Book Report

For Jan I had planned to read Social Nation by Barry Libert for development (because I told the agent I would read it and wirte a review) and Sliding into Home by Kendra Wilkinson.

Well I did read Social Nation. It was a quick read and easy to digest. Of course if you are reading this you already understand social media and how powerful the connection can be whether its personal or business. But lots of businesses don't get it. This a good book for them. The premise of the book is how to attract customers, motivate employees, and grow your business. I am handing it to my boss tomorrow as he has not embraced social media himself yet and while we talk about at work I don't believe he understands the power behind it. (Which really pisses me off because he cited an example of someone using LinkedIn to recruit for a position, as if it wasn't something I wouldn't think to do. To which I had to educate him that nobody in our department knew what LinkedIn was until I walked into the door over 3 yrs ago ~ ok so I am still a little bitter about the recent goings on at work) Anyways I think he'll find it enlighting.

I just couldn't bring myself to read Sliding into Home. Fail.

As to make up for falling short of my 2 book goal for January, I have already finished two books this month and am a good way into a 3rd.

So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore, Reshaping It All by Candace Cameron Bure, and The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly. With all this "self help" reading this month, I have a good feeling I am going to March as an improved version of myself.

Say Cheese

I am in the market for a new camera.

The last camera I bought looked this...

Anybody have a camera they just love? Any camera buying tips?

Valentines For The Real World

Is it just me or did anyone else have trouble finding the right Valentine card this year. They were either too mushy, too corny, too religious, or too racey. What I really wanted was a card that said...

Happy Valentines Day. It is what it is.

Mister's a lucky man, right?!

Today We Feast

Today is Mister's 40th birthday. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday dinner, he said Arby's. Seriously.

Maybe it's because we are going out to a nice restaurant with his family on Saturday. Or maybe it's because everytime I want to grab something quick and he suggests Arby's I say "No, that crap's not good for you and I am not driving over to Arby's" (expect maybe I say sh*t instead of crap)

I guess we are a living example that refinement doesn't always come with age.

I work hard for the money

The review process at work is complete with the exception of learning what increase we receive. So my funk is about over. But let me ask you. Who gives a review without telling you your increase? According to my boss the experts say you should do them separate so that you focus on performance during the performance review. Well my research tells me that it's the money that gets people to get up in morning roll out bed and put their clothes on and come into work. ( I may or maynot have said as much)

This is my 3rd yr going through this review process. While I work for a great company with great people this process has been nothing short of disappointing. Part of the issue I think is that we went through a change in management and it really has been like starting over, maybe even worse than starting over. There has been a lot of talk of getting to the "next level" which has seemed to be a moving target. This year an example of wanting to see me using a industry tool was sited which was maddening since nobody in my department even used or knew about the tool until I walked in the door 3 yrs ago. When I get past the bitching I believe I am really being taught a lesson in humility and it's extremely painful.

While looking up my current salary today for something unrelated, I stumbled across my increase. I am beginning to think that pay isn't tied to performance or my boss total under estimates my awesomeness.

Ground Hog Day

On Ground Hog Day I can never remember do we want the ground hog to see his shadow or not. What I do remember is my Great Grandma because Feb 2nd is/was her birthday.

I spent may days and nights with my great grandma growing up.

I remember picking lilacs and lilly's of valley in her yard

I remember playing dress up in her formals and costume jewelry

I remember eating burnt toast and drinking hot chocolate in her tiny kitchen

I remember the countless trips to the zoo and the park

I remember how she crocheted a baby blanket for my future baby before I even cared about babies or marriage because she knew that time would come after her.

But most of all I remember how much I miss her and how truly blessed I was to have her as my great grandma.