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It’s almost the end of summer. And it’s with nostalgia that I look back on the trips I’ve taken (my favorite: Safari West, www.safariwest.com), with my mom and the California nieces & nephews, the books I’ve read (Hiaasen’s “The Downhill Lie” (and I don’t even play golf!), and ALL of Andrea Camilleri’s wonderful Southern Italian murder mysteries), the projects I’ve been a part of (wishing there had been more), and the light at dawn and sunsets across the country that I’ve shared with family, friends and others. Autumn officially begins September 22nd and I’m excited about returning to work with more focus. Would I say with joy? That might be an over statement, but it’s certainly not tearful.

photos by bond56

As a native Californian, I didn’t grow up with the change of seasons like those living in the Northeast or mid-West. And living in New York City, I’ve grown to love and anticipate each new season. But I found that the transition from summer to fall, required preparation, a ‘list’ if you will, of things that I had to do to prepare myself for the return to work. So, for those of you who are bemoaning the shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the end of the summer’s romance, I’ll share my list of what I do, that gets me ‘in the mood’ for longer work days, sharpens my focus on planning ahead (for professional and social reasons), and the cleaning of closets before the holidays begin. Hope it’s helpful.

The Fall Preparation List (planning starts in August!)
• Review calendar for priority engagements professional/ social/personal for next 6-months
• Review and/or revise business plan/goals/new initiatives
• Revise discretionary budget opportunities
• Check coupon folders for sales and closeouts
• Increase commitment to a more disciplined exercise program (to manage stress and in preparation for holiday feasting)*
• Continue daily meditation/prayer
• Re-stock beauty products as needed (www.perriconemd.com)
• Schedule next 6-months of on-going beautification & maintenance treatments at favorite local salon (www.felinedayspa.com)
• Evaluate the fall wardrobe & closets for new acquisitions and items to be donated/discarded
• Attend fall fashion trunk shows at favorite department stores (a freebee, and always fun!)
• Check-in with friends, colleagues and clients returning home from the summer hiatus
• Assess inventory of office/technology supplies, re-ordering as necessary
• Schedule winterizing service for the car
• Begin tax preparation & make appointment with tax guy to review situation (a terrifying experience that must be done)
• Check inventory of shoes and handbags, schedule needed repairs
• Plan fall foliage weekend get-away

Here’s to your fall season of ALL things good.
Rona Carr
Principal
The Austin International Group

*Managing stress effectively is critical to a healthy lifestyle, as is getting plenty of sleep, both of which I highly recommend

Welcome to The Austin International Group’s new website!

This Summer, we took the time to completely overhaul our site, and really examine what we offer our clients. We gathered testimonials, refined our services, and launched a new announcements section, so you can stay better informed.

Take a look around, and let us know what you think!