The value of being accommodating

I recently discovered I have pre-diabetes.  Eager to get in front of this, with the hope of de-escalating it,  I searched for nutritionists.  I finally settled on a woman whose credentials I liked and who, like me, is African American.

We had a wonderful initial conversation and I told her I'd like to see her.

Then, she went me a long series of questions and conditions I'd have to agree to.  And, the topper is that I had to provide my credit card in the event I was a "no show."

The questions and surrendering my credit card were deal killers for me and I made that clear to her.  We went back and forth with the rationale but I held fast.  I found the questions offensive and providing a credit card upfront is to assume I would be flaky and I'm not.

Finally, she relented and relaxed those requirements.  Whether it's because she needed business, or for some other reason, I appreciated the accommodation.

And, we sealed the relationship.  I look forward to being her patient/client because she is flexible, has business acumen and was willing to trust.

Amen.

Second dates determine if you'll make it

The first time you go out on a date, it may be awkward.  People too often give up if there is no chemistry on that first connection.

But, my advice is to give it another try.  Go on a second date.

That is the real determinant.  You are giving or being given a second chance.  You can loosen up more.  You can find a comfort zone.  And, feelings may flutter.

That has happened to me quite often....including on yesterday.

Sometimes it's nice to not give up on the first date.  I didn't even though conversation was not flowing.  But, I took a chance and I went on a second date yesterday.

And, it went so well.....that we're going on a third date.

Be supportive

One of my regrets is that I never ran for office.  I am convinced that I would have made a good public servant.

But, it's too late now.

So, when a younger person I know (from my sorority, for example) puts his/her in the political ring and runs for office, I support them.

In the last six months, two of my sorority sisters and the husband of a friend have run for office.  One beat an incumbent who'd been in office for several terms.  Another beat a long-time mayor but going door to door.

My final friend is running and the election is March 20.  I went to her fundraiser last night, made a donation, promised to craft a press release and send to my contacts and vowed to volunteer.

I never made the run but I'm going to be supportive of those who dare to make the political plunge.

I'm there for them.

The Net Generation is the NOW generation

As a tennis FANatic, I have been relishing the US Open Tennis Tournament.  It's been awesome.

But, as of last night when the semi-finals were played, we have two NEW finalists: Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens.

This is so awesome for American women and for black pride.

But, it also signals a shift in the tennis dynasty.  With their victories, the baton is being passed from the Williams sisters to the next generation.

Sloane and Madison are no longer out of a tournament while they watch the Williams Sisters take the trophy and the championship.

The NOW generation is here.

And I applaud them and the power shift.

Even when others pan it, find out for yourself

I decided to try a new podiatrist because my medical network is becoming so filled with foreigners.  I have to strain to understand them.

So, I broke out and decided to see the wife of a guy I used to work with many years ago.

When I told a friend I was going to her, he was lukewarm and criticized her office.  I just didn't want to revert back to my foreign syndicate so I kept my appointment with this podiatrist.

She was WONDERFUL!  Her staff was AWESOME!  She made an accurate prognosis.

And, because she was American, I understood everything she said.  

I liked her and found her delightful and professional.  And, I was glad I found out for myself and didn't rely on that one naysayer.