Conference Opportunities

Last week I had the opportunity to go to the National Career Development Conference in San Francisco. The conference was a wonderful networking opportunity. Coordinating the CCDA table and presenting Local Chapter Leadership awards at the membership meeting gave me a chance to meet so many interesting people as well as board members I have been teleconferencing with for the last year (some of whom I had never met!)

Students from the CSUN student chapter of CCDA volunteered at the CCDA welcome table, as well as board members, chapter leaders, and students volunteered who also helped with the conference. Volunteering for leadership positions or to help with a conference are a great way to network while learning and increasing professional development. Whether you like to sit in workshops or volunteer at a nature preserve, volunteering is a great way to help people, animals, or the environment while positioning yourself to be the best you can be in your career field.

I got back from the conference and my Macbook Air laptop crashed. My Mac feels like my third arm. It's hard to work without it. I have most of my documents on my light portable computer. Fortunately, I have my book on Fastpencil, and much of my writing on blogs. I will manage until I get it back in a day or two. The good news is that I went to the Apple store for a free diagnostic. They found the problems, one of which was a design flaw, and they are fixing it at no cost. I was very impressed with their technical service.

I am floundering through my documents and files to find what I need for setting up the new "Pages" feature on Blogger. Great feature! I couldn't wait. When the environment presents challenges, I just find another way to work.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

A Three Goat Day

I just got home from a trip with my daughter, three preschoolers, and a dog from Albuquerque, NM to Sacramento, CA. We traveled through 6 states in 7 days with a layover in Colorado Springs to visit friends and family. After driving two ten-hour days, my daughter was getting very tired of driving and the kids were restless. Our trip was delayed by a trip to the emergency room to have many deep splinters removed from my two-year grandson’s legs and hands. The boys were so excited about sitting on a bench and watching prairie dogs playing in the grass at the visitor’s center in Cheyenne, Wyoming that they didn’t notice the bench was leaving it’s mark.The staff and volunteers at the hospital in Laramie were so nice and friendly it made the stop a little easier (at least for myself, the baby, and my five-year old grandson who were served refreshments while my daughter tended a screaming 2-year old.) We continued our trip driving through the sheets of rain and whipping wind in Wyoming that was pulling at the bicycle on the back of the van. We finally stopped and my daughter somehow got the bicycle into the packed van. Needless to say, we were discouraged with having to stay an extra night at a hotel.

TechnoKids

Are devices like the iPhone, iPod, Wii, and computers making kids smarter? In the April 2010 Fast Company magazine article, “A” Is for App, author Anya Kamenetz, claims, “New studies and pilot projects show smartphones can actually make kids smarter.” Kids as young as preschoolers and toddlers are getting comfortable with using technology in their everyday lives. But what happens when tasks don’t mix?

Today’s 2 and 3 year olds love the iPhone and iPod Touch. In a recent visit by my 2-year old grandson, we learned the hazards of the iPod Touch for toddlers. Calvin loved to help himself to his mother’s iPod Touch, turn it on, scroll across the screen and find his favorite dice game. He was delighted to find the game, shake the dice, and select the numbers he wanted. Then came bath time. He hopped into the tub holding the iPod. His horrified mother retrieved the iPod, dried it in a bag of rice, and plugged it in. Nothing. That was the end of an expensive device that she had come to depend on.

Preschoolers are savvy at using cell phones, computers, and handheld devices. They are growing up in a digital world where they can learn independently, be creative, and feel a sense of freedom. But as young children learn to use the devices, the manufacturers will need to make them tougher and waterproof if children use them freely. The XO computer is a compact sturdy computer for kids that is big enough to keep track of.

I learned to use a computer in college, thought math was boring in school, and later learned to love all of the things my computer and iPod Touch apps can do. Today’s children are having fun with math and word games while waiting for their parents to finish errands and classes to begin. Some are using the devices as part of their classroom learning. I hope the portability and social aspects of the new devices will encourage more shared interaction than the previous generation's individual game playing and passive TV.

It will be interesting to see how technology affects the next generation in their work, relationships, and self-esteem. Expectations and values are changing already and sometimes for the better. Young people are able to keep up with the many changes and transitions better than some of the older folks. We can all learn to be adaptable and resilient rather than fearing change. You can send an email, text, or comment. I'd love to hear from you. I also use Skype, iPod Touch, and Mac. How well is technology working for you?

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Success Stories Inspire Successful Programs

Counselors, program analysts, and researchers are often great problem-solvers. They have excellent skills for defining a problem, analyzing it, and then finding a solution. Problem solving is an important skill, but problem solvers may find themselves looking at the big picture and missing a simple solution. A recent article in Fast Company magazine, taken from the book, “Switch: How to Change When Change Is Hard,” describes a unique approach to change. The authors begin by looking at what is working, rather than what is broken. Then they find ways to duplicate the success that exists.

One anecdotal success story in the article describes an employee of "Save the Children" who goes to Vietnam in 1990 to fight widespread malnutrition. The contributing problems of poverty, poor sanitation, and impure water systems seemed overwhelming and were out of the control of the organization. So rather than trying to solve everything that wasn’t working, the managers looked for children who lived in poor conditions but were not malnourished.

The company’s research showed that the mothers of children who were not suffering from malnutrition had slight differences in their cooking and eating habits. To improve the eating habits of children suffering from malnutrition, a community designed program for malnourished families was set up. The mothers learned new behaviors that soon became habits. Practicing healthy actions helped the women change their thinking. The change arose from knowledge gleaned from their own community rather than instituting strategies designed by outsiders. As a result of their work, the article states that 65% of the kids learned and maintained better nutrition.

As a personal/career coach and program manager, I learn from the experts, but then I look at the needs of the community. It is important to find out what systems and habits are working well. While managing the Pathways to Success Program for a nonprofit serving the homeless, I found the general wisdom was the belief that people first need a stable home before they can get a job. Paying for a home without an income is impossible for many people. Interestingly, I learned that it wasn’t always the people who had an address that got the job. After starting a career center, facilitating workshops, and implementing career coaching programs, I found that those with good job search skills, self-esteem, a cell phone, and professional clothes were often the ones who got the job. I was able to offer workshops, provide accountability, and assist in helping people find professional clothes. I couldn’t solve the homeless problem, but I could help people develop better relationships, lifestyle habits, and job search skills that helped participants with no home find a job.

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, Fast Company,
February 1, 2010, Issue 142, Dan and Chip Heath, http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/142/switch-how-to-change-things-when-change-is-hard.html, online 3/15/10.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

My Avatar Interview

The sharp buzz of the alarm hits my ears at 6:00 AM. It’s a blustery January morning in the year 2020. It’s time to get moving. The interview is at noon. I’ve had a good night’s sleep, and it’s time to shop for my avatar. Over fresh fruit and a whole grain bagel, I tell my computer to wake up. After being unemployed for 6 months, I hired a professional career coach to make sure I would be prepared for my job interview. After visiting the virtual company as my coach suggested, I know that the atmosphere is friendly and somewhat casual. A classic sport suit will work well. Since I eventually want to be a buyer for the sportswear department, I will choose a very fit avatar with a golden bronze complexion and dark brown hair.

I double check the time and make sure my login and passwords are close at hand. I know where to find the virtual office protocol, and exactly how long it will take to get in. I know that customer service is the number one priority for the company, with efficiency and fiscal management close behind. I take a deep breath and give a sigh of relief that I no longer have to shop ahead, press my jacket and polish my shoes ahead of time as I did in 2010. I don’t need to test drive my route and fill my gas tank. The competition is intense, so choosing the right avatar and wardrobe is essential, but it’s fun and creative to tailor my look to my interests.

I know what strengths, skills, and experience the company is looking for, and I have individualized my ePortfolio accordingly. After getting the interview, I practiced possible questions and answers with the latest job search program, and then improved my confidence and voice tone with my coach. Several practice sessions later, I can quickly answer the questions verbally and in writing. I took time to make sure I know how to move around skillfully in the virtual world. In the year 2007, a Wall Street Journal article described gaffes such as interviewees floating in the air or showing up in jeans. I would not be taken seriously in today’s work world without a basic understanding of virtual technology.

The avatars have leveled the playing field in many ways. There are no more worries about transportation, traffic at the mall, being introverted, too young or too old. Although many aspects of job search are simpler now, the basic principles of interviewing never really change. Background checks, skills testing, and assessments are the norm since the employer is not seeing the real me in my body language and facial expression. I will have to build trust through voice inflection and choice of language. It’s 11:45 and I look fabulous and confident. I’m ready for my interview!

Wall Street Journal (2007), http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118229876637841321.html, online 3/11/10

The Interview

Imagine answering these questions based on the avatar scenario. What else could the avatar say? Imagine your own avatar scenario. How would you answer these questions for yourself?

1. Tell me about yourself.

I have 5 years experience working in retail. I recently designed an online market research survey to assess the interest of customers and potential customers in a new line of sportswear. The response to the line was so positive that our buyer will soon be getting a small order to try out in the store. I have a passion for fishing, boating, and skiing, and your store has top of the line equipment.

2. Why do you want this job?

I really enjoy talking to customers about their different sports interests. Helping them find the best price on the safest, most innovative supplies makes my day. Most sports enthusiasts would rather be outdoors than in the store shopping, so my goal is to have satisfied customers out on the slopes or in the water as quickly and efficiently as possible.

3. What do you expect to be doing 5 years from now?

Over the next five years I plan to learn more about sports equipment and attire. I hope to be working with designers to find the most innovative equipment for the store. I travel to different parts of the country and visit sports events to find out what equipment the winners are using. I am constantly researching the latest concepts in sportswear.

4. Tell me about a strength/weakness?

My strength is satisfying customers. In the last year, I have had the least returns of any associate because I listen to the customer and assist them in finding the right products. My weakness is that I enjoy talking to customers about the latest sports equipment. After years of experience, I am able to keep my conversations friendly, brief, and focused on the customer and the product.

5. Describe a problem or conflict and how you solved it.

An angry customer wanted to return equipment he had obviously used over a period of time. He said the associate misled him when he made the sale. After asking the customer some questions about how he was using the equipment, I was able to show him the proper use. He decided to keep the equipment and also bought a jacket.

After all of my preparation, I felt confident in the interview. I shared my ePortfolio that included sports gear designs from Europe and Alaska. I got the job, and I will be starting next week.

Reprint by permission only

Copyright CLWD © 2007 Nancy Miller, M.S.

www.centerforlifeworkdesign.org

success@lifeworkplan.com

Bright Spots in Winter

Winter breeze rustles
bright flowers
midst graying canvas

Enjoy what's bright this winter. Winter weather brings wind, rain, storms, and dark clouds just as the environment has challenges for your life and career. Look outside, take a walk, talk to a friend, stay connected, and find inspiration. Bright flowers, birds flying against the wind, and ripples in the lake remind us that there is always something bright on a gray day.

With Love and Happiness,
Nancy


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Vision Statement Revisited

It’s a cold overcast damp January morning. As I took a walk along the creek, I had time to reflect on my "Vision Statement." I created a Vision Statement" about five years ago, and at least once a year I go back and re-evaluate it to make sure it still fits with my current values and goals. In 2006 I wrote this vision statement after completing the "Vision Mapping Assessment."

My Personal Vision Statement

To find a place
That inspires my spiritual growth;
Where I can develop my ideas;
Speak the truth;
See honestly;
And feel valued.

I was thinking that my "Vision" for honest self-expression might need to evolve and grow by now. As I thought about it, I couldn’t imagine what else to add. Then I realized that this year I had set a goal to put my self-expression and creativity into a well-formed book. That is my challenge. I realized that writing a book was the culmination of my vision for self-expression. I’m
finding out how much work it really is! Looking back at my “Vision Statement” still gives me motivation. to put more time and energy into the work that I planned to do this year.

The next step is to take another look at my strengths. I will go back to my vegetable analogy to identify the strengths I can use to create my book. The next step will be to see what I am missing. Where are my challenges and blocks to accomplishing my goals? What strengths am I lacking? I will look for ways to build my character by using strengths that don’t come naturally to me, and learning skills I need. Then I will look to my network to build a team to support the work that I want to do. If my network doesn’t provide people who have the time and skills needed for this project, I will broaden my network or hire consultants.

The third step is to develop a plan to accomplish my goals. The important part is to make sure my goals fit my vision. Otherwise I could accomplish my goals without fulfilling my purpose. Last year, I thought I needed to build my skills in the area of math. I took an online Intermediate Algebra course and didn’t complete it. I had always thought it would be one of the ultimate challenges in my life to complete Intermediate Algebra. With a Bachelors Degree through the School of Math & Science, and a Master of Science degree, it just seemed like I should complete a course in Intermediate Algebra. Not to mention the fact that my daughter whizzed through the course while she was in high school. But before I finished the course, I realized that I was spending a good deal of my time on a class that I wasn’t interested in, that didn’t fit my vision or purpose, and I really didn’t need. The lesson I learned was that all the determination in the world doesn’t help if I am working on something that doesn’t fit my vision and purpose.


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Color Your Style with Vegetables™

Do vegetables have personalities? Do they have characteristics that we can see, feel, and taste? Can eating vegetables have a positive affect on personality? These are some of the questions that I will be exploring. In the coming year I will be focusing my attention on vegetables. Eating healthy and adding more vegetables to my diet whenever possible.

The more I find ways to identify with vegetables and add color to my plate, the better I like vegetables. I was not born a vegetable lover. In fact, I have an insatiable sweet tooth. Finding fresh vegetables in season from the garden or the market has given me a new outlook on vegetables. As part of my push toward enhancing my desire for vegetables, I've developed the idea of four "Vegetable Characters." In fact, seeing myself as a colorful vegetable full of flavor and nutrition, and learning to appreciate a variety of colors and flavors has helped me appreciate diversity. Expanding my palate, appreciating new textures and colors has helped me step out of the box. Now I see people as a carrot, pepper, green bean, or tomato. Can you guess which vegetable could be described as spicy, rooted, connected, or contained? After studying personality assessments and colors, I came up with a unique vegetable analogy for describing a person's style.

If you are curious about the vegetables, take a look at the presentation from the California Career Development Association's 2009 Regional Conference at Stanford University, Color Your Style with Vegetables™. The full descriptions of the vegetables will be coming in future blogs. Color Your Style with Vegetables™ has been copyrighted for future publications.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Spread Happiness

What is happiness? Measures of happiness have been studied for years. In fact, for ages youth was considered a measure of happiness as people searched for the "fountain of youth." With all of the money spent today on looking and feeling youthful and ageless, it is obvious there is still a market for youthfulness as a measure of happiness. Sometimes the amount of money we spend is considered a measure of happiness. Positive psychologist Martin Seligman has been studying happiness for many years. His research on authentic happiness has led to a Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center.

Happiness is even being studied as link in economic development. Since the meaning of happiness seems to be a bit subjective, the study of happiness can be ambiguous unless it is clearly defined. In the Wall Street Journal Online, The Numbers Guy discusses research on the self-perceived quality of life or well-being in his article, "On a Scale of One to Four, How Happy Are You?" Is quality of life the same as perceived happiness? Can happiness be quantified, defined, and qualified? Do you even know if you are happy at any given moment? Positive Psychologists have developed assessments for measuring Authentic Happiness and now have a website for measuring and improving "Happiness." But sometimes the question of happiness is more of a comparison: "Am I happy compared to what?" Unless you decide to be happy, or know how to make yourself happy, you may find yourself less than happy at any time or place.

The Christmas season with the lights, gifts, family, and often spiritual context can bring out joy and happiness in many, but it can be a source of unhappiness for others if they expect the season or other people to make them happy. Gratitude, giving, sharing, music, exercise, and relaxation promote happiness. Find ways to spread happiness this holiday season rather than waiting for it to come to you. Enjoy the season!

With Love and Happiness,
Nancy

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Family Gatherings

We are very blessed to have many family gatherings during the holidays. We plan to eat, sing and play games. I had a wonderful pre-Christmas with my daughter, son-in-law, grandsons & new granddaughter in Albuquerque, NM. The boys enjoyed seeing Santa and the "River of Lights." We had a wonderful view of the aquarium from a large glass window during our "Dinner with Santa."












This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Joyful Holidays

The holiday season is here! The holidays for many people are a time of "Great Expectations." For some it is a time of joy, warmth and happiness, while others feel lost and empty. It is a great time to fill your emptiness by sharing with others in your community or spreading the joy you feel. It's wonderful to enjoy the music and lights on cold dark nights. But some of the simple expectations can feel thwarted as we think of sharing, giving, and how it should be done and has been done in the past. This morning I decided to make pumpkin bread from a Watkins Pumpkin Bread Mix. Simple. I've made plenty of breads and cookies. But after I creamed the margarine and added the eggs, the butter looked lumpy and didn't mixed well. I planned to share the bread with the neighbors and felt like it wouldn't be something I was proud of. But the warm scent of cinnamon and spices, and the delicious looking bread that came out of the oven, brought my senses to life.

Having an "Attitude of Gratitude" takes me a long way during the holidays. I am grateful for my family, doing work that I love to do, and having time to write out my thoughts and ideas. Starting my day with gratitude takes me through all of the unexpected disappointments along the way.

When things don't go as planned a "Sense of Humor" helps me gain perspective. Sometimes there are illnesses and heartbreaks that press on people even during the holidays, but often it's the little things that build up that cause us to lose our cool. The little things that we feel are important over the holidays can sometimes become overwhelming. Family gatherings, food, gifts, and cards are all wonderful as tokens of gratitude. But when having everything "just right" becomes more important than the "good intention," the meaning gets lost. I spent hours yesterday working on pictures to make photo cards. This year was the first year I tried to send them. When I got the finished cards I was disappointed to find that some were quite dark. The cards seemed to turn out darker than the pictures that I had printed. My first thought was that no one would like them, and they would wonder why I would send cards that didn't look picture perfect. Then I looked at my growing family and smiled. We're not perfect and sometimes it shows.

The last thing that I want to do is have a "Plan" for next year. I want to have a picture in my mind of the things that are really important to me. I plan to express my expectations to others, and smile when life takes a turn in the road that I didn't expect.

Have a Joyful Holiday!
Nancy


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller, M.S.

Building Alliances

Networking is the key to finding a job. In the broadest sense it is the key to finding any job, but networking is even more important if you are looking for a job that you feel passionate about as in a career related to the green economy or sustainability. If networking is so important, what is it?

• In the world of computers, networking is sharing data between two devices. http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/basicnetworking/f/whatsnetworking.htm
• In the career world networking includes sharing information. In fact, speed networking could be compared to computer networking. Speed networking can be useful for entrepreneurs who want rapid exposure of their name and product identification. It is one step up from social networking.

The most important way to network is to by building alliances. The Riley Guide describes ways to build alliances for networking, http://www.rileyguide.com/network.html. Alliances are not built in a 3-minute connection, although whenever you connect with another person whether at work, a meeting, a community garden or at the grocery store, if you make a connection, you can then build an alliance.

After years of working in my field and learning my personal strengths, I can be fairly comfortable in a speed networking meeting. On the other hand, my niece actually loves it. The last time I went to a speed networking event through my alumni association, I invited my sister and niece to go with me. We spent 3 minutes talking to each person as we moved around the tables. It was a great place for me to practice my elevator speech and meet a dozen or so people in a short period of time. After we made the rounds and I talked with a few people, I was ready to leave. I had stretched myself to the limit. My niece on the other hand was just warming up. She made new friends and talked to people I didn’t even know were there. What makes the difference? Why is it net WORKING for some people and net FUN for others?

We each have different strengths that we bring to our environment. I like to think of my environment as a garden. I have seeds that are my natural strengths that grow naturally in certain environments and seem to wilt in others. Each of us works in our own garden. We may have different strengths and challenges, but we can learn to build character by cultivating seeds that don’t grow naturally in a given environment.

As the gardener, I can take charge of my career development. My career includes my lifetime paid and unpaid work, but "Career Development is the total constellation of psychological, sociological, educational, physical, economic, and chance factors that combine to influence the nature and significance of work in the total lifespan of any given individual.” Career Development: A Policy Statement of the National Career Development Association Board of Directors, (Adopted March 16, 1993; revised 2003)

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Color Your Style with Vegetables Presentation

The presentation on "Color Your Style with Vegetables" for the California Career Development Association's Regional conference at Stanford University was fun and informative for myself as well as the participants. I learn as much or more than anyone else by preparing for the workshop and getting comments from everyone. Just as the garden grows as it is nurtured and tended, the analogy builds as it is used. One participant said that she had shared the vegetable analogy with her gardening group. Everyone came up with thoughts and ideas to add. Although I used a flip chart for the presentation, I prepared a "Color Your Style with Vegetables" PowerPoint Presentation that includes some of the responses from participants and an outline of the workshop.

I am finding myself more enthusiastic and committed to getting the book completed through sharing the analogy with others. I've always enjoyed working by myself, but I am growing with the garden. During the winter I still sometimes feel like hibernating and working alone, but I have learned to love and appreciate the different styles of people as well as the many colors in the garden.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

The California Career Development Association's Regional Conference at Stanford University was a great success. The response was so overwhelming that registration had to be closed because it had reached full capacity. We will be looking for a bigger space next year. The keynote speech by John Krumboltz was both entertaining and informative.

The panel discussion led by Carol McClelland, Jim Cassio and Alice Bush gave us current information about green careers: where the money is, types of jobs, and expected growth areas. The workshops provided additional inspiration and information.

We are looking for a location for the next regional conference. CCDA plans to continue offering conferences that provide professional development and CEU's.


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

CCDA Regional Conference Nov. 7

It's been a great week preparing for the California Career Development Association Regional Conference November 7th at Stanford University. I'm having fun preparing for my "Color Your Style with Vegetables" workshop at the conference. I always eat better and live healthier when I work with the Vegetable Characters. If you miss the conference, you'll hear more about the Vegetable Characters. I finally applied for a copyright, and I will get more information out soon.

At the conference we will also be holding the CCDA Annual Membership meeting. The meeting wlll be following the conference from 3:00 - 4:00. We will be discussing CCDA issues, organization, dues, and counselor licensure. I will be discussing social networking including the Linkedin CCDA Group which is now open to all career professionals. We are thrilled that the conference is full, buy saddened that some of you who wanted to come will miss it. You are welcome to join the Linkedin Group now to stay updated and give your input on CCDA concerns and decisions. It is an exciting time to be a member of CCDA.

We are looking forward to hearing the conference keynote speakers John Krumboltz, Carol McClelland, and Jim Cassio as well as all of the workshop presenters.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Having fun

When frosting cupcakes was more fun than eating them,
And playing ball was more fun than eating at all.
When smiles came quicker than frowns,
And birthday candles fit on one cupcake.
When I spent the day with a 2-year old,
And learned to play just for the fun of it.

I had a great time getting away from it all and visiting my grandkids in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The shadows on the mountains at sunset looked cool and mysterious, in contrast to the bright white houses and glaring daytime sunshine. It's a long drive through the desert from California, but I enjoyed visiting somewhere different. We usual head for the mountains and ocean, so seeing other parts of the country are always enlightening.

Sustainable Careers Conference

I'm looking forward to the CCDA REGIONAL CONFERENCE on SUSTAINABLE CAREERS.
With John Krumboltz, Carol McClelland, Jim Cassio, and Alice Bush as featured speakers, we'll have the opportunity to hear the most up-to-date information on Green Careers. There will be four afternoon workshops to choose from and a CCDA membership meeting. Lunch will be provided.

I willl have the opportunity to present a workshop on, "Color Your Style with Vegetables." Creating a sustainable lifestyle through healthy eating and healthy relationships will provide the resilience needed for transitioning to a greener career. Join us for a fun and informative conference. Sign up for the conference and tell a friend.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to fit your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free.

Check out my book review on the "Quintessential Careers" website. "How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free" is a fun read for audiences of all ages. Retirement planning involves so much more than investments and financial plans. Planning for the retirement lifestyle you want involves finances and so much more.

http://www.quintcareers.com/career_book_reviews/Retire_Happy.html

You can contact Nancy Miller, LifeWork Coach for information about career and retirement planning.


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations.

Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

CCDA Social

What a nice evening in Davis Friday for the California Career Development Association social sponsored by the Sacramento Chapter of CCDA. It was a great fun networking and sharing information. CCDA will be having an all day conference at Stanford University November 7 on green careers. The National Career Development Association will be having a poster contest for all ages this fall. More about these events soon.

Being a part of a professional association is a great way to learn about career opportunities, professional development, interests of professionals, and get experience networking. You never know where it will take you. Getting even more involved in a leadership position is an even better opportunity. As the marketing director of CCDA I learn about core issues in the counseling profession, interact with seasoned professionals, and have an opportunity to take on a leadership role. Joining an association is an important part of career development.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations.

Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Fantabulous Smoothie

How to Make a Fantabulous Smoothie
(with tips for designing your own)

Add:
2 Kiwi
2 Fresh Figs
Small wedge Cabbage
Handful of Spinach
About a cup of green/rasberry tea (any tasty liquid)
Blend on high til smooth

Add:
Local honey
1 tsp Watkins Pure Vanilla
6 oz plain yogurt
Blend low

Add (slowly if frozen/ice if fresh):
Berries (blueberry, rasberry, marionberry) til berry colored
Strawberries
Blend high for a few seconds til smooth

Could a power packed breakfast really be that good? Absolutely!
I will proudly face my Wii Active Personal Trainer today, after I walk off the smoothie since I am on my second helping. Staying active and eating well really does improve health, relationships and work. Share a smoothie for added benefit. Socializing around healthy eating creates harmony in the mind, body, and soul.

Keys to a good smoothie:

• Have fun experimenting rather than measuring
• Stock your kitchen with fruits & veggies then fill your blender
• Spinach & citrus compliment each other
• Cabbage is one of the most healthful forgotten vegetables
  
• Local honey helps allergies
• Yogurt adds creaminess
• Quality Pure Vanilla or Cinnamon brings out the best flavor
  

Another delicious unrecipe by NJ Miller

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations.

Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller