College is not for everyone, but that does not mean you shouldn’t pursue some sort of higher education or job training. When you think about your future, what do you envision? Are you doing something you love, or are you just working for a paycheck?
If you are one of the many who is trying to make a decision about where to spend your money and invest your future, read on. This article provides a comparison of 4 year colleges and technical schools. Which one is right for you?
How to choose between 4-year colleges and technical schools:
Ask yourself these questions and then consider the benefits and disadvantages of each type of school.
What are your goals? Do you have a specific career goal? What are your educational goals? Do you want to learn as much as you can about a variety of subjects? Do you want to learn as much as you can about one specific topic (become an expert)?
What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Would you benefit from a shorter more targeted program?
Lifestyle. How will school fit into your life? Would you benefit from non-traditional scheduling such as online, evening, or distance learning? 4-year colleges and technical colleges both offer such options, but it varies by school so check with any schools you are interested in attending.
What do you need? Realistically, what sort of degree or training do you need to pursue your dreams? Research your desired field--know what the requirements are and how they compare to the programs you are considering. The US Department of Education website offers resources for career and training research.
Be a consumer. Check equipment; is it new and up-to-date? How does it compare to the equipment you will be using on the job? Trust me, this can be tedious but it is quite important. After graduation I realized I should have taken more time to research the computer programs employers expected me to know for technical writing jobs. Had I been better informed, I could have taken extra courses dealing specifically with those programs.
Investigate the following: campus size, current and former students, faculty and staff;
Find out if the school is accredited and licensed; Do they make extraordinary claims? Will your credits be transferable?
4-year Colleges
Some people like to learn just for the sake of learning, while some are more focused and driven and use school as a steppingstone for job advancement. If you are interested in more scholarly pursuits a traditional 4-year college might be your best option.
Benefits: liberal arts training applies to many fields, diverse topics to explore, prestige, “college life”
Disadvantages: expensive, time consuming, may get degree in area you no longer wish to pursue, high admission standards and prerequisites, job market may be slower upon graduation-may require additional training
Technical Schools
If college was for everyone, technical schools would not exist. Some people may feel a stigma is attached to technical schools. In a society where attending college has become standard, we lose sight of the value of skills training. People feel abnormal and may be angry if they don’t want to go to college but feel pressured to do so anyway.
Benefits: shorter duration, focused programs, easier admission standards, flexible scheduling, certifications not necessarily offered at 4-year colleges, hands on training
Disadvantages: may be viewed as less prestigious, can be expensive, may be less room for exploration of other subjects, accreditation, for-profit institutions
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Best Online Colleges
Attending an online college is a lot like attending a traditional college. Although you may be getting a quality education from any of these colleges, the truth in the matter is that you will look more appealing to future potential employers when you decide to attend an online college that is reputable. Since they know the college's name, they will be more likely to hire you than somebody else with the same qualifications that has not attended such a reputable college. Of course, before you can take advantage of attending a reputable online college in order to increase your jobs of getting a wonderful job and a quality education, it is so important for you to learn about what some of the best online colleges are. Here, we will take a much closer look at some of the many online colleges which you may want to think about attending, as well as the different types of programs that they have to offer to their students.
There are a number of wonderful top online colleges out there. One of the best online colleges which you may want to think about choosing is Westwood College Online. Some of the programs which you will get the opportunity to enroll in at this online college include animation, business administration, criminal justice, game software development, interior design, web design and multimedia, and more!
Another one of the best online colleges which you may want to think about attending is American InterContinental University Online. You will be able to major in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, healthcare management, marketing and more. You can earn both your bachelors degree and masters degree through this online college.
The University of Phoenix is another one of the most reputable online colleges which you may be interested in attending. Some of the areas which you can earn a degree in at the University of Phoenix include business, health care, criminal justice, education, nursing and more. Each of these programs will provide you with a wonderful outlook for the future.
There are just a few of the very man online colleges which you might want to think about attending. Attending each and every single one of them would be a wonderful choice for anyone interested in attending an online college. No matter what online college you decide to attend, the main key is to make sure that you decide to attend one. So many potential students pass up the opportunity because of financial reasons, but it is important for you to realize that there is financial aid which is available for you to apply for. All accredited online colleges will be able to provide you with a quality education, which you will need to success in the field which you are interested in getting a job in. However, by attending an online college which is reputable, you may be able to increase your chances of getting hired by any potential employer greatly. This is the main reason that learning more about some of the best online colleges is a must.
There are a number of wonderful top online colleges out there. One of the best online colleges which you may want to think about choosing is Westwood College Online. Some of the programs which you will get the opportunity to enroll in at this online college include animation, business administration, criminal justice, game software development, interior design, web design and multimedia, and more!
Another one of the best online colleges which you may want to think about attending is American InterContinental University Online. You will be able to major in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, healthcare management, marketing and more. You can earn both your bachelors degree and masters degree through this online college.
The University of Phoenix is another one of the most reputable online colleges which you may be interested in attending. Some of the areas which you can earn a degree in at the University of Phoenix include business, health care, criminal justice, education, nursing and more. Each of these programs will provide you with a wonderful outlook for the future.
There are just a few of the very man online colleges which you might want to think about attending. Attending each and every single one of them would be a wonderful choice for anyone interested in attending an online college. No matter what online college you decide to attend, the main key is to make sure that you decide to attend one. So many potential students pass up the opportunity because of financial reasons, but it is important for you to realize that there is financial aid which is available for you to apply for. All accredited online colleges will be able to provide you with a quality education, which you will need to success in the field which you are interested in getting a job in. However, by attending an online college which is reputable, you may be able to increase your chances of getting hired by any potential employer greatly. This is the main reason that learning more about some of the best online colleges is a must.
College And Post-Graduate Admission
The rapid advancement in modern technology has led to stiffer competition in our lives, especially in the area of job opportunities. Many companies today are no longer satisfied with a college-degreed applicant. They also look for people who are computer literate and even holders of multiple degrees or specialized certifications. This is why college and post-graduate admissions is more competitive than ever. Getting into the school or program of your choice is itself highly challenging. Besides the routine standardized tests and GPA, you have a tool you can use to make yourself stand out from the rest of the pack. This is where an applicant's college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, becomes important. A College Admission Essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, is an essentially prosaic version of your personality profile. Often, this is the same area of concern discussed in job application exams.
Needless to say, a college degree in today’s employment market is imperative. However, entry to many colleges and universities today have also risen to such competitive levels that admission to such requires extensive preparation, especially in taking the entrance exams, including the writing of an Admission Essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.
While a significant part of the admission process to college and graduate schools are admission exams (of standardized tests such as the SAT, LSAT, MCAT, MBA), equally important are is the admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay. Many applicants, particularly those with high test scores often overlook the importance of this portion of the application process. Yet, this is actually the one part that could spell the difference between acceptance and rejection.
While test scores do play a most essential role, admissions officials recognize that it does not tell the complete story of a candidate's life. With the tight competition in the quest for higher education, schools are now looking for people who not only perform well in entrance tests or achieve high grade point average, but they look for applicants who are interesting, diverse, and articulate as well. This will usually be reflected by a well-crafted Admission Essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.
So how do admission officers determine who these applicants are? Answer: By analyzing an applicant's college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.
The College Admission Essay, or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay is essentially the human side of a candidate's test scores. Many school officials do not limit their knowledge of an applicant to his/her admissions test performance or GPA. They are also interested to know more about his ambitions, goals, preferences, interests, and backgrounds. They already have a measure of his intelligence. The next thing they want to gain is an insight into his persona. This is where the admission essay comes in.
When writing college admission essays or graduate school admission essays including MBA essays, it is important to keep in mind that what you are writing is about yourself. Focus then on giving a clear and definite description of who you are, but giving stress to your strengths rather than on your weaknesses.
Also, give explicit samples of what you are like: what you prefer to do on a lazy day, how you view the world, what things annoy you most. Cite a favorite book, movie or incident that helped you become the person that you are now. This can serve as your essay introduction, which, if written effectively, can grab an admissions officer's attention. An eye-catching introduction will inspire them to read on. Remember, an admissions official probably may read hundreds, if not thousands of college admission essays. Make yours memorable and eye-catching from the get-go.
Write a positive and confident college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, as the case may be. Do not generalize, especially when listing down your accomplishments in school. Cite specific instances in your class which show you at your best, giving extra attention to subject areas considered as one of your fields of concentration. Preferably, the sample that should be given is one wherein you obtained an excellent grade, as this will reinforce the presumption that you excel in your chosen field of interest.
Additionally, your college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, should also include a listing of the extracurricular activities that you engaged in. Give detailed information and if possible, state a particular case where you were able to accomplish a goal or a project, either by yourself or as part of a group.
Of course, it goes without saying that the activities you will list down in your college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, should be those that are directly related to the course you are presently seeking. For instance, a candidate wishing to gain access to medical school could cite his involvement as a volunteer in the relief mission for famine-torn Ethiopia in 1984. This will give more life to his resolve to acquire a medical degree. But if you have any other activities that present you in a positive personal light – emphasize those also, such as volunteering at your church every Saturday to help with special-needs children. This “humanizes” you and shows that you are not just about grades or school.
Needless to say, a college degree in today’s employment market is imperative. However, entry to many colleges and universities today have also risen to such competitive levels that admission to such requires extensive preparation, especially in taking the entrance exams, including the writing of an Admission Essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.
While a significant part of the admission process to college and graduate schools are admission exams (of standardized tests such as the SAT, LSAT, MCAT, MBA), equally important are is the admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay. Many applicants, particularly those with high test scores often overlook the importance of this portion of the application process. Yet, this is actually the one part that could spell the difference between acceptance and rejection.
While test scores do play a most essential role, admissions officials recognize that it does not tell the complete story of a candidate's life. With the tight competition in the quest for higher education, schools are now looking for people who not only perform well in entrance tests or achieve high grade point average, but they look for applicants who are interesting, diverse, and articulate as well. This will usually be reflected by a well-crafted Admission Essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.
So how do admission officers determine who these applicants are? Answer: By analyzing an applicant's college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.
The College Admission Essay, or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay is essentially the human side of a candidate's test scores. Many school officials do not limit their knowledge of an applicant to his/her admissions test performance or GPA. They are also interested to know more about his ambitions, goals, preferences, interests, and backgrounds. They already have a measure of his intelligence. The next thing they want to gain is an insight into his persona. This is where the admission essay comes in.
When writing college admission essays or graduate school admission essays including MBA essays, it is important to keep in mind that what you are writing is about yourself. Focus then on giving a clear and definite description of who you are, but giving stress to your strengths rather than on your weaknesses.
Also, give explicit samples of what you are like: what you prefer to do on a lazy day, how you view the world, what things annoy you most. Cite a favorite book, movie or incident that helped you become the person that you are now. This can serve as your essay introduction, which, if written effectively, can grab an admissions officer's attention. An eye-catching introduction will inspire them to read on. Remember, an admissions official probably may read hundreds, if not thousands of college admission essays. Make yours memorable and eye-catching from the get-go.
Write a positive and confident college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, as the case may be. Do not generalize, especially when listing down your accomplishments in school. Cite specific instances in your class which show you at your best, giving extra attention to subject areas considered as one of your fields of concentration. Preferably, the sample that should be given is one wherein you obtained an excellent grade, as this will reinforce the presumption that you excel in your chosen field of interest.
Additionally, your college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, should also include a listing of the extracurricular activities that you engaged in. Give detailed information and if possible, state a particular case where you were able to accomplish a goal or a project, either by yourself or as part of a group.
Of course, it goes without saying that the activities you will list down in your college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, should be those that are directly related to the course you are presently seeking. For instance, a candidate wishing to gain access to medical school could cite his involvement as a volunteer in the relief mission for famine-torn Ethiopia in 1984. This will give more life to his resolve to acquire a medical degree. But if you have any other activities that present you in a positive personal light – emphasize those also, such as volunteering at your church every Saturday to help with special-needs children. This “humanizes” you and shows that you are not just about grades or school.
Benefits of Online Degrees From Accredited Online Colleges & Universities
Accredited online college degrees require little or no commuting, saving you time and money! Less time in your car means less gas burned and less care maintenance.
Complete Course Work at Your Convenience
Accredited online college degrees allow you to complete your course work when it is convenient for you. Just think - you can do your course work where and when you want to - whether it's during the day or in the middle of the night!
Save in Childcare Costs
Accredited online college degrees allow you to work from home, providing a tremendous savings in childcare costs!
Learning at Your Own Pace and Style
Accredited online college degrees are "learner centered". This means that you set the pace, sequencing, and style of learning according to what works best for you!
Easy Access to Learning Resources
Accredited online college degrees offer easy access to a full range of learning resources. Your Teachers, other students, and the library are only a click away!
Advanced Degrees Lead to Increased Salaries
Accredited online college degrees allow you to obtain advanced degrees that can lead to increased career salaries!
No Physical Accessibility Issues
Accredited online college degrees remove the issues surrounding building accessibility and the comfort (or should we say discomfort) of classroom chairs and heating or cooling!
Provides for Total Equality
Accredited online college degrees are great equalizers. You will work with fellow class members without regard for appearance, race, sex, ethnicity, or other common prejudices!
Broadens Your Overall Perspective
Accredited online college degrees allow you to broaden your perspective by interacting with people from other parts of the world!
Teaches Project Management Skills
Accredited online college degrees naturally help to teach you project management and distance collaboration skills. These skills will help you in your professional life by teaching you how to work on virtual teams within your own company!
Complete Course Work at Your Convenience
Accredited online college degrees allow you to complete your course work when it is convenient for you. Just think - you can do your course work where and when you want to - whether it's during the day or in the middle of the night!
Save in Childcare Costs
Accredited online college degrees allow you to work from home, providing a tremendous savings in childcare costs!
Learning at Your Own Pace and Style
Accredited online college degrees are "learner centered". This means that you set the pace, sequencing, and style of learning according to what works best for you!
Easy Access to Learning Resources
Accredited online college degrees offer easy access to a full range of learning resources. Your Teachers, other students, and the library are only a click away!
Advanced Degrees Lead to Increased Salaries
Accredited online college degrees allow you to obtain advanced degrees that can lead to increased career salaries!
No Physical Accessibility Issues
Accredited online college degrees remove the issues surrounding building accessibility and the comfort (or should we say discomfort) of classroom chairs and heating or cooling!
Provides for Total Equality
Accredited online college degrees are great equalizers. You will work with fellow class members without regard for appearance, race, sex, ethnicity, or other common prejudices!
Broadens Your Overall Perspective
Accredited online college degrees allow you to broaden your perspective by interacting with people from other parts of the world!
Teaches Project Management Skills
Accredited online college degrees naturally help to teach you project management and distance collaboration skills. These skills will help you in your professional life by teaching you how to work on virtual teams within your own company!
How To Email Your College Professor
So its 1:30 am and there you are at the computer trying to refresh the email inbox page. The big test is tomorrow and your Professor still hasn’t replied back, but why? Contrary to popular belief, that your Professor wants you to fail, the problem could stem from the fact that your email never reached him/her. Hence, the purpose of this guide is to show students how to write an effective email to their Professors.
The From Field
Always use your University or College email address when sending an email to your professor. This not only assures the professor that you are indeed a student but also avoids your email from getting put in the spam box. Many Universities and Colleges now employ a system of only allowing emails to be received from certain domains anything else (hotmail, yahoo...etc) is either automatically put in the spam box or is forwarded to the Professor as a potential spam.
Example:
Astudent@university.edu
The To Field
This is the single most important field, if you mess up in here there you can kiss your email good bye. Avoid putting the Professor’s name with the email (A Prof ), since not all emailing system can handle this format. It is always best to send your email to the Professor’s University or College account, since that is the email account that your Professor checks, or should check, the most. And again before sending the email double check to verify that email address was typed correctly.
Example:
Aprof@universtiy.edu
The Subject Field
The subject field should be of the following format:
CollegeName-CourceCode-Title-Subject
CollegeName: Is the name of your post secondary institution (America Learning College, Boston University…etc). Yes I do realize that this may seem a bit redundant but it is important. Most Professors (Usually new Professors) teach at one or more Universities and Colleges at any given term, and the email from those institutions gets forwarded to one main address, usually their ISP email address. So to keep things organized its best to write the name of the College or University in the Subject Field.
CourseCode- Is the code name of the course (MTH140, CPS124, GEF345…etc). It’s best to keep the letters Capital and no spaces between the number and letter.
Title: Over here you type in the title of your subject. (Test 1, Midterm, Exam, Assignment 5…etc)
Subject: Over here you type in what concern or problem you might have (Due Date Issue, Missed Test Issue, HW Problem #45…etc). Remember to keep it brief, no more then 5 words.
Example:
Boston College-MTH140-Assignment 4-HW Problem #45
The Text Body Field
Try to keep things simple, clean and to the point. By that I mean no 2 page emails or fancy fonts and color, remember your first priority is to convey your message not to show off your email editing skills. Start off with writing the Professors name (Prof C.Mcgill, Prof U.Stan…etc). Move on to the subject of your email, as a reminder restate the Course Code and Title Field (During the Monday’s MTH140 class you stated for Assignment 4). The next line should state the problem or concern. Remember to provide details and avoid repetitions. Its best to end the email with a salutatory statement (Thank You, Yours Truly..etc) and use your name, student number and College or University name as signature.
Example:
Prof C. Mcgill,
During the Monday’s MTH140 class you stated for Assignment 4 question #41 to use the second derivative theorem. However, I am having trouble as to how to find the delta X? In particular, during the situation when time is 3 seconds and delta Y is 0. Do we set delta Y to Ymin and solve from there?
The From Field
Always use your University or College email address when sending an email to your professor. This not only assures the professor that you are indeed a student but also avoids your email from getting put in the spam box. Many Universities and Colleges now employ a system of only allowing emails to be received from certain domains anything else (hotmail, yahoo...etc) is either automatically put in the spam box or is forwarded to the Professor as a potential spam.
Example:
Astudent@university.edu
The To Field
This is the single most important field, if you mess up in here there you can kiss your email good bye. Avoid putting the Professor’s name with the email (A Prof ), since not all emailing system can handle this format. It is always best to send your email to the Professor’s University or College account, since that is the email account that your Professor checks, or should check, the most. And again before sending the email double check to verify that email address was typed correctly.
Example:
Aprof@universtiy.edu
The Subject Field
The subject field should be of the following format:
CollegeName-CourceCode-Title-Subject
CollegeName: Is the name of your post secondary institution (America Learning College, Boston University…etc). Yes I do realize that this may seem a bit redundant but it is important. Most Professors (Usually new Professors) teach at one or more Universities and Colleges at any given term, and the email from those institutions gets forwarded to one main address, usually their ISP email address. So to keep things organized its best to write the name of the College or University in the Subject Field.
CourseCode- Is the code name of the course (MTH140, CPS124, GEF345…etc). It’s best to keep the letters Capital and no spaces between the number and letter.
Title: Over here you type in the title of your subject. (Test 1, Midterm, Exam, Assignment 5…etc)
Subject: Over here you type in what concern or problem you might have (Due Date Issue, Missed Test Issue, HW Problem #45…etc). Remember to keep it brief, no more then 5 words.
Example:
Boston College-MTH140-Assignment 4-HW Problem #45
The Text Body Field
Try to keep things simple, clean and to the point. By that I mean no 2 page emails or fancy fonts and color, remember your first priority is to convey your message not to show off your email editing skills. Start off with writing the Professors name (Prof C.Mcgill, Prof U.Stan…etc). Move on to the subject of your email, as a reminder restate the Course Code and Title Field (During the Monday’s MTH140 class you stated for Assignment 4). The next line should state the problem or concern. Remember to provide details and avoid repetitions. Its best to end the email with a salutatory statement (Thank You, Yours Truly..etc) and use your name, student number and College or University name as signature.
Example:
Prof C. Mcgill,
During the Monday’s MTH140 class you stated for Assignment 4 question #41 to use the second derivative theorem. However, I am having trouble as to how to find the delta X? In particular, during the situation when time is 3 seconds and delta Y is 0. Do we set delta Y to Ymin and solve from there?
Friday, September 5, 2008
High School Graduation Party Ideas For Easy Party Planning
It's not too early to start planning for the graduate's big day. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Give out fun 2006 sunglasses for all the kids to wear, and a crown for the special graduate
Invitations
Create your own invitations by drawing graduation themes such as diplomas and graduation caps. You can roll the invitation to look like a diploma.
Games & Activities
Kids love to get together and just talk- so remember not to overdo the planned activities. Here are a few to choose from:
*Guests bring a white t-shirt and sign each other's shirts.
*Do a time capsule with memorable items from their school year- to be opened at a future reunion. Guests place personal notes to the graduate as memorable keepsakes.
*Make a large poster board collage of the graduate's pictures from baby to now.
*Water balloon toss
*Piñata
*Place a sticker on each guest's back with the name of a teacher. Guests give clues and help the person guess that teacher.
*Pin the tail on the teacher. Tape a teacher's picture to a wall and then the "tail" can be any item of choice- crazy hair, earring, etc.
Food & Drink
Any finger food works well, since guests are more interested in talking and socializing. Nachos served in miniature sombreros and salsa is great to have on each table.
Above all, provide an atmosphere for that is comfortable for plenty of conversation and reminiscing. Happy graduation!
Give out fun 2006 sunglasses for all the kids to wear, and a crown for the special graduate
Invitations
Create your own invitations by drawing graduation themes such as diplomas and graduation caps. You can roll the invitation to look like a diploma.
Games & Activities
Kids love to get together and just talk- so remember not to overdo the planned activities. Here are a few to choose from:
*Guests bring a white t-shirt and sign each other's shirts.
*Do a time capsule with memorable items from their school year- to be opened at a future reunion. Guests place personal notes to the graduate as memorable keepsakes.
*Make a large poster board collage of the graduate's pictures from baby to now.
*Water balloon toss
*Piñata
*Place a sticker on each guest's back with the name of a teacher. Guests give clues and help the person guess that teacher.
*Pin the tail on the teacher. Tape a teacher's picture to a wall and then the "tail" can be any item of choice- crazy hair, earring, etc.
Food & Drink
Any finger food works well, since guests are more interested in talking and socializing. Nachos served in miniature sombreros and salsa is great to have on each table.
Above all, provide an atmosphere for that is comfortable for plenty of conversation and reminiscing. Happy graduation!
Preparing For the Holidays: Ho Ho Ho... or Bah Humbug!
Some of my clients dread the holiday season because it often represents stress, pressure, expectations, guilt, disappointment, pain, loneliness, exhaustion... and the list goes on.
This is a choice. We choose who we spend time with. We choose what activities we say yes and no to. We choose where we go. Your holiday season can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose to make it, and it can be a lot of fun if you plan accordingly.
Take some time this week to think about what's most important to you this season, and then do a little planning. Here are some suggestions to help.
==> Create a list of holiday rituals that are important to you.
Seek your family's input on holiday decisions. Ask family members what they liked and disliked about last year's holidays. Write down the most important elements and activities you wish to include this year, and plan to make it happen.
Keeping time-consuming and irrelevant traditions or rituals "just because we've always done it that way" can increase stress. Keep only those traditions that have meaning to you, or create some new ones.
Give yourself permission to be in the moment and enjoy the smells, sounds, feel, and tastes that are unique to this season of the year.
==> Make a list of those you want to spend time with during the holidays.
Who nourishes you? Who are the family members, friends, and colleagues you enjoy being with?
Do you want to do any entertaining? If so, when and with whom? Plan ahead and ask for help if you want it. True friends and loved ones will not care how many hours you slaved over the stove. Spending time with you is what they'll cherish most. You don't have to be Martha Stewart to throw a great party!
Are you invited to holiday parties that you really don't want to go to, but you've gone in the past because you should? Be at choice -- don't play the victim! This is not about whom you should see, but rather whom you choose to spend time with.
==> Mail your greeting cards, holiday letters, and packages early.
Some time-saving tips:
Write a short holiday letter that covers the highlights; copy it on holiday paper and add a note at the end to personalize it. Make a collage of pictures to photocopy on the back side of the letter.
Use self-adhesive return labels. These labels are inexpensive and often come with festive holiday designs. One great online source for these is Walter Drake at http://www.wdrake.com. Colorful Images is another source. They can be reached at 800-458-7999.
If you have your addresses on a computerized database, consider printing out your mailing list on clear address labels. Years ago, an old college friend commented that she thought it was tacky to use address labels on holiday cards and letters. I told her that my choice was to either use labels or not mail our annual holiday letter to the 250 people on our list. Now that she has a young family, I've noticed she has started using address labels, too!
E-mail a holiday letter to those with whom you correspond electronically. You can easily personalize this for each recipient. Attach color photos highlighting the past year. Another alternative is to create a holiday web page, and include the link to it in a personalized e-mail message.
Mail packages early to avoid longer lines at the post office and ensure they will arrive in time. Or, better yet, sign up with Stamps.com and avoid the lines altogether. You can mail large packages without standing in any lines -- as long as you have an accurate way to weigh them before you purchase postage online.
This is a choice. We choose who we spend time with. We choose what activities we say yes and no to. We choose where we go. Your holiday season can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose to make it, and it can be a lot of fun if you plan accordingly.
Take some time this week to think about what's most important to you this season, and then do a little planning. Here are some suggestions to help.
==> Create a list of holiday rituals that are important to you.
Seek your family's input on holiday decisions. Ask family members what they liked and disliked about last year's holidays. Write down the most important elements and activities you wish to include this year, and plan to make it happen.
Keeping time-consuming and irrelevant traditions or rituals "just because we've always done it that way" can increase stress. Keep only those traditions that have meaning to you, or create some new ones.
Give yourself permission to be in the moment and enjoy the smells, sounds, feel, and tastes that are unique to this season of the year.
==> Make a list of those you want to spend time with during the holidays.
Who nourishes you? Who are the family members, friends, and colleagues you enjoy being with?
Do you want to do any entertaining? If so, when and with whom? Plan ahead and ask for help if you want it. True friends and loved ones will not care how many hours you slaved over the stove. Spending time with you is what they'll cherish most. You don't have to be Martha Stewart to throw a great party!
Are you invited to holiday parties that you really don't want to go to, but you've gone in the past because you should? Be at choice -- don't play the victim! This is not about whom you should see, but rather whom you choose to spend time with.
==> Mail your greeting cards, holiday letters, and packages early.
Some time-saving tips:
Write a short holiday letter that covers the highlights; copy it on holiday paper and add a note at the end to personalize it. Make a collage of pictures to photocopy on the back side of the letter.
Use self-adhesive return labels. These labels are inexpensive and often come with festive holiday designs. One great online source for these is Walter Drake at http://www.wdrake.com. Colorful Images is another source. They can be reached at 800-458-7999.
If you have your addresses on a computerized database, consider printing out your mailing list on clear address labels. Years ago, an old college friend commented that she thought it was tacky to use address labels on holiday cards and letters. I told her that my choice was to either use labels or not mail our annual holiday letter to the 250 people on our list. Now that she has a young family, I've noticed she has started using address labels, too!
E-mail a holiday letter to those with whom you correspond electronically. You can easily personalize this for each recipient. Attach color photos highlighting the past year. Another alternative is to create a holiday web page, and include the link to it in a personalized e-mail message.
Mail packages early to avoid longer lines at the post office and ensure they will arrive in time. Or, better yet, sign up with Stamps.com and avoid the lines altogether. You can mail large packages without standing in any lines -- as long as you have an accurate way to weigh them before you purchase postage online.
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