Start planning your holiday party.
Start making your holiday mailing list.
Browse stores that are decorated with hints of the holiday.
Start Christmas shopping.
Think about what you have instead of what you do not have. be appreciative and grateful for your bed, roof over your head and food in your mouth.
Go to Manhattan and check out all the window displays by Sacks, Macy's and lord and taylor! Wonderful eye candy!
Start shopping for your holiday duds.
Shop around and scope the places where parties are happening. Grab a freind or two and attend!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Just get along.
Here are essential steps to constructively resolve conflicts at work. The steps can be applied to any kind of conflict between co-workers.
1: Realize that conflicts are inevitable at work
Show me a workplace without conflict and I’ll show you a workplace where no one gives a damn. Whenever people are engaged, committed and fired up, conflict and disagreement is bound to happen. This doesn’t mean you have to revel in conflict or create trouble just for the hell of it, but it does mean that when conflict happens it’s not the end of the world. Quite the contrary, it can even be the beginning of an interesting learning process. The very best and most efficient workplaces are not the ones without conflicts but those who handle conflicts constructively.
Particularly when a workplace is changing and new ideas are being dreamt up and implemented, conflict is inevitable. There can be no business change without conflict. The trick is to make sure that you also have no conflict without change, because that is the truly dangerous thing: Conflicts that go on for years with all parties refusing to budge.
The fact that you have a conflict at work does not reflect badly on you - it mostly means that you care enough to disagree strongly. That’s a good thing provided that you do something about the conflict instead of just letting it go on forever.
2: Handle conflict sooner rather than later
This is the single most important tip to successfully resolve conflicts: Do it now! It’s very tempting to wait for a conflict to blow over by itself, but it rarely does - in most cases it only gets worse with time. I refer you to this delightful cartoon by Claire Bretecher for an example.
90% of conflicts at work do not come from something that was said, but from something that wasn’t said! It’s tempting to try and smooth things over and pretend everything is normal. Don’t. That’s the most common reason why conflicts at work escalate: Nobody does anything. Everyone’s waiting for the other guy to pull himself together and “just admit he’s wrong, dammit”. It may be unpleasant to tackle the issue here and now but believe me, it gets even more unpleasant after the conflict has stewed for a good long while.
3: Ask!
In the early stages of a conflict the most powerful tool to resolve it is simple: Ask! If somebody has done something that made you angry, if you don’t understand somebody’s viewpoint, if you don’t understand their actions - ask!
Do it nicely. “Say, I was wondering why you did ‘X’ yesterday” or “I’ve noticed that you often do ‘Y’. Why is that?” are good examples. “Why the hell do you always have to ‘Z’!” is less constructive :o)
Sometimes there’s a perfectly good reason why that person does what he does, and a potential conflict evaporates right there. Also: Never assume that people do what they do to annoy you or spite you. People typically have a good reason to do the things they do, even the things that really get on your nerves. Never assume bad faith on anyone else’s part. Instead: Ask!
For the rest of them just click here.
1: Realize that conflicts are inevitable at work
Show me a workplace without conflict and I’ll show you a workplace where no one gives a damn. Whenever people are engaged, committed and fired up, conflict and disagreement is bound to happen. This doesn’t mean you have to revel in conflict or create trouble just for the hell of it, but it does mean that when conflict happens it’s not the end of the world. Quite the contrary, it can even be the beginning of an interesting learning process. The very best and most efficient workplaces are not the ones without conflicts but those who handle conflicts constructively.
Particularly when a workplace is changing and new ideas are being dreamt up and implemented, conflict is inevitable. There can be no business change without conflict. The trick is to make sure that you also have no conflict without change, because that is the truly dangerous thing: Conflicts that go on for years with all parties refusing to budge.
The fact that you have a conflict at work does not reflect badly on you - it mostly means that you care enough to disagree strongly. That’s a good thing provided that you do something about the conflict instead of just letting it go on forever.
2: Handle conflict sooner rather than later
This is the single most important tip to successfully resolve conflicts: Do it now! It’s very tempting to wait for a conflict to blow over by itself, but it rarely does - in most cases it only gets worse with time. I refer you to this delightful cartoon by Claire Bretecher for an example.
90% of conflicts at work do not come from something that was said, but from something that wasn’t said! It’s tempting to try and smooth things over and pretend everything is normal. Don’t. That’s the most common reason why conflicts at work escalate: Nobody does anything. Everyone’s waiting for the other guy to pull himself together and “just admit he’s wrong, dammit”. It may be unpleasant to tackle the issue here and now but believe me, it gets even more unpleasant after the conflict has stewed for a good long while.
3: Ask!
In the early stages of a conflict the most powerful tool to resolve it is simple: Ask! If somebody has done something that made you angry, if you don’t understand somebody’s viewpoint, if you don’t understand their actions - ask!
Do it nicely. “Say, I was wondering why you did ‘X’ yesterday” or “I’ve noticed that you often do ‘Y’. Why is that?” are good examples. “Why the hell do you always have to ‘Z’!” is less constructive :o)
Sometimes there’s a perfectly good reason why that person does what he does, and a potential conflict evaporates right there. Also: Never assume that people do what they do to annoy you or spite you. People typically have a good reason to do the things they do, even the things that really get on your nerves. Never assume bad faith on anyone else’s part. Instead: Ask!
For the rest of them just click here.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day!!!!
Today is a special day, a day we can express ourselves but we must respect each other too. Here are some things to keep in mind when you go to the polls today.
VOTING MYTHS (MSN.com)
Myth: I will be turned away from the polls if I wear an Obama or McCain shirt.
NOT TRUE. You can't be turned away from the polls, but you may be asked to cover the parts of your clothing that are advertising your candidate. Certain states -- such as California, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and New York -- restrict anything that can be considered campaign material within 50 to 150 feet of voting sites. If you've got questions, contact your state election official to find out the exact rules in your state, or, just be sure to bring an extra shirt or sweater for when you place your vote.
Myth: If something goes wrong -- I'm not on the voter rolls, forgot my ID, recently moved -- I can't vote.
NOT TRUE. You may need to take an oath affirming you're a citizen, and that you live where you say you do. But keep in mind that the burden of proof is on the person making the challenge, not you. If your right to vote is being challenged for any reason, call the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) to get immediate legal advice. You can also request a provisional ballot from poll officials.
Myth: If I registered to vote through ACORN, my registration is not valid.
NOT TRUE: While some ACORN voter registrations are being investigated, if you provided accurate information, your registration is valid. In case you encounter problems, call the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) or be sure to request a provisional ballot.
Myth: Absentee ballots don't count and are only used as tie-breakers.
NOT TRUE: Like provisional ballots, absentee ballots count as a regular vote in every state.
Myth: If you register to vote under your school address, you will be dropped from your parents' health insurance or lose financial aid.
NOT TRUE: In a recent Time Magazine report, officials in Montgomery, Virginia; Greenville, South Carolina; and El Paso, Colorado told students that their health care and financial aid would be in jeopardy if they were to cast a vote. There was just one problem with these warnings: They were entirely untrue. Time reports, "[A]ccording to youth-voter advocates and the IRS... these dire warnings were incorrect."
On the other hand, if you want to have a last minute election party, please read the following tips that will help you to have a great time:
ELECTION PARTY ETIQUETTE (iVillage.com)
VOTING MYTHS (MSN.com)
Myth: I will be turned away from the polls if I wear an Obama or McCain shirt.
NOT TRUE. You can't be turned away from the polls, but you may be asked to cover the parts of your clothing that are advertising your candidate. Certain states -- such as California, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and New York -- restrict anything that can be considered campaign material within 50 to 150 feet of voting sites. If you've got questions, contact your state election official to find out the exact rules in your state, or, just be sure to bring an extra shirt or sweater for when you place your vote.
Myth: If something goes wrong -- I'm not on the voter rolls, forgot my ID, recently moved -- I can't vote.
NOT TRUE. You may need to take an oath affirming you're a citizen, and that you live where you say you do. But keep in mind that the burden of proof is on the person making the challenge, not you. If your right to vote is being challenged for any reason, call the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) to get immediate legal advice. You can also request a provisional ballot from poll officials.
Myth: If I registered to vote through ACORN, my registration is not valid.
NOT TRUE: While some ACORN voter registrations are being investigated, if you provided accurate information, your registration is valid. In case you encounter problems, call the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) or be sure to request a provisional ballot.
Myth: Absentee ballots don't count and are only used as tie-breakers.
NOT TRUE: Like provisional ballots, absentee ballots count as a regular vote in every state.
Myth: If you register to vote under your school address, you will be dropped from your parents' health insurance or lose financial aid.
NOT TRUE: In a recent Time Magazine report, officials in Montgomery, Virginia; Greenville, South Carolina; and El Paso, Colorado told students that their health care and financial aid would be in jeopardy if they were to cast a vote. There was just one problem with these warnings: They were entirely untrue. Time reports, "[A]ccording to youth-voter advocates and the IRS... these dire warnings were incorrect."
On the other hand, if you want to have a last minute election party, please read the following tips that will help you to have a great time:
ELECTION PARTY ETIQUETTE (iVillage.com)
- The Guest List: If you feel your friends can all handle it as adults, however, go ahead and invite people on both sides of the aisle. However, as host, you are responsible for your guests being comfortable. If things start to get heated or uncomfortable, it's your job to step in and diffuse the situation.
- Food and Decor: If all of your guests support the same candidate, feel free to have some fun with themed decorations, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. However, if you have Democrats and Republicans coming -- then yes, it needs to be fair and balanced. In other words, if you're serving an Obama-tini, you should also have a McCain margarita.
- Talking Politics:
- Before you speak, know the company you're in. Never, never assume you know someone's politics, unless they've explicitly expressed that to you.
- Stick to the facts. Arguing a point is different than making it personal. "'How can you support a guy like that?'That's judgmental.
- Have an exit strategy. To get yourself out of a sticky situation, have a few lines ready: "I think we'll have to agree to disagree," or "I'd rather not talk about it, if that's okay." Stay calm until the tension passes.
- Think about why you're having the conversation. What's your goal? Trying to change someone's mind election night after they've cast their vote, you might be barking up the wrong tree.
- The Results Are In: No gloating. Think about how you would want to be treated. Etiquette is based on treating people with respect, consideration and honesty, and now is the time to fall back on those principles
Monday, November 3, 2008
Avoid the flu
Keeping the Germs Away
Flu season is October through early spring, and February is often the peak month. Chances are, when you're burrowed under the covers with a box of tissues by your bedside, you turn even greener with envy thinking of those people who seem to never get sick. Want to be one of them? We can't promise you'll never get hit with another cold or suffer another bout of the flu, but you can increase your odds of staying well with these strategies. If you do get sick, we've also included some tips for getting better faster.
While colds won't kill you, they can weaken your immune system to the point that other, more serious, germs can take hold in your body. Just think how many times your cold turned into bronchitis or a sinus infection. And given that the average American adult suffers two to three colds a year, that's a lot of opportunities for serious illness -- and just as many to prevent one!
There's even more incentive to prevent the flu: Every year in the United States about 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die from the flu or its complications.
1. Wash your hands and wash them often. The Naval Health Research Center conducted a study of 40,000 recruits who were ordered to wash their hands five times a day. The recruits cut their incidence of respiratory illnesses by 45 percent.
2. Wash your hands twice every time you wash them. When Columbia University researchers looked for germs on volunteers' hands, they found one handwashing had little effect, even when using antibacterial soap. So wash twice if you're serious about fending off colds.
3. Use this hand-drying strategy in public restrooms. Studies find a shockingly large percentage of people fail to wash their hands after using a public restroom. And every single one of them touches the door handle on the way out. So after washing your hands, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet. Use another paper towel to dry your hands, then open the door with that paper towel as a barrier between you and the handle. It sounds nuts, but it's an actual recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control to protect you from infectious diseases like cold and flu.
4. Carry hand sanitizer with you. Colds are typically passed not from coughing or kissing (although those are two modes of transmission) but from hand-to-hand or hand-to-object contact, since most cold viruses can live for hours on objects. You then put your hand in or near your mouth or nose, and voilà! You're sick. Carry hand sanitizer gel or sanitizing towelettes with you and you can clean your hands anytime, even if the closest water supply is 100 miles away. It works. One study of absenteeism due to infection in elementary schools found schools using the gel sanitizer had absentee rates from infection nearly 20 percent lower than those using other hand-cleaning methods.
5. Use your knuckle to rub your eyes. It's less likely to be contaminated with viruses than your fingertip. This is particularly important given that the eye provides a perfect entry point for germs, and the average person rubs his eyes or nose or scratches his face 20-50 times a day, notes Jordan Rubin, Ph.D., author of the book The Maker's Diet.
Get the rest from Readers Digest.
Flu season is October through early spring, and February is often the peak month. Chances are, when you're burrowed under the covers with a box of tissues by your bedside, you turn even greener with envy thinking of those people who seem to never get sick. Want to be one of them? We can't promise you'll never get hit with another cold or suffer another bout of the flu, but you can increase your odds of staying well with these strategies. If you do get sick, we've also included some tips for getting better faster.
While colds won't kill you, they can weaken your immune system to the point that other, more serious, germs can take hold in your body. Just think how many times your cold turned into bronchitis or a sinus infection. And given that the average American adult suffers two to three colds a year, that's a lot of opportunities for serious illness -- and just as many to prevent one!
There's even more incentive to prevent the flu: Every year in the United States about 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die from the flu or its complications.
1. Wash your hands and wash them often. The Naval Health Research Center conducted a study of 40,000 recruits who were ordered to wash their hands five times a day. The recruits cut their incidence of respiratory illnesses by 45 percent.
2. Wash your hands twice every time you wash them. When Columbia University researchers looked for germs on volunteers' hands, they found one handwashing had little effect, even when using antibacterial soap. So wash twice if you're serious about fending off colds.
3. Use this hand-drying strategy in public restrooms. Studies find a shockingly large percentage of people fail to wash their hands after using a public restroom. And every single one of them touches the door handle on the way out. So after washing your hands, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet. Use another paper towel to dry your hands, then open the door with that paper towel as a barrier between you and the handle. It sounds nuts, but it's an actual recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control to protect you from infectious diseases like cold and flu.
4. Carry hand sanitizer with you. Colds are typically passed not from coughing or kissing (although those are two modes of transmission) but from hand-to-hand or hand-to-object contact, since most cold viruses can live for hours on objects. You then put your hand in or near your mouth or nose, and voilà! You're sick. Carry hand sanitizer gel or sanitizing towelettes with you and you can clean your hands anytime, even if the closest water supply is 100 miles away. It works. One study of absenteeism due to infection in elementary schools found schools using the gel sanitizer had absentee rates from infection nearly 20 percent lower than those using other hand-cleaning methods.
5. Use your knuckle to rub your eyes. It's less likely to be contaminated with viruses than your fingertip. This is particularly important given that the eye provides a perfect entry point for germs, and the average person rubs his eyes or nose or scratches his face 20-50 times a day, notes Jordan Rubin, Ph.D., author of the book The Maker's Diet.
Get the rest from Readers Digest.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
Halloween Safety Tips
By The Children's Safety Zone
For Trick-or-Treaters
· Carry a flashlight
· Walk, don't run.
· Stay on Sidewalks
· Stay in familiar neighborhoods
· Don't cut across yards or driveways.
· Wear a watch you can read in the dark.
· Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.
· Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.
· Approach only houses that are lit.
· Stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know.
Parents
· Make your child eat dinner before setting out.
· Children should carry quarters so they can call home.
· Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.
· If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark.
· Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.
· You should know where they're going.
· Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.
Homeowners
· Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones.
· Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently bitting a trick-or-treater.
· If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
· Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle.
And now the funny part, if you want to know your "inner monster" check this out.
I hope you have a safety and fun Halloween!
By The Children's Safety Zone
For Trick-or-Treaters
· Carry a flashlight
· Walk, don't run.
· Stay on Sidewalks
· Stay in familiar neighborhoods
· Don't cut across yards or driveways.
· Wear a watch you can read in the dark.
· Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.
· Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.
· Approach only houses that are lit.
· Stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know.
Parents
· Make your child eat dinner before setting out.
· Children should carry quarters so they can call home.
· Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.
· If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark.
· Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.
· You should know where they're going.
· Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.
Homeowners
· Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones.
· Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently bitting a trick-or-treater.
· If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
· Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle.
And now the funny part, if you want to know your "inner monster" check this out.
I hope you have a safety and fun Halloween!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Politics at work
Ten Tricks and Traps for Discussing Politics with Your Coworkers, Family, and Friends
By Debra Fine
selfgrowth.com
Typically, there are dozens of topics for "big conversations" at home and in the workplace. Now, there just seems to be one: the presidential elections. How can you participate in discussions about the candidates without risking your job, losing friends, or alienating your significant other? Here are 10 tricks and traps for discussing politics:
1. Know thyself. It may be okay for most people to talk politics, but take an honest look at yourself. Are your feelings so passionate that you'll let the conversation get out of control, and you'll lose your cool as soon as someone disagrees with you? If so, then steer the conversation in another
direction or leave the room.
2. Know others. Maybe you can keep your cool during a conversation about the presidential candidates, but judge whether those around you can do the same before you launch into a discussion with them. And remember:just because someone can have a polite conversation about gun control or religion doesn't necessarily mean that a "Barack vs. Hillary" debate will go well. When it comes to politics, choose your conversational partners carefully!
3. Agree to disagree. Your mission in life isn't to persuade everyone in your sphere to vote for your presidential candidate of choice - nor do youhave to come around to your conversational partner's point of view. Know when to end a conversation by agreeing to disagree.
4. Stay flexible. Your vote isn't cast in stone until it's - well, cast. One of the things that can come out of a conversation is that you might gain a different perspective, or you might learn something new. Stay open to that possibility.
5. Don't do all the talking. During a heated discussion, it helps to really listen to what your conversational partner is saying. That means giving the other person a fair chance to speak - and then really listening to what that person has to say.
6. Be polite. Just because you have strong political beliefs doesn't mean that you have to raise your voice or use harsh language. Keep it civilized, and that will be a cue for those around you to do the same.
7. Remember where you are. If you're in the office, at the dinner table, or at a cocktail party, bear that in mind - and don't start shouting as though you're in a football stadium. Keep your demeanor appropriate for your surroundings.
8. Detach yourself. You are not the individual for whom you're voting, so don't take criticism of your preferred candidate personally. If you're a Mitt Romney fan and your boss isn't, what's the big deal? Your boss isn't insulting you, so don't internalize his or her words.
9. Put it in perspective. You can still love your significant other, and you can still respect your coworkers and friends, even if they don't share your politics.
10. Smile! Maintain your sense of humor, and keep the atmosphere light. We're lucky enough to have an opportunity to participate in the political process, and that certainly is something to feel good about - regardless of your politics.
Keep these 10 tips in mind, and you'll come through the political
season with your relationships intact - even if the aspirations of your political candidate don't survive.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Work spouses
7 Signs You Have a Work Spouse
Patrick Erwin, CareerBuilder.com writer
Do you have a "work spouse" at your workplace? A work spouse is a co-worker of the opposite sex with whom you have a close platonic relationship. In many ways, these relationships can mirror a real marriage.
A recent CareerBuilder.com survey revealed that one-in-ten workers (11 percent) felt that they had a work spouse. And though it's usually beneficial to have a close friend at work, 20 percent of the workers polled indicated their real-life spouse was jealous of their workplace counterpart.
Do you have a work spouse?
Here are seven clear signs you might have a work spouse:
1. You depend on a particular co-worker for office supplies, snacks and aspirin.
2. There are inside jokes that you and a specific co-worker share.
3. You can be bluntly honest with this person about his or her appearance, hygiene or hair (and vice versa). You're comfortable enough to point out that the other's hair is sticking up -- or that someone's fly is down.
4. When something eventful happens at work, this co-worker is the first person you seek out for a de-briefing.
5. At breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks, your closest co-worker knows what to order for you and how you like your coffee (and vice versa).
6. You and your co-worker can finish each other's sentences.
7. Someone in your office knows almost as much about your personal life as your best friend or real-life spouse does.
Pluses and minuses of a work-spouse relationship
There are great benefits to having a close relationship with a co-worker. Among the benefits of a work spouse:
· You have a friend who provides emotional support at work during challenging times. During times of stress at home or at work, you have a built-in support system.
· Work spouses often complement each other in terms of skills, abilities and their approaches to work. The two of you can make a very productive team.
· Having a trustworthy co-conspirator for those occasional workplace escapades (and juicy gossip) can be beneficial, and often acts as a way to release work-related stress.
The possible pitfalls of a work spouse may include:
· The relationship between you and your "spouse" might be misinterpreted by other co-workers as a clique. If others feel excluded, it may be a catalyst for personal or professional disagreements.
· If the relationship goes sour, it can have a negative impact on you, your "ex" and your team as a whole.
· If your real spouse becomes aware of their counterpart, it can create issues in your real-life marriage.
Managing the work spouse relationship
Here are some tips on how best to keep everyone, including your work spouse, happy on the job.
Keep the lines of communication open. Make sure that other co-workers are not feeling shut out by the perception that you and your work spouse are an exclusive clique of two. If you are working on a project together that also involves the team, be sure to reach out to everyone for feedback and suggestions.
Avoid crossing boundaries. It's great to have a support system and a close confidante, but be sure to set boundaries for how much to share with your office mate. More importantly, honor those boundaries. If the relationship becomes antagonistic or is too close for comfort, let your work spouse know you need a little space.
Lighten the mood. If your life at home and at work is filled with complications, bringing a co-worker into the middle of those issues may not be beneficial for you. You should aim to keep the mood light and happy with your work spouse. You'll look forward to enjoying gossip, taking breaks and being able to relax with a friend without any concerns or complications.
Patrick Erwin, CareerBuilder.com writer
Do you have a "work spouse" at your workplace? A work spouse is a co-worker of the opposite sex with whom you have a close platonic relationship. In many ways, these relationships can mirror a real marriage.
A recent CareerBuilder.com survey revealed that one-in-ten workers (11 percent) felt that they had a work spouse. And though it's usually beneficial to have a close friend at work, 20 percent of the workers polled indicated their real-life spouse was jealous of their workplace counterpart.
Do you have a work spouse?
Here are seven clear signs you might have a work spouse:
1. You depend on a particular co-worker for office supplies, snacks and aspirin.
2. There are inside jokes that you and a specific co-worker share.
3. You can be bluntly honest with this person about his or her appearance, hygiene or hair (and vice versa). You're comfortable enough to point out that the other's hair is sticking up -- or that someone's fly is down.
4. When something eventful happens at work, this co-worker is the first person you seek out for a de-briefing.
5. At breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks, your closest co-worker knows what to order for you and how you like your coffee (and vice versa).
6. You and your co-worker can finish each other's sentences.
7. Someone in your office knows almost as much about your personal life as your best friend or real-life spouse does.
Pluses and minuses of a work-spouse relationship
There are great benefits to having a close relationship with a co-worker. Among the benefits of a work spouse:
· You have a friend who provides emotional support at work during challenging times. During times of stress at home or at work, you have a built-in support system.
· Work spouses often complement each other in terms of skills, abilities and their approaches to work. The two of you can make a very productive team.
· Having a trustworthy co-conspirator for those occasional workplace escapades (and juicy gossip) can be beneficial, and often acts as a way to release work-related stress.
The possible pitfalls of a work spouse may include:
· The relationship between you and your "spouse" might be misinterpreted by other co-workers as a clique. If others feel excluded, it may be a catalyst for personal or professional disagreements.
· If the relationship goes sour, it can have a negative impact on you, your "ex" and your team as a whole.
· If your real spouse becomes aware of their counterpart, it can create issues in your real-life marriage.
Managing the work spouse relationship
Here are some tips on how best to keep everyone, including your work spouse, happy on the job.
Keep the lines of communication open. Make sure that other co-workers are not feeling shut out by the perception that you and your work spouse are an exclusive clique of two. If you are working on a project together that also involves the team, be sure to reach out to everyone for feedback and suggestions.
Avoid crossing boundaries. It's great to have a support system and a close confidante, but be sure to set boundaries for how much to share with your office mate. More importantly, honor those boundaries. If the relationship becomes antagonistic or is too close for comfort, let your work spouse know you need a little space.
Lighten the mood. If your life at home and at work is filled with complications, bringing a co-worker into the middle of those issues may not be beneficial for you. You should aim to keep the mood light and happy with your work spouse. You'll look forward to enjoying gossip, taking breaks and being able to relax with a friend without any concerns or complications.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Men's fashion are "in" her
Crisp tailored suits, neckties, baggy jeans and shorter-than-short haircuts are popping up on Hollywood's biggest female stars. Katie Holmes, torch-bearer of this season's loosefit boyfriend jeans fad, turned heads earlier this week when she left an Hermes party decked out in the investment banker fav -- a three-piece pinstripe navy suit. Mere days before, Victoria Beckham paired a Dior men's tie with a cutt-off tuxedo jacket and her own dVb wide-leg jeans. Big names, the New York Daily News reports, are slipping into suits and baggy jeans in an attemp to stand out from their hair extension-wearing, mini-dress and pumps peer. However, avoid going head-to-toe in drag, they caution. Instead, add femenine touches to the style to make it look good.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Afford the Holiday Season
The Holidays are coming... so is the pressure of having the perfect gift. If you want to avoid the stress related to the season, check this page.
If you’re concern about money, find some advice for save during the holiday, from the gift buying to decorating and entertaining, even how to stay in touch with your friends and family.
Finally, if you want to make extra money, you can always apply for a seasonal job. Here is where to start.
If you’re concern about money, find some advice for save during the holiday, from the gift buying to decorating and entertaining, even how to stay in touch with your friends and family.
Finally, if you want to make extra money, you can always apply for a seasonal job. Here is where to start.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Exercise Time
Who doesn't want to be in good shape?... But you'll have to leave the couch and do a lot of exercise. From msnbc.com, here is the importance of doing exercise:
Live longer
A recent study on exercise and longevity found that people who were active on a regular basis lived longer than their couch-potato counterparts, and the more they exercised the longer they lived.
Make work more tolerable
A British study of about 200 workers at a university, computer company and life insurance firm found that people who took exercise breaks during the day said they felt more productive and more tolerant of job stress than when they didn't exercise.
Even half an hour was enough to do the trick, and the exercise didn't have to be strenuous.
Help out your heart
Another study in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirmed that exercise is heart-healthy — and that you don't have to run a marathon to derive benefit.
Even briskly walking for half an hour on three or four days a week improved cardiovascular health, according to the study of nearly 500 sedentary adults.
Defeat diabetes
Two-thirds of Americans with type 2 diabetes do not have their disease under control, which puts them at risk for early death, blindness and limb loss, according to research released this year.
Experts say most cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented with a healthy diet and regular exercise. In people who already have type 2 diabetes, exercise can help lower blood sugar and prevent the disease from worsening.
Get rid of the hidden fat
OK, so this one is about weight and fat. But it's not the fat you can pinch; it's the deep, even more dangerous kind that accumulates around internal organs and contributes to diabetes, heart disease and other problems
How do you find the motivation to exercise? Here is the answer.
If you want to find a place to start your routine for a reasonable price, you can check out this special report from The Miami Herald.
Finally, if you have kids, it's important that they have healthy habits in their life, you can find more information in this link.
Live longer
A recent study on exercise and longevity found that people who were active on a regular basis lived longer than their couch-potato counterparts, and the more they exercised the longer they lived.
Make work more tolerable
A British study of about 200 workers at a university, computer company and life insurance firm found that people who took exercise breaks during the day said they felt more productive and more tolerant of job stress than when they didn't exercise.
Even half an hour was enough to do the trick, and the exercise didn't have to be strenuous.
Help out your heart
Another study in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirmed that exercise is heart-healthy — and that you don't have to run a marathon to derive benefit.
Even briskly walking for half an hour on three or four days a week improved cardiovascular health, according to the study of nearly 500 sedentary adults.
Defeat diabetes
Two-thirds of Americans with type 2 diabetes do not have their disease under control, which puts them at risk for early death, blindness and limb loss, according to research released this year.
Experts say most cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented with a healthy diet and regular exercise. In people who already have type 2 diabetes, exercise can help lower blood sugar and prevent the disease from worsening.
Get rid of the hidden fat
OK, so this one is about weight and fat. But it's not the fat you can pinch; it's the deep, even more dangerous kind that accumulates around internal organs and contributes to diabetes, heart disease and other problems
How do you find the motivation to exercise? Here is the answer.
If you want to find a place to start your routine for a reasonable price, you can check out this special report from The Miami Herald.
Finally, if you have kids, it's important that they have healthy habits in their life, you can find more information in this link.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Breast Cancer Awereness
We are in the month of Breast Cancer Awareness, and I would like to share some information that could be helpful to you and the women in your family.
If you want to know the warning signs of breast cancer, please check here.
Also, through the years, there have been quite a few rumors and myths floating around about breast cancer, here is the list that dispels the rumors and myths of breast cancer.
Thank you very much for shearing your stories of success with us this morning, and if you need more information or if you didn't have the chance to share your story on air, you can check the LITE FM Pink Page.
If you want to know the warning signs of breast cancer, please check here.
Also, through the years, there have been quite a few rumors and myths floating around about breast cancer, here is the list that dispels the rumors and myths of breast cancer.
Thank you very much for shearing your stories of success with us this morning, and if you need more information or if you didn't have the chance to share your story on air, you can check the LITE FM Pink Page.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Romantic Ideas
I know many men who have a flair for romantic ideas, sweet gestures, and spontaneity at the drop of a hat, so it's not impossible to become a "romantic prince". The following are some simple romantic ideas that will help you impress your lady everyday:
1. Watch the sunset together.
2. Whisper to each other.
3. Cook for each other.
4. Walk in the rain.
5. Hold hands
If you want to read more about it you can check here.
But if you really want to surprise her (or him) you can also check the Michael Webb's "101 Romantic Ideas" and click download, it is free.
1. Watch the sunset together.
2. Whisper to each other.
3. Cook for each other.
4. Walk in the rain.
5. Hold hands
If you want to read more about it you can check here.
But if you really want to surprise her (or him) you can also check the Michael Webb's "101 Romantic Ideas" and click download, it is free.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Cut back your spendings
In a recently survey of more than 100 women about the financial concerns, the answers ran the gamut from affording groceries and other staples like gas to a wide variety of fears, such as: Losing what took so long to acquire, job loss, keeping my my businesses, making credit card payments, and a general fear for the country's future.
Here we give some tips to cut off your spending that will help you out. And if you are a newlywed; here are other suggestions that might be good for your new life.
Here we give some tips to cut off your spending that will help you out. And if you are a newlywed; here are other suggestions that might be good for your new life.
Facing Forclosure?
There are options and lots of people that want to help. Do your research and find the best option for you.
Here is one you may have heard on the show this morning. Certified distressed property experts.
Here is one you may have heard on the show this morning. Certified distressed property experts.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Irritable Male Syndrome
The Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS) is in some ways similar to male menopause, but it can affect men of all ages. What often triggers IMS is acute or chronic stress. Focusing on two crucial times of life when male hormones are shifting rapidly. If you want to know more you can check here.
The interesting thing of the IMS is that manifests itself through a number of feelings that can help us recognize where it is present in us or in someone we care about. The following questionnaire will help you assess IMS and the degree of seriousness.
The interesting thing of the IMS is that manifests itself through a number of feelings that can help us recognize where it is present in us or in someone we care about. The following questionnaire will help you assess IMS and the degree of seriousness.
Be a good wedding guest
In the course of wedding planning, you'll probably come across a guest or two whose inappropriate actions, odd requests, or rude behavior seems appalling. Don't be shocked -- while you may know the ins and outs of wedding etiquette, some of your friends and family may not be aware of what's acceptable. What can you do? Be proactive. Here's how.
But if you are going to be the guest, follow these advices, so you can preserve your pride and maintain your welcome at weddings to come
But if you are going to be the guest, follow these advices, so you can preserve your pride and maintain your welcome at weddings to come
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Hang on to that job!
In these days, who dosen't want to keep their job?
Here are 10 tips for staying employable that we found in www.suite101.com, (I hope it could help you):
Here are 10 tips for staying employable that we found in www.suite101.com, (I hope it could help you):
- Assess your job skills, education, and accomplishments. Is your job training current, your skills valuable in today's job market, and your performance effective? If your career or job requires regular skills updates or job training, stay on top of it.
- Keep your skills polished. If your biggest qualification for your job is that you've been doing it for ten years, consider taking a refresher job training course. Adult education classes or night school is a great way to expand your job skills and broaden your horizons.
- Know who's hiring in your field. It's important to know your options. What skills, education, and job training are employers looking for? If you were unemployed, could you apply for the open positions?
- Track trends. Stay current on industry events, changes and news. Read newspapers, journals, trade magazines; talk to colleagues.
- Be positive. Avoid slandering your coworkers or gossiping about your supervisors. Be slow to criticize your clients, employees, or couriers – whether it's to their faces or behind their backs.
- Hone your networking skills. Whether you're planning to stay with your employer, learning how to negotiate a raise, or looking for a new job, keep networking. You'll learn valuable information, both professionally and personally, if you stay tuned with the people around you.
- Keep your resume updated. Even if you're not actively looking for work, update your resume regularly. Add your new responsibilities, changes in job title, professional associations, volunteer work, etc.
- Take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious food, and exercise regularly. Deal with mental, emotional, or spiritual issues; don't ignore your problems.
- Dress professionally. Take pride in your appearance; if you're not into the current fashion, ask your partner or a salesperson to make sure you're well dressed. Even if you're in an entry level job in the service industry, make sure your hair, face and hands are neat and clean. Leave the nose rings, lip rings and eyebrow rings at home.
- Practice the basics. Get to work, meetings, and workshops on time. Do your job well. If you can't meet deadlines, get support. Be reliable, consistent, and trustworthy.
The best thing that you could do is to be the employee you'd be glad to hire and promote.
If you want more information about this subject, find it in here.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Afternoon De-latte
Looking to find a sweet spot among Americans who are feeling the pinch from a troubled economy, Dunkin' Donuts will begin selling small lattes for 99 cents during the afternoon beginning today.
It's part of a campaign to lure you into a late-day coffee break.
The lattes will be sold Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The company is also selling an egg and cheese sandwich for 99 cents with the purchase of a medium or larger hot coffee. The sandwich typically sells for about $2.
The promotion runs through Nov. 11.
It's part of a campaign to lure you into a late-day coffee break.
The lattes will be sold Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The company is also selling an egg and cheese sandwich for 99 cents with the purchase of a medium or larger hot coffee. The sandwich typically sells for about $2.
The promotion runs through Nov. 11.
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