Minimum-Wage Jobs Can Start You on a Career Path

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/tt/ar5d0t86h985lg9t56tt.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/tt/ar5d0t86h985lg9t56tt.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Minimum-Wage Jobs Can Start You on a Career Path by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />As of July 24, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, an increase of 70 cents from last year's rate. The change might seem insignificant, but that amount multiplied over 40 hours per week for an entire year would be a welcome boost to anyone's bank account. Now, someone earning minimum wage and working full time will have an annual income of $15,080.<br /><br />Jobs that pay the minimum wage are everywhere, and most of us have held one of these positions at some point in our careers. Both part-time and full-time jobs can pay the minimum wage, and they can be steppingstones toward professional goals or careers in their own rights.<br /><br />Not surprisingly, our culture likes to focus on dollar signs. Look at our entertainment -- "The Hills," "The Real Housewives of [Insert City Here]." We're preoccupied with moving up and on to bigger things, which usually translates into something richer and fancier than we currently have. Perhaps that's why we often overlook the value of minimum-wage jobs. We're quick to forget that minimum-wage jobs are often our first forays into the work force, and they provide paychecks at a time when many people are having difficulty finding employment.<br /><br />Here are some quick facts about the minimum-wage work force, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:<br /><br />- Half of minimum-wage employees are under 25.<br /><br />- Two percent of men paid hourly earn less than the federal minimum wage, while 4 percent of women earn less.<br /><br />- The leisure and hospitality industry has the largest amount of hourly paid employees working at or below the federal minimum wage.<br /><br />We thought we'd highlight some jobs that earn minimum wage. Often, these positions are good starts to professional lives. Each position has its own requirements and can lead to different paths, many of which you probably didn't think of.<br /><br />Note: You or someone you know might have one of these positions and earn well above the minimum wage. Earnings differ by location, employer and experience. Also, some positions can earn the minimum wage plus tips, which can have a substantial effect on total earnings.<br /><br />Here is a sample of jobs that earn the federal minimum wage:<br /><br />Cafeteria attendant<br />What they do: Bus tables, take dirty dishes to the kitchen and make sure enough clean silverware and linens are available in a cafeteria.<br />Training needed: Training varies by employer.<br />Career path: Cafeteria attendants are privy to behind-the-scenes glimpses of dining facilities and might decide to work toward managerial roles in the food industry.<br /><br />Fast food worker<br />What they do: Prepare food and take customers' orders.<br />Training needed: Varies by employer, though good communication skills are a plus.<br />Career path: For workers who interact with customers frequently, their customer service skills are good preparation for sales jobs.<br /><br />Gaming services workers<br />What they do: Assist dealers, managers and supervisors by attending to customer needs.<br />Training needed: Varies by position and employer, but high school diploma and customer service skills are normally required, and possibly a gaming license.<br />Career path: There are several gaming positions that you can be promoted to, and ultimately you could rise to manager or higher.<br /><br />Baggage porters and bellhops<br />What they do: Assist hotel guests with their baggage and take them to their rooms.<br />Training needed: Training varies by employer, but good communication skills are helpful.<br />Career path: Porters and bellhops are often the first entry into the hospitality and resort industry for many workers who go on to be managers.<br /><br />Bartenders<br />What they do: Prepare and serve drinks to patrons.<br />Training needed: Extensive knowledge on drink preparation and excellent customer service skills.<br />Career path: You can make a career out of bartending, but you can also use your knowledge of the bar scene to start your own bar or club.<br /><br />Salary data based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a 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. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Anthony Balderrama is a 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.<br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!) </div>

Minimum-Wage Jobs Can Start You on a Career Path

Minimum-Wage Jobs Can Start You on a Career Path by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer As of July 24, the federal minimum wage is ...

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Rock Your Résumé in Any Situation

Rock Your Résumé in Any Situation by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />Whether you're currently employed, facing a layoff or looking for a job, keeping your résumé up-to-date is always important. In today's economy, however, it's even more vital to have a current copy of your résumé on hand. After all, you never know when an amazing job opportunity -- or pink slip -- might fall into your hands.<br /><br />"You have to be ready to submit your résumé on short notice," says Dustin DeVries, senior director of LEAD DAWG, a job search consulting firm. "Candidates who have taken time to update their résumé may be passed over for another candidate of similar caliber that is ready to go now. You just never know when that opportunity may land in your lap and you have to be ready to act."<br /><br />Updating one's résumé today, however, may not be as easy as it once was. As job losses and layoffs continue to swell, people have to do more with less to enhance their résumés. Job seekers are unsure how to deal with lack of employment, gaps between work, title demotions, less duties and shortened job spans when updating their résumés.<br /><br />Here are some ways to beef up your résumé if it is lacking in any of the following areas:<br /><br />You have a gap between jobs:<br />Depending on the length of the gap, Miriam Salpeter of Keppie Careers, says you should fill in the gap with something you've been doing in your time off. This will show employers you've taken initiative during this period rather than waiting for something to fall into your lap.<br /><br />"Consider getting actively involved in volunteer projects and/or consulting opportunities, even if you do the work for free," Salpeter says. "This will allow you to use your skills in a way that is worth describing on your résumé."<br /><br />You've been laid off:<br />No employer will be surprised see an applicant who's been laid off. Be honest about your departure, DeVries says. "In this economy, it's going to happen. Don't misrepresent that you're still employed by dating your last position as 'to present' if you're not currently with that company. [It's a] red flag if a recruiter sees [you] as currently employed when in fact you've been laid off."<br /><br />You were hired recently but laid off right away due to the economy:<br />Don't leave any employment off your résumé, no matter how short a period you may have worked there. Just don't explain the details on your résumé.<br /><br />"In today's economy, most people will give you the benefit of the doubt that your departure was not a result of your performance," Salpeter says. "Be prepared to discuss it if it comes up in a conversation or interview."<br /><br />You were demoted or had a title change:<br />Titles are just that -- a title. It says nothing about your specific accomplishments and your track record of meeting or exceeding metrics for your organization, DeVries says.<br /><br />"State your title, but focus [on] your achievements for the organization. Any good recruiter or potential employer is going to be most interested in your track record of meeting objectives no matter what your role," DeVries says. "A 'director' of marketing for one company may require something completely different from a 'director' role at another company. Focus on your measurable accomplishments."<br /><br />You went from a senior-level position to a "filler" position at lower level:<br />In this situation, it's critical to include an objective that outlines what type of position you're looking for at the company where you're applying, DeVries says.<br /><br />"If you have to take a 'filler' position between professional positions, you need to include the role but place your focus on the activities you have maintained during that time to remain current in your professional field," he says. Volunteering, professional networking and taking classes are all things that will help keep you current.<br /><br />You're a recent college graduate with little experience:<br />Most people have skills that they don't realize are important résumé builders, Salpeter says. DeVries agrees, saying that experience occurs any time you're gaining insight and perspective in your chosen field. Classes, volunteer experience, internships, leadership activities and professional networking groups are all examples of experience you can incorporate in your résumé.<br /><br />Now that you know how to correct any potentially sketchy parts of your résumé, here are five tips for keeping it up-to-date.<br /><br />1. Keep up with trends<br />"Keep up-to-date with current trends for résumés and online profiles. Be sure that you are highlighting how you stand out and emphasizing what makes you special," Salpeter says.<br /><br />2. Keep a brag book<br />DeVries suggests keeping a log of your performance reviews, coaching reports from managers, sales reports, goal assessments and the like to use as content for your résumé.<br /><br />"You're going to be measured against someone else in most any position you may hold," he says. "Update this list each time you receive an e-mail from your manager or a report from your company. Include achievements applicable to the position to which you're submitting your résumé."<br /><br />Additionally, Salpeter suggests keeping a file of any nice things that supervisors, clients and colleagues say about you, and asking for recommendations on social networking sites like LinkedIn.<br /><br />3. List more than job duties<br />"Listing job duties on your résumé is OK, but include the metrics you were held accountable for and your performance to those goals," DeVries says. "Many people just list the duty but don't include the scale of their accountability and how they performed."<br /><br />4. Always ask for feedback<br />Never stop asking for feedback or critique from colleagues, friends and experts. "You never know what someone may see in your résumé that needs further enhancement or may just need to be eliminated," DeVries says.<br /><br />5. Keep lists<br />In order to keep your résumé up-to-date, you need to keep a running list of your accomplishments and things you've done in the workplace, and add to it regularly, Salpeter says. Keep track of your digital profile, too, and recognize that your digital footprint is an important part of your professional presentation and job search.<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt to look! <a href="http://www.mygvbiz.com/getrich">www.mygvbiz.com/getrich</a> Become an Independent Distributor Today!You can learn more by calling: 712-432-0211 Enter Pin 429281# Hear a recorded message or...Call in to a LIVE CONFERENCE CALL: 212-796-1700 Enter Pin 2120# (11AM or 3PM or 9:30PM Central Time 7 DAYS A WEEK!)

Rock Your Résumé in Any Situation

Rock Your Résumé in Any Situation by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer Whether you're currently employed, facing a layoff or lookin...

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I'm lovin' me some Tulsa

Life is really what you make it. When I was here for work eight years ago I hated Tulsa. I said I never wanted to come back to this little piece of hell.<br /><br />Things have changed. Actually, what's really changed is me. When I was here in 2001 I was over 100 pounds overweight. The heat made me miserable. Worse than the heat was that I hated being in a lab all day with young, really smart guys. They made me feel old and ugly and stupid. Every night I'd go back to my hotel room and dread the next day. I'd drive to fast food places and buying two or three hamburgers and then drive to a grocery store and stock up on cookies and candy.<br /><br />This visit couldn't be more different than my 2001 visit. I'm actually having fun. I'm enjoying working with the young guys, talking to them and getting to know them as we work towards getting our software certified.<br /><br />I'm much more outgoing this time. Last time I didn't even try to talk to any of them. I just wanted to crawl in a hole and be invisible. I was ashamed of how I looked, I thought they probably thought I was fat, stupid and lazy. Whether they did or didn't it doesn't really matter. It was what I thought of myself.<br /><br />Last time the coworker that I came here with didn't do a thing with me. I was certain he had a fat phobia, didn't want to be seen with a fat girl, someone might mistake me for his wife. Heaven forbid that would happen. Ironic twist on that is that his wife has gained over 80 pounds and he recently confided in me on how he could help her lose the weight.<br /><br />This time I'm seeing the sights every night, hitting the gym every morning (LOVE the gym that's just down the road - beautiful!). I'm also going out to lunch and dinner with my coworker (he's also a good friend), and someitmes with the vendor. We're having a great time. Yup, loving Tulsa this time.<br /><br />Note: I have lots of pictures from my Fairbanks trip and already a bunch from Tulsa, but my work laptop won't take a Sony Memory Stick and I forgot the cord to connecto the camera to the laptop. Sorry, pictures when I get back home.

I'm lovin' me some Tulsa

Life is really what you make it. When I was here for work eight years ago I hated Tulsa. I said I never wanted to come back to this little p...

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Atelier "Sit'Utilises tu trouves"

<BR><br />L'atelier <strong>Sit'Utilises tu trouves</strong> mis en place par la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'orléans débutera en août 2009.<br /><br />Cet atelier gratuit propose aux usagers de <strong>prendre connaissance des sites utiles à la recherche d'emploi ou de formations</strong>.<br />Par ailleurs, il permet de maximiser les chances de trouver un emploi par le biais d'Internet grâce à la réalisation de profil sur divers sites, et le dépôt de candidature en ligne.<br />Cet atelier réalisé en petit groupe permet un réel accompagnement dans la démarche de recherche par Internet (groupe de 2 à 3 personnes).<br /><br /><strong>Public concerné</strong> : Public connaissant les bases de l'informatique et d'Internet et souhaitant optimiser leur technique de recherche en ligne.<br /><br /><strong>Animation</strong> : Maison de l'Emploi<br /><br /><strong>Date</strong> : Toutes les semaines, le vendredi après-midi de 13h30 à 16h30<br /><br /><strong>Lieu</strong> : Maison de l’Emploi du bassin d’Orléans<br /><br />Pour en savoir plus et pour s'inscrire, prendre contact avec la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans : 02 38 24 18 03 ou <a href="mailto:accueil@news-these-days.fr">accueil@news-these-days.fr</a><br /><BR>

Atelier "Sit'Utilises tu trouves"

L'atelier Sit'Utilises tu trouves mis en place par la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'orléans débutera en août 2009. Cet ate...

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Tulsa baby!

Okay, so Tulsa isn't quite the same as Las Vegas. It's Sunday at 10:30 a.m.and we're finally here.<br /><br />Yesterday was a whirlwind with a four-hour hotel stay in Dallas during our seven hour layover. I've had a total of five hours of sleep the last two nights. I'm definitely running on adrenaline right now (and coffee, lots of coffee). I'm suppose to be napping, but I can't sleep (maybe it was the coffee?).<br /><br />Like an idiot I checked my carry on bag and my suitcase, so I basically have nothing but my laptop and my purse. Luckily the Woodland-Hills mall is right across the street. If my bags don't come I'm going shopping. We checked in a full hour before our flight and then it was delayed a half hour. I'm not sure what happened to my bags but hopefully they'll be in on the next flight at 2:30pm.<br /><br />Staying good on the food. Not hard to do when I didn't bring any food and I'm traveling with a guy that really watches his weight and works out a lot. He also doesn't eat much. He's the one that's always telling me it's mind of matter when it comes to food. I wish it was that easy for me.<br /><br />No dinner last night, but we had the Continental breakfast in the hotel when we got here. Scrambled eggs, banana, English muffin with strawberry jam, a non-fat, sugar-free yogurt and a cup of milk. A whopping 10 Points, but since no dinner last night I was starving! <br /><br />Okay, off for a little nap, then the mall opens noon and I'm buying some shorts, tank top and sandals. Then we're off to float down the Illinois River, thanks to <a href="http://only260lbstogo.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Amy's</a> great advice. Check out Amy's website because she's done an amazing job losing weight.<br /><br />Off to bed now. Suddenly I'm so exhausted I can barely sit here.<br /><br /><a href="http://only260lbstogo.blogspot.com/" target="blank"></a>

Tulsa baby!

Okay, so Tulsa isn't quite the same as Las Vegas. It's Sunday at 10:30 a.m.and we're finally here. Yesterday was a whirlwind wit...

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Where To Get Your Car Fixed In Fallon

The story actually began last Saturday while we were driving the diocesan chariot from Carson City to Tahoe for the Frensdorff Lodge dedication. A thin strip of metal running from bottom to top along the driver’s side edge of the windshield separated slightly from the glass and frame. A long rubber string shot out from beneath the strip of metal. It began flagellating the driver’s side window like a guilt-ridden monk with impure thoughts.<br />On our way back to Carson, the metal separated further. The rubber flagellant was going berserk by the time we got down the hill. Fortunately, I did not live in Georgia for 18 years without learning what to do in such a situation. We went straight to Raley’s for duct tape. A bit of tape and all was well the rest of the weekend.<br />But today, at the highway speeds of I-80, on the way from Reno to Fallon, the tape broke loose. By the time we could get to the Pilot Travel Center in Fernley, the metal strip fell plumb off. But I knew what to do. More duct tape. Multiple long cross splices like debriding an incision. 3 long strips from the base of the windshield up onto the roof. Then more cross strips to hold it all in place. It worked like a charm all the way to Fallon.<br />There I attended a hard but productive meeting, got in the car at 4:00 p.m. and inexplicably but providentially turned on my lights. A senior citizen on a bicycle swerved over beside my still stationary car to tell me I had a headlight out.<br />I located the nearest garage – which shall remain nameless – and arrived there at 4:30 only to be told all the mechanics had gone home for the day, and no one in Fallon would be willing to help. But, the dour cashier was kind. She called blessed Dave’s Automotive and said, “You wouldn’t be able to fix a headlight would you? That’s what I thought.” But the person on the other end of the line wouldn’t let her off that easy. They wanted to see the headlight, even though they were closing at 5:00.<br />It was 4:40 when I got to Dave’s. Their cashier Vicki promptly took my keys and said, “We’ll see what we can do.” A bulb would have been easy, but it required a part which came from a parts store right beside the first garage I tried – the one which shall remain nameless. Vicki ordered the part at 4:55 and Ross the tall, raw boned, rough hewn mechanic waited outside in the sun for the delivery. I went outside and waited with Ross. We had a good talk. He told me about his family in Fallon and Chico, and asked me what I do. I explained my peculiar vocation. Eventually, the part arrived – considerably later than it should have. There was a glitch at the auto parts store.<br />At 5:20 Vicki wrote out my bill, $30.12. So, if you ever need help with your car in Fallon, Nevada, don’t waste time elsewhere. Go straight to Dave’s Automotive in the big blue building next to the bigger blue building which is the Goodyear Tire Store. It’s on the street that is really Hy 50 on the East Side of town. They are a good outfit.

Where To Get Your Car Fixed In Fallon

The story actually began last Saturday while we were driving the diocesan chariot from Carson City to Tahoe for the Frensdorff Lodge dedicat...

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Life goes on

Thank you for all your very kind comments yesterday. I really appreciated it during my little breakdown. I agree with everything you said. I've come a long way in the past 18 months, and I'm much happier now than I was when I started this journey.<br /><br />I still struggle with food at times, and sometimes it seems unbearable. Yesterday was one of those times.<br /><br />Today I feel better, stronger, like I can handle this. It's okay, life will go on. I won't gain back everything (one of my greatest fears), and I will get to goal. Eventually.<br /><br />Speaking of life...<br /><br />It's 3 a.m. Saturday, and I can't sleep. I have a million things to do before I leave for Tulsa this afternoon, and I can't shut my brain off. I slept about three hours last night.<br /><br />Yesterday was frantic to say the least. There was one emergency after another with our Tulsa vendor. The trip was on, the trip was off, the trip was on again, off again, and finally it was decided we're going regardless if things are perfect or not. This next week will be a challenge.<br /><br />Today I have things to do for work, things for the trip, personal things like a manicure/pedicure. I haven't even unpacked my suitcase from my Fairbanks' vacation. Laundry, shopping for a few things, changing around some of the reservations. Of course my number one priority is the gym. My flight leaves at 6 p.m.<br /><br />It's going to be a crazy day/night, with a 7-hour layover in Dallas tonight. We have hotel reservations in Dallas but we'll barely be able to get to the hotel before we have to leave again for the airport. Fun times traveling space available as an airline employee on business. Who knew the whole world wanted to go to Tulsa this weekend.<br /><br />I plan on blogging while in Tulsa. I'll have a laptop and internet access. My coworker, who is also a good friend, wants to see the sights of Tulsa. Looking online it doesn't exactly look like the most exciting city. I'm sure there's something to do, maybe a museum or the movies and of course, eating out. I'm actually taking my scale with me. I know, crazy, but I weigh every day and get a little weirded out if I can't. It'll keep me honest when I eat out.<br /><br />We also have access to a brand new gym across the street from the hotel. My coworker is a big gym rat and he's already agreed to hitting the gym every day with me.<br /><br />Yes, life does goes on, even when I have little mental breakdowns over my weight. I guess since I can't seem to stop this merry-go-round, I'll just enjoy the ride.

Life goes on

Thank you for all your very kind comments yesterday. I really appreciated it during my little breakdown. I agree with everything you said. I...

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The constant battle

I feel like I'm in the fight of my life with my weight, and I'm not winning. I'm constantly worrying about what I'm eating. Am I eating too much? Did I get enough protein? Did I get in at least some of the healthy eight? Did I drink enough water? Did I lose? Did I gain? How much do I weigh? What can I do to do better? It's making me insane.<br /><br />Other people that have been doing this as long as me have it all figured out. There's <a href="http://mepschronicles.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Mary</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g" target="blank">Lynn</a> and <a href="http://theantijared.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Tony</a> and <a href="http://tjsweigh.blogspot.com/">TJ</a> and many others. They all get it. They know what to do and they do it. I know what to do, and I don't do it. What is different in their brain than my brain? Why can't I do this?<br /><br />If I sound exasperated and frustrated and angry with myself, well, it's because that's how I feel today. Every day I attempt to get this right and every day I fail.<br /><br />My weight this morning is 163.4. Not where I want to be. Obviously, I don't have the answers. If you do, please tell me the secret. Because I sure as hell can't seem to figure it out.

The constant battle

I feel like I'm in the fight of my life with my weight, and I'm not winning. I'm constantly worrying about what I'm eating. ...

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Ministry In Nevada: Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow

Last Saturday was a lovely homecoming at the shore of Lake Tahoe. We dedicated the Frensdorff Lodge before a crowd of over 100 people, including Wes's family and the staff and colleagues who serve with him here in that golden age of Nevada ministy. We heard warm reminiscences of Bishop Wes and Dee. It was an honor and a joy to be with all that gathered family of faith. This is what Church really is. You won't find the Church in rules or dogmas. Church is the Holy Spirit incarnate in human lives like these.<br /><br />Then it was off to St. Peter's, Carson City to ordain Kim Morgan and Mike Patteson to the transitional diaconate. What a head snap -- from Nevada's past to Nevada's future! Traditon -- traditio -- handing on. The saga continues. Praise God.<br /><br />The next morning was all about ministry here and now. We had a liturgical extravaganza at St. Peter's with a raft of confirmations and receptions, plus a baby blessing. St. Peter's not only does exciting, innovative liturgy -- the best educational programs this side of Trinity, Wall Street -- and upscale fellowship -- St. Peter's does first rate creative ministry in the community. Circles of Support doesn't just put bandaids on poverty; it helps people break free of poverty's hold. And St. Peter's is a leader in Food For Thought. They feed low income students in their public school. This is precisely the kind of partnership with schools endorsed by General Convention, the kind of partnership we are seeing develop around the diocese. My heart is full with joy at what the good people of St. Peter's are doing, thanks to God, and also thanks to the leadership of Fr. Jeff Paul who has been God's agent of change in Carson City.

Ministry In Nevada: Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow

Last Saturday was a lovely homecoming at the shore of Lake Tahoe. We dedicated the Frensdorff Lodge before a crowd of over 100 people, inclu...

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It's official, I'm on a D-I-E-T!

Call it what you want, lifestyle change seems to be the most popular term for losing weight these days, but for me, it's a DIET. I've been screwing around for months with this, up and down the same eight to ten pounds. Right now I'm up to 163. I put on my size 10 slacks this morning, the ones that run a little small but fit perfectly a couple months ago when I weighed 154. They zipped up okay, but my tummy sticks out. Even when I suck it in it still sticks out.<br /><br />Next week I'm in Tulsa for re-certification of our software that's used at common use airports. I'll be working with several software engineers that I've been emailing and talking to on the phone for several months. These guys are smart, really smart. I'm not. I'm not an idiot, but I'm not a true geek when it comes to computers. I can get by okay, but I'm kind of a fake when it comes to being a software engineer. I'm the project manager on this project, not actually doing any coding, but it's assumed that I understand the coding and all the moving parts.<br /><br />So what does this have to do with me losing weight? Everything! My self-confidence is directly linked to my weight. When I feel fat, I feel stupid. I know that probably doesn't make sense to most people, but it's how my brain works. I guess I can fake the smart thing better when I feel like I look good. I don't know if it's me or if it's how other people treat me, but when I feel confident in my looks, I feel smarter. It makes absolutely no sense as I write this, but it really is how I feel.<br /><br />My immediate plan is to shed five pounds by Monday (4 days), when I have to be in the Tulsa office of our vendor. Before you all get crazy and tell me that's unrealistic to lose five pounds in four days, I know some of my weight is water weight. I've been eating a lot of salt lately. Putting salt on my food, eating lots of Seasonsed RyKrisp (very salty), so I'm pretty sure I can drop at least a couple pounds of water.<br /><br />Goal for today:<br /><br /><strong>Workout</strong> - 40 minutes cardio & 1 hour weights (done at 5 a.m. this morning)<br /><strong>Eat maximum of 24 Points today</strong> - this will be tough, but I'm going to give it my best shot.<br /><strong>Drink a ton of water - 64 oz. minimum</strong> - with ice - lots and lots of water<br /><strong>Embrace the hunger</strong> - something I haven't been doing for months. It's something I have to do to lose weight. It's a fact of life for me.<br /><strong>Smile</strong> - it's not that bad. The results will be worth it.<br /><br /><strong>Lucy</strong><br />She went home last night, but it wasn't a total happy ending. The family is really nice and were happy to see her, but they told me Lucy belongs to their 18-year old daughter who is leaving for college next month. They need to find a home for Lucy. Someone that has the time and energy to take care of her and give her the attention she deserves.<br /><br />Unfortunately, that's not me right now. I work a lot and travel a lot for work and spend about two hours a day at the gym. My husband hates big dogs (long story), but I love them. I love all dogs. Anyway, she's home, safe in her big back yard. They promised me they wouldn't give her to anyone and they're definitely not taking her to the animal shelter. Funny thing, she and I bonded in just two days. I practically cried when I handed her over to them and then she ran back to me wagging her tail like crazy and tried to knock me over again. I really hope they find a good home for her. She deserves the best.

It's official, I'm on a D-I-E-T!

Call it what you want, lifestyle change seems to be the most popular term for losing weight these days, but for me, it's a DIET. I'v...

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Lucy is going home!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKT0kE6CDyA0FpfLBdKBblFLJWL7Qpq0Seq8_6KYC6GFZt_PDZDTAszcgZkp4BKnhaEiqNWjaJXo2QzqatukXmnzDhyhcGXVC2Dj_pgRz38KR3yrW3uS2tf6DxFhwkabjnKC6yoIG2lLZf/s1600-h/lucy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363973618909394658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKT0kE6CDyA0FpfLBdKBblFLJWL7Qpq0Seq8_6KYC6GFZt_PDZDTAszcgZkp4BKnhaEiqNWjaJXo2QzqatukXmnzDhyhcGXVC2Dj_pgRz38KR3yrW3uS2tf6DxFhwkabjnKC6yoIG2lLZf/s400/lucy.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div>Woohoo! I found the owner of the black lab. It took a bit of detective work, but I was able to track him down.<br /><br />I called the Humane Society this morning, where she was adopted (AVID told me). They wouldn't give me the exact address, but said it was in the 2200 block of a street that's two blocks from my street. Best of all, they gave me the phone number that AVID had and when they called no one answered. AVID said the number must be bad and refused to give it to me.<br /><br />I kept calling it all morning and no one answered, not even an answering machine, until about ten minutes ago. Finally someone picked up. He said they were worried sick about her getting onto the busy street two blocks from my house.<br /><br />Her name is Lucy. Tonight Lucy gets to go home.</div>

Lucy is going home!

Woohoo! I found the owner of the black lab. It took a bit of detective work, but I was able to track him down. I called the Humane Society t...

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Tired to the bone

I don't usually write about the weather, but come on, 100 degrees in Seattle today! That's newsworthy. Thank God I let my husband intall three monster room air conditioners this year (at $500 a piece). I told him it was a waste of money and crazy and a bit white trashy to have window air conditioners. Who knew there would be a record heat wave this year.<br /><br />Luckily I work in an air conditioned office, have an air conditioned car and now our home is basically air conditioned (kitchen, family room, bedroom).<br /><br />So why am I tired to the bone? I sleep well, but wake up exhausted. It's a cool 67 degrees in our bedroom at night, just the way I like it (hubby says it's too cold). I even blew off my workout this morning. My excuse: I was too freaking tired to get up at 4:30 a.m.<br /><br />I haven't even unpacked my suitcase from my vacation last week and need to repack for my next trip. I'm leaving on Sunday for a week in Tulsa (work). Just the thought of getting on another plane makes me crawl off to a cave somewhere and hibernate for the summer.<br /><br />I'm going to walk the dog tonight (the found dog), and post some more signs for her. She's not leash trained although she can sit and shake hands. She loves to have her belly rubbed too. No, I am NOT keeping her although she's a really sweet dog. She acts like she's never been on a leash in her life. Since she's about five years old, that's kind of strange. That will be my workout today, the dog walking me. Basically that what it's like, her pulling me down the street. Unless her owner calls for her today or I can get more information from AVID.<br /><br />I have one goal today, limit my eating and track my food. Also, attempt to get in the healthy eight eating guidelines. Surely I can accomplish this, at least for one day.<br /><br />If only I wasn't so darn tired. All I can think about is how much I want to sleep.

Tired to the bone

I don't usually write about the weather, but come on, 100 degrees in Seattle today! That's newsworthy. Thank God I let my husband in...

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I am not the dog whisperer

She's a black lab mix, big as a horse and strong as an ox, and she has that big goofy, sweet lab personality. She showed up on our front steps yesterday afternoon. We live two blocks from a busy street. If she got on that street I knew she would be a dead doggie. What else could I do but bring her into our fenced backyard? It was really a no-brainer.<br /><br />I posted 15 signs in the neighborhood at 5 a.m. No calls. I've listed her as a found dog with the Humane Society and Pet Finder.<br /><br />I took her to the vet tonight and had her scanned for a microchip. I literally jumped for joy when they said she had an AVID microchip. Then my heart sank when AVID called the contact numbers and came back on the line and said one number was disconnected and the other had no answer. They promptly gave up. I begged then for the owner's name. I'm a pretty good detective and there are ways of finding people. Something about a privacy rule.<br /><br />I wrote AVID tonight and told them what I thought about their stupid rule. I want the owner's name and the phone number that doesn't get answered. I also listed her on the AVID website as a found pet.<br /><br />After I got her home from the vet, I made sure she had plenty of water and food. Then she promptly wrapped the cable she's hooked to around my ankles and knocked me to the ground. I got so wound up in the cable that I thought my feet might get amputated at the ankles.<br /><br />She jumped on me, trying to lick me to death. I thought I was never going to get up. I was rolling around on the ground trying to get to my feet. She kept wagging her tail back and forth in a crazy frenzy, smacking me in the face, and pushing me back to the ground. I was sure she was going to knock out my front teeth with her antics. I'm strong, but she's stronger. Crazy, stupid, sweet dog.<br /><br />Moral of this story...if your pet is microchipped make sure your contact information is current. Old phone numbers that don't work aren't going to reunite you and your pet. I'll keep searching for her owner. I know someone misses her. She's a character and a sweetie. She deserves to go back to her people. And no, I'm not keeping her. I'm going to find her owner.<br /><br /><strong>Diet and exercise</strong><br />On the diet front, struggling big time. After nine days of an eating frenzy it's damn hard to get back in control. Good workouts yesterday and today, but my eating sucks. Nothing really bad, just too much of the healthy stuff. Same old story.

I am not the dog whisperer

She's a black lab mix, big as a horse and strong as an ox, and she has that big goofy, sweet lab personality. She showed up on our front...

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Suspension de certains ateliers au mois d'août 2009

<BR><br />Les ateliers <strong>CV</strong>, <strong>"Lettre de motivation"</strong> et <strong>"Préparation à l'entretien"</strong> seront suspendus durant tout le mois d'août 2009.<br /><br />En revanche, les ateliers <strong>"Recherche d'emploi sur internet"</strong> sont <strong>maintenus</strong> tous les jeudi matin de 10h à 12h.<br /><br />Pour s'inscrire, contacter la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans : 02 38 24 18 03 ou <a href="mailto:accueil@news-these-days.fr">accueil@news-these-days.fr</a>.<br /><BR>

Suspension de certains ateliers au mois d'août 2009

Les ateliers CV , "Lettre de motivation" et "Préparation à l'entretien" seront suspendus durant tout le mois d'...

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Back from vacation, and I have no regrets

I got home around 11 p.m. last night, but didn't get to sleep until almost 1 a.m. Lots of catching up with the hubby last night/this morning. Turns out he really missed me while I was gone for nine days. I should do solo vacations more often. Right now I'm exhausted. The typical I need a "vacation to recoup from my vacation" story.<br /><br />I had a really great time in Alaska, I always do. Did lots of stuff, lots of visiting with everyone, and lots of pictures (about 500 pictures--gotta love a 2GB memory stick). I'll post the pictures later, right now I'm late for work.<br /><br />No exercise to speak of except swimming every day, but not swimming for exercise. It was swimming for fun, mostly playing with the kids or floating around on an inflatable chaise lounge. Even though it was 75-80 degrees all week, the water temperature was 68-70 degrees, which is very cold. Every time I got in the water it took my breathe away. The only way to stay warm was to keep moving, so I got a little exercise.<br /><br />I weighed this morning, and I'm up to 163.4. I thought I had gained a lot more because it turned out to be an eating frenzy week. When you have kids around, there's a lot of junk food. Plus lots of family dinners with tons of food, and two Sunday brunches at the best brunch <a href="http://www.pikeslodge.com/pikes-landing.html" target="blank">place</a> in town. The brunch included 18 feet of desserts, and I had one of each. I just couldn't resist all the temptation.<br /><br />Today is back to work and back to healthy eating, counting Points and exercise. Also a detox from the sugar. I think I ate more sugar last week than I have in the last year.<br /><br />Even though it was fun eating all kinds of good food (Tillamook Udderly Chocolate is my new favorite ice cream), I'm glad to be home and back in control of what I eat. The next couple of days will be tough, but once I get through them it'll just be part of my routine again.<br /><br />I have no regrets.

Back from vacation, and I have no regrets

I got home around 11 p.m. last night, but didn't get to sleep until almost 1 a.m. Lots of catching up with the hubby last night/this mor...

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Planning des permanences - Semaine du 3 au 7 août 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" ></span></strong> </h2><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences</span></strong></h2><br /></p><ul><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 3 août de 9h à 12h30<br />- le mardi 4 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 5 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le jeudi 6 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le vendredi 7 août de 13h30 à 17h</li></ul><br /><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Recherche d'emploi sur internet</span> - vendredi 7 août de 10h à 12h<br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 7 août de 13h30 à 16h30<br /></li></ul>

Planning des permanences - Semaine du 3 au 7 août 2009

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 3 ao...

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Planning des permanences - Semaine du 27 au 31 juillet 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" ></span></strong> </h2><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de gestion</a><br /></strong>- lundi 27 juillet de 13h30 à 17h<br />- vendredi 31 juillet de 9h à 12h30</li></ul><p><br /></p><ul><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le mardi 28 juillet de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 29 juillet de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le jeudi 30 juillet de 13h30 à 17h,</li></ul><br /><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 28 juillet de 9h30 à 12h30<br /><li><strong>Lettre de motivation</strong> - mardi 28 juillet de 13h30 à 16h30<br /><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Recherche d'emploi sur internet</span> - jeudi 30 juillet de 10h à 12h<br /></li></ul>

Planning des permanences - Semaine du 27 au 31 juillet 2009

Permanences Boutique de gestion - lundi 27 juillet de 13h30 à 17h - vendredi 31 juillet de 9h à 12h30 Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera pr...

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Planning des permanences - Semaine du 20 au 24 juillet 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de gestion</a></strong> - vendredi 24 juillet de 9h à 12h30<br /><br /></li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 21 juillet de 9h30 à 12h30<br /><li><strong>Lettre de motivation</strong> - mardi 21 juillet de 13h30 à 16h30<br /><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Recherche d'emploi sur internet</span> - jeudi 23 juillet de 10h à 12h<br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 23 juillet de 13h30 à 16h30</li></ul>

Planning des permanences - Semaine du 20 au 24 juillet 2009

Permanences Boutique de gestion - vendredi 24 juillet de 9h à 12h30 Ateliers CV - mardi 21 juillet de 9h30 à 12h30 Lettre de motivation -...

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Pastoral Letter To Nevada Episcopalians

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the 76th Convention of the Episcopal Church is drawing to a close. It has been a benchmark in our common life, the beginning of an exciting new stage in our mission. So many things were accomplished.<br /><br />Among the most important were: The adoption of the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation. This charter gives structure and encouragement for our efforts in the Frensdorff School. It marks the Christian life as one of ongoing learning and commits the church to being a learning community.<br /><br />We endorsed parish partnerships with local schools. Nevada’s developing partnership with Communities in Schools puts us on this track already. It is not acceptable that only 44% of our Nevada children graduate from high school. We can do better.<br /><br />Several bold steps were taken to strengthen evangelism. The most important for Nevada is a process for training and licensing lay evangelists. I hope every Nevada congregation will have a licensed lay evangelist soon and that they will form a dynamic network for sharing the gospel of Jesus with our neighbors.<br /><br />We formed a Provincial Partnership with the Church in Brazil, set up a plan for shared mission projects with Anglican churches in the Americas, and strengthened the program of companion diocese relationships. Nevada presently does not have such a relationship but we are negotiating a partnership with the Diocese of Santiago in the Philippines. This is a more important way of being a Communion than formal mechanisms and institutional structures that do not have the human ties of diocese to diocese and parish to parish bonds.<br /><br />We provided pensions for lay employees, reduced our health insurance costs, reformed the disciplinary process, and passed a budget against all odds.<br /><br />We had some opportunities to depart from the traditional faith of the church. There were resolutions deleting the word “virgin” from descriptions of Mary in our prayers and authorizing alternative forms of the Baptismal Covenant. We did not do these things. The bishops and deputies were emphatically orthodox.<br /><br />But none of this, or the many other important and constructive things we did at Convention, will capture the headlines. The journalists are exclusively interested in our actions dealing with the inclusion of partnered gay and lesbian couples in the life of the Church. We passed two such resolutions. I voted for both of them. Some of you may think we went too far. Others may think we did not go far enough. That is perfectly ok. As Episcopalians, we are free to hold different beliefs about issues of doctrine. I am not trying to convince you that we were right. But I do want you to know and to understand what we did and what we did not do.<br /><br />Some people want to interpret the resolutions one way; some, another. There is some ambiguity that is open to interpretation. We are after all Anglicans and that’s how Anglicans talk. But there are reasonable limits on fair interpretation. I want to tell you how I see these resolutions. You may want them to be a great step forward. I do not want you to be disappointed if they do not live up to raised expectations. You may think they are the worst thing we’ve done ever. I do not want you to be more distressed than necessary. These are definitely resolutions intended to affirm and include gay and lesbian persons, but I do not believe they are as great a change as they appear in the newspapers, let alone the blogs. So let me tell you about these two resolutions.<br /><br />The resolution pertaining to ordination begins with an extensive statement of our commitment to the Anglican Communion. That takes up at least half the resolution. It then says two more things: First, it acknowledges that God has in the past called partnered gay and lesbian persons into all of the orders of ministry, and that they have served us faithfully. Second, it acknowledges that God may call such persons in the future and we do our discernment of calls in accordance with the canons of our church.<br /><br />How does this change things? With regard to the ministries of laity, priests, and deacons, not at all. The possible change would be about bishops. But just how much of a change is there for potential bishops? Less than the newspapers suggest. In 2006, the General Convention asked those involved in calling bishops to use “restraint” in consecrating bishops whose “manner of life” might be contrary to the values of other parts of the Anglican Communion. I am paraphrasing. “Manner of life” was understood to mean partnered gay bishops. The consecration of such persons was not banned. The 2006 Resolution was a call for restraint as part of the discernment.<br /><br />Resolutions to repeal that restraint policy were considered and rejected before ever reaching the floor of Convention. The new resolution does not explicitly repeal the call for restraint. It merely says that we do our discernment process in accordance with our own canons, as we have always done. Gay and lesbian people were not excluded from the discernment process, even for the episcopacy, even after 2006. Some journalists have portrayed the situation as if gay and lesbian persons were excluded from the discernment process before and now the gates have been thrown open. For better or worse, the shift in this resolution is not so dramatic.<br /><br />The second resolution on same sex relationships also says two things: The first part is purely pastoral. Every resolution of the Episcopal Church mentioning homosexual persons since the early 1980’s has called upon the clergy to offer them pastoral care. The duty to afford pastoral care to gay and lesbian persons has been affirmed by the Lambeth Conference, the Windsor Report, and the Primates of the 39 Anglican Provinces. Every one of our clergy has taken vows to extend such care to “all” our people. So the principle is well established.<br /><br />This Resolution notes that there has been a recent wave of law making and law changing concerning these relationships –some laws allowing gay marriage, some laws allowing civil unions, and other laws banning such unions. This new legal situation presents new pastoral challenges to which we must respond. The resolution says bishops “may” – not “must” but “may” – offer a “pastorally generous response.” What that means depends on the situation, the context, and the judgment of the bishop. The New York Times says it means blessing civil unions. But I never heard any bishop, liberal or conservative, define it that way. It could mean a special ritual or a prayer or a phone call. It’s up to the bishop. Pastoral generosity is not defined.<br /><br />The second part of the resolution deals with developing theological and liturgical resources for same sex unions. There was no decision to authorize gay marriage or bless same sex unions. We worked with the language of the Resolution the best we could to make it clear that there is not a decision on that hard question. This Resolution requests the Liturgy and Music Commission to compile and develop theological and liturgical resources so that if and when we consider that issue in the future, we will have some examples to look at.<br /><br />In 2006, we passed a resolution calling for restraint in “authorizing the blessing of same sex unions” until there has been time for an international conversation on the issue. We have exercised restraint for three years and will continue to exercise restraint while that conversation continues. That does not mean no one anywhere will ever bless a same sex union. The Primates have recognized some leeway for conscience in these matters. Well before General Convention, I assured our clergy that no one in Nevada would be disciplined for following their conscience on this question. That is still the case. The new resolution calls for pastoral generosity on the part of bishops. I hope I was already pastorally generous to all of our people and will try to always be so.<br /><br />I hope and pray that we will respect each other’s feelings and values in these matters. We are called to love one another, not to agree with one another. In the Diocese of Nevada, we are exceptional at knowing where we stand and letting our neighbor do likewise. But not everyone is so mature. There may well be dissension in other dioceses and internationally. While this Convention was by a county mile the most harmonious Episcopal gathering in recent memory, we usually have some post-Convention uproar. So I ask you to hold the entire Anglican Communion in prayer as we come to terms with the aftermath of General Convention. Please pray also for one another and for the success of our new mission and ministry ventures for the sake of the gospel of Jesus here in Nevada.<br /><br />May God bless you richly and keep you in holy peace.<br /><br />Dan Edwards<br />Tenth Bishop of Nevada<br />This 15th Day of July, 2009

Pastoral Letter To Nevada Episcopalians

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the 76th Convention of the Episcopal Church is drawing to a close. It has been a benchmark in our common lif...

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Leaving on a jet plane...VACATION!

Finally, a week of play. Even though this is probably one of the absolute worst times for me to leave work, I'm taking vacation. As my manager put it, there isn't a good time for me to go on vacation so just go.<br /><br />I'm tired to the bone. Long hours for the last few weeks, burning the candle at both ends, catching a cold, more long hours. It has all wore me down to a deep tiredness that even a good night's sleep can't seem to shake.<br /><br />Today is laundry, packing, running a few errands, cleaning up a few loose ends for work, the gym, and then catching a plane tonight to Fairbanks, Alaska.<br /><br />These are my most favorite vacations. Complete and total downtime at my sister and brother-in-law's house that's 30 miles south of Fairbanks (on 400 acres). Staying up late talking, sleeping in, leisurely, slow-paced, relaxing.<br /><br />We'll go swimming every day in their "gravel pit" swimming pool (you have to be from Alaska to understand). The weather forecast is for sunshine and 70's and 80's all week. We'll probably drive down to our old homestead about 80 miles south of Fairbanks, where I grew up as a kid. We always go out to <a href="http://www.chenahotsprings.com/" target="blank">Chena Hot Springs</a> for a day. Plus it's <a href="http://www.fairbankschamber.org/happening/2009GoldenDays.html" target="blankd">Golden Days</a> week in Fairbanks, which is a week long celebration of the discovery of gold. People dress up in early 1900's costumes, there's the Grande parade, and it's always fun time in Fairbanks during Golden Days.<br /><br />There will be a few big family dinners with all the kids, about 15 people. My brother lives there too, as well as my two adult nieces that I adore, and their families and kids. I'm blessed with a great family. My family are people I'd be really good friends with even if we weren't related.<br /><br />Of course, there's always a couple of black sheep in every family, but they aren't my blood relatives so they don't really count. Let's see, there's the alcoholic sister-in-law and the cross dressing nephew-in-law (they both live in Fairbanks). Makes life interesting at times.<br /><br />Eating won't be a problem, my sister has been a health nut way before it was fashionable. Organic, whole foods and she eats like a bird. Except there's always candy, cookies, and ice cream, for the "grandkids". I'm not worried, that stuff doesn't bother me much lately. I've been feeling strong on the food front for some reason. I'm not sure what changed, but things like "frosting" haven't been appealing.<br /><br />I'll have internet access but I usually don't get on the computer much when I'm there except to check work emails. So I'll be out of touch for a whole week. I hope everyone has a great week. Stay strong, try to eat clean, and get some exercise. Exercise is key to this whole lifestyle. You won't succeed without it.

Leaving on a jet plane...VACATION!

Finally, a week of play. Even though this is probably one of the absolute worst times for me to leave work, I'm taking vacation. As my m...

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