Thoughts On: First Impressions

Last night I watched the premiere of a new television show -- "The Taste."  The premise of this show is  a venue where "home cooks" or "restaurant chefs" have one hour to prepare their favorite recipe for a panel of four judges.  When the clock has run out, the food item is not plated as you would think, however, it is strategically placed onto a large spoon with an artistically curved handle.  Four spoons are placed onto a serving tray, which is then delivered to the judges. In just one gulp, these critically acclaimed group of judges critique the "taste" of what they have just ingested.  Were there enough spices used?  Could the "spoon" have used more spices?  Did the chef keep the judges guessing or did he/she play it safe with their one selection?  The judges then reveal the chef who explains what their spoon's ingredients were comprised of.  It's at this point that the panel votes with a "yes" or "no" to keep that individual on their team. 

Well you have the idea, right?  As I watched the entire two-hour show last night, I was sympathetic at times toward a couple of the contestants.  Wow!  Imagine fighting your way to get onto this program to begin with and then have four strangers "judge" your food item with just one taste!

Aren't First Impressions alot like that?  You meet someone (either in business or personally) and you have such a short amount of time to make a good (no, great!) first impression. 

I met a keynote speaker several years ago at a Conference in Fort Lauderdale.  I was so moved by his positive message that I did what I could to quickly move toward the stage to meet him.  As I shook his hand, I smiled and told him how much I enjoyed his speech.  He said, "Glad you enjoyed my talk this afternoon.  Now, may I compliment you?  Your smile leaves an excellent first impression; never forget that."  I've always remembered those kind words -- especially when I'm meeting someone for the first time.

My father spent his entire professional life in education and would often say, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." 

Ciao ~

Donna's Quest 101

Thoughts On: Sunday Mornings

Sunday mornings have always been one of my most treasured days of the week.  It's the moment when you wake up, stretch and then realize that the pace of this day is alot slower than Monday thru Saturday seem to be.

What is it about Sundays that you enjoy the most? What motivates you on Sunday morning? 

Ciao ~

Donna's Quest 101

Thoughts On: Thinking & Feeling

I have always loved the start of a New Year and 2013 was no different. 

What I love about the New Year is that it's like starting out with a "clean" slate.  Everything I messed up in 2012, I get another chance to make it right in 2013.  At 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2013, that's how I felt -- This is the year I am going to finally get it right!

At 12:30 a.m. on January 7, 2013, one week later, I found myself sitting next to the hospital bedside of my mother.  The bi-lateral pneumonia took hold of her, and proved to be more than she could fight off .  She was 94 years young, and my four sisters and I had the rare opportunity to spend the past several days of our mother's life journey with her.

It's strange, but reflecting on her awesome and full life has given me the chance to look at my own life.  Her passing has made me think: Where am I going?  Who am I impacting?  What are my goals?

While I'm not sure what 2013 has in store for me, I do know that I am already thinking and feeling differently about my own life and how I wish to live it.

Am I grieving over the loss of my Mother?  You bet I am.

Am I ready to tackle this New Year called 2013?  You bet I am

Ciao ~
Donna's Quest 101 

 

Mid-Day Lunch

My telephone rang and it was a dear friend whom I hadn't seen in months!   She invited me to lunch and when she arrived she had her laptop computer in hand.  "Where are we going?" I asked.  We're going to lunch and I'm going to help you get your Blog Site set-up.  Well, the lunch was wonderful and the "Blogging" lesson was fun.  Here is my very first blog under the name of "Donna's Quest 101" -- Enjoy!