REMINDER! Application Deadlines and Upcoming events- Feb/March

• Applications for the IAAP Certified Administrative Professional Exam  must be received by February 15 to be considered for the May 2012 exam.
• February 4 is the Leaders Actively Networking (LAN) program for the VA-WV Division to be held in Chesapeake, VA.
• February 15 - Chapter Program: Preparing for Your Annual Review - webinar
• March 9 and 10 - DE-MD-DC Division Certification Conference in St. Michaels, MD
• March 22 - Chapter Program:  So... You're Getting A New Supervisor- How to Make a Successful Transition

Administrative Professionals Week - April 22 -28.  OTAC's APW program will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Society for Human Resource Management offices, 1800 Duke Street in Alexandria, Va. Program will begin at 6pm.  Work/Life Balance is NOT a Myth: Tools You Can Use To Achieve It.  More information soon!

You have at least 356 days to try this at home!

So, I've been tagged.. by the fabulous Maggie (http://www.mizzinformation.com/2012/01/i-will-stop-world-from-ending-in-2012.html?spref=tw) who has known me ..oh.. way too long.. and through my most neurotic phases of life. (so far).  Bookmark her blog.. You'll love it for the refreshing frankness.

Thanks for the shout out to administrative professionals.  Talk about a group that struggles with self -image.. but that's another post.   As for my list of this year... I'm proud to say it's a good one.. and I'm damn happy to have the wherewithall to write about it.

1. I have mental illness issues.. but frankly.. who doesn't?  I'm really grateful to have loads of friends that understand the nasty history of family illnesses being passed down through generations and a fantastic counselor.  So fantastic, she can see me on Saturdays AND has kids... so she knows the battle for quiet mind ---- quite well.
2. I will continue to travel, meet new people, try new things and fight off the worry of my spouse.. who is not happy about government involvement levels in just about anything you can name.  He has joined the ranks of the worst-case scenario white men ..and frankly, I can't help him.  I can just be true to myself, love him and accept where he is at for now.
3. I vow to see my siblings this year.  We've not seen each other since my eldest brother turned 55.  This summer, I'll see my sister in Texas (and hopefully one of my brothers..) and then we will all gather around Foley-mania in Massachusetts in November 2012.  We didn't all grow up together, but we've tried to keep a connection as our lives and families have taken over....
4. Patience... ooh... I pray to have more patience with my very (too much like me) neurotic and amazing daughter.  And, for the people I work alongside all day long.  I'm not perfect.  I know it.  I need to remember it.  I need to cut back on the judging.....

And, what does this have to do with the admin world you ask?  Well, I think 85% of the admins I know are innate care-takers.... we take care of everyone else.. and we need to do a better job of prioritizing our own needs and putting them in the right-size perspective.  This doesn't mean popping off our mouth at work..but it does mean learning to say-- No, I'm sorry... I can't take on another project right now. And be able to defend that and be content with it.  We will survive.

Thanks for the tag, Ms. M.  You constantly amaze me with your insight and honesty..though I must admit I was SOOO intimidated when we first worked alongside one another!  Happy Monday..