Marcusa is what psychologist and consultant Richard Chang, Ph.D., author of The Passion Plan: A Step-By-Step Guide to Discovering, Developing, and Living Your Passion (Jossey-Bass: A Wiley Company, paperback edition, 2001), calls a "passioneer," someone who engages in activities that tap her strongest emotions. "Passions are what give life meaning," says Chang. "When you make time to pursue what you love, you feel energized."
For women, busier (at least up to a point) is actually better. In studies conducted at Wellesley College, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, women who took on multiple roles -- as wives, workers and volunteers, for example -- reported better health than those who didn't. But the key isn't simply doing more; it's doing more of what you love.
A few simple steps to becoming passionate about something:
1. Try it; you may like it. Take "taste tests" of a variety of activities to discover which ones you enjoy most. When something clicks, take it to the next step -- sign up for a class at a community college, for instance.
2. Go back to your girlhood. Many passions take root in childhood. As a girl, Leslie Charles, a motivational speaker and author in Lansing, Michigan, was smitten with horses. Today, she competes in dressage.
3. Set priorities. If the daily grind has drained the passion from your life, you may need to rethink what matters most. After eight years at a publishing company, Bonnie Hilliard, 48, of Hudson, Ohio, quit and launched her own copywriting and public-relations business. Now she enjoys work more and has time to sing in a church choir.
4. Integrate passion into your daily life. With creativity, it's possible to shoehorn a passion into any schedule or budget. If you love golf but can't spare hours on the course, set up a putting green in the backyard.
5. Have fun. When you're working hard at what you love, conventional standards of success matter less. "You don't worry about keeping up with so-and-so financially because you know you probably have more joy than she does," says Trina O'Quinn, a marital and family therapist in Los Angeles.
How Do You Know When You've Found It?
If you answer yes to most of these questions, you've found an activity you love.
Do you lose track of time doing this activity?
Do you get excited just thinking about it?
Do you feel energized by it?
Do you dream about it?
Do you lose self-consciousness doing it?
Do you perform beyond your usual abilities when engaged in it?
Has your enthusiasm remained high over a period of time?
Do you seek out people who share this interest?
Reprinted with permission from Richard Chang, author of The Passion Plan: A Step-By-Step Guide to Discovering, Developing, and Living Your Passion (Jossey-Bass: A Wiley Company, paperback edition, 2001). For more information, check out www.thepassionplan.com
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
The Best Cities for New Families
Whether you're looking for a new place to call home or just curious about what other towns have to offer, the following pages will give you a picture of what family life is like across the map.
When New Yorkers Bari Nan Cohen and Jeff Rothchild vacationed in Park City, Utah, a few years ago, it changed their lives. The couple was gearing up to start a family and saw that Park City was a young community with lots of kids. Cohen, a freelance magazine writer, loved the idea that in Utah she could afford to work part-time once the baby arrived, and Rothchild, who longed to open his own marketing company, thought he could make a go of it there. "We could never do that in New York City," she says.
More From AmericanBaby.com
The changing American family
Quiz: Ready for a baby?
More on discussing parenthood
After explaining themselves to befuddled family and friends, they packed up and moved across the country. The result? Both parents now work for themselves and enjoy a better quality of life with their son Lance, now 2. "We bike with Lance in a trailer and hike with him at local resorts," says Cohen. Their new home meets the needs of this growing family in ways they couldn't have imagined.
Whether you're looking for a new place to call home or just curious about what other towns have to offer, the following pages will give you a picture of what family life is like across the map.
What Are Your Priorities?
If you're thinking of moving, first ask yourself what kind of environment you're looking for. Urban, suburban, or rural? A progressive area or one with a conservative value system? "The decision is very individual, and it won't be the same answer for everyone," says Linda Gillespie of Zero to Three, an organization that supports the healthy development of infants and toddlers. Once you determine the type of place you're looking for, you'll want to address the day-to-day practicalities.
Prepare for trade-offs. Where there's low-cost housing, there may not be high-paying jobs -- and conversely, where there are high-paying jobs, housing might cost a fortune. Figure out which situation is most comfortable for your family.
Consider your individual needs. Do your job skills make you employable only in specific markets? Do you want to find a stellar public school system or are you looking for a community that supports homeschooling? Factors that make one community appealing on some levels may not have the mix your family needs.
Plan for a healthy support network. That doesn't necessarily mean living around the corner from Mom. "Many people live without extended family near them these days," says Gillespie. A community of friends and like-minded parents, convenience to shopping and doctors, and access to quality childcare are just a few of the ways new parents can build infrastructure into their lives.
Begin Your Search
Talking to friends and new parents is an easy way to start, and real estate agents are always a great source on relocation issues. Here are a few Web sites to help you with your search:
U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov) The champions of demographic record-keeping post their considerable findings here.
Sperling's Best Places (bestplaces.net) allows you to compare your community directly to others according to housing costs, school districts, and other variables.
National Child Care Information Center (nccic.org) provides links to dozens of reports on daycare issues, organized by state.
PSK12.com ranks public schools by language arts, math, and science test scores in 25 different states.
Slowlane.com Stay-at-home dads can search this site to find local playgroups and other handy resources for fathers.
Economics
Where are paychecks a little fatter or living costs a little cheaper? Where can you get more bang for your real estate buck? Looking to get the best maternity leave? Check out these finds.
Lowest Monthly Mortgage: Buffalo, New York With a median payment of $760 per month and an average total mortgage of less than $60,000, residents here pay just one third the housing costs of list-topper Honolulu.
Highest Household Earnings: San Jose, California Residents of this warm-weather community earn an average annual salary of $70,240 per household. "Even after the tech bubble burst, the truly creative jobs -- thinking up and designing new computer hardware and software -- stayed here and still tend to command higher-than-average salaries," says Robert Mullins, a San Jose Business Journal reporter.
Best Parental Leave: California The Golden State is truly family friendly. It's the only state in the entire country to receive an A grade in a National Partnership for Women & Families report comparing policies on job-protected, family, pregnancy, maternal, paternal, and paid leave.
Lowest Rate of Childhood Poverty: Appleton, Wisconsin Only 7.5 percent of children here are raised under impoverished conditions, compared with 16 percent of all children living at or below the poverty level nationally.
Lowest Unemployment: Fairfax County, Virginia With a jobless rate of less than 1 percent, most people here can feel secure about providing for their growing family.
Cheapest City for Commuters: Brownsville, Texas Short commute times and low gas prices mean these Texas residents spend less money fueling up than drivers anywhere else, according to the Sperling's Best Places Web site.
Childcare
Even for parents of newborns, it can't hurt to think ahead about daycare and schooling.
Smallest Infant-Class Size: Maryland The student-to-teacher ratio is 3 to 1 for all kids less than 18 months, and the maximum group size is only six if three or more children are under 6 months.
Most Funding per Child for Head Start: Washington State More than $9,000 is allotted for every child enrolled in the programs, nearly $2,000 more per child than the national average.
Most Licensed Childcare Centers: California This most populous state still has nearly 30,000 more licensed facilities than runner-up Ohio.
Best Kindergarten: Georgia and Oklahoma Both states have programs available to all 4-year-olds in a majority of school districts, regardless of income. Most parents choose to enroll their children.
Best Public Education: Massachusetts The Bay State was ranked tops by an independent research firm that compared schools according to per-pupil expenditures, graduation rates, and reading, writing, and math proficiency.
Most Public School Funding: Washington, D.C. The nation's capital spent $13,187 per student in the 2001-02 school year -- that's nearly triple the expenditure per pupil in list-low Mississippi.
Best SAT Scores: Washington State Washington has the highest verbal and math scores among states where more than 50 percent of graduating seniors take the exam. (Iowa has the overall highest scores, but only 5 percent of seniors take the SAT; most take the ACT, another college entrance exam.) Honorable mention for participation goes to New York City, where a whopping 87 percent of graduating seniors take the exam, a bigger share than in any other city in the nation.
Quality of Life
For some families, QOL is a major moving factor. Looking for a bustling rhythm or a slower pace? One of these communities may have what you're after.
Most Relaxed: Albany, New York Low unemployment, short commute times, and modest divorce rates make this state capital the least stressful large city, according to a Sperling's Best Places study. The mountain air and greenery help, too!
Least Road Rage: Corpus Christi, Texas With an average commute time of only 16 minutes, these Gulf Coast residents get to spend more time with their families and less time glowering behind the wheel. And you can always count on good beach weather.
Largest Children's Population: Merced, California Eleven percent of all city residents are under the age of 5, ideal for finding playmates and playgrounds!
Most Literate City: Minneapolis When measured by libraries, booksellers, newspaper circulation, and education levels, this Twin City was named most literate by a recent study. Karen Louise Booth of the Minneapolis Public Library jokes, "We have plenty of time to read here because our winters are so harsh!"
Lowest Crime Rate: Newton, Massachusetts Just west of Boston, leafy Newton won the Morgan Quitno Safest City Award, which ranked 354 cities around the country according to reported incidences of rape, robbery, and motor vehicle theft.
Best Park Access: Denver Nearly 9 out of 10 Mile High City dwellers live within six blocks of a park. Resident Kerry Ryan, father of one, says those parks are great, too. "There are always kids to play with, and every park I've seen has playground equipment."
Healthcare
When it comes to birthing and raising children, you'll want quality healthcare. You'll need good prenatal services, a well-equipped hospital or birthing center, and breastfeeding support -- and that's just when your baby is born! As your child grows, you'll want a reputable, accessible pediatrician, a children's hospital or one with a pediatric emergency unit, and your choice of child-friendly specialists.
Most Children's Hospitals: Chicago and St. Louis Both Midwestern cities have five pediatric hospital facilities in their metro areas.
Most Birthing Centers: Dallas; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle With three apiece, these progressive communities offer pregnant women alternative birthing options (usually with midwives instead of doctors) and pre- and postnatal support.
Best Children's Hospital: Philadelphia Open since 1855, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed the closed incubator and vaccines for rubella, mumps, and influenza, and offered the nation's first pediatric intensive care unit.
Kansas City, Missouri Plans for self-insured families here can run as low as $43 per person, per month, or about $172 for a family of four.
Most Pediatricians Per Capita: Massachusetts This state has more than 165 pediatricians per 100,000 children, the highest ratio in the country.
Most Breastfeeding Support: Boston There are 34 branches of La Leche League, a breastfeeding support network, in the metro area. Group leader Janna Frielich says Bean Town's many universities and medical institutions help spread a positive message about breastfeeding. "I've always felt like I could nurse anywhere I go with my baby," she says.
Lowest C-Section Rate: Utah This state has the lowest cesarean rate at 17.2 percent, compared to 25 percent of all births in the country.
Environment
Whether you're the outdoorsy type who loves weekend hikes and regular strolls in the park, appreciates sunshine on a regular basis, or are concerned about air and water quality, these communities rank favorably on the sun, green, and clean scale.
Warmest Temperature: Honolulu There's a reason Hawaii residents are so friendly. With an average year-round temperature of 71 degrees, you'll never need to wrestle your toddler into a snowsuit -- but you will need an extra swimsuit or two!
Most City Green Space: San Francisco Nearly 20 percent of the Bay City is dedicated parkland, more than double the national average. The beaches aren't bad either!
Most Backyard Playtime: Las Vegas With an average rainfall of just over 4 inches a year, there's little chance your swing set or tricycle will rust, and your children will have lots of opportunities for outdoor fun in the sun.
Cleanest Tap Water: Chicago Take a sip of this: The Windy City was the only city in the Natural Resource Defense Council's drinking-water report to receive a grade of excellent for water quality and compliance.
Best Air Quality: Cheyenne, Wyoming Cheyenne residents always breathe easy. The reason? This city was named the American Lung Association's cleanest city in terms of long-term particle pollution.
Entertainment and Shopping
These towns have premiere attractions and stores for moms with babies in tow.
Best Children's Museum: Indianapolis The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the world's largest, housing 11 major interactive galleries. "It's great for people of all ages," says resident Tracy Miller, mother of three. "Grandpa enjoys it as much as the kids do!"
Busiest Zoo: San Diego More than 3 million visitors come each year to see the nation's largest collections of koalas, tree kangaroos, and giant pandas.
Most Babies 'R' Us Locations: New York City This metro area boasts nine stores, all of them filled with infant essentials.
Most Motherhood Maternity Stores: Houston The Lone Star State's largest city has seven Motherhood Maternity stores, a higher density than any other U.S. city.
Most Dog-Friendly: Salt Lake City Dogfriendly.com lauds this city's affordable housing (with yards!) and pet-friendly parks. In fact, Liberty Park has an amusement park that allows pooches in with their owners.
Fun Facts About Favorite Cities
Many major attractions in Washington, D.C., including the National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian, are free.
New York City's outdoor swimming pools are free from July to September. Just take a lock, a towel, and a suit.
It's a tradition in Maui to have a big luau for a child's first birthday.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, has the largest freshwater aquarium in the world, plus a children's discovery museum and zoo.
Your kid's favorite television shows come to life in Dallas (Barney), and New York City (Sesame Street).
Seattle has 21 community centers offering indoor playgroups and dance and art classes for toddlers.
Sesame Place and the Crayola Factory are within easy driving distance of each other in eastern Pennsylvania.
Austin, Texas, is home to Barton Springs, a natural swimming hole in Zilker Park where the water averages a cool 68 degrees even when the mercury soars.
Nashville, Tennessee, aka Music City, has the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, plus countless warm-weather outdoor music festivals and shows, including a free concert every Thursday night in Riverfront Park.
Cathy Garrard is a writer in Brooklyn, New York.
Originally published in American Baby magazine, August 2005.
Whether you're looking for a new place to call home or just curious about what other towns have to offer, the following pages will give you a picture of what family life is like across the map.
When New Yorkers Bari Nan Cohen and Jeff Rothchild vacationed in Park City, Utah, a few years ago, it changed their lives. The couple was gearing up to start a family and saw that Park City was a young community with lots of kids. Cohen, a freelance magazine writer, loved the idea that in Utah she could afford to work part-time once the baby arrived, and Rothchild, who longed to open his own marketing company, thought he could make a go of it there. "We could never do that in New York City," she says.
More From AmericanBaby.com
The changing American family
Quiz: Ready for a baby?
More on discussing parenthood
After explaining themselves to befuddled family and friends, they packed up and moved across the country. The result? Both parents now work for themselves and enjoy a better quality of life with their son Lance, now 2. "We bike with Lance in a trailer and hike with him at local resorts," says Cohen. Their new home meets the needs of this growing family in ways they couldn't have imagined.
Whether you're looking for a new place to call home or just curious about what other towns have to offer, the following pages will give you a picture of what family life is like across the map.
What Are Your Priorities?
If you're thinking of moving, first ask yourself what kind of environment you're looking for. Urban, suburban, or rural? A progressive area or one with a conservative value system? "The decision is very individual, and it won't be the same answer for everyone," says Linda Gillespie of Zero to Three, an organization that supports the healthy development of infants and toddlers. Once you determine the type of place you're looking for, you'll want to address the day-to-day practicalities.
Prepare for trade-offs. Where there's low-cost housing, there may not be high-paying jobs -- and conversely, where there are high-paying jobs, housing might cost a fortune. Figure out which situation is most comfortable for your family.
Consider your individual needs. Do your job skills make you employable only in specific markets? Do you want to find a stellar public school system or are you looking for a community that supports homeschooling? Factors that make one community appealing on some levels may not have the mix your family needs.
Plan for a healthy support network. That doesn't necessarily mean living around the corner from Mom. "Many people live without extended family near them these days," says Gillespie. A community of friends and like-minded parents, convenience to shopping and doctors, and access to quality childcare are just a few of the ways new parents can build infrastructure into their lives.
Begin Your Search
Talking to friends and new parents is an easy way to start, and real estate agents are always a great source on relocation issues. Here are a few Web sites to help you with your search:
U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov) The champions of demographic record-keeping post their considerable findings here.
Sperling's Best Places (bestplaces.net) allows you to compare your community directly to others according to housing costs, school districts, and other variables.
National Child Care Information Center (nccic.org) provides links to dozens of reports on daycare issues, organized by state.
PSK12.com ranks public schools by language arts, math, and science test scores in 25 different states.
Slowlane.com Stay-at-home dads can search this site to find local playgroups and other handy resources for fathers.
Economics
Where are paychecks a little fatter or living costs a little cheaper? Where can you get more bang for your real estate buck? Looking to get the best maternity leave? Check out these finds.
Lowest Monthly Mortgage: Buffalo, New York With a median payment of $760 per month and an average total mortgage of less than $60,000, residents here pay just one third the housing costs of list-topper Honolulu.
Highest Household Earnings: San Jose, California Residents of this warm-weather community earn an average annual salary of $70,240 per household. "Even after the tech bubble burst, the truly creative jobs -- thinking up and designing new computer hardware and software -- stayed here and still tend to command higher-than-average salaries," says Robert Mullins, a San Jose Business Journal reporter.
Best Parental Leave: California The Golden State is truly family friendly. It's the only state in the entire country to receive an A grade in a National Partnership for Women & Families report comparing policies on job-protected, family, pregnancy, maternal, paternal, and paid leave.
Lowest Rate of Childhood Poverty: Appleton, Wisconsin Only 7.5 percent of children here are raised under impoverished conditions, compared with 16 percent of all children living at or below the poverty level nationally.
Lowest Unemployment: Fairfax County, Virginia With a jobless rate of less than 1 percent, most people here can feel secure about providing for their growing family.
Cheapest City for Commuters: Brownsville, Texas Short commute times and low gas prices mean these Texas residents spend less money fueling up than drivers anywhere else, according to the Sperling's Best Places Web site.
Childcare
Even for parents of newborns, it can't hurt to think ahead about daycare and schooling.
Smallest Infant-Class Size: Maryland The student-to-teacher ratio is 3 to 1 for all kids less than 18 months, and the maximum group size is only six if three or more children are under 6 months.
Most Funding per Child for Head Start: Washington State More than $9,000 is allotted for every child enrolled in the programs, nearly $2,000 more per child than the national average.
Most Licensed Childcare Centers: California This most populous state still has nearly 30,000 more licensed facilities than runner-up Ohio.
Best Kindergarten: Georgia and Oklahoma Both states have programs available to all 4-year-olds in a majority of school districts, regardless of income. Most parents choose to enroll their children.
Best Public Education: Massachusetts The Bay State was ranked tops by an independent research firm that compared schools according to per-pupil expenditures, graduation rates, and reading, writing, and math proficiency.
Most Public School Funding: Washington, D.C. The nation's capital spent $13,187 per student in the 2001-02 school year -- that's nearly triple the expenditure per pupil in list-low Mississippi.
Best SAT Scores: Washington State Washington has the highest verbal and math scores among states where more than 50 percent of graduating seniors take the exam. (Iowa has the overall highest scores, but only 5 percent of seniors take the SAT; most take the ACT, another college entrance exam.) Honorable mention for participation goes to New York City, where a whopping 87 percent of graduating seniors take the exam, a bigger share than in any other city in the nation.
Quality of Life
For some families, QOL is a major moving factor. Looking for a bustling rhythm or a slower pace? One of these communities may have what you're after.
Most Relaxed: Albany, New York Low unemployment, short commute times, and modest divorce rates make this state capital the least stressful large city, according to a Sperling's Best Places study. The mountain air and greenery help, too!
Least Road Rage: Corpus Christi, Texas With an average commute time of only 16 minutes, these Gulf Coast residents get to spend more time with their families and less time glowering behind the wheel. And you can always count on good beach weather.
Largest Children's Population: Merced, California Eleven percent of all city residents are under the age of 5, ideal for finding playmates and playgrounds!
Most Literate City: Minneapolis When measured by libraries, booksellers, newspaper circulation, and education levels, this Twin City was named most literate by a recent study. Karen Louise Booth of the Minneapolis Public Library jokes, "We have plenty of time to read here because our winters are so harsh!"
Lowest Crime Rate: Newton, Massachusetts Just west of Boston, leafy Newton won the Morgan Quitno Safest City Award, which ranked 354 cities around the country according to reported incidences of rape, robbery, and motor vehicle theft.
Best Park Access: Denver Nearly 9 out of 10 Mile High City dwellers live within six blocks of a park. Resident Kerry Ryan, father of one, says those parks are great, too. "There are always kids to play with, and every park I've seen has playground equipment."
Healthcare
When it comes to birthing and raising children, you'll want quality healthcare. You'll need good prenatal services, a well-equipped hospital or birthing center, and breastfeeding support -- and that's just when your baby is born! As your child grows, you'll want a reputable, accessible pediatrician, a children's hospital or one with a pediatric emergency unit, and your choice of child-friendly specialists.
Most Children's Hospitals: Chicago and St. Louis Both Midwestern cities have five pediatric hospital facilities in their metro areas.
Most Birthing Centers: Dallas; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle With three apiece, these progressive communities offer pregnant women alternative birthing options (usually with midwives instead of doctors) and pre- and postnatal support.
Best Children's Hospital: Philadelphia Open since 1855, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed the closed incubator and vaccines for rubella, mumps, and influenza, and offered the nation's first pediatric intensive care unit.
Kansas City, Missouri Plans for self-insured families here can run as low as $43 per person, per month, or about $172 for a family of four.
Most Pediatricians Per Capita: Massachusetts This state has more than 165 pediatricians per 100,000 children, the highest ratio in the country.
Most Breastfeeding Support: Boston There are 34 branches of La Leche League, a breastfeeding support network, in the metro area. Group leader Janna Frielich says Bean Town's many universities and medical institutions help spread a positive message about breastfeeding. "I've always felt like I could nurse anywhere I go with my baby," she says.
Lowest C-Section Rate: Utah This state has the lowest cesarean rate at 17.2 percent, compared to 25 percent of all births in the country.
Environment
Whether you're the outdoorsy type who loves weekend hikes and regular strolls in the park, appreciates sunshine on a regular basis, or are concerned about air and water quality, these communities rank favorably on the sun, green, and clean scale.
Warmest Temperature: Honolulu There's a reason Hawaii residents are so friendly. With an average year-round temperature of 71 degrees, you'll never need to wrestle your toddler into a snowsuit -- but you will need an extra swimsuit or two!
Most City Green Space: San Francisco Nearly 20 percent of the Bay City is dedicated parkland, more than double the national average. The beaches aren't bad either!
Most Backyard Playtime: Las Vegas With an average rainfall of just over 4 inches a year, there's little chance your swing set or tricycle will rust, and your children will have lots of opportunities for outdoor fun in the sun.
Cleanest Tap Water: Chicago Take a sip of this: The Windy City was the only city in the Natural Resource Defense Council's drinking-water report to receive a grade of excellent for water quality and compliance.
Best Air Quality: Cheyenne, Wyoming Cheyenne residents always breathe easy. The reason? This city was named the American Lung Association's cleanest city in terms of long-term particle pollution.
Entertainment and Shopping
These towns have premiere attractions and stores for moms with babies in tow.
Best Children's Museum: Indianapolis The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the world's largest, housing 11 major interactive galleries. "It's great for people of all ages," says resident Tracy Miller, mother of three. "Grandpa enjoys it as much as the kids do!"
Busiest Zoo: San Diego More than 3 million visitors come each year to see the nation's largest collections of koalas, tree kangaroos, and giant pandas.
Most Babies 'R' Us Locations: New York City This metro area boasts nine stores, all of them filled with infant essentials.
Most Motherhood Maternity Stores: Houston The Lone Star State's largest city has seven Motherhood Maternity stores, a higher density than any other U.S. city.
Most Dog-Friendly: Salt Lake City Dogfriendly.com lauds this city's affordable housing (with yards!) and pet-friendly parks. In fact, Liberty Park has an amusement park that allows pooches in with their owners.
Fun Facts About Favorite Cities
Many major attractions in Washington, D.C., including the National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian, are free.
New York City's outdoor swimming pools are free from July to September. Just take a lock, a towel, and a suit.
It's a tradition in Maui to have a big luau for a child's first birthday.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, has the largest freshwater aquarium in the world, plus a children's discovery museum and zoo.
Your kid's favorite television shows come to life in Dallas (Barney), and New York City (Sesame Street).
Seattle has 21 community centers offering indoor playgroups and dance and art classes for toddlers.
Sesame Place and the Crayola Factory are within easy driving distance of each other in eastern Pennsylvania.
Austin, Texas, is home to Barton Springs, a natural swimming hole in Zilker Park where the water averages a cool 68 degrees even when the mercury soars.
Nashville, Tennessee, aka Music City, has the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, plus countless warm-weather outdoor music festivals and shows, including a free concert every Thursday night in Riverfront Park.
Cathy Garrard is a writer in Brooklyn, New York.
Originally published in American Baby magazine, August 2005.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Restuarants I want to try
Vargo's International Cuisine
Old-fashioned romance is the name of the game at this lovely restaurant that sits on 8 acres of gardens, which include a private lake with swans, ducks, and peacocks. The standard fare -- mostly steaks and lobster -- gets ho-hum marks, but the food is not the reason you're coming here anyway. There is a Sunday brunch. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
Address: 2401 Fondren Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/782-3888
Brennan's
A cousin of New Orleans's Commander's Palace, Brennan's puts a Texas spin on creole cuisine. The landmark building's interiors are as charming as the hospitality is southern-gracious. Chef Carl Walker's specialties, like turtle soup with sherry and pecan-crusted fish, repeatedly impress. Brunch in the peaceful courtyard is a memorable experience. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 3300 Smith St., Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/522-9711
Ouisie's Table
Here American cuisine is prepared with eclectic, southern accents. Dine in the main room, or request a table on adjoining Lucy's Porch for a view of the herb plantings snipped daily by the kitchen staff. Enjoy such favorites as chicken-fried steak salad with Roquefort dressing or a grilled lime redfish chalupa (a fried corn tortilla). There's a fabulous weekend brunch and an afternoon "little bites" menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 3939 San Felipe Rd., Uptown/Galleria, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/528-2264
Quattro
From maître d' to server, attention to your enjoyment is given unobtrusively in this hushed, but friendly, dining room located in the Four Seasons. The menu focuses on popular American-Italian dining in Euro-sleek style. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
Address: 1300 Lamar St., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/652-6250
Americas
Dramatic South American rain forest decor may make you think you're in Peru while you dine on gulf snapper, roasted pork tenderloin, and, of course, plantains. Kids' menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
Address: 1800 S. Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/961-1492
Bistro Vino
It's hard to decide where to sit in this romantic neighborhood restaurant. Should you choose inside -- in the remodeled historic two-story mansion? Or, perhaps, outside in the lush garden near the fountain? Either way you're sure to be able to hear the live piano music as you tuck into something nice like the veal Milanese, osso buco, or filet au poivre. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. Address: 819 W. Alabama St., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/526-5500
Arcodoro
With executive chefs hailing from Sardinia, Italy, Arcodoro is the place to go for authentic cuisine. The various pasta dishes, such as artichoke-filled ravioli and gnochetti with wild boars are very popular as are the chicken and osso buco (veal) dishes. Arcodoro also boasts a succulent rib-eye steak. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 5000 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/621-6888
Mo Mong
You'll have to look hard to find this Vietnamese gem hidden behind the Hollywood Video store. With soaring two-story matte steel partitions and Asian minimalist accents, the restaurant's stunning decor highlights the creativity of the fusion cuisine. The Ca Kho To (seasoned catfish baked in a clay pot) and the Vietnamese fajitas convert typically southern ingredients into Asian specialties. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 1201B Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/524-5664
Baroque
One of Houston's most romantic restaurants is decked out in old-fashioned frills from the fresh roses to the lacy linen to the crystal chandeliers. Try the pecan-encrusted swordfish or the beef tenderloin in brandy peppercorn sauce. AE, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Address: 1700 Sunset Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/523-8881
La Colombe D'Or
This charming, sophisticated restaurant occupies the first floor of a turn-of-the-20th-century mansion whose upper floors have been converted into a small luxury hotel by longtime owner Steve Zimmerman. Forget about budgets and calories and succumb to classic preparations of lobster, lamb, prime cuts of beef, and vegetables. Expect the elaborate desserts to be -- what else? -- rich. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Address: 3410 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/524-7999
Old-fashioned romance is the name of the game at this lovely restaurant that sits on 8 acres of gardens, which include a private lake with swans, ducks, and peacocks. The standard fare -- mostly steaks and lobster -- gets ho-hum marks, but the food is not the reason you're coming here anyway. There is a Sunday brunch. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
Address: 2401 Fondren Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/782-3888
Brennan's
A cousin of New Orleans's Commander's Palace, Brennan's puts a Texas spin on creole cuisine. The landmark building's interiors are as charming as the hospitality is southern-gracious. Chef Carl Walker's specialties, like turtle soup with sherry and pecan-crusted fish, repeatedly impress. Brunch in the peaceful courtyard is a memorable experience. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 3300 Smith St., Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/522-9711
Ouisie's Table
Here American cuisine is prepared with eclectic, southern accents. Dine in the main room, or request a table on adjoining Lucy's Porch for a view of the herb plantings snipped daily by the kitchen staff. Enjoy such favorites as chicken-fried steak salad with Roquefort dressing or a grilled lime redfish chalupa (a fried corn tortilla). There's a fabulous weekend brunch and an afternoon "little bites" menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 3939 San Felipe Rd., Uptown/Galleria, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/528-2264
Quattro
From maître d' to server, attention to your enjoyment is given unobtrusively in this hushed, but friendly, dining room located in the Four Seasons. The menu focuses on popular American-Italian dining in Euro-sleek style. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
Address: 1300 Lamar St., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/652-6250
Americas
Dramatic South American rain forest decor may make you think you're in Peru while you dine on gulf snapper, roasted pork tenderloin, and, of course, plantains. Kids' menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
Address: 1800 S. Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/961-1492
Bistro Vino
It's hard to decide where to sit in this romantic neighborhood restaurant. Should you choose inside -- in the remodeled historic two-story mansion? Or, perhaps, outside in the lush garden near the fountain? Either way you're sure to be able to hear the live piano music as you tuck into something nice like the veal Milanese, osso buco, or filet au poivre. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. Address: 819 W. Alabama St., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/526-5500
Arcodoro
With executive chefs hailing from Sardinia, Italy, Arcodoro is the place to go for authentic cuisine. The various pasta dishes, such as artichoke-filled ravioli and gnochetti with wild boars are very popular as are the chicken and osso buco (veal) dishes. Arcodoro also boasts a succulent rib-eye steak. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 5000 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/621-6888
Mo Mong
You'll have to look hard to find this Vietnamese gem hidden behind the Hollywood Video store. With soaring two-story matte steel partitions and Asian minimalist accents, the restaurant's stunning decor highlights the creativity of the fusion cuisine. The Ca Kho To (seasoned catfish baked in a clay pot) and the Vietnamese fajitas convert typically southern ingredients into Asian specialties. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 1201B Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/524-5664
Baroque
One of Houston's most romantic restaurants is decked out in old-fashioned frills from the fresh roses to the lacy linen to the crystal chandeliers. Try the pecan-encrusted swordfish or the beef tenderloin in brandy peppercorn sauce. AE, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Address: 1700 Sunset Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/523-8881
La Colombe D'Or
This charming, sophisticated restaurant occupies the first floor of a turn-of-the-20th-century mansion whose upper floors have been converted into a small luxury hotel by longtime owner Steve Zimmerman. Forget about budgets and calories and succumb to classic preparations of lobster, lamb, prime cuts of beef, and vegetables. Expect the elaborate desserts to be -- what else? -- rich. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Address: 3410 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/524-7999
I love the idea of respecting children.
They Are (Smart), and They Can (Hear)by John Fischer
In a comment about her work with children through her church, one of our readers commented, “I have found some wonderful new friends, some my age, and some that are four years old.”
I love that. I've had it floating around in my idea file for a while and find I keep coming back to it. I think I like it because of the dignity it gives both friendship and children.
We can be so quick to pass off children as being too young and immature to contribute on an adult level. “Children are to be seen and not heard,” is still a part of the American conscience. Although the cultural climate towards children has changed drastically in my lifetime, there are still evidences of how we look down on them. The “children's table” is still a popular holiday setting when the extended family gathers (as if they have nothing to contribute to the adults), and then there is “children's church” where the pastor speaks in a different voice and tone than when he preaches later to the congregation. (Just once I'd love to hear one of those kids blurt out, “Why are you talking so funny?”)
To have an adult say, “I've found some wonderful new friends… and some of them are four years old,” says something to me. It says that there are some ways in which she sees a four-year-old as a peer. Friendship is all about giving and receiving, and the minute we start to look for what children can teach us, not just what we are trying to teach them, we will be rewarded.
Here is, I think, a good general assumption to go by, and it goes not only for children but for seniors, Alzheimer's and coma patients, the mentally handicapped, and anyone we have a tendency to think isn't very smart or can't hear us: they are (smart), and they can (hear). Our six-year-old is slow in language for his age, but there is no question his mind is as sharp as a tack and he doesn't miss a trick. In other words, expect there to be more understanding than you think there is, and nine out of ten times you will be right. (Come to think of it, this probably goes for anyone.)
And finally, treat everyone as an equal. That's how the woman who inspired these thoughts sees the four-year-olds she is working with. If we don't do this, we miss out. And we miss out not only on the richness of what we can receive, but according to Jesus, we miss out on the kingdom of God.
"Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all" (Luke 18:16-17).
In a comment about her work with children through her church, one of our readers commented, “I have found some wonderful new friends, some my age, and some that are four years old.”
I love that. I've had it floating around in my idea file for a while and find I keep coming back to it. I think I like it because of the dignity it gives both friendship and children.
We can be so quick to pass off children as being too young and immature to contribute on an adult level. “Children are to be seen and not heard,” is still a part of the American conscience. Although the cultural climate towards children has changed drastically in my lifetime, there are still evidences of how we look down on them. The “children's table” is still a popular holiday setting when the extended family gathers (as if they have nothing to contribute to the adults), and then there is “children's church” where the pastor speaks in a different voice and tone than when he preaches later to the congregation. (Just once I'd love to hear one of those kids blurt out, “Why are you talking so funny?”)
To have an adult say, “I've found some wonderful new friends… and some of them are four years old,” says something to me. It says that there are some ways in which she sees a four-year-old as a peer. Friendship is all about giving and receiving, and the minute we start to look for what children can teach us, not just what we are trying to teach them, we will be rewarded.
Here is, I think, a good general assumption to go by, and it goes not only for children but for seniors, Alzheimer's and coma patients, the mentally handicapped, and anyone we have a tendency to think isn't very smart or can't hear us: they are (smart), and they can (hear). Our six-year-old is slow in language for his age, but there is no question his mind is as sharp as a tack and he doesn't miss a trick. In other words, expect there to be more understanding than you think there is, and nine out of ten times you will be right. (Come to think of it, this probably goes for anyone.)
And finally, treat everyone as an equal. That's how the woman who inspired these thoughts sees the four-year-olds she is working with. If we don't do this, we miss out. And we miss out not only on the richness of what we can receive, but according to Jesus, we miss out on the kingdom of God.
"Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all" (Luke 18:16-17).
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
Marks of a successful entrepreneur
Do you have what it takes to be a cut above the rest?
KEOY SOO EARN highlights the essential traitsThe Business Times, September 15, 2005
SUCCESSFUL entrepreneurs generally share common characteristics. Do you have similar traits?
Envisioning power and persistence
Many successful entrepreneurs visualise their success even before it happens. As an entrepreneur, you must be able to envision your desired goals, and persistently focus your energy on executing the activities that are necessary to achieve your goals, even in the face of harsh conditions.
'Contented not' (Discontented)
Successful entrepreneurs seldom stay long in the state of contentment after achieving their goals. They tend to continue to set new and more challenging goals for themselves and their enterprises.
Risk-taker
If you are worried about failure, you should probably think twice about quitting your job. Setting up your own business requires you to take risks, and the opportunity cost is not having an employer and the more certain, regular pay cheque.
Successful entrepreneurs must have the ability to identify and realistically assess opportunities against related risks, and choose to act on those opportunities that provide the greatest returns to their enterprises.
Self-confident
This, in fact, should be the most basic attribute of a successful entrepreneur. Your self-confidence has a significant impact on the success of your enterprise and your employees.
You may want to build your business around your interests, abilities and experience in an area that you are familiar with, and thus most confident at. You should find it easier to grow this business and this should in turn further help boost your confidence.
Persuasive communicator
As an entrepreneur, it is equally important to appreciate that believing in your own ideas is insufficient. Sharing your goals and belief with your team effectively, selling your products and services to your customers successfully, convincing your financiers to part with their money, etc, require strong communication skills.
It is crucial to learn the art of communication, including negotiation. You should also take time to listen to feedback and learn to interact well with many different types of people.
Positive
Successful entrepreneurs see problems as opportunities and learning experiences. They take time to learn and make use of their creative problem solving skills to explore innovative ways to transform problems into opportunities for the enterprise.
Strong character
Starting and running a business takes a lot of energy, endurance and time. Successful entrepreneurs are usually persons with strong character. A person with strong character shows drive, energy, determination, self-discipline, will power and nerve. He sees what he wants and goes after them.
In this competitive business environment, a successful entrepreneur must possess a competitive spirit to guide his enterprise forward. Your actions also set the pace of growth for your enterprise.
Love being a leader . . .
With the attributes of a leader, an entrepreneur usually attracts followers. Entrepreneurs with leadership attributes will guide their enterprises into the future and show their staff that they can be trusted.
To be an effective leader, your people must trust you and share your vision. They want their leaders to be ethical and convey a strong vision of the future. These behaviours will win trust, loyalty and ensure your enterprise's continued vitality.
. . . but not being the boss
An entrepreneur is usually de facto, the boss. However, the two are not necessarily the same or equal.
A boss orders while a leader asks. Where a boss tends to depend mainly on authority, a leader builds and uses good will. While most bosses control people through invoking fear, a leader inspires them with enthusiasm. A boss reacts; a leader responds. A boss takes credit while a leader gives it. When things go wrong, the boss tends to apportion blame, while a leader fixes the problem.
Team builder
Entrepreneurs, who are individualists by nature, have to recognise that every successful enterprise requires a team of good people.
A good team is a living, constantly changing, dynamic force in which the team members complement each other to achieve the team's objectives.
Building a reliable and capable team is a key foundation to grow your enterprise. Building and managing teams is a major and stimulating challenge for any entrepreneurs.
When this is done well, the level of satisfaction and the positive impact on the enterprise can be tremendous.
The above are selected common key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. You may not need to posses every one of these characteristics to be a successful entrepreneur. Being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses is already a positive step forward. Where you are lacking, take heart and learn from others by attending classes. Also, build on your experience.
Do you have what it takes to be a cut above the rest?
KEOY SOO EARN highlights the essential traitsThe Business Times, September 15, 2005
SUCCESSFUL entrepreneurs generally share common characteristics. Do you have similar traits?
Envisioning power and persistence
Many successful entrepreneurs visualise their success even before it happens. As an entrepreneur, you must be able to envision your desired goals, and persistently focus your energy on executing the activities that are necessary to achieve your goals, even in the face of harsh conditions.
'Contented not' (Discontented)
Successful entrepreneurs seldom stay long in the state of contentment after achieving their goals. They tend to continue to set new and more challenging goals for themselves and their enterprises.
Risk-taker
If you are worried about failure, you should probably think twice about quitting your job. Setting up your own business requires you to take risks, and the opportunity cost is not having an employer and the more certain, regular pay cheque.
Successful entrepreneurs must have the ability to identify and realistically assess opportunities against related risks, and choose to act on those opportunities that provide the greatest returns to their enterprises.
Self-confident
This, in fact, should be the most basic attribute of a successful entrepreneur. Your self-confidence has a significant impact on the success of your enterprise and your employees.
You may want to build your business around your interests, abilities and experience in an area that you are familiar with, and thus most confident at. You should find it easier to grow this business and this should in turn further help boost your confidence.
Persuasive communicator
As an entrepreneur, it is equally important to appreciate that believing in your own ideas is insufficient. Sharing your goals and belief with your team effectively, selling your products and services to your customers successfully, convincing your financiers to part with their money, etc, require strong communication skills.
It is crucial to learn the art of communication, including negotiation. You should also take time to listen to feedback and learn to interact well with many different types of people.
Positive
Successful entrepreneurs see problems as opportunities and learning experiences. They take time to learn and make use of their creative problem solving skills to explore innovative ways to transform problems into opportunities for the enterprise.
Strong character
Starting and running a business takes a lot of energy, endurance and time. Successful entrepreneurs are usually persons with strong character. A person with strong character shows drive, energy, determination, self-discipline, will power and nerve. He sees what he wants and goes after them.
In this competitive business environment, a successful entrepreneur must possess a competitive spirit to guide his enterprise forward. Your actions also set the pace of growth for your enterprise.
Love being a leader . . .
With the attributes of a leader, an entrepreneur usually attracts followers. Entrepreneurs with leadership attributes will guide their enterprises into the future and show their staff that they can be trusted.
To be an effective leader, your people must trust you and share your vision. They want their leaders to be ethical and convey a strong vision of the future. These behaviours will win trust, loyalty and ensure your enterprise's continued vitality.
. . . but not being the boss
An entrepreneur is usually de facto, the boss. However, the two are not necessarily the same or equal.
A boss orders while a leader asks. Where a boss tends to depend mainly on authority, a leader builds and uses good will. While most bosses control people through invoking fear, a leader inspires them with enthusiasm. A boss reacts; a leader responds. A boss takes credit while a leader gives it. When things go wrong, the boss tends to apportion blame, while a leader fixes the problem.
Team builder
Entrepreneurs, who are individualists by nature, have to recognise that every successful enterprise requires a team of good people.
A good team is a living, constantly changing, dynamic force in which the team members complement each other to achieve the team's objectives.
Building a reliable and capable team is a key foundation to grow your enterprise. Building and managing teams is a major and stimulating challenge for any entrepreneurs.
When this is done well, the level of satisfaction and the positive impact on the enterprise can be tremendous.
The above are selected common key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. You may not need to posses every one of these characteristics to be a successful entrepreneur. Being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses is already a positive step forward. Where you are lacking, take heart and learn from others by attending classes. Also, build on your experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
