Adventures of SS

Closing up Shop at Adventures of SS...Business is Booming at Metropolitan Mama

2007-12-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

I'm closing up shop here at Adventures of SS. Please visit me at Metropolitan Mama. See you around the blogosphere!

Week in Review

2007-11-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been a full week since my last post on this blog.

Here's what I've been up to:
* Playing with my little girl (especially outside)
* Working
* Blogging over at Metropolitan Mama (doing product reviews, giveaways, interviews, etc.)
* Jogging 4 times a week
* Reading (I just finished The Vaccine Book and Writer Mama; I just started The Other Mother)
* Cooking (last night, I made Kielbasa Skillet Stew and Cornbread)
* Fleshing out concepts for my new blog design and website for Metropolitan Mama (stay tuned)
* Dreaming of publication
* Feeling content

What have you been doing this week?

How to Save More Money, Part 2

2007-10-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

You may recall that I am a "super saver" (my husband's term for me).

Here are three more great food-related ways to save:

1. Don't order drinks. When you go out to eat, DO stick to water. It's the healthiest option and, besides, soda and tea are way overpriced at restaurants.

2. Don't order drinks. Speaking of things that are overpriced, don't buy alcohol at eating establishments. If you want to sip fine wine or enjoy a cool beer, DO buy your own and enjoy in the comfort of your own home. You'll save money - and you won't have to worry about drinking and driving (double bonus).

3. Don't go to the ice cream shop. DO buy one or two gallons of your favorite flavor at the grocery store. You can even splurge on toppings (Reeses, bananas, bluenerries, gummy bears, whipped cream, etc.) and waffle cones. It's still cheaper than that $6 Cold Stone Creamery creation.

Quote of the Week: Ambition

2007-10-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

“Oh, it’s delightful to have ambitions…Just as soon as you attain one ambition you see another one glistening higher up still. It does make life interesting.” (L.M. Montgomery, 1908, Anne of Green Gables)

In and Around the Internet: Get Connected, Earn Free Stuff

2007-10-25T17:09:00.001-07:00

Three things I've been doing on the web this week:

1. I joined LinkedIn, "an online network of more than 15 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries." I'm not quite sure what to expect or what I will gain, but so far I like it better than Facebook.

2. I became a Bzz Agent, "an everyday consumer who believes in honest word of mouth." The website claims that agents receive "new products, services, books, and other cool stuff." I haven't been part of any "campaigns" yet so I can't be excited just yet.

3. I received my first invitation from SheSpeaks to "test a new personalized homepage and get a free magazine subscription." I browsed the new myAOL page and then provided feedback. In exchange, I was able to choose a free magazine subscription from either Health, Money, Entertainment Weekly, or Cottage Living (I chose Money Magazine).

What cool things have you been doing on the web this week?

Tucson Tuesdays: La Encantada Shopping Center

2007-10-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

I've been to La Encantada Shopping Center twice. La Encantada is an "intimate, open-air lifestyle center with extensive landscaping, upscale shops, walkways, patios and courtyards that invite pedestrian interaction."

Located on the northwest corner of Skyline Drive and Campbell Avenue, the shopping center has a very specific demographic - upper class Tucsonans, who are probably in the 35-75 age range and who probably live in the Foothills.

The stores are not "young" in taste - they are the classy, older set - Pottery Barn, Talbots, Coldwater Creek, J.Jill, and Crate & Barrel. You won't find GAP, American Eagle, Old Navy, Target, or H & M here.

The actual design of the shopping center is nice - I like the indoor/outdoor combination, especially since we live in sunny Arizona where the warm, balmy weather greets us nine months out of the year. The walkways are pretty and the landscaping is well-manicured.

But something seems still and cold about the center. It lacks vibrancy, vitality, youthfulness, authenticity, something...I always feel a bit of a chill there, a strange feeling that I don't quite fit in with the pretension, the brand names, and...yikes!...the price tags!

In my opinion, these factors are what have made La Encantada only a lukewarm success. Many of the store slots are empty and the center is strangely quiet - dead.

By targeting the older and richer segment of the population so narrowly, Westcor has excluded the "rest of us" - the families, the singles, the young couples just starting out, the moms and babies, and the college students. We just don't feel comfortable there. We want more color, more splash, more noise. We want to feel welcome in our Target t-shirts and our Old Navy flip flops. We want to be able to let our babies cry, our toddlers squeal, and our kids run about...without feeling out-of-place.

The La Encantada concept hasn't worked because, when the developers planned it, they forgot about "us."

Of course, I don't like to criticize without offering some solutions. As a Tucson resident, I actually desperately want La Encantada to succeed. Here's what I think the resident marketing specialist should do:

1. Get "younger" stores to fill the empty spots that are still for rent.
2. Start a weekly "Kids Club." It could be anything - a story time, a puppet show, a dance production, a meet and greet with a storybook character, etc.
3. Re-think the marketing campaign. Focus on authenticity and inclusion. Make it a place for everyone.
4. Plan several key events to re-introduce the center to the community. Be especially conscious of families in the planning process. Invite a face painter. Give away a stroller. Offer free lemonade.
5. Create a "Moms Panel." Select 5 social and influential moms (perhaps host a contest of some sort to find them...) to shop at La Encantada and provide reviews about the stores, the prices, and the fun things to do. As the experts say, word-of-mouth marketing is the most effective kind...and moms are an important market audience.

Fellow Tucsonans, raise your voice. What do you think about La Encantada? Is my synopsis accurate? What suggestions do you have?

My Future in Blogging - Nailing down my Niche

2007-10-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

For those of my readers who don't know, I have another blog:

Metropolitan Mama is a blog geared to moms in their 20's and 30's who are pregnant or who have little ones under age three (although all moms are welcome!). I blog about fitness, fashion, freebies, and general information to help moms navigate the challenges and wonders of early motherhood.

Metropolitan Mama is quickly picking up speed and I'm averaging over 200 hits per week - close to 1000 per month! I attribute my growing readership to many things, but, first and foremost, to the "niche factor." The blog has a very clear and defined audience - and thus the blog has a magnetic affect in drawing readers from my targeted demographic.

I'm having a lot of fun with my MM blog because motherhood is a topic I'm particularly passionate about. I've made some great connections and built some wonderful relationships with other moms from around the country and around the world (Thanks especially to my many readers in Canada and Australia).

I'm thinking about starting yet another "niche" blog (more details later...) - and possibly closing up shop here at Adventures of SS. I'll keep you posted as my plans unfold.

E-mail is for Old People (and other technology truths)

2007-10-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

A 2005 report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project called "Teens and Technology" found that teenagers prefer new technology, like instant messaging or text messaging, for talking to friends and use e-mail to communicate with "old people."

"Teens who participated in focus groups for this study said that they view email as something you use to talk to “old people,” institutions, or to send complex instructions to large groups. When it comes to casual written conversation, particularly when talking with friends, online instant messaging is clearly the mode of choice for today’s online teens."

Yes, that's right. Teens choose to communicate via instant messaging, text messaging, and social networking sites way before e-mail.

When I read that study, I felt "old." I'm 25 and I do instant message. I occasionally text message. I had a Facebook account , but I deactivated it. I still probably use e-mail communication the most.

I really need to stay on my toes. I don't want to lose touch with Generation Z (anyone born between 2001-2041)...that's my daughter's generation. I wonder how she will communicate with her friends 10 years from now.

How to Market Your Product/Service on Blogs (and why it works)

2007-10-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Some innovative companies are starting to investigate blog marketing - and for good reason!

In July 2006, the Pew Internet and American Life Project estimated that the "US blog population has grown to about 12 million adults." That was in 2006. And just in America. And that was in estimate.

Blogging is a huge cultural phenomenon and I see it as another form of word-of-mouth advertising because blogging is all about connections and relationships. Blog advertising is more like a friend-to-friend conversation ("Guess what I bought yesterday?") than an air-brushed commercial. It's more authentic and real (at least it seems that way).

That's why it works.

When I want to buy a specific product, I usually (A) read the reviews on Amazon.com and (B) do a Google search on the Internet (in that order). If blogs come up in the Google search results, I might read them (but usually without much interest). Blog marketing doesn't work like that.

Remember, blogging is all about building relationships and being a part of a community. Yes, people blog to give and receive knowledge, but that's really a secondary purpose.

Marketing in the blogosphere is more about finding influential people in your target market/demographic and getting them to genuinely like your product...and then talk about it. If you can do that, you're well on your way to success.

We know from research that people buy products and services that are recommended by friends and individuals in their social circles. They buy in response to other people more than in response to magazine ads and TV commercials.

Case in point: me. There have been countless times that I've decided to purchase (or investigate) a product based on a blog post (of a blogger "friend," mind you). For example, I read about Johnson's bath time products at Ode to Umbrella Moments and proceeded to put them on my "buy-at-Target" shopping list.

If you are interested in marketing your product/service via blog marketing, start by taking these 3 steps:

A. Find influential bloggers in your niche market. How? Ask people in your "real" life if they blog and then ask them for their address. Visit their site and visit their commenters' sites. You'll soon be able to discover which blogs get a lot of traffic and why.

B. Offer to give a free product to an influential blogger in exchange for a review and a link back to your site.

C. Start a blog yourself (Need help? Read Penelope Trunk's The Easiest Instructions for How to Start a Blog) and enter the "community." Be sure that your blog is helpful, personal, and meaningful - rather than just an ad for your product. Ads don't work in the blogosphere. Authenticity does.

You can find bloggers of all ages and "stages," but you're especially in luck if your product is geared to moms because the "momosphere" within the blogosphere is huge. Or if your product is geared to people in the 25-45 year old demographic - again, lots of bloggers in that age range.

Welcome to the blog world! It's a great avenue for connecting - which is really what marketing is all about.

6 Tools for Writers

2007-10-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

1) A laptop - Desktops are on their way out. Laptops are the current technology trend. Fortunately, laptops are the perfect tool for writers because they're portable. I recommend the MacBook or the MacBook Pro.

2) Steno pads - The mind of the writer is always buzzing with new ideas and, often, brilliant thoughts pops up at inconvenient times - at the grocery store, in the shower, on a run, in the library, in traffic. Having a notepad handy is crucial for retaining those quotes, lines, and topics that will make up tomorrow's best seller.

3) Free Magazine Subscriptions - I enjoy flipping through magazines on everything from business and parenting to fashion and home decorating. Why? Because the glossy pages give me insights into the culture around me. Here are the magazines that I currently receive: Health, Good Housekeeping, American Baby, Babytalk, Working Mother, Metropolitan Home, and Sweet Sixteen. That list doesn't include the catalogs that I receive. Best of all, I don't pay for any of them. You can get free magazine subscriptions by participating in surveys on e-Rewards. You can also find offers for free magazines on Absurdly Cool and other freebie websites. Other magazines - like the ones with links above - are just free to everyone.

4) The nearest bookstore - Browsing through new releases is a fantastic way to scout out what's "hot" in the book market, to find potential agents via your favorite books' prefaces, or to get familiar with magazines that you want to send queries to. If you're extra lucky, your bookstore has cool events - like author readings, writing groups, and storytimes for kids.

5) Wi-Fi at home and abroad - If you're living without wireless technology, you're missing out. Find a computer guru, buy a wireless router, and bring Wi-Fi into your home. You won't regret it. You can also scout out all of the public places in your neighborhood that offer free Wi-Fi and tote your laptop around with you - try coffee shops, libraries, and bookstores first.

6) Writer's Market - I have an outdated version of this book and I'd really like to get the online version, but haven't splurged just yet. The Writer's Market is a comprehensive listing of book and magazine markets (and their submission requirements). It's a very useful resource, to say the least.

Business Idea #4: The Fusion of Dance and Fitness

2007-10-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

There are dance studios and there are health clubs, but I have yet to see a successful intersection of these two ideas.

Dance studios generally feature classes in Ballet, Tap, Pointe, Jazz, and perhaps Hip Hop...most of the classes are geared to kids. At prestigious studios, kids dress in black leotards, pink tights, and dance shoes.

Health Clubs and fitness centers generally cater to adults (think: Curves, 24 Hour Fitness, etc.) and offer amenities such as weight rooms, swimming pools, and group fitness classes. The group classes usually range from Pilates and Yoga to Aerobics and Kickboxing, but dance classes are rarely offered.

What I'd love to see is the fusion of these two concepts: A dance studio for adult women with the intent purpose of fitness and without the black leotard requirement. Class offerings could include: Ballet, Funky Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Most women (including me) have fond memories of taking dance classes as a child and would love to get some of the health benefits as an adult. I would definitely try a Funky Ballet, Jazz, or Hip Hop class with friends.

This could be a brand new business concept. Or a dance studio could start offering classes specifically geared to women with the expressed purpose of fitness. Or a health club could hire a dance instructor.

P.S. I am not interested in starting up this type of business so I am hoping that one of my business-savvy readers will. Invite me to the Grand Opening!

(Photo by: northbaywanderer)

Functional versus Aesthetic Workspaces - Which Do You Prefer?

2007-10-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

Husband: We should get rid of this rickety, old desk in your office and get something nicer. Like this. (Shows me photos from an online business furniture store - deep cherry wood, shiny surfaces, modern designs).

Me: My desk is fine. I never really think about it. Besides, that price tag is pretty steep (I like to save, remember?).

Husband: But how can you work in here?

We had this conversation about two weeks ago and we both discovered something about ourselves that night.

My husband prefers an aesthetic workspace. Walk in his office at work - you'll see modern black frames with crisp black-and-white photos that he took and developed himself and diplomas that showcase his undergraduate and graduate degrees in pristine and artistic frames. Even at home, he's bothered by pictures that are crooked, rooms that are cluttered, and colors that don't quite match.

I, on the other hand, prefer a functional workspace. Don't misunderstand me here. My space is organized and clean, but it's also rather practical and plain. That's partially because we don't have unlimited finances and partially because I'm not particularly tied up by "prettiness." I want to have a working laptop, a wireless Internet connection, an organized filing system, steno pads within reach, and pens with nice, dark ink (I'm finicky when it comes to pens). Candles? Paintings of scenic landscapes? Flowers? Unnecessary.

These same "leanings" affect our home too. For example, about a month ago, my husband suggested that we give away our TV and DVD player. My response was immediate: "Okay." After all, we haven't turned on our TV for over six months so it's not very functional.

You've probably guessed that I'm not very sentimental when it comes to my belongings - unless they are useful. I give things away often. Our wedding guest book? Toss it! That little crayon drawing that I created when I was five? Gone! The bridesmaid dress that I wore to my sister's wedding? Sayonara! You get the idea.

This is an ideal place to interject and send out a memo to family and friends - If you give me something nostalgic and don't specifically say that you want me to keep it, there's a good chance I won't. Not because I don't love you or cherish the memory. I just am not fond of keeping things around that aren't useful.

So there you have it. Two different preferences for workspaces. Which category do you fall in to?

These are a few of my favorite things...

2007-10-11T22:53:00.001-07:00

I stole this idea from Musings of a Housewife. These are the items I use every day, almost without fail.

iBook G4 - I know iBooks are a bit old school, but the company that I work for provides it so I can't complain.

Cover Girl Smoothers SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer - This moisturizer provides just enough coverage with sun protection.

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant - the best deodorant I've ever used, hands-down!

Cranberry Juice Cocktail - I like Ocean Spray, but the Fry's Cranberry Juice Cocktail is just as good and less expensive.

Steno Pads - I'm a writer so I carry a notepad everywhere - there's one in the kitchen, one in the bedroom, one in the office, and one in my purse.

What are a few of your favorite things? Post on your blog and leave a link here. I'd love to see your list!

How to Save More Money - 5 Tips from a Super Saver

2007-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

People who know me well know that I'm not a big spender. I save. I give. And I occasionally spend money (but only after careful contemplation). I very rarely make purchases on a whim and I am not the kind of person that a salesman likes to run into because I am not easily swayed or charmed by statistics or smiles.

If you're looking for a few ways to cut costs and save money, follow my lead and try these ideas:

1. Cancel cable TV. TV is, for the most part, mindless and a waste of time. Cancel cable and save every month. Do something else. Go on a run. Read a book. Cook a healthy meal. Volunteer at an elderly home. The key is focusing on worthwhile, action-oriented activities.

2. Boycott movie theaters. The theaters in my area charge $9.25 per seat. Yikes! A movie every week adds up fast - especially if you add in a spouse and a few kids. Rent a movie (preferably, from the library) instead. If you must get the big screen experience, opt for a "cheap theater" or a matinee.

3. Bring your lunch to work. It's healthier. It's cheaper. It tastes better. Period.

4. Don't attend in-home shopping "parties." Just say no to Mary Kay, Discovery Toys, Gold Canyon Candles, etc., etc. They're usually overpriced and the products are almost always unnecessary. Why add more clutter to your home and your life? Simplify!

5. Opt to not have a home phone. You need a cell phone. That's obvious. But a home phone? Probably not. Unless you spend copious amounts of time on the phone, your cell phone plan should cover all of your bases.

Tucson Tuesdays: Ask and Ye Shall Receive

2007-10-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

About 8 months ago, I wrote a letter to the developers of Passages of Tucson, a planned mixed-use destination development in southeast Tucson (see photo).

I wrote because I knew that it was a HUGE project with limitless potential - and I wanted to share my "requests" for certain shops, restaurants, and services. I don't remember all of the details, but I know I requested:

* Zara
* H & M
* Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack
* Target
* A Movie Theater (not Century Theatres)
* Family-friendly services and features (family restrooms, nursing lounges, kids club, etc.)
* A Women's health club/gym or a Lifetime Fitness

Guess what? The developers responded, invited me to lunch, and gave me the "inside scoop" on their master plan. They listened to my ideas and I listened to theirs. It was a productive give-and-take session.

That's the beauty of community engagement and participation.

I encourage you to take some small action step today to engage in your neighborhood, in our city. Think of one thing that you wish was different. Do you secretly wish that the local bakery would sell blueberry muffins? Tell them! Does the library not offer a book that you want to read? Request it! Do you wish that your child's preschool had a higher adult: student ratio? Volunteer!

Do just one thing. Start today. Our city (and our state, our country, our world) will only improve if we all contribute.

Secret Ambition (P.S. It involves Exercise)

2007-10-08T22:23:00.001-07:00

Today, I started a running regime - my plan is to run a 5K this winter. This morning, my husband and I put our daughter in our jogging stroller and went for a 25-minute training session.

Now, I'm on-the-lookout for running advice, especially about running products. Tell me about the most comfortable tennis shoes, the cutest workout attire, the most supportive sports bras, and the most energizing tunes for the road.

***Note to Companies: I am open to doing reviews on products or attire related to health, fitness, and running. Please direct all inquiries to: stephaniesheaffer@cox.net.

Stephanie's 10 Essential Wardrobe Elements

2007-10-07T09:30:00.001-07:00

Busy moms desire style, but they also require functionality. Moms need clothes that they can bend up-and-down, stretch from side-to-side, run down the street, and maneuver around in without showing anything (that's reason #1 why skirts and dresses are impractical for moms - usually).

These top 10 wardrobe elements provide both function and style:

1. Jeans - Several pairs in different shades and styles...perhaps a few with embellishments or sparkles. Every woman should have one pair of dark-wash, boot-cut jeans - I have yet to find someone who doesn't look great in that style.
2. Well-fitted Tees - Lots of different colors and variations...perhaps with embellishments or sparkles. I prefer V-neck.
3. Boots - Boots are stylish, comfortable, and professional. You can dress them up or dress them down. I have a black pair and a brown pair that I love.
4. Nice Coat - I have to agree with Tim Gunn here. A nice coat is a necessity because it can bring pizazz to any outfit. Trench coats are a good choice or - my preference - you can buy a quality leather coat. Nothing is quite as sophisticated as leather.
5. Camisoles - These are great for lounging around the house, for working out, for layering under low-coat shirts and sweaters, or for wearing underneath a classy suit. Right now in my closet, I have 2 black camisoles, 1 brown camisole, 1 red camisole, and 1 aqua camisole.
6. Dress Pants - One or two nice pairs of dress pants are essential for those times when you need/want to dress up a bit without having to sacrifice functionality. Dress pants are a great option for parent/teacher conferences, for church, or for work.
7. Heels - They're not for every day "wearage", but I really think heels are a must-have in a woman's wardrobe. Heels really can add a lot of umph to any outfit - whether to jeans or a dress. If you're only going to invest in one pair, choose a 2 inch pump in black.
8. Cute Workout Attire - What you're going for here are items that you can wear running or to hip hop class - AND to the grocery store AND to pick up your kids from school, etc. Consider a matching, well-fitted sweat suit or stretchy yoga pants and a quality tee. (Maybe a velour set from Juicy Couture - pictured).
9. A Dressy Outfit - There are times when a nice skirt or dress is required or desired. Think weddings, date nights with husband, etc. Have one pretty option that makes you feel lovely.
10. A Quality Suit - If you work outside of the home (or even if you don't), I think it's important to have at least one nice suit in your closet. For those times when you need to command authority or show that you're an expert - an unexpected job interview, a charity fundraiser, a board meeting for a local non-profit organization, etc.

10 Essential Wardrobe Elements According to Tim Gunn's Guide to Style

2007-10-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

I recently found this list of Tim Gunn's 10 essential wardrobe elements on the Musings of a Housewife blog:

1. Basic Black Dress
2. Trench Coat
3. Classic Dress Pants
4. White Shirt
5. Jeans
6. Cashmere Sweater
7. Skirt
8. Day Dress
9. Blazer
10. Sweat Suit Alternative

The blogger then went on to list which 10 elements she has in her closet and why. I decided to follow in her footsteps:

1. Basic Black Dress - No. I don't have one of these anymore, but I should. Dresses just aren't particularly suited for motherhood. (I do like the black dress pictured, Diane von Furstenberg Leno Dress from Nordstrom).
2. Trench Coat - Yes, I have a khaki-colored one from Old Navy, but I really don't like it. The material is cheap and it wrinkles too easily.
3. Classic Dress Pants - Yes, I have several pairs. Dress pants are my work wardrobe staple.
4. White Shirt - No. Why do fashion gurus always list a white shirt as an essential item? In my experience, white is only flattering on a minority of people. I am not one of them.
5. Jeans - Yes, I practically live in jeans. In fact, if I had to be stranded on an island with only one outfit- jeans would definitely be a part of that outfit.
6. Cashmere Sweater - No, but I'd love to have one.
7. Skirt - Yes, I have one fabulous skirt and about three skirts that are too big now that I had a baby and lost weight.
8. Day Dress - No. See #1. Dresses are not very functional for moms.
9. Blazer - Yes, I have several nice long-sleeved ones. Unfortunately, Tucson is too hot for coats the majority of the year. I need some short-sleeved alternatives.
10. Sweat Suit Alternative - A. What is wrong with a cute sweat suit? B. I don't even own a sweat suit, but I wish I did.

I have 6 of the 10, but I really don't feel bad. I'm sorry, Tim Gunn, but you just have it all wrong. Stay tuned tomorrow for Stephanie's Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials for Busy Moms...

Feeling Overwhelmed

2007-10-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I feel overwhelmed.

I used to feel busy before I became a mother. But I didn't realize the freedom that I had. To read a book cover-to-cover. To dedicate myself to a project completely without stopping. To sit down and write with a cup of tea and my laptop without interruption. It all seems so foreign now.

My life is much too unpredictable now for such luxuries. I might make plans, but they are likely to be postponed or delayed by an unexpectedly sick baby, a night of teething, a particularly clingy stage, or a plea for playtime.

Sometimes I wonder how I will ever make room for all of the things that I want to do. I start to panic. I think of my dreams - the Ph.D., the best-selling book I'm supposed to write, the 5K race that I'm going to train for, the magazine queries that lay neglected on virtual shelves. I'm getting old, I tell myself.

Then, I suddenly realize that I'm only 25 and that there is a beautiful reason for my crazy life. I realize how good I have it. I realize that I would never go back to that life of lazy "frills" - not if I had to forfeit that irresistible smile, that gurgling giggle, those open-mouthed kisses, and that incredible personality that comes out more every day.

Not a chance. I'll keep my charmed life and the cherished people that feel it.

Is LinkedIn different than Facebook?

2007-10-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

I recently was invited to join LinkedIn by a freelance writer who I respect. I think I might move forward and sign up, but I hesitate.

I wonder:

Is LinkedIn just another social networking site?
What makes LinkedIn different from Facebook and MySpace?
What benefits does LinkedIn offer?

Most people know that I tried Facebook and then deactivated my account because I couldn't find much value in it. Will joining LinkedIn be a deja vu experience?

5 Things I Would Buy if Money Grew on Trees

2007-10-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

The First FIVE Things that Come to Mind...
1. Cashmere Sweaters
2. Lots of Books (my own library)
3. Maid Service
4. Shoes for different occasions
5. Tuition for classes or conferences...probably ones about writing

What would you buy?

The Art of the Compliment: Learn It, Apply It

2007-09-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

When it comes to your career, don't underestimate the power of genuine and specific compliments. I try to make it a practice to offer them up often...and I'm not talking about the fake, dripping-with-shallowness kind.

What you need to do is be observant. Intentionality is key. As you go through your day, think about the people you talk to, listen intently to conversations, watch the way people work. Did your supervisor say something particularly inspiring or powerful at the last department meeting? Did one of your co-workers do an outstanding job on a recent project? Did your administrative assistant decorate for the last office party with pizazz? Tell them!

Other ways to master the art of the compliment:

1. Pass it on. This is, by far, the easiest way to start the art of complimenting. Simply, listen for when other people say nice things about (not: to) someone and then pass it on. Example:

Conversation around the water cooler...
Co-worker: I was so impressed by Anne's presentation this morning. She's just so articulate and has such composure.
You: I agree

Later that day when you stop by Anne's office...
You: So-and-so was just saying how articulate and composed you were this morning.
Anne: Thank you. I was so nervous about that presentation.
You: I just wanted to pass along the compliment.

2. Take Keith Ferazzi's advice. Give a "drive-by" compliment. Send your compliment to the person's boss for optimal effect.

3. Be critical (in the good sense of the word) and intelligent on the job. If you're known as an honest and analytical person, your compliments will mean even more because people will know they're not just fluffy sentimentalism.

(Photo by: Aaron Gustafson)

Why I Only Read 8 Blogs a Day

2007-09-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, I did a "productivity analysis." Essentially, I looked at the number of "awake" hours that I have available in my day (7 a.m. to 11 p.m. - that's 16 hours per day, 112 hours per week) and then proceeded to outline all of the things that I do within those hours.

My time fell into the following 13 categories:
1. Spending time with my husband
2. Playing with my daughter
3. Reflection/Prayer/Personal Growth
4. Exercise
5. Work
6. Writing
7. Grocery Shopping & Meals
8. Kindness/Gratitude/Service
9. Cleaning
10. E-mails
11. Blogging
12. News articles
13. "Me" Time

I then broke down my day in hour-by-hour segments to create a "Master Schedule" (thanks to Melissa Garrett, a fellow blogger and writer, for giving me this idea).

This exercise allowed me to look into my life from an outsider's perspective. I decided that I spend too much time on blogging - and that I need to increase my productivity in this area.

Blogging has been beneficial for me - I've received job offers, free products to review, and, more importantly, I've made valuable connections and relationships. Those things said, I think other things in my life yield greater return for my time so I need to be careful how much of my time is spent blogging and reading other people's blogs.

So I cut down my blogroll drastically and now have 8 blogs* that I read every day:
1. Brazen Careerist
2. 5 Minutes for Mom
3. Ode to Umbrella Moments
4. Growing a Life
5. Baby Cheapskate
6. Melissa Garrett
7. Absurdly Cool Freebie Finder
8. Writer Mama

*Note: My list of blog favorites seems to be constantly changing so I really should say these are my top picks of the month.

I also have another list of blogs that I read weekly - every Wednesday, but I'll save that list for another day.

What blogs do you read every day? How do you ensure that you don't spend too much time in the blogosphere? Write a post on your blog and leave a link in the comments. Or just post your thoughts here.

(Photo by: paulworthington)

Getting Serious about Writing

2007-09-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

I'm planning to "turn up the heat" in moving forward with my writing career. Over the next few weeks, I'm going to create specific goals for sending out queries to magazines and newspapers - as well as for submitting a non-fiction book proposal. I am also going to think about the possibility of joining (or starting) a writer's group and registering for a writing conference. Any tid-bits or tips from other aspiring or famous writers would be greatly appreciated!

(Photo by: athena)

Starting a Business (Maybe I will, Maybe I won't)

2007-09-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

I met with a woman yesterday who recently started her own writing business. It's called Advantage Writing. She basically does the whole gamut when it comes to writing - resume writing, copy writing, indexing, and more.

I asked lots of questions and she told me how to start a business - log on to the City of Tucson website and pay the $45 fee. Then, license your business name in Phoenix - and kaboom - you're in business!

Many of my closest friends and family members know that I've considered starting a business many times in the past few years.

Business Idea #1
The one that came closest to actually reaching fruition was my idea for a scholarship consulting business. As a high school guidance counselor, I have ample experience in the area and I absolutely LOVE it.

BUT I'm not sure if that's "it" because I enjoy dispensing that information for free to motivated students and anxious parents in my life.

Business Idea #2
Then, there's writing of all kinds - my specialty and my passion. Writing is what I do - whether or not I'm getting paid for it. I don't know how to not write. I just do - I think about writing, I talk about writing, and I write - all day long.

BUT I'm not particularly fond of editing and proofreading. Yes, I'm good at it. I know the ins and outs of grammar. I know where to put the commas, which adjectives deliver the most pow, how to create a killer introduction. But there's something tedious and non-creative about going over someone else's work.

So, when it comes to writing, I think I'll stick to my own freelance writing - working on my book, sending queries to magazines, and enjoying the creative [Emphasis on create] process.

Other Ideas
Then, there are my other two ideas (that might actually go somewhere):
1. speaking at various conferences, retreats, school functions, and events.
2. planning events (think: conferences, expos, and retreats, NOT weddings)

Or Maybe I Won't Start a Business...
Or, I might throw all business ideas out the window and start up a non-profit instead. I grow weary of the business world.

Hence, my husband and I had the following conversation over dinner last night:

Scene: I had just returned from a business mixer at a swanky little golf club, complete with hors d'oeuvres and door prizes and 30-second elevator pitches.

Me: (Sigh) The business mixer was so...

Husband: Boring.

Me: Yes, and superficial. I wish we could come up with a way to make billions of dollars so that we could just go around and help lots of people...maybe start a non-profit...then, we wouldn't ever have to go to business mixers and networking nights.

Husband: We will.

Me: You know how I have crazy, hair-brained ideas every once in awhile and decide that I should go to medical school or enter corporate America or become a lawyer?

Husband: Yes.

Me: Remind me to not go the corporate America route.

Wordy Wednesday: one of my favorite poems...

2007-09-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I could blog about business or my career journey or being a mother. But I'm tired and I have so much to do. And I want to take a nice "poetry break" over hot tea.

The following verse, entitled "Burnt Norton," is the introduction of the first section of the Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot. It always reminds me to treasure time because it is "eternally present" and "unredeemable." I don't want to look back and wonder "what might have been."

Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future contained in time past.
If all time is eternally present
All time is unredeemable.
What might have been is an abstraction
Remaining a perpetual possibility
Only in a world of speculation.
What might have been and what has been
Point to one end, which is always present.
Footfalls echo in the memory
Down the passage which we did not take
Towards the door we never opened
Into the rose-garden. My words echo
Thus, in your mind.

(Photo by: yugoQ)

Weigh In on...Getting Paid to Blog

2007-09-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been investigating several websites that claim to bring companies and bloggers together. Essentially, bloggers sign up and can choose products and/or websites to review on their blogs and get paid for it.

Here are just a few of the companies out there that offer this type of arrangement:
www.bloggerwave.com
www.reviewme.com
www.smorty.com
www.shespeaks.com

On one hand, it seems like an exciting and viable option. I'd happily write reviews of products in exchange for monetary compensation or even the product itself. IF the item up for review is relevant to my blog's purpose and my passions.

On the other hand, it seems like this arrangement might bring down the quality and credibility of blogs everywhere. I've been to my fair share of blogs that feature WAY too much advertising - both explicit (banner ads) and barely subtle (in posts themselves). The last thing I want is for my blog (or for the blogosphere, in general) to become just one big advertisement.

What's your take on these companies? Weigh in!

"Many a false step was made by standing still." - Fortune Cookie

2007-09-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

Time is my most prized and precious commodity - and I strive to protect it vehemently.

I often analyze the minutes that make up my day and scrutinize the value of my activities. Am I investing in what matters most? Am I living life fully? Am I giving my heart, soul, and mind appropriately?

These questions are probably what prompt me to not watch TV and to not attend home sales parties (think: gold canyon, mary kay, etc.). These same questions remind me to play with my baby, to hang out with my husband, and to write thank you notes.

I've been browsing through Timothy Ferriss' The 4-Hour Workweek over the past few days. Although I don't necessarily agree with his entire outlook on life, his experiences intrigue me because he has managed to pack so much into his not-yet-thirty years. He's traveled the world, started several companies, danced tango professionally, published a NY Times best seller, and learned multiple languages. This "do it now" attitude speaks to me. I totally understand that passion, that spark, that fire - and I want to embrace it.

The Best Movie I Saw Last Year (this may come as a shocker)

2007-09-13T12:19:00.001-07:00

Last night, my husband and I watched High School Musical, starring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. I checked it out from the library and we decided to watch it rather reluctantly. We were expecting something exceptionally corny since it's the favorite movie of our 9-year-old next door neighbor and almost every kid that we know (from elementary to high school).

But that is precisely why we decided to watch it. Who can ignore a TV movie that has been seen by nearly 200 million viewers worldwide?

We were pleasantly surprised by the energy, the innocence, the vivacity, and the the positivity of the film. Sure, the song numbers were a bit cheesy and the storyline was predictable. BUT the songs were catchy, the choreography was mesmerising, and the casting was exceptional. AND, even more importantly, the themes of the film were universal and uplifting...try new things, have the courage to do something outside of the status quo, say you're sorry when you mess up, show kindness, I could go on.

The film so perfectly captures the essence of what high school should be - fresh, innocent, fun, full of friends and new experiences. It also successfully and ingeniously portrays the budding romance between Troy and Gabriella as being beautifully awkward and wholesome.

Noticeably absent were bad language, violence, and sexuality (implied or explicit).

Although I genuinely enjoyed watching the film, I couldn't help but think about what made this movie a blockbuster hit. Tweens and teens everywhere don't unite on most movie preferences, but this one was different.

I think the reason lies in a desire that every tween and teen has, but one they can't always express. To have a high school experience that is devoid of the clutter of broken homes, bitter and oversexualized relationships, and pressure to "stick to the status quo." To have a high school experience that is young, fun, and free - one where a budding romance might occur, the kind where a kiss on the cheek is about as far as physicality goes.

Whatever the reasons, I'm proud to join the adoring fans and I will gladly chime in with my 9-year-old neighbor to say, "I LOVE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL!"

I remember 9/11

2007-09-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

I had gone to work before 6 a.m. I walked from work to an early morning class on Northern Arizona University's campus in Flagstaff, Arizona. I walked in and noticed the hallways were crowded. Some people were crying. Others looked shocked, white, silent. The TVs were on. I asked what was going on. "You haven't heard?", no one in particular said in an echoey tone. I looked at the TV...goosebumps...chills...fear...Tim.

I called Tim - he was still in bed. "Turn on the TV." He did. Silence. Eyes watering. I couldn't believe it. Then, the second plane collided. The images. The smoke. The people running, crying, wailing, wondering.

I walked into my philosophy class. The professor turned off the TV. He said we'd go on with class as usual. He lectured on Aristotle or Socrates - something that I couldn't pay attention to, something I knew I wouldn't remember. Something about it felt wrong - us sitting there, listening to the Ph.D. orate about things that didn't matter.

After class. Headed to our little apartment in married housing. Hugged Tim. Called family. Tried to think about if we knew anyone in NY.

Stories began to circulate. Todd Beamer. Let's roll. Sacrifice. Pregnant wives and little children and husbands left behind.

I'll never forget. The smoke. The tightness. The courage.

(Photo by: wallyg)

Business Idea #3: Career-Themed Scrapbook Supplies

2007-09-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning, I stopped in at a local scrapbooking store to pick up a few supplies for my daughter's baby album.

One of the sections of my scrapbook will include pictures of when I brought my daughter to work with me (from 4 months old to 8 months old). I was hoping to find some cute "business-themed" scrapbook stickers and papers...briefcases, business suits, laptops, cell phones, bulletin boards, planners, desks, office chairs, copy machines, you get the idea.

I looked for a short while. Then, I asked an associate. She said they didn't carry anything like that. Instead, she directed me to the "career" items - all of which featured doctor, nurse, and police officer-related items.

When I got home, I searched online and realized that this is a niche market that I could certainly develop since the pickings are slim-to-none. It seems like this would be a fun side project. BUT I'm just not sure how to go about creating a scrapbook line. Business-savvy readers...help!

(Photo by: Paul Watson)

One year ago today...

2007-09-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

I was in the greatest pain of my entire life. I was trying to breathe - taking warm showers, sitting in varying positions, holding on for dear life.

Just when I thought I couldn't go on - wonder of wonders - a little life emerged.

She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. Her rose-petal lips, her button nose, her deep blue eyes, and her soft flawless skin amazed me. At one glance, I knew I would do it all over again for her.

It is, perhaps, one of the world's greatest ironies that such great pain can bring such great and incomparable joy.

I am forever changed by her presence. She has brought new and glorious colors into my life and I will never be the same.

Happy Birthday, little one!

women, leadership, arizona

2007-09-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

A quick poll for my fellow Arizonans...

The Arizona Women's Conference OR the YWCA Tucson Women's Leadership Conference?

Wanted: A Local Writing Group that Isn't Weird

2007-09-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

About six years ago, I attended a writing workshop that was hosted by the local community college. The average age of attendees was probably 45-50. Most of the attendees wanted to write novels. Most were a little on the strange side and were probably introverts by nature.

I definitely felt a little out of place. I wanted to write non-fiction. I was young. I was a socialite, active in my community and ambitious in my career.

Ever since then, I've hesitated to get involved in a writing group. I'm always afraid that I will end up in a hole-in-the-wall place on the shady side of town with a group of free-spirited romantics.

But I keep reading about authors who say that writing groups were their savior. And so many trade books echo that sentiment. They say, "Be in a group of people who can keep you accountable, get your creative juices flowing, remind you about deadlines, and encourage you in your goals."

It sounds nice, really, but I have so many reservations. How does one go about finding a group of normal writers? Will it be a useful or futile use of my time? What if somebody steals my ideas (juvenile, I know...)?

I went on Flickr and searched "Writing Group" and found the picture above. I know. They look like they are quite normal people - having fun, sharing insights, etc. So, there's gotta be groups out there like this...

Somebody, convince me.

(Photo by: Bud the Teacher)

More on Fringe Benefits - how to keep your employees happy...and healthy

2007-09-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

The exercise and diet choices of your employees are a personal matter. You certainly can't control how much Pepsi your secretary drinks or how much your colleagues work-out at the gym...or can you?

Healthy people are happier people. They are less depressed and less sick - and, in turn, usually live a lifestyle that promotes health for their entire family. As a manager or CEO, you benefit when your employees make good fitness and dietary choices - and it doesn't hurt to encourage [and model] the desired behaviors you want.

Try this...
A. Partner with a local gym to offer free or discounted memberships to employees. If you want, put conditions on the offer. For example, it's only free if they go to the gym three or more times a week.
B. If you have space, consider adding a gym and/or cafeteria and/or walking track on-site at your company.
C. Have a local bagel shop or healthy eatery drop by in the mornings or afternoons to sell healthy snack options (bagels, fruit cups, yogurt, trail mix, etc.).
D. Give all employees pedometers and create some kind of competition so that employees keep track of the number of steps they take per day.
E. Let employees leave one hour early once or twice per week IF they can show proof that they went to the gym or exercised instead.
F. Put together a company team for a local marathon or race.

No-Iron Business Attire

2007-09-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

I'm always on-the-lookout for classy, stylish business attire that I don't have to iron or dry clean.

Thanks to a special article about "Travel Business Wear" on Forbes.com, I just discovered the "commuter" suit separates at Lands End. The website claims that these suits can be washed and worn without ironing.

I'm curious if these garments really hold true to their claim and, if they do, why more companies don't make similar items.

How to Make a Job Offer More Enticing (and how to keep your current employees happy)

2007-09-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

All organizations (from banks to schools to coffee shops to law firms to police departments) want competent, creative, committed colleagues to join - and stay - with their organization.

So, how exactly do you attract and keep the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the creme de la creme?

Maybe try this:
1. Offer relationships. People want to work with people they like - people who are positive, fun, friendly, non-gossipy, successful, forgiving, kind, high-achieving. The more you hire people that fit into this category, the more you will attract the kind of people you want. Be selective - especially of leaders and especially when you're starting a new division/department/business.
2. Offer service opportunities. People want their work (and their life) to mean something, to count for something bigger than themselves. Why not host organization-wide service initiatives? Or give employees a personal day that can be taken specifically to complete an individual service project.
3. Offer professional development and mentoring venues. These can be formal or informal. Pay for part or all of your employees' tuition at a local college or university. Pay for conferences: in-state and out-of-state. Have on-site trainings and workshops (perhaps even a full-fledged conference) throughout the year. Host "Career Advice and a Slice" sessions where you give pie (or pizza) and have speakers that address various career topics.
4. Offer fringe benefits. Go above and beyond just vacation days and a 401K plan. Try other fun benefits that will cause a stir in the community. Offer flex-time work arrangements, modified schedules, and work-from-home options. Give employees a "birthday day." Put together an "all-company-read" wherein everyone reads the same book. Be creative. Be spontaneous. Your hair-brained ideas will probably help you in your hunt for the best.

Fitting Fitness In

2007-08-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

Exercise is important to me.

The benefits are too many to list in one blog post (lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces risk of all kinds of cancers and diseases, more energy, better self-esteem, improved appearance, etc.).

I've been thinking about how to best fit fitness into my life. My calendar is already overflowing with my marriage, my baby, my friends and family, working, blogging, reading, volunteering, cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, the list goes on.

Before I go on, I must say that I am relatively healthy compared to the norm. I walk for 20-30 minutes every day. I rarely drink soda (as in, once every six months). I avoid excessive sugar. I drink A LOT of water. We "eat in" almost every night. We don't watch TV. And, of course, I chase my toddler around the house.

But I don't get the kind of heart-pumping, muscle-building work-out that I should. I used to play on a womens soccer league, but I don't think that's feasible now (too much on the calendar). I considered a gym membership for about a millisecond, but I think most gyms are overrated (dirty, unimaginative, embarrassing...I'll save that for another post). We had a treadmill, but we sold it on CraigsList (too boring).

I think the best option is probably running. Yep, good old-fashioned fitness. Low expenditure (good running shoes), high return.

Now, if I can only fit it in...more on this on another day...

(Photo by: timtak)

Values and Priorities and Blog Specializations

2007-08-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to decide what this blog should be about. Right now it's really a personal blog, which is great, but unlikely to draw a sizable audience or following. After all, there are literally millions of personal blogs out there.

I want my blog to POP - to stand out - to make people say "wow!"

Three of my top values are: family, education, and health. Perhaps I should blog in one of those categories. But even those "categories" are too broad.

How did you pick your specialization? Did you just wake up one day and say, "this is it!" or were there some practical steps that you took to discover it?

(Photo by: MontanaRaven)

I Like Nice People('s blogs)

2007-08-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Last week I blogged about why I read people's blogs.

To re-cap: I read blogs that have thoughtful, solid, well-written content.

I also read blogs that are written by nice people. I read blogs that are written by people that I would go out to lunch with or have over to my house.

Of course, I can't say for sure if they are really nice or if they're just putting up a nice facade, but there are general rules that help me decide. Most of the people on my "must-read" blog list have a positive outlook on life - they rarely complain (unless its constructive) and they see the sunshine behind the clouds. They don't say "bad words" and they have good manners. They value things like family, health, and education. It's actually easier to ascertain "niceness" than you might presume.

So, I read blogs of people who are nice...

...AND who update their blogs regularly (go a week without updating and - poof - you will probably disappear from my blog roster). Even if you're nice.

What blogs do you read?

Worthwhile Writing Conferences (I'm trying to find one or two)

2007-08-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

I have never been to a writing conference and I've been thinking that it might be worthwhile to explore attending one. It seems like a great place to get the inside scoop on the book, magazine, and online publishing industries. It also seems like it would be productive and beneficial to meet editors and writers, to attend workshops, and to hone my writing/marketing skills.

As I begin this investigation process, I'm wondering if you might be able to help.

Pray, do tell...

Which writing conferences have you:

attended and liked (and why)
attended and disliked (and why)
dreamed of attending (and why)

Thanks for your help!

Creating my Goals Book

2007-08-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

I'm "reading" The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, cocreator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul. I put parentheses around "reading" because I'm really "skimming" because the book is a whopping 473 pages and it's only halfway interesting.

There's nothing particularly new or inspiring within the 400+ pages (and it could have been a much shorter book), but many of the concepts that he writes about are timeless and solid concepts.

For example, Canfield suggests that the reader create a Goals Book, "Another powerful way to speed up the achievement of your goals is to create a Goals Book. Buy a three-ring binder, a scrapbook, or an 8 1/2" X 11" journal. Then, create a separate page for each of your goals. Write the goal at the top of the page and then illustrate it with pictures that you cut out of magazines, catalogues, and travel brochures...review the pages of your Goals Book every day."

This process will not be entirely new to me. I write down my goals often. And I've done the "vision book" concept before (okay, it was when I was twelve...), but I think I'm ready to create a new one.

Here's a sneak peek into my pages:

Travel to all 50 states.
Write a book that appears on the NY Times Best Sellers list.
Run in a marathon.
Be a "reviewer" (books, restaurants, products, travel destinations, etc.) for a magazine, newspaper, or blog.

My goals will be much more specific when I actually create my book (Ex. I will X by 9 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2009), but that's a "sneak peek."

What would you put in your book?

Old-School Fashion Rules That Still Apply

2007-08-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

Like...

It's better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. Remember the awkwardness of the "I showed up in jeans to an event with neckties" moment.
Your shoes matter. Spend more money on your shoes. Even if you have only one classic pair.
Cleanliness and hygiene are not overrated. Brush your teeth. Wash your face. Comb your hair. Floss. Apply deodorant. Fresh, natural make-up. You get the gist.
Dress who you want to be like. People should judge you on your intelligence, your compassion, your sense of humor, your work ethic, etc. People should, but they often don't. Many people will judge you on your appearance and clothing choices. Dress accordingly.
If you're young(er), dressing up can give you credibility. You don't want to send off the "I'm your son/daughter's age" vibe.

These are the tips that I generally consider when I pick out my outfits. I'm not a fashion expert. In fact, I plan to splurge on an image/fashion consultant when I am rich and famous.

Until then, I'll stick with classic (but stylish) pieces, nice shoes, and good hygience. Oh, and I'll error on the side of formality.

(Photo by: Strevo)

Gen X/Y: How to Dress for Success (don't wear pantyhose)

2007-08-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

I confess. I love reading business/leadership/self-help type books. I like to read about how people network effectively, lead efficiently, and communicate powerfully. Perhaps that's why I am so enthralled by other people's career journeys. I often find myself asking friends, acquaintances, and strangers questions like: "What did you major in?" "Where did you work before...?" "What are your future aspirations?" "How did you get from point A to point B?" I want to soak it all in.

So, it will probably not be a shocker to you that I have read my fair share of books about professional dress. You know the ones I'm talking about - the manuals in the "dress for success" genre that tell you to "tuck in your shirt," "wear pantyhose," and "wear monochromatic colors."

Those books are going out-of-style quick, not only because fashion changes so rapidly, but because the new rules for fashion success in the workplace are...well...different.

Old Rule: Wear pantyhose.
New Rule: Put them on if you are under 60 and you will certainly be a fashion pariah in the workplace. They are old school. Period.

Old Rule: Don't wear open-toed shoes.
New Rule: They can be professional and stylish. Choose wisely.

Old Rule: Always tuck in your shirt.
New Rule: Sometimes you can tuck. Sometimes you can untuck. Shirts are designed for both.

Old Rule: Carry a briefcase.
New Rule: What's a briefcase? Laptop bags, oversized purses, and other utility bags are the rage.

Old Rule: Always dress up. You need to show your authority somehow.
New Rule: Dress down sometimes. It will make you more approachable and authentic.

Stay tuned tomorrow to hear about the fashion rules that have stayed the same.

(Photo by: Tim Cummins)

How to Be a Better Blogger (and writer)

2007-08-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

I just read several excellent articles about - you guessed it - blogging (and writing).

The first one is entitled "The easiest instructions for how to start a blog," written by Penelope Trunk.

The second article, written by Marci Alboher, appeared in the New York Times: "Tools and Tips to Create Buzz Around Your Ideas."

Marci A. also wrote an excellent piece about getting published in the print world: "Getting your first byline."

Since I am on a perpetual quest to be both a better writer and a better blogger, I thoroughly enjoyed the tips and tidbits shared in all three of these articles.

(Photo by: Lost in Scotland)

Little Known Fact About Me and T.V.

2007-08-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

We haven't turned on our T.V. in at least six months...hmm...maybe I should make that almost a year. The little black box sits in our living room, lonely and forsaken. Every once in a great while, we'll look over at it and comment that we almost forgot it was there.

In many ways, our T.V. watching habits (or lack thereof) happened unconsciously. As newlyweds, we were both attending loads of classes and working part time so it never quite fit into our crammed schedules. As the months and years passed, we, quite frankly, didn't understand its appeal. It was a screen of dancing images that required neither intellect nor interactivity. Instead, it encouraged a certain apathy and inertia that we were not particularly fond of. Then, our little girl entered our lives and created a contented sort of chaos - and we simply forgot about T.V. No specific rhyme or reason to our choice; we just found that the busyness of our lives left no room for it. In between work, writing, blogging, cleaning, cooking, laundry, walking, playing, reading, singing, sleeping, volunteering, talking, and making to-do lists...there is little time left for lethargy.

So, that's my little secret. I don't watch T.V. It's a bit counterculture (and, for some reason, I avoid the topic because people tend to think that you must be somehow strange or snobby if you are not in tune with the "telly"), but it's just a simple fact of our lives. Don't judge me because I don't watch American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Oh, and please don't assume that I don't know the big shocker from the latest episode. I do. I hear about it constantly on the radio or by reading stories and blogs of news reporters online.

So, strike up a conversation. I may not watch T.V., but, in our society, you don't really even have to watch it to get the inside scoop. (Maybe that's why we don't turn it on.)

Sept. 24: National Thank You Day (thank someone today and win free chocolate)

2007-08-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of writing thank you notes.

I write them for almost everything. I wrote two yesterday - one to a family friend who bought my daughter a gift and one to the former editor of the community newspaper where I freelance for writing me a glowing recommendation letter.

When I am grateful for someone's kindness or generosity or friendship, I like to actually say it.

So I was excited when I stumbled across the National Thank You Day contest. All you have to do to enter is write an essay of 150 words or less about someone you would like to thank and why. If your essay wins, then your nominee wins a prize of your choosing (up to $20,000). Plus, ALL eligible nominations will receive two boxes of chocolate FREE.

Go enter today and express your gratitude (and don't you dare do it just for the free chocolate). :)

The deadline is August 24.

Query Letters for Magazine Articles

2007-08-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have several magazine articles tucked away comfortably in my computer folders, waiting for me to dust them off and send them to a magazine for consideration. The articles are patiently awaiting adoption by an editor who will give them residence on the glossy pages of a publication.

Today, I pulled up one of those articles and then set about to do a bit of research on a few magazines that might be interested in it. I googled "writers guidelines" (it would be much easier if I had a subscription to Writers Market, by the way) and began my investigation, dreaming of my name in print.

I came upon what I consider to be one of the great mysteries of freelance writing for magazines: why editors prefer receiving a query letter (one-page "pitch") to the actual magazine article itself. I certainly understand why this would be the case with a full length book, but why would an editor prefer to read a sales pitch as opposed to a full-length article (especially when both documents are about the same length...)?

If you are a magazine editor (or even a more informed writer than I am), please do enlighten me on the reasons for this archaic tradition.

P.S. Here are some magazines that I'd like to write for/get published in: American Baby, BabyTalk, Fit Pregnancy, Time, Business Week, Working Mother, and American Girl (for starters).

The Ideal Elementary School

2007-08-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

My daughter is just shy of a year old and I'm already thinking about what school to send her to. Perhaps it's a bit early to be contemplating the pros and cons of the various choices (public, private, charter, homeschool, etc.), but I've been making lists nevertheless.

Here's what my ideal kindergarten/elementary school would look like:
* Strong leadership
* Kind, intelligent, and creative teachers with values that match ours
* Small class sizes (under 20 - preferably 10-15)
* Colorful, fun, and imaginative environment
* High expectations
* 1/2 day or 3X/week schedule
* Bilingual or multilingual instruction
* Focus on the "basics" - reading, writing, and mathematics
* Ample time for the outdoors, for field trips, and for fun
* Lots of ways for parents to be involved (and lots of parents who take advantage of them)

(Photo by: ifijay)

The Value of Facebook

2007-08-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

I recently signed up for a Facebook account. I did it because, as Alexander Kjerulf put it, "all the cool kids do it." And I wanted to see what all of the hype was about. And I wanted to stay in tune with the newest trends in technology and social networking so that I'm not a bore in conversation.

I have to admit I haven't yet seen the benefit in it. Sure, I've been contacted by a few "long-lost" friends and acquaintances from my high school days, but that's about the extent of its helpfulness to my personal and professional life. There have been no, "wow, this site is a fantastic life-changing and friend-building tool" moments.

Perhaps, though, I'm neglecting some important feature or missing out on the big "secret" of Facebook Success.

Please share:
1. What is the top benefit that you have received from using Facebook, LinkedIn, or MySpace?
2. Have any of the aforementioned social networking sites helped you in your career?

Reasons Why I Read Your Blog (or why I don't)

2007-08-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about what attracts me to the blogs that I frequent.

I read blogs that:
(1) have solid, well-written, thoughtful content.
(2) are written by people I know personally.
(3) are written by authors, leaders, politicians, or journalists who I admire.
(4) are written by bloggers who frequent my blog and contribute.
(5) provide links to new research, interesting websites, or current events.

Note: If the blog fails to deliver #1 (solid, well-written, thoughtful content), I quickly move on regardless of #2-5.

I don't read blogs that:
(1) have too much advertising.
(2) have too many "buttons" and "blogger awards" on the side columns.
(3) are too long.
(4) are too negative or too sarcastic.
(5) are too personal without any broader relevance or message.

I'll end my post now for fear of losing readers for reason #3 (too long).

Why do you read blogs?

(Photo by: heather)

Books that Important People Read

2007-08-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

Zane Safrit wrote a post on his blog on 6-27-07 entitled "You are What You [Read]" based on the NY Times article - "C.E.O. Libraries Reveal Keys to Success."

The NY Times article described the wide and varied libraries of C.E.O.'s - their shelves contained everything from Aristotle to William Blake to Arthur Miller. And, apparently, many C.E.O.'s are prolific readers...

One quote from the article particularly struck me:
If there is a C.E.O. canon, its rule is this: “Don’t follow your mentors, follow your mentors’ mentors,” suggests David Leach, chief executive of a non-profit accreditation organization.

Great advice. I'd like to take it. Maybe I will think of five people that I admire and ask them for their favorite ten books - and then read them. (By the way, what are your favorite books...?)

(Photo by: chotda)

"If I Were a Rich (Wo)man..."

2007-08-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

In the classic and much-loved musical entitled "Fiddler on the Roof", there is a memorable scene in which the lead character, Tevye, sings about all of the things that he would do if he were a rich man...

And I was just thinking about what luxuries I might indulge in if I were very, very rich:

A. a maid - maybe even just once a week (I'd love to spend my "cleaning" moments on playing with my little girl or going for a jog or writing a letter).
B. A personal shopper - especially for grocery shopping (which is definitely not on my list of favorite tasks).
C. A trip to Canyon Ranch or some other recreational resort - I'd love to relax, hike, take dance classes, enjoy gourmet food, ride bikes, and spend some quality "retreat" time to pray and write down my goals.

What would you do if you were a rich man/woman?

P.S. Click here for a clip of "If I Were a Rich Man" from "Fiddler on the Roof" (the movie). Thanks, YouTube.

(Photo by: CMP73)

the stuff of life

2007-08-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

“Time is life. It is irreversible and irreplaceable. To waste your time is to waste your life, but to master your time is to master your life and make the most of it.” (Alan LaKein, Time Management Consultant)

My husband and I decided tonight that it's about time for us to write out our goals again. We usually go on a little "goals retreat" every six months - or, at a minimum, every year. And we ask ourselves, "where are we heading?""Who am I now and who do I want to become?" "Where do I want to be in five years, ten years, and beyond?"

Then, we discuss and debate and probe and cross out and re-write. Until our goals are there. On paper. Living.

Then, we move toward them.

(Photo by: slack12)

How to Save Money In College

2007-08-04T13:20:00.001-07:00

I applied for over 55 scholarships my senior year in high school - and ended up heading off to college without shelling out any money (my own or my parents).

Once I arrived on-campus, I diligently pursued ways to save and earn money - and my dedication paid off. I graduated two years later with no debt. That's a semi-extraordinary feat in today's world wherein "the average graduate owes $19,000" and many graduates have debt "exceeding $40,000" (Source: 2006 USA Today article).

My motto was (and still is) to avoid loans at (almost) all costs.

Here are a few fantastic ways to get through college debt-free:

Keep applying for scholarships. Just because you've set foot onto the college campus of your dreams doesn't mean you should give up on the scholarship quest. In fact, don't simply think of the "now." Think about how to get scholarships and grants for next year, the year after, and beyond.
Take more credit hours. Many universities charge you the same amount of money if you take 15 credit hours or if you take 25 credit hours. And students are notorious for not taking advantage of this.
Graduate in three years. Yes, it is possible. Most bachelors degree programs require about 120 credit hours. So, if you take 18 credit hours for six semester and 6 credits for two summers, you'll graduate in three years. And save yourself an entire year of college costs!
Apply to niche programs. Investigate your options - the Honors Program, the Pre-Med Club, the Education House, etc. Many academic clubs and programs offer scholarships.
Utilize the university library. Why pay hundreds of dollars for textbooks when you can just check them out at the university library? Really!
Work on-campus. Apply for FAFSA. If you qualify, take advantage of a work-study program on-campus. If possible, look for a job in your major or department so that you can establish connections in your field.
Don't take out loans. Loan companies will call you because they think you are vulnerable and naive. Other people in your life may encourage you to take out a loan. My advice: pursue ALL other avenues. Debt is dangerous and often it is the easy way out of working hard...

(Photo by: entropia)

How to Attract Readers to Your Website (hint: don't hire a marketing pro)

2007-08-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

So, you've been thinking about hiring a marketing consultant for your blog, your website, or your business. You want to attract customers, traffic, and readers...why not turn to a "professional"?

Well, put simply, because you should look for someone that can do a better job.

Here's some tips for locating help:

Don't search for help under "Marketing" or "Advertising" or "Business."
Think of someone you know who is a good writer and who has good social skills.
If you don't know someone like that, ask around.
Good marketers typically don't go into marketing. They are people in other fields who have an excellent mastery of the English language and who are likable because they are just really nice people. [They won't be pushy, manipulating, self-serving, or dishonest. And they won't claim to be doing it all for a greater good. That's the kind of marketer that you'll probably find if you search "marketing" on Google.]
If you find a potential candidate, go out to coffee with him/her. See if he can market himself (the real test). What does that mean? Well, do you walk away, thinking "that's a caring, intelligent person with a purpose greater than themselves" OR do you think "just another schmooze who spends way too much talking and way too little time listening"? If he/she is the caring, intelligent type, then you can move to step two (asking about other skills they might have...).

So, if you're looking for a marketing pro, look in unexpected places. Maybe it's your son's fifth grade teacher or the stay-at-home mom down the street or that recent college grad you struck up a conversation with at the coffeehouse...

(Picture by: sgis)

Finding My Voice (in the blogosphere and in real life)

2007-08-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I'm in my twenties - a time of colorful dreams, lofty goals, and whirlwind growth.

If I wanted to allegorize my life, perhaps I would compare it to building a house. I'm in the process of gathering all the right tools (education/experience) and enlisting the help of qualified people (mentors). And I'm trying to decide what exactly I want my house (my future) to look like.

It is the age of self-discovery. I ask myself, "who do I want to be? what bold and beautiful future lies ahead? what legacy - what glorious imprint- will I leave on this world?"

I notice in this process that I am trying to figure out my specialization and my tone of voice in the blogosphere (and in real life). I notice that some people are sarcastic; others are funny; others are just plain honest; others are experts.

And I think I want my voice to be one of kindness and compassion and optimism - but also of information and ideas. Maybe the girl who "has a lot of innovative ideas and uses them to help people."

(Picture by: robyn00)

Career Tip - Work for Free

2007-07-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

I am a subscriber to Keith Ferrazzi's e-newsletter. Ferrazzi is the author of "Never Eat Alone", a well-written, entertaining, and immensely helpful book in the networking arena...perhaps the best of its class.

In yesterday's e-newsletter, he wrote, "When you are unproven and starting a business or changing careers, working for free is an effective way of breaking in. By being generous and offering your time and expertise gratis, you will gain experience and the connections you're looking to create."

You can read more at his blog, but I wanted to comment on the ingenuity of this tip. It goes against conventional wisdom and it's a bit risky, but it is incredibly smart. What better way to break into the company/industry of your dreams than to offer your services and then outshine all competitors with your outstanding work ethic, your yet-to-be-proven talent, and your winning personality?

Ferrazzi notes that you shouldn't offer to work at a discount because this undervalues your skill. But, working for free is different. It's you giving to the community and taking in knowledge humbly from industry forerunners.

You may argue that this is an impossibility. After all, you have to pay the mortgage.

Realistically, however, the average job hunt takes 6 months. Wouldn't it be better to spend 6 months making connections and actually working in your chosen field than sending out resumes blindly online? Yes and yes. Your chances of landing a job are much higher and, even if you don't walk away with a job, you will walk away with new skills and new friends.

So, if you're in between jobs or a recent college graduate or looking for the job of your dreams, work for free.

More College Electives that Will Help Pave Your Way to Success

2007-07-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

So, you've already taken all of my suggested electives and you still have room in your schedule for one or two more. You're probably wondering, "what other classes will assist me in landing job/internship/graduate school opportunities after graduation?"

Remember that relationships are essential to your career success. Thus, it is probably best to avoid lecture-style classes with hundreds of students and shoot for courses that are small and discussion-based. Ask around and get recommendations for the best professors and the smallest class sizes. Honors departments often specialize in offering classes like this.

I could make an argument for various specific courses that would probably benefit you (say, statistics, because you'll want the knowledge if you decide to go to grad school), but the "who" (the quality of professor) is much more important than the "what" (subject area).

Oh, and did you already add in another fitness class...come on! There's too many benefits (career and otherwise) to ignore exercise any longer.

(Picture by: Susan NYC)

Tools to Make Getting Involved in the Political Process Less Complicated

2007-07-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

I like politics. I like learning about the issues, debating the big topics of the hour, and rooting for candidates that espouse my core beliefs. But I don't like how complicated the whole process is.

For example, it is embarrassingly overwhelming to find out (a) who my local representatives are and (b) where they (and other national politicians) stand on various issues.

Yesterday, I searched long and hard for a few places to go to de-complicate the whole thing. And I came across a few very helpful sites.

Exhibit A: For all you Southern Arizonans, you can log on to the Pima County Recorder's Office website, click on "Polling/Voter Info", enter your address, and find out your legislative district and your congressional district. Plus, the site will list any upcoming elections for your "zone."

Exhibit B: Go to Project Vote Smart, enter your 9-digit zip code, and you'll find a list of all your officials/representatives (with links to their websites). Nice and easy.

Exhibit C: Take the VoteMatch Quiz. Enter your opinion on various issues and your results will be compared to a group of your choosing (try 2008 presidential candidates for starters).

How to get Generation X/Y to Read the Newspaper

2007-07-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

The facts speak: young people in the 18 to 34 age range don't read the newspaper very often, if at all. I am a testament to that statistic.

That said, I do want to stress that I am very interested in news and politics. I read (and sometimes comment on) the news online every day. I read Time, Newsweek, and Business Week (although I don't subscribe). I'm a "regular" on Forbes.com. I just read Barack Obama's new book. I write to my local representatives.

But I don't subscribe to the newspaper. I already outlined my top three reasons why.

That's not the end of the conversation, however. The question of the hour is how to attract Gen X/Y readers. Like me.

Here's my take on a potential marketing strategy. I'm not sure it will work, but it's worth a shot:
1. Go to the employers of young, urban professionals. I think it's pretty much time to scrutinize the data and see that young people aren't going to fork over their dough for free news they can get online. That said, they will probably read it if it is offered. So, savvy newspapers should go to CEO's and Professional Development Directors...and get them to, in effect, "sponsor" subscriptions for their employees. Yes, that's right. Get the employers to buy papers for their workers. What's in it for them? Well, here's where the news team needs to be creative. There are the more subtle benefits - more knowledgeable, modern, worldly-wise contributors to the company. Or perhaps the company could have a "15 minutes with the news" time during the work day where employees read and/or share current new stories. Or...
2. Focus on local people, places, and events. For national news, we go to CNN and MSNBC.
3. Go shorter. Articles should be quick, digestible, easy-to-find, immediately relevant.
4. Figure out a way to make the paper free. That's not a joke. Most young people think, "why buy the news when I can get it online for free?"
5. Realize that Classifieds are a thing of the past (we go to craigslist for cars, jobs, clothes, you-name-it).

That's all for today. If you are a member of the 18 to 34 crowd (or somewhere in the vicinity), join the conversation. Do you subscribe to any newspapers? If not, what would make you change your mind?

Why Generation X/Y Doesn't Read the Newspaper

2007-07-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

I just read two interesting posts on local blogs (Click on "My Tucson" and "Moms") about if and how the "18-to-30 year old segment" of the population obtains news. Both authors are, presumably, in their 40's or 50's with adult children of their own. Both observe that their own children rarely read the newspaper and are only mildly intrigued by other news sources (TV, online, radio, news magazines, etc.). Both wonder aloud, and rightly so, about the "future of our country."

I am 25. So I started thinking about (a) why I don't have a subscription to any of the local newspapers (and what would make me change my mind) and (b) where I obtain my news and if it is a sufficient/adequate enough source.

Contrary to the authors' assumptions, current events, politics, and news items are extremely important to me. I want to know the hot topics and the critical issues in my local and global community.

But I don't necessarily go to the newspaper to obtain that information. Here's why:
1. Newspapers cost money - and I can get my news for free on their corresponding website.
2. Newspapers don't offer any interactive components - I want to be able to post a comment, to respond, to send a link to someone.
3. Newspapers, by and large, are still geared to baby boomers.

I'll write more tomorrow on my thoughts about if newspapers can be saved and how they can pitch their campaign to the coveted Gen X/Y audience.

In the meantime, check out these articles:
* Newspapers Should Really Worry (Wired, 11-24-04)
* Young Adults Are Giving Newspapers Scant Notice (The New York Times, 7-16-07)
* A Bright Future for Newspapers (American Journalism Review, June/July 05)

Most Worthwhile College Courses

2007-07-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in yesterday's post, the college major that you choose is really less important than everyone makes it out to be. The most important thing that a college degree tells a prospective employer is that you are hard-working and diligent enough to persevere, that you are humble enough to follow the rules, and that you are socially savvy enough to "work the system."

In light of this fact, I actually am in favor of a revolution in the way that universities structure their degree programs. I'm of the opinion that students should have more freedom and flexibility in the courses that they select.

Even if universities don't allow you to customize your entire degree program, most of them do offer you quite a few choices via a general education curriculum. And, of course, you also have electives.

So, which courses will give you a head start in your career and make you a more enticing job candidate? Here's my take:

1. Introduction to Business - Learn the basics of business.
2. P.E. Classes - Take as many as you can cram in your schedule: Yoga, Ballet, Running, Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Pilates, etc. Exercise is good for your mind and your body - and will help you look and feel good, which will, in turn, land you more job opportunities.
3. Psych 101 - Yes, taking psychology will help you understand people better. But, more importantly, Psych 101 will provide you with great conversation fodder.
4. Public Speaking, Speech Communication, or Acting - If you're scared of speaking in groups (whether large or small), now is the perfect opportunity to face your fears. Successful people know how to communicate. Period.
5. A good dose of English classes - Writing is an important skill for almost any job and English courses will force you to hone that skill. Plus, being well-read and bookish makes people think you are intelligent (and, of course, you do get more intelligent the more you read). Finally, you really should be able to recognize famous lines from Shakespeare, Frost, Dickinson, and the like.
6. Foreign Language - Don't forget that the business environment is becoming extremely global. It helps to be fluent in a foreign language. Added bonus: if you're fluent, it's likely that you'll have more job prospects and that you will be paid more money.

(Picture by: myyogaonline)

Why Choosing A College Major Shouldn't Be Stressful

2007-07-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

When it comes to picking the right person for the job, yet another study confirms that it's best to pay more attention to "soft skills" (like team-building, communication, overall "likability") rather than technical skills.

These findings always remind me that, except in instances of very specialized fields (i.e. medicine, engineering, architecture, etc.), the college degree that you choose is not particularly important. Majoring in English or Psychology, Philosophy or Communication, Business or Political Science, Religion or Education - all might actually lead you to the same path.

In fact, choosing a major is not at all equivalent to choosing a career because your major might lead you to a long list of careers in completely unrelated fields.

So...choose something that fascinates you - and then work on improving your social network. Join campus organizations. Volunteer with a local shelter. Raise money for a charity fundraiser. Have coffee with your professor. Attend conferences about enhancing your communication skills. Host dinner parties.

In the end, it's who you now and how much they like you.

Are you LinkedIn?

2007-07-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

There are a multitude of professional and social networking sites on the web. The most note-worthy sites in this genre include MySpace, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

As far as I can tell, MySpace is for tweens and teens and some straggling twenty-somethings. Facebook is for Generation Xers who are looking to connect with friends, acquaintances, coworkers, and perhaps future business partners. LinkedIn is for adults and is primarily used for business purposes.

I realize that my summary is probably extremely flawed and that my descriptions are much too broad. So, I'm curious. Are my descriptions accurate? Do you have an account with any or all of the aforementioned sites? If so, which one is your favorite and what benefits do you receive from being in the network?

What I'd Wear Wednesday

2007-07-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

This post goes out with an extra big shout-out to Damselfly over at Growing A Life. Every Wednesday, she picks out a cute and stylish outfit or garment to feature - and calls it "What I'd Wear Wednesday." I think this is clever and fun so I'm going to mimic her idea just for today.

So, with no further adieu, here are my selections for today:

AG stretch flare jeans from Nordstrom $172.00
BP Melrose Pump in Turquoise from Nordstrom $32.90
Cotton Short Sleeve V-Neck from Ann Taylor $24.00

Ta-Da! The perfect outfit for a date with my husband.

Tucson Tuesdays: Summer Reading Programs

2007-07-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

What better time to lounge around in the air conditioning and read than the dog days of summer? Not only will you be acquiring new knowledge, strengthening your vocabulary, and thus becoming a more interesting person...you will also be on the way to winning great prizes (if you are under 19) and signed up with your local library.

For kids
For teens
For adults

I have to admit that I'm only halfway thrilled about these programs...because of the prizes. It seems that the library could do a much better job at obtaining prizes for the program (think: gift cards to eegees, cold stone creamery, the mall, nice restaurants, etc. or ipods or pedometers or journals). Also - the adult program doesn't even offer prizes [Note to TPPL: Adults want prizes too!]

Back from Flagstaff

2007-07-15T21:59:00.001-07:00

We returned from a weekend getaway to Flagstaff this evening. It was a much-needed and intensely-enjoyed retreat. We hiked and talked and shopped downtown - and the guys went dirt biking in the cinders. And Kayla loved hanging out with the dogs and being in the great outdoors and trying to taste-test rocks (we came to the rescue).

As Joe put it, "a fun time was had by all."

We can't wait to go again.

Tim

2007-07-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Tim was in the Tucson Citizen yesterday as one of the 60 finalists for Tucson Business Edge's "40 under 40." Essentially, the award program showcases rising leaders in the Tucson metropolitan community who are under 40 years old.

I am so proud.

Tim is destined for great things. And I'm glad to be a part of his success.

Tucson Tuesdays

2007-07-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been to your local library lately, you might want to give your neighborhood one a second glance.

Even if you don't enjoy reading, there are lots of fantastic reasons to venture into the literary world:

A. Most libraries carry a wide selection of new-release and classic DVD's. As such, you can check out movies for free (instead of reaching into your wallet for $5 at Blockbuster).
B. Most libraries have a fantastic selection of audio books on CD. Perfect for road trips, long business commutes, and cleaning the house.
C. Most libraries have WI-FI access. Yes, you can bring your laptop and surf the Internet on a comfy chair.
D. All libraries have computers with Internet access available.
E. There are SO many activities that you would never think a library might sponsor...business workshops, DDR for teens, mom and baby yoga, etc.
F. Even if you don't love to read, it's a great idea to foster a love of reading in your kids. Take them to story hour or enroll them in the summer reading program.

Come on all you bookworms and book-avoiders - check out your local library. There's something for everyone.

Books I've Been Reading

2007-07-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

I just read the following three books this past week:

Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success by Penelope Trunk
How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead by Ariel Gore
Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller

P.S. I also signed up for an account with Shelfari (essentially, an online book club).

What have you been reading?

Note to Self: Help Others - do it often and do it unexpectedly

2007-07-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

Been thinking about helping others.

It's so easy to get caught up in "me" and forget about "we" - meaning family, friends, the larger local and global community.

I heard about an anonymous gentleman who walked into a bookstore and handed the clerk $20 and said, "use this to buy a few books for kids." Nice.

I love the random acts of kindness thing. Or, rather, the intentional acts of kindness thing.

Tucson Tuesdays

2007-07-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Henceforward, Tuesdays will be dedicated to the beautiful deserts of Southern Arizona. I will comment on the people, the politics, and the public happenings of this growing metropolis of 1,000,000 people that boasts endless sunshine, breathtaking sunsets, and big city amenities in a "small town" environment.

I'm going to start this ongoing series with a challenge for every Tucson resident. Whether you are a young professional, a retiree, a stay-at-home mom, a high school senior, or a baby boomer working in corporate America, I urge you to give to Tucson. We are all responsible for the present and the future of our "western paradise" - and thus we should all be doing something to help. That can, of course, mean by contributing dollars to noteworthy causes, but it also means investing your time and talents to make Southern Arizona a better place.

Over the next few months, I will highlight many opportunities for you to get involved. Here's one easy first step: sign up to be a "Community Voice" on the Tucson Regional Town Hall website. This is your chance to speak up about your wants, needs, and ideas for improving Tucson...

Goals

2007-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ace the GRE/GMAT in preparation for graduate school
Get professional pictures taken
Have a website made (or learn how to create one)
Take lots of pictures with my digital camera
Be in top-notch shape before baby #2

Let's Make a Deal - Negotiating Compensation Packages in 2007

2007-07-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

I was serious about my offer in my last blog post - perhaps more serious than even I originally intended.

It's really a novel idea - compensation packages that consist of little or no actual hard cash. I do realize, of course, that this kind of arrangement would not be ideal long term. But I'm all for it for this year.

I would love to work in exchange for "growth" and "professional development" opportunities - graduate school tuition, organization and association memberships, travel and registration fees for various conferences, personal training sessions, etc.

MBA from ASU

2007-06-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Arizona State University has a fantastic online MBA program that I would LOVE to be a part of. In fact, I would apply tomorrow for the January cohort if I had a willing "sponsor."

So, if you are a millionaire who would love to fund an eager, intelligent young woman in her twenties - please do give me a call.

Or - we can work out a deal. I will work for your company for free if you pay for my graduate school tuition and my membership to the Public Relations Society of America, Greater Tucson Leadership, United Way Young Leaders Society, National Speakers Association AZ, and National Speakers Association. A subscription to the Wall Street Journal would be nice too. Any takers?

Vote on New Blog Topic

2007-06-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Adventures of SS is my general blog - my every-day thoughts on family, faith, politics, education, business, motherhood, fashion, and career.

I am considering starting up a more specific, professional blog in addition to this one. And I'd like your help in determining the topic. What would you like to read about?

Here are a few of my ideas:

All Things Tucson - the people, places, politics, and public happenings in and around the Tucson-metro area
All Things Vail - similar to above, but zeroing in on the Vail/SE Tucson community
Free Money for College - scholarship postings, ways to save, etc.
Career Advice- what to major in, interview tips, advancing in your field, etc.

More to come...let me know if you have other suggestions.

Book Review: The Audacity of Hope

2007-06-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

I just finished "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama. Here's what I wrote immediately after I closed the pages:

Well-written and educational, yet also authentic, honest, personal, and moving. Obama presents core issues in a reasonable, balanced way - and he is not so arrogant to pretend to know the answers to all questions or the cures for all of society's failings. He shook my conscience and challenged my beliefs with his postmodern and progressive perspectives. And I actually think I might vote for this guy if he secures the democratic seat. I certainly don't agree with him on everything, but he seems fair-minded, family-oriented, and future-focused. I will watch with eager intent as Obama pursues the 2008 presidential seat.

Here are a few clarifying questions to those who might ask:

1. Isn't his book just popular because he is in a position of power?
Probably, but that makes his journey all the more intriguing to me. I am always fascinated by how successful people start out and what principles guide them as leaders.

2. Do you agree with all of Obama's stances?
Not all, but many. His discussions about foreign policy, faith and politics, and family especially resonated with me. I also enjoyed reading his ideas about reform in the areas of education and the workforce.

3. Aren't all democrats immoral schmucks?
Wow, that's harsh. Read this book. We need to be more focused on our commonalities as humans and less divisive when it comes to political party affiliations. Yes, we should debate and speak our minds (that is the beauty of democracy, after all...), but we should enter into our disagreements as listeners and not only persuaders.

4. Why would you consider voting for Obama?
I appreciate his honesty and authenticity (willing to admit that he doesn't always know the answers), his commitment to his family, and his love for our country. That said, I need to do A LOT more research before I cast my vote. After all, I read his book - so it is, of course, just a bit biased in his favor.

You're a Nerd If...

2007-06-26T13:48:00.001-07:00

Write "agree" or "disagree" next to the following statements:

1. I love school and would constantly be pursuing a new degree if I had the money to finance it.
2. A Ph.D. is in my future.
3. Attending conferences is fun.
4. I watch political debates and enjoy them.
5. If a local coffee shop hosted a "Coffee with the Candidate" event, I would attend.
6. I regularly browse the local university's website for the latest news about research projects and new degree programs.
7. The library and the bookstore are two of my favorite places.
8. My idea of an amazing birthday present is a gift certificate for an online bookseller.
9. When I receive my Alma Mater's alumni publication, I read it thoroughly.
10. I have written a letter of compliment or complaint to the President of the United States, my local representatives, and at least five businesses.

If you answered "agree" to all ten, my husband Tim would say that you are most definitely a nerd. I, on the other hand, would simply say that we could be fabulous friends.

Generation X or Y

2007-06-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

Online dictionaries say that Generation X consists of people that were born between the early 1960's and the mid 1970's while Generation Y groupies, also known as the Millennials, are people born between 1978-2000. The exact dates fluctuate from site to site, but, in every case, I seem to stand almost right at the intersection of X and Y since my birth date falls in 1982.

It turns out that I am pretty accurately placed in my generation when it comes to my technology use as well. Penelope Trunk has posted a great survey on her blog that allows readers to determine what generation they fall into based on their use of technology. In my case, it was extraordinarily accurate. I scored 11 points, meaning that I use technology like a Generation Xer, but I am on the verge of using technology like a Generation Yer.

Go take it - and tell me where you end up...

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #10

2007-06-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

Tip #10 Apply for scholarships and enter contests.

Why? Here's the countdown.

3. Winning scholarships is an incredible thing to put on your resume.
2. Many scholarships and contests offer more than just money. They offer an experience (...like an all-expense-paid trip, an internship, or a laptop computer.)
1. Of course, the biggest benefit of all is a free college education.

Entering and exiting college without debt will put you one big step ahead in the path to success so don't miss your chance. Apply and apply often...

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #9

2007-06-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Tip #9 Get a job (maybe).

Getting a job in high school can be a good thing for many students. It's a great way to learn about responsibility and money management.

That said, if you have implemented all of the other tips (get good grades, play sports, volunteer, join a club or two, etc.), your schedule is probably pretty full. So it might be a good idea to put off the part-time job thing until college. Going overseas during the summer, volunteering at a children's shelter, and shooting for straight A's will benefit you much more than flipping burgers for minimum wage.

Note: if you are in the position where you need to get a job to pay for gas, car insurance, or even food/clothes, do try to get a job in a reputable place. If possible, avoid fast food. Ask your parents or your friend's parents for referrals. Stop in at local offices that interest you and just ask.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #8

2007-06-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Tip #8 Take a foreign language.

Knowing a foreign language is a major asset in our increasingly global world. Why not begin in high school? If possible, take a foreign language all four years. If you can't fit it in your schedule, try taking your foreign language the last two years of high school as opposed to the first two years so that the language is fresh in your mind when you head to college.

Need a few great reasons to study a foreign language? Knowing a fl is linked to better test scores (think: SAT/ACT) and you will have better job opportunities in the future.

Which language should you study? Any will do, but consider that Spanish is the second language of our nation and that Chinese is the most widely spoken language according to many reports. That said, if you know a lesser known language, you will be in high demand for high profile jobs. Plus, it's pretty cool to speak, say, Arabic or Russian.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #7

2007-06-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

Tip #7 Get to know your guidance counselor.

Your guidance counselor has a wealth of information about scholarships, careers, colleges, internships, and jobs. Do be a "regular" in his/her office. Stop in to say hi. Ask if there are any relevant scholarships. Check out the resources in the career center.

Guidance Counselors LOVE to help students - and they are often called upon to nominate students for various scholarships and awards. If they know you, they'll think of you first - especially if you have stellar grades and are actively involved in your school (hence, prior tips...).

Stop by your GC's office today! (Well, not today, it's summer...but you get the gist...).

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #6

2007-06-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Tip #6 Volunteer/Get Involved.

Whatever you do, don't be passive during your high school years. Volunteer - serve at a soup kitchen, sort cans at a food bank, teach safety classes at your local Red Cross, perform your musical instrument at a nursing home, or build a house with Habitat for Humanity.

It's a very positive and important thing to get involved at your school and in your community. Do be involved in at least one club on-campus. Try one or two- National Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, Mock Trial/Debate, the Optimist Club, Key Club, Media Productions, JROTC, or Newspaper/Journalism. If there's not a club that interests you, start up a chapter with the guidance of one of your teachers.

The point of this tip is to be proactive and passionate when it comes to your free time. Don't get stuck in a rut.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #5

2007-06-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Tip #5 Go overseas.

International travel will open up your eyes to the world. It will help you to see things more globally and to be more grateful for the things in your life.

You can plan a trip with your family or venture out on your own with a reputable student organization like People-to-People, Explorica or the American Institute for Foreign Study. Better yet, go serve in a country overseas with Teen Missions or Teen Mania.

Traveling to another country will give you a new outlook on life - and will also mature you. Plus, it's a very impressive thing to mention on resumes, in job interviews, or to family & friends - "I went to Romania to help in an orphanage this past summer." How cool is that?

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #4

2007-06-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Tip #4 Play sports and take P.E.

Regular exercise is linked to many positive outcomes...

reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity
helps relieve stress and anxiety
increases energy and endurance
helps you sleep better
boosts your IQ

These are well-known benefits, but did you know that thinner people make more money? Yep, the facts don't lie.

Plus, I can attest from personal experience that many CEO's and successful leaders work out regularly. It seems to be one of the secrets of the inner circle. The people in the boardroom are swimmers, hikers, and marathon runners.

What better way to foster a good habit than to play sports in high school? Pick a sport and try out. Soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf, track, cross-country - just play.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #3

2007-06-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

Tip #3 Appreciate your teachers.

It's important that your teachers know you, like you, and want you to succeed. And, believe me, that doesn't happen by chance. Your attitude and your actions have everything to do with it. So...

Greet your teacher when you walk into class. Say "good-bye" on your way out. Say "thank you" if your teacher helps you, stays after school to answer your question, or gives a particularly inspiring lecture. Nominate your teacher for an award. Send your teacher a thank-you note. Give your teacher a gift or card at the end of the year. Bake a cake and put it in the teacher's lounge.

If you take the time to build relationships with your teachers, it will pay off in a big way in future years. They may write stunning letters of recommendation for you, nominate you for awards and scholarships, or refer you to your first big job.

Making the Most Out of High School, Tip #2

2007-06-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

Tip #2 Be college-prep ready.

Although requirements vary from university to university, most of them require a core set of classes that looks something like this:

4 years of English
3-4 years of math
3 years of science
2 years of social studies
2 years of foreign language

To be on the safe side, you should also take at least one full year of a fine arts class (drama, choir, art, painting, etc.). Additionally, you should strive to have a 3.0 GPA at minimum (that means getting a "B" average)...but the higher your GPA, the better off you will be in terms of getting admitted and getting scholarships.

Throw in a few honors and AP courses for good measure and you'll be on your way to success.

Making the Most Out of High School

2007-06-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Attention all soon-to-be-9th graders! Here's a blogbook on how to have an incredible high school experience. I'll unveil one tip every day for ten days.

Tip #1 Get good grades.
How? It's actually a relatively simple formula.

A. Make a good first impression. Be sure to stand out on the first few days of class. Be prepared with a notepad, writing utensils, and any required books or equipment. Sit near the front of the class. Make good eye contact, smile, nod your head, take notes. Introduce yourself to the teacher at the end of the first class session. Say something simple like, "Hi. I'm Anna and I'm really looking forward to your class."

B. Exceed your teacher's expectations. If the assignment is to read chapters 1-3, read a little bit ahead. If you're studying about Asia, bring in an authentic Asian food for your teacher or the whole class (with your teacher's permission). If you have to give a presentation, dress up, use PowerPoint, and have a related visual aid. Go above-and-beyond. Do more - and you'll score!

C. Always submit your homework on-time. If you don't know how to do a set of math problems or if you just don't get how to write an essay in a specified format, don't go to class empty-handed. Try. Fill in every blank. Answer every question. Turn your work in anyway. Prompt and complete homework will automatically set you "above the pack."

D. Study for tests. Do spend some time studying. Make flash cards, do the study guide, quiz yourself, create a sample exam, look back over your homework - do what works for you, but do something.

E. Learn to love to learn. Don't just go to class and do your homework out of obligation. Find something in every subject area to get excited about.

F. Ask for help, when needed. Go to tutoring. Stay after school. Call your extra-smart Uncle Dave.

There you have it! Straight A's are on the way!

Dear Kayla,

2007-06-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

You are nine months old today. You've changed from a beautiful infant to a smiley baby to an active explorer (note: you are still beautiful and smiley). You're crawling like a pro now - zooming around the house on all fours - in and out of all of the bedrooms. You are active, fast, and fearless.

Your favorite activities are (1) reading books (seriously, you never seem to tire of them...you especially love Green Eggs & Ham and anything that rhymes), (2) being thrown in the air, (3) being tickled, (4) playing games with dad and mom, and (5) dancing along with the radio (If I turn on music, I am guaranteed a huge smile and wide eyes). You also enjoy taking walks and looking in the mirror.

On the flip side, you despise being alone (you, social butterfly!) and riding in your car seat for long periods of time.

You're not particularly interested in toys, but you do like to get into almost anything that is deemed "not for babies." You especially are fascinated by shoes, cords, and paper...and you love banging on mama's laptop. If you are forced to choose a toy, you will probably go for your soccer ball, football, or anything that you haven't seen before.

You are becoming more and more beautiful as the days pass by. Strangers oft comment on your amazing eyes (sparkling blue) and lengthy eyelashes. And, of course, you still have that irresistible smile and distinct button nose. Your laugh brightens the room and you are undoubtedly always the center-of-attention in every circle.

You have many nicknames...they seem to change hourly...but the latest include Blue Eyes, Gorgeous Girl, Boo, Goose (as in, silly goose...), Kay-Kay, High-Maintenance, and Irresistible.

When it comes to food, you are anything but picky. You will eat all fruits, vegetables, cereals, and breads willingly and eagerly. You especially seem to love water and cherry puffs (a Gerber finger food).

You will sleep serenely in your crib for nap time now and you start your evenings there as well. But you prefer snuggling in bed with your mom and dad. And you would be absolutely delighted if you could spend your nap times in our arms.

A few other small factoids before I finish this letter.
* You adore your daddy - the way you look at him reminds me of the way I often look at him - he's your hero.
* You are exceptionally sweet and happy and adorable...and your mama loves you with a fierce, intense, deep love that she never knew until she had you.

Loving you,
Mama

Google Named #1 in Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For"

2007-06-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Did you know Google offers:

Maternity (12 weeks off at 75% pay) and Paternity (6 weeks off at 75% pay) Leave, plus $400 for take-out meals for the first four weeks after childbirth
Google Child Care Center, five minutes from main headquarters
On-site gym and fitness center
Free gourmet lunches and dinners prepared by a chef
Cool events throughout the year like company movie day, summer picnic, and health fair
Tuition reimbursement - $8,000 per calendar year

Remind me to apply there next time I'm in the running for a full-time job.

The Key to Career Success? Specialization

2007-06-07T08:32:00.001-07:00

I've been reading Penelope Trunk's blog a lot lately. Although she has many new and divergent perspectives, one that seems to be aligned with "old-school" career advice is the concept of specialization. She states, "the best way to ensure you'll always be in demand is to become a specialist" and "specializing makes you more likely to be hired and hunted." Although specializing is the goal, she cautions her readers not to limit themselves "too much or too early."

The professors that I met with at the UA handed out similar advice. They told me to focus in on one unique area of study and become an expert.

Successful authors also seem to follow this route. They are experts in one genre - money management, science fiction, romance, chick lit, etc.

Trunk suggests examining your gifts to find your area. Without trying to brag, I think mine are writing, interpersonal skills, and creativity/new ideas.

More on this later...

Style

2007-06-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

It is a wide-held belief that celebrities have an innate sense of style, a sneak peek into the fashion world. They are, many would say, inherently trendy and voguish.

I disagree. Celebrities are, of course, usually at the forefront of fashion. But not necessarily because of their obvious good taste. Instead, I propose that they look perpetually stylish because of the size of their wallets rather than their keen knowledge of aesthetics.

In fact, I would argue that a majority of people would be deemed equally as fashion-forward if they could shop in the best stores with no qualms about money - and a personal stylist to boot!

Book on My Wishlist: Brazen Careerist

2007-06-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

Warner Business Books recently released Penelope Trunk's first book on 5-25-07. The book is titled "Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success" and it is definitely on my wishlist.

I stumbled upon Trunk's blog about a week ago and it is now officially bookmarked. Her posts are well-written, clever, and innovative. I love her new take on the business world and on career success. I often find myself nodding in agreement with her edgy and fresh statements.

College Course on ABC's Lost

2007-06-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

The Experimental College at Tufts University in Massachusetts offered a class this past semester entitled, "The Future is Lost: TV Series as Cultural Phenomenon."

I, for one, am a huge fan of the mixing of education and pop culture. Since the majority of people are already tuning into the boob tube on a daily or almost-daily basis, why not encourage active thinking and thorough analysis?

This course is one of many exciting titles in the Experimental College...

Obesity and Children
Human Rights and Civil Rights, Post 9-11
Experimenting with Philanthropy
Education for Active Citizenship
Media Law and Ethics
Television in the Age of YouTube
Making Movies

Where can I sign up? :)

1st Week @ New Job

2007-06-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

It's going very well so far. Of course, I'm unable to write when Kayla is awake because she has become Miss Active and Miss Acrobat all in under two weeks. She rolls. She crawls. She stands. She dives. She finds her way into almost everything - especially anything that is not for babies.

But she is taking naps like a pro in her crib now and there's always the hours after bedtime. When she sleeps, I type.

My Newest Gig: Working from Home

2007-05-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

We "shook hands" and settled my contract yesterday. I'll be working 20 hours/week from home for the local school district. Specifically, I will be freelance writing - producing content for the district website, electronic newsletter, and print newsletter. I will also be writing press releases and stories for local and national newspapers.

I'm excited about this new partnership.

If I Had Money and Time to Spare and Spend...

2007-05-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

I'd enroll in a graduate program in Journalism. Hopefully, I'd find an innovative, technology-based program wherein I could learn the latest practices in print and online journalism with courses in media, film, digital photography, web design, public relations, and communication.

Now, that sounds fun.

Milestones

2007-05-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Kayla pulled herself up and stood in her crib. There she was. Grinning. Breathless. Eyes Sparkling. Hanging on to the edge. Little legs supporting her weight.

Wow.