Sunday, April 28, 2013

LETTERQUETTE TO THE EMPLOYED

 
Dear Employed Person,

            First, congratulations on being employed during these challenging times.  You know that it can change on a dime and it could be you seeking advice or a connection.
            So, the next time a friend, family member or acquaintance either calls you or emails you, acknowledge them. Respond, call back and treat them the way you would want someone to treat you if you were in the same position. If you can’t help, let them know you wish you could. If you have any thoughts or tips, share them.
            Since companies are leaner and meaner, you’re probably doing twice the work and most likely can’t get back to people immediately, that’s okay but no need to keep them waiting for weeks. And in all fairness to you, you may have good emails in your junk mail file - visit it every now and then.
            The thing about email versus a phone call, you don’t have to spend time talking about the weather or asking about the family or spending time on the phone for all to see in the new open space model of most companies.
            The New York Times recently ran a piece on unanswered emails. There were some very good points and there were a couple of lame excuses, read for yourself.
            To the unemployed, wait a couple of weeks and follow up. If you still don’t hear back, move on, you’ll regret sending that email that gently scolded the non-responder. Remember, they don’t think they’re rude; they’re just too busy for you. And maybe one day, you’ll be able to show them that you know better when they come calling on you.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

CHEWING: MOUTHS WIDE OPEN



Recently, on a magnificent spring day, I, Yvonne was having lunch with friends at a restaurant called Robert, a very nice restaurant on the top floor of MAD (Museum of Arts and Design) boasting wonderful views.

We had a great window table, the only problem, when I chose to look straight ahead there was a teenager having lunch with her parents. Instead of seeing another angle of Columbus Circle, I was privy to seeing tens of thousands of dollars of braces accompanied by smacking noises. 

“My ex-husband eats like that,” a friend yelled. “I couldn’t stand it.”  She said she would point it out but it was too late to break an old habit. 

Yvette and I were tasters on the cooking/talk show, 'The Chew’. The audience director told me not to worry if food slops while we’re eating, “Just have fun.”  Since when did getting on national television and purposely letting food fall out of your mouth become fun?

That food even gets to the mouths of many is a miracle with the way in which forks and knives are held. But when it does get there, must it ruin the view of nearby diners?
  
Depending on the person showing off their food to you, consider your relationship. If it’s your child, you have every right to correct him/her, the same goes for your companion although you may not want to say anything in the company of others. If it’s a friend you see once in awhile, consider not dining with them, you can always have a drink.  It's really difficult to drink with an open mouth.