A New Chapter March 7, 2008

I am beyond excited. I have done it. Taken a major leap of faith. I put in my notice at HGTV this week. I have a very exciting new part-time job with City View magazine doing what I love–writing for fashion and homes and art directing/styling photo shoots. In addition I have some wonderful steady freelance gigs lined up for illustration work and tee design, and then of course Kat in the Hat, which will now get the attention it deserves. It’s all a dream come true. As they say, “good things come to those who wait” and the good Lord knows I’ve waited.

Some may say, “duh, who quits their job on the verge of a recession” but I believe I have made a “calculated” decision, as my business-savvy brother would say and that I will be using my gifts to a far greater degree. Not to mention, that I can get back to running more frequently and do some fun things with the kiddos on occasion. Geez, maybe I’ll even start cooking. Ha. That one remains to be seen. Anyway…I’m walking on air. But if you should see me on the exit ramp with a cardboard sign…I really will work for food.

Low-Hanging Fruit August 31, 2007

Can I just get on the soapbox for a minute? I know I said I wouldn’t, but that’s a girls perogative. We change our minds. Get over it.

I have worked in the corporate world for many years. I have always flatly refused to rub noses with the bigwigs. Career suicide? Probably. But at a party with the CEO and the intern? I’m gonna spend the evening talking fashion with the intern. Sorry. That’s just who I am.

I have a pet-peeve that grows more and more peevish with every year. Corporate lingo. WHY? Why is it neccesary to spout off this nonsense gibberish, when perfectly old-fashioned terms will accomplish the very same thing.

Here’s what I’m talking about.

Hi, Judy. Thanks for “reaching out”. When I have an answer, I’ll “circle back.” I agree that this opportunity is “low-hanging fruit.” In fact, it should really “move the needle.”

Does this irk you the way it irks me?

Can’t we say, “Hi Judes…thanks for getting in touch. When I know the answer, I’ll letcha know. This is a good idea–I think it’ll work!”
There are MANY more of these, but I’m blocking them out at the moment. Too many in one 10-minute span sends my brain into spasms and it just doesn’t work right.

I’ll circle back and reach out when they come to me.