At the end of a long day, and what sometimes feels like an even longer drive home, I’m greeted by my two favorite characters in the world; Molly the sweetest black lab alive and Rufus, my 40 lb. Corgi-mix-of-several-others (I call him my Mr. Potato Head because all of his parts look like they were tacked on from other species). He is not the sweetest by any means, but adorable nonetheless.

Once home, I struggle to open a crack in the doorway —just big enough for me to get into the house, but not so big as to let them charge through to the outside—as they step on each other to get to me. Once in the door, I’m happy to see tails wagging, Molly offering me one of her toys  and Rufus sitting patiently, but excitedly, waiting for me to crouch down to pet him. Continue reading →

An interview as art? Indeed. It is after all a dance of sorts. Two people, both dressed to impress and wearing their best smile meet for the first time. Both begin the dance trying to make a connection with their first handshake. They make eye contact and spend the next period of time trying to lead or follow their partner’s moves, as they continue with the delicate art of the interview.

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. There’s no time like the present. The best way to get something done is to begin. Most of us have heard these quotes at one time or another, perhaps from our parents, our teachers, or bosses, to offer inspiration to those of us who put off doing a task or what is otherwise known as to procrastinate.

WHAT IS PROCRASTINATION?

Procrastination is putting off or delaying something that requires attention. For example, a student may put off starting that class project because s/he knows it’s not due for another week, or an employee may put off writing that report until the last possible minute, or someone puts off going to the grocery store for just one more day. Procrastination in these cases could end up with a poorly executed class project, numbers that don’t reflect actual business results and a hungry family ordering take-out instead of enjoying a healthy meal.

Salary Negotiations
You’ve found a job opportunity and finally gotten started on the interview process. You will be faced with many difficult and sometimes unnerving questions during that process. Perhaps one of the toughest questions you’ll be faced with will be, “What are your salary expectations?” The slippery slope of salary negotiation is a challenging one, but like the other aspects of your interview process, preparation is key.

Preparing for a Phone interview
Usually when one gets ready for a job interview, an enthusiastic look in your eye and a polished professional look are first on your interview preparedness check list. A phone interview, however, requires a different sort of polish. You must relay your professionalism and enthusiasm, as well as all your other qualities, to a person or persons you cannot see, through the phone.  It requires you to be proactive in preparing for this interview as much as an in-person interview, perhaps even more so. Trying to make a great first impression without a prospective employer seeing your smiling face or experiencing personal interaction with you can be a challenge. Fear not, preparation is the key.

RESCUED PIGLET FINDS A HOME AT LAST
WILLOW FINDS SANCTUARY AT WINSLOW FARM

Norton, MA – January 29, 2013: In late October of 2012, drivers along Interstate 495 in Bolton, MA, reported seeing a piglet grazing alongside the highway. The piglet was ultimately rescued from the dangerous freeway by police, assisted by the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Since the rescue, the piglet has been living at the Animal Rescue League’s shelter in Dedham, MA. Several attempts were made to find the owner, but no one came forward to claim the little lost piglet. Chances are, she was most likely destined for auction or slaughter. Since no owner was found, the piglet was put up for adoption. Continue reading →

Originally published in Retail Traffic Magazine

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