the adventures of miss melanie

1 minute is all it takes!

2010-11-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

One minute—that’s it. Try any one of these 60-second activities to elevate your mood during the rainy November months...or anytime you think you need a boost!

1. Drink a tall glass of water. We all know the many health benefits of drinking water, but did you also know that even mild dehydration can cause fatigue? So, the next time you feel your energy waning, grab a glass of cold water and guzzle it down!

2. Twist it out. So many of us spend every weekday seated in front of a computer. Not only can sitting all day wreak havoc on your posture, but it can also compress your spine and exaggerate its curvature. Not fun. A simple twist can help undo this. As you sit in your desk chair, simply twist your upper-body to one side, hold for 30 seconds, and then repeat on the other side. If you have the space to sit on the floor, try this torso twist stretch. It’s guaranteed to make you feel better!

3. Take a deep breath. How often do you think about breathing? If you are like most people, you probably don’t think about it often enough. For a quick pick-me-up, simply take five deep breaths. Slowly inhale for at least five seconds and exhale for 10 seconds each time. Your body will thank you for the extra oxygen.

4. Do 20 jumping jacks. Research has shown that long periods of sitting can be detrimental to the body and our overall health. So get up out of that chair and jack it out! Just one minute of jumping jacks is an easy way to get your heart pumping and blood flowing.

5. Smile. Smiling can actually make you happier. So go ahead—smile!

6. Go outside. You’ve probably heard the health buzz about vitamin D lately. Preliminary research suggests that vitamin D helps regulate the immune system, supports heart health, can help normalize blood pressure and promotes healthy aging. Vitamin D has also been linked to improved mood. If you have a minute to spare, step out into the sunshine!

7. Put on a favorite song. There’s nothing quite like your favorite music to perk you up and get you feeling good. Listening to music has been shown to improve immunity and release endorphins. Bonus points if you dance along!

8. Sit up straighter. Did you know that bad posture can put unnecessary stress on your low back? Take a minute to focus on sitting up straight with your shoulders down and back. Don’t you feel better already?

9. Be grateful. Write down five things you’re grateful for, no matter how large or small (your hair, your family, your morning cup of Joe—whatever). Do you feel more thankful, generous and overall happier after? Funny how a little reminder of what we have can turn a frown into a smile.

10. Tell a joke. Awake your inner child and tell a silly joke—whether it’s a knock-knock joke or even a funny line from a movie. Anything that gets you laughing is enough to get your happy endorphins flowing!

11. Do 10 pushups. Being strong is important, but having functional strength is even more important because it makes everyday activities easier to accomplish. A push-up is a great, quick exercise for building functional strength. Drop down and give me 10—or as many as you can do in 1 minute.

12. Encourage someone. Isn’t it interesting how you always seem to feel better after helping someone else feel better? Whether you post a supportive comment on a friend’s facebook page or write a few kind words in a card or an email, taking a minute out to help someone can quickly boost your mood.

13. Set a goal for the day. Fact: People who set goals have more success than people who don’t. So why not take a few seconds and write down what you want to do today? Then, just commit to making it happen!

14. Focus on one thing you love about yourself. At times, we put so much effort in focusing on what we don’t like about ourselves that we fail to see the good. Take 60 seconds to think about what you like about you. Is it your eyes? Your strong legs? Your giving nature? Thinking about how great you are will instantly increase self-confidence.

15. Wash your hands. It seems like cold and flu season is always in full force (or just around the corner). One of the simplest and easiest ways to stay well year round is to wash your hands. All you need is warm water, soap and 20 seconds of rubbing to rid your hands of unwanted germs.

16. Compliment a stranger. What better way to make yourself feel good than to unexpectedly brighten someone else’s day? The next time you admire someone’s clothes, positive attitude or eyes—say so!

17. Try aromatherapy. A number of different smells can have a positive effect on your mind and body. For example, peppermint is known to calm the stomach while its smell can energize you through a workout. And the scent of jasmine has been shown to reduce anxiety. To benefit, grab some scented lotion and either take a whiff from the bottle or rub some on your hands.

18. Salute the sun. Sun salutations are a well-known set of yoga poses that are said to warm up the body and increase blood flow and flexibility. So grab your mat and do one or two sets—rain or shine!

19. Give yourself a mini-massage. Massage has a number of health benefits, including reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and speeding muscle repair. While you may not be able to spend the time or money getting one at a spa, pampering yourself with just 1 minute of self-massage by rubbing your own hands, feet or shoulders can do wonders.

20. Be absolutely present. When we are wrapped up with work, to-do lists, and just getting by, sometimes we can forget to focus on what we are doing in the here and now. Try spending a minute just being. Focus on sounds, smells and whatever else is going on around you; instead of thinking ahead to what you'll do next, think about what you're doing right now. You’ll be amazed at how peaceful you feel. Just be!

Adapted from an article by Jennipher Walters, Trainer and Fitness Coach

My favourite part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics so far...

2010-02-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

We Are More
by Shane Koyczan

When defining Canada
you might list some statistics
you might mention our tallest building
or biggest lake
you might shake a tree in the fall
and call a red leaf Canada
you might rattle off some celebrities
might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie
might even mention the fact that we've got a few
Barenaked Ladies
or that we made these crazy things
like zippers
electric cars
and washing machines
when defining Canada
it seems the world's anthem has been
" been there done that"
and maybe that's where we used to be at
it's true
we've done and we've been
we've seen
all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine
and turned into theme parks
but when defining Canada
don't forget to mention that we have set sparks
we are not just fishing stories
about the one that got away
we do more than sit around and say "eh?"
and yes
we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One
who inspired little number nines
and little number ninety-nines
but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
and some say what defines us
is something as simple as please and thank you
and as for you're welcome
well we say that too
but we are more
than genteel or civilized
we are an idea in the process
of being realized
we are young
we are cultures strung together
then woven into a tapestry
and the design
is what makes us more
than the sum total of our history
we are an experiment going right for a change
with influences that range from a to zed
and yes we say zed instead of zee
we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy
we dream so big that there are those
who would call our ambition an industry
because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow
we do more than grow wheat and brew beer
we are vineyards of good year after good year
we reforest what we clear
because we believe in generations beyond our own
knowing now that so many of us
have grown past what used to be
we can stand here today
filled with all the hope people have
when they say things like "someday"
someday we'll be great
someday we'll be this
or that
someday we'll be at a point
when someday was yesterday
and all of our aspirations will pay the way
for those who on that day
look towards tomorrow
and still they say someday
we will reach the goals we set
and we will get interest on our inspiration
because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks
more than backpacks and hiking trails
we are hammers and nails building bridges
towards those who are willing to walk across
we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss
we are not the see-through gloss or glamour
of those who clamour for the failings of others
we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers
uncles and nephews aunts and nieces
we are cousins
we are found missing puzzle pieces
we are families with room at the table for newcomers
we are more than summers and winters
more than on and off seasons
we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay
because we are more than what we say or do
we live to get past what we go through
and learn who we are
we are students
students who study the studiousness of studying
so we know what as well as why
we don't have all the answers
but we try
and the effort is what makes us more
we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for
so keep exploring
go far and wide
or go inside but go deep
go deep
as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss
and suddenly there was this location scout
trying to figure some way out
to get inside you
because you've been through hell and high water
and you went deep
keep exploring
because we are more
than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
we are more than hills to ski
or countryside ponds to skate
we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes
a country that is all the ways you choose to live
a land that can give you variety
because we are choices
we are millions upon millions of voices shouting
" keep exploring... we are more"
we are the surprise the world has in store for you
it's true
Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"
so don't say "been there done that"
unless you've sat on the sidewalk
while chalk artists draw still lifes
on the concrete of a kid in the street
beatboxing to Neil Young for fun
don't say you've been there done that
unless you've been here doing it
let this country be your first-aid kit
for all the times you get sick of the same old same old
let us be the story told to your friends
and when that story ends
leave chapters for the next time you'll come back
next time pack for all the things
you didn't pack for the first time
but don't let your luggage define your travels
each life unravels differently
and experiences are what make up
the colours of our tapestry
we are the true north
strong and free
and what's more
is that we didn't just say it
we made it be.

Just because I haven't posted anything since February

2009-11-23T22:06:00.000-08:00

Because I just had to post this picture...

2009-02-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

So, what a NUTS year for Vancouver in terms of our weather. This winter has been plagued with snow, minus zero temperatures [that rarely happens here], and fog that persisted for days.

The Tree Fort Before...

2008-03-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

my cure for the winter blues...

2008-02-06T10:13:00.001-08:00

Ahhh the memories... This was Los Cabos September 2007. Oh ya, did I mention there was a hurricane that hit us? What an adventure!

Brain Candy

2007-10-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Olny srmat poelpe can raed tihs.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Amzanig huh?
...from Cambridge University

I so love bulldogs...

2007-09-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

What's better than having your very own bulldog? Babysitting one for the weekend!
Here is Hugo getting ready to snack on my friend's new shoes.

YES! Finally...the wait is over!

2007-07-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Another season of Big Brother is finally upon us - season 8. Two sites to check out:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/bigbrother8

http://www.thebigbrothersite.com

Some new twists including America's Choice - a player we control, and 3 surprise characters that have a torrid past with some of the house guests. This season better be good - it's hard to top the All Stars from season 7. I miss Dr. Will already.

When do Canadian players get a chance?

Top 20 most satisfying jobs in Canada 2007

2007-05-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

CEO / CFO / President

Teacher / Tutor

HR Professional

Actor / Director

Nutritionist

Career Counselor / Trainer

Chef

Mental Health Counselor / Social Worker

Graphic Designer

Market Researcher / Analyst

Public Relations / Communications Specialist ~ Writer / Journalist

Nurse ~ Computer Programmer ~ Bar / Restaurant / Hotel Manager

Web Designer / Developer ~ Product Manager ~ Construction Tradesperson

Medical / Biological Researcher ~ Engineer

want more info?
http://promotions2.workopolis.com/content/promotions/top20jobs/en/

Vancouver Canucks fans are in 7th heaven

2007-04-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say? Last night's game against the Dallas Stars was seriously one of the best hockey games I have watched in years. Roberto Luongo, thank you. You made me love hockey all over again.

something sassy...

2007-03-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here is something a little cheeky. You know all those inspirational posters you sometimes see in schools, colleges and other social settings? They say things like:

Teamwork
Success
Attitude - a little thing that make s a big difference
Goals

You get the drift. Well, how about a little variation on that?

Check out: www.despair.com

You'll see things like these...

passion for your planet

2007-02-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

I went to see David Suzuki speak last night...what an inspiring man. The message: think global, act local. Here are the 10 most effective ways to help conserve nature, improve our quality of life and make positive changes:

1. Reduce home energy by 10%

2. Eat meat-free meals once a week

3. Buy a fuel efficient, low-polluting car

4. Choose an energy efficient home and appliances

5. Stop using pesticides

6. Walk, bike or take transit to regular destinations

7. Prepare your meals with locally produced food

8. Choose a home close to regular destinations

9. Support alternatives to the car

10. Get involved, stay informed

For more information, go to http://www.davidsuzuki.org/

pender island frisbee golf

2007-02-23T20:59:00.000-08:00

did i mention how fabulous pender island, bc is? one of the unforgettable attractions is the frisbee golf course. known to be one of the best in north america, these 27 golf holes are beautifully set in magic lake on north pender island. free, green and fun...ooh la la. a MUST to check out http://www.gulfislandseh.com/pender/top10.htm

10 questions to honestly ask yourself if you still haven't found a job

2007-02-12T15:26:00.000-08:00

1. Are you networking? Job-seekers today can't rely on passive methods of job-hunting. You have to meet people and tell as many of them as possible that you're looking for a job. Take your business cards/resume with you all the time, and try informational interviewing; it's a highly effective form of networking.

2. Are you limiting your search? Are you relying strictly on ads in the newspaper? Or have you decided that Internet ads will be the source of your next job? Don't search in only one sphere. Only a small percentage of job-seekers find jobs through either print or Internet want ads. So where do they find them? See Question No. 1 -- through networking. But don't even limit your search just to networking; incorporate every form of job-hunting into the mix.

3. Are you targeting employers most likely to need your skills? A really effective job search begins with comprehensive employer research and development of a list of employers to target. Based on various research criteria, you can target companies you most want to work for, companies that are likely to have plentiful openings in your field, and/or companies in particular need of the skills you have to offer. Once you've researched them, you can approach them using various job-hunting techniques:

o Sending cold-contact inquiry letters the impress the employer with your knowledge of the company.

o Using your network to uncover people with an "in" into your target companies.

o Informationally interviewing people in your target companies.

o Watching for print and Internet want ads from the companies (but not relying solely on these ads).

4. Are you spending enough time job-hunting? Many experts believe job-hunting should in itself be a full-time job. If you're in school or employed while seeking a better job, your time may be somewhat limited. But you should put as much time as you can into it. Try to contact people in your network every day with the goal of setting up interviews with your contacts or people they've referred you to.

5. Do you follow up after sending out your resume? Do you just send your resume and cover letters out into limbo and hope for the best? Or do you make a follow-up call or send follow-up e-mail to see if you can schedule an interview appointment? Those who proactively follow up are much more likely to get interviews.

6. Are you even getting interviews? If you're following up but still not getting interviews, the problem could lie with your resume or cover letter. You may want to get a professional to review them.

7. How are your interview skills? If you're getting lots of interviews but never make it past the interview stage, your interview skills might need some polishing. Have a friend conduct a mock interview with you and critique your performance. Better yet, find a professional in your field to mock-interview you. And the best choice is to see a professional career counselor who can not only critique your performance but also videotape it so you can see for yourself how you appear to others.

8. Do you send thank-yous after interviews? It's just common courtesy. Though a thank-you note won't make or break your job search, it might – if the hiring decision is between equally qualified candidates.

9. Do you follow up after the interview and thank-you note? If you've sent a thank-you note and haven't heard anything by the time the employer said the hiring decision would be made, by all means call. Be polite but persistent. This kind of follow-up shows your interest in the job.

10. Have you asked what you're doing wrong? After you receive a rejection from an employer, do you ask what you did wrong or what you could have done better? Granted, most employers won't give you a straight answer; they're afraid of getting sued. But occasionally you'll find a sympathetic person with whom you may have had good rapport in the interview. If only one person reveals something that can give you a more effective approach to your job search, it will have been well worth asking. If you are rejected, also be sure to let the employer know you're still interested in working for the company. That technique has paid off for many a job-seeker when the person the company hired didn't work out.

Adapted from www.quintcareers.com

karma

2007-02-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

here's a thought...

a few months ago, i wrote about finding some $$ and turning it in. well, what do you know?! last week, a frantic friday, at the SAME location, i left my wallet with 80 dollars cash on a starbuck's counter. as i had no caffeine in my system, it took me half an hour and a seabus ride to realize this.

because yes indeed, there ARE kind people out there, i was able to pick up my shiny, faux alligator skin wallet after work that same day. whoever you are, THANKS.

the best companies to work for in Canada

2007-01-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

yes everybody, they are out there: fantastic companies. Hewitt Associates did the hard work for you - all you have to do is read the list and remind yourself that you have a better chance of being happy in your career if you decide where you want to work.

The 50 Best Employers in Canada 2007

Wellington West Capital Inc. - Winnipeg MB
EllisDon Corporation - London ON
Edward Jones Canada - Mississauga ON
Bennett Jones LLP - Calgary AB
PCL Constructors Inc. - Edmonton AB
Sleep Country Canada - Toronto ON
Envision Financial - Langley BC
Farm Credit Canada - Regina SK
JTI-Macdonald Corp. - Mississauga ON
GlaxoSmithKline Inc. - Mississauga ON
Intuit Canada - Edmonton AB
Desjardins Groupe d'assurances générales - Lévis QC
CIMA+ - Montréal QC
DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Canada Inc. - Windsor ON
Ultramar Ltée - Montréal QC
Procter & Gamble Inc. - Toronto ON
Coast Capital Savings Credit Union - Surrey BC
Hoffmann-La Roche Limited - Mississauga ON
Cintas Canada Ltd. - Toronto ON
The Co-operators - Guelph ON
Marriott Lodging Canada - Mississauga ON
Midwest Surveys Inc. - Calgary AB
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations - Vancouver BC
BC Biomedical Laboratories Ltd. - Surrey BC
Flight Centre North America - Vancouver BC
Delta Hotels - Toronto ON
McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited - Toronto ON
Chubb Insurance Company of Canada - Toronto ON
G & K Services Canada Inc. - Mississauga ON
Ceridian Canada Ltd. - Markham ON
Deloitte & Touche LLP - Toronto ON
Federal Express Canada Ltd. - Mississauga ON
AstraZeneca Canada Inc. - Mississauga ON
Wal-Mart Canada Corp. - Mississauga ON
Abbott Canada - St.-Laurent QC
Ivanhoe Cambridge Inc. - Montréal QC
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Canada) - Toronto ON
Xerox Canada Inc. - Toronto ON
British Columbia Automobile Association - Burnaby BC
Nexen Inc. - Calgary AB
Golder Associates Ltd. - Burnaby BC
Business Objects - Vancouver BC
Saint Elizabeth Health Care - Markham ON
Scotiabank Group - Toronto ON
Keg Restaurants Ltd. - Toronto ON
National Bank of Canada - Montréal QC
Canadian Western Bank - Edmonton AB
CONEXUS - Regina SK
Bell Nordiq - Montréal QC
Bentall Capital LP - Toronto ON

For more information, visit the Best Employers Web site at www.hewitt.com/bestemployerscanada.

i have two words for you

2007-01-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

THE HOUR

watch it, if you haven't already. news, music, attitude, perspective...AND of course, George.

http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/index.html

the biggest amount of winter fun I've had in a while...

2007-01-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

what a fabulous day. would you believe that this well kept secret winter wonderland is only about a 40 minute drive from downtown vancouver? escape the madness! i highly advise that you get access to one of these tiny shacks on cypress mountain. no plumbing or heat? who cares!! what i love is that snow brings out the kid in all of us.

drifting is not a career strategy

2006-12-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

"If you don't have a plan for where you are going and at least an inkling of how you are going to get there, then you are drifting. Drifting is not a recommended career strategy. So how do you stop the drift? Make a plan, and chart a course for somewhere. The plan can change, the destination can change; none of it is set in stone. Action and momentum are the important by-products of planning.

You should be planning to translate your current success into an upward career move either within your existing company or outside it. If you are newly unemployed you should be planning your search strategy, getting your resume, cover letters and online persona honed. If your search is stagnant and you have been out of work for a while you are at the greatest risk of drifting. Take action by seeing a career coach. Plan to send out 3 resumes to job postings and call 3 target companies this week. Action is required to ensure that you do not drift.

Today take time to remember.

Look inward and strive for excellence."

ooh la la.

'no messing around' words from Anthony Kaul at www.higherbracket.ca.

PS - This is a brilliant website I frequent often - great advice, resources, executive level jobs. Job search websites are a dime a dozen and this one really stands out.

POKER

2006-11-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

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...

2006-11-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

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!

thomasfx

2006-10-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

forget the previous halloween event entry - lotsa hype meant it was sold out a long time ago. how annoying is it that? commercials are still advertising the event on tv...but there is no way to get tickets?

okay - next pick... Also a film industry event

www.thomasfx.com

11 - 7 everyday until halloween, every hour on the hour, a cool tour of the SPFX studio. price? 2 dollar donation to the fire fighters burn fund, so call 604.929.5455 for more information.

things to do for Halloween that are actually exciting

2006-10-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

So I heard about this amazing Halloween event last year - a fright night event put on by a film studio in North Vancouver. As you may have heard - Vancouver is our very own 'Hollywood North' and home to some major motion picture production companies. You can imagine that these guys can put on an event with some serious special effects.

http://www.filmhaunt.com/home

This link will give you all the info you need - but be warned, last year it sold out quickly. The event is on from October 27 - 31, 2006

interview tips you need to know about

2006-09-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Your best strategy for being successful at interviews is to practice your answers to the most commonly asked questions by employers. The most certain way to sabotage your chances to win over a potential employer is to try and wing the interview. Your answers can appear aimless and without direction, making you look unprofessional, unprepared and even unqualified. Prepare yourself by developing answers to these questions:

1. Tell Me a Little Something About Yourself.This is probably one of the most dreaded questions of all time. We quiver and sweat in our seats wondering what the employer really wants to know. Hey, relax! For starters, this is a great opportunity for you to sell yourself to the employer. Talk about your key accomplishments and strengths and how these factors will benefit the employer in the desired position. Write down ahead of time what you plan to say; perfect it; then practice it every chance you get. Your answer shouldn’t be longer than a minute, and should be followed with you politely asking, ‘Did I give you enough information?’ OR ‘Did you want me to go into more detail about __?’

2. Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?This question is basically a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It appears harmless enough, but it can damage your potential in a heartbeat if you’re not careful. By all means, keep your answers to this question as positive as possible. Above all, do not dwell on how much you hate your current boss! The interviewer wants to hire an enthusiastic team player for the position.

3. Are You Still Employed and If Not, Why Not?If you are, great, but if you aren’t, you can still use your answer to this question to shine a light on your positive features. For example, if you were laid off or terminated, be brief about the actual termination [ex. Downsized/didn’t see eye to eye/wanted a new challenge] and focus on what you learned from the experience. This question is more about your attitude and character than anything; jobs end all the time… employers know it.

4. Do You Have Any Budgeting Experience?If you haven’t, be honest; but you can answer in a way that shows that you have had some exposure to adhering to a budget - on a project, for example. If you have budgeting experience, give an example of your fiscal responsibility to show this.

5. Have You Ever Managed Anyone?This question is most important to those who are seeking a supervisory type of position. If you have managerial experience, elaborate on how many people you have supervised and what their positions were in the spectrum of the organizational chart. However, if you haven’t had direct managerial practice, talk up how much you were a part of the decision process of a team project, or how you organized volunteers or took initiative.

6. What Are Your Strengths?To adequately answer this question, you need to be aware of the strengths you possess in the following areas: experience, specialized training, achievements, personality and skills. Once that information is known, match your strengths to the requirements of the position for which you are interviewing. Illustrate with examples.

stay tuned for the 'weakness question' everyone hates...

rescue me

2006-09-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has come to my attention that recently my blog entries are all about television [some may say really lame tv] and nothing else. So, this will be the last tv item for a while.

One of my absolute faves on tv - 10:00 Tuesday on Showcase is 'Rescue Me'

Perfect blend of addictive drama and oddly funny humor...all portrayed by a New York Fire squad, and starring - Denis Leary. You have to see it to believe it.

http://www.showcase.ca/microsites/rescueme/

AND, my next blog entry PROMISES to be about something other than tv. No promises to say it will be exciting... haha

at last...

2006-09-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

well, i don't know about everyone else, but at LONG last - tonight america's next top model returns with a 2 hour season premiere to kick off the event.

http://www.citytv.com/topmodel/index.asp

ooohh lala...

vespa photo from www.webshots.com

Survive this!

2006-09-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

So, recently it came to my attention that the reality hit show, Survivor, may be on a downward spiral. I think it is close to its 13th season...BUT, it seems last Thursday's Survivor premiered with much less than a bang. It had the lowest ever number of viewers.

Why?

Too much selection on TV? Too predictable?

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor13/

sept 11

2006-09-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to say something about the significance of today.

It has been 5 years since 9-11...and I still remember vividly where I was, what I was doing, and how I felt when I heard. My eyes still get a little teary when I see news footage of that tragic day. Yesterday I almost overdosed on 9-11 television programs.

I hope I never see anything like that day in my lifetime.

playing with photos

2006-09-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

i was trying to decide if i should put a photo or not. how about...NOT! I wanted to see if I could post photos. Now I am going to search for a 'new and improved' melanie photo. hmmmmmmmm i think i'll be blond, green eyes, 5'10...

haha

big brother

2006-09-09T05:04:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that I LOVE the reality tv show Big Brother? Check out http://www.cbs.com/primetime/bigbrother7/ for details. Dr. Will rules. The show buries Survivor or any other reality show...well...the Apprentice is pretty good. Big Brother Allstars means I get 3 doses of high quality trash at 8:00. Watch it...the final episode of season 7 is on Tuesday.

2006-08-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I had a garage sale. Actually, it was a yard sale in front of the house I rent a suite in . Profit: over 100 bucks, and a couple hours of mostly fun socializing. I actually highly recommend this as part of your summer routine. It is a great way to make some bucks, clear out some junk in your house to make way for more impulse buying, and a great opportunity to chat with some of your community you haven't met. In a big busy city you rarely have a chance to meet some of the intriguing characters that live just steps away from you. A day well spent.

My personal tip: for extra exposure, advertise the week before on www.craigslist.com - make your event sound unique and make sure you include: 'no early birds.' This might sound strange, but I learned to this after my first yard sale last year when a handful of really creepy old guys were hanging outside my patio an hour before it started.

I plan to do this every summer now...at least until I have something more exciting planned.

test

2006-08-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

This morning I had an interesting 'test' as I tried to withdraw some $$ from my bank machine. I looked at the machine next to me and saw a stack of bills just sitting there. Someone probably bolted in a hurry to make the train and forgot their withdrawl. I looked around - no one was really looking...so I...

Grabbed the cash and went to find a security guard.

What would you do?

2006-08-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Day one as this girl tries to be all techie cool and figure out how to have a blog. I figure I've always been blogging in my head so why not try this.