1. First, you should start with a puppy – that way you have pretty much a lump of clay that can be molded into whatever you desire. Puppies are also usually more of a manageable size so you can restrain them or pick them up if they won’t do what you want. I didn’t follow my own advice and got a dog from a rescue operation. Although he’s young, he is not quite the blank slate I’d hoped for. Blank stare describes it better and at nearly 50 pounds already, he does what he wants to do.
2. Pick a voice command that the dog can associate with the action. Keep the command simple and ensure everyone in the household uses the same word. The poor animal will be confused quickly if son says “leak time”, dad says “outside” and mom says “baby need to go poo-poo?”
3. Next you need to figure out WHERE you want the dog to eliminate – in a litter box, the neighbor’s yard -- wherever. I decided that I wanted the dog to do his duty in the right back corner of our yard. Keeping the poop away from the left side of the yard where we play corn hole and badminton in the summer would decrease the risk of “sliding into a serve.” It would also keep the aroma from spoiling a nice soak in the hot tub. Keep in mind that wherever you choose, you have to take the dog there –- even if that means standing at the far edge of your lawn in your pj’s at 3am.
4. Put the dog on a leash each time you take him to the designated spot. Repeat the mantra as you walk to the spot and keep repeating it as you wait for something to happen. Patience. When the dog finally “goes,” praise him heartily with rubs and plenty of “good dogs” and give him a small treat. Always keep small treats in your pocket or nearby when training an animal to do any new behavior.
5. Next you need a place to keep the dog when you are out of the house or can’t watch him carefully like during the night. A crate is what most animal experts recommend. Get a pen large enough so the dog can stand up and turn around. Dogs are den animals and like to keep their sleeping area clean, so don’t purchase a crate large enough to allow them to soil one side and sleep on the other. We kept our dog in the extra bathroom the first time we left him. Big mistake. In just a few hours he had completely devoured the Charmin, splashed toilet water all over the walls, and chewed the bottom of the door trying to escape. And, no, he did not keep his “den” clean.
6. Get the dog acquainted with the pen and make it a place he will like to go. Pick another voice command like “bedtime” that you say when you want him to go into the kennel. Speak softly and put treats inside the crate so he will go in to get them. Sometimes it takes lots of treats. When you finally get him inside, don’t close the door yet. Block him in with your body, pet him, praise him and repeat the “bedtime” command. You might even give him his meals in the crate.
7. During the night, put the crate in or nearby your bedroom. That way you can hear him if he wakes up during the night so you can let him out. Placing his pen close to you also makes the enclosure less of a socially isolating place. When you are gone from the house, I recommend playing a radio or TV. It can help with separation anxiety if they think they are not alone. Once the dog is out the heavy chewing stage, you can add a blanket or cushion to make the crate even more pleasant for him.
8. Try not to keep the animal in the kennel any longer than two to three hurs at first. Every time you take the dog out of his crate, immediately put him on a leash and take him to his designated spot outside.
9. Finally, be consistent and tenacious. Some dogs catch on within a few days. Others, like our not- quite-a- puppy, former outdoor dog, have a hard time getting used to not doing their thing on a whim. Don’t give up and you’ll eventually consider your new dog a bonafide member of the family.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
On Being a Critic - Module 5
In Zinsser’s chapter on “Writing About the Arts.” He states that “at some point in his or her career, almost every writer wants to be [a critic]. “ I’m not so sure about that. Criticism is hard! For me assessing the work of my classmates is one of the most difficult things we are asked to do, particularly when the writing is good. When I read my classmates posts, I want to say more than “it was interesting” or “it was heartfelt,” but often lack the words to say more.
Zinsser asserts that it’s hard to write good reviews saying “it is far easier to bury Caesar than to praise him.” So true! Watching Judge Judy is one of my guilty pleasures. I often tell my family that I want to be Judge Judy for just one day! How cathartic it would be to just regurgitate whatever I want to say and – nah, nah, nah -- you can’t do anything about it because I am the judge and I can hold you in contempt of court if you backtalk. Just one day – and be sure to have my spouse and my boss and my complaining friend in court that day. One day and that would be enough for me and then I’d go back to being the upstanding employee and student where I agree to be civil and professional.
In my blog for 501, I wrote about creativity in its many forms. According to Zinsser, I was not a critic, but a reviewer. The distinction being that I made few aesthetic judgments, but instead concentrated on reporting – about the artist, what they did, the effect the work might have on other people, how popular it was, etc. Again, I agreed with Zinsser, that you have to love the medium you are reviewing.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Mimi Plays Devil's Advocate
It was hard enough to convince myself that I needed to open up and write about myself and now I need to defend that decision and convince my readers I was right. Yow. What makes me think that I have something worthwhile to say? Maybe because I’m an observer.
I’m also an introvert. Now if you ever took the Myers-Briggs personality type indicator, you would know that the word introversion doesn’t necessarily imply shyness. As based on the theories of Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung, introversion simply means you are inward-turning. Interacting with people and being around noise and activity draw on an introvert’s energy so that they need to retreat to a quiet place to reflect and regroup, while extraverts get energy FROM the commotions of everyday life and crave that outward stimulation.
I spend my work day in a cube on a floor with more than 100 cubes and teams rooms in a building with nearly 600 people who work on the same program. I wear headphones, but they don’t keep out the noise, the ringing phones, the flashing instant messages, or the inbox full of emails waiting to be read and acted upon. At the end of the day, I get into my quiet car, close my eyes and take a few deep breaths before I turn on the engine. Carpool? I don’t think I could do it.
I’ve been depicted as bashful, but I really am not afraid to speak. Instead I choose to listen and reflect on what people say and do and to think before I open my mouth. I speak when I have something to say. Why do so many people feel like they have to respond to EVERY comment they hear? Or reiterate their opinion five different ways or, worse, the same way over and over? And why do they argue their views in long form to others who they know already think the same way? Why do they talk louder and faster when others try to make their own point? It doesn’t make them more credible, and I fully admit that I often tune people out who talk too much, too long and too loudly. Being a listener and an observer gives me a unique view of the world and I think makes me the kind of person that people may not notice at first, but come back to because they know that I’ll tell them the truth and not just what they want to hear.
A note pad of some sort is my constant companion. I’m a doodler and a list maker, both written and visual. I write down ideas that I want to give more thought to or research further. Most of those bits and pieces would mean nothing to anyone but me. I showed someone the unedited bank of photos I took on my recent trip to Italy. I could tell that the viewer thought it was odd how many of my photos were not of the usual monuments and museums, but of interesting patterns on marble floors and in rock gardens, of people I didn’t know sipping wine in a cafe, of old ladies leaning out windows, and of close-ups of a drawing or mosaic. Yes, I meant to cut off the head of the sculpture because it was the position of the hands that intrigued me, not the entire piece. Who knows when those photos might be inspiration for my own landscaping, or painting, or short story?
Relationships are another area when I am often the observer, at least at first. I’m not one of those people who start a new job and by lunch the first day is planning what they’ll do that evening with their new “best friends.” Friendship takes a while for me. I’m not aloof by any means. In fact I’m very pleasant and like to smile, I just don’t reveal much about myself and my personal life to those I’ve just met. Again I sit back and listen and figure out what makes other people tick.
My sister is my exact opposite. As children, she made friends quickly and easily while I hung back. Today she is still surrounded by lots of people, while I mingle with just a few at a time. The difference is that her friendships come and go; once I bring someone into the sacred trust of friendship, they are there to stay. I’m still in constant contact with pals I met in grade school, college and during our first Air Force assignment nearly 30 years ago.
I’ve also found that first impressions are usually wrong. Some of my closest friends today are those who I didn’t particularly care for upon first acquaintance and situations that I felt were not in my comfort zone became some of my most cherished memories. As the years passed, I have come to understand that my need to study, examine, and observe works for me and I actually embrace that part of myself.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Module 4 thoughts
The title "Nonfiction as Literature" intrigued me. What IS literature any way and who decides? If you go into any Barnes and Noble, there is a fiction section and lots of different nonfiction sections. Then there is the elite "literature" section. Who decides what goes there? Though it's been updated many times, most recently 2006) On Writing Well was written 30 years ago. When Zinsser writes that "a few years ago..." it makes me wonder how long ago that actually was. Has his prediction come true? Has journalism been refined? I think so and blogging is one form that has gone from amateurs self-publishing to serious journalists who make their living writing what THEY want to write.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Mimi's Resume
In keeping with my commitment to "put myself out there," I'm posting my real resume (with cites and names changed) and kind of a random cover letter. One similar to this actually got me an interview.
I know the resume is way too long (sorry reviewer group) and makes me look like more of a doer instead of a thinker. I figured I might as well get expert advice on how to improve it since I actually would like to change jobs. Thanks, Mimi
123 Anywhere Trail
Shilo, TX 12355-6788
June 10, 2011
Office of Human Resources
University of Fort Worth
300 College Drive
Fort Worth, TX 12345-6789
Re: Job #P6038
Dear Ms Simpson,
I was pleased to find your recent announcement for a Communications Director. As I have had success in a similar position, I think I have the experience, skills and commitment you need in an office as important as Enrollment Management.
Although I am presently working in the corporate world, I have nearly 20 years of experience in Marketing Communications for non-profit agencies, including five at Thomas Jefferson Community College in Somewhere, Virginia. As Marketing Director/Asst. Director of Public Relations at an urban institution, I was responsible for all aspects of research and recruitment strategy to include publications and the college Web site. My campaign materials won awards. The campaign itself won success – a 20% increase in enrollment.
I’m highly computer literate and am well versed in planning promotions from budget to creative development to prepress to delivery. My competence with market segmentation, community relations, and Web development would be an asset to your organization. I thrive on tight deadlines and my specialty is doing great things with small budgets.
As I’ve worked in many places and with many people both in the U.S. and overseas, I am easily adaptable and able to work productively in widely varying situations and with a variety of personalities. I don’t wait for things to happen. I’m a team builder, communicator, and producer with the ability to respond with creative and effective solutions.
My accomplishments, training and expertise are a matter of record I hope you will examine. I look forward to meeting you and your colleagues and discussing in person how my qualifications and experience might best benefit the University of Ft. Worth.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mimi Muse
555-555-5555
222-222-2222
mimismuse@hotmail.com
Mimi A. Muse
123 Anywhere Trail, Shilo, TX 12355-6788 mimismuse@hotmail.com 222-222-2222
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
|
EXPERIENCE SUMMARY
DDD, Senior Communications Professional March 2007- present
▪ Organizational Change Management consultant on the USAF TEST System which, when complete, will impact more than 250,000 service members and civilian employees
▪ Focal point for all program visual communications from concept to planning, design, review, distribution, and measurement. Products include Web-based, print and video projects including brochures, fact sheets, animated PowerPoint briefings, CBEs, and press releases to provide the latest news and leadership perspective tailored to the specific needs of various stakeholders
▪ Work closely with other OCM work streams including Local Participation, Readiness and Measurement, Workforce Development, Training, Policy and Compliance, and Executive Relationship Management. Generate up-to-date materials, provide input for project team surveys, build executive leadership briefings including animations, create storyboards and video scripts, and provide support for the creation of job aids and education materials
▪ Serve as the communications liaison for various technical work streams including the Release Services, Testing, and Solution Architecture teams. Work with subject matter experts to collect information for use in publications and briefings for senior leaders and field agents. Adept at “decoding” scientific and technical terms for a general audience.
▪ Coordinate efforts to showcase the TEST program at various trade show events including the annual Air Force Pilots Association Conference which attracted the attention and comments from the Air Force Chief of Staff. Included booth design, collateral media, briefings, hands-on training materials, and video production
▪ Collaborate with and provide counsel for executive leadership to include direct interface with ECSS Program Executive; created processes and procedures to ensure ECSS program team members at all levels are supported and engaged through multi-directional communications that are timely, accurate, compelling and span a variety of channels in order to achieve program integration.
▪ Assist in providing metrics and analysis to ID issues and risks that need executive attention
▪ Provide weekly program updates and assistance on presentations for a Transformation Advisory Board consisting of an elite team of former senior military leaders, supply chain experts, and corporate executives
▪ Research and create content on technical program developments and key initiatives for publication in client media including articles on the successful TEST blueprint, risk and issue management, release strategy and fielding, and supply chain best practices.
▪ Responsible for writing and implementing internal and external communication plans and processes; communications program was recognized by CMMI certification team at its successful Level 3 out brief.
▪ Respond to media inquiries, draft press releases and media briefings and serve as “brand ambassador” for corporate office. Prepare communication products and trade show media for business development
Johnson Carriers/Johnson Global Logistics, Program Manager/Communications Lead 2003-2007
▪ Managed the creation of all marketing collateral for a multi-million $ global logistics and transportation LLC and its subsidiaries to include real estate, heavy equipment sales, hospitality and NASCAR sponsorship
▪ Managed corporate public relations effort including press releases and providing editorial content and graphics for corporate Web site; represented company at trade shows and business events
▪ Consulted on Web tools used for rate quotes, shipment tracing, and other customized logistics solutions empowering customers to access information and conduct transactions in a secure, user-friendly environment at their convenience
▪ Working directly with company owner and VPs, planned strategies to facilitate successful service expansion from 22 states and 92 terminals, to 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and more than 200 terminals. Included system redesign, identification and resolution of key issues, analysis of community trends, and outreach to local workforce and economic development organizations
▪ Led branding effort; positioned company in industry as a leader in logistics management services to include third-party logistics, retail conversions, merge in-transit programs, inventory control, cost analysis, warehousing, materials handling, transportation management, and packaging
▪ Established internal communications program which showcased employee accomplishments, strengthened link with management and geographically separated offices, greatly increasing morale and participation in company initiatives
▪ Incorporated department as an in-house agency, creating repeatable processes and procedures that streamlined the development of marketing materials and saved more than $10K in the first weeks
▪ Worked with logistics managers to execute comprehensive transit time maps, distribution plans and route guides
▪ Produced effective training videos in-house, saved $1000’s in production costs, ensured most up-to-date training info.
Weber Enterprises, Maintenance Analyst, Any Air Force Base, TX 2003
▪ Coordinated and performed a range of duties to include operational support activities for the squadron and liaison with operating units and flights in the resolution of day-to-day administrative and operational problems.
▪ Scheduled/coordinated meetings, travel arrangements, budgets, and appointments for commander/vice commander.
▪ Composed and edited memoranda including advanced page and paragraph formatting, prepared complex briefings and briefing templates, military travel orders and officer and enlisted performance reports. Provided content and graphics for intranet site. Managed projects and conducted procurement activities.
Self-Employed, Marketing Communications (spouse ill) 1998-2008
▪ Created promotion plans as well as text and graphics for newsletters, ads, Web pages, brochures, etc. for businesses, private organizations and non-profit agencies both for payment and as a volunteer. Wrote business plan, managed budget, schedule, distribution and self-promotion
Thomas Jefferson Comm. College, Marketing Director/Asst. Dir. for Public Relations 1997- 2002
▪ Conceptualized content/links for new college Website, conducted focus groups to gauge effectiveness for various audiences, promoted use, managed content and provided periodic updates; nearly 40% increase in hits
▪ Carried out all aspects of key marketing publications to include budget, photography, copywriting and editing, graphic design, print/direct mail coordination; received state awards “Best Recruitment Campaign,” “Best Viewbook”
▪ Led cross-functional teams with president, administrators, faculty, staff, students; instrumental in increased recruitment of students and creation of first-ever student ambassador program to boost school and community relations
▪ Served on property acquisition and facility reutilization team during the college’s expansion into Williamsburg
▪ Managed premiere major gifts campaign, produced and developed video, electronic media, and print marketing materials and solicitations; focal point for campaign that surpassed its goal by over $1 million
▪ Responsible for writing successful grant which resulted in funding for benchmark marketing research; data enabled successful, targeted plan to reach non-traditional students
▪ Lead change management communications effort for the college’s Enterprise Resource Planning system which radically refined business processes and introduced integrated software (PeopleSoft) for numerous functions including budget, procurement, billing, workplans, HR, and admissions. Responsible for managing all employee communications and workforce related issues related to the massive process changes
▪ Maintained stewardship/prospect database; developed a disciplined follow-up with significant results
▪ Responsible for public relations aspects of program to include spokesperson for internal/community events, management of speakers’ bureau, cultivating media relations, press releases, crisis communications
▪ Scripted/directed persuasive radio spots, television commercials and award-winning campaign videos
▪ Supervised Web master, writer, print/graphics department and office staff of seven
USAF Services Division, Skills Development Center Director Jul 1996 – Jul 1997
▪ Program manager; managed all elements of a multi-tasked operation; responsible for vendor contracts, finance, procurement of supplies, manufacture of products and quality control, display and distribution, and inventory control
▪ Increased staff productivity with new processes and procedures, managed income and expense budget; took the helm of a sinking ship and generated a profit for first time in three years
▪ Developed interest surveys; used information to implement innovative programs; boosted young adult use by 30%; Generated and maintained a customer database and direct mail campaign geared to specified interests; resulted in marked increase in participation and revenue
▪ Developed curriculum for and taught classes in a variety of media including painting, drawing, ceramics, jewelry making, and matting and framing
USAF Services Division, Program Manager /Marketing Director (3 Bases) Feb 1982 – Jul 1996
▪ Produced or oversaw production (2-6 employees) of a variety of successful print and electronic promotional pieces including monthly brochures, flyers, posters, electronic signage, e-mails, etc.
▪ Conducted research, led focus groups, formulated marketing plans for all base recreation activities to include: youth center, auto shop, gymnasium, aquatics facilities, restaurants, golf course, and clubs
▪ Chosen as test base for new Air Force credit card; provided publicity and employed organization change management strategies to encourage acceptance
▪ Project lead for development of programs for deployed service member families, briefed leadership on morale activities
▪ Worked closely with commanders and First Sergeants to plan and publicize on-base morale events targeting young airmen resulting in significant decrease in alcohol-related incidents
▪ Organized events and published internal newsletter which greatly improved cohesiveness among local national and American workers; credited with helping to avert a strike
▪ Implemented highly successful corporate sponsorship program; initial year -- top performing base; hosted weekly radio show and scripted other radio and television spots
Education:
MS in Interactive Communications in progress – Quinnipiac University (expected Dec 2012)
BFA – Some Little College, MI, Indiana University
Continuing Education - Marketing, HTML and Web design, Organizational Change Management, Photoshop, etc.
Six week in-residence Air Force Supervisors Training Course, Randolph AFB, TX
Train the Trainer, Total Quality Management, Covey Training, Introduction to CMMI
.
Enabling Technologies: Extensive training and experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, Acrobat Pro), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook, and PowerPoint), SharePoint, Lotus Notes, Corel Draw. Good working knowledge of HTML, Project, FrontPage, Visio, Quark, Blackboard, Camtasia, Adobe Premiere
Security Clearance: NAC in effect. Secret Clearance in abeyance due to position resignation
Community Involvement: Active member of mission team at local church; team member for Kairos Prison Ministry and Fort Worth Emmaus; Shilo Youth Wrestling Booster; Fort Worth Art Institute Member. Coordinated mission effort to Ecuador in 2008.
References: Available upon request
Friday, June 10, 2011
Module 3 Observations
I'm really enjoying On Writing Well. The book holds my interest so it's an easy read. Zinsser advocates cutting the clutter and I like that he takes his own advice and shows plenty of samples. One of his examples of unity problems was an article about travel. The author goes back and forth from casual conversation and opinions about his trip to “travel log." The writing was too familiar. I'm typically pretty careful with verb tenses, but I see myself doing the same kind of thing. I never realized that I was vacillating between two styles until it was pointed out in this chapter.
I work hard usually to find a good opener, but often after writing a piece, I run out of steam at the end. I just want to put it to an end and so I don’t spend as much time on the conclusion as I should. It amazed me that Zinsser says he looks for endings while he is still researching his subject! He hears a quote and immediately thinks, “that’s my ending.” Wow—that’s definitely something I need to be on the lookout for in the future.
In the next chapter Zinsser expressed the importance of crafting a good opening statement. Much the same, coming up with five titles for my blog is harder than I thought it would be. Again it was good to have someone call attention to cliché introductions so I can avoid them. I’ve posted a couple of titles, but I really need to turn on the brain burner for a couple more posts.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
I'm Committed
I agonized for over a week about what to blog about this term. What am I passionate about? I have to admit that I’m not really sure. I guess I’m rather wishy-washy because after nearly half a century of living, I find it hard to commit. I “like,” and not in the Facebook sense, a variety of causes and activities. I’ve raised thousands of dollars for cancer research, I regularly take part in local outreach programs that provide food and hope to urban residents, and I participate in the Kairos prison ministry where I serve as a listening ear to inmates who have given up on the world and especially on themselves. I raised funds for Haitian earthquake victims and collect pop-tops for Ronald McDonald House. My husband and I have taken part in disaster response missions including Hurricane Katrina and lesser-publicized calamities like the flooding in the Midwest. In light of the recent catastrophic weather conditions, we’re planning our next trip. I’m not sure which cause I’m most interested in and which best use my skills and abilities. I haven’t committed.
I studied for a degree in illustration because when I was young I loved art and I wanted to pursue that as a career. I still enjoy drawing, but I’m also partial to painting, especially on shabby chic furniture. I sculpt in oven-hardening clay and am captivated by the art dolls I see in boutiques and magazines. I quilt because I like to see the play between the colors and shapes. I embellish premade clothes to improve them and make them more “me.” I take pleasure in showing people I care by sending handmade cards drafted in pen and ink or created with bits of colored paper and punches and scissors. I took several classes in stained glass and have a half-finished transom in my garage that will someday be part of my front door. Again, I try it all and go from one project to the next. I haven’t committed.
The professor for my writing class asked us to comment on our assignment last week which was to introduce ourselves. “Did anyone struggle with writing about themselves?” she asked. I enjoy journaling, but even in my diaries I don’t always reveal my true thoughts. What if someone finds my journal and reads what I said about them? What if people think I’m a bore, or a complainer, or a narcissist? Writing about me is yet another commitment that I have a hard time keeping.
Like the majority of people I meet, I grew up in a dysfunctional family. I don’t find the need to dwell on my past or continuously talk about my poor, unfortunate self, but I know that my early life has left me without some of the confidence I admire in others and wish I possessed. Will people think I am bragging if I tell them I am enjoy doing for others? Will people think I am whining if I tell them my mother died when I was a senior in high school?
Crafting that self-introduction and letting strangers know more about me was not easy. What could I write that people would be interested in? One of the chapters in this week’s reading assignment in Zinsser’s On Writing Well centered on audience. Zinsser offered a few examples of writing including an essay by E.B. White on “The Hen.” His comment after sharing the piece was that he had absolutely no interest in the subject matter and yet he thoroughly enjoyed reading the piece. The second excerpt by H.L. Mencken was a rant about the hypocrisy he saw in organized religion. I didn’t agree with him and I‘m not sure Zinsser did either, but it didn't matter. Again, the piece was engaging and amusing to read.
Zinsser revealed the secret to the popularity of the various authors. They didn’t write them to please an editor or some faceless audience. The pieces were appealing because the authors wrote them for themselves and obviously enjoyed the task. What an enlightening paragraph that was for me. I should write for myself!
Last week’s introductory post was written to fill a square and try to write something that might be interesting to my classmates. No one would care about what’s in my heart I thought. In the comments from my introduction, several classmates as well as my instructor pointed out that the post was “around me” but not about me. I talked about my family and a few of my activities, but they were right. I didn’t say anything of substance about myself. I didn’t give any opinions. I didn’t let people in. That’s when I knew what my focus for this term should be.
So, after hemming and hawing all week about what to write about, I decided that I’m going to commit to writing about me – REALLY about me -- my opinions, my experiences, my life.
For many people that would easy, but for me, letting go and writing about myself will be tougher than translating the technical jargon at work. I’m committing.
But I also know now why I chose a pseudonym.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Module II - Comments
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