End of Week Wrap-Up

A (wo)man may plan, but God decides!

When I look back at the mind map and planning notes I developed for this year for this program in November 2011, I can’t help but grin. Yes, I was proud of myself for sitting down and being so early in getting my planning done. I was also excited about several of the ideas and programs I want to launch in the course of 2012 – and still am! But when I take a closer look at just how differently this year has actually started off – and how little time it’s left me to do even the most basic blog/program maintenance – all I can do is shake my head.

To avoid confusion or miscommunication, in lieu of this week’s “Word of the Week”* I want to provide you all with a quick update of what’s been going on behind the scenes, as well as what’s coming up. Soon.

Hamburg Meet-Up

I was very honored to be asked to moderate a panel discussion that was scheduled as part of  Black History Month commemorations in Hamburg last Tuesday evening. While there, however, I also jumped at the chance to meet up with some local ladies.

Thanks to La Toya and Naomi (and her sweet daughter, Janae), as well as Traute and Christin (from the FB group Parents of Black German Children) for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet up for some good conversation and sisterhood…In real life, this time!

Uncaged Birds™ Webinar

The first session of the program’s first webinar was actually scheduled for yesterday. I’m sure you all noticed that that simply didn’t happen… Seriously, the beginning of 2012  has been my busiest to date with only one week going by without some kind of client-related activity taking me on the road.

That’s why I’ve decided I had to move back the first session of this webinar. I want this to be a memorable series, and am committed to integrating the highest quality content possible!

Now both of the complimentary sessions will take place in March, so mark the following dates in your calendar:

• Webinar Session 1: 15 March 2012 @7.30pm CET
• Webinar Session 2: 29 March 2012 @7.30pm CET

Look for a more detailed outline of these first two sessions, plus registration forms for the dial-in information, at the beginning of March.

Based on your feedback, I’ll be scheduling the remaining four sessions one evening a month from April to July.

Cross-Over Interview

My planned interview with Beatrice Acheleke has had to be reschedule, but I do hope her calendar will allow us to speak before her upcoming European Diversity and Business Congress.

In addition to that interview, however, I’ll be cross-posting an upcoming interview scheduled with Gena Pearson for my International Black scheduled for 25th February 2012.

Gena is a Peace Corp volunteer currently assigned to Swaziland, and I’m very excited about having the chance to talk to her about her motivation to volunteer, as well as her experiences in Swaziland! If you are as interested in hearing Gena’s story as I am, be sure to either tune in live or listen to the podcast!

Cologne Meet-Up

If you are in/near Cologne this coming Wednesday and are free  @7pm CET, I’d love to meet-up with you! Also: If you have a recommendation regarding a place to meet up that is near the main station, please let me know!

Possible Berlin Meet-Up?

There is a good chance I will be in Berlin on 29 February. Although I haven’t set up an event for a meet-up on FB (I’m not quite sure of my schedule that day yet), if you would like to meet-up, please let me know via the comment section or FB!

~~

* I have 2 personal “Words of the Week” this week – Busy…and BLESSED!

The Word of the Week*…

is ASK!

transitive verb

1

a : to call on for an answer

b : to put a question about

c : speak, utter

Do you know exactly what you’d need:

• to find a publisher for the book you religiously got up at 5.30 every morning to finish?
• to help you to sell more of those clothes you get such joy in designing?
• or simply to allow you to take that trip you long to take to recharge your inner batteries and soothe your soul?

*Click the word to listen to this week’s podcast

February Meet-Ups

This year has started off with a roar for me!  From the looks of it, I’ll be on the road at least two days per week up till March. But what has hindered my planned blogging activities will enhance my opportunity to meet more of you in person in 2012.

For February I’ve scheduled two dates in two wonderful German cities where I’d like to invite anyone who’ll be in the area to come out for an impromptu meet-up:

• Hamburg: 15 February from 12.30pm till 2.30pm (venue: tbd)
• Cologne: 22 February from 7pm till 9pm (venue: tbd)

If you’d like to join me and whichever amazing women brave the cold for a few hours of good conversation, laughter and sisterhood, just click on the city of your choice and let me know you that you plan to attend. When I know how many women want to participate, I will decide the venue (recommendations are very welcome!) and – if necessary – book us all a table.

I’m looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible!

The Word of the Week*…

…is breakthrough!*

 

2: an act or instance of breaking through an obstacle

3: a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique

(Source)

It’s still the beginning of the New Year, ladies. A year that can just as easily be as full of opportunities and rewards as it can be of defeats and discouragement. By reminding ourselves what our last breakthrough felt like

• physically
• mentally and
• spiritually

we can fine-tune ourselves to be prepared for all the doors just waiting to open up for us in 2012.

Here’s to being ready, ladies. Here’s to breaking through!

The Word of the Week*…

…is breathe!

4 : “to pause and rest before continuing”

(Source)

[...]  re-focus your energies on your own Big Picture. Let your thoughts re-center themselves on the things which you can influence and change in your life, while also acknowledging that some things you simply can’t. Tap back into your own sense of peace and strength.

Then pick up your bundle and get back on the road!

A Quick Survey

I would like to find out more about how and why you listen to podcasts and/or internet radio. I’m currently designing a business model for a new portal that I’m extremely excited about, and want to take your current listening habits and desires into consideration right from the planning stage!

If you haven’t done so already, please take the time to answer a few questions on this quick survey.

Thanks in advance for your time and input!

The Word of the Week*…

…is CONSOLIDATE!

transitive verb

1

: to join together into one whole :unite <consolidate several small school districts>

2

: to make firm or secure :strengthen <consolidate their hold on first place>

(Source)

At the end of 2012:

• What will you consider a mistake?
• How will you – in retrospect – identify a missed opportunity?
• When will you know you’ve laid the groundwork in order to take some important aspect of your life to the next level?
• How will YOU know when you’ve succeeded?

*Click on the “Word of the Week”  to listen to this brief podcast