Judy Miller Gerard

Story Archive

A mid-year assessment can keep our lives on track: Wednesday, June 24, 2009; July is a time when business people are ending their fiscal year, taking a mid-summer look at how things are going and making plans for the remaining six months of the year in order to have the best possible results in their business.
Proper manners a way to brighten everyone’s day: Wednesday, June 10, 2009; Recently I wrote about some things we each can do to make our own world, and the world around us, a better place to be in terms of economic and physical comforts. Let's consider what we each can do to make our world a kinder, gentler place to share.
We need to work together in these troubling times: Wednesday, May 27, 2009; We are living in troubled, uncertain times. A number of people have lost their jobs, others have lost their homes; some have lost both. The lifetime savings of others acquired over a period of many years is gone, and they approach retirement with the fearsome question of how they are going to get along. There is fear, anger and confusion.
Don’t let the larger world spin away from you: Wednesday, May 20, 2009; We often speak of the world and the many worrisome, fearsome things that are happening all over, but when did you last give more than just a passing thought to your own particular little world?
A list can help keep priorities in order: Thursday, April 30, 2009; Many years ago, the manager of the office where I worked had an efficiency expert come in to check us out. The first thing he did was give each of us a steno pad and asked us to write down what we did every minute of the workday and for how long — every phone call, every trip to the file cabinet, every conversation with a client, absolutely everything we did. At the end of the workday we were to date it, sign it and give it to him. You can imagine the howls of protest that went up; however, some of us had to admit that we were surprised and amazed at just how little time we spent on some things and how much time we wasted on others. It was truly a learning experience.
It's important to keep a routine if job hunting: Wednesday, April 15, 2009; Being out of work and looking for a job is difficult. The physical demands of the task are great, and the longer it takes, the greater the threat to one's sense of well-being.
Improvements to health care start at front desk: Wednesday, March 25, 2009; Just about every day we see, hear or read that important changes to improve our health care will be made by the federal government. We don't have a timetable yet as to when this is likely to happen, but it is expected to bring about tremendous changes in our medical world.
Laying down rules can ease life with roommates: Wednesday, March 11, 2009; From time to time, those of us who live alone consider the possibility of sharing our homes with another person, perhaps a friend or relative. It could be from loneliness, or it could simply be that we'd like to have someone with whom to share the expenses and responsibilities involved in maintaining a home.
Simple solutions for those struggling in this economy: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009; Our nation has come through many difficult economic times, and it seems to me that in each case two basic things happened. People took stock of their situation and looked for ways of cutting back on their living expenses. Then they began to find ways of sharing and working together in order to help themselves and each other.
A detailed checklist for the new year: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009; This is a good time to check and make sure your affairs are in order.
Peace on earth, goodwill starts with each individual: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008; I went caroling last week, and as we sang the age-old songs, I was warmed and inspired by the words, especially “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” As the sound of the last note faded away, however, I found myself adding a postlude: “beginning with me.’’
Some thoughts on the upcoming holidays: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008; As I ponder this holiday season, a number of thoughts come forward — reminders of things we know but sometimes forget, and some ideas for far more creative gift giving. I respectfully share them for your thoughtful consideration.
Make the holidays special, even on a budget: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008; We've just done Thanksgiving. Hopefully we all gave thanks for our friends and families, our health, our jobs, the privilege of living in our great country and also for what we have in the way of material blessings, be that large or small.
Stretch yourself a bit this Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008; As we stand on the threshold of Thanksgiving this year, let's pay particular attention to those closest to us in our family and circle of friends and take the time to let them know how much we appreciate them.
Personal changes can lessen effects of economy: Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008; "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" is a very famous quote and a timely reminder to us in this time of economic uncertainty. When our minds are controlled by fear, we are in a constant state of anxiety and quite unable to think clearly, so we sink more deeply into the problem.