Time Management...

I started this blog last fall as a requirement of the CreComm program at Red River College. I wasn’t sure how much I would like blogging, but after doing it for a couple of months, I really got into it. Lately I’ve had so many other projects on the go that require a lot of my time, and unfortunately I haven’t been posting on this blog as often as I’d like to. Ironically, some of my other projects have included maintaining a blog I created for the Red Dress Gala& Fashion Show I organized in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF). The HSF liked the work I did for my third party event blog so much that they asked me to create and maintain a blog for a shoe auction they’re hosting in April. So although it may seem like I don’t blog anymore, I am posting on two other blogs that take time to manage, and I invite you to check them out. As for the other projects I have been or are currently involved with, here’s a brief list in no particular order:

·         Nov/Dec internship with Brookline Public Relations in Calgary

·         Red Dress Gala held February 13^th at Stereo Nightclub

·         Blogging for the HSF

·         Making and selling homemade dog and cat treats to raise money for the Winnipeg Humane Society – in preparation for a live telethon being held on March 17^th

·         Organizing a battle of the bands event to promote Red River Radio (RRR), as well as to announce the winners of the RRC student election

·         Hosting Winnipeg’s Finest on RRR

·         Working on an integrated marketing campaign for FriendMatch

·         ....the list is endless...

Some of the projects I’m involved with are mandatory, and some are voluntary. I’ve always been the type to volunteer for almost anything and everything, as a way of exploring different things and helping to take the load off of someone else. I’m still learning how to manage my time as I do like having different projects going on at once, but I do need to remember to incorporate some me time. 

As for right now my main focus is on finishing the CreComm program with pride in the work I’ve had the opportunity to create. Classes end the first week of April, followed by another three-week internship I’ll be doing with Kildonan Place Shopping Centre in the communications department. There are still many things I’m looking forward to in the upcoming months that are bound to keep me on a tight schedule, but I promise to make a stronger effort to maintain this blog.

Stay with me...

IPPs = Busy Busy Busy!

It's a busy time of year for us second year CreComm students. For the past year we've all been working on our IPPs (Independent Professional Projects), and a lot of them are starting to wrap up. As most of you know, for my project I've chosen to organize a Red Dress Gala & Fashion Show in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, on February 13th. Although I knew from the very beginning I wanted to do an event as my year long project, many other students have written books, created websites, filmed documentaries...the list can go on forever.

There are so many talented students in the CreComm program, and it's been great seeing everyone's hard work come to life.

Good luck with your projects everyone! Show 'em what you got!

Busy Busy Bee

So, on top of the work from my major,and 4 mandatory courses, and 4 electives, and working on my MASSIVE Red Dress Gala IPP (designers, models, sponsors, promotions, videos...), and working two part time jobs, and trying to keep a tidy apartment, and keeping up with friends, and working on being heathy, and frantically looking for places to stay during my first internship.....I've decided to host my own radio show once a week, starting October 1st. Details coming soon!

Red Dress Gala & Fashion Show

As you know, I’m in the process of organizing a Red Dress Gala & Fashion Show, being held Wednesday February 13, 2013. I’m organizing the event as part of an individual professional project (IPP), with the proceeds going towards the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 

With such a big event comes a million tasks and responsibilities. This is the first time I’ll be creating something major with all of my own ideas, and a final say on how the outcome is to translate. Although this gala is going to consume the majority of my time, energy, and creativity for the next six months, I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am to ride this roller coaster. 

Over the next few months you’re likely to be hit with Facebook updates, tweets, and more blog posts about the gala along with tips and tidbits about the importance of taking care of your heart and overall health. Don’t hesitate to join in any conversations, voice your questions, or concerns, or to even make any suggestions about the kinds of promotions you’d expect to see with such an event. I can’t emphasize enough how much of a learning experience this gala is going to be for me, and I’m sure having your input can only benefit me along the way. 

Looking for other ways to keep yourselves up to date with the gala, along with workout tips, recipes, and all sorts of surprises?  Here’s how to find it…

Twitter: @RedDressGala13 (follow)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RedDressGala2013 (like)

Event Blog: http://reddressevent.blogspot.ca/  (follow)

Email: charmainejennings@hotmail.com

P.S. I’m still on the lookout for one or two more event committee members. Send me an email or comment below, for more information.

Take Care of Your Heart 

Team Player

This morning I had the pleasure of meeting with a woman from the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF) to discuss how best to handle sponsorships and donations for the Red Dress Gala & Fashion Show I’m organizing for next February. She was extremely helpful, and as I was telling her more about my event, she suggested I set up an event committee. This isn’t the first time someone’s brought up this idea. 

I know that planning a gala dinner and fashion show is a lot of work for one person to do, but I struggle with the idea of having an official team of helpers. 

One reason I chose to host a red dress gala for my individual professional project (IPP) is because it’s an event I’ve organized before, but never had the opportunity to see through. A university student group I used to be involved with started to plan a similar event back in 2010. Unfortunately, there were too many people involved and things weren’t getting done when they needed to be. It can also be hard when there are too many clashing personalities working together on such a big project. Because this event didn’t go smoothly, I’m a tad reluctant to work on this gala with multiple people involved. It’s hard relying on different people for different things because no matter what happens, everything will come down to me. 

Another reason for my skepticism about working with a committee is the fact that I want to get as much experience from this project as possible. I’ve learned a ton of new skills during this year of CreComm, and I’m anxious to put them all to good use so I can strengthen them at every possible opportunity. There are so many aspects of this gala event and I want to be deeply involved in all of them. 

At the end of the day I guess I want all of the work done for the gala to be my own. Not because I don’t think I can work well with others, or that I’m above needing any sort of help, but just so I can prove to others and myself that I can do this; that I have the skills and the ambition to take on a big project and carry it out successfully. Not only is the success of the event important because the proceeds are going to a great cause, or because it’s failure would mean a later graduation date than expected, but it will be my calling card for jobs that lead me into the career of my dreams. 

No matter what’s happened in the past or what can happen in the future, I know the smart thing to do is to seek out some help. It is a big task and although I feel I can handle the workload on my own, what I have to realize is that once I get a big girl job, I’ll always be working in a team. Sure there will be challenges and not everything will go according to plan, but who says I won’t come across those obstacles on my own?  Having help doesn’t mean throwing in the towel or accepting defeat; it’s what I need to do. 

So I guess you’ll be the first to know, I am now looking for volunteers to be on the red dress event committee. 

Details coming soon!

A Backyard & A Baby

Lately, every time I see a cute baby, or a toddler in the most adorable outfit, or I take a stroll down the toy section at Walmart, I think about how much I want a cute and adorable baby of my own to shower with gifts and clothes for little people. Back in my teen days I’d planned to start having kids by the time I was 25. I’m 24. No kids. 

My mom had me at a young age, and although it can be tough to raise a kid when not too long ago, you were a kid yourself, mama Jennings did a great job with me. She played music for me before I was born, read to me every night, spoiled me with mountains of Christmas gifts, taught me how to bake cookies, made crafts with me every weekend, made homemade videos with me, the works. I loved having a mother who was younger than my friends’ moms, because it made me feel closer to her, and I swear...we always had more fun, guaranteed! So I guess my longing to be a young mom came from the bond I had with my own mother. Makes sense.

You know what else I’ve been wanting lately? A brand new house with a big backyard. All my life I’ve lived in an apartment, and have never really had the full experience of living in a house. The main reason I want a house is so I can have a backyard. As I kid I would always garden with my grandpa, and it was something I learned to really enjoy. I guess my wanting for a house can also be seen as symbolic. Having a house would (hopefully) mean that I had a successful career with stable income, and someone to share my home with. 

The backyard of Natasha Koifman, Founder of NKPR INC.

(I know there's no garden...but I still love the ambiance)

I’m sure all of these things will come in due time, but as per usual, I tend to get a bit anxious about certain things. As I mentioned, I’m 24, and I know people say that’s young, but the years seem to be flying by. There are so many things I want in life, and I just hope I’m around long enough to enjoy the things I’ve worked for.

Apparently tipping is the most controversial thing I could write about...who knew?

So for those of you who haven’t seen the debate (on Facebook) about my previous blog post about tipping, well....there was/is a debate. I like debates! But reading some of the comments by my peers has lead me to believe that I’m not as good as a writer as I once thought I was. 

I used to consider myself to be a clear and concise writer, but If my audience isn’t understanding the key points I’m making through my writing, then maybe my writing needs work. Here are some quotes from the post below ladies and gents; I’ll do my best to translate. 

“Now, I don’t “hate” tipping, just the idea of it.”

This means that the act of tipping is okay with me, but the circumstances around it don’t ALWAYS make the most sense. Sometimes. But not always.

“It seems that nowadays you HAVE to tip whether the service is great, good, or terrible.”

Tipping for terrible service is lost on me. Maybe you had a bad day, maybe you had a bad week, maybe you’re not good at your job. How am I supposed to know? I could ask, I suppose....but that seems rude.

“Your tip at the end of the night is a bonus; something you get in addition to your regular pay”

If someone leaves at the end of their meal and doesn’t leave you a tip, you can’t chase them down the street, or call the police on them for stealing your service. 

“The bigger question is, why is it that waiters, waitress, and bartenders are the only people we tip?”

Alright folks, the above quote is the FOCAL POINT of this post. Hence my decision to use the words “The bigger question is...”  I know it’s hard to interpret, but I don’t have the smarts to make this any simpler. I just....I can’t do it. You think a million years of University would have instilled to knowledge in me to be able to break this down so everyone understands it; perhaps I fell asleep during that lesson.

“They didn’t offer me a tip, nor did I expect one.”

I’m not complaining that I don’t get tips at my own place(s) of work. I knew when I took the job that tips weren’t a customary thing that I was to expect from everyone who passes through. But I’m questioning WHY isn’t a customary thing? Not just for where I work, but at most establishments where people work minimum wage. 

“I’m not saying I’m going to stop tipping (it’s “socially acceptable” dontcha know) and I’m not saying that you should stop tipping”

I tip. I’ve always tipped. I’m not going to stop tipping. I tip. I’ve always tipped. I’m not going to stop tipping. I just needed to repeat that so people don’t rudely and inaccurately call me out as a “stain on society.” This above quote is also saying that my point is that everyone shouldn’t stop tipping their servers. Keep tipping. Tip all you want. Want to tip 15%? Go for it. How about 25%? Sure. Interested in tipping 50%? Then by all means, feel free to open up your wallet and tip that 50%, my friend. Do what you want. It’s your money.

“If you’re going to tip one group of workers, why not tip ‘em all?”

 This quote has similar meaning to this one... “The bigger question is, why is it that waiters, waitress, and bartenders are the only people we tip?”

Do some cooks, servers, and bartenders work their asses off? Of course they do? Are they the only people in the minimum wage workforce who do so? Of course they aren’t. Do they have the hardest minimum wage job of all time? I don’t know, I haven’t worked for every minimum wage job out there to draw a 100% accurate conclusion to that question. But I doubt it.

There are tons of minimum wage jobs out there that are hard or stressful to do, and not all of them get a tip at the end of their shift. Tipping is a trend created and carried out by different people in society, and it’s not going to last forever. Will people still be tipping on 50 years? Probably. In 100 years? Maybe. In 150 years? Who knows. Trends change. Trends end. Some have more longevity than others, but things are always changing.

*There have also been comments that if people want to work in a place that has tips, then they’re more than welcome to work as a server. Hmm…if you think of the most common restaurants in Winnipeg, you will notice a certain age category (along with other qualifiers) among the servers who work there. But that’s a different topic.

Tippety Tip Tip

A lot of you waiters and waitresses out there are probably going to hate this post....

....but not as much as I hate the idea of tipping. 

Now, I don’t “hate” tipping, just the idea of it. Every time you go to a restaurant, you’re expected to leave a tip in addition to paying your bill. Once upon a time it was 10%. What is it now? 15%? 20? Whatever the amount, I think it’s ridiculous. Back in the day a tip was only rewarded to those who provided above and beyond service, and by people who had the extra bucks to leave a little extra somethin’ somethin’. 

It seems that nowadays you HAVE to tip whether the service is great, good, or terrible. You wouldn’t believe how many times I hear “Wow, that was the worst service I’ve ever had. She’s only getting a 5% tip from me”.

If the service was bad, THEN WHY WOULD YOU TIP AT ALL???? That doesn’t make any sense.

I know that at some bars and restaurants, if the people you serve don’t leave you a tip, then you (the waiter/waitress) have to pay out of your own pocket. I sincerely think that shouldn’t be allowed, but I question people who agree to work at places with such outrageous terms. Your tip at the end of the night is a bonus; something you get in addition to your regular pay. Bonuses are rewarded for going the extra mile. Not for carrying out the duties of your job description that you’re already expected/paid to do. 

You know what’s worse than feeling obligated to tip, or having someone you're dining with add money to your tip because they felt it was too small an amount? Having the tip automatically added onto your bill! I was at a restaurant with some friend last week, and the establishment added a 25% tip onto the total of my bill. Ridiculous! Then while I was paying with debit, the machine had the nerve to ask me to punch in how much of a tip I wanted to leave. Seriously? I have to tip 50% now? Don’t they know I’m a poor student who’s just lucky enough to enjoy a meal out? Does this mean I have to intentionally order a cheap meal so I have enough money left in my wallet for a tip?

The bigger question is, why is it that waiters, waitress, and bartenders are the only people we tip?

I work in a plus size clothing store, and a few months ago an 11 year old girl came in with her dad to buy some new clothes for school. She was really shy at first, and told me she didn’t quite fit in at school because all of the other girls had nicer clothes. I felt for her, and spent the next two hours picking out clothes she would look adorable in. By the end of it, we were laughing and having a great time as she strut her stuff across the store in pieces of her new wardrobe. Her and her dad continuously thanked me for my time and help, and assured me they’d be back. They were about to leave the store, but before they reached the door, the girl came back and gave me a hug and thanked me one last time. 

They didn’t offer me a tip, nor did I expect one. I spent more time with this customer than I do with most customers, and put tons more thought into the garments I was picking out, because I know what it’s like to be an 11 year old girl; I knew this shopping trip was important to her. 

My point is, I didn’t go “above and beyond” in hopes of getting a tip. I did it because it was something I wanted to do, and hey, it’s the job I get paid for. 

I’m not saying I’m going to stop tipping (it’s “socially acceptable” dontcha know) and I’m not saying that you should stop tipping. But maybe you should consider also tipping the teachers giving your kids an education, or the nurse who makes sure you’re comfortable in your hospital bed at night, or the people behind the phones at 311 who get yelled at everyday by people asking silly questions all day. 

If you’re going to tip one group of workers, why not tip ‘em all?