It's always important to say "THANK YOU!"

Alpha Kappa Alpha had a most successful Founders' Day in Baltimore.  Even with the Deltas celebrating their Centennial, we managed to snare some good media coverage.  Replace "good media coverage" with "phenomenal media coverage."

Today, I'm thanking everyone in that market who wrote about us and gave us valuable coverage.  Why?  Because it's the right thing to do.

There's another reason:  A few years ago, a reporter from New Orleans did a great story on us when we were there for Leadership.  I thanked him for the great piece.  Two years later, he was in the Philly market.  Because of that "thank you," he remembered me and did another great story on the strength of that gratitude.

So, it's worth the time to show appreciation.  With such a fluid industry, that reporter could wind up in another market.  Then, the thank you pays off!

When traveling

Traveling is a nightmare.  That's a given. However, it is best to take the opportunity to exercise your breathing techniques and your yoga.  Rather than getting aggravated, I've adopted the Zen mode in traveling -- and it WORKS!

Charitable giving

This is the last day to get in your charitable giving for the year.  I've already given to several charities and hope to up the ante before the year is out.

It's a win/win.  So give/give.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

The above says it all!

May you bask in the warmth of this holiday season and may 2013 see me get some followers.

Time for charitable contributions - MAKE THEM NOW

With the end of the year upon us, it is important to make charitable contributions to go toward 2012 taxes.  It's a basic maxim that folks forget but it's a way of "giving while getting" credit. Make your list, make sure the charity meets your ideals.  Then, WRITE THE CHECK and make the notation on your tax records!!!

Xmas presents

During this time of year of giving, remember to buy extra gifts...just in case.  Going to a party?  Bring a gift.  Want to do something nice for your handyman?  Pick up a gift.  Spread the joy and cheer far and wide as it reaps benefits in the long run.

Applaud yourself for doing it yourself

My TV recently went on the bum.  I have another one but was flummoxed about how to get it cable ready.  Frankly, I was intimidated.  I asked a guy friend to help but he couldn't come for a couple of days.  My handyman was going to charge me.  So, I got quiet and pumped myself with encouraging words.  Then, I read the directions, sorted out the instructions and, carefully, hooked it up myself.  I was SO PROUD of myself.  I was able to make it happen and in going out of my skill zone, I applaud myself for doing it myself.  By the time the boyfriend came around, I was happy to say:  OH!  That's already done!  I DID IT MYSELF!