Teaism -- two lumps of courtesy please

It seems that lately everything related to the nation's capital is unsavory. Are we losing our distinct label of class and conservatism? Before I get too far away, let me clue you in on a situtation. Beware: you will be privy to as many details as I have and left to jump to your own, informed, conclusion.

Teaism is a "teahouse" in DC with several locations. I have nicknamed them the "Starbucks of Tea." It's a tea lover's dream store. You can purchase teas and snacks and ... sorry, I'm drooling on the keyboard. I can sum it up with -- I really like this place. Or, at least I did.

MeetUp is a website that helps you meet people so that you can get off the internet (novel idea for all those laptop potatoes out there). There are literally thousands of groups in every hobby/interest area imaginable and most regularly hold "meetups" (events) in and around the area. Depending on the group, some are outdoors or potluck, the location may vary. But for many groups including knitters and book clubs, they tend to choose quiet settings with good food and drink. Many have partnered with Teaism.

According to Teaism's website in the Events section, "We host meetings and gatherings for many groups: board meetings for volunteer groups, networking gatherings, training meetings, speed dating sessions, panel discussions for professional associations. If you have a group that needs a location for a gathering, or if you would like Teaism to cater your next special event, please call..."

I've always known them to be accomodating and extremely helpful whenever I've attended functions there or stopped in for a quick cup of "Jill" (my tea alternative to "joe" for coffee...ok, it's lame but so what).  Anywho...I was surprised, disturbed, dismayed and a host of other unhappy adjectives when I read the following email from the Co-owner of Teaism to a MeetUp group owner.

"I have nothing different to say than what I told you when you brought your group to Teaism for a three hour lunch.  Meet-ups have overwhelmed our restaurant.  We do not want Meet-ups or any groups visiting our restarant with the focus of meeting and not dining.  We are a restaurant.  I'm sure there are restaurants that are suffering and need your groups $100.  I'm sorry if you don't get it.  When you own your restaurant and are forced to make these decisions you may make them based on your sense of what good service is.  I am running a business and make business decisions.  And you can believe that I know how to do the math.  I appreciate that you have alerted the Meet-Up List to our dilemma.  It may reduce the pressure of my managers to micro-manage each and every group having "meetings" in my restaurant.  I can understand your indignation, but Teaism has been dealing with "Meet-Ups" for years now.  We are clear about how this all works."

After reading this, I was outraged.  Besides wanting to tear each sentence apart and make her severely eat her words, I also wanted to point out some very poor business habits that are surfacing early on in the life of her "restaurant."   Teaism has only been open since 1996, don't go thinking you're a DC staple just yet.  The only thing I really wish to address via this blog, besides her clear lack of customer service skills, is her lack of business-savvy.  You have not only put your feelings in writing but you've sent it electronically.  Does she not know her history -- the number of businessmen who have been brought down due to an email or memo?  Tsk, tsk, tsk...

What's next for Teaism?  What's next for MeetUp?  What's next for my blog?

Stay safe...until next time.

I'm Thankful!

Now that the holidays have begun, I've had some time to think back over the past year and realize my blessings. My motto for 2009 was Make It Happen and in many ways I did. I achieved many of the goals I'd placed on my list for the year and I'm thankful for that. I have noticed though, that I feel a bit unfulfilled. Let me elaborate: I volunteer at the Kennedy Center once a week and though I've met some very nice people, enjoyed some wonderful shows and been involved in some great events, I just don't feel I am "giving" enough. By popular opinion, most of the patrons pretty much have it "together."

Now I'm not looking to become Mother Teresa or Mahatma Ghandi or even MLK, but I would like to be of more assistance to those in need -- those who can better benefit from the varied skill-sets I possess. So, even though I have personal goals for 2010, my motto is simple -- Be An Inspiration. I'm not quite sure how I'll go about it but I will do my best to "let my light so shine..."

That said, one of my major goals for next year is to build my portfolio. Yeah, I'm thinking early retirement folks and with no offspring to scratch my back and feed me strained peas, I'll have to find a way to pay for such luxuries. So between CDs at my local bank and varied stocks and bonds, I'll be building a financial portfolio in the next 12 months. Beware: I'll be sharing the information with you. Feel free to send tips my way too -- unless you're Martha Stewart or that guy from Enron.

I've come a long way from where I was just a few short years ago -- mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially.

To close, I want to share the following (thanks Stacy):

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. (Albert Schweitzer)

Thanks to those who have challenged me to be better, kindly (or not so kindly) spoken the truth when staying silent would have been easier, and loved me unconditionally during my transformation.

May the best of your 2009 be the worst of your 2010.