Power of a Network

I will admit off the bat that I am an easily amused person, but it is not too often that I am in "awe" of certain things, people, events, etc... This past week I have learned some very exciting things about the power of a network, not just any network, but a good network. Two very influential people in my professional and personal lives have shown me just how important and valuable a good network is. First up is Dave . He is in the process of getting a book deal for his upcoming book, The Freak Factor. In order to promote his book, he asked the most influential people in his network to send out his manifesto to 10 people we thought would actually read and find useful. His latest blog update shows just how far a good network can reach. I think he has people on almost every continent talking about his manifesto, in just two short weeks!
Next, Cari has recently launched a much needed career and image consulting business in the Chicagoland area! She has used her extensive network to get her business up and running and will continue to use it to grow her business. Her latest blog post talks about not only building a good network, but the right network, with people who are supportive, encouraging, and constructive to help you grow professionally.

That being said, networking, in my opinion is essential to career growth. I'm not just talking about the cheezy cocktail hours hosted by your professional association (as these can be good...sometimes). I'm talking about actively listening and learning about your neighbors, peers, and friends of friends you meet at weddings, bbq's, and parties. In order for a network to become useful you have to know who is in your network. Once you know who your network is you can begin cultivating it and have it become a powerful tool for you.

Progress (is good)

Progress can be defined in many different ways. I define progress as the ability to change or move forward; having a positive impact on the future.

Today, was not the first but at least the 10th time I have been approached, confronted, yelled out, or shyly asked to buy girl scout cookies. I love girl scout cookies. Not only because the cookies are awesome. But I think the little girls are cute in their sashs and I like supporting young women entreprenuers. Despite that, progress is a must.
Here's where the progress comes in... Everytime I have successfully said no and not come home with 4 boxes of cookies! Not because I dont' want a box or 2, what woman in her right mind doesn't love girl scout cookies? but because I now understand the running miles necessary to burn off the approximately 1 box I would polish off in a week or less. This is how my love hate relationship with running continues. I love to run, hate how it makes me so aware...

I'm such a dork, I did the math:

SPOILER ALERT**** Don't proceed if you already have a box in your house... enjoy your last cookie season :0

Thin Mints: Serving size 4 cookies- 160 calories = 1.5 miles. Realistically, I think
I'd probably put down between 6-8 cookies(per sitting) = 3 miles

Somoas: Serving size 2 cookies, really can anyone just eat 2? 150 Calories= 1.5 miles, again on average double, 300 calories 3 miles.

This is above and beyond my standard 4 miles 3-4 times a week for weight maintenance.

Verdict: Progress is good. I'm saving money and my ass!(sorry Girl Scouts)

The Windy City (For Real)

Today, as I do everyday I packed up my desk and things and got ready for my long commute home from work. As I exited my building in downtown Chicago, I was quickly and literally swept up in a huge wind gust! The wind was crazy my entire walk to Union Station where I catch my train. It was so funny so see myself and other well dressed professionals holding onto our coats hats and bags all the while trying to keep from being knocked over by the wind. It was quite a site. It was like in the movies right before tornado comes through and everyone is hanging on for dear life, except no tornado, just lots of wind :)

Just thought I would share!

Easter

Last minute found out due to family having the flu that I was now going to be hosting Easter dinner for 10 adults and 2 kids! AhhH!!!! I'm a very spontaneous person, but not a fan of spontenoues major holiday hosting. Oh well, Boston Market saved the day thanks to their chill and bake dinners for 12, perfect!

Easter this year was different than most in many ways. 10 + inches of snow covered the ground and most area easter egg hunts were cancelled (how sad). The spring dresses stayed in the closet, replaced by warm sweaters and bulky coats. Yet, one thing that was consistent with almost every Easter I can remember from when I was a kid, was Easter morning church service. In my book, always my favorite church service of the year. Today, our church focused on not only the Easter story, but also the power of God. Through a few close friends recently I have had the opportunity to witness the power of God in ways that I haven't seen before, I am truly in awe.

Happy Easter!

Please come soon spring....

This winter, feels like it's been the winter of all winters... I can't remember the last time it was above 50 degrees or even 40 degrees for two or more days in a row. Yesterday in Chicagoland was a tease, it was bright and sunny, which was great... however it was still freezing cold outside.
I never thought I would say this...but I actually can't wait to hit the outside pavement, sidewalks, and trails in a couple of weeks. I would take a sticky, humid run over running on a treadmill any day. Although I love my new treadmill, I hate it because it symbolizes winter and cold.
In a few weeks, I'll be heading out west to Southern California to visit my brother and some old friends, and then to go to a recruiting conference the ERE Expo. Basically this is the biggest best recruiting group and event in the country. I am so excited to go and learn new things (and enjoy some California sunshine)
The best part of all is that I got my company to pay for whole thing... hooray!!!

My Blog

When I was a kid I always felt obligated to have a diary, to right down my secrets and my thoughts. The problem with this was that I was and still am very outspoken and really don't have any secrets, so my diaries were only ever used in fits of anger or deep sadness. I am really glad I don't know where any of those diaries are because it would probably appear that my childhood and early college years were sad and depressing. But maybe since there was only ever about 4-6 entries a year, it might appear things were going well at other times except those few occasions where I was sad enough to write about it.
That is not my intention here. Unlike writing, I enjoy typing. I am an excellent typist thanks in part to a computer game I had as a child called, Mario Teaches Typing. Basically, it was like playing the Nintendo game except that instead of hitting A, B, Up, Down, you had to type words and symbols to keep Mario moving forward. It actually worked, I was addicted and my parents probably just assumed I was a really into computers ;) Since I enjoy typing I think this will be a great way for me to document what goes on in my crazy fast paced life.

My friends and family have often comment to me saying you are SO busy, but really if I wasn't busy I would probably go NUTS! I don't like being bored and certainly don't like not moving forward in my life :)

I have no clue what this blog will turn into, if anything. But I'm hoping that some good comes out of it, if only sanity for my 3 hour daily commute to the city!