So much to do, so little time

I have a lot of stuff to do today to get ready for our trip to Edmonton tomorrow. I say "our" because my husband is accompanying me on my business trip for the very first time. It should be interesting. Hopefully we won't wind up in divorce court when we get home. He's never seen me in full work mode crazy on one of these trips. Sometimes it's not a pretty sight.<br /><br />I spent the morning with hubby at the urgent care clinic. He's been sick for 12 days with flu, cough, and now a bad sinus infection. Funny thing, I almost gave him my antibiotics last night. I went to the doctor yesterday for my cough syrup and the doctor insisted on giving me antibiotics even though I protested that I wasn't "that" sick.<br /><br />I filled my prescriptions (including my codeine cough syrup, the nectar of the Gods), but I was determined not to take the antibiotics. Then I woke up this morning feeling sicker than I did when this all started and coughing up all kinds of nasty stuff.<br /><br />Last night I read several articles on phlegm. Yes, I lead an exciting life, reading phlegm articles on a Friday night. The different colors mean different things. Yellowish-green means I'm fighting an infection. I decided maybe the doctor was right and I'm a little sicker than I originally thought, so I took my antibiotics. Hubby had to get his own medicine, thus the urgent care clinic.<br /><br />While I was at the clinicI read a 2008 Good Housekeeping and came across an interesting article. <a href="http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articleghmatch.aspx?cp-documentid=14163239" target="blank">Let Your Heart Break</a> by Geneen Roth. A must read for those of us living under the illusion life will be grand when we're skinny.<br /><br /><br />After the clinic we went out to eat. My husband was starving so he wanted to go to the Blackbear Diner. This place serves massive servings of really good comfort food. It's usually torture for me, but I had eaten a Luna bar while at the clinic and a ton of water. I wasn't really even hungry, which is so odd for me (more proof I must be sick).<br /><br />Here's what my husband ordered, the Southern Scrambler, 1130 calories and 71 grams of fat! It was a concoction of giant biscuits, two eggs, two big sausage patties and smothered in gravy. Honestly, it didn't even appeal to me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ4TFoOnZp9b1m4LUZcSabSGWqzeAjkHKLekbRRGSThUwXnqkeU9ifxAJtjdY0E20A0vUhCJ6ceDKQdfxyxqzAui4E5d0Z1zC0ffXyxMBPeiGHJLw0au5s5w5ZfbwF6s1hYVvrNdjyadj/s1600-h/Big+Bear+Diner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414488180003252482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ4TFoOnZp9b1m4LUZcSabSGWqzeAjkHKLekbRRGSThUwXnqkeU9ifxAJtjdY0E20A0vUhCJ6ceDKQdfxyxqzAui4E5d0Z1zC0ffXyxMBPeiGHJLw0au5s5w5ZfbwF6s1hYVvrNdjyadj/s400/Big+Bear+Diner.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br />Here's what I had, on the "Light" menu. They didn't have the calories for it on their website, my guesstimate is maybe 350. I ate most of the chicken breast which was prepared without oil, but left a couple ounces on my plate. A little of the cottage cheese, about 1/4 cup, and all of the fruit, with black coffee for my beverage.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-EuM9i35fTU2Q5k5urk_TqJdx_-gzhBAKGneyjDiSyv4QEiUyfRiieLKlN3gA9Tq_vBnLjL4Be9B2B1eXzGl61CBmmyqAx7bY_cbDlxPXgInDMazbikOZ1CAB77hx7ZH8vpgOP2Zdjjv/s1600-h/Diana_Lunch.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414488192448207714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-EuM9i35fTU2Q5k5urk_TqJdx_-gzhBAKGneyjDiSyv4QEiUyfRiieLKlN3gA9Tq_vBnLjL4Be9B2B1eXzGl61CBmmyqAx7bY_cbDlxPXgInDMazbikOZ1CAB77hx7ZH8vpgOP2Zdjjv/s400/Diana_Lunch.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><p>Well, I'm off to do the zillion things I need to do before we leave tomorrow morning. Among those things is the gym even though I'm not feeling very Superwomanish today. :)</p>

So much to do, so little time

I have a lot of stuff to do today to get ready for our trip to Edmonton tomorrow. I say "our" because my husband is accompanying m...

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Remembering Names and What to Do When You Forget

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/70/ar5f54f791315q8g0s70.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/70/ar5f54f791315q8g0s70.gif" /></a><br /></div><br />Remembering names is a challenge for many; therefore, most of us need to work a bit harder at being more proficient. Most people tend to forget names because, typically, we are thinking about what we are going to say, rather than listening and concentrating. <br /><br />Try this exercise: As soon as someone makes an introduction, either a self-introduction or paving the way for another, use the person's name immediately and say, "Dr. Doyle. It is a pleasure meeting you, Dr. Doyle." Do this with each person you meet. <br /><br />Next, look closely at this individual. Make an association, perhaps with another person you may know with the same name. Then, make a visual association; visualize him or her as the person with the white teeth or who wears pearls. Ask him to say or pronounce his name again, particularly if he has a challenging or unusual name. In a business situation, ask for a business card. Look at the card, then back at the individual and make another visual association with the individual and his name. Finally, say the person's name again and use it frequently in conversation, which will also make him feel special.<br /><br />People like to hear the sound of their own names. Think about it -- when we hear our name, we perk up, right? You are also sending a message to this individual that you care enough to remember his name, which is a positive reflection on you, personally and professionally. The business tie-in is, what else do you take the time for, go to the trouble of, make the effort to learn about (in advance)? Bottom-line: I trust you; I want to do business with you; I want you to represent my firm.<br /><br /><br />What to do when you forget a name?<br /><br />Here are seven steps to take when you forget someone's name.<br /><br />1. Confess<br />"What's your name again?" would not be appropriate. Try something like, "I am so sorry, I have completely blanked on your name." This said, with sincerity, is appropriate and speaks volumes about you while also demonstrating your genuine interest in knowing who she is and remembering her. As always, it is not what you say, but how you say it.<br /><br />2. Ask 'What is your full name?'<br />The person will respond saying his first and last name. At which point you might say, "Yes, I knew it was 'Bill,' but 'Bill Flynn'"; now you have both. <br /><br />3. Go to a respected third party <br />Ask, "What is the name of the woman in the blue dress?" You may then approach her, greet her by name and be a hero, suggesting you remembered her name.<br /><br />4. Ask for a business card or calling card. <br />Take this opportunity to make yet another visual association.<br /><br />5. Ask him to spell his name. <br />Be careful here. He could say, "J-O-N-E-S. In other words, exactly the way it sounds." This can happen from time to time. It's OK. Others understand and appreciate your effort in trying to know their name. <br /><br />6. Introduce yourself. <br />Approach the other person and say your name, first and last. In business, we should all be conditioned so that when we hear another person say her name, we respond by saying our name, slowly and clearly, so it can be understood and remembered. <br /><br />7. The 'setup'<br />Sending over a trusted friend, colleague or spouse to introduce himself so the individual in question will respond by saying his name is frequently done and is effective. The person who designed this "setup" is then free to confidently approach the person, calling him by name. <br /><br />Finally, knowing that most of us are challenged remembering names, it is everyone's responsibility to be aware of this situation. Recognize the opportunity to help others when it comes to remembering names and using them for introductions and in conversation, which makes others feel valued and special. Everyone's help and participation in making the name game seamless is not only appropriate, but required in order to be an active participant at any event. It will go a long way in terms of being noticed and appreciated. <br /><br />Faux pas<br />Be sure to avoid these common faux pas when remembering someone's name.<br /><br />1. Assuming the familiar<br />Calling someone by her first name without being invited can be detrimental. Err on the side of being more conservative and ask, "How do you prefer to be addressed?" It is an expression and a gesture -- always acceptable and appreciated and never wrong.<br /><br />2. Assuming that 'Suzanne Smith' prefers to be called 'Suzie' or that 'Cristiana Jones' prefers to be called 'Christy.'<br />Once again, "How do you prefer to be addressed?" helps you to earn the right to advance and learn that Elizabeth Jones prefers to be called "Lizzy" or Dr. Jones.<br /><br />Bing: More on how to remember names<br /><br />Video: How to never forget a name<br /><br />By Judith Bowman author of "Don't Take the Last Donut: New Rules of Business Etiquette"and the founder of Protocol Consultants International. She is experienced in protocol education and works with small and midsize companies, offering training, seminars and personal coaching.

Remembering Names and What to Do When You Forget

Remembering names is a challenge for many; therefore, most of us need to work a bit harder at being more proficient. Most people tend to for...

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What Everyone Ought to Know About Nontraditional Education - 4 options for you

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/dd/ar5c3b568j6h5jfqy5dd.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/dd/ar5c3b568j6h5jfqy5dd.gif" /></a><br /></div>When you hear the phrase "nontraditional education," you might not know what to make of it. You might immediately think of unaccredited diploma mills that don't offer much in the way of quality academics, but that's not what nontraditional education is.<br /><br />Traditional education typically refers to community colleges and universities. Nontraditional education is any education that caters to adults or students who choose to earn credit in a manner other than a standard course.<br /><br />The two worlds aren't that far apart, as many nontraditional education opportunities occur in traditional colleges, universities and trade schools. The difference is that these students take a different path to reach their degrees or credentials, and they don't go straight from high school to the dorms to the graduation stage four years later. Some students simply choose different educational avenues, while others are sidelined due to personal circumstances.<br /><br />These students aren't just a tiny fraction of school-goers, either. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 90 million Americans "participate in some form of adult education each year, including training and basic education offered outside traditional higher education." The department also states that 40 percent of American college students are 25 or older.<br /><br />If you don't fit the mold of a "traditional" student and you want to know what other options exist outside of traditional courses, nontraditional education might be the best choice for you. To help you understand what's available, we've put together a list of nontraditional education options and given you some food for thought on each one.<br /><br />Here is what you should know about nontraditional education:<br /><br />Distance learning<br />What it is: Perhaps one of the most widely used forms of nontraditional education is distance learning, which has gained popularity due to the wealth of online courses available. <br />Why you should choose it: Distance learning doesn't require you to be in any specific location as long as you have a computer and the time necessary to complete assignments.<br />Why you shouldn't choose it: The freedom to work at your own pace or on your own time works only if you're a disciplined student.<br />Who offers it: Traditional four- and two-year colleges, online universities.<br /><br />Credit for experience<br />What it is: When adults have spent years working for a business or organization, they can sometimes earn college credit at a university for their experience.<br />Why you should choose it: If your experience translates into lessons taught at a university, and you can prove that you've learned something more than just the task, you could save yourself classroom time and tuition.<br />Why you shouldn't choose it: The chance to opt out of certain courses could mean you lose out on other valuable lessons that you didn't learn at work.<br />Who offers it: Many universities and colleges, although they have a strict set of guidelines for granting credit, so discuss it with an adviser.<br /><br />Standardized exams<br />What they are: Universities offer standardized exams that allow students to skip certain courses and get credit for them if they achieve a certain score.<br />Why you should choose them: For some students, a course in Spanish might be redundant if they are fluent (in both written and spoken forms), so testing out of it would be a wise move.<br />Why you shouldn't choose them: If you know you're proficient in a language or on a certain topic, but also know you have plenty to learn in that area, you might be shortchanging yourself by testing out of the class.<br />Who offers them: Most universities offer a form of test placement, but for which courses and for how much credit varies.<br /><br />GED® Tests<br />What they are: GED (General Educational Development) Tests allow nontraditional students to exhibit command of the subjects and skills found in high school courses.<br />Why you should choose them: GEDs are an excellent opportunity for individuals who did not receive their high school diploma and need one, or the equivalent, either to qualify for a job or to continue with higher education.<br />Why you shouldn't choose them: If you have received your high school diploma, GEDs are not a necessary step toward advancing your education.<br />Who offers them: GED Tests can be taken only at authorized testing centers, but there are testing centers in every state and throughout the world.<br /><br />GED® and the GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education® and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the American Council on Education.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama

What Everyone Ought to Know About Nontraditional Education - 4 options for you

When you hear the phrase "nontraditional education," you might not know what to make of it. You might immediately think of unaccre...

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