Do Not Disturb

Flashing oversized packages of candy while striding into my office works better than any old “Do Not Disturb" sign. Add to that, the solid close of the office door and solitude is ensured. 

No one asks "how's it going?" when they see me sporting a "Share Size" of Peanut M&M's. 

"Share Size." Talk about a euphemism. "Share Size" my eye.

eu·phe·mismˈyo͞ofəˌmizəm/

noun: euphemism; plural noun: euphemismsa mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing."“downsizing” as a euphemism for cuts"

Euphemisms are an important tool for writers. Being able to lay it out in black and white is important, too. 

So how about "Better Keep My Mouth Shut" size"?  "Sure Beats a Gun" size." Or, "Just Because You Shouldn't" size." 

I'm surprised there are no "Do NOT Disturb" signs. I think there may be a very good market for them

I stayed at the Hard Day's Night hotel on at recent trip to Liverpool. I think their version of the "Do Not Disturb" sign is the best I've ever seen. 

Change your email password, now!

Monday morning greeted me with a hacked email account. What a nuisance that was. Still cleaning up that mess.

A firm believer in silver linings, allow me share with you two positives that came from that situation. 

First, it was very nice to know so many of my contacts look out for me. I received phone calls, texts, emails to my other account, and Facebook posts alerting me to the situation. That made me feel very good. 

Second, this is a good opportunity to clean up my digital files, update passwords, synchronize social media, among other housekeeping items I tend not to not fuss with very often. 

Take a tip from someone who knows: change your passwords!

Below is the email the hack was sending out. I hope no one sent money. I'm sure they'll let me know. 

 

The Confidence Code

I have "higher than average confidence" according to a quiz I just took. And, the funny thing is I was confident I would score in the lowest percentile!

The Confidence Code Assessment is in tandem with the book The Confidence Code by Catty Kay and Claire Shipman, which is the first read for the Association of Women in Communication-Santa Barbara's Books for Breakfast series. 

Who knew that confidence is more important than competence in the workplace? Never once did I get that memo during my formative years. Now I understand how nincompoops rise to the top.  

The Confidence Code is a real eyeopener. I recommend reading this book. Really good stuff.

Can I get a suggestion from the audience?

I'll be working on Friday night ... at the Plaza Playhouse Theater. I'm in an improv show, part of the Plaza Improv Players. We titled it "The World's Safest Beach." Curtain rises at 7 p.m. 

I hope I see you ... though it's tough to see who's in the audience when those bright lights are on you. 

Come anyway, will ya?