Preparing for a presentation

 Wing it!

Just give them the basics!

I had to resist those words of advice from associates when it came to preparing for an upcoming presentation.

As a person with an acting background, I know the value of rehearsing, preparing, gearing up for the big presentation.

So, I've been practicing, going over the script, gearing up emotionally and getting ready.

I don't want a seat-of-the-pants style.  

I'm going before the group with resolve, conviction and determination.

When I come before this body next week, I'm doing everything I can to present a focused, compelling, convincing pitch.

I'll be ready.

Memory Moments Are Memorable

Yesterday, my sister and I had to go by my parents' house to check on its condition.  As we walked through the various rooms, we recalled moments from childhood.  Every memento evoked a memory of moments with family.  The bedroom we shared.  The little room under the stairs that scared us.  The cubby hole in the furnace room where my brother would escape and meander around the neighborhood.

Filled with memories, we drove around the neighborhood.  We toured past our elementary school, the park where we learned tap dancing, the candy store where we used to buy Mary Janes for a penny.  And, of course, the viaduct under the tracks.  

I took her on a tour of where she lived soon after marrying. She recalled the park where she would take her baby son....now a grown man of 53.

We smiled.  Laughed. Even got quiet as we recalled our parents -- both gone.

Somehow, we got quiet with reflection.  And, in the end, we hugged.  But we also mused on the days we have left because we now are at the age where we must think about life and must resolve to cherish these memories.  Every moment is precious.  EVERY. MOMENT.

Some lemons can't be turned into lemonade

I bought a used 2017 Mitsubishi in August 2020 that had logged only 17,000 miles.  I was super happy to get what I thought was a dream deal.  Plus, my trusted mechanic sold it to me so I didn't think I'd have any problems.  And, if I did, he'd fix it...pronto and for no charge!

But it has been a nightmare.

Soon after I got it, the car began to shake.  I took it back and they "fixed" it.  Then the annoying signal "Service Engine Soon" kept flashing.  Again, I took it back.  They fixed it to the point where the signal stopped.  But a few days later, both the shaking and the signal continued.  

So, I took it back -- AGAIN!  The warning light was off and the shaking stopped.

Three days later, everything was on: The flashing warning light and the shaking.

This time, I took it to another shop, which has a diagnostic device..  They diagnosed it as a carbon build up.

The cost: $1200.

I got it back and everything was beautiful -- for a month.

Then Saturday, the warning light about the engine began flashing again.  I called the new place and they said to bring it back for another diagnostic review.

Yesterday, I was shopping and when I started to go to the next stop, the car wouldn't fire.  I prayed that I wouldn't have to call AAA but after 15 minutes, I got it connected and drove it straight home.

I was talking to my boyfriend and he used the "L" word to describe it:  As in a Lemon.

I wrote my accountant for advice on how to max out the tax advantages on this car because I'm not inclined to spend a lot of money if this car is a lemon.

And, I'll cut my losses if it's determined that this car is a lemon that can't be turned into lemonade.