For Your Well Being 
Barbara Christenson, Speaker Services, Publisher 
mailto:barbarac@easystreet.com

Published every other Thursday
November 18, 2004, Vol. II Issue 24 

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                In This Issue: Celebrate the Ordinary
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Dear Friends,

What a great time of year to "Celebrate the Ordinary." It seems like
so much emphasis is put on the fancy stuff, as we move into this 
season of overindulgence. I like to get back to the simple part of 
it like outdoor lights that bring light and joy to this time of 
darkness. And to be totally truthful (and simple), I’ve left my 
outdoor lights up all year the past two seasons, so now all I have
to do is plug them in again! Simplicity can be a matter of perspective
(that’s for anyone reading this who is thinking about climbing a
ladder to put those lights up!).

My sentiments this holiday season are to enjoy it. Friends, family, 
food, pets, everything! Give, give, give it your love and embrace 
its’ return.

Yours truly,
Barbara 

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                       Celebrate the Ordinary
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For the women of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, an evening isn’t enough. "Three 
years ago, we identified the need to find a way to reach our female 
population and let them know about all of our wonderful services here
at Gundersen Lutheran," Christie Skime, Wellness Education Specialist,
told me. "The other need that we identified was that there really was
no one place where women could go to find out about services in the 
area, whether it be financial, home improvement, fashion, etc. so we 
felt having a Women's Expo was really a special way to reach women 
and allow them a day to celebrate the joys of being a woman!"

Now in their second year, they’ve altered their format by changing the
timeframe from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and added in demonstrations to 
enhance breakout sessions, the exhibit area and the luncheon. The 
"Celebrating  Women" Expo is held on a Saturday in October. Admission 
is $5 for the Expo only or $20 for the Expo and luncheon.

"To plan the day’s programming, we use evaluations and our women let
us know what they would like to see covered and that is what we try 
to provide for them. We also let our speakers know that they need to
encompass all ages into their presentations," Christie told me.

This year’s luncheon, featured Sue Kirby as the guest speaker. 
Attendance increased from 360 to 460 women and the entire event 
reached 800-1000 participants.

Sue captivated the audience with her hilarious "life-in-the-trenches" 
stories of work, relationships and the American lifestyle scene. In
her program, "Celebrate the Ordinary," Sue showed them that it is 
possible to navigate through stressful situations in a way that
brings out the best in our co-workers, friends, families, and 
ourselves!

Deftly wielding a glue gun, she created a gorgeous wreath as she
talked, making the point time after time, as she seemingly haphazardly
poked decorative stems here and there that, "It doesn’t matter." 
"So much of what we worry about and spend time on, simply doesn’t
matter," she says. It’s a trademark phrase that sticks. The end
result, as in life, when we have things in perspective, is a
stunning wreath that one lucky audience member gets to take home.

"We need to laugh at ourselves more often. There isn’t enough joy
in the world today. Yet it’s crucial for coping with the stuff life
throws at us." Sue says. "My mission is to help people re-discover
themselves and find the joy in the mundane, as well as the curve
balls. Life is rich when seen through the eyes of humor."

As the single mother of three, two foster children and now grandmother 
of 11, and with a sense of humor that never takes a break, Sue provides 
an example of her own talk. She has created a life that is rich in 
resources, from celebrating her kids’ momentous victories to travel 
trials with her current, Rod. Many of her stories, bordering on "tall
tales" are captured in her book, "Men’s Secret Camp." That’s the place
where men learn to talk, think and behave the way they do, according
to Sue. "There’s no need for a ‘battle of the se*xes,’ when you adopt
my strategies for keeping the peace."

"Humor is the key to comfort and connecting with others, to cope with 
and conquer any difficult situation," Sue says. "My favorite quote from 
Henry David Thoreau is, ‘The question is not about what you look at, 
it’s about what you see.’ That’s what humor is all about."

Christie was ecstatic about Sue as well as her program. "I have so many 
delightful things to say about Sue, not only as a person, but as a 
speaker as well," she said. "She has a wonderful energy that she 
shares with her audiences, and she does a fantastic job of bringing
the audience into her presentation as well. The ladies giggled and 
laughed. They left with a renewed sense of energy, knowing that the
day truly is all about them. I, personally, will never use a toilet
seat protector again without chuckling!"

NOTE: Since we’re coming up on Thanksgiving, I’ll give you a hint that 
the toilet seat cover is part of a costume.  Think about it.

"While she was here, Sue also took the time to do a presentation for
our Gundersen Lutheran employees as well. She worked her magic with 
her program, ‘Please Pass the Trophy!’ Her sense of humor truly is 
enlightening!" Christie said.

Sue couldn’t say enough about the folks at Gundersen as well. "They 
took me on a four hour guided tour of the hospital and I could have 
stayed a day in each unit. I found the passion of the people showing 
me around to be extraordinary. They have a 100-year history and three
descendants of the founding family still practice medicine there. 
Their commitment to the community really moved me." 

The rest of the day’s activities included five breakout sessions and
three demonstrations. Twenty-four service lines from Gundersen 
participated and there were 32 exhibitors ranging from chiropractic 
services, to home improvement and essential oils.

The event is promoted with paid advertising in magazines, newspapers,
and on billboards. "Our main local newspaper believes in the program
and is a major sponsor. The paper featured the Women's Expo in a couple
of news articles, speaking with staff and with past participants for
a variety of inputs on last year's event and what is new and exciting
for this year. This event is done in partnership with one of our major
radio stations in the area. They do a great job in getting the word out
on their stations and adding excitement for the event," Christie said.

"Coordinating a large community event is exciting, and it's hard work,
but it is gratifying to watch women accept a day that focuses on them.
To hear the comments throughout the day helps put smiles on our faces,"
she told me. "But, it is the positive feedback long after the event
is over, when participants are asking for next year's date, so as not
to miss it, that makes us excited to start planning for next year!
Ultimately, hearing the women really embrace and continue to reiterate
your message, (Sue's wonderful trademark) ‘It really doesn't matter,’
is the most rewarding aspect of all."

To learn more about Sue Kirby, go to http://www.suekirby.com
For fees and dates, give me a call at 503-699-5031

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                  Fast Food Guide: Make It Your Own
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A few months ago, I wrote about Zonya’s Fast Food Picks Guide and 
mailed a free sample to those of you who asked for it. We’ll make 
that offer again now. Simply reply to this e-newsletter, with your 
name and address. Write "Fast Food," in the subject. We hear lots 
of good things from the people who are using it when they find 
themselves pressed for time, and pulling up to a fast food drive-up
window. 

In the guide, Zonya shares her favorite choices at six of the most
popular national fast food chains. Sized to tuck in your car visor,
there’re no excuses: You’ll find it!

A huge believer in Zonya’s Fast Food Guide is Health Alliance Plan 
(HAP) in Michigan. They’ve distributed 35,000 copies in just a few 
months. Did they buy 35,000 from Zonya? No, they printed them, and 
with their name on the cover. You can do the same. You can make 
Zonya’s Fast Food Guide your very own, print as many as you like 
and distribute it under your hospital or organization name, with 
Zonya’s licensing agreement. If you’d like all the details, simply
reply to this newsletter, and write "FF Licensing" in the subject.  

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                Thanksgiving in a Bottle, No Thanks!
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Ah, Thanksgiving in a bottle. Can you imagine? No messy clean-up, 
no wafting aromas. No good china to wash by hand. No leftovers! 
Your only tool, a bottle opener. It’s true. You can get Thanksgiving
in a bottle. Jones Soda Company in Seattle makes it – Turkey & 
Gravy Soda, and Green Bean Casserole Soda. How about Mashed Potato 
and Butter Soda? Oh heck, just get the whole five-pack, including 
Fruitcake Soda and Cranberry Soda. It comes complete with utensils:
a straw and a toothpick. I’m not sure what the toothpick is for?
These people really do have a sense of humor! 

These soda meals are not only calorie and carb free, they’re vegan 
and Kosher, too. If you really dig novelty stuff, they’re available
at some Target stores and proceeds benefit Toys for Tots. Don’t 
believe me? Honestly, I couldn’t make this up. Check it out.
http://www.jonessoda.com

As for me, I’ve been invited to not one, but TWO Thanksgiving dinners
and, feeling exceptionally loved and prospered, I accepted both 
invitations. Thank goodness they’re on different days over the long 
weekend! Gobble, gobble. 

Until next time, be good to yourself, for your well being and those 
you love.

Yours truly, 
Barbara

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                      ABOUT OUR SERVICES 
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My vision for Speaker Services is to be a connector for speakers I 
know, love and believe in, with the audiences who will be inspired, 
motivated, and transformed by their perspectives, knowledge, empathy, 
compassion, information and, most importantly, capacity to enjoy the 
process, laughing at themselves and with you along the way.

You’ll find many of our speakers on our website. 

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Or please call anytime and let us assist you: 503-699-5031
Speaker Services, 16491 SW Lake Forest Blvd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
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