On The Third Week Of Advent

It is Advent III, Rose Sunday. The Secret Santa struck again -- this time in broad daylight while we were at the Feast of Guadalupe service. They know our schedule.<br /><br />When we got back from church, there was a bright pink Christmas ball hanging from our door knob. Perfect for Rose Sunday. They know liturgy too.<br /><br />It has snowflakes cut into the sides. We have hung it on the white Christmas tree.

On The Third Week Of Advent

It is Advent III, Rose Sunday. The Secret Santa struck again -- this time in broad daylight while we were at the Feast of Guadalupe service....

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Are You Ready for a Promotion? - How to let the boss know

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/ld/ar5b5146cd9sgsnhylld.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/ld/ar5b5146cd9sgsnhylld.gif" /></a><br /></div>You're probably due for a promotion, right? I don't know you, but if you're like most other workers, you think you deserve a promotion. You are the glue that holds the entire organization together. Everybody knows it. Everybody except your boss, that is. She doesn't seem to realize that you're ready for and deserving of bigger things.<br /><br />On top of doing your job (and the jobs of several other colleagues, undoubtedly), you have a new task at hand: proving that you should get a promotion. It's not just going to land on your desk one day; you need to be proactive. Your perfect opportunity for making your case is when performance review time rolls around, but you should start preparing ahead of time.<br /><br />Start with a job description<br />Steve Moore, a team manager with HR outsourcing company Administaff, recommends looking at your job description before you do anything else.<br /><br />"Using a current job description, assuming one is available, honestly examine your strengths and weaknesses. Devise a plan to make your strengths work in your favor, to not only meet but also exceed expectations," Moore says. "Then develop a strategy to improve your weak points. It might also be a good practice to work with your manager to set performance objectives based on the job requirements and your personal evaluation."<br /><br />If you don't have a job description, Moore suggests asking your manager for one. Not only do you get the information you need, but you also display initiative to your boss and prove you're taking an active interest in your career.<br /><br />Once you get a look at the role's description and possibly consult with your boss, you should have a good idea whether or not you're performing the duties and at what level. Whether or not you deserve a promotion is still another issue. Workers who deserve promotions are workers who redefine their roles.<br /><br />"Focusing only on the tasks necessary to fulfill the role is the strategy to implement if an employee wants to keep his current job," Moore advises. "Employees who go above and beyond and add more value to the organization are truly poised for a promotion." Only then will management understand that you've taken the position as far as you can and are ready for new challenges.<br /><br />How to perform well at your review<br />Annual performance reviews happen in many organizations, and some companies even offer them on a quarterly basis. During these reviews, the boss assesses how an employee has fulfilled job requirements, shown progress and demonstrated areas for improvement. It's also when conversations about raises and other important career decisions take place. If you want to discuss a promotion, you need to walk into the meeting ready to make your case.<br /><br />"Start by compiling a file with evidence that displays your ability to perform your current roles and responsibilities," Moore suggests. "In addition, take time to document all achievements above and beyond expected tasks and provide solid examples of how the company has benefited from your drive to excel."<br /><br />The more specific you can be, the better, says Moore. "For example, have your contributions in your current role increased profits or sales, added new clients to the roster or grown the business of existing clients?"<br /><br />Nevertheless, Moore cautions against putting all of your hopes and energy on just an annual review. The timeline for receiving a promotion might not align with the performance review schedule, so don't get fixated on the review as the only opportunity you have to get what you want.<br /><br />"Putting everything on paper and only evaluating it once a year during a performance review can be futile," Moore says. "Supervisors and employees should work together to create a plan and review it periodically throughout the year. Adjustments should be made when appropriate, but more importantly, supervisors should help employees determine the best approaches to reach milestones." Feel free to take the initiative to ask your boss for these conversations if he or she hasn't approached you about it.<br /><br />Confidence above all else<br />Workers get understandably nervous and even bashful when discussing their goals. Like salary talks, discussions about promotions might cause you to doubt yourself. Are you deceiving yourself by thinking you deserve a new title? Is your boss going to laugh you out of the office? If you do get what you want, will your colleagues scoff at your step up?<br /><br />If you have a specific role in mind, learn from the person who currently has or previously had the position. You can set yourself up to get the position by not only exceeding your job duties but also by demonstrating that you have the knowledge and ability to fulfill the requirements. Moore also recommends understanding how the performances of the people in that position have been measured. You'll have more confidence if you learn as much as you can about the role.<br /><br />As for the fear that your colleagues and current co-workers might not embrace you with open arms upon your promotion, Moore says to stay focused on your concerns, not theirs.<br /><br />"As an employee now in a higher position, it's important to display the abilities your manager rewarded by promoting you," Moore says. "The skill sets and character traits that make you worthy of this position may have already been noticed by your former colleagues. If not, you will have the opportunity to earn their trust as your talents are revealed over time."<br /><br />Ultimately, confidence informs all aspects of a promotion, from the early talks to your first days in the role. And that confidence has to come from you, otherwise no one will take you seriously.<br /><br />"When seeking a promotion, confidence is key and an employee should not be shy when discussing his goals with a manager or supervisor," Moore says. "Let the supervisor know your intentions, ask him or her what is needed to reach a higher level, and request consistent advice and guidance. Even if you aren't granted a promotion this time around, you will have constructive feedback that can help prepare you for the next review."<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

Are You Ready for a Promotion? - How to let the boss know

You're probably due for a promotion, right? I don't know you, but if you're like most other workers, you think you deserve a pro...

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Brand or BE Branded: Are You Willing to Risk It?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/tk/ar5f0xv6kd4hhh0zxftk.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/tk/ar5f0xv6kd4hhh0zxftk.gif" /></a><br /></div>Several people have told me lately that they don't care about their career identity online. "I should be able to do what I want," they say, or, "My life shouldn't be judged by employers based on what they see on the Web." <br /><br />I say this: Brand or be branded. You can either make sure people perceive you in a way that boosts your credibility or you can ignore your online presence and be seen as, A) nonexistent and unimportant or B) someone who shouldn't be contacted for a job -- ever.<br /><br />Let me explain.<br /><br />A young woman reached out to me recently, supposedly "desperate" about her job search. Having graduated from college last spring and yet to land an interview, she claimed to have tried everything. I looked at her résumé. It had some things that could be improved, but her academic achievements were solid and in a specialized field. Then I checked her cover letter. It was pretty standard, which then made me wonder if her online identity was the issue. <br /><br />I decided to complete an Internet search on her -- just as four out of five hiring managers do today. I put in her name and the school she graduated from. What popped up in the results shed some light. The first item in the results was her Facebook picture. It was a blurry photo of her in a sweatshirt and her eyes were closed. OK, so it was nothing terrible, but it also wasn't a powerful first impression.<br /><br />And besides, what followed was much worse:<br /><br />You see, her Facebook photo was the only thing about her that popped up. There was nothing related to school, nothing related to volunteering, nothing related to her field of study ... absolutely nothing. In fact, the next 10 entries were for someone with the same name but different middle initial who currently writes an open and direct blog about a controversial, inappropriate-for-the-workplace subject.<br /><br />Now, is it frustrating to think she might be getting discriminated against because of an online search? Of course! This recent grad doesn't have a lot of experience, which means her career identity is being branded as sub-par (and maybe even being misinterpreted) because of a lack of solid, professional online content. Yet that doesn't mean a person with this problem should sit in the sandbox and pound her fists. Any person, at any age, at any time in her career can build a strong online career identity. <br /><br />The reality is that you only need five to six good things to come up in a search so the top fold (the uppermost portion of the computer screen that shows the top search results) is filled with positive items about you. Why? Because people rarely, if ever, bother to scroll down or click on the next page of a search. They usually assume what is in the top fold is the most relevant.<br /><br />So, how do you create and/or improve your online career identity? <br /><br />Step 1: Identify your brand's keywords<br />Do a search on yourself and see what comes up. You may find that someone with your name has dominated the top fold. From there, identify what keywords you can use to differentiate yourself from this person. Should you be using your full name? Your middle initial? Your affiliation with an organization or a type of work? Figure out how you want people to find you so you can build your brand around these keywords.<br /><br />Step 2: Become a blog reader and commenter<br />Begin reading career-related blog content for 10 minutes each day. This will help you stay up-to-date and in-the-know. Then, start posting thoughtful, well-written, professional comments on these blogs to enhance your credibility as a knowledgeable member of your industry or profession. Take two extra minutes to post a comment on five blogs each week and you'll be on your way.<br /><br />Step 3: Ask to guest post and become an expert<br />Once you've got commenting down, it's time to consider writing a guest blog post on a subject related to your career. After you've become a regular commenter on a particular site and think you relate to its readership, contact the site's administrators and ask if they would accept a guest post from you. Give them an overview of the topic you would write about. If they are interested, you can write the whole article, submit it, and -- voila -- you are a published author on the Net.<br /><br />Step 4: Get social<br />Facebook isn't the only social networking tool that will come up in a search on your name. LinkedIn, Twitter and others all offer you a way to build a strong top fold. <br /><br />I am a particular fan of Twitter. Twittering is micro-blogging. Better still, it's like instant messaging for professionals. It is an easy, fast way to connect with hundreds of like-minded people in a short time. You can be connected to hundreds of people in a matter of weeks. Better still, you can tweet (post short, 140 character comments), which a hiring manager can read if he does a search on your Twitter account name. It's like inviting an employer to see what you are like to converse with -- a great way to brand yourself.<br /><br />In summary: Why risk having a lack of any career identity or having a bad online presence just because you didn't take control of the situation? Yes, getting your top fold to look good takes a little effort, but it can provide an incredible return on your investment.<br /><br />By J.T. O'Donnell nationally syndicated career expert and author of "CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career." She can be found at www.CAREEREALISM.com, her career advice site for professionals ages 18-40, which aims provide readers with tools and resources to navigate the new rules to career development.

Brand or BE Branded: Are You Willing to Risk It?

Several people have told me lately that they don't care about their career identity online. "I should be able to do what I want,&qu...

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Planning de la semaine du 14 au 18 décembre 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 14 décembre de 9h à 12h30<br />- le mardi 15 décembre de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 16 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 17 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 18 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://www.egee.asso.fr/" "target=_blank">EGEE</a></strong><br />- lundi 14 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a></strong><br />- mercredi 16 décembre de 10h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de gestion</a></strong><br />- vendredi 18 décembre de 9h à 12h30</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 15 décembre de 9h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation </strong>- mardi 15 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - jeudi 17 décembre de 10h à 12h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 17 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 18 décembre de 10h à 11h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Information collective</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>RSA - Conseil Général</strong> - mardi 15 décembre à 10h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 14 au 18 décembre 2009

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 14 dé...

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So much to do, so little time

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

So much to do, so little time

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

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Remembering Names and What to Do When You Forget

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

Remembering Names and What to Do When You Forget

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

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

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

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

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

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Can You Ask for a Raise in This Economy?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/h3/ar5c88973jxw18k505h3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/h3/ar5c88973jxw18k505h3.gif" /></a><br /></div><br />Ever since the economy went south last fall, workers have considered themselves lucky just to have jobs. Complaints about annoying co-workers or boring meetings have been followed by, "Well, at least I've got a job to complain about."<br /><br />That sentiment isn't misguided, but it also leaves workers vulnerable to unfavorable work conditions because they don't want to appear ungrateful. Maybe the fear of being fired (and easily replaced) in this economy is the stronger influence. Either way, employees can't let their fear outweigh their professional goals.<br /><br />A common workplace ambition is to earn more money or, at the very least, be fairly compensated for a job well done. Salary talks are always tricky ventures, and they're made even worse with high unemployment figures sitting in the back of your mind. That shouldn't stop you from asking for a raise, says Marshal Backlar, president of Backlar Consultants.<br /><br />"Let's put aside the economy and every other excuse, unless your company is on the verge of bankruptcy. The real issue is [whether you are] confident in the statement, 'I deserve a raise now,'" Backlar says. Deserving a raise is very different from wanting one.<br /><br />"If your performance and the quantifiable results from your initiatives have exceeded expectations and have resulted in X increase in profits, Y cost savings, Z brand expansion or customer base ... then move forward," he says. "But remember, timing is important: Knowing your company's culture and climate, and your boss's mood and confidence, will enable you to choose your time well. Just as important, you must understand and respond to the 'them' part of the equation."<br /><br />Look at it from the other side of the desk<br />Whether you can ask for a raise in this economy and whether you'll get one are two separate issues. Todd M. Schoenberger, managing director of LandColt Trading, isn't thinking about the unemployment figures when an employee asks him for a raise. He's thinking about many of the things Backlar mentioned, and then some.<br /><br />"I have no problem with one of my directs coming to me asking for a raise -- actually, I would rather them come to me and give me an opportunity to give them something before they start down the path of looking elsewhere," he says. In addition to how much they're worth to the firm and how much they cost (once he factors in business expenses and camaraderie with the rest of the team), he considers whether they're willing and able to take on more responsibility as a result of the pay bump.<br /><br />"The third one is most critical because employees have to sell themselves if they want more money, and the best way to do that is to almost beg for new roles and responsibilities," Backlar explains. "Simply asking for more money because they just want more money isn't going to cut it and will actually look poorly upon the individual."<br /><br />The best way to demonstrate your contribution and worth to the company is to spell it out on paper, says business development specialist Nancy Fox.<br /><br />"Come with a one-pager of all your tangible accomplishments documented," Fox says. "This means you've likely been keeping a written accomplishment log so that you haven't forgotten what you've produced for the company."<br /><br />But that's not your only task for the discussion. Fox says preparation and critical thinking are essential when discussing salary, and she's not just referring to the accomplishment log.<br /><br />"You must time your conversation carefully," she says. "Don't set up the meeting to discuss this during a crisis or when your boss is late for a meeting or business trip."<br /><br />Also think about whether your boss is the head of the company, or if he or she has to answer to someone else. If you're going to make a raise seem like the correct and logical action, you need to know what chain of command your boss will have to go through, Fox says. As a result, don't assume this one conversation is the final word on the issue.<br /><br />"You must be prepared for a negotiation. 'If not now, can we schedule a date for the next conversation?' or, 'If not the dollar amount I had in mind, is there a more viable figure?'" Fox says. "In other words, the response may be 'no,' but not 'no forever.'"<br /><br />Thomasina Tafur, consultant and entrepreneur, agrees that employees need to stay flexible during these talks.<br /><br />"If you're not granted a raise, don't take it personally," Tafur says. "Simply ask what you need to do -- and don't accept that the economy has to improve; that's a weak excuse -- and then follow through and go above and beyond to achieve it." Tafur recommends looking at paid tuition, additional paid vacation days or even stock options if a permanent salary increase isn't possible.<br /><br />However you look at it, asking for a raise is possible in this economy if you know your audience and have a plan. With the right approach, you could end up getting a bigger paycheck, more job responsibilities and a boost of confidence.<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

Can You Ask for a Raise in This Economy?

Ever since the economy went south last fall, workers have considered themselves lucky just to have jobs. Complaints about annoying co-worker...

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Networking Isn't Working? - 4 easy fixes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/27/ar5c54771gtsfcgybf27.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/27/ar5c54771gtsfcgybf27.gif" /></a><br /></div>Are you sick of the word "networking" yet? It seems to be on everyone's lips -- all those millions of people just like you who are looking for a new job. Networking is a lot of work. And if everyone is doing it, where's the competitive advantage? <br /><br />Here's the secret: Almost everyone is doing a lousy job of it. Do it well (even if you hate it), and you're already well ahead of the herd.<br /><br />For most people networking is a big, shapeless drag -- something they do when they're not prowling the job boards. There's that luck-of-the-draw feeling about it, especially when you hear stories about how someone was at the right place at the right time. If you're not a prom queen or golf pro, you're doomed. If you'd rather be at home with a book than out there soullessly schmoozing strangers who would otherwise bore you, wouldn't time pass more quickly in your easy chair? At least you're less likely to spend money when you're at home. <br /><br />Still, despite your preferences, you're out there. But this networking thing's not working for you, is it? Let's find out why not and what to do about it:<br /><br />1. Going to networking events has all the appeal of visiting a compost pile. <br />Are you a little tired of seeing the same sad-sack faces month in and month out? Join the club; they're probably tired of seeing yours. Networking events are a great opportunity to meet people who don't have jobs. But they're terrible for meeting people with jobs. (If you were happily employed, would you hang out with this crowd? We thought not.) <br /><br />Your fixes: Connections and courage. Make connections beyond these networking-only events. Have the courage to ask for introductions to leaders and experts in your field, to your counterparts in other companies (even your former competitors). Go to conferences and receptions. Go to every single party you're invited to. <br /><br />2. Your friends cross the street when they see you coming. <br />You might have burned out your relationships by being so focused on your frustrations in finding a job. Think about your recent conversations. Are you just hearing the sound of your own voice in your memory's ear? Can you even name your best friend's children anymore? Instead of saying "Hi" to you, do they just cut to, "Nope, nothing yet"?<br /><br />Your fix: Courtesy. It's natural to use your friends and family as your networking jumping-off place. But if you just use them as immediate connections to a sure-thing job opportunity, you're going to burn out your friendships pronto. Definitely let them know that you're looking for work -- there's no shame there at all. And ask them for introductions to people they might know who would be able to move your search forward (a co-worker, for example, might know someone who knows someone). Don't put them on the spot of always having to say no when you ask them, "Do you know of any jobs out there?" Pretty soon you'll have the sidewalk to yourself.<br /><br />Word to wise: When you are introduced to people, remember to thank your friends (thank all of your networking partners, for that matter) with e-mail updates, even formal, handwritten notes from time to time. Everyone likes to see their friends make progress out of a life crisis, and everyone likes to feel appreciated for the part they played in your journey to better times. <br /><br />3. You can't seem to squeeze in the time necessary for networking. <br />Let's face it, right now you probably are more tempted by projects that have a sure-thing conclusion and that will give you the satisfaction of actually accomplishing something. And you deserve those gratifications of jobs well done -- or, well, at least done. Yet somehow, making those phone calls just never seems to happen. <br /><br />Your fix: Commitment. For starters, commit yourself to making five phone calls a day. Make it easy on yourself: Have a brief script ready to work off of, so you don't have to start cold with each phone call. Be comfortable (in your desk chair, not that easy chair). Commit yourself to filling your "funnel" of contacts and leads, just like salespeople do. With every "no" you hear, you still have plenty more phone calls to make and conversations to follow up on ... and no single rejection is ever the end of the world.<br /><br />4. You're doing everything right and your networking still isn't working. <br />How do you know it's not working? OK, so the obvious is indisputable: You still don't have a job. But with enthusiastic networking filled with a variety of contacts and introductions, you've set events in motion that you might not even be aware of: People may be talking about you and brainstorming with each other about whom else to introduce you to; someone might be checking with HR right this very minute to see how a position can be created for you. <br /><br />Your fix: Patience. These things take time. Cold comfort, we know, when the mortgage is due. But your alternative, which is to not network at all, will get you nowhere. Keep up your commitment. Keep growing your connections. Remember to be courteous to your friends and expanding networks.<br /><br />And the right job will come. <br /><br />By Duncan Mathison and Martha I. Finney co-authors of the new book "Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tight." For a free sample chapter, visit: www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com.

Networking Isn't Working? - 4 easy fixes

Are you sick of the word "networking" yet? It seems to be on everyone's lips -- all those millions of people just like you who...

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Day 7: I was superwoman this morning!

I'm not one to toot my own horn, but this morning, I rocked it at the gym. Seriously, I really did.<br /><br />After yet another sleepless night of coughing and hacking in spite of my nightly shot of NyQuil, I woke up in a foul mood. Really unhappy and tired. My first thought was noooooo! I can't, and darn it, I won't!<br /><br />I reluctantly got dressed in my workout clothes, stood in the kitchen in the dark and drank a cup of coffee. I was thinking about how bad I felt and I was sick and it's only 17 degrees, and well, the excuses to not workout were endless. An entire repertoire of "poor me!", this isn't fair.<br /><br />Luckily, my inner skinny girl that's fighting against my outer fat girl said get your butt out of the house, in that car and to the gym. I promised myself 20 minutes on the StairMaster and I could come home.<br /><br />Well, I did 30 minutes on the StairMaster, from level 4 all the way up to level 9. Then I worked out with the weights for a full 30 minutes. I was a soaking, wet mess by the end. The weird thing, I didn't cough once during my entire workout. My nose was runny, but no coughing. My lungs were on fire and my throat burned, but that was all.<br /><br />Of course now I'm coughing non-stop, but hey - I did it! Superwoman returns!

Day 7: I was superwoman this morning!

I'm not one to toot my own horn, but this morning, I rocked it at the gym. Seriously, I really did. After yet another sleepless night of...

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Croissance des "emplois verts"

<BR><br />Le 1er décembre 2009, l’<a href="http://www.ademe.fr/" "target=_blank">ADEME</a> a présenté les résultats de son étude annuelle sur les marchés et les emplois liés à l'amélioration de l’efficacité énergétique et au développement des énergies renouvelables. <br /><br />Cette étude montre que ces marchés restent dynamiques et porteurs d'emplois, malgré la crise économique.<br /><br />Avec une croissance de 28% sur la période 2006-2008, il s'agit d'un des secteurs qui résistent le mieux à la crise économique.<br /><br />Le secteur pourrait atteindre environ <strong>300 000 emplois équivalent temps plein en 2009</strong>, soit une augmentation de 90 000 emplois depuis 2006.<br /><br />L’étude « <a href="http://www2.ademe.fr/servlet/getBin?name=7E6DB87B61B0C49AD27F03D0A9235F701259586175705.pdf" "target=_blank">Marchés, emplois et enjeu énergétique des activités liées aux énergies renouvelables et à l’efficacité énergétique</a> » permet de suivre sur plusieurs années l’évolution des marchés sur ces secteurs. Elle contribuera à l’observatoire national des métiers de la croissance verte qui sera mis en place en 2010. <br /><br />Sont téléchargeables sur le site de l'Ademe :<ul><li><a href="http://www2.ademe.fr/servlet/getBin?name=FAB48314A7C888FADBDA57A25C99F4A21259852790531.pdf" "target=_blank">le communiqué de presse</a><br /><li><a href="http://www2.ademe.fr/servlet/getBin?name=EBD95ECCE051352371BD189F1E77A5C41259664618293.pdf" "target=_blank">la synthèse de l'étude</a><br /><li><a href="http://www2.ademe.fr/servlet/getBin?name=7E6DB87B61B0C49AD27F03D0A9235F701259586175705.pdf" "target=_blank">l'intégralité de l'étude</a></ul>

Croissance des "emplois verts"

Le 1er décembre 2009, l’ ADEME a présenté les résultats de son étude annuelle sur les marchés et les emplois liés à l'amélioration de l...

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Day 5 & 6: Hanging on by my toenails

It's sure not easier the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hundredth</span> time around the block with this weight loss stuff. It's almost as tough as it was at the beginning, but I'm hanging in there.<br /><br />This cold has really knocked me down. The coughing is making me crazy. I'm going in to see the doctor for some codeine cough syrup tomorrow. I need to sleep through the night before I hit Edmonton on Sunday.<br /><br />My husband is going with me to Edmonton. It's the first time he's joined me on a business trip. When I told my coworker that's also been doing these trips, to different cities than me, he asked me what's wrong with him...why does he wants to see you in all kinds of crazy? Well put.<br /><br />I've booked a room with a fireplace, hot tub and a king sized bed. My husband wants to go to the mall on Sunday. Did I ever mention I kind of hate shopping? Being in the world's 3rd largest mall isn't exactly my idea of a good time.<br /><br />I was looking at my 2008 weight loss calendar where I write my weight almost every day of the year. On December 31, 2008 I weighed 164.8. This morning was 175.4. Three weeks, ten pounds? I know it's pretty much a ridiculous thought. Maybe five pounds if I put my mind to it. I'm going to try my best to not gain and lose at least a few pounds by December 31, 2009.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'm going back to the gym for a light workout. Nothing too crazy. I've wanted to go but the hacking up a lung made it seem like a bad idea. Tomorrow for sure.<br /><br />The NyQuil is kicking in so I'm off to bed. No crazy eating today or yesterday. Just normal stuff. Normal is always a good thing.

Day 5 & 6: Hanging on by my toenails

It's sure not easier the hundredth time around the block with this weight loss stuff. It's almost as tough as it was at the beginni...

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Christmas at the My House

<p>The weekend before Thanksgiving I decided to get our Christmas decor out. Yes, I know it’s early, but there is just so much and I wanted to be able to enjoy it longer! And I also knew our Thanksgiving weekend was jam packed! So without further ado, here is our humble abode all cheery for Christmas!</p> <p align="center"><em><strong>Welcome to our home…please come on in!</strong></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NtVFmXuOhx9P6xoBhPfVtpyy9T10_5L0cQrxFTlN0bRbsz4byQ3PkNZdxPMGyPYKGYSpEddpxb6CtAOpUVAFE7XfAu6uBYUG5tNgRJ03oxpyp6UjYPn1NT9eH_av8Ea98CujPxbw2Nda/s1600-h/DSC05272%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05272" border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjkGux9LNlOwK3FLHer7f2dcCNhZPJJeEeIwbJ_dYrZsb6KsUHiMASo252OdBMTQDVqbcNBhrOUE8SHtAWksstiKEF-SazOZCBNQ0A3nSAnqah1zmFM38HC-ICE4pEd7mVKv0MOLi4jf0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05272" width="405" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>These are a few of the things you’ll see when you first come in the door!</em></strong><img alt="DSC05254" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2EaNLTTjYvAfh3w-BIgX1mhkFmvvMvDWgoy6UT7i_kH-pY313YlUr4XbtpWkyeScZcJIEG2RmVFpOY5U6kZMxi77HrlW9GX8G6qqClyga4bD4g8M1IQ9Nb0ko8R8xobC2zZA6fdHFUyr/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05254" width="264" /><img alt="DSC05256" border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs_co5x08wHxthRS0-hjR61fwfx_-8a8YyR8rFrYnWpInbO3oRFXbtIHgUfYo2MlHTFnE2ckQk27QzraEso_NTkUXKyDUHEscuH97bU0-a47Bj5WeIqlJr145mbRNi_E3Af_nXEKqRCz5/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05256" width="262" /><img alt="DSC05258" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8v6WTc6AWjF_lQ_qOv3Ve84hNWA5l3vHWCnkb9XXWM2gEUHTIHFAzu25hHuruLmKSrjXPYe7-eNvW4afQ3oMF7if4U2iRQb9V_OQawgRpl_0Iez3tALu0AVHekDnRPSGT-L5t0rFWTAg-/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05258" width="264" /><img alt="DSC05259" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT1d7bbPurv6tojo9Rfh0e3X3kId0AmNeg_sZZG3Kam_r0MrDcCiPz3d0bxE-EjJwKbGk-d0kYQ2iNewkU7igyRsOmuqfrD037R2k10qjuiGzTA2FYZzRXCz23xvDA9Fr2GcOj5N3vsGr/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05259" width="264" /><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p align="center"> <strong><em>And this is what you’ll see upon entering the living room!</em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KJHNwx0CdG_k3SNYra4KR6CiLdKQX8ai_Z2FiJQMIfkyFB9iPoeoq0iwtAVPewwMJhccfplQS7wo1xAlCGydMFRefvU6YwDZmu8OLoUITh6Pmsk_A3rqakPkF-oRi5_zm_ETnGUm6lcw/s1600-h/DSC05149%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05149" border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSc6vwf_8DFHgi2E0XCg93DXlxojMkVrNaYEHGSJ1SOedqIuTHPBdahsuaUMz0RS7kkGvuggCdjz9_coM2kfhi3pju3mAgsojkgzMAnjgd0CkyH814B6N0pUJliBwkih4u9NyPyC0Iu6X/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05149" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>And here is our tree!!</em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kdfZxExbgnFUUzOkTsLtH5hSPijX9k2f6AWg4vSckCmd6ZAasSI3dBPn7dran-8GBMtapM_QuI-AVcMrR24YV_8Honxr-yJLz2w3c68QZHg0vILNkOji7wnuEXE3IjnIEXuxjZ1uDJty/s1600-h/DSC05264%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05264" border="0" height="729" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmdrLp4YFackkX50XXLcfrcGYbt68VjG8m-Cr19Dene4IMQqUHP-8zlBr3-Yvy53jdB73UYrJtQMZmOXs69E5Lz1qc4YpdYPRptAzgSmLFvYh7ayIIGyflv92cHhMtEh1GldSyPEa_Qac/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05264" width="410" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>I decided to go “green” for Christmas this year!</em></strong>  </p> <p align="center"><img alt="DSC05266" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh-HRoUQJ-_Q4xZh5AxoHGBNFxxpHoFnI_ZMqnvBfO-8ApfXQhg6-EqBZPS6V-TBzVuIZOAuw0feqmxt_rcgBPepTfGlOBOJCsAYhgTfCYv04QPqrzs8CAG5HYMnWtf1yyo4Xe-TGYUba/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05266" width="404" /><img alt="DSC05154" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRvvColMIHbdKOxQ-ulfX4DGzUr-oV3qmNwtRsUtgGoSGioA_vRoE2dwzfyDgh_zg892-Lw_ObV-0pkzkZRkge8rheBfYATSZtgcjxsWUF4oW-spUb0TnDJVHDV43c11kBoOII_Gz2txh/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05154" width="404" /></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1Aevdo0LmnPM5bzvS5bjh8HEzkHwpWNHn5tK9HZ1Ebwd692_iq8ysen_j4cu09eHsk8EBiYAS17rtongTKzSc4vUiKvvcvqJC0LydaDkjjfxXzoPfME_rPJ2HeWThLQIQPJY6MUOJ3Ni/s1600-h/DSC05152%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC05152" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYSOXMFDdkyGAUzbopJRSC_7aOPL-OnW8f2KyyVyWIAfwQl0FV-Z3HnP0e6GafTOm5ZDP-R1IAMaVF-vC8jKNZ45zB4Y3Zq_NdrYt_ZBJ0_fXRU9fzO9BCgeryBxpXPaizxvyT2N8_YH_/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05152" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTspH_PRPWatYivDzaU1VjNOPg6TXSU3skMo_0d60t-pNa_2BYgFsaim1rD7IyWBtkptsGgvfr1pxNaqbA9Jr21G12xDTk6Zz6z7_Eyjks2oOGStc1u9LEbWriqvrbYXeK6W_jFRpbRU9/s1600-h/DSC05150%5B4%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC05150" border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_coti7Vq9TTs2evu6Vvdgq-zM-O4VI98gcVEuwSe4OGdQKldqAszwWRNZDCBMu-zyFEuy5ffAFB6fL5j4IAd8q2VWob6V9q2G3Evt1fsWrAwd5Eef-BVxdMy7HsHzh7jraE-z49gnpLB8/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05150" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong>I upda</strong></em><em><strong>ted our curtains to match the “pops” of green in the living room! Only problem is that to the left  of the bay window there is a single window that I forgot to get a panel for and they are all out! :(<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDvpJ_oemEghBnDisnljcSrT6-UIen_aEpzzHpveclpljHMUyMNG2js3q45cb-vijyg19-TI6V7kzVnHLd2e7rFktgaxOpB_4XpyOaDy4svRKYK4HAC0UMpUj8XUtA_zG08RLpGKpd2g3/s1600-h/DSC05235%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05235" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZmwSX3MoyUeMcx7-IFFNbGt95BPMPL8SArln_nN_W_jFnKKCo5Yr1OAFiovn0hQPYJgTEfYh41FtpTmihA0RGymm4EN3PBorp75XntfRJhxis3_uy96KaT3fUtv2MQBQHx-DfAqrL2e0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05235" width="404" /></a></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong>I even added a few little things to the guest room!<img alt="DSC05267" border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoCNNOysjc7GiYg1AjNJobQPmK_VbEAqgOz-UsMOs7rNdpEHDL8qflb9puSPbyE-GdiopudTJEUWRSMlZbRpgroDphYGZAC7fPjyRAhKxEgqXjarOLYItkEpz0lNIg-iYZeIoa80_qoYB/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05267" width="304" /><img alt="DSC05268" border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF0lKvuBqAG6KzMrhj8AI1YRlm-5Tn4Lod36TpB2gwEYLsKS2M9AhntdfIWfe6UIJ8V6s8MlgOPnF5mxqXfflndLNIIZxvF7mXB1z9uYpMtiH9ajXTIgC_PiINzFObARHnMYnn5z0ydmu/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05268" width="329" /><img alt="DSC05270" border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh542eDp8VcqhD5r1hQZKXwQo_rcUswtEa9CKqOEswMQj6h37Cwy2hMXo6qsmv8Nd0Go0cY2IQVhYqcTdh4jXYNe-_1LChLyY_d8Ooae_tspJHU4fuFbCASpCOPV-7wu21gBafcDb9iNCnq/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05270" width="404" /></strong></em></p> <p align="center">       </p> <p align="center"><em><strong>This is our “light-less” Christmas tree in the office. For some reason this was the year that all our strands of Christmas lights decided to die! So you all know what I’ll be doing after Christmas (clearance Christmas light shopping)! ;)</strong></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IUWMDkeMEJ6q65Xcj2ZmN1IVzUeWqu46ZQP-39DO8Jkoy6J_5krE9ex1PDpj9KR3Y3XM4kjLSbomxs69EiBBtVPm2zHS-GvZeaB444BRVN4agXEBdrovbt_EVpVo0MSS6oJyUSJZFPL-/s1600-h/DSC05217%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05217" border="0" height="679" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn8vrFIjlnVpF9MbULSqhsBF-rI7d7lPm69AuXHGvXnVYnROlBxSQHObG93dZnl2y8rt5_OwdQJZYB5W6kBJStZ109fObSDm4oZDfT9BjHf3WK56qX550_Pt1K4bAvmynRD4ibIH0OHLk/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05217" width="346" /></a></p> <p align="center">  <strong><em>Abby got something new for Christmas this year…a cute little shirt and some new food and water bowls!!</em></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY96deLOhauv-HSWQWh_c0uZSoAmyYM5SzSnYkOehNMPHes2n5cRwoOM5l1cQ7lMAHQQu476Z7luSAOBH0Nov3Cuj5u1XP9BzTe0AgaQDZa-mnsQZ9wrPAVLgSqUFroj8j-1Y_pjNDe9k/s1600-h/DSC05224%5B8%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC05224" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46UwAsX_zNTdSzFe2b9tG9WRocDhLMu99qBNp7k5TGcTzMuIKGPy5_4d0yn8WV7vCEu8Xd9kkSPJC1yHVzTRVKGcvWsdtav6yALB1WKSObUdww-BQ9hyxDU7yPnoLyxPsTjTkkAj4S2C0/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05224" width="454" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">  </p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong></strong></em></strong></em></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong><em><strong><em><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdTDRBdPApYmJUU0GfyHVyO0EEhlR46ibfTVRGZBhnTJFeVmbDM-2bEEEQ9IvNvWb5sEKXvFTjtl6h-LBu3D25XsD323Qjnf1tW9h32zDdzZf658GH3I4VcYnRemFLOu8-mhyphenhyphen_nd1p2u6/s1600-h/DSC05216%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC05216" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX14wciJybn1D69bsW6BeETpJFls4m2DUYsb0eKKTjJH4vLaf8KZ4PSP5F9rLsgSo_IXKfc37NDKkm_vD37dBI5VT0TpnJvlhYfMz06TvGM28vne6YEl_zyT886biPRdbwtPrbKh4t0cr/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05216" width="354" /></a></strong></em></strong></em></strong></em></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em><strong>Another tree in the office! Right now we have 6 trees up…including little ones like this! And I still haven’t got our 3rd big tree up yet. Kyle says I have to though because it’s usually decked out with Hawkeye ornaments in the basement!</strong></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmSa__gHTw8Cxz33Q8a4X-DVjfFv7SfHfYEwalA9_skquWr6z_Sbrrqtx1mcBc39tmdoU0O7kklMiteN5cjOy30iY81LuYOUt-fKl36GJ93vaI17ozTA9LYKgu0MUpucEwzj8uxt2tQj2/s1600-h/DSC05218%5B1%5D.jpg"></a><img alt="DSC05218" border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UHAY8CjtderNwyPyBRCaM51wuFLBYPaKSXMGtldbwwG3sei9lUzoPezhtDgLWZOYCeEXZVeBUOeguv8FLCuOyzZL4rEVN0RojP73-dubCiyoRV3lPm6Joz725GsMyp9SQguA7bOqglKS/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05218" width="404" /></p>        <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>And that concludes the Christmas tour of our home! Hope you enjoyed it</em></strong>!</p>

Christmas at the My House

The weekend before Thanksgiving I decided to get our Christmas decor out. Yes, I know it’s early, but there is just so much and I wanted to ...

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Days 3 & 4: Still among the living

Someday I'll learn to listen to my body. On Sunday, I was wiped out all day, barely able to get dressed and get to the gym by 5pm. It was cold out, 32 degrees and my throat was sore. I just thought I was being a lazy, sloth-like person and forced myself to go to the gym.<br /><br />The workout hurt like heck. I was sweating, but that was before I even started the workout! I felt clammy and chilled to the bone. My breathing was difficult and labored. I couldn't understand how I'd gotten so out of shape in such a short time.<br /><br />Well guess what? I have a cold (or maybe it's the flu, I'm never sure). I've been flat on my back for two days, waking up and not knowing if it was a.m. or p.m. My body aches and my mind has been in a fog. I've been coughing up gross, nasty junk from my infected lungs. Tonight is the first time I ventured into the kitchen looking for food.<br /><br />I'm going to work tomorrow since I have to get things ready for my Edmonton trip next week, and I'm actually feeling a little bit better. It's my last trip on this project. Hallelujah! I can't wait to have my normal life back.

Days 3 & 4: Still among the living

Someday I'll learn to listen to my body. On Sunday, I was wiped out all day, barely able to get dressed and get to the gym by 5pm. It wa...

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It Is Happening Again

"It is happening again. It is happening again." -- Twin Peaks<br /><br />For context, see the previous 2 posts.<br /><br />So I went out the door on Monday morning and there was another ornament hanging on the door handle. It was a silver colored "Peace." A lovely thing really.<br /><br />More about the snow man. There is a little switch on the bottom. Flip it on and the snow man lights up in alternating colors, red, blue, green, pink, etc.<br /><br />And we already had the perfect ornaments for the white plastic tree -- a lot of small plastic pink flamingos in various tropcial attire.<br /><br />This is the best kitchy Christmas tree ever. We decorated yesterday while listening to O Tannenbaum on the ipod.<br /><br />We are considering installing a security camera in hopes of learning the identity of our secret Santa.

It Is Happening Again

"It is happening again. It is happening again." -- Twin Peaks For context, see the previous 2 posts. So I went out the door on Mon...

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7 Worst Career Mistakes You Can Make

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/78/ar5b0206hns5953t6s78.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/78/ar5b0206hns5953t6s78.gif" /></a><br /></div>7 Worst Career Mistakes You Can Make - Leadership lessons from the game of tennis Jeffrey A. Krames, author "The Unforced Error: Why Some Mangers Get Promoted While Others Get Eliminated" <br /><br />Tennis and business have a lot more in common than you may think. In 1982, a tennis professional coined the term "unforced error" to describe what happens when one player who is in position to return the ball makes an error by hitting the ball out of the field of play -- or missing the ball altogether. That same kind of error happens all of the time in the business world. <br /><br />Research shows that even the smartest managers can make the worst career errors. Once again, the same is true in tennis. Even the best players in the world make unforced errors in every match. In professional tennis as in business, the player with the fewest unforced errors usually wins. <br /><br />Research also shows that at the top levels of corporations, unforced errors have taken a greater toll than ever before. For example, CEO turnover was up 60 percent between 1995 and 2006 and shows no signs of slowing down, according to the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton. However, you do not have to be a CEO to make a costly unforced error. <br /><br />In my career of nearly three decades, I have had a front-row seat to countless numbers of unforced errors in the workplace. Much to my surprise, I have witnessed egregious, stupid errors made by people I regarded as the smartest, most effective of colleagues. <br /><br />So what kind of tennis mistakes translate to your life and career? Consider the following: <br /><br />Mistake No. 1: Always playing with a singles mindset<br />"Playing doubles," alongside a partner, is more realistic than acting like the Lone Ranger who does everything on his own. There are some individuals -- think of them as cowboys -- who have no ability to delegate or work with colleagues. This could be a huge unforced error; given the complexity of today's operating environment, every employee and manager can use all of the help he or she can get. <br /><br />Mistake No. 2: Not facing reality at all times<br />Many great tennis players have wasted precious time arguing with referees insisting that the ref's calls were wrong (think John McEnroe and Serena Williams). In business, the same phenomenon occurs all the time. For example, managers cannot come to terms with the fact that their latest new product is a failure and they pour more good money after bad, chasing something that should have been abandoned.<br /><br />Mistake No. 3: Not taking learning seriously enough<br />This is another problem that exists in both the tennis and business worlds. In tennis, players need to put in the requisite practice hours to improve their game. John McEnroe says that Ivan Lendl became the incredible champion he did through "sheer rehearsal." In business, one needs to take learning just as seriously. Former GE CEO Jack Welch affirmed that when he said that it is the responsibility of every worker to find a better way of doing things. <br /><br />Mistake No. 4: Not experimenting on a consistent basis<br />Celebrated tennis writer W. Timothy Gallwey once said, "Perfect strokes are already within us, waiting to be discovered." Tennis great Billie Jean King explained that champions keep playing until they get it right. In business, a perfect stroke might be a marketing presentation that wins a million-dollar account, or a strategy presentation that helps you to win that elusive promotion. <br /><br />Mistake No. 5: Not being prepared at all times<br />Being prepared counts for a lot in business, as it does in tennis. And unlike other traps, this one is entirely within your control. For example, if you go to a meeting and your boss asks you about a project that is your responsibility, can you give her up-to-date-information on the account? Do you know important deadlines? What land mines must you look out for? These are the kinds of things that a manager must be prepared to answer at all times. <br /><br />Mistake No. 6: Not protecting your flanks<br />Tennis players need to see and be in command of the total court. Businesspeople need to be in touch with all aspects of the game if they are going to have a good chance of success. Everyone is affected by turf wars and power plays that take place every day in your office. The key, says career expert Dr. Kathleen Reardon, is that if you "choose any two competent people, the one who has political savvy, agility in the use of power, and the ability to influence [others] will go further." <br /><br />Mistake No. 7: Not taking ownership of your part of the court<br />Not taking responsibility is another of those tricky unforced errors. The mistake is not in something one does, but in something one doesn't do. So this is an easy mistake to make and one of the more common of unforced errors. While you can't control everything, step up and take more responsibility -- within reason -- whenever you can. If nobody is addressing a problem that you notice or taking advantage of an opportunity that you identify, think about whether you should be doing it yourself. <br /><br />By Jeffrey A. Krames the author of the just-published book "The Unforced Error: Why Some Mangers Get Promoted While Others Get Eliminated" (Portfolio, 2009).

7 Worst Career Mistakes You Can Make

7 Worst Career Mistakes You Can Make - Leadership lessons from the game of tennis Jeffrey A. Krames, author "The Unforced Error: Why So...

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Day 2 continued: Paying for my sins

For most of the day I sat around in my pajamas curled up next to the fireplace, reading magazines, and watching several episodes of Snapped while cuddling my cat. Plus listening to my husband hack and cough and complain as he's recovering from the flu. It was basically a pretty good day. I felt relaxed and warm and comfortable. Happy to be at home.<br /><br />At 4pm I forced myself to get dressed for the gym. It was utter torture working out today. The extra weight has made my workouts painful. My left knee hurts, my left heel hurts. My lungs were screaming at me while I was on the StairMaster for thirty minutes and then the elliptical for another thirty. My arms are still achy and sore from yesterday's workout, and I could barely left them above my head to pull on my workout shirt.<br /><br />This is my penance for having eaten like a pig, not exercised on a regular basis, and gaining 22 pounds in the last few months. Today's workout was painful. Looking back, the last few months really weren't worth it. It wasn't that fun to eat what I wanted, or to skip my workouts. If I had it to do over, I would have done it differently. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Day 2 continued: Paying for my sins

For most of the day I sat around in my pajamas curled up next to the fireplace, reading magazines, and watching several episodes of Snapped ...

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Day 2: It's not easy to start over

This is my second day back on track. I forgot how hard it is to go from eating junk to eating a healthy, low-calorie, low-fat diet. And the exercise. Oh my gosh! I've heard of muscle memory but I think mine forgot everything they ever knew.<br /><br />After 40 minutes of cardio and 40 minutes of upper body weights yesterday I could barely lift my arms last night. I looked in my exercise journal and my last serious weight lifting workout was Nov. 18. No wonder I'm in pain! I've had a few treadmill or elliptical workouts, but no strength training in almost three weeks. I felt weak as I lifted 20-pound dumbells. I hate that feeling. Plus it hurt like hell.<br /><br />My food choices the last few months have been horrible and got worse as time went on. Last week was my absolute worst week. I was eating cookies and candy like an addict. Oakland airport had See's candy booths everywhere (San Francisco is the See's candy headquarters).<br /><br />Unfortunately the Oakland airport was a smorgasbord of unhealthy options. Sure, they had healthy things too, but those weren't what I chose. My attitude was bad and my food choices were just as bad.<br /><br />After just one day of clean eating and exercise I feel like my mind is clearing. It's like I've been in a fog and now it's finally lifting. I think fat and sugar have a very negative effect on my thinking and my happiness. I've been terribly depressed and didn't even realize what was wrong with me. I know the lack of exercise probably played a big part in the depression. Add in the terrible food choices and it's a miracle I made it through these past months.<br /><br />I'm drinking a lot of water, something that's barely passed my lips these last few months. I was living on Starbucks as my beverage of choice. Normally I rarely drink Starbucks since to me it's just wasted calories. Even the "light" or "skinny" options are ridiculously high in calories.<br /><br />Yet I just didn't care and was ordering at least one grande or even venti "light" pumpkin spice Frappuccino every day (sometimes two!). Having one of these beverages first thing in the morning would set my mood for the entire day. Since I'd already "blown" it, it didn't matter what I ate for the rest of the day. And if I eat bad, I don't exercise.<br /><br />Today it's black coffee with a dash of 1% milk, and my normal food which is amazingly delicious. Yet a part of me is thinking about the snickerdoodles and the brownies and the See's candy. I'm like an addict craving my drug.<br /><br />I'm sure I can do this, stay on the straight and narrow. It's not the easiest thing in the world but I know it's possible. After all, it's not the first time I've been down this road.<br /><br />Interesting tidbit in Prevention magazine Jan. 2010 (a really good reason to get to a healthy weight!):<br /><br /><em><strong>What Your Scale Says About Your Brain</strong></em><br /><br /><em>If it registers a healthy weight, your mind is likely youthful too. In a recent UCLA study, overweight people had 4% less brain tissue than normal-weight adults--the equivalent of their minds aging 8 years. One possible cause: a high-calories or high-fat diet, which clogs arteries in the brain, restricts blood flow, and causes cells to shrink. --Lauren Geiman</em>

Day 2: It's not easy to start over

This is my second day back on track. I forgot how hard it is to go from eating junk to eating a healthy, low-calorie, low-fat diet. And the ...

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Planning de la semaine du 07 au 11 décembre 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 07 décembre de 9h à 12h30<br />- le mardi 08 décembre de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 09 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 10 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 11 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de gestion</a></strong><br />- lundi 07 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- vendredi 11 décembre de 9h à 12h30</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2008/12/atelier-parcours-emploi.html">Parcours Emploi</a></strong> - mardi 08 décembre de 9h30 à 12h<br /><br /><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 08 décembre de 9h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation </strong>- mardi 08 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - jeudi 10 décembre de 10h à 12h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 10 décembre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 11 décembre de 10h à 11h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Informations collectives</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>Intervention Maison de la Justice/CIDFF</strong> à destination des jeunes de la Mission Locale - mardi 08 décembre à 14h<br /><br /><li><strong>Boutique de gestion</strong> - vendredi 11 décembre à 10h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 07 au 11 décembre 2009

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 07 dé...

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This Girl’s Been BUSY!!

<p>Happy Weekend everyone!!</p> <p>I started out my Saturday VERY early!! I was planning on sleeping in, but I heard Kyle’s alarm and couldn’t get back to sleep. You know what, I never hear Kyle’s alarm M-F…why is it that when Saturday rolls around and I can sleep in…I don’t?!?!? Who knows!! Anway I got up, before 6am, and got my workout done. The gym isn’t open that early on the weekends so I decided to find Jillian and have her give me a good workout! So I did level one of 30 Day Shred. I kinda forgot what a great workout that is for only 20 minutes!</p> <p>After getting my workout in I got right to work. I dusted, vacuumed, and picked up a few things in the living room. Then moved to the kitchen, office, guest room, and master bedroom! Woa…I think I should count all that for AP’s! After everything was cleaned I finished decorating for Christmas. I got the living room, kitchen, and bathroom done the Sunday before Thanksgiving, but didn’t have time to do the office or guest room. So I also got that done this morning. And during all this I kept laundry going…remember that <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/12/orange-italian.html">horrid picture of my laundry room</a> well it NO longer looks like that! Yep…I got all those dirty clothes washed, dried, folded, and put away!</p> <p align="center"><em><strong>Feels so good to have a clean, warmly decorated home!!</strong></em></p> I was so busy cleaning and decorating I didn’t realize it was after 2PM already!! Yikes!! I was hungry for breakfast! The inspiration for my meal was my sister Stef. <a href="http://bangertfam.blogspot.com/2009/11/sister-time-in-omaha.html">Me and my sisters went to visit her in Omaha</a> last week. She was a GREAT host and one morning she made egg burritos! <br />Mine consisted of <strong>3 egg whites, salsa, 1 slice ff cheese</strong>, and a <strong>flat out</strong>. All for only <strong>3 points</strong>! And I also had some <strong>strawberries</strong> and <strong>2 clementines</strong> on the side for another <strong>2 points</strong>! This was sure worth waiting for…even though that’s not food for you, I know! <p align="center"><em><strong><img alt="DSC05203" border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmdk_8H-zLRjsN5Xkm0aM6PMKXQed-ALuMUEwzLitybsAapmeBPJ4_shlcfDiC8G2XPZy3sqTRoqpWNJEEMnKnBIGuxNcOwFcUOMIGFzTTy6wp8o_5IZ9beOuHPOvkBi0K1unv3ntgaj1/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05203" width="304" /><img alt="DSC05202" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4kux5Cs4SHcnRMMzNGEc1Gh3MCAE-A2jRQ2cQl6tj3sF52v1p8MUsv9BEUricRhb5usT7c8fElcxBHJ6S_7UxjIZ-OVgZx_fwpsNMLj-wsncFiaC75OQp70SSVr7wtiPoMQZQSFbnLTT/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05202" width="454" /></strong></em></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td align="center" width="400">I was so busy cleaning and decorating I didn’t realize it was after 2PM already!! Yikes!! I was hungry for breakfast! The inspiration for my meal was my sister Stef. <a href="http://bangertfam.blogspot.com/2009/11/sister-time-in-omaha.html">Me and my sisters went to visit her in Omaha</a> last week. She was a GREAT host and one morning she made egg burritos! <br />Mine consisted of <strong>3 egg whites, salsa, 1 slice ff cheese</strong>, and a <strong>flat out</strong>. All for only <strong>3 points</strong>! And I also had some <strong>strawberries</strong> and <strong>2 clementines</strong> on the side for another <strong>2 points</strong>! This was sure worth waiting for…even though that’s not food for you, I know!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdrTzgv02S_inc_uA6-SzMYfPsqmU-FS7bA7FonvHEzXnfLjPALW70cgdGCpa0dRfraW_bErB8mvRDYeugjzwcwCriUqoP6fkZZhM3RXMXwHF0yDeihW1pMa9FZ5oBcEmmN87PN4LmYyZ/s1600-h/DSC052025.jpg"></a></td> <td align="center" width="400"> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>After my late brunch I finished up a few organizing things and took a blogging break! I had to catch up and see what you all were up to! :p While reading I munched on a few <strong>animal cookies</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4Qw-MY6zw6lVMLU5KF34l0tX0Z1jt4y_RiY6U8tSF4BQUZDrW7FZEVEhQq8x9zW1KMPLiPAZbF9dY7zg5V2dFS5Q3EEYLB7uA0ax1Xjc5Ivgc4tTEW6Xh1Xs4x7W7ZVV3_XJN7ll8YD4/s1600-h/DSC05204%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05204" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgde7VXVnO2HNlHwRn_qf0NTqAvyGIK4OjdVBZwfz4uv9mZkI6qGi_fDlt3CHygy-ettuiVDoI1lwVY-5WSrAM1-bb_IRULDfoXLF8JQjU1xXvaSpssXfoodPJy_J6E9QfZ4HnTQw4-Lk2o/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05204" width="404" /></a>I also made a <strong>Target run</strong> this evening. I intended only getting <strong>3 things</strong>…hooks to hang a curtain, mouth wash, and a gift for a friend. Well that <strong>changed</strong>…and I think it does every time I go to Target…I just love that store!<img alt="DSC05205" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdMBUKI8FXoAjoz9abYOMf-WSDPcNQgjyxQ4ejwVcbmjqR_xqS5bUFO8nA3D17YwymKxFRLr6Hk2eI6AahoPhYFAJKr8eNTuj2fqLXtd1yOgr5YKg9X_bhbkv_n5TQJnql8oZHtOo4mO1/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05205" width="304" /></p> <p>I snacked on a <strong>100 calorie pack</strong> on the way home. And then I had another one when I got home…I think I was craving chocolate!! Not bad though to get my chocolate fix for only <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj228qxQmZr-pF_8JtA_QEzidpLcHD2jwOTXQDgNF15GZIUec-X0j4npDYv2XOr-gheiUfHVbpr3pir1Q38CCH2u2hYUt404CLhOgOTK3N5a3Qkbvu7zbxIhTG6VnBNi-P1neplcBCM55YT/s1600-h/DSC05207%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05207" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXSHmhd1-eI8kcFRRdpt0J7FeJxj_bS6INX1PUHw1rTtyS1aqUSh1kR1bXa-6CNC6dxpY8utcA2p_SgBgaRKKucyqXV_s6I4uWmwNqTg0KJD63EW8OzrYE4kLAdoLAKfrgEqeGvxKmmB8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05207" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Kyle’s parents stopped by for a bit. They had to measure something that Kyle’s Dad is making him for Christmas. I won’t spoil it…but here’s a hint…it is going to be a <strong>huge asset</strong> to our tailgating experience next fall!! While they were over I snacked on 1 serving of <strong>wheat thins</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrKaR6jFFmosML1AtTNLZ4-mjvfyohmLFvNc8_Mvn43-6FACO2375-AirScv5htZUXaHCKNcYPZk_LVA9NLhUbeyQNW2sCRMaUl05d4Z3GT8ZaWLweIC7diRLKvfANCgGpLBzxi4j7Wn7/s1600-h/DSC05211%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05211" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtB3_TDr4SKkk2XTTE7G08-slBqsPnNr9z3_Gw0UrOJA5emPKtdaYR2BD4gpJKQGYabko-X2v2Niq7b93JojzIITzlUpweYRcVYB7ngXWpz2Lx1Syxrf9xDo8WBfvkR9ssi4PsS6IAtNRi/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05211" width="404" /></a></p> After Kyle’s parents left I realized it was almost 9 and not only had we not eaten yet, but we also had a Redbox to return before 9pm. So I jumped in the car and <strong>zoomed</strong> to the nearest Redbox. <br /> <br />Got the movie returned and stopped at <strong>Subway</strong>, hoping my sandwich was going to be <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/12/finally-friday.html">better than last night</a>….and it was! It was delicious <strong>11 point</strong> supper! Oh and I also had a Diet Sunkist..Mmmm!! My favorite!! <p><img alt="DSC05209" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkauADlfCtcDddjw1zCbcOoog9zin6ZepBkrOYreFR8D54H0_oZLUkPVVuWynTwLuKCCZHq6Xdj4rdDRQBCjr1shmjs-yvDOUZ_9AxstgDEaU3snf3iSwvriItdkW0eaojbs48c-ngcXaC/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05209" width="404" /><img alt="DSC05210" border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbxANEywI7kXtqLB5JCxf1ta9pvyLchZ6-eR-H2jBSo4dhcL8afXWLhqHnFGhytZ332XluoqGrj7ammB4bRyAGA9JrSRLk6yJ7j2F7Hlhj6yPVp4wp5lig5bdvkybmw8sRCDUc3Cxwv7r/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05210" width="404" /></p> <p>When I got home I found this…my <strong>two cuties snuggled</strong> on the couch fast asleep! Kyle had to work all day and he was beat. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_3Pl_HllKDdFO3IXcGEHKwxCK2kWY6C7hBcC6Y6naQjrdXwkcko4iV4iDC4kLw-m6wyfA7OEr_qNmKw0zi6Z5eKy6fV12TQ7lM7hAbJooQaDBvvUlkg0tKjbL1JqlxzbJuB1qeYoV13d/s1600-h/DSC05212%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05212" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5ZW87f6okFBdd17FcVYw6Z0gKSThAVfIUGqaDHMUOH8ktup_NiOpQRJUNthLt8TG1Gtqx-p2YEOZ_FgKWYq8MvOoZtloKa83DE9o-AQBVkoRHXU3KoNHOd8YLpKCxydP6PYBfrcR3yI3/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05212" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Here is a sneak peak (reflection) of my Christmas tree! I hope to get my “official” Christmas decor post up tomorrow. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeN5yWu694L3mjt_20jV-7hA3oNfuqopuw8IbfrPqvhs5NNvgraL5fMxoMk8fyavNoZRog4j5q3m0W3TwZGWJxadQUg-OkvYvEZc2HXZP9WTM0UfF0jTyd9-SJf_j7_1B-z5hivg8eIYx/s1600-h/DSC05228%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05228" border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3VObsDcn-klR7ocjxzAeDlOAtmEn1UG4YPzUm89jmaeFY6UzNQgLdAgBLXavRkJA2w5VwT0pcDZEvWczHr9lCZhfnHNews3BVlCcV3ALPkr_s8e_kHihsQcChPmJgVonEhUnB5_UdgvU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05228" width="404" /></a>    </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>SATURDAY’S STATS</strong> <br />POINTS = 24/24 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 31 remaining/35 <br />WATER = 75 oz <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED  = 3 today/26 week <br />EXERCISE = 30 Day Shred, Level 1</p>

This Girl’s Been BUSY!!

Happy Weekend everyone!! I started out my Saturday VERY early!! I was planning on sleeping in, but I heard Kyle’s alarm and couldn’t get b...

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