The Dogs are Taking Over!

Its official.  My mornings are out of control.  Dogs 1 and 2 have taken over.  Our new "game" is to get in the laundry room and find socks to parade in front of me so that I chase them.   When I won't chase them, they chase each other.   Dog 2 has also taken to walking on the top of our furniture like a cat!    I am in need of serious help to get these two not to behave like "crack puppies"!   (Don't let the cute picture fool you!)  So goal today is to research what's available (without spending a fortune!) to get them in line and so they don't attack - always lovingly - every guest.

I'm reminded of another time when my mornings were out of control.   Boys 1 and 2 were about 7 and 4, respectively.  (No, they never behaved like crack kids!!!)  BUT, our morning routine had gotten way out of sync.   I was always the parent dropping off to daycare in the a.m. as Wonderful Man likes to start work at crack of dawn!    And until this time things went really well.   I have no idea what caused the change, but suddenly getting out on time was a challenge!  After being late for the umpteenth time, I'd had enough and called Wonderful Man in tears.   That evening he sat those boys down and said "No More!  You Will Listen to Your Mother and Be Ready on Time".

Wonderful Man can be kind of scary sometimes so I know he got there attention.   The key now was how to get them on track, a way to get them to take responsibility for the morning schedule.    So, I took three index cards and wrote separately:   Eat, Make Bed and Pick Up Room, Brush Teeth.   I explained that they were to get up, get dressed FIRST, then come downstairs for breakfast, and then make their bed and brush their teeth.   When the tasks were done, they would turn the appropriate card over, and only when all were turned over would the TV be turned on.   After a few tries, the boys got into a routine and our mornings were back on track, and soon they were very efficient because they realized more TV time!.  I would have the kids help some with chores, but now realized they had time in the morning to help me even more!   So more cards:    Load Dishwasher, Pick up Room, Clothes in Dryer, etc.

I think sometimes people aren't sure when kids can start to help - but its really earlier than you think.  Obviously you have to unload sharp objects and cooking probably not good to start with!   Remember - Boy 2 is four years old at this time!  A Four Year old can take clothes out of the dryer and lay these out on each person's bed!   He did once tell a friend of mine who was at our home when the dryer "buzzed" that it was the VERY worst sound in the whole world!    :D

Anyway, this was very successful in our house for a long time and I was blessed with a very smooth morning routine.   When they were younger, they got a lot of satisfaction out of turning over their cards and still having time for TV or play.   It kept them busy and focused in the mornings so I could finish getting ready and we could stay on schedule.  Eventually I would separate the chores between the two boys and it worked very well.   As they get older, you just add more chores (take out trash, dust, sort laundry, pay bills (Kidding!!!))    (As they turned into teenagers, of course, chore cards were no longer cool.  And really it wouldn't matter if I tattooed it to their forehead, I think I would still hear "Oh....I forgot.")

Its too bad I can't teach the dogs to read!!!

The Great Give Away

Kind of a tangent  - in the news - but think its something to consider:

Several years ago, Warren Buffett pledged that he would be giving the majority of his wealth to charity.  Bill and Melinda Gates joined him in publicizing their intent to do the same.  And both have gone further, creating an organization that invites the wealthiest to commit to giving at least 50% (he's giving 99%) of their wealth to charity.   Mr. Buffett recognizes that many people who give are often foregoing something for themselves or their family.  He clearly states that giving 99% of his wealth will not change his life at all.  And he recognizes those who give what he calls the "most precious asset", their time.  He also admits that he has not.   His pledge (to me anyway) has a humble sort of tone.

The following is a quote that stuck with me today from Buffett's written pledge:

Some material things make my life more enjoyable; many, however, would not. I like having an expensive private plane, but owning a half-dozen homes would be a burden. Too often, a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner. The asset I most value, aside from health, is interesting, diverse, and long-standing friends.

His comment regarding possessions struck a chord with me.  After all I am trying to remove the clutter and "things" from my life.  How much is too much?  How much is enough?    My visit back home this past weekend reminded me that I have lived in homes 3x the size of the home I grew up in - and yet my family has half as many people!   

And, yes, this organization is aimed at the "very wealthy" (which does not include me!) but I think there is a message for all of us. Mr. Buffett's suggestion is that we keep only what we need and distribute the rest to society.  I think the difficult part of this is the fair determination of what it is we actually need, and the confusion today's society (myself included) seems to have with needs and wants!

And when its all said and done, one of the wealthiest people in the world values most his health and his friends.   It could be argued that money can buy these things - but I'm pretty sure what he is referring to is the real deal.   I value my family, my health and my friends - because really with those things - I think anything is possible!

(Total Side Note:  In the 2002 annual report (post-Enron collapse) Mr. Buffett discusses his dislike of what he calls "derivative time bombs",  given the accounting difficulties in valuation, and predicting that the number of contracts would grow, creating a great risk for our economy.  Fast forward to recent times and  Credit Default Swaps (a form of derivative!) and its negative impact on our current economy.   Suffice it to say, these contracts are now scrutinized by auditors.   My former career involved accounting for energy derivative contracts.  Simply put, a derivative is a financial instrument that will settle in the future against an unknown reference price, but accounting rules require its present value to be estimated.   Thought this would add a little "color" to my concerns in my former position regarding issue of estimation and the importance of proper valuation!  Kind of a big deal when you are the one signing off on results.  Just FYI!)

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• Warren Buffett Gets The Wealthy To Give Back (forbes.com)

Picture Perfect

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So, I have my pictures back that will be used in real estate, LinkedIn, business cards, etc.   As mentioned previously I really do not like having my picture taken.  I am uncomfortable, and just can't seem to relax and smile so that I look like me.   I am pleased with these pictures and the reaction has been positive from others.

 I didn't magically relax while they were being taken.  I was stressing while standing in my front yard with temperatures in the high 90's!  (Side Note:   The great thing about just doing a head and shoulders shot is you can wear shorts and flip-flops and no one knows!!!)    My satisfaction comes from my acceptance (finally!) of who I am and while I am trying to be a healthier person, its not about looks or impressing people.  (I know I had this discussion during my recent reunion as well, and we laughed about what age does to you!)   Of course, I do need to give credit to the photographer.   She is amazing and I knew that if anyone could make this work for me, she could.

Even if you don't live around here, please check out:    jfieldsphotography.com  (Definitely check out Galleries - Seniors.  Look at the ballerina!   Amazing shot!   Boy 1 is also still shown there!)

Jen's work is really special and I'm glad I can share it.  Boy 1 wanted nothing to do with senior pictures and I added family pictures at the same time.  Jen put him completely at ease and those pictures capture that boy like nothing else!  Our family picture says who we are:  casual living in blue jeans and cotton shirts - nothin' fancy!   If you go to her website you will see pictures of  families where the love and happiness they feel for each other just shines through.

So I greatly appreciate her patience with me in taking these portraits.   I'm happy with the results.   And those lines in the corners of my eyes - those are laugh lines - and I'm proud to have them!!

On Paper I'm Just Plain Boring

Image by BasicB via Flickr

Today I want to pass along some advice that I wish someone had given me years ago.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS!!!

Obviously something I needed to update after my unplanned resignation was my resume.    Now, I haven't prepared a resume since 2002.   Enron had imploded and the implications of that resulted in a career change for me.  At that time, however, I had professional assistance in building my resume.  As well, I had moved within the company and so internally there was some information for me to build on.   Not so this time!   Somehow I don't think the CEO would be very helpful here!!

Since 2002 I have provided accounting and tax services, sold real estate, and moved into the Controller/CFO role in 2007.   During that entire time, I did nothing to document my accomplishments and related financial impacts.  BIG MISTAKE!!!!    Resumes have changed a bit since 2002.     I utilized a service on Ladders.com (job posting site) that provides a resume critique.   Here's a sample of the comments:

The biggest issues with your resume are the ineffectiveness of the first half page and the fact that your accomplishments are hidden within a sea of bullets. But, these are not my only concerns. To be honest with you, you are missing many key strategies on your resume-it doesn't nearly reflect your career level.   MY COMMENT:   Okay - this made me feel good.  Just what I needed to boost me up!

Your descriptions are much too generic and unexciting to compliment your successes.                                   MY COMMENT:   Now I'm boring!!

Overall,..., I believe you are a better candidate than this resume conveys. It does not spark interest on the part of the reader or show how you are any different than the other candidates... MY COMMENT: Sounds like there is no hope for me!!

   

But wait - there is hope.  For a mere $700 they will assign me a "specialist" who will work with me (patiently?) to craft a resume that will allow me to "shine" above all others!   Well, okay, sometimes you do have to spend money but this seems a bit steep.   I do some checking, look around and discover there are many local services.   I send a few inquiries and discover that actually $700 is cheap compared to the $1500 - $1800 range I was provided.  WOW! If I just knew how to do this, it could be a lucrative little gig!    So as I ponder what to do I see the heading "Sample Resumes" on one site.  Hmmm.  Samples?  Something I can perhaps use?   Oh, look....its a Senior Financial Executive sample!!  Smile, Smile!!!!

I learned a long time ago that its much more efficient to COPY - legally of course - than to create from scratch!!   If someone else has a flyer template or cover letter - use it for form, word ideas, whatever!  In no way am I suggesting you plagiarize; all content must be your own.   So I researched some other samples and managed to come up with something.   I did have a phone interview and the H/R person indicated my resume was fabulous!

The process of pulling it together took some doing - and it all would have been easier if I just would have tracked my accomplishments.   So if you ever may need a resume, keep a current document at all times.  Update for projects and results constantly.  You just never know when you may decide to re-create your life and have need of this.  (Just don't keep your resignation letter in your DRAFT folder!!!)

      

Trip Back in Time

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I was out of town for less than 24 hours this weekend.   I went back "home" to catch up with an old friend, who through Facebook had spread the word and a mini-reunion was established.   I have never been to any of the official reunions.

 (Side Note: Except maybe for the first one, I've never received any notice for the others.   Apparently I've been on the "Lost" list which is interesting since my father still lives in the same house that I grew up in!   I am not Lost;  physically speaking, anyway - an argument could be made that professionally that may now be the case!!)   

ANYWAY, I am not much of a reunion person so when this kind of expanded a month or so ago, I had second thoughts about attending.   And its not about other people - more about my comfort level.    But in keeping up with my new idea to re-create myself AND because I did want to see my friend (who would never had allowed me to NOT go if she knew I was in town!) I went.    I HAD A GREAT TIME!   +15 or so classmates attended.   What fun it was to see and talk to people!!  So many looked the same - it was like walking down the hall in high school!  ( I had trouble with one person - I just could not think of her name!)    Another really good friend I had lost touch with attended and I was so glad to see her!   There were people there I had gone to elementary school with!  One who actually now lives only 20 minutes from me but I never knew.  Met some spouses (and fiancee in one case!) who were really fun and added to the night!   Some have kids the age of mine or older (even a grandparent!) and then some have young elementary kids.   It was a great mix and I wish I could have spent more time.   It was a success and I was sorry that I had to go!    My advice to anyone trying to decide whether or not to go to a reunion:  GO!!!   Besides being fun this can be a kind of "grounding" experience, a reminder of the past that shaped your present life!  (Note there were some people who said they would make it, but didn't.  In case you are reading this - you were missed but assume you have good reason and are forgiven...this time!)

While I was in town I stayed with Designer Sister and I have decided that if I ever need a place to live, I am moving into her guest room!!!   She has the kind of guest room I've always wanted to provide for people:   Soft blues and greens, a small writing desk, comfy chair, Iron bed with soft comforter, fresh towels set out.   Getting the picture?   I felt like I was at the Westin!!   And get this, for a "nightlight" in her bathroom - she has a beautiful glass jar filled with twinkling Christmas lights!!   Where does she get this stuff from?   Once Boy 1 or 2 are on their way, she is coming to my house to create my guest room! That is, if I don't move in with her first!