????Greeting Card ? Brookstone, Inc, a nationwide specialty retail company, has introduced an in-store greeting card to support Save the Children's literacy and nutrition programs for children in rural areas of the United States. The cards, featuring original children's artwork, are available for a $2 donation.????Sculpture ? Eziba, a leading online retailer of artisan-made goods from around the world, is supporting children and women caught in war and conflict with its Mother and Child Shona sculpture made by hand in Zimbabwe. Ten dollars from every purchase will be directed to Save the Children conflict protection programs.????Perfume ? Donna Karan Cosmetics is planning an exclusive holiday celebration at Bloomingdale's with a $10,000 donation to Save the Children while promoting its Cashmere Mist 3.4 oz spray. ????Teddy Bears ? Save the Children will receive 1 percent of the purchase price for all the teddy bears and plush items sold on 1-800-Flowers web site. In addition, one-of-a-kind celebrity-styled teddy bears will be auctioned off on eBay (e-Bay?) with 100 percent of winning bids going toward the support of Save the Children.

Celebrities participating in the promotion include news analyst Cokie Roberts, Golden Globe winner Maria Bello, hip-hop mogul Damon Dash, fashion designer Kenneth Cole, Academy Award nominated actress Kate Winslet, great illusionist David Copperfield and New York Mets' star player Al Leiter. As part of this program, 1-800-flowers.com has committed to a minimum donation of $20,000 to Save the Children. ????Toys ? The Today Show will be collecting donations of gifts for many nonprofits, including Save the Children. ????Quilts ? Jo-Ann Stores, the nation's largest fabric and craft retailer, will use Save the Children's original artwork on quilting, fleece and holiday fabrics. All funds raised through these initiatives will be used to support Save the Children's literacy programs in the United States.

In addition, Jo-Ann Stores will sponsor a nationwide Quilt Challenge using fabric designed with Save the Children's artwork.For more information on Save the Children, or to make a donation, visit www.savethechildren.org.Contact:Colleen Barton SuttonSave the Children202-261-4694e-mail protected from spam bots.

I loved the creative outlet of playing with colors, textures and fabrics to create a unique handbag that expressed my personality or mood, or simply created a look that stood out from the rest." This original custom handbag concept has proved very popular as thousands flock to 1154 LILL STUDIO's creative, colorful and friendly stores each month to design one-of-a-kind "LILL Bags". Customers may select from over 20 handbag styles, then mix and match their fabric choices from hundreds of ever-changing and limited-edition textiles for the exterior, interior, pockets, trim, straps and more. "Our customers love the fact that they have a truly one-of-a-kind bag from a brand they believe in," said Vice President Robin Newberry, "and we love helping them to create, getting to know them as friends along the way." "Every time I carry my LILL Bag I feel unique and creative ? what a great feeling!" said one customer. Another raved "I walked 3 miles in the hot, hot sun to get to 1154 LILL and I would do it again for another LILL Bag!" With such strong customer devotion, it is no surprise that 1154 LILL prides itself on customer service. "We believe that 1154 LILL is as much about the interactive custom experience as it is about the handbag" said Velarde, "I started 1154 LILL as a way to express my creativity and independence and our goal is to give that same experience to our customers.

Their LILL Bag is a reflection of their tastes, their personality. The design of it should be a fun, creative and girly event to share with friends." In fact, though individual shoppers are always welcome, many groups choose to get together for private LILL Handbag Parties after-hours at the studio, where they can socialize and create together. In addition to the Chicago, Boston and Kansas City boutiques, 1154 LILL offers handbags both custom and ready-made on it's website ? www.1154lill.com. Mix, match and design a custom handbag for a friend this holiday season, or give a gift certificate and allow her to experience the ultimate in handbag creativity. Price is always based on style, not fabrics or accent options, making a custom bag the same price as a ready-made.

Bags range from the upper $50's for a wristlet clutch, upper $80's for a handbag and around $150 for a versatile tote or baby bag. Makeup bags, wallets and coin purses range from the upper $20's to low $40's. Custom bags take around 4 weeks and may be picked up or shipped for a small fee. 1154 LILL has been featured in media both national and local, including: Lucky Magazine, The Style Network, The Washington Post, Chicago Magazine, and the Kansas City Star. And though other custom handbag lines have sprung up in the last year or two, 1154 LILL's original commitment to quality, design, service and creativity remain unmatched.

With 1154 LILL, customization is not just hot, it's here to stay..

The honesty of expression mingles with a breathless depth of consciousness. As Brian Douthit captures moments, eyes become sapphire mysteries, nostalgia weaves itself in metaphors and passionate moments are enveloped in poetic expression. The soft scent of perfume drifts through the pages like a mysterious muse wandering in nature. As I bathe in waves of tranquility Sweet scented honeysuckle graces the air And I glance into the mild eyes of impossibility To see rare beauty, rending the roses to despair ~pg. 36 Sanctuary was the first work of art to capture my attention.

Brian Douthit paints love's sanctuary in a flowing inspiring honesty. The intriguing format is aesthetically appealing and is presented in a creative flow of words. As he conveys his thoughts on love, romance and beauty, he awakens the reader to the sublime. Sanctuary left me in a state of breathless wonder as unveiled emotions ignited my imagination. It is not uncommon to enter entirely new worlds while reading each poem.

"Shout Past the Horizon" becomes a profound declaration of individuality, while "An Afternoon with Rain" takes us to a world where the sky is making love in thunder and lightening. In "The Religion of Romance," love becomes a divine expression as the scent of jasmine softly lingers in a poem filled with emotional complexity. "Answers to Everlasting Strands" presents observations about humanity's eternal search for peace. Brian Douthit also covers topics of fascinating interest like the meaning of life or conflicts of the soul that play themselves out in "Midnight Ponderings." His descriptions of dreams, wildflowers, rainstorms, dreamy memories and enchanted kisses present ecstatic notions of love. At times nature almost seems to embody the connection between souls.

"Perfectly Said" is filled with poems that delve beneath what meets the eye as the intellectual dances playfully with the emotional in an ecstatic union of soul experience. http://wwww.TheRebeccaReview.com-End Book Review-"Perfectly Said: when words become art"is available on Amazon.com.ISBN: 1413740243A free downloadable version of "Perfectly Said: when words become art" is available at http://www.perfectlysaid.com/freebook.html and/or is attached to this release.About Brian Douthit:Brian Douthit is an author, editor, Internet radio station manager, book reviewer, and poetry advocate. His book reviews, poetry, and radio station can be found at http://www.perfectlysaid.com.

Maybe, like me, they came from your family as a child. Maybe they came from a favorite teacher, coach, or mentor. Think for a moment about the impact these words have had on your life. Positive or negative, words leave a mark. The mark is not on the surface where you can see it, but there is a mark.

Here's a story to illustrate my point. As a child, my parents and I lived in North Carolina. Both sets of my grandparents lived in Texas. We visited Texas about twice a year. During these visits, we often split our time between the two families.

I loved both dearly, but I always wanted to spend more time with one than with the other. Both sets loved me. Both treated me well. Both would do nearly anything for me. But there was one big difference.

One grandmother called me "precious, angel, baby child" and "my wonderful, precious angel". The other called me Guy. Which do you think was my favorite? You can probably guess where I wanted to spend my time. I loved both of my grandmothers, but one became a greater influence on my life. Why? She constantly spoke words of encouragement to me and everyone else she met for that matter.

In fact, she still does to this day. She always tells me how wonderful I am, how much she loves me, and how proud she is of me. As an adult, I still look forward to speaking with her. When my grandfather passed away, I spoke at his funeral. I did the best I could to pay tribute to one of the greatest men I have ever personally known.

About six months later, my grandmother called again to tell me how wonderful my comments were and how smart and wise I am. I don't really believe that I am the smartest person on the planet, but it sure feels good to have someone tell you that. After we spoke, I felt like a million bucks and believed that I could accomplish anything. Would you like to have that influence on people? Would you like to inspire the people around you to work harder and accomplish more? You do hold that power. You have it when you use positive words ? words of encouragement and praise.

As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, "Treat a man as he appears to be and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already were what he potentially could be, and you make him what he should be." Next to example, words are probably the most powerful tools leaders use. Words communicate your hopes, your dreams, your vision, your message, and your heart. Words show other people how you see them. As a leader, your words make a difference.

Your words will either build-up or tear down, encourage or discourage, inspire or deflate. The choice is up to you. I encourage you to remember this simple tip and spread some perfume of happiness around as you . . .

Choose to become an encourager. Copyright 2005, You may use this article for electronic distribution if you will include all contact information with live links back to the author. Notification of use is not required, but I would appreciate it. Please contact the author prior to use in printed media..

You too can give a pleasant surprise to people whom you care about by going in for online shopping. When you shop online, a variety of gifts can be looked into in great detail at the click of the mouse. Your gift can add so much more to the birthday celebrations of your loved ones. Here are a few tips that may help you decide.# It is always better to give personal items as birthday gifts rather than decorative pieces and kitchen appliances. There is nothing wrong with them per se.

It is just that kitchenware and wall hangings can be gifted on so many other occasions like wedding anniversaries, Christmas and New Year.# Personalized items are a rage today. What is so special about it is that any item that you would like to gift can be personalized. Right from pillows to golf balls, you can get them branded with the name of the person whom you want to give the gift. You can also personalize gift-wrappings and boxes. # Gift baskets make good birthday gifts.

Mainly because a gift basket can be an assortment of a number of items. Readymade gift baskets are available in plenty. However, you can make your very own basket and pile in all the items of your as well as their liking. # Greeting cards and flowers can accompany your gift to make it all the more special. They can't be deemed as gifts.

They are primarily used to greet or wish a person well. # Gifts for her can include jewelry and jewelry boxes, perfumes, scented candles, bags of all shapes and textures, soft toys (especially cuddly teddy bears), wristwatch, make-up kit, cosmetics and evening wear.# Gifts for him can include electronic goods, sporting goods, musical instruments apart from clothing, wristwatch and perfume.# Children can be given chocolate boxes, candy bar packets, game sets and CDs and all kinds of sporting goods, toys and clothing.# Books are perfect gift birthday gifts for people of all ages. However, they should be selected keeping in mind the age and preference of the person concerned.# To stand out, make sure your gift is wrapped in a classy yet attractive manner. # Make sure the gifts items you select for babies do not have any sharp edges.

The two held workshops at the Toledo Museum of Art. This is where the current method of melting glass in a furnace for use in blown glass art was originated. Thus, Littleton and Labino are credited with making molten glass available to artists in private studios. The actual process of preparing the glass for blowing is very involved though. The glass is melted in furnaces using the sand, limestone, soda, potash and other compounds.

The actual transformation of raw materials into glass takes place well above 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. After the glass has melted, the artist uses a blowpipe to shape the glass. The blowpipe is about five feet long and is used for blowing a parison of molten glass. Molds are used to impress decorative patterns. There are two types of modern glassblowing but offhand glassblowing is the type most people picture in their mind when they think about this kind of art.

The artist gathers a glob of fused glass at the end of a hollow tube called a blowpipe or blowing iron. The molten glass is then fashioned into its final form by various techniques of blowing and shaping with hands, tolls and molds. The second kind of glassblowing is lampworking. Lampworking is the softening of a glass tube by heating it in the flame of a torch. Next, the softened glass is manipulated into its final form by blowing and shaping with hands and tools.

Any number of things can be created using either technique; sculpted animals, ashtrays, vases, aquarium pieces, beads, paper weights, perfume bottles?the list goes on and on. Moreover, practically every major part of the world at one time or another in its history has been known, in some part, for its glass art. However, Mexican glass art is the most popular. Mexico is the land of the master craftsman. Known throughout history as being expert potters, weavers and wood carvers, Mexican artists have really made their mark as glassblowers.

Beginning in 1542 in Puebla, these artists produced glass items in a variety of shapes with little more than a long pipe and a glob of melted glass. Experienced Mexican glass blowers will even add effects as small bubbles, blobs of color or pebbles to their finished to pieces to make them stand out. Authentic Mexican glass is easily identified by a ponti, or a place at the bottom of the finished product that indicates it was mouth blown. Another feature of Mexican glass is its individual nature. No two pieces are ever exactly alike in size, shape or design, which simply adds to the unique nature of each piece.

But the most unique detail about this glassblowing is how little it's changed since its inception. For the most part, glassblowers are still producing beautiful works of art the same way they did back in 27 BC?melted glass and a metal tube. This is one instance where my grandpa was wrong. In the case of glassblowing, "They are still making them like they used to.".

I've even found very small bottles and tubes of bath gel, body lotion, and after-bath spray all in the same scent---these make a perfect hostess gift set!Look for 2-for, 3-for, and 4-for sales! I watch for sales and coupons, especially BOGO (Buy One, Get One) or sales that offer a one-price-for-several items. Look for anything in the "Health and Beauty" category: nail files, bathtub "puffs," fancy soaps, scented sprays, and lotions. Another idea would be looking for sales of scented candles and other small decorative or universally useful items. Walgreens, Eckerd's, and CVS drug stores are great for their sales and coupons, especially right before and after a holiday.Shop in "dollar" stores! Bargain stores or "dollar" stores are great places to find things like small wicker baskets, votive candle holders, and really inexpensive wrapping paper, gift bags, and bows and ribbons.Keep your eyes open! Anytime I'm in a store like Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, or even the local grocery market, I watch for sales of "things"---anything that would make a nice little "something" to wrap up as a gift.Keep Wrapping Paper and Ribbons on HandThink "tissue paper" and "curl ribbon"! I keep plenty of tissue paper, in a variety or colors and patterns, on hand. It is very inexpensive and makes for an easy way to wrap just a tube of lotion or a bottle of scented spray because you can "twist" the ends together and then tie with a ribbon.

It is also a good idea to have at least one type of Birthday wrapping paper, as well---for those impromptu Birthday parties, or if you suddenly remember that it's your next-door neighbor's (or your boss's!) birthday. I have just about every color of curl ribbon on hand, as well (you know, the kind that you can "curl" by pulling it across the flat edge of a scissor blade). Any gift can be made to look very festive, especially if you use several colors of curl ribbon that compliment the color of the tissue paper, or match the color of the gift item! I recently put together a small gift set of lavender scented bath items, all of which were purple-colored, and wrapped in silver tissue paper tied with purple and silver curl ribbon. It was very attractive and no one would have known that it probably cost me less than $5.Put the gift in a basket or bag! Any gift, no matter how small (even a single votive candle in a 50-cent plain glass votive holder) can look like a million dollars---if you "present" it nicely. I like to put small items in a little wicker basket or a plain-colored gift bag that is stuffed with tissue paper that I've put through a shredder (you can buy really inexpensive paper shredders, I've seen them for less than $10).

Remember to color-coordinate the wrapping paper and the gift item!Be Creative! Think "Fun"!A hostess gift can be anything, put in anything, wrapped in anything! Think outside the box---or rather think INSIDE the...bucket, shoebox, plastic container, empty oatmeal container, etc. Don't limit yourself---or the gift!We recently spent a weekend at the beach with friends. For a hostess gift, I bought a small tube of Aloe gel, a tube of Aloe bath gel, and a little pump bottle of "After Tan" body lotion. I went to a "dollar" store and bought a plastic bucket and a shovel (the kind that kids use to play in the sand). I tissue-wrapped the few little times, shredded beige tissue paper to make "sand" to put in the bucket, nestled the wrapped items in the shredded paper, stuck in the shovel, ran several streamers of curl ribbon that matched the color of the bucket through the handle of the bucket---and I had a perfect "Weekend at the Beach" hostess gift! I spent less than $8 and my girlfriend laughed and thoroughly enjoyed digging into her bucket and searching for the little presents in the tissue paper sand!For a friend who is very culinary-minded, I found a package of different-sized wooden spoons on sale for $1 and added to that a small spice jar of cinnamon and a bag of brown sugar, and I plopped everything in an empty Quaker's Oatmeal container (after emptying and wiping out with a damp paper towel).

I printed out a recipe for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies on an index card and punched a hole in one side. After looping several turns of blue and red curl ribbons around the container, I strung the recipe card through one end of ribbon, tied it off, and then curled all the ends of the ribbons. She was delighted with her special hostess gift. Cost? About $6.If you need a gift for your host, you can apply all these same ideas---just with a man in mind! Surprisingly, men can be appreciative of nail files, clippers, fold-up comb, a lint brush, etc. For a host who is sports-minded, get a tube of BENGAY and wrap it in an ACE bandage!Remember: It's Not the Gift, It's the Thought That Counts!Giving a gift that comes from the heart---and not from the wallet---is what your hostess will appreciate the most.

Take the time to select individual items, instead of buying pre-packaged "sets." It doesn't have to be anything fancy, it doesn't have to be anything expensive---all you need are a few little items, put them together with a little bit of thought, and you have a delightful hostess gift!.

For essential oil production, the plant is cut two or three times per year, with the best quality oil derived from leaves harvested in the wet season. The leaves are hand picked, bundled or baled, and allowed to partially dry in the shade and ferment for a few days before the oil is extracted via steam distillation (Patchouli oil is now becoming available as a CO2 extract in limited quantities). The fermentation process softens the plant's cell walls, easing the extraction of the oil.The relative ease of it's cultivation, and it's high oil yield keeps the price of true Patchouli essential oils relatively low. It is important to note however, Patchouli is one of the few essential oils that improve with age (others being Frankincense, Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Vetiver), and that a properly aged Patchouli oil is much more desirable than a fresh one. Over time, the oil looses a harshness that many find distasteful, and adds a sweet top note.

As it ages, the oil turns from light yellow to a deep amber, with the aroma becoming smoother and more rich. Principal constituents of the oil include: Patchoulol (25-35%), Alpha-Bulnesene (12-20%), Alpha-Guaiene + Seychellene (15-25%), and Alpha-Patchoulene (5-9%).Perhaps first due to it's power as a moth repellent, the aroma of Patchouli was pervasive in cloth and clothing exported from India in the 19th century. The scent became an indicator of true ?Oriental' fabric, so much so that English and French garment makers were obliged to scent their imitation products with Patchouli to ensure their acceptance in the domestic marketplace. Beyond its use for preventing holes from being eaten in one's cloting, Patchouli oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Malaysia, China and Japan. Primarily indicated for skin conditions, Patchouli may be of benefit in cases of dermatitis, eczema, acne, dry chapped skin, and other irritating conditions, along with dandruff and oily scalp conditions.

As a cell rejuvenator, it may help in healing wounds and reducing the appearance of scars. It is considered an excellent remedy for insect and snake bites, and has been used as a fumigant and rubbing oil to prevent the spread of fevers and to strengthen the immune system.Aromatherapy and Perfumery Uses of Patchouli OilPatchouli oil is considered an excellent base note and fixative in perfumery, being a component in many famous perfumes. As a fixative, it slows the evaporation of other, more volatile oils so that their aroma may be released over a longer period of time. A little patchouli can be used in natural perfume blends, adding that special deep and earthy aroma. It mixes well with many essential oils, with almost all common oils being mentioned across a variety of sources ? these include Vetiver, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Jasmine, Rose, Citrus oils, Clary Sage, Lemongrass, Geranium and Ginger.In Aromatherapy, Patchouli is considered a great balancer, relaxing yet stimulating, particularly relevant for conditions of weak immunity where overwork and anxiety have left the individual in a susceptible state.

It is said to bring the three principal forces at work within the body ? the Creative at the navel, the Heart center, and transcendental wisdom a the crown ? into harmony. Patchouli oil may also relieve the strain of those with excessive mental activity who may feel ?out of touch' with their body and sensuality. It has been considered a relaxing aphrodisiac, and can be helpful for those with impotence, frigidity, and sexual anxiety that are products of mental anguish. Patchouli combines this aphrodisiac effect with an antidepressant one, uplifting the mind with it's sweet, warm, spicy scent.As if this were not enough, Patchouli is thought to be a bringer of prosperity and abundance. Perhaps by allowing one to open to these possibilities energetically, the oil is used in ceremonies and prayers by those in need of financial or other type of infusion in their lives.

One may simply close their eyes, imagine the abundance they need, and inhale the oil's aroma for a few seconds. For a few simple blends, try:3 parts Patchouli and 1 part Rosemary Cineol. This is a wonderfully uplifting blend combining the deep earthiness of Patchouli with the invigorating aroma of Rosemary. This can certainly be worn as a perfume, or used in a diffuser. When the going gets tedious, try brightening with 3 parts Coriander, 2 parts Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot.

This may uplift the spirits and remind one of the joy to be found in life.For the sensually insecure, try 1 part Geranium, 1 part Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. A beautiful yet simple blend for getting comfortable in one's own skin.It may take a little education, but many who claim to have a dislike for Patchouli may truly enjoy it when finally getting to sample a properly aged or beautifully blended oil..

They believe: 1) I don't deserve this 2) I feel guilty because it happened to me and not ___________ 3) This can't be real 4) etc...God gave us everything. We have simply allowed our mind - the enemy of spirit to delude us into this feeling of lack.Those with money that work their way up from the bottom or build the wealth they have easily, have the one thing that most of us lack - a million dollar mind set. They know that they are prosperous and never allow their mind's taunts to get in their way. All wealth begins with this consciousness and all wealth is maintained by cultivating this feeling of prosperity.Their beliefs are: 1) I am wealthy. 2) If I lost it all tommorow, I could make it back easily.

3) It is my God given right to be wealthy.I would bet that most of us could compile a list of hundreds of things that we "want." That sense of wanting means that we feel that we do not have these things. When we replace this wanting feeling with the sense of already having wealth, amazing things start to occur within our brains and manifest into our lives. We begin to come up with ways of having wealth instead of merely wishing and wanting it.How do we create this million dollar mindset?1) Think about being wealthy and write down any thoughts that come up.Write down the objections that already play in your mind. Write down the excuses like" It takes money to make money." And write down all the things that you wish you could have if only...2) Release on those thoughts. Let them go and keep letting them go until the negative emotions go away with them.3) Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.4) Fill your mind with the images of what you want and picture yourself already having them.5) See yourself as you will be.

Feel what you will feel. Add audio and even the things that you will smell when you reach that state. ex. the type of perfume you might wear, the sound of bankers begging to give you loans, the feel of silk upon your skin, etc...6) Keep releasing your negative emotions and thoughts until you have what you have been wanting all these years. Let it simply drop into your lap.7) Act upon the incredible ideas that Spirit pours into your mind..

This position is one of the lowest paid in the practice, so keep that in mind when talking to them and boost their ego at every chance.

? Don't tell them you have to get in this week because you are going on a cruise or exotic trip next week and just have to be seen now. This will not induce sympathy with a person financially incapable of affording such luxury. Just say you're going out of town.

? Don't tell them it ?has to be next Tuesday between 2 and 4'. Ask nicely if ?that time' is available, but do not insist on it. If you consistently follow the suggestions laid out here, chances are the appointment coordinator will move patients around to accommodate your schedule just because you are the favorite.

But it is not a good idea to demand a specific time unless they ask you first. In case you don't know, the appointment coordinator is taught to run the schedule, and to not let the patients do it for them.

? Keep in mind it is the appointment coordinator's job to FILL the schedule for the doctor. Most doctors want to see a full schedule for tomorrow when they leave for the day. "Emergency time" is seldom available, unless the practice has a consistent need for it. I know of no doctor that likes to sit around with no patients and therefore no income.

Even the most caring of doctors still has their income in mind. After all, they have a staff and bills to pay.

? Which brings up the next point: do not ask the appointment coordinator for a discount or a payment plan. Trust me, they will not have the authority to grant one. In most practices, only the doctor can grant lower fees.

Sometimes the office manager can suggest payment plans. However, keep in mind, you will never be the doctor's favorite patient if you consistently ask for lower fees or special treatment in the payment department. If you truly need help with financing, do it with the greatest tact.

? And please, please if you remember nothing else I've said here, remember that your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Your doctor files your insurance for you as a courtesy. It is not a requirement.

It is not their duty. It is not their fault if your insurance does not pay, (most times anyway.) You may be responsible for any balances left by your insurance. Just because your insurance does not pay all of your doctor's charges, does not mean your doctor charges too much. If there is a question about your insurance, offer to call the insurance company yourself. It is so time consuming for the office personnel to do this.

Sometimes they will need to, but you'll gain points with them if you do it yourself.

? And please know your insurance information. If you are going to a medical doctor, have your medical card with you for them to copy. If you are going to a dental office, know the difference between your medical and dental insurance and have the proper card available. Most dental policies are separate from the medical policy. Some vision policies are separate, also.

If you work for a large corporation or a large group, such as State or Federal employees, the office will probably know who is your insurance carrier, but have your card available for them for ID numbers, etc., from the card. If you do not know who handles your insurance, contact your Human Resources department for the information before your appointment. Or, if your doctor is referring you to a specialist, you can obtain your insurance information from your regular doctor to take to the specialist's office. They will love you for this.


? Which brings up the next point: reward any special favors. Bring goodies with you for the doctor and staff.

I've had patients bring the doctor a bottle of wine and a box of cookies for the staff. Most people are watching their weight, so fresh fruit is nice, too. One patient brought fresh strawberries, another fresh peaches in season. Bake them a cake. Bring a potted plant.

Trust me, they'll love you for it because it so rarely happens. If you do not have a chance to bring them anything, a written card to the doctor and staff with specific comments about how wonderful everyone was, is a great favorite, too. Praise the staff to the doctor if they do a good job and they'll be your friends forever.

? Do not wear strong perfume. I'm constantly amazed how often patients do this. Remember you are at a doctor's office.

People there are sick, hurting, or have some kind of malady. A vast majority of people gets headache from smelling strong perfume. You are never going to be a favorite patient nor are you going to get the most compassionate service if all the staff can think about is getting your smelly self out of their office as soon as humanly possible. Do you want to be a rush job? What if your doctor is allergic to your perfume? Mine is! And so are members of our staff. It will be noted in your chart because a nurse or assistant that can tolerate your smelly self will be assigned to you while those you make sick will avoid you.

The doctor may deliberately anger you just to get rid of you. You will not be treated well and may never know why because it is hard to tell a patient that they stink! Enough said.

? Do not cry. Yeah you're hurting, or deathly sick, but please try not to cry. Doctors and staff will feel helpless and sad for you, but they'll also be relieved when you leave. Raw emotion is hard for any human to deal with and doctors and staff are no different.

? Do not whine, or complain about another doctor you've already seen. It could be the doctor's best friend. Or a staff member's friend. If you've been ?doctor shopping' and have seen several doctors in a short period of time, don't tell the new doctor that you've seen ?5 different doctors and can't find a good one'. You'll be pegged as a ?problem patient' in a heartbeat and won't be taken as seriously.

Be professional when talking about other doctors, not complaining.

? Keep religion and politics out of your conversations in the doctor's office. Period. Unless you know the affiliation of your doctor and/or staff matches yours from something they've said. I've seen a Baptist patient bring our Catholic doctor literature that conflicted with his beliefs. It created an uncomfortable situation.

And don't think just because you and everyone you know is fed up with your country's leaders, your doctor is also. He may be in a different financial situation than you are and has differing opinions.

With a little forethought and tact and lots of kindness, you can be one of your doctor's favorite patients. Now, to find that perfect doctor?.

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