Lilly's Day!

Obama signed his first bill into law today. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, rejected by our last administration, relaxes the statute of limitations on workers’ rights to sue in pay discrimination. Ms. Ledbetter found out at the end of her career at Goodyear that she had been consistently paid less than male employees in the same and even lesser positions. The Supreme Court (love them!) determined the statue of limitations in this case ended 180 days after her first paycheck -- the incident of discrimination. Apparently, she should have discovered this pay disparity in the first six months of her new job. (By the way, do you know if you make more or less than the person sitting in the cubicle next to you?)

I'm seriously swooning over Obama. And it's a good reminder to all of us: You can clip coupons, you can find cheaper gas, you can go without dinner at a restaurant. But voting is free, and a little political action can really change your bottom line.

Too, Too Clever

This study is pretty interesting, but -- Mousewife? Really?

Three Ways to Forge Ahead (When You Want to Sit Down and Cry)

I got up particularly early this morning. I had some work obligations to get through -- nothing too hard, but it had to be done in the wee hours. So imagine my disappointment when my kid woke up an hour early as well. Crying bitter tears.

After feeding her, playing with her, even turning on the TV (a last resort, I swear), she was still weepy and clingy and wouldn't leave me alone long enough to read an email, let alone get my work done. I really thought I would sit down and cry.

I usually have three ways to get through any type of frustration, and this morning I did them all:

1. Hand off: Get someone else to help you, or even just be in charge long enough for you to get your equilibrium back. This morning, it was waking up my husband and telling him, "Tag, you're it. Please."

2. Shower: Nobody can follow you into the shower. The shower is warm and relaxing. You can metaphorically wash that anything out of your hair.

3. Walk: Just moving your legs and getting air into your lungs will free up your mind and let you get some perspective.

I didn't get my work done on time, but that was clearly never going to happen anyway. And when I was finally able to turn back to it, I had the patience and focus to just get it done. Pat me on the back; I made it.

Tip of the Day: Your To Do List

It's Monday morning. You schlep yourself to work. You curl up with a cup of coffee and your computer and open your email in box to get yourself ready for the week. Seemingly moments later, you look up, now-cold coffee clutched in your hand, and it's time for lunch.

Save yourself a little time and get yourself focused faster by jotting down notes as you clear your in box. Then WALK AWAY FROM YOUR DESK, notes in hand, and find a little quiet spot. Take your coffee with you. Write your weekly to-do list on paper. You'll get back to your desk surf-free and ready to go.