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I stopped playing the waiting game

2010 February 25
by Geri

I cringe when I think of all the hours I used to spend (desperately) waiting for the phone to ring, thinking….

Am I getting the job?

Is he asking me out again?

Was the medical test negative?

Did she get my message?

Are they coming to the party?

Did they like my presentation?

Why didn’t he call me yet?

No more. When I want to talk to someone who is important to me, get the answer to a critical question or pursue an essential goal, I make the call, write the e-mail or press for a meeting.

And I don’t give up easily. It’s usually a chore getting someone’s attention in this crazy world. You’re generally not a priority unless you make yourself a priority. If I have to send a dozen e-mails to connect, I send a dozen e-mails.

And I try to do unto others as I would like them to do unto me.  I believe in returning calls, answering e-mails and respecting that most of us have something we want to sell to someone else.

I’m FOF. I don’t get flustered, frustrated, angry or sad if someone tells me to bug off, says no or won’t respond. That is, after the dozen e-mails.

I just move on.

Move over, facebook

2010 February 24
by Geri

“I think the difference is striking. Primarily around your mouth. Thank you SO MUCH for doing this.” –LPC

“You look absolutely wonderful! I agree with LPC; thanks for sharing with us! That’s such a FOF thing to do, no?”–Maureen

Yes, Maureen, yes!!!!!  I had such fun blogging about my “natural lift” experience during the last six days, I didn’t want it to end.

Sharing a story with Shirley Wexner (center), from Joseph in Memphis, and Babbie Lovett

Do you suppose we were all born with a sharing gene that emerged when we turned FOF? That’s why I love reading your and LPC’s blogs so much.  And maybe why so many of us created blogs in the first place. AND why we’re so entrepreneurial.

Our sharing genes seem to be running wild on faboverfifty.com right now.  Many thousands of women have visited in the last 30 hours.  What’s even better, lots of them are staying to register and to share at least one thing…their fave perfume, a book or a bit of wisdom.

We’re 51 million strong. Move over, facebook.  You’re  kid stuff.

The Big Reveal

2010 February 23
by Geri

Monday, February 8

Three FOF friends and I meet in Times Square, where CBS will be taping a segment on FOF. Between takes, I remove my scarf and show my pals my jowl-less face. Susan looks at me closely and says, “I’ve got to get the name of your doctor.” Ditto Cathy. They want the lowdown on the procedures. I share it all.

“How soon after the work did you show your face?” Susan asks.

“Two days,” I answer. “I looked like I went a few rounds with Mohammed Ali but I felt fine.”

Tuesday, February 9

I return to Dr. Giese’s office. She is pleased by the progress and explains any little lumps and bumps I see or feel will smooth out over the next few weeks. One of three nerves on the left side of my mouth hasn’t improved. “It may only come back 85 percent,” Dr. Giese cautions. It’s so much better than it was two weeks ago, so I am not terribly concerned. It feels a bit numb, but is not affecting me.

I also see Nathalie for another magic-fingers facial. Every time I have a treatment, I can see an improvement in the tone and texture of my skin.  I worry how I’m going to live without them. Will I have to go to facial rehab?

Thursday, February 11

My ex and I

Another kind of face... Artist: Doug Brin

I’m at an art opening featuring the work of my former-husband, Douglas.  Marge and Nancy, whom I haven’t seen in decades, tell me I look great.  I reveal what I had done. I don’t hide my age.  Why hide this?

February 14, 2010 The launch party is four days away and, of course, I have nothing to wear. I go to Saks to buy something new (I have been to Bergdorf Goodman and Barney’s, but wouldn’t wear anything they had, even if they gave it to me for free.) A lovely Issey Miyake long blouse/short dress immediately catches my uplifted eyes.  I grab it.

At a Valentine’s Day buffet dinner party I get a few more good reviews on my refreshed face.

Wednesday, February 17

Nathalie sees me for one last facial. She calls it the Madonna Facial.  I don’t really care to look like Madonna, but it still feels grrrrreat.

Thursday, February 18

We race around the office preparing for the FOF launch event, which starts at 7 p.m. Francis from Butterfly Studio Salon comes to do my makeup. I throw on my new shirt over my new pantyhose and away we go.

PRE: JANUARY 15, 2010

POST: David and I at the FOF launch, February 18

I compare my before and after photos and I believe the difference is dramatic. I didn’t think I looked too bad before. But now I think I look fresher and more vibrant. Let me put it this way: My outer self better matches my inner self.

Thanks to my FOF friends who think I’m brave and like the results. Let me hear from you, no matter what you think!

Love, Geri

Flaboverfifty, Part V

2010 February 22
by Geri

Scroll down to read parts I-IV

Thursday, January 28

The swelling is noticeably less.

Friday, January 29

I am sitting at the beauty salon waiting for Tara to mix the color for my hair. When she starts to apply it, I can tell she’s looking at me differently. I say, “I’ve had some work done on my face.” She says, “I was trying to figure out what was different. I was looking for stitches, but didn’t see any.”

Tara’s reaction is totally cool. I feel that I don’t look that much younger, but I do look fresher and more vibrant. I don’t have any more confidence than I had.  I feel a little like a kid though.

Saturday, January 30

Ready for Shelley's FOF b-day dinner

It’s back to Nathalie for the third post surgery facial. My middle sister turns sixty today and we’re giving her a surprise dinner. My youngest sister hasn’t seen me since I had the surgery.  She can’t get over how I look. She’s a tough critic so her reaction means a lot.

Sunday, January 31

David and I are buying food at Russ & Daughters, along with scores of others who love their mouthwatering herrings, smoked salmon, bagels, homemade soups, blintzes, egg salad, and more.

I swear people are looking at me differently. Am I being superficial? Does it matter if I am?

Tuesday, February 2

Working away, preparing for the launch of FOF in 18 days. Chin feels pretty good.

BIG REVEAL TOMORROW!