Three Things

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First, I had super fun getting my Parente HRG website up and running this week.  Creating new graphics, playing around with layouts, and learning new skills were all invigorating ways to invest my time.

Next, even with all the extra sneezing with the unwelcome entrance of ongoing tree pollen, it's been wonderful having the windows wide-open for much of this week.  There's no more welcoming sound to start the day than the chirping of all our neighborhood birds!

Finally, it was amazing to have so many of you jump on board after my request on Facebook to have you access the website.  Testing of the statistics app went very well, and it was really neat to see we had visitors from the UK, the Philippines, and Hong Kong in addition to the US.  My heartfelt gratitude to you all!

A special shout-out goes to Michael Boo, drum corps scribbler extraordinaire and curator of wonderful artwork he generously shares with us using social media.  With his permission, I'm including one of his more popular pieces here, framed for the occasion.  A tribute to his Bricks of the Month will need to wait until a later entry.

MikeBoo image 2014-0607Thanks for listening.  See you next week!

Interested in my coaching, consulting, or creative services?  Contact me at parentehrg AT gmail.com.

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First, when Spring happens in Jersey, it really happens.  Proof?  Longer days, more sunlight, and FLOWERS, even if I only have some because a squirrel stole bulbs from a neighbor and replanted them here.

Next, the number of parishioners who offer their time and talent to get stuff done at St Matthias in Somerset NJ never ceases to amaze me.  If you should visit a house of worship this week for regular services or one of the many holy days, take a look around to appreciate all who were part of putting the service together.

Finally, a kind word shared really made my day earlier this week.  It also served to remind me to do the same every chance I get.

Thanks for listening.  See you next week!   

Interested in my coaching, consulting, or creative services?  Contact me at parentehrg AT gmail.com.  

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First, the changeover from Winter to Spring is finally happening here in Jersey, however tentatively.  That means POLLEN.  Tree pollen, to be precise.  There may not be many buds on the trees yet, but the pollen counts are already high.  While I reach across to grab a tissue to deal with an impending sneeze, I'll let you guess if this falls under "getting used to," or "or not."

Next, Instant Replay has hit Major League Baseball this season.  So far, I'm diggin' this rules change.  On the other hand, the catcher-blocking-home-plate rule still needs some clarification and refinement - stay tuned on that one.

Finally, the husband is finally home from his extended trip south.  It's always a bit of a transition with the two of us being under the same roof again.  So far, it's been OK.  Give it a couple of days, and this may change categories (just kidding - maybe!).


Thanks for listening.  See you Monday!

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First, there's been LOTS of press and discussion over the new euphemism for separation and divorce coined by a couple of popular entertainers.  At the same time, to / too / two, there / their / they're, and dozens of other homonyms continue to be abused without little regard.  Don't even get me started on misused apostrophes.

Next, I wish that all those who complain about the crazy, cold Spring we've been having here in Jersey could have been with me Thursday.  I stood in my front yard for a bit, entertained by a lone robin tenaciously harvesting a reluctant worm for its morning meal in sub-freezing temps.  When done, it gave me a "what the heck are you grinning at, lady?" kind of look before it hopped off to another spot. 

Finally, in a way I would not have expected, I received inspiration for the wrapup My March Madness related to leadership skills I learned in drum corps.  While it will be posted on March 31st, here's the photo that triggered it all:


Thanks for listening.  See you Monday!

  

 

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Just to be clear, there were LOTS more than three things I appreciated this week, but I'm trying to stick with my original format ...

First, having the means and ability to travel is a gift I will never take for granted.

Boyton Beach, Florida


Next, the opportunities I've had this week to photograph so many different things / people / events have been exhilarating.

Tufted Cormoran, Flamingo Gardens, Davie FL

Sabatino Verlezza, Loretta Fois - RVCC Faculty Dance Recital Tech / Dress Rehearsal, Branchburg NJ

Alan Chesnovitz - Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk, JP Stevens HS, Edison NJ

Finally, I think it's really neat that so many of the "kids" I marched with in the Saints Drum and Bugle Corps still get together after all these years - even though our corps disbanded over 35 years ago.

Just some of my Saints Sibs in attendance at the Al Chez and Brothers of Funk concert.
L-R:  Patty Antol, Mark Scotto, Karen Parente, Lisa Wagner, Jack Bodzas, Lorraine Ravino, Valerie Fair, Kathy Donnelly, Maureen Fastuca.


Thanks for listening.  See you Monday! 

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First, no matter how much I prepare myself, I always struggle with fasting and abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday (yes, I realize there are more stringent religious fasts out there - I'm weak, I admit it).

Second, I'm so grateful to be surrounded - physically and virtually - by wonderful people who are generous of heart, of time, and of resources.

Finally, while I had a sense before I began my March Madness series of how much I learned in drum corps about leadership, I'm actually surprising myself that the stories keep pouring out of me the more I write about it.  In case you missed the first couple of posts:

Thanks for listening.  See you Monday!

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First, January and February slipped by very quickly for me this year (translation:  yes, that means I still have Christmas decorations to store away).


Second, keeping a fairly constant wakeup time each day (around 6 am) serves me well, and has for a long time.
Finally, almost everything I ever needed to know about leadership, I learned in drum corps.  I’ll be sharing some of those unique lessons throughout the month of March.

Thanks for listening.  See you Monday!

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First, sometimes it's a simple amount of effort that helps to clear away the results of the storm (not to mention the different perspective beforehand):

Before and after I cleaned the moisture from the screen in my office window.

Second, when I hold myself accountable, I get LOTS more done than when I don't.

Finally, I really do have fun when I work!

Thanks for listening.  See you Monday.