Posts Tagged ‘employment’
Okay, this may sound familiar if you work outside of the home.
You wake up before the crack of dawn, stumble out of bed and head to the bathroom to *SSS, get dressed, grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast bar or a smoothie only to sit in traffic for the next 30-60 minutes.
You get to work at 9:00 am, head to your cubicle or office, turn on your laptop, read and respond to emails then catch up on a bit of the morning news.
After about an hour, you get up to get another cup of coffee either from the pantry or from the downstairs cafeteria and as you head back to your desk you run into a colleague. There you stand and talk about latest industry news, the subject of the afternoon conference call or perhaps the score from the previous night’s game or results from a dancing show.
Back at your desk, you spend the next two hours heads down responding to email messages both business and personal, perhaps returning calls from the previous day’s voicemail. You then begin to think about leaving the office to grab a bite to eat or stay in for that all important conference call at 2…maybe just hitting up the vending machine for a bag of chips and a soda.
Naw, instead you decide to run to the local Wawa or Deli to grab a sandwich and a bottle juice making it back just in time to pickup your printouts from the copier room then dialing into that “all hands” conference call which would have been better served in a group email.
Now the work day is done or is it?
Just because you’re in the office for eight hours doesn’t mean you’re being productive for all of them, even the best of us can probably admit that we actually spend only two to three hours doing actual work. Therefore, it is quite possible that a five hour work day might be better for all of us. Getting to work at 8 and leaving at 1 or flexing in at 9 and leaving at 2 might make us more productive and focused.
Not all professions can implement at 5 hour work day, but those that could would probably have happier employees which would make them more productive. A five-hour workday enforces time management causing workers to prioritize high-value activities.
Just as with a regular 8 hour shift there will be times when you want or need to work an extra-long day. However, when you can leave the office at 1 p.m. to go to a doctor’s appointment or pick your kids up from school, work isn’t separate from life; it’s a better part of it. Having more time to pursue your passions, nurture your relationships and staying active will gives you more energy, emotionally, psychologically and physically.
Chime in: Do you think having more free time in the afternoons to get personal chores and errands done would make you more productive in the office?
Could “living for the weekend” become an obsolete phrase?
*In case you didn’t know SSS means shit, shower and shave!
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Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world. Did you know that on average people worldwide are living six years longer than they were 20 years ago? Thanks to improved medical advances and declining tobacco use the average life expectancy for women in the United States is 81 and male life expectancy is 76.
So now that you’ve got more time, what are you going to do with it? If you are nearing retirement or have retired what creative and inexpensive activities would you like to do in your golden years?
Getting together with friends or neighbors visiting cultural sites, libraries, historic homes or museums or how about taking a Yoga or Tai Chi class to increase your flexibility.
Volunteering your services, participating in church or religious groups are also other great options. A lot of people actually fear retirement thinking they are going to be bored, but trying something new or doing something that you’ve always wanted to do can be both fun and exciting.
Have you ever wanted to write a book, sing, act, paint, or learn to play a musical instrument? Perhaps you would enjoy sharing your knowledge by teaching, writing a blog or in specialty cooking and baking. Local travel to neighboring states discovering what is in your own back yard can also be an inexpensive adventure.
No matter what you choose, if you start making a list now while you’re still working you’ll have more to look forward to when that great day actually arrives.
What is the one activity that you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello Friends and Happy Saturday
Today many people in the Northeast are digging themselves out from under the results of the first major snow storm of the new year. Snowstorm Hercules caused a lot of problems for many travelers up and down the eastern seaboard and today we are experiencing dangerously low temperatures and high winds causing snow drifts.
Thursday afternoon I left work early to get a jump on the impending storm and made it home safely before any major snow began to fall. However, it was well before 8:00 pm when the intensity of the snow increased and calls from the School Districts began. I decided to use a PTO day in order to avoid a long and possible 3 hour commute into work on Friday.
The snow continued throughout the night and into the early morning which excited hubby because he would finally be able to use his snow blower! He purchased a Craftsman Snow Blower three years ago after the big storm of 2010, but it went unused due to the extremely mild winters that followed.
Like a kid with a new toy, he stayed out so long that the tips of his fingers began to tingle. Did he use the extra gloves and hand warmers that I threw out to him – nope ~ oh well, too bad, so sad!
Despite the intense cold and blustery winds I ran outside a few times to capture the beauty of the day.
These scenes from the back deck and pool made me think – CAN’T WAIT FOR SPRING!
The beauty of the snow was only intensified by God’s gift of light!
Where you affected by snowstorm, and if so, how did you spend the day?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in the New Year!
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Thursday evening I along with many other Facebook sweepstakes winners had an opportunity to attend the Pre-Grand Opening and Charity Night held at Westown Movies. The excitement for this event began when it was first announced that a movie theatre was going to be built in Middletown. Most residents in the M.O.T. (Middletown/Odessa/Townsend) area were happy and anxiously waited for what seemed like a long time for this much needed family entertainment venue.
Westown Movies did not miss a beat in incorporating the local flair in it’s designs and features of the 44,500 square foot theatre. Upon entering the lobby you are greeted by a 1,100-square foot mural showcasing Middletown’s familiar landmarks Cochoran Square, the Everett Theatre and scenes from the Old Tyme Peach Festival.
Thursday night’s event also showcased and benefited local organizations with donations to the Middletown’s Big Ball Marathon; the Appoquinimink Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House in Wilmington.
Mascots representing the local schools entertained and posed for pictures with the children as well as with many of the adults.
Earlier this year I met with Rick Roman, owner of Westown Movie theatre. He explained that movie goers would have an opportunity to experience movie watching unlike any other in the state including at the IMAX in Wilmington.
Westown Movies is the first GTX theatre between New York and Washington to offer a deluxe auditorium with 300 luxury seats, a 2,200 square foot screen, Dolby Atmos surround sound with 128 tracks and 64 speakers.
I don’t go to movies often and for the free screening it was a treat for me to be able to watch either Wolverine or Free Birds. Of course, I chose Wolverine and it definitely was an awesome experience, the picture clarity and magnificent surround sound was like no other!
Another home town aspect of Westown Movies are the food selections from the self serve concession. In addition to normal popcorn and soda offerings, other foods being sold are from local Middletown businesses including Pat’s Pizza and Half Baked Patisserie.
Westown Movies is helping in the growth of our community, the economics of our state and bringing jobs and family fun to the area which is a win-win for everyone.
Tonight is the official Grand Opening of Westown Movies – so grab a date or your mate and head out for a fun filled evening at the theatre. You can also download the free app on Google Play or iTunes to purchase tickets online without an additional service charge being added to the in-lobby price.
Welcome Westown Movies
We are looking forward to many years of family fun entertainment!
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!
In my current job I no longer have much of an opportunity to travel and my daily commute from Middletown, DE to West Chester, PA can be quite boring. Yesterday I had the chance to make a site visit to Marlton, NJ, or as I like to call it, “Exit 4 on the Jersey Turnpike”. Not to say that driving straight away on the turnpike wasn’t boring because it was, what made it all worthwhile was the location itself.
The building is surrounded with a man made pond that has ducks, a fountain and beautiful flora. The Atrium is also serene and peaceful with tall palm trees, plants and flowers. I think coming into this building on a daily would put anyone in the right frame of mind no matter what the traffic was like in getting there. Here are just a few pictures of the outside, I will post the interior shots tomorrow.
Quasi Botanical Gardens
Blouse – Walmart // Capris – GW Boutique // Sandals -Rainbow Shop
There are tables and chairs if you want to sit outside to have lunch or just enjoy the view
Have a fantastical day – Smooches!
Linking up with Transatlantic Blonde – come on over and join the fun!
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Hello Friends and Happy Friday Eve!
AARP Membership requests began hitting my mailbox way back in my 40’s and now that I am almost 52, I guess the time has come to consider joining. I am reluctantly accepting the fact that I’m approaching the “S E N I O R” category – REALLY??!! Hubby and I have been joking for years and betting on who would join first….I’d push the envelop away and say, “oh no I’m too young”, and he’d look at me side-eyed and smirk.
Offers of a Free Gift to join had oftentimes been tempting and there are definitely some great benefits including discounts at Ross Stores on Tuesdays! Discounts on travel, food, entertainment, health, insurance, shopping, education and training and so much more should have been reason to sign up with a quickness, but I just couldn’t do it. I had also loved the fact that they provide information on Long Term Care options, Employment Postings, even starting a new business, the benefits of being an AARP member far outweigh the small price to join.
I’ve finally made up my mind and submitted an online membership application, and then I entered the AARP Real People Model Search just for the heck of it. I don’t expect to be chosen but it seemed like something fun to do as well as memorable to mark the occasion as I approach the wonderful world of “Senior Citizenship”.
If you would like to vote for me, click here, and look for Antionette B in Delaware.
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Hello Friends and Happy Sunday!
I live in DE not DC but am supporting my fellow DC bloggers for a cause that I think is important.
You know Goodwill, they’re the folks you donate all your old stuff to. They also have all those stores where you can find some great deals on someone else’s stuff. But, do you know why Goodwill accepts your donations? Do you know where the proceeds from those retail sales go? Simply put – they help people find jobs. Not just any people – people who live in our community, people whose kids go to our schools, people who are sitting next to you on Metro or bus.
Goodwill of Greater Washington’s primary mission is to provide job training and employment services to people with disadvantages and disabilities. Their goal is to give the populations they serve the tools they need to become self-sufficient.
People like Nadine, who had been living on the streets since she was 12 years old. She was shot three times and stabbed while literally fighting to survive, until she found Goodwill. Nadine is now fully employed and has her first apartment!
People like Patricia— she was unemployed, living on welfare and trying to raise three children. After graduating from a Goodwill training program, Goodwill decided to hire Patricia. She is doing great and was recently promoted!
And Vander’s story is amazing, he has a disability that prevented many businesses from considering him for jobs. After completing Project Search, Vander landed a full-time job with the Department of Education. In his spare time, he likes to advocate for people with disabilities.
These are real people who now have real jobs and real lives – thanks to the incredible work done by Goodwill of Greater Washington. They are now positive, contributing members to our community. All they needed was a helping hand – A helping hand given to them by Goodwill that was made possible by your donations.
In 2012, Goodwill directly affected the lives of more than 3,200 of our neighbors. These are people who have re-found the dignity that comes with being a contributing member of our society. Goodwill also diverted over 20 millions of trash from local landfills through their donation program. In addition to training people for jobs, placing them into jobs, providing consumers with access to quality, low cost goods, and acting as one our region’s largest recyclers, Goodwill is also a job developer. With each new store and donation center that Goodwill opens, 25-30 new jobs are created.
Goodwill of Greater Washington’s mission is summed up by its tagline – “Transforming lives and communities”. Now you know how they do it. If you’d like to learn more about Goodwill of Greater Washington, find their nearest store or donation center, or get involved, please visit www.dcgoodwill.org or download their free mobile app from the iTunes app store.
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