If you haven´t noticed, today is a rare day. February 29th only comes around every four years. Leap Day, as is it known, is granted because of the:

"deplorable untidiness of our solar system. One of our earth years (a complete orbit around the sun) does not take an exact number of whole days (one complete spin of the earth on its axis). In fact, it takes 365.2422 days, give or take.

The leap year was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46BC, to make the calendar tidier. The extra day every fourth year made the average year 365.25 days long." [BBC]

Basically, this day creates a "sync-up" with time and the earth´s rotation. And while that still might be confusing, like the electoral college, super delegates, and the persistently sexist media coverage of the 2008 presidential race...

Anyway, back to this phenomenon of Leap Year and how it relates to workingwomen. As Leap Day is an extra, bonus day, many claim that this should be used as such. A day for cleaning up that over-flowing junk drawer. A day for walking leisurely. A day for napping at 2pm. And according to folklore, it´s also a day for:

"women to be bold and brash and ask a man out on a date, or even for his hand in marriage." [MLive]

But if it´s up to your employer, it´s probably just the same ole´ workday.

In Britain, however, they´ve renamed today: The Green Leap Day. Employers are urged to use February 29th to find ways to improve the environment: cut their carbon footprint, launch environmentally-friendly initiatives, and in the case of the National Trust, give employees the day off to find additional ways to be "green" and support their community.

And so while most us of are sitting at our desk, counting down the hours until the weekend, we might want to follow the lead of our friends across the pond.

• Don´t reach for the Styrofoam cup, use the glass instead.
• Don´t fax over that document, email it instead.
• Don´t drive your car, walk or take public transportation instead. [More tips: Green Guide]

Oh, and be sure to enjoy your Leap Day!

 It’s August, and no matter where you live, I’m sure it’s hot. And no matter how hot it is, I’m pretty sure you’d rather be outside on a beach, than inside on your computer. Oh, lovely, lovely vacation. And although it may be next to impossible to even think about taking off work, as your desk swims in piles of neglected proposals, spreadsheets and post-its, remember that to be productive, you must create some order in your life. Balance is key. If you take the time to plan, you will be able to vacation, not worry about the office in your absence, and additionally, feel refreshed when you’re back. Take some advice from FCW.com (Federal Computer Week) on how to prepare for “holiday.” Article: http://www.fcw.com/article103378-08-06-07-Print Unfortunately, though, some American’s can not take advantage of leisure time off. According to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, (www.cepr.net) the United States is ranked lowest on their list for “generous vacation-giving nations,” as the federal government does not mandate such time off. Workforce.com tells you where to aim your jealousy: the Finns – they have a minimum 30 days guaranteed. Article: http://www.workforce.com/section/quick_takes/50400_1.html Have you had a vacation this summer?