Month: November 2013

A colleague shared an article about 20 things every Twentysomething should know how to do.  While the author first advocated for the twenties to be a time of exploration and growth, he believes that there are certain things that are essential skills.

Some I agree with.  (I also know many people who are well past age 29 and have not mastered these skills!):
> Say “I was wrong.”
> Be alone
> Prioritize the important over the urgent
> Bite your tongue
> Parallel park

But, as with any list, there are some that I would not have included on mine:
> Brew a great cup of coffee or tea
> Recommend a book, movie or album
> Approach a stranger
> Defend your media choices
> Make a great breakfast

I would have included:
> Know how to dress professionally for work
> Open a retirement account
> How to craft a well-written thank you note
> How to propose a new idea to your boss
> How to navigate a new city

What would you include on the list of what you’d like to see twentysomethings master?  I’ll bet that there are some people in this age group in your life.  How can you help them learn the skills that they don’t explicitly teach you anywhere?  You’ll be doing them a huge favor in the long run.

Source:  http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/whole-life/20-things-every-twentysomething-should-know-how-do   by Tyler Huckabee, October 8, 2013

There are five Saturdays until Christmas (including today!), so the malls and big box stores will no doubt be packed with shoppers.  Where are a growing number of people going, either for gifts or that holiday outfit for themselves?  To thrift shops.

A recent research report estimates that the annual revenue of resale stores is $13 billion, and growing.  Shoppers have motivations that “are partly environmental, partly frugal, partly thrill-of-the-hunt fun.”  And the plethora of consignment shops provide ample shopping experiences for those who fall into any of the categories.

My good friend is a thrift store aficionado.  When she comes to town, we do the “circuit” of bargain stores in our area.  She has even found stores in my town that I never shopped before, but do now based upon her recommendation.  For clothing, household decor or even Christmas decorations, it is a sensible way to outfit yourself with what you need.

It is reported that almost 20% of U.S. adults have shopped in a secondhand store in the last year.  Maybe as you are heading out today, you should add yourself to that number.  Reduce your expenditures, your carbon footprint and your wait in department store lines by shopping where the goods are just waiting to be loved — again.

Source:  “As shoppers’ attitudes change, secondhand shops thrive,” by Claudia Beck for the Sacramento Bee in the Telegraph Herald, August 4, 2013, p. 4B.

There was a white blur moving around just outside my backyard fence.  The dogs were going nuts barking at it.  It would get closer, then move along the fence then back away.  The dogs were wild.

When I came out to see what was causing the ruckus, I realized that it was just a plastic grocery bag floating around in the wind.  I was able to eliminate the distraction with ease.

Sometimes, what has you upset is really only an illusion.  Look closely at what your perceived problem is before you get riled up about it.  Maybe it’s not at all what you think it is.