happy thanksgiving

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ2KQiR8LPzjxRznDuzSXWXkGXDuTF5Y3fMhtBJwAv_G4Nqo4DC9NXfiF1xFqswr5-nllpNKlSXbbVwshyphenhyphenOE9XdECRYHF-4mckQfa1OSfbSNahbGNefkCwnLE9iE_zK8r727OJzqHL5YR/s1600/PB231233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ2KQiR8LPzjxRznDuzSXWXkGXDuTF5Y3fMhtBJwAv_G4Nqo4DC9NXfiF1xFqswr5-nllpNKlSXbbVwshyphenhyphenOE9XdECRYHF-4mckQfa1OSfbSNahbGNefkCwnLE9iE_zK8r727OJzqHL5YR/s320/PB231233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

happy thanksgiving

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Got H20?

I have decided to start posting more to this blog.  Life is busy and it's been a long time since my last post.  So, keep your eyes open for more to come.  We hope to offer more writers, more topics, and on a more timely basis.<br /><br />This post is from one of our many guest authors, Jamey Graham, Wildlife Communications Specialist in our Akron office.  Enjoy!<br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most people who enjoy backyard or schoolyard bird watching know that providing even the simplest of bird feeding stations will attract our feathered friends, not to mention a wide array of other wild creatures. What many folks don’t think about though is how well watering stations work at reeling in wildlife. In the midst of a snowy, winter day, birds might struggle a bit to find high-energy, nutritious food. But they often struggle harder in a battle to find clean, unfrozen water. Both humans and wildlife can go several days without food, albeit grumbling bellies, but our bodies must be hydrated much more frequently in order to function comfortably. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a couple of ways to provide a reliable supply of fresh drinking water for wildlife. And, as with many hobbies, a watering station can be as elaborate and expensive or simple and affordable as you want it to be. Obviously, a traditional birdbath works when temperatures don’t dip below freezing. Keep in mind that this water does not have to be deep. Most birds prefer the water to be very shallow, just a few inches.  So if you have a deep bowl, place a large rock in the center to help displace the H2O. When winter does indeed set in and the temps fall, a heated birdbath or water heater (for a terra cotta, concrete, granite or plastic bowl) will keep the water from freezing. You can purchase either of these at a home and garden department store or specialty supply store that focuses on attracting wildlife. Prices and selection vary greatly depending on where you shop of course. But plan on spending roughly $30-$80 for a good quality item that should last a couple of seasons if not more. You can purchase electric or solar energy products, but keep in mind that solar products tend to cost more initially, but will save you money over time. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a side note, if you are struggling to attract critters to your feeding and watering stations, you may need to move these stations closer to habitat or plant some vegetation nearby. Birds feel especially vulnerable out in the open, so protective cover in the forms of shrubs, trees, and tall grasses can make a world of difference with your success at attracting wildlife. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep the water clean by changing it often-maybe once each week- and you’ll reap the rewards as will your avian visitors. If you need help identifying all of the wonderful birds visiting your property, check out the Division of Wildlife’s <a href="http://www.flipseekllc.com/wildohio2008bird.html" target="_blank">interactive guide</a> for a free color guidebook and sound CD. </span>

Got H20?

I have decided to start posting more to this blog.  Life is busy and it's been a long time since my last post.  So, keep your eyes open ...

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The Proposal

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8Oplpoxa1FdiyGKH9fZodLimLeFEzJNXlJMh2Pi57TDqNJuU02VtV3sRUkddWsMExuwkBnpN6ur6wW8mH2e-rZaX-7MwqmnOMM4MaT5vEy73SR4InQhPbC4B8F8EM0OHmhxTK46qoNc/s1600/Weight+Progress+110411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Thank you all for the "congrats" on <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/11/it-all-started-with-new-tradition.html">Monday's post</a> :).   I'm still getting used to seeing <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/11/it-all-started-with-new-tradition.html">that beauty</a> on my finger, as well as absorbing the fact that I am engaged.  I just never imagined it would happen this soon!  <br /><br />It's time to kick this weight loss effort in to high gear!  I thought I would have more time to remove the The Big Weight, but alas, it looks like I have about 11 months to get close to my goal.  Of course I would love to reach my goal of 165 lbs, but at this point I just want to get as close to it as possible.  I know it's possible to do this, and I cannot get married looking like <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/p/progress-pictures.html">this</a>.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8Oplpoxa1FdiyGKH9fZodLimLeFEzJNXlJMh2Pi57TDqNJuU02VtV3sRUkddWsMExuwkBnpN6ur6wW8mH2e-rZaX-7MwqmnOMM4MaT5vEy73SR4InQhPbC4B8F8EM0OHmhxTK46qoNc/s1600/Weight+Progress+110411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8Oplpoxa1FdiyGKH9fZodLimLeFEzJNXlJMh2Pi57TDqNJuU02VtV3sRUkddWsMExuwkBnpN6ur6wW8mH2e-rZaX-7MwqmnOMM4MaT5vEy73SR4InQhPbC4B8F8EM0OHmhxTK46qoNc/s400/Weight+Progress+110411.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><br />So many people have asked how it happened, as well as the story behind the ring.  So here is the detailed version of the proposal:<br /><br />As I was cleaning up the ornament boxes after having just decorated our tree, I noticed this one box that I hadn't seen before.  I actually opened it up and I said to Joel, "Where did this come from?"  He said he didn't know, but it was actually a little jewelry box.  I thought nothing of it, thinking it was from a gift I received last year, and I quickly packed it away back into the Christmas box.  This is where I messed up his plan :).  He was going to use that box as a segue to give me the ring, stating that he got me an additional "special" ornament, and once I would open the box, he would then hand me the ring (because, after all, it was empty).  However, given my swift moves at cleaning up, he panicked and decided instead to drop it into the champagne glass.  Joel got us our glasses and proposed a toast... to our new Christmas tradition, and to our love.  We said "Cheers!" and I quickly brought the glass up to my lips, only to have Joel abruptly push it back down.  Then he told me to look in the glass, and then I just burst into tears.  I was so overcome with emotion (and I'm not really <i>that </i>kind of girl either!).  I wouldn't have had it any other way! :) Thank you so much Joel for one of the best surprises EVER!!  I Love You JJ!<br /><br />Do you have any wedding planning tips for me?  Specifically, right now I am working on the guest list, and it started with 240 people and I have successfully whittled it down to 172.  It is so difficult!  Please, share your wedding planning tips and tricks with me :).  I need as much help as I can get!

wedding The Proposal

Thank you all for the "congrats" on Monday's post :).   I'm still getting used to seeing that beauty on my finger, as we...

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I love Technology Conferences!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">submitted by Fiona Beal</span></em><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently we have had a virtual Global Education Conference taking place which was really great (</span><a href="http://globaleducation.ning.com/" title="http://globaleducation.ning.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://globaleducation.ning.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">), but this led me to to think about other technology <em>face-to-face</em> conferences I have attended this year and how I have benefitted from them. To tell the truth I REALLY love face-to-face technology conferences. There is just nothing that compares with seeing friends and colleagues that you don’t normally get to see at these conferences, shaking their hands and catching up on life and technology matters. One can also ask a myriad of questions and find out so much when it is face-to-face. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are two face-to-face technology conferences from this year that I haven’t written about yet, so I am going to write about those now. Both of them were held at schools. They used the excellent services of </span><a href="http://www.edtechconf.co.za/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">EdTechConf</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> to help them plan their conferences.</span> </span> <br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Edtechconf Extended @ Elkanah</strong></span> </span></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The first conference was held at Elkanah House in Table View, Cape Town in October.  Honestly...what a school! They are leaders in technology integration, of that there is no doubt. That marvellous ICT Department of theirs, under the guidance of EdTechConf, produced a brilliant conference.  Their goal was to attract teachers in the classroom who are just starting the journey of integrating technology with the curriculum. They also made a point of using local Cape Town teachers to share what they are doing with technology integration.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Here is a photo of four of the six Elkanah House technology team members.</span> </span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6azRnr8pGaDPY1TvNz0JvN3k64IHWIPXw7XE9MQwBQ9Tg0hTBA92WBfoEfUyo1CzFWcc5NhpnvQm-tja5e7hKwKrzD9GIY6LP-p2UfgsThsjGxlABQIJpqpvdFMPrDLAT6-3Y8lOink/s1600/elkanah+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6azRnr8pGaDPY1TvNz0JvN3k64IHWIPXw7XE9MQwBQ9Tg0hTBA92WBfoEfUyo1CzFWcc5NhpnvQm-tja5e7hKwKrzD9GIY6LP-p2UfgsThsjGxlABQIJpqpvdFMPrDLAT6-3Y8lOink/s320/elkanah+team.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maryne (left) Karen (third left) Juanita (2nd from right) Linda (3rd from right) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Keynote speakers</strong></span> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Kobus van Wyk </u></span><a href="http://www.e4africa.co.za/" title="http://www.e4africa.co.za/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(http://www.e4africa.co.za/</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">), of Khanya fame in the Western Cape, set the tone as the opening keynote speaker. He talked about ICT being an add-in and not an add-on. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were three other keynote speakers:<br />* <u>Arthur Preston</u> (</span><a href="http://headthoughts.co.za/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://headthoughts.co.za/</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">) who is a co-founder of EdTechConf and who has been appointed as the new Elkanah House principal in 2012, spoke on The Technophobe Family, <br />* <u>Nicholas  Hall</u>, a social media candidate attorney, spoke about copyright law etc for educationists <br />*<u>Tim Keller</u> (</span><a href="http://timk.co.za/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://timk.co.za/</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">), a software developer of ‘Staffroom’ fame and a co-founder of EdTechConf spoke on 'The School of the Future' . All were outstanding presentations.</span> <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYC6RIRWbtS5UuPc_lPhhOXiHeAXBFnLR5XygWpRATk9ZavxoeOiEZP0xhkRwKMhA-qGH4kbok0WvXApiCD-JJe1BnZZc0BL32i6lTJdLnnWLP75U6YONSc_EtK9gMqx2BbnxJ_LU-Hc/s1600/kobus+and+tim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYC6RIRWbtS5UuPc_lPhhOXiHeAXBFnLR5XygWpRATk9ZavxoeOiEZP0xhkRwKMhA-qGH4kbok0WvXApiCD-JJe1BnZZc0BL32i6lTJdLnnWLP75U6YONSc_EtK9gMqx2BbnxJ_LU-Hc/s320/kobus+and+tim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Keller and Kobus van Wyk</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Presentations and workshops</span></strong> <br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Maggie Verster</u>, (</span><a href="http://maggiev.edublogs.org/" title="http://maggiev.edublogs.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://maggiev.edublogs.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">) our own South African social networking expert, ran the Twitter backchannel. She used her bubbly enthusiasm to get as many of the delegates as possible using Twitter since Twitter is a really great educational resource tool. Maggie also created a Conference blog to upload some of the presentations </span><a href="http://elkedtechconf.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://elkedtechconf.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and a Picasa site for all the photos </span><a href="http://bit.ly/sVXqjA" title="http://bit.ly/sVXqjA "><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://bit.ly/sVXqjA </span></a>.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Here is Maggie’s presentation on <em>Bookmarking using Diigo</em></span> </span><br /><div id="__ss_9488352" style="width: 425px;"><strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/edtechconf/social-bookmarking-9488352" target="_blank" title="Social bookmarking"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Social bookmarking</span></a></strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9488352" width="425"></iframe> <br /><div style="padding: 5px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View more </span><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">presentations</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> from </span><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/edtechconf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edtechconf @Elkanah</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">What I really liked about the conference was the three teacher-panel sessions. These were local teachers who shared what they are doing in the classroom. Each panel had about 3 or 4 teachers and they spoke for about 15 minutes followed by a time of questions from the floor. The conference delegates loved these panels. One of the panels involved the Microsoft Innovative Teacher finalists and winners who happened to live in Cape Town, and wow! did they bring energy and enthusiasm with them.  You can just see what that competition does to teachers! (Read </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/The%20Partners%20in%20Learning%20Middle%20East%20Innovative%20Education%20Forum%20took%20place%20in%20Aqaba,%20Jordan%20last%20week"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">.about the success of these Innovative teacher finalists when they represented South Africa in Jordan at the Partners in Learning Middle East and Africa Innovative Education Forum in Jordan in September). Here is a photo of Maggie with some of the Innovative Teacher finalists.</span> </span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4x0-pkTYoGOF7eiLhMRbMqKuQoGK1aOamD091kh8OV8FOfjcG686cuJYRnMfDZrFD_uoZ3CXcaD1xoCal7bk2irITX34WPwBuu8eXMAxjaVuYRwkMXVmaYKU6sDSgThW4DQeqJRHP18/s1600/maggie+and+co.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4x0-pkTYoGOF7eiLhMRbMqKuQoGK1aOamD091kh8OV8FOfjcG686cuJYRnMfDZrFD_uoZ3CXcaD1xoCal7bk2irITX34WPwBuu8eXMAxjaVuYRwkMXVmaYKU6sDSgThW4DQeqJRHP18/s320/maggie+and+co.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie (left) Lisa (2nd left) Kim and Louise</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I must mention that a highlight of the teacher's panels for me (and others) was <u>Nicole Masureik's</u> presentation.  She spoke about her project with Grade 11s at Pinelands High School where she is conducting a cell phone trial with two Grade 11 classes - Maths and Life Sciences. This is an incredible project really worth following. </span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><div id="__ss_9479164" style="width: 425px;"><strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/edtechconf/cell-phone-trial-in-school-ed-techconf-nim" target="_blank" title="Cell phone trial in school ed techconf nim">Cell phone trial in school ed techconf nim</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9479164" width="425"></iframe> <br /><div style="padding: 5px 0px 12px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/edtechconf" target="_blank">Edtechconf @Elkanah</a> </div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The workshop sessions, of which there were quite a choice, also gave teachers a chance to practise using different tools. I am going to add the presentations that have been made public in this space. </span><br /><div id="__ss_9498770" style="width: 425px;"><strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/edtechconf/simones-presentation" target="_blank" title="Simone's presentation:Technology in my Art Room">Simone's presentation:Technology in my Art Room</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9498770" width="425"></iframe> <br />View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/edtechconf" target="_blank">Edtechconf @Elkanah</a> </div><br /><div id="__ss_9470769" style="width: 425px;"><strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal/34-ideas-for-a-classroom-blog" target="_blank" title="34 ideas for a classroom blog">34 ideas for a classroom blog</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/9470769" width="425"></iframe> <br /><div style="padding: 5px 0px 12px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal" target="_blank">fionabeal</a> </div></div><br /><div id="__ss_10278564" style="width: 425px;"><strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal/microsofts-free-tools" target="_blank" title="Microsoft's Free Tools">Microsoft's Free Tools</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/10278564" width="425"></iframe> <br /><div style="padding: 5px 0px 12px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal" target="_blank">fionabeal</a> </div></div><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teachmeets introduced</span></strong><br /><br />Elkanah House also announced their intention to start Teachmeets for local teachers (<a href="http://teachmeet-southafrica.wikispaces.com/">http://teachmeet-southafrica.wikispaces.com</a>)  by having a quick demonstration of a Teachmeet. Read about Teachmeets <a href="http://e-blogschool.blogspot.com/2011/08/why-not-hold-teachmeet-in-your-area.html" target="_blank">here</a>.  In face they are having their second Teachmeet this coming Saturday 26<span style="font-size: small;">^th November. I'll be writing about their Teachmeets in another blogpost. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span><br /><br />I think this conference generated a lot of energy and possibly larger numbers of teachers will attend future conferences when they hear about what they missed. But, as <u>Karen Stadler</u>, one of the ICT team at Elkanah House highlighted in her blogpost about the event: <br />"Key points that came out of this conference were:<br />* Buy-in from school management is vital (sadly very few principals attended our conference).<br />* Technology needs to be an integral part of teaching today as our students are born tech savvy (digital natives)<br />* It must be an add-in not an add-on<br />* Teachers should start small, choose one aspect/topic and use technology to enhance it<br />* Baby steps… Take that first step!" <br /><a href="http://karenstadler.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/what-a-conference/">http://karenstadler.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/what-a-conference/</a> <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtkY_YNzWCb9pWUtqDjObTZhMgBAVl2ve093xNV8sy5qA8eS6Nz95Hx7720usDG2iViygTwDmKV8JyTXVzljzhXXWLjLprY75aHegW-NPgG2qOCG34mJx7Tfr3oKpnIuDZ6HNmsnNRZ8/s1600/DSCF6140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtkY_YNzWCb9pWUtqDjObTZhMgBAVl2ve093xNV8sy5qA8eS6Nz95Hx7720usDG2iViygTwDmKV8JyTXVzljzhXXWLjLprY75aHegW-NPgG2qOCG34mJx7Tfr3oKpnIuDZ6HNmsnNRZ8/s320/DSCF6140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim and Loise sharing about their winning project </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Edtechconf Extended @ Cornwall Hill</strong></span><br /><br />This was the second technology conference I attended at a school in October. It was great! Once again it was wonderful to connect face-to-face with friends from around the country for a catch-up time.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNj4BCeSBlv4V-ww3F2FB8z6JEp_b-FOXE1fKVuS4jqTBaUOspuZillYLXB3472sZtruR19nwnaGGl8lk5utkKNfh6Dl-HkFA2jiq_mn8QCm6OD_9SrwKAgVXVH5-wprhl20_7tiu4oh4/s1600/DSCF8010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNj4BCeSBlv4V-ww3F2FB8z6JEp_b-FOXE1fKVuS4jqTBaUOspuZillYLXB3472sZtruR19nwnaGGl8lk5utkKNfh6Dl-HkFA2jiq_mn8QCm6OD_9SrwKAgVXVH5-wprhl20_7tiu4oh4/s320/DSCF8010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natalie (left) Linda (2nd left) Fiona (2nd right) and Debbie</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The only problem is there is no record of it anywhere that I can find.  I think a Conference blog is such a good idea at a conference as the experience lives on through it.   The conference followed the same Edtechconf pattern as before. The three highlights for me were:<br />*a inspirational talk by <u>Pepe Marais</u>  <a href="http://sharpeningmypencil.tumblr.com/">http://sharpeningmypencil.tumblr.com/</a> founder of 'One School at a time') <br />*<u>Dr Adele Botha</u> on the use of cell phones at school<br />* The teacher panel sharing their projects. <br /><br />Well, to close my post let me say - let’s face it – technology is here to stay! We need to embrace it in education. There is no other route.     </div>

conferences I love Technology Conferences!

submitted by Fiona Beal Recently we have had a virtual Global Education Conference taking place which was really great ( http://globaleducat...

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Turning a lot of experience into an effective résumé

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px;"><div style="color: #333333; font: italic normal normal 16px/normal arial, helvetica;"><span id="cbArticle_lblHeadline2">How to use a varied work history to your advantage</span></div><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder Writer</span></b><br /></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Perhaps, generations ago, students graduated from college and found jobs related to their majors. They stayed at these jobs for several years before moving on to the next job, which was still in the same industry but hopefully a step up.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For today's workers, the path is less clear. Whether or not you go to college, your work history probably has quite a bit of variety in it. The workplace is constantly changing and, thanks to technology, jobs are disappearing and being created all the time. Ten years ago no one was a<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/social+media+manager/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">social media manager</a>, but today people who spent years as <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/public+relations/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">public relations</a>, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/marketing/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">marketing</a> and<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/journalism/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">journalism</a> are spending their days on Twitter, Facebook and blogs. Once you factor in the recent recession and the dot-com bubble burst, workers are laid off and scramble to find new jobs, even if they're in new fields.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A varied work history is today's norm, but it doesn't always make for easy job hunting. Employers are skittish about hiring workers who jump from job to job or whose career appears to lack focus. Employers want a worker who is looking to establish a career, not chase a paycheck.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We asked career experts to weigh in with their best advice for job seekers looking to turn their unique combination of experience into an asset, not a hindrance:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"The best way to showcase your skills, especially if they are diverse and range quite a bit is to try to lump them together. Try to find the common ground -- are you helping people, for example? You can likely lump those skills in your profile under a bullet or in one sentence by stating you are adept at helping others and then list some of those skills.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Today's hiring managers know people have a wide range of experience and that they have jumped around -- so long as you show that those experiences meet the needs of the job, it helps. This is also why many people have multiple résumés; you can tweak the wording to separate your skills over a few resumes and then apply to a specific job that fits that skillset." - <i>Kristen Fischer, a freelance <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/copywriter/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">copywriter</a> and <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/editor/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">editor</a></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"As a former career adviser and now image consultant where I still help people with their résumés, I always recommend in this situation to do two things:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Keep a master résumé: a master résumé is one that is for the job seeker's eyes only. This is not a résumé that is sent out to employers. Include in it every type of work and experience you've done. It can be as long as 20 pages and it won't matter because it will only be used to pull items from. When designing the résumé that will be sent out, pick and choose items from the master resume that are relevant to the job for which you are applying.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Have two experience sections on your résumé, one called 'Relevant Experience' or 'Related Experience' with relevant jobs/job duties listed under it, and then a section called 'Additional Experience' with other past jobs that are only somewhat relevant listed under it. This allows you to move your most relevant experience toward the top of the page while still keeping it in reverse chronological order since each separate section will be listed in reverse chronological order." <i>- Lori Bumgarner, owner of Nashville-based consulting firm paNASH Style</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Your résumé has to tell me a story about you and what you like to do. I don't mind seeing evolution, but I do mind seeing a lack of clear focus on a résumé. For instance: I was looking to hire someone in <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/production/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">production</a>, when I saw a résumé that showed a path that included production or some exposure to production that showed me that this person was learning as he [or] she went along. But if the résumé jumped from assistant <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/teacher+aide/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">teachers' aide</a> to <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/bus+driver/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">bus driver</a> to <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/mail+room/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">mail room</a> then I know this person is job hopping to whatever is easy to land for them. This is a person who wants a job not a career." <i>- Kathi Elster, co-author of "Working with You is Killing Me" and "Working for You isn't Working for Me"</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"The most important concept to keep in mind when preparing a résumé is to focus on your experience, skills and abilities that you intend to carry forward -- not everything you have done.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Furthermore, to make a distinction between what you responsibilities and duties are and what you have accomplished is key. Particularly as you move into supervisory and <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/management/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">management</a> roles.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Lastly, make sure your job titles are accurate with what you want to do. Many companies have grades and titles internally that work for their organization structure but don't make sense in the bigger world of job seeking." <i>- Carolyn Thompson, author of "Ten Easy Steps to a Perfect Résumé"</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"The solution to the problem is to find the common denominator. It can be <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/communications/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">communications</a>. It might be <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/customer+service/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">customer service</a>. The recruiter or <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/counselor/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">counselor</a> has to help the candidate find the link. The link always exists. You're a writer. I guarantee that you have never had a job outside of your basic skill set. You have not worked as a <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/engineer/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">mechanic</a>. You have not been an <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/engineer/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">engineer</a>. But you may have worked in <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/IT/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">IT</a>. But if you did, at one stage you probably were responsible for writing a guide. That would be the link.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Let me use myself as an example. I'm a recruiter. I used to work at <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/nonprofit/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">non-profits</a>. Then I got a job as a recruiter with a recruiting firm that specializes in the non-profit sector. There's the link. Even though recruiting has nothing to do with fundraising, I'm still a non-profit professional. There is always a link." --<i> Bruce A. Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, New York.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"If a person has moved jobs fairly frequently, there must be a reason for the job changes. The two things an employer really wants to know are: Will you leave them quickly and therefore might not be a good choice? And was there a good, compelling reason to leave the previous job? The best way you can signal you are an asset is to demonstrate on your résumé how each job was actually a progression of growth. Detail not only your skills and accomplishments but the elements that show you learned more or took on greater responsibility with each job." <i>- Dorothy Tannahill Moran, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/career+coach/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">career coach</a></i></div><i>Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, </i><a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><i>The Work Buzz</i></a><i>. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.</i> </div>

Turning a lot of experience into an effective résumé

How to use a varied work history to your advantage Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder Writer Perhaps, generations ago, students graduated fro...

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High-bred diet????

Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with my brain. Sweet <a href="http://losingmyself2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ida </a>posted that a "hybrid" diet of Weight Watchers and Body Media would probably work for me.<br /><br />I read "hybrid"and thought "oh...so that's how you spell it!". I wrote "high-bred" diet this morning. It didn't look right and of course spell check didn't catch it either. Sometimes I scare myself with my stupidity.<br /><br />Today didn't go well for eating or exercising. 4:30am wake-up call from work for a problem in Montana, then no gym because I had a 7 a.m. physical therapy appointment, then to work. No time for gym or breakfast, and no time to drink water today.<br /> <br /> I came home feeling like I was starving to death. Overate.<br /><br />Tomorrow will be better...I'll have a "high-bred" day of good eating and good exercise. :) <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

High-bred diet????

Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with my brain. Sweet Ida posted that a "hybrid" diet of Weight Watchers and Body Media would p...

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It All Started With a New Tradition

Every year for Christmas, our local radio station starts to play Christmas music 24/7 beginning one week before Thanksgiving and ending shortly after Christmas.  <br /><br />Every year I look forward to this.  The same songs played over and over again for 6+ weeks.  It just really puts me in the holiday spirit, and this year I even marked the first day on my calendar in anticipation!<br /><br />Joel knows how I'm always talking about starting new traditions with him, and so this year he suggested we put up our Christmas tree on Friday (the 1st day of Christmas music).  I thought this sounded like a great idea.  While I normally wouldn't be too keen on rushing through one holiday that hasn't even come yet (i.e. Thanksgiving), the longer I get to have my tree up, the happier I am.  It just really makes the home "warmer".  <br /><br />So on Friday afternoon, Joel and I headed out to find our next Christmas ornament.  We get a new one each year that we pick out together. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eIIZL5gAqFmAvqXeWWpixsY27qr54l9cufE4gPyy8iw6k2jaWwghQhRYaZplg-8EvHfuZcvBBwLBMRTbX1jRiXBizkdnTyWiswr5sPEcf1Meh_FQHECC7tQ0h0E0w2Vk-FmxjSC5Wd8/s1600/engagement+ring+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eIIZL5gAqFmAvqXeWWpixsY27qr54l9cufE4gPyy8iw6k2jaWwghQhRYaZplg-8EvHfuZcvBBwLBMRTbX1jRiXBizkdnTyWiswr5sPEcf1Meh_FQHECC7tQ0h0E0w2Vk-FmxjSC5Wd8/s400/engagement+ring+002.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />We chose this one because I love cardinals, and the owl reminds us of our cat, Merlin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb2nUzIshdHlNuGoGSX-puHmU5Biooy7OHEVPVqGUsG8xNXz43d_U8uy0gKydHcQI9kjWvfi-pNIUUgMNquOqUYKQ93_pWfG-eod6TvJ63a0zhA18yWxJTJmafoWWlWB6-CTr06jRAbk/s1600/engagement+ring+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb2nUzIshdHlNuGoGSX-puHmU5Biooy7OHEVPVqGUsG8xNXz43d_U8uy0gKydHcQI9kjWvfi-pNIUUgMNquOqUYKQ93_pWfG-eod6TvJ63a0zhA18yWxJTJmafoWWlWB6-CTr06jRAbk/s400/engagement+ring+004.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is also the first year that I've had a cat for Christmas, so I received a preview into what these next few weeks are going to look like.  Here, you see Charles in his "jungle".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji156la4zcDnVWeG9_GHjwJXgRgs76MT0ZrLKxu_m1ebs1OO1cpF03uDFXdoEUx6OSCaRyzbhx7hrgUHh1z8XVQyzAKSMP3U-2hCNkZpXJoOtvTAByZ8qiE2kBK5FJHCunr2cJ9gQpddU/s1600/engagement+ring+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji156la4zcDnVWeG9_GHjwJXgRgs76MT0ZrLKxu_m1ebs1OO1cpF03uDFXdoEUx6OSCaRyzbhx7hrgUHh1z8XVQyzAKSMP3U-2hCNkZpXJoOtvTAByZ8qiE2kBK5FJHCunr2cJ9gQpddU/s400/engagement+ring+012.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>He's already broken 1 ornament and tore up the tree skirt.  So typical of him and his shenanigans.<br /><br />Then something extraordinary happened.  As Joel and I were toasting our new-found tradition, this is what I found in the bottom of my champagne glass:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV_qWMblq_CNIe5Nu91fJ9woQIzVCOrkj-XMwPe5F70DlStQ2NWIpxBY0aInowr1GHQwkqOHJcakG-e-oh4GGmYLDatXaSQxg04LuDkIDesqjTMLBF5-wLyggGjtnApS711_-2lsRUjc/s1600/engagement+ring+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV_qWMblq_CNIe5Nu91fJ9woQIzVCOrkj-XMwPe5F70DlStQ2NWIpxBY0aInowr1GHQwkqOHJcakG-e-oh4GGmYLDatXaSQxg04LuDkIDesqjTMLBF5-wLyggGjtnApS711_-2lsRUjc/s400/engagement+ring+001.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">MUCH to my surprise, Joel asked me to marry him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiIRz0J1c6F3vpTWqL-ZZ54A9ZQzocX_dPUlgwzX9g5sViScfFutKhwJ85hMteLrLQIDrl4e0WDH0jTUlJXH1MS5al6oc9Pbl0VgDR5i72lbKMt-EYNKJa3x2bDtJizyHL3IVnZ4nQjM/s1600/engagement+ring+016a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiIRz0J1c6F3vpTWqL-ZZ54A9ZQzocX_dPUlgwzX9g5sViScfFutKhwJ85hMteLrLQIDrl4e0WDH0jTUlJXH1MS5al6oc9Pbl0VgDR5i72lbKMt-EYNKJa3x2bDtJizyHL3IVnZ4nQjM/s400/engagement+ring+016a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>And I definitely said yes :).

wedding It All Started With a New Tradition

Every year for Christmas, our local radio station starts to play Christmas music 24/7 beginning one week before Thanksgiving and ending shor...

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The dreaded Monday morning weighin

Today's weigh in:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">181.4</span></div><br />My last weigh in was on October 31, and I was 173.4. That's an eight-pound gain in three weeks. Ugh! It just proves I have to be vigilant and borderline obsessive when it comes to my weight and what I eat.<br /><br />I have work to do. The Big Climb is March 25, 69 floors in the Columbia building in Seattle. Last year I was 176 pounds for the Big Climb, and it was hard! My goal this year is to weigh 160.<br /><br />Four months and twenty pounds to lose.<br /><br />Now I need a plan! I'm tossing around the idea of rejoining Weight Watchers. It helps me to weigh in every week with someone else. That alone is worth the $40/month, plus I love my Weight Watchers leader. <br /><br />Most likely I'll still do my calorie counting because I love my BodyMedia. It's weight loss plan is exercise, calorie counting and journaling (online). Maybe a hybrid diet of Weight Watchers and BodyMedia. Sound good?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

The dreaded Monday morning weighin

Today's weigh in: 181.4 My last weigh in was on October 31, and I was 173.4. That's an eight-pound gain in three weeks. Ugh! It just...

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Debate on Austerity and the Eurozone

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FoMI8C2MTQ4?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><h1 id="watch-headline-title"><span class="" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="TRNN Debate on Austerity and the Eurozone"><br /></span></h1>

Debate on Austerity and the Eurozone

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Cameron of Arabia, Sarkozy of Damascus

<h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="color: red; text-align: center;"><span class="long-title" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Dumb & Dumber - Cameron and Sarkozy to lead a "diplomatic drive" to remove the Assad?">Cameron and Sarkozy to lead a "diplomatic drive" to remove the Assad? </span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1rXO7qH9NHs?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="text-align: center;"><span class="long-title" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Dumb & Dumber - Cameron and Sarkozy to lead a "diplomatic drive" to remove the Assad?"> </span></h1>

Cameron of Arabia, Sarkozy of Damascus

Cameron and Sarkozy to lead a "diplomatic drive" to remove the Assad?   

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A gain of 5 or 6 pounds? Who did I think I was kidding?

I'm all dressed for the gym. My BodyMedia is on my left arm, along with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F0PVNA/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001F0PVN0&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=046C5S1KQD8F733ZH6NX" target="_blank">Polar Heart rate monitor </a>(which I LOVE!). I've entered my food into the BodyMedia website, calories consumed (so far, 867 and it's 3:45 p.m. - I allow myself 1500).<br /><br />I noticed something. My workout shirt feels snugger. In my last post I casually mentioned I thought I'd gained a few pounds in the last ten days. The shirt I'm wearing, a t-strap tank, is definitely tighter than it was ten days ago. I remember it billowing around me and that it felt too big. Now it fits, but I prefer the "billowing" effect.<br /><br />I still haven't weighed. That alone is a sign that in my heart I know I've gained probably more than a "few pounds". My last weigh-in was October 31, 173.4. I bet I'm at least 180 right now, or even more. I know my body. It feels heavy. I felt it yesterday on the StairMaster, the strong pull of gravity when my body gets to a certain weight.<br /><br />So far today the food has been good. I've really missed fresh fruits and vegetables. Even though my hotel had a microwave and fridge, we ate out almost every meal during my ten days in Fairbanks.  <br /><br />Tomorrow will be my big weigh in, to figure out where I am and what I need to do. I have the <a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/PageNavigator/BC_homepage" target="_blank">Big Climb 201</a>2 on March 25, and I'd really like to lose 20 pounds by then. Regardless of my current weight - which is unknown right now - I want to lose 20 pounds.<br /><br />The skies are almost black here, looks like rain or maybe even snow. Guess I'd better get my big, fat derriere to the gym before I find an excuse to stay home, all warm and cozy by the fireplace.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

A gain of 5 or 6 pounds? Who did I think I was kidding?

I'm all dressed for the gym. My BodyMedia is on my left arm, along with my Polar Heart rate monitor (which I LOVE!). I've entered my...

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4 interview killers

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Robert Half International</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/17/ar5f0kh6sb2l55jzlz17.gif?time=10/7/2011%2012:16:05%20pm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/17/ar5f0kh6sb2l55jzlz17.gif?time=10/7/2011%2012:16:05%20pm" /></a></div><div class="cbmsnArticleImage">Job interviews are stressful. Being peppered with questions about your employment history, the skills you possess and how you'd handle hypothetical work situations is hard enough. You don't want to compound the challenge by making an easily avoidable mistake, like showing up late or failing to bring an extra copy of your résumé.</div></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Over the years, Robert Half International has surveyed hiring managers and workers, asking them to recount the biggest interview gaffes they've either seen or heard about. Following are some of the most unforgettable responses -- and suggestions for avoiding a similar fate.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't forget your people skills</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"An individual applied for a <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/customer+service/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">customer-service</a> job, and when asked what he might not like about the job, he said, 'Dealing with people.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"The applicant told me if she had realized it was our company, she wouldn't have shown up for the interview."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job, the applicant said, 'My manager is a jerk. All managers are jerks.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">No matter how well you've prepared, you might find that nerves get the best of you in the heat of the moment. You wouldn't be the first person to stick your foot in your mouth, judging by the examples above.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To guard against saying or doing something you might regret, conduct a practice interview with a friend or family member well ahead of the big event. The "interviewer" can alert you to instances when you seem more nervous than usual or become flustered. The practice will also help you feel more at ease during the real interview.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't focus on your needs over the employer's</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"The applicant told me he really was not interested in the position, but he liked that we allowed for a lot of time off."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"One individual said we had nice benefits, which was good because he was going to need to take a lot of leave in the next year."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It goes without saying that the interview is a prime opportunity for you to learn more details about the position. But use common sense when digging for additional information.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Don't ask for the nitty-gritty about future compensation, benefits and perks until the hiring manager has expressed serious interest in offering you the position. Jumping the gun will make it seem like you don't care about the job itself or making a meaningful contribution to the potential employer.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">However, it is appropriate to ask about the position itself, even during the early rounds of interviewing. For example, you might inquire about the person who last held the role or about the types of professional development opportunities the company makes available to employees.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2483-Interviewing-What-not-to-wear/?sc_extcmp=JS_2483_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42483&catid=iv" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Don't dress down</a></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"A person came to the interview in pajamas with slippers."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"The candidate arrived with a snake around her neck. She took her pet everywhere."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"One job candidate left his dry cleaner tag on his jacket and said he wanted to show he was a clean individual."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"An applicant wore the uniform from his former employer."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">No matter how casual a potential employer's work environment seems, dress to impress. That means wearing a suit or other similar professional attire.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's highly unlikely a hiring manager will knock points off if you show up to the interview slightly overdressed. However, coming in casual attire may give the impression that you're not serious about the position or cause the interviewer to question your professionalism.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This is one of those small details that can speak volumes, so don't take any chances.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't be dishonest</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"After being complimented on his choice of college and the GPA he achieved, the candidate replied, 'I'm glad that got your attention. I didn't really go there.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"After arriving for an early morning interview, the job seeker asked to use the hiring manager's phone. She proceeded to fake a coughing fit as she called in sick to her boss."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you've been on the job hunt for a while, it can be tempting to stretch the truth during the interview in order to make yourself seem more qualified. After all, what's one little white lie?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But keep in mind most employers conduct reference or background checks prior to extending an employment offer. And in the age of <a href="http://www.google.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Google</a> and social media, it's easier than ever to uncover false information. If that happens, you can be guaranteed you won't be offered the position, and your professional reputation can suffer irreparable harm.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Even if your lie isn't uncovered right away, you could be setting yourself up for failure. If you exaggerate your skills or experience, you may not be able to successfully complete the position's duties once hired. It's best to give the hiring manager an accurate depiction of your abilities so both you and the employer can be confident the job is right for you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The bottom line: It's never OK to lie during the interview, no matter how small the fib might seem. Always stick to the facts and build a case for the position you seek based solely on your actual skills and experience.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, visit </i><a href="http://www.roberthalf.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><i>www.roberthalf.com</i></a><i>. For additional career advice, view our career bloopers video series at</i><a href="http://www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><i>www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you</i></a><i> or follow us on Twitter at </i><a href="http://www.twitter.com/roberthalf" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><i>www.twitter.com/roberthalf</i></a><i>.</i></div></div>

4 interview killers

Robert Half International Job interviews are stressful. Being peppered with questions about your employment history, the skills you possess ...

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I am...my sister (well, sort of)

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVue-0p8Tb0yzLCgGZwFSB3gDN8o71IShQ6NUEUbECojb8ZQnOf-1mMZHW30jMkupV1fZ3GC97e9JlQQgJg4hRLZhALyOEpaEu79Yzw2rvsPL4xdgOtOp1kjQpEuk9En7MzSZyig84Nzn/s1600/joyce1992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVue-0p8Tb0yzLCgGZwFSB3gDN8o71IShQ6NUEUbECojb8ZQnOf-1mMZHW30jMkupV1fZ3GC97e9JlQQgJg4hRLZhALyOEpaEu79Yzw2rvsPL4xdgOtOp1kjQpEuk9En7MzSZyig84Nzn/s400/joyce1992.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Joyce, 1992...on their property in Alaska, before they built their house. This was an old travel trailer where they stayed on weekends while their house was being build. Check out those legs. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1e8MAPUL4kBPoLGSAXX7e_8JeEpBK-0UZx71fxxrxY5FL5FKgD5REoucp-WDJY9DwftfVOYqLMdhNHLfBZ4dOIy2amdwkuYQBTc6UOa7NU8NGH2TdKnqs728eTuPu0r-5SLOzMJaGgbj/s1600/Joyce+pre+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1e8MAPUL4kBPoLGSAXX7e_8JeEpBK-0UZx71fxxrxY5FL5FKgD5REoucp-WDJY9DwftfVOYqLMdhNHLfBZ4dOIy2amdwkuYQBTc6UOa7NU8NGH2TdKnqs728eTuPu0r-5SLOzMJaGgbj/s400/Joyce+pre+hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is Joyce November 13, 2011. She'd just had her first shower in five weeks. Since she started eating again two weeks previous to this picture (after four weeks of not eating anything), she decided she wanted to get better. I'm doing her hair. She was beautiful after the hair and makeup, but the pictures of her with the family were weird. Something was wrong with her smile. It was more of a grimace. Her best friend told me I couldn't show them to anyone because Joyce would be horrified. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Joyce update (my sister, 73 years old, had a stroke on September 21, 2011)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>I'm home and filled with emotions.<br /><br />My last post was the day of the court hearing. That day was actually very easy. Even though I was a little nervous sitting in front of a judge, in a court room, it went well. I was represented by the assistant Attorney General as well as the Adult Protective Services. It was a done deal before the hearing even started. I was appointed to be my sister's guardian and conservator.<br /><br />This gave me full control over her medical decisions, and full responsibility of her financial obligations. Unfortunately, all her assets, her home and 100 acres, her apartment complex she owns, her savings and checking accounts, as well as a stock portfolio, were all tied up inside of a family trust. The person in control of that trust, yes, you guessed it...the crazy niece who was refusing to pay any bills.<br /><br />This meant I had to hire an attorney and petition the court to become the successor trustee. It took about three days for my attorney to gather affidavits from everyone involved, including affidavits from my other niece and my brother to renounce their positions as successor trustee in the second and third positions. The Attorney General stepped in and put a lock on all assets with a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order which the court awarded in 24 hours). This prevented the other niece from touching the assets.<br /><br />After all of this, "the" niece called my attorney and agreed to voluntarily renounce her position as the #1 trustee. She signed the paperwork at my attorney's office yesterday. She also left a giant box of paperwork regarding my sister's finances at my attorney's office.<br /><br />I'm now the successor trustee of the trust, and now the real work begins. Sorting out my sister's finances, paying bills (including filing her 2010 income taxes), and selling some of her property. This is all on top of dealing with her doctor, her physical, occupational, and speech therapists. As well as the staff at her assisted living home, that I'm in contact with several days a week, checking on the status of my sister. <br /><br />I'm returning to Fairbanks the week after Thanksgiving to meet with a real estate attorney and an estate attorney. I need help figuring out how to best manage all this stuff. Apparently there are laws regarding managing an apartment complex, either I have to manage it (representing my sister as the owner), or hire someone with a real estate license. There's also a thing called a Miller Trust that may help protect her home. All stuff to ask the attorneys.<br /><br />I've taken on quite a bit of responsibility and feel a bit overwhelmed right now. Since I'm being watched by the courts, my every move has to be documented.<br /><br />This morning I'm going to dig into QuickBooks, so I have a complete accounting of her finances.<br /><br />The good news is my sister is eating like she's probably never eaten in her life. Yesterday she had apple pancakes and bacon. I doubt she's eaten like this since she was a teenager. For as long as I've known her she's always been on a diet. Always watching every bite she ate, being super careful. She's getting stronger and getting into a wheelchair twice a day for an hour at a time. She's totally different than she was three weeks ago. Her will to live has returned. Thank God. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The diet and exercise update</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's not a lot to say on this topic. I tried to eat healthy while in Fairbanks during my last stay (ten days in a hotel...ugh!). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My sister's best friend flew up from Palm Springs and stayed with me for the ten days I was there. She's now my BFF. I love her! Her name is Charlie and she's hysterical to be around. She had me laughing at the most serious situations. I met Charlie a few times in the past but never spent much time with her. This gave us a great opportunity to become fast friends. Now I totally understand why she and my sister have been BFFs for over 25 years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Charlie is skinny and gorgeous, but she works hard to look as fabulous as she does (she's 60, but my God that woman has a hot body). I followed her lead on eating, but after about five days I felt like I was starving to death and started eating a little more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I cropped my sister out of this picture. Even though she really is gorgeous, with her hair all curled and makeup, the picture doesn't look like her. She's always had perfect teeth (still does) and a perfect smile. It's like she can't remember how to smile. Since I promised Charlie I wouldn't show it to anyone, I cropped her out. Isn't Charlie gorgeous? The woman should be a standup comic, and she has a heart of gold. Love her! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMUBa79wm71Bgyc41dOV2VgTpatVV8pDzJ2PZy_W7JUU6VkZqUILCzKVwHAG8wNGk4U_TVfaMr2_5lDihvN99UcBJTOK728QogfTYD_gvjQTZ9Y-BWVKFKxL7rKdoqDYJLhE0a4aE6VW/s1600/C+and+D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMUBa79wm71Bgyc41dOV2VgTpatVV8pDzJ2PZy_W7JUU6VkZqUILCzKVwHAG8wNGk4U_TVfaMr2_5lDihvN99UcBJTOK728QogfTYD_gvjQTZ9Y-BWVKFKxL7rKdoqDYJLhE0a4aE6VW/s400/C+and+D.png" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know I've gained some weight and I haven't been on the scales yet. Not a lot of weight, probably about five or six pounds. My clothes all fit, but I feel fluffier. Although Charlie works out at home on a regular basis, she just wasn't into it while we were in Fairbanks. In those ten days I only worked out three times. Not good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was back at the gym yesterday, doing the StairMaster (preparing for the <a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/PageNavigator/BC_homepage" target="_blank">Big Climb 2012</a>, March 25). I managed 30 minutes but thought I was going to die. I only completed 105 floors. How on earth was I doing 130 floors on that thing a year ago? I swear I couldn't have gone any faster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, it's the gym again, but now I'm wearing my BodyMedia and tracking my food. Just because I have some major things going on, it's not a reason to stop paying attention to my diet and exercise. In fact, it's really important right now that I stay healthy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Did I mention how happy I am to be home? I'm super happy to be home with my husband and kitty. Yes, in that order. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One last picture for you...the Fairbanks International Airport, November 15, at 2:30pm. Check out that sun. It was -20 degrees (that's below zero), and dropped to -36 that night.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbArgQesJ4dP4KDcGf2T1T_QwxsWoBp4IL0HaeAQboizQqFUmw8Y0iAPN2jKecoEdJteYuNFGsIRY4glKMe3I-JGb1_KXrspY63dDROiwuNpi3knIrLhp6musNNiLPBcv18v5Z2ZF39_-/s1600/2pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbArgQesJ4dP4KDcGf2T1T_QwxsWoBp4IL0HaeAQboizQqFUmw8Y0iAPN2jKecoEdJteYuNFGsIRY4glKMe3I-JGb1_KXrspY63dDROiwuNpi3knIrLhp6musNNiLPBcv18v5Z2ZF39_-/s400/2pm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

I am...my sister (well, sort of)

 Joyce, 1992...on their property in Alaska, before they built their house. This was an old travel trailer where they stayed on weekends whil...

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monkey monkey underpants

I'm having trouble focusing. I sat down on the floor for some good nine month old fun when all of the paints chips laying on my <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/11/unpainted-arizona.html" target="_blank">estate sale table</a> catch my eye. (who am I kidding, those suckers follow me around everywhere.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5M63J1oy2lnoqSneE5FLyVwfwWIsHFx7mCPH56KIbpEc9-0ajGruqZfbvk7qJY7fZnk_Y2wUPU6yStiHgYvUDGD7XHExWR8zfdXIR2OoQMY9yya20pUMufGQwJyHeVBThGHh15cXjrh5m/s1600/PB120922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5M63J1oy2lnoqSneE5FLyVwfwWIsHFx7mCPH56KIbpEc9-0ajGruqZfbvk7qJY7fZnk_Y2wUPU6yStiHgYvUDGD7XHExWR8zfdXIR2OoQMY9yya20pUMufGQwJyHeVBThGHh15cXjrh5m/s320/PB120922.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />I think I've decided on a color but then I think about changing something next to the table which turns into changing out pillows which leads into possibly dying slipcovers which ends with new paint color for the walls thereby totally revising the color for the table which started the whole thing.<br /><br />Here is my brain lately.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UwoCKHa3tNI?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />I'll try and calm my 'big bag of weird' by having some quality Pinterest time today and probably starting another project altogether. Any ideas on how to get over 'design' block?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

monkey monkey underpants

I'm having trouble focusing. I sat down on the floor for some good nine month old fun when all of the paints chips laying on my estate s...

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Hungry Girl: Jammed with Cheese Stuffed French Toast

I've been trying to cook my way through all of the cookbooks I own.  I have a lot!  So this morning, when deciding on what to make for breakfast, I chose Hungry Girl's <a href="http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/hungry-girls-jammed-cheese-stuffed-french-toast/">Jammed with Cheese Stuffed French Toast</a>.<br /><br />I have to admit that I was a little weary on how this may taste, since the recipe calls for the <a href="http://www.thelaughingcow.com/products/light-swiss-original/">Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedges</a>, rather than traditional cream cheese.  In fact, she even states in the book that she tried this recipe using both ingredients, and Laughing Cow won!<br /><br />This recipe was delicious!  I love the stuffed french toast that <a href="http://www.ihop.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=230&Itemid=2">I-Hop offers</a>, and this dish perfectly satisfied that craving many times over.  Plus, I believe that when I'm eating a more health-conscious version of my favorite food, sometimes <i>that </i>alone makes it taste <i>even </i>better knowing that I'm not sabotaging all of my daily Points+ on just one food.    <br /><br /><i>Some notes on this recipe:</i><br />First, if you follow it exactly how Hungry Girl advises, the recipe comes out to 7 Points+.  However, I made modifications based on what I had on hand, so mine calculated higher.  My variation  also does not account for the pancake syrup (mine was 3 Points+).  Also, bear in mind that you will not use all of the egg wash, so when calculating the Points+, I estimated that I only used 1/4 cup of the egg wash (which is still probably way more than what was used, but I definitely did not consume all 1/2 cup - you'll see!).<br /><br />Without further adieu:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g01QPuA2rA7YWVwe8PzZ1A_sMziCObP9JdTL4fivlCMlzJZR-e_0pZl0Si9OhtYxmX9WsOskAbd9Z7Sut-AlycxPkt3Ng4DC52E25dBKVtySYUWosYtn6XVuyTjHngUP-Qh9NKl1YAI/s1600/french+toast+002a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g01QPuA2rA7YWVwe8PzZ1A_sMziCObP9JdTL4fivlCMlzJZR-e_0pZl0Si9OhtYxmX9WsOskAbd9Z7Sut-AlycxPkt3Ng4DC52E25dBKVtySYUWosYtn6XVuyTjHngUP-Qh9NKl1YAI/s400/french+toast+002a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><b><u>Hungry Girl's Jammed with Cheese Stuffed French Toast</u> - <i>8 Points+</i></b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br /><ul><li>    1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute</li><li>    1/4 teaspoon cinnamon</li><li>    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li>    2 slices light white bread <i>(I used <a href="http://www.mfps.com/pages/products.asp#">Martin's Whole Wheat Potato Bread</a>)</i></li><li>    1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese</li><li>    2 tablespoons sugar-free strawberry preserves <i>(I used <a href="http://www.polanerallfruit.com/polaner/index.html">Polaner's All Fruit with Fiber Strawberry</a>)</i></li><li>    2 teaspoons light whipped butter or light buttery spread <i>(I used <a href="http://www.thebestlife.com/best-life-buttery-spread.php">Best Life Buttery Spread</a>)</i></li><li>    1/4 cup sugar-free pancake syrup <i>(my Points+ does not account for this)</i></li></ul><i><br /></i><br /><i>Preparation</i><br /><br />Mix egg substitute with cinnamon and vanilla extract in a bowl. Transfer to a small plate and set aside.<br /><br />Lay bread slices on a clean dry surface and spread half of the cheese wedge on each slice. Spread preserves over 1 slice of bread, and place the other slice on top with the cheese-side down. Press gently to seal.<br /><br />Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Add butter and allow it to coat the bottom of the skillet. Meanwhile, evenly coat both sides of your sandwich with egg mixture. Coat the sides of the sandwich as well. (You won't need to use all of the egg mixture.)<br /><br />Place sandwich in the skillet and cook for 2 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve with syrup for dipping and enjoy!<br /><br />Makes 1 Serving

Weight Watcher Recipes Hungry Girl: Jammed with Cheese Stuffed French Toast

I've been trying to cook my way through all of the cookbooks I own.  I have a lot!  So this morning, when deciding on what to make for b...

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Adding bells and whistles to your blog

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have you recently created a blog and you find it is look rather bare?<br />*Perhaps you would like to make it look more like a website?<br />*Would you like to change the background into something bright and appealing?<br />*Would you like to have a whole string of gadgets down the side?<br /><br />We call the gadgets down the side 'Widgets' and they certainly do make our blogs more interesting and effective. Here is a slideshare of some of the things you can do to spruce up your blog. <br /><div style="width:425px" id="__ss_10209120"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal/adding-bells-and-whistles-to-your-blog" title="Adding bells and whistles to your blog">Adding bells and whistles to your blog</a></strong><object height="355" id="__sse10209120" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=addingbellsandwhistlestoyourblog-111117171131-phpapp02&stripped_title=adding-bells-and-whistles-to-your-blog&userName=fionabeal" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><embed name="__sse10209120" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=addingbellsandwhistlestoyourblog-111117171131-phpapp02&stripped_title=adding-bells-and-whistles-to-your-blog&userName=fionabeal" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal">fionabeal</a>.</div></div></div>

Blogging Web tools Adding bells and whistles to your blog

Have you recently created a blog and you find it is look rather bare? *Perhaps you would like to make it look more like a website? *Would yo...

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Do background check on potential employer

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Alina Dizik, Special to CareerBuilder</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/j9/ar5l7p9704kcnp45s5j9.gif?time=10/5/2011%205:44:09%20pm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/j9/ar5l7p9704kcnp45s5j9.gif?time=10/5/2011%205:44:09%20pm" /></a></div><div class="cbmsnArticleImage">Job seekers aren't the only ones who should undergo a lengthy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Background_check" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">background check</a>; it's important that candidates research the company, too. Anything from pending lawsuits, bankruptcies or layoffs can be enough to raise a red flag. It's important to understand what you're getting into before accepting any position. Doing background research also will help you ask all the right questions during an interview and impress hiring managers. Not sure where to start when it comes to researching the company?</div></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's how to conduct your own background check on a potential employer:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Check the finances</b><br />"Always look at the financial stability of the company," says Jonny Laurent, vice president and general manager of Sage Employer Solutions, a <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/recruiting/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">recruiting firm</a>. While it may be difficult to find specific information for a private company, it's important to try. Do online research, search local news sources and ask former or current employees -- do some quick digging to make sure your employer is viable. When companies experience important financial events like bankruptcies, there's a greater chance you'll be able to find out about them and track results.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Gauge the company culture</b><br />Speaking to current or former employees can help you understand whether you're a cultural fit with the company before you take the job. If you're not comfortable with areas of a company's culture, it can hurt your career. For example, a place that prizes cutthroat tactics to get ahead may be the wrong fit for someone who is looking for a team-oriented environment. "Find people in your network or close to your network who do work or have worked for them and start a dialogue," says Laurent, who suggests <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">LinkedIn</a> as a good start. "Unless there is overwhelming evidence that the company is a bad fit, do not sell the company short and still interview, but now you can interview with open eyes."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Check its problem-solving record</b><br />The way a company approaches problems can be a good indicator of whether you'd want to work there and how the company treats its workforce. Before taking a job, find out "what has been the company's greatest challenge over the past year and how have they approached and solved the problem," says Jayne Mattson, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/senior+vice+president/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">senior vice president</a> of Keystone Associates, a career management company with offices in New England. In a weak economy, it can be especially telling to see how a company has dealt with tough times. For example, if it's been able to grow an area of its business -- and you're being hired for a new position -- it can be a sign of good leadership.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Track layoffs and career progression</b><br />For most people, the biggest fear once they take on a new job is a layoff. And while that risk can't be entirely prevented, it's good to understand a company's track record. If the company has had multiple rounds of layoffs, it pays to be more careful when taking the role.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Additionally, try to find out who had your job previously, why she left and where she went. Knowing your career options after you're ready to move jobs can be a good way to gauge fit.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you have any lingering questions, don't be afraid to speak up when talking with the recruiter or during an interview with the company. Not only will it help calm your anxiety, but it'll show hiring managers that you've done your homework and understand the company. A background search "will help you and the company make sure the role is going to be a good fit for both of you," Mattson says. "Ask questions that will get to the heart of what you are trying to understand, so you will make the right career decision."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div></div>

Do background check on potential employer

Alina Dizik, Special to CareerBuilder Job seekers aren't the only ones who should undergo a lengthy  background check ; it's importa...

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Finding Happiness in the Journey

I firmly believe that while I'm on this weight loss journey, finding moments of happiness during this time in my life is essential to my success.  <br /><br />I also hate to be a Negative Nancy on the blog, though sometimes it's important for you, as the readers, to get both the good and bad to help you relate better to who I am.  Hopefully this translates to you as "authenticity" and not "whining". :)   <br /><br />Aside from the battles that go along with weight loss, I've had other challenges going on as well (<a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/11/sickagain.html">two times of being sick in October</a>!) and some ongoing issues with my car.  These minor life issues definitely play a role in my weight loss success. <br /><br />Well, yesterday I received great news on the car end of things.  The dealership is going to refund me the entire cost of the service they performed on my Equinox for the first time it was there for service (and wasn't fixed!).  The Equinox has been to the dealership a total of 4 times now for a broken heater (<i>doesn't sound like too big of a deal, but apparently it's caused a lot of people to scratch their heads</i>).  Obviously we're in to November now and a heater is fast becoming necessary :).  So once I learned that I would be getting my $500 back, I was so elated that I had to celebrate this near-Christmas-time-and-I'm-spending-BIG-money-on-car-problems victory!<br /><br />So, I bought myself some flowers :) (instead of celebrating with food, which is something I normally would have done). <br /><br />I found these beautiful poinsettias sprinkled with purple glitter (I also bought another bunch sprinkled with pink glitter). Purple for my grandma - I'm sure she'd love these!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftI2hyphenhyphenY1a0vw68CWAY3m8tXwoEqJHHvgjd4Ij17NvYz-eEtHoO_7JlHgCTFv6NUyHncalKAwwQaroygUKNk-cmA5fcoCc0fzd-Gj_iombARTXzyRUSIkBV_wOwLSJDulfby6SobdrZxc/s1600/blog+flowers+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftI2hyphenhyphenY1a0vw68CWAY3m8tXwoEqJHHvgjd4Ij17NvYz-eEtHoO_7JlHgCTFv6NUyHncalKAwwQaroygUKNk-cmA5fcoCc0fzd-Gj_iombARTXzyRUSIkBV_wOwLSJDulfby6SobdrZxc/s400/blog+flowers+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I think these are mums? I failed to look at the package before I threw it away, but they look awfully similar to mums.  Again, in purple :).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJhfthbLZRUovDISIprjw5qFAIZNtkOj6vLRMz2gSRs_b_6e3TB_1kccJcVMbyaZWf-FRpTats_mxfNVrwjB_AuXhz2rx5p2igMFCj9eXkOFhtMaPmPwpfvg_V7uCVOlInC_Mhlt3pYo/s1600/blog+flowers+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJhfthbLZRUovDISIprjw5qFAIZNtkOj6vLRMz2gSRs_b_6e3TB_1kccJcVMbyaZWf-FRpTats_mxfNVrwjB_AuXhz2rx5p2igMFCj9eXkOFhtMaPmPwpfvg_V7uCVOlInC_Mhlt3pYo/s400/blog+flowers+3.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then these pretty-in-pink mini carnations.  The smell of these remind me of a funeral home to be honest.  BUT, they look beautiful on the coffee table and the bright pink color just screams happiness to me.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaItGsC4YcfTqOCnOhMRiYyHCJ5N4I0X5s-XXqzlPp-Iy3THiRm41IjXWHkSuvGKGSrfBFOHBjKgGGE0ZvOHHH7aM1Mam9wNMptSJG2QqhG_CoGscBKfekAyaOOQA6Rkp36HjGlxwmNEs/s1600/blog+flowers+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaItGsC4YcfTqOCnOhMRiYyHCJ5N4I0X5s-XXqzlPp-Iy3THiRm41IjXWHkSuvGKGSrfBFOHBjKgGGE0ZvOHHH7aM1Mam9wNMptSJG2QqhG_CoGscBKfekAyaOOQA6Rkp36HjGlxwmNEs/s400/blog+flowers+4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Funny, because Joel has been gone a lot over the last week, taking some man-trips.  He just returned yesterday from an overnight fishing trip to Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River.  He brought me these :).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YybU7Ahh-rp2h1MM32A4339E96MMNVC0QrIbX7jDWfvv9aJH9jOHMRX1VZ-icw2bxDFXzYSoSl_6wMAtzy7wqjGAlxvNu6Foi38ciuIAHt9aVjbw0ruajqxigBGwQxzdFzQnSeP-v-Q/s1600/blog+flowers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YybU7Ahh-rp2h1MM32A4339E96MMNVC0QrIbX7jDWfvv9aJH9jOHMRX1VZ-icw2bxDFXzYSoSl_6wMAtzy7wqjGAlxvNu6Foi38ciuIAHt9aVjbw0ruajqxigBGwQxzdFzQnSeP-v-Q/s400/blog+flowers+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Sunflowers are arguably my favorite flower!  And no, this girl can never have too many flowers in her house!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpGTCQAPO8MrL7NYdrFTQMTncwXK7Diyi433vDXDY0HMUE8IddWN9cSoABpUyYzqPazsisKtnF6QsAZ5NBEGfma97CxPs6GqEdNXjEoPiDum_aD48AQpj39gv8IQmR-3hrZJkhqs1ZTk/s1600/flowers+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpGTCQAPO8MrL7NYdrFTQMTncwXK7Diyi433vDXDY0HMUE8IddWN9cSoABpUyYzqPazsisKtnF6QsAZ5NBEGfma97CxPs6GqEdNXjEoPiDum_aD48AQpj39gv8IQmR-3hrZJkhqs1ZTk/s400/flowers+015.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />What are some ways you find happiness (other than the scale) during the struggle that is losing weight?  Do you have a favorite flower?<br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>P.S. - from  yesterday's <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/11/sugar-consumption.html">sugar post</a> - I ended my day with approximately 23.5 teaspoons of sugar consumed - a far cry from the recommended 6 teaspoons!!</i>

Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weight Loss Challenges Finding Happiness in the Journey

I firmly believe that while I'm on this weight loss journey, finding moments of happiness during this time in my life is essential to my...

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Family Thanksgivings: Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4AubQ9ADu-q9BvOe0AXzGkw55yicnSISyaqmcsdN2nEsZAPKOM1N544oPpAqxXMJbzvhIqkYjZdlNqmri1b6q-PKzhq3g9_dSGssVCnlTSfa3iQD66LzOYS2ckI423cNHjufDqJtqg9l/s1600/hannah+and+her+thanxgiving+dinner3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4AubQ9ADu-q9BvOe0AXzGkw55yicnSISyaqmcsdN2nEsZAPKOM1N544oPpAqxXMJbzvhIqkYjZdlNqmri1b6q-PKzhq3g9_dSGssVCnlTSfa3iQD66LzOYS2ckI423cNHjufDqJtqg9l/s400/hannah+and+her+thanxgiving+dinner3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to spending some time with one of my favorite families </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">over the coming Thanksgiving weekend,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hannah and Her Sisters </i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(as well as her other relatives and friends).</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNR8aL9oETkVJi-cGRY-3iQ0UKLaqOzJ4CcL28LJvkOqKojEq9bT3PhI4ZieCvbXqNDtDTkzRXusoUYr7rj6Q0UTZaPi2wg2ZKGrKqRxcKFLaPaGMfspKb3FYfp8ZpiWEBh-Szo7BbDn5/s1600/hannah+and+dianne+with+oscar+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNR8aL9oETkVJi-cGRY-3iQ0UKLaqOzJ4CcL28LJvkOqKojEq9bT3PhI4ZieCvbXqNDtDTkzRXusoUYr7rj6Q0UTZaPi2wg2ZKGrKqRxcKFLaPaGMfspKb3FYfp8ZpiWEBh-Szo7BbDn5/s200/hannah+and+dianne+with+oscar+two.jpg" width="125" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dianne Wiest, Oscar winner</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Hannah and Her Sisters</i>, Woody Allen's, by turns, clever and outright hilarious 1986 classic, has been judged by many as his best film of the 1980s, but I think it might well be the best of his best work. Allen's own Oscar-winning script is a tour de force testament to his dazzling facility as a screenwriter - who has a record 14 screenplay Oscar nominations to his credit; he's won two (the first for <i>Annie Hall </i>in<i> </i>1977). Two member's of the film's superb ensemble cast, Dianne Wiest and Michael Caine, were awarded supporting Oscars for their portrayals. Allen himself delivers one of his very best performances and Max von Sydow (who has some of the film's best lines, which is saying something) and Lloyd Nolan are especially memorable in slightly-more-than-cameo roles.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The film begins with one family Thanksgiving dinner and ends with another. Opening credits roll as the Harry James Orchestra croons "You Made Me Love You," and the story begins to the same band's snappy version of "I've Heard That Song Before." It is Thanksgiving in Manhattan and Hannah's family comes together in her spacious, character-soaked, softly-lit Upper West Side apartment. The parents of Hannah (Mia Farrow) and her sisters, a crusty and eccentric pair of old-school show biz troupers (Lloyd Nolan and Maureen O'Sullivan) take a moment to sit down at the piano and sing a duet on "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," a tune that recurs, usually by way of tinkling ivory keys, throughout the film. Meanwhile, Hannah's husband Elliott (Michael Caine) has been ruminating on his fascination with his sister-in-law Lee (Barbara Hershey).</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sLlQSSHX91Md5ENUytI0SykeSSVeVfwkMIv9ALvUIF8ePK408MkIRpypLy6Nq2E7ocKp9Kq2ND0vPF8kTA2MbyB2dmbV_6fMD6neoJFFV2CAKKFP0DUPMWA1ZxueZQm32uM6YeOBZZX6/s1600/hannah+and+her+parents+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sLlQSSHX91Md5ENUytI0SykeSSVeVfwkMIv9ALvUIF8ePK408MkIRpypLy6Nq2E7ocKp9Kq2ND0vPF8kTA2MbyB2dmbV_6fMD6neoJFFV2CAKKFP0DUPMWA1ZxueZQm32uM6YeOBZZX6/s200/hannah+and+her+parents+2.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O'Sullivan and Nolan</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A tumble of interconnected episodes from the lives of family and friends flows between the two Thanksgivings. Mickey (Woody Allen), ex-husband of Hannah and future husband of her sister Holly (Dianne Wiest), endures a health crisis that leads to a spiritual crisis; Lee is unfaithful to her long-time lover (Max von Sydow) with Elliott. Bickering between the sisters' parents gets ugly and leads to bawdy, if amusing, accusations.  Along the way, flashbacks reveal bizarre and comical past events (bad first dates are traditional fodder for hilarity, but who knew infertility could be entertaining?). By the second Thanksgiving, life seems to be on a more harmonious course for <i>Hannah and Her Sisters</i>. Elliott and Hannah are once again content with each other, Lee has married an entirely new man and Holly and Mickey, who once went through a date from hell, are now wed. A maid fusses with candles on the dining table, "I'm in Love Again" can be heard in the background, on piano, and one of the couples shares a private, irony-tinged moment...fade to black.</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHzWHpab-atbFtp3a2Xbd0t_SmdJrkejdDc0LzRDN5EF_BYUf89n8h7tHsdvZXxe5v-5QdMsVNWb1gf428eKMPY7wnKsJsX1vmhacFzlFEzd7EB0CDpO54ZVzTMZ69cyWyFiF54ZsUEGM/s1600/Hannah+and+central+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHzWHpab-atbFtp3a2Xbd0t_SmdJrkejdDc0LzRDN5EF_BYUf89n8h7tHsdvZXxe5v-5QdMsVNWb1gf428eKMPY7wnKsJsX1vmhacFzlFEzd7EB0CDpO54ZVzTMZ69cyWyFiF54ZsUEGM/s320/Hannah+and+central+park.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'Holly and Mickey' in Central Park</span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As so often with Woody Allen's films, Manhattan's captivating presence lingers in the background...Central Park, Greenwich Village, 5th Avenue, the Chrysler Building, Columbia University, The Carlyle Hotel, CBGB's - east side, west side, all around the town - accompanied by scintillating tunes that kick the impact of story and scenery up a notch. The soundtrack is saturated with some of the great American standards of 20th century song: "Where or When," "You Are Too Beautiful," "Isn't it Romantic," "If I Had You," a Dave Brubeck version of  "I Remember You," Count Basie's "The Trot," "The Way You Look Tonight" sung by Carrie Fisher, "I'm Old-Fashioned" sung by Dianne Wiest - not to mention Bobby Short performing "I'm in Love Again" at the Carlyle.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">..plus interludes of Bach and even a moment of "Madame Butterfly." </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Hannah and Her Sisters</i> brims with warmth as it casts its wry gaze on the misadventures of its confused but not-difficult-to-relate-to characters. A fully realized reflection on love, life and family, the film earned three Academy Awards (Weist, Caine, Allen) and was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, art direction and editing.  It is a gem.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The gifted Mr. Allen, now 75, is the auteur director of more than 40 films over the past 45 years, a writer on nearly 60 films and actor in 40+. Along with his screenwriting Oscars, he's won a Best Director award for <i>Annie Hall</i>. Allen began as a comedy writer for Sid Caesar's popular <i>Show of Shows</i> during TV's golden age, became a successful stand-up comedian, had short stories published in <i>The New Yorker</i> and wrote two Broadway hits, <i>Don't Drink the Water </i>and <i>Play it Again, Sam</i>. Today he continues to make films and also performs as a classic New Orleans-style jazz clarinetist.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZNXlUG13fCirAHP3UWsGC5iZBwQ2u3OYcZuJB6OqBgawBMWbMUos784ffigBMx_lns6E9HX2_XEm6VCisn6n2QeDSn9T3Mfo8nczUwW05x89N2PrEXs-Kf-3iVoGucxjMJszuNCu8jhc/s1600/HannahSistersSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZNXlUG13fCirAHP3UWsGC5iZBwQ2u3OYcZuJB6OqBgawBMWbMUos784ffigBMx_lns6E9HX2_XEm6VCisn6n2QeDSn9T3Mfo8nczUwW05x89N2PrEXs-Kf-3iVoGucxjMJszuNCu8jhc/s320/HannahSistersSet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Woody Allen (center) on the set of </span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hannah and her Sisters</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Woody Allen has had one of the most prolific, varied and celebrated careers of the 20th and 21st centuries. My own favorites of his films are <i>Hannah and Her Sisters </i>and <i>Bullets Over Broadway </i>(1994). Also on my list are <i>Match Point </i>(2005), <i>Broadway Danny Rose </i>(1984), <i>Stardust Memories </i>(1980) and <i>Play it Again, Sam </i>(1972). I haven't seen every one of his films (including this year's <i>Midnight in Paris</i>, but soon) and haven't loved everything he's done (<i>Curse of the Jade Scorpion </i>and <i>Interiors</i> come to mind), but I much admire his lifelong devotion to creatively exploring and expressing his own unique personal vision - and I deeply appreciate the decades of intelligent entertainment and long, loud laughs he has given me...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Many thanks to Chris of Movies Unlimited's MovieFanFare website and Ivan of LAMB's 'Classic Chops' for republishing this post during Thanksgiving week.</i> </span></div>

Barbara Hershey Dianne Wiest Hannah and Her Sisters Lloyd Nolan Maureen O'Sullivan Max von Sydow Mia Farrow Michael Caine The Lady Eve (author) Woody Allen Family Thanksgivings: Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

I'm looking forward to spending some time with one of my favorite families over the coming Thanksgiving weekend, Hannah and Her Sisters...

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