Diannedyar's Blog

Go Vote!

diannedyar — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:48:38 +0000

In an off year for policitcal voting, the pending elections on November 2 have made for great conversations through out our State and Nation. We all, as citizens of the United States, have a precious priviledge – to vote for our choice of candidates. This priviledge is one we all need to take seriously. Our future depends on it. And, yes, one vote can make a difference.

Change: Part 2

diannedyar — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:15:02 +0000

For all the postive things and opportunities that change can bring about, change can also be painful. This was clearly in focus this week as a good friend was laid off from a job she had held for 18 years. Change hit her like a ton of bricks – very unexpected and she is now at a loss as to what to do or where to turn. When one door, closes – another one will open. A painful change can also be the loss of a loved one. My sweet cousins are dealing with the loss of their dad that had a heart attack, unexpectedly. It’s going to be a difficult change for all of us…his birthday is December 25, Christmas Day. He would have been 91 years old.

Another friend is having to re-evaluate a long-term friendship that has evolved to one that is negative. It’s a one-sided deal for her…the other side always on the demanding and taking end. Change for her will be just letting go, moving on and focusing on all the positive, wonderful friends right at her fingertips.

With change, there is sometimes pain — an emotion that is very real and at time, very raw. It’s just one step at the time, one day at the time, and staying connected to positive, uplifting family and friends.

And, on the heels of the fifth anniversary of Katrina hitting our beloved Gulf Coast….change happens. Its just happens.

Change!

diannedyar — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:55:17 +0000

Change is a good thing! Isn’t it a good thing that we don’t still use horses and buggys as a means of transportation! And, as the dog-days of summer are upon us, thank goodness for air conditioning – change is good! What about having party-lines as a way of daily communication with the invention of telephones – don’t you love all the techonolgy now in the palm of your hand!

We all face change in our professional and personal lives. Just when we think we’ve settled into a routine with our current job or a new job, change happens. I’ve always been a “glass half-full” kinda person – always trying to find the positive in every situation. The Stennis Institute of Government is going through some changes – new professional staff with new job assignments, new student workers, and new opportunities. Transition from the “way things have always been done” to “let’s try it” may be a difficult pill to swallow: however, change is good! Keeping folks motivated to be the best ever and always looking to the future is certainly challenging, but can be done with little to no pain!

I was recently reminded that we all change – - we’re not driving the same cars we drove 20 years ago; we don’t wear the same clothes that we had 20 years ago; probably don’t eat the same way we did 20 years ago…so, why should we expect things to stay the same in the workforce, and especially our own work assignments.

Change is good! I’m looking forward to next chapter…wherever it may take me!

What’s It Worth – $5000?

diannedyar — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:47:37 +0000

Would you not complain or say anything negative for $5000? That’s exactly the amount Patricia Pilz of the Caithness Energy company is offering in exchange for your silence. Seems the excessive noise of the wind powered turbines and the generators in Ione, Oregon is causing concern for the local residents. Just sign a waiver that you will not complain about the noise and the check will be cut. Here’s a new and novel way to head off criticism: buy the critics silence!

So, what’s on your list? Could this be a new career – getting paid for not complaining? With upcoming elections, politics would probably be at the top of most folks list. How about retailers that put out Christmas items before we’ve had our last chance to wear our white shoes before Labor Day? And, add to the list, the 1-800-call -me-if- you-need-help numbers that are often in a dialect of English that is foreign to many ears. We could also put on the list, the reality televison shows – for $5000, I’ll keep my mouth shut! As a “baby-boomer”, make the print bigger – on anything that requires instruction. But for a small amount of hush-money, I’ll drag out the magnifying glass. Gosh, I could even buy a nice fancy one!

So, what’s your silence worth - – and on what topics?

Vision

diannedyar — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:40:07 +0000

I heard a great quote last week from my friend and mentor, Patrick McGaughey. “One man with a vison makes a majority.” from Andrew Jackson. In the middle of the summer, most of us are making plans for the future – either with our businesses, civic responsibilities, or for ourselves personally. Most folks are in the middle of budgets, strategic planning retreats and looking ahead – with a vision in mind. Even in uncertain economic times, planning and creating a vision for your organization is critical to its success. Yes, change is scary but also can be the best thing that every happened to the organization. At the national level, for community and economic development groups, “regional collaborations” and “partnerships” are even bigger buzz words than before. Even education entities are running lean and mean by combining like programs and opportunites.

And, as with our namesake, Sen. John C. Stennis, challenged all to “look ahead.” Customers, consumers, and constituents will be the winners in the end…because someone with a vision dared to step up and look ahead at what could be versus the way it’s always been done!

Crepe Myrtles

diannedyar — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:28:53 +0000

Kudos to Lucedale, Starkville and Richland! You have the best landscaped crepe myrtles I’ve seen! For the rest of the cities that have these summer time bloomers planted in on your highways, please trim up the sprouts at the base of the tree…and don’t forget to add the mulch! Trees are a welcomed addition to the our entrances of our cities and towns. Drive around and see what your guests are seeing! Does the garbage need picking up, trees need trimming, and does the grass need a good cutting? What about your “welcome to…” sign..can visitors driving through your city even see the sign because bushy shrubs are growing all up around it? Even in difficult economic times, civic/service clubs, boy scout troops, youth groups, and church groups are looking for projects to help out in their communities. Ask for help. Your city just might be well-manicured because of the asking!

American and State Flags

diannedyar — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:21:18 +0000

I’ve been travelling the State recently, literally from state line to the other, and I’ve noticed the flying flags in your cities. The flags are tattered, frayed and faded. We’ve already celebrated the July 4th, a great patriotic holiday and Memorial Day, one that shows respect to our veterans…the flying flags looked terrible. From businesses to government offices, even schools, the flags just looked bad! Please try walking in the front door of your business to see what your customers see…you just might be surprised. And, if you have a flagpole at your office, put a flag on it! Everyday, we all should be very thankful that we live in a democracy…one where we can fly our flags with pride!

Hello world!

diannedyar — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:55:02 +0000

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