The Importance of Making Lists….and Reading them.
The Importance of Making Lists…
and Reading them.
and Reading them.
The Importance of Making Lists….and Reading them.
It all started after I returned on a Wednesday from giving a Reflexology Seminar in London. Jet lag had settled in by Friday, the day we were to leave to teach another Seminar in Las Vegas.. Figuring I would probably feel this way, Muff had already packed our equipment into the station wagon so we would be ready to go.
We left around 5 a.m. on Friday and drove into Las Vegas before noon. After checking in with the Sales staff at the Palace Station Hotel, we went to unpack the car. While I was taking boxes out of the side door of the car, Muff was unpacking from the rear, I hear a muffled “Oops”.
We left around 5 a.m. on Friday and drove into Las Vegas before noon. After checking in with the Sales staff at the Palace Station Hotel, we went to unpack the car. While I was taking boxes out of the side door of the car, Muff was unpacking from the rear, I hear a muffled “Oops”.
“Oops what?” I hesitantly asked.
“I forgot to pack the slide projector and the slides.”
Oh noooo. That is our entire program! I screamed silently to myself.
Have you ever had that feeling that the ground just fell out from under your feet and your stomach gets all sick inside? Standing next to the car in 103-degree heat, jet-lagged, I was stunned. My heart started to pound and I answered. “Ok, ok, not to worry. This is what we will do. Call Chuck (my dad) and tell him we’re going to fly him and the carrying case with the projector in it over to Las Vegas for a little vacation.”
“I forgot to pack the slide projector and the slides.”
Oh noooo. That is our entire program! I screamed silently to myself.
Have you ever had that feeling that the ground just fell out from under your feet and your stomach gets all sick inside? Standing next to the car in 103-degree heat, jet-lagged, I was stunned. My heart started to pound and I answered. “Ok, ok, not to worry. This is what we will do. Call Chuck (my dad) and tell him we’re going to fly him and the carrying case with the projector in it over to Las Vegas for a little vacation.”
“What if he doesn’t want to come? He’s really busy right now.” Muff said. “I have another idea. I’ll fly back to San Diego, Chuck will meet me with the case, I’ll get back on the plane and come back.”
Right….As if the plane is our own private jet! “Sounds good”. I agreed in my jet-lagged fog.
We called Chuck and told him what had happened and what our options were and after a long pause, my dad said. “Why don’t I just put the case on the plane?” Ahhhh, the voice of reason. So that is what he did.
He called us back, gave us the flight number and said it was coming in around 10:30 that night. He, however, didn’t mention one little fact. We arrived at the airport shortly before the flight came in and because the parking lot was packed, we had to park on top of the parking structure. We proceeded to the baggage area for the flight and watched as one by one the passengers picked up their luggage from the carousel as it went round and round – but… no case!
Eventually, around 11:30 pm pretty much everyone was gone in the entire terminal. The lights on the carousel had been turned off. Still NO CASE….. we went to the counter and inquired about our case and were told that you can’t send anything through baggage unless there was a body on the plane that goes with it. Our case would have to come by Air Freight.
Right….As if the plane is our own private jet! “Sounds good”. I agreed in my jet-lagged fog.
We called Chuck and told him what had happened and what our options were and after a long pause, my dad said. “Why don’t I just put the case on the plane?” Ahhhh, the voice of reason. So that is what he did.
He called us back, gave us the flight number and said it was coming in around 10:30 that night. He, however, didn’t mention one little fact. We arrived at the airport shortly before the flight came in and because the parking lot was packed, we had to park on top of the parking structure. We proceeded to the baggage area for the flight and watched as one by one the passengers picked up their luggage from the carousel as it went round and round – but… no case!
Eventually, around 11:30 pm pretty much everyone was gone in the entire terminal. The lights on the carousel had been turned off. Still NO CASE….. we went to the counter and inquired about our case and were told that you can’t send anything through baggage unless there was a body on the plane that goes with it. Our case would have to come by Air Freight.
The little fact Chuck forgot to mention.
“So where is Air Freight?” I asked.
“Across the parking lot, as he pointed to his watch...but it will be closing in about 5 minutes.”
“NOOOOO, please, call him, we will be right there!” We ran all the way back to our car, jumped in and sped off. The tires squealed as we tore down the circular ramp of the parking structure.
The Air Freight building was dark when we pulled up and jumped out.
“So where is Air Freight?” I asked.
“Across the parking lot, as he pointed to his watch...but it will be closing in about 5 minutes.”
“NOOOOO, please, call him, we will be right there!” We ran all the way back to our car, jumped in and sped off. The tires squealed as we tore down the circular ramp of the parking structure.
The Air Freight building was dark when we pulled up and jumped out.
Running up to the door, we jumped up and down and pounded our fists on the glass yelling, “We’re here, we’re here!! A door opened in the back of the room and we saw the silhouette of a man in the light of the doorway holding up our case and pointing to it. “Yes, yes, that’s ours!”
He unlocked the front door and, chuckling, said, “Jack said there were two crazy ladies on their way over here. I assume this is what you came for?”
Having never been to the part of Las Vegas where the airport was before, we got lost trying to get back to our hotel, Palace Station, which is just on the other side of the freeway from the airport. By the time we found our way back it was after midnight. Sleep was long in coming since the adrenaline was till pumping. We got about 2 hours of sleep, but we were smiling and ready for those first students to arrive for their first day of class at 7:30 the next morning.
He unlocked the front door and, chuckling, said, “Jack said there were two crazy ladies on their way over here. I assume this is what you came for?”
Having never been to the part of Las Vegas where the airport was before, we got lost trying to get back to our hotel, Palace Station, which is just on the other side of the freeway from the airport. By the time we found our way back it was after midnight. Sleep was long in coming since the adrenaline was till pumping. We got about 2 hours of sleep, but we were smiling and ready for those first students to arrive for their first day of class at 7:30 the next morning.
The lesson we learned……….
Make lists of all your equipment needs and keep them on your computer or in a file folder. Several days before your planned event, take the lists out, READ them and check off the items as you pack.
KEY: Do not wait until the last minute……….
That way if you are missing bulbs or batteries or anything on the list you have plenty of time to get them. (That’s a whole other story.)
Make lists of all your equipment needs and keep them on your computer or in a file folder. Several days before your planned event, take the lists out, READ them and check off the items as you pack.
KEY: Do not wait until the last minute……….
That way if you are missing bulbs or batteries or anything on the list you have plenty of time to get them. (That’s a whole other story.)
I have been asked to share with you my years as President of Reflexology Association of America, which began in June 1997 and ended after a second term in June 1999. When I was first voted in as a board member in 1996, I never dreamed of the adventure upon which I would be embarking. There is so much to be done with a fledgling organization and I was not sure I was up to it. Then, when I was voted on as President in 1997, I saw that I was being given an opportunity to challenge myself even further by serving in this position. It was not one I took on lightly, in fact, I was scared to death! But with the help and the encouragement of my fellow board members, I decided to ‘go for it!’. It was a decision I will never regret.
Being a totally voluntary organization means not often is there a lot of time to give. But with the projects that we took on, the Board and other volunteers were eager to tackle whatever was given to them. My first volunteer effort when I joined the organization was to create our Code of Ethics brochure (did you know that
RAA’s Code of Ethics were taken from the Code of Ethics we did for The Reflexology Association of California?) letterheads and envelopes, membership/renewal applications and brochures. Another bit of trivia ….the original RAA logo was developed by Vaughn Smith, NV after a contest we ran. During this time, the name of the newsletter was also voted on and approved.
One of my first projects as a new President was to oversee the work of the Conference Committee who was planning our next conference in Orlando, FL in 1998. Muff Warren and Nancy Byers, as Co-chairs, Phoebe Forbes, Dave Jenkins (your second President), Dwight Byers, Virginia Hoover and countless other volunteers who gave their time and money in the effort made sure we had a rousing success. Muff did such an outstanding job that we ended up making money on the conference!! During that time, we also created our mission statement. “RAA’s commitment to unify all Reflexologists for the Recognition, Excellence and Professional strength of Reflexology“, One of our last projects was to pick the location for our next conference, held May 2000, which turned out to be San Diego, my hometown! Muff and I co-chaired that event with Maggie Davis, RAC’s President and Conference Chair.
Our other big project was to create RAA’s own website. This was the brainchild of Board member Miriam Turner, CA. She took the idea and ran with it, even though she was completely computer illiterate! The job she did was fantastic. Sharon Nimblett, another volunteer, spent hours of her time transcribing the volumes of information we gave her that
was to appear on the site. After 4 months of being online, we had 78 members from 29 states listed in our ‘Practitioner’s Referral’ page and our most popular page was the ‘Ask Reflexology Rex’. I spent countless hours answering questions about Reflexology from people from all over the world! I was not the only one answering the questions- at times I had help from Dwight Byers, FL and past President, Dave Jenkins, PA.
Membership was always at the top of our ‘To Do’ list. Through the hard work of Laura Norman, NY, and Paul Bailey, OH, our membership went from 79 members in June of 1997 to almost 250 by the time I left office. It is not easy to get people to understand the need to belong to their trade organization. I think most Reflexologists are by nature, loners, since we are all entrepreneurs to some extent. But without a voice in our profession, we stand to lose what ground we have won over the years in developing this incredible profession into something of which we can be proud. The only other project I wanted to see done that was completed by another board was changing RAA from an organization of reflexologists back to an organization of organizations. I still think membership could grow with this style if only there were some changes in the structure of how it is done. But that is up to future boards to figure out.
During this time there was a lot of day-to-day, behind-the-scenes work going on. One of my other ’jobs’ was to keep the membership rolls on the computer up to date as new members joined and others renewed. I would receive the applications from Sharon Belsher, NV, who took care of RAA’s mailing address in Las Vegas. Then I would determine the member’s ID
number and send the checks to our Treasurer, Paul Bailey, OH. Both Muff Warren, CA and Maggie Davis, CA at different times would then send out the certificates, ID cards and membership information packets. Between us we would keep track of the files and make sure we didn’t lose anyone in the shuffle. It was great having the check and balance of all of us keeping track. During this time Ted Stansbury, AR found the liability insurance that we then offered to the members.
I would also receive letters and emails which I had to answer. I did phone interviews and wrote articles. It seemed there was always a ‘fire’ somewhere that needed attention. I was a clearing house of information about Reflexology. Fortunately, I felt up to the task because of my background of working for the original school of Reflexology. I had answers most do not have access to. Having also been in the field since the 70’s, I have been involved with and have seen much that has gone on in our “reflexology world”. The job of President is not easy and is NOT a part time job. But I would not have traded the experience for anything.
When I look back on the fear I felt when I agreed to do the job, one of the memories I go back to, was the first time I ever joined an organization at the age of 29. I was a member for only a short time when I was asked if I would run for the board. I was astounded and flattered that anyone would want me on their board. I thought about it for days and decided to do it…...what would be the worst
thing that would happen? So I ran and was voted in! I was amazed and nervous…..I didn’t think I had anything to contribute, but I soon found out that I did. The woman who asked me to run mentored me and through her I found I DID have value and had something to contribute. Well, I felt the same way when I was asked to do the President’s job for RAA…...could I do it? Would I accomplish anything? My motto for years has been “So what– do it anyway!” If you don’t try - you lose. So I did and out of that experience I gained confidence in myself and made some life-long friends with whom I still keep in touch. Just joining an organization is not enough; to really grow and stretch, volunteering and then being part of something bigger is so worthwhile. I give thanks to all the organizations I have been involved with for giving me the space to grow and allowing me to have a voice in my future.
I have been asked to share with you my years as President of Reflexology Association of America, which began in June 1997 and ended after a second term in June 1999. When I was first voted in as a board member in 1996, I never dreamed of the adventure upon which I would be embarking. There is so much to be done with a fledgling organization and I was not sure I was up to it. Then, when I was voted on as President in 1997, I saw that I was being given an opportunity to challenge myself even further by serving in this position. It was not one I took on lightly, in fact, I was scared to death! But with the help and the encouragement of my fellow board members, I decided to ‘go for it!’. It was a decision I will never regret.
Being a totally voluntary organization means not often is there a lot of time to give. But with the projects that we took on, the Board and other volunteers were eager to tackle whatever was given to them. My first volunteer effort when I joined the organization was to create our Code of Ethics brochure (did you know that RAA’s Code of Ethics were taken from the Code of Ethics we did for The Reflexology Association of California?) letterheads and envelopes, membership/renewal applications and brochures. Another bit of trivia ….the original RAA logo was developed by Vaughn Smith, NV after a contest we ran. During this time, the name of the newsletter was also voted on and approved.
One of my first projects as a new President was to oversee the work of the Conference Committee who was planning our next conference in Orlando, FL in 1998. Muff Warren and Nancy Byers, as Co-chairs, Phoebe Forbes, Dave Jenkins (your second President), Dwight Byers, Virginia Hoover and countless other volunteers who gave their time and money in the effort made sure we had a rousing success. Muff did such an outstanding job that we ended up making money on the conference!! During that time, we also created our mission statement. “RAA’s commitment to unify all Reflexologists for the Recognition, Excellence and Professional strength of Reflexology“, One of our last projects was to pick the location for our next conference, held May 2000, which turned out to be San Diego, my hometown! Muff and I co-chaired that event with Maggie Davis, RAC’s President and Conference Chair.
One of my first projects as a new President was to oversee the work of the Conference Committee who was planning our next conference in Orlando, FL in 1998. Muff Warren and Nancy Byers, as Co-chairs, Phoebe Forbes, Dave Jenkins (your second President), Dwight Byers, Virginia Hoover and countless other volunteers who gave their time and money in the effort made sure we had a rousing success. Muff did such an outstanding job that we ended up making money on the conference!! During that time, we also created our mission statement. “RAA’s commitment to unify all Reflexologists for the Recognition, Excellence and Professional strength of Reflexology“, One of our last projects was to pick the location for our next conference, held May 2000, which turned out to be San Diego, my hometown! Muff and I co-chaired that event with Maggie Davis, RAC’s President and Conference Chair.
Our other big project was to create RAA’s own website. This was the brainchild of Board member Miriam Turner, CA. She took the idea and ran with it, even though she was completely computer illiterate! The job she did was fantastic. Sharon Nimblett, another volunteer, spent hours of her time transcribing the volumes of information we gave her that was to appear on the site. After 4 months of being online, we had 78 members from 29 states listed in our ‘Practitioner’s Referral’ page and our most popular page was the ‘Ask Reflexology Rex’. I spent countless hours answering questions about Reflexology from people from all over the world! I was not the only one answering the questions- at times I had help from Dwight Byers, FL and past President, Dave Jenkins, PA.
Membership was always at the top of our ‘To Do’ list. Through the hard work of Laura Norman, NY, and Paul Bailey, OH, our membership went from 79 members in June of 1997 to almost 250 by the time I left office. It is not easy to get people to understand the need to belong to their trade organization. I think most Reflexologists are by nature, loners, since we are all entrepreneurs to some extent. But without a voice in our profession, we stand to lose what ground we have won over the years in developing this incredible profession into something of which we can be proud. The only other project I wanted to see done that was completed by another board was changing RAA from an organization of reflexologists back to an organization of organizations. I still think membership could grow with this style if only there were some changes in the structure of how it is done. But that is up to future boards to figure out.
Membership was always at the top of our ‘To Do’ list. Through the hard work of Laura Norman, NY, and Paul Bailey, OH, our membership went from 79 members in June of 1997 to almost 250 by the time I left office. It is not easy to get people to understand the need to belong to their trade organization. I think most Reflexologists are by nature, loners, since we are all entrepreneurs to some extent. But without a voice in our profession, we stand to lose what ground we have won over the years in developing this incredible profession into something of which we can be proud. The only other project I wanted to see done that was completed by another board was changing RAA from an organization of reflexologists back to an organization of organizations. I still think membership could grow with this style if only there were some changes in the structure of how it is done. But that is up to future boards to figure out.
During this time there was a lot of day-to-day, behind-the-scenes work going on. One of my other ’jobs’ was to keep the membership rolls on the computer up to date as new members joined and others renewed. I would receive the applications from Sharon Belsher, NV, who took care of RAA’s mailing address in Las Vegas. Then I would determine the member’s ID number and send the checks to our Treasurer, Paul Bailey, OH. Both Muff Warren, CA and Maggie Davis, CA at different times would then send out the certificates, ID cards and membership information packets. Between us we would keep track of the files and make sure we didn’t lose anyone in the shuffle. It was great having the check and balance of all of us keeping track. During this time Ted Stansbury, AR found the liability insurance that we then offered to the members.
I would also receive letters and emails which I had to answer. I did phone interviews and wrote articles. It seemed there was always a ‘fire’ somewhere that needed attention. I was a clearing house of information about Reflexology. Fortunately, I felt up to the task because of my background of working for the original school of Reflexology. I had answers most do not have access to. Having also been in the field since the 70’s, I have been involved with and have seen much that has gone on in our “reflexology world”. The job of President is not easy and is NOT a part time job. But I would not have traded the experience for anything.
I would also receive letters and emails which I had to answer. I did phone interviews and wrote articles. It seemed there was always a ‘fire’ somewhere that needed attention. I was a clearing house of information about Reflexology. Fortunately, I felt up to the task because of my background of working for the original school of Reflexology. I had answers most do not have access to. Having also been in the field since the 70’s, I have been involved with and have seen much that has gone on in our “reflexology world”. The job of President is not easy and is NOT a part time job. But I would not have traded the experience for anything.
When I look back on the fear I felt when I agreed to do the job, one of the memories I go back to, was the first time I ever joined an organization at the age of 29. I was a member for only a short time when I was asked if I would run for the board. I was astounded and flattered that anyone would want me on their board. I thought about it for days and decided to do it…...what would be the worst thing that would happen? So I ran and was voted in! I was amazed and nervous…..I didn’t think I had anything to contribute, but I soon found out that I did. The woman who asked me to run mentored me and through her I found I DID have value and had something to contribute. Well, I felt the same way when I was asked to do the President’s job for RAA…...could I do it? Would I accomplish anything?
My motto for years has been “So what– do it anyway!” If you don’t try - you lose. So I did and out of that experience I gained confidence in myself and made some life-long friends with whom I still keep in touch. Just joining an organization is not enough; to really grow and stretch, volunteering and then being part of something bigger is so worthwhile. I give thanks to all the organizations I have been involved with for giving me the space to grow and allowing me to have a voice in my future.
My motto for years has been “So what– do it anyway!” If you don’t try - you lose. So I did and out of that experience I gained confidence in myself and made some life-long friends with whom I still keep in touch. Just joining an organization is not enough; to really grow and stretch, volunteering and then being part of something bigger is so worthwhile. I give thanks to all the organizations I have been involved with for giving me the space to grow and allowing me to have a voice in my future.
Since they first learned about Reflexology in the early 60's, mother-daughter team Muff and Bobbi Warren studied, practiced and taught Foot and Hand Reflexology worldwide.
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