Rhinocort the Red-nosed Reindeer!

Well It All Depends!!!

Merry Christmas!

This just in.....

As per request, "Gladys" now has her very own youtube channel with more videos to follow:

http://www.youtube.com/msgladysfriday

Enjoy ~

You Can "DEPEND" On Christmas ~

Good morning! I'm "Gladys Friday" today, aren't you?

I want to tell you about my friend Jody White, Administrator for Gaston Urological. She has such a giving spirit, she is always thinking of someone else. This year for Christmas, she decided to give the gift of DEPENDS in honor of her physicians and staff. She and her husband built a large Christmas Tree with wrapped boxes of DEPENDS. After her presentation to the physicians & staff, the tree was delivered to Cancer Services of Gaston County to be shared with patients in need. What a wonderful blessing! Jody had asked me to write a poem to go along with her tree to present to the healthcare professionals of Gaston Urological so...."Gladys" and Denise turned their imagination on (they play well together) sharing happiness, humor and hope. Jody said they loved it and "we" hope you will too:

You Can "DEPEND" On Christmas

written by Denise Price Thomas aka "Gladys Friday"

written for Jody White, Administrator, Gaston Urological

T'was the month of Christmas

and all through the office

All creatures were stirring

Some acting quite pompous

Financial reports and patients to see

"I've met my deductible, you HAVE to see ME!"

We answer the phone "Could you please hold?"

"NO, I CANNOT!" by the patient I'm told

"I'm calling because I have a party to throw

and I have a problem...."gotta go, gotta GO!"

You show your compassion and spread Christmas Cheer

As you help to cover just ONE MORE REAR

As darkness falls and the day finally ends

"How was it?" I'm asked....."Well, it ALL DEPENDS!"

A BIG THANK YOU goes out to Jody for truly "Making A Difference" in the lives of others. Instead of thinking what we will GET for Christmas, let's all think of what we will GIVE.

Merry Christmas to all....and to all "let there be LIGHT!"

Update on "Gladys" and Denise:

"WE" enjoyed our first LIVE radio interview with Dr. Flora Brown, California on "Color Your Life Happy." That was fun (Denise was NERVOUS!)

Denise has been busy being a 'mystery patient' ~ making a list and checking it twice! Being an "Undercover Patient©" has it's perks, she has written a new song from one experience. She's also having fun presenting "Motivational Makeovers" for Medical Practices.

Thank you to Crisis Pregnancy Ministry for the invitation to speak for their Christmas Party for staff, families and volunteers. What a wonderful event! The money given to me as an honorarium will be used to purchase presents from the Angel Tree for the less fortunate children.

"Gladys" is looking forward to being the entertainment for Lutheran Chapel's Christmas Party tomorrow. Thank you so much for the opportunities to deliver smiles!

Enjoy today ~

Denise Price Thomas aka "Gladys Friday"

denisepricethomas@gmail.com

704-747-8699

Invited Guest Today ~

"Gladys Friday" along with Denise Price Thomas are invited guests today for "Color Your Life Happy" by Flora Brown, California ~ 11 am PST (2 pm EST) Enjoy ~

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/florabrown

"Just Like Momma"

"Gladys" friend, Mr. Doom N. Gloom was ALWAYS complaining. Whatever his wife did for him, it was never good enough. A few of his comments were:

• "this casserole tastes nothing like the one my Momma used to make"
• "these biscuits are really dry, nothing like Momma's at all"
• "this cake isn't sweet like the one my Momma used to bake"
• "this coffee is too strong, wish you knew how many scoops Momma used to use"

Finally, "Little Mrs. Sunshine" wondered what she could possibly do that would be JUST LIKE HIS MOMMA USED TO DO so she sent him to his room and gave him a whooping....."JUST LIKE HIS MOMMA USED TO DO!"

Have a wonderful weekend!

This has been a very rewarding week as Denise & Gladys were speakers for Gaston Hospice....."Angels on earth, continuing the compassion"

In addition, the Motivational Makeover for the Medical Practice continued as Denise presented: "Professional Polish"

I also received calls from California & Chicago inviting "US" to speak for conferences in 2011. It's so rewarding when I hear back from the audience to schedule Denise & Gladys. Thank you all so very much! It is my mission to "Make A Difference"

"Teetering Tales"

A patient in the hospital was having terrible problems with diarrhea. After having an accident in his hospital bed and being terribly embarrassed, he decided to wrap the soiled sheets up and throw them out of his hospital window. A "heavily intoxicated man" just happened to be outside and his legs became tangled in the sheets as he staggered down the sidewalk. The security guard had witnessed the entire event but just had to ask, "What is going on here?" The "heavily intoxicated man" said, "well, I'm not real sure but I think I just beat up a ghost!"

"Timing is everything!"

I hope your week was GREAT! What an enjoyable week this was for "us":

Continuing The Motivational Makeover Series for The Medical Practice

Presentation for NC Association of Educational Office Professionals

Lunch with friends & medical managers

"Private Eye" Assessment (mystery patient)

Also this week, I've received invitations to speak for events in NC, SC, Chicago and two events in California, all from people that have heard me speak for other conferences. I am grateful.

In addition, I have been invited to be the guest speaker for Crisis Pregnancy Ministry. I am humbled.

Next week, continuing the Motivational Makeover Series and also speaking for the employees of HOSPICE. My heart goes out to such special caregivers. They pour their love into so many patients and families.....we shall not forget. Thank you so much for your genuine compassion and for "making a difference"

See you soon ~ ~

"Gladys Friday?" ME TOO!!

Enjoy your weekend ~

Denise Price Thomas

aka "Gladys Friday" ~ Healthcare Comedienne

Client list for Denise & "Gladys Friday" include: (two speakers in one)

• The Joint Commission, Patient Safety Conference, Chicago
• AMA Alliance Regional Conference
• NCMS Alliance, Raleigh, NC
• Carolina Foot & Ankle
• Mintview Ob/Gyn, Charlotte, NC
• PAHCOM, Metrolina Chapter
• Allergy Partners, Winston Salem
• Allergy Partners of the Piedmont, Corporate
• NYS BONES Conference,Keynote Speaker, Albany, NY
• The Joint Commission, Ambulatory Care Conference, Chicago
• Nueterra Nurse Leadership Conference, Kansas City
• Southeastern Plastic Surgery
• NC Medical Staff Conference
• Huntersville Ob/Gyn, Huntersville, NC
• NC Oncology Management Society, Wrightsville Beach
• Academic Surgical Administrators Conference, Philadelphia
• Relay for Life, Survivors Birthday Party, Belmont, NC
• Gaston Radiology
• SC Oncology Management Society
• Gaston Memorial Hospital / CaroMont Retiree Reunion
• Fibromyalgia Support Group
• Cardiac Support Group
• Novant Practice Managers, Charlotte, NC
• Presbyterian Hospital, Huntersville, NC
• Healthcare Symposium, PAHCOM, MGMA, Mecklenburg Medical Society, Charlotte, NC
• NC Industrial Commission ~ Workers Compensation Conference, Keynote Speaker,Raleigh, NC
• Hospice
• Gaston County Schools, Teaching & Learning Conference
• American Health Resources, Brockton, Massachusetts
• New England Quality Care Alliance, Braintree, MA.
• First ARP Women's Event, Gastonia, NC
• First Baptist Church, Gastonia, NC
• Calvary
• New Hope Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, NC
• First United Methodist Church, Gastonia, NC
• Union Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, NC
• Sandy Plains Baptist Church, Gastonia, NC
• Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Gastonia, NC
• Patterson Grove Baptist Church, Kings Mountain, NC
• Myers Memorial Methodist Church, Gastonia, NC
• Temple Baptist Church, Gastonia, NC
• First United Methodist Church ~ "Laughter Therapy" ~ Stress Management
• Covenant Village, Gastonia, NC
• Terrace Ridge Assisted Living ~ Healthcare Professionals
• Terrace Ridge Residents
• Rotary Club
• PWA ~ Professional Women's Association
• NC Association of Community College Business Officials
• Gaston Women's Expo
• NC Association of Educational Office Professionals
• Crisis Pregnancy Ministry
• Grand Strand Community Church, Surfside Beach
• and more......

Denise Price Thomas

denisepricethomas@gmail.com

704-747-8699

True Story: Patient requested ~ Patient received

While speaking this week, a patient shared her story with me: She was having trouble going to the potty so she requested suppositories from her physician. Her problems continued so she returned to her doctor. "I've been using those suppositories that you gave me but I'm not having any luck." He said, "I didn't give you any suppositories." She said, "Yes sir, remember my last visit I told you of my trouble & asked you for suppositories?" He said, "yes, but I gave you STOOL SOFTENERS, did you USE them as suppositories?" he asked. She replied, "yes sir I did, AND I gave some to my SISTER!"

It's all about communication. She asked for suppositories. He gave her SOMETHING and she ASSUMED they were suppositories. Remember to say it "two times" for the "two ears" that are listening.....or should be.

Last week was inspiring & energizing! Denise was privileged to be the speaker for The NC Community College Business Officials Conference ~ Atlantic Beach, NC. Great audience, lots of energy, "moocho" fun, terrific DJ & dancing too. Thank you all for such a warm welcome. I've heard from many of you since the conference, thanks so much for keeping in touch.

Then it was on to Surfside Beach, SC to Grand Strand Community Church where I was the speaker(s) for Women's Retreat Weekend ~ Presenting: "Dinner with Modern Day Martha" followed by a visit from "Gladys Friday" delivering large doses of humor.

On Sunday morning, I was privileged to introduce to Grand Strand Community Church ~ "Diane Hart" ~ (the dying heart of a homeless woman) through a musical drama followed by a message on "Choices." Many people have struggles. They may not all come to us dressed as a homeless person but they have problems. Let's remember to keep our hearts wide open, our ears tuned in and our eyes as windows for genuine concern for others. Let's share the JOY, it isn't rationed.

What an experience we had the entire week. From Atlantic Beach, NC to Surfside Beach, SC....THANK YOU ALL ~ Also, thank you for the numerous contacts following my speaking engagements for The Joint Commission's Ambulatory Care Conference in Chicago. I look forward to participating. Thank you so much for the invitations!

What the audience said:

"Powerful!"

"Wonderful speaker!"

"Touched my heart"

"Inspiring"

"Contagious"

"Life changing"

"Motivating!"

and more.....thank you all!

Medical Examiner Call

A second invitation for "Gladys Friday" & Denise Price Thomas brought us back to Chicago to speak for The Joint Commission. Once again, a GREAT GROUP of people truly "Making A Difference" ~ The Joint Commission's Ambulatory Care Conference.

A physician came up to me after my presentation to say that he was previously a Medical Examiner and in the middle of the night one night, he received a call from an intoxicated female with a question: "May I donate my body to medical science?" and the physician said, "Yes mam, you certainly may, but we will need it tonight!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were "traveling" on the big bird from Chicago today, the day of the "breaking news" so security was very tight, which is greatly appreciated! I had the privilege of having my first "xray" at the Chicago airport. I don't think it counts for having a mammogram though....because it was PAINLESS!

We'll always be "Gladys Friday" ~ Have a great weekend ~

Hormones for chickens

"Gladys Friday" has a friend that is a food inspector. He was telling her one night of a certain brand of chicken that is injected with a type of hormone that makes the chicken breasts so large that it breaks their legs. "Gladys" vowed that she would NEVER eat that brand of chicken again. Ever since that day though, she has been calling everywhere and looking for the place to PURCHASE that hormone.....she's hoping it will work on her.

I'm "Gladys Friday" today and hope you are too. Reminder: Women's Expo tomorrow ~ Gladys speaks at 11:20 and 3 pm ~ The Gem @ Ashley, Gastonia, NC. See you there ~

Next week, we will speak again for The Joint Commission Ambulatory Care Conference in Chicago. We are excited to have been invited back by The Joint Commission. See you soon.

Comments following speaking engagements by both Denise & "Gladys"

"The best presentation I have seen yet!"

Will remember most "the positive attitude and smiles on my employees faces"

"AWESOME!"

"Very lively with lots of energy"

"Makes you think about life and how your behavior plays a role in the lives of others"

"Uplifting, you are the greatest!"

"A wonderful speaker, very encouraging and makes a difference"

"Very motivating with real life experiences"

"Previous practice administrator, she knows exactly what she is talking about"

"Fantastic, thank you! I laughed so hard I cried"

"Engaging, funny, entertaining, leaves an impression"

"Can't wait to have you come to our office"

"Denise gets it from both sides of the check in counter"

"Presented in such a way that everyone could relate to it"

She "understands the real world, has experience in the office so she understands ~ great presentation"

"Interesting, knowledgeable and GREAT humor"

"Thank you for caring enough to help others"

Will remember most that "customer service does not have to be hard"

"Energy in the presentation & so many things we can relate to"

"The information is so true & accurate. It is information that is very useful"

"Gladys is hilarious!"

"Positive, upbeat, excellent message! All practices could benefit from your message"

"Reminded me why I do what I do ~ patients are the reason we exist"

"It renewed my desire to have our office provide the best customer service possible"

"Honest, good humor, kind & caring presentation, worthy & meaningful"

"Knowledgeable, she wants to make a difference in providing excellent customer service"

"Entertaining & I can identify with her examples. Applicable!"

"I was able to relate to many concerns going on in my practice today. It's all about the patient."

"Allows me to be more mindful of others"

Denise Price Thomas

704-747-8699

denisepricethomas@gmail.com

Reminder: The Women's Expo this Saturday, October 23, 2010

"Gladys Friday" will be on stage for THE WOMEN'S EXPO this Saturday, October 23, 2010

11:20 am presenting "Health, Hope & A Dose Of Humor"

3:00 pm presenting "Girl Talk With Gladys"

Crowded Exam Room

True Story:

The nurse brought a patient into the exam room handing him a gown and preparing him to be checked for a hernia. A few minutes later, another man joined him in that exam room and took a seat behind the door as they introduced themselves.

The physician came in, introducing himself to both and asked the patient with the gown, "what kind of problem do you have?" The patient said, "I think I have a hernia."

The physician examined the patient and it was found that he did indeed have a hernia and told the patient that he would need to be scheduled for surgery. The physician then turned to the other man and said, "Is this your brother?" and the patient said....."No, I had not met him until now." OOPS!!!

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to The North Carolina Industrial Commission for the invitation to be their keynote speaker this week for the Workers' Compensation Conference, Raleigh, NC. What a great conference it was and a wonderful time we had! 680 people were registered and the Raleigh Convention Center will never be the same since "Gladys Friday" delivered some happy memories.

ANOTHER HUGE THANK YOU to Nueterra Healthcare ~ for the invitation to speak for their Nurse Leadership Conference today here in Kansas City. It is so rewarding to see the care and compassion on the faces and obviously in the hearts of those who take care of our loved ones as patients. THANK YOU ALL for making your position your passion. I am honored for the opportunity allowing me to be a part of your conference today.

I'm so "Gladys Friday" among new friends in Kansas City....."red slippers" and all. Enjoy your weekend ~

Next stop: Speaking for THE JOINT COMMISSION AMBULATORY CARE CONFERENCE, Chicago ~ October 28, 2010

"Live from NY.....it's Friday Night Live with Gladys Friday!"

Well, it's her first time in NY and what a great time she had. The New Yorkers thought "Gladys Friday" had an accent. Her friend Gayle tried to convince the New Yorkers that she and Gladys were from Brooklyn but no one believed it.

"Gladys" just created & released her lyrics to the song "CRAZY"

CRAZY.....I'm crazy for being so homely ~

I'm crazy, crazy for wearing these shoes ~

But I knew, you'd love whenever you wanted ~

Then someday, you'd want me to come visit you ~

Worry, why did I let myself worry ~

Wondering what in the world would I do ~

Crazy for thinking that New York would call me ~

I'm crazy excited....crazy and flying ~

And I'm crazy in love with you ~

©

Good night NEW YORK. Thank you for the wonderful invitation! What a great time!

"Crazy 'bout NY" was written by "Gladys Friday" aka Denise Price Thomas ©

PS ~ Didn't see many doctors....I guess it's because of "The BIG APPLE" ~ keeping them away. Have a wonderful weekend!

Denise Price Thomas

704-747-8699

New hearing aid ~

"Gladys" friend Earl E. Byrd just bought a new hearing aid and was bragging about it to "Gladys". He said, "this thing cost me $4000.00 but it is the Cadillac model, the best you can get!" So "Gladys" asked him, "what kind is it?" Earl said, "it's 3:30, why?"

Have a wonderful weekend! "Listen 4 Laughter" ~ it's all around but can only be heard if you want it found.

"Gladys Friday" will be in NY this week, she's excited to meet her friends and fans.

See you soon ~ ~

Denise Price Thomas

704-747-8699

Note from "Gladys Friday" & Denise Price Thomas:

Thanks you for your encouraging comments as I strive to "make a difference" while renewing, rejuvenating & reenergizing compassion from within those that give so much of themselves to others.

Eye Exam

"Gladys" went for her eye exam this week. Things have really started to change. The first thing the doctor asked was, "have your eyes ever been checked?" "Gladys" quickly responded, "not that I know of, I think they have always been solid blue."

Then "Gladys" had a question for the doctor, "Have you been using that stuff to make your hair grow?" and he said, "Why do you ask?" "Gladys" said, "well, it looks like you've been spilling it in your EARS!"

I would say "she can see clearly now" wouldn't you? He said he didn't need to ever see her again.

Through "Gladys" eyes this week, Denise was privileged to see the joy on so many faces using "Laughter as Therapy" ~ I am so thankful for these opportunities (and so is Gladys)

Speaking for The Professional Women's Association on Wednesday ~ Title: "STRESS MARKS" ~ All "STRESSED UP" and no where to go" We will have fun!

Cheers ~

"Gladys Friday" aka

Denise Price Thomas

denisepricethomas@gmail.com

704-747-8699

"Patient Puppet"

A male patient was taken to the exam room as his wife trailed along behind.

When the doctor came in he asked the patient, "what am I seeing you for today?" There was a female voice coming from the corner saying...."abdominal pain." ~

The physician then asked the patient, "how long have you had this trouble?" the female voice again responded "about 2 months" ~

As the physician pressed on the patient's abdomen he asked, "does this hurt?" once again, the female voice from the corner said, "the pain is more toward the right" ~

Finally, the physician said, "I really think you need to make an appointment with YOUR gynecologist....now let's get back to my PATIENT!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Speaking of "voice" ~ after a speaking engagement recently, someone from the audience asked, "is that your REAL VOICE?" I responded, "yes mam, you can't BUY this voice anywhere!" She said, "well, I'm from upstate NY and I've NEVER heard a more Southern voice" I mentioned that I will be speaking in October in upstate NY and she said, "Honey, they are going to really make fun of you and your accent!" and I said, "no mam, THAT'S WHY they hired me!"

Denise Price Thomas

704-747-8699

"Boomer Cream"

For all "us" baby boomers out there, "Gladys" has opened an ICE CREAM PARLOR just for us.....The Baby Boomer Ice Cream Parlor has many flavors that will heal whatever ails you:

Banana Split Personality (for all you hot flashing women)

Cellulite Smoothie (for the plumping & lifting action that you need)

Blue Mood Enhancing Cream (when you're feeling like you wanna scream!)

Chocolate Fiber Sundae (for the feeling kinda full.......of it)

Wrinkle Eraser (the more you eat, the less wrinkles you'll have)

Memory Enhancer (our mostly forgotten flavor)

Dark Cherry Detox (to rid you of the pits)

"Special of the Day" (is all the leftovers from yesterday....SURPRISE)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle......

Walk in with your walker.....and "run out" with the "trots!"

I'm Gladys Friday, aren't you?

Denise Price Thomas

denisepricethomas@gmail.com

704-747-8699

"Oil Change"

True Story:

This week "Gladys Friday" attended a very important professional meeting. Upon her arrival at home, her husband said....."You have SOMETHING on your rear end!" Coming closer to the WHITE attire, he pulled off a sticker that read:

Next oil change due at 65,000 miles

Now this brings me to the question "what happened to friends that TOLD you when something was so obvious?

I'm just glad the "USE BY" date wasn't on there as well ~

I'm "Gladys Friday" ~ hoping you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

What a fulfilling week it was. Denise presented a drama & performed as "Diane Hart" (dying heart ~ a homeless person) for the Sunday Morning Worship Service at Myers Memorial Methodist Church, followed by the message, "Choices" ~ Matthew 25: 35-40.

Then it was off to Huntersville OB/GYN for an employee presentation & workshop.

"Gladys Friday" entertained for several events. Her 65,000 miles is getting closer!

"Dr. Ben Dover"

"Gladys" took a walk down memory lane this week as she recalled her days of working with a physician by the name of "Dr. Ben Dover". He was a kind and gentle soul.....a gastroenterologist, of course. His wife's name was "Ilene Dover" They got along SOOOO well, he seemed to always be wearing a smile. I guess it was appropriate for their first child to be named "Star Dover" as he looked for every opportunity to "start over."

This part is TRUE: the following dictation was found in a patient's actual record:

"Rectal exam revealed a normal size thyroid" (maybe that's why Dr. Ben Dover retired?!?)

Enjoy your weekend and remember to look for laughs.

"Best Friend Patients"

"Gladys Friday" recently had the privilege to participate in an evaluation & satisfaction survey for a clinic. She was pleased to see each patient being greeted with a smile along with kind and friendly words. Paperwork was quickly updated for every visit and seldom did patients have to wait. In fact, they had very few chairs in the lobby of the busy clinic.

On the way back to the exam room, the personal touch continued and new patients were given a special treat.

Once the physician entered the exam room, you would have thought they were "best friends." "Gladys" had never seen a patient immediately jump into the arms of a physician nor witness a patient lick the physician in the face.....until that day. They were treating each patient "like a dog"~ and tails were wagging all day long.

That was her first experience with the animal clinic. There's lots to learn from that clinic for sure. Oh, and guess what? Each visit was PAID IN FULL by the "guarantor" who actually THANKED the doctor while writing the check.....and smiling! I remember those days in healthcare.

"Gladys" apologizes for her tardiness this week. Her husband had surgery last week giving "Denise & Gladys" a few more stories to come.

We will sign off for now as "Mona Monday" ~ until Friday.

Following doctor's advice ~

My doctor told me this week that due to my age, I should start thinking more about the here after. I told him that I've been doing that for quite some time now. I will go from one room to the next and have to ask myself, "now, what did I come here after?"

He also encouraged me to begin working on my will....so I have started the process and it's a "dead giveaway" for sure ~ but I'm following his advice.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with happy memories laced with lots of laughter & love. Enjoy ~