I have been trying to insert a moving animation within the Text of my Journal. And, very unsuccessful even though I had many wonderful people trying to help me....so here goes for another time to see if it works....if so many thanks to Valphish and Pam both!
Yippee, it worked! I'm thrilled............thanks again, Val and Pam.
Then, who ever it was that invented the Automated System..........Ugh....I do believe the intentions were good. But why has not some brilliant person realized that it does not save time nor does it deliver "Good" Customer Service and did I mention so frustrating! You have all experienced it.
I understand that a larger business may warrant it and for a smaller business, hiring a receptionist to answer the phones will enhance their image immensely. Customers love to be greeted by a person who can answer their questions or direct them to someone who can without pressing one for this and two for that..........then being outsourced is the worst of all.
Yes, I do take offense to being Outsourced to a person who cannot speak English ...that is number one..............number two: poorly trained and number three: Americans in my country lost their jobs. Yes, I object to Outsourcing Jobs. Who has all this time to waste being on the phone trying to take care of business with maybe your telephone company, cell company, computer problems, a banking issue, insurance questions, etc. When a 5 minute call turns into a 45 minute waste of time with pressing buttons, being put on hold, getting disconnected.........then starting all over again.
If people value their business, they will want their customers to be repeat customers....what is the old saying "word of mouth is the best form of advertising". So true!
How many people do you think I have told this story to?
P.S. Oh how I wish I could get my animations to work and move within the text section of this Journal!!!! They move great within my regular emails and it is still AOL...........????? Most of these are in Gif form. On the side bar I was able to place some moving pictures but only by placing the codes in the side bar. Oh my....all this new stuff I have to learn but I'm having fun.
I'm so thrilled to be recently retired!
I recall the days of being weary, frustrated, unhappy. It's not easy out there. Some co-workers are great and some are back stabbers! So sad that people go out of their way to make another individual unhappy just for the pleasure of it. Sickos!
I had the unpleasant experience and interaction with a boss that was a bully, intrusive, controlling, picky and petty and also made sexual advances.
I recently read an article about a "bad to the bone" boss and it described some of my personal experiences to a tee especially when I was younger. And on top of it all I had to deal with a less than effective manager that made it worse. "Bad managers and bad bosses, is a challenge too many employees face."
HR people work for the company not the employees, that is my personal opinion. They may make you feel like they want to help you and make you happy but in all honesty.....they are telling management that you are being difficult! So, don't even bother to tell them your problems with anticipation that they will get that bully in the office out of your face....because it will get worse, they repeat everything you say to management.
If your values are not the same as boss or manager then you will never be happy in that job.
If a transfer to another department is unavailable then begin your search for a new job. You may want to conduct your job search secretly.
I was not always unhappy in the workforce.....I did have some absolutely pleasant jobs but the last one was unbearable and at a near retirement age........It was pleasant to walk out the door!
I have some friends that still agonize going to their jobs in the morning and my heart breaks for them. It is so important to be stress free, yah it may require that you take a cut in pay with a new job but I bet you will be smiling in the morning instead of dreading walking in that awful workplace!
Make yourself happy...........you deserve it! I understand the whole thing....it is a comfort zone to stay where you are....you don't know where or what you are getting into in a new place......the benefits.....yatta, yatta. Trust me...........being happy and being stress free is more important....so learn to live on a bit less money!
So, give your resume a makeover and let it shine addressing it to that new potential boss! That resume has to stand out among the rest, so work at it. Forget about that sentence "seeking a challenging opportunity to utilize my skills". (Everyone uses that phrase) but that is what we were taught years ago, we were given generic resumes to use and the same sentence was there. Not so these days. I know that sentence was on my resume for a long, long time until I learned to update and customize and don't forget that "cover letter". Very important and don't use a generic cover letter for each potential job......customize. I learned this because I was sent to classes after a lay off........this is what the corporate world does these days. They pay a fortune to send a large group of layoffs to classes and learn how to update your resume. Personally, I would have preferred the $$$ instead of these classes. The only thing that changed was not to use that darn phrase!
Here is a sample of what a new resume looks like because it was my last one I created and I was taught how to update and revise the old resume and what to put under the category of "Summary" for my personal skills:
Executive Assistant with comprehensive administrative support experience serving various C-Level executives in a variety of industries. Superior organization, communications (verbal/written) and interpersonal skills. Self-motivated individual able to anticipate and solve problems without supervision. Recognized for ability to work independently or as a team member. Proficient in Widows 2000, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, AS400, Act, Helpstar, Word Perfect, PrintMaster, Picasa and several other photo programs. CPR Certified. Notary, extensive legal background in Family Law and Real Estate.
Then you can list your "Career Accomplishments", "Employment History" and "Education".
The key is to make it easy for the resume reviewer to see that you are qualified for the position. You want your resume in the "yes" pile awaiting an interview or phone call.
Good Luck! I'm praying for all of you to get the courage to search for a better job where you will be happy!
I kept watching the infomercial on this product for months. Well, with my insomnia, I'm up late at night watching TV. I was debating between the Shark Steam Mop and this H20Mop. I did some comparison shopping and also did a Poll and I was leaning towards the H20 because of the rug glider attachment and the shape of the bottom of this mop is triangle which gets into the corners very easily. I'm very pleased with my new purchase.
I was using the Swiffer WetJet, so now no more refill cleaning pads, no more refill cleaning solution. The Swiffer, however, certainly was better than a bucket of water and solution and a mop that you have to ring out! Those were back-breaking torture and messy days.
I also purchased the Dura Fiber Cloths from QVC and I now no longer buy Windex or Paper towels to clean my mirrors, glass, etc. Those were $19. for 40 re-washable cloths. They work really good on mirrors! Just dampen the cloth....and wipe away the dirt and smudges.
We all remember the three Rs.....reading, 'riting and 'rithmatic. But there are three more Rs you should know to help you become a Green Consumer: Refuse, Reuse and Recycle.
Refuse to buy things that are excessively packaged, that are made of plastics or other materials that are not fully recyclable, that are wasteful in other ways or that you don't really need.
Reuse whatever you can and buy products made of or packaged in reused (recycled) material.
Recycle as much as you can. This allows us to get the most use out of our precious resources.
If skyrocketing oil prices, and the threat of global warming hadn't already grabbed people's attention, and just recently...........power demand and air-quality warnings certainly serves as a reminder that the world faces concerning questions about our climate and energy use.
While "doing something for the environment" once meant tossing a newspaper in a recycling bin or buying organic vegetables but now concern nearly every aspect of daily life -- from the toilets we flush to the flowers that decorate our homes-- is being radically thought over and over again. Scientists are working to transform industry so that it functions more like nature, lessening pollution and inefficiency while propelling the economy forward. We can all do something to make the world a greener place. We love our country and should all help an any small way possible.
Our ancestors had it right and didn't know it. We polluted our air and waters and now we have to live more like our ancestors did to help clean it up!
When I was young and newly married, I remember my older brother, Michael telling me to buy things in glass bottles instead of the new plastic that was starting to be used in the 60s-70s. In those days, olive/vegetable oils, sodas, etc. were packaged in glass bottles but later they all started to use plastic which was not a good thing environmentally and certainly not safer for your health.
Plastic is one of the most useful materials, but also one of the most environmentally problematic. Most plastics are produced using petroleum and toxic chemicals. When burned, as some garbage is, more toxic compounds are released.
So, as it turns out, my brother was totally right and he told me that over 40 years ago and I never forgot it. My brother is brilliant! He is a retired Chemist.
Tags: Going Green
I have a dear friend that is unfortunately going through Chemo. I received a lovely email from her the other day and in her own words she said to me:
"I am trying to be positive but some days I get very sad. Your newsletter recently talked about being around positive people and I can appreciate that. Please do not take me off your list of emails as I really look forward to hearing what you think."
I was not aware that my Newsletters and/or Journal/Blogs was helpful to others. It made me feel real good to receive that email from my friend that is going through difficult times right now.
I also compose Weekly Newsletters and email them to my family and close friends. My Newsletters are not an open Public Journal such as this. I basically write about what is going on in my life during the week and share the experiences with them on a more personal level. My family lives out of state, therefore, I feel closer to them conversely through my Newsletters. I don't want them to forget all about me living in another state!!!!! LOL
So, I guess I sort of had this Journal/Blog style thing going for many years before the computer age and didn't even know it. LOL I used to type my Newsletters on an IBM Selectric typewriter in those days. Then made many copies and mailed them via snail mail. Wow....now I'm saving all that postage! I was trying to cut down on my long distance calls and I was missing my family and friends and still do.
I recall well over 20 years ago, a friend made copies of tapes from the author, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale which I was so impressed with his profound method of mastering the problem of everyday living. He explains how to elimate self-doubt, free yourself from worry and stress and how to climb above problems to visualize solutions and to reinforce the habit of happiness.
After receiving this email from my dear friend.........Sigh! I searched for those tapes and found them again. I recall when they were given to me years ago, I would listen to them while driving to work in the morning and also again at night while relaxing in a nice hot bath. I remember those tapes made me feel very confident and good about myself especially during certain obstacles in my life.
Norman Vincent Peal was the son of a British preacher. Peale became a doctor. He wrote many, many books, telling stories about friends and about clients who have changed drastically because of religion. He says that prayer is a powerful force. Every time he’s prayed for a troubled person, almost immediately, that person felt a change come over them, as if something was lifting up their spirit and easing their burden. I think it’s about belief. If you believe that God is listening, then you feel uplifted, peaceful and calm, just like you would if you knew you had a friend right there beside you to listen to whatever you had to say.
So, to my dear friend...........I have been praying for you daily and you must be feeling my prayers for you. I will never take you off my list of emailing my weekly Newsletters!
I encourage everyone to read any of Peale's books. Peale's writing style is simple and easy to understand, yet deep. I love this passage, “To learn to believe is of primary importance. It is the basic factor of succeeding in any undertaking. When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind which by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you."
Years and years later, I constantly hear those words over and over again "Law of Attraction". I read the book "The Secret" and again the words are mentioned about the law of attraction.
I'm asking all of you that are reading my Journal right now to say a prayer for my dear friend, her name is Shirley. Thanks.
I have several friends named Shirley.....this is for Shirley C. with affection.eveals the most powerful law in the universe. The 
I love AOL because it is so user friendly and I think they were one of the first companies to realize the need for people to go online and be able to reach one another with tools like Email, Instant Messaging, Sharing Photo Albums, Chat Rooms (which I don't use). I did peek in "MySpace" but felt uncomfortable in that site and certainly will not be a member of that....just my personal feelings about it. I think UTube is a hoot!
Journals/Blogs can be entertaining, it can be informational, and it can be enlightening. But the most important part of a Journal is that you have a bunch of all new faceless online friends. It allows others to look at your thoughts and follow your topics and then add comments and perspectives on what you've written about.
Basically, a Journal is a lot like a diary. You can talk about anything and everything. My personal Journal is my way to leave my footprints in the sand!
Sending love and candy kisses to all of you on Easter! Hope you are all enjoying your colored eggs...chocolate bunnies...baby marshmallow chicks...Treasure hunts...and Church bells.
I remember as a kid, Easter was a time for new dresses and patent leather shoes....Oh and the adorable little white gloves and cute hat to wear to church.
Of course the true meaning of Easter is a time for Christians to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Christ.
Considering buying a condominium? Be warned: owning a condominium is quite different from owning a single-family home and comes with its own particularities. Before you jump into the condo market with both feet, you should make sure that the condominium lifestyle is right for you.
The benefits and drawbacks of condo living need to be weighed against your own criteria. Is security more important to you than distance from your neighbors? Are you comfortable with community living?
No more backaches from mowing the lawn or shoveling snow. Condo living means someone else takes care of the roof maintenance for you. Condos are governed by a set of rules called Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). This can include restrictions on noise levels, pet ownership, renovations, and even what kind of curtains you can put in your windows.
Because the condo association is made up of homeowners rather than property-management professionals, the association may be weak and inefficient. Also, if you want to make renovations to your unit or rent your unit out, you may have to get approval from the condo association.
If you are on the Board, you have more leverage and can get just about anything you want. But it is a payless and thankless position, trust me....you don't want it. Then you have the Condo Commandos that think they own the entire complex and you feel like you are a little kid at a playground and the class bully is out there harassing everyone! Trust me, I just experienced this today and on several other occasions.
Monthly condo fees go toward maintenance and repair of the common areas. There are occasionally additional assessment fees to handle larger repair jobs. Your fees may also be paying for amenities, such as a swimming pool, that you may not use. We have had people that have put unauthorized cash in their own pocket when they think no one is aware or noticing because of our busylives.
The president of my association likes to go around swearing and raising his hand to women. This idiot is 6'5" tall and a big bully snowbird. He tried to raise his hand to me once and swore at me like an ill mannered jerk that he is. I reported him to the Board which they claim they tried to get him to apologize to me but he refused. Matters got worse that I actually had to write a letter to the Governor of the state of business regulations. Well, they stepped in to try and help but they didn't even respond to my letter until 6 months later!!!!! Yikes.....a lot can happen in six months!
So, yes....not having to do work around your house is a plus and not having to maintain certain outside areas is great. Well, you are paying for it one way or another, it is just less physical burden on you. But then again, for the peace and quiet, you can own your own home and hire people to do the unpleasant chores you either don't like to do or no longer are able to do.
I just wish there was a better way of of maintaining the property instead of a group of mindless unit owners that turn into Condo Commandos that make up the so called Board Members! Irritating to say the least.
I remember when I was young, I made all my own clothes. Coming from a large family, either I learned how to sew or continue to wear hand-me-downs that never fit properly. So I realized at a young age that when I used to thread the eye of a needle, I was able to create some truly beautiful outfits and at an amazing savings as well. I believed at the time that I could make better and more beautiful outfits than what was on the store racks and I did. I never wanted my clothes to look "homemade"....I wanted them to look "professional", I guess that was a form of positive thinking and I was not even aware of "positive thinking" at the age of 12 when I started sewing.
So, like the sewing machine was a creative tool for me when I was young, I feel that same way now with my computer today. I'm just making different creations.....not clothes but thoughts and experiences to share and photo albums to create....just an endless opportunity with a click of the mouse to amuse others and entertain myself as well!Not everyone accepts or believes in positive thinking. Some consider the topic as just nonsense, and others scoff at people who believe and accept it. The people who accept it, not many know how to use it effectively to get results. Yet, many of my friends and acquaintances are now discussing the subject and they are now reading many books, attending lectures and taking courses about it. It is certainly gaining popularity now yet it has been around for centuries.
So, I say to all of you out there "Think Positive". We all have a tendency to occasionally have negative thoughts and it is hard to pull yourself back on track and go down the Positive Road again but you can do it!
Happy Green-Beer, Corned-Beef-and-Cabbage Day! Okay, so the Irish aren't known for their culinary dishes. I wish that I could find that damn pot 'o gold...but the leprechaun who guards it keeps moving it, so I'm told!
It's a bit o' the Irish. The traditions, customs, and history of St. Patrick's Day are explored. There's also a fun game for the lads and lasses! Today, the tradition continues with people from all walks and heritages by wearing green, eating Irish food, and attending parades. St. Patrick's Day is bursting with folklore; from the shamrock to the leprechaun and to pinching those that are not wearing green.
Listen, I'm not Irish, I won't be wearing green and no one should even think of pinching me on St. Patrick's Day! Unless, of course, that someone is George Clooney......I would be honored to have him pinch me until I turn green! I'd like to think George would appreciate the "Map of Italy" on my face! LOL
My family and friends are aware that I suffer with insomnia and now to add to my already serious problem; I hear these freaking birds chirping all night long starting around midnight. And it sounds like there are at least several distinct types of chirping.
These annoying birds are obviously perched outside my window at night comfy on one of the many trees out there. I thought birds only chirped in the early morning hours and throughout the day! Where did these birds come from that chirp all night long to annoy sleep deprived people like myself? I wasted one good sleeping pill on these creatures that tortured me. I tried to drown out the chirping noise by turning my TV on loud..........then the loud TV was keeping me awake..............Ugh!
Keep in mind, that all my windows are closed, the a/c is on 24/7 because I live in a warm climate and the chirping birds sound like they are in my house. That is how loud they are. I don't know how else to describe how noisy they actually are.
Last night might have been my worst attempt to sleep. My sleep deprivation is due to a combination of so many factors I guess but now to add "Chirping Birds" to my problem is ridiculous! I never heard birds chirping all night long before! What is this? And, they chirp loudly and the sounds are from various type birds as all the loud chirps sound different. I even walked out into my patio and I heard the chirps from all different directions. Yikes! Being invaded by these unwanted creatures at night. I just want to sleep! I was hoping that this was just a bad dream or something! I finally fell asleep around 7:30 AM. then the phone woke me up at 10:00 AM.
Moreover, how has the chirping escaped my attention for all these years? I certainly know that I would have heard this before because of my insomnia. Do people know that there are birds out there that are chirping at all hours of the night? I spoke with my girlfriend this morning and told her about it and she laughed hysterically thinking I must have had a bad dream or something!
So, I decided to do some research on this topic. How??? By Google search of course! I was so shocked to read that other people out there are complaining of the same issue...some from CA, CT, FL. So, I'm not losing my marbles after all!!!!!!!
I will go insane if this chirping continues again tonight! What is happening out there during the night????????
I need some sleep.
I caught some bug and I have been sick since last Sunday.....Ugh! I've been doing that honey, lemon and brandy remedy for all of what ails you!
There were two quotes in the book that I stored in my memory bank.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
When you leave people feeling uplifted, you will have made all the difference in the world don't you agree?
The other quote also fascinated me..."There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
This author left me with the impression that she has a great mind!
