Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – Places to Ponder

Sunny St. Petersburg Exploration

Since 2013, we’ve gotten the chance to visit many once-in-a-lifetime cities around the world with Dave Koz. A lot of these were places that I’d dreamed of since I was a child. There are others that I didn’t know would impact me until I actually arrived. Rome, for example was one of those cities with its rich history and famous attractions.

I went there and learned to relax despite the Speed of Life. It soon came to my attention that St. Petersburg would also be on my list of special destinations. There were unique things that made it stand out but familiar things that couldn’t be missed. One of the things that I write about often is the fact that people are essentially the same.

When you ride through a city and see families interacting and excited pets, it’s hard to separate individuals based upon location. Whenever there’s a lot of information to consume and a short period of time to do so, music makes me relax and ponder. I think our host DK knows exactly what he’s doing when he selects truly amazing places for use to visit. Then he offers us jazz creativity at its best through artists, such as Peter White, Keiko Matsui, and Peet Project.



Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – Another Surprising Connection

A big part of this European trip included research for my writing, both before we traveled and after we set sail. Reading about Tallinn was interesting and got me excited for the trip. Actually arriving in the city and seeing it with my own eyes was another thing altogether. I thought that I knew what the experience was going to be but it truly was so much more.

Walking the cobblestone streets and seeing the gothic influence in the buildings was amazing. These mixed in with modern structures and businesses harmonized with so many of the other cities in this part of the world. As usual we took a hop-on hop-off bus tour to see the things that we’d read about.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Tallinn TV Tower, Toompea Castle, and many other attractions were on our list. These were a part of the things that were expected. We had no idea that on one of our tour buses would be a familiar face. The world is definitely large but it would seem that it’s small at the same time.

An elementary teacher of my husband’s was there on the bus with us. A conversation about states and travel brought this truth about. How awesome and humbling to go around the world only to find another surprising connection. The Speed of Life is absolutely a real thing that makes its way back around.

It was inspiring, as well to see this woman not letting age or anything else keep her from what she loves. Travel and jazz are included among these things. Swirling around our conversation was the anticipation of Richard Elliot, a featured headliner for the main performance.

Chronicling Europe 2018 – My Views of Stockholm

Even though these are vacations for me they are also working trips. I find time each day to write and chronicle my impressions of each destination and port of call. There is always a lot to see and do but actually putting these things into words is the best way for me to experience them.

It doesn’t matter whether I’m travel writing for a client, researching an article, or taking notes for other work utilizing my own views is key. Stockholm really had a lot to offer me not simply as a tourist but as a family member. Getting the opportunity to see the city through the eyes of actual residents changes things a bit.

There were attractions that we certainly would have missed without this connection. One example in this category was the tasty espresso I got from a quaint little Italian café. It was nestled in a building along a narrow street lined with original brickwork from centuries past.

Children going on field trips and business people dining for lunch were sprinkled throughout the areas we visited. Words are so important because they paint a vivid picture. These can be used to create a masterpiece that is both colorful and impactful!

The Speed of Life moves on…Mindi Abair and her Grammy-winning talent were the show for the night.



Chronicling Europe 2018 - Reconnecting in Sweden

It’s always nice to be able to reconnect with friends and family members. This is even nicer when the place that you get to do this is in Sweden. One of the unique things about this portion of the cruise with Dave Koz and Friends was that we had family in this part of the world.

I can’t help but repeat that the weather was amazing and warm enough for light clothing. Traveling around the world can make things a bit confusing and challenging. Things like meeting people in a public place with signage in another language. Fortunately this time around, it was quite easy to get together with our family members.

This gave us an opportunity to also see the city through their eyes. Sightseeing with them included off-the-beaten path stops like a royal cathedral and a place for espresso. Shopping and taking home souvenirs for many tourists involves traversing to some of the best streets in the city. We got the chance to visit the Drottninggatan, as well as, Gotgatan areas.

It was possible to buy high-end items and those that were budget-friendly. Walking in Stockholm was nice, easy, and enjoyable with family as the guides.



Taking Advantage of Local Offerings – Summer Field Trips

There are many things for couples and families to consider during the summer. Once the Speed of Life slows a bit, travel is usually on the agenda. Globetrotting can be a lot of fun but certainly requires a bit of planning and budgeting.

Getting away from the stresses of life is possible by exploring the things that are available locally. These may include local day trips to parks, lakes and museums. Most cities, however, have activities and attractions that can be interesting to see.

Even planning a trip to landmarks, such as state and national parks is a nice way to learn and getaway. Visit their websites that display tourist details that travelers look for. Many of these trips are budget-friendly and can be done within a day or two.

• Walking Trails – Plan for the difficulty level and take a lot of pictures.

• Historic Sites – Look for site requirements and if tickets are necessary.

• Tour Brochures – Many cities with popular landmarks and attractions have brochures online.

• Weekend Getaway – Find scenic locations within an hour or two to relax and explore.

Supplemental Learning – Follow Up at Home with Great Tools

It’s never been a secret that parents participate in home education activities, where their children are concerned. Although homeschool techniques are becoming more and more popular in mainstream society, this has always been the case in families.

Parents provide students with supplemental education for public school study. This is true whether the subject is math or history. If you’ve ever helped with homework or purchased study materials, you’re a home educator.

As your child grows and develops, they will likely require additional resources in this category. Online resources, such as programs from ABCMouse.com are terrific for those between the ages of 2 and 8.

These are tools that enhance the learning process and sparks interest in different subjects. It is possible to achieve these academic goals from home:

• Games Building Eye-Hand Coordination
• Stories to Develop Reading Comprehension
• Puzzles that Increase Mathematical Abilities
• Topical Studies for Context Referrals

Finding online resources that are effective and budget-friendly is possible with a bit of research. Parents with multiple children can actually purchase products that are unique. Any of these that build internet skills will be helpful for the future.


The more you are able to supplement the learning process, the easier it will be to prepare for increasing grade level work.

Certification Tests for Your Field

There are many fields these days that require certification testing. Some are linked to professional activity and others are connected to a certain position. Companies within the health industry, for example often require applicants to have these certifications.

Nurses are some of the most commonly known in these fields. Educators are also among those who need these tests. It doesn’t matter what your area of expertise may be. You must find effective ways to prepare for these exams.

The costs associated with them alone are a motivator to students. Fortunately there are terrific resources online that can help with your study and preparation. Here are some resources to consider for certification and supplemental training:

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Movie Genres – Experiment with Different Cinematography

Many people have one set go-to genre of movie and never branch out. The only problem with this is that you will likely miss some really great work. Those who enjoy an exciting action flick could delve into a thriller.


This is like going from Mad Max to the Accountant. The leap is not that major when the work is good and the story line is developed. Another option to consider during this sort of exploration is work from the past.


Surprisingly, films like Casablanca, North by Northwest and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof are relevant to today’s current events. The all include stories that are serious, comic and relatable. The different ways that directors presented locations can be appreciated.


Find a new movie to view that is a change from your first choice. It is possible to tailor a more diverse appetite for movie-watching. Streaming services allow viewers to explore as many genres as they want.

Teen Conversations: Important Parental Moves

It's true that parents and teens often speak a different language!


This shouldn't discourage either from conversation. It is important not only to the relationship of the family. Keeping these lines of communication active promotes expression in the future.


Teens learn how to think critically and to verbalize their positions. Topics of these conversations can vary. The primary objective is to use the time wisely. Although the Speed of Life is challenging to families, it is essential that they maintain relationships in a healthy way. Conversation is a good tool for this!


Daily Lives


Some teens need to be encouraged to talk about the issues that trouble them. The things that occur daily are a part of these concerns. Setting aside time specifically for these conversations, shows interest and concern.


Current Events


There are confusing things happening in society. This is true for both parents and teens. Discussing current events nationally and internationally can help. The goal is not to figure out the world's problems. It's simply to pursue understanding and spark more conversation. 


The Future


The future is one of the things that troubles teens the most. Parents don't always understand because they've conquered their fears in some ways. Teens need and want direction for attaining the goals, whether short term or long term. Conversation could mean the difference between success and failure.


Let's start talking more. . .


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How to Get What You Want from Work? - Job Satisfaction

I recently heard a story about an administrative worker who longed for more responsibility at work. This worker, of course, wanted to rise up the corporate ladder and earn more. Her primary objective, however, was to utilize the skills and expertise she'd gained over the years.


Because this worker had earned a good reputation at her office, she was able to get what she wanted. Speaking with one of the senior leaders, resulted in her being able to secure a new position. This position was a bit out of her current field, but it held greater responsibility and tasks. Not everyone will be able to experience this result because...


They don't showcase dependability


Dependability is a diverse area when it comes to workers. It is important to be on time for work and an active participant. At the same time, you show dependability by trying hard to meet company goals and objectives. Communicating well with supervisors is helpful, too.


They aren't team players


Team players are not simply people who follow the leader. They work cohesively with the team to achieve goals and objectives. This may mean working independently in some cases. Understanding initiatives, asking questions and completing projects effectively is essential.


They don't speak for themselves


Speaking for yourself is all about communicating well. This can be verbally or in written form. How do you express yourself? Professional examples are seen not simply through apparel. These individuals understand the company and its long term goals and missions.


It is important to be a GOOD worker no matter what your field or area of expertise.
Hiring officials and employers are looking not only for the brightest candidates. They want people who have committed to work and are trustworthy. This is the best way to get what you want out of your position or perhaps a new one.

Embrace 2014 - Get a New Perspective

Every year has something new to offer us. Embracing 2014 is all about getting a new perspective on life. This is a time to pursue goals that have long since disappeared. This is also a time to make changes towards happiness and away from negativity.

There are many steps that can be taken to grab onto a different perspective. Taking these steps is the best way to move ahead into the future. When we do things the same old way, we get the same old results. Let's take a look at some of things that can help us journey through a better and more positive year.

Consider Our Connections

The people around you have a direct impact on you and your perspective. If there's only a negative group in your circle, you need a new one. Moving towards your goals takes support and commitment.

Invest In Yourself

What investments have you made in yourself? This type of investment can be seen in time and resources. Achievements cannot be actualized without drawing a line in the sand. Research, reading and networking are useful tools for getting the perspective you desire!

New Year, New Opportunities!

Well, 2014 is finally here. Some people look at another year as a reminder of age or things not accomplished. I don't agree with that outlook at all. Every New Year brings with it new opportunities!

These are opportunities to achieve, accomplish, endeavor, invest and to love. There are always going to be things that didn't happen in the previous year. Some of those were simply not meant to be anyway. There are other things that didn't happen because we didn't put in the time and resources it required.

Here is another beautiful year and opportunity to make it happen. Most of our goals, need more than us to come into fruition. Our loved ones and circle-of-friends often factor into the process because support in important.

Along with those around us, goals are accomplished when we make up our minds to get moving. The Speed of Life keeps us active no matter what. Why not let that speed steer us towards our goals for the year?

Consider Community Colleges

For many years, a college education was thought of as a privilege in this country. Only families with financial means were able to send their children to college. Over the years, state and federal governments stepped into this process. This led more and more kids to pursue higher education. For a select few, even Ivy League schools were the goal.

The current economy has affected many segments of life. Education is absolutely included in this category. Community colleges have worked to bridge the gap for many families in America. There are a number of practical benefits to earning a degree through a community college. These institutions also provide students with access to certificate programs that can be useful in their career pursuits.

Cheaper education
One of the problems graduates of 4-year universities will tell you is their having to pay back loans for education. This is usually because these schools are much more expensive than community colleges. Selecting a local community college will provide you with an affordable degree. Parents are often able to pay out of pocket for these programs. This eliminates having to re-pay student loans for years after graduation.

Shorter period of time
The average program at a community college is 1 ½ to 2 years long. This depends on whether students are full time or not. An associate’s degree program may allow students to get to work sooner. Local employers may be able to easily hire people who have completed certificate programs, which are also available at these schools.

Smaller classrooms
Large schools also have large classrooms. Community colleges have smaller classes, which is great for student-to-teacher ratios. Many feel that this is a better environment for learning. The average class on these campuses can range from 25-35.
　

Let's Get Started!

One of the important things about getting older is intentionally getting better. This is certainly not something that just happens. Mediocrity is absolutely the enemy. Becoming accustomed to the way things are and afraid of change actually prevents progress.

Let's face it, none of us really dislikes progress. This is true whether you are discussing your personal life or your professional life. The right information can be very effective when it comes to making the desired progress that you want. Many people will find that this leads them on a quest to know more and to do more.

If this is where you are right now, we're in the same boat. Learning on a daily basis provides you with room to expand and to grow. So, Let's Get Started!