SIGMA

say what? I am a sigma ( linfield college mcminnville, or) along with lots of other things. Today as I was looking at e-mail I came across one that i recieved a few days ago. It came from a current sigma ;-) , which led me to go back to visit thier website in progress ..... then to take a tour of some others .... maybe someday mine will be linked there too.

In that process I found this little wordpress blog - http://averagefantastic.wordpress.com/
Average Fantastic to young women who are getting it right, learning what make them indvidual and special and fantastic.

I took me a long time to get there ... but I am getting happy where I am. Thank you ladies for reminding me of the joy and youth and inspiring me with your photos and words.

awarded? well o.k.

The rules were simple : just give 7 fun facts about yourself and nominate 7 other bloggers for the award and MEME, and this was given by my friend Kate @ letkatedrive

So here goes nothing....

1. I know how to sew pretty well, and when I was a very poor newly wed ( the first time) I would go to Walmart by discounted fabric (* dollar a yard) and Sew my own clothes.

2. am am addicted to " junk t.v." and spend time watching HGTV, TLC and MTV yup all have series with addictive qualities for me.

3. I hate to File ( my pile is huge and it drives me crazy) and I file into boxes - with not alot of rhyme or reason.

4. I am a scrapbooker at heart but also have a fondness for card making and altered art. Sometimes i get creative lulls and I haven't scrapped seriously in a while now.

5. I skipped the 7th grade and missed some basics of science - biology in particular. My friends in high school would introduce me as -- this is Tammy she skipped a grade-- yup little smarty pants.

6. as an adult I went through adult leader training in Boy Scouts and received my " wood badge" I am very proud to say I am an antelope and learned so much about myself during this training. I have the best patrol mates and lifelong friends I have made through scouting.

7. I didn't watch T.V. for almost 5 years while we lived in Europe - I missed Happy Days in it's entirety and only know about it from watching re-runs.

come on get happy

I follow a bunch of blogers on my blog lines, and this one caught my eye today- Gretchen Rubin over at the happiness project suggests ways to get happier right now

Life lessons

45 Life Lessons

I love this list!

I took it from Kim Kwan

It was written by Regina Brett from Cleveland, Ohio, who recently re-published this list in a local newspaper in honor of her 90th birthday. There is more than enough good stuff in this list for each of us to learn something...which ones speak especially to you?

Which ones do you need to work on?
Today, I want to work on #4, 10 :), 17

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".

26. Always choose life.

27. Forgive everyone everything.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

32. Believe in miracles.

33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

36. Your children get only one childhood.

37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'dgrab ours back.

40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

41. The best is yet to come.

42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

43. Yield.

44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

45. ( i don't know what happened to 45 LOL! )

Music questions? meme from Scott- tomusicfan

Scott *** Music, as you may or may not know, well really if you have been reading this blog at all you know, I am a huge music fan. I have put together this little survey here. I know that it will take some time for you to answer but I would love to read how you relate to music. So... post it on your blog, share it with friends, get it out there.*** posted this on his blog- great questions.



1) What's a piece of music, any genre, any year, and form, (i.e 45, album, MP3, etc), that you often return to. Something that continually resonates throughout your life, and seems to gain greater impact as you grow older. How often do you find yourself seeking this piece?



I am a huge John Denver fan, and right before he past away he recorded an album of " train songs" called All Aboard, the 1st song is Jenny loved the trains- As I was going through my Divorce - I listened to this album and song very frequently- it soothes my soul in ways I can't describe.



2) Is there a specific story that relates to this?

Vince Gill wrote this piece and John recorded it, there is also a version at the end of the album called Jessie loved the trains ( for his youngest daughter) it is not listed on the album credits. He recorded this and it was produced and released the year he passed away. I grieved my marriage and his loss at times equally. This album won a grammy for best childrens album posthumously.



3) Was there a piece of music, despite the fact that you may have "outgrown" it now that at one time changed your life? How about something you feel you'll never outgrow?

I can't think of anything I have truely " outgrown" - but then I am not sure any music has changed my life.





4) Could a piece of music that you found in common with a stranger bond you for life? Is there a story behind that?

I would say yes- in fact there is a story behind this! Scott sent some of his blogger buddies a mixed " tape" CD and one of the songs on it is " Rain King" by counting crows. I didn't get a list of songs on this mix but - I googled the lyrics and found out what this one was and by whom, then I looked for some other refferences to the lyrics ( because they are interesting) - so I am bonded to him by his album of creations and who ever suggested this song to him to put on the mix we are bonded too. When I play it I can play it on repeat several times in a row!




5) Is there a favorite artist that you had that you gave up on only to have him or her redeem themselves?
I can't think of any at the moment



6) Has music ever got you through some really tough times? How?

Yes, music soothes my soul. I play it to affect mood. So I have quite an extensive play list of feel good tunes.



7) Can music change the world or is that naive wishful thinking?
Wishful thinking maybe- though it can and does make it a better place.



8) Is Rock and Roll dead?
Nope. I like Scott's answer that there will always be someone else coming along in a basment or garage somewhere that we don't even have a clue about today, but will blow us all away with their Music.



9) What's the song you wish played at your wedding? How about your funeral?

Wedding song I like Shania Twain- looks like we made it. ! title of song is : You're Still the One

funeral song - The Eagle and the Hawk



10) What's the greatest live show you ever saw? In what year? Why? How old were you then? Did you attend with friends? Were you a skeptic going in?Did you enter a huge fan? How about the most disappointing show? Why?

Bruce Horsby and the Range at Red Rocks, really all the shows I have seen at Red Rocks . I saw John Denver there and also Jethro Tull - the greatest venue in the entire world. I have been by myself and with others and everyone here would agree the best place to see a performer live. There are no bad seats, there is so much love for anyone you see there and the performers are inspired too.

Bruce Hornsby and the range at Fidller's Green Ampitheater- was the most disapointing, seating was awful and the croud was bad i felt as though I paid too much for cruddy seats and obscured veiws- then it rained!!



11) Has your feelings about recorded or live music changed over the years?

I think I am less likely to go out of my way to see a live performance as I get older, for some of the same reasons- scott uses- just don't want to go anywhere there are too many people or young people doing things I am not interested in. Don't want to fight any crowds. Want to be able to see and hear a performer at their best!

reordings and digital have helped me to listen to more music that ever though!



12) Do you listen to radio? How do you listen to music?
I listen to the radio for about an hour in the morning - everyday. I have a morning show I listen too get a bit of news weather, traffic and music.
I listen to the radio in the car too.
I have a 10 CD changer in my mom van and That is what I listen too alot. I have a MP3 player and A palm that plays music too. So I have lots of ways to get in my music fix.



13) Has the amount of time you listen to music changed over the years? To what extent?

not appreciativly - though I think I listen to a bit less now that ever before, just because my job involves talking by phone almost all day and listening to music makes that part of my job harder and more itracting.



14) In these tough economic stressful times do you gravitate towards a different kind of music, i.e happy, nostalgic, the blues, then you did say, 4 years ago?

No I don't think so:)



15) You're stuck on a desert isle, you've got a mix Cd with 10 songs you're stuck with until your dying day, (or at leas until you're rescued) what are those 10 songs and why?

1. Somewhere over the rainbow/ its a wonderful world Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
2. Anyway Maritna Mcbride
3. Jenny loved the Trains John Denver
4. Little Things Tanya Tucker
5. Rain King- Counting Crows
6. Rocky Mountain High John Denver
7. Adalida- George Strait
8. Little Bitty - Alan Jackson
9. Where the green grass grows Tim McGraw
10.Anything But Mine- Kenny Chesney

all these songs touch my heart and bring back special times and people in my life- this would make a great mixed tape.

Mis-understood

From Seth Godin

You will be misunderstood

I typically write posts that are three to six paragraphs long. I try to be clear and direct. And yet, just about everything I write is misunderstood by someone. (Not the same someone, alas). They write to me and I try to explain.

It's hard to imagine how one could write something that 100% of the recipients will understood as written. If you overwrite to satisfy the last 1%, you're going to bore the rest to tears
All of which is a way of warning you about microblogging (Twitter, etc.). If you've got 140 characters to make your point, the odds are you are going to be misunderstood (a lot). There may be nothing wrong with that, but you should be prepared for it to happen. And most of the time, people won't take the time to ask. They'll just assume you're an ignorant jerk and move on.

If it's important, or controversial, I don't think I'd obsess about making it short.

I found this an interesting premise and topic, even with only a few readers you are sometimes mis-understood. And he is correct in his assersion that fewer isn't always better!

omnivores 100 list

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.

2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.

3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.

4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/ linking to your results.



1. Venison

2. Nettle tea

3. Huevos rancheros

4. Steak tartare

5. Crocodile

6. Black pudding

7. Cheese fondue

8. Carp

9. Borscht

10. Baba ghanoush

11. Calamari

12. Pho

13. PB&J sandwich

14. Aloo gobi

15. Hot dog from a street cart

16. Epoisses

17. Black truffle

18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes

19. Steamed pork buns

20. Pistachio ice cream

21. Heirloom tomatoes

22. Fresh wild berries

23. Foie gras

24. Rice and beans

25. Brawn, or head cheese

26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper

27. Dulce de leche

28. Oysters

29. Baklava

30. Bagna cauda

31. Wasabi peas

32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl

33. Salted lassi

34. Sauerkraut

35. Root beer float

36. Cognac with a fat cigar

37. Clotted cream tea

38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O

39. Gumbo

40. Oxtail

41. Curried goat

42. Whole insects

43. Phaal

44. Goat’s milk

45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more

46. Fugu

47. Chicken tikka masala

48. Eel

49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut

50. Sea urchin

51. Prickly pear

52. Umeboshi

53. Abalone

54. Paneer

55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal

56. Spaetzle

57. Dirty gin martini

58. Beer above 8% ABV

59. Poutine

60. Carob chips

61. S’mores

62. Sweetbreads

63. Kaolin

64. Currywurst

65. Durian

66. Frogs’ legs

67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake

68. Haggis

69. Fried plantain

70. Chitterlings, or andouillette

71. Gazpacho

72. Caviar and blini7

3. Louche absinthe

74. Gjetost, or brunost

75. Roadkill

76. Baijiu

77. Hostess Fruit Pie

78. Snail

79. Lapsang souchong

80. Bellini

81. Tom yum

82. Eggs Benedict

83. Pocky

84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.

85. Kobe beef

86. Hare

87. Goulash

88. Flowers

89. Horse

90. Criollo chocolate

91. Spam

92. Soft shell crab

93. Rose harissa

94. Catfish

95. Mole poblano

96. Bagel and lox

97. Lobster Thermidor

98. Polenta

99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee

100. Snake

personality type hype?

You Are An ENFJ

The Giver You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed. Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections. Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down. You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine. In love, you are very protective and supporting. However, you do need to "feel special" - and it's quite easy for you to get jealous. At work, you are a natural leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential. You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist. How you see yourself: Trusting, idealistic, and expressive When other people don't get you, they see you as: Bossy, inappropriate, and loud

What's" Your Personality Type?

connecting and paying forward

Here is the actual manifesto,
this is information About the Author

Michael Lee Stallard is a leading authority on employee and customer engagement. He is the president, CEO and a co-founder of E Pluribus Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in helping leaders create “Connection Cultures” to form strong bonds among the management, employees and customers of an organization. Prior to founding E Pluribus Partners, Michael was chief marketing officer for businesses at Charles Schwab and Morgan Stanley. He was formerly an executive in investment banking, marketing and finance at Barclays PLC , Van Kampen Investments and Texas Instruments. Additional information can be found at
www.EPluribusPartners.com , www.FiredUpOrBurnedOut.com and www.MichaelLeeStallard.com.

Change this manifesto- Connection Culture

First, connection is a powerful force that creates a positive bond between people based on
both rational and emotional factors.

Second, connection contributes to bringing out the best in people—it energizes them,
makes them more trusting and resilient to face life’s inevitable difficulties.

Third, connection can vary tremendously across organizations depending upon local culture
and leadership.

What is it about connection that makes it so powerful?”Without going too far into the psychology of connection, let me just summarize by saying simply that we are humans, not machines. We have emotions. We have hopes and dreams. We have a conscience.We have deeply felt human needs to be respected, to be recognized for our talents, to belong, to have autonomy or control over our work, to experience personal growth, and to do work that we feel is worthwhile in a way that we feel is ethical. When we work in an environment that recognizes these realities of our human nature, we thrive. We feel more energetic, more optimistic, and more fully alive. When we work in an environment that fails to recognize this, it is damaging to our mental and physical health.

The core elements of a Connection Culture that meet these human needs
are Vision, Value, and Voice.

It is connection that makes America so productive that with a mere five percent of the world’s population we produce 30 percent of the world’s economic output.Who would ever guess that a country made up of people from every corner of the world would come together like that? Imagine what could be done if more people were connected at work. Connection is the key. It makes a difference in families, in workplaces, in schools, in volunteer organizations, in communities, and in nations. No one can thrive for long without it

Wow this is pretty powerful stuff! Now to talk about paying it forward a bit, because this article has actually touched my life in the last week by having read it about 3 times now. I have been struggling with a decision to give a person who seems pretty needy a Vehicle. We have at church a Jeep that was part of a larger donation from an estate that we were the beneficiaries of. This is not " my Property" but by virtue of being the senior warden - it falls under my purview- we have a couple of members that are needy and one in particular could really use this automobile. I have been struggling about making this decision, because this person sometimes comes across as manipulative, or aggressive in his desires for the church to help him. I think my community should help others, and I have had the blessings of my church helping me to get by in tough times too.... so why am I so conflicted with giving this person the vehicle? I have an ability to read people and I am generous and gracious to everyone, until they prove to me that I am wrong about their truth or life, then I am wary, I do not often pre-judge others, I believe that people are inherently good ( for the most part) and there has to be a big todo to make me change that opinion. So in the long run, i am thinking I will pay it forward to this person, because I have received so many gifts of blessings from my church home, there is just nothing else I can do but to PAY it Forward.

So to tie it all up, I need to give of myself and make a connection. Then maybe the best will come from having paid forward the goodness I have known. :)

kiped questions

From Scott at Life is - my fellow groudhog- who stole it from Cheryl.

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? a State of Colorado Job! and a call center job, and a test reader ( for Measured Progress- Kelly temps)

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year? Not much for resolutions, better that I take my self a little less seriously.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No I am in the sandwich generation at the moment.

4. Did anyone close to you die? No but we lost a bunch of church ladies this year and so that made it tough on this senior warden.

5. What countries did you visit? does Kansas count?

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? A maid again! yup on my mind a bunch these days :)

7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? July 10 2007 my First day at this University of Colorado Benefits Counselor job.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Definatly my new job ( that I love) .

9. What was your biggest failure? Not managing the finances as well as could be done, I am my worst critic.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?Hurt the knee while at Wood Badge over the summer . It took a while to get better and I am still having pain, I now know I have arthiritus on it as well. .

11. What was the best thing you bought? A leather Coat at thanksgiving for 60$ at a thrift store in Topeka. The sansa 2 gig disks/mp3 players we bought in Topeka for 35$ and the extreme Rockers we bought in Topeka for 35$ each.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?Hh as she is considerate and really taking on tasks on her own more and more.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? That would be J, sucks that he made life so miserable and intolerable this year, even sadder is the fact that we are enjoying not having him here. ( there is just less of a stress level)

14. Where did most of your money go? Mortgage, mortgage and mortgage.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My New Job, silly as it sounds- this was the highlight of my year.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007? Brad Paisley- singing about being online. "So much cooler online" reminds me of SSd1 !

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer? Happier, Fatter and Richer!! I am by no means Rich, but I had the pounds off then Nov and Dec happened. Back on the wagon folks! yup the walking wagon!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Travelling to see friends and family.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying, It is hard to be the constant worry-wart and responsible person all the time.

20. How will you be spending Christmas? All together with all the kids, it was very nice.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007? All over again with S.

23. How many one-night stands? Not a one.

24. What was your favorite TV show? Supranos.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Nope

26. What was the best book you read? The Time travelers wife, Harry Potter vol 7.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? The variety album that Scott put together for all his friends.

28. What did you want and get? A great job- yeah me.

29. What did you want and not get? A winning lotto ticket

30. What was your favorite film of this year? We didn't see many movies in the theater.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Partied with my family ate an icecream cake and had a great time. 43

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? The ability to complete the bathroom.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? Had to get back to profesional clothing for work world and presentations.

34. What kept you sane? My Friends, laughing at cards and letters, my scrapbooking hobby, music and my gratitude journal.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

36. What political issue stirred you the most? World politics of war.

38. Who was the best new person you met? My boss Michelle, and my great new teamates.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007. I learned that hard work and experience can really payoff you just have to be paitient.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. You can spend your whole life building something from nothing One storm can come and blow it all away Build it anyway You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way Dream it anyway Chorus: God is great, but sometimes life ain't good And when I pray it doesn't always turn out like I think it should But I do it anyway, I do it anyway This world's gone crazy and it's hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today Believe it anyway You can love someone with all your heart, for all the right reasons, and in a moment they can choose to walk away Love 'em anyway Chorus You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang Sing it anyway, yeah sing it anyway I sing, I dream, I love, anyway

personality type hype?

You Have A Type B+ Personality

You're a pro at going with the flowYou love to kick back and take in everything life has to offerA total joy to be around, people crave your stability. While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity.Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's doneYou're passionate - just selective about your passions

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

whoops !! blogger thought I was done

Little did it know that I was less than done , when it posted the one liner below.

See I wanted to talk about Colorology and Colorstrology. These are my edge in the blogging world. It is a funny thing that my blog just get hit on hit for this title and subject matter. Pantone Colorstrology web site
My personal color is Orchid Hush - a kind of purple/grey
MOST PEOPLE born on this day are highly evolved. You have a sensitive nature that does not understand cruelty, greed or ugliness. Artistic and kind, you can be giving to a fault. Try not to be so hard on yourself. It is vital for you to express your creative talents and to surround yourself with people who honor and respect you. Your personal color helps you vibrate to your highest frequency. Wearing, meditating or surrounding yourself with Orchid Hush helps you stay magical and lighthearted as you build your dreams into visions of glory.

YourBirthday:
02.02
ORCHID HUSHPANTONE® 13-3805
COMPASSIONATE
POETIC
ARTISTIC

Go see for yourself - According to Michele Bernhardt, "Your birthday color may or may not be your favorite color, but it is a color designed to nurture the real you to recognize, celebrate and honor your own TRUE COLORS. While your color preferences may change as you evolve, your birthday color remains constant."

So I am shamlessly adding one more blogger hitable colorology link and reference. yeah me.

I am adding this to my wish list of birthday items LOL :)

I have been Tagged

The Grunt- whom I have the distinct pleasure of being his best lurker. made me do it.

The rulz:"Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog,"

1. I find these lists of factoids hard to do sometimes LOL

2. I think I am a good driver and knock on wood here have never been given a ticket ( other than a parking ticket) I have been driving for 28 years!

3. I am near sighted in one eye and far sighted in the other, so the doctor has said I have the best of both worlds. I found that reading Harry Potters last adventure I am finally getting older eyes and need to actually read with out my glasses on for a while because I asked the eye doc last time to make my glasses a little more to the mid range ( for the computer work I do)

4. I am a messy desk - but know where everything is kind of girl. I am messilly organized I think.

5. I have lately enjoyed getting pedicures so much I am considering making this a regular part of my beauty routine.

6. I rarely use soap on my face... I have cleansing routines don't get me wrong, I just don't use regular soap. I get told I have nice skin though.

7. I absolutley adore the art and books of author Susan Branch She is my Idol - she started her art later in life and still is enjoying it today- check her out.

8. I have another artist I enjoy looking at her work as well ! my Talented Aunt Sunny. NO wonder I want to be an artist when I grow up !

Tag your IT next, Swamp angel, Kate, Susy Q, big Heavy, And you if you would like to do this too and YOu are readding along here!

so I am off to give some blog love and tags to those above.
Back to you all on sunday with some photos I hope of my adventure.

boosting productivity

Found this on Katie the scrapbook lady's site who got it from Crafty-Girl's blog and I just decided to copy it outright. Very inspiring and good stuff to review and remember. I need to brush up on some of these skills!

33 rules to boost your productivity:

1. Super Slow. Commit yourself to working on a particularly hideous project for just one session a week, 15-30 minutes total. Declutter one small shelf. Purge 10 clothing items you don’t need. Write a few paragraphs. Then stop.
2. Dailies. Schedule a specific time each day for working on a particular task or habit. One hour a day could leave you with a finished book, or a profitable internet business a year later.
   
3. Add-ons. Tack a task you want to habitualize onto one of your existing habits. Water the plants after you eat lunch. Send thank-you notes after you check email.
   
4. Plug-ins. Inject one task into the middle of another. Read while eating lunch. Return phone calls while commuting. Listen to podcasts while grocery shopping.
   
5. Gratitude. When someone does you a good turn, send a thank-you card. That’s a real card, not an e-card. This is rare and memorable, and the people you thank will be eager to bring you more opportunities.
   
6. Training. Train up your skill in various productivity habits. Get your typing speed to at least 60wpm, if not 90. Learn to speed-read or PhotoRead. Develop your communication skills.
   
7. Software. Take advantage of productivity software to boost your effectiveness. Lifehacker recommends new items every week.
   
8. Zone out. Enter the zone of peak creativity, and watch your output soar.
   
9. Denial. Just say no to non-critical requests for your time.
   
10. Recapture. Reclaim other people’s poor time usage for yourself. Visualize your goals during dull speeches. Write out your grocery list during pointless meetings.
    
11. Mastermind. Run your problem past someone else, preferably a group of people. Invite all the advice, feedback, and constructive criticism you can handle.
    
12. Twenty. Take a piece of paper, number 1-20, and don’t stop until you’ve listed 20 creative ideas for improving your productivity.
    
13. Challenger. Deliberately make the task harder. Challenging tasks are more engaging than boring ones. Compose an original poem for your next blog post.
    
14. Asylum. Complete an otherwise tedious task in an unusual or crazy manner to keep it interesting. Make phone calls using pretend foreign accents. Fill out government paperwork in crayon.
    
15. Music. Experiment to discover how music may boost your productivity. Try fast-paced music for email, classical or new age for project work, and total silence for high-concentration creative work.
    
16. Scotty. Estimate how long a task will take to complete. Then start a timer, and push yourself to complete it in half that time.
    
17. Pay it forward. When an undesirable task is delegated to you, re-delegate it to someone else.
    
18. Bouncer. When a seemingly pointless task is delegated to you, bounce it back to the person who assigned it to you, and challenge them to justify its operational necessity.
    
19. Opt-out. Quit clubs, projects, and subscriptions that consume more of your time than they’re worth.
    
20. Decaffeinate. Say no to drugs, suffer through the withdrawal period, and let your natural creative self re-emerge.
    
21. Triage. Save the lives of your important projects by killing those that are going to die anyway.
    
22. Conscious procrastination. Delay non-critical tasks as long as you possibly can. Many of them will die on you and won’t need to be done at all.
    
23. TV-free. Turn off the TV especially the news, and recapture many usable hours.
    
24. Timer. Time all your tasks for an entire day, preferably a week. Even the act of measuring itself can boost your productivity, not to mention what you learn about your real time usage.
    
25. Valor. Pick the one item on your task list that scares you the most. Muster all the courage you can, and tackle it immediately.
    
26. Nonconformist. Run errands at unpopular times to avoid crowds. Shop just before stores close or shortly after they open. Take advantage of 24-hour outlets if you’re a vampire.
    
27. Agoraphobia. Shop online whenever possible. Get the best selection, consult reviews, and purchase items within minutes.
    
28. Reminder. Add birthday and holiday reminders to your calendar a month or two ahead of their actual dates. Buy gifts then instead of at the last minute.
    
29. Do it now! Recite this phrase over and over until you’re so sick of it that you cave in and get to work.
    
30. Inspiration. Read inspiring books and articles, listen to audio programs, and attend seminars to keep absorbing inspiring new ideas (as well as to refresh yourself on the old ones).
    
31. Gym rat. Exercise daily. Boost your metabolism, concentration, and mental clarity in 30 minutes a day.
    
32. Lovey dovey. Romantic love will spur you on to greater heights, if for no other reason than to persuade your partner you aren’t such a loser after all.
    
33. Troll hunt. Banish the negative trolls from your life, and associate only with positive, happy, and successful people. Mindsets are contagious. Show loyalty to your potential, not to your pity posse.

Work work Work no Play makes QT a very grumpy girl

Just dashing off a quick note to my blog pals, I am working the Temp Job for a bit and on a computer for 7 1/2 hours a day so I am fried at night for anything funny to say. Sorry about this my blog suffers.