Happy Father's Day!

A huge shout out to all the dad's this weekend...Have a fabulous Father's Day!

One summer day, while I was living at home with my parents - newly graduated and not trying too hard to find a job - I woke up early enough to have breakfast with my dad.  It was the middle of the week and the day was going to be one of those perfect summer days in Minnesota - just the right temperature, no clouds, no wind, not humid - a perfect day for boating on the Mississippi River, which was an outing only reserved for the weekends.  I suggested to my dad that he should play hookie from work and we could spend the day on the river...  He glanced over his paper and proceeded to lecture about how he was the owner of a successful business with employees that worked hard for him, etc, etc, and that in the "real working world", that he wished I would join sooner rather than later, you do not play hookie from work to go boating.  I got the hint and told him I would spend the day working on my resume and start looking for jobs.  He went off to work and I probably started surfing the net.  About thirty minutes later, the phone rang...it was my dad... he said, "pack up a cooler, we're going boating, pick you up in fifteen minutes."  I was thrilled - it really was the perfect day to be on the water and I know my dad really enjoyed it too.  It's a day I will always treasure.  Thank you, Dad! 

My husband is a great father and I hope that our kids have the same treasured memories of time spent with him.  For now, they are his little helpers, but soon enough they will be suggesting he play hookie from work to meet him for a round of golf.
Happy Father's Day, Dad!  Happy Father's Day, Matt!

Experts: Dads embracing active parenting more

Summer is here!

 

Before...



After...



 Ready, steady, GO!  June has arrived...actually it's half over..where have I been these last two weeks?!.  I have been moving non-stop, to the best of my abilities, between work, swim lessons for the kids, the UPS shipping facility, and my sewing room.  It's not actually a sewing room as much as it is the temporary setup I have going on in our dining room. 

Since swimming lessons occur every day for two weeks straight during dinner time, we aren't really dining in that room anyway...best it be put to another use, right?  "What are you sewing," you ask?  Ah... the answer will reveal itself soon - stay tuned for my guest blog appearance at http://www.filigree-design.com/. 

Summer hasn't officially started, but since the temperature outside has been over 100 for a few weeks now, I can't help feeling like summer is already here.  Remember having summers off?  You could go boating, sleep in, stay out late, play tennis, build a fort or tree house.  Wouldn't it be great if our work calendar matched the school calendar...?  Ah, I digress... speaking of tree houses, did I show you the end result of our Memorial Day weekend?  Check out the before and after photos...



Actually, it's the "Uff-da Palace" by Patrick Dougherty.  His work is pretty amazing!  The "Uff-da Palace" can be seen at the Minnesota Arboretum through the end of this year.  To see more of his work, click on the link below...
 http://www.stickwork.net/ 

Happy Memorial Day Weekend...

Just a quick post to show that I am determined to keep my word, and track record, for a weekly posting...I cut it a little close this week.  I'm excited about the long weekend.  Are you?  Historically this weekend is reserved for a fabulous time with my friend Amanda and the State Capitol Tour of our choosing.  No fears fans of "our journey to be the only two ladies who have visited all State Capitols by the time we are 80"...we are just postponing the trip a few months.  Instead, this weekend...well, this is what we are doing...

Bulk Trash pickup is scheduled for Tuesday, May 31...the deal is Matt cuts, I bag....say a prayer to mother nature in the hope our trees will come back (again) from the frost we had this past winter.  Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!

Taking A Compliment...

"Cute shoes!"
"These...?  I got them for $20 at Payless."

"You are a great rep, thank you for running these samples over so quickly."
"It's no big deal, it's my job."

"That dress looks great on you."
"Oh my gosh, I made it...I think it hangs longer on the left side...don't look too close at the seams."

This is a challenge to all of you out there who do this, including me...  STOP IT! Let's stop devaluing ourselves and demeaning those who give us compliments by learning to graciously accept them.  Whose with me?  Let's practice now...

"Cute shoes!"
"Thank you!"
"You are a great rep, thank you for running these samples over today."
"Thank you, I appreciate hearing that."
 "That dress looks great on you."
"Thank you, I recently learned to sew and made it myself."

Another good article by Karina Bland, from the Arizona Republic...

"Regardless of why I dodge compliments, I'm sending the wrong message. I'm trying to appear humble, but, instead, it probably makes me look less confident in myself and my abilities. And here's the thing: I am a persuasive person. If I keep this up, I could actually convince people that I'm not as great as they think I am, that it was some sort of fluke that I pulled off that outfit, that meal or that story, not because I have the talent or did the work."...Karina Bland

Click on the link for the entire article:  Taking A Compliment...

A night at the MIM...

Last month my husband, Matt, and I enjoyed a night out at the MIM, the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ.  It was by invitation of the University of St. Thomas Alumni Association that we got to go.  The Chamber Winds ensemble gave a wonderful one hour performance and the food and beverage set up was amazing.  It was all compliments of Bob Ulrich, founder of the MIM and member of the university's Board of Trustees, not to mention former CEO of Target Corp.  As you can see from the photo, I was probably the youngest alum by a good 20 years.  Our good fortune allowed us to get introduced to the president of the museum, Bill DeWalt, while standing in line for refreshments.  And Bob Ulrich sat three empty seats down from Matt.  It was a fun, free, night out on the town.  Thank you UST...go Tommy's!

Entrepreneurship...post ii: Create Your Own Dream Job

One of my readers suggested I take a look at the blog, zenhabits.net.  The article below was my first read, and I have to say that I'm hooked.  I like the simple, yet deep, writing style of Leo Babauta.  Breaking old and creating new habits is difficult, but Mr Babauta gives us a good starting point for where to begin.  

In part two of my Entrepreneurship series, I give you his zen habit on how to create your own dream job - it's a great read.  I hope you enjoy!

"If you’re out of a job or stuck in a lousy job, I feel for you. But look at your horrible situation as a wonderful opportunity to change your life and do something great. It could be the best thing you’ve ever done.", Leo Babauta.

Can't Find a Dream Job? Create Your Own

Entrepreneurship...a three post series

My first blog "series"...so exciting! I digress...

As most of my readers are all keenly aware, the architectural and interior design community has suffered great losses during this awful, yucky, economic recession. I'm part of that community so I can say from experience that it has been especially yucky.

According to an article on MSNBC.com , Architect was the #1 occupation for job losses in 2009. Unemployment jumped 17.8% in 2009 for that profession. They go on to say that it won't be until 2018 that architects and engineers see a 10% growth in their occupation. Sick to your stomach yet?

On a brighter note... Entrepreneurship in the USA jumped almost 6% in 2010. I believe it... I don't know what the percentage of new business owners are Architects, but I do know I've seen a lot of them branch out on their own and they are succeeding. The path to entrepreneurship can be by choice or by necessity, as the USA article below suggests. Click on the link to read more...

"Recession inspires people to start own business"

If you are one of the new entrepreneurs, please post a comment and share your journey. If you are thinking about starting your own company, stay tuned to future posts for inspiration on how to take that leap.

Mark your calendars! June 24th is "Take Your Dog To Work" Day

Milzy and Hammers

I'm sure you winter-weather-weary folks are looking forward to summer.  We are getting a glimpse of it here in the West - 80 degrees this weekend!

I discovered that June 24th is "Take Your Dog to Work" day and thought it might be something fun for you to plan for your office.

One of the perks of working from a home office is that my dogs, Hamilton and Milhouse, come to work with me every day.  Their main responsibility is to alert me when the UPS man is making a delivery, which is typically every other day.  Sometimes the delivers are made in the mornings, but most often it's right in the middle of nap time....for my kids, not me!  If only Hammers and Milzy could pull samples, return emails, or sweep up after themselves....

If you or your coworkers love your dogs as much as I do, convince them to celebrate the annual "Take Your Dog to Work Day" this summer.  See the website link below for more info about this great organization - while there, enter a photo for their contest! 

Take Your Dog To Work - June 24, 2011

Start getting your pooch ready for the event with the following tips, which can be found on their website:

Tips for Dog Day Success

• Dogs should be kept on a leash, unless in the employee's office or cubicle.
• Employees should use a baby gate to prevent dogs from leaving their office unsupervised.
• Specific areas, such as bathrooms or employee dining halls, can be designated as dog-free.
• Have a back up plan for taking the dog home if he is not comfortable in the work environment.
• Find a local pet sitter at petsit.com/locate to provide midday walks to employees' dogs.

The "dog days of summer" will be here before we know it, ...but probably not before some weird Easter blizzard for you folks in the Midwest...hang in there!

CLUTTER - noun: a crowded or confused mass or collection

www.clutter-buster.com

This article should inspire all of you who swear you are going to tackle the piles on your desk, the overstuffed front hall closet, junk drawer, backyard shed, shower you use for extra storage....someday.  According to the professional home organizer in the article below, if you've ever spent more than 10 seconds looking for anything in your house, then you need to declutter and get organized.  The process can be habit forming and good for your peace of mind. 

AZcentral_Professional Home Organizer Advice 

Karina Bland writes the weekly column My So Called Midlife for the Arizona Republic.  I look forward to reading it every Sunday.  You may like it too.  You can follow her blog (now that you know how to!) at:

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KarinaBland

Friendship in the digital age...not that much different from the stone age.

I thought the following article was very interesting...it is in regards to Dunbar's Number and Social Media friendships.  Dunbar's Number is "the limit on the number of individuals with whom one can have a personalized relationship". 

After an unscientific survey of my FB friends and Linkedin Connections, it seems to be the case that 150 is the average number of friends and connections we have in the digital world.  Let's face it...who has time to keep track of anymore than 150 people on a personal level!? 

I especially like the Community Attributes paragraph:  1. Trust.  If I don't know you or have had a personal experience with you, there is no chance of you being my friend or connection.  2. Peer Pressure.  It's true.  I will admit...if Chrissy is your friend on FB, then I will be your friend too. I always look for mutual friends.  If Chrissy is there, you're in. 

http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/17/internet-facebook-social-networking-business-friends-oxford.html

How many FB friends do you have?  Take the survey to the right.

Reconnecting...good for the soul.

I know what you're thinking..."Gosh, a whole month on vacation.  Lucky Mary!".  I wish!  I enjoyed my time off immensely, however, upon my return, the daily responsibilities of parenting, housekeeping, and work had quickly piled up.  To say the least, my inbox is a mess again.  Anyway...I spent my vacation reconnecting with my family, high school girlfriends, and my dance teachers - three important groups of people who all have influenced who I am today.

It was great to have my children interact with their aunts, uncle, and cousins... whom they do not get to see on a regular basis.  I loved spending time with my sister Cindy - it had been two years since the last time I saw her!!  My high school girlfriends have changed so much, yet, are still the same...in a very good way.  I wished I had snapped a photo of me with my dance teachers...drat!  It's the 30th Anniversary of Jan's School of Dance...definitely something to celebrate!  We are planning a "reunion" party during the recital this year. 

While I live far away, reconnecting with these special people reminded me of how important and beneficial it is to keep in touch with those who are and have been influential in our lives. 

The article below from http://www.healthywomen.org/ agrees -
http://www.healthywomen.org/content/blog-entry/reconnecting-old-friends.

High School Girlfriends - 12 years since we've all been together!

My Sisters and Brother - 3 years since we've all been together!

How to Prepare The Office For Your Vacation

1. Out of Office email....check! 
2. Change Voicemail...check! 
3. Update reports...eh...check-enough. 
4. Emergency Contact...check! 
5. Relax...well, after I successfully land at my destination I will relax. 

I'm taking a vacation, folks.  No worries, my loyal followers, I promise to come back refreshed and full of new ideas to share with you.  In the meantime, refer to the attached article to find out 5 must-do's to prepare your office for your next vacation.   

How to Prepare The Office For Your Vacation eHow.com

Empty Your Inbox

This post was inspired by my friend Emily, who updated her status on Facebook as "crawling out of an "inbox" mess" a few weeks ago. I've read where the looming backlog of messages in your inbox can create unnecessary stress. Who needs that? I found this article by Janet Baily, whose company is Mindful Time Management (http://www.mindfultimemanagement.com/). You should check out her website for other great time management suggestions. The link below offers a great methodology for cleaning out your inbox...so I gave it a try:
http://www.mindfultimemanagement.com/2009/10/approaching-the-inbox-with-a-shovel-or-maybe-a-bulldozer-tea-and-lots-of-chocolate/

I didn't have tea or chocolate...I drank a Michelob Ultra and ate pizza instead. It took two hours to file and delete my way to a better state of mind. I left 21 emails that will serve as my to-do list when I return to work on Monday. I'm afraid if I filed them, I'd just probably forget about them. Now, I just need to commit myself to keeping this practice up. Cheers!

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?

For an owl, it took 3 licks before he bit into it. I think the point being made was that no one really knows because it's impossible to wait that long. But perhaps the bigger point was that the owl didn't wait for the center to reveal itself...he took charge and made something happen. Just like a good sales person doesn't wait for an order to come to them, the good ones go out there and make them happen. Whether you are in a sales position or not, we all have an element or two of selling in the work we do. This year has been challenging, to say the least. However, those of us who approached this year with optimism and old fashioned hard work are probably starting to see the fruits of our labor....even if those fruits are smaller than in years past. Stay optimistic, keep up the hard work, and stay strong...only the strong will survive!

http://www.rethinkingsales.com/blog/2010/7/29/selling-only-the-strong-survive.html

"All Joy and No Fun"...do parents really hate parenting?

A good friend, and fellow working mom, directed my attention to the article below from New York Magazine. Do you hate parenting? I wouldn't necessarily say I hate parenting. I think "hate" is too strong of a word to describe the emotionally exhausting, sleep depriving, stressful work that is only part of the act of raising children. I will say, however, that my patience for parenting sure has waned since the temperature here has risen above 105 and the dew point seems to be stuck at 55 degrees (that means it's humid here in the desert), thus keeping the kids inside and underfoot. Why don't they play together? ...Seriously..., I'm asking you all,... why won't they play together in their awesome play room?! My children are close in age -20 months apart. Many people told me when I was pregnant for the second time, so soon after my first baby, that it would be fine. They told me they would be each other's best friend. Well, they don't seem to be best friends yet - not even close. I can't leave them alone for more than 5 minutes without my daughter, the youngest, screaming in tears after my son has surely done something naughty to her. I witness them kicking, hitting, biting, and sitting on each other all the time. Tears are aplenty around here...most often it being the kids who are crying. On the other hand, my son is the only one who can make my daughter laugh...like real deep down belly laugh. It's those moments, and of course, many, many, many others that bring me the most joy and confirm that having kids is worth all the work...dark circles under my eyes included.

All Joy and No Fun