Search results matching tag 'Dress-Up'

Self-Pride • Experience • Evolution

ajleto — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:56:00 GMT

I'm returning from a tremendous list of experiences and I want to report first that I've grown a lot, internally rather than externally. I'm still a Toys-R-Us kid, enjoying millions of joys, instead of toys these days.

As many of you know I started a new job in September (9-08)! After enjoying almost a year at Jeffrey Robert Salon & Spa, I took a position with the management team of Home Staff, LLC and I'm having a BLAST! The position is testing my strengths, helping me grow out of my weaknesses and is so diverse and varied day to day that I sometimes have to pinch myself. Simply my cup of tea!!

So, I have to tell you about some the tests that I have experienced during the last 8 months:

There are people in this world that believe Hair Salon Receptionists are not qualified to be managers in the health care industry, regardless of how much experience "they have under their belt." My poor boss apologized many times for the judgment that some of my co-workers passed on me.
Appearance has more to do with success than brains when networking. BUT once you get the open ear, it's all about the brains. My mother's favorite suit has connected me with many many powerful people. THANKS MOM! (side note: She paid for it!)
Keeping organized...is crucial.

I've finished some of the experience notes and want to add that I've joined the Ambassador's Club of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Network of Worcester! and also the Lion's Club International, both organizations that are connecting me with men and woman who are truly inspiring. It's amazing! Always a joy to be meeting new people and understanding the tremendous resources that the community offers.

Those are the highlights. The starlight of the past 7 or 8 months has been PRIDE, self-pride, specifically. Most of you know I'm a dictionary user and that I'm practically married to www.m-w.com - so, here goes...when you look up Self-Pride, you get this definition:

Main Entry: self–pride
Pronunciation: \self-prid\ | Function: noun | Date: circa 1586
: pride in oneself or in that which relates to oneself

When you look up Pride (because it's difficult to see the part of the word in the definition), you get these definitions:

Main Entry: pride
Pronunciation: \'prid\    |   Function: noun    |   Etymology: Middle English, from Old English pry¯de, from prud proud — more at proud
Date: before 12th century
1: the quality or state of being proud: as
     a: inordinate self-esteem : conceit
     b: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect
     c: delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride>
2: proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : disdain
3 a: ostentatious display
    b: highest pitch : prime
4: a source of pride : the best in a group or class
5: a company of lions
6: a showy or impressive group <a pride of dancers>

With that said, I've been working with colleagues and my friends who have or will have weight loss surgery through The UMass Memorial Weight Center about completing the circle, whether it be customer service or self-care, both require self-pride.

A reasonable or justifiable self-respect for oneself or that which relates to one's hard work.

This is the basis for my actions and my activities that have lead me to my success in both weight loss and my professional life. I stopped running around for others and I now look within first and take care of myself, first. Following, my own personal care, others - I find, benefit more greatly.

All this experience and lessons learned, which leads to a deeper level of pride, internal pride. I'm not talking about being a braggart, I'm talking about being an example, a person who continues to grow and shares some of their roadblocks with the hopes of allowing another to learn from their mistakes along the road. The lessons learned from these mistakes are the road markers in our personal evolution. We start with a certain make-up, structure and "destiny" and all through our lives, we shake it up. Shaking it up, means both changing through difficult tasks with long strides up steep hills and jumping up and down celebrating big wins.

What experiences lead to proud moments? What have you done recently to shake it up? Let me know!

Cheers! AJ

Feel free to join my site and leave a question or a comment.

20 days in the "life of me"...

ajleto — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:03:00 GMT

Wow, It seems like it was yesterday that I was scouring the Internet, with the help of www.google.com to find the name of the author of the poem in the Seasons post and reality smacks me in the face to say..."UMMM! That was Twenty-plus days ago!"

So, Let's fill you in on what's happened in my life in the past 20-plus days:

I've had a lot of fun and learned a lot of stuff.
Those of you that spend a good amount of time with me, know that this goes without saying...I am one that "talks to strangers" and shares in their moments. I will never be able to explain how invaluable my interactions with "strangers" over the past ten years have helped me to become a better, calmer, more intent listener and better inquirer. Thank you my dear new acquaintances.
Met a truly impressive person.
I enjoyed a light lunch with Dave Pallone, the MLB Umpire, who was removed from his position upon the discovery of his sexuality. He was at Worcester State College speaking as part of their Diversity Lecture Series. Mr Pallone's talk, which preceded the luncheon, focused on the value and the pain of keeping a secret and the stresses of lying to protect one's self. He particularly embraced the entire audience in his explanation of honesty and respect, as this was not simply GLBTQs and allies - many were MLB fans who were lobbing him questions about their favorite baseball stars. Many a head nodded in agreement when he asked that all respect on another, in any situation, position or circumstance.
Took in a Musical Review.
Foothills Theatre Company kicked off it's 2007-2008 season with a musical review of the works of Kander and Ebb, titled The World Goes 'Round. The show was delightful!
Sang my first professional gig.
Ian Watson, Director of Music at St. Paul's Cathedral, Worcester invited me to sing a wedding on 10/13 - what a wonderful experience...not that I'm on my way to the next MET Auditions...but, I am happy to say that I was so pleased to stand in the rehearsal and zip through the music with the orchestra and not have to hear the same few measures over and over. Such fun and quite lucrative.
Performed in a fundraising gig for the Elementary School that My Grandmother, Mother and I attended.
As stated on my Fruits Section for a few weeks, the Salisbury Singers performed at St. Stephen's Church, raising funds for the elementary school. I have to say...the response to my solo lines in one of our pieces was really humbling...I am trying really hard to work on my voice and my solo singing abilities and I think the hard work is paying off in many ways.
Had the shortest relationship of my entire life.
Yeah, 3 dates...Amazing...Didn't think I'd be left in a bar when the person went to check for "AA Batteries." Humorous, in hind-sight!
Received a call for an interview with Staples, Inc.
The interview is tomorrow, wish me luck! I've been prepping my skills and charm.
Attended, the following events/meetings

a wicked fun wedding with some of my dearest friends.
Miss Jackie M.F. Cruse wed Mr. Eric Cawley, Saturday the 20th in a beautiful, quaint ceremony. The reception was at Indian Meadows. As many of you know, the facility has been operating for many years and I must say the owners deserve plenty of credit, the room that we occupied is a small version of the grand ballroom at PVCC and just as nice. Food was 'par excellence!' Awesome photos of the gorgeous bride, her handsome husband and beautiful children/wedding party are here and here.
upon special invitation, the Local Conference Meeting for the Massachusetts Commission on GLBT Youth.
MPL invited me to attend the quarterly meeting of the MCGLBTY, hosted by the Worcester Tech High School, as a representative of the Worcester Pride Association. Michael is one of the advisors of the Tech GSA and asked me to attend in order to gather information to further the relationship of all three organizations. The experience was warming and frightening at the same instances. The teens, representing Milford High, Assabet Valley Reg. Voc. Tech and Worcester Tech, spoke openly with the Commissioners regarding their position as members of the respective GSAs and voiced several concerns - centering around lack of support from school leaders, policies, key role models and on the other side of the same statements was high praise for specific teachers who make sure to support and encourage respect for each other across all lines. I look forward to participating with these organizations in the future.
one of the many, Worcester Mayoral Candidates Debates at The Dive Bar
The four Candidates for mayor step up to the bar in the fashion of many of our country's famed political decisions, they did just that...Konnie, Gary, Bill, and Rick converged on The Dive Bar on Green Street. It was great...Someday...I'd love to see/hear politicians answer questions directly, rather than skirting the points.

Broke and have had filed/smoothed one of my two front teeth.
Thank you Dr. Patel...I'll call you when I have $500 for the crown.
Didn't have to wait - at all - to order a replacement Social Security Card at the Social Security Administration on Myrtle Street, Worcester, MA.
Yeah, I think I may have been in a parody or something! I'll be checking in on You Tube! periodically.

My dears, these are the highlights. This is a busy man! I love it! Just love it!

P•G | D•B = Phenomenal Wedding

ajleto — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:23:00 GMT

Saturday, September 29, 2007 was long to arrive, having received an exquisite save the date in the days following 24 May 2007. The note simply stated, Paul and Don planned to marry on Saturday (9/29/07) and the event would take place at The Lord Thompson Manor. This particular wedding was quite important to me. You see, Paul and Don are great friends, to each other and to nearly everyone that passes. I can't remember exactly when I met them, as it was a raucous Monday at the Colonial and many of the specifics are blurry, but one thing is clear for me, they are a splendid example of what marriage is all about.

The invitation package, designed by Paul - a visual designer for Lord and Taylor, is amazing...deep purple and lime green, heavy stock paper and clean font represented the short note at the bottom of the actual invitation piece, which read "black and white reception immediately following." Personally, I was relieved and a baby-bit disappointed when I heard that this did not mean tuxedos and gowns. I was able to get really dressed up and be original, without matching every other man there, if you've been to black tie affairs, you understand the visual. The disappointment is that women is evening wear are just drop dead gorgeous. I was a dressed up as ever.

[Pictures are forthcoming from Nate, but I'll whet your appetite by saying this: black four-button suit, charcoal shirt and silver tie. Accented with big white sunglasses.]

The Manor is gorgeous all by itself and the flowers, decorations, amenities all enhanced the experience. The floral display a hundred or more candles and cala lilies of many different colors and sizes reminded me of a Renaissance chandelier. The food was perfectly delicious; a gargantuan shrimp set atop a phenomenal Fillet served with 1/4 piece of sweet potato, 1/4 piece of blue potato and a few stalks of asparagus. Perfect pairing and quite delicious.

The DJ who looked like a cross between a model for H&R Block CPA commercial and my friend Andy Arnold was totally digital and totally awesome! There were about 20-30 people that just stayed on the dance floor most of the night.

Many times, while driving to a church or facility where two friends are to marry, I have thought about the couple and been flooded with thoughts of their future and how out social circle will change. Yesterday was different, I was invited - and guest, so Mark Macaruso graciously accepted my invitation and accompanied me to the event. During the 20 plus minute drive, we discussed the grooms and the others that would be in attendance and most importantly (and I must have said this a dozen times during the day, if I said it once) the fact that this couple is the picture of who should marry. I learned yesterday that they have been together for 17 years and it shows. Their unified love and strength truly shines.

Twice now, I have referred to the event - I chose the word event because that's exactly what you get when you are invited to The Lord Thompson Manor. Jackie and Andrew are welcoming you into their home...and Ted, Kelly and all of the staff bring elegance and precision to an entirely new level. A wonderfully whimsical alternate world. A perfect location for a perfect couple to bring together family and friends to create beautiful memories.