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Greetings!
 When it comes to the work you do, do you have passion for it? Or is it just a job?
This should be a key question in your life because it's only when you love what you do that life can be truly happy.
Too many of us fall into a line of work right after high school or college and find we stay in that industry for the rest of our career. Never mind what we planned to do or be.
Suddenly, we find ourselves spending most of our waking time at work. If the average person spends 8 hours a day at work, plus another hour or two commuting, plus an hour for lunch - he or she is up to almost 3000 hours per year. That number is probably a lot higher for most of us.
If you can find your passion and work within it, you will find the days fly by, you'll be happy most of the time and you'll never consider the labor you do as 'work'. You'll consider it a 'labor of love'. Life is easy when you love what you do.
 Sara Paddison says in The Hidden Power of the Heart:
"Enthusiasm created from the heart is the spirit of the matter. It ignites your whole system so there's no drag, no resistance, no thoughts like "Do I have to?" coming from the head to sabotage the power of your surrender."
That's exactly what happens when you love what you do. You'll find yourself energized, enthusiastic, happy. You'll experience far less stress. You'll look forward to going to work each and every day.
So how do you find your passion? The easiest way is to make a list of all the things you love to do. Examine each one. What can you do to incorporate any of them as your work?
 If you love to surf, maybe you would enjoy owning a surf shop, or teaching lessons at the beach or working for a surfboard manufacturer. There are so many options. You just have to think out of the box.
Love animals? Veterinarians, animal rescue, pet sitting, grooming - again, so many options.
Love airplanes? The obvious choice is pilot, but maybe you'd prefer mechanic, flight crew, instructor, working in a model airplane shop, air traffic controller, writing about airplanes... the list is endless.
 You get the idea. Find what you love. Love what you do. In this, the month of February, when thoughts turn to love, remember, it's not just about 'who' you love. It's also about 'what' you love.
In the immortal words of Franklin P. Jones (1908 - 1980) Reporter and contributor to the Saturday Evening Post:
"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
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Executive Errands - going beyond the usual, regular and customary to help simplify your life!
www.executive-errands.com 760.469.2487 |
Our Favorite Things...
OatFit Instant Oatmeal
 I know, this is a weird one. But this month includes Valentine's Day which is noted for hearts and since oatmeal may help keep your heart healthy.... (it's a stretch, but what the heck...)
In all fairness (and full disclosure) I have to say I've never been a fan of instant oatmeal. And I am woefully remiss when it comes to trying new products.
However, recently, I had an urge for oatmeal and much to my surprise, there are many, many new types available.
On a whim, I picked up a box of OatFit made by the BetterOats company. It is DELICIOUS. Yum. Not mushy and has a ton of flavor.
It comes in two flavors actually - Cinnamon Roll and Maple & Brown Sugar - but here are the real reasons we like this oatmeal and why we're sharing it with you:
- It has zero grams of sugar. Yes, it tastes sweet but there is no sugar in it. And it tastes so good right out of the microwave - no need to add anything if you don't want to
- It's made with 100% whole grain oats. We all know how important that is
- It has 4 grams of protein, low sodium, and only 100 calories per bowl (or per pouch)
 The package serves as a measuring cup - you dump the oats in a bowl, fill the package with water, dump that in and run it 90 seconds in the microwave and voila! Oatmeal!
- As an added bonus, the packaging is 100% recyclable
I gave my grandson a couple boxes for him to try and he said 'that oatmeal is AWESOME' (his emphasis). Seriously, if you are rushed in the mornings and if you like oatmeal, give it a try.
OatFIt Instant Oatmeal, one of our favorite things! ["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!!!] |
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A Special Gift
 Tired of hearts filled with chocolate? Looking for something other than roses and teddy bears?
This year consider giving a gift that doesn't gather dust, sit on a shelf or find its way to your hips. An Executive Errands gift certificate is the perfect way to tell someone how much you love them and how well you understand just how busy they are.
What can an Executive Errands gift certificate be redeemed for? Any labor item on your 'to do' list*. We can do the laundry, grocery shop, clean out the closet or the junk drawer. We can do your filing or reorganize your cupboards. We can wait on your behalf for utility companies or deliveries.
 If you have a project you simply haven't had time to start or one come up unexpectedly, an Executive Errands Concierge can simplify your life.
Executive Errands gift certificates are available in any hourly denomination from 2 hours to as many as you like. Give the gift of love - treat your beloved to the gift of time!
For more information or to order your gift certificate, please contact us by email at info@executive-errands.com or by phone at 760.469.2487 *All service provider work is excluded from the Concierge gift certificate. |
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DIY - Should you do the work yourself or hire a professional?
 That's a pretty big question. Oftentimes we'll opt to do the work ourselves in order to save a few dollars, only to find out we don't have the expertise or tools to do the job.
Sometimes we don't find out until we're halfway through the job and now we have a major mess on our hands. Or worse, we end up injuring ourselves because our bodies and our minds don't agree about our capabilities.
Before you start a project, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have the time to do this?
- Do I have the money?
- Do I have the proper tools?
- Do I know how to use the tools?
- Have I ever done anything like this before?
When you have work that needs to be done, Executive Errands has a network of local, licensed and insured Service Providers who can tend to your every need. Need pest control? We can do that. Need housekeeping? We can do that. Need a caterer? Yep, we have that too.  Seriously, no matter what you might need - window cleaning, remodeling (both small and large), carpet cleaning, shutter repair, pool maintenance, video montages, cable/satellite maintenance and installation, garage doors, drapery cleaning.....and so much more!
Executive Errands is a full service, one phone call Concierge company who can handle any task. Referrals are free if you want to DIY the coordination. Or we can handle tasks for you when you're busy at work or out of town. For more information or for a referral, please contact Executive Errands at 760.469.2487 or 760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com |
 Valentine's Day - for many people a day for love and adoration. From the "Didja Know" category, here are several nuggets of Valentine's Day trivia:
--Teachers receive the most Valentine's Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then, sweethearts.
--Children between ages 6 to 10 exchange more than 650 million Valentine's cards with teachers, classmates, and family members.
--Verona, the Italian city where Shakespeare's play lovers, Romeo and Juliet, lived, receives about 1,000 letters every year sent to Juliet on Valentine's Day.
 --In the Middle Ages young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned on their sleeves for one week. This was done so that it becomes easy for other people to know your true feelings. This was known as "to wear your heart on your sleeve".
--The most beautiful and incredible gift of love is the monument Taj Mahal in India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife it stands as the emblem of the eternal love story. Work on the Taj Mahal began in 1634 and continued for almost 22 years and required the labor of 20,000 workers from all over India and Central Asia.
--In America, the pilgrims used to send confections, such as sugar wafers, marzipan, sweetmeats and sugar plums, to their affianced. A lot of value was placed on these gifts because they included what was then a rare product, sugar.
--The oldest surviving love poem to date is written in a clay tablet from the times of the Sumerians, inventors of writing, around 3500 B.C.
760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com |
Garage Door Preventative Maintenance....
 The one thing you use more than just about anything else at your home is your garage door, but when was the last time you did any preventative maintenance on it?
With all the dust and sand here, plus the constant up and down of the motor and springs, there is significant wear and tear. You can extend the life of both the motor and the springs with this simple tip:
Two to three times per year, spray the springs, hinges and wheels with some white lithium grease. Not WD40. Not Silicon Grease. White Lithium Grease. You can find it at most any hardware store.
 Then, once every year to year and a half, have your door balanced and your motor adjusted. The constant vibration of the motor can knock the whole door out of alignment.
Keep in mind too that springs typically last between 7 and 10 years. They might not look worn, but after that period of time, they could 'go' at any time, wrecking havoc and causing major damage or injury.
If you follow the simple preventative maintenance tips above, you will extend the life of your garage door.
If you need door balancing, replacement springs or a whole new door, please give us a call. We have qualified and insured technicians available to care for your garage doors.
For more information or to schedule garage door preventative maintenance, or, if you just want a referral, please call us at 760.469.2487 www.executive-errands.com |
Sweets for the Sweet....
 Are you looking for the perfect treat for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day?
Does your honey like cupcakes or chocolate dipped strawberries? For the month of February, when you purchase one dozen cupcakes, you'll receive an additional half dozen of the same kind absolutely FREE!
And fresh chocolate dipped strawberries are a delight for anyone to receive. At just $14 a half dozen they're so reasonable you can buy as many as you like.
Don't care for or are allergic to strawberries? Our baker will dip any fruit of your choice (in season). Cherries, pineapple, melon - they can do it all!
 Both cupcakes and chocolate dipped fruit are available all year 'round and make perfect thank you, I'm thinking of you, and Happy Anything gifts.
A little champagne, some chocolate dipped strawberries - mmmmm
To order or for a referral to our extraordinary baker, please call 760.469.2487
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Referral Special....Don't Pass This Up!
Your referrals have always been the best compliment we receive. In celebration of our upcoming 5th anniversary, we are offering you a sweet incentive!  For everyone (existing clients, business associates, friends, everyone) who brings us three (3) new absentee home clients, we will give you a FREE YEAR of Absentee Home Service - or the equivalent of two hours free per month!
That's a better than $1300 gift - and it's pretty sweet since you're already referring us anyway. To qualify, all three referrals must sign up for a regular membership commitment of a minimum two hours per month. And they must satisfy the entire year. Your free service shall run parallel with theirs so you don't have to wait for their year to complete before receiving your gift. What could be simpler? You bring us three new clients, we give you a year of service free.....Lovely.... For more information www.executive-errands.com or 760.469.2487 |
 The Palm Desert Soroptimist club is hosting their Dessert Derby on March 16th at the Indian Wells Country Club from 11 am to 2 pmThis is a fun and fantastic event and one not to be missed! The always enjoyable Patrick Evans, CBS 2 Senior Meteorologist is emcee for this event. Enjoy a delicious luncheon, vote for your favorite cake then bid for it and perhaps you'll take a cake, an auction item or maybe you'll win an opportunity drawing. At just $55, this is a great value with all of the profits going to House of Hope and other local charities. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Connie Cameron 760.345.7299 ==========================================================  The Cathedral City - Rancho Mirage Soroptimist Spring Fling fundraiser is scheduled for April 9, 2011 at the Classic Club in Palm Desert.
The club is planning a Boutique Sale event where each member will showcase their particular hobby, talent, craft or business.
Even if you're not a member, you may be able to showcase your special goods along with us. Just contact us for more information.  As always, the CC-RM Soroptimist club raises funds for House of Hope and other desert charities. Mark your calendars now and keep an eye out for more information.
If you'd like to attend a club meeting to see if you might like to become a member, please let us know. A really great group of women participate in this club. Please call at 760.898.9604 or 760.469.2487 www.executive-errands.com |
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 Last month I wrote about less email and more telephone in order to bring more human-ness into my life.
It's been a bit unusual to drop the keyboard and pick up the telephone. More than once there's been a surprised voice on the other end of the phone when I called rather than respond to email, but it's been more than worth the effort.
In response to that article (and resolution), my trademark attorney, a longtime faithful reader, Tom McDermott, sent me the following (slightly paraphrased):
If you want to get something accomplished, there are three ways to do it:
1. Write a letter - something may happen within the next several months or it may not
2. Make a telephone call - this might get something started
3. Go out and meet with the client - THEN you'll get the job done
Great advice! And so very true. Tom often sends email feedback after newsletters but this was the first time he sent an actual letter and it was a thrill to get it in the mail.
 It takes so little to make people happy. Be like Tom. Go the extra mile. Take the time to give your feedback or offer a kind word. Believe me, it will brighten both your days.
And while you're at it, let love into your life - not only romantic love, or love for your children and grandchildren, but also for the work you do.
Someone once said to me "Work is what you do, a Job is what you have". I've never forgotten that. Great work, work that you absolutely love, will enrich your life. I hope you never forget that....
Happy Valentine's Day!!
Leslie Spoor
President, Executive Errands
760.469.2487
We value our clients' privacy. Therefore we do not, distribute your email address to anyone, ever.
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