So Why am I Dressed Up Today Even Though I Work from Home?

One of the oft-touted perks of working from home is the fact that I can work in my beloved Levis, sweats, or even my PJs if I prefer.  Lately, the work flow has slowed to a trickle, and I was doing some thinking earlier this morning about how I can give myself a little motivational shot in the arm.  I was reminded of a coffee date I had a short time ago with another freelancer.  I arrived in my standard writer’s uniform of jeans and a button-down shirt and the woman I was meeting (you may recognize yourself!) came in wearing a suit.  I was pretty embarrassed and hoped she didn’t think my casual attire reflected how I valued her time, and said as much.  She replied that even on days when she’s not seeing clients, she makes it a habit to dress professionally because it makes her feel more professional; reminds her that she has a job to do.

So, on this cloudy Monday morning, I bypassed my cozy denim and reached into the closet for a pair of dressy tweed pants and a sweater; donned my pearls and even treated myself to a couple squirts of perfume.  I did, however, draw the line at heels–even in my last corporate job, I usually kicked off my shoes under my desk.  I have to run an errand in town in a little bit and instead of my trusty North Face fleece that needs to spend some time with Mr. and Mrs. Kenmore, I will make it a point to put on my wool coat and a scarf.  I may just be going to the grocery store for bread and cold cuts, but we ladies (and maybe the men too) know that when you are dressed well, you carry yourself differently, you face the day a little bit differently, take yourself a little bit more seriously, and, hopefully, that attitude will be communicated to clients, contacts, editors, and readers alike.

Did it work?  Well, I wrote this post didn’t I?

Until Next Time,

Joan

(c) 2009 Joan McCue All Rights Reserved

Michael Phelps Inhaled and May Have Imploded

My older daughter is a huge Michael Phelps fan.  Her Facebook page is filled with bumper stickers depicting his Olympic feats and she reads everything about him that she can get her hands on.  She even devoted one of her summer writing assignments to the technology behind the bathing suit he wears.  Imagine her (and my) disappointment over the publication of the photo of him that appeared recently in the news.

I’m often accused of being too inflexible and over the top with my attitude toward drugs, but I won’t apologize for it nor deviate from it.  It’s a simple one, and to quote one of my favorite Irish pub songs, “No, Nay, Never,” about sums it up.  The latest news is that Phelps may face criminal charges for his “indiscretion.”  I say, “Good.”  It’s about time an athlete and role model was called on the carpet for his/her behavior instead of it being brushed under said carpet.  Was it a simple mistake made by a 23 year-old who, more than likely over the years had to give up a lot of the shenanigans his peers were engaging in to reach his Olympic goals?  Yup.  But, when he accepted those medals under our flag, collected his endorsements, and made the rounds of the talk shows, he did not receive immunity from the law.  He wasn’t granted the right to tarnish the image of Olympic athletes.  And, whether he asked for this responsibility or not, he is a role model to lots of children, and that’s something he clearly forgot about.  Is Phelps being made an example of?  Yes, and it’s about time.  He crossed the line.

Until Next Time,

Joan

(c) 2009 Joan McCue All Rights Reserved