Saw a segment on the Today Show yesterday about bartering in a tough economy. Everything from cars to vacations to haircuts to decorating is fair game. As things get tighter, how can we get what we need without spending money? For about 5 years now, I’ve been bartering with web designer Kevin Prutzman (an excellent…
A Blip on the Work Radar
It was more than a little scary to be driving late Sunday night from Manhattan to Philadelphia in a big snowstorm. I’m okay with the snow and driving – I’m not okay with being passed by idiots doing 70-80 when conditions (and warning signs) call for 35 and under. If I die at the hands…
Are Moms Bad for Business?
I’m about to offend a lot of women who designate themselves as WAHMs – work-at-home moms. It’s not an intent to offend, and it’s not a character bashing. It’s some advice on how to market yourself. Start first by removing the WAHM from anything associated with your business. Thank God for Scott Stratten. He posted…
Grammar Nails on Chalkboard
I received a nice note from Jo Anne, who stopped by here last week. She’d read a post or two about grammar peeves, and she brought up one of her own – the misuse of the word “myself” in place of the word “me.” Example: “Jane and myself agree that proper grammar use is important.”…
Monthly Assessment – February
The week started slowly, but thanks to Wednesday and Thursday, my brain is now smoking and needing a rest. That’s why today is my mental health day and no one beyond my family will be able to locate me quickly. That I’m considering hiding from the homeward-bound college kids is proof I’m toasted. It’s that…
Playing to Your Strengths
If I could bottle yesterday, I’d seal it tight and bury it under several layers of rock, dirt, silt, and anything else that would hold it down. Too many deadlines, too much work. Today, I woke up with the expected headache. Today will be a lot like yesterday. But I’m taking tomorrow off. I need…
Honors, Followers, and Proof I’m Not Making This Up
I would like to thank both Lillie and Susan for kindly bestowing upon me the Premio Dardas Award, which is for blogs that have literary and artistic value. I’m really honored for that, ladies. I’m so glad to hear my ramblings have held some value over the last few years. While I’m at it, I’d…
Getting Proactive on Your Arses
If you want to sum up my opinion of job boards and searching want ads, just use the word “passive.” That’s what it is, you know. It’s passive job searching, waiting for someone to post their wants and then preparing queries to suit the ad. And then waiting for a response that may never come….
Self-inflicted Depression
Maybe it was because it was late on Friday or maybe it was because I had more sugar/less sugar than I should have, but I sat in this chair at 5 pm doubting myself. Yes, even we cheerleaders (or wannabes – former wallflower here) get the blues. I can tell you how it began and…
When Work Gets In the Way
I tried several times to start an article yesterday, but 300 words in I had to give it up. I have a regular gig with a client and that gig requires me to send back revisions same day because of already-promised deadlines. If you know me, you know punctuality is my middle name (my maiden…