Author: Barbara J Alder

I refuse to use “unprecedented” as my word for “U” in this journey through the alphabet! It has been more than overused and likely will end up on the list of words we don’t want to hear anymore as we move into 2021—along with pandemic, quarantine, and . . . well, you get the idea.  In years past, I used to embrace change (a.k.a. the unknown) and prided myself on being one of the few people I knew who welcomed new environments, new jobs, cities, and relocations around the U.S., often actively seeking them out.  Then I moved home to Indiana and decided that I was done with all that.  Instead, a second career fell into my lap and with it, more of the unknown that I have embraced along with many wonderful new friends and colleagues. I just didn’t have to move around the country for it.

Then along comes 2020 and its challenges that we never could have imagined. I thought 2019 was bad enough. In the middle of radiation treatment for cancer, my parents decided to move out of their home and go to assisted living. That put me in charge of selling and the final clearing out as well as getting them settled while I recovered from my treatments. All of this was the unknown for 2019, and all good outcomes once we got through it—just in time for the chaos of 2020 to ensue!

We have all had challenges both large and small. Some have lost loved ones or had health issues, including COVID-19 and other matters to deal with, both for ourselves and others. My doctor told me that I was too high risk (having turned 65 this year and being a recent cancer patient) to enjoy holiday gatherings with my family. So I did drive-by visits and enjoyed waves, shouts and gift exchanges out of the back of my SUV.

Driveway visits have become somewhat common for family birthdays as well when the weather doesn’t cooperate for outdoor gatherings. In fact, my summer birthday ended up as an unexpected garage gathering with the door up when the rain started just as the family was arriving. The little boys thought it was great fun. Truth be told, so did I. I was just turning 65 that day, so maybe wasn’t quite so high risk yet!

Now that 2021 is less than 36 hours away, let’s not jinx ourselves by predicting when things will be back to “normal” or “the new normal,” another phrase I would like to retire. Rather, let’s think about the blessings of 2020 that were unexpected and those that 2021 might bring. That way we can look forward with optimism and joy as we open a new page.

IN CLOSING

Thanks for reading.  Looking forward to your comments and connections, both virtual and in person in the not too distant future.    Until next time . . . . stay safe and healthy and remember, this too shall pass. Next up—“V for VACCINE” of course!

As the second item in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) buzzword that so many have embraced as the way to a better future for ourselves and the generations to come, it might actually be the most misunderstood. We all studied math and science in school, many of us up into high school and college. Engineering we presume we understand (whether we do or not), as it is what those really smart people use to design cars, airplane engines, rockets, computers, smartphones, artificial hips, and all the innovations that have made our lives easier—and sometimes more challenging.

But technology? Well, some people just assume it’s information technology (or IT). You know, that computer stuff. The tech guys who come to your office or answer the phone when things don’t work. And ask if you have unplugged it from the wall, rebooted, and started it back up. That’s but a very small piece of what technology is all about. Let’s see if we can get a broader view.

Typically, when one searches for definitions or comparisons between and among these academic disciplines and their applications, science is often included as well. By indicating first that science is the study of natural phenomena and finding meaning therein, using the scientific method is often intended to achieve results that others can review and/or replicate. Think back to chemistry, biology or physics. First you studied those big books and listened to the lectures. Then you did the experiments in the lab and, if you did it right, got results that could be replicated and were what you expected (or hypothesized). Sometimes things went haywire and, like my Dad, you blew up the high school chemistry lab. But that’s a story for another day!

Now we go on to look at engineering and then technology. Engineering is a field of study (and often a career choice) that is typically more theoretical in nature, whereas technology applies the scientific and engineering concepts in a practical and concrete fashion. This is perhaps an oversimplification, and those working and studying in these fields will likely challenge my description as such. However, for the layperson, I hope it serves as a point of reference.

Now to further the discussion of the various types and applications of technology, much like engineering, they are numerous. If you remember that engineering tends toward theory and technology toward application, then think of any of what I call the “flavors” of either as you consider fields of study or career prospects. These are just a few:

• Computer design (hardware, software, networking)
• Telecommunications
• Automotive
• Aerospace/aeronautical
• Biochemical
• Biomedical

And the list goes on. For people in school today, there are jobs you will have that don’t even exist yet. Let’s take that thought a bit further. The companies may not exist and the skills they need may not exist either. Rather than be intimidated or discouraged, be excited and think of the challenges and opportunities that are out there. Now is the time to take chances and be innovative. You might be the one to launch one (or more) of those companies that doesn’t exist yet; invent a new product, app or drug. Dream big, be bold!

IN CLOSING

Thanks for reading.  Looking forward to your comments and connections, both virtual and in person in the not too distant future.    Until next time . . . . stay safe and healthy and remember, the future starts tomorrow.

Do you find yourself thinking about what you will do someday? Or what you have put off until someday that you are getting to now that you have more time at home? I learned that some of the things I need to get done are nearly derailed by everyone else’s “someday” projects. How many of your Facebook friends have posted pictures of their new decks and other outdoor projects that required treated lumber? That put a crimp in my boat dock repairs, requiring my handyman to come twice because Lowes had none of the lumber he needed and Menards had only two boards. TWO BOARDS! So he will be back in a couple of days after they get another delivery.

The funny thing about this dock project is it’s just a stopgap measure until spring when I plan to have the dock completely rebuilt with composite boards. Hope they will be available! The dock builders have been so busy all summer that they couldn’t squeeze my project in before fall, so it seemed best to just be patient and wait for spring.

The more time I spend at home, the more I think about someday . . . . But not everything needs to wait for someday, nor should it. Several months ago I ordered some training materials to refresh my skills in two creative areas—writing and music. Two courses each, and I need to set aside time each week (I know daily won’t happen) to begin to work through the curriculum. The writing courses are first to improve one’s general skills and then the basics of writing a novel. You never know what my next act will be! The music courses are about the basics of music and playing the piano. I learned both as a child, so it’s all refresher; pretty sure I won’t ever be a concert pianist or even the entertainer in a piano bar, but maybe I will be able to entertain myself.

Beyond doing things on my own, I have found that one-on-one conversations and in-person visits (outside, where they are allowed and safe) are best to alleviate Zoom fatigue and other less personal means of communication. You may have to make the first move, as people still may not be accustomed to how to navigate this unusual environment.

What have you been holding off on, thinking about for someday? Maybe it’s doing something around the house, learning a new skill, calling or emailing a friend or family member, reading a book or blog (you can check that one off, but take a look at some others). The list is probably longer than you realize when you start to think about it. It might be something new or it might be something you used to enjoy and stopped that you would like to take up again. I have been cooking a lot more than I usually do, just by virtue of not eating out so much. Last night I put some zucchini, summer squash and onions in a big skillet with a bit of olive oil and herbs and that was my dinner. It was yummy, and pretty healthy (will leave off a bit of the Parmesan cheese next time, though).

Here’s your start on a list. Fill this out and see what happens in the next 30 days. Post your results on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter with photos if you like. Please tag me so I can enjoy your Someday adventures.

A PERSON _________________________

A BOOK OR BLOG ___________________

A PROJECT _________________________

A NEW SKILL _______________________

And for my readers with an entrepreneurial bent, check out The Startup Ladies and The Flagship Enterprise Center/Bankable for support for your ideas and assistance in launching, scaling up, and growing.

IN CLOSING

Thanks for reading. Looking forward to your comments and connections, both virtual and in person in the not too distant future.  Until next time . . . . stay safe and healthy and remember, this too shall pass.

How are you doing working from home? Being a teacher? Multi-tasking perhaps like never before? Starring in your own Zoom videos? I find myself thinking back to when I first received authorization to work from home, when it was called telecommuting. I was working for Verizon in the Arlington, VA, regulatory compliance office (part of the legal department in a suburb of Washington, DC). On a good day, my commute was 40 minutes each way if I went in to the office from my home on the west end of Fairfax Co. Let’s just say there weren’t many good days. This was between 2004 and 2006.

At first, I was so worried about getting distracted and not remaining focused on my work, that I would stay nose to computer until 7 PM or later! Not good for eyes, back, brain, or much of anything else. These days I find myself going in sort of the other direction. With the need to somewhat isolate myself now, I rely pretty heavily on home delivery for groceries and other necessities. Early on, I was checking the availability of TP and bottled water every time I submitted an order. All set now, so no more panic!

As I spend more and more time at home, in a house that is aging (only 13 years, but still), I begin to notice things that need attention. Some things I can do myself, but not drywall repair and painting (if I want to keep it off the carpet), electrical work, things that require climbing up a ladder, and so on. This is why DIY places are doing so well these days. But I have done the stuff I can do myself and am moving beyond to the things that are write-a-check-please!

If I’m not writing a check, I’m ordering random things from Amazon. It’s true—if it’s not on Amazon, you don’t need it! If it’s on Amazon, you still may not need it. I learned that if you buy a Dell laptop that is five years newer than your work one, none of the connecting cables fit. Good luck finding the exact ones by looking at the pictures on your phone! I think I have everything working now.

Then it’s on to ebooks. People magazine put out a list of books to read while sheltering at home. I tore out that page, finished reading the magazine, then got on Kindle and downloaded samples for all of them that looked interesting. Why not? Kindle samples are free. So far I have actually bought and read some of them, but I discovered one is the third in a series. So I have to decide if I want to get the first two. This working from home for the rest of the year is going to wear me out!

Here’s one that will make my mother proud—she has a green thumb and always had the most beautiful flowers at their home, wherever we lived. Me, not so much! But spending more time at home, I am watering my flowers almost every day. They are flourishing, at least so far, and I am proud (knock on wood)! Of course, I only buy ones that I have found I can’t kill, so that helps.

Another task I have been putting off is properly disposing of some of the outdated files I brought home when I moved out of one of the offices earlier in the year. I am looking at my really nice shredder that I bought a couple of years ago. It handles up to 16 pages at a time, does credit cards and CDs. At the time, I justified the cost by promising myself it would keep me from letting my shredding pile up like it did with my much smaller shredder. I am also looking at the really attractive decorator box sitting in front of it that I use to hide the pile of shredding that I haven’t done yet. Now that I have shared that little secret, I suppose I should refer us all back to my first blog entry (ACCOUNTABILITY) and make my entry for “S” about SHREDDING! That will be fascinating, for sure.

IN CLOSING

Thanks for reading. Looking forward to your comments and connections, both virtual and in person in the not too distant future. Until next time . . . . stay safe and healthy and remember, this too shall pass.

“Q” is for QUESTIONS

 These days, while “quarantine” is the most common “Q” word to come to mind, we all have so many questions. Many will go unanswered for weeks, months, and perhaps even years. Do you find yourself alternating between devouring all the information you can get your hands on and then having to go cold turkey to get away from it all? I sure do! I found a TV station or two with reruns of The Andy Griffith Show. No wonder it’s so popular! Even Friends and Seinfeld seem quaint these days!

However, there are questions that need to be asked and answered for yourself, your family, your job and your business or organization as a whole. What I have found over the past few months is that there are many resources (i.e. organizations and the people that comprise those organizations) working very hard to put together information to answer not only the questions you are asking, but perhaps the questions you don’t even know you should be asking.

I read an enewsletter a couple of weeks ago—from a source I trust (more on that in a bit) and there was a thought that went something like this. There’s what you know, what you know you don’t know, and what you don’t know that you don’t know. Take some time to think about that series of thoughts, applying it to our current situation. Even this many months into the pandemic and forced shutdown, there seems to be a lot falling into that middle category. I don’t know about you, but it sure makes me wonder what sits in that third category—even for the so-called experts. Almost every day I hear contradictory health or economic guidance and predictions. It makes it very difficult to know how to make decisions for my personal health, finances and well-being.

So who do I listen to? Much like last year when I was dealing with health matters, I needed to cut through the scary, not-so-helpful info and focus on the sources that I knew to be reliable. A friend and my surgeon both told me to stay away from patient blogs, based on the notion that everyone has a different experience and there’s no point in listening to everyone’s scary stories. I took that advice and offer it here as food for thought. One other bit of advice I got during that health crisis (that I didn’t heed, but in a thoughtful and judicious way) was to stay off the internet and don’t research my condition. I chose instead to pick three sites that I knew presented valid info and then was better prepared for follow-up visits with my medical team.

For today’s situation, there are blogs and webinars available to walk you through both the medical and financial aspects of our current situation, personal and professional. Where to begin for referrals to valid info are your local hospitals’ or county health departments’ web sites on the health side and your local chambers of commerce for financial assistance. Many chambers of commerce offer links to local, state and federal assistance and are offering virtual programming, in many cases free of charge.

Please reach out if I can be of assistance to you in any way. Colleges and Universities are gearing up for fall return, but many (those of us who are research universities, in particular) have many resources available now to help in myriad ways. Let me know, as my job is to help you make connections.

IN CLOSING

Thanks for reading. Looking forward to your comments and connections, both virtual and in person in the not too distant future.  Until next time . . . . stay safe and healthy and remember, this too shall pass.