POKER

bet heavy is the advice i was given. ok, so here i am with my guy friends playing POKER. good times, i am so losing - these guys play hard core. they bet HUGE.

BUT, they do take I. O.U. s. thank goodness. i won two hands and then it went downhill from there. remind me to stay away from the local casinos.

pender island excursion

here i am for the remembrance day long weekend on pender island, bc. this really has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. not only is this 'city escape' full of unforgettable memories like frisbee golf and 'princess pillow' [so sorry, but it is an insider's joke], but coming here really requires that you take off your watch and UNWIND. the pace of life here is refreshingly simple and fulfilling.

i am sitting beside a crackling fire and trying to figure out how i can delay going home to the city'. hmmmmmmmmmmm...any ideas?

The Fabulous 5

Change is constant
Learning is ongoing
Focus on the journey
Follow your heart
Access your allies

Change is constant
We change over time, and so does the world around us—including the working world. In fact, the rate of change is accelerating. People are now likely to experience many jobs, in different career fields and with different employers, during our working lives. Learning how to adapt to change is key. It is said that the future belongs to those that can see it coming. Those who are most aware of change, in themselves and the world around them, are able to make proactive choices and benefit from change - rather than resist or complain about it.

Learning is ongoing
Graduation is not the end of learning. Because change in ourselves, the work world and society is accelerating, we need to keep learning to make the most of changing realities. People have to recognize, seize, and take advantage of opportunities to learn—opportunities that are everywhere.

Focus on the journey
Some people are so focused on the destination, that they don't even see the doors of opportunity, good new possibilities, potentially great relationships, etc., along the way. Too often their destination is not even of their own choosing. It's one their parents or others feel is best for them. We must pay attention to each step of the journey, and become aware of the pitfalls, sidetracks, opportunities, and possibilities for new destinations. We must become good travelers on the journey of life.

Follow your heart
Know yourself, believe in yourself, and follow your heart. Those with dreams, however outlandish, are the lucky ones. Dreams can lead to an understanding of who we really are and what we really want, a prime motivator in shaping a meaningful, purposeful and rewarding career. No one should be afraid to pursue dreams based on what is in their heart.

Access your allies
The journey of life is not taken alone. Friends, family, teachers, neighbours—all can be willing and helpful allies when it comes to discovering one's heart and dreams, and deciding what steps to take on life's path. And we can be the good allies they need as well.

More interview tips you need to know...

7. What Are Your Weaknesses?

Obviously, no one likes to admit that they have any weaknesses, especially in front of a potential employer. So what do you do? You can provide ONE trait about yourself that is the least important to the position and say what you are doing to improve it. Refrain from canned and predictable responses such as you are a perfectionist or a workaholic.

8. Discuss How You Make Important Decisions.

If you are interviewing for a supervisory role, you definitely want to come across as someone who is able to ask for input from others, yet is comfortable making the final decisions. Also, consider the type of position and company. For example, is it a budgetary role at a financial institution? In that case, you probably will want to emphasize that you exercise great care and caution when making big decisions. Give an example to back it up.

9. Where Do You Want to Be Five Years From Now?

Suffice it to say, do not answer this question with, ‘Retired.’ Keep your answers positive and simple, with a touch of ambition. Think along the lines of a ‘motivated’ and ‘excelling’ mentality. You may want to use the phrase ‘taking on more responsibility’ OR ‘making a solid contribution.’

10. What Have Been the Biggest Accomplishments of Your Career so Far?

Focus on accomplishments that directly relate to the open position. Discuss the challenge you were presented with, your actions, and the end result. Did you streamline processes? Devise a way to increase customer satisfaction? Did management recognize you for your efforts? The way you answer this question will distinguish you from other applicants since your answer will require you to go beyond the basic job responsibilities. Smile.

A FINAL NOTE and quote:’ You never have a second chance to make a first impression.’ The interview is more than just showing up on time in the right clothes, it is your best opportunity to convince an employer that he or she should hire you and that you would be a great fit with the organization. For salary questions, know your low to high range and say you are negotiable until offered the position. Research the company thoroughly and know the job posting like the back of your hand. Have questions ready for them and bring your references in case they ask. Be sure you are prepared, because you will feel and look more confident. If you were selected for an interview, consider yourself lucky because you are halfway to the finish line. Way to go and good luck!