This month...

November flew by too fast and I missed an issue! But I'm back with you this month to wrap up the year.

• The Year Draws To a Close
• Top Ten Things To Say About Gifts You Don't Really Like
• Bookkeeping - a service provided
• Last Minute Christmas Gifts
• Thought for the Day

The Year Draws To a Close...

By this time of year I'm in two minds: one part of me is wondering how the year passed so quickly and the other part of me can't wait for the Christmas/New Year lull so I can start planning new projects for the coming year. I've been placing sheets of paper with scribbled notes or articles and photos into a manilla folder since September and it's almost an inch thick!

Some business operators I've spoken to have already got lots booked in for January, and others are anxiously waiting for the quiet period to start.

I love this time of year, despite its frenzy. I know I'm going to get to see my two daughters and their husbands and our other three daughters will also be here for Christmas. It's a wonderful excuse for a family get together. And also a time to reach out to others. We like to invite people we come across who might not have family to celebrate with, and we welcome them into our home and family at this special time of year.

I hope that you won't be alone at this Christmastime, or if you are, perhaps you know a couple of people you could meet up with and have a meal with. People let their hair down over a meal. I learned recently of studies that revealed eating and socialising are intimately connected and people feel far more relaxed in the company of others, because all are participating in the same activity at the same time. So there you have it - you can enjoy your meal and enjoy the company and not feel guilty for sitting around the dining room table for long periods of time. Oh, and I've added below some tips for gifts you receive that you might not be partial to - just in case .

May I remind you also that I am particularly keen on speaking to women's groups, mother's groups, or church groups around Australia throughout 2008. My presentation is about women working at home and being present for their families - which is the topic of my recently published book and is a subject very close to my heart. If you know of such an organisation or group seeking a speaker on this particular topic, please do let me know, or forward my details to them. My speaker's website is KathieThomas.com or you can download my flyer to pass on.

Top Ten Things To Say About the Gifts You Don't Really Like

10. "Well, well, well, now, there's a gift!"

9. "No, with all the hostile takeovers this year, I missed the big Ronco/K-Tel/Ginsu merger. Would you just look at that! What will they think of next?!"

8. "Hey, as long as I don't have to feed it, or clean up after it, or put batteries in it, I'm happy!"

7. "No, really, I didn't know that there was a Chia Pet tie! Oh, wow! It's a clip-on too!"

6. "You know, I always wanted one of these! Jog my memory — what's it called again?"

5. "You know what? — I'm going to find a special place to put this!"

4. "Boy, you don't see craftsmanship like that every day!"

3. "And it's such an interesting color too!"

2. "You say that was the last one? Am I so glad that you snapped that baby up!"

And the number one thing to say about
the Christmas gifts you didn't like is:

1. "You shouldn't have! I mean it, you really shouldn't have!"

You can see more Top 10 items for Christmas at Grant's Graceland.

Bookkeeping - a service provided

Many of you know that our Virtual Assistants provide admin/secretarial type support and many web-based services. But did you know we also have many qualified bookkeepers on our team? If you go to our search page and enter in 'bookkeeping' you'll find a number listed and you can scroll through for someone close to you. You could also choose to search on your favourite bookkeeping program, such as MYOB or Quickbooks, or another if you use something different.

Your bookkeeper can liaise with your accountant and ensure that your bookwork is kept in optimum order, so if you feel that this is a side of your business that is sadly lacking, why not look up our team today?

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

If you still have some Christmas shopping to do then the items at our VAShop might just have what you're looking for. We have books, mousepads, web hosting, and online courses. They can be ordered online, some delivered electronically, some by mail, but the best part of all is that you don't have to go and line up in aisles in stores or the post office!

Have a great month everyone and if you're taking some leave, a wonderful holiday period!

Kathie M. Thomas

Thought for the day:

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.
Agnes M. Pharo

About Our Organisation…

What is a Virtual Assistant?
It's a term for home-based secretaries, administrative and secretarial support, and others who supply remote or virtual office support.

We are as close to you as your computer and can do almost anything traditional support staff do - except virtually. You don't need to provide office space, equipment, software or furniture - we have our own!

Location no issue as the work is carried out 'virtually' no matter where you are!  However, if you need someone locally we can supply. See our list at VA Directory