Friday, January 2

It’s a NEW YEAR

In the past I’ve made rather ordinary resolutions...and have stuck to
all of them:

Stop smoking - check

Get Healthy - check

Lose Weight - check

Buy a home - check

This year I got to thinking...while those are good things, they aren’t
really all that meaningful to me. Of course taking your life in a
healthier direction is always important. I’m past that - and want to
move onto things that will truly make a difference in my life.

Here are my “NEW” New Year’s resolutions...maybe I won’t be able to do
accomplish all of them within 2009, but I can surely start.

1.  Learn all of the ins and outs...of my new Nikon D90 camera, and
become the level of Photographer I’ve always dreamed of being.

2.  Take a trip out of the country - not Mexico, not
Canada...I mean really OUT of the country. At the top of my list:
Ireland, Australia and Egypt.

3.  Become a better friend - Not that I’m a bad one, but I mean make
more time for my friends. Now that I’m older I realize how much I value
a good friendship, and how long it takes to build great friendships.

4.  Follow my dreams - and I mean all of them. Why not right? Who
says I can’t be a photographer, event planner, journalist, interior
designer, painter, writer, food critic, victims rights activist and Mom
all in one? If you can dream it, you can do it.

5.  Volunteer more - The shear joy and fulfillment of volunteering
is something you cannot explain, but have to and should experience in
your lifetime. Be it bringing a meal for someone who’s lost a loved one,
volunteering to help needy families during the holidays, or simply
donating your clothes...we can all do our part, and it is a part of our
duty to do so.

I hope that everyone has a healthy and happy New Year...make it your
best year yet! Get busy living.

Comments (2) • Posted in Personal, Random

Tuesday, December 30

Ring in the New Year under budget

InStyle Magazine offers 5 Tasty Bubbly options all under $50 bucks.  Champagne happens to be one of my favorite alcoholic beverages...as long as it’s very dry, I will drink just about any kind. Remember when opening your Champagne, do not “pop” the top off. Take the metal guard off the top, and slowly (while holding it down at the same time) twist the top up. You’ll keep the Champagne in the bottle instead of on your new girlfriends shirt, and Uncle Jimmy wont lose an eye from the flying cork.

Cheers!!

Comments (1) • Posted in Food and Drink, Holidays, Random

Wednesday, December 17

Office Party Etiquette…according to The Emily Post Institute

The always clever folks over at the Emily Post Insitute offer tips on Holiday Party Etiquette. A few of them are pretty funny...enjoy.

The New Office Party
Please, no more lampshades.

The days of office parties where coworkers let down their hair, got roaring drunk, and ended up wearing lampshades are out of style. Fortunately for everyone, the office party has matured, by and large, into a more relaxed event where coworkers can actually socialize and get to know a little about each other without thinking about deadlines-or getting hit on by Bob from marketing.

Plan early.
If you’re in charge of scheduling the office party, start planning as soon as possible. Send invitations or let co-workers know the date, time and location at least one month in advance so they can plan accordingly. Everyone’s date book fills up quickly during the holiday season. Also be sure to let them know if the invitation includes spouses, significant others and family members.

Spouses.
Often, spouses and significant others are invited to holiday parties, too. Make sure they feel included and comfortable. Let them know what to wear, and give them a heads up on bosses and colleagues who are likely to be there. At the party, don’t ditch them. Make sure you introduce them to your important workplace family.

You’re going to have to talk to someone.
If the thought of party small talk makes you sweat, don’t panic. People who blather on are usually the ones who embarrass themselves-not the quiet type. Simply think before you speak. Have a list of potential topics in mind that will help you get a conversation going-or consult a popular magazine or two for ideas. Try to avoid yes or no questions. “What are your plans for the holidays?” will generate a more detailed response than “Are you traveling for the holidays?” And remember, the wallflower near the buffet is probably looking for a conversation just as much as you are.

Was photocopying your butt ever a good idea?
People who drink too much at office parties are taking the risk of seriously harming their professional careers. The chemistry you had and acted on with Jennifer at the holiday office party may seem less than romantic in the clear, sober office environment. And management may think twice about trusting you with their biggest client after your drunken Karaoke rendition of “Be My Baby.” The safest way to avoid any embarrassing situations is to stay in control and limit your drinking.

Be thankful.
Be sure to thank the host of your holiday office party, as well as any of the people who worked to plan the event. No festive occasion comes off without hard work, and it’s a task that often gets overlooked. A verbal thank you is sufficient, an e-mail acceptable, but a hand-written note makes you stand out-and conveys a deeper level of warmth and sincerity.

Comments (1) • Posted in Events, Holidays, Random

Wednesday, December 17

I Feel Special

I made the ”Editor’s Picks” list on the fabulous website KIRTSY for my “I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas” entry. Not a huge deal, but I feel pretty good that they like my entries as much as I do.

Comments (3) • Posted in Random