Be Kind

We are hiring like crazy at Return Path and we have an extensive interview process which means I have been involved with quite a few interviews lately.  One of the stories I always tell people who are interviewing who ask me about Return Path is about our CEO, Matt Blumberg.  

This is one of those stories that I'm sure has morphed over time in my head but the way I remember it, it was shortly after I started at Return Path, almost six years ago.  I attended an internal time management training that Matt led.  I could write a whole separate blog post about how that training has helped to make me organized and anal retentive about my inbox but that is for another day.  

In addition to maintaining a clear focus on work and immediate actions that need to be taken in your work life, Matt discussed using the same system for personal goals and aspirations.  I'm sure he uses a different system now, but at the time it was an excel spreadsheet where all of his tasks were listed in different worksheets and reviewed regularly based on type.  He quickly scrolled through his different worksheets and in his personal spreadsheet at the top of the spreadsheet, in bold, said "BE KIND".

I think about this often.  First, I'm proud that I work for a company who is led by someone who values the importance of being kind in everything he does.  There are not many people like that and certainly few companies that focus on kindness.  Secondly, I use it for myself as a daily reminder that the speed of life, busy schedules, appointments, work load, etc. is no excuse to forget simple acts of kindness.  

There's the old saying -  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It takes money to make money or if you want to have a friend, be a friend. If you want to be valued, value others more and if you want to be treated with kindness you must be kind to others.  There is a spiritual principal of the Universe that says to give what you would like to receive. That's why I love the company I work for and I do my best to focus on kindness - it isn't always easy but with a little kind and gracious living, I can truly enjoy every day more. 

Finally New Photos

You may think I've lost interest in taking photos of Samantha.  The reality is that my camera has been on the fritz for the past few months, it is hit or miss to get it to turn on.  I'm hoping that I get a new one for Christmas.  I have gotten it to work occasionally in the past few weeks so you can see for yourself here how adorable she is.

I think she is looking a lot like her Daddy lately...

In other news, I am 22 weeks along and getting big.  I'm still working out and have had a lot of energy.  Mainly I feel great in the process of working out/running and then can barely move the day after.

Mommy Do It

Samantha is in a serious Mommy phase right now.  Of course when I am pregnant and especially worn out, it is a constant "Mommy take me out of car seat" or "Mommy read me books" or "Mommy change diaper" - Mommy must do it all.  Although I am tired, I will admit that I love that she wants me close.  I figure I should soak this up as it won't be long until she is a teenager, slamming doors and telling me to get lost.

Dave is an especially good sport because usually when she proclaims her Mommy preference it is tied with a "No, not Daddy, Mommy do it!". I know she is two, but sometimes she is downright hurtful.  I would have a hard time with it but Dave takes it in stride.   The other night when Sammy threw a big Mommy fit before bed I explained that she had hurt Daddy's feelings and that she should apologize.  I have to say that it was incredibly adorable as she opened the door, walked down the hallway and said "Daddy...I sorry".  It's truly amazing how she is really soaking it all in these days.

I'm in Washington D.C. for work this week so Samantha and Daddy are having some good bonding time - Mommy free.