God’s Control And Our Prayers

I just thought this set of tweets was really important.

Happy Earth Day!! Tick off your progress of your zero-waste journey! How many do you do already and how many will you be able to do by the end of the year?

Going zero waste is something that everyone adapts to differently according to what they have available, so do what you can, be aware and spread the word!

I wanted to add a link to every product, and I also need to add some other things but if you want to help me out that’d be great!

Lol. Yoko-ono-ing 😂

Some of my favorite tweets amidst Harry & Meghan divorcing the royal family 😂

some people feel the rain... Others just get wet..

Tip Sheet: Business and Dining Etiquette

This post and any other later posts labeled as tips sheet come from a college website I found while searching around about jobs. I’m bringing it to you all to save you the hassle. Enjoy!

How you conduct yourself and treat others in a business or dining setting speaks strongly of who you are as a professional. Research worldwide tips and strategies before traveling as different cultures have different protocols.

General Tips

Use titles (Mr. Ms. Dr.), not first names until instructed to do so.  

Be on time or 5-15 minutes early. Earlier than that can be awkward and invasive.  

Prepare for meeting, developing an agenda if you are leading.  

Do not interrupt meeting agendas, but in a timely manner, be confident in concisely sharing on-topic ideas/opinions.

Do not get intoxicated at work functions.  

Do not use profanity or tell off-colored jokes.

Do not engage in office gossip.  

Bring a positive attitude and leave personal drama at home. 

Do not air work-related frustrations via social media (e.g. These people make me sick. #ISITFRIDAYYET)  

How to Approach a Group

Present yourself with confidence.

Smile and extend dominant hand.

State your name (and company).

Know how to introduce yourself (and company) in 15 to 30 seconds.

Avoid “closed” triads: two people facing shoulder to shoulder are likely having a private conversation.  

Do not fold your arms or put them in your pockets.

Greetings

Hi, Hey, Yo, What’s up?, What’s going on? are not appropriate.

Hello is appropriate.

Introducing Yourself

It is your duty to introduce yourself.

Look people in the eyes and smile in order to seem confident and approachable.

Name tags should be placed high on right shoulder.

When should you introduce yourself?

When you realize someone does not recognize you.

When attending a business or social gathering.

When seated next to someone.

When person introducing you forgets your name.

When it is a friend of a friend whom you are talking to.

Introducing Others

Use proper titles when introducing others.

Omit titles when introducing people of same rank and position.

Never introduce a co-worker/superior by first name.

Introduce person lowest on the totem pole to the one highest.

The name of the person of greater authority is spoken first.

This means you look at the most “important person” and say, “Ms. Important, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Student, an intern in our IT department. Mr. Student, this is Mr. Important, the director of technical marketing.”

When dealing with people outside the company, clients are more important than company employees, and hiring managers are more important than job seekers.

If you are seated while being introduced, stand to shake hands.

Have a firm handshake, but avoid death grips.

Tell something about the person whom you introduce.

During the Conservation

Learn how to make small talk.

Be current on domestic and international events. If you’re not and the topic is brought up, say something along the lines of “I’m not familiar with the topic but I would enjoy learning more about it.”

Know what events impact your company or client’s.

Ask questions that focus on other person, not you.

Do not interrupt and/or finish people’s sentences.

Avoid conversations about health or diet habits, cost of things, personal life, gossip, off-color jokes and controversial issues.

Don’t gaze around room in a conversation—it’s rude and makes other person feel insignificant.

Do not touch others unless you know them well.

Ending a Conversation

Do not just walk away if you see someone more interesting— ALWAYS make a closing statement before moving on:  

“Please excuse me. It was nice talking with you.”

“It was really a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to seeing you again soon.”

“I enjoyed talking with you. I hope to see you soon.”

Summarize, “Oh, it looks like you have a fascinating job and I wish you good luck on your project.”

If graceful disengagement doesn’t work, be more direct: “I see it is really getting late and I really must go,” then back up physically. As a last result, say a parting statement while you are shaking hands and saying good-bye.

Business Cards

Always have enough and carry in a case.

Should not be wrinkled, written on, outdated or dirty.

Present the card with the print facing the recipient.

Your name should be the largest print on the card.

Don’t write on business cards in front of others.

Don’t exchange business cards while dining.

Never pass them out like you are dealing cards.

It is polite to comment on card before putting it away rather than immediately stashing it in a pocket without looking at it

If someone offers you their business card, offer yours in return

Before offering your business card, first say, “May I give you my card?”

Do not force your card on anyone or offer it too early in a conversation

Let senior executives ask for your card. Do not offer it to them.

Meetings/Networking Events 

 It is polite to offer to pay if asked to a lunch/dinner meeting. However, whoever extends the invitation typically pays. 

Know why you are attending and who you want to meet. 

Bring business cards; Remember you represent your company. 

Do not carry a bag or notebook that fills your hands. 

Step to the right when you enter room, pausing to first observe.

Greet hosts first, if possible but do not monopolize their time. 

Introduce yourself to others, not just talking to people you know.

 Do not immediately head for the bar or food; don’t go hungry.

 Avoid foods that are messy or can’t be eaten in one bite. 

Hold food or drink in left hand to leave right hand open. 

Write a thank-you note within 24 hours. 

Work Relationships: 

Co-workers

Cooperate and develop a relationship of mutual support.

Focus on positive qualities and potential of co-workers (strengths, not weaknesses). 

Be friendly, but do not join a clique.

Spend time observing how people act, who performs well and who takes a positive view toward the job and organization. 

Beware of the gripers and avoid office gossip. 

Do not talk about co-workers behind their backs. 

Voice concerns, challenges and accomplishments.

 Remember that a peer may someday be your boss or you his. 

 Be nice, polite and friendly to everyone, including individuals who work outside of your department. 

Observe organization’s gift giving policy and be discreet when exchanging gifts if only exchanging with a few coworkers. Work Relationships: 

Supervisors 

 Approach tasks with a willing attitude. 

Enthusiastically complete “grunt” assignments. 

Demonstrate poise and maturity in everything you do. 

Ensure quality work is completed on-time. 

Supervisors are your ally, not your enemy. 

Supervisors train and develop; they aren’t best friends.

 Do not ask supervisor for personal and financial advice. 

 Cell Phones 

 Turn your phone off during meetings. 

Invest in a watch so you don’t check phone for time.

 Avoid answering in restaurants. If expecting important call, let those you are dining with know, and leave table to answer. 

In public, be aware of voice volume and move at least two arm lengths away from those around you (or out of the room). 

The people you are with should take precedence over calls. 

If you expect a call that can’t be postponed, alert your companions ahead of time.

Public phone conversations are not private. 

Email Etiquette 

 Craft a compelling subject line. 

Treat email like a business letter; always be professional. 

Keep it short and simple. 

Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation. 

Never send an email when you’re angry.

 Email is NOT confidential and can be forwarded. 

Read it and check your spelling before sending it. 

Confirm attachment you intended to attach is attached.

 Answer an email within 24 hours. 

 General Dining Etiquette 

Do not order foods that are eaten with your hands.

 Pass food from left to right (counterclockwise). 

If asked for the salt or pepper, pass both. 

 Never season food before tasting it. 

 Food is served from the left, dishes removed from the right. 

Butters, spreads or dips should be transferred to your serving dish before spreading or eating. 

Do not ask for a “to-go box” unless it is an informal situation.  

For hard to scoop items, use bread, not your finger, to push items onto fork.  

If hot food is burning mouth, discretely drink something cool.

 Napkins belong in your lap. 

If you leave table, loosely fold your napkin (do NOT refold your napkin or wad it up) and place it beside your dinner plate. 

Meeting materials or briefcases should be left under your chair until it is time to discuss business.  

Do not ask to taste or offer to let others taste your food. 

Do not blow nose at the table. Politely excuse yourself. 

Casual Dining Exceptions 

 You may order foods that are eaten with your hands. 

 When sharing chips and salsa, you don’t have to transfer salsa to your plate, but do not double dip.   

Leaving a Tip 

 Fifteen to 20 percent of the bill total is customary, but for exemplary service, a greater percentage is accepted. 

For poor service, ask to speak to the manager; still tip. 

Place Setting Tips 

 General rule: use silverware from outside in as meal progresses. 

When finished, do not push plate away. Instead place fork and knife across the center of the plate, handles to the right.

Between bites, your fork and knife are placed on the plate, handles to the right, not touching the table. 

1. Napkin

2. Salad Fork

3. Dinner fork

4. Dessert Utensil

5. Dinner Plate

6. Dinner Knife

7. Teaspoon

8. Bread Plate

9. Bitter Knife

10. Water glass

11. Wine Glass

““You should date a girl who reads. Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes, who has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve. Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she has found the book she wants. You see that weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a secondhand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow and worn. She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book. Buy her another cup of coffee. Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice. It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas, for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry and in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does. She has to give it a shot somehow. Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world. Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who read understand that all things must come to end, but that you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two. Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series. If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are. You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype. You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots. Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads. Or better yet, date a girl who writes.””

—

bible verses to calm the anxious heart:

Isaiah 41:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27 New Living Translation (NLT)

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Psalm 94:19 New Living Translation (NLT)

19 When doubts filled my mind,    your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Joshua 1:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Psalm 118:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.    What can mere people do to me? 7 Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.    I will look in triumph at those who hate me.

Shunned at home, ‘Tortoise-man’ bags award for his act of kindness

By WANJIRU MACHARIA

Every day for the past 57 years, Mzee Job Tarkwen Kipkech, has diligently carried out his self-allocated task of helping tortoises cross the Mogotio-Marigat road.

And though the act of kindness never drew any appreciation from any quarters in his village, he was never perturbed and was always at hand daily to ensure one of the world’s slowest creatures made it across the road safely.

Kipkech, 73, a resident of Kures village in Mogotio, Baringo County says that instead of appreciating his acts, locals often questioned why he wasting time on the reptiles instead of performing more rewarding domestic chores.

“They would stare at me as I rescue the animals. Some rude motorists also ignore my pleadings and at times almost knock me down as I wave them down to allow the tortoises to cross the road,” he said in an interview with Nation.

That was until two years ago when one of the leading TV stations in the country noticed him and ran a story on his conservationist efforts.

Nothing happened immediately afterwards but last Wednesday, a call he never expected came. The caller informed him he has been named the over-all winner of the Jubilee Insurance Samaritan Award (JISA).

“I now believe that no prophet is honoured in his own hometown. It took people so many miles away, and not known to me to recognise by actions,” says the old man with a smile.

The father of five quickly adds that although he is happy somebody somewhere had recognised him, that did not mark the end of his rescue mission for the tortoises that are a common sight in the area.

“I do not do this to receive praises from people but it is uplifting to know that someone appreciates what you do,” he adds. But just how did the call to be the saviour for the tortoises come to be? Mzee Kipkech says he was herding his goats along the busy road at the youthful age of 20, when he noticed with pity, how the tortoises endangered their lives, ambling across the road, every move a close shave with death.

“All that this animal can do when it senses danger is recoil back into its shell and freeze but that is not enough to save it from being crashed by the vehicles,” he says.

This vulnerability touched him and he has since not stopped to pick up the reptiles and run with them to safety across the road. Alternatively, he waves approaching vehicles down to prevent them hurting the reptiles.

Mogotio is home to all the three types of tortoises in Kenya including the endangered Pancake species.

But Mzee Kipkech’s kindness does not end with helping the reptiles to cross the road. He often carries the injured ones home and tends to them as they heal. He also sprays them with acaricides to rid them of bothersome ticks.

And the reptiles seem to have detected his kindness as they keep turning up in his compound and have even turned his farm into a breeding ground.

The old man has appealed to Kenya Wildlife Service to build a water pan on his land to avoid subjecting the reptiles to the treacherous journey for water across the road.

source 

Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life / Frances Ha (dir. Noah Baumbach) /  Philip Roth, The Human Stain / The Perks of Being a Wallflower (dir. Stephen Chbosky)

This Song Makes Me think of Freedom. Peace. Flying. Serenity....and also funny weird rituals :-P