Monthly Archives: November 2011

Get Out and Give Back – A Giving Guide

Guest Blog

By Jane Hess Collins

‘Tis the season for giving! Giving, whether through time, money or both, brings its own special joy through the connection it gives us with the rest of humanity and the knowledge that we have made our community stronger. Giving is always an investment, and this time of year the requests for giving are as plentiful as Christmas cards. 

With so many nonprofits receiving less financial support from foundations or the government, they have stepped up their efforts to ask us to donate more of our dollars (or time, in some cases) with them, and… Continue reading

Thanksgiving Press Release

A dear friend sent out the following press release to her family a few years ago – it was liberating to her, so on this day after Thanksgiving I offer this to anyone exhausted after the holiday….  (the names have been changed)


LOCAL THANKSGIVING DINNER LEGEND RETIRES

DATELINE BEACH PARK, IL – Sources close to the story have now confirmed that Mary Johnson, (a.k.a. “Auntie Mary”) this past Thursday announced her retirement from active Thanksgiving Dinner preparation after 30 years “on the job.”  Johnson stated that though she “…loves hosting the Thanksgiving holiday, after 30 years, it’s time for a… Continue reading

Thankful

My favorite holiday of the year is here – Thanksgiving!  It’s a wonderful time for family and friends to share a meal. I’ve got so many things to be thankful for.

Thank you for reading my blog!  Today the blog is devoted to some of my favorite quotes that inspire me and I hope you will enjoy.

“If there were dreams to sell what would you buy?”  Thomas Lovell Beddoes (1803-1949)

 

“The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.”  James Branch Cabell… Continue reading

Time Management 102

This is a continuation of the last blog.  Here are some more great tips to find those extra minutes.

3. Deadlines.  Be the first to offer a deadline and always add extra time to it.  This may be familiar to many of you – under promise and over deliver.  This will give you more time to get things done and also allow you to be a star – by always delivering what you promise on time – or perhaps early.

In promising when you’re going to complete something, whether it is for yourself or for others, get real… Continue reading

Time Management 101

Who couldn’t use a few more minutes?  The next couple of blogs will talk about giving you a little extra time in your day.

1. Be completely present at every meeting – one on one and in a group.  Any time I attend a meeting or speak to someone individually I make it a point to be completely present at the meeting or with the person.  This means that I turn off my cell phone, don’t check email, don’t look at my watch and put away all distractions.  I give the person and meeting my full and… Continue reading