The Overnight Socialite

On a dark and windy night, I ventured from the Bethesda Metro to Bethesda Row. Where would my walk lead me?   A fabulous restaurant, a trendy gadget store?  No I was making my way to the hip clothing boutique known as Ginger.  As I walked down towards Bethesda Row, I noticed a group of women making their way to one of the stores.  As I got closer, I saw that my hunch was correct, they were going to Ginger, too.

This upscale yet green friendly boutique is owned by Aimee Hitchner and her sister-in-law Gretchen Hitchner.  The clothes and accessories came in a variety of styles and fits.  Any fashionista in the DC area should add Ginger to their list.  And if you ever go down to Florida, you can visit their second store in the Hannibal Square Shopping District in Winter Park

So what was all the buzz that night?  Bridie Clarke, who is the author of The Overnight Socialite, made an appearance and had a book signing.  This event was co-sponsored by Katherine Kennedy.  I was very impressed with the attention to detail that was exhibited at the event.  Nice bubbly as well as scrumptious concoctions were offered to guests such as delightful finger foods and delectable and colorful looking cupcakes.

I had the chance to speak with Katherine who is a gracious and delightful woman.  I wanted to speak with the author, but I had to attend another event and did not get the chance to speak with her before I had to go.  Even though I got to the event early Bridie already had several women in line waiting to speak with her.  She appeared to be a very engaging with her fans.  I hope Bridie does make another trip to the DC area.  I am looking forward to starting my copy of The Overnight Socialite.

Sanam Toossi is a native Washingtonian.  She enjoys blogging about events, organizations, and other interesting topics, which will be known as “Scene by Sanam”. Also, you can read her write-ups for Ask Miss A at www.askmissa.com.  Follow her on Twitter @imsanamie. If you have an event you want her to cover email her at imsanamie@gmail.com

CEO Chick Chat with Kathy Albarado

CEO Chick Chat with Kathy Albarado Where: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman 2300 N St., NW Washington, DC 20037 Driving Directions When: January 20, 2010 at 07:30 AM -to- January 20, 2010 at 09:00 AM Add to my calendar CEO CHICK CHAT SPONSOR! TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR! Dear Ardell, You will not want to miss this compelling and riveting interview with Kathy Albarado! Her journey through her life and into success is astounding and will provide a thought-provoking interview on overcoming incredible obstacles and finding happiness and success! As president and founder of Helios HR, Kathy is an award-winning HR management consultant with 20 years of experience practicing in both large firms and small to mid-sized organizations. Her expertise includes targeted recruiting initiatives, professional training and development programs, and high-impact employee communication programs. Her counsel has been credited with contributing significantly to firm valuation and long-term employee retention. Kathy has been quoted in various media sources including The Washington Post, the Washington Business Journal, The New York Times, Human Capital Magazine, Compliance Magazine, Virginia Business and ExecutiveBiz regarding HR and leadership challenges. Kathy holds an M.A. in Human Resource Management and a B.S. in Psychology from George Mason University. She is certified as a Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR), and was awarded the 2006 Community Service/Corporate Social Responsibility Award by the HR Leadership Awards of Greater Washington and the President’s Award from Women in Technology. In 2007 Kathy was recognized by the Washington Business Journal as a “Woman Who Means Business” and by Women in Technology as a Heroine in Technology.  In 2009 she was nominated as a Finalist for the Women in Technology (WIT) Leadership Award in the Entrepreneur Category and she was also named a Finalist in the Washington Business Journal’s 2009 Philanthropy Awards. Cost: $35 SITC and NAWBO Members $55 Non-Member Share this event with a fabulous friend! Complimentary transportation provided by Reston Limo from the Ritz Carlton, Tysons!  Bus will depart promptly at 7 a.m.! A $5 tip is requested for the driver.  To register for transporation please send an email with Ride To CEO Chick Chat in the subject line to lori@successinthecity.org.  Riders must register for the bus 24 hours prior to event so the correct vehicle size is reserved! Register Now! Upcoming Events: DC Magazine – Women Changing The Face of Government!Showcasing entrepreneurial women in Government contracting! SITC Membership Committee Meeting! Get involved and meet other incredible members! Jan 19, 2010, 8am at LaMadeleine’s Tysons Let’s Do Lunch in Bethesda! At Mon Ami Gabi, Oui, Oui! Jan 22, 2010, 11:30am Working Mom’s Luncheon! Let the juggling begin! Feb 3, 2010, 11:30am at INOX in Tysons Other upcoming evens include Pink Goes Red Hot and our Astute Institute – Resolving Workplace Conflicts!

Giving Advice: Come again when you can’t stay so long!

A friend was buying cigarettes and a stranger said, “The surgeon general said smoking can be hazardous to your health.” My friend responded, “Did they also tell you that #$!@ing with me can be hazardous to your health?” The stranger opted to move to another line. 

When my friend told me about this encounter I laughed and then asked “why the heated response since you don’t smoke?” and she said, “because it wasn’t any of their business!” Now I don’t know if the stranger’s advice was sincere or sardonic, but I do know that giving advice, solicited or unsolicited, can be hazardous.

Whether you are the giver or receiver of advice, timing appears to be more critical than the truth; this is the principle behind the quote, “The truth out of season bears no fruit.” Unfortunately, most of us didn’t get the memo about how to tell advice time. I remember the first time I had to fly, I asked my cousin, an experienced flyer, for advice. He said, “Get a window seat because if it’s your time to go, at least you will see it coming.” His advice wasn’t elegant or comforting, but I took it—and thousands of flown miles later, I still remember it as the ugly truth.

Over the years, I have realized that many people can’t handle the truth even when they ask for it. I have had friends, co-workers, family and some strangers ask for advice, prefacing the request with, “I want you to tell me the honest truth.” And I foolishly thought they meant it:

• A co-worker told me she was written up for spending too much time on her personal business and for doing an overall inadequate job. She asked me for honest feedback. I proceeded to provide examples of my interactions with her, which unfortunately supported her manager’s review. I also said that she had one of the most patient managers around, because I would have written her up six months ago. Maybe I shouldn’t have added the last part, because she walked out and never spoke to me again.
• A friend was complaining about her boyfriend of five years, saying he was unmotivated and aimless. When she asked for my “honest” opinion, I said “fixing him doesn’t fix you.” You don’t have any anchors (marriage, children or mortgage) with him, but you still continue the relationship—even though you’re always talking about him like he’s an uninvited guest in your life. The question isn’t “what is wrong with him?,” but “what is wrong with you?” She left the conversation with a few curse words for me and didn’t speak to me for two years.

I’ve learned professionally and personally that even if you are invited to give your opinion, you shouldn’t accept every invitation. The simple truth is that people aren’t always honest about looking for honesty. In some cases, they are looking for you to co-sign their views instead of presenting a different one.

To reduce hazards in this game of advice, I TRY to follow two rules: Don’t go where you aren’t invited, and make every effort to understand the invitation. By understanding the invitation, you can weigh your RSVP options: whether to turn it down (pretty lie), come as you are (ugly truth) or dress for the occasion (sugarcoat it). Most importantly, if you do accept, you cannot overstay your welcome. Get in and get out. Then let nature take its course, because life will either beat you or teach you through your journey to maturity.

Over the years I have offered my cousin’s flying advice to nervous flyers. The same advice that I took in stride inspires a spectrum of reactions from others, from outrage to laughter. Not everyone respects the “ugly truth,” despite the saying that the truth will set you free—because some people just like being tied up.  

Complete honesty can derail a conversation or relationship faster than an oil spill on wet pavement. Tread lightly when you are asked for advice, because sometimes you need to leave people in the ditch until they are ready to be set free. 

Written by: Gwendolyn M. Ward
Principal at FOOW?
Email: swimming@foowater.com

Haitian Independence Anniversary and New Year’s Day Celebration

This holiday season I had the chance to attend many traditional festivities. One in particular that I was very excited to partake in was the Haitian Independence Anniversary and New Year’s Day Celebration at Ambassador Raymond Joseph’s home. I received an invitation from his wife, Ms. Lola Poisson- Joseph for this event and I had been looking forward to starting the New Year in this celebration ever since.

The hospitable couple opened their home in the traditional Haitian manner for this New Year’s Day event. As I entered the house I was quickly drawn to the various paintings and photographs displayed throughout their lovely home. Ms. Poissan is a very talented painter and photographer. She is the daughter of Louverture Poisson, a well-known Haitian painter. Her and her father’s paintings displayed in their home varied in theme and color: from community members participating in daily activities to vivid and colorful flowers. While I was enjoying the beautiful artwork, I was drawn to the lovely smells throughout the home.

The traditional Haitian Independence Day and New Year’s Day celebration included a delicious joumou soup (made from joumou, the delicious and aromatic pumpkin, which is a New Years and Independence tradition), a sweet potato dessert, Kremas (a coconut drink), and several other delicious treats. Once I tried some of these delicious traditional Haitian delights, I had a chance to speak with Ambassador Joseph who is delightful and gracious host. He explained to us that it is traditional in Haiti to visit the homes of friends, and share food on New Year’s Day. He even entertained guests with several melodies he played on the harmonica, including the Haitian national anthem. After the lively entertainment, I had a chance to speak with Ms. Poisson-Joseph who is a lovely hostess. She and I spoke about her artwork and photographs. Currently, she has a few pieces that are on display at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center from the exhibit Art, Love and Culture on the 2nd floor. The Center is located at 3900 Harewood Road, NE Washington, DC 20017.

This engaging event was definitely the highlight of my day. I had a chance to meet many interesting and fantastic individuals, as well as learn about another culture, and enjoy some wonderful food and hospitality. I am so honored that I had this opportunity to celebrate and share in the festivities, and hope to make this a new tradition.

Sanam Toossi is a native Washingtonian.  She enjoys blogging about events, organizations, and other interesting topics, which will be known as “Scene by Sanam”. Also, you can read her write-ups for Ask Miss A at www.askmissa.com.  Follow her on Twitter @imsanamie. If you have an event you want her to cover email her at imsanamie@gmail.com

Fun and Exciting Upcoming Events at Success in the City

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Let’s Do Lunch at The Tower Club Where: The Tower Club 8000 Towers Crescent Dr. Suite 1700 Vienna, VA Driving Directions When: January 01, 2010 at 11:30 AM -to- January 11, 2010 at 01:30 PM Add to my calendar Dear Cynthia, Thank goodness it’s Friday!  But you know what that means; a Monday is sure to follow.  We have the answer to making Monday and the week ahead feel like a Friday - it’s Let’s Do Lunch at The Tower Club of course. Oh you beautiful thing, it’s time once again for our monthly portion of me-time, diva-time, laughter and great food in a stylish setting with your friends. Your palate will be overjoyed with savory food and the company of incredible, sassy and very successful women. If you’ve heard about our monthly luncheon you know how sweet it is, and if not you are one very lucky hip chick because you made the list. Cost: Members $39 Non-Members $49 (If you are an SITC member be sure to login first to ensure that you receive the member rate) Luncheon Sponsorship $250 (includes one luncheon ticket and opportunity to address the audience for 3 minutes) To register or learn more! Be sure to check out these other great upcoming events: What Happens at Vegas Nights stays…If you are looking for some fun this weekend – Jan 9, 2010 DC Magazine – Women Changing the Face of Government – Photoshoot showcasing entrepreneurial women in the Government contracting fields! Let’s Do Lunch at Mon Ami Gabi - Oui Oui – Jan 22, 2010 Working Mom’s Luncheon - Let the juggling begin – Feb 3, 2010 Pink Goes RED Hot for Your Ticker - Feb 24, 2010 Astute Institute – Resolving Workplace Conflict -  Get your boxing gloves on! – Mar 3, 2010 Sincerely, Cynthia de Lorenzi Success in the City 202-747-1782