I thought this was sweet and well done.
Happiness as Your Business Model
Happiness as Your Business Model
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Rude Behavior
My boss took a call from her daughter yesterday while we were meeting and promptly said, "I cannot talk right now; I'll call you back tonight." I appreciate the minimal interruption given we have limited time together.
When I worked at Amex, one of my bosses used to take calls from his wife and little kids in the middle of meetings and actually carry on lengthy conversations with them about nothing (e.g., "What did you do in preschool today, Jack?") while we sat there. Obnoxious. Disrespectful. Horrific waste of time. Standard for him.
It drove my coworker Marsha, who sat right outside his office, absolutely bonkers. So, whenever I was in a meeting with him, Marsha took to dialing "9" to get an outside line (to avoid being ID'd) and called him. The phone would ring, he would pick up, she would hang up and he would comment, "I keep getting hang-ups lately." Oh really?
Made me smile.
When I worked at Amex, one of my bosses used to take calls from his wife and little kids in the middle of meetings and actually carry on lengthy conversations with them about nothing (e.g., "What did you do in preschool today, Jack?") while we sat there. Obnoxious. Disrespectful. Horrific waste of time. Standard for him.
It drove my coworker Marsha, who sat right outside his office, absolutely bonkers. So, whenever I was in a meeting with him, Marsha took to dialing "9" to get an outside line (to avoid being ID'd) and called him. The phone would ring, he would pick up, she would hang up and he would comment, "I keep getting hang-ups lately." Oh really?
Made me smile.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
No Gilt
I've been checking out the online sample sales at Gilt for awhile now. They start everyday at noon and feature designer clothes, jewelry, bedding, etc. While they have some fabulous stuff, I can't afford most of it.
Is there really an economic downturn? Either it's a resounding "no" because this stuff is selling like hotcakes or it's "yes" because it's upscale clientele who are trying to save a buck. Not sure of the demographics.
With that said, what demographic causes every unit in stock of this zebra print coat by Peter Som (at $998) to sell out within minutes but leaves this cute, crochet dress by Missoni (at a mere $298) to remain on the rack? Is the blizzard we're having today clouding judgment and making people want to wear short-sleeved fox fur? Or, once again, is it because I live in a community where fashion isn't cutting-edge that I just don't understand the appeal?
I just don't get it.
Is there really an economic downturn? Either it's a resounding "no" because this stuff is selling like hotcakes or it's "yes" because it's upscale clientele who are trying to save a buck. Not sure of the demographics.
With that said, what demographic causes every unit in stock of this zebra print coat by Peter Som (at $998) to sell out within minutes but leaves this cute, crochet dress by Missoni (at a mere $298) to remain on the rack? Is the blizzard we're having today clouding judgment and making people want to wear short-sleeved fox fur? Or, once again, is it because I live in a community where fashion isn't cutting-edge that I just don't understand the appeal?
I just don't get it.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Extreme Sex
Conversation while putting the kids to bed last night.
Son #1: Mama, did you ever date any guys between that guy you married in the pool when you were five and daddy?
Me: I had dates but nothing serious.
Son #1: Did you ever play spin-the-bottle?
Me: Yes, but I never wanted to.
Son #2: Why not?
Me: Because I never wanted to kiss any of the guys we were playing with. It grossed me out.
Son #1: Did you have sex with them?
Me: Uh, no, but do you even know what "sex" is?
Son #1: It's when a boy and a girl lie in bed and kiss. It's different than "extreme sex."
Me: What is "extreme sex"?
Son #1: When they roll around in bed and kiss for like four hours.
Me: Where did you hear this?
Son #1: It's just a rumor going around school.
Son #1: Mama, did you ever date any guys between that guy you married in the pool when you were five and daddy?
Me: I had dates but nothing serious.
Son #1: Did you ever play spin-the-bottle?
Me: Yes, but I never wanted to.
Son #2: Why not?
Me: Because I never wanted to kiss any of the guys we were playing with. It grossed me out.
Son #1: Did you have sex with them?
Me: Uh, no, but do you even know what "sex" is?
Son #1: It's when a boy and a girl lie in bed and kiss. It's different than "extreme sex."
Me: What is "extreme sex"?
Son #1: When they roll around in bed and kiss for like four hours.
Me: Where did you hear this?
Son #1: It's just a rumor going around school.
Monday, January 26, 2009
On Leadership
I put the following quote -- attributed to Norman Lear -- at the end of a keynote speech I wrote for my boss recently but, upon re-reading it over the weekend, I couldn't help but think of how it parallels the state of the nation today and Obama's (and our) challenges ahead.
“To be an effective leader, you not only have to get the group of followers on the right path, but you must be able to convince them that whatever obstacle stands in the way ahead, whether it’s a tree or a building that blocks the view, you’re going to get around it. You’re not going to be put off by apparent barriers to your goal. All journeys are filled with potholes and mines, but the only way we can move beyond them is to approach them, and recognize them for what they are. You have to see that it’s only a tree, or whatever, and it’s not insurmountable. Everywhere you trip is where the treasure lies.”
“To be an effective leader, you not only have to get the group of followers on the right path, but you must be able to convince them that whatever obstacle stands in the way ahead, whether it’s a tree or a building that blocks the view, you’re going to get around it. You’re not going to be put off by apparent barriers to your goal. All journeys are filled with potholes and mines, but the only way we can move beyond them is to approach them, and recognize them for what they are. You have to see that it’s only a tree, or whatever, and it’s not insurmountable. Everywhere you trip is where the treasure lies.”
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Snuggie
"Blankets are OK but they can slip and slide, plus your hands are trapped inside." Darned if the Snuggie people haven't found their own pet rock!
I have a better idea for when you're cold: put on a sweater! Or if you really want to look like a jerk but don't want to spend the money: put your robe on backwards.
But I have to give them props for awesome marketing. People all over America are probably buying the "blanket with sleeves" -- and I'm just mad at myself for not thinking of the idea first.
I have a better idea for when you're cold: put on a sweater! Or if you really want to look like a jerk but don't want to spend the money: put your robe on backwards.
But I have to give them props for awesome marketing. People all over America are probably buying the "blanket with sleeves" -- and I'm just mad at myself for not thinking of the idea first.
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