180.2

<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Argh</span>! 180.2...really????<br /><br />What can I say other than I'm a dismal failure at this weight loss stuff. Instead of losing weight this week, the first week of the new year, I gained 3.8 pounds! That's just the weigh in on my home scales, tomorrow at 7am is Weight Watchers. Since I'll actually have clothes on when I weigh in it'll be even more (unless I amputate an arm tonight and trust me, I'm tempted!).<br /><br />I'm perfect every day, all day until about 11pm. Then it's like I lose my ever-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lovin</span>' mind! All sense of what's important to me disappears into thin air. I even hear myself saying that I just don't care <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">damnit</span>! I'm hungry! And then I proceed to stuff my fat little face with an abundance of healthy food.<br /><br />A banana, broiled chicken, low-fat graham crackers and non-fat milk was my feast last night at 11pm. Not even fun food.<br /><br />All the self-help books' advice, all the weight loss <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">bloggers'</span> advice, all my own knowledge of overeating and weight loss seems to just evaporate into thin air. I'm majorly frustrated with myself right now.<br /><br />180.2. Yes, kind of hating myself right now.

180.2

Argh ! 180.2...really???? What can I say other than I'm a dismal failure at this weight loss stuff. Instead of losing weight this week, ...

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Physical Contact at Work: What Are The Boundaries?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/wq/ar5c5qh6bplsn5b6y7wq.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/wq/ar5c5qh6bplsn5b6y7wq.gif" /></a><br /></div>When most people think about physical contact with a co-worker, their first thought is about sexual harassment. While most workers know the rules about inappropriate or offensive touching in the workplace, many people don't think twice about other forms of physical contact with co-workers like handshakes or pats on the back.<br /><br />"The truth is that workers have very different levels of tolerance for physical contact of any type," says Amy Epstein Feldman, general counsel of the Judge Group Inc., a Pennsylvania-based consulting and staffing firm, and author of "So Sue Me, Jackass!" "In fact, because a person's individual sensitivities and need for personal space varies so widely, inappropriate touching -- from a happy slap on the back to a welcoming kiss on the cheek to an angry pointed finger in someone's chest -- are all the subject of complaints to management."<br /><br />Why should you care? Aside from the fact that you don't want to find yourself unexpectedly slapped with a sexual harassment suit, Feldman says no one wants to be typed as "creepy Bob from accounting" or "desperate Mary" who has to hug everyone who comes through the door.<br /><br />Read on to learn more about what is and isn't appropriate in terms of physical contact at work.<br /><br />Inappropriate versus appropriate<br />Obviously, certain gestures in the workplace are unmistakably offensive or sexual, but many people don't think about other forms of physical contact that might be uncomfortable for others. People do something jokingly, for example, like reaching out and giving a "funny" slap on the behind, without thinking twice, Feldman says.<br /><br />"There are forms of touching that are rarely considered offensive that can be misconstrued. A boss who pokes his subordinates to illustrate a point is seen as a –bully, but the physical contact plays into the monstrous image. A pat on the back or the shoulder, [or] a two-handed handshake while looking into someone's eyes, can give a co-worker the creeps," Feldman says. "The person who is initiating the contact in no way means to be offensive, but the person being touched is often highly offended. When faced with a complaint, it seems obvious in retrospect that slapping someone's behind was a bad idea."<br /><br />So how does "inappropriate touching" differ from sexual harassment? Feldman says that sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual conduct in the workplace and that it comes in two forms: quid pro quo and hostile work environment. In quid pro quo, a supervisor bases your job duties on your consent to sexual acts, whereas in a hostile work environment, the workplace is permeated with jokes, gestures, pictures or offensive touching. It becomes a hostile and abusive work environment, even if the conduct is not directed at the person who is offended.<br /><br />"While inappropriate touching can be a component of either type of sexual harassment, you don't have to be inappropriately touched to be sexually harassed, nor have you necessarily faced sexual harassment just because you've faced inappropriate touching," Feldman says.<br /><br />What should I do?<br />If you're dealing with a co-worker whose physical contact with you is bothersome, Feldman suggests being direct without being confrontational. Try a joke ("In my culture that means we're married. Don't make me take you home to meet Mama!") or a nonconfrontational statement ("I'm not a big hugger because it makes me uncomfortable"). If the offender still doesn't get it, Feldman suggests bringing it to the attention of human resources or management.<br /><br />Here are five boundaries Feldman says to remember the next time you want to high-five or hug your co-worker:<br /><br />1. Hands off <br />"It seems too obvious to say, but it's a lesson some still need to learn: The No. 1 rule is to keep your hands off your own or anyone else's private parts in an office. Even as a joke; even 'man-to-man.' You'd be surprised how many people think it's hilarious to reach out and grab someone. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER do that." <br /><br />2. Know your audience <br />"Any touching -- even a pat on the back -- before you know someone is too personal for strangers. So make sure that you really know your co-worker before engaging in any physical contact, even a high five."<br /><br />3. Think about hygiene<br />"Don't ever shake hands with someone in the bathroom before you've washed your hands. Don't cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and then shake someone's hand. They don't know how to handle it. And remember that in the swine flu frenzy, a warm smile and a nice greeting ('I'm so glad to see you!') without touching might serve you better in the long run."<br /><br />4. Remember than not all offensive touching is sexual -- sometimes it's just hostile<br />"Bullies don't just exist on the playground. Poking someone in the chest while making an angry point, grabbing someone's arm or any other touching done when angry can lead to dismissal if your action is seen as physically threatening."<br /><br />5. Be sensitive to others' sensitivities toward touching <br />"Do they lean in when you go to kiss their cheek or do they grimace and move backward? Do they initiate pats on the back or is it only one-sided? You don't need people to avoid you in the hallway because they fear the dreaded 'man hug' you give."<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek 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. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

Physical Contact at Work: What Are The Boundaries?

When most people think about physical contact with a co-worker, their first thought is about sexual harassment. While most workers know the ...

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On The 12th Night Of Christmas

On 12th Night, our mysterious benefactors capped off the season with a final gift. They left on our porch the storage box for our white plastic tree. The box was wrapped in blue and white snowflake Christmas paper with a big red bow. It was stuffed with multi-colored tissue paper flowers. What a Christmas. Wit and liturgy. Whoever y0u are, thank you.

On The 12th Night Of Christmas

On 12th Night, our mysterious benefactors capped off the season with a final gift. They left on our porch the storage box for our white plas...

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And Now Mary Daly

So soon after the passing of Edward Schillebeecykx, we have now lost Mary Daly a pioneer feminist theologian who wrote groundbreaking books in the 80s and 90s. She was not my favorite feminist theologian. I resonated more with mutuality Trinitarians like Johnson, God image liberators like McFague, retrievalists like Schussler-Fiorenza, and critical theorists like Soelle. But Daly pushed the envelope and made it possible for these other great theologians to gain a hearing.

And Now Mary Daly

So soon after the passing of Edward Schillebeecykx, we have now lost Mary Daly a pioneer feminist theologian who wrote groundbreaking books ...

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Is it really a choice?

After all my "let's be positive because it's a choice" I had a really lousy day today. I woke up late, missed my morning workout, and was late to work. Then I was assign two awful projects to manage.<br /><br />I worked out after work and it was difficult. The extra 22 pounds feels like an extra 50 pounds, especially on the tricep pushups and chin-up assist machine.<br /><br />On my way home I called my husband and asked him to get rid of the cashews he bought at Costco and the four different kinds of cheeses he got for New Year's Eve. They've been calling my name every night, and I can't take it anymore. He said he'd get rid of them.<br /><br />When I got home after my workout you'll never guess what was in the kitchen. Pizza! Seriously Jack, are you freaking kidding me? Pizza?! I swear he wants me to be fat.<br /><br />Although I'm trying to be positive and optimistic, I'm just not feeling it tonight. Maybe tomorrow.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br />I never do these questionnaire things but a friend sent this to me so I thought what the heck, I'll do it so I can email it back to her. Then I had the bright idea to post it here so you all can get to know me a little better. Because I'm sure you're all just dying to know what color of socks I'm wearing tonight. ;)<br /><br />1. What is your occupation right now? Applications Analyst / It Project Manager<br /><br />2. What color are your socks right now? Blue<br /><br />3. What are you listening to right now? Cobra Starship on People's Choice Awards - Hot Mess. They sound off key and kind of horrible.<br /><br />4. What was the last thing that you ate? Pizza. Blame my husband.<br /><br />5. Can you drive a stick shift? No<br /><br />6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Jack (my husband)<br /><br />7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes :)<br /><br />8. How old are you today? 54<br /><br />9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Ice skating or sometimes football if it's one of my teams (Seahawks or Broncos).<br /><br />10. What is your favorite drink? water<br /><br />11. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes<br /><br />12. Favorite food? Cheesecake<br /><br />13. What is the last movie you watched? It's Complicated (loved it!)<br /><br />14. Favorite day of the year? My birthday (because I get what I want that day and I always take off work)<br /><br />15. How do you vent anger? Scream...seriously, I do. Probably need anger management classes or something. Unless I'm at work. Then I just walk away...then I scream. :)<br /><br />16. What was your favorite toy as a child? My first bike, the brand was Firestone and it was a sparkly kelly green<br /><br />17. What is your favorite season? Spring<br /><br />18. Cherries or Blueberries? I love both but probably Washington Rainier cherries<br /><br />19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Yes<br /><br />20. Who is the most likely to respond? Twila<br /><br />21. Who is least likely to respond? Linda<br /><br />22. Living arrangements? Married<br /><br />23. When was the last time you cried? Really cried - my brother-in-law's funeral in November. Just a few tears, stupid BL show last night.<br /><br />24. What is on the floor of your closet? Oh man, too much junk...Shoes/two suitcases/cat kennel/a lamp/an empty tripod box - yes I need to clean my closet. :)<br /><br />25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Twila<br /><br />26. What did you do last night? Watched Biggest Loser<br /><br />27. What are you most afraid of? Becoming a homeless bag lady or a contestant on BL<br /><br />28. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburger? cheese<br /><br />29. Favorite dog breed? mutt from the Humane Society<br /><br />30. Favorite day of the week? Saturday<br /><br />31. How many countries have you lived in? 1<br /><br />32. Diamonds or pearls? Pearls<br /><br />33. What is your favorite flower? Iris<br /><br />35. What is your favorite color? aqua

Is it really a choice?

After all my "let's be positive because it's a choice" I had a really lousy day today. I woke up late, missed my morning w...

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Your Choice

I'd written a really negative post earlier today. It was titled "What happened to my happy?" I expressed my frustration with myself about my weight gain of 22 pounds.<br /><br />After reading through it tonight I decided I didn't like my attitude and tone of the post. My words made me feel worse than I already do about my weight gain. I imagined someone else reading it, how they might feel. I deleted the post before it was ever published. I really want to focus on the positive, even though it's really hard at times (especially when my pants don't fit!).<br /><br />Tonight is my TV night, and I'm watching The Biggest Loser. I've never actually watched an entire episode of BL. I've caught a few episodes in the past years, but it's too emotional for me. All the crying and the sad stories break my heart. No one ever says, 'gosh, I'm just thrilled I gained all this weight, my life is so much better now'.<br /><br />Being overweight really does suck. It's horrible. It destroys people, mentally and physically. The good thing though, there's a cure. It's called diet and exercise. Most of us have the ability to cure our fatness. It's very hard work, probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.<br /><br />Continuing on a positive note, I've been wanting to post something here. It was written by someone from my work who has retired. It's applies not only to work, but also to weight loss and life in general. I especially love the last paragraph. It's so very true.<br /><br />I'm not a fan of Wayne Dyer but his quotes below are pretty good. I didn't get permission to reprint this email. However, I think the author would get a kick out of it being on a weight loss blog.<br /><br /><em>Your Choice</em><br /><em>I've noticed the Water Cooler is getting a bit philosophical these days. I think it's fine if people want to use this forum as a place to vent. The primary reason for the Water Cooler is to provide a place to anonymously ask a question. When there is a question, I will do my best to answer it.<br /><br />I think all of us are vulnerable to getting 'down', perhaps some more than others. I admire the eternal optimists and I really try to be one. I vividly remember the presidential election of 1980. The year before, Jimmy Carter, who some have said was one of the smartest men to ever hold the office, gave a nationally-televised address in which he identified what he believed to be a "crisis of confidence" among the American people. This became known as his "malaise speech" and it characterized his leadership for me. His despair was contagious and it was reinforced by recent memory of the Vietnam war and by current gas lines. The year 1979 got even gloomier when Iran captured and held 52 American citizens hostage and a military action to free them ended in disaster. There was a lot of negativity in the air and of course the press seemed to be amplifying it to the maximum extent.<br /><br />In 1980, President-elect Reagan, on the night of his landslide victory, met the press with a smile and his jaunty manor and when asked what he thought of the state of the nation and our future, he reply was something like "I'm confident and excited about our future". To me it was tremendously refreshing to hear leadership in a positive direction. In his inaugural address he said "facing our challenges ... does require, however, our best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds..." Now some have said Reagan wasn't capable of knowing how bad things really were, but I disagree. My sense was, instead of choosing despair he chose to be optimistic and to give the nation reason to feel confident. And it was contagious. There are a range of opinions about the Reagan years but even most of his harshest critics would agree that his optimism never faltered and his ability to communicate that optimism was legendary.<br /><br />I don't want to sound preachy here because I sometimes need to pull myself up by my bootstraps and do an attitude check. Many years ago I heard a tape of a presentation by Wayne Dyer, the popular psychologist. One thing that stuck with me was his comment; "Our lives are a sum total of the choices we make".<br /><br />Your team, this division, this company, this nation, and this world will never be perfect. You can choose to spend your time pointing that out, or you can choose to spend your time to make things better and to inspire those around you. Both choices are contagious.<br /><br />Three more Dyer quotes:<br />Everything is perfect in the universe - even your desire to improve it.<br />There's nothing wrong with anger provided you use it constructively.<br />If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.</em>

Your Choice

I'd written a really negative post earlier today. It was titled "What happened to my happy?" I expressed my frustration with m...

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What you think, is true.

In the recent Weight Watcher magazine there's a success story about a woman that has lost 159 pounds. Her yoga instructor's mantra is<strong> </strong>"What you think, is true."<br /><br />I love this saying, and I completely agree with it. If we think we're a big, fat slob, a failure at weight loss and that we'll always be fat and even if we lose the weight, we'll probably gain it back, then it's true.<br /><br />I'm a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. By believing in myself I can make things happen, things like losing weight and maintaining the loss.<br /><br />No talk about "it's too hard" or "I'm tired of this." or heaven forbid "I want to quit!". That will get me nowhere except back to weighing in at 240 pounds.<br /><br />I've gained 22 pounds since February 2009 to now (ten months). I was 154.6 for a brief moment on February 17, 2009. Am I sad about screwing up and basically wasting the last year? Hell yes! Am I going to do something about it? Double hell yes!<br /><br /><strong>Weight Watchers</strong><br />There's a 10-week Momentum challenge starting this week at Weight Watchers. I missed my meeting Saturday (I had numerous excuses, all of them bad). I'm going to a lunch meeting this Wednesday. I'll have my official post-holiday weighin and start the challenge.<br /><br />Looking at my last official weighin I was 176.4 on November 19. I think I'm still pretty close to that. That's not really a great thing, but at least I didn't gain anything over the holidays.<br /><br />If you have access to the Weight Watcher website, here's a link to the<a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=65221" target="blank"> New Year, New Resolve Challenge Week 1</a>. It looks interesting and even a little fun.<br /><br /><strong>Book: The end to overeating<br /></strong>I'm still reading it, and I'm in the Rehab section. I'm working on a couple of the behavioral changes. Stay tuned for more on this book. I still think the premise is good and it makes sense. It's the "doing it" part that's difficult (isn't that always the case?).<br /><br /><strong>Exercise of the day<br /></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42_pR-cPYEPfXeGo80dwi0pf6LjRNHlhQcqQKyXV9rVuL2VgvSqzL2SzDOKORB34r_yqT1J7oo1BivA18GTdZUzv4wy4yzg9m5dxgi-zmxo4v_KNmyLcEG_flA2_cAW8w5vvoB4FNQDsY/s1600-h/Smith+machine.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423131097191542770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42_pR-cPYEPfXeGo80dwi0pf6LjRNHlhQcqQKyXV9rVuL2VgvSqzL2SzDOKORB34r_yqT1J7oo1BivA18GTdZUzv4wy4yzg9m5dxgi-zmxo4v_KNmyLcEG_flA2_cAW8w5vvoB4FNQDsY/s400/Smith+machine.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />I hate lunges. Like really, really hate them. They hurt like heck, and I feel like I'm going to fall over when I do them. I'm so worried about making a fool of myself that I mainly focus on my balance, not really working my butt and thigh muscles.<br /><br />Now I use the Smith machine with two 25-pound plates, so I'm lunging with 50 pounds. It's difficult but with the machine I can focus on my form and not worry about falling over.<br /><br />Check out this instructional <a href="http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-do-smith-machine-lunges-6069/view/" target="blank">video</a> for the Smith Machine Lunge. If it comes up with a start button, just click it. Don't worry about the gender/height thing.<br /><br /><strong>Picture of the day</strong><br />My assistant while taking down the tree on Sunday.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ohaSJij2tVQ0eHqKhsh4to58Nc9JwmWMRXggSTGyJIYcOKzvbawhJ7op5-GQ5lbpZIsvVJY6yIVy_boNy8Tla8YXwWyg4X39-ZUWfFYmHnoD8Afc0qeBHqe6AXSjU35gvUdSuRYVpxPj/s1600-h/ChristmasTree.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423113443282907970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ohaSJij2tVQ0eHqKhsh4to58Nc9JwmWMRXggSTGyJIYcOKzvbawhJ7op5-GQ5lbpZIsvVJY6yIVy_boNy8Tla8YXwWyg4X39-ZUWfFYmHnoD8Afc0qeBHqe6AXSjU35gvUdSuRYVpxPj/s400/ChristmasTree.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Current favorite workout song</strong><br />Hot Mess by Cobra Starship </p><p></p><p>Sorry <a href="http://wwbruise.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Amber</a>! I'm sure this will insult your ears. The official video is kind of disgusting, but it's a great workout song.<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9uC39y-0Gks&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9uC39y-0Gks&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>

What you think, is true.

In the recent Weight Watcher magazine there's a success story about a woman that has lost 159 pounds. Her yoga instructor's mantra i...

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Mise à jour au 1er janvier 2010 des "Chiffres sociaux utiles"

<BR><br />Le 1er janvier 2010, le salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance (Smic) a été revalorisé de 0,5%. <br /><br />Par ailleurs, le revenu de solidarité active (rSa) et l'allocation de solidarité spécifique (ASS) ont également été revalorisés.<br /><br /><a title="View MDE chiffres sociaux 012010 on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/24749606/MDE-chiffres-sociaux-012010" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">MDE chiffres sociaux 012010</a> <object align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" height="500" id="doc_620042389103832" name="doc_620042389103832" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=24749606&access_key=key-im51f5qo40iy2oylioy&page=1&version=1&viewMode=list"> <param name="quality" value="high"> <param name="play" value="true"> <param name="loop" value="true"> <param name="scale" value="showall"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="devicefont" value="false"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="menu" value="true"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="salign" value=""> <param name="mode" value="list"> <embed src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=24749606&access_key=key-im51f5qo40iy2oylioy&page=1&version=1&viewMode=list" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" play="true" loop="true" scale="showall" wmode="opaque" devicefont="false" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="doc_620042389103832_object" menu="true" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" salign="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" mode="list" height="500" width="100%"></embed> </object><br /><BR>

Mise à jour au 1er janvier 2010 des "Chiffres sociaux utiles"

Le 1er janvier 2010, le salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance (Smic) a été revalorisé de 0,5%. Par ailleurs, le revenu de solidar...

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Suck Up To Your Boss Without Being Obvious

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/dt/ar5b8f66rrpgj20zrqdt.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/dt/ar5b8f66rrpgj20zrqdt.gif" /></a><br /></div><br />Every office has the resident boss's pet, the worker who is all too happy to fawn over the manager's idea, no matter how bad it is. Everyone sees through the act. It's merely a way to stay in the boss's good graces and hopefully earn some preferential treatment.<br /><br />No one likes this person. Sometimes not even the boss. Sometimes the boss does savor the attention and rewards it. You sit by while attention, promotions and other perks get handed out to the employee most willing to suck up.<br /><br />If you're not the kind of worker who is willing to wear a fake smile every moment of the day, you can still make a good impression on the boss. You'll earn the right kind of recognition from your boss and maybe your co-workers.<br /><br />First, here are the wrong ways to suck up:<br /><br />· You are not 007<br />Your boss can't be everywhere all the time, and when she's not looking, employees are bound to slack off or air some grievances. That's OK. You don't need to sleuth on her behalf and report. Not only will you lose the trust of your co-workers, but your boss won't be impressed with your duplicity.<br /><br />· "Is it me or are you getting younger by the day?"<br />Who doesn't appreciate flattery? People who can sense false flattery, that's who. Compliments don't matter when they're handed out too frequently, because the recipient begins to question your authenticity. Reserve your praise for situations when your boss truly dazzles you and your words will mean something to him.<br /><br />· Smothering your boss<br />No matter how much you want to impress your boss, don't monopolize her time. E-mails, pop-ins, reports, meetings -- give her some rest. The way to impress her is to do a good job. Annoying her won't earn praise.<br /><br />· "LOL You're hilarious!"<br />Your boss is probably a nice, great person. He might even be funny. Chances are he's not a laugh riot. It's OK to chuckle politely when a joke falls flat, but don't overcompensate. Nothing screams "I'm a big phony!" like someone who sounds like a 1950s studio audience.<br /><br />· "Do you ever have a bad idea?"<br />You might not realize that your boss looks to you, her employees, for all kinds of support. She doesn't want to always hear a chorus of "Yes, I completely agree with you" every time she proposes a new idea. Tactful, honest feedback, even when you're disagreeing with the boss, is appreciated and can get new ideas rolling.<br /><br />And here are the right ways to do it:<br /><br />· Be a clock watcher<br />No, not the kind who can't wait to leave work – the kind of clock watcher who cares about being on time. Arrive on time or early in the morning. Don't be tardy to meetings. Don't leave 20 minutes early every afternoon. Show your boss that you're not looking for any opportunity to ditch work.<br /><br />· "Go, team, go!"<br />Sure, don't pretend that every idea the boss has is genius, but do give kudos to the ones that are. Give due credit to the boss even if her idea is just a steppingstone for a bigger idea that you have. It shows you recognize others' accomplishments and that you're interesting in maintaining good relationships with your team.<br /><br />· Cover your ears<br />Gossip is part of the workplace, and you can't escape it. You can, however, refuse to participate in it. Ignore what you hear and don't repeat it to others. In fact, if you hear something that is false or that can be easily addressed, suggest to the gossiper that he or she discuss the situation with the boss. You might not get credit for being a problem solver, but resisting the temptation to engage in gossip makes for a better workplace for everyone.<br /><br />· "Here's what I think."<br />Sometimes bosses aren't as in tune with their employees as they think they are. Meanwhile, you might know exactly what's going on at work because you work more closely with your colleagues. You can tell the boss, "Listen, although you envisioned ABC happening, XYZ is really what's taking place." Because you have a better perspective, you can explain why things aren't working and possibly give your own suggestions. As long as you demonstrate that you're keeping him informed and not trying to do his job or tattle about your co-workers, your honesty will be appreciated.<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.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

Suck Up To Your Boss Without Being Obvious

Every office has the resident boss's pet, the worker who is all too happy to fawn over the manager's idea, no matter how bad it is. ...

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Planning de la semaine du 04 au 08 janvier 2010

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><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 04 janvier de 9h à 12h30<br />- le mardi 05 janvier de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 06 janvier de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 07 janvier de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 08 janvier de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a></strong><br />- mercredi 06 janvier de 10h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/12/droits-devoirs-et-prevention-sante-cpam.html">CPAM</a></strong><br />- jeudi 07 janvier de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de gestion</a></strong><br />- vendredi 08 janvier de 09h à 12h30</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 08 janvier de 10h à 11h30<br /><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 08 janvier de 14h à 16h</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Visite d'entreprise</span></strong> </h2><ul><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/12/souvrir-les-portes-des-metiers-du.html">Visite de l'entreprise Forclum</a></strong> - jeudi 07 janvier à 14h</li></ul>

Planning de la semaine du 04 au 08 janvier 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 04 ja...

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Bastille my heart

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2_Y5Jr6ezpqLsE-P7GLDA2tWB9tKX73DB-eVycc9Cut8_17UGJ0_zd0bYLXY-N3TrLwNNdmwze4daJj4NwEo0DYQwI9xWwhHoY0vGkWm5wJyel3HpkPEVFsJ7PND2MjYvtlnsdsMNbo1/s1600-h/Bastille+my+heart.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422396591005755298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2_Y5Jr6ezpqLsE-P7GLDA2tWB9tKX73DB-eVycc9Cut8_17UGJ0_zd0bYLXY-N3TrLwNNdmwze4daJj4NwEo0DYQwI9xWwhHoY0vGkWm5wJyel3HpkPEVFsJ7PND2MjYvtlnsdsMNbo1/s400/Bastille+my+heart.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Bastille my heart is the name of my OPI nail polish. Not really much to do with this post...I just like the sound of it. :)<br /><br />I'm in an unusually happy place tonight, in fact, I've been there all day. I can't really remember the last time I felt this happy and hopeful about life, and just that feeling that all is right with my world.<br /><br />I'm actually following through on some of my new year resolutions. One of the things was to work on my marriage. I'm married to an unusual man in that if I'm kind to him, he's doubly kind to me. If I'm a bitch to him, he's doubly an a-hole to me. It's always been like this, for the past 21 years.<br /><br />Even though I know this to be true, I will still make the biggest deal about the smallest thing. The last few days I've been picking my battles wisely.<br /><br />Emptying the dishwasher, a task I abhor, isn't really that big of a deal. In the big picture of life it's really not worth arguing about. He does a lot of "boy" stuff, like the lawn and the cars and the trash and the bills (his list is actually endless). I can empty the freaking dishwasher and not make a big stinking deal about it. It's kind of like keeping the peace, it makes everyone so much happier.<br /><br />He loves board games. I don't. Yet I agreed to a couple games of Scrabble this afternoon (I know, we're such an exciting couple). I beat the pants off of him, so it was kind of fun, and he was really happy that I wanted to do something with him.<br /><br />I've also cut back to watching very little television. That was one of my goals I didn't mention, less TV and more books. I've been reading, something that use to be a passion of mine. I love to read but the past couple of years it seemed to get put on a back burner. I'd buy books but never actually read them (unless I was on an airplane, so I did read a few books last year).<br /><br />This limited television viewing is making a huge difference in my attitude. I really don't need to know every little detail about Tiger and Elin's life. Or how about those Kardashians? Or watch another re-run of Law and Order: SVU. Or how about the news, hearing about yet another police officer shot in the Seattle area (six in the last five weeks). Seriously, I just can't take it anymore. It depresses the hell out of me.<br /><br />Back to the reading thing, the book "The end of overeating" is really good. It just makes so much sense to me, like why didn't I think of this on my own? After all, I have over forty years of experience in trying to lose weight and keep it off, you'd certainly think I would have figured this out by now (obviously I haven't).<br /><br />It's based on cognitive behavioral therapy, similar to the Beck Solution (which I read and never really followed through on). Except this book makes more sense to me than the Beck book. I can relate to it more, the problem with hypereating defines my problem.<br /><br />Of course, the point with all these self-help books is you have to do the stuff they suggest, regardless how tedious or painful it appears to be. Just reading the book and not following through with the behavioral changes doesn't do a thing.<br /><br />I really like this book and will go into more details about it in future posts. This is really only day two so I need to give it some time to see if it really works. So far, I'm impressed, but time will tell.<br /><br />Bastille my heart. For some reason, that just makes me smile. :)<br /><br /><em>Disclaimer: that's obviously not a picture of my fingernails. I have real, extremely short nails. I can't stand long fingernails. Although it is my nail color, and I love it.</em><br /><br />Oh, and I did another two-hour workout today. I've created a fun, new routine for myself and I'm loving it. For details, so <a href="http://diana135-exercise.blogspot.com/2010/01/saturday-january-2-2010-workout.html" target="blank">My Workouts"</a>.<br /><br />And I know what you're thinking. Who is this chick and what have you done with our sad Diana? :)

Bastille my heart

Bastille my heart is the name of my OPI nail polish. Not really much to do with this post...I just like the sound of it. :) I'm in an un...

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The end of overeating

I love the book I'm reading, "The end of overeating." by David A. Kessler, MD.<br /><br />pg. 145 "conditioned hypereating: "conditioned" because it becomes an automatic response to widely available food and it's cues, "hyper" because the eating is excessive, driven by motivational forces we find difficult to control."<br /><br />pg. 146 "Why should a cookie be anything more than just a cookie?"<br /><br />pg. 150 "Because a cookie makes me feel better, it's easy to develop the habit of seeking it out when I'm sad or angry. Over time, as neural pathways link the change in my mood with the experience of eating the cookie, the association grows stronger.<br /><br />These products have some kind of hedonic, calming effect, said Koob. In other words, they relieve the itch. The problem is that the itch comes back."<br /><br />pg. 147 "Behavior-activating messages that urge pursuit clash with internal messages demanding control. Our brains become battlegrounds.: <--- this is me every night.<br /><br />pg. 155 "Many people like and want a food, but only some of us develop elaborate thoughts about it, or a preoccupation with it." <--- this is me! I knew there was something wrong with how I think about food. It isn't normal.<br /><br />pg. 152 "Is there any evidence that food really makes you feel better after you've eaten it? Absolutely. People feel better after eating it. They eat for anxiety. And it soothes anxiety. It really does work like a Valium. But that effect, of course, is momentary."<br /><br />pg. 156 "Focusing single-mindedly on <em>not</em> eating eventually pushes us to eat more. Feeling deprived only increases the reward value of food, and then usually gives way to indulgence, and often to abandon." <---no kidding?! This explains so much. This is why I always gain back the weight I've lost. I use restraint. Guess what, it only works for a limited time, then I fall into indulgence and abandon. I could be a case study for this little tidbit of research.<br /><br />I'm on page 185, the section on "Reversing the Habit". I can't wait to read how to reverse this horrible habit of overeating.

The end of overeating

I love the book I'm reading, "The end of overeating." by David A. Kessler, MD. pg. 145 "conditioned hypereating: "co...

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Doing what I know best, resolution #3

Resolution #3 is Lose Weight. Easy peasy, right? I've done it before, many times over the years. The problem is really two-fold: losing the weight is only half the battle, keeping off the lost weight is part two of the battle. Part two is where I always struggle. Not that losing weight in the first place is easy, it's not, but maintaining the loss, now there's a real challenge.<br /><br />I've been watching my weight creep up the last few months, now I'm 22 pounds above my lowest weigh-in last year. I have all kinds of excuses but none of them matter. What matters is where I am right now.<br /><br />How am I going to get "there" from "here"? Here being 178 pounds and there being 145pounds (my new goal weight). That's 33 pounds of fat that I need to lose. <br /><br />1. Journal. I know it sounds easy and it is easy. It's also a big old pain in the butt, but at the same time, it's a necessary evil. Journal and lose weight, don't journal and gain weight. Hmmm...which shall I chose? <br /><br />2. Back to the Weight Watcher meetings. Tomorrow I'll be back, along with the multitudes. I'm dreading the official weighin, but it is what it is.<br /><br />3. Actively try to figure out what is wrong with me. I have food issues, and I don't know why. I do know I'm not normal when it comes to food. I don't look at food as sustenance, but as pleasure, which is a totally screwed up view of food.<br /><br />I'm reading a new book, The end of overeating. It talks about "hyereating" and I totally get what the author is talking about. Not everyone can relate, but I do. I can't wait to get to the Food Rehab section. Maybe I'll find some answers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtka4jhq7u2NL2046AjuksyNdgN1ORu-ZLG-spJJNnrejDYHefdd7HiKMzpKAYL7fyMwCxXYkd21GrJMc7p10wlhcNyKqq3kpDeudOcJQuB0Ly5bFUAvzp5YefIPnQnB1XcsIquQfCcbI/s1600-h/The+end+of+overeating.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422047577595454834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtka4jhq7u2NL2046AjuksyNdgN1ORu-ZLG-spJJNnrejDYHefdd7HiKMzpKAYL7fyMwCxXYkd21GrJMc7p10wlhcNyKqq3kpDeudOcJQuB0Ly5bFUAvzp5YefIPnQnB1XcsIquQfCcbI/s400/The+end+of+overeating.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br />That's just a start. I have a long way to go to get this figure out. I thought I knew it all, when actually, I know practically nothing.

Doing what I know best, resolution #3

Resolution #3 is Lose Weight. Easy peasy, right? I've done it before, many times over the years. The problem is really two-fold: losing ...

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MMX

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszIH4zu5HDL0DQh1OOoSqKh6L93UoLnA_MXGB3K0uwE4vWbFAelopkyJvtuFrbUCXgqzIVS1oIagPZordDuEpF8VRxi8TvdLfmW9UT_4WBbWbY5azuVLt_KpAOUxgxS8wLlaFuYM5H1lg/s1600-h/2010_Happy_New_Year_Scream_Painting_Edvard_Munch-1LG.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421901122773944290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszIH4zu5HDL0DQh1OOoSqKh6L93UoLnA_MXGB3K0uwE4vWbFAelopkyJvtuFrbUCXgqzIVS1oIagPZordDuEpF8VRxi8TvdLfmW9UT_4WBbWbY5azuVLt_KpAOUxgxS8wLlaFuYM5H1lg/s400/2010_Happy_New_Year_Scream_Painting_Edvard_Munch-1LG.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>It's really 2010. It seems unreal to me. I was born in 1955. The year 2010 sounded like science fiction. I never thought I'd live until 2010. Where are the flying cars? I should be living in a space bubble high above the earth like in the Jetsons, with my flying car. Nothing is as cool as I thought it was going to be...including my life.<br /><br />Don't worry, this isn't a Sad Sack, 'woe is me' post. It's just me facing the reality that is my life right now. Luckily I can see there's hope. I can make my life better, I can be who and what I want to be (within reason of course, I'll probably never be an astronaut and make it to Mars in my lifetime).<br /><br />This morning I was emptying the dishwasher and realized how absolutely dirty the silverware drawer had become, full of crumbs and God knows what else. It's a miracle we don't have bugs crawling around in our kitchen.<br /><br />I couldn't remember the last time I'd emptied out the silverware drawer and replaced the drawer liner. That led to a thorough cleaning of the kitchen and relining shelves and drawers, throwing away a load of junk. Did I ever mention I'm married to a borderline hoarder?<br /><br />While I was doing this it gave me time to think about my life. I need to clean out the junk in my head. It's become cluttered with negativity. Self-talk that I wouldn't say to my absolute worst enemy. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>I always claim I'm working on stopping the negative self-talk, but honestly, it continues, and I don't do a thing to stop it. It's probably the meanest thing I do to myself, which is probably a big contributor to why I overeat, which is the other mean thing I do to myself. It's also part of why my marriage suffers. If I hate myself so much how can he possibly love me?<br /><br />So in January 1 tradition, here's my list of things I want to work on this year. Listed in order of priority.<br /><br /><strong>1. Work on my marriage</strong>, for real this time. This is going to be our make it year. I want to make this a marriage worth being in, not one of convenience. I realize a big chunk of "working on it" is going to fall on my shoulders. I'm great at ignoring things I don't want to face.<br /><br /><strong>2. Work on stopping the negative self-talk.</strong> I have lots of books on improving self-esteem and they all address this problem. I buy them but I don't read them. Even though I claim I want to fix myself I won't put in the effort. I need to like myself more. Right now I'm not feeling it, so it's going to be a long road.<br /><br /><strong>3. My weight.</strong> This is a weight loss blog and you'd think this would be numero uno, but I need to really work on #1 and #2 in order for #3 to happen. Unresolved issues is what I believe is preventing me from getting to goal.<br /><br />If I don't even like myself why would I bother with losing weight?<br /><br />If I think I'm not lovable and not even worthy of being in a great marriage then again, why bother with losing weight?<br /><br />I'm also going to reset my goal weight. I've been saying 135 is my goal, but let's be real. I'm almost 55 (technically not until August). I'm never going to weigh what I did in high school. It's not the same body or the same metabolism or the same anything. 145 sounds more realistic and would be a healthy weight for me.<br /><br /><strong>4. Declutter my life</strong>. This is the year we tackle the garage. Seriously babe, if it's not been touched in ten years since we moved into this house, isn't it time to toss it? I would like to once again park my car inside the garage.<br /><br />I've been watching the Hoarder show and it scares the crap out of me. I think we could become the star of that show if we don't start getting rid of junk. The very fact that we can't park in the garage is an indication we have a problem.<br /><br /><strong>5.</strong> <strong>Continue with my exercise routine.</strong> 2009 was a great year for me for exercise. I averaged five to six workouts a week, always at least an hour, often two hours for each session.<br /><br />In September my job went bananas with all the traveling and my routine went to hell. As soon as I was home again on a regular basis, I've gotten right back into my routine. I'm right back at it. This week I've worked out five days with only Wednesday off because my arms and legs were so sore that I could hardly move.<br /><br />Now here's the exercise goal for 2010. Keep at it, don't stop. I've done this so many times in my life where I've been working out like a maniac for months and months, then one day, I just quit. In the past I've completely stopped working out, stopped any kind of exercise for no apparent reason other than I was tired of it. That was always followed by a huge weight gain (last time it was 100+ pounds).<br /><br />That's it, my list of junk to do in MMX. I feel kind of tired looking at the list, it's such a short list but there's a lot of work ahead of me.<br /><br />Here's to a great year, for all of us. :D</div>

MMX

It's really 2010. It seems unreal to me. I was born in 1955. The year 2010 sounded like science fiction. I never thought I'd live un...

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One Year to a New Career

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/02/ar5b8346qgtgpw673v02.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/02/ar5b8346qgtgpw673v02.gif" /></a><br /></div>You've counted down from 10 and watched the ball drop in Times Square. As happy as you are to usher in a new year, you can't help but remember a vow you made to yourself last December 31. "By this time next year, I'll have a new career."<br /><br />A year passed and not much changed.<br /><br />When you're unhappy in your job, a year can seem like a long time. Twelve long months of wanting something bigger and better. Not anything outlandish, just a job that doesn't make you cry a little when you leave your home every morning. Yet, when you look back on the last year, didn't that time seem to speed by? Who had time to change careers when you had all that work to do?<br /><br />We've put together a list of ways for you to make a career switch possible. Next year you can look back at January 1, 2010 and realize you've finally done it.<br /><br />Foreign language courses<br />The United States is a country filled with many languages. People who speak English as a second language or are still learning English need goods and services, and that's where bilingual professionals come in. If you studied a language in college but your tongue has grown a bit rusty since, this year is perfect for taking refresher courses. You'll be surprised by how much you know and you'll open a whole new set of doors for your career. You'll be as qualified and experienced as you already are -- only now you'll be able to reach a whole new group of potential customers.<br /><br />Public speaking courses<br />Have you ever sat through a boring presentation? And by "sat through" I mean "scribbled on your notepad until you fell asleep sitting up." Not everyone is a good public speaker, and even more people never even try to improve. If you know you have it in you to successfully present to a crowd, you should get more training so that you're a standout. Companies need people who can wow a VP or entertain a crowd without mumbling and sweating through their shirts. When you can add excellent presentation skills to your résumé, you immediately gain access to positions you didn't know were available.<br /><br />Professional certifications<br />If you don't hate the industry you're in, but you do hate the professional plateau you're on, a certification can give you a boost. Whether you have one degree or two, many times a new certification (such as one for a paralegal or legal assistant) can show employers you're serious about your job. You've just set yourself apart from most other candidates. Look into different professional organizations in your field and you'll be surprised how many certifications are available.<br /><br />Associate degrees<br />Most associate degrees take two years, but many only take one, or they can be accomplished in one if you barrel through school. An associate degree is different from a certification because an associate degree can single handedly set you in a new direction. Where a certification might only enhance your standing in the current industry, an associate degree -- which you can get at specialized institutes, community colleges and universities -- is often enough to qualify you for certain jobs regardless of your previous experience.<br /><br />Workshops<br />Sometimes what you need to move to a new level is just a refresher course or a way to reassess what you know. Many companies offer internal workshops and seminars to help their employees. The topics might range from a specialized task that's part of your job duty to a general issue, like time management or supervisory skills. Enrolling in one of these workshops, or an external one at a nearby institute, can show your boss that you're serious about advancement. You could even approach the boss to find out if he or she has certain areas they'd like to see you improve upon (or you might know this from your performance review) and use that as a jumping off point.<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.<br /><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border:0" width="125"/></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink"></script><br /><!-- AddThis Button END -->

One Year to a New Career

You've counted down from 10 and watched the ball drop in Times Square. As happy as you are to usher in a new year, you can't help bu...

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When Job Search Desperation Kicks In

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/nh/ar5b3h778ql17tmsz5nh.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/nh/ar5b3h778ql17tmsz5nh.gif" /></a><br /></div>Desperation isn't an attractive trait on most people ... maybe anyone. If you've ever witnessed desperation in a relationship, you know how unappealing it can be to see someone willing to settle for something. Anything. It makes you wonder just how much that person values himself or herself.<br /><br />A job search isn't the same as a quest for true love, but it can often result in desperation. Think about it: If you don't have a job, you don't have money to pay the bills. For many people, a job search is linked to survival. Who wouldn't get desperate after a while?<br /><br />Just like in a romance, however, being too eager and needy can backfire. Even if you're feeling as though you'll take any job that comes your way, don't let employers know that. You might be desperate for a job, but you don't have to act like you are.<br /><br />Why desperation doesn't help you<br />You might think, "Won't I impress my future boss if I prove I'm willing to do anything to get the job?" You would be wrong. To help you understand what hiring managers think when they come across desperate interviewees, we went straight to the source.<br /><br />Tony Deblauwe is the founder of HR4 Change and has 15 years of human resources experience. In his career he has seen more desperate job seekers than most people. Sometimes things go so wrong they're almost criminal.<br /><br />"I had a case once where after not hearing from the recruiter (from just a résumé submission), the candidate came to the office and waited in the parking lot for the CEO," Deblauwe remembers. "It was easy since the CEO's picture was online. [The candidate] felt that HR and staffing were a roadblock and the best way to prove his 'inventiveness' was to approach the CEO directly. It turned out badly as you might imagine -- we had to get security involved."<br /><br />Not all candidates are as extreme. In fact, desperation is so common, Deblauwe sees certain traits appear time after time.<br /><br />· "I'm willing to take any job!"<br />"People who have been searching a long time or who have limited leads respond to job posts that they will take any job even if it's clearly a step down," he says. "Sometimes this is due to the economy; sometimes they want to get into a company at whatever the cost. I have personally known of candidates doing this to get into Apple or Google."<br /><br />· "I'm willing to temp first."<br />"Sometimes [starting as a temp] works, but when a candidate offers it first against a full time posted job, it's a turnoff," Deblauwe cautions. "Rather than show confidence that you can do the job as presented, you offset the discussion by saying you will be a temp. Not a good move and very desperate."<br /><br />· "Money doesn't matter."<br />"It's one thing to say your salary is negotiable, but making a point in the phone screen or first round interview about not caring about the pay not only reflects bad judgment but low self-esteem," Deblauwe warns. "I ask myself, 'What else will you cave on if you had this job?'"<br /><br />· "Why haven't you called me back?"<br />According to Deblauwe, being pushy is one of the most classic signs of a desperate job seeker.<br /><br />"After sending in a résumé or getting an initial call back, a candidate loses all sense of how staffing process timing works," he says. "They will e-mail [or call] after one or two days. Candidates forget that many back-end processes slow job updates -- not because people forgot about you or don't care. This behavior doesn't show you are determined and eager; rather it makes you appear annoying and distracting. Almost always people who do this, even if they appeared to be a great fit in the beginning, get eliminated."<br /><br />What you can do<br />First off, don't say any of the above phrases. More importantly, prove that the company would be lucky to have you, and not vice versa. Don't be cocky, but act like you're ready for the job because it's the right fit, not because it's available now. Even if you are desperate for a job, remember these tips because they're important to every job search.<br /><br />· Have proof of your accomplishments so you can show the hiring manager that you deliver results.<br />· Show interest in the company. Employers like to know that you care about more than dollar signs, so do a little research on the company and even the interviewers if possible.<br />· Practice your interview answers so you don't blurt out a bad answer. For example, your answer to "Why do you want this job?" shouldn't include the low balance of your checking account.<br />· Make a list of the reasons you are the best candidate for the job. You can't convince a hiring manager that you're the best choice for the position if you don't believe it yourself. The best way to convince yourself is to look at all your best qualities.<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.<br /><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border:0" width="125"/></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink"></script><br /><!-- AddThis Button END -->

When Job Search Desperation Kicks In

Desperation isn't an attractive trait on most people ... maybe anyone. If you've ever witnessed desperation in a relationship, you k...

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Droits, devoirs et prévention santé : CPAM à la Maison de l'Emploi le 7 janvier 2010

<BR><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecs8cP9CmoFk_oTvWmqBwhmwCn8gl-4-y7HRAjZSqfxBnjUsXajtF_SpvSWZU7OlEJkMcs6k5n2XwmQyT6OaTFVvsLZvAieeY9jVeim51s-wA7A3Dsw7yhfJcrqSisLAqvwtKMLN_lfg5/s1600-h/logo_cpam_loiret.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376121006456646290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecs8cP9CmoFk_oTvWmqBwhmwCn8gl-4-y7HRAjZSqfxBnjUsXajtF_SpvSWZU7OlEJkMcs6k5n2XwmQyT6OaTFVvsLZvAieeY9jVeim51s-wA7A3Dsw7yhfJcrqSisLAqvwtKMLN_lfg5/s320/logo_cpam_loiret.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 316px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 176px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><br />Patricia Bayle, Déléguée Prévention à la CPAM du Loiret, assurera une <strong>permanence</strong> à la Maison de l’Emploi <strong>de 13h30 à 17h</strong> : <br /><ul><br /><li><strong>le jeudi 07 janvier 2010</strong></li></ul><br />Toutes les questions liées aux droits, aux devoirs et à la prévention (remboursement des dépenses de maladie, droits CPAM, mutuelle, CMU, paiement des indemnités journalières, prévention, examen de santé ...) peuvent être abordées par Patricia Bayle en fonction des besoins de chacun.<br /><BR>

Droits, devoirs et prévention santé : CPAM à la Maison de l'Emploi le 7 janvier 2010

Patricia Bayle, Déléguée Prévention à la CPAM du Loiret, assurera une permanence à la Maison de l’Emploi de 13h30 à 17h : le jeudi 07 janv...

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S'ouvrir les portes des métiers du bâtiment : visite d'entreprise le 7 janvier 2010

<BR><br />En partenariat avec le PLIE, la Maison de l'emploi du bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les métiers liés au secteur de l’installation de réseaux électriques (postes et conditions de travail) :<ul><br /><li>le jeudi 7 janvier 2010<br /><li>dans les locaux de l'entreprise <strong><a href="http://www.forclum.com/" "target=_blank">Forclum</a></strong>.</li></ul><br /><br />Le transport est pris en charge par la Maison de l'emploi du bassin d'Orléans avec l'appui du PLIE.<br /><br />Le nombre de places est limité.<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 /><strong>Départ</strong> : <strong>PLIE</strong>, Espace Saint Marc, 5 place du 6 juin 44, 45 000 Orléans (dans l'espace d'accueil) à <strong>14h00</strong><br /><br />Pour en savoir plus sur les métiers de l'électricité et du génie climatique, allez consulter le site <strong><a href="http://www.metiers-electricite.com/" "target=_blank">www.metiers-electricite.com</a></strong>.<br /><BR>

S'ouvrir les portes des métiers du bâtiment : visite d'entreprise le 7 janvier 2010

En partenariat avec le PLIE, la Maison de l'emploi du bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les méti...

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10 Healthy Careers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/b4/ar5c2jn6q9d3pzq06tb4.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/b4/ar5c2jn6q9d3pzq06tb4.gif" /></a><br /></div>Every year, one of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to "be healthy and lose weight." Easier said than done. Of course, everyone wants to be healthy, but when it comes time to put in the effort, it's hard for many to find the time.<br /><br />For others, however, finding the time to be healthy is all in a day's work. If you're interested in a career that lends itself to staying active or promoting a healthy lifestyle and environment, check out these 10 careers and the requirements you'll need to meet to get started:<br /><br />1. Activities coordinator<br />Why it's healthy: Activities coordinators plan and conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies, or recreation facilities. They focus on keeping individuals fit and active, whether they are in a nursing home or day camp.<br />Requirements: Educational and training requirements vary based on the institution in which you will be working. They range from a high-school diploma to a bachelor's degree.<br />Salary: $31,390<br /><br />2. Athletic trainer<br />Why it's healthy: Athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and healing of injuries for athletes. They usually focus mostly on the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries, but can spend time educating on the prevention of such injuries.<br />Requirements: A bachelor's degree and in most states, certification.<br />Salary: $46,049<br /><br />3. Chiropractor<br />Why it's healthy: Chiropractors deal with conditions of the spine, but their approach is more holistic in that it's focused on a patient's overall health. They are concerned with diet, exercise and other issues related to well-being, and they provide natural, drugless and nonsurgical health treatments.<br />Requirements: Chiropractors must be licensed, which requires two to four years of undergraduate education, completing a four-year chiropractic college course, and earning passing scores on national and state examinations.<br />Salary: $115,289<br /><br />4. Dieticians and nutritionists<br />Why it's healthy: Dieticians and nutritionists constantly think about what they put in their clients' bodies and in their own. They promote healthy eating habits by recommending dietary modifications, planning food and nutrition programs, supervising meal preparation and oversee the serving of meals.<br />Requirements: At least a bachelor's degree. Licensure, certification or registration requirements vary by state.<br />Salary: $52,911 and $54,301<br /><br />5. Exercise instructor<br />Why it's healthy: Exercise instructors, whether in aerobics, Pilates or yoga, are constantly moving their own bodies, teaching others to do the same and how to do so correctly. Multiple days of the week, hours at a time, are spent sweating, so there is no question you'll be in tip-top shape.<br />Requirements: Depends on the specific type of fitness work. For most fitness workers, certification is critical and you are expected to know how to do your job without any on-the-job training.<br />Salary: $30,189<br /><br />6. Health educator<br />Why it's healthy: Health educators must practice what they preach, as they work to encourage healthy lifestyles and wellness. They educate people and communities about healthy living, disease prevention, proper nutrition and the importance of exercise.<br />Requirements: A bachelor's degree is required for entry-level positions; other employers prefer a bachelor's degree and some related experience. A master's degree and even doctorate may be required for some positions and is usually required for advancement.<br />Salary: $63,817<br /><br />7. Personal chef<br />Why it's healthy: Personal chefs offer meal preparation to clients for a fee. They are usually healthy, individualized meals for families and individuals of all types, and they can personalize your menu to any special nutritional needs you may have.<br />Requirements: Most culinary schools offer personal chef training; you may also choose to be certified by the American Personal & Private Chef Association.<br />Salary: Varies<br /><br />8. Personal trainer<br />Why it's healthy: A personal trainer's job is to help individuals lose weight, get in shape and lead a healthier lifestyle. They got tons of extra exercise through working out with clients, and part of their training is to learn about nutrition.<br />Requirements: Personal trainers usually must be certified to work with clients or with members of a fitness facility.<br />Salary: $46,049<br /><br />9. Massage therapist<br />Why it's healthy: Massage therapists promote one's general health, helping people become more aware of their bodies and taking care of it better. They focus on relaxation, muscle recovery, treating painful ailments and reducing stress.<br />Requirements: Most states require massage therapists to complete a formal education program and pass a national certification examination or a state exam.<br />Salary: $32,399<br /><br />10. Weight reduction specialist<br />Why it's healthy: Weight-loss specialists help clients in devising and carrying out weight-loss plan, using established dietary programs and positive reinforcement procedures. <br />Requirements: At least a bachelor's degree. Licensure, certification, or registration requirements vary by state.<br />Salary: $32,368<br /><br />Salary figures based on data from CBsalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.com<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek 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. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.<br /><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border:0" width="125"/></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink"></script><br /><!-- AddThis Button END -->

10 Healthy Careers

Every year, one of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to "be healthy and lose weight." Easier said than done. Of cours...

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Reflecting on 2009

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYLu1tU26y-AreCytHEmQaq-Im8uDGOIU7We6wc4jeVWUVcPzfoqoI2krzjyzzbpHtAYH6HbW77fXqbJRlXh1Vdamiz-AEA3NNxFQsN-Y4HhPPn3or4u9Vdx8IbMJavN82iTbjjlOupSu/s1600-h/2009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420542186174906946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYLu1tU26y-AreCytHEmQaq-Im8uDGOIU7We6wc4jeVWUVcPzfoqoI2krzjyzzbpHtAYH6HbW77fXqbJRlXh1Vdamiz-AEA3NNxFQsN-Y4HhPPn3or4u9Vdx8IbMJavN82iTbjjlOupSu/s400/2009.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 358px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Today I looked at my old blog, the one on the right, titled "My old Diana's Weight Loss Journey". I don't even remember why I started a new blog in March 2009. I vaguely remember it was something to do with this <a href="http://theantijared.blogspot.com/" target="blank">guy</a>. :)<br /><br />I was in search of my 2009 goals, which I found in my January 1, 2009 post. I also found my old blog was black type on a black background which made it unreadable. No idea how that happened.<br /><br />When I read through my 2009 goals I wanted to cry. My first thought was that I'm a big, fat failure. I didn't actually make any of my 2009 goals happen, and I only had four goals. Then I decided to try and look at the glass half full instead of half empty.<br /><br />Some of these goals are still going to be on my 2010 list, but here's how I did for 2009. Fortunately it was a short list.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">1. Get to my goal weight of 135 (28.6 pounds to go!).</span><br /><br />~~~ This was a fail. Any way I look at it I failed. I don't even know how I can put a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">positive</span> spin on this one. I was so close and then something happened. I just stopped and went the other direction. I weighed 163.6 when I posted this goal January 1, 2009. Today I weighed 175.4, a gain of 11.8 pounds in 2009. I suppose the positive is that I didn't go all the way back up to 240 pounds.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">2. Maintain my 75-pound loss.</span><br /><br />~~~See #1. Although I've managed to maintain a 64.6 pound loss, this goal wasn't met.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">3. See a therapist for that nasty little compulsive overeating problem I have.</span><br /><br />~~~I saw a therapist for three sessions. It didn't help. I suppose I didn't give it a chance, but it seemed like a total waste of time and money. I know I have issues, but seeing a therapist didn't seem to really work for me. I'm neutral on this being a failure.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">4. Work on my marriage.<br /></span><br />~~~I did and I didn't. I guess the positive on this one is I'm still married. We have our good days and our bad ones. Sometimes it seems all bad, then a glimmer of the old us shows itself and it all seems worth working on.<br /><br />Well, so much for the positive spin. The only positive is that by being such a failure in 2009 I have an opportunity in 2010 to make these things happen. More to come on that later.<br /><br /><strong>My workout today</strong><br />Oh my gosh! I just about killed myself at the gym. I think I'm a bit of a showoff when it comes to lifting weights and I did a really foolish thing. I did all my concentrated <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">dumbbell</span> curls with 20-pound <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">dumbbells</span> (some guy was watching me), and then my overhead press with 25-pound <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">dumbbells</span>. I also added some new exercises today for upper body and now I can't lift my arms over my head. Ouch!<br /><br />I've added a blog page on the the right, My workouts, where I'll keep track of all my workouts. I always carry a notebook with me to the gym and write them down. Now I'll transfer the information to a blog page. If anyone has any suggestions of new exercises or web sites with exercises, please let me know. I had some bookmarked on my old laptop that crashed last summer and now I can't find them. I really want to ramp up my workout routines in 2010. This is going to be my year!

Reflecting on 2009

Today I looked at my old blog, the one on the right, titled "My old Diana's Weight Loss Journey". I don't even remember wh...

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