Just finished up the website redesign for Pilates Studio at the Lake. I moved the site over to Wordpress to take advantage of the progressive and easy-to-use technology. Aside from some graphical updates, Carrie Jacobs are her team at the studio will be able to make changes on their own.
Jul 20
Apr 26
Today is an interesting day. Yes, it’s a Monday, but that’s not why it’s interesting. Today marks the 161st calendar day since I started work at Duke Energy. And November 16th, 2009, my first day at Duke Energy, was the 161st day since I had been at my old job. So, I’ve been working for as long as I was unemployed. Wow.
My 5-plus months of unemployment seemed a lot longer than my current 5-plus months of gainful employment. Guess that means I’m enjoying what I’m doing!
I still kind of cringe at the thought of me being unemployed. Sure, I had a lot of time to think, to play golf and to be lazy. But the uncertainty that came along with being unemployed put a unique damper on the period. All in all, I’m very happy doing what I’m doing. I thoroughly enjoy my work, my coworkers and my company. I tend to think my coworkers like me, too!
Feb 06
You may have seen my recent post about The Blind Man. Well, I heard today on NPR that blind men (and women) will actually have the opportunity to become taxi drives. NO JOKE. Here’s the story from The Daily Telegraph:
Taxi drivers offered their Hackney Carriage licence forms in Braille
Taxi drivers applying for their Hackney Carriage licence are being offered the forms in Braille by a council.
Braille ad in Taxi Driver Application form
The document, issued by Portsmouth City Council, makes clear that it is also available in large print or audio format for those with sight problems.
A notice at the end reads: “You can get this Portsmouth City Council information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language….”
The council, a member of the Plain English Campaign, defended the forms.
Head of customer services Louise Wilders said: “Obviously, a taxi driver would not need the Braille version, but they might find a foreign language version helpful.
“The form is also for employers to fill in – they could need a Braille version.”
The Braille system is a method that is widely used by blind people to read and write. Braille was devised in 1821 by Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman.
Each Braille character or cell is made up of six dot positions, arranged in a rectangle containing two columns of three dots each.
Feb 02
As I walked from my car to the office on Friday morning, I passed a van with this message in its window:
At first, I was a little put off by the message. Then I literally took a step back to look at the bigger picture:
I laughed at myself for taking the initial message seriously. In the end, I think this is a very clever and comical marketing message. Best of all, it was probably developed by the Blind Man himself. I wonder if he’s ever been yelled at for being insensitive…
Oct 02
Toward the end of my senior year of college I took a class in advertising copywriting taught by the late Mel Helitzer. He passed away earlier this year and was an amazing mind. He’ll definitely be missed. I thought of the class and Helitzer last night as I compiled portfolio materials for an interview today. As I put together the compilation, I come to the realization that I’ve really come a long way in the past five years. Made me think of a classic Virginia Slims tagline Helitzer often quoted: You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby.
Once I printed out my samples and had them bound at Kinko’s (sorry…Fedex Office), I felt very proud of myself. I felt a sense of professional accomplishment for the first time in a few months. It definitely boosted my confidence as I geared up for the interview this morning. I think the interview went well. It’s a tricky situation that should have some resolution in the coming weeks.
But part of me feels like listening to President Obama and making a “change.”
When I first moved to Charlotte in 2004, my intention was to stay here for three to five years. My five-year anniversary was in June and I’m kind of torn on whether or not Charlotte is the place I’d like to spend the next five years of my life. Sure, I definitely enjoy the city, but I feel there are a lot of other places I could be and live happily. I’m lucky in that I don’t have a spouse or children to think about when contemplating a move … just a house. But as a wise former coworker once said, “Houses sell.” I think this still holds true, even in this economy.
As you probably noticed, this is my first post in quite some time. I just haven’t had much to share as of late. But I’m feeling good about the weeks and months ahead. Fall is my favorite season and I know it will bring cooler temperatures, pretty colors and, of course, a new opportunity for me!
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