"You're not cheap, but you're easy."

Sometimes the greatest compliments you get in life arrive unexpectedly and often in disguise. Like the mom at school who said to me the other day, "You always seem so happy and positive." She doesn't know it, but that little observation gave me an incredible boost of energy when I actually was somewhat emotionally depleted. It's amazing what power simple words can yield.
In talking with one of my editors last week, he casually lamented about obstacles that had come up in putting his current magazine issue to bed. I dutifully asked if there had been any problems with the articles I submitted weeks before.
He laughed, "No, you're easy. You're not cheap, but you're easy." After a moment, I realized that I can absolutely live with that assessment. Particularly at this stage in my life when I'm continually trying to balance professional goals with family and personal needs, that's a huge compliment.
My time is valuable, and I work hard to make sure everything I do is done efficiently. While that doesn't always happen in my personal life, it's a great comfort to know my professional associates consider me "easy, but not cheap."

Social Networking for the Ages

In researching an article for a national pub pitch associated with social networking, I've been truly amazed at the explosive popularity of social networking within the "older" set. I knew the idea was gaining popularity, but had no idea to what extent.
Those of us who are, let's say, 30+, have discovered a convenient way to stay connected with family, friends and associates through Facebook, Plaxo, LinkedIn, Twitter and other applications. But contrary to critics (my husband is one), the appeal is not simply to have an online brag book to share pics of our kids or attractive poses of ourselves at our best. These sites have become an ingenuous way for businesspeople to market themselves, not just their firms, in order to stand out from the masses. And in the competitive job market we have now, being able to put a face with a name may be all it takes to break through corporate barriers.
From my own perspective as a business owner, I'd be a great testimonial for the value of social networking. I've received new clients through both LinkedIn and Facebook -- people who had no idea who I was, contacting me and eventually hiring me.
Signing up with LinkedIn was a no-brainer -- it's essentially an online resume'. But, I'll admit, I went into Facebook, kicking and screaming. Like many, I believed it was a pathetic way to connect with long-forgotten buddies and associates -- who has the time for that? Only after attending a seminar by international social networking guru Peter Shankman, who assured me Facebook would be the business networking wave of the future, did I jump on board. Thanks, Peter! I think.
For now, my biggest resistance to social networking seems to be the struggle to keep my personal life and business persona separate. My current and future clients really don't need to read my latest chicks-night-out musings to know I'll do a fantastic job for them. And because of that, I still haven't linked my company website with my Facebook page... and may never do so.

A giant Hershey bar for a 6-year old's snack. Really?

You know, days like this remind me that no matter how imperfect I may be as a mom, I know I'm better than some. It's a small, petty comfort. But it's mine, and I'm keeping it.
Volunteering in Kindergarten class this morning, I about fell over when one of the little boys pulled out a giant Hershey bar for his "snack" at 9:45 a.m. Not just the big size vs. the Halloween mini size. I'm talking about a novelty, 5x8-inch, thick, hunk-0-chocolate.
Now, I'd love to believe that little rascal snuck it out of the pantry when mom wasn't looking, but the sad truth is, it was given to him. Being less than politically correct, I verified that mere fact myself.
It's no secret nutrition education for children starts at birth. They develop likes and dislikes for a variety of foods and textures early on, refining their palates as they reach school age. And when it comes to nutritious snack foods, our choices are by no means limited to fruits and vegetables. There are so many wonderful healthy snacks available these days, many without all the yukky artificial food colors, flavors and preservatives.
It just isn't that hard to help a child make the right food choices -- or make it for him, while you still can. It's really one of the most important life lessons we can teach, and demonstrate to, our kids.

Keeping Children Safe

I've always said that certain writing assignments come my way for a reason. Well, I just finished researching and writing an article on preventing child abductions -- and I can't get the concept out of my mind.
One of the biggest "a-ha" moments I had during my interviews was hearing that the old "stranger danger" safety teachings are obsolete and potentially deadly to our children. What? National safety experts say 75% of child abductions are perpetrated by someone familiar to the child or family. So telling kids to avoid strangers doesn't cut it anymore.
IF your child was to be abducted, it would likely be by someone you live near, work with, interact with at the gym, or is a friend of a friend. The fact that your child recognizes that person is what puts him or her in the greatest danger. That's downright frightening.
So just how do parents warn children about "everyone" not just "strangers" without creating paranoid and distrusting little people?
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children promotes a great DVD called "Stranger Safety." It's kid-friendly and a great way to empower kids with tools, not fear. Check it out -- you can never be too educated or too prepared when it comes to child safety.

The Truth About Election 2008

Today is a big day for our country. For the first time in eight years, a new president will be selected to take office in January.
But I can't help but feel discouraged as I do every election.
My son came home from school today saying, "I don't know why anyone would vote for McCain."
"Why?" I asked.
"Because Nathan (a friend in class) says he's going to outlaw video games for every kid under 15 years old."
Having previously been in the political consulting business for a number of years, I've become numb to the contextual distortions that occur on both sides of a campaign during political warfare.
"You can't believe everything you hear, honey," was my immediate response.
What an awful thing to have to tell a child.

Red Sox Rock!!!

OK, I swore I'd never get political here. And it sort of goes against my "extend the life of a story" goal with this blog... but seriously! Back 7 runs to 0 to win it and stay in the series???? That, my friends, is why baseball is America's past time. Never, ever give up.

Muralist's Donation Is a Dream Come True

I was contacted by a mom I interviewed back in January for an article I wrote on the Faces of Childhood Cancer www.machonink.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/faces2.pdf. Truly, the most sobering piece I've ever researched and written.
The parents of these children with life-threatening diseases are absolute heroes in my book. I'm not sure I could match their strength if challenged.
This mom wanted to update me on her adorable daughter's progress in her fight against Leukemia as well as let me know about an awesome muralist who was donating her talents to adorn the walls of a Sacramento-area pediatric cancer clinic.
In talking with the artist, Niki Gamboa, www.nikiart.net, I was so inspired by her spirit. She told me she was actually interested in starting a nonprofit business that would be devoted to helping brighten the lives of those in need. I wish Niki all the luck and all the appreciation she deserves.