Working With Your Hands

I have had the fortunate pleasure of being able to do many types of work.  I've hosted a game show on our local public access TV.  I've been an announcer for the largest Roller Derby League in the nation.  I've worked in the chocolate plant of one of the largest candy manufacturers in the nation.  I've led and started non-profits and I've had a few jobs where I've sat behind a desk and made a decent amount of money with great benefits. However, as fun as many of those jobs were, very few were satisfying.

Job Satisfaction Defined:

• Do you come home stressed or angry?
• Are you only there for the money, benefits and or prestige?
• Do dread going to work?

If you answered yes to any of those then you are not satisfied.

I used to think that if I had a job where I was able to help people change their life, to better it in some way then that would give me satisfaction.  Well, I've done that and it did not.

The last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to work with my hands.  I've come home dirty, tired and woke up sore.  My knuckles are busted up and I've gotten a few bruises.  During this process I have discovered how much I missed it.  I didn't dread coming to work the next day.  I didn't go home stressing over issues.  I wasn't angry or upset.  In fact, I looked forward to it.

Working with your hands is an Antidepressant:

A simple search of the term "work with your hands" will result in several articles and studies that show this to be one of the best antidepressants you could ever use.  Now, understand that does not mean you have to be a mechanic or a carpenter.  It could be a hobby like doing crafts or baking.  But the bottom line is do.

But, I don't have the time.

Yes you do...you are just using it for something else.

I get it, you work 40 - 50 hours a week, you have kids and family obligations.  The last thing you want to do is come home and work.  Well, stop thinking of it that way.  Think of it as part of your personal development.  Take up a project, it doesn't have to be expensive.  It could be weeding your flower bed, cleaning/organizing the garage or a hobby.  The point is do something with your hands.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback on your own experience when it comes to working with your hands.

1 Thessalonians chapter 4 talks about finding satisfaction in our daily life and in verse 11 it says; "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands,".  

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The Paper Diet - 13 Tips for Your Office

The widespread use of computers has heralded the dawn of a new age - the paperless office.

Unfortunately, the demand for paper and paper based products is still incredibly high and growing. Here are some tips for going on a paper diet; some of which can also help save cash!

1. Decrease margin, footer, and header sizes and don't use double line spacing. This can save up to 50% on paper consumption.
2. Only print emails and pages of documents you really need.
3. Preview documents before printing to ensure they are laid out correctly.
4. Print directly onto envelopes rather than printing labels.
5. Make notepads from paper that has been printed on only one side.
6. Use reusable envelopes for inter-office mail.
7. Reuse file folders.
8. Post memos on a central notice board or use email.
9. Compose, send, and receive faxes via your computer using services like eFax.
10. Store letterheads electronically rather than have stock printed, so if your letterhead details change, you won't be stuck with reams of pre-printed pages.
11. Offer major documents on CD or as PDF files to intended recipients.
12. Use lighter weight graded paper where possible.
13. Keep cardboard shipping boxes you receive for re-use. You can flatten them to save space.

Who Doesn't Love Popping Bubble Wrap?

Fun as it may be, it's not an environmentally friendly product and the same goes for many other packing materials.

If you need to package an item for shipping, here are a few ideas that are a little more earth friendly:

1. Biodegradable packing peanuts are available, made from grain sorghum and cornstarch.
2. For environmentally friendly soft foam in rolls, starch-based products such as GreenCell have the added bonus of being anti-static - great for cushioning computer parts and electronic equipment.
3. Usually used for the garden, pea straw has good cushioning properties, so it's suitable to use as a packing material. The recipient can then mulch it straight into their garden.
4. Consider using cushion packaging made from one hundred percent post consumer waste paper.
5. For boxes, go for boxes made from recycled cardboard. Most post offices and stationers provide these products.

As for the bubble wrap you do receive; try to keep it - and resist the incredible urge to pop the bubbles. Re-use it and tack a note onto the wrapping stating, "Recycle me!"

Don't Plug into the Wall without Surge Protection

This can physically destroy your computer equipment, as well as the data it holds.

You may think your systems are in danger only during an electrical storm, but anything that interrupts the electrical circuit and then turns the current on again can fry your components. Something as simple as someone turning on an appliance that’s plugged into the same circuit (especially a high voltage one such as an electric heater or air conditioner) can cause a surge. A surge can also be caused by a tree limb touching a power line. If you have a power outage, you may experience a surge when the electricity comes back on.

You can protect your systems against damage from power surges by always using a surge protector, but it’s important to be aware that most cheap surge protectors will survive only a single surge and need to be replaced afterward. An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is better than a surge protector; it has a battery that keeps power flowing smoothly even when there’s an outage, to give you time to gracefully shut down.

7 Ways to Protect Yourself on a Public Computer

Most of us will occasionally have to use a public computer for one reason or another.


Whatever your reason, using public computers will always carry an inherent risk of exposing your personal data. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and lessen that risk.

1. Delete your Browsing History
   In Internet Explorer 7, you can do this under Tools -> Delete Browsing History.
2. Don’t save files locally
   Many of the files you would normally save locally, such as e-mail attachments, can contain private or sensitive information.
3. Don’t save passwords
   In Internet Explorer 7, go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Content. In the AutoComplete panel, click the Settings button and uncheck the Prompt Me to Save Passwords checkbox. Deselect the other AutoComplete features as well.
4. Don’t do online banking
   You should remember that ultimately, a public computer is never going to be anywhere close to completely secure, so if you really need to check your balance on the road, you’re better off finding a branch office or ATM or using your phone.
5. Don’t enter credit card informationAs with online banking, public computers are not the place for online shopping. Your purchases from eBay or Amazon.com can and should wait until you can browse from a more secure location.
6. RebootWhen you’re finished using the public computer, the final thing you should do is a hard reboot. This will clear out everything you did from the physical memory (RAM).
7. Pay attention to your surroundings and use common sense
   Finally, you need to remember to pay attention to things around you that could be a risk. And remember that there is nothing you can do to make a public computer completely secure.

Want to Add Holidays to Your Outlook Calendar?

In Microsoft Outlook:

1. Click on Tools
2. Click Options....
3. Click Calendar Options....
4. Click Add Holidays...
5. Place a check mark in the box of the types of holidays you want to add
6. Click OK

Now when you open your Calendar you will see holidays are added.

Lead by Example

Be a leader - it's tougher than being a manager, but it's worth it.

• If you ask your employees to work overtime, be there too.
• Just because you can, don't fly first-class if your associates are in coach on the same plane.

6 Things Every Man Needs in His Man Cold Survival Kit

It happens to all of us, at some point, no matter what you do, you will get sick.  Being a man, you know as well as I do that the “man cold” is the absolute worse type of sick there is.  Women often think that since they can get a cold they understand, but it is not the same.

Today, I want to share with you a few tips of making it through your ‘man cold’ with what I refer to as the ‘Man Cold Survival Kit’.  Many of the items I’m going to list you can keep in your dopp bag (shaving kit) and others you may already have.  However, the first item I am going to list is a bit reclusive and in the rare case you can find it, a bit...ummmm...shall we say...unpredictable.  So, with that being said, I urge you to proceed...but do so cautiously.

1. A Good Woman - Let’s face it, there are very few things better in life than the soft comforting embrace of a good woman when you are not feeling well.  Women like to brag about how they are by nature caregivers and nurturers.  Now, thanks to the feminazi movements in this country, finding a ‘Good Woman’ is a rare thing.  But they are out there, so when you do find one, build into her and treat her good.  That way when you do get sick she won’t see taking care of you as a chore, but as a pleasure.

2. A Tiny Bell - So, to go along with a good woman I would suggest you get a tiny bell.  This way, if you’re too weak to get up or your voice is not doing so well, you can ring her and let her know that you are in need.  Then when she comes to you she can rub your head and sing “Soft Kitty” or say something like “Poor Little Bunny”

Don’t think she’ll be offended by this.  Like I mentioned, a “Good Woman” by nature in a caregiver and nurturer.  Anything less than that is not worthy of the title “Good Woman”

3. Electric Blanket and Remote - Whether feverish or not, very few things feel better than being warm and comfortable when you are sick.  That along with the remote will surprisingly help you survive what very well may seem like your impending demise.

4. Food - When fighting a sickness you body is expending a lot of energy...as tired as you may seem you need to eat.  I have found that rich and spicy broth’s work magic.  My favorite thing to do is find a local Vietnamese Restaurant and order Pho’.  If you have time, let the server know you are sick and they’ll hook you up.  

5. Medicine - Keep in mind medicine is not there to heal as much as it is there to relieve.  Many people like cold medicine, but I do not.  Cold medicine is just a bad tasting vehicle to administer cheap alcohol to my system.  Therefore, I prefer to just drink the alcohol I like, which is usually 2 to 3 fingers of a mid-shelf burbon or scotch no ice and just a splash of water.  Look, the goal here is not to get tattered.  The goal is to assist your body in letting you relax and rest.

Important note: Drink a lot of fluids, this will help in riding your body of that sickness as well, especially if you do have a fever and sweat.

6. Hot Soak - Not everyone has a hot tub but most people do have at least a bathtub.  After, you’ve finished your rich broth, ring the bell to let your Good Woman know that you are ready for your medicine.  Once she brings that to you she’ll go and draw  you that hot bath so that you can soak in it as you sip your medicine.

• Note:  I know that many of you men are just big old tubby tubbies and can’t fit into your bathtub.  For you I would suggest two things.  First, quit eating so much crap and lose the weight.  Second, retire to the comfort of your Electric Blanket.

There you have it, Six things that will help you survive your man cold.

How do you properly use your survival kit?

You feel the sickness coming on...now is the time to make sure your kit is up to par.  First thing you do is tell your woman, then go and get your Bell and make your way to the couch.  By the time you get there she should have the Electric Blanket plugged in and the remote ready.  As you are snuggling in for your fight.  She then then prepares the Broth or Soup for your to enjoy.  Once you’re finished eating it’s time for your medicine.  Now, if she is not sitting on the couch with your head resting against her, simply ring the bell.  This will let her know to bring you your medicine and prepare your hot soak.  Now, this next part is very important, do not forget to take your bell with you to the tub.  You may need to refill your medicine, or let her know to throw your towel and robe in the dryer so it will be ready when you get out.  Then back to the couch and repeat as necessary.

Oh and for you women that just do not understand how serious a "man cold" can be. Here you go:

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Four Keys to Lead at a Higher Level

• Set your sights on the right target and vision. If you don't know where you want to go, the direction you take doesn't matter
• Treat your customers right. Decide, discover, and deliver.
• Treat your people right. If you don't treat your people right, they won't take care of your customers (the customers are the only people they can beat up.)
• Have the right kind of leadership. Effective leadership starts on the inside. You don't own the position, it's on loan. Be a servant leader over a self-serving leader.

Start An Unread E-mail File in Outlook

There seems to be no effective way to stop junk e-mails from filling your inbox (and hey, you might want to read some of it – just not today).

Move all of your less important e-mails to an "unread e-mail" file until you either have a bit more time or just need a quick pick-me-up.