Another Day…

While the media was focused on guys having beers at some White House, I was focused on my important matters–Twilight Gossip.

But, seriously, who cares what kindof beers they are drinking? Apparently, many beer companies do.

The weather has been amazing in Santa Barbara…my apologies to Seattle and Portland. Ryan and I are looking forward to this weekend, we have a lot of catching up to do around the house. And I need to get started on the 25 List. Any ideas? Suggestions?

 

Sum, Sum, Summer Time…

..How in the heck did it become the middle of July already? And, I have made a decision. I am starting an MBA program in August.

I am nervous…just because it is a big decision, a big commitment, and it is an MBA after all!

Ryan and I just got back from our annual Yosemite trip. It was HOT, but a good trip. It is always nice to get away. We are hoping to go somewhere more tropical next year.

After a trip, it is now onto the laundry, cleaning, etc. Anyone want to help?

 

Storm exits; Now what?

The Jesusita fire is over and now the city is asking, “how? when? why?” My end of work is over now; friends are safe.

So, I am back to my original question—what should I do next? How do I market myself? Or should I market myself? Is getting an MBA from a non-top tier school, OK? Or should I gain more experience instead of degrees.

I have been reviewing MANY HR blogging, career advice websites and books, and doing a little thinking.

 

…Things are looking better

Is it a little too early to say things are looking better with the Jesusita Fire? Two days of a marine layer and it is finally NOT raining ash at our house. Since many of the mandatory evacuations have been lifted, I am currently enjoying my house with just my family. Hey, when a entire CITY is in crisis, you do what you gotta do.

I just realized that tomorrow is MONDAY. I feel like the last four days have been a blur–I have not thought of myself at all. In fact, this morning is the first time I remembered that today is Mother’s Day. No worries, I have already made a call.

Sorry for the somewhat depressing blog posts; in a few days, I promise, I’ll get back on track.

 

Jesusita Fire Update

Looking Big, Acting Small

Considering that over 30, 000 people have been evacuated from Santa Barbara; I consider ourselves VERY lucky that we are still in our home.

Though that means our house has turned into the “storage place” for animals, people, and valuables.

Keep the marine layer coming!

 

Gap, Tea, and Jesusita

This wouldn’t be a Santa Barbara blog without a post regarding the MANY horrible fires we have experienced lately.

My thoughts and prays are with the firefighters, their families, and everyone who has been evacuated from their home.

From an HR perspective, this is the time where lessons are learned. When and how to determine to close your office? How about your employees’ children who are not going to school, do you charge this time to their PTO? Considering currently with the Jesusita Fire, half of Santa Barbara is under a mandatory evacuation–that could be a majority of your work force.

My quick tip: Make sure your employees know where to turn to for information, otherwise they are awake at 5:30 AM trying to determine if they are working today or not.

 

A good read about Web 2.0

HR, You’re Doing It Wrong

Laurie Ruettimann, Punk Rock HR, tells it like it is. Check it out!

 

Marketing Me

So, where does one start when deciding to market themselves? You can read all the career blogs you want, network on LinkedIn, research who to know (and who NOT to know)–yet no where do you find where to begin?

So, where to begin?

Here I am–an experienced HR professional who loves to have a challenge. Someone who thrives to discover new technology and never accepts the “status-quo” as acceptable. Someone who actually enjoys (well, most of the time) solving employees’ benefit issues. Someone who isn’t afraid to tell a VP that there idea may not be in the best interest of our employees; in a respectful way of course.

Well, that’s me or my adempt to explain me. And here’s to marketing yourself.

 

MBA or Not?

So, how does anyone decide if they should start an MBA program? I feel like an MBA degree has become the new BA degree. So, in order to get ahead, I need an MBA.

Yet (there is always a yet), I am married. I would like to start a family. I want the option not to work. And funny thing about those MBA student loans, the payments are still due. The BA student loans are still due too…

Is the MBA worth it? How does anyone decide?