B-School Application

With everything I consume… everything that influences me… I decided to put my head in the game and create this video for my Marie Forleo B-School application. Take a look!

More on Value

What we value can be very different from what someone else values – the same goes for what we consider to be “invaluable”.  In my experience, there are two life skills/career skills that hold so much value to me, that I consider them invaluable skills.  The ability to communicate effectively (effectively is a KEY word here), and the ability to research (not just using Wikipedia for everything).

Why communication?  Specifically, effective communication.  I say this because everyone can communicate in one way, shape or form.  Whether we are talking about verbal or nonverbal, (nearly) everyone can communicate.  Effective communication is a skill that not everyone has.  “Effective communication helps us better understand a person or situation and enables us to resolve differences, build trust and respect, and create environments where creative ideas, problem solving, affection, and caring can flourish.”(1)

Why research?  I like to know the facts, and I love learning.  I am the person who sees, “Rattlesnake found in seatback pocket of American Wonderlands flight 908 – Bites two year old and her puppy!” and immediately do research to check the facts.  And, if you were wondering, SOLO cups were not made to measure alcohol.  The bottom portion is not for a shot, and the second line is not the “wine” line.  As believable as many of these stories may seem, they are often not true.  I am not sure if I enjoy this because I secretly like to prove people wrong, if I like researching, or if I just want to know the facts.  I suspect a combination of the three.  Switching gears (a little), what I really love about researching is the endless knowledge you can gain.  I had the tiniest inclination to learn about dinosaurs the other day, so I pulled up Google and ran some searches.  Fascinating!  Want to find out what is really in those “natural ingredients”?  No problem!  Let’s just say, you might be eating or drinking some beaver booty.  Seriously. (Shout out to Food Babe.)

These skills, to me, are invaluable.  Take a look at the picture just above this section.  Yep, that’s me.  Is it clear that I was (nonverbally) communicating how cool I thought I was for graduating with a degree in Communication Studies?  I mean, I still think it is really cool, but COME ON.  Look at that face…

(1) Robinson, Lawrence, Jeanne Segal, Ph. D., and Robert Segal, M.A. “Effective Communication.” Helpguide.org. Last updated:  December 2013. Web. 4 February 2014.

Can’t Hold It Back Anymore

It’s been a while, blogosphere.  I’m here. Can’t hold it back anymore.  To quote my current favorite song, “Let It Go” from the oh so fabulous Disney movie “Frozen” – I can’t hold it (my ideas, thoughts, whatever else) back anymore.  I have too much to say!  Although I would love to say Elsa inspired me to write this entry, I cannot.  My true inspiration (this time around) came from Marie Forleo.  If you haven’t heard of her, look her up.  I’ll even help you by linking one of her most recent videos in this post.

I am inspired by many things – people, newspaper articles, advertisements, beautiful cakes, sweet smelling flowers (as opposed to nasty smelling ones?!), FOOD, animals, recipes, etc.  My problem:  I don’t act (or rarely act).  Not this time.  Here I stand, in the light of day.  Let the storm rage on.  The cold never bothered me anyway.  In all seriousness, I might be lying… just a little bit on that last part.  Ok, maybe completely.  Yeah, I confess… the cold bothers me.  Getting back on track, I’m here this time to get things done.  I’m here to create!

“Don’t confuse getting inspired with getting things done.  Create before you consume.” – Marie Forleo

My first action was this… getting back into the blogosphere.  What inspires you, and how do you plan to take action? 

Houston: It’s Not What You Thought It Was

HINWYTIW!

Trevor Boffone, Ph.D.

When we picked up Daniel and Cristin from the airport on Friday afternoon, I never in my wildest imagination expected us to make pit stops at a Blockbuster Video (mind blown) and a nightclub on Richmond Avenue, but we did! I should have seen this coming. After all, I had officially told our guests that this trip was called “Houston: It’s NOT What You Thought It Was.” Other people have been given a similar Houston experience by Kayla and I (Kristen! Kelsey!), and all of them can attest that on their way to the airport they understand that Houston isn’t what the rest of the country thinks it is. Sure, it is an oil boomtown that is growing at a rapid clip while the rest of the country sputters through a recession, but Houston has character. Houston has weird stuff. Houston has art. Houston has diversity. Houston has the Astros….errr….the…

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My Favorite Event in New England

Ah, the summer.  My favorite time of year.  Well, I also consider autumn my favorite time of year.  Regardless, I love summer.  Aside from the occasional humidity, the summers in Boston are so beautiful.  Flowers in the Public Garden are blooming, birds are chirping, my pool is open, it is warm enough to go on hikes, the Cape is amazing (although impossible to get to in less than two hours… summer problems), I get to wear my dresses (and buy NEW dresses), and I get to go to WaterFire in Providence, RI.

WaterFire is a non-profit artsy event that occurs every few weeks in Providence.  The event includes the lighting of over 80 crackling bonfires, the ambrosial smell of the wood and smoke, the enchanting Phantom of the Opera-like music, the crowds of anticipatory people, the mesmerizing fire dancers, the romantic gondolas gliding across the river, and the glistening water from the three rivers in downtown Providence.

WaterFire is my absolute favorite event in New England.  If you are ever in the area or live near, I strongly suggest a visit.  There are plenty of restaurants in the area, right along the water.  If you plan on eating, you need to book a reservation a week in advance.  Last night, I ate at Waterplace.  The food was excellent (service was questionable).  Next time I go, I’m going to try Jacky’s Waterplace.  Yes, the names are similar, but they are different restaurants.

Tofu Fried Rice

Grandpa:  “That looks like dog food.”

Contrary to popular belief… or my g’pa’s belief, this is not dog food.  Side note, he is 88, refers to himself as g’pa, has a MacBook, has a job, and eats ice cream while he rides his spin bike.  I guess his belief could be considered popular, since he is the coolest almost-90 year old vet out there.  Where was I?  Oh, right.  This is not dog food.

This is my version of fried rice.  Tofu fried rice.  Can I get a what, what? Vegetarian folk, holllaaaa!  I suppose this recipe is vegan too.

Please note, I am not a direction follower, so these are all approximate. 

Here is what you’ll need:

4 c. cooked jasmine rice (Rinse your rice before you cook it, people!  At least three times…)

1 zucchini (diced)

1/4 onion (diced)

1 c. frozen veggies (carrot & pea mix)

10-12 oz. extra firm tofu (almost a full pack)

1/2 c. low sodium soy sauce

1/3 c. sake or rice wine vinegar

1 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

1/4 c. sesame oil (not toasted sesame oil)

2 pads salted butter (Omit if you are vegan and add a dash more sesame oil.  I don’t like unsalted, but feel free to use it.)

1. Drain the tofu.  If you don’t know how… look here.  Once it is done draining, crumble it up into small pieces.

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add all the vegetables and tofu. Cook until the tofu is lightly browned and crispy.

4. Stir in the rice and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the soy sauce and sake (or rice wine vinegar).  Increase heat slightly and cook until the rice is a little crispy (about five minutes).

5. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the rice has absorbed all the liquid (three to five minutes).  The tofu and rice might stick to the plan, but just scrape it off (unless you use non-stick pans, in which case, DO NOT scrape)!

6. Ok, I think your tofu fried rice is done now.  Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy!

The Colors of Summer

It has been quite some time since my last blog entry!  This beautiful photograph inspired me to make a post.  Helping people find jobs can be very gratifying.  Sometimes people send me thank you gifts, like this beautiful bouquet from Winston Flowers.  What is most striking about this bouquet to me, is the lovely pink peony.  It reminded me of a video I recently watched on YouTube.  Watch how this woman delicately creates a sugar peony.

I can’t seem to justify just making one of these for fun.  So… anyone need a cake topper?

Perfecting Your Handshake

A kiss on the hand, a fist  bump, a salute, a curtsey, THE handshake. The handshake is thought to have  originated as a gesture of peace by demonstrating that the individuals  involved were free of weapons.  In today’s world, we don’t exactly shake hands  to check for concealed artilleries, but we are making some kind of nonverbal  agreement. It’s a chance to prove your confidence, honesty, and drive– proof  that you have nothing to hide.

Why It’s  Important

The second you walk through  the door for your interview, you are being interviewed. Are you wearing  a suit? What is your body language? Are you doing everything you can to make  yourself stand out from the pack, before you even open your mouth? The  handshake is imperative because following your outward appearance, your  handshake is the first impression you make. Your handshake sets the tone for the  next sixty (or so) minutes.

In a recent study of 98  college students, researchers found that “students with high  scoring handshakes were the same ones the interviewers viewed most hireable”  (careerbuilder.com).

There are common  assumptions people make when they receive a firm handshake– confidence,  self-assurance, interest, focus, and drive.  On the other side of the spectrum,  a weak handshake can bring negative perceptions– insecurity, intimidation,  distraction, hesitancy, and disinterest.

Just think, no one is ever  going to think poorly of you for a firm handshake, but you are taking a risk  with a weak one.

How It Should Be  Done

The first thing to remember about  a handshake isn’t related to your hand at all, but rather, your eyes.  Make eye  contact with the person you are about to join hands with.  Hold your eyes steady  and introduct yourself, “Hello, I’m Cristin Skjegstad.  It’s so nice to meet  you!”  Concurrently, you should be reaching out to grasp their hand.  From the  wise words of Julie Laufer, “Pretend like you are pulling someone out of a  ditch.  That’s how firm your grip should be.”  Your hand won’t feel like a limp  fish, but you’re not injuring their hand either.

Practice

As the old saying goes,  practice makes perfect.  Whether you practice with your sister, father,  best friend, boyfriend, wife, or one of us here at Laufer, working on your  handshake can only make it better.  Before you know it, you won’t even think  twice about your handshake.  You’ll be a natural in no  time!

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

This post doesn’t have to do with Snow White and the Huntsman, but doesn’t Charlize Theron do an amazing job as the wicked queen?  If you haven’t seen this movie already, I highly suggest seeing it.

Conclusions I have drawn… the wall next to my bed is too empty.  I considered hanging one of my paintings, but none of them quite matched the color scheme.  I remembered that I had an old mirror that my grandmother had given me from a garage sale.  It was a mossy green color that matched the colors of my old room.  Something else I have come to realize is that my necklace stand is too short for some of my latest and greatest dangling neckalces, but I have nowhere to put them (except for in a jewelry box where they would get tangled up… forcing me to never wear them… because I hate untangling necklaces).

My plan… was to paint the mirror trim brown to match my brown, tangerine, and white room.  My next idea was to place cup hooks along the bottom of the mirror to hang my jewelry on.  Unfortunately, Michael’s (the craft store) was sold out of the cup hooks.  Thankfully, handy dandy Walmart had them in stock ($.97, nice!!!)

The creation… was exactly what I hoped for.  I wasn’t able to screw the cup hooks in by hand, so I had to use a drill with the same size screw first.  Then I just twisted the hooks in.  It took me about five minutes.  So easy!  I love how it looks on my wall.  What do you think?