Karen Waters

My Comments (12 so far…)

How to Reinvent Yourself in These Changing Times: The wOw Conversation

Interesting chat ladies…about two years ago as I approached 40, I was looking for exactly what you are discussing — work, but enjoyable, meaningful work. I had a job— by all accounts a good job — but I wanted more. I loved my chosen career (IT professional), but my needs had grown and changed as I got older. So, I setup a blog called "Finding Me" (http://findingme.typepad.com). I wasn’t sure where it was going to go and spent two years trying to figure out what people actually blog about and who would actually care! Recently, though, I took the approach that I’m just talking to my friends about stuff we would chat about over lunch. So, if I hear of something interesting that I think would be interesting to my friends, I write about it. It gives me the satisfaction of writing, which I love, and also satisfies my "techy" side. Do I earn money doing this - that’s a big fat NO! But, I’m earning money to support my family at my regular job and finding my personal satisfaction in my blog. The best of both worlds…for now!

What's the first thing you would do if you were fired from your job?

I think I would cry first then pick myself up and make a plan. Several years ago my husband was fired a few days after Christmas. We had two small children and no income was scary. But, my husband when right to work networking and has built a successful land surveying company. Sometimes getting fired is a blessing.

What is the most important lesson in leadership you have ever learned? What were the circumstances?

As a woman in a mostly male dominated industry (IT), I found that as a leader I had to believe in my abilities and speak my opinion strongly while not being afraid to admit when I made a mistake.

On 'Nightline' Tonight: Cynthia McFadden Interviews Paula Abdul of 'American Idol' (Video)

I think there may be some merit to something between her and Simon. If you catch them as the cameras switch back to the judges, you often see them smiling and whispering to each other.

Do you have a will? What events in your life could move you or have moved you to change or update it?

My husband and I wrote a will shortly after the birth of our first son. However, we have not updated it since our second child was born. So, this is a nice reminder to GET IT DONE! Thanks.

Carlie Beck Student Defends Tattling on Nude Playboy Coach (Video)

Oops, I meant "too many UNEXCUSED absences".

Carlie Beck Student Defends Tattling on Nude Playboy Coach (Video)

I hope the school treats the issues separately, though. The 14 year old should STILL not be allowed to participate in cheerleading next year. She broke the rules by having too many excused absences so she should pay the consequences as well. I hope someone follows up on this story and lets us know if this girl cheers next year.

Liz Smith Says Success Is Being a wOw Woman

I SO agree with you, Liz. Loving your work is key. I have found myself unfulfilled for several years in my career. I’ve looked for ways to do what I really love, but found it difficult by life choices. I would love to be Ann Curry on Dateline or Cynthia McFadden on Primetime - I would be great at that! I turned 40 last year so the likelihood of being an investigative reporter at this point are slim - smile - but I can be fulfilled by doing things like participating in wOw and still focus on things that are important to me like my family. The most important advice I’ve given to young adults is to come up with two careers - one you want to do when you are young and one you want to do when you get bored of the first one!

Candice Bergen: The Silver Palate and the Potential Peril

In our area, every church in the region puts out their own cookbook. I inherited several from my mom and grandmother. Those truly are the best cookbooks! Church people know how to eat!

Lee Woodruff Talks to Cynthia McFadden About Her New Book, Perfectly Imperfect

Awesome interview Cynthia. We see so much of a journalist in their stories on the news each night. It’s nice to get insight on their spouses. On-air personalities often seem so far out of the league of the general public, but I see much of myself in Lee Woodruff. Lee, thanks for sharing yourself and your family with us. I can’t wait to read the book.

Candice Bergen: A Level Playing Field

You know, Candice, I saw an episode of Little House on the Prairie this weekend that coincides with your comments. It’s the final episode where a greedy businessman reveals he owns the land on which Walnut Grove was built. He gives the townspeople 2 days to clear out. They gather, as a community, to divide up duties and help out their less fortunate neighbors. They make room in their wagons to help others transport their belongings. A true community…

It would be nice if that were the result of the current economic times. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. I think the stress of the situation turns people to blame and despair. Look at the increase in the crime rate since the economic downturn. How many murder-suicides have we seen topping the news because of financial problems? It’s a sad time for everyone.

What is the first thing you do in the morning on a day off from work?

What do I do? I guess it depends on whether the kids have school because if they do, I still have to get them ready. I find that if my morning schedule changes, the whole family gets off track. But, once they are off, I simply enjoy the peace of a quiet house…that’s the thing I miss most after having kids - time alone in my own home.