Ban on Plastic Bans Poses Dilemma for Pet Parents

As of today, nine states in the US have banned the use of plastic shopping bags. In these places, California, Connecticut, Delaware,Hawaii, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont you must bring your own reusable bags. While I agree whole-hardheartedly with the
policy, it has posed an unrelated problem in our household. 

What do we do with the dirty kitty litter? I am very aware of recycling and try to extend the life of all items. I repurposed paper bags to drain fried foods, and plastic to dispose of the corn-based litter we use for our two cats. When the ban became effective in New York, in March 2020, I stocked up on the packages of pet waste bags in the Dollar Tree. There were 50 in a box; with two cats I use a lot! Soon I discovered that there were more per box if I purchased the almost identical product in the baby section. The Diaper bags had 75 per carton and they smelled like baby powder! I was thrilled. Until, I couldn't find either type of bags. 

Apparently, they are also scarce. After the epic failure of using sandwich bags, and the poor quality and higher cost per bag for doggies poop bags, I was determined to find an option.I turned to the internet and saw that they are hard to come by.

Then, I found my beloved Sassy Baby Disposable Diaper Sacks on Amazon. They come in various unit counts and I opted for the 200 count for just $6.57. Best of all, they arrived the very next day. 

 

Here's the details:
Color Lavender Scent Lavender Item Dimensions (LxWxH) 11 x 6 x 3.5 inches Brand Sassy Item Form Bag Recommended Uses For Product Baby Unit Count 200 Count
Click here to view

 

A Life is Not Important Except the Impact it Has on Other Lives

Thinking about my dad today on the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's ground breaking introduction to the MLB. He, along with Pee Wee Reese (real name Harold) were my dad's favorite Dodgers. 

 

Jackie's impact on our society occurred EIGHT years before Martin Luther King emerged as the leader of nonviolent Civil Rights Movement efforts. He refused to sit in the back of a bus in 1944, 11 years before the courageous acts of Rosa Parks. A trailblazer in athletics, and business. 

 

Robinson also was the first black television analyst in MLB and the first black vice president of a major American corporation, Chock Full O'Nuts. In the 1960s, he helped establish the Freedom National Bank, (later Carver Federal Savings) an African-American-owned financial institution based in Harlem, New York. After his death in 1972, Robinson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his achievements on and off the field.

 

Dad's love of baseball was passed down to me, and we shared love of the Mets, and Tom Seaver, Mookie Wilson and Mike Piazza. All morning, I wanted to pick up my cell and call dad to tell him about the moving ceremonies to unveil the statue. I guess he had a bird's eye view. Love you dad and despite his late in life Marlin fandom, I know today he is saying "Let's Go Mets!!!!!!!"

 

A Message from Beth

 For millions of people across the globe, today begins a weekend of reflection, reBirth and rejoicing. In what is probably the first opportunity to celebrate with loved ones since the start of the pandemic, it is also a weekend for Reunions and a time of greater hope and Promise.

Resurrection for some, liberation for others. During these dark and difficult days our world is witnessing, these celebrations take on a new meaning. These two holidays symbolize new opportunities, acknowledgement of repression and the fighting spirit to conquer all.

May all of my LinkedIn friends lean on loved ones to find peace, love and optimism. Here's to a happy Easter2022 and Chagsameach or joyous Passover2022.

Happy Holidays 💓,

Beth

Terrorism Takes On Many Forms

I've sat here for almost an hour, trying to decide where to begin. What to say. This is unusual for me, but sometimes outside factors effect your outlook on life.

There was a terrorist attack on NYC yesterday. Yes, terrorist. People were terrorized by a lunatic. A monster who planned a mass attack on innocent people. Men traveling to work, a pregnant woman sitting nearby, older people, and children going to school.

The location was not midtown Manhattan. It was in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, a diverse community of approximately 78,000 residents with a median age of 35.

Ten people where shot, an 13 additional were hurt trying to escape. Yet, millions of others were victimized and the trauma will last weeks, months or maybe years. Commuters who are now scared to travel into NYC for work or pleasure.

Sadly, it's happened before. In NY, Boston, LA and countless other cities. Previously, people had no choice, but to continue to commute. But now it is different. Most professions can lend themselves to hybrid or remote jobs and retain their workforce. Unfortunately, too many chose not to.

When I heard the news, I reached out to a friend, who was recently FORCED to return to the office after two years of remote working. Rising early, returning late, undergoing constant COVID-19 Test Kits. He's tired, ornery, overworked and underappreciated. His quality of life has changed in the past month since he returned to the office.

Since he was at work, he asked me for details. Who was it, did they catch him, do they know why? I had no answers. As the day wore on, I sensed more fear, anger and frustration in his texts. Again, no answers, except me responding to text me when arrived home safely.

I'm sure his commute this morning was terrifying. And it didn't have to be. He should have been able to work from home, while the perpetrator remained on the loose; and until he felt safe going back on the train.

I've been fortunate in my career to never have to endure a commute like that. It was a choice I made, so I could remain available for family and one I still consider today.

To all who returned to subways, buses, cabs and corporate offices_ be safe my friends.

 

Karma Chameleon

 

I pride myself in being a GLASS half-full person. Yet, I am pragmatic rather than emotional, both in my career and personal life. Is this an Oxymoron ?

Absolutely not. Negativity is toxic. It may fester below the surface, but when it bubbles over, it pollutes the environment.

Over the years, my approach has been challenged. I've been laid off, and accepted new positions, knowing they were dead-end. Yet, I vowed never to burn bridges, seek retribution, or show anger, resentment or bitterness. In both instances, these short-term jobs enabled me to move on with career-changing positions.

When things got particularly tough in my life, I reset my priorities; and purchased a ring inscribed with the phase "this too shall pass." It never leaves my hand.

Since I don't job-hop, my resume shows stability, and tenure. Obviously, that means there were times when optimism and sensibility were tested, but I relied on the knowledge that I was like a chameleon: I change my exterior to adapt to my surrounds, have "eyes in the back of my head" and hide my sharp tongue.

The Chameleon personality type can walk into a room, quickly pick up on the expectations of those around them and become the life of the party or a quiet, thoughtful participant — or whatever they need to be. Meanwhile, their private self remains Hidden.

So, when I saw today's Horoscope in the NyPost, I had to giggle. "The best way to deal with your negative mindset is to throw yourself into your work. The less time you spend worrying what might go wrong the more likely it is things will start going right. And remember, your outlook matters more than events."

That's because, I already know that the glass is half-full and
"this too shall pass."

Living the Dream

 

We all have our Dreams. Those we long for when we are Awake, and those Manufactured by our Minds, while we sleep. As I child, I fantasized about being a Princess. I never really knew what Royalty did. In the The Walt Disney Company movies, they wore beautiful Clothes, a Diamond tiara, lived in sparking Fun Palaces and had a Prince Charming to take care of their needs. I even had a cat named Princess.

It would be easy, right?

Sadly, there were no princes lurking in my suburban NY high school, classes on royalty, or instructions on how to become a Monarch.

When maturity set in, I focused on the dreams created from my heart, not my subconscious. I aspired to become the female Red Smith (a NYTimes.com Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist
). I set out to become a writer, and eventually a mother.

Beginning with my senior year at Rutgers University, I was able to spend over five years working for the Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK newspaper chain. Eventually, that lifestyle of working nights and weekends didn't Synchronize with my dreams of a Family life, and I transformed myself into a Public Relations professional. A few years later, we welcomed the first of my three sons.

Over the years, I continued to set personal and professional goals. I adapted to the changes; I retooled my talents and took classes at the Foundation Center to become a grant writer, event planner, graphic designer, and added speech writing, social media, and other aspects of non-profit leadership to my tool belt. But I continued to write on the side. I was living the dream.

Eventually, I awoke. I had ascended to a leadership role in a nonprofit and loved everything I did. I no longer pined to become a Princess or having someone take care of me. I was taking care of three kids and the at-risk and undeserved constituents served by my agency.

Now, many years later, I am dreaming again. Searching for a GLASS slipper. Dreaming of a new opportunity. One where I can use my talents as a writer and my passion to help those less fortunate in a position where I can take care of myself.

And by the way, I sold another article yesterday!

Effective Customer Service is A Lost Art

In the age of self-checkout registers, and automated phone banks, it seems that customer service is a lost art. While working with the Rockland County YMCA, I was fortunate to participate in "Integrity Training", an in-depth course on customer retention.

Fundraising and sales are very similar. In both, you must win over the Listener, with a compelling Pitch or Case for support. There is a lot of competition for those dollars, so your work begins when you gain the new supporter/customer.

Those first few minutes can Make A Difference between the long-time supporter, who may evolve in to a committee member, and/or board member, or returning Shopper to your Store.

Recently, I had an experience with an online/retail operation. My frustration was skyrocketing. As my kids say, "nothing is easy."

So, trying to buy a pair of high-end sunglasses, using some GIFT cards I had EARNED from surveys was not going to be easy. After looking in a Bricks and MORTAR store, I went online to the Sunglass Hut website to purchase the item.

When the form of payment was rejected, I called the customercare number and explained my dilemma. They were of no help, so I called the retail company store (26 miles away) and was assured I could use the cards in the Store. However, I was also eligible for a 12% rebate from Rakuten. I did not want to lose that additional savings!I had attempted my purchase no less than eight times, so when I called the store again (four total calls), I was told the glasses were on hold, and "come on down." He would help me.

Upon arrival, I learned he was gone for the day, and the manager on duty, could not help me purchase them online for an immediate pickup. Even if they were shipped to my home, I would lose the rebate. Nor were they able to use the forms of payment (Tremendous gift cards) I had on hand.

Cynical as I am, I went to my car and activated another gift card, and returned to the store, with a $20 coupon, and two Valid gift cards; I finally purchased the item with no out-of-pocket costs.

The on-duty manager was very nice, and I told her how I was not mad at her, but I was frustrated that I was losing a $20 rebate (and the only reason I was splurging on these sunglasses was they were costing me nothing!)

I took a chance and emailed the customer service at Rakuten, since they had always been responsive and helpful in the past. Within 15 minutes I got a reply to send the receipt; they saw my attempts. The next morning they had credited my account anyway!

I am now the proud owner of a pair of Rayban Sun Optics (I) Ltd, sunglasses, thanks to excellent CustomerService.com. As an upper #management employee, these are the stories that made me proud to be a #servantleader!

#banks #fundraising #training #experience #help #sales #customerservice #retail

You can join Rakuten with this link:
https://lnkd.in/dZMATWu6