Cadence’s Book of Firsts

My sweet niece Cadence is due to join us any day. I made her a “Book of Firsts” similar to the one I made for Paul before he was born. Each page features a different “first” and space for my sister to include pictures. I used a 7×7 Pink Creative Memories album.

There are pages for Cadence’s First…

• Pictures (for sonograms)
• Breath
• Kiss (from a boy…other than Daddy; My brother loves me!)
• Gift from PJM (Paul is bringing her a special present)
• Home
• Bath
• Full Night Sleep
• Smile
• Visit to the Doctor
• Day at the Beach
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Trip to the Fire Station
• Friend
• Trip to Disney
• Time That I Rolled Over
• Time That I Sat Up
• Tooth
• Pet
• Easter
• Ponytail or Pigtails
• Haircut
• Crawl
• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Stood Up
• Steps
• Favorite Foods
• Words
• Birthday
• Day of School

And pages for…

• My Growth
• Shot Record and Other Health Info
• More Fun Memories

Just thought I’d share the fun! I think it turned out so cute. You should be able to click the pictures to see them larger.

Gift of Life

A couple of months ago my friend Kasey began working at Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee. She was immediately head-over-heels in love with the place, so naturally my interest was piqued. I signed up to volunteer, went to orientation and was quickly enamored with The Village. I did a couple of random volunteer shifts–delivering pizzas, snapping pictures, decorating for Christmas–and landed on the weekly opportunity to work in Guest Services. I volunteer every Wednesday evening and help by greeting new families, checking them in and showing them to their home for the week. I LOVE it. Love, love love it. If you’ve never heard of Give Kids The World, you’ve got to check out their website. If you are local, or even in town visiting, you’ve got to get over there and see it for yourself.

So…after Kasey was offered a job there, a friend of hers recommended reading Gift of Life by Henri Landwirth. I’ve never seen her read a book so fast! I knew I had to read it for myself. Last week, I took a break from school reading and picked up Gift of Life. Once I picked it up, I could barely put it down. I think I read it in about two and a half days.

Henri Landwirth is the founder of Give Kids The World, and his book is a sort of autobiography chronicling his life and the beginnings of The Village. His story is absolutely incredible. I don’t want to give it all away, but he begins by recounting a horrific account of his survival of the Holocaust. While no one would dare describe this part of the book as “good,” I was absolutely glued to his story. I remember learning about the Holocaust in school (like every good high schooler), but reading a first hand account of his experience made it SO real. After reading it, I am convinced people have to continue telling the horrible stories of that time so that history does not repeat itself.

The second part of the book chronicles his trip to America and his time in the hotel industry. He formed amazing relationships with the early astronauts as well as people like Walter Cronkite. He recognizes God’s work in his life, and often refers to the “miracles” that God did. The final section of the book tells the story of Give Kids The World Village.

I would certainly recommend this book. Even if you care less about the beginnings of this great organization, it’s worth the read for the first hand account of the Holocaust. All proceeds from the book go straight to Give Kids The World, so your reading will also help a worthwhile organization.

My Soon-to-Be Reading List

The “End of Grad School Countdown” is on…6 weeks and counting. I’m sure that last Monday night will be bittersweet. Two years of school, hard work and learning. I’m not sure what I’ll do with myself when it’s over.

One thing I do know…I will pick my own reading list again. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to read a book for the shear pleasure of reading it. Don’t get me wrong…I haven’t disliked all of my school books, but I am ready to read something that I pick out.

Here are some books I’m looking forward to reading sooooooon. In no particular order…

• Gift of Life by Henri Landwirth — This book is the story of Give Kids the World, written by the man who founded the Village.
• The Shack by William P. Young — I’ve heard mixed reviews, and I just want to read it for myself.
• Less Clutter, Less Noise by Kem Meyer — This book is about church communications and comes highly recommended by my good friend Cindy Biernat.
• The Principle of Path by Andy Stanley — I heard about this one during Louie Giglio’s interview on the Catalyst Podcast and I’m intrigued. It’s Andy’s newest book, I believe.
• Leadership is an Art by Max DePree — I asked for this book after my first grad school class. I had studied a little about this guy and he intrigued me. The book’s been sitting on my shelf ever since.

I’m sure there are others I’m not thinking of right now.

But I’ll also take suggestions. Anybody have something to recommend?

Fiction? Nonfiction? Doesn’t matter…

Transition vs. Change :: the neutral zone…

Learning to make it through the neutral zone is one important aspect of transition. Bridges points out that this uncertain time could last months, or even years. In chapter four of Managing Transitions, the neutral zone is described by Bridges as “a nowhere between two somewheres…forward motion seems to stop while you hang suspended between what was and will be.” Feels like my life right now…

Some more thoughts from the book…again, direct quotes:

“It’s not so much that we’re afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it’s that place in between that we fear…It’s like being between trapezes. It’s Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There’s nothing to hold on to.” -Marilyn Ferguson, American Futurist

“One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” -Andre Gide, French Novelist

“One of the most difficult aspects of the neutral zone is that most people don’t understand it. They expect to be able to move straight from the old to the new. But this isn’t a trip from one side of the street to the other. It’s a journey from one identity to another, and that kind of journey takes time.”

“Moses took care of transition’s ending phase when he led his people out of Egypt, but it was the 40 years in the neutral zone wilderness that got Egypt out of his people.” 

“The neutral zone is not the wasted time of meaningless waiting and confusion it sometimes seems to be. It is a time when reorientation and redefinition must take place, and people need to understand that.”

“People need to recognize that it is natural to feel somewhat frightened and confused at such a time.”

“To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.” -Henri Bergson, French Philosopher

“Where all think alike, no one thinks very much.” -Walter Lippman, American Journalist

“The key…is to look at the neutral zone as a chance to do something new and interesting–and to pursue that goal with energy and courage.”

“Neutral zone creativity is the key to turning transition from a time of breakdown to a time of breakthrough.”

Transition vs. Change :: more thoughts…

So, yes…I’m a fan of this book:

The author proposes that it’s not actually change that people resist, but rather the time of transition.

Here are some other thoughts from the book…all direct quotes:

“Before you can begin something new, you have to end what used to be.”

“Beginnings depend on endings.”

“All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind is part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter into another.” -Anatole France, French Writer

“Every exit is an entry somewhere else.” -Tom Stoppard, British Dramatist

Transition vs. Change

I am reading a very interesting book for my directed study class. My class is on Organizational Change and one of the books is about leading people through transitions. Because of my current state of transition, I have found William Bridges’ book Managing Transitions very interesting. Here’s part of a paper I wrote, that I have adapted for my blog:

In the first chapter of this book, the author makes a point that was new to me. He distinguishes between the action of change and the psychology of transition and suggests that there is a three-step process for successfully moving through transition.

First, he says you must learn to let go of the old. In a sense, you have to allow yourself  to grieve what you are leaving behind in order to embrace the new horizons ahead.

Next, you should expect to spend some amount of time in what Bridges refers to as the “neutral zone.” Many try to rush, skip or ignore this phase because it may seem painful or dangerous. However, because of the psychological nature of transition, allowing yourself adequate time in the “neutral zone” may be the most critical stage in the process. Bridges proposes that this time of limbo is “the time when innovation is most possible and when the organization [or person] can most easily be revitalized.”

Finally, you must begin to come out of the transition and embrace the new beginning (change). Moving into this phase gives you new purpose which provides the catalyst for solidifying change within an organization or your own life.

So…in case you haven’t been able to tell lately, I know that I’m in the “neutral zone.” Reading this book at this time, I’m sure, is no coincidence. I’ve really been able to relate to this book in a lot of ways, and even pass on some things I’ve learned to others. The funny thing about change and transition is that we’ve all be there, will be there, or are there now. However, I know for me, when you’re processing through it, it feels like you’re the only one. More on this book to come…

Thriving in 24/7 :: Strategies 4,5,6

Continued from my paper for school about Sally Helgesen’s book Thriving in 24/7.

Strategy Four: Weave a Strong Web of Inclusion

Creating a strong network is critical in today’s world of work. No organization or individual can expect to be successful in today’s global marketplace without a network of interconnected partnerships and relationships. “Networks are powerful in proportion to their size” (p. 171) and, whether via email, phone call or social networking sites, Helgesen recommends individuals work on increasing the size of their web every day.

Strategy Five: Build a Clear Brand

Just as companies and organizations strive to develop a distinguishing brand in their markets, Helgesen suggests that individuals create a personal brand. Personal branding is a way to “publicly express our core values” (p. 204). This comes through in the “day-to-day details of how you operate” and “being consistent is the most crucial aspect of establishing your brand” (p. 208). Delivering consistently excellent projects, results or products will increase the value of your personal brand, and therefore increase your value to organizations.

Strategy Six: Practice the Rhythm of Renewal

No one can function in the world of 24/7 work and thrive without taking necessary steps to rest. Helgesen recommends incorporating “acts of renewal into our daily lives” (p. 228). Something as simple as getting outdoors for thirty minutes a day helps to disrupt the routine of the day, allowing the mind to refresh. Multitasking should also be avoided.

Thriving in 24/7 :: Strategies 1,2,3

Continued from my paper for class…

In an effort to offer practical steps for navigating this new world of work, Helgesen outlines six strategies that should be applicable for any individual.

Strategy One: Start at the Core

Because it is critical that individuals be fully engaged in their work, Helgesen recommends starting with a thorough understanding of one’s self. Having a good understanding of what an individual has to offer will allow them to understand how their gifts and abilities can intersect with potential opportunities. It is critical for individuals to ask, “Who am I and how do I want to spend my days?” (p. 56). Re-evaluating answers to questions like these on a regular basis will assist individuals in developing a healthy self awareness.

Strategy Two: Learn to Zigzag

There is no “normal” or “conventional” path to life today. The seasons and stages that were once typical can no longer be assumed. This is especially true as it relates to work. While the past had its comforts, the new world of work offers a great amount of freedom. To thrive in the new global workforce, adaptability is key. In order to support the idea of zigzagging, Helgesen suggests learning to “think in terms of projects, engagements, gigs” (p. 101). Generation Y seems to have a natural bent toward this way of thinking. “Younger people today think of their jobs as classes or workshops, in which they can learn essential skills” (p. 102). Learning new skills and then applying that learning to previously gained knowledge gives workers a well-rounded approach and allows greater adaptability to various fields and industries.

Strategy Three: Create Your Own Work (Even If You Stay in Your Job)

As individuals seek to create value and worth in their work, organizations are becoming a reflection of the people comprising them. It is important that individuals integrate their passions into their work. Helgesen suggests “when we find ways to manifest our passions in our work, we create something that is unique to us as individuals. In essence, we claim our work as our own” (p. 136). Aligning work and passion is a diverse manifestation of the individuals involved.

Next up…strategies 4,5,6. Come on…get excited!

Thriving in 24/7

I just finished reading a book for school–Thriving in 24/7 by Sally Helgesen. I thought it was pretty good, and since I had to write a four page paper on it, I thought I’d share some of that paper here. I think the principles of the book are applicable in just about every arena of life. It’s a good quick read. If you’re looking for some beach side summer reading, you might want to check it out.

Book Synopsis

Sally Helgesen’s book, Thriving in 24/7: Six strategies for taming the new world of work, offers thought provoking perspectives on the way individuals approach and perceive their work. In a world where the meaning behind the term “work” is rapidly evolving, Helgesen suggests we are involved in a new game, but still trying to play by the old rules. Some approaches to work are changing simply because organizations no longer operate as they did in other eras (for example, the industrial era). Still other rules for work are shifting due to the increasing role of technology in the workplace. Technology makes work portable and accessible, “raising our expectations (and those of our employers) about how much we might reasonably achieve” (p. 20).

In this new world, individuals are looking for ways to take control of their work, rather than being swallowed by ever-growing to-do lists. In the last few decades, life and work have become increasingly complex. Technologies and conveniences meant to simplify life have bombarded people with options, knowledge and choices that did not previously exist. In order to keep up, people do their best to work harder and more efficiently. Sadly, even the most “heroic efforts at self discipline often have the effect of robbing us of spontaneity and the capacity for joy, leaving us wondering exactly what our lives are really about” (p. 3). 

In the next post, I’ll share three of her six strategies. I know you can’t wait…

Update :: 2008 Book List

I haven’t done this in while, so I think I need to catch up. I am not going to provide full synopses for books that I’ve already done that for, so if you want to see an overview of a book that’s listed below, check out the last time I updated the 2008 Book List blog.

i heart bloomberg (Melody Carlson): Still working on this one. This is just a good, fun fiction book for girls. Emily recommended it to me, and it’s some great mindless reading. I’d like to finish it this weekend!

Wild Goose Chase (Mark Batterson): This has to be my favorite at the moment. This book came in the mail at the perfect time–in the midst of my decision making about moving home. It is pretty much a sequel to his first book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, which I also loved. I have quoted this book several times in emails (and even on my blog) because I feel like it so perfectly explains what I feel in my heart about my upcoming move.

Work Motivation: History, Theory, Research & Practice (Gary Latham): Still working on this one. Required for school. Mostly boring textbooky reading, but there are some good points and interesting applications related to motivational theory.

The Portable MBA for Strategy (Liam Fahey & Robert Randall): Required for school. It’s pretty much a textbook, but it has some practical and applicable tips for strategic planning. Not the most “fun” read, but definitely a keeper for reference later.

Prince Caspian (C.S. Lewis)

Looking For God (Nancy Ortberg)

A Practical Guide to Needs Assessment (Kavita Gupta)

Improving Performance (Geary Rummler & Alan Branche) 

Organization Development (Joan Gallos)

Celebration of Discipline (Richard Foster)

Ethics, The Heart of Leadership (Joanne Cuilla)

Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity (David Whyte)

Jesus in Blue Jeans (Laurie Beth Jones)

The Starbucks Experience (Joseph Michelli)