Friday, June 18, 2010

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Or, does it?

Funny, how it is the unsaid stuff one’s parents do that is incorporated into an offspring’s behavior. I think the correct term is “internalize.” Certainly, my mother never sat me down for a how-to lesson on self sabotage or gave me pointers on substance abuse. Nevertheless, I managed all by lonesome to master those traits.

My mom passed on good habits to me as well. Making lists as a way to stay organized is a good example. Again, like the aforementioned example, she didn’t sit me down, pull out a free pad of paper from a local real estate agent, and enumerate tomorrow’s to-do list. Listing is something she’s always done, so naturally (I guess) I picked up the method.

My mom turns 77 this year and she still makes lists. Check out the one on the left.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Let's take a serious look

In the real estate market where I live one quickly learns that "cozy" translates as cramped, "charming" is a euphemism for ramshackle, and "close to shopping, transportation, and downtown" really means an awful location.

See the ad at right? The only doctoring I did was to enlarge the appropriate words and underline them. The misspell is courtesy of the author.

And so it goes with writing jobs -- or any job for that matter. "Challenging" means you'll work your ass off for little pay. "Chance to prove yourself" is code for we're not sure this thing will fly but will pay you minimum wage to test it.
Recently, the phrase "serious inquiries only" has really stood out. First, I want to know are the words necessary. Do job seekers go through the bother of assembling the proper paperwork to apply for job as a lark? Sort of like a grown-up prank phone call, if you will?

I think the phrase is a misguided effort to give an air of legitimacy to a completely bogus ad. Really? Are we supposed to believe that the sky is the limit supplying Web site copy at 1 cent a word?

Truly, may I offer this piece of advice? If you see "serious inquiries only" in an ad -- any kind of an ad -- do not to read any further.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

New Carpinteria Magazine hits the streets!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
The latest issue of Carpinteria Magazine is now available. Readers can pick up a copy at the Coastal View News office, 4856 Carpinteria Ave. in the great town of Carpinteria.

Don't you love the cover? I do! That's Dan Alvis. He really captures an essence of Carpinteria that has eluded any kind of exposure. The magazine's photography is beyond compare and almost captures just how gorgeous our slice of paradise is. Let's face it: there's just something about Carpinteria that defies definition.

The stories in the magazine are top notch, too. It is a "fun" issue. Get your copy today. Or check it out online at www.carpinteriamagazine.com.

Let me know what you think.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Dreams Do Come True

The difficult part about having your dreams come true is keeping your dreams in the forefront of your mind. That's why experts in the field (motivational speakers, life coaches, sales managers and the like) suggest keeping pictures of your goals in front of you, like on the bathroom mirror, or writing affirmations. You have to remind the noggin just what it is you are after.

Above, doesn't the new mixer look beautiful. This is before any mixing soiled the beautiful machinery.

One of my purely materialistic aspirations has been a Kitchen Aid mixer. (BTW, I wish for world peace and like to think I do my part to make the world a better place.) The Kitchen Aid mixer, I must confess, is 100 percent vanity and indulgence. It is not as if I bake frequently or that particularly well. I wanted that appliance trophy, and have wanted it off and on for about the last 15 years.

My husband received a notice his air miles were about to expire. I thought we could get a couple of magazine subscriptions, at least, out of the deal, so I dusted off his account and pin numbers and did a little online shopping.

My eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw the Kitchen Aid mixer at 40,000-and- change points/miles. He had a few miles to spare, and I thought I'd cough up the tax and shipping in cash. Can you believe we weren't charged anything extra for tax or shipping?

Dreams do come true, and sometime better than we imagined.