I just read an article called "Writing Skills Necessary for Employment, Says Big Business". The message conveys the importance of putting thought to paper, especially in the business world and workplace. I agree that writing skills are not stressed enough. I am not a great writer by any stretch of the imagination. However, I have become the "go to" person to look over resumes and cover letters. I can tell you that when hiring office staff, the first thing I do when looking at a stack of resumes is throw out the ones with spelling errors. The ability to communicate is critical especially if new procedures or changes are being implemented. If the person writing the new procedure is unclear, many mistakes will be made. The new instructions and guidelines must be clear.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
A Poem commemorating the end of this semester...
Sneaking away to the library today
I have a paper due, you see?
Working diligently to express the need
of a natural treatment to ADHD.
Gleaning the books for more information,
making sure my references are right,
Could the girl next to me make any more noise?
Where was I? Oh yes, the causes of ADHD
I listed the theories and the methods of diagnosing
Oh look, the sun is out and shining bright!
Maybe when I am done I could take some pictures of the boats outside.
I'm working on my supporting paragraphs, moving right along.
I wish the guy at the desk next to me would stop humming that song.
Supporting paragraph number 2, ...Man the sky is so blue!
Supporting paragraph number 3, ... If that guy crumples up one more piece of paper I am going to launch my laptop at him!
Conclusion, ADHD is said to be genetic?
What?!! ADHD wasn't even around when I was a kid! Doctors have no clue.
Thank goodness my kids didn't get it from me.
Oh look a penny by my feet.
Sneaking away to the library today
I have a paper due, you see?
Working diligently to express the need
of a natural treatment to ADHD.
Gleaning the books for more information,
making sure my references are right,
Could the girl next to me make any more noise?
Where was I? Oh yes, the causes of ADHD
I listed the theories and the methods of diagnosing
Oh look, the sun is out and shining bright!
Maybe when I am done I could take some pictures of the boats outside.
I'm working on my supporting paragraphs, moving right along.
I wish the guy at the desk next to me would stop humming that song.
Supporting paragraph number 2, ...Man the sky is so blue!
Supporting paragraph number 3, ... If that guy crumples up one more piece of paper I am going to launch my laptop at him!
Conclusion, ADHD is said to be genetic?
What?!! ADHD wasn't even around when I was a kid! Doctors have no clue.
Thank goodness my kids didn't get it from me.
Oh look a penny by my feet.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
uh-oh
You know things are bad when you lose a week. LOL. Somehow I have managed to enter into week 9 thinking we were only in week 7 of classes. Yeah, it was that bad. So it is safe to say I will not be making Dean's list this semester, unless my instructors are extremely generous (^^) I could say that I was ailing this week, which wouldn't be a lie. I have been dealing with asthma and a serious cold to which I have slept my way to better health. Well the cold is mostly gone now. But really, it just didn't sink in that I only have one more week of this semester. So this week I need to get my act together and fine tune that paper and get my other project finished. Maybe I can wow my other professor with lots of color in my project. One can hope right?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
20 years of marriage!
Well, you all are about to get an eyeful about my 20th anniversary! Yes I know to some people, me included, that is a huge milestone. To others it is still a but a wrinkle of time. Twenty years to the same tall, dark(ish) and handsome man with the deep voice.
We celebrated by jumping in our Toyota with the functional gas pedal :) and drove into the sunset until we got to Williamsburg! Where we ate at our favorite seafood restaurant (The Whaling Co.) and stayed at our favorite Williamsburg hotel. Never mind that we have never stayed anywhere else before, this place is awesome and have employees that have been working there since well, at least since the last 2 years. They all remember faces too!
Anyhow, Saturday we got up and went to the National Pancake House.
This place I went to with a bit of trepidation. Last year we went there for breakfast and all of the employees seem to be senior citizens. Which is great, until you find out that your waitress is sweet on your husband. No kidding, this lady was all peaches and cream to him, even gave him seconds for free, but practically threw my plate across the table at me and practically grunted out anything said to me. Naturally, he didn't notice anything of the sort but what would I benefit from making up the story about the 70 yo Lolita? Lol, but she wasn't there this weekend. Instead we really did have a great waitress, and she made us both laugh. If you are in the area I highly recommend this place. It is a small little restaurant and the wait staff all seem to have a thing for the big tall guys with deep voices, or maybe just my man!
So what did we do all weekend? We drove around town just looking for stuff to do. If it looked interesting we stopped and did the touristy thing. If not we just drove past. All of the excitement happened on Saturday night. We got back to the hotel and got settled in, the fire alarm went off! This is what happens when......................................
(hey get your minds out of the gutter)
a bunch of the teenage kids come to town for a soccer tournament and get bored in the middle of the night. lol. The sad thing about the whole scenario is I woke up and walked to the window to see if there were firetrucks or at least people standing outside. Which there were not. So we called the front desk and they apologized but there was no fire, false alarm. What is sad about it? Well, our first instinct was not to flee but to call and see if the building was on fire.
We celebrated by jumping in our Toyota with the functional gas pedal :) and drove into the sunset until we got to Williamsburg! Where we ate at our favorite seafood restaurant (The Whaling Co.) and stayed at our favorite Williamsburg hotel. Never mind that we have never stayed anywhere else before, this place is awesome and have employees that have been working there since well, at least since the last 2 years. They all remember faces too!
Anyhow, Saturday we got up and went to the National Pancake House.
This place I went to with a bit of trepidation. Last year we went there for breakfast and all of the employees seem to be senior citizens. Which is great, until you find out that your waitress is sweet on your husband. No kidding, this lady was all peaches and cream to him, even gave him seconds for free, but practically threw my plate across the table at me and practically grunted out anything said to me. Naturally, he didn't notice anything of the sort but what would I benefit from making up the story about the 70 yo Lolita? Lol, but she wasn't there this weekend. Instead we really did have a great waitress, and she made us both laugh. If you are in the area I highly recommend this place. It is a small little restaurant and the wait staff all seem to have a thing for the big tall guys with deep voices, or maybe just my man!
So what did we do all weekend? We drove around town just looking for stuff to do. If it looked interesting we stopped and did the touristy thing. If not we just drove past. All of the excitement happened on Saturday night. We got back to the hotel and got settled in, the fire alarm went off! This is what happens when......................................
(hey get your minds out of the gutter)
a bunch of the teenage kids come to town for a soccer tournament and get bored in the middle of the night. lol. The sad thing about the whole scenario is I woke up and walked to the window to see if there were firetrucks or at least people standing outside. Which there were not. So we called the front desk and they apologized but there was no fire, false alarm. What is sad about it? Well, our first instinct was not to flee but to call and see if the building was on fire.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Creative thoughts I have had...
So I have been thinking about new business ideas,
I want to be a loan shark. (to really really poor people because I don't have a lot to loan...lol)
The local Super Kmart went out of business so I have been thinking about opening a small mom and pop movie theater. one viewing area at a time. Then at the end of the same building I could open my own book store, nothing big just something cozy and inviting. Something that parents could sit and spend money while waiting to pick up their kids from the movie theater. I would charge decent entrance fee's and the food wouldn't require a small loan to purchase. Each night/day we would feature a movie from a certain genre. Last but not least, I would like to start my own nursery/herb shoppe because I love plants and herbs. Any ideas or slaps of reality greatly appreciated!
I want to be a loan shark. (to really really poor people because I don't have a lot to loan...lol)
The local Super Kmart went out of business so I have been thinking about opening a small mom and pop movie theater. one viewing area at a time. Then at the end of the same building I could open my own book store, nothing big just something cozy and inviting. Something that parents could sit and spend money while waiting to pick up their kids from the movie theater. I would charge decent entrance fee's and the food wouldn't require a small loan to purchase. Each night/day we would feature a movie from a certain genre. Last but not least, I would like to start my own nursery/herb shoppe because I love plants and herbs. Any ideas or slaps of reality greatly appreciated!
Monday, February 1, 2010
We have SNOW!!!!
To say we have snow is an understatement! This isn't the Blizzard of 77' however by Virginia Beach standards it qualifies. The most snow this town has seen in over 20 years! The kids had a blast in it. The youngest has never had the opportunity to play in it much less seen the ground covered in it so Saturday and Sunday was definately a day to watch the kids play in it, from the window of course. Growing up in Ohio, I have learned to appreciate it from inside.
I woke up to the sound of the dogs whining to go outside for their morning ritual. As I opened the door, the largest one (about 100 lbs) comes galloping at full speed towards the backdoor. When it got to it and saw the snow, he looked like a cartoon where the carpet is bunching up under his feet to avoid touching it. I had to trick him into going outside before he would touch it! lol, When he finally went out, all three of them had a blast tackling each other in it. Poor Cleo and Gabe had snow up to their bellies in some parts of the yard but that didn't stop them from pouncing on my behemoth of a dog!
Watching the kids was even funnier! The second the oldest opened the door she had snowballs coming at her from 4 different locations. In about 1 minute all 4 of the kids were rolling all over each other, wrestling in the snow, rolling down our mini-hill in one giant cluster. If we were on a higher hill or a mountain it would have looked exactly like a cartoon where someone goes down the hill ending up as a giant snow ball! It is funny, we are the only ones on the street that have 4 snow forts for snow ball fights. There is one snowman, down the road complete with a brown toupee and a broom and a long sock for a scarf.
There was no school today for the locals due to some still having power outages and frozen streets still. Tonight is supposed to be more rain/snow and it is all supposed to freeze over again. The public schools have announced another snow day tomorrow. I hope work does the same. A four day weekend is nice no matter how they come about.
I woke up to the sound of the dogs whining to go outside for their morning ritual. As I opened the door, the largest one (about 100 lbs) comes galloping at full speed towards the backdoor. When it got to it and saw the snow, he looked like a cartoon where the carpet is bunching up under his feet to avoid touching it. I had to trick him into going outside before he would touch it! lol, When he finally went out, all three of them had a blast tackling each other in it. Poor Cleo and Gabe had snow up to their bellies in some parts of the yard but that didn't stop them from pouncing on my behemoth of a dog!
Watching the kids was even funnier! The second the oldest opened the door she had snowballs coming at her from 4 different locations. In about 1 minute all 4 of the kids were rolling all over each other, wrestling in the snow, rolling down our mini-hill in one giant cluster. If we were on a higher hill or a mountain it would have looked exactly like a cartoon where someone goes down the hill ending up as a giant snow ball! It is funny, we are the only ones on the street that have 4 snow forts for snow ball fights. There is one snowman, down the road complete with a brown toupee and a broom and a long sock for a scarf.
There was no school today for the locals due to some still having power outages and frozen streets still. Tonight is supposed to be more rain/snow and it is all supposed to freeze over again. The public schools have announced another snow day tomorrow. I hope work does the same. A four day weekend is nice no matter how they come about.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Misrepresentation!!!!!
Ok, I have mentioned that I would discuss some of the antics of one recently departed secretary from work. I know, I know you are thinking.... NO DON'T DO IT! NEVER DISCUSS WORK ON A BLOG! Normally I would agree with you but since I am not mentioning names and I doubt the person in question can read.... I think I am safe.
The following is a list of "tips" to you, the reader, as things that you should or shouldn't do, be it in life in general or hey! at work either. Be aware this is the result of my experience of one semi-psychotic employee.
1) Although it happens it is probably not a good idea to be late for work on your first day. I know it sounds absolutely crazy but hey, some people actually notice these things. While on the subject, probably not a good idea to tell people you were late because you were busy screaming at your boyfriend to bring you toilet paper for over 30 minutes and he was too lazy to get out of bed. Moral to the story: At least try to make up something good or ....(this is crazy) just apologize for being late and then shut up!
2) Please show up for the interview dressed for the job. In this case, the person in question came to two interviews dressed like respectable young person ready to take on the office world. Once getting the job, do not show up to work in slippers and a holey t-shirt covered up with a dirty, smelly zipper hoodie. Moral: If you weren't offered a job to work at home.... then dress like you are leaving the house.
3) Talking to your best friend on the phone during work hours about (put the most embarrassing thing you can think of here) in front of your boss. Don't do it. Especially if you just met him. If someone says to you "Hey I would like you to meet our boss Mr. X." Hang up with your friend first and at least act interested in meeting the man that will be stroking your check. Moral: If you have no ethics, please do not brag about it in your resume. It will come to bite you in the backside!
Well this was just the tip. It really does get funnier but I have class now. later.
The following is a list of "tips" to you, the reader, as things that you should or shouldn't do, be it in life in general or hey! at work either. Be aware this is the result of my experience of one semi-psychotic employee.
1) Although it happens it is probably not a good idea to be late for work on your first day. I know it sounds absolutely crazy but hey, some people actually notice these things. While on the subject, probably not a good idea to tell people you were late because you were busy screaming at your boyfriend to bring you toilet paper for over 30 minutes and he was too lazy to get out of bed. Moral to the story: At least try to make up something good or ....(this is crazy) just apologize for being late and then shut up!
2) Please show up for the interview dressed for the job. In this case, the person in question came to two interviews dressed like respectable young person ready to take on the office world. Once getting the job, do not show up to work in slippers and a holey t-shirt covered up with a dirty, smelly zipper hoodie. Moral: If you weren't offered a job to work at home.... then dress like you are leaving the house.
3) Talking to your best friend on the phone during work hours about (put the most embarrassing thing you can think of here) in front of your boss. Don't do it. Especially if you just met him. If someone says to you "Hey I would like you to meet our boss Mr. X." Hang up with your friend first and at least act interested in meeting the man that will be stroking your check. Moral: If you have no ethics, please do not brag about it in your resume. It will come to bite you in the backside!
Well this was just the tip. It really does get funnier but I have class now. later.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Job security
I am so glad the weekend is here! One of our secretary's quit on Monday. She only lasted 2 weeks. A lesson to be learned here. She probably did really well at the interview because she was a professional interviewee. She wasn't my first choice to hire, but I ultimately had the final say so I chose the one that EVERYONE liked. Next time I will choose my inner instinct.
So in addition to doing my job, and her job, I also filled in for our third secretary who was recovering from having two wisdom teeth extracted and doing interviews for a replacement secretary. On top of all that.... my oldest son (15) was sick sick sick! He is old enough to stay in bed by himself, but it didn't make me worry any less. My daughter (19) came home in between her college classes to check in on him sending me texts on his status. So I came home ready to veg, caving in my family to start playing World of Warcraft. Homework first. Veg later. LOL. I hope no one outside of our class reads this because they are prob. snickering saying "Ha! Your vegging right now!"
I will have to write another blog to fill you all in on the experiences of working with a professional interviewer/slacker. In hindsight it was pretty funny although I really wanted to plant my foot in her rear end. Till then, ciao.
So in addition to doing my job, and her job, I also filled in for our third secretary who was recovering from having two wisdom teeth extracted and doing interviews for a replacement secretary. On top of all that.... my oldest son (15) was sick sick sick! He is old enough to stay in bed by himself, but it didn't make me worry any less. My daughter (19) came home in between her college classes to check in on him sending me texts on his status. So I came home ready to veg, caving in my family to start playing World of Warcraft. Homework first. Veg later. LOL. I hope no one outside of our class reads this because they are prob. snickering saying "Ha! Your vegging right now!"
I will have to write another blog to fill you all in on the experiences of working with a professional interviewer/slacker. In hindsight it was pretty funny although I really wanted to plant my foot in her rear end. Till then, ciao.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Paint paint and more paint....
Well, I finally started my first blog, even if it was for a class. This is supposed to be my online journal and so... it is. Today was a bit of a busy day. I woke up demanding my honey go to the store for breakfast. Okay, really it was more like a subtle suggestion, "Hey baby? I think you should go to the store." The cool thing was he not only went but also made his famous egg and cheese stuffed tortillas. Yum!
Around noon, I took my 11 yr old and my 8 yr old, along with his little girlfriend to the Virginia Marine Science Museum and met my sister and my nephew there. Everything went pretty well it was about time to leave. I was leading the pack, the kids trailing behind me, into the exit area. The exit was cleverly designed as a gift shop, and the kids all took off for the toy section, where we momentarily lost my nephew. He wasn't really lost but instead was kneeling on the floor of a gadget display and was surrounded by other people also checking out the cool toys and blocking our view our the lad.
When we finally got home, I was forced to accept the help of my 8yo and 11 yo to prime the walls in my dining room. We finally got the house put back together from the nor'easter that wiped out the north wall of the house. I figured if they are going to help paint, it should be the primer paint bec. I am so picky about the final paint job.
It kills me when people offer to paint, and you try to graciously turn them down and say, "I just really like to paint on my own, that way if there are any mistakes I have no one else to blame but myself." This is the point where your helpful friend goes, "Oh me too. I hate it when people leave colored spots on the ceiling." Meanwhile I am thinking.... so why are there so many mistakes in your house? It never fails too. The people trying to help me all have bloopers right in the entry way of their house!!! If you are reading this, "YES! People notice those mistakes immediately!!!" Anyhow, if you have young children dying to help you paint be aware the paint will magically appear on the handles of your rollers, brushes, your hair and the side of the dog somehow. Have that damp cloth at the ready to wipe up those mistakes too!
Around noon, I took my 11 yr old and my 8 yr old, along with his little girlfriend to the Virginia Marine Science Museum and met my sister and my nephew there. Everything went pretty well it was about time to leave. I was leading the pack, the kids trailing behind me, into the exit area. The exit was cleverly designed as a gift shop, and the kids all took off for the toy section, where we momentarily lost my nephew. He wasn't really lost but instead was kneeling on the floor of a gadget display and was surrounded by other people also checking out the cool toys and blocking our view our the lad.
When we finally got home, I was forced to accept the help of my 8yo and 11 yo to prime the walls in my dining room. We finally got the house put back together from the nor'easter that wiped out the north wall of the house. I figured if they are going to help paint, it should be the primer paint bec. I am so picky about the final paint job.
It kills me when people offer to paint, and you try to graciously turn them down and say, "I just really like to paint on my own, that way if there are any mistakes I have no one else to blame but myself." This is the point where your helpful friend goes, "Oh me too. I hate it when people leave colored spots on the ceiling." Meanwhile I am thinking.... so why are there so many mistakes in your house? It never fails too. The people trying to help me all have bloopers right in the entry way of their house!!! If you are reading this, "YES! People notice those mistakes immediately!!!" Anyhow, if you have young children dying to help you paint be aware the paint will magically appear on the handles of your rollers, brushes, your hair and the side of the dog somehow. Have that damp cloth at the ready to wipe up those mistakes too!
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