2007 Resolution Results

On January 10, 2007 I made New Year's Resolution for 2007. What better time than New Year's Eve to revisit those that I made public....

Next to share some of my resolutions for 2007 and yes I am one of those people who make resolutions :) . Keeping it simple this year...

1-go to the gym at least once a month (hey a girl has to start somewhere
2-do a minimum of 100 sit-ups per week
3-learn to swim

loose 10 lbs (and not gain them back :) )
4-improve my financial situation by positive measures
5-be a positive source of inspiration for all that I encounter

Private Resolutions made with a close friend
1 - DB & LCG agree to pay off all our debit by 12.31.07
2 - DB is going to loose 30 lbs
3 - LCG is going to loose 10 lbs
4 - LCG will get a XXX Salary increase
5 - LCG is going to get an Office

Results...
PUBLIC
1-2...I did not succeed with either of these and I do not believe it is a good idea for anyone to make resolutions that are exercise related

3... SUCCEEDED! - My boyfriend took the time to teach me how to swim, I am no olympian but I can survive! YEAH
4... SUCCEEDED! - I still have a long way to go but am thankful for my many blessings
5... Hope I succeeded! - This is something I cannot really tell a result I have to have feedback from those I met and have known and how I have impacted them this year. If you care to leave a response to this... please do

PRIVATE
1... Neither of us succeeded completely with this but did in some areas
2-3 again restating.... no resolutions related to weight
4... SUCCEEDED!...THANK YOU GOD!
5... SUCCEEDED!...THANK YOU GOD!

In the next month I hope to list a new set of resolutions 5 public and 5 private. To each of you I pray for a happy and prosperous 2008. How cool will my birthday be in the coming year 08.08.08!

Year End Donations

With the Calendar year quickly coming to an end, and many of you out there still undecided on what organizations to support for your annual tax deduction, please consider the Clemson University Libraries. Take a few minutes, click on the link, check out our new website, and see what wonderful opportunities we have for you to sponsor.

Support Clemson University Libraries!
A special thanks goes out to Dr. Tharon Howard's : Fall 2007: English 851 class for taking on the project of redesigning the library giving website.

Happy Holidays to all!
Have a safe and joyous season!

Liza Corrine

Softening Rough Dry Elbows

I do not know how many of you struggle with dry skin, but I DO! This tip came from a makeover solutions website:

Don't go further than your pantry for a solution to those rough leathery elbows. First, cut the toes off a clean pair of cotton tube socks; then smooth a layer of Crisco (or other brand of vegetable shortening) over elbows and pull the socks up to cover. Leave the shortening on for an hour or overnight. This treatment can also be effective on knees, hands, or feet.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Have a safe and joyous holiday season!

Holiday Communication Tips

This was taken from a BlackAmericaWeb.com Newsletter I receive. I thought it would be good to share.

According to a recent Nationwide survey, one in four people will bring up a tough topic this holiday season. As families gather to break bread, we want to help ensure that those family conversations don't cause bad feelings instead of spreading that holiday love.

Top Have The Talk Holiday Communication Tips

From Harvard communication expert and coauthor of the best-selling book Difficult Conversations Sheila Heen

Share Your Conversation’s Purpose. The holidays provide the perfect time to share your stories, but let your friends and family know when you just need someone to listen. On the other hand, clearly tell them if an issue needs resolution or if you would like their input.

Pick a New Part. When families gather, members often line up in their pre-assigned positions – bystander, opposer, initiator, peacemaker. While it’s natural that people fall into a role during family conversation, make sure that you don't get pigeonholed in one role.

Realize the Issue Isn’t Always the Issue. Whatever the argument is about – where you’ll spend the holidays, who is buying what gift, what you’re having for the festive dinner – chances are this isn’t the real issue driving the dispute. If the conversation becomes difficult, you really are fighting about how you feel you are being treated by the other.

Stop the ‘Hit and Run’ with Humor. You pass the gravy and a family member hands back a sarcastic remark. Next time that happens, don’t ignore the hurtful comment, but respond – with a bit of humor. However, don’t leave it at that, because you’ve simply returned a funny quip for their sarcastic comment. Ask them to expand on what they’ve said and why they made the original comment.

Ask Questions, Don’t Assume. Never assume you know someone else’s intentions. Be an active listener and ask questions. Be curious about why someone feels the way they do or interpreted a situation the way they did.