Madison Jeans
Madison Jeans
Yes, You Can Have It All
My business has no boundaries creatively or demographically. Thanks to 21st century technology, my virtual team is scattered throughout the United States: I have proofreaders and editors in New York and Texas, IT personnel in California, Philadelphia and South Carolina, camera crews on the west and east coast, public relations associates throughout the country and the list goes on. The irony of my business is that within a team of many, I have only personally met two members but our connection is strong and the professionalism is unsurpassed.
Within the past seven years, I have moved my office to my home so I could be accessible to care for my elderly father and be ‘home’ for my daughter. I certainly have the best of both worlds. Advertising is hectic and my life is hectic but when there is a field trip for my daughter’s school, I am there and when my dad needs to see a doctor, I, too, am there. The beauty of advertising is that a great deal of the work can be done ‘after hours’ and because of the personal choices I have made, there are many nights that I do indeed burn the midnight oil but the rewards are tremendous.
It is not easy juggling work and home and I am convinced that some people are actually better suited to work within the structure of a traditional work environment. Working at home is not for everyone and strong discipline must be applied otherwise work will only be a hobby. Also, for many self-employed, the hours are longer and the responsibilities are many but for those juggling family a sense of humor is a must.
Due to my dad’s failing health, I recently had to hire a home nurse so that I could concentrate on business commitments and meetings minus the interruptions. I knew the time for a nurse was approaching during a phone meeting I had a few months ago. While I was in the process of explaining a project to a client, my dad barged into my office and ranted aloud about what brand of toilet paper he should use. I began waving him off, trying to maintain my professionalism with my client and before I knew it my dad grabbed the phone from me and surveyed the client as to what brand he should use. Of course, I was humiliated, but then again, I make it no secret to my clients what my circumstances are and, to my surprise, the client had recommended Kleenex over Charmin. Well, that broke the ice and since then that client has become one of my top ongoing clients. My dad, however, is not allowed in my office any longer because…well just because.
A few years ago, when I was still in New York I had a meeting with Mattel regarding a package design job for a Barbie campaign. At the time, my daughter was only 18 months old and I kept her home with me while I worked. Midway through the phone meeting, my daughter began to get restless and I knew I had to become instantly creative in order to continue the meeting. While discussing new Barbie products, I immediately put up a caterpillar tent in the middle of my living room and conducted the rest of my meeting crawling within a two feet high tent with my daughter. It was a win-win situation and both my client and daughter were well satisfied. To Mr. DeMille, however, I would insist on not having my camera close-up that day.
Many people think of advertising as a ‘glamorous’ business and while I was on Madison Avenue, it was glamorous. Meetings at Sardi’s or The Russian Tea Room were not uncommon and tickets to top Broadway plays or upscale gifts were just some of the many perks of running an advertising agency in Manhattan. During the summer months, many clients would have elegant lawn parties on their estates in the upscale North Shore of Long Island where the best food and service was available. I have worked with the best and been with the best. These days, however, although the quality of work my agency puts out is the same, I am sad to say the glamour from the Manhattan era has faded. People who drop by my office will often find me in a tee shirt and jeans and when they are lucky I will be wearing my favorite jeans, which are ripped at both knees. Unknowingly to the youth of today, these favorite jeans were not purchased with the rips but rather ‘developed over time’.
My daughter attends a private school and I am her transportation. The school is one-hour commute in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, therefore, during weekdays every minute is accounted for. I must say that in the morning, my daughter and I have the minutes down to a science; we are a good team, especially while I am shoving the food into her little mouth and dressing her at the same time.
Last year, while waiting on the pick-up line for my daughter a teacher approached my car with a huge brown bag. Apparently she noticed my ‘ripped’ jeans and felt led to donate some of her clothes to me. I didn’t know what to say and it took all I had to hold in from laughing out loud. I graciously thanked her for thinking of me and suggested that perhaps her generosity would be better suited for someone in need. She stared in my eyes and assured me that she was sure that ‘I was that someone in need’. It occurred to me that she had no idea what my profession was and assumed that I was a struggling at home mom. Well, as I said, I have the best of both worlds and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world but maybe it has come time to retire my jeans… at least for when I pick my daughter up from school.
About the Author
Judi Lynn Lake successfully runs her own advertising agency which handles everything from logos, branding, videos and websites while continues to work closely with self-published authors from design to promotion. To learn more visit http://www.judilake.com
A recipe full of history for leftover turkey or chicken
Christopher Carson better known as Kit Carson was an explorer, scout, trapper, Indian agent, rancher and soldier during his 60 years of travels throughout the southwest. Born on Christmas Eve in Madison County, Kentucky, in 1809, Kit was the 9th of 14 children. When he was still an infant, the family moved to Howard County, Missouri where Carson spent most of his early childhood in Boone’s Lick. His father died when he was only nine years old, and the need to work prevented Kit from ever receiving an education. At the age of 14, Kit was working as an apprentice to a saddle and harness maker. However, the young man soon became restless and after about a year he joined a wagon train heading west on the Santa Fe Trail in 1826.
From the Santa Fe Kit went north to Taos where he worked as a cook, errand boy and harness repairer. When he was 19, he was hired for a fur trapping expedition to California, where, in spite of his small stature (he never exceeded 5 and a half feet) he soon proved himself able and courageous. And behind every good man there is a good woman.
Bowl Of The Wife Of Kit Carson
1/4 c chicken (or turkey),Cooked
-meat,in bite-sized pieces
1/4 c rice,cooked
1 c rich chicken broth
1/4 c garbanzo beans,Cooked
1 pn leaf oregano
1/4 whole chipotle pepper
-chopped
1/4 whole avocado,sliced
1/4 c Monterey Jack (or Muenster) Cheese,cubed
Heat broth to boiling and add chicken (or turkey), garbanzos,
chipotle pepper, rice and oregano. Serve in large individual bowls, and add cheese pieces and avocado just prior to serving.
This recipe is from Culinary Delights – 200 Recipes which is availble at
http://healthwiseeproducts.com/prods.php?cat_id=57&prod_id=317
About the Author
Jean from Health Wise eproducts which is about living in balance. Let’s look at the various factors that can have a positive or negative effect on health: debt, occupations, relationships, family, behaviour, diet and exercise. To ensure good health and to prevent disease from developing, it is important to be health wise. We can give you the answers you are looking for with a 100% Risk-Free Money Back Guarantee. http://www.healthwiseeproducts.com/
If you have any feedback or question please send to Jean at http://www.healthwiseeproducts.com/contact/
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Jones New York Women’s Haven Wash Madison Bootcut Jeans $39.99 These fashionable bootcut jeans from Jones New York feature a dark ahven wash. With a traditional five-pocket design, these jeans are finished with a belt loop waist and a light stretch for comfort. |
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William Rast Women’s ‘Madison’ Seville Wash Bootcut Jeans $94.99 These dark stretch denim jeans from William Rast boast a mid-rise and bootcut leg for a flattering, classic fit. Made of a durable and soft cotton blend, the ‘Madison’ bootcut jeans feature a traditional 5-pocket design. |