Month: October 2012

Turning Embarrassment into Exhilaration – Part 2

Posted on by MarleneMB
Fashion Avenue

Previously, I shared with you my Marilyn Monroe episode in the presence of my new director in Part 1. Part 2 also includes a wardrobe malfunction on my part in busy Manhattan on; you guessed it, Fashion Avenue! There I was, four months pregnant, so proud of myself that I still fit in my size 5/6 clothes. I was wearing a nice two-piece spring outfit that my aunt gave to me as a gift.

I took the shuttle train from Grand Central to Time Square, heading to the office. It was no different than any other morning. I ran up the staircase, holding my breath, trying not to breathe in the odeur de “New York subway station!” (If you’ve ever been in the belly of the beast of the New York subway system, you know what I mean. I can almost smell it now! But I digress.) I ran up the stairs with my pocketbook on one shoulder and my Steven Covey Appointment Planner in the other hand.

Then, to my surprise and embarrassment, the two buttons that was holding up the lovely skirt decided to part ways with the skirt. Next thing I know, my skirt was falling down to my ankles. I throw away the planner and grabbed for said skirt to hide my panty-hosed derriere! This couldn’t have happened at the worst time at the top of rush hour with thousands of people going by! I was mortified.

A man was opening his boutique and saw my dilemma. He rushed over to me and told me to get into the store. My pregnancy hormones went into overdrive and I busted out crying. The poor man did all he could to calm me down. Once I regained my composure I explained to him why my buttons flew off. I was still trying to wear my regular outfits because I didn’t like the ugly pregnancy clothes. He smiled at me and told me I can buy two outfits and 50% off each. I was so happy when I left his store I had my dignity firmly in tact again.

When I got to the office, my manager was waiting for me with a worried look on her face. She knew I was never late.  I told her the whole story and of course she laughed so hard tears ran down her face. I know. I know. It could only happen to me! I did get two great outfits out of the ordeal, turning another embarrassment into exhilaration.

Live a Diamond Life! A Life of Purpose!

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Turning Embarrassment into Exhilaration – Part 1

Posted on by MarleneMB

Most of us have had an embarrassing event or two (or in my case, multiple). But have you had any of those turned into an exhilarating experience? Come with me on one of my most embarrassing moments in the heart of the Fashion District in New York City. I was a young, ambitious sales support representative (glorified name for customer service person) in Manhattan. I was working for MCI Telecommunications. This was an exciting time for me. My first month on the job I won a Sony 32 inch Trinitron TV just for doing my job.  After a few months, I was one of the top producing support representatives in the office.

One day, I got in early in the morning and my direct manager (name withheld on purpose) approached me to let me know that the new Customer Support Director is coming in for a visit. She said she wanted me to take him out to one of my customers. Talk about just-in-time notice.  She introduced me to him. I thought, cute, but not as cute as the Brit I was dating. As we travelled in the elevator, I briefed him that the client had some billing issues that I resolved and they were up for renewal on their contract. I will propose that they sign for another three years and double their commitment to $10K a month.

I felt so self-assured because I was wearing my conservative dress: black top with long sleeves and flowing skirt that reached mid-calf. My 3-inch black stiletto pumps accompanied this outfit. We went out the doors and rushed towards the street to hail a cab. At the very moment I ran across the subway grate, a train passed underneath. My skirt decided to re-enact the Marilyn Monroe scene with her dress blowing up all around her. Like Marilyn, I was not wearing a slip. (Thank goodness for clean underwear and no holes!!!!).  You can just picture, my new director and me trying to hold down my skirt in the chaotic scene.

This was must have been an attention-getter, because a cabbie whisked in front of us and he said: “Need a cab.” Who knew my knight would show up in a yellow taxi and not in shining armor! We got to the appointment a few minutes late. I apologized to my contact and told her the entire episode. Needless to say, she laughed at my embarrassing moment. Not sure if it was my selling skills or that she felt bad for me, but she signed the contract! Now that’s turning embarrassment into exhilaration!

Until next time: Live a Diamond Life! A Life of Purpose!

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Finding the Courage of Columbus

Posted on by MarleneMB
Christopher Columbus…picture from Wikimedia.org

There are some controversies around Christopher Columbus Day in the USA, today. Many people dispute the idea that Christopher Columbus “discovered” America. Some say that it was not lost in the first place and in fact he was lost. Whether you are agree are not, is not my purpose here in this article. I want to examine the fact that Columbus chose to make the journey in the first place.

Imagine that he had to convince a foreign monarch, in today’s term: a venture capitalist, to fund his trip around the world based upon a hunch that he could reach the East Indies by going the opposite route from the way others had taken in the past. Not only did he convince this monarch, he convinced others to get on ships and leave their families to make this voyage with him. I am sure leading up to the very day that he set sail; Christopher Columbus faced a lot of naysayers who told him that he would fail. They probably told him he was an idiot and would probably die out at sea.

Although, Columbus’ theory was flawed and his voyage took him to the Americas instead of the East Indies, his courage to take a different route and try something new is to be admired. His miscalculated trip brought new opportunities for him, his crew and his sponsor. How many of us allow others to kill our dreams or our desire to start a new business venture? How many are too afraid of failure and never take the first step to attempt living for your purpose?

The next time someone tells you that you can’t make it happen, you will fail, or your idea is convoluted, take a look at those people in history that dared to go against the masses and achieved great things. Find the courage of Columbus, block out the negativity and focus on accomplishing your dreams.

Keep Living A Diamond Life! A Life of Purpose!

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