LinkedIn posted an article a little while back that I just found.

It goes over the top 8 Qualities of Remarkable Employees.

How many do you possess?

1. They ignore job descriptions. The smaller the company, the more important it is that employees can think on their feet, adapt quickly to shifting priorities, and do whatever it takes, regardless of role or position, to get things done.

When a key customer's project is in jeopardy, remarkable employees know without being told there's a problem and jump in without being asked—even if it's not their job.

2. They’re eccentric... The best employees are often a little different: quirky, sometimes irreverent, even delighted to be unusual. They seem slightly odd, but in a really good way. Unusual personalities shake things up, make work more fun, and transform a plain-vanilla group into a team with flair and flavor.

People who aren't afraid to be different naturally stretch boundaries and challenge the status quo, and they often come up with the best ideas.

3. But they know when to dial it back. An unusual personality is a lot of fun... until it isn't. When a major challenge pops up or a situation gets stressful, the best employees stop expressing their individuality and fit seamlessly into the team.

Remarkable employees know when to play and when to be serious; when to be irreverent and when to conform; and when to challenge and when to back off. It’s a tough balance to strike, but a rare few can walk that fine line with ease.

4. They publicly praise... Praise from a boss feels good. Praise from a peer feels awesome, especially when you look up to that person.

Remarkable employees recognize the contributions of others, especially in group settings where the impact of their words is even greater.

5. And they privately complain. We all want employees to bring issues forward, but some problems are better handled in private. Great employees often get more latitude to bring up controversial subjects in a group setting because their performance allows greater freedom.

Remarkable employees come to you before or after a meeting to discuss a sensitive issue, knowing that bringing it up in a group setting could set off a firestorm.

6. They speak when others won’t. Some employees are hesitant to speak up in meetings. Some are even hesitant to speak up privately.

An employee once asked me a question about potential layoffs. After the meeting I said to him, “Why did you ask about that? You already know what's going on.” He said, “I do, but a lot of other people don't, and they're afraid to ask. I thought it would help if they heard the answer from you.”

Remarkable employees have an innate feel for the issues and concerns of those around them, and step up to ask questions or raise important issues when others hesitate.

7. They like to prove others wrong. Self-motivation often springs from a desire to show that doubters are wrong. The kid without a college degree or the woman who was told she didn't have leadership potential often possess a burning desire to prove other people wrong.

Education, intelligence, talent, and skill are important, but drive is critical. Remarkable employees are driven by something deeper and more personal than just the desire to do a good job.

8. They’re always fiddling. Some people are rarely satisfied (I mean that in a good way) and are constantly tinkering with something: Reworking a timeline, adjusting a process, tweaking a workflow.

Great employees follow processes. Remarkable employees find ways to make those processes even better, not only because they are expected to… but because they just can't help it.

Here's the original article: 8 Qualities of Remarkable Employees

I finished another knitting project!!

This time I made the Bandana Cowl off of The Purl Bee's website! So cute!!

This is the first one I've made and it's actually for my Mom. Lol.

If you want to make one The Purl Bee has the pattern here.

I didn't understand what a wrap and turn was, but I was shown by Stephanie at Knit 2 Together! :D

If anybody has questions or wants to learn a wrap and turn but can't make it to a yarn shop let me know and I'll do a tutorial! :D

Long, long ago, a girl named Isis pinned a makeup bag on Pinterest!

And I've finally made it!! TWICE!!!

Although I haven't made it to use as a makeup bag either time.

For my first attempt I wanted to make a big bag for my knitting/crochet projects.

The first time I tried, I sewed on the wrong side of the zipper (so it was in between the lining and the outside fabric). Oops! So I pulled it out...

The second time I realized I had the outside fabric facing the wrong way. So I pulled it out...

The third time I (again) sewed on the wrong side of the zipper. Grrrr. So I pulled it out....

The fourth time I got it!!! But my lining was on the outside and the pretty fabric was on the inside! I didn't care at this point and I didn't want to pull it out again. So I just went ahead and finished!!

First bag (project bag that will fit 2 projects and 10" knitting needles):

I also wanted to make a zippered pencil pouch because I didn't like anything I found when I went looking for one! Not even makeup bags that I could have used as a pencil pouch...

There was only one mishap on this one. :) I accidentally laid the outside fabric facing down when it should have been up, so I had to pull that attempt out.

But then I got it!!! :D

Second bag (pencil pouch):

The awesome tutorial I found on Pinterest is HERE at Prudent Baby!

If you have any questions or comments please leave it down below!! Peace out! :P

Hi guys!! So, I've crocheted for as long as I can remember, my mom taught me when I was around 9.

I taught myself to knit about 5 years ago to make one project and I haven't really made anything knitted since then, so I've forgotten!!

The reason I'm so excited is because I just found this cute little yarn store in my town!!

http://www.myknit2together.com

Stephanie and Pat are so awesome! And all of the yarn! AHH!! I love just sitting in their shop! Back on track... They have a knit/crochet night on Tuesdays from 6-8pm and I went last week to take a break from homework and work on my blankets that I'm crocheting. Well, it was like I was a new species. Lol. All of the women there were like, "Oh yeah! I haven't crocheted in forever!" :)

So the next day (since I was just staring at all of the BEAUTIFUL yarn for 2 hours) I decided to go in an re-learn how to knit and get some amazing yarn to make one of my friends a hat with!!

I don't have a picture of the hat right now (I forgot to take one before I gave it to her) but I finished it in ONE DAY! It was a pretty simple rolled brim hat but I'm so proud of myself!! :D I've since moved on to a super cute bandana cowl off of The Purl Bees website!! Here's the link:

http://www.purlbee.com/bandana-cowl/2011/10/11/sweet-stitching-with-erin-bandana-cowl.html

If you knit/crochet you should definitely look through their website (if you don't already). They have so many things to make and you can ask questions!!

Well, I'm off to knit some more and teach myself some Accounting from Chapter 18! Lol

Happy yarning!

So, I've been wanting to try this mascara for forever, about a year. I FINALLY GOT SOME!!

Also!! I was at Staples today to get a voice recorder for class and I saw a huuuge Martha Stewart Home Office display. Oh, I was in heaven.

(more after the break)

Today I finally got around to making my Double-Sided Door Draft Stopper!! Yay!



(tutorial after the break)

So, I've recently acquired two amazing things!!

The first is my beautiful (demonic) cat, Samantha, we call her Sam. :)

The second is my Silhouette CAMEO that I won in a giveaway at Alison's blog Oopsey Daisy!

(more after the break)