George Clooney makes we want to buy Budweiser beer, and I don't even LIKE Budweiser. His smooth, rich, full bodied voice along with his dashing good looks, mocking self deprecation and enigmatic charisma makes him one of the most appealing and compelling leading men in Hollywood. You rock George!
http://www.clooneystudio.com/
Technorati Tags: george+clooney, budweiser
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Why saying "Thank you" is more than just good manners
Why saying "Thank you" is more than just good manners
A 10-year study of 200,000 managers and employees suggests that praising people for a job well done may lead to bigger profits, says Fortune's Anne Fisher.
By Anne Fisher, Fortune senior writer
April 12 2007: 6:46 AM EDT
NEW YORK (Fortune) -- Dear Annie: I changed jobs last year, going from a small company (where I had worked since the start-up phase, over a decade ago) to an organization about 10 times bigger. I've made the adjustment pretty well, except for one thing. My old employer was very gung-ho about recognizing people for their achievements. If someone met a tough deadline or went above and beyond for a client, that person got a public pat on the back and maybe even a "prize" like a free dinner for two at a nice local restaurant.
My new company is completely different. No one ever says "thanks" for anything or shows any appreciation for extra effort, and as a result people don't do anything more than the minimum required to get the job (sort of) done. I think this hurts the business, but I can't convince my boss. Any thoughts? - Trying to Help
Dear Trying: I'd be willing to bet we've all worked in organizations like yours, at one time or another. Many years ago, Fortune had a top editor who made a point of never praising anyone for anything. Asked why not, he replied, "People who are good know they're good. They don't need to hear it." Well, if any proof is needed that that approach to managing people is wrongheaded, here's where to find it: "The Carrot Principle" (Free Press, $21.00), a fascinating book by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton, both consultants at Salt Lake City-based consulting firm O.C. Tanner (www.octanner.com).
The book's subtitle says a mouthful - "How the Best Managers Use Recognition to Engage Their People, Retain Talent, and Accelerate Performance" - but the basic idea is simple: People will work harder and more enthusiastically for an appreciative boss, and companies that praise topnotch performance are more profitable than those that don't. In a study of 200,000 managers and employees over a 10-year period, Gostick and Elton found that, in companies where few people agreed with the statement "My organization recognizes excellence", annual return on equity averaged a paltry 2.4 percent. By contrast, companies with a culture that emphasized thanking people for excellent performance racked up returns more than three times as high, at an average of 8.7 percent. (For the complete study, go to www.carrots.com, under Research.)
Of course, anybody who has taken Statistics 101 will tell you that correlation doesn't always imply causation, and companies that praise their workers are probably doing lots of other things right, too. Even so, at a time when employers are competing fiercely for top talent, the authors note that 79 percent of employees in a recent poll who had quit their jobs cited lack of appreciation as the main reason. It seems saying "thank you" is even more important in retaining people than paying them more money - and a pat on the back is free.
How can you persuade your boss to start recognizing his team's achievements? Adrian Gostick says that about one-third of managers in the Fortune 100 companies he works with are, like my old editor, dead set against the idea of praising people. "They don't believe in it. They're always the ones sitting in the back of the room at our seminars with their arms folded, and that negativity often spreads to others," he says. "To overcome their resistance, we start by asking why they don't want to. Often they say they don't have time. But another big reason is, lots of managers want to be seen as 'tough', and recognizing people looks 'soft' to them. Another obstacle is that they just don't know how."
That doesn't mean your boss can't change. Gostick says that, in a former career as vice president of a bank, "I had to be told to recognize people. My employees urged me to do it." He adds, "We've found that, if you encourage a reluctant boss to start with just a few small things, he or she is often pleasantly surprised by the response and will want to do more."
"The Carrot Principle" is full of creative ideas for thanking employees, and you might take a look at those, and pass a few suggestions along to your boss. But some of them - like buying lunch for all employees who have to work on a Saturday and inviting their families to join them; or springing for an extra plane ticket so a spouse can accompany an employee on a business trip - may be too much for the budget. No problem.
Says co-author Chester Elton, "You don't need to spend a lot of money to make an employee feel valued. We find that a handwritten thank-you note, which costs next to nothing and takes just a couple of minutes, is something people really love to get. It's far more effective than an e-mail, especially if it's timely and specific. It should say, not just 'Way to go!', but 'You did a terrific job on that XYZ project'. We've seen people who are so pleased to get these that they keep them for years."
But let's say you show your boss the bottom-line results of Gostick and Elton's research and make a few gentle suggestions for how to start recognizing people, and he doesn't budge. You know the grassroots-political maxim, "Be the change you'd like to see in the world"? If you were to make a habit of thanking colleagues and praising the people around you for a job well done - beginning with (why not?) your boss - who knows? You just might start something big.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/11/news/economy/annie_praise.fortune/index.htm?section=magazines_fortune
Technorati Tags: human+resources, workplace, ethics, office, management, motivation, corporate
A 10-year study of 200,000 managers and employees suggests that praising people for a job well done may lead to bigger profits, says Fortune's Anne Fisher.
By Anne Fisher, Fortune senior writer
April 12 2007: 6:46 AM EDT
NEW YORK (Fortune) -- Dear Annie: I changed jobs last year, going from a small company (where I had worked since the start-up phase, over a decade ago) to an organization about 10 times bigger. I've made the adjustment pretty well, except for one thing. My old employer was very gung-ho about recognizing people for their achievements. If someone met a tough deadline or went above and beyond for a client, that person got a public pat on the back and maybe even a "prize" like a free dinner for two at a nice local restaurant.
My new company is completely different. No one ever says "thanks" for anything or shows any appreciation for extra effort, and as a result people don't do anything more than the minimum required to get the job (sort of) done. I think this hurts the business, but I can't convince my boss. Any thoughts? - Trying to Help
Dear Trying: I'd be willing to bet we've all worked in organizations like yours, at one time or another. Many years ago, Fortune had a top editor who made a point of never praising anyone for anything. Asked why not, he replied, "People who are good know they're good. They don't need to hear it." Well, if any proof is needed that that approach to managing people is wrongheaded, here's where to find it: "The Carrot Principle" (Free Press, $21.00), a fascinating book by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton, both consultants at Salt Lake City-based consulting firm O.C. Tanner (www.octanner.com).
The book's subtitle says a mouthful - "How the Best Managers Use Recognition to Engage Their People, Retain Talent, and Accelerate Performance" - but the basic idea is simple: People will work harder and more enthusiastically for an appreciative boss, and companies that praise topnotch performance are more profitable than those that don't. In a study of 200,000 managers and employees over a 10-year period, Gostick and Elton found that, in companies where few people agreed with the statement "My organization recognizes excellence", annual return on equity averaged a paltry 2.4 percent. By contrast, companies with a culture that emphasized thanking people for excellent performance racked up returns more than three times as high, at an average of 8.7 percent. (For the complete study, go to www.carrots.com, under Research.)
Of course, anybody who has taken Statistics 101 will tell you that correlation doesn't always imply causation, and companies that praise their workers are probably doing lots of other things right, too. Even so, at a time when employers are competing fiercely for top talent, the authors note that 79 percent of employees in a recent poll who had quit their jobs cited lack of appreciation as the main reason. It seems saying "thank you" is even more important in retaining people than paying them more money - and a pat on the back is free.
How can you persuade your boss to start recognizing his team's achievements? Adrian Gostick says that about one-third of managers in the Fortune 100 companies he works with are, like my old editor, dead set against the idea of praising people. "They don't believe in it. They're always the ones sitting in the back of the room at our seminars with their arms folded, and that negativity often spreads to others," he says. "To overcome their resistance, we start by asking why they don't want to. Often they say they don't have time. But another big reason is, lots of managers want to be seen as 'tough', and recognizing people looks 'soft' to them. Another obstacle is that they just don't know how."
That doesn't mean your boss can't change. Gostick says that, in a former career as vice president of a bank, "I had to be told to recognize people. My employees urged me to do it." He adds, "We've found that, if you encourage a reluctant boss to start with just a few small things, he or she is often pleasantly surprised by the response and will want to do more."
"The Carrot Principle" is full of creative ideas for thanking employees, and you might take a look at those, and pass a few suggestions along to your boss. But some of them - like buying lunch for all employees who have to work on a Saturday and inviting their families to join them; or springing for an extra plane ticket so a spouse can accompany an employee on a business trip - may be too much for the budget. No problem.
Says co-author Chester Elton, "You don't need to spend a lot of money to make an employee feel valued. We find that a handwritten thank-you note, which costs next to nothing and takes just a couple of minutes, is something people really love to get. It's far more effective than an e-mail, especially if it's timely and specific. It should say, not just 'Way to go!', but 'You did a terrific job on that XYZ project'. We've seen people who are so pleased to get these that they keep them for years."
But let's say you show your boss the bottom-line results of Gostick and Elton's research and make a few gentle suggestions for how to start recognizing people, and he doesn't budge. You know the grassroots-political maxim, "Be the change you'd like to see in the world"? If you were to make a habit of thanking colleagues and praising the people around you for a job well done - beginning with (why not?) your boss - who knows? You just might start something big.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/11/news/economy/annie_praise.fortune/index.htm?section=magazines_fortune
Technorati Tags: human+resources, workplace, ethics, office, management, motivation, corporate
Friday, April 06, 2007
Atlanta Investing Named Finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award
Atlanta Investing Named Finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award
Atlanta Investing ranked among the fastest growing companies in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA – April 6, 2007 -- Atlanta Investing, Inc., a residential Atlanta real estate investment company specializing in foreclosures, announced that it has been selected as a finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award. Atlanta Investing joins an elite group of fast-growing, successful companies in the Atlanta area.
The annual Pacesetter list is compiled by the editors of the Atlanta Business Chronicle To qualify for the award the companies must be headquartered in Atlanta, must have 2006 revenue between $1 million and $300 million, and must have two years of growth in sales of more than 50 percent. Companies are ranked by a growth index formula, which is used to level the playing fields among companies of different sizes. Factors in the formula include the percent change and absolute change in revenue and number of employees.
"We are excited to be selected as a finalist for the 2007 Pacesetter Awards. We’ve experienced tremendous growth over the last two years and it’s due to the outstanding work done by our staff on behalf of our clients”, said Chris Wall, President of Atlanta Investing. About Atlanta Investing
Atlanta Investing, Inc. is a residential Atlanta real estate investment company specializing in foreclosures. The company acquires distressed properties and works with investor clients to match the perfect property to each investor. Most wholesale properties are offered 30 percent or more below market value to its investors. For information on future open houses, consulting services and real estate seminars, please call Atlanta Investing at 770-934-6906 or visit http://www.atlantainvesting.com.
Technorati Tags: atlanta+investing, atlanta, flip, house, real+estate, fixer+upper, atlanta+investment+properties, residential+real+estate
Atlanta Investing ranked among the fastest growing companies in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA – April 6, 2007 -- Atlanta Investing, Inc., a residential Atlanta real estate investment company specializing in foreclosures, announced that it has been selected as a finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award. Atlanta Investing joins an elite group of fast-growing, successful companies in the Atlanta area.
The annual Pacesetter list is compiled by the editors of the Atlanta Business Chronicle To qualify for the award the companies must be headquartered in Atlanta, must have 2006 revenue between $1 million and $300 million, and must have two years of growth in sales of more than 50 percent. Companies are ranked by a growth index formula, which is used to level the playing fields among companies of different sizes. Factors in the formula include the percent change and absolute change in revenue and number of employees.
"We are excited to be selected as a finalist for the 2007 Pacesetter Awards. We’ve experienced tremendous growth over the last two years and it’s due to the outstanding work done by our staff on behalf of our clients”, said Chris Wall, President of Atlanta Investing. About Atlanta Investing
Atlanta Investing, Inc. is a residential Atlanta real estate investment company specializing in foreclosures. The company acquires distressed properties and works with investor clients to match the perfect property to each investor. Most wholesale properties are offered 30 percent or more below market value to its investors. For information on future open houses, consulting services and real estate seminars, please call Atlanta Investing at 770-934-6906 or visit http://www.atlantainvesting.com.
Technorati Tags: atlanta+investing, atlanta, flip, house, real+estate, fixer+upper, atlanta+investment+properties, residential+real+estate
Office affairs in a small business
I work for a small company and it seems there is an office affair going on by a supervisor and a staff member, who are both married. Everyone in the office is aware of the situation and rumors are flying. It's awkward.
How do people deal with this type of work environment? It's not healthy or professional. I don't respect my supervisor. If management is supposed to address personnel problems like this and he IS the management, where does that leave the staff? Just turn the other cheek, I guess.
Workplace romance: love affairs and lawsuits
http://www.gruntledemployees.com/gruntled_employees/2006/11/workplace_roman.html
Dealing With Workplace Affairs And Other Office Dilemmas
http://www.careerjournal.com/columnists/workfamily/20050916-workfamily.html
How do people deal with this type of work environment? It's not healthy or professional. I don't respect my supervisor. If management is supposed to address personnel problems like this and he IS the management, where does that leave the staff? Just turn the other cheek, I guess.
Workplace romance: love affairs and lawsuits
http://www.gruntledemployees.com/gruntled_employees/2006/11/workplace_roman.html
Dealing With Workplace Affairs And Other Office Dilemmas
http://www.careerjournal.com/columnists/workfamily/20050916-workfamily.html
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The Iraq War Through US Soldiers' Eyes
Although I don't agree with the war, I wanted to do something to support the brave men and women of the United States who are fighting on behalf of our country. I heard about Adoptaplatoon on a local Atlanta radio station a few years ago.
www.adoptaplatoon.org is a wonderful non-profit organization where you can adopt a soldier to support and send care packages and/or letters. Check it out. You don't always hear back from your soldier for obvious reasons, but I have been surprised by the soldiers that have emailed and written back their heartfelt thanks for my support. There are many soldiers who don't even receive letters from their own families, so please reach out to them if you can. Make their day with mail call.
Here are some blogs by soldiers and families of soldiers - it's the best way to gain perspective on what is going on through their eyes.
Midnight in Iraq : US Marine in Iraq
http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/
Daily Life of A Marine Mom - Her son is in Iraq
http://usmcmom.blogspot.com/
American Soldier
http://www.soldierlife.com/
Iraq War News
http://iraqwarnews.net/
Technorati Tags: adopt, soldier, adoptaplatoon, platoon, support
www.adoptaplatoon.org is a wonderful non-profit organization where you can adopt a soldier to support and send care packages and/or letters. Check it out. You don't always hear back from your soldier for obvious reasons, but I have been surprised by the soldiers that have emailed and written back their heartfelt thanks for my support. There are many soldiers who don't even receive letters from their own families, so please reach out to them if you can. Make their day with mail call.
Here are some blogs by soldiers and families of soldiers - it's the best way to gain perspective on what is going on through their eyes.
Midnight in Iraq : US Marine in Iraq
http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/
Daily Life of A Marine Mom - Her son is in Iraq
http://usmcmom.blogspot.com/
American Soldier
http://www.soldierlife.com/
Iraq War News
http://iraqwarnews.net/
Technorati Tags: adopt, soldier, adoptaplatoon, platoon, support
Monday, March 19, 2007
Wholesale Atlanta Properties - Flip this house
Looking for Distressed/Wholesale Atlanta Properties to Flip?
Atlanta Investing, Inc. is a residential real estate investment company specializing in foreclosures in the Atlanta area. Atlanta Investing acquires the properties and works with investor clients to match the perfect property to each investor.
Most properties are offered 30% or more below market value to its investors. Sign up for our free 7 part newsletter “Learn How to Make Money with Real Estate Investing” and learn key real estate investing strategies including evaluating a deal, securing financing, best areas to buy and more.
Investors can subscribe online at http://www.atlantainvesting.com.
Subscribers can also receive updates on new property listings in the metro Atlanta area and receive a link to a free Foreclosure List via e-mail in less than 60 seconds.
For more information, call 770-934-6906 or visit http://www.atlantainvesting.com./
Friday, March 16, 2007
An Anniversary, St. Patrick's Day and March Madness.
Life is good. This is quite possibly one of the best weekends of the year! Today is our wedding anniversary, tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day on a Saturday, no less, and it is march madness. Let the games begin!
Erin go bragh!
http://www.guinness.com
Beware the angry leprechaun
http://www.liquidgeneration.com/Media/Default.aspx?MediaId=386
http://www.liquidgeneration.com/Media/eCards/The_Evil_Leprechaun_Lovely_Lassie/
March hoops bracketology
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology
Erin go bragh!
http://www.guinness.com
Beware the angry leprechaun
http://www.liquidgeneration.com/Media/Default.aspx?MediaId=386
http://www.liquidgeneration.com/Media/eCards/The_Evil_Leprechaun_Lovely_Lassie/
March hoops bracketology
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Swiper, witches and crocagators, oh my!
My 3 year old daughter is having bad dreams just like I used to. I worry about it but we filter her television viewing to preschool shows and try to turn off the tv a lot. I know we read stories with bad people and I guess it's just going to happen. I am trying to talk about it more with her so it won't seem as scary. Here is a good article about nightmares and preschoolers on babycenter, my bible.
http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/preschooler/psleep/64922.html
Technorati Tags: bad+dreams, preschooler, parenting, swiper
http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/preschooler/psleep/64922.html
Technorati Tags: bad+dreams, preschooler, parenting, swiper
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
'The Office' As a Training Tool
I started watching "The Office" a few months ago on maternity leave. Previously, it was too painful to watch as it reminded me of bad managers and unhealthy workplaces that I have experienced as a worker bee. Now I have been able to get past the pain and laugh. And laugh and laugh.
Here are some interesting insights into "The Office" and how it pertains to real life management and training in the workplace. Worker bees unite! Managers, please read!
NPR Business
'The Office' as Management Training Tool
Morning Edition, October 25, 2006 · The dysfunctional workplace portrayed in the TV show The Office rings true to many viewers. It also provides a roadmap of how not to manage a workplace.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6380073
Must See TV: Lessons from NBC's "The Office"
December 01, 2006
What can "The Office" teach you about managing a sales force? Plenty.
By Rebecca Aronauer
http://www.salesandmarketing.com/msg/content_display/publications/e3i778b0e5af917c8c649a51ebf1bd4fe4b?imw=Y
Technorati Tags: the+office, training, motivation, hr, human+resources, management, bad+boss
Here are some interesting insights into "The Office" and how it pertains to real life management and training in the workplace. Worker bees unite! Managers, please read!
NPR Business
'The Office' as Management Training Tool
Morning Edition, October 25, 2006 · The dysfunctional workplace portrayed in the TV show The Office rings true to many viewers. It also provides a roadmap of how not to manage a workplace.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6380073
Must See TV: Lessons from NBC's "The Office"
December 01, 2006
What can "The Office" teach you about managing a sales force? Plenty.
By Rebecca Aronauer
http://www.salesandmarketing.com/msg/content_display/publications/e3i778b0e5af917c8c649a51ebf1bd4fe4b?imw=Y
Technorati Tags: the+office, training, motivation, hr, human+resources, management, bad+boss
Sunday, January 28, 2007
80s Music in Commercials
It is disturbing to see some of my favorite songs from the 80s infiltrating the tv commercial landscape.
The The has sold out to M&Ms which I never thought that I would see. The Cure was featured in a polaroid ad a few years ago, but there are many popping up now.
Our House for Maxwell House?
Don't You Want Me for Chips Ahoy?
This is getting ridiculous.
Here is a list of songs from the 80s that have been "butchered" by tv commercials:
Songs from the Eighties That Have Been In Commercials, Index
Well, it was bound to happen, and it has been happening now for a while, Commercials bleeding the memory of the eighties, for music. The first one I remember is "Like A Rock" and then "Born in the USA." Now it's food items. What's next? I'd love to hear your recomendations.
http://www.inthe80s.com/adsmusic/
Technorati Tags: 80s, music, commercials
The The has sold out to M&Ms which I never thought that I would see. The Cure was featured in a polaroid ad a few years ago, but there are many popping up now.
Our House for Maxwell House?
Don't You Want Me for Chips Ahoy?
This is getting ridiculous.
Here is a list of songs from the 80s that have been "butchered" by tv commercials:
Songs from the Eighties That Have Been In Commercials, Index
Well, it was bound to happen, and it has been happening now for a while, Commercials bleeding the memory of the eighties, for music. The first one I remember is "Like A Rock" and then "Born in the USA." Now it's food items. What's next? I'd love to hear your recomendations.
http://www.inthe80s.com/adsmusic/
Technorati Tags: 80s, music, commercials
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Maternity Leave - 2 glorious weeks left of mini-retirement
I have two weeks left of my wonderful maternity leave before I have to leave my daughter at daycare (which will rip my heart out) and rejoin the ranks of corporate america. I return to work a bit older, and a bit wiser this time around. And a major fan of the tv show The Office.
My job is just that - a job. I work to live, I do not live to work. I have a great husband and two beautiful daughters and they are my everything. So now I am faced with the guilt most working moms feel. How can I leave my kids at a daycare and go work? Emotionally and financially, it is hard, but it is what I need to do for myself and my family.
My future goal is finding an ideal part time job by the time my kids go to school so at least I can be home when they get home. These times are different than when I was a child, but I don't think our children are suffering for it. My daughters are learning at an earlier age - social skills, learning skills, you name it.
Yes, it would be nice to be home and have the luxury of spending more time with them. But either way, the quality time you spend with your kids is so important. And yes, I can work and have a family balance and all that good stuff. How is it that men aren't questioned to balance work and family life, rather it is accepted, but for women, the same is not true?
I have friends who work and friends who are stay at home moms and there are issues and rewards with each situation. The battle we face internally and among ourselves is constant and the guilt is always there - am I doing what is best for my family? For me? And the judgment is out there. But I don't care if others judge me for working. I believe that you have to have time for yourself, time for you as a married couple and time for your family. I believe my job is part of my "me" time and I contribute towards our household which gives us many choices and a lifestyle we enjoy living. It also makes me feel accomplished.
I just hope that society will be more willing to accept working moms as a positive force and end the judgment that all women feel, whatever choice they make. In the end, we are all working hard and working moms - it's just a different title, office space and type of superior. For stay at home moms, the job never ends. For working moms, there are two jobs to balance - the one at work and one at home. Either way, it's a tough role. Let's all support each other as we make our way.
My job is just that - a job. I work to live, I do not live to work. I have a great husband and two beautiful daughters and they are my everything. So now I am faced with the guilt most working moms feel. How can I leave my kids at a daycare and go work? Emotionally and financially, it is hard, but it is what I need to do for myself and my family.
My future goal is finding an ideal part time job by the time my kids go to school so at least I can be home when they get home. These times are different than when I was a child, but I don't think our children are suffering for it. My daughters are learning at an earlier age - social skills, learning skills, you name it.
Yes, it would be nice to be home and have the luxury of spending more time with them. But either way, the quality time you spend with your kids is so important. And yes, I can work and have a family balance and all that good stuff. How is it that men aren't questioned to balance work and family life, rather it is accepted, but for women, the same is not true?
I have friends who work and friends who are stay at home moms and there are issues and rewards with each situation. The battle we face internally and among ourselves is constant and the guilt is always there - am I doing what is best for my family? For me? And the judgment is out there. But I don't care if others judge me for working. I believe that you have to have time for yourself, time for you as a married couple and time for your family. I believe my job is part of my "me" time and I contribute towards our household which gives us many choices and a lifestyle we enjoy living. It also makes me feel accomplished.
I just hope that society will be more willing to accept working moms as a positive force and end the judgment that all women feel, whatever choice they make. In the end, we are all working hard and working moms - it's just a different title, office space and type of superior. For stay at home moms, the job never ends. For working moms, there are two jobs to balance - the one at work and one at home. Either way, it's a tough role. Let's all support each other as we make our way.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Waiting in Line Etiquette at the UPS Store
I don't know what topic to file this post under, but it's just plain wrong what happened to me.
I took my 2 month old to the UPS store this week so we could ship Grandma's Christmas gift in time to make it for the holiday. I walked up to the register and there was one person in the store other than the employee and she was making copies.
So I am waiting at the register with my infant in a car seat for about two minutes. The woman making copies goes to the other register and the employee waits on her first. Fine, she was already here, no problem. Whatever.
Then it's my turn. I give him my envelope and he weighs it. Then I see this large, tattooed, white-bearded man appear (no NOT Santa) and he starts complaining loudly how he "might as well go to the $#%& post office". So the employee gives me my package back and WAITS ON HIM. Then my brain starts going into complete shock and my face starts to contort.
The woman, then leaving the store, stops by to tell me that it's okay, he was here first, but he just WENT TO KROGER and then came back. As if it would make me feel better. During the busiest shipping week of the year.
Uh, in my book, when you wait in line, you WAIT IN LINE. You don't leave for another store and keep your spot in line. There is no invisible Georgia line holding law that this jacka-- was covered under. And I absolutely cannot believe that the employee started to wait on me and then stopped when the man started bickering and waited on him. Shame on you, UPS store in Cumming GA. I will never go to your establishment again.
I don't know who to tell about this, Clark Howard or Dane Cook.
Anyway, my two month old fussed less than that tattooed old man. Bah humbug to you old man and employee who waited on him.
You have one bad experience, you tell 30 people. That employee needs to remember this...
Now what do you do? Well, I will tell everyone I know.
Do NOT go here!
The UPS Store 4473
2659 Freedom Pkwy
Cumming, GA 30041 USA
770 886-7774
I took my 2 month old to the UPS store this week so we could ship Grandma's Christmas gift in time to make it for the holiday. I walked up to the register and there was one person in the store other than the employee and she was making copies.
So I am waiting at the register with my infant in a car seat for about two minutes. The woman making copies goes to the other register and the employee waits on her first. Fine, she was already here, no problem. Whatever.
Then it's my turn. I give him my envelope and he weighs it. Then I see this large, tattooed, white-bearded man appear (no NOT Santa) and he starts complaining loudly how he "might as well go to the $#%& post office". So the employee gives me my package back and WAITS ON HIM. Then my brain starts going into complete shock and my face starts to contort.
The woman, then leaving the store, stops by to tell me that it's okay, he was here first, but he just WENT TO KROGER and then came back. As if it would make me feel better. During the busiest shipping week of the year.
Uh, in my book, when you wait in line, you WAIT IN LINE. You don't leave for another store and keep your spot in line. There is no invisible Georgia line holding law that this jacka-- was covered under. And I absolutely cannot believe that the employee started to wait on me and then stopped when the man started bickering and waited on him. Shame on you, UPS store in Cumming GA. I will never go to your establishment again.
I don't know who to tell about this, Clark Howard or Dane Cook.
Anyway, my two month old fussed less than that tattooed old man. Bah humbug to you old man and employee who waited on him.
You have one bad experience, you tell 30 people. That employee needs to remember this...
Now what do you do? Well, I will tell everyone I know.
Do NOT go here!
The UPS Store 4473
2659 Freedom Pkwy
Cumming, GA 30041 USA
770 886-7774
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
A New Mom the Second Time Around
The Second Time's the Charm!
When I had my first daughter, I felt a wild hormonal mix of elation and anxiety as I tried to figure out how to care for my newborn. I thought that she was so fragile that she could break and I was afraid to change her clothes. Her cries ripped at my heart and my blood pulsed heavily through my body as I tried to determine the cause of my sweetheart's discomfort. It eventually got better and I was soon a pro or at least semi-pro by the time she was a few months old.
There is good news for moms pregnant with your second born if you felt the same way: the second time around, I feel more a mix of hormones, elation and energy. I am more confident in handling my second daughter and I am more patient and calm when she is upset and fussy. It is still tough - the sleep depravation still exists, finding time for my husband is challenging and now I have a preschooler to tend to as well as a newborn, but I am definitely stronger this time around. My family is growing and so have I!
My husband and I are very proud of our family and are baffled that we have come so far from the teenagers we were when we met. It is important to have time as a couple, a family and as individuals.
Anyway, back to parenting the second time around. Trying to communicate with and listen to my daughter as she communicates with me is an important part of the parenting process.
Which is why yesterday's Oprah had such an impact on me.
A guest on the show has studied cries of newborns and has determined five essential messages that babies communicate by instinct. Check out the video and details for yourself. If you have a child from 0-3 months, this is a must-see/must-read. I am already deciphering differences in my daughter's cries and it makes all the difference.
Here are the links and good luck!
The Secret Language of Babies on Oprah
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200611/tows_past_20061113.jhtml
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200611/20061113/slide_20061113_350_101.jhtml
Watch the video of babies and their different cries
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200611/20061113/slide_20061113_350_102.jhtml
The Dunstan Baby Language DVD - order your copy at www.dunstanbaby.com.
When I had my first daughter, I felt a wild hormonal mix of elation and anxiety as I tried to figure out how to care for my newborn. I thought that she was so fragile that she could break and I was afraid to change her clothes. Her cries ripped at my heart and my blood pulsed heavily through my body as I tried to determine the cause of my sweetheart's discomfort. It eventually got better and I was soon a pro or at least semi-pro by the time she was a few months old.
There is good news for moms pregnant with your second born if you felt the same way: the second time around, I feel more a mix of hormones, elation and energy. I am more confident in handling my second daughter and I am more patient and calm when she is upset and fussy. It is still tough - the sleep depravation still exists, finding time for my husband is challenging and now I have a preschooler to tend to as well as a newborn, but I am definitely stronger this time around. My family is growing and so have I!
My husband and I are very proud of our family and are baffled that we have come so far from the teenagers we were when we met. It is important to have time as a couple, a family and as individuals.
Anyway, back to parenting the second time around. Trying to communicate with and listen to my daughter as she communicates with me is an important part of the parenting process.
Which is why yesterday's Oprah had such an impact on me.
A guest on the show has studied cries of newborns and has determined five essential messages that babies communicate by instinct. Check out the video and details for yourself. If you have a child from 0-3 months, this is a must-see/must-read. I am already deciphering differences in my daughter's cries and it makes all the difference.
Here are the links and good luck!
The Secret Language of Babies on Oprah
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200611/tows_past_20061113.jhtml
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200611/20061113/slide_20061113_350_101.jhtml
Watch the video of babies and their different cries
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200611/20061113/slide_20061113_350_102.jhtml
The Dunstan Baby Language DVD - order your copy at www.dunstanbaby.com.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Auburn defeats Alabama in Iron Bowl for 5th year in a row.
War Damn Eagle!
Is it me or did CBS' commentators seem like they were broadcasting from the Alabama Network? Anywhoo, Auburn defeated the Crimson Tide and has bragging rights for a fifth consecutive year. Woo hoo! Fear the thumb!
High five. Low tide.
Auburn wins 5th straight 22-15 over Bama
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/college/4345663.html
Auburn Seniors Get Lifetime Supply Of Bragging Rights
http://www.nbc13.com/news/10362096/detail.html
ClayNation Dixieland Delight College Football Tour: Auburn at Alabama
http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/9817786
Technorati Tags: auburn+football, auburn+university, iron+bowl, war+eagle
Is it me or did CBS' commentators seem like they were broadcasting from the Alabama Network? Anywhoo, Auburn defeated the Crimson Tide and has bragging rights for a fifth consecutive year. Woo hoo! Fear the thumb!
High five. Low tide.
Auburn wins 5th straight 22-15 over Bama
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/college/4345663.html
Auburn Seniors Get Lifetime Supply Of Bragging Rights
http://www.nbc13.com/news/10362096/detail.html
ClayNation Dixieland Delight College Football Tour: Auburn at Alabama
http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/9817786
Technorati Tags: auburn+football, auburn+university, iron+bowl, war+eagle
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Great October Movies to Watch
I just watched my annual viewing of Donnie Darko. It's an awesome, dark and brilliant movie to watch in October. The soundtrack is also an excellent mix of dark alternative 80s music with the movie being set in 1988. Jake Gyllenhaal is at his best and it's a great way to get into the Halloween spirit.
What's it about, you say? Watch it and tell me. There are many theories out there. There are also some cool web sites analyzing the movie. Check it out.
Official Donnie Darko web site
http://www.donniedarko.com/
Fanlisting for Donnie Darko
http://creative-escape.org/donniedarko/
Cellar Door
http://ruinedeye.com/cd/
Other great October movies (besides the classics - these are newer ones)
The Butterfly Effect - director's cut ONLY
The Grudge
The Ring
The Skeleton Key
Constantine
Technorati Tags: october, movies, donnie+darko, halloween+movies
What's it about, you say? Watch it and tell me. There are many theories out there. There are also some cool web sites analyzing the movie. Check it out.
Official Donnie Darko web site
http://www.donniedarko.com/
Fanlisting for Donnie Darko
http://creative-escape.org/donniedarko/
Cellar Door
http://ruinedeye.com/cd/
Other great October movies (besides the classics - these are newer ones)
The Butterfly Effect - director's cut ONLY
The Grudge
The Ring
The Skeleton Key
Constantine
Technorati Tags: october, movies, donnie+darko, halloween+movies
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Flip This House!
I have discovered this show and it's pretty interesting to watch.
I also have a client who buys/sells Atlanta wholesale residential investment properties that people invest in or flip, and this industry is booming.
But I still think it takes money to make money. People need to be careful when getting into residential real estate investing. Do your homework, get good business references and have fun. Good luck!
Flip This Show on A&E
www.aetv.com/flipthishouse
Atlanta Investing
www.atlantainvesting.com
I also have a client who buys/sells Atlanta wholesale residential investment properties that people invest in or flip, and this industry is booming.
But I still think it takes money to make money. People need to be careful when getting into residential real estate investing. Do your homework, get good business references and have fun. Good luck!
Flip This Show on A&E
www.aetv.com/flipthishouse
Atlanta Investing
www.atlantainvesting.com
Friday, September 22, 2006
With Birds I Share This Lonely View
Remember when you heard a song on the radio and sang what you thought the lyrics were? I have made many a singing faux pas with my pals - from Guns N Roses "take me down to the very last city" (paradise city) to Billy Idol "I supply the fish." (eyes without a face)
Thank goodness there are now lyrical web sites available to save you from embarrassment and a future of years of teasing. Here are some good ones to reference. I am still trying to learn Green Day's Holiday. I love it but I can't figure out the words! Good luck and happy singing.
http://www.lyrics.com/
http://lyrics.astraweb.com/
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/
http://www.lyricsondemand.com
Books on Amazon:
Blinded by the Lyrics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0806526955/ref=reg_hu-wl_list-recs/104-4743677-2343902?ie=UTF8
Scuse Me While I Kiss This Guy and other misheard lyrics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0740759930/ref=reg_hu-wl_mrai-recs/104-4743677-2343902?ie=UTF8
Technorati Tags: song+lyrics, lyrics, song
Thank goodness there are now lyrical web sites available to save you from embarrassment and a future of years of teasing. Here are some good ones to reference. I am still trying to learn Green Day's Holiday. I love it but I can't figure out the words! Good luck and happy singing.
http://www.lyrics.com/
http://lyrics.astraweb.com/
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/
http://www.lyricsondemand.com
Books on Amazon:
Blinded by the Lyrics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0806526955/ref=reg_hu-wl_list-recs/104-4743677-2343902?ie=UTF8
Scuse Me While I Kiss This Guy and other misheard lyrics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0740759930/ref=reg_hu-wl_mrai-recs/104-4743677-2343902?ie=UTF8
Technorati Tags: song+lyrics, lyrics, song
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Planet Pluto
Poor Pluto. I grew up with 9 planets in my solar system and now they decide to change that, among other things. I will fight this! When my daughter has to make a shoebox diorama of the planets at school, this family is including Pluto! Stop the madness!!! How many schoolbooks have to be changed now? Calling Pluto a dwarf planet is like demoting it. It's just wrong.
Astronomers: Pluto just a dwarf
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2006-08-24-pluto_x.htm
Pluto, and ya don't stop
http://blogs.usatoday.com/techspace/2006/08/pluto_and_ya_do.html
Astronomers: Pluto just a dwarf
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2006-08-24-pluto_x.htm
Pluto, and ya don't stop
http://blogs.usatoday.com/techspace/2006/08/pluto_and_ya_do.html
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Snakes on a Plane!
This is one of the coolest movie promotions that I have seen. You can send your friend a personal message from Samuel Jackson regarding the movie over email or the phone. Check it out!
http://snakesonaplane.varitalk.com/
http://snakesonaplane.varitalk.com/
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Canon MP390 printer problems
I am having many problems with this all in one printer. After reading message boards about it - I recommend NOT buying one. Canon discontinued it and many people are having problems with the printer head. I cannot print pictures at all. It has been a total nightmare. Warning to all!
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