High-Rise Chronicles

“Something we used to do at my old company that worked well is an ‘All-In-1 Party’.” Robbie expresses. “What is an all-in-1-party?” Quinci asks. “It’s a way to draw neighbors closer together. A sort of networking scene in which participants would sell or demonstrate a skill, a service, a talent or a product.” Nelson, the property manager thought it sounded like a splendid idea. One that would foster a more neighborly atmosphere and it wouldn’t cost a lot to put on. “Yes, because the tenants would bring their own products or props.” Robbie adds. The planning stage began. Flyers filled the mail room and corridors advising everyone to stay tuned for more exciting details. The staff agreed that it was best to host such event on a Thursday evening. Mondays never produce the desired turnout – people are usually feeling the drag from returning to work after a weekend off. Tuesdays aren’t a good idea – most are just bouncing back from Monday and now running errands in the evenings. Wednesdays are ‘hump days’ – everyone is happy to have survived Monday and looking forward to the weekend again. Thursdays just seem to be more relaxed – there’s only one more day to go before the weekend. Friday through Sunday – forget about it. Weekends in the summer are reserved for social gatherings: weddings, cook-outs, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers. Comfortable clothing was called for the All-In-One Party; ‘bring your checkbook and an open mind’, the flyer read. The posted sign-up sheets quickly filled with everyone from a yoga instructor, to Tupperware salesperson, to insurance agent to a life coach. There were six time slots offered from 6 to 9 in the evening. Participants signed up in half hour intervals. First up, the yoga instructor, Mrs. Knoll of 18B. “I know what you all are thinking. I’m not going to be rough on you, since this is our first date. Also with any exercise or physical exertion, you should always consult a physician prior to commencing any routine. Please center yourselves in your individual space keeping yourselves at arms length from your neighbor. With shoulders externally rotated … I need you to inhale and bring your hands and arms up to reach for the sky.” The breath is evident in the room. “Inhale. Hold it for two, three, four, five and exhale slowly while bringing your arms down by your sides, two, three, four, and five.” Mrs. Knoll stretches the group while her assistant gets the Easy Listening music to a calm tone. She continues with abdominal and lower back stretches that she ensures will improve posture and increase flexibility. She instructs everyone to center themselves once again, this time in the akimbo position. “Speaking of flexibility, I want to clear up any pre misconceived notions and inform you that you are sadly mistaken if you think Yoga is all about bending, stretching and breathing. That isn’t even the half of it. Yoga is about a positive energy that you take with you after class and into real life situations. Rush hour traffic, at work with your co-workers, at home with your children or spouse, better yet – in a room with your in-laws.” The room erupted in laughter as the music suddenly changed from easy listening to Christian Gospel. With a soft, whispering voice, Mrs. Knoll continues, “At this point, I am going to ask all of you who are able, to sit on the floor, curl into a ball and meditate.” She slowly takes the floor in the same fetal position. “No talking. No laughing. No coughing. Just close your eyes and meditate.” A room of 45 to 50 people all quietly reflecting does just that. After about five minutes, Mrs. Knoll raises her head, “I’d like to thank you all for your participation and cooperation. Please give yourselves a round of applause.” The room boils in thunderous hand claps. “I’m not much of a sales person, but I welcome each and every one of you to sign up for a trial membership at my 101 Main Street location in Bethesda, Maryland for more in-depth yoga training. Thank you.” Mrs. Knoll collects her portable radio while her assistant walks the room with miniature bottles of ice cold water. Robbie takes center stage to thank Mrs. Knoll for her presentation and encourage audience members to attain one of her business cards and visit her Bethesda location. After several seconds, she introduced Yvette Cleveland, a motivational speaker and life coach consultant. Yvette received her Masters Degree from Harvard and doctorate from Howard University. She described herself as a precise, accurate and meticulous individual. One who dislikes making mistakes and shows grave concern with the details of her job and traveling assignments. “I start everyday by saying – today is going to be a fantastic day!” She spoke a great deal about God and the universe. Sharing her personal story and tying in her dreams and challenges, while offering encouragement and sound advice to the audience members. “It’s important to keep a healthy balance between work, play and family. Not necessarily in that order,” She preaches. She described her life as a child in an unstable household, “My father and I lived with my grandmother - his mother - because my mother ran off and left us. My father was a pimp and hustler who was stabbed in the eye for dealing on the wrong territory.” Yvette went on to described her bipolar mother who was addicted to psychotherapy drugs. She tells a story of her sitting on her grandmother’s porch combing her doll baby’s hair when a gang member walked up the stairs and asked for Mrs. Temple. “Grandmaaaa! I yelled into the screened door never taking my eyes off this lout’s hand. My grandmother appeared wiping her hand on her apron. ‘What chile!’ I remember her saying. Once both of her feet were planted firmly on the porch, the gangster lifted up my grandmother’s right hand to put in it my father’s right eye.” A level of quiet that was unlike any pin dropping moment fell over the room. Yvette talked about her failed marriage and how she raised two young boys on her own. “I married the high school football star. You know the type: handsome head of hair, kissable lips, cute face and rock hard abs. Little did I know that the once high school star athlete would wait until he was in his forties to become addicted to crack cocaine.” Several heads began to shake in the audience. “Yeah. I guess you can call me a life coach, because Life sure happened to me,” Yvette chuckles. “In life we’re all dealt a different hand of cards. You play them the best you can – with skill, with strategy, with emotion. Win or lose, what matters the most is that you learn from the hand that was played.” Yvette combed the room looking for young adults, “The one thing I wish I had growing up is a wise person who could warn and get through to me of the struggles in life. Take the time now to further your education, read books and magazines that matter like Forbes and Time. Yes I rose from the ashes, but had I known now back then, I would have walked around the fire and not through it.” A round of applause filled the room. “Allow me to leave you with this Norwegian Proverb. It describes what the pencil maker said to all the pencils before he put them in a box to be sold.” First he told them, you’re only as effective as the hands you are put in. Second, you will experience a painful sharpening. Third, you have the ability to correct your own mistakes by turning yourself upside down. Fourth, the most important thing about you is inside of you. Fifth, where ever you go, leave your mark. Last but not least, even if you break you can still write. A meaningful proverb that lead to the plaudits of attendees. Yvette received a standing ovation as she took her seat. “Ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Yvette Cleveland.”