"Swimming in the Steno Pool" by Lynn Peril

After reading Lynn Peril's book (author of "Pink Think" and "College Girls"), you will probably never look at yourself or your fellow secretaries the same way. The illustrations and retro ads alone will either make you laugh or spike your boss's coffee (just kidding - don't do that).

Her humorous, yet incredibly factual, "Swimming in the Steno Pool" (A Retro Guide to Making It In The Office) might make you want to actually give your boss a present on "Boss's Day."

To quote the old cigarette ad, "We've come a long way, baby."

I've always considered being a secretary an honest living and a good way to support one's self. It takes more than just a pretty face. Lucky for me. Unfortunately, it hasn't always been that way.

Lynn Peril starts from the beginning and brings you all the way to where we are now -which is a darn sight farther from where we've been.

"Yours truly" learned to type on an IBM Selectric (TM). Yes, I was a baby typist :)

(Did you even know there is a retirement home for secretaries?)

Available at amazon.com

Book Review: "Wallflower In Bloom" by Claire Cook

Deirdre Griffin lives her life in the shadow of her famous brother. She works for him, works with her family, and even lives on her brother’s property; her life is not her own. In a moment of unexpected bravery, she becomes a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. She enters seeking her own moment in the spotlight, but instead finds herself along the way. has given her main character many of the self-doubts and confusions many of us have felt in our lives. Deirdre’s leap of faith proves not only to change her outlook on her life, but gives her the power and confidence she needs to finally go from being the family’s “wallflower” to a Wallflower in Bloom. I found this book to be thoroughly enjoyable, with laugh out loud scenarios and warm, tender moments.

(Reviewed by Pamela N.)

Are Notaries More Valuable At Work?

A friend contacted me and asked me whether or not I knew if notaries received extra compensation from law firms.

Good question. No clue. I'm not a notary.

When I was interested in becoming a notary, it was very early in my career, I was not working in the legal field, and I was eager to add more skills to my resume.

It's always a smart idea to make yourself more marketable, right? But, does having a notary public license make you more marketable or valuable to your firm?

I've heard "rumors" that some firms offer an annual "stipend" shall we say for the secretaries who perform notary work in the office. I'm also told that some firms offer no additional compensation.

I know that the office notaries do tend to provide services for work that is not firm-related. Perhaps the individual pays them out of their own pocket for their service?

I'd love to know. If you're a notary, in a law firm, does your company provide additional compensation? Leave an "anonymous" comment.

Inquiring minds want to know.

And, if you're interested in becoming a notary, here's a link that will point you in the right direction.


www.nationalnotary.org