Planner of the Year

Last week had a very exciting event for me. Mom’s surgery was scheduled for Thursday, so I told everyone at work that I would be off on Thursday and Friday to go be with her. Several hours later, I get a notice for a planning meeting from our Exec VP – Mandatory. Oh great, I thought. So I talked to my boss, who tried to get it moved to another day with no success. So I talked to mom, who had already said Allan would take her and we worked out a plan – I’d leave immediately after my meeting and be in Houston by the afternoon. I hated not being there for her actual surgery, but I thought – this will work fine. So now Thursday rolls around, and in the morning we had our company annual merchant recognition awards, to be followed by my meeting (or so I thought). I had all of my materials ready for the meeting - stayed late the night before, (missing my step class), to be sure I was organized and ready so I could jet out right after. We headed down for the merchant awards… First was the “star awards” – recognizing those offices that achieved their spring season and annual plans. Next up was Assistant Buyers of the Year – one from each division. WOOHOO – Alex was awarded… so well deserved!! Next up came “risk takers” awards – several winners from across the company. Then came the announcement of the Merchandise Planner of the year…

Here is the script given by our Exec VP of Planning:
This award was established to recognize the merchandise planner who fosters a dynamic business partnership with the merchants, the stores and the vendors. It’s their job to balance inventory and sales…and to maintain profit and stock plan objectives.

The Planner of the Year is versatile with tremendous resolve. She is always in command of the countless circumstances in her division that demand her immediate attention. She spends most of her time analyzing the business to determine what is needed to drive sales. She challenges her team everyday to consider business-maximizing opportunities.

Her constant and consistent communication with the stores has earned her respect at all levels. From Merchandise Mangers to DSA’s to sales staff she is admired and considered a valued member of the team.

She is actively involved in many company committee task forces and test pilots. Additionally, she spends significant time training each new Executive Development class on projections and planning theory. That’s no small achievement!

Please join me in congratulating 2008’s Planner of the Year, Sarah Gourley, Senior Merchandise Planner, St. John! Congratulations Sarah!


I was completely shocked, surprised, and honored to receive this amazing award!! And, the $500 cash, free parking for 1 year, and gorgeous Steuben crystal are a huge bonus as well!





So as you can probably now imagine, I didn’t have a mandatory meeting this morning, but my entire team, and family, had been conniving on a way to make sure I was there! I still smile when I think about how lucky I am to work with such amazing people to recongnize me in such a huge way.

It's been a while...

Well, it’s been a very long time since I posted – I know. Things have been crazy busy in the last few weeks.

Let’s see… lots of excitement going on.

First of all, to those that may have not known (though I think most of you do), my mom had gallbladder surgery a week ago. She is doing GREAT! Her surgery was Thursday, Oct 16. I went Thursday afternoon to Houston after a “meeting” (I’ll get to that) at work. I was in Houston by late afternoon and spent the weekend with her, trying to take care of her (but you know how stubborn and self sufficient she can be so that wasn’t an easy task!). She was very sore, moving slowly, etc., but in true Carol fashion, she was up and moving and doing really well. By Friday morning, we were at Best Buy (we both got TV’s for our kitchens – more on that later), Walmart where she could drive the cart, and our usual shopping, and running around. You know we just can’t stay in the house for very long. We went to Bed Bath and Beyond and got her a very cool new coffee pot (I want one!). And on Saturday, Allan, Megan, Mia, and Aurelia came over for lunch and to spend the day. We went to Target for more running around (and cart driving for mom), and Megan and I made dinner for everyone. We had a really great time just hanging out. But then Sunday came oh so fast, and it was time for me to head home, unpack from the weekend, and repack for a week in California. So, most importantly here is that mom is doing really well – she went back to work this past Wednesday and eased back into full days. She’s still tired and sore from her surgery, but recovering as she should and will hopefully be feeling better than ever very soon!!!

I’m very excited to now be the proud owner of a flatscreen TV in my kitchen!! When we first moved into the house and had the cable come out to install outlets and cable wiring, I said it was crazy and there is no need for a TV in the kitchen. Boy, was I wrong. When mom said she was getting one in hers, I started to think even more about it. The thing is… I spend A LOT of time in the kitchen, and if you know the layout of our house, there is no access to TV anywhere near. It will be really nice to be able to watch my evening shows or a movie (the TV has a built in DVD player – I know… over the top, but nowadays it’s pretty standard!). The cable people came out on Monday while I was in California, and Trey already has it hung. I’m so excited – I can’t wait to get home and cook!!!

The Pumpkin Patch

This past weekend, we took Madelyn to a Pumpkin Patch. I had never been, and when April suggested it, I was so excited! Turns out, Trey had never been either, and he was excited too. So Sunday morning, after we went to step class, we came home, showered, ate lunch, and got ready to head out. I have to say, the anticipation was killing me! But before we went, I was sure to put on lots of sunblock, and take an umbrella to stay out of the sun.

So we went to the Owen's Pumpkin Patch in Richardson. It's only about 10 minutes from our house. We got a "deal" on our admission because one of April's friends from school works for Owen's and was working there. Woohoo - we love a good deal.

They had tons of pumpkins set up (great pictures), and rows of pumpkins for you to chose from. We did a hay ride, Madelyn fed goats, etc. Madelyn and Trey picked a HUGE pumpkin to carve for Halloween. All in all, we had a really great time and I glad we went. BUT, I will say, that I'm not good for the next 20 + years! It's just not something I feel the need to do every year.

We did get some good pics...

SECURITY

A word with so many meanings. And especially these days, it’s not so much about feeling a sense of security, but a lack of. I try to follow all of the things going on in the market and with our economy, but to be honest, I just can’t. First of all, I find it very difficult to understand. And quite frankly, I’m just not willing to put in the time and effort to understand it all. And second, I just can’t chose to follow it all. I could make myself crazy trying to analyze, and get completely frustrated with it all, but what good would it really do. As my mom’s favorite saying goes – it is what it is. So I figure no sense in getting too caught up in it all.

So, dictionary.com gives the following definitions (remember when we used to reference good ole, heavy, hard cover Websters!):

1. freedom from danger, risk, etc.; safety.
2. freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt; well-founded confidence.
3. something that secures or makes safe; protection; defense.
4. freedom from financial cares or from want:
5. precautions taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, etc
6. a department or organization responsible for protection or safety
7. protection or precautions taken against escape; custody
8. an assurance; guarantee.
9. Law. a. something given or deposited as surety for the fulfillment of a promise or an obligation, the payment of a debt, etc.
b. one who becomes surety for another.
10. an evidence of debt or of property, as a bond or a certificate of stock.

So instead of focusing on the lack of security we are all feeling from the current economic situation, I’ll focus on a different kind of security.I have a strong sense of security in my family. There is a tremendous, unexplainable feeling that comes with the security of unconditional love. The kind of love a parent has for a child, or a husband or wife for their spouse. There is a great sense of security that comes with being a part of people’s lives, through thick and thin, and knowing that you will always be there for them, and them for you. There is a strong sense of security in loyalty, commitment, and love – all things that I am so grateful to have being surrounded by amazing family and friends.