Tuesday, February 28, 2006

The Search is Over

That's right my blog friends. I accepted an offer this morning for a new job. I am so excited!
The job offer was very nice. I get a free bus pass and I get a flexible schedule.

WOOO HOOO!

So I now can start Odessa's Herbals up again. I can create new products and I can finally afford to get my packaging done.

I can feel the stress rolling off my back.

I also want to thank Elaine La Joie who had truly helped me to reach the place I needed to be to receive this job into my life. She is truly an amazing healer and coach. If you have not talked with her I would call her as soon as you can!

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Candles and Sodas

Well, I will admit it. I have not been making as many candles as I would like. Timing and resources are to blame. And the fact my energy has been focused on my job hunt.

However, I did create a new candle this week called POSITIVE CHANGES.
This candles is best for when you are ready for the changes in life that affect us all. From something as simple as a change in how often you do the dishes to something a little more dramatic as a change in career path or relationship. This candle can help you focus on the future because you know it is all for the best.

I have been using this candle in conjunction with other candles because I found it is a good partner to whatever intention I am working on creating.


In other news, I had my best job interview so far. It was only 4.5 hours long with four different people. But everyone was really nice and I know I did my best. I will let you all know the details as they come this way.

Something funny happened yesterday. I was at a friend's house when I noticed he had an extra new modern looking soda in the fridge. I asked him if I could try it. He reluctantly agreed that I could have it while telling me he is totally addicted to these new sodas and has to drink at least two a day. They are considered the healthy soda with great packaging. Viso. I tried it and it was lovely. Tasted very similar to drinks I had while living in Scotland. So here I am, sitting in my friends living room, dreaming of Scotland and all the wonderful friends I made there. When I notice a red box on the label. This is a caution label, turns out the drink I am consuming in a fast pace has as much caffeine as three cups of coffee. I announced this to my friends who were shocked but then did notice a trend between drinking those sodas and being very productive and coming up with "brilliant" ideas. It all came crashing down as he realized that the soda had caused some sort of unknown fantasy for him of himself.

But he said he will still keep drinking them so sometimes we just need a little help to push ourselves to be that brilliant person we know we are.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

A new thing

Ok, I first want to say that I realize I need to add new pictures. Not only for my blog but also for my Flickr page.

I promise, soon!

Next item of business.

Today, for the first time ever, I turned down a job. Now, I know this sounds shocking since I need a job and I do not have one currently. However, when the head of the department is telling me in the interview that this job has no future, there will be no raises and there are no benefits and I must commit to a part time job for one year..... Well that pretty much wrapped it up for me. I could have done the work. I would have enjoyed it even, but when a company can not even sell you on the position or the company for that matter. I am out the door!

So, I have three more interviews this week. Wish me luck!

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Does this sound interesting to you?

Does this sound interesting to you?

Because it sounds amazing to me.


514 Design Planning
Introduces students to the context of design planning. It includes a discussion of the general forces acting upon an organization -- competition, technological developments, channels of distributing information and products, and how to understand the people who use design. Particular attention is paid to how, within the context of all of these forces, design can benefit an organization.



This is from the Institute of Design in Chicago. This program is one of the few programs in the world that offer a graduate degree in Design. This school maybe in my future. I have two years to bust a move, take some classes and prepare to head back to the Midwest to attend this amazing school. That is, if d. school does not work out.

We shall see......

Friday, February 17, 2006

A lovely poem

My friend Vera who is Dragonfly psychic,
sent me this poem today.

I think it is wonderful and I plan on using it everyday.
She said she was inspired to write this after reading "Your Hearts Desire". Which is one of my favorite books.


There is a part where you write a song or mantra to manifest your dream, and this is what I came up with:


I found my niche

I am rich

Love is mine

Life is fine

I have lots of time

As I hear the universe’s chime

I’m doing everything I want to do

And so are you.


Thanks Vera, you inspire me everyday!


Thursday, February 16, 2006

Two new magazines I love

Call it the cross pollinator( an IDEO reference) in me but here are two magazines which I think are very smart and a great read.

PINK
A great new business magazine for women. I must admit, I crave the business knowledge and angle from a woman's point of view. With more women graduating from College than men, it is nice to read about women who are making their marks at the top. And also supporting each other along the way!

Body & Soul
From the publishers of Martha Steward Living. This magazine is a real treat. From the layout design to the articles about how to balance your life, this magazine has it all. Including my favorite photographer who has been featured in this magazine for a couple of amazing spreads, John Dolan.

So this has been my update.
I have been job searching, making candles and reading my little heart out. I just thought I would share a few of my favorite things right now.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

The sunshine came out to play

We had a giant wind storm last weekend.
What a wonderful thing because this week has been sunny and warm. The storm took all the rain and clouds away.

I spent the week working on candles and sitting outside with the sun on my face.

It felt great.

I am still reading The Ten Faces of Innovation. I slowed down because I am enjoying the book so much I do not want it to end.

I will update more this week.

Monday, February 06, 2006

d. School

For the last few years I have been spending all my free time reading and learning about business design. From collaborative work environments, to project development and human research, I have been following international companies and how they handle new innovation.

While researching companies and people that are already doing what I love, I came across the d. school. Every few months I spend a good hour or so reading the website and trying to figure out how I can go to this school. I have never felt so excited about graduate school or career paths until I discovered this new trend in Business Design.

Here is a new class they are offering for the d. School that makes me melt with envy.



We are excited to introduce Experiences in Design Thinking: ME377 a new graduate course on innovation offered by the d.school Winter Quarter 2006.

What: Learn how to be an innovator and design thinker through hands on experience and projects. This is a 2-3 unit course.
When: Winter Quarter, Mondays and Wednesdays 1:15-3:05
Who: Staffed by innovators, guest experts, and wide range of interdisciplinary faculty who will introduce and practice the tools and frameworks required to lead innovation.
Our Topics:
Design Thinking - Human centered, prototype driven, mindful of process
Teams - Radical collaboration
Discovery - Design process
Storytelling - Communication
Trailblazing - Entrepreneurship
Delivery - How to plan and execute

A series of immersive experiences in innovation and design thinking, this course will blur the boundaries between technology, business, and human values. Drawing students and faculty from all areas of the university (business, earth sciences, education, engineering, humanities and sciences, law, and medicine), it is a unique forum for learning that prepares participants for real world innovation and for spring d.school courses on social entrepreneurship, experience prototyping, and business prototyping.

Instead of conventional classroom formats, the class is comprised of hands on exercises and projects, rich in frameworks and methods that support breakthrough thinking. It is uniquely fun and uniquely d.school.

Download the Application for ME377

Saturday, February 04, 2006

A wonderful book

Right now I am reading The Ten Faces of Innovation: Ideo's Strategies For Beating The Devil's Advocate & Driving Creativity Throughtout Your Organization by Tom Kelley.

I have to admit that anytime Ideo come's out with a new book I buy it the same day. This book is not only smart and interesting, it gives creative and curious people like me hope.

So far I think I am an Anthropologist with a little Cross-Pollinator thrown in and a whole lot of the Collaborator.

I would recomend this book for any business owner, manager or someone that loves the idea that this world can be creative, exciting and you can love what you do.

Friday, February 03, 2006

New Friendships

Yesterday I met Ariel Meadow Stallings. I have to admit that I think she rules.

Having lunch with her yesterday made me realize how amazing Blogging and Bloggers are. I remember when I had my first blog in 2000, most of my friends at the time thought I was a little nutty for writing online. But now over half of those people have blogs. However, I am not sure they would hangout with or call themselves bloggers. But you know what, Bloggers are cool!

So I am now going to beef up my links section to include bloggers I like. I am also going to write more on my blog since I have been a little quiet lately.

LONG LIVE BLOGGERS!