Weird Week
I so wish I was able to tell you about the weird things that happened to me this week, but there are some things that are not yet ready for prime time. My dear husband has been getting an earful of my stressed out ramblings, bless his heart. I’ll just say that the planet seems to like me, and for that I am eternally thankful. My life is so blessed, and I hope the people around me know how indebted I am to them, even when I’m bad at showing my gratitude.
I think I’m in for a bumpy ride over the next six months or so, but I’ll make it, and hopefully come out ahead.
Human Capital
I watched a rather lengthy talk by Michael Ellsberg this afternoon. In this age of overpriced formal education, he shares four ways to increase your value, your Human Capital, at a low cost. I’ll give you the quick and dirty, but definitely watch or read the transcript if you’ve got the time.
- Learn to sell and persuade. There are business major programs all over the country that fail to teach effective selling. Wealthy entrepreneurs who did not attend college often say skillful selling got them where they are today.
- Invest in the quality of your attention. Improve your physical health by avoiding caffeine, getting enough sleep, exercising, etc. so your brain is ready to devote attention to the topic of your choosing.
- Overcome emotional liabilities. If you can learn to cut down on defensiveness and stop yourself from falling into a victim mindset, you’ll be more open to the types of constructive criticism that can greatly improve your performance. You’ll also be a better listener.
- Find meaning in your life and career. “What impact do I really want to have here on the planet?” If you start your day with a strong sense of purpose, with a reason for your actions, you’re more likely to accomplish your goals and make a positive impact on the people in your life.
Early in the talk he asks what an employee earning minimum wage has in common with a well paid CEO. The answer? They both have 24hrs in their day. Use them to the best of your ability!
Costume
So, I’m making my Halloween costume this year! It’s not an original idea, but it’s still going to be a ton of fun, and it’s the first time I’ve really made part of one on my own.
I’m going to be a Sno-Cone. *grin* Using some white felt and a hoop from my old hoop-skirt, I’ve fashioned a ‘cone’ that will be easy to wear at work and not restrict my movement or ability to do my job. I’ve cut out the ‘Sno-Cone’ lettering from blue felt and will be gluing that on soon, probably tomorrow. I’m still trying to decide on a snowflake design to make the lettering into something resembling a proper logo. To top it off, I bought a large rainbow clown wig to act as the Sno! It’s going to be pretty awesome, if I do say so myself!
Almost Time & PI
It’s hard to believe that vacation is almost here!! We leave Monday right after I get off work. I’d love to duck out early, but I think I’ll be too busy. Oh well, 4pm will come soon enough! Then – it’s Jon, Me, Surprise (the name of our Honda Element – get it??) and the open road!! As long as we don’t end up in any southeast-bound thunderstorms, it’ll be great. *grin*
You know what else? Only 4 days til we’re at Organ Piper Pizza! Can’t wait!!
In other news, I re-took the Predictive Index (PI) test at work, just out of curiosity. I haven’t changed a whole lot, but I’ve grown more assertive. It’s a good thing, I think, as long as I can temper it when it’s unnecessary. One interesting thing – I tend toward the extreme objective end of the objective-subjective scale. It was suggested that extreme objectivity is sometimes caused by traumatic events or painful situations. I found that a bit humorous, because I have my suspicions that it’s just a family trait in my case, and a trait I also share with my husband. Many of us are NT‘s, after all. It did get me thinking though (imagine that, heh) …is there anything I can do to stretch my subjective and emotional muscles? This may be something to explore in the future.
Day Eleven
I’m already on the last day of my vacation. *sigh* I didn’t accomplish very much, but I can blame at least some of it on the cold I got on day seven. The last five days mainly consisted of trying to sleep and failing, eventually sleeping really late into the day, and watching a whole lot of television. Fortunately, I have plenty of The West Wing on hand, so I was never bored.
I’m only one photo behind on my project, but I might try to make it up today. We’ll see. I obviously didn’t make it to the gym as often as I’d hoped to, since I was sick for roughly half of my vacation. I also succumbed to comfort food a bit more than I should have, so it’ll be a couple of weeks before my number moves in the right direction. I just have to get back to following my healthy motto: “It’s all about the long trend…” I didn’t get much cleaning done either, which is unfortunate. Hopefully I’ll be well soon and get a big burst of energy so I’ll want to get some of that stuff done. Better late than never.
I’m not quite ready to go back to work tomorrow, but life keeps on moving, ready or not.
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