Professionalista

Camping and thoughtfulness: Who knew they went hand in hand?

I was blissfully happy this weekend. I actually had hours - hours, I say! - to myself. Most of my time was pretty self-indulgent: got my hair cut; nails and toes 'cured; rambled around the farmers' market; bought the perfect red lipstick at Mac; read the one-millionth Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novel (Austin and Thackeray are turning in their graves); yacked on the phone for an hour with a wonderful friend; watched a couple episodes of True Blood: Season II. Enough, you are no doubt thinking. No more of your life of luxurious indulgence! How, you may ask, did I have all this time? And what the heck does this have to do with the name of this post?

My dear hubby, Dan, took the kids camping at a Vermont state park.

That Dan is willing to plan, pack, load and cajole to make this all happen in relation to me not doing any of it is thoughtfulness enough. He knows there are two activities I dislike supremely and one is camping; the other is downhill skiing (Yug!). But their is more to this thoughtfulness tale. Gather round the fire, children:

On their first night camping, Dan and the kids, and our family friends C and E heard that there was a storyteller/musician at the campground performing at 7:00 pm. They were interested in going but stew was bubbling on the fire and they could only stay until around 8:00 pm. Dan, being the upright soul that he is, went up to Mr. Storyteller/Musician and said that they were excited to be there but that he was sorry, they'd have to walk out around eight to finish the dinner preparation - and that he didn't want Mr. S/M to think they weren't enjoying the show. Mr. S/M was so touched. He thanked Dan profusely and said that people just usually walked out - and that he wanted to make sure he did something special for them before eight. He played the saw.

Isn't that a great story? But the moral here is that Dan's thoughtfulness made Mr. S/M's night (well, that and the $100 check he probably got from Vermont State Parks). Little tidbits of thoughtfulness take little effort - but the effects can have a great impact. This is as true in the workplace as it is in our everyday lives.

I did make Dan a birthday cake because I'm not gong to be there on his birthday. That was sort of thoughtful. I made it from scratch. Chocolate butter cream frosting. Oh, heck, I'll give him a big smooch when I get home and tell him he is the most thoughtful man in the world.

Side note: Another thoughtful camping tale: When Dan and B went camping with Uncle D., the second night the camp ranger came up around 9:00 pm to ask them very nicely to keep their voices low because they were on a hill and the sound carried throughout the camp. They were not talking loudly at all. Dan thinks it's because Uncle D was sawing major zzzzzs the night before keeping Dan and B - and most of the camp ground, obviously - awake the previous night. Uncle D. took the hint and slept in his car. Thoughtful of the camp ranger; thoughtful of Uncle D.

Military Jackets and floral dresses

www.thesartorialist.com

 

www.fabsugar.com

 

www.divinecaroline.com

This is a trend: floral-print dresses paired with military-style jackets. I like it. It's comfy and pretty. The masculine jacket translates an age-old look into something more contemporary.But, whatever you do, don't make a big investment in a military-style khaki jacket (unless you've got sweet moola to burn). This look will stick around for a couple years - maybe even longer with college girls and mom's on the go, but my guess is it will not translate into a classic. Get back to me in three to five years if you still see this on the street. That being said...I think I need to get to the Army/Navy store.

Vintage. Blue. Dress.

This is a beautiful dress. I can think of four women (and one man) off the top of my head who would look fabulous in this. It's a medium. So if you're small - it can be taken in - and your bust will look bigger because of the ruched bust gathering. This sky blue color will look fabulous on "Spings." (Bright! Or fair skin and blonde/light brown hair.) Someone...buy this dress at http://www.etsy.com/listing/50226928/1960s-turquoise-minidress-medium.

Such sad news today on the professionalism front. My beloved intern, K, has to leave the country! No, she's not an illegal immigrant (although, if she was, I'd still adore her), but to apply for full-time employment in the country where she'll be living with her boy, she must be within the country to apply for a work visa - or whatever! Yeesh.

K is such a smart,sharp, hardworking and willing co-worker. And a kind and thoughtful person, in addition. She has many successes to come her way and I wish her the best. But I will miss her tremendously.

And this was a country I used to adore. The country of my ancesters (since before 1600!). No more! Meh.

Shorts at work: the sequel

OK, because I don't want to take the time to figure this out...if you are interested and taking the "Shorts at Work?" survey (and I am very sure your are!), copy and paste the below link into the address line of your web brower. I'm workin' it old school. (Not surprising for any of you who know my technological capabilities.)

http://polldaddy.com/s/F9C21817DA54D7F2

Perfect work shoe

I was just looking at one of my favorite blogs - Shoedaydreams She posted this really lovely YSL peep-toe sling back. Tres belle, n'est pas? I like the contrasting heal, the sweet shape to the peep toe and the height of the heal - not towering but looks higher than the standard 2" work-type shoe.

This would look equally terrific with a flouncy skirt as with a more tailored suit or sexy-secretary look. Somebody, please buy this shoe!

Mad Men Season 4!

Don! Betty! Joan! Et al! Can't wait for the new season to start on July 25. I'll be taping it because I'll be dong a little work trip and I'm sure the hotel won't have AMC. If you like the style of Mad Men - specifically the clothing - as much as the characters, watch this video clip on the Season 4 wardrobe

Hmmm, I think a martini is in order...

Vertical stripes: a girl's best friend

So, in true blog confessional style, let me share: I gained about 15 lbs. this year. I won't bore you with the details. But all my cute clothes in my former size(s) don't fit.

I'm going to an outdoor afternoon wedding and I have plenty of cute things I could wear...if I had kept my rear in gear and running at least five days a week (about 4 miles/day). Why oh why did I stop running? After eight years of running? Why oh never mind. I'm boring even myself by this time.

So I'm wearing this. I like the shawl sleeve - it's not the everyday. And I like the vertical strips on the body. Diverts from the fact that I've lost most of my waist and that my hips have gained at least an inch. And I like the bright red necklace the brings the eye up. I purchased this necklace at an image consultant conference. The artist is from NYC. She found a necklace in Paris comprised all of the central flower on the front of my necklace. She disassembled it and made a bunch of different necklaces with the floral pieces and vibrant stones. It has an antique clasp (with a safety) that I love.

On a side note, I'm very happy for the bride and groom and it will be a glorious day for them. It's really not about me and my weight gain and camouflage. But it is my blog. So there.

All the rage in Florence

As I've mentioned before, I'm obsessed with The Sartorialist website. So many cool and fabulous people on their way to do cool and fabulous things in a bored yet intellectual and passionate way. The trend I'm noticing today is men in tailored suits and high-end shoes...with no socks. Men walking to their motor bikes. Men peddling bicycles. Men strolling hand-in-hand with bored yet fabulous women. None of the  men wearing socks with dress shoes. As far as trend and fashion go, I like it. I like it a lot. Won't fly in the office though.

Treat co-workers better than family

You know how when you're with someone you trust, someone who you know will love you no matter what, you tend to let it fly? You can be careless, crass and hurtful. You can pick a fight, 'cause you are cranky, even if it's really not about them? And then later you realize you were a jerk and apologize? Or you can act superior, condescending or aloof and it's just accepted because that's the status quo in your family. Be aware: Work is a different story - especially if you want to learn, grow and thrive.

While most of us strive to have positive relationships at work, and, in fact, some of our best friends may come from the workplace feeder, it's important to remember that co-workers don't have our blood running through their veins (unless the co-workers are vampires...sorry, reading too many Anita Blake, Vampire Slayer novels). They don't have to accept us or like us or work amenably with us if we don't treat them with respect and thoughtfulness.

Here's are some ver-very-Dawn-tips for building strong co-worker relationships:

• Listen.
• When you don't like what they're saying, listen anyway (um, without huffing or rolling your eyes).
• Ask, don't tell.
• Say sorry when you're in the wrong.
• Ask to sit down and talk with them when you feel they are in the wrong.
• Speak from the "I" perspective when airing grievances and then, again, listen.
• If they aren't picking up what you're putting down, ask them what would make it better for them.
• If they still aren't on the same wave length as you, let it be. Accept that co-workers may never be your soul mates.
• Endeavor to walk in their shoes.
• Tell them they are doing a good job or that you appreciate how they do something.
• Bring a coffee or a cookie to a close co-worker once in a while.
• Go home to the people who love you...no matter what.

All that being said, I have about 10 friends in my life from different jobs/careers, who are my life-friends - not just work-friends. It can happen. And when it does, that's a beautiful thing.