What has happened since my last blog posting on weight?
Well, (1) I picked up my wedding dress. The women at the shop screamed when I said I was determined to lose weight. "Don't! It fits perfectly as it is!" Sorry to disappoint sisters, but this girl is on a mission. It reaches much further than the fit of a wedding dress. My weight management and challenges may have a wedding milestone (May 23) in sight- but they are far more life-long than that. This is about healthy lifestyles and reaching a level of fitness I haven't seen in years!
(2) I met with a nutritionist. She's part of my plan. I learned that my diet (defined as what I eat) is better than most and right in line with what they want you to be eating. Great! However, I need to be more of a grazer, eating smaller meals throughout the day and not eating the large portions we've all become accustomed to.
(3) I've signed up for the Pittsburgh Marathon- a relay (May 3). So, I've continued getting my body in the mood to run (which isn't easy). Remember, this body was built for comfort not speed. :) I run/walk in 3 or 1 minute intervals- depends upon my energy that day.
This week the scale went back and forth between 172 and 174- so no great news on numbers. However, as I lay in bed I still get this great feeling if one hand brushes over my arm or my leg as I stretch- yes, there are newer, bigger muscles there - and I love that. Strength is very sexy. And, I'm getting stronger every day.
Here's to your health!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
You Sent What at 2 AM?
We all know her (or him)... the boss/colleague/friend who sends emails at all hours of the night.
This is one thing if you are in college and everyone is in a cram period where they're up at those hours. Its entirely another if you are a professional running or working in a business. Stop it.
Why are you sending emails at night anyhow? Are you always working? Do you expect that others should also always be working? Are you getting any sleep?
Please realize that people do take notice to when you send emails. The time is clearly displayed on the email. And, if the recipient has a device that delivers emails the same way it delivers a telephone call- they are receiving an audible or vibrating notice that you are sending the email at that outrageous hour. Its rude.
I've blogged about this before. My energy on the topic was renewed when I saw a similar article in Pink Magazine. No, its not just me that feels this way. Get a hold of yourself.
Here are some of my thoughts on late-night emails:
This is one thing if you are in college and everyone is in a cram period where they're up at those hours. Its entirely another if you are a professional running or working in a business. Stop it.
Why are you sending emails at night anyhow? Are you always working? Do you expect that others should also always be working? Are you getting any sleep?
Please realize that people do take notice to when you send emails. The time is clearly displayed on the email. And, if the recipient has a device that delivers emails the same way it delivers a telephone call- they are receiving an audible or vibrating notice that you are sending the email at that outrageous hour. Its rude.
I've blogged about this before. My energy on the topic was renewed when I saw a similar article in Pink Magazine. No, its not just me that feels this way. Get a hold of yourself.
Here are some of my thoughts on late-night emails:
- People (including your clients) will worry for your health if you are sending these emails at odd hours.
- Your employees will feel as though you expect them to do the same and they'll resent you for it.
- The pressure to work all the time is "out" and life balance is "in". Help to promote it.
- If you can't sleep try reading or taking a warm bath- don't run to the computer.
People will not have a favorable impression of you if you are sending late-night emails. They have a name for these emails... and its not "professional".
Monday, March 23, 2009
Send Someone A Reminder of the Past
As I prepare for my wedding, I'm also multitasking my clearing clutter from my house. Anyone who knows me would know this is typical. I like to stay busy with a few projects at the same time- for variety sake.
As I'm combing bookshelves, drawers, keepsake boxes and such, I'm finding photos and trinkets from years ago. They trigger a flood of enjoyable memories with friends.
I decided to use some of those tokens in the welcome bags of my wedding guests. Its a way to show them I cared enough about them and that event to save something- and now am passing it on to them to evoke wonderful memories too.
I encourage you to visit your keepsake boxes and send a few of the items to those who shared them. Its a great way to reconnect with a friend- no matter how close or far away they are.
We often close keepsake boxes for years at a time. Perhaps you should share the contents with your partner, children or a new friend. Keep it on your dining room table for a week- to explore with others and share wonderful moments of the past.
As I'm combing bookshelves, drawers, keepsake boxes and such, I'm finding photos and trinkets from years ago. They trigger a flood of enjoyable memories with friends.
I decided to use some of those tokens in the welcome bags of my wedding guests. Its a way to show them I cared enough about them and that event to save something- and now am passing it on to them to evoke wonderful memories too.
I encourage you to visit your keepsake boxes and send a few of the items to those who shared them. Its a great way to reconnect with a friend- no matter how close or far away they are.
We often close keepsake boxes for years at a time. Perhaps you should share the contents with your partner, children or a new friend. Keep it on your dining room table for a week- to explore with others and share wonderful moments of the past.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Time for Your Passions- Find Speakers
Make Time for Your Passions- and Hearing Others Who Share Them.
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Yale Club’s (of Pittsburgh) event featuring CEO and President Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
I have been an animal advocate all of my life. I’ve volunteered in shelters to walk dogs. I’ve written to my legislature for action protecting animals from abuse and neglect. I’ve adopted my best friends from shelters. I make regular donations (including gift donations). I try to find ways in my every day life to be a strong advocate for animal protection and human responsibility toward animals. I’ve even become a vegetarian, twice. :)
To hear someone who shares your passions and has made it their life’s work is stimulating and exhilarating. To be surrounded by others who, mostly, feel the same is also energizing. This event was one of the more heavily attended events, according to organizers.
I received this invite because I recently sat down with a staunch animal advocate at my local shelter. She was kind enough to extend this invitation, that was a private invite-only affair. I feel fortunate that this meeting led to such an exciting opportunity. It was great to hear Wayne. It was even greater to feel revived in my efforts to be the best I can be in the areas I am passionate.
I encourage you to seek out speakers and presentations of those you admire. The experience is likely to be moving.
To learn more about the HSUS visit: http://www.hsus.org/
I further encourage you to have a plan for your pets in your absence, temporary or permanent. You’ll be glad you did.
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Yale Club’s (of Pittsburgh) event featuring CEO and President Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
I have been an animal advocate all of my life. I’ve volunteered in shelters to walk dogs. I’ve written to my legislature for action protecting animals from abuse and neglect. I’ve adopted my best friends from shelters. I make regular donations (including gift donations). I try to find ways in my every day life to be a strong advocate for animal protection and human responsibility toward animals. I’ve even become a vegetarian, twice. :)
To hear someone who shares your passions and has made it their life’s work is stimulating and exhilarating. To be surrounded by others who, mostly, feel the same is also energizing. This event was one of the more heavily attended events, according to organizers.
I received this invite because I recently sat down with a staunch animal advocate at my local shelter. She was kind enough to extend this invitation, that was a private invite-only affair. I feel fortunate that this meeting led to such an exciting opportunity. It was great to hear Wayne. It was even greater to feel revived in my efforts to be the best I can be in the areas I am passionate.
I encourage you to seek out speakers and presentations of those you admire. The experience is likely to be moving.
To learn more about the HSUS visit: http://www.hsus.org/
I further encourage you to have a plan for your pets in your absence, temporary or permanent. You’ll be glad you did.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Road to Being Fired.... Probation
Having a successful job isn't measured in sheer skill alone. You can be great at your craft and you can still have a tough time maneuvering the work day. One of the reasons for such is that you are likely working with other people, whether they are at your location or remote. You still have to get along with and work well with others. (Remember what our parents tried to teach us in the sandbox?)
I have a client who has talent beyond her years in her field. The trouble came when she exerted her strong and assertive personality in the workplace. They weren't ready for that- and quite frankly, they didn't like it. This can be of particular trouble for women, who are often expected to be more mild-mannered and the peace-keepers in the office. Needless to say, my client landed on probation. (You're getting the shortened version of this story of course.)
This blog is meant to be two-fold in its purpose: (1) warn you that your personality matters and can help or hinder your success and (2) a few tips on what to do if YOU land on probation.
I think the warning is clear. Recognize how your personality can impact your success. What are you known for? Do people like you? Don't they? And, why? Truly, examine your personality through the workplace context to prepare yourself (and make any adjustments necessary) to achieve your goals/succeed.
Now, on to the tips. If you are brought in today and told you are going on probation I recommend you do the following:
I have a client who has talent beyond her years in her field. The trouble came when she exerted her strong and assertive personality in the workplace. They weren't ready for that- and quite frankly, they didn't like it. This can be of particular trouble for women, who are often expected to be more mild-mannered and the peace-keepers in the office. Needless to say, my client landed on probation. (You're getting the shortened version of this story of course.)
This blog is meant to be two-fold in its purpose: (1) warn you that your personality matters and can help or hinder your success and (2) a few tips on what to do if YOU land on probation.
I think the warning is clear. Recognize how your personality can impact your success. What are you known for? Do people like you? Don't they? And, why? Truly, examine your personality through the workplace context to prepare yourself (and make any adjustments necessary) to achieve your goals/succeed.
Now, on to the tips. If you are brought in today and told you are going on probation I recommend you do the following:
- Repeat to your supervisor/s the reasons that you are on probation to ensure you have the cause/s exactly right
- Understand how long the probationary period is (get it in writing if possible)
- Understand (and repeat it) what you can do to come off of probation (you want exact steps here- this should be crystal clear and measurable)
- Schedule your meetings during the probation period to discuss progress (depending upon the period, you may want them weekly or monthly) and bring your probation plan, progress, outcomes, etc... to the meeting. Show them you are working hard and WANT to stay.
- Ask if you can have a representative or witness to all of your probationary meetings (for you to compare notes with afterwards- they may have gleaned something you didn't)
- Be professional, be courteous, always take the high road... this is not the time to let anger, hostility, or juvenile competitiveness to get in the way of your success
- If you want to keep this job, be the stellar employee they need you to be (and that you know you can be) ... otherwise, hit the opportunity circuit and see what is out there
Remember, probation is on the road to getting fired. It isn't the equivalent to getting fired. You can still turn this around if you play your cards right. If nothing changes in you, nothing will change in their decision. You'll have to decide if the opportunity is worth the adjustments.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Getting Ready for a Layoff
I do encourage you to stay away from the doom and gloom discussions. But, I also encourage you to be prepared at all times for the possibilities. One such possibility is that your company could lay you off- or you could find yourself out of work. So here are a few tips to help you feel more in control and prepared if that happens:
Ø Have your resume updated and keep 3 versions on hand (1 generic, 1 specific to your current field or a primary field you would pursue, and 1 for a secondary field you might pursue)
Ø Have two to three people review your resume with your target field/audience in mind
Ø Spend 1 hour per week examining the help wanted ads to identify where opportunity exists and what fields seem to be doing well
Ø Pick up your local business times and get more familiar with the job climate in your city
Ø Consider if now is the time to change careers/fields, move cities, etc… It’s actually a great time to make a break if you ask me.
Ø Take coffee breaks with those you like and trust. Now is the time to make up for all those “meant to connect” appointments you failed to make time for in the past. Opportunities are out there- and those people may know about them. Keep the conversation upbeat, optimistic and full of opportunity. Let them know you are keeping your eyes open for possibilities in the event of a layoff. (Everyone is doing this- so it won’t be a surprise.)
Ø Brush up on your skills. Take a class. Become a voracious reader. Learn something.
Even if you don’t experience a layoff the above will be a great exercise to remind you of your worth, challenge your current status and state of mind, and allow you to play with the possibilities.
Enjoy the ride.
Ø Have your resume updated and keep 3 versions on hand (1 generic, 1 specific to your current field or a primary field you would pursue, and 1 for a secondary field you might pursue)
Ø Have two to three people review your resume with your target field/audience in mind
Ø Spend 1 hour per week examining the help wanted ads to identify where opportunity exists and what fields seem to be doing well
Ø Pick up your local business times and get more familiar with the job climate in your city
Ø Consider if now is the time to change careers/fields, move cities, etc… It’s actually a great time to make a break if you ask me.
Ø Take coffee breaks with those you like and trust. Now is the time to make up for all those “meant to connect” appointments you failed to make time for in the past. Opportunities are out there- and those people may know about them. Keep the conversation upbeat, optimistic and full of opportunity. Let them know you are keeping your eyes open for possibilities in the event of a layoff. (Everyone is doing this- so it won’t be a surprise.)
Ø Brush up on your skills. Take a class. Become a voracious reader. Learn something.
Even if you don’t experience a layoff the above will be a great exercise to remind you of your worth, challenge your current status and state of mind, and allow you to play with the possibilities.
Enjoy the ride.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Excessive Waste, Urgent Need, Add Three Women
Wow. I attended a luncheon yesterday at the Edgewood Country Club with a dear friend Susan Lieber. I had recently asked Susan to support a charity I was working with (the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation). She stood ready to assist and in turn asked that I attend a fundraiser luncheon she was hosting for Global Links. "Where and when?" were my only questions. I'm honored to be able to work with charities and happy to lend a hand to friends who do the same.
Now, on to the "Wow". I had a vague idea as to what Global Links does. But, this luncheon delivered a far more powerful education. The founder of Global Links was there to share with us her vision when she started the group 20 years ago, in her garage with two friends. A local radio icon was there to introduce the founder. And, I was surrounded by fellow women business owners, some new faces and others that feel more like family. It was an amazing luncheon to say the least.
Global Links (in a nutshell) is an organization, mostly volunteer, that seeks to improve health care around the globe. They initially identified a huge surplus of medical waste in our country as well as a dying population in others- from lack of medical supplies! Connect the dots. We have very stringent medical safety protocols that demand we throw unused supplies out to landfills under a host of conditions. We also update our medical equipment, to remain state of the art, far more frequently than most countries. Therefore, why don't we donate our unused supplies (that are still sterile and available for us) and our gently used equipment to places where others have little to nothing? Seems like a no brainer to me!
One quick story that our beloved radio host shared with us, was her own volunteer (2 hours a week) experience. She was counting maxi pads and then putting so many in a zip lock bag for dissemination when the volunteer coordinator told her to add a "cheesecloth-looking item". She asked what on earth it was? The coordinator demonstrated for her that if you gently pulled it a part it was a rudimentary pair of underwear. After all, what good does a maxi pad for a woman who doesn't have underpants to place it in? The vision of a woman having to bleed down her legs crossed my mind and I was struck in a profound way. We take so very much for granted each and every day. Can you imagine a hospital not being able to save your life simply because they don't have the sutures to seal your wound after surgery? Why perform a surgery if you can't seal the opening and the patient will die anyway?
As March is Ethics Awareness Month- I encourage you to make ethical daily living choices that bear Global Links and the people it serves in mind. Let's reevaluate the way we live and dispose of so much. Let's all make a commitment to live better.
If you wish to visit Global Links- please do. The site is http://www.globallinks.org/
Now, on to the "Wow". I had a vague idea as to what Global Links does. But, this luncheon delivered a far more powerful education. The founder of Global Links was there to share with us her vision when she started the group 20 years ago, in her garage with two friends. A local radio icon was there to introduce the founder. And, I was surrounded by fellow women business owners, some new faces and others that feel more like family. It was an amazing luncheon to say the least.
Global Links (in a nutshell) is an organization, mostly volunteer, that seeks to improve health care around the globe. They initially identified a huge surplus of medical waste in our country as well as a dying population in others- from lack of medical supplies! Connect the dots. We have very stringent medical safety protocols that demand we throw unused supplies out to landfills under a host of conditions. We also update our medical equipment, to remain state of the art, far more frequently than most countries. Therefore, why don't we donate our unused supplies (that are still sterile and available for us) and our gently used equipment to places where others have little to nothing? Seems like a no brainer to me!
One quick story that our beloved radio host shared with us, was her own volunteer (2 hours a week) experience. She was counting maxi pads and then putting so many in a zip lock bag for dissemination when the volunteer coordinator told her to add a "cheesecloth-looking item". She asked what on earth it was? The coordinator demonstrated for her that if you gently pulled it a part it was a rudimentary pair of underwear. After all, what good does a maxi pad for a woman who doesn't have underpants to place it in? The vision of a woman having to bleed down her legs crossed my mind and I was struck in a profound way. We take so very much for granted each and every day. Can you imagine a hospital not being able to save your life simply because they don't have the sutures to seal your wound after surgery? Why perform a surgery if you can't seal the opening and the patient will die anyway?
As March is Ethics Awareness Month- I encourage you to make ethical daily living choices that bear Global Links and the people it serves in mind. Let's reevaluate the way we live and dispose of so much. Let's all make a commitment to live better.
If you wish to visit Global Links- please do. The site is http://www.globallinks.org/
Monday, March 9, 2009
Guessing 172 -174. New Program on Board.
I haven’t replaced my scale. Remember, the one I threw out because it was malfunctioning. So, I’ll weigh myself at the gym later today. However, I don’t expect the numbers have budged. My clothes feel the same. I don’t feel any differently either.
Since I couldn’t post my number this morning, I opted to give you a photo instead. I know so many of you check this blog with great anticipation (and I appreciate that very much!). Yes, that is me. I figure if they can do it on the Biggest Loser so can I! So many people gasped when I told them I was going to post it. Why? It’s me! Just minus a blouse! This is my shape, size, what I look like… This photo will also serve as my reminder of where I am and where I want to go. As a bonus, I have a dress that I WILL be wearing on May 22nd at I greet guests on the night before my wedding. Its tight now, but I assure you it will be fitting beautifully in a little more than 2 months.
My vegetarian lifestyle is running smooth. I have added a few vitamins to help me balance while I learn the healthiest vegetarian balance of meals for optimal benefit. I know that I still need to master portion control, smaller meals, more snacking times, and better choices all around (remember cheese is vegetarian- and who doesn’t love a fried zucchini?!). I’ve cut way back on my beloved daily glass of wine. I only have it once or twice a week.
I’ve added Metafitness. Metafitness is a science based program that is individualized to measure what calories you need each day for your level of fitness and goals; and what energy you expend each day in your own lifestyle. I wore the monitor you can see in the picture for 4 days. I learned which workouts I do that give me the most bang for the buck and got to see how sedentary really means sedentary! I’ve got to get a treadmill desk in the coming months! As I sit here and write this I realize how little movement means little payoff. Yikes!
I’m so wowed by Metafitness that I’m going to start to offer it to my clients. And, I’m going to host a workshop on it in the coming weeks. Let me know if you are interested. I’ll keep you in the loop.
I’ll get there. I’m learning every step of the way. And, I feel good about it. Those numbers will catch on soon. I know they will.
Since I couldn’t post my number this morning, I opted to give you a photo instead. I know so many of you check this blog with great anticipation (and I appreciate that very much!). Yes, that is me. I figure if they can do it on the Biggest Loser so can I! So many people gasped when I told them I was going to post it. Why? It’s me! Just minus a blouse! This is my shape, size, what I look like… This photo will also serve as my reminder of where I am and where I want to go. As a bonus, I have a dress that I WILL be wearing on May 22nd at I greet guests on the night before my wedding. Its tight now, but I assure you it will be fitting beautifully in a little more than 2 months.
My vegetarian lifestyle is running smooth. I have added a few vitamins to help me balance while I learn the healthiest vegetarian balance of meals for optimal benefit. I know that I still need to master portion control, smaller meals, more snacking times, and better choices all around (remember cheese is vegetarian- and who doesn’t love a fried zucchini?!). I’ve cut way back on my beloved daily glass of wine. I only have it once or twice a week.
I’ve added Metafitness. Metafitness is a science based program that is individualized to measure what calories you need each day for your level of fitness and goals; and what energy you expend each day in your own lifestyle. I wore the monitor you can see in the picture for 4 days. I learned which workouts I do that give me the most bang for the buck and got to see how sedentary really means sedentary! I’ve got to get a treadmill desk in the coming months! As I sit here and write this I realize how little movement means little payoff. Yikes!
I’m so wowed by Metafitness that I’m going to start to offer it to my clients. And, I’m going to host a workshop on it in the coming weeks. Let me know if you are interested. I’ll keep you in the loop.
I’ll get there. I’m learning every step of the way. And, I feel good about it. Those numbers will catch on soon. I know they will.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Know When to Revamp the Process and Know When to Quit
I just wrote one of the lengthiest blogs of my history and blogger experienced a problem and couldn't save it! Yikes. And, it was a rant too. What a shame.
My blog today was highlighting a medical experience I had recently that was appalling. Appalling from a customer (patient) standpoint. I highlighted the importance of delivering outstanding service- everyone on your team must do this to be viewed favorably and valued. If you can't deliver great service, or are working with a team that cannot, I encourage you to move on. Move on could mean finding a new team. Or, it could mean finding a new profession.
I don't have the time, unfortunately, to recreate that blog. Perhaps I'll do so another week.
March is National Ethics Awareness Month. Check your ethics.
Sorry for the blog malfunction.
Lisa
My blog today was highlighting a medical experience I had recently that was appalling. Appalling from a customer (patient) standpoint. I highlighted the importance of delivering outstanding service- everyone on your team must do this to be viewed favorably and valued. If you can't deliver great service, or are working with a team that cannot, I encourage you to move on. Move on could mean finding a new team. Or, it could mean finding a new profession.
I don't have the time, unfortunately, to recreate that blog. Perhaps I'll do so another week.
March is National Ethics Awareness Month. Check your ethics.
Sorry for the blog malfunction.
Lisa
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Power of Choice
I am re-reading some of the business and personal success classics. As I was reviewing Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People last night, I was reminded of my own days of independence. By days of independence I am referring to those moments in time when you declare to make a choice that is harder, against the norm, ill advised by others, or against the grain of what you had done for so long. I've been wildly fortunate to make these declarations so many times in my life that they have now become the norm. My new norm, if you will. Pages 97-144 on Principles of Personal Leadership are my favorite. They discuss the importance of a personal mission statement to serve you, your business and your community. As I pondered this notion I was delighted to relive my discovery of a poem that changed my life.
In 1993 I went to Philadelphia to study at Temple University. They had a poster fair for students. I found one that had made a profound impact on my life. Its called I Am Me by Virginia Satire (1975). That poster hung in my dorm room, later my office, my homes #1, #2 and #3... It still hangs in my bedroom today, more than 15 years after I bought it. Its torn, written on and battered- but that makes it more powerful. I can't tell you how many times I've stopped my day to read it out loud to declare my choice and control on my destiny. It is my mantra. I believe what the poem says, that each of us have the power to change those things about ourselves that are unproductive, unattractive, unwanted, etc... You are your own engineer the poem says. I truly believe that. That belief has allowed me to make choices against the grain... with confidence and power. Here is the poem:
My Declaration of Self-Esteem
by Virginia Satir
I AM ME In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me
Everything that comes out of me is authentically me
Because I alone chose it - I own everything about me
My body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions,
Whether they be to others or to myself - I own my fantasies,
My dreams, my hopes, my fears - I own all my triumphs and
Successes, all my failures and mistakes
Because I own all of Me, I can become intimately acquainted with me -
by so doing
I can love me and be friendly with me in all my parts - I know
There are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other
Aspects that I do not know - but as long as I am
Friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously
And hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles
And for ways to find out more about me - However
I Look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever
I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically
Me - If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought
And felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is
Unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that
Which I discarded - I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do
I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be
Productive to make sense and order out of the world of
People and things outside of me - I own me, and therefore
I can engineer me - I am me and
I AM OKAY
© Virginia Satir, 1975.
© Virginia Satir, 1975.
Perhaps you need to read this mantra out loud too. Perhaps you also need to pick up the 7 Habits and give it another look as to how it belongs in your life today.
Open your life to new interpretations and revisit older inspirations.