Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Squall Line

You haven’t seen the squall line in a long time. Maybe it’s the literal squall we had yesterday afternoon that prompted me to post this. We had almost 5 inches of rain in 5 hours, shingles off the roof and our yard turned into a pond. But water, water everywhere is a good thing. More expected today.

As a result of an interesting phone call yesterday, I‘ve been pondering the value of integrity. I truly feel sorry for those people who don’t get dressed with integrity. They look as foolish as people who go to work half-naked. And smell worse than those who don’t put on deodorant.

I got a letter a few weeks ago from the National Association of Professional Women. It informed me that I had been approved for membership in this association which profiles the country’s most accomplished professional women. Thank you, I’m flattered. It requested that I return the application and I noted the line “there is no fee to be included.”

A woman called yesterday to do a “brief interview and confirm my information.” Long story short, when she finished her scripted spiel, she wanted my credit card number. To charge me no less than $589 for inclusion. Yeah, right. This is such a big honor I’m totally not flattered, but insulted.

Moral of this story: If you have to pay someone to “honor” you, it’s not worth much. I’m richer for the reminder that true leadership is characterized by quality actions and integrity of intent.

On the lighter side, I’m reminded that you shouldn’t try to teach a pig to sing. It will frustrate you and annoy the pig. One well-known retailer says “We don’t train our people to be nice. We hire nice people.” Brilliant!

11 comments:

Greg C said...

I love the final point you made. I hate it when someone scams me like that. A friend paid a bunch of money to get her daughter listed in one of those who's who lists for High Schools. I told her she was making a mistake. Later they asked for more money.

Skoots1moM said...

GREAT points, well said.
we had a lady locally who received a letter saying she had won $1million or some such bunk, and that if she'd send them $4,000 filing fee(or some other bunk)...the sad part is, SHE DID IT! Her saving grace--her bank stopped the check b4 it cleared b/c they already knew about the scam...now is the prevenient grace, or what??
enjoyed this post, girl (or professional woman, should I say?!!)

Shelly Wildman said...

Hang in there with all that rain. Do you have a basement? Here in Illinois when it rains like that we all worry about our basements--it's almost cult-like, but kind of funny.

Merrie said...

It's like buying friends. You can't! I love the way you say "people who don't get dressed with integrity." That is a great word picture.
I have had many opportunities to be "honored" and listed in books for a "small fee" or the privilege of "buying" a book with my name in it. Thanks, but no thanks!

Kelly said...

I'd have been really annoyed about that one! So glad you didn't give her your CC number!!!

Getting Healthy Together said...

I've been "squalling" all week with a website provider. And you are right! I've been trying to teach a pig to sing instead of hiring nice people. New approach for a new tomorrow!
Thanks!

My ADHD Me said...

It's like those publishers that will publish your book or artwork because it is so good....for a small fee...

Not to mention, You wouldn't believe how many times a week that I AM the winner of thousands of dollars, new lap tops etc...just remit asap with credit card handy.

if it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.

We're having what sounds like identical weather here. About 4 inches 2 days ago in a few hours and tonight I think we got about 2 inches in about that many hours. Lots of thunder and lightening too!

be safe!

Zuzana said...

I agree with the comment of My ADH Me above, as that was my first thought "If it sounds too good to be truth, it probably is".;)

Sorry about the rain, but I can share that sentiment. We have had so much rain, it is slowly killing of my beautiful plants at this point.

sara said...

we get these for our kids....you been "honored" and "chosen" to attend a week in DC at a leadership conference. Only top kids in their class were picked! oh and it will cost you $500+ to attend!! Funny thing is my straight A student got one AND my student that struggles with grades got the same one!!

we are getting a lot of rain too...but it is so nice and cool I am enjoying it!

Rosezilla (Tracie Walker) said...

Your trip to the rainforest sounds great. Too bad the rain followed you home, eh? I'm glad you didn't fall for the scam, but it's too bad they had to hurt your feelings like that. It's mean. But God will honor you in much better ways.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Great post...glad I had a chacnce to stop by and say hello tonight. This has been a crazy and fast summer.