Cookies for breakfast

A lot of people think that asking for things is difficult and; therefore, not worth the effort.  But, the truth of the matter is that asking for things is one of the easiest things you can do.  If you don't think that's right, then just take a look at the children around you. 

My two-year-old daughter asks for everything.  When she wakes up she asks for breakfast.  She starts off asking for cookies.  When I say no, she asks for candy (also a "no").  She asks for cake and cupcakes.  After going through an extensive list of "no" items, we make it to the "yes" items.  At nap time, she asks to read 40 books.  We negotiate and she gets to read two.  She asks for 20 more minutes of bath time and we negotiate down to five.  There's a pattern here.  It involves a sense of fearlessness in asking for things in the mind of my daughter.  She knows what she wants.  She's willing to compromise.  And, she understands (or at least can repeat verbatim) that she can ask but Mommy can always say no.  This understanding of potentially being told no doesn't dissuade her.  She always asks.  And, as is possible with each of us, there are many times she receives what she asks for. 

Fearlessness does not guarantee that you're going to always receive what you ask for.  It does guarantee at least one of these possibilities: 1. you'll get what you ask for, 2. you'll get something, even if it's less than you ask for, 3. you won't get what you ask for, but will most likely be in no worse place than if you didn't ask.  Having this fearlessness opens up your possibilities.  It allows you to dream of what could be and then ask for it.

I encourage you to open up to your inner two-year-old and think of the great things you want...you might just get your own version of "cookies for breakfast"!

First Class all the way

Let's face it; air travel just isn't what it used to be.  So, when faced with sitting in a crowded middle seat and paying a la carte for checked bags, food (primarily snacks), extra legroom, and many other options, first class isn't always something we think we can afford.  However, it's not always out of our reach. You don't need to have an elite frequent flyer status, thousands of frequent flyer miles, or an unlimited budget.  You just have to ask!

Recently on my first flight sans kids from Portland, Oregon to Honolulu on Alaska Air, when checking in, I asked the agent if there were any upgrades available.  Now, I don't have an elite frequent flyer status and didn't even have any miles with this airline.  However, the agent informed me that for $150, I could upgrade.  When considering the fact that I had one checked, overweight bag that was going to cost me $70 ($20 for a regular traveler checked bag and $50 for being overweight), I thought it was worth the cost.  I almost forgot about the other first class advantages: fast track lane through TSA, pre-boarding, free meal and drinks (including alcoholic), free Digiplayer (giving me free movies, TV, and web access).  Adding the costs that these would have cost me in my regular coach seat, $150 was a value!

So, on the return flight I again asked for the upgrade.  Unfortunately, there were no seats available.  But, just for asking, the agent put me on the waitlist, stamped my coach ticket with the MVP Gold Lane access (giving me the fast track TSA lane and pre-boarding advantages) and also checked my overweight bag for free!

Upgrades may not always be available, but the worst that can happen is that they say no.  The best is that you get the upgrade!  

Test Drive Aston Martin DB9

I am a huge fan of the BBC's Top Gear, a program strictly about cars.  Through the many seasons of the show, one car in particular has stood out and become my dream car: the Aston Martin DB9.

The DB9 is exceptionally made, handles well on roads, looks spectacular, and is simply amazing.  Of course, I only know this from watching TV.  However, things are about to change.  I emailed Aston Martin to request a test drive of the DB9.  Unfortunately, the nearest dealership (in Bellevue, WA - almost 3 hours away from me) didn't have any DB9's in stock for a test drive.  Working with the sales department, I have arranged to test drive the Vantage Roadster.

While not exactly the DB9 and often referred to as a baby Aston, the Vantage still looks exceptional.  We'll see if I like it as much as I hope I do.  Updates to come after next week's test drive.  Yes, they agreed to it!

Make the ask

We've all heard the Biblical expression, "ask and you shall receive."  But, how many times do we actually believe it?  Most of the time, we think our asks are either too trivial, or they're too ridiculous.  Perhaps we don't have enough confidence in who we are and; therefore, think we're unworthy of certain perks and benefits.  I think all of these thoughts are bologna.  If we ask, we may be surprised with what we can receive.  I intend to test this hypothesis through this blog.

I am going to ask for things that I want and then tell you, my hopefully soon to be plenty readers, the results - whether good or bad.  I fully anticipate getting a lot of "no" responses, but I'm not going to let them stop me.  I'll keep on asking - not making any of it personal.  After all, it's generally not personal when someone says "no."  It's a matter of fact that something cannot be done.

So, here are the ground rules for my asks...

1.  I will not lie to get something.
2.  I will only ask for things I really would like to have.
3.  I will ask for the ridiculous.
4.  I will ask for the impossible.
5.  I will not take "no" personally.
6.  I will not take the first "no" as an end-all-be-all.  If I can't get what I asked for, I will ask what they CAN give me.
7.  I will learn and move on.

I hope you enjoy the ride I'm about to embark upon.  I know I'm looking forward to it!