turn inform guests. This response did not provide clarity as it differed from what was outlined on the second evening of our visit to the restaurant. Being our last day in Mossel Bay the response served no further purpose – other than to make it part of my tourist guide knowledge, skills and customer service experience.
Our “Did you make a reservation?” experience however has dampened an otherwise wonderful Mossel Bay holiday experience. From a customer service point of view, I’d like to pose a few questions:
- Why could the hotel reception staff not inform us that the restaurant is not part of the hotel and that pre- booking was a requirement?
- Why was restaurant location and eating times the only information shared with us on arrival?
In the case of, “Did you make a reservation?” and the lack of information shared with us, I strongly feel that the opportunity to make an informed decision was taken away from us. I strongly disagree that the responsibility lies with the hotel guests to familiarize themselves with the hotel guidelines before setting foot out of the hotel room. Having to read a significant amount of pages would certainly detract from valuable time spent exploring the beauty and splendour of South Africa's tourist attractions.
I believe that over the years the hotel staff has acquired a vast selection of customer service tips which they share with guests on arrival – therefore positively contributing towards an unforgettable customer experience of tourism in South Africa.
Would I visit the hotels again? My PROCARD expires within a few month’s times, and in all likelihood a few more visits would be in the pipeline. As a PROCARD customer, I qualify for a 50% discount on meals – hence our preferred choice of restaurant when frequenting the hotel, would be the hotel's restaurant which offers the discount. I further confirm that on both evenings in Mossel Bay we paid the 50% rate as per PROCARD guidelines.
In conclusion, armed with an unpleasant, but valuable customer service experience, next time around, I will be more prepared and pose informed questions at hotel reception staff, particularly relating to whether the restaurant is inclusive or exclusive. As a valued guest, choosing to frequent and spend money at the hotel restaurant, I certainly hope that future visits will be devoid of the unexpected “Did you make a reservation?”
As an accredited Tourist Guide (WC6422), I used a recent short holiday break in Mossel Bay to :
- enjoy a well-deserved holiday break
- enjoy the tourist attractions and obtain first-hand information from being a domestic tourist
On the positive side, I’d like to confirm that the holiday had everything a domestic tourist could ask for :
- Friendly, welcome reception at hotel
- Orientation w.r.t. safety and security of vehicle
- Orientation w.r.t. collecting complimentary tickets to Dias Museum and/or access to Santos Beach
- Orientation w.r.t. restaurant facility : location, breakfast and supper time schedules
- Orientation with regard to use of PROCARD at hotel restaurant
Then there were also the small touches to make a guest feel really at home :
- Daily complimentary chocolates
- Daily weather forecast on bedside table
- Daily note on car’s window informing guest that window of car has been cleaned overnight
- Attentive and friendly car guard
All of the above made for a wonderful holiday in Mossel Bay – if not for the omission of one minor detail, namely:
"The restaurant is not part of the hotel, hence you have to make prior reservations."
On the first evening of our visit to the restaurant, we were asked the question, ’Did you make a reservation?’ to which I responded in the negative. Without any problem and/or explanation, we were ushered to a welcoming table where we proceeded to have our dinner served.
The follwoing evening the same question, ’Did you make a reservation?’ was put to us to which I again responded in the negative. We were then informed that the restaurant is not part of the hotel and in addition to catering for hotel guests, it also caters for outside guests - hence a pre-booking is required.
Back in the hotel room I made a thorough study of the hotel service guidelines and learned that :
- The brochure indicates the restaurant is part of the hotel facilities (shaded in)
- The hotel refers to the restaurant as "our restaurant offers…”
- Guests must contact the hotel reception for restaurant bookings
Armed with this knowledge, I requested clarity from hotel reception the following morning – upon which I was informed that bookings are not required. Apparently the restaurant informs hotel reception if they are full and they in turn inform guests. This response did not provide clarity as it differed from what was outlined on the second evening of our visit to the restaurant. Being our last day in Mossel Bay the response served no further purpose – other than to make it part of my tourist guide knowledge, skills and customer service experience.
Our “Did you make a reservation?” experience however has dampened an otherwise wonderful Mossel Bay holiday experience. From a customer service point of view, I’d like to pose a few questions:
- Why could the hotel reception staff not inform us that the restaurant is not part of the hotel and that pre- booking was a requirement?
- Why was restaurant location and eating times the only information shared with us on arrival?
In the case of, “Did you make a reservation?” and the lack of information shared with us, I strongly feel that the opportunity to make an informed decision was taken away from us. I strongly disagree that the responsibility lies with the hotel guests to familiarize themselves with the hotel guidelines before setting foot out of the hotel room. Having to read a significant amount of pages would certainly detract from valuable time spent exploring the beauty and splendour of South Africa's tourist attractions.
I believe that over the years the hotel staff has acquired a vast selection of customer service tips which they share with guests on arrival – therefore positively contributing towards an unforgettable customer experience of tourism in South Africa.
Would I visit the hotels again? My PROCARD expires within a few month’s times, and in all likelihood a few more visits would be in the pipeline. As a PROCARD customer, I qualify for a 50% discount on meals – hence our preferred choice of restaurant when frequenting the hotel, would be the hotel's restaurant which offers the discount. I further confirm that on both evenings in Mossel Bay we paid the 50% rate as per PROCARD guidelines.
In conclusion, armed with an unpleasant, but valuable customer service experience, next time around, I will be more prepared and pose informed questions at hotel reception staff, particularly relating to whether the restaurant is inclusive or exclusive. As a valued guest, choosing to frequent and spend money at the hotel restaurant, I certainly hope that future visits will be devoid of the unexpected “Did you make a reservation?”
Sunday, May 1, 2011
WEDDING CAKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
#SMED11
With the title of this week’s blog co-inciding with the most anticipated Royal Wedding of the 21st century, one could not help but find inspiration in the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Those not privileged to receive an invitation to attend the wedding at Westminster Abbey, had to contend with following the proceedings, together with billions across the globe, on big screens and television sets. Being one of the afore-mentioned, I have taken the liberty to do a play on words as I have identified a number of similarities with the title of this week’s blog:
WEDDING, CAKE
On Friday 29 April 2011, billions watched the most anticipated Royal Wedding since the wedding of Prince Charles to the late Princess Diana thirty years ago. The wedding carried all the trappings of the pomp of ceremony expected of a Royal Wedding. In keeping with the day’s celebrations, the millions not invited, dressed up and attended their own wedding celebrations. We saw global images of United Kingdom flags, tiaras, dresses, champagne and not forgetting miniature wedding cakes – or rather cup cakes. Inside Buckingham Palace, not only one, but two wedding cakes were on show. Of note is that much information about the wedding cakes were made public prior to the wedding. Possibly to deflect from questions surrounding the best kept wedding secret – that of designer and style of the wedding gown.
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
‘Road’ played a key role at the Royal Wedding. The first glimpse the world got of Kate Middleton was when she entered the vehicle with her father (at the side of the road, Goring Hotel).
As roads were cordoned off, thousands of spectators lined up along the side of the road, from where they had a grand stand view of the procession unfolding in the middle of the road – between Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Goring Hotel and end destination, Westminister Abbey.
Some of the ‘middle of the road scenes’ included:
- Prince William and Prince Harry leaving Clarence House for Westminster Abbey
- Busses transporting dignitaries to Westminister Abbey
- Queen Elizabeth, dressed in marigold yellow dress coat, passing by
- Kate Middleton and her father en-route to Westminister Abbey – with the dress taking up much of discussion amongst commentators
- Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, driving past in an open horse-drawn carriage after the wedding ceremony
The six minute drive between Buckingham Palace and Westminister Abbey was a showcase and the culmination of meticulous wedding planning. Every wedding detail was perfectly planned and executed to the minute - and the implementation thereof unfolded in the middle of the road for the viewing pleasure of thousands of spectators and billions of global viewers.
The much-talked about and long awaited kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, was also viewed by spectators, this time standing not on the side, but in the middle of the road.
My personal highlight of the wedding was when Britain's Prince William drove his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, away from Buckingham Palace in a vintage Aston Martin Volante convertible. A brilliant idea – bringing to the wedding proceedings a touch of youthfulness and humour. Once again : driving in the middle of the road.
MIDDLE
The star of this fairytale wedding carried the surname Middleton.
In conclusion, in music terms, ‘middle of road’, relates to popular music having a wide general appeal. I believe that William and Kate have a wide, general appeal amongst most Britons and that ‘gorgeous, vibrant Kate is poised to transform the way the British public sees the royal family.’ (You 5 May 2011 # 230).
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