I want my OWN show, and Oprah can help me do that! You can help me...Go to
http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=6426&promo_id=1\
and VOTE 100 times a day, it will take less than 5 minutes. Then email the link to your friends, and have them do the same and have them send it to their friends and do the same. If everyone hits VOTE 100 times a day, we can win this contest. The 5 people with the most votes automatically move onto the next round! and YOU can help me do just that!
So, hit VOTE, back button, VOTE, back button for just 5 minutes, and I'll have the needed votes to win! Start right now and don't forget to email to all your friends.
You can also go to OPRAH.COM/AUDITION and search JESSICA RECTOR...Thank you for your help!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Oprah Looking For Talk Show Host
Okay, everyone out there, I need your help! I'm in the Oprah search for the next talk show show. I'm the perfect person for the job. I have worked several years on getting my talk show on television. I've done over 50 episodes, and I recently filmed three live studio audience shows, which was absolutely amazing! I loved every minute of it!
The jessICAREctor Show encourages, empowers, and educates by people sharing their stories in order to make a difference and change the world..one story at a time. Think of a story you have heard, whether it's Susan G. Komen or someone you personally know and how it's impacted your life. By people sharing their stories, we have the possibility of helping so many others.
Oprah is looking for someone to have his/her own talk show on OWN. The 5 people with the most votes automatically move onto the next round! I want to guarantee my spot there, so I need your votes! You can votes a million times a day each day if you want. There are people who already have a million votes, so I'm the dark horse coming from behind. But every vote counts, so get your family and friends involved...and start VOTING NOW!
Go to
http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=6426&promo_id=1
Write your television and radio stations or call your local newspaper! Spread the word about my show, because together, we can make a difference and change the world...one story at a time. Thank you for your help and support!
The jessICAREctor Show encourages, empowers, and educates by people sharing their stories in order to make a difference and change the world..one story at a time. Think of a story you have heard, whether it's Susan G. Komen or someone you personally know and how it's impacted your life. By people sharing their stories, we have the possibility of helping so many others.
Oprah is looking for someone to have his/her own talk show on OWN. The 5 people with the most votes automatically move onto the next round! I want to guarantee my spot there, so I need your votes! You can votes a million times a day each day if you want. There are people who already have a million votes, so I'm the dark horse coming from behind. But every vote counts, so get your family and friends involved...and start VOTING NOW!
Go to
http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=6426&promo_id=1
Write your television and radio stations or call your local newspaper! Spread the word about my show, because together, we can make a difference and change the world...one story at a time. Thank you for your help and support!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Giving Back, Help and Hope to Haiti
Today, I was in deep thought. There were a few people yesterday that were kind of mockingly asking me, "Jessica, are you going to Haiti to help?" They were asking in this manner, because they knew I went to Africa last year to volunteer.
I replied to each of them when they asked me, "If I could I would." So, today, I was in deep thought.
Each thought was distinctive yet jumbled, "Gosh, I wish I could help them. I feel so helpless. I can help them. How can I help them? Who can I contact to know where to stay there. My Governor, Major, who else? Okay, so it might cost me a few thousands of dollars, but I think it would be worth it to go help those people. How can I make this happen? I know I have the convention next week, so I'll go after that. I have to be back for work by Feb 12, so I can at least go for two weeks. Will they need people then? Of course, they will, they will need help for years."
My thoughts came at me like a pro pitching fast balls. There were too many but never enough. I had to make this happen. I was going to make this happen.
Several years ago, I realized that my calling in life is to help people...help people in whatever capacity that I can. So, when these people mockingly asked me if I was going to go help...my thought was how selfish of you to not even consider helping in some way.
So today when I briefly broke from my deep thought, I could overhear parts of conversations. Here they are talking about stories, movies, sports...while people are fighting to stay alive in Haiti. I mean we go on with our lives, what else do we have to do? We can't NOT go on with our lives. But how dare you mock me, because I'm willing and wanting to help others.
The burning desire to help those in Haiti eats at me. I start thinking how I wanted to help with Katrina or the devastating Tsunami and wasn't able to do so. Why does it take this third disaster for me to actually look up flight information to go help?
After I look up how I can personally go help. I'm left feeling down and disappointed. You can only help if you are a medical personnel, which I am not, or have disaster relief training, which I don't. I just thought they would need all kinds of help.
Looking at the video footage of the destruction in Haiti, I think, "Where do you even begin? There is so much to be done...but I guess you just have to start somewhere."
I decided to contact the American Red Cross and get trained in disaster relief. When something like this happens again, I will be prepared to go...I say "When" not "If," because unfortunately something like this is likely to happen again in my lifetime.
This desire to help Haiti has stirred up something else in me...I told my friend Marc, "I have to marry a rich guy, because I want to be able to just leave and help when something like this happens. I have to be able to afford to go help. I can't think about how much it's going to cost, because I need to help them."
Marc laughed at my reasoning and said, "Yes you do."
I talked with my friend Leslie today about Haiti. Leslie and I have known each other for about 16 years. I told her that I'm going to get trained in disaster relief, so I can help in the future. So, maybe, I don't go help Haiti now. Since they will need help for a long time, I will be able to go in a few months.
Leslie exclaimed, "I can't believe that! Just recently I realized that life is really all about helping people. I, too, wanted to help in Haiti. I contacted the Red Cross, and they said you have to be disaster relief trained to go. I asked when their classes were, and I signed up. I can't believe we both thought of that!"
I replied, "What! That's amazing! First of all, I'm so happy you realized that life is really about helping people. That makes me happy."
Leslie knows that I realized this for myself years ago, and I'm really thrilled that she realized it too. She says, "You are happy about that."
I respond, "Of course I am..thrilled, really. And maybe we don't go right away, and that's okay. It would be great if we went in a couple of months, and we got to go together. That would be even better."
Two great minds really do think alike!
You might not be able to go to Haiti. You may not have a desire to get disaster relief training, but there are still many ways for you to help. The biggest way is through donations. Like I previously said, they are going to need help for years to come. Your money can allow them to start their lives over. Imagine your whole world falling apart, being destroyed, but something out of your control, wouldn't you want someone to help you?
The most important thing for us to do for the Haitians is to instill hope. Going through and surviving this, life may seem bleak or daunting. There is really so much possibility for life, and it's our job to help them see there is so much hope for themselves and the future. We can help them rebuild their city more beautiful then ever. We can also help them to see that there is still so much life left in each of them. There is a reason why they went through this...and a reason why they survived. It is up to them to live their life to its full potential, but it's up to us to help them.
Find what's in your heart...and how you are moved to help. We are all more alike than we are different, and we all want and need help at some time in our lives. So, please find a way...any way, to help the Haitians. And when you give yourself, you motivate others to give and are also inspiring the Haitians and giving them the much needed HOPE!
I replied to each of them when they asked me, "If I could I would." So, today, I was in deep thought.
Each thought was distinctive yet jumbled, "Gosh, I wish I could help them. I feel so helpless. I can help them. How can I help them? Who can I contact to know where to stay there. My Governor, Major, who else? Okay, so it might cost me a few thousands of dollars, but I think it would be worth it to go help those people. How can I make this happen? I know I have the convention next week, so I'll go after that. I have to be back for work by Feb 12, so I can at least go for two weeks. Will they need people then? Of course, they will, they will need help for years."
My thoughts came at me like a pro pitching fast balls. There were too many but never enough. I had to make this happen. I was going to make this happen.
Several years ago, I realized that my calling in life is to help people...help people in whatever capacity that I can. So, when these people mockingly asked me if I was going to go help...my thought was how selfish of you to not even consider helping in some way.
So today when I briefly broke from my deep thought, I could overhear parts of conversations. Here they are talking about stories, movies, sports...while people are fighting to stay alive in Haiti. I mean we go on with our lives, what else do we have to do? We can't NOT go on with our lives. But how dare you mock me, because I'm willing and wanting to help others.
The burning desire to help those in Haiti eats at me. I start thinking how I wanted to help with Katrina or the devastating Tsunami and wasn't able to do so. Why does it take this third disaster for me to actually look up flight information to go help?
After I look up how I can personally go help. I'm left feeling down and disappointed. You can only help if you are a medical personnel, which I am not, or have disaster relief training, which I don't. I just thought they would need all kinds of help.
Looking at the video footage of the destruction in Haiti, I think, "Where do you even begin? There is so much to be done...but I guess you just have to start somewhere."
I decided to contact the American Red Cross and get trained in disaster relief. When something like this happens again, I will be prepared to go...I say "When" not "If," because unfortunately something like this is likely to happen again in my lifetime.
This desire to help Haiti has stirred up something else in me...I told my friend Marc, "I have to marry a rich guy, because I want to be able to just leave and help when something like this happens. I have to be able to afford to go help. I can't think about how much it's going to cost, because I need to help them."
Marc laughed at my reasoning and said, "Yes you do."
I talked with my friend Leslie today about Haiti. Leslie and I have known each other for about 16 years. I told her that I'm going to get trained in disaster relief, so I can help in the future. So, maybe, I don't go help Haiti now. Since they will need help for a long time, I will be able to go in a few months.
Leslie exclaimed, "I can't believe that! Just recently I realized that life is really all about helping people. I, too, wanted to help in Haiti. I contacted the Red Cross, and they said you have to be disaster relief trained to go. I asked when their classes were, and I signed up. I can't believe we both thought of that!"
I replied, "What! That's amazing! First of all, I'm so happy you realized that life is really about helping people. That makes me happy."
Leslie knows that I realized this for myself years ago, and I'm really thrilled that she realized it too. She says, "You are happy about that."
I respond, "Of course I am..thrilled, really. And maybe we don't go right away, and that's okay. It would be great if we went in a couple of months, and we got to go together. That would be even better."
Two great minds really do think alike!
You might not be able to go to Haiti. You may not have a desire to get disaster relief training, but there are still many ways for you to help. The biggest way is through donations. Like I previously said, they are going to need help for years to come. Your money can allow them to start their lives over. Imagine your whole world falling apart, being destroyed, but something out of your control, wouldn't you want someone to help you?
The most important thing for us to do for the Haitians is to instill hope. Going through and surviving this, life may seem bleak or daunting. There is really so much possibility for life, and it's our job to help them see there is so much hope for themselves and the future. We can help them rebuild their city more beautiful then ever. We can also help them to see that there is still so much life left in each of them. There is a reason why they went through this...and a reason why they survived. It is up to them to live their life to its full potential, but it's up to us to help them.
Find what's in your heart...and how you are moved to help. We are all more alike than we are different, and we all want and need help at some time in our lives. So, please find a way...any way, to help the Haitians. And when you give yourself, you motivate others to give and are also inspiring the Haitians and giving them the much needed HOPE!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Would We Know Each Other?
I walked into Wal-Mart the other day with a friend, we were busy talking as we shopped. Well, we really were only there to get a few things. We were talking, while my friend pushed the cart. We went from the office supplies aisle to the hardware section. We walked over to picture frames and back to hardware. Did I see you, and I was too busy talking to notice? We didn't find what we needed, but should I have looked in a different section, and then I would have seen you?
What if I drive the same route to work every day, and you're driving right behind me? Or you drive by me, we make eye contact, yet keep driving in different directions?
Maybe I'm out to eat with my sister, and you're sitting at another table with a woman. I notice you, and want so desperately to find the chance to talk with you...but you're with a "girlfriend." But I just made the mistake of your sister being your girlfriend.
It's unusual that I stop at a coffee shop. One day I do, but I'm in a bit of a hurry. So, I hurry and order, while just watching the time fade away, waiting for my coffee drink to be made. I don't take the time to look around...and you don't approach me, because you think I look annoyed...and really who wants to approach an annoyed woman. I quickly rush out the door, start my car, and never look back at you.
Would I know you, if I saw you? Would you recognize me, if you saw me? Would our eyes meet, and it just clicks? Would our hearts beat ever so quickly at the first sight of each other? Would you accidentally bump into me, and then "OH" we take notice? Do we drive by each other, then you turn around to follow me...just so when I get out, you can say, "Hi," introduce yourself, and get my number? Or do we grab for the same thing, our hands glide across each other's, and we feel it?
Do we meet at a sporting event, a fundraiser, or work? Do we meet on our own, through a friend or colleague? Is it love at first sight (whatever that means?) Or are we friends first before it turns to more? Or when we meet, do we "just know?" Do we meet once a week for a month or so? Or once we meet, you can't separate us?
If in a crowded room, could I pick YOU out? Could I just sense that you were there..somewhere? And when I saw you, would I say, "THERE!"? Would I know I would meet you that night before I even got there? Or was I just going about my day, doing whatever it was I was doing, and BOOM, there you were?
I may not know how, when or where I'm going to meet you, but you already occupy so many of my thoughts. The love I have for you already exists...and I don't even know who you are, yet I do. You possess certain qualities that I desire, for I would not be with you otherwise. You and I both know how much more we will become together. I know somewhere you are thinking and feeling the same thing. I know you want to find me as badly as I want to find you. I know you will know me...as I will know you. You will see and feel it, as much as I will. You will not be "perfect," as I am not, yet we will be perfect for each other.
It may be days, months or years (hopefully not years). Or it could be tomorrow. Tomorrow my life could change all because I meet you, my love! So, as I go about each and every day, I will look forward to tomorrow, for that is one day closer to meeting and being with you. You will change my life, as I will yours. Our longing to find one another will be over, and we can begin to enjoy the rest of our lives together. So, I fall asleep knowing tomorrow might be the day I meet you. There can be nothing that makes me happier...that is until you're in my life. Until we FINALLY meet....
What if I drive the same route to work every day, and you're driving right behind me? Or you drive by me, we make eye contact, yet keep driving in different directions?
Maybe I'm out to eat with my sister, and you're sitting at another table with a woman. I notice you, and want so desperately to find the chance to talk with you...but you're with a "girlfriend." But I just made the mistake of your sister being your girlfriend.
It's unusual that I stop at a coffee shop. One day I do, but I'm in a bit of a hurry. So, I hurry and order, while just watching the time fade away, waiting for my coffee drink to be made. I don't take the time to look around...and you don't approach me, because you think I look annoyed...and really who wants to approach an annoyed woman. I quickly rush out the door, start my car, and never look back at you.
Would I know you, if I saw you? Would you recognize me, if you saw me? Would our eyes meet, and it just clicks? Would our hearts beat ever so quickly at the first sight of each other? Would you accidentally bump into me, and then "OH" we take notice? Do we drive by each other, then you turn around to follow me...just so when I get out, you can say, "Hi," introduce yourself, and get my number? Or do we grab for the same thing, our hands glide across each other's, and we feel it?
Do we meet at a sporting event, a fundraiser, or work? Do we meet on our own, through a friend or colleague? Is it love at first sight (whatever that means?) Or are we friends first before it turns to more? Or when we meet, do we "just know?" Do we meet once a week for a month or so? Or once we meet, you can't separate us?
If in a crowded room, could I pick YOU out? Could I just sense that you were there..somewhere? And when I saw you, would I say, "THERE!"? Would I know I would meet you that night before I even got there? Or was I just going about my day, doing whatever it was I was doing, and BOOM, there you were?
I may not know how, when or where I'm going to meet you, but you already occupy so many of my thoughts. The love I have for you already exists...and I don't even know who you are, yet I do. You possess certain qualities that I desire, for I would not be with you otherwise. You and I both know how much more we will become together. I know somewhere you are thinking and feeling the same thing. I know you want to find me as badly as I want to find you. I know you will know me...as I will know you. You will see and feel it, as much as I will. You will not be "perfect," as I am not, yet we will be perfect for each other.
It may be days, months or years (hopefully not years). Or it could be tomorrow. Tomorrow my life could change all because I meet you, my love! So, as I go about each and every day, I will look forward to tomorrow, for that is one day closer to meeting and being with you. You will change my life, as I will yours. Our longing to find one another will be over, and we can begin to enjoy the rest of our lives together. So, I fall asleep knowing tomorrow might be the day I meet you. There can be nothing that makes me happier...that is until you're in my life. Until we FINALLY meet....
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Happy New Year and HELLO 2010
Almost another year has come and gone....and in this year it seems my life didn't change much. Well, a few things definitely stand out.
One of the more important ones is I found out my best friend from high school, Andrea Smith Cobb, past away. She actually died three years ago, but I just found out about it in September, the day after my birthday. Happy Birthday to me, right?! I drove to Tulsa a month later, for her birthday, to visit her grave. It was heartbreaking for me. I cried myself to sleep for three days after finding out about her death. A Braum's semi truck hit her car, with her mom, husband, two little boys and herself. Although her mom was badly injured, Andrea is the only one who died. Her sons and husband walked away without a scrape.
I met up with her mom at the beginning of November. She and I talked for several hours about Andrea, high school, and all the years in between. Although I hadn't talked to her in years, I still miss her, and I don't think that will change. I think of her often and never for one moment realized that when I begged to see her at our high school reunion (because she wasn't going to it) that would be my last time.
She was one of those people...the one who everyone loved. She treated everyone the same, was friendly, and always had a smile for you. She was caring, giving, and generous....and she made me laugh. Just seeing her made my day brighter, and I knew it was going to be a good one. Andrea was rare, and just having her in my life, makes me a better person. I find myself talking to her, knowing that she is watching over me and on my side no matter what. She is up there with my uncle, and they are having a good time laughing...probably at my expense. But that's okay, because I would be laughing right there with them.
Her boys were 3 and 7 when she died. Andrea's mom gives all she has to make sure they remember Andrea. The thing is...anyone who knew her will never forget her. She is just not a forgettable person...She is my friend, and even in her death, that can't be taken away.
Another memorable moment of 2009 is I met up with another high school friend who I haven't seen since high school. She and I live about 5 minutes away from each other, and we finally got together for lunch. It was a great time, and she is actually the one who told me about Andrea. I had been waiting for 17 years to meet up with her. I'm so pleased we finally had the chance, because I've missed her over the years.
Then there is Facebook....I got in touch with my dearest friend from high school. She didn't go to high school with me, but we met at work. I've missed her terribly throughout the years. She is still doing well in North Carolina...living what looks like the good life and enjoying it. I'm so happy for her. She and I shared so many good times.
Thank you, 2009, for all my many friend discoveries. I know 2010 will send vast career advancements and my wish man to me! So, goodbye to 2009, and HHHEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOO 2010! Here's looking at the new hope for MY CAREER and MY MAN! I hope you have a wonderful New Year and a better 2010! Best Wishes on all that awaits you!
One of the more important ones is I found out my best friend from high school, Andrea Smith Cobb, past away. She actually died three years ago, but I just found out about it in September, the day after my birthday. Happy Birthday to me, right?! I drove to Tulsa a month later, for her birthday, to visit her grave. It was heartbreaking for me. I cried myself to sleep for three days after finding out about her death. A Braum's semi truck hit her car, with her mom, husband, two little boys and herself. Although her mom was badly injured, Andrea is the only one who died. Her sons and husband walked away without a scrape.
I met up with her mom at the beginning of November. She and I talked for several hours about Andrea, high school, and all the years in between. Although I hadn't talked to her in years, I still miss her, and I don't think that will change. I think of her often and never for one moment realized that when I begged to see her at our high school reunion (because she wasn't going to it) that would be my last time.
She was one of those people...the one who everyone loved. She treated everyone the same, was friendly, and always had a smile for you. She was caring, giving, and generous....and she made me laugh. Just seeing her made my day brighter, and I knew it was going to be a good one. Andrea was rare, and just having her in my life, makes me a better person. I find myself talking to her, knowing that she is watching over me and on my side no matter what. She is up there with my uncle, and they are having a good time laughing...probably at my expense. But that's okay, because I would be laughing right there with them.
Her boys were 3 and 7 when she died. Andrea's mom gives all she has to make sure they remember Andrea. The thing is...anyone who knew her will never forget her. She is just not a forgettable person...She is my friend, and even in her death, that can't be taken away.
Another memorable moment of 2009 is I met up with another high school friend who I haven't seen since high school. She and I live about 5 minutes away from each other, and we finally got together for lunch. It was a great time, and she is actually the one who told me about Andrea. I had been waiting for 17 years to meet up with her. I'm so pleased we finally had the chance, because I've missed her over the years.
Then there is Facebook....I got in touch with my dearest friend from high school. She didn't go to high school with me, but we met at work. I've missed her terribly throughout the years. She is still doing well in North Carolina...living what looks like the good life and enjoying it. I'm so happy for her. She and I shared so many good times.
Thank you, 2009, for all my many friend discoveries. I know 2010 will send vast career advancements and my wish man to me! So, goodbye to 2009, and HHHEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOO 2010! Here's looking at the new hope for MY CAREER and MY MAN! I hope you have a wonderful New Year and a better 2010! Best Wishes on all that awaits you!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
It's Going To Be A Good Day
You know it's going to be a good day when you wake up with a cold sore, a zit on your neck, and your back still hurting from a fall on the ice two days ago.
Yes, I am just like everyone else, I break out sometimes, and every so often I get a cold sore, which I ABSOLUTELY HATE! When I get one, it pretty much ruins my day. I wish there was a shot, like a flu shot, where you don't get one again. I would have this shot daily if it stopped me from getting cold sores. I've done the research and even take L-Lysine daily, but it still doesn't help. Most people have the virus, but not everyone gets break outs. Dang, why can't I be one that doesn't get break outs?!
I bought Abreva, but it usually takes several days for the cold sore to disappear even with Abreva. Then I also went to a vitamin store to buy some more potent stuff. It is a highly strong spray, professional strength, so I'm hoping it only takes a couple of days to work. I just get so self conscious when I have a cold sore.
So, I didn't mess with the zit on my neck. It was one that was under the skin, so it was hurting so badly. The pressure of it is going away, so I'm glad I didn't mess with it, which I usually do...but it's still there. Maybe in a day, it will be gone completely.
Now to my back...On Christmas night, I went to my mom's house. It had iced the night before, but the streets were now clear. Her driveway wasn't, but I parked my car on it anyways. I went to my car to get presents out. I was in my trusty tennis shoes, just standing there, about to open my passenger back door...BOOM. I just fall. Yes, I know, how do I fall when I'm just standing there, not even moving? Well, it's Jessica's World, and anything is possible! So, as I'm lying flat on my back with my right palm scrapped, because I tried to break my fall, and my little brother walks to the car on the other side. As he stands in the grass, he asks, "Are you okay? Do you need help?"
As I tried unsuccessfully to get up, because my trusty tennis shoes keep sliding down the ice, due to lack of traction, I reply, "I'm okay, and yeah I could use some help."
He says, "Well, I'm over here."
By this time, I just keep sliding and somehow manage to get up on my own...no thanks to my brother, still standing safely on the grass. Thanks for the help : )
I walk in the house with my back/behind a little sore and tears slowly streaming down my face. So, I guess I should have known from this that I would be hurting for days. But to be honest, I never thought about it...as soon as I got inside we began our Christmas and never gave it another thought. I guess that's what happens when you're surrounded by family and having a good time.
The things that seem hard....aren't, because your thoughts are being occupied by the good times and fun. So, I hope like me, you may have a few tough or rough days, but the good times outweigh them. I certainly wish for you a happy holiday season and a great New Year's. Oh, and I hope you have many memorable moments....and remember to enjoy the times and live in the present!
I knew it was going to be a "good day" when I awoke to so many imperfect things, but I also know these types of days are rare, so I'll take it, knowing they don't happen too often...and there are many people who have it tougher...
In a few days, my back won't hurt, my zit will disappear as will my cold sore...that is until any of it happens again..or as my best friend, Marc says, "Jessica, your life is a comedy show." I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult....?? After all, it is Jessica's World, and it's always unpredictable...
Yes, I am just like everyone else, I break out sometimes, and every so often I get a cold sore, which I ABSOLUTELY HATE! When I get one, it pretty much ruins my day. I wish there was a shot, like a flu shot, where you don't get one again. I would have this shot daily if it stopped me from getting cold sores. I've done the research and even take L-Lysine daily, but it still doesn't help. Most people have the virus, but not everyone gets break outs. Dang, why can't I be one that doesn't get break outs?!
I bought Abreva, but it usually takes several days for the cold sore to disappear even with Abreva. Then I also went to a vitamin store to buy some more potent stuff. It is a highly strong spray, professional strength, so I'm hoping it only takes a couple of days to work. I just get so self conscious when I have a cold sore.
So, I didn't mess with the zit on my neck. It was one that was under the skin, so it was hurting so badly. The pressure of it is going away, so I'm glad I didn't mess with it, which I usually do...but it's still there. Maybe in a day, it will be gone completely.
Now to my back...On Christmas night, I went to my mom's house. It had iced the night before, but the streets were now clear. Her driveway wasn't, but I parked my car on it anyways. I went to my car to get presents out. I was in my trusty tennis shoes, just standing there, about to open my passenger back door...BOOM. I just fall. Yes, I know, how do I fall when I'm just standing there, not even moving? Well, it's Jessica's World, and anything is possible! So, as I'm lying flat on my back with my right palm scrapped, because I tried to break my fall, and my little brother walks to the car on the other side. As he stands in the grass, he asks, "Are you okay? Do you need help?"
As I tried unsuccessfully to get up, because my trusty tennis shoes keep sliding down the ice, due to lack of traction, I reply, "I'm okay, and yeah I could use some help."
He says, "Well, I'm over here."
By this time, I just keep sliding and somehow manage to get up on my own...no thanks to my brother, still standing safely on the grass. Thanks for the help : )
I walk in the house with my back/behind a little sore and tears slowly streaming down my face. So, I guess I should have known from this that I would be hurting for days. But to be honest, I never thought about it...as soon as I got inside we began our Christmas and never gave it another thought. I guess that's what happens when you're surrounded by family and having a good time.
The things that seem hard....aren't, because your thoughts are being occupied by the good times and fun. So, I hope like me, you may have a few tough or rough days, but the good times outweigh them. I certainly wish for you a happy holiday season and a great New Year's. Oh, and I hope you have many memorable moments....and remember to enjoy the times and live in the present!
I knew it was going to be a "good day" when I awoke to so many imperfect things, but I also know these types of days are rare, so I'll take it, knowing they don't happen too often...and there are many people who have it tougher...
In a few days, my back won't hurt, my zit will disappear as will my cold sore...that is until any of it happens again..or as my best friend, Marc says, "Jessica, your life is a comedy show." I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult....?? After all, it is Jessica's World, and it's always unpredictable...
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Oprah's 10% Tipping Theory
I was talking with some co-workers today who told me that Oprah had recently said that in a time of economic crisis that it's okay to tip only 10%. Unlike so many of you, this is the first that I have actually heard of Oprah saying this. So, before emailing her, which I was about to do, I decided I needed to do some research. After all, I had not heard this myself, I was getting it from other people.
Now, I'm going to be honest, there are a few things that really bother me about tipping, but I'll get to that later. I looked up online about this Oprah and 10% tipping being okay thing. I did find a few people who say they actually saw the show where she made this statement. Many places I found said it was a rumor, and there was nothing to it.
Then there are others who say that Harpo took down the show where she made this statement, because it was getting too much negative backlash. I mean, this could be a real possibility. I was talking to my friend, Marc, once about something Oprah said on her show, and how I couldn't believe she said it. He said, "Sometimes you say something on live T.V. that sounds differently than the way you mean it to sound. But since it's live T.V. you can't take it back." Well, Oprah is live to tape, except on Fridays Live these days. So, technically, they can edit it. Nevertheless, I understand what he is saying. So, maybe Oprah didn't realize the backlash she would get from saying that it's okay to tip 10%, if in fact she said it.
Who really knows if she did? There is really no definitive answer.
On to what bothers me about tipping....IF you CAN'T afford a proper tip, then DON'T get the service! A PROPER tip is 20%!!! Not 15%! Not 18%! 20%! If the service is good, then tip OVER 20%! Twenty percent is average, and let me explain why...Because the server lives and make his/her living on ONLY the tips! And the server ISN'T getting the full 20%. He/She has to tip out the busser, bartender, sommelier, hostess, food runner, Maitre D', etc. There are plenty of people who get a percentage of the server's tips. So, the 20% that you think the server is getting, in reality, he/she may only be getting 75% of it...instead of the full 100%.
For instance, if you tip $20, thinking the server is getting $20. Actually, the server may only be getting $15.
If you buy wine, you MUST TIP on the wine, because the server HAS TO TIP out on the wine. So, if you are not tipping on the wine, then the server is paying for your to drink the wine! If you think, "Well, I'll just hand the sommelier $20, and deduct that tip from the server." THAT'S NOT the way to do it. Because the server is still having to tip out on the wine from his/her tips, and the sommelier is getting part of the server tips. So, you are really doing a lot of damage this way. Because not only is the server giving up some of his/her tips to the sommelier, you just doubled tips the sommelier for doing less work than the server has done. What good is that for anyone involved?
When you go out to eat, put yourself in the server's shoes. We are all allowed to have a bad day at work. When you have a bad day or when things don't go right for you, you are still getting paid the same amount of money. Well, maybe the server got in a car wreck before work or he/she is dealing with an illness in the family. You don't need to give a bad tip, because you just don't know what's going on in the server's life.
Also, if the food doesn't come out the way you want it, don't blame the server. He/She is not in the back cooking it. If the steak is not the right temperature, it's not the server's fault. If the restaurant is out of the wine you want, it's not the server's fault. He/She didn't do the wine inventory, nor does he/she order the wine. You don't give a bad tip, just because things don't go perfectly. Would we all like our restaurant experiences to be perfect? Absolutely! But when you are at work, do all of your days go perfectly??? NO! Then why would you deduct money from a server, because your day wasn't perfect?
You know you have had bad days, when things didn't go quite right...your boss didn't deduct from your salary, so don't do it to someone else. Consider what it's like to be a server...the different people you meet, the multitude of varying expectations, and the array of personalities. If you ever decide to give less than a 20% tip, then you NEED to get a job as a server, because your perspective would definitely change!
Now, I'm going to be honest, there are a few things that really bother me about tipping, but I'll get to that later. I looked up online about this Oprah and 10% tipping being okay thing. I did find a few people who say they actually saw the show where she made this statement. Many places I found said it was a rumor, and there was nothing to it.
Then there are others who say that Harpo took down the show where she made this statement, because it was getting too much negative backlash. I mean, this could be a real possibility. I was talking to my friend, Marc, once about something Oprah said on her show, and how I couldn't believe she said it. He said, "Sometimes you say something on live T.V. that sounds differently than the way you mean it to sound. But since it's live T.V. you can't take it back." Well, Oprah is live to tape, except on Fridays Live these days. So, technically, they can edit it. Nevertheless, I understand what he is saying. So, maybe Oprah didn't realize the backlash she would get from saying that it's okay to tip 10%, if in fact she said it.
Who really knows if she did? There is really no definitive answer.
On to what bothers me about tipping....IF you CAN'T afford a proper tip, then DON'T get the service! A PROPER tip is 20%!!! Not 15%! Not 18%! 20%! If the service is good, then tip OVER 20%! Twenty percent is average, and let me explain why...Because the server lives and make his/her living on ONLY the tips! And the server ISN'T getting the full 20%. He/She has to tip out the busser, bartender, sommelier, hostess, food runner, Maitre D', etc. There are plenty of people who get a percentage of the server's tips. So, the 20% that you think the server is getting, in reality, he/she may only be getting 75% of it...instead of the full 100%.
For instance, if you tip $20, thinking the server is getting $20. Actually, the server may only be getting $15.
If you buy wine, you MUST TIP on the wine, because the server HAS TO TIP out on the wine. So, if you are not tipping on the wine, then the server is paying for your to drink the wine! If you think, "Well, I'll just hand the sommelier $20, and deduct that tip from the server." THAT'S NOT the way to do it. Because the server is still having to tip out on the wine from his/her tips, and the sommelier is getting part of the server tips. So, you are really doing a lot of damage this way. Because not only is the server giving up some of his/her tips to the sommelier, you just doubled tips the sommelier for doing less work than the server has done. What good is that for anyone involved?
When you go out to eat, put yourself in the server's shoes. We are all allowed to have a bad day at work. When you have a bad day or when things don't go right for you, you are still getting paid the same amount of money. Well, maybe the server got in a car wreck before work or he/she is dealing with an illness in the family. You don't need to give a bad tip, because you just don't know what's going on in the server's life.
Also, if the food doesn't come out the way you want it, don't blame the server. He/She is not in the back cooking it. If the steak is not the right temperature, it's not the server's fault. If the restaurant is out of the wine you want, it's not the server's fault. He/She didn't do the wine inventory, nor does he/she order the wine. You don't give a bad tip, just because things don't go perfectly. Would we all like our restaurant experiences to be perfect? Absolutely! But when you are at work, do all of your days go perfectly??? NO! Then why would you deduct money from a server, because your day wasn't perfect?
You know you have had bad days, when things didn't go quite right...your boss didn't deduct from your salary, so don't do it to someone else. Consider what it's like to be a server...the different people you meet, the multitude of varying expectations, and the array of personalities. If you ever decide to give less than a 20% tip, then you NEED to get a job as a server, because your perspective would definitely change!
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