Before You Say, "Yes," to that New Committee, Maybe Think Twice - the Job You Save May Be Your Own

Bake sale?  Count me in.  Book Club?  I’m there.  Memorial Day Celebration?  I’ll volunteer.  Welcoming Committee?  I love meeting new people.

Maybe not.

After much anguish and one too many committee meetings that seem to go on forever and accomplish nothing, my new motto is “Just Say No.”

The weather is getting hotter, tempers are getting shorter and it’s just not worth it.

Being a team player is great.  Being “sociable” with your co-workers, that’s cool too.

But sometimes, you just have to stop, focus, prioritize, do your work and go home.

Work should be pleasant because you’re with these folks for at least 7 or 8 hours a day.

However, maybe too much fun isn’t really fun at all.

For now, I’ll save my social activities for “after hours.”

"Shine Bright Like A Diamond" (or Don't)

The older I get, the more I worry.

When I was younger, I never gave a second thought to what color nail polish to wear.  I used to jazz my nails up with decals and I'm going to date myself here, but, I even remember the 14 carat gold fake fingernails.  I didn't say I ever wore one.  Just said I remember them.

Should there be any rules applied when it comes to which shades of polish to wear for work?  Obviously, if you're in the fashion industry or the music industry or arts and entertainment, even publishing, you have a lot more fashion freedom.  But law offices are supposed to be conservative.  Or are they?

I tend to opt for more subdued colors, light shades of pink, nude or maybe french tips.  Partly, it's due to the fact that the last time I painted my nails blue, my daughter told me I needed to "quit it."  The other reason I don't  wear dark shades, (can you say 'Linkin Park After Dark?') is that the dark colors tend to rub off on paper.  And I handle lots and lots of paper.  But I must admit I do love those dark colors.  Black is the new red when it comes to nails, you know.

I just tend get a little self-conscious when I hand one of my bosses a file and my hands are screaming, "look at me!"  

There must be a book out there somewhere on "appropriate nail polish for the law office."  I haven't run across it, but if you do, give me a shout.  Better yet - raise your hand.

Sincerely,

Unsure in San Francisco

Read Any Good Books Lately? "A House With No Roof" by Rebecca Wilson

When her father was murdered in 1966 Rebecca Wilson’s family unraveled.

A HOUSE WITH NO ROOF is her gripping memoir of surviving the legacy of violence that forty years later continues to cast its shadow.

“If I were a professor and taught a class on the legacy of violence,

I would make everyone read this book.”

—Dr. Joel Fay, retired police officer and psychologist

“Rebecca Wilson’s A HOUSE WITH NO ROOF is a deeply touching story of spirit, of whatever thrust helps us keep moving forward, and of the sweetness and sorrow of families.”    

—Anne Lamott, author of Imperfect Birds

In 1966, Rebecca Wilson’s father, a Union Leader and civil rights activist, was assassinated on the street in San Francisco. Rebecca—known throughout as “Becky”—was three years old. A House with No Roof is Wilson’s gripping memoir of how the murder of her father propelled her family into a life-long search for solace and understanding. Her brother, Lee, turns to drugs and violence; sister Amalia, the beauty of the family; hits the road and vanishes for several years; and Becky is left to be raised by Barbara, her well-meaning but troubled mother. 

Following her father’s murder, Barbara, desperate for closure and peace, uproots the family and moves to Bolinas, California. In this small, coastal town of hippies, artists, and “burnouts,” the family begins spiraling downward. To cope, Barbara turns to art and hangs a banner that loudly declares, “Wilsons are Bold.” But she still succumbs to her grief, neglecting Becky and opting to be a friend and confidant, instead of a mother, to her young daughter. As Becky fumbles and hurtles toward adulthood with little guidance, no boundaries, and plenty of anger she comes to learn the full truth of her father’s death—a truth that threatens to steal her sanity and break her spirit.

Told with humor and candor—and with love and family devotion at its heart—A HOUSE WITH NO ROOF: AFTER MY FATHER’S ASSASSINATION, A MEMOIR (Counterpoint Press, November 2011, paperback) is a brave account of one daughter’s struggle to survive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR. . .

Rebecca Wilson was born in San Francisco and raised in Bolinas, California. She graduated from Scripps Women’s College Phi Beta Kappa and traveled to Scotland on a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. During her time in Scotland she published her first book, Sleeping with Monsters: Conversations with Scottish and Irish Female Poets. She lives in Fairfax, California.

PRESS CONTACT

Lorna Garano

lornagarano@gmail.com

510-280-5397

Whistle While You Work?

Most law firms don't allow secretaries to have radios on their desks.  Of course, I don't suppose anybody has a radio these days.  

At any rate, you're not allowed to have a docking station or anything that emits noise out into the open that could possibly disturb your co-workers, or God forbid, attorneys.

So, many years ago, I took to using headphones.  There are times that require me to completely focus, such as when I'm entering time or transcribing or preparing documents for filing in court.  But, when I'm doing tasks such as simple data entry or pulling cases, I can easily listen to a CD or Pandora at the same time.

Music allows me to enter a space where I'm in somewhat control.  Meaning, I can decide what I want to hear, I'm not bothering anyone else and I have a little bit of freedom.

If you haven't tried it, consider investing in an inexpensive pair of headphones - or an expensive pair if your budget allows.

Either way, I'll bet you'll be surprised at what a difference it makes.

Don't disturb this groove.*


"Don't Disturb This Groove" by "The System" (circa 1987)

MONDAY FUNNY

STARBUCKS HAS LOVE FOR THE ADMINS - COLLECTIBLE STARBUCKS ADMIN'S DAY CARD!

I could not believe my eyes when I saw this Starbucks Admin's Day Gift Card.   Finally, somebody is showing some love for some of the hardest working men and women on the planet.  The secretaries, receptionists, file clerks, administrative assistants and legal assistants who keep the wheels turning.

As a coffee lover, I would so appreciate my bossing loading this baby up for Admin's Day.  Hint-hint.  

This card is too cute.  It's got a coffee cup, desk lamp, tape dispenser, paper clips, vase and telephone imprinted on it.  Go, Starbucks!

And, you don't have to wait for the boss to show love to spread love, why not pick up a few for your co-workers who know what team work is all about?

Big "ups" to Starbucks for realizing that some jobs can't be done by computers or Siri (R).

Administrative Assistants Day is Wednesday, April 24th!

HAPPY EARTH MONTH FROM PROXI! (WIN FREE STUFF!)

No fooling (happy April Fool’s Day) – another great sweeps is here!

Enter for your chance to win a set of PROXI products that harness the healthier, high-performance cleaning power of hydrogen peroxide, a familiar and trusted household staple for more than 100 years! 30 lucky winners will get one of the following prize packages:

 

10 lucky winners will win all 12 PROXI products (plus a canvas summer tote with the PROXI logo and a PROXI T-shirt): Daily Shower Cleaner, Bathroom Disinfectant Cleaner, Multi-Purpose Disinfectant Cleaner, Kitchen Disinfectant Cleaner, Dish Soap Concentrate, Automatic Dish Detergent Pods, Hand Soap, Foaming Hand Soap, Body Wash, Body Wash for Men, Anticavity Whitening Toothpaste, and Mouth Rinse. Approximate retail value: $75

 

10 lucky winners will win five PROXI Home Care products (plus a PROXI T-shirt): Dish Soap Concentrate, Automatic Dish Detergent Pods, Kitchen Disinfectant Cleaner, Daily Shower Cleaner, and Bathroom Disinfectant Cleaner. Approximate retail value: $25

 

10 lucky winners will win five PROXI Personal Care products (plus a PROXI T-shirt): Hand Soap, Body Wash, Body Wash for Men, Anticavity Whitening Toothpaste, and Mouth Rinse. Approximate retail value: $25

 

To enter, “Like” our PROXI Facebook page and click on the Sweepstakes tab at the top under the large cover photo.

 

The sweepstakes ends on April 30^th.

 

PURSE SNOBS

In a town full of purse snobs, what’s a girl to do?

I know that working in the big city has its pros and cons.  I love the energy, excitement and the fact that there’s always something going on in San Francisco.  It’s a “vibe” like no other.

I also appreciate working in a nice office with nice amenities and free gourmet coffee.  I also respect firms that have a “dress code.”  And I never (well, almost never) go to work looking like a slouch.

But this whole designer handbag thing has gotten completely out of hand (pun intended).  The other day I went into the shoe shop to get the handle fixed on my vintage designer purse.  Yes, I’m now at the age that I am the original owner of vintage clothing. 

I realize that a lot of younger women are probably still living at home or have very high incomes and can afford to drop a few stacks on a handbag.  Unfortunately, that’s not my situation.

However, the way these women were coming into the repair shop with this Prada and that Gucci and this Jimmy Choo and names I couldn’t even pronounce had my head spinning.  The first thought that came to mind is “these must be attorneys, because surely they can’t be secretaries!”

Confession.  I did happen to be carrying a Jessica Simpson purse which probably made me stick out like Minnie Pearl.  Actually, references like Minnie Pearl aren’t helping my age case much.  And the way they looked at little old me – if looks could kill!

 

Any-hoo, I left the shop feeling like the lowest of low.  In all fairness, the repairman was super nice and told me that he could fix my bag up so that it was presentable.  I waited until the shop had cleared and I told him that I didn’t envy him one bit.  Having to deal with all those “bag-tudes” all day could drive a person insane. 

He looked at me, smiled and said, ‘Ma’am, you have no idea.’

Whatever happened to working women who shopped at good old JC Penney?

Springing Forward - Helpful Tips for Waking Up and Getting to Work On Time

Today marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time.  I love having that extra daylight in the evenings.  Even if I'm working late, it's still light when I get off.  Makes it a lot safer for commuting and  taking care of errands.

Downside:  It takes me about a week to adjust to that "lost" hour of sleep.

Here are a few tricks I've tried over the years.  And here's to hoping they work this year!

1.  If you wake up to music, change the station that you wake up with.  If you're waking up to classical, how about setting the station to rock.  That'll get your attention.

2.  Instead of taking a hot shower, try taking a lukewarm shower.  You won't freeze and you'll be more awake.

3.  If you have an automatic drip coffeemaker, program it the night before.  Grind your beans, place out your mug, etc.  Every minute counts.

4.  Plan your wardrobe the night before.  Just like when you were in school.  'Lay' out what you plan to put on in the morning.  No time for indecision.

5.  This might be a week to try minimal makeup if you can get away with it.  For me, it means maybe skipping the eyeliner.  My eyes don't focus the way they used to and I want to make sure I have a straight line.

6.  Mind over matter.  Don't focus on the hour you're losing in the morning.  Focus on the extra hour of daylight you'll have when you complete your workday.

And lastly, remember - it's beyond your control!  Change is good.  Next week this time, you'll be smiling!

LUNAFEST COMES TO EL CERRITO, El Cerrito High School’s Performing Arts Center in El Cerrito, CA on Saturday, March 2, 2013

 

LUNAFEST Returns to El Cerrito on March 2, 2013

Popular film festival brings world-class films and filmmakers to local audience

El Cerrito High School's Performing Arts Center

540 Ashbury Ave., El Cerrito, CA, 94530

El Cerrito, CA,LUNAFEST®, the fundraising film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about women's issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing women together in their communities, returns for a sixth year to El Cerrito High School’s Performing Arts Center in El Cerrito, CA on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Tickets range in price from $5 - $50 and can be purchased at http://eclunafest2013.eventbrite.com/.

This unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, motherhood, body image, aging, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. Clips from the films can be viewed here: http://www.lunafest.org/elcerrito.

LUNAFEST East Bay will again be hosted by El Cerrito resident and actress Karen Grassle, “Ma” of the hit TV series, “Little House on the Prairie”. Ms. Grassle will also interview two of the filmmakers after the screening. This special feature of LUNAFEST East Bay allows the audience a peek behind the scenes and into the creative process of the films they have just watched. This year, Ms. Grassle will interview Sharon Arteaga, filmmaker, “When I Grow Up” and Jisoo Kim, filmmaker and artist, “The Bathhouse”.

This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Wanna Wright (December 11, 1944 – May 19, 2012),Breast Cancer Fund board member, co-founder of the African American Breast Cancer Task Group (AABCTG), breast cancer prevention advocate and committee member of LUNAFEST East Bay. See http://www.insideprevention.org/2012/05/in-memory-of-wanna-wright-breast-cancer-prevention-advocate-extraordinaire.htmlfor more about Ms. Wright’s extraordinary life.

All proceeds from LUNAFEST will benefit the Breast Cancer Fund, El Cerrito High’s IT Academy and World Neighbors. Thus far, LUNAFEST, which is created and funded by LUNA®, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women®, raised over $556,000 for Breast Cancer Fund and over $1,000,000 for other women’s non-profit organizations.

Book Review: "GODS OF MISCHIEF: My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang " by GEORGE ROWE

Wow, what a ride! “Gods of Mischief – My Undercover Vendetta To Take Down The Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang” by George Rowe is aptly titled and a hold-on, rumbling read.

George Rowe is a “drug-dealin, multiple-felon, racist a__hole,” who seeks a metamorphosis by becoming an informant for the ATF and working for a little payback to the 1%-ers, for a deed that so far, went unpunished.  

The term “Vendetta,” says it all, as Rowe’s efforts proved to be a prolonged and arduous journey to retaliate and gain vengeance against the very group he became a part of.  

The Vago MC of California is well known as a violent and prolific trader of vice and mayhem.  George lived first-hand the lifestyle of the gang before becoming a part of the Club.

The read is interesting and absorbing.  I felt the author was asking me to believe his “evolved” since of morality.  But, with the several anecdotal flashbacks he provides to purge the actions of his dark past, and his repeated declarations stating he’s a changed man, I still don’t know if I am all the way there by the end of the 324 pages.  

In the end, I would define this work as a confession but not a penance.  I feel he has come fairly clean but I don’t get a warm and fuzzy feeling that his previous propensities to violence and drinking have left him completely. 

In the end, it all about the book and what it does to/for the reader.  The book is good in the way it evokes emotional thought.  I kept wondering what I would do in similar scenarios and how I would handle some of the interpersonal relationships George came to endure.  

Answer is, I don’t know.  

I am not George, nor do I have a friend like George, nor have I had any interaction with 1%-ers…but now I have, thanks to this book!

(Reviewed by JRS)

"Gods of Mischief" by George Rowe - A Touchstone Book, a division of Simon and Schuster

Business Law Simplified

If your current text book gives you a mental block you can visit the following to go one level down, this will allow you to clear the mental block and get back up to your recommended textbook level.

Do not use this as the level and standard to attain,  it's meant and pitched at A level standard, it is not good enough for your diploma or university level.

It is meant to serve as a "mental unblocker" if there is such a word....so that you can get right back on track.


Here are the following websites that have simplified the law.

http://www.e-lawresources.co.uk/


http://www.legalmax.info/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHcGmPGK5d8&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PLF3F9C1C379413623

"Gods of Mischief" - by George Rowe - REVIEW COMING SOON

 

 

GODS OF MISCHIEF: My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (Touchstone Hardcover / Simon & Schuster; February 12, 2013) by George Rowe is the high-octane, no-holds-barred telling of history’s first private citizen to voluntarily infiltrate an outlaw motorcycle gang for the U.S. government.

 

These tales of murder, mayhem, and incredibly heroic acts of a bad guy turned good, feel more like a season of Sons of Anarchy or Breaking Bad than someone’s actual life. But George Rowe lived it and is now telling his story for the first time in this gritty and harrowing memoir.

 

Rowe is currently living in an undisclosed location and a part of the U.S. Witness Security Program. If you are interested in receiving a finished copy of GODS OF MISCHIEF for review, please be in touch with your mailing address. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

CLICK HERE for the catalog page.

New Year - New Look (I Wish)

It's almost February and while I didn't make any "resolutions," per say, I really did promise myself that I was going to update my face.

If I can't get rid of the lines, but, at least I can do a better job of covering them.

I was looking at one of the young secretaries in my office the other day and I'm pretty sure she thought I was either crazy or trying to hit on her because of the look on my face.  What I wanted to say, but didn't, is "I sure do miss my youth."

Oh, I don't want to do the 20-something thing again.  I'm not going to lie, I wouldn't mind the 30s again, but what's done is done.  And the alternative to getting old, is well - let's not go there.

But, as long as Lady Clairol is alive, I'm going to fight the gray, well I'm trying to fight the gray, and at least put on a little, as my mother would say, "blush and lipstick."

But makeup has evolved to a whole lot more than blush and lipstick.  And while you can't believe everything you read, you sure as heck can give it the old college try.

That said, I wanted to forewarn you that, from time to time, I will digress from talking the latest in fonts and formatting and foray into the world of beauty.

I'm not an expert as my office-mates can attest, but I do enjoy trying new products.

First up - Dr. Hauschka's Moisturizing Day Cream.

The winter weather is really doing a number on your girl, and I thought that instead of buying my usual moisturizer, I would venture to try something different.  I love Dr. Hauschka's hand creams and bath oil, so I figured that the moisturizer would be good for me too.

I love the feel of the cream in my hands on on my face.  But check it out for yourself before you buy.  That's what I did.  I got a sample from the esthetician (about three days worth) and checked out the results before I purchased.

It's been almost two weeks and so far it's working. . .I'll let you updated.

If you have beauty tips, I'd love to hear them Email me

BULLIES IN THE LUNCH ROOM

You don’t have to be a kid to be a bully.  And you might not even realize you are a bully.  Let's just give people the benefit of the doubt.

However, I’ve noticed an alarming trend in ye ole local lunch room lately.  People are pairing up into groups.  Or cliques.  Or, you might call them “office gangs.”

We’re talking fully grown adults who will only eat with “certain” people.  In fact, it’s so bad, that if they walk in the lunchroom and their “buddies” aren’t there, they will turn around and leave.  But, what if you’re like me and don’t belong to a clique?

It’s bad enough that only the staff eats in the lunch room around here.  Attorneys wouldn’t be caught dead in there.  And, of course, people are always coming in for the leftovers from attorney meetings and such.  Basically, I’m telling you that the“gleaners” are discriminating against other “gleaners.”

Me, myself, I bring my own lunch or food that I’ve purchased.  I mean, I do have some pride.  However, as one of the newest people at this particular firm, it does make me stop and think, “Whatever happened to camaraderie, friendship among peers and plain old-fashioned manners?”

After all, it’s just a lunchroom:  a microwave, a few tables and a soda dispenser.  It’s not exactly “Mr. Chow.”

Come on people, can’t we just all get along?

JANUARY/FEBRUARY TRAINING FROM DAVIDSON STAFFING

January & February Webinars

  

Modifying Styles & Generating a Table of Contents 

in MS Word 2007 & 2010 - $49

Wed., Jan. 23, 2013 from 12:00 to 1:15 pm  REGISTER NOW

Learn how to format a pleading using Heading Styles and Multi-Level Numbering and to automatically generate a Table of Contents.

E-Filing in Federal Civil Court

 - $99 

1.0 MCLE Credit Offered

Wed., Feb. 13, 2013 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm  REGISTER NOW

This webinar introduces the CM/ECF ("e-file") program being used in the Federal Civil Courts. Topics include an overview of the system, variations in local rules, document preparation and tips on integrating e-filing and electronic document management into daily work responsibilities.
 

Adobe Acrobat X (10.0) Professional - $49

Wed., Feb. 20, 2013 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm  REGISTER NOW

Increase your efficiency in Adobe Acrobat X Professional. This webinar will show you how to convert PDFs to Word and/or Excel, create bookmarks, links, add headers/footers, combine PDF files, redact information and sequentially number documents with Bates Numbering.

Introduction to Legal Calendaring (CA State & Fed. Courts) - $99 1.0 MCLE Credit Offered

Wed., Feb. 27, 2013 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm  REGISTER NOW
Explore the structure, details and management of the litigation calendar. Topics include CCP and FRCP references, calculating due dates, dealing with conflicts and managing the master calendar.

  

VIEW 2013 WEBINAR SCHEDULE

Workplace Resolutions for the New Year

I have no idea what the statistics are, but many people make "resolutions" for the New Year.  

Personally, I stopped making resolutions years ago.  I would find myself so sad when I broke them.

So, now, I am just grateful for seeing another year and am aware of trying to do things a little differently.  

Not a resolution - but a "work in progress."

Some of the common workplace resolutions are:

1.  Find a new job

2.  Get to work on time

3.  Stop gossiping at work 

4.  Learn a new skill

5.  Dress better for work

6.  Be more time productive

7.  Get a promotion

8.  Network more


For me, I am praying to continue to be gainfully employed in 2013 and maintain a positive attitude, even when people around me are not necessarily positive. 

The first thing I'm planning to do is go out today and get new calendars for work and home.

I never buy calendars in advance because - well, because I'm just a wee bit superstitious.  So, now you know.

What about your resolutions for the New Year?  What's on your agenda?  I'd love to hear from you.

Here's to a wonderful, healthy, happy and successful 2013!