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January 2010
Executive Errands eNewsletter
'Change' is a Four Letter Word
In This Issue
Our Favorite Things
Service Provider Spotlight - Mr. Handyman
Concierge Industry News
Combat Colds and Flu
Special Announcements
Updating The Look of Your Home or Community
A Sweetheart Deal
News, Events, Misc
Quick Links
 
 
Join Our Mailing List
Greetings!
 

swear boxI have the ability to swear like a trooper.  I tell you this with neither pride nor shame - it is simply fact.  After working in a male-dominated industry for the greater part of my adult life, swearing was, if not necessary, certainly required in order to fit in.  When I changed careers, the transition from colorful language to a more refined vocabulary was fairly simple.  There are occasions however, despite my best intentions, when one of those four-letter words sneaks back in.

change exitMost swear words are meaningless interjections, much like saying 'uh' or 'er' in the middle of a sentence.  However, there is one four-letter word that strikes fear in our hearts and causes even the heartiest people to retreat.  That particular four-letter word is 'Change'. 

Ok, so the word itself is more than four letters, but it is often regarded as profanity.  That's because most people avoid change at all costs.  You've heard the anti-change mantra:  "If it ain't broke don't fix it".  That may be true for some situations, but most of us should view change as an opportunity for constructive growth.
 

Leo Tolstoy once said "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself".

change is hardTraditionally, we begin the New Year by making resolutions - those promises to ourselves based on an annual reflection toward self-improvement.  We resolve either to stop doing something (overeat, smoke, gossip, swear) or to start doing something (exercise, write thank you notes, call our parents more often). 

Statistics indicate that while 52% of people who make resolutions are confident of success, only 12% actually achieve their goals.  Since the rate of success appears to be so dismal, should we even make resolutions at all?  Of course!  Any attempt toward self-improvement should be encouraged and embraced.  Here are four suggestions to increase your odds of effecting painless, long-term change:
 

on target1.  Make your resolutions specific - being specific makes the resolution more mentally manageable. For instance, a resolution to call our parents once per month is better than 'call more often'.  Deciding to read and respond to email twice per day is better than 'stop letting email control my life'.

2.  Vow to focus on your resolution for a minimum of 21 days - changing a habit takes repetition and time.  Expert opinions differ but most agree to a minimum of 21 days to change a habit. Some more challenging resolutions may take longer but stick with your plan at least 21 days and you'll significantly improve your chance of success.
 
puzzle steps3.  Set small, measurable and recordable steps - break your resolution down into small realistic objectives and track them like you would any other project in your professional life.  Keeping a daily journal is a good way to maintain your focus, monitor your progress and reinforce your determination.
 
4.  Celebrate each achievement - Positive reinforcement is a proven method for effecting change and can be as simple as a gold star in your journal or that new golf club (or handbag) you've been wanting.
 

work life scalesResolutions are highly personal as each person has different challenges and self-improvement objectives.   Maybe they are as simple as cleaning up your language or as difficult as breaking addictive behavior.  Either way, make this year your year to effect personal growth. 

And while you're at it, resolve to add fun to your life on a regular basis to further achieve a healthy work/life balance.  What have you always dreamt of doing but never have time to do?  Make a resolution to do it this year! What good is life without fun in it?
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Executive Errands helps you achieve balance by freeing up your time for activities you enjoy!
 
www.executive-errands.com 
or call us today at 760.469.2487

Our Favorite Things 

Jackson Air Flight School

When it comes to fun, there are few things as exhilarating as piloting an airplane.  If you've thought you'd like to learn to fly, we recommend Jackson Air, a flight school that operates out of Tradition Aviation at the Jacqueline Cochran airport in Thermal.

Flight instructor Scott Mourhess is very knowledgeable andJackson Air logo his quiet patience puts even the most timid student at ease.  Introductory flights are free and Jackson Air offers training toward the new Sport Pilot certificate that allows you to learn to fly at half the cost and in half the time of a regular private pilot's license.

Thermal is the ideal location to learn to fly - the weather is clear, calm and beautiful nearly year 'round and the Jacqueline Cochran airport is conveniently located 10 minutes from Palm Desert and about 25 minutes from Palm Springs.  Jackson Air's pilots have given over 8000 hours of instruction with a spotless safety record.  And over 150 of their pilots have successfully completed FAA's flight certification exams. 

Make a resolution for fun this year - take a chance and see if flying is something you'd enjoy.  Scott Mourhess and Jackson Air - two of our favorite things!

For more info, contact Jackson Air at 800-714-8098 or visit their website at www.flyjacksonair.com

["Our Favorite Things" gives us an opportunity to share people, places, events and things that we truly love and that you might too.  We have no business affiliation with any company or individual featured here.  We just want to share good things with you and if our recommendations help build business for someone else or saves you time or money, GREAT!!!]
Service Provider Spotlight
Mr. Handyman
 
One of the most challenging Service Providers to find is a good, reliable and insured Handyman service.  Lots of people say they do handyman work - they do a few simple tasks around the house and think "why not offer to do this for others?"
 
Granted, while some tasks are simple and have realitively low liability, it is still important (and a requirement by the California State Licensing Board) that anyone offering Handyman services be licensed and insured.
 
Mr. Handyman
Enter Mr. Handyman - Executive Errands newest Service Provider.  Mr. Handyman offers professional, insured, reliable services.  They show up when they say they will, complete tasks in reasonable timeframes and offer a wide range of general handyman services.  Mr. Handyman shares our philosophy for high quality customer service and we are very pleased to include them in our network.
 
For more information please contact John at 760.469.3939 or by email at [email protected] and of course you can request any of their services through Executive Errands
 
Concierge Industry News
 
Executive Errands is a member of the International ICEAConcierge and Errand Association (ICEA) and effective immediately, ICEA's name has changed to the International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Association (ICLMA).  A new ICLMA website and logo are in the works and will be released soon.
 
This name change reflects the growth of the Concierge industry worldwide and our reputation as an effective work/life balance advocate.  Concierge services are gaining in popularity not only for individuals time management but also as an amenity for corporations, community associations, hospitals, colleges - everywhere you look!
 
concierge time for youWhen we started Executive Errands three years ago, most of our time was spent educating potential clients about what a Personal Concierge was and how it was of benefit to them.  Now, the word Concierge is well understood and has become synonymous with service and life balance. 
 
We do our best to make your Desert experience more enjoyable by assuming your routine or mundane tasks.  In doing so, we give you back time that is better spent nurturing yourself and your family.
 
Executive Errands - we go beyond the usual, regular and customary to help simplify your life!
Combat Colds the Old Fashioned Way
 
If you or a family member has been suffering with a cold or flu lately, here is an easy and healthy chicken 'noodle' soup. 
 
sickAll measurements are approximate (who really cooks with measuring tools?) and can be adjusted to make more or less soup.
 
  • 6 chicken tenders (the frozen ones in bulk work great - no need to thaw)
  • 8 cups of water (or three quarters of a dutch oven)
  • 3-4 large spoonfuls of Orrington Farms chicken bouillon (gluten free) or any bouillon of your choice
  • 3/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1 heart of celery, sliced or chopped (including leaves)
  • 1 tablespoon EACH of Marjoram, Poultry Seasoning, Thyme and fresh ground Pepper
     
    Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until chicken is cooked through.  Remove chicken and cut into large bite sized pieces. Quarter and chop two zucchini into large pieces and chop one half of an Anaheim chili (for a little 'bite').  Add all back to pot.  While this is simmering, cut a large Spaghetti Squash in half, remove seeds and put into microwave for 7 to 10 minutes (depending on squash size and wattage of microwave). 
     
    get well soupYou only want the squash cooked enough so you can use a fork to pull it out into 'Spaghetti' strings - add to pot (discard the outer rind).  Raise heat to medium, bring to boil and then reduce again to simmer.  Soup is ready to eat in about 15 minutes. 
     

    This is a guilt-free soup, gives you the illusion of having noodles without the wheat or glutton and there's enough 'zest' to clear even the stuffiest nose.  Enjoy and feel better soon!

     
    Executive Errands
    760.898.9604
  • Special Announcements.... 
     
    Ironwood ICA logoExecutive Errands and Ironwood ICA have partnered to offer Concierge Services to the entire Ironwood community as "Ironwood Concierge Services". 
     
    The ICA is offering our Concierge services to enhance the living experience at Ironwood and to help ensure that any requests for referrals are met by licensed, insured and local companies.  In addition, we have offered discounted pricing and/or specials for a variety of Service Provider services via a promotional offer valid
    for this Winter season.
     
    We look forward to working with the ICA and all Ironwood homeowners!
     
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    More and more community associations are realizing the value of adding soft services like our Executive Errands Concierge & Referral programs. 
     
    We add value to your assessments without adding cost and we simplify the old Vendor List program since you only have to vet one company - ours.
     
    If your community is interested in adding Concierge Services, please contact Executive Errands at 760.469.2487.
     
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    brochure frontWe have a new Homeowner Reference Brochure!
     
    This brochure includes a comprehensive list of our Concierge services and Service Provider referrals.
     
    To request brochures, please email [email protected]  or call us on our Customer Service line at 760.898.9604.
    Updating The Look
    of
    Your Home or Community
     
     
    sun sconceAre your outside or inside lights tired or dated looking?  Introducing a new metal custom slip on sconce that can give new life to your home or community. 
     
    In just minutes you can update your jelly-jar or stagecoach lamp into something current, contemporary and beautiful.  Each sconce comes with it's own jelly-jar lamp so you can convert  nearly any light fixture.
     
    These sconces come in a wide array of finishes including rust, stainless steel, copper, chocolate, green, caramel, beige, and black.  Designs range from plain to a variety of standard Desert appropriate looks including longhorn, kokopelli, sun, hummingbird, and palm tree.
     
    kokopelli sconceFor even more variety, you can create your own custom design.  Your last initial or logo can create an elegant look both inside and outside your home, office or community association.
     
    For more information about these beautiful sconces, please contact us here at Executive Errands.
     
    Remember, with one simple call, Executive Errands can arrange anything you need! 

    Executive Errands 760.469.2487

    A Sweetheart Deal

    It is not too soon to think about Valentine's Day gifts, especially if the gift you're considering takes time to create. vday wallpaper
     
    The best gifts bring tears to the eyes of the recipient and with very few exceptions, every time that's happened, photographs are involved.  There's something exceptionally sentimental about old photographs presented in a new way or a collection of photographs commemorating a special event.
     
    We just finished the holiday season and, if you're like the rest of us, you took a lot of pictures of your family and friends.  If you'd like to create a unique gift for Valentine's day, please consider a DVD montage or the transfer of old 8MM or VHS to DVD.  These are keepsakes that everyone treasures and like the mix tapes of old, the simple act of selection says volumes about your thoughtfulness and feelings for the recipient.
     
    vday gift boxOther ideas for Valentine's Day include:
     
    -A lovely and personalized gift basket
    -Dinner out with a limousine and champagne
    -Beautiful flowers, candy and balloons
    -An elegantly wrapped gift from a favorite shop
    -A round of golf at a favorite course
    -A gift certificate for housekeeping services
    -An in-home massage or facial
    -A private chef for an intimate dinner at home
     
    Let us help make your Valentine's Day special -
    Our Cupids are ready to assist you!
    Executive Errands
    760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com
    News, Events, Misc.... 
     
    Executive Errands has just completed an extensive upgrade of our Website.  Most of these upgrades are transparent to our clients, but they enable us to better serve you with enhanced reporting tools, streamlined processes and additional automation. 
     
    TestimonialsWhat is visible are the addition of two new web pages.  The first is dedicated to client testimonials that illustrate the quality and breadth of our services.  We thank each of you for providing such positive feedback.  This new webpage is viewable at www.executive-errands.com/testimonials.cfm 
     
    The second is dedicated to this e-newsletter and includes an actual sample from a prior e-newsletter with several testimonials from happy readers.  We hope this page will encourage more people to sign up for the e-newsletter because we do this for you.  This new page is viewable at www.executive-errands.com/newsletter.cfm 
     
    We love getting your feedback - so please keep sending it!!
     
    Please check out our new webpages at
    Ahhh it's a new year and my own time for reflection.  When it came time for me to make a New Year's resolution, all the no photosstandards immediately leapt to mind, but this year, I think my focus is going to be on something really difficult for me.
     
    You see, I hate having my picture taken.  Yes, I tend to be slightly neurotic when anyone points a camera in my direction - sweaty palms, forced smiles, the whole bit.
     
    But lately, and especially with the advent of Facebook where I see all my family's great pictures, it occurred to me that there is going to come a day when I'll be gone or the kids have moved away and without pictures, what will my family have to remember me by?  Already there is a lifetime of events where I don't appear to have participated and that has to stop.
     
    I don't mean that to sound morbid - rather it is pragmatic.  Even though we create great memories together, photographs are what trigger those memories and how we reconnect with those we hold dear, even when they are not around.
     
    smiling cameraKids grow all too quickly and families are ever changing so my New Year's resolution is to happily allow photographs to be taken with my kids, grandkids, family and friends.  And should you see my hand fly up or see me turn away when a camera is produced, please feel free to remind me to 'say cheese' because this is one resolution I intend to keep.

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    Happy 2010As we start this New Year, make time for joy, for family and for friends.  Strive for balance and choose happiness.  Make realistic resolutions that will result in the personal growth that enables you to be a better spouse, friend, parent or grandparent.  Treat those closest to you with the graciousness and kindness you would afford a stranger.  And here's wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2010!  
     
    As always, Thank You for your continued support of Executive Errands - we are proud to serve you.
     
     
    Sincerely, 
     
    Leslie Spoor ICEA
    760.469.2487
     
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    Desert Welcome VIP 
    Contact Greg Jones at 760.413.7747 to find out about Desert Welcome's VIP Realtor Package.  Executive Errands joins a select group of Partners who add value to this elite Welcome Gift basket.
     
    Greg may be contacted by email at [email protected]