My first real job interview was the only thing standing between me, a fresh-faced journalism major, and an internship at a big city magazine.
That unseasonably frosty September day, I’d picked out a subdued, office-appropriate outfit. Filed and polished my nails the night before. Had my portfolio updated and ready for review.
The morning of the interview, while closing my bedroom window to dodge a sudden draft, the sash jammed momentarily and I caught the fingernails of both hands on the top of the vinyl edging, sawing off 6 nails down beyond the quick. I saw stars. In pain, and pressed for time, I quickly filed the remaining ragged edges into a presentable shape.
Post-shower, while dragging on my stockings, I poked a finger straight through the knee of one leg, a run two inches wide zipped all the way down from shin to foot. The only black pair I had to my name, I tossed them in the trash. Grabbing the only other pair I had, I realized the outfit needed more exciting shoes than black flats. Ten seconds later, I unearthed a funky, multi-colored pair of shoes that finished off my all-black ensemble.
I shrugged on a coat and ran out the door, portfolio in hand.
Walking quickly to the subway stop, I hop onto the jam-packed train. In the standing-room-only car, I was wedged between two men.
One was an investment banker doused in Polo cologne reading a folded up Financial Times.
The other sported B.O. of an intensity that 10 years later must have inspired the Seinfeld episode built around a mutant form of the stench so powerful that it attached itself to nearby hosts.
Within seconds, my eyes were watering and my vision was clouded. It wasn’t until three stops later on the unfamiliar line that I realized I had taken a train headed in the wrong direction.
At the next stop, I shot out the door and raced up the steps/down the steps to the proper track, convinced I could still smell the man’s morphing stench.
The minutes ticked by, but I was determined to make it to the appointment on time. The intern manager had sounded so haughty on the phone when I scheduled the interview that I knew being late was out of the question.
With only 5 minutes to spare, the subway doors opened and I ran the last 5 blocks to the office.
Sweaty and out of breath, I arrived. After a few deep breaths to regain my composure, and a final straightening of my sweater (and one last sniff to ensure my scent was my own), I walked into the offices.
I smiled and introduced myself to the receptionist (later, I learned she sang in a hard-core punk band), told her who I was meeting, and waited.
Twenty minutes later, the Intern Manager flounced into the reception area, apologized for being late and ushered me into a conference room.
After leafing through my portfolio, she asked me a few perfunctory questions. Shuffling through some papers, she extracted one and handed it to me. Intern Information Form, it said, and it was where I was to document my name and that of the college I attended.
"Congratulations, you start on Monday."
I sighed. Who knew that that the toughest part of the interview would be getting there?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Project Runway Episode 3: Three-Car Pileup
Did you see Project Runway last night? If not, this is about that, so go click on another link really fast and read another post of mine - I don't want to ruin it for you.
But you probably saw it coming . . .
A menswear challenge this early in the season? Clearly it was meant to separate the professionals from the hacks, but still. Not a good gauge of a designer's ability to pull off a show at Bryant Park.
Anyway.
Sweet P was designing like she'd never seen a shirt before. Although I have never tried to make a men's dress shirt, so I can't attest to its complexity.
I remember sifting through Lands' End catalogs at Christmastime, with all their stories about workmanship and craft that went into each shirt. How each shirt was made of 150 pieces or something outrageous like that, which helps the fit.
This is what we kids with aspiring creative dreams resorted to before the Internet came along, getting our fashion inspiration from catalogs and magazines and the occasional coffee table book. With the whole fashion industry a well-guarded secret that never really made it out of the confines of New York City.
I swear, if I were a teenager these days, with Project Runway as my window into even this small a facet of the world of fashion, I would be in design school next fall.
But I digress.
Anyway, Ricky has just got to pull himself together. Ricky, I know this whole stressful situation is difficult. I know you're out of your element, hon, being that there have been no lingerie challenges thus far. But be careful what you wish for, as that will surely be your ironic undoing if they do - it's just the way these reality TV things tend to go . . . the expert in one area will go down in flames during the challenge where he's expected to shine, buttressed by the obligatory B-roll footage of you brimming with confidence, inspiration and vigor. This, just before you run out of time, or realize you misjudged a critical measurement of fabric, or bought thread that's too bright, or whatever tragedy might befall you, before it all disintegrates in a mound of thread and silk. Anyway, how did you ever think the judges would not see, notice, or dock you points for pinned hems? Rule #1: Never call attention to what you didn't finish.
Carmen should have taken note of Tiki's wife's comment about her jacket being too Members Only™. Carmen, when the wife of the judge makes a statement like this, honey that's your clue to either add length, or rip the damn thing off the mannequin and redirect your attention to making an actual shirt, because if they see that thing coming down the runway, they will think 80s-80s-80s (let me guess: you were a model in . . . the 80s?) and never give you a chance. But no, instead you wrapped the fabric intended to be a shirt around the guy's neck as a scarf? A clear violation of Rule #1. And let's not forget the ill-fitting pants that caused Michael Kors, he of the folksy metaphors, to yelp out uncontrollably, "That crotch is insane!"
And then there's Sweet P. Sweet P, week after week, we see you flustered and frazzled - hell, even your dress form fell over this week, taking your down with it sprawled on the floor, a portent of doom if I ever saw one. Yet in the end you seem to drum up a pretty respectable garment. Those trousers looked great, and you deserve to do a happy dance over those. But that shirt was crazier than a cat in a roomful of rocking chairs. Collar zipping this way and that, twisted neckline and poorly set sleeves, the body all up in the model's collarbone. That tie did look astronomically long, slung lazily around the model's neck like he'd just come back from a hard day at the office, having his neck wrung. But the colors were good - conservative with a twist.
But between the pants insanity and the Members Only™ debacle, Carmen finally was let go to fulfill her dream of resurrecting the Flashdance T and the parachute pant, those 80s stalwarts.
And the night's winner? Jack, who played it safe and just changed up the striping on a shirt. To me, that's not a winning look. For my vote, Kevin deserved to win, given his vision was presented effectively, although he lost points for violation of Rule #1.
I think Rule #1 is really helpful in many aspects of life. Consider it today's words to live by:
Now get out there and start something!
But you probably saw it coming . . .
A menswear challenge this early in the season? Clearly it was meant to separate the professionals from the hacks, but still. Not a good gauge of a designer's ability to pull off a show at Bryant Park.
Anyway.
Sweet P was designing like she'd never seen a shirt before. Although I have never tried to make a men's dress shirt, so I can't attest to its complexity.
I remember sifting through Lands' End catalogs at Christmastime, with all their stories about workmanship and craft that went into each shirt. How each shirt was made of 150 pieces or something outrageous like that, which helps the fit.
This is what we kids with aspiring creative dreams resorted to before the Internet came along, getting our fashion inspiration from catalogs and magazines and the occasional coffee table book. With the whole fashion industry a well-guarded secret that never really made it out of the confines of New York City.
I swear, if I were a teenager these days, with Project Runway as my window into even this small a facet of the world of fashion, I would be in design school next fall.
But I digress.
Anyway, Ricky has just got to pull himself together. Ricky, I know this whole stressful situation is difficult. I know you're out of your element, hon, being that there have been no lingerie challenges thus far. But be careful what you wish for, as that will surely be your ironic undoing if they do - it's just the way these reality TV things tend to go . . . the expert in one area will go down in flames during the challenge where he's expected to shine, buttressed by the obligatory B-roll footage of you brimming with confidence, inspiration and vigor. This, just before you run out of time, or realize you misjudged a critical measurement of fabric, or bought thread that's too bright, or whatever tragedy might befall you, before it all disintegrates in a mound of thread and silk. Anyway, how did you ever think the judges would not see, notice, or dock you points for pinned hems? Rule #1: Never call attention to what you didn't finish.
Carmen should have taken note of Tiki's wife's comment about her jacket being too Members Only™. Carmen, when the wife of the judge makes a statement like this, honey that's your clue to either add length, or rip the damn thing off the mannequin and redirect your attention to making an actual shirt, because if they see that thing coming down the runway, they will think 80s-80s-80s (let me guess: you were a model in . . . the 80s?) and never give you a chance. But no, instead you wrapped the fabric intended to be a shirt around the guy's neck as a scarf? A clear violation of Rule #1. And let's not forget the ill-fitting pants that caused Michael Kors, he of the folksy metaphors, to yelp out uncontrollably, "That crotch is insane!"
And then there's Sweet P. Sweet P, week after week, we see you flustered and frazzled - hell, even your dress form fell over this week, taking your down with it sprawled on the floor, a portent of doom if I ever saw one. Yet in the end you seem to drum up a pretty respectable garment. Those trousers looked great, and you deserve to do a happy dance over those. But that shirt was crazier than a cat in a roomful of rocking chairs. Collar zipping this way and that, twisted neckline and poorly set sleeves, the body all up in the model's collarbone. That tie did look astronomically long, slung lazily around the model's neck like he'd just come back from a hard day at the office, having his neck wrung. But the colors were good - conservative with a twist.
But between the pants insanity and the Members Only™ debacle, Carmen finally was let go to fulfill her dream of resurrecting the Flashdance T and the parachute pant, those 80s stalwarts.
And the night's winner? Jack, who played it safe and just changed up the striping on a shirt. To me, that's not a winning look. For my vote, Kevin deserved to win, given his vision was presented effectively, although he lost points for violation of Rule #1.
I think Rule #1 is really helpful in many aspects of life. Consider it today's words to live by:
Never call attention to what you didn't finish.
Now get out there and start something!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Break Out the Frozen Cheesecake
On the downward side of a cold that I've had since the weekend, I have finally turned the corner.
However, my voice is now both ultra-deep and nasally, and so I sound exactly like Bea Arthur.
However, my voice is now both ultra-deep and nasally, and so I sound exactly like Bea Arthur.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
French Alternative to Black Friday
Wandering through the street stalls, shopping for chocolates and foie gras and other delicious reminders that you're not in Kansas anymore, the Paris Christmas Markets are a harbinger of the holidays, the French answer to Black Friday.
The scenes at night look to be especially lovely.
The meandering pace of an outdoor market lit up at night seems so much more enticing than wading through the jammed racks at Macy's in an overheated shopping mall.
The scenes at night look to be especially lovely.
The meandering pace of an outdoor market lit up at night seems so much more enticing than wading through the jammed racks at Macy's in an overheated shopping mall.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Job Interviews from Hell: Second in a Series
After several weeks involving three rounds of telephone interviews covering all manner of behavioral interview questions ("Tell me how you helped someone outside of work, recently." "Under what circumstances do you lie?"), I was finally invited in to meet with several executives for an in-person interview.
Well, mostly in-person. The assistant scheduling the interview informed me that I'd be meeting with the hiring manager in-person, but that two other people from another office would be participating via videoconference.
That's fine, I thought. I'd participated in videoconferences before. How different could this be?
The actual interview commences with the hiring manager leading me to a conference room, and introducing me to an executive who appears on the video monitor. When they ask the obligatory, "Tell us about yourself," I start with my 30-second elevator speech.
After about 20 minutes of standard interview questions from each of them, we get into more specifics.
Then, the hiring manager seems intent on talking about my experience in broadcast news. But I have none. Absolutely none.
My resume doesn't include the words broadcasting or video, or anything that could remotely be misconstrued as such in terms of my experience or skills. I don't play those games: what you see is what you get with me.
So I do what I do: I explain that while I have the essential skills that the advertisement I responded to required of applicants, and I learn new skills quickly, I do not have any prior experience in the field of broadcasting. Whatsoever.
And I realize a fundamental problem with this meeting: Each has a copy of my resume right in front of them. But neither appears to have read it.
Soon after, the second videoconference participant appears on screen, having slipped into the room with his colleague. Introductions are made. When prompted, I rattle off a shorter version of my elevator speech by way of background, and we continue.
A few minutes later, I notice his colleague has muted the video feed.
They're clearly talking and staring intently into their video screen - at me. OK, that's fine. I figure the first guy is informing the second guy of the conversation thus far.
So I turn my attention to the executive in the room with me and ask a question, and we start a conversation of our own.
The two videoconference participants eventually unmute their speaker and the executive in the room with me brings them into the conversation.
But at random points, they continue muting the feed so they can talk amongst themselves. Often covering their mouths so we can't even read their lips.
This occurs over and over again. To a point where it's clear they're talking more than they're listening.
Every once in a while, the executives on camera make gestures that I hope are some kind of hand signals for the executive in the room with me. To - I don't know - communicate to him that they want to wrap this up and get the hell out of here.
Eventually, the meeting draws to a close. And I think we're all relieved.
So, what tips do I have from this experience? Just a few:
Well, mostly in-person. The assistant scheduling the interview informed me that I'd be meeting with the hiring manager in-person, but that two other people from another office would be participating via videoconference.
That's fine, I thought. I'd participated in videoconferences before. How different could this be?
The actual interview commences with the hiring manager leading me to a conference room, and introducing me to an executive who appears on the video monitor. When they ask the obligatory, "Tell us about yourself," I start with my 30-second elevator speech.
After about 20 minutes of standard interview questions from each of them, we get into more specifics.
Then, the hiring manager seems intent on talking about my experience in broadcast news. But I have none. Absolutely none.
My resume doesn't include the words broadcasting or video, or anything that could remotely be misconstrued as such in terms of my experience or skills. I don't play those games: what you see is what you get with me.
So I do what I do: I explain that while I have the essential skills that the advertisement I responded to required of applicants, and I learn new skills quickly, I do not have any prior experience in the field of broadcasting. Whatsoever.
And I realize a fundamental problem with this meeting: Each has a copy of my resume right in front of them. But neither appears to have read it.
Soon after, the second videoconference participant appears on screen, having slipped into the room with his colleague. Introductions are made. When prompted, I rattle off a shorter version of my elevator speech by way of background, and we continue.
A few minutes later, I notice his colleague has muted the video feed.
They're clearly talking and staring intently into their video screen - at me. OK, that's fine. I figure the first guy is informing the second guy of the conversation thus far.
So I turn my attention to the executive in the room with me and ask a question, and we start a conversation of our own.
The two videoconference participants eventually unmute their speaker and the executive in the room with me brings them into the conversation.
But at random points, they continue muting the feed so they can talk amongst themselves. Often covering their mouths so we can't even read their lips.
This occurs over and over again. To a point where it's clear they're talking more than they're listening.
Every once in a while, the executives on camera make gestures that I hope are some kind of hand signals for the executive in the room with me. To - I don't know - communicate to him that they want to wrap this up and get the hell out of here.
Eventually, the meeting draws to a close. And I think we're all relieved.
So, what tips do I have from this experience? Just a few:
- Don't be surprised if nobody has read your resume. This has happened to me so many times, I would call it epidemic (and it's not just me). It's annoying, it's inefficient, but it happens. Note: Most people ask you to tell them about yourself just to see how you present yourself, it doesn't necessarily mean they haven't read your CV. But in this case? A clear disconnect.
- Embrace the challenge of videoconferencing. This was not my first videoconference, but it was my first time interviewing this way. Quick jokes and clever comments don't always translate well with the delay that can occur with videoconferencing.
- Be polite and respectful, no matter how frustrated you may be. This was not an interview for which I should have been invited to participate, given the expertise stated on my resume. But I made the best of it because you never know what will happen in the future.
- Pay attention. If the people on the other end of a videoconference engage in muted side discussions like these guys did, you may have to repeat yourself or answer questions twice. (This is all in their hands, unfortunately.)
- Consider each interview its own reward. You can always learn something about yourself, your interview style, or your presentation that can help you in the future.
All this learning is great, but it didn't hurt that their offices were just a stone's throw away from one of the best gelato joints in the tri-state area.
So, two scoops of hazelnut gelato and a cappuccino later, it was all just a hazy memory.Dis-Enchanted
Went to see Enchanted with my six-year-old niece who got bored halfway through and almost fell asleep.
On the other hand, the adults in our party (three females who fell into the 25 to 40 and 55 to 65 demographics) enjoyed it.
Not sure that's what Disney was going for, but there you go.
On the other hand, the adults in our party (three females who fell into the 25 to 40 and 55 to 65 demographics) enjoyed it.
Not sure that's what Disney was going for, but there you go.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Poor Tim Gunn
Not only is this guy saddled with being Creative Director of Liz Claiborne - which has become the inescapable, dowdy powerhouse of "I give up" fashion at department store juggernauts across the nation - but his Tim Gunn's Guide to Style show is just not hitting the mark.
Today I watched an episode that I'd recorded and realized I fast-forwarded through more than I watched.
Instead of Veronica Webb, they should pair him with Isaac Mizrahi. But then, Isaac would chew up the scenery, leaving poor Mr. Gunn in his wake of fabulous commentary and wackadoo ideas.
But still? Maybe better television.
Today I watched an episode that I'd recorded and realized I fast-forwarded through more than I watched.
Instead of Veronica Webb, they should pair him with Isaac Mizrahi. But then, Isaac would chew up the scenery, leaving poor Mr. Gunn in his wake of fabulous commentary and wackadoo ideas.
But still? Maybe better television.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Unintentional Holiday Spirit
Anytime I hear Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run, I immediately think of twinkling lights, Christmas carols, and snowfall. Must be the bells in that tune. I know they're there, but they always take me by surprise this time of year.
The song came on the radio today and immediately I wanted to go Christmas shopping. Maybe it's a Black Friday delayed reaction or something.
Speaking of Black Friday, have you voted in my latest poll? If you have, then thanks!
The song came on the radio today and immediately I wanted to go Christmas shopping. Maybe it's a Black Friday delayed reaction or something.
Speaking of Black Friday, have you voted in my latest poll? If you have, then thanks!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Black Friday Shopping Poll
Attention, Black Friday 2007 shoppers! Where've you been all day?
Did you burn through your latest paycheck by shopping for holiday gifts?
Were you more focused on jogging off yesterday's calories?
Have you opted to stay close to home and ignore the fact that this was the biggest shopping day of the entire year? (That was my strategy.)
Well, I want to know what you were up to! I've always been intrigued by the people who get up on Black Friday for those crack-of-dawn "bargains" and wonder if it's really worth the overheated effort, endless lines, and loss of sleep. To me? Not so much.
You've basically got your choice of yes/no/sorta in this poll.
But if you have strong feelings about Black Friday in general, feel free to post them in the Comments. What was your greatest coupon coup? Was there a bargain that had you bursting with pride?
Me? The only place I went was to the local Italian market to pick up some meatballs and sauce, because it's just too soon to eat any of those leftovers. Or tackle any shopping.
Did you burn through your latest paycheck by shopping for holiday gifts?
Were you more focused on jogging off yesterday's calories?
Have you opted to stay close to home and ignore the fact that this was the biggest shopping day of the entire year? (That was my strategy.)
Well, I want to know what you were up to! I've always been intrigued by the people who get up on Black Friday for those crack-of-dawn "bargains" and wonder if it's really worth the overheated effort, endless lines, and loss of sleep. To me? Not so much.
You've basically got your choice of yes/no/sorta in this poll.
But if you have strong feelings about Black Friday in general, feel free to post them in the Comments. What was your greatest coupon coup? Was there a bargain that had you bursting with pride?
Me? The only place I went was to the local Italian market to pick up some meatballs and sauce, because it's just too soon to eat any of those leftovers. Or tackle any shopping.
The Games We Play
The game's been around for ages, but many people in my family had never heard of Pictionary, the diversion my sister had brought to our Thanksgiving celebration yesterday . . .
Which was a great way to get everyone laughing and focused on something other than the dinner preparations that were under way in the next room.
We split into four teams, and were off!
Highlights included my nephew's lightning-fast stick figure drawing representing "bend over backwards" which scored us some major points, while my Mom's airplane/people drawing paired with a right-angle caused my father-in-law to blurt out the correct answer, "Wright Brothers!" even though he wasn't even on their team. (That incited a bit of bickering amongst the judges, but in the end, we got the point since it was all in good fun.)
And I know, it's lame to talk about Pictionary tournament and have no pictures at all to share from it. But honestly we were having such a good time that nobody remembered to take any photos.
There was laughing, teamwork, and joking all around - what better way to kick off a family event?
After after a traditional dinner with all our favorites - sausage stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce, brandied sweet potatoes, to name a few - we wrapped up the day with way too much dessert . . . and I can think of no better way to end.
Which was a great way to get everyone laughing and focused on something other than the dinner preparations that were under way in the next room.
We split into four teams, and were off!
Highlights included my nephew's lightning-fast stick figure drawing representing "bend over backwards" which scored us some major points, while my Mom's airplane/people drawing paired with a right-angle caused my father-in-law to blurt out the correct answer, "Wright Brothers!" even though he wasn't even on their team. (That incited a bit of bickering amongst the judges, but in the end, we got the point since it was all in good fun.)
And I know, it's lame to talk about Pictionary tournament and have no pictures at all to share from it. But honestly we were having such a good time that nobody remembered to take any photos.
There was laughing, teamwork, and joking all around - what better way to kick off a family event?
After after a traditional dinner with all our favorites - sausage stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce, brandied sweet potatoes, to name a few - we wrapped up the day with way too much dessert . . . and I can think of no better way to end.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Project Runway Episode 2: Of Designers and Potatoes
Ah, another Project Runway episode where Elisa's oddity is a focus.
Maybe Elisa's being from another planet will serve her well in this competition. But she's clearly channeling some kind of creative muse that is helping her design clothing that is pretty special . . . although she herself falls down on the execution.
But hand sew everything?
I'm sure there are designers who've done it, and probably turn to their right-hand men to sew the production pieces. Anyway, time management will eventually be her downfall when the complexity of a design challenge meets up with her lack of technical skills.
Even during the Isaac Mizrahi show, where they have the behind-the-scenes view of the fittings, Isaac's directing a team of tailors and seamstresses who do the actual pinning and fussing with the fabric. Unless he can't express his intention, or he's just so tuned in to the garment, that he gets in there and wields a few pins, himself.
And anyway, I'm glad that Christian got a little shook up over placing in the bottom two and coming so close to being eliminated. Maybe his attitude will adjust a bit.
Couldn't help thinking at the time that Michael Kors said Christian's design was very 80s/Facts of Life, that his design challenge partner Carmen looked as if she had time-traveled into the episode immediately after filming a Kajagoogoo video.
Can you tell I'm trying to avoid all the pre-Thanksgiving work that awaits? Now if you'll excuse me, I have 7 pounds of Yukon Golds with my name on them.
Maybe Elisa's being from another planet will serve her well in this competition. But she's clearly channeling some kind of creative muse that is helping her design clothing that is pretty special . . . although she herself falls down on the execution.
But hand sew everything?
I'm sure there are designers who've done it, and probably turn to their right-hand men to sew the production pieces. Anyway, time management will eventually be her downfall when the complexity of a design challenge meets up with her lack of technical skills.
Even during the Isaac Mizrahi show, where they have the behind-the-scenes view of the fittings, Isaac's directing a team of tailors and seamstresses who do the actual pinning and fussing with the fabric. Unless he can't express his intention, or he's just so tuned in to the garment, that he gets in there and wields a few pins, himself.
And anyway, I'm glad that Christian got a little shook up over placing in the bottom two and coming so close to being eliminated. Maybe his attitude will adjust a bit.
Couldn't help thinking at the time that Michael Kors said Christian's design was very 80s/Facts of Life, that his design challenge partner Carmen looked as if she had time-traveled into the episode immediately after filming a Kajagoogoo video.
Can you tell I'm trying to avoid all the pre-Thanksgiving work that awaits? Now if you'll excuse me, I have 7 pounds of Yukon Golds with my name on them.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
T-Minus One: Engage Hummingbird Mode
My husband always laughs at how around the house, I have two speeds: hummingbird and sloth.
I'm either stock-still in front of the computer, mesmerized by whatever I'm reading or writing . . . or deadline-driven, dashing around with laser precision, getting done what needs to get done.
On this day, the calm before the storm, I hope to adjust my tuning to somewhere in between. To a rational exuberance of preparation. A stop-and-smell-the-roses level of appreciation for all I should be thankful for.
Family's coming, and I love when the house is full. Aunts and uncles, grandparents and kids, and cousins and their dates, all jumbled up in our cozy house.
There's the carb-a-rama that is our Thanksgiving fare. (And the cheese! Don't forget all the cheese!)
The family stories that result from all those people working together, fueled by wine and beer. . . I mean, who knew my mom had a favorite Native American in Sacagawea? Or that horses roamed the Internet? It wasn't until a Thanksgiving that I really knew.
So for this Thanksgiving, a toast to discovery and thanks: for the new world, for our old friends, and for our lovely families.
I'm either stock-still in front of the computer, mesmerized by whatever I'm reading or writing . . . or deadline-driven, dashing around with laser precision, getting done what needs to get done.
On this day, the calm before the storm, I hope to adjust my tuning to somewhere in between. To a rational exuberance of preparation. A stop-and-smell-the-roses level of appreciation for all I should be thankful for.
Family's coming, and I love when the house is full. Aunts and uncles, grandparents and kids, and cousins and their dates, all jumbled up in our cozy house.
There's the carb-a-rama that is our Thanksgiving fare. (And the cheese! Don't forget all the cheese!)
The family stories that result from all those people working together, fueled by wine and beer. . . I mean, who knew my mom had a favorite Native American in Sacagawea? Or that horses roamed the Internet? It wasn't until a Thanksgiving that I really knew.
So for this Thanksgiving, a toast to discovery and thanks: for the new world, for our old friends, and for our lovely families.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Taking a Match to Kindle
With all the smaller, multi-use devices out there, I just don't see a reason to spend $399 on a 10.3 ounce Kindle.
I want fewer devices, not more.
In most cases, I don't want to read off a screen. I do that too much as it is. The only reason I'd consider it would be if it saved some weight when I'm traveling, and it doesn't (besides, I'm doing less traveling these days).
While reducing paper is a noble cause, I just don't see enough of a benefit to understand how Kindle can possibly succeed.
What do you think?
I want fewer devices, not more.
In most cases, I don't want to read off a screen. I do that too much as it is. The only reason I'd consider it would be if it saved some weight when I'm traveling, and it doesn't (besides, I'm doing less traveling these days).
While reducing paper is a noble cause, I just don't see enough of a benefit to understand how Kindle can possibly succeed.
What do you think?
The Value of Networking
Conventional wisdom points out that the time you need to be networking is when you will be least likely to think about it: before you're out of work. And it's true.
Whether you're a consultant or a full-time, in-house professional, you need a network and you need to network. A group of trusted colleagues, former coworkers and friends that you can turn to for:
Others are thinking, "What can I do for you?" They're the ones who take the time to listen - really listen. They're armed with information that might appeal to people attending the meeting. They're prepared to offer insight into the discussion. Take an active role in participating. And they're open to meeting people with a perspective that skews away from theirs. (Makes life more interesting, no?)
Which type would you rather interact with?
It's the real, true connections that make a network sing. And those connections form through common interests, uncommon discussions, give-and-take that occurs over time. More than the mere exchange of business cards.
What have you done to cultivate your network, lately? Reach out to a former colleague. Share something you've read. Offer a recommendation for a vendor you've found.
You'll never know where the conversation might lead.
Whether you're a consultant or a full-time, in-house professional, you need a network and you need to network. A group of trusted colleagues, former coworkers and friends that you can turn to for:
- Sharing interesting professional news.
- Discussing things you have in common.
- Collaborating on solutions to industry-wide problems.
- Finding other good colleagues to hire.
- Bouncing your latest wacky idea off of someone to see what will stick.
Others are thinking, "What can I do for you?" They're the ones who take the time to listen - really listen. They're armed with information that might appeal to people attending the meeting. They're prepared to offer insight into the discussion. Take an active role in participating. And they're open to meeting people with a perspective that skews away from theirs. (Makes life more interesting, no?)
Which type would you rather interact with?
It's the real, true connections that make a network sing. And those connections form through common interests, uncommon discussions, give-and-take that occurs over time. More than the mere exchange of business cards.
What have you done to cultivate your network, lately? Reach out to a former colleague. Share something you've read. Offer a recommendation for a vendor you've found.
You'll never know where the conversation might lead.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Learn More Words, Do More Good
This is for anyone who wants to gauge and improve their vocabulary, and do some good in the world at the same time.Check out Free Rice and test the quality of your palaver. It's the first addictive humanitarian effort I've ever run across.
Because the more time you spend matching words with definitions, the more advertisers' funds go to donating rice to the needy, according to the site.
Give it a try!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Marc Jacobs: Con Artist
Whoever put together the video on the Marc Jacobs website - bravo.
The quick cuts and handheld feel capture the preparation frenzy of New York Fashion Week. With all the behind-the-scenes construction and preparation and organization and boring details that it takes to pull off such an extravaganza.
But it also captures, in all its misguided splendor, the Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2008 collection designs.
Loved the multi-tiered runway set. But the clothes didn't do it justice.
First, there is the range of ridiculous hats and headpieces . . . I mean, one poor girl has a miniature bicycle wheel sticking out of her forehead, for crying out loud.
And then there's the see-through, lace-skirted ball gowns, funereal suits, colors straight out of 60s and 70s palettes. One dress resembled a toga'd white bed sheet that had been used to clean out a chimney.
It was as if Jacobs took real clothes from the Salvation Army and chopped them up to make his collection. The overall effect? Thrift-shop chic, without the chic.
And the obligatory trudging, dour models with Brillo hair that had been teased and sprayed and tangled into a giant pouf of a helmet? They all look extremely annoyed. Who could blame them? I know exactly what they were thinking: "How am I going to get all these knots out of my hair?"
Fine, he did a show that was "backward," taking his bow before the show started and opening with the run of show to kick things off, instead of marching through the entire range of looks at the end.
[Yawn.]
This reeks of a man who's trying to cover up the fact that the emperor has no clothes. I'd love to know what Carine Roitfeld really thought, when she congratulated Jacobs afterward.
It's a collection done by a man with too many yes-men. Either that, or a man who wants to get fired.
They say wearability isn't the point at this level.
But even if you're designing couture, where the emphasis is on the designer's vision and the creative story for his line that season, they're still clothes. Clothing meant to be worn by women without inciting mockery.
So shouldn't they be wearable?
The quick cuts and handheld feel capture the preparation frenzy of New York Fashion Week. With all the behind-the-scenes construction and preparation and organization and boring details that it takes to pull off such an extravaganza.
But it also captures, in all its misguided splendor, the Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2008 collection designs.
Loved the multi-tiered runway set. But the clothes didn't do it justice.
First, there is the range of ridiculous hats and headpieces . . . I mean, one poor girl has a miniature bicycle wheel sticking out of her forehead, for crying out loud.
And then there's the see-through, lace-skirted ball gowns, funereal suits, colors straight out of 60s and 70s palettes. One dress resembled a toga'd white bed sheet that had been used to clean out a chimney.
It was as if Jacobs took real clothes from the Salvation Army and chopped them up to make his collection. The overall effect? Thrift-shop chic, without the chic.
And the obligatory trudging, dour models with Brillo hair that had been teased and sprayed and tangled into a giant pouf of a helmet? They all look extremely annoyed. Who could blame them? I know exactly what they were thinking: "How am I going to get all these knots out of my hair?"
Fine, he did a show that was "backward," taking his bow before the show started and opening with the run of show to kick things off, instead of marching through the entire range of looks at the end.
[Yawn.]
This reeks of a man who's trying to cover up the fact that the emperor has no clothes. I'd love to know what Carine Roitfeld really thought, when she congratulated Jacobs afterward.
It's a collection done by a man with too many yes-men. Either that, or a man who wants to get fired.
They say wearability isn't the point at this level.
But even if you're designing couture, where the emphasis is on the designer's vision and the creative story for his line that season, they're still clothes. Clothing meant to be worn by women without inciting mockery.
So shouldn't they be wearable?
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Cutting a Rug
Apparently, the carpet installation company our new neighbors hired needed some extra space to cut the carpet to fit the room.
And so the carpet guys did this by unrolling the broadloom in the street and cutting the length they needed. Then, they rolled it back up and toted it inside the house.
Somehow, that didn't strike me as wise.
Although, we have hardwood floors, so we don't know if this is standard practice or not. What do you think?
And so the carpet guys did this by unrolling the broadloom in the street and cutting the length they needed. Then, they rolled it back up and toted it inside the house.
Somehow, that didn't strike me as wise.
Although, we have hardwood floors, so we don't know if this is standard practice or not. What do you think?
Friday, November 16, 2007
5 Favorite Foods
1) Pancetta: Everything's better with bacon, right? This Italian answer to bacon is salty, peppercorn-filled loveliness in cured meat form. Cut a few ounces into bits and fry it up and start your risotto with this and a chopped up onion, then finish with parmigiano-reggiano and you will be in heaven.
2) Cheese: The pecorino tartufello (pecorino with truffles) I had two years ago made a lasting impression - found it recently in a cheese shop downtown, bought a hunk and realized it is still a sensory overload experience. Also, parmigiano-reggiano. And, goat cheese (Boucheron).
3) Figs: OK, from the start of this list, it's clear I should live in a villa in Tuscany, or at least closer to the Italian Market. But figs are a proverbial feast for the senses, between the gorgeous dark exterior and the vibrant, flecked textures inside - and when perfectly ripe is just lovely cut into fourths on top of a salad (throw in some goat cheese, too, while you're at it).
4) Kettle Krinkle Cut - Salt & Pepper Chips: These things are so crispy-crunchy, and peppery, once I start eating them, I can't put them down. Crunch-crunch-crunch. We pretty much have banned these from the house, due to my inability to eat one serving at a time.
5) Hazelnuts: Love 'em in chocolate, love 'em with chocolate, don't love 'em in Nutella (too oily, Nutella is). Simply toasted and chopped and sprinkled on top of a salad, they're a nutty crunch and have a flavor character all their own. Even better, I've made chocolate chip-hazelnut cookies (Giada DeLaurentiis recipe) that were so good, during Christmastime I've eaten them for breakfast. And I am not ashamed to admit it.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Project Runway Redux: Season 4 Episode 1
All the build-up, all the fabricated drama, the characterizations - we finally get to see them in all their glory, now that Season 4 of Project Runway has begun!
All those promos with Christian made me just cringe - he's central casting's fashion guy with the wacky haircut and the bitchy 'tude! But I have to say I was impressed with the jacket and skirt combo he created for his first challenge (although when Tim Gunn pointed out his plaids didn't match with his sleeves and the jacket back and he was all, "I meant to do that," so I lost a little respect for him). If he's just playing a part to get screen time on the show, OK, but if he really remains that insufferable, I will do a little dance when he's auf'd.
Carmen, I hope she has some other designs that do not feature aircraft-carrier shoulder pads wide enough to land a plane. Both the outfit she designed and the outfits she wore in the episode made her seem as if she's just stepped out of the 80s. And not in a good way. A gold lame vest with big shoulders? Harem pants? Whuh?
Chris, for all his Jay-ish candor, seems like a less-bitter cross between Jay and a person I once worked with, who also has a giggly way about him. Given this was the first challenge, I actually liked that eggplant gown he created. It flowed like liquid as that model made her way down the runway, although I could have done without the neck brace of a bow.
Jack? Meh. His dress looked like something you'd pick up on the Lord & Taylor sale rack, two seasons later because someone bought it thinking the colors would be fun and fresh, but returned it when they realized they never even cut the tags.
Jillian's pouf-halter mini-monstrosity in that lipstick-red taffeta (or whatever it was) did nothing for me. But the girl must be able to design, or at least draw, to work for Ralph. She seems as if she's got a bit of attitude, too.
Kevin's design looked too trashy - that silver midsection? Ugh! And now I can't remember; was his model the one with the bad legs? I remember thinking of one of the shorter dresses, how unfortunate that it showed off probably the one model whose legs didn't have a good shape.
[Model commentary/interruption: Is it me, or do all the models this season walk as if they're in wellies wading through horse muck? Or stepping carefully into and out of tires? Giant, loping, knees-raised clomps down the runway, most of them. OK, well, I guess it's just me, then...]
As for Kit's dress, while it looked like it was nicely made, I thought the whole deconstructed look was sort of trying too hard to be different. "Look at me, I've got a creative point of view that the judges aren't likely to get, those parochial know-nothings!" I could have done without the chain-mess on the shoulder, too.
The thing that Marion designed at first just looked a mess. Was that black denim in the handkerchief-tiered skirt? The overall effect on top was too much of a shambles. But the skirt, the way the inside of the fabric showed that lighter color when the model walked, was really sort of interesting.
Given Steven's unusual bio, I was really kind of surprised he went for a suit-inspired look. I love suit skirts that hit exactly at that point on the knee - it's very flattering, especially for women who aren't 20.
In looking at her dress online on the Bravo site, Sweet P's creation looks better than it does on TV. The little bow/fleurette/do-hickey at the neckline is a little too precious, though. Would rather have seen the straps made of the red satin fabric and have the red fabric continue along the top of the neckline to have it work with the red skirt peeking out of the eyelet.
That Ricky, he has just got to get away from the lingerie look, although I realize this is his thing as a designer. In this competition, you've got to make some dresses that are dresses... "It's a little too much like lingerie for me" is something I swear I've heard Nina Garcia (a fellow BU alum!) utter in seasons past. Maybe he's good, but he just squeaked by today.
The big monstrosity that Victorya attached to her dress in front? Hideous! And with Michael Kors giving Rami the talking-to because of the flower on his dress, to not point out that Victorya's use of the big flower was so Carrie Bradshaw circa, what 1999? Why Kors didn't call her out on this, I don't know.
Oh, Alisa. If she is genuine, then she's got some creative other-worldly spark, but I'm soooo cynical after watching all these seasons. On the one hand, this could just be a character she's playing up for the cameras. But then, she also makes clothing for marionettes, so she could be legitimately quirky.
Simone, I would drop you from this competition just for using that stripe of yellow in the dress. That just didn't make any sense.
Ah, Rami's way with draping fabric is just exquisite. Right away, the way the model moved, you could tell this dress was well-conceived and perfectly draped and tacked into place. But... I didn't see how this dress fastened. Did Rami run a zipper through it? Was it an over-the-head deal? That's the problem with these earliest shows - too many contestants to see much detail at once. More info about the clothes, Bravo (please!) at least on the website!
That's all for now. What did *you* think?
All those promos with Christian made me just cringe - he's central casting's fashion guy with the wacky haircut and the bitchy 'tude! But I have to say I was impressed with the jacket and skirt combo he created for his first challenge (although when Tim Gunn pointed out his plaids didn't match with his sleeves and the jacket back and he was all, "I meant to do that," so I lost a little respect for him). If he's just playing a part to get screen time on the show, OK, but if he really remains that insufferable, I will do a little dance when he's auf'd.
Carmen, I hope she has some other designs that do not feature aircraft-carrier shoulder pads wide enough to land a plane. Both the outfit she designed and the outfits she wore in the episode made her seem as if she's just stepped out of the 80s. And not in a good way. A gold lame vest with big shoulders? Harem pants? Whuh?
Chris, for all his Jay-ish candor, seems like a less-bitter cross between Jay and a person I once worked with, who also has a giggly way about him. Given this was the first challenge, I actually liked that eggplant gown he created. It flowed like liquid as that model made her way down the runway, although I could have done without the neck brace of a bow.
Jack? Meh. His dress looked like something you'd pick up on the Lord & Taylor sale rack, two seasons later because someone bought it thinking the colors would be fun and fresh, but returned it when they realized they never even cut the tags.
Jillian's pouf-halter mini-monstrosity in that lipstick-red taffeta (or whatever it was) did nothing for me. But the girl must be able to design, or at least draw, to work for Ralph. She seems as if she's got a bit of attitude, too.
Kevin's design looked too trashy - that silver midsection? Ugh! And now I can't remember; was his model the one with the bad legs? I remember thinking of one of the shorter dresses, how unfortunate that it showed off probably the one model whose legs didn't have a good shape.
[Model commentary/interruption: Is it me, or do all the models this season walk as if they're in wellies wading through horse muck? Or stepping carefully into and out of tires? Giant, loping, knees-raised clomps down the runway, most of them. OK, well, I guess it's just me, then...]
As for Kit's dress, while it looked like it was nicely made, I thought the whole deconstructed look was sort of trying too hard to be different. "Look at me, I've got a creative point of view that the judges aren't likely to get, those parochial know-nothings!" I could have done without the chain-mess on the shoulder, too.
The thing that Marion designed at first just looked a mess. Was that black denim in the handkerchief-tiered skirt? The overall effect on top was too much of a shambles. But the skirt, the way the inside of the fabric showed that lighter color when the model walked, was really sort of interesting.
Given Steven's unusual bio, I was really kind of surprised he went for a suit-inspired look. I love suit skirts that hit exactly at that point on the knee - it's very flattering, especially for women who aren't 20.
In looking at her dress online on the Bravo site, Sweet P's creation looks better than it does on TV. The little bow/fleurette/do-hickey at the neckline is a little too precious, though. Would rather have seen the straps made of the red satin fabric and have the red fabric continue along the top of the neckline to have it work with the red skirt peeking out of the eyelet.
That Ricky, he has just got to get away from the lingerie look, although I realize this is his thing as a designer. In this competition, you've got to make some dresses that are dresses... "It's a little too much like lingerie for me" is something I swear I've heard Nina Garcia (a fellow BU alum!) utter in seasons past. Maybe he's good, but he just squeaked by today.
The big monstrosity that Victorya attached to her dress in front? Hideous! And with Michael Kors giving Rami the talking-to because of the flower on his dress, to not point out that Victorya's use of the big flower was so Carrie Bradshaw circa, what 1999? Why Kors didn't call her out on this, I don't know.
Oh, Alisa. If she is genuine, then she's got some creative other-worldly spark, but I'm soooo cynical after watching all these seasons. On the one hand, this could just be a character she's playing up for the cameras. But then, she also makes clothing for marionettes, so she could be legitimately quirky.
Simone, I would drop you from this competition just for using that stripe of yellow in the dress. That just didn't make any sense.
Ah, Rami's way with draping fabric is just exquisite. Right away, the way the model moved, you could tell this dress was well-conceived and perfectly draped and tacked into place. But... I didn't see how this dress fastened. Did Rami run a zipper through it? Was it an over-the-head deal? That's the problem with these earliest shows - too many contestants to see much detail at once. More info about the clothes, Bravo (please!) at least on the website!
That's all for now. What did *you* think?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Favorite Places: Cafe at Rosemont
One of my favorite places is the Cafe at Rosemont just a few miles away from Lambertville, NJ.
The restaurant's decor is part general store/part art gallery - because most of the art you see on the walls is for sale.
The restaurant's decor is part general store/part art gallery - because most of the art you see on the walls is for sale.
It's a random assortment of tables and chairs, and mismatched cutlery, but it's not one of those precious twee shoppes. It feels more like you're eating at your friend's house.
And while you're eating your goat cheese with sundried tomato omelette, you can peruse the paintings and photographs that surround you.
They also have homemade butterscotch pudding, and many other desserts - their lemon pound cake is delicious - which are probably very much like what your grandma used to cook if she was a really excellent cook.
The surrounding area is farmland and rolling hills, so it's also a beautiful place to take a drive this time of year.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
It's All in the (Positive) Attitude
One very smart boss I had pointed out that, in some circumstances, staying positive can make all the difference between motivating a team to complete even the most challenging project on time and under budget, or whipping the group into a frenzy and missing the deadline.
It was all in the attitude.
And through the years I've found this to be true. A little bit of positive energy can go a long way.
A [huge project] to be completed [within just a few hours or days]? No problem! (Substitute your [thing] and [timeframe] as appropriate.)
Part of it is Tina Fey's "Say yes, and you'll figure it out afterward." She points out that many exciting things have happened to her since adopting that attitude. (I love that quote - and look where she is now!)
Now, I'm no Pollyanna . . . there are some projects that are too much, too fast, too complex to be done effectively within the stated constraints.
But for those that are just a little bit of a stretch, focusing on the possibilities rather than the downsides may help you suss out the solution.
It might take a little encouragement to make it happen, whether it comes from telling yourself, or hearing it from someone else.
Are you thinking positively today? Can you help someone else see the possibilities?
It was all in the attitude.
And through the years I've found this to be true. A little bit of positive energy can go a long way.
A [huge project] to be completed [within just a few hours or days]? No problem! (Substitute your [thing] and [timeframe] as appropriate.)
Part of it is Tina Fey's "Say yes, and you'll figure it out afterward." She points out that many exciting things have happened to her since adopting that attitude. (I love that quote - and look where she is now!)
Now, I'm no Pollyanna . . . there are some projects that are too much, too fast, too complex to be done effectively within the stated constraints.
But for those that are just a little bit of a stretch, focusing on the possibilities rather than the downsides may help you suss out the solution.
It might take a little encouragement to make it happen, whether it comes from telling yourself, or hearing it from someone else.
Are you thinking positively today? Can you help someone else see the possibilities?
Best Fortune Cookie Ever
A little white slip of paper has been taped to my laptop for several years and it says:
It is less a fortune than it is words to live by. And it works in virtually any circumstance in which you may find yourself feeling out-of-sorts.
Go ahead. Try it.
Consider it your fortune for today.
Renegotiate the conditions if you are dissatisfied.
It is less a fortune than it is words to live by. And it works in virtually any circumstance in which you may find yourself feeling out-of-sorts.
Go ahead. Try it.
Consider it your fortune for today.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Gift Ideas: More than Just a Notebook
Yes, I know that, technically, a Moleskine is just a notebook.To some, its plain-jane cover makes it appear nothing special. The cost seems prohibitive when you can get one at Staples or Target for a buck or two.
But the plain-covered Moleskines are the ultimate in don't judge a book by its cover.
First, the cover boards themselves are solid enough to write against. It's a built-in desk. Second, the notebook itself has some heft; the pages are substantial and the paper is smooth-smooth-smooth. Third, the cover has a tactile smoothness to it that stands up over time.
Once you start, that stark, blank cover belies the creativity unleashed within.
Crack open one of these beauties, and the absence of thought and color eventually gives way . . . to stories spilled out at breakneck pace, artwork scribbled on the fly, layered collages, movies to see, novels to write, pastel'd still lives, dreams for the future, frenzied business plans, grocery lists, quotes, cartoons, the musings of writers for whom this may be their only creative outlet in a day full of corporate rigmarole.
For friends who are stymied regarding how to set their creativity in motion, a fresh notebook can make the greatest gift.
A notebook can be their palette.
Their muse.
Their permission.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Great Pastry Debate
All right, people, the polls have officially closed and the results are in: Cake won (12 votes), but just by one vote (pie got 11).
Two people said they preferred neither cake nor pie (what?!).
For me, cake is the thing. But cake enjoyed with friends is the best kind of all...
Thanks for voting and stay tuned for the next poll!
Two people said they preferred neither cake nor pie (what?!).
For me, cake is the thing. But cake enjoyed with friends is the best kind of all...
Thanks for voting and stay tuned for the next poll!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Tri-Color Trees
When I was a kid, the end of Summer was a bummer, but Fall still had a few things going for it.With the start of school came brand-new notebooks (which I still obsess over) and shiny new shoes. The promise of winter. Which meant Christmas wasn't far behind! And snow days that sometimes closed school. Woo-hoo!
Now Fall means raking gobs and gobs of leaves (we have some extremely tall maple and oak trees), colder temperatures. And with the impending winter, the occasional snow day, but instead of joy these can bring stress if we have to still trek to work, if we have to find a way to get home in the crush of traffic. Or most productive of all, work from home and figure out later how to chip out the car from its encasement of ice.
During long country drives on sunny Fall days, however, the trees in their golden, red and bright yellow hues are nature's mood elevators. Among my favorite rides are those where the trees form a colorful archway beckoning me to zoom right through. Change is good.
We just spent the weekend driving up and down the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut, one of the most scenic roads in the country. More on that later.
For now, a shot of trees from another outdoor jaunt that jolted me into appreciating Fall yet again.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Restorative Powers
The long, bumpy, seven-hour flight left me with the equivalent of a catnap overnight, and the plane landed before dawn that February morning.
The hotel wasn't ready, but my friend, Susan, had said I could come to her flat when I'd arrived. It seemed too early to call her, so I got some coffee and waited until the sun came up, then yawned and flagged a cab.
Careening around Paris, stopping to ask for directions to the tiny street he couldn't find on his map, the cab driver finally dropped me near the apartment.
Finally, inside Susan's building, I traipsed with my purse and heavy laptop bag, up... up... up... eight flights of steep, short stairs, grasping the twisted wrought-iron bannister, walking nearly sideways to keep from tumbling down.
On the landing I paused, my pulse raced from exertion and I swayed from fatigue. I walked over to the apartment number that matched what I'd scribbled on a scrap of paper. The laptop bag fell to the floor with a thump and I knocked.
As Susan answered the door, we squealed our hellos, gave each other a big hug and immediately fell right into the same banter that kept us going all through college.
Ever the hostess, Susan read my mind: "Would you like a cup of tea?"
A few minutes later, as she poured me a cup, the vanilla aroma filled the apartment, like a tray of sugar cookies fresh from the oven. All the strain and fatigue of the morning faded away in an instant.
Now that the cold weather is setting in, I crave this tea all the time. Go ahead, try it.
The hotel wasn't ready, but my friend, Susan, had said I could come to her flat when I'd arrived. It seemed too early to call her, so I got some coffee and waited until the sun came up, then yawned and flagged a cab.
Careening around Paris, stopping to ask for directions to the tiny street he couldn't find on his map, the cab driver finally dropped me near the apartment.
Finally, inside Susan's building, I traipsed with my purse and heavy laptop bag, up... up... up... eight flights of steep, short stairs, grasping the twisted wrought-iron bannister, walking nearly sideways to keep from tumbling down.
On the landing I paused, my pulse raced from exertion and I swayed from fatigue. I walked over to the apartment number that matched what I'd scribbled on a scrap of paper. The laptop bag fell to the floor with a thump and I knocked.As Susan answered the door, we squealed our hellos, gave each other a big hug and immediately fell right into the same banter that kept us going all through college.
Ever the hostess, Susan read my mind: "Would you like a cup of tea?"
A few minutes later, as she poured me a cup, the vanilla aroma filled the apartment, like a tray of sugar cookies fresh from the oven. All the strain and fatigue of the morning faded away in an instant.
Now that the cold weather is setting in, I crave this tea all the time. Go ahead, try it.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Things I Like: Fashion
1. Cashmere sweaters, turtleneck
2. Shoes, Louis-heeled
3. Wool trousers, herringbone
4. Leather boots, espresso brown
5. Jackets, princess-seamed
Clothing-wise, I am definitely more a fan of the fall collections.
2. Shoes, Louis-heeled
3. Wool trousers, herringbone
4. Leather boots, espresso brown
5. Jackets, princess-seamed
Clothing-wise, I am definitely more a fan of the fall collections.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Breakfast with Spoon
One day while on vacation, we spent an hour waiting outside Dottie's for the buttermilk dill toast and other breakfast amazements. As it turned out, behind us, also waiting, were a few guys from Spoon. Britt spent much of the time on his cell and the drummer was reading The Onion.
Actually, that's how we finally identified them, in the paper. Just not used to being thisclose to cool bands. Anyway, despite my having loved their song "I Turn My Camera On" I had no idea who they were, but knew they looked familiar.
Then, once their new album was released, "The Underdog" became my theme song for much of the summer. During my commute, that song helped propel me from the train headfirst into my workday. It was especially effective on hazy Mondays when motivation was hard to come by.
For me, the blare of trumpets works better than a double-shot of espresso.
Go ahead and download "The Underdog" from iTunes if you need a pick-me-up. And let me know what you think.
Actually, that's how we finally identified them, in the paper. Just not used to being thisclose to cool bands. Anyway, despite my having loved their song "I Turn My Camera On" I had no idea who they were, but knew they looked familiar.
Then, once their new album was released, "The Underdog" became my theme song for much of the summer. During my commute, that song helped propel me from the train headfirst into my workday. It was especially effective on hazy Mondays when motivation was hard to come by.
For me, the blare of trumpets works better than a double-shot of espresso.
Go ahead and download "The Underdog" from iTunes if you need a pick-me-up. And let me know what you think.
Taking Charge of Incremental Interruptions
Do you consider yourself a multi-tasker? Apparently, there's research to the contrary that insists you're really interrupting yourself incrementally.
And you know the worst instigator of multi-tasking activities these days? Say it with me: Email.
Some experts advise checking only twice a day. But how is that realistic?
In the corporate world, if I'd told my boss I only check email twice a day (or just went ahead and did it) I'm pretty sure I'd have been out of a job!
You could argue that a boss should be more in touch with his employees, speak to them directly, plan ahead better. And then I'd ask you: Where do you work?
In a fast-paced office where people rely on digital communications to foster speed and agility and responsiveness, it can't be realistic to limit email checking to twice daily.
I can far more easily buy into the notion of doing the digital equivalent to adman David Ogilvy's habit of handling each piece of paper that crossed his desk only once (back in the day, well before email). Handle each email only once, whether it means you answer, delete or file.
Or, when faced with an overloaded inbox of urgent queries, to first get to those requiring two minutes or less to answer, as an expert recently suggested in a New York Times article.
For my part, I've tried limiting the number of people in the To: field. Unless it's absolutely critical, why include everybody and their chain of command when there's really only one person who needs the information?
So what about you? How do you process all your email without letting your workday veer off track? Feel free to post your Tips in the Comments below.
And you know the worst instigator of multi-tasking activities these days? Say it with me: Email.
Some experts advise checking only twice a day. But how is that realistic?
In the corporate world, if I'd told my boss I only check email twice a day (or just went ahead and did it) I'm pretty sure I'd have been out of a job!
You could argue that a boss should be more in touch with his employees, speak to them directly, plan ahead better. And then I'd ask you: Where do you work?
In a fast-paced office where people rely on digital communications to foster speed and agility and responsiveness, it can't be realistic to limit email checking to twice daily.
I can far more easily buy into the notion of doing the digital equivalent to adman David Ogilvy's habit of handling each piece of paper that crossed his desk only once (back in the day, well before email). Handle each email only once, whether it means you answer, delete or file.
Or, when faced with an overloaded inbox of urgent queries, to first get to those requiring two minutes or less to answer, as an expert recently suggested in a New York Times article.
For my part, I've tried limiting the number of people in the To: field. Unless it's absolutely critical, why include everybody and their chain of command when there's really only one person who needs the information?
So what about you? How do you process all your email without letting your workday veer off track? Feel free to post your Tips in the Comments below.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Pie Vs. Cake: The Poll
As I've mentioned before, I'm partial to cake. OK, more than partial; more like obsessed.
Given that the major food holiday is around the corner, I'm just wondering where everyone else's pastry preferences fall.
So... check out the poll in the right column, and vote what your heart tells you!
Given that the major food holiday is around the corner, I'm just wondering where everyone else's pastry preferences fall.
So... check out the poll in the right column, and vote what your heart tells you!
Have a Very Etsy Holiday!
If you haven't checked out Etsy, I suggest you do so immediately. Trust me, it just might save your bacon if you're stumped for holiday gift ideas.
[Full disclosure: I have an Etsy shop.]
Etsy is all about handmade items that run the gamut from artisanal jewelry to letterpress notecards to stained glass to furniture to handbags to keychains to stuffed animals to scarves to hats to quilts to rugs to pottery to glassware to wind chimes to hand-stamped gift wrap to paintings. And everything in between.
Know someone who's into birds? Just search the site for "birds" and you will be stunned at the range of ideas for gifts to bestow on the person you're shopping for. Stunned!
Just an incredible amount of lovely stuff. And sometimes, you can find just the right gift for someone, and interact with an artist who tells you what inspired them to create what they've sold to you.
I love that.
[Full disclosure: I have an Etsy shop.]
Etsy is all about handmade items that run the gamut from artisanal jewelry to letterpress notecards to stained glass to furniture to handbags to keychains to stuffed animals to scarves to hats to quilts to rugs to pottery to glassware to wind chimes to hand-stamped gift wrap to paintings. And everything in between.
Know someone who's into birds? Just search the site for "birds" and you will be stunned at the range of ideas for gifts to bestow on the person you're shopping for. Stunned!
Just an incredible amount of lovely stuff. And sometimes, you can find just the right gift for someone, and interact with an artist who tells you what inspired them to create what they've sold to you.
I love that.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Why Is Furniture Shopping So Hard?
I'd always considered our old dining room table a placeholder for the real dining room table we'd have someday.
Fifteen years later, it's time to upgrade.
What we have is a basic, straight-legged Ikea find made out of pine with an oval tabletop. It's a big, clunky blob in the open, airy landscape of our combined living/dining room.
All the Ikea chairs at that time felt spindly and insubstantial, as if one morning they'd snap under our weight and throw us to the floor in a heap. So we bought these shaker-inspired oak chairs that don't really go. (But they are solid!)
But have you noticed the size of some of the dining room sets that they're selling now? They seem either devoid of character or scaled to fill up a McMansion's East Wing.
Ideally, I'd like an extension table, for those times when we entertain (when we do, it tends to be for groups of 8 or more).
No pedestals, or turned or carved legs. Clean lines. Think clean lines.
Even offerings from Room & Board and Design within Reach - which despite the name are still sometimes out of reach - aren't tempting these days.
There is clearly a market here, because many friends have the same problem: Where is all the good furniture?
Fifteen years later, it's time to upgrade.
What we have is a basic, straight-legged Ikea find made out of pine with an oval tabletop. It's a big, clunky blob in the open, airy landscape of our combined living/dining room.
All the Ikea chairs at that time felt spindly and insubstantial, as if one morning they'd snap under our weight and throw us to the floor in a heap. So we bought these shaker-inspired oak chairs that don't really go. (But they are solid!)
But have you noticed the size of some of the dining room sets that they're selling now? They seem either devoid of character or scaled to fill up a McMansion's East Wing.
Ideally, I'd like an extension table, for those times when we entertain (when we do, it tends to be for groups of 8 or more).
No pedestals, or turned or carved legs. Clean lines. Think clean lines.
Even offerings from Room & Board and Design within Reach - which despite the name are still sometimes out of reach - aren't tempting these days.
There is clearly a market here, because many friends have the same problem: Where is all the good furniture?
Friday, November 2, 2007
Contain Yourself
For many years, I've heard a lot about The Container Store.
That it was one of the Best Places to Work, according to Fortune magazine.
That the place had more stuff to contain your stuff than anywhere else under the sun.
That its customer service is top-notch. (Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding!)
Well, they're finally opening one within a drivable distance. And they're donating 10% of grand opening sales at this location to a good cause.
Since it's not far from my aunt's place, I may take a field trip and check it out.
Question: What's your best organizing solution?
That it was one of the Best Places to Work, according to Fortune magazine.
That the place had more stuff to contain your stuff than anywhere else under the sun.
That its customer service is top-notch. (Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding!)
Well, they're finally opening one within a drivable distance. And they're donating 10% of grand opening sales at this location to a good cause.
Since it's not far from my aunt's place, I may take a field trip and check it out.
Question: What's your best organizing solution?
These Shoes Were Made for Blogging
If you're participating in NaNoWriMo or NaBloPoMo, there comes a time when despite your best efforts, you need a break.
For that, my friends, I send you here.
For that, my friends, I send you here.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
A Novel Idea
In my line of work, I spend a great deal of time writing. In some cases, it's about a topic that interests me, but often it's about something I have to write about. An assignment.
So when an activity appears, in the form of NaNoWriMo, that literally gives me permission to take up part of my 24-hour day fleshing out that novel idea you've been kicking around for oh, 10 years, there's a thrill ("Wow, I can really do this!").
At least, until the day of reckoning. And that day was today, November 1.
I've had a number of ideas for a novel over the years. None of which seem particularly difficult to bring to life. Yet when I sat down to write, stage fright set in.
For those not acquainted with NaNoWriMo, if you opt in for the encouraging emails designed to egg you on throughout the novel-writing process, you begin receiving them today, the start of the project.
The first message was from Tom Robbins, one of those authors who, like Kurt Vonnegut, transported me as a bored high schooler to communities overflowing with colorful characters, some of whose idiosyncracies I recognized in relatives, coworkers, or teachers and even friends. The back stories of these characters made me appreciate the idiosyncracies in my real-world acquaintances all the more.
Among the hints Mr. Robbins provided in his message to his fellow writers was this:
"You need not have your ending in mind before you commence. Indeed, you need not be certain of exactly what's going to transpire on page 2. If you know the whole story in advance, your novel is probably dead before you begin it."
That last sentence did it. It gave me the shot of courage I needed to just dive in and write the 1,750 words I wrote today.
So when an activity appears, in the form of NaNoWriMo, that literally gives me permission to take up part of my 24-hour day fleshing out that novel idea you've been kicking around for oh, 10 years, there's a thrill ("Wow, I can really do this!").
At least, until the day of reckoning. And that day was today, November 1.
I've had a number of ideas for a novel over the years. None of which seem particularly difficult to bring to life. Yet when I sat down to write, stage fright set in.
For those not acquainted with NaNoWriMo, if you opt in for the encouraging emails designed to egg you on throughout the novel-writing process, you begin receiving them today, the start of the project.
The first message was from Tom Robbins, one of those authors who, like Kurt Vonnegut, transported me as a bored high schooler to communities overflowing with colorful characters, some of whose idiosyncracies I recognized in relatives, coworkers, or teachers and even friends. The back stories of these characters made me appreciate the idiosyncracies in my real-world acquaintances all the more.
Among the hints Mr. Robbins provided in his message to his fellow writers was this:
"You need not have your ending in mind before you commence. Indeed, you need not be certain of exactly what's going to transpire on page 2. If you know the whole story in advance, your novel is probably dead before you begin it."
That last sentence did it. It gave me the shot of courage I needed to just dive in and write the 1,750 words I wrote today.
Double Whammy!
Putting my money where my mouth is, like many other writers this month I will be participating in both NaNoWriMo and NaBloPoMo.
For those of you who don't like clicking links, that means that for the month of November, I am committed to making daily progress on a novel and a new blog post every day. Weekends included.
There, I've said it. Done. And done.
So now that I'm committed... here we go.
In lieu of posting my NaNoWriMo installments, I'll find some way to provide a daily progress report with a twist.
And of course in taking part in NaBloPoMo, you'll see at least one new post every day. Trust me, this won't just be a calendar exercise.
October 2007 marked the birth of my blog, so I consider November its gawky adolescence, marked by wacky ideas, experimentation, and growth spurts. (Minus the braces and crushing insecurity.)
For all of you who are participating in either event, I wish you 30 days of inspiration!
For those of you who don't like clicking links, that means that for the month of November, I am committed to making daily progress on a novel and a new blog post every day. Weekends included.
There, I've said it. Done. And done.
So now that I'm committed... here we go.
In lieu of posting my NaNoWriMo installments, I'll find some way to provide a daily progress report with a twist.
And of course in taking part in NaBloPoMo, you'll see at least one new post every day. Trust me, this won't just be a calendar exercise.
October 2007 marked the birth of my blog, so I consider November its gawky adolescence, marked by wacky ideas, experimentation, and growth spurts. (Minus the braces and crushing insecurity.)
For all of you who are participating in either event, I wish you 30 days of inspiration!
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