Yes. This is a book. Not a rule that I plan to adhere by in my dating life, mainly because my dating life is null and void; however, if I was still in the dating game, I would probably use this tactic now that I have familiarized myself with it.
The title could easily be adjusted to Get Rid Of CR at USAWP but I won't rant on that topic in the present. Prior to leaving LA, Liz G. gave me this book as a little parting gift. A gift meant to empower myself & my fellow co-workers in the workplace. Due to my pile of intellectually stimulating reads mixed with my raunchy bridal collection, I hadn't gotten around to reading it until now.
Aside from oh-my-goodness-was-this-book-written-about-my-former-place-of-employment, I can relate on way too many levels in terms of office abuse caused by the office asshole. Before you go criticizing my use of the word asshole numerous times in this post, let it be known that this book is based off of enough research to fill the William T. Young lib at UK, all 5 floors. And the term asshole is used in almost every study to put the emphasis on the non-sense that we have all dealt with or deal with at work.
The summary of the book is quite simple: do not allow assholes in your company, as clients, as partners, as anything. They tear down the morale & culture; they suppress productivity; they breed resentment and fear; they do not belong in your organization. Example after example is given on companies who not only talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to the no asshole rule. Southwest and Jet Blue Airlines have not only fired asshole employees, but they have turned away asshole customers.
Aside from learing how to spot assholes like chameleons on camo, Robert Sutton provides his readers with a strategy for staying afloat amongst a room full of assholes. His tactics include reframing, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst, emotionally detaching and becoming indifferent, looking for small wins, limiting exposure, and building pockets of safety, support , & sanity. Wow did I have flashbacks to my office at USAWP which became more of a safe haven from the wrath of senior management for the junior staff as we were called.
And let's not forget about our inner jerk. We all have one, yes even me. However, we can practice controlling that little asshole urge when we feel it coming on. Just like all things, practice makes perfect. So practice not being an A-hole everyday.
All in all, a great read about how to put your money where your mouth is and demolish those who bring you down, both personally and professionally.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Cruisin' to Alaska
Vacaaaaaaaation time!!
First, don't fear my blog friends. I have not abandoned you. I have a few review posts lined up on things such as books and spas. And my very first ever guest blogger, Bedazzles After Dark, will be blogging fashion. Be sure to check in each day to see what exciting things are being blogged your way!
Now onto the more important stuff...
We flew to Vancouver early yesterday morning for some Canadian sites before we climb aboard the cruise ship to Alaska. I have never really been on a cruise **note to self, Miami to Bahamas isn't what most people imagine a cruise to be I reckon so I am in uncharted waters. Literally.
Our ship, Coral Princess, is luxuriously equipped with all the amenities a girl could ask for: spa (booked massage, check), cocktails (champagne on the menu, check), casino (win $$, check), pool (bikini in tow, check), & shuffleboard (Ryan will get dominated, check, check). Onboard activities don't even include the prime-Alaskan offshore excursions to boast.
Check out our sailing itinerary:
I am stoked. Literally stoked. I have been dying to do an Alaskan since oh I don't know...birth?! Plus I get to check off another state that I have journeyed to. Double the excitement, double the fun ;)
We are signed up for 2 excursions. One in Ketchikan and one in Skagway. Nothing like a little nature adventure to really top off the vaca.
First, don't fear my blog friends. I have not abandoned you. I have a few review posts lined up on things such as books and spas. And my very first ever guest blogger, Bedazzles After Dark, will be blogging fashion. Be sure to check in each day to see what exciting things are being blogged your way!
Now onto the more important stuff...
We flew to Vancouver early yesterday morning for some Canadian sites before we climb aboard the cruise ship to Alaska. I have never really been on a cruise **note to self, Miami to Bahamas isn't what most people imagine a cruise to be I reckon so I am in uncharted waters. Literally.
Our ship, Coral Princess, is luxuriously equipped with all the amenities a girl could ask for: spa (booked massage, check), cocktails (champagne on the menu, check), casino (win $$, check), pool (bikini in tow, check), & shuffleboard (Ryan will get dominated, check, check). Onboard activities don't even include the prime-Alaskan offshore excursions to boast.
Check out our sailing itinerary:
| ALASKA GULF NORTHBOUND |
I am stoked. Literally stoked. I have been dying to do an Alaskan since oh I don't know...birth?! Plus I get to check off another state that I have journeyed to. Double the excitement, double the fun ;)
We are signed up for 2 excursions. One in Ketchikan and one in Skagway. Nothing like a little nature adventure to really top off the vaca.
Friday, June 3, 2011
La Francaise Open
In true Grand Slam fashion, our office hosted a little petit-dejeuner yesterday to watch the Federer-Djokovic semi-final match a repeat of the Australian Open final this year because women's tennis takes a blink of an eye to be over. Anywho, it's no secret: j'aime all things francaise. So I had to be the ring leader in gathering mes amis to indulge in French crepes & croissants along with fierce competition. And let's not forget fashioning our berets and scarves de Paris.
Due to the time difference between SF & Paris, catching the action hasn't been the easiest task to accomplish. I'm barely able to hit the gym at 6am so rising at 2am for le tennis isn't so high on the priority list. As for TiVo, someone please explain the point to me in watching post match when I already know the outcome coutresy of Yahoo News...even when I am dodging sports knowledge.
Nonetheless, I have good vibes about this years French Open. First, two of the female semi-finalists are playing at our tournament, the Bank of the West Classic. This means good press for us! Paired with the fact that the #1, #2, #3, & #4 ranked male players in the world are all in the semis, tennis is HOT right now. Even better that I will actually get to see R. Fed (not to be confused with K. Fed) take on that clown Novak. Let's see how far your little player impressions get you today pal. **picture my tone being that of Focker from Meet the Parents when he is talking to Jinxy the cat.
It's match time...cheers to my favorite sport!
 |
| An authentic Paris scarf |
Due to the time difference between SF & Paris, catching the action hasn't been the easiest task to accomplish. I'm barely able to hit the gym at 6am so rising at 2am for le tennis isn't so high on the priority list. As for TiVo, someone please explain the point to me in watching post match when I already know the outcome coutresy of Yahoo News...even when I am dodging sports knowledge.
Nonetheless, I have good vibes about this years French Open. First, two of the female semi-finalists are playing at our tournament, the Bank of the West Classic. This means good press for us! Paired with the fact that the #1, #2, #3, & #4 ranked male players in the world are all in the semis, tennis is HOT right now. Even better that I will actually get to see R. Fed (not to be confused with K. Fed) take on that clown Novak. Let's see how far your little player impressions get you today pal. **picture my tone being that of Focker from Meet the Parents when he is talking to Jinxy the cat.
It's match time...cheers to my favorite sport!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Happy Birthday Mommy!
Today 56 years ago
You blessed the world
With your bubbly smile
And hair that curled
Blonde as the sun
Skinny as a tree
A heart of gold
And a spirit so free
You came from nothing
But were determined to succeed
Never giving in to your past
Money, jealousy, or greed
With dad by your side
Our family began
How did you do it all
Ruling mother land
We've had our ups
And we've had our downs
You know when to laugh with me
As well as how to turn my frown around
Cheers to you
On this June 2nd day
To the best mommy in the world
I love you is what I want to say!
You blessed the world
With your bubbly smile
And hair that curled
Blonde as the sun
Skinny as a tree
A heart of gold
And a spirit so free
You came from nothing
But were determined to succeed
Never giving in to your past
Money, jealousy, or greed
With dad by your side
Our family began
How did you do it all
Ruling mother land
We've had our ups
And we've had our downs
You know when to laugh with me
As well as how to turn my frown around
Cheers to you
On this June 2nd day
To the best mommy in the world
I love you is what I want to say!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Something Borrowed
Monday night I went to see this chick flick solo. It was #1 on my list o' movies to see at the moment, and I have no shame in seeing one alone. Crying hysterically at sappy romantic-comedies always seems a tad creepy when by yourself but I got over that long ago.
I had read the book several years ago while I was peddling through Europe. I remember sitting on a park bench in Austria, my head buried in the pages of Emily Griffin's novel. I believe I finished the book in a day moving onto Something Blue shortly after. It was at that moment when I felt the urge to write a novel of my own. I was so engulfed in how real it all seemed and how it was something that everyone could relate to in a way.
The movie, featuring Ginnifer Goodwin & Kate Hudson, didn't disappoint. Often my fear after reading the book. Each played their character to a perfected T. John Krasinski from the office might have been the best of them all though as the sarcastic male bff of Rachel (played by GG). Darcy (aka Kate H) was just how I remembered her in the book: loud, obnoxious, full of herself, and charmingly witty.
If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, then you might enjoy this brief summary. Two childhood best friends who couldn't be more opposite do everything together. As their adult-lives take form, the outgoing & outspoken Darcy in a twisted way meanders her way into Rachel's law school crush, Dax, winning his affection. On Rachel's 30th birthday, D hosts a surprise party for her which ends in one crazy life-altering event for them. Mixed with humor, guilt, cynicism, and charisma, the cast displays a roaring storyline that mimics real life relationships.
The plot explores the balance and struggle of what we are expected to do versus what we want to do. It touches on the complexity of romance and takes a look at how sometimes when we don't speak up, we lose what we always wanted.
I'm looking forward to Something Blue!
I had read the book several years ago while I was peddling through Europe. I remember sitting on a park bench in Austria, my head buried in the pages of Emily Griffin's novel. I believe I finished the book in a day moving onto Something Blue shortly after. It was at that moment when I felt the urge to write a novel of my own. I was so engulfed in how real it all seemed and how it was something that everyone could relate to in a way.
The movie, featuring Ginnifer Goodwin & Kate Hudson, didn't disappoint. Often my fear after reading the book. Each played their character to a perfected T. John Krasinski from the office might have been the best of them all though as the sarcastic male bff of Rachel (played by GG). Darcy (aka Kate H) was just how I remembered her in the book: loud, obnoxious, full of herself, and charmingly witty.
If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, then you might enjoy this brief summary. Two childhood best friends who couldn't be more opposite do everything together. As their adult-lives take form, the outgoing & outspoken Darcy in a twisted way meanders her way into Rachel's law school crush, Dax, winning his affection. On Rachel's 30th birthday, D hosts a surprise party for her which ends in one crazy life-altering event for them. Mixed with humor, guilt, cynicism, and charisma, the cast displays a roaring storyline that mimics real life relationships.
The plot explores the balance and struggle of what we are expected to do versus what we want to do. It touches on the complexity of romance and takes a look at how sometimes when we don't speak up, we lose what we always wanted.
I'm looking forward to Something Blue!
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