Aprons and Chef Coats

Aprons and Chef Coats
 by: American Apron

Around 65% of people around the world are working in the hospitality and food services companies. Their work is prone to stains and all kinds of damage to their clothing which is unavoidable. But the industry demands that they look neat and presentable to their customers. An apron is a cloth that covers the front of the body. This is primarily worn to protect the clothes from wear and tear and stains. Aprons have become a standard in most of the industries where their use is mandatory for the employees. Some of these industries are food and beverage, nurses, mechanics, retail shop employees and domestic helps.

Apron is visualized generally as a Waist Aprons – one that runs down the leg tied at the waist or a Bib Aprons that covers the upper half of the body. Aprons also come in various styles and colors to cater to the demands of the customers. Aprons also have the flexibility to have a particular corporate logo or design personalized according to the company it is catering to. Aprons form an integral part of the uniforms of domestic workers. This makes them identifiable by their employers. Aprons ensure stain-free clothes when a person returns from work.

Modern day women are shopaholic. They go on a spree buying clothes and this is a trend that they never get bored of. Women handle the household duties such as cooking wearing nice clothes. It is important to protect the clothes from stains and any other unavoidable circumstances. Apron entered the scene of a normal household where women cook and take up household chores. Aprons come handy in such situations and can be worn by both men and women alike. They protect delicate clothing. Companies offer aprons at affordable prices and also with different styles and colors to choose from. Customers must use reputed brand aprons to avoid color leak and shrinking. They must also follow the guidelines provided by the companies when they buy their products. This will ensure that the aprons last long.

Manufacturers of aprons use various materials keeping in mind the people who will use them. It is important for them to make sure that the consumer is not harmed by the materials used in manufacturing an apron. Aprons are also customized to cater to customer requirements. They must also make sure that the aprons are affordably priced and reachable to customers from all walks of life. Companies can also promote the importance of usage of aprons and encourage people to be stain-free by usage of aprons.

What do you know about Vodka?

What do you know about Vodka?
 by: Dean Winchester

When you think about vodka you think about just hanging out with friends and having a great time. It is the time when people get together to share well times and create new memories. This is flavored drinks and cocktail hour.

Different Types of Vodka

Drinking vodka means that you have choices and options to the type that you are going to have. There are Russian vodkas, neutral vodka, flavored vodka and regional touch. With all of the brands of vodka that you have to choose from you may want to try them all to find a favorite. This can be especially tricky when you start looking at the vodka flavors that you have to choose from. The best vodka type is going to depend upon your taste. One that you may like to try is vodka red. The red vodka brands are special all on their own.

Popular Brands to Try

Perhaps you have seen brands other than Absolut when it comes to vodka but you may be undecided on trying something new. You can look at a vodka review to get an idea of which ones you may want to try so you can get an idea of what else is out there. A few are SKYY, Smirnoff and White Diamond. All great choices but, you are going to find that Absolut will rank number one and a little lower on the list is Stolichnaya. Again, good vodka does not need to be expensive as they are all a distilled drink.

Prices of Vodka

When you start to look at vodka prices you are going to notice that they can go from very cheap to very expensive. A vodka bottle can go from $20 or less (depending on the size and brand) to $60 and over. If you are looking to try something new you may want to check out a review to an idea on one that is expensive. That way you can make a decision on whether or not you want to even give it a chance.

Popular Vodka Drinks



Even if you do not like the taste of vodka on its own, you may like many of the mixed drinks that it is made with. It is even possible that you have a favorite and did not even know that vodka was in it. There are many vodka cocktails such as the salty dog, sex on the beach, screwdriver and even black Russian. Perhaps you have found your own vodka recipes that you like to create. These are a few of the more popular drinks that have people coming back for more. If you are worried about the calories in vodka than know that there are 64 to a shot and 69 in the flavored. Vodka mixes and vodka mixed drinks are going to be the ones that have the most calories in them

Wholesale Sweets

Wholesale Sweets
 by: Gareth Hoyle

What to consider when buying wholesale treats

Buying wholesale sweets must be one of the most fun purchases you can make. If buying sweets is fun, buying large quantities in wholesale sweets is triple the fun. Whether you need to purchase wholesale sweets for your business, special occasions such as kids’ parties or just to have in stock for the whole family, buying wholesale sweets is easy and economical. When buying in bulk you can enjoy the savings in costs as well as still having a huge variety of wholesale sweets to choose from. This is a great solution if you just would like your own personal stash on hand for whenever the mood strikes or to hand out fun treats to the kids if they pop by. Also, when you buy wholesale sweets you get to enjoy free delivery and saves you carrying them home.

The benefits of purchasing wholesale treats

There are huge benefits to purchasing wholesale sweets. Firstly when you buy large quantities, you usually enjoy substantial cost savings. Also free delivery is often included in your purchase of wholesale sweets if you buy over a certain amount. This saves travel time and unnecessary costs in travel or petrol. Probably the biggest advantage when buying wholesale sweets is you typically have access to a wider variety of sweets than you would by going to small specialist shops.

Where is the best selection of wholesale sweets available in the UK today?

For the best selection of wholesale sweets available in the market today, go online and visit www.sweetsandtreatswholesale.co.uk for a huge variety of sweets and treats all at great prices. They specialise in pre-packed wholesale sweets and are the cheapest sweets available anywhere. Check out their pick and mix stands of wholesale sweets for amazing low prices which can be shipped anywhere in the UK.

Management Skills

Management Skills
 by: Priya Netra

Managers and supervisors are pivotal to the success of the organization because, in most organizations, they shape the environment in which work gets done, set day-to-day priorities, and have the final say on how employees actually spend their time.

The following are the some of the management skills that the supervisors or mangaers should have.

* Planning: This is the very first step, and it involves the settling of the goals of certain activities. People can work better only when they have a clear vision of what it is they are setting out to achieve. Management involves the fixing of these goals, and communicating them to people. This is most commonly seen in the form of mission statements and vision statements that are created by companies, and also in the form of realistic targets.

* Staffing: The next function of basic management principles is to recruit the right people for the job. There is a proper method in which to carry out this task, and choosing the most appropriate people is vitally important. People with the right skill sets and experience levels are absolutely necessary for the smooth working of an organization.

* Organizing: Once the goals are set and the people are acquired, it is important to determine and establish what everyone’s job is exactly. This is one of the most basic business management principles, as it ensures that there is no duplication of work, and also no confusion about who is supposed to do what. This also involves the division of labor, the delegation of authority and departmentalization.

* Controlling: This is perhaps the most important function of all, as it involves comparing the real performance with expected performance. If there is a difference then the manager needs to understand why, and then proceed to solve the problem. This is where leadership skills and motivational qualities of the manager come in. On the other hand, if the performance is better than expected, then the manager has to reward the workers, and ensure that they keep these performance levels up.

* Directing: As mentioned earlier, the manager has to react once results have been compared to the expected performance. The reasons for disparities should be found, and the manager should strive to make the workers improve their performance in a positive manner. This also involves the inculcation of basic time management principles.

On going review and research is vital in order to keep on the cutting edge in business. While managing the present to ensure on going excellence in product and performance, a good leader is also able to look towards the future. Conducting and evaluating

Ten Ways To Market Yourself In 2011

Ten Ways To Market Yourself In 2011
 by: Jeff Beals

Here we are in the first month of a new year. This is one of those years where many professionals are feeling more optimistic than they were at this time 12 months ago.

That's refreshing. It's a much better feeling than we had at the beginning of 2010. But while the stock market has been rising, tax cuts have been extended and business is picking up, these are far from ideal times. High unemployment persists, and the economy still has a cautious, uncertain feeling to it.

Today's business environment remains somewhat perilous, but at the same time, there are great prospects for those who play their cards right. That's why it is so important for you to build your personal brand and create opportunities.

Whether you want more/bigger clients or a better career opportunity, make a commitment to market yourself in 2011. To get you started, here are 10 items to consider:

Live actively and focus externally - Be active and involved outside your home or office. Show up at networking events. Go out of your way to talk to people when you are in public venues. Remember that 75% of all jobs are never advertised and a similar percentage of big clients only come from relationship-building.

Determine what is most interesting - You need an "area of self-marketing expertise," something about your business or career that is fascinating to people outside your profession. Focus on this when you are networking or using social media.

Focus on results when networking - When you go to networking events, go in with a goal in mind. Sure, you should try to enjoy your conversations, but make it a mission to find a good lead or a golden opportunity.

Exploit social media - Don't just have a presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Make sure you post material that is interesting and not just inane personal stuff. Use social media to strengthen your reputation by building on your area of self-marketing expertise.

Make people feel important - When you are talking to someone, make him or her feel like the only person in the world who matters to you at that moment. This will help you develop advocates, people you can count on when you need help.

Build your "Google trail" - Rest assured, that people are Googling you on a regular basis. A prospective client will probably Google you to know who he or she is dealing with before meeting with you. That's why a Google trail is so important. If nothing or very little pops up when someone Google's you, there's a problem - they'll assume you don't have much going on. Therefore, Google your own name on a regular basis. If you're not very visible on line, deliberately get your name out there to build an Internet presence.

Ask probing questions - Don't just chit-chat and make small talk during networking conversations. Ask some questions designed to uncover the critical information that leads to new opportunities.

Refresh your elevator speech - Does your 20-second intro speech need updating? You need to be able to say what you do quickly, clearly and in a way that captures a person's interest.

Listen to your clients and colleagues - When we get too busy, it's easy to start making assumptions. Those assumptions can cause you to lose opportunities. Instead, ask the important questions and truly listen to the responses. Don't just go through the motions. Let the other person's words sink in and make an impression on your brain.

Never let up - When things are good, don't let complacency stop you from perpetually marketing yourself. When things are going poorly, don't let discouragement be an excuse for apathy.

The Goal for the Perfect Life
 by: Cheryl Wilms

How many of us have never been satisfied with the life we are living? Some are, but some feel their life is far from perfect. What is it that makes life perfect or not? Why do some people feel their life is great while some people feel there is no hope? Is it even possible for all of us to live a life that is perfect for us?

Are you satisfied with your life?

Ask yourself, are you happy, truly happy? Would you say that generally you wake up and you are happy to be alive? Well the good news according to statistics, Australian residents are 90% happy, UK residents are 87% happy, US residents are on average 84% happy, Canadian residents are on average 75% happy. These statistics are fairly good when compared to Bulgaria which is -24% of the population is happy. How does that happen? I’m not sure, but they are not a happy group over there apparently.

What make life Perfect?

The good news is the population, for the most part, is happier than not. So why is the smaller percentage not able to enter the larger percentage? What exactly is holding them back? What is perfect? Life should feel like you are accomplishing something that resonates with your spirit. Life is perfect when you feel great and enjoy what you are doing while here on this planet. A perfect life is based on your overall experience and it is up to us to set it up the way we wish to experience it.

How do others experience a better life than others?

A perfect life also depends on what your perception of what is going on is. Someone with an absolutely terrible attitude is more than likely going to see the gloomy in the situation even if something amazing happens directly in front of them, they will likely push it out of the way to see the chaos happening around the harmony. When one is so focused on chaos and drama, they have trained their mind to only identify just that. Those with a positive attitude and goals in they want to accomplish, they will have trained their mind to view the beauty in life.

Can you have the perfect life?

You sure can…..you just have to design it to be that way. It is important to remember that a perfect life does not mean that you will not face challenges along the way. There is no such life and if there was you wouldn’t learn a thing and that in itself is imperfect. Building a perfect life is building a life in which you experience the things you want to experience, surrounding yourself with those you love and enjoying the ride, even if it is bumpy.

Set Attainable Goals

Set Attainable Goals
 by: Cheryl Wilms

One way to make sure that we can create the right conditions for becoming successful when creating our goals is that to set goals that are attainable to us. We want to make sure that our goals are something that is within our ability to gain, not something outrageous and beyond our capability.

The goals that we set must be within our mental or physical development. If we are not quite developed in that area, we can make our goals into longer term goals if that is the case, but never scrap the goal if it is something you are passionate about, you may just have to become developed in that area, but that does not always happen over night.

Zero in on the activities required of you to accomplish this goal. Don’t spread yourself too thin, you will want to have your activities towards your goal as simplified as possible. The more complicated you make it, the more complicated it will be to achieve the goal.

Make sure this is a goal that YOU are passionate about, not what other think you should be passionate about or what other are passionate about themselves. If you are not passionate about it, you will not have the fuel to achieve it. Why would you want to achieve it anyways if you are not really into it? However, if you have set a goal that you are not interested in, but fail, this could cause discouragement and lack of courage nonetheless.

To find out if your goal is attainable, ask yourself these questions:

Is this goal too easy for me to achieve that if I achieved it, it wouldn’t give me the satisfaction of accomplishing such goal?

Have I set a goal that is much too difficult for me to pursue at this point in time and need to develop more skills to make the goal more within my reach?

Is this a goal that gets me excited at the mere thought of achieving it?

Have I given myself adequate time to achieve this goal?

Do you hold the belief that achieving this goal is possible?

In order for us to be successful with the goals we have set forth, we must then make it possible. We set our own conditions and it is up to us to plan accordingly. We know what we are capable of and we know what makes sense, so if we just make goals that we know are within our capability, the more we will be able to reach our goals and build our confidence along the way all by knowing to set attainable goals.

Online Success Means Keeping Goals Real

Online Success Means Keeping Goals Real
 by: TJ Philpott

With all due respect to many seeking online success as a business entrepreneur it is all too common for people to set goals outside their reach! When this occurs, as ambitious and admirable as it may appear to be on the surface, the lack of smart goal setting can actually sabotage a persons current and future efforts! How can you possibly achieve or succeed at anything without the capability or resources to do so?

Here is a look at how you can actually set yourself up for frustration and failure when your plans lack smart goal setting!

Delusion Leads to Frustration

Delusion is actually what it is when you plan to accomplish something outside the realm of your capabilities! When this occurs you have positioned yourself to become frustrated since you failed to set goals you can achieve.

Frustration Leads to Lost Motivation

Once frustration begins to set in the enthusiasm or drive you previously had begins to fade. At this point it becomes increasingly more difficult to invest any more effort into what you perceive as a 'losing' cause. The attitude of 'what is the point' has now taken over!

Lost Motivation Leads to Quitting

The next 'logical' step when you are not or can not make any progress towards goals you have established is to walk away and forget about it. This is very dangerous because quitting can be habit forming! Although it makes sense to walk away from something when it appears you are wasting your time it can have a negative impact on your mindset. As an online business entrepreneur if you get too accustomed to quitting every project that fails to produce the results you seek, you may simply decide to not even try anymore!

Quitting Leads to Low Self Esteem

Once you begin to establish a pattern of failing/quitting your self esteem begins to erode along with your self confidence. As a business entrepreneur a lack of self esteem or confidence will undermine your efforts and also prevent you from taking certain risks that are common in many entrepreneurial ventures.

New Goals – Fat Chance!

At this point you are feeling mentally defeated and/or beaten down as is your ambition to achieve anything new and challenging! The fact of the matter is you will not likely be ready to 'jump' at the next new challenge since your 'history' breathes of frustration and failure!

Online success is something anybody can achieve as a business entrepreneur provided your expectations are realistic! In many cases people allow their own ambition to cloud their judgment when they go to set goals which normally results in frustration and failure. It is important to take into account your own capabilities and available resources as to how they match up with your expectations. This is smart goal setting because you are only seeking something you have the ability to achieve. To establish any goals beyond your reach will only torment and frustrate you as we discussed above. When this occurs you may very well be discouraged from setting and achieving any worthwhile goals in the future! Simply remember the next time you aim to set goals for yourself to first consider if they are even realistic in order to spare yourself the frustrating experience!

Network With Ease

Network With Ease
 by: Glenise Anderson

Networking is very important in our daily lives. Often the best jobs and opportunities are not advertised but filled by word of mouth. With this in mind, a good idea is to go and find them yourself. How is this done, do I hear you ask? By the simple process of networking.

A number of people feel networking is waste of time and it has no effect on personal relationships or being successful in your business. This concept is completely incorrect. Relationships and business have been built via the networking process for hundreds of years.

Networking is not about meeting hundreds of people, interacting with them with them and then never meeting them again. It’s but about getting to know each other and finding out if you are able to make the relationship mutually beneficial for both of you. If you aren’t able to – then see if you can introduce them to someone more compatible to their business.

A simple example of how easy networking can be is the example of a woman who used to love writing articles. One day she decided to donate one of her articles to the local newspaper so it could be published and people around the world could have the chance to read it. The article focused on an event, which was coming up and was hosted by a woman’s publishing group. The group not only liked the article, they appreciated what she had done, so they recommended her to a national magazine. So now, not only does she get to write regular articles, she also gets paid for it. This example shows how networking can be done easily, if well thought out. Touching base with a few people can in fact lead to reaching many.

By referring your friends or relatives whom you think are well suited for a job is another way to network. I heard a story of someone recommending a friend for a teaching position with a nonprofit organization. Interestingly enough after getting the position, he returned the favor by referring his friend into a job he had heard about. Funny how things work out!

Family and friends are the easiest and best way to increase your network among colleagues and friends. There are many industries that work on filling positions this way and some even pay commission.

When looking for a new job, it may be worth joining a networking group focusing on the sector of business you are interested in. It’s a great way to meet people, do research into companies by asking questions of those people who work there. Often the opportunity may just be within that particular networking group.

The examples above show that in order to network effectively and in an efficient manner, you do not need to be outgoing or know a lot of people. All it requires is being creative, listen well, ask relevant questions and develop a good reputation with others. You would be amazed at how many doors will open for you.

Take The Time To CARE

Take The Time To CARE
 by: Julie Donley

When I started my career in health care nearly 20 years ago, I was struck by the compassion and care with which nurses and other professionals gave of themselves to their patients. It felt like home to me as I embarked upon my career as a caring professional.

But I also noticed how unhappy and stressed people were. I noticed that people who CARE often do not show that same level of compassion to themselves or to coworkers. In nursing, especially, there was an “eat their young” mentality.

Although today that mentality is changing, it is still a problem. Abuse and lateral violence continues. There is too much fear and not enough compassion, empathy, or love and respect for self and others. We CARE, but that care is not focused on ourselves.

Healthcare is not the only place where lateral violence exists. From corporate America to the small family business, there are mean, nasty behaviors that take place on a regular basis meant to humiliate and beat people down. These behaviors can often also be experienced at home.

It’s time to change that.

It’s time for us to “Take the Time to C.A.R.E. ©” about ourselves and each other – to change how we operate. “Take the Time” simply means that we need to take a step back and stop reacting the way we have done in the past. At that moment when you realize there is a choice as to how to approach a situation or person, you stop and take the time to consider new options – to CARE – using the “C.A.R.E.” model below.

This model reflects our extraordinary capacity for compassion while integrating our need as human beings to be treated with respect and loving-kindness. Using this model every day, we can develop healthy work environments – and home environments – that nurture the best in ourselves and each other. Take a moment to consider the acronym C.A.R.E. in order to improve your relationships – with others and with yourself.

Communicate Clearly. Be direct in your communications. Use the acronym V.E.R.B.:

Vision – express clearly your vision for the department, the shift, your family, your romantic relationship, etc.

Expectations – people need clear expectations for behavior and for the delivery of their work. Without expectations, people do whatever they think they should, which may or may not be acceptable.

Requests – make direct requests for what you need. Teach people to treat you the way you want to be treated.

Boundaries – express boundaries by telling people clearly what is unacceptable to you. Teach people to stop doing things that feel bad.

Don’t assume that people know how to treat you. They don’t. And they communicate this to you by their behavior. People want to be great – they just don’t know how. By communicating clearly and directly, you teach them.

Appreciate Self and Others. Compliment and praise people freely and sincerely. Look for the good in others and tell them at every opportunity how wonderful they are and how much they mean to you. By looking for the good, you are less likely to judge and put down others. People want to please, so when you offer sincere praise, they will want to repeat the behavior. People are generally not accustomed to hearing positive feedback so make sure your message is heard.

Respect Differences. Each of us comes from different backgrounds, has different education and brings different perspectives. Be open to exploring possibilities. When you insist on being right or on having things be your way, you are not giving others the opportunity to have their own viewpoints. You essentially take away the individual’s right to be themselves. Respect is the foundation for all relationships. Trust cannot grow without respect. We need trust to be able to work together to accomplish our goals in meeting patient needs.

Employ Empathy. Try to understand where the person is coming from. This may be difficult especially during a conflict, but when you respect that not everyone had the same upbringing or value infrastructure, you realize that people behave badly often, not because they are bad people, but because:

They have poor self-esteem and do not feel good about themselves. If they did, they would never do anything to disrespect another human being.

They don’t know how to behave differently. This is what they know.

They are scared. Their poor behavior is a front.

They have no idea how their behavior impacts others. Most people don’t.

By learning to CARE for yourself and others using Communication, Appreciation, Respect and Empathy, the landscape changes. People start behaving differently in a caring environment. When people feel safe, they bring down their walls which hide the best of them; they are more productive and cooperative. And through your example, they learn to CARE too and like a virus, it spreads to create productive, enjoyable relationships that nurture the best of people – including you.

Simple Ways To Improve Memory

Simple Ways To Improve Memory
 by: Alexanes Leeny

Are you seeking ways to Improve Memory? The human mind is undoubtedly a wonderful tool but memory is a skill that can only be cultivated with some practice and a lot of patience. Anyone wanting to improve memory can learn memory sharpening skills and problem solving techniques with only a little effort.

No one actually has "bad" memory. The problem is that people unknowingly end up developing bad memory habits as early as infancy itself. Because of bad recall habits, people often face problems during examinations, interviews and other circumstances that require efficient memory.

Many people believe that they possess a poor capacity to remember facts, information and experiences in life. However, many ways and techniques, which can be applied at any age, aid in memory improvement. In fact, improving memory is just a method of modulating certain personal habits in order to practice skills that can help in strengthening recall power.

If you are also looking for ways you can improve your memory then the best way to start is by visiting the improvememoryhub.com. By visiting this website, you will be able to draw the maximum advantage of the free memory improvements articles, videos and resources. The website features interactive and skilled audio techniques that can help those suffering with problems of memory loss.

Who would not like to sharpen his/her cognitive function and improve their ability to retain information? Memory improvement techniques are endless and it is very important to effectively navigate through these techniques so that life becomes even easier thereby increasing brainpower.

All of us know that neither memory loss nor the ability to improve memory is dependent on age. Regardless of your age, you can successfully improve your memory. Below are a few ways that can help you to improve your memory.

Proper Diet and Sleep

It is very important to have a highly nutritious diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins. Following a proper diet and adequate sleep is also extremely important. Both these things help to optimize learning abilities and keep the body healthy. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been proven to improve brain activity.

Stay Organized

Staying organized helps in reducing stress and simplifying life. Staying clutter free will help you get rid of trivial matters. You will be able to channel your mental energy and focus on things that are more important. Staying organized will also increase your ability to retain more information.

Exercise Your Brain

In order to function at a high level, our brain needs adequate exercise. It is extremely important to keep the brain active and give it enough opportunities to grow. You can involve yourself in crossword puzzles, Sudoku and in playing strategy games such as chess or checkers.

Use Brain Foods

According to studies, certain food items help in improving memory. Some of these items are grapes, apples, blueberries, onions, whole-grain puffed rice, spinach, curry, orange juice, nuts, dark leafy vegetables, fish and caffeine.

21 Days To A Better You

21 Days To A Better You
 by: Jeanne Angel St.Cyr

How you see yourself in your mind is what you are going to manifest in your life. You will never rise higher than your own perceived expectations. How do see yourself? Are you a positive, outgoing individual? Or are you a quiet little mouse hiding in the corner afraid of the future?

You have control over your mind and emotions simply put you have the power already inside you to determine which path your life will follow. You can reprogram your mind through meditations, positive thoughts, saying or writing out positive affirmations. The word affirmations means to make true. What do you want to change in your life?

Make a list. Number your list in order of importance to you. Decide what one thing you want to work on. Only one goal or dream at a time, so as not to overload yourself. It has been said that it takes only 21 days to make or break a habit. You could be only 21 days from your greatest successes! How great would that be? You may feel that you have a long way to go, but look back at how far you've already come?

I quote from my book, “Inspirations”, page 36: “Don't stay locked away in a prison of remorse, of things done or not done, of choices made or not made. Let yourself be free and enjoy a brand new beginning!” And on the very next page, page 37, it says: “Now is the time. Do not delay. No more excuses, just start now!” And on page 49, I quote: “If you don't take action on your dreams and ideas, how can you expect to manifest success? You must take the 1st step, no one else can do it for you! Your never too old and it's never too late to start. Seize the moment, and take that 1st step!

Job Search and Qualifications, the Process

Job Search and Qualifications, the Process
 by: Peter Lee

If you are just starting a job search you may find that it does take some effort on your part. It is never easy to look for a new position even if you are currently employed. The job search process can be a grueling one especially if you are not prepared. Of course if you are a day laborer who is looking for manual labor on a day to day basis in a strong economy you can almost always find work if you are willing to work hard for a few hours or days. But if you are in the market for a permanent position that will pay your bills then you need to make a job of looking for that position.

If you have some qualifications then one thing you should do is to write them down. List exactly what are your strengths and weaknesses. Also it might help to list what you really enjoy doing and the things that you really hate to do. For example if you can’t stand to be indoors all day at a desk it probably won’t do you much good to seek that type of employment. Most employers or their human resources departments employ people who can read the applicant and they also ask probing questions that can give them some notice that the job might be a mismatch for you. The same is true if you are highly educated and are applying for an entry level position. The way you speak and carry and comport

yourself is easily spotted by someone experienced in interviewing applicants for jobs.

Once you write down all of your qualifications you will be able to actually talk about them in an interview situation. If you can’t write them down then you won’t be able to discuss them with anyone let alone someone interviewing you. After you have completed this step you can begin a job search. This might entail driving around the area looking for help wanted signs. It could mean going to a local job bank or looking in a local newspaper. If you are looking for a position you can also attend the local city council meeting and talk to the people who attend. They may have a lead or two as they generally are familiar with their city. Also attend local Chamber meetings as many business members attend them on a regular basis. At all of these you must be prepared to discuss what you are seeking and what your qualifications are for that position.

Another way that is growing is an internet job search. There are many websites dedicated to posting jobs. Some of them you have to join others are free for anyone searching for a position. Some of the websites are job type specific such as medical related positions or senior management elated or even for outdoor sales staff. Others are more general in nature and will have different categories of employment available. It is all a matter of going for it before you can get it.

Take the Box off Your Head

Take the Box off Your Head
 by: Margaret R

When I began my journey towards the understanding of Third Q, my life was not worth much. My expectations and my achievements were severely limited. My thinking was boxed in, and I suspect that yours is, too.

My comfortable existence in some ways reflects the way many of us live our lives. We feel safe in our own little worlds. We are afraid of stepping outside our boundaries. Even though an amazing world of joy and success awaits us on the other side, we are often unwilling to break free of our self-created boundaries.

It's as if each of us lives our life in a box. However, none of our boxes are the same. Some are larger, some are smaller; some have thicker walls, and some have thinner walls. And interestingly, it seems that people with the most wants, needs, and desires tend to live in tiny boxes that tend not to grow through the years. But limitations are not reserved for those who are poor or unhappy. Even millionaires live in a box. Theirs may be larger, but their boxes are no less limiting. In fact, Max, my mentor, told me once that the same mind it took for him to become a millionaire was not the same one that he needed to become a billionaire. He needed to break out of his millionaire box.

This discussion of mental boxes is more than just a metaphor. The constraints we create in our heads are as real as the walls of a cardboard box; not only do they keep us contained, but they also keep us from seeing what's outside. Fortunately, unlike a cardboard box, the walls we create in our minds are flexible. And as a consequence the more knowledge and openness we bring into our box, the more we can expand the box and thin its walls. Truly enlightened people have large boxes with ultra-thin walls like a balloon, and some, like the Dalai Lama, actually shatter the boundaries of their boxes. Once you realize this truth, you can endeavor to gain the skills necessary to grow your box and, in turn, expand your reality.

As an exercise, cover your head with a box. Leave it there for at least five minutes. Think about the limits of your experience inside the box. What can you see? What are you missing?

Now, take the box from your head. What do you experience? A sense of freedom? Joy? An appreciation of the world around you?

Close your eyes and reflect on your thoughts. Do you find that certain factors are limiting those thoughts? Try to fill your mind with thoughts that are free of the bias of others, thoughts that serve you, thoughts that empower you, thoughts that expand your

Koan Meditation

Koan Meditation
 by: Sandra Markcrow

A Koan is a question or a puzzle given to a meditator to contemplate during a meditation session. The object is to think long and hard about the question and try to solve the puzzle. It does not matter whether you are right or wrong in your conclusions, only that you have tried to solve the puzzle in depth. Even if you believe you have the right answer to the puzzle, you need to continue contemplating it from all angles not previously considered. Koan Meditation is an exercise in just being.

Contemplating Koans is said to lead the practitioner to Enlightenment or a state of being fully aware. Meditating on a Koan focuses the mind on one single task. During the meditation, you are expected to ask yourself many questions related to the Koan in attempting to solve the puzzle. The Koan itself is just a tool used to understand the true nature of yourself and all that is.

Examples of puzzles you can ponder on are as follows

1. What did you look like before you were conceived?

2. When clapping with two hands, a sound is made. What is the sound of one hand clapping?

3. How can the eyes see themselves without using a mirror?

4. If a tree falls in the woods and there is nobody there to see it fall. Does it make a sound?

5. Does the mind create all things?

6. Without speaking, without words. How can the truth be expressed?

7. What came first, the chicken or the egg?

8. Show me the source of Earth, Wind, Fire and Water?

9. Is half a cup of water, half empty or half full?

10. Does a dog have Buddha nature?

Koans can also be short stories or parables to contemplate. They are not rational questions with rational answers. They are used as catalyst to understand the nature of reality and the self. They are impossible puzzles that can’t be solved but the journey we take when pondering them leads to great understanding and knowledge in a very profound way.

A Koan is designed to make the mind and ego very unhappy through the frustrating and deep contemplative path we follow in attempting to solve the puzzle. Koans make the brain back flip and leads the practitioner to a place beyond the mind and ego. Upon reaching this point in the meditation, one experiences enlightenment.

To prepare for a Koan Meditation you need to sit comfortably either cross legged on the floor or in a chair. Close your eyes and take three long deep breathes to relax. Follow your respirations with your mind until you reach a point of calmness, effortless breathing and relaxation. Then bring the Koan into focus and contemplate the puzzle from as many angles as you possibly can. If you think you have the correct answer, contemplate it some more. Your objective is to exhaust the mind and your ego of all possibilities until you reach the point of blissful silence. Then you may indeed attain enlightenment.

Choose To Be Saved

Choose To Be Saved
 by: Scott F Paradis

The notion of being "saved" is a bedrock tenet of the Christian faith. The church fathers struggled to make sense of mankind's relationship with God. Still today, many interpret the saving message of scripture as God bestowing favor on one who submits to the Provider's will.

One might, however, choose another interpretation, a perspective of unity - creator with creation. From this vantage point being "saved" is not so much anticipating a gift offered by a supreme benefactor as it is awakening to the truth of the human condition. The gift is already bestowed - you are one with creation and one with the source. To be "saved" you need only choose to recognize and accept the truth.

Being "saved" is knowing life anew. If you accept the truth: you are one with all that is, enduring and without need - you are "saved" then and there, here and now. Embracing the truth allows you to live from an unlimited, timeless point of view, safe and secure in the faith that no matter what happens in the world of form you exist beyond form — complete and whole — fulfilled and at peace. Wisdom has found its place. From this perspective you, an individual, on a journey through time and space, travel with surety knowing that all that is, is good.

The New Testament reveals that early Christians struggled with how it is that one is "saved". Some contended salvation is through works and is therefore under an individual's control. Others asserted that salvation is through grace, a gift from God beyond an individual's influence. The disparity in these views does not demand an "either or" - they are both possibilities. Different paths to salvation — by way of works or grace — are possible, are necessary, are real, in this dream.

Through the centuries organized religions, dominated by the interests of ego, embraced the idea that life is form and that somehow human beings can and must buy their way out of form. People suffer in this life to pay a debt. They redeem themselves by means of penance. This belief shackles the individual - lost in form, disconnected from the source - to a power beyond form. Here people rely on a benevolent, external power to connect them to the source - to save. They wait earnestly and patiently for salvation. The tragedy is, these people never realize they possess the gift they seek.

The gift of grace, accessible to everyone, is the soul-freeing realization that the world of form is not "it". What we see is not all there is. Our physical senses do not allow a complete picture. Grace is a gift of awakening to accept, believe, live, knowing life is more than material surroundings and a series of events in time and space. Grace is the recognition that you are enduring, complete and unified not in appearance but in purpose, in being, in spirit.

An essential point of the debate — "works versus grace" — is coming to grips with the notion that the intellect doesn't matter. Being saved through works is living the unity of the whole by choosing fulfilling experiences - activities of sharing, of charity, of love. Similarly, you can live within nature, a life connected to spirit, at peace with form, accepting what is and influencing what becomes. You are "saved". You don't need an intellectual rationalization, just an enduring, connected, vibrant faith.

Don't live apparently disconnected from the source — lost in everyday activities, seemingly alone and scared. It is then grace extends her hand, she whispers, guides, implores - never resting or sitting idly by. Wisdom beckons, truth calls, grace whispers. The will to choose is your gift. Choose wisely - choose to be saved.