It’s been documented that birth order plays a vital role in a person’s potential success in life. I’ve learned the hard way, however, that “being the baby” hasn’t put me in the honored place that studies say I’m “entitled” to. I’m not spoiled; I’m not the princess of the family. I’ve had to work just as hard as my older brother and sister. In addition, sometimes—often—I’m just as much a leader as my first-born brother, and other times I’m lost in the shuffle just like my middle-child sister.

About the only thing that indicates that I’m the baby of the family is that my mom often calls me “baby.” But then again, I’ve heard my mom call my brother “baby,” my sister “baby,” and even my dad “baby.” (She just likes using this endearing term for all her “babies!) At times, however, I wish she would take the birth order studies to heart. I’d like to “get away with murder” once in a while, which is a privilege of being the youngest in the family!

Continue reading "Birth Right!" »

Posted by Emily Prysby at 12:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I could be married to a millionaire right now. I had my chance. I’ve learned the hard way, however, that being too picky may not be a good thing!

Before I met my husband, I was engaged to two others (not at the same time). One definitely turned out to be a big no-no. (He had an anger problem and once knocked a hole in our apartment wall. I figured that I might be his next target so I kicked him out of the apartment and out of my life.) The other man, however, was what most women would call “a great catch.”

Mark was a great guy in most ways. He was kind, loving, goal-oriented and deeply cared for me. He treated me like a princess when that was what I needed; he treated me as an intelligent, independent woman when this was what I desired. He wanted me to be the best I could be and he strove to be the best he could be. His exceptional qualities were further enhanced by exceptional good looks. All who met him thought he was definitely “a keeper.”

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Posted by Sandra Dalka-Prysby at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My first anniversary as a full-time, “big girl” working woman is fast approaching. (After graduating from college in 2005 and spending a year in search of a position in my field—marketing—I was fortunate to find my “perfect” job last August.) I love what I do and who I do it for.

Soon after employment, I discovered that college doesn’t really prepare you for the “real world.” I thought I knew…if not everything…at least enough to make me a worthwhile commodity. I’ve learned the hard way, however, that education is gained on the job and not in the classroom. (Too be fair to advanced education, I guess I am using some morsels of knowledge that I picked up here and there on campus, but they are only tidbits compared to what I learn every day at work.)

To help other “new bees” in the workforce, I am going to share some of the things that I learned I should have done from day one on the job. Had I had this knowledge sooner, I would have done better.

Ask questions. When I first started my job I wanted to appear like I knew what I was doing. Because of this, I limited questions. After all, I didn’t want my boss to think I was dumb. Luckily, my boss encouraged me to not only ask questions, but to admit when I didn’t know how to do something. Once I realized that questions were not only acceptable but expected, I was able to better perform my job.

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Posted by Emily Prysby at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This has been a really hard couple of weeks. My husband and I have been to two funerals and on Wednesday we are going to our third…for our beloved brother-in law. All three deceased individuals died, as the saying goes, “before their time.” I’ve learned the hard way, however, that no matter the age, when a loved one dies it’s always before our time to give them up.

The first of the recent deaths was a 28-year-old expectant father. He took a break from decorating the nursery to go skateboarding with a friend. He wasn’t wearing a helmet when an accident brought his head into contact with the pavement. Now a baby boy will be born in four months never to know his adventurous father. (The lesson for all of you reading this is to always wear the proper gear for whatever venture you undertake!)

Continue reading "What a Teacher!" »

Posted by Sandra Dalka-Prysby at 07:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)