It's Just Me...SpectorLeaf

The Best Christmas Letter. Ever.

2008-12-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

This is one of the many annual newsletters that have been enclosed in the Christmas cards that I've received this year. It is without question the best one I've ever gotten. It speaks for itself:

Dear Friends,

As I begin to think about sending out Christmas Cards, the thoughts of "Should I do it this year…do I have all the addresses…I've never been one to write much in my cards, should I mention what my family's been up to the past year?..." go through my head. I begin to feel overwhelmed by the effort. I get tired of trying to organize so many activities over the holidays, the parties, the gifts, travel or not. . .it is all so much work. Many of you probably think similar things and for some of you, it's no effort at all. Unfortunately, however you look at it, I felt compelled for the first time in my life to write a letter this year. It may be a little sappy but deal with it anyway!

One thing is for sure at some point during the holidays it crosses our mind that another year has gone by and we never find the time to stay in touch with many of our friends and family members that we still hold dear in our hearts. It doesn't mean we don't indulge ourselves with memories of the people from our past that we never get to see anymore.

So much occurs throughout the year that sometimes we just don't feel like taking the time to send out Christmas cards knowing that our loved ones will understand. Through the years some of you (including myself) have experienced pain through the loss of a loved one, troubles within the family, financial instability, relocation or some other difficult occurrence. Some of you have experienced the joy of opening your home and hearts to adoption, giving birth, promotion at work, the excitement of beginning a new career (which can be a little nerve wracking too) or some other moment that brought happiness into your hearts.

We all have experienced joy and disappointment at some point with friends or family members but we can always count on one thing. The people whose paths have crossed ours and those experiences we have shared with one another, whether joy or pain, have contributed in part to who we are today. If only we had realized it at the time. Home truly amazing it is to encounter people in our lives that add to what we may be missing in ourselves.

Christmas is simply, a special time of year no matter what your belief. We all grew up learning the meaning of Christmas and how important it is to spend time with your friends and family while attempting to set any differences aside (often with our family members of course).
Maybe it's my kids that have made me sentimental over the years or maybe it's just part of growing older. Whatever the case may be, my sincere wish for each and everyone of you is to have a wonderful holiday season and may you discover and enjoy the importance of the people you once knew from your past, know in your present and will meet in your future.

Merry Christmas 2008
Joy to you and yours,

I Don't Even LIKE Tuna!

2008-12-01T18:55:00.003-07:00

Having a four day weekend is always a blessing and a curse - a blessing, of course, because there is more time to be able to spend on the things that we enjoy. A curse, because there are so many productive hours that seem to slip away into the past without getting anything accomplished.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was able to indulge in both sides of the four-day-weekend coin. Spending Thursday with my family was a treat, especially playing "hide and seek" with a 3 year old that has boundless energy and a face too cute to say "no" to (especially when she snuggles up to you and says "Please Aunt Beth, more hide seek"). It's impossible to turn that down!

And then I was left with the task of cleaning out and reorganizing my pantry. I've been putting this off for quite some time because I was afraid of how long it would take. And I ended up being right. In order to do this project properly, I had to unload and move 2 other bookcases before even starting on the pantry. My pantry is a free-standing cabinet that has been housed in the closet of my spare bedroom since the day I bought it. I still have no idea why I put it there, instead of in it's more appropriate place, in the dining area. So, to set everything right, I ended up rotating 3 pieces of furniture, including unloading and then reloading each piece.

I know that my pantry is no different than anyone else's in that when I get home from the grocery store, I put things in where they will fit, as opposed to where they belong. This always makes for a big mess and an eventual treasure hunt when the time finally comes to see what's really in there. And what did I find? A shocking array of things that I had forgotten about:

A case of Pria bars - still good to eat and now heading to work to be stashed in my desk
5 cans of corn - apparently there was a good deal at some point
Multiple boxes and bags of already opened sugar - I wonder what I was wanting to bake?
Microwave popcorn - so much that it makes me wince
Tuna, in many forms - steak, canned, pouch - and I HATE tuna

I have no idea what might have possessed me to buy any tuna in the first place, let alone that much. I don't even know what to do with it, how to cook it, or eat it, or not gag from it. But, I guess that I willl be eating some type of a tuna-corn casserole in my near future. I can hardly wait!

And in Other News. . .

2008-10-14T20:12:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that it's been five months since my last blog post. What the heck have I been doing? A lot, actually. Some of it fun, some of it not fun, but all of it necessary! So, now it's time to get back on all of my bandwagons and move forward with all things, well, ME! (And other people, too, if I fell they warrant some attention). To start things off, how about a quick-list of recent developments, and then, I promise I'll post a little more often!

I'm kicking some serious ass in the family's NFL blackout pool
Just finished a very cute book written by a former co-worker called "We Met At Starbucks". I was looking for another title entirely and came across this little gem.
Went away for a weekend in Breckenridge with some of the greatest ladies EVER! Learned a ton and made a few new friends, too.
Have started planning a trip to Costa Rica for my cousin's 40th birthday party. If you think my family gets crazy when we get together stateside, hang on to your hats for those time when we escape the borders!
Actually took the time to put all of my books in order according to the Dewey Decimal system. I know - I'm a freak, but lets not fight it anymore and just run with it. I'm scared to admit how many duplicates I found. I was surprised to find that Jeffrey Gitomer books falls into different sections. See, I really do learn things, even when I'm being weird.
Listed out all of the current projects I'm working on for Slumber Parties. Um, yeah - that needs to be prioritized a little better, cause it's really LONG!
Also have been making a list of the trips that I need to take next year, as well as the ones I want to take. Is it bad to be gone from your day job at least a couple of days per month all year long? I guess it depends on who's keeping track.
Set a new goal for myself at a meeting last night that seriously makes me want to vomit - but that's the point of goals. If they don't make you queasy, then they aren't hard enough!
Came across a Meme on another blog that I plan on pulling in this week. Please - somebody hold me to this!

OK, enough of the quick-list, since I have to get a presentation finished for a meeting tomorrow night. Then I need to start on the ones I'm doing on Sunday night, and then. . .you get the idea!

What I Wouldn't Give for a Yugo

2008-05-28T10:16:00.001-06:00

Not sure how anyone else is feeling these days, but I'm about sick and tired of having to hand over a c-note just to fill up my gas tank. I'm scared to run a Quicken report to see exactly how much I've spent in the last month.

Now, clearly, part of the problem is that I don't live my life in one small little area of a suburban town - I actually go out and get things done outside of my own neighborhood. And this practice is rapidly changing, NOT because I want, but because I'm being forced to.

The biggest problem of all, however, is my HUGE car - I drive a Ford Expedition. This thing goes through gas like nothing I've ever experienced. Ever. The last time I put a full tank of gas in, it cost me $91 and some change. Ouch!! There are, of course, some options to remedy this problem:
1. Get rid of the big tank and go back to a much smaller sedan - this one won't work because the whole reason I got it was to be able to expand my business and carry more stock for parties.
2. Get rid of the business, thus getting rid of the reason to justify a big car - not gonna happen. I like my business too much and can't imagine not being a part of it. My business has truly become part of my personal identity and I have met a lot of great people. I've met my closest friends through this business, the best friends I've had in my adult life.
3. Start looking for a small, second car. Yep, I think this is the option that I am going to go for. Maybe even a hybrid [gasp]! There's really no need to drive my big car on days when I don't have a party, so this seems to be the best solution. And, I'll get a multi-car discount.

So, now I get to try and find a smaller sedan - something that will get me from Point A to Point B without having to take out a loan.

Anybody got a Yugo for sale?

Hey, it's NOT Kansas here, Dorothy

2008-05-22T17:56:00.003-06:00

It's always exciting when the town that I grew up in makes the news. Usually it's because of the achievements of one of the sports teams, or because Eastman Kodak made some great decision that affects KCD (Kodak Colorado Division).

Today, however, is not a fun time to be in the news. We have made national news today. A class EF3 or EF4 tornado went through the east side of town right around lunchtime, causing a lot of destruction. This story is pretty much the only thing on the local news tonight.

As much as I feel the need to drive up there to check on my family, I know that I won't be allowed in, as Governor Ritter has declared a state of emergency on the town and all of the roads have been closed - you can get out, but you can't get in. Interestingly, several S.W.A.T. teams happened to be in town today for a training course - I think they are getting more training than they were betting on.

One of the daycare centers sustained heavy damage, but thankfully, all of the children had been evacuated prior to being hit.

According to reports and pictures, this thing was absolutely HUGE. Approximately 3/4 to 1 MILE wide, traveling at about 50 miles an hour. It's been a little hard watching all of the news reports and seeing the destruction of some of the historic buildings and businesses. Most of the damage occured on the east side of town, as well as part of Main St. The old sugar beet factory, which had been turned into a pool hall, is now partially a crumbled pile of bricks.

As the evening wears on, I know that there will be more to write about and share, so I'll update again in a little while.

The More Things Change. . .

2008-04-18T20:42:00.002-06:00

The More They Stay The Same.

It's amazing how no matter how many people filter through, no matter how many years pass, things really stay the same. And this is a good "staying the same".

I had a LOT of drive time this afternoon between work and home [Note to self: Make sure you put your flash drive in your bag BEFORE you head home for the weekend - had to go all the way back for it]. This might have been a bad thing, except I'm getting very comfortable driving and talking on my cell phone at the same time. Yes, Dad, I always use my headset. So, during my extended travels, I was able to talk to three clients to confirm parties next week, a fellow distributor to plan an outing this weekend and pump each other up for our weekend shows, and get caught up with 2 of my cousins.

So where does the whole "The More Things Change" thing come in? My cousin's boyfriend's sister's son (did you follow that? Read it again if you got lost.) is graduating this year from the same high school as me. She got the announcement in the mail this week. I was asking her what the design looked like for this year's class, in particular, I was curious about whether the kids were still using a rather prominent element that came to be 2 years prior to my older sister's announcements were chosen. The class of 1987 had a lot of interesting characters that made up the student body. One of the boys was quite memorable, not only for his fun, wild ways and gregarious personality, but also for his artistic inclinations. My high school's mascot is the Wizard, which is incredibly unique, and has an interesting story all it's own. But, I digress. During his senior year, this young man decided that his legacy to his classmates would be to hand draw the artwork for the commencement announcements. It is a stunning drawing of a Wizard in long robes, wearing the "traditional" hat and holding a lightening bolt in one hand and a crystal ball in the other. Ever since it's first appearance, that beautiful drawing has "made the cut" and been included in the announcements. Not by mandate of the school, but by vote of each year's senior class. And the class of 2008 kept up the tradition.

It's good to know that no matter how many years pass, or how many seniors "make it to the blue chairs", that there is still something special that continues from year to year. So memorable is this piece of art, that when I finally made it home later today, I felt compelled to pull out my senior year scrapbook and look at it again.

Can it Possibly Get Any Better??

2008-04-07T15:42:00.002-06:00

I got back yesterday from National Convention in New Orleans and am just SHOCKED at how much better and better my business opportunity keeps getting.

Aside from the sheer joy of spending an entire weekend away with the best ladies I've ever met in my life and the fun that was had out on Bourbon Street, it was also a surreal experience watching so many people get recognized for so many incredible accomplishments. Seriously jaw dropping what some of the distributors are getting done.

And the new things to work towards are also no less fantastic. I've been working today to reevaluate all of my goals for 2008 and beyond because of the changes. I love the feel of that fire when it gets lit!!

It's Finally Time!!

2008-04-02T17:37:00.002-06:00

Finally, Finally, a weekend away from the routine. It's Convention Time, kids!! I can hardly wait to get down to New Orleans and celebrate all of last year's accomplishments with the other lovely Slumber Parties distributors. I think that this year will be even more fun than last year, having been in for two years with previous "convention experience" under my belt. I think that my friends and family that I am leaving behind are just a bit worried about the extent to which I plan to let my hair down.

At least this year I know which local "joints" are the best ones to hang out at and which are the ones not worth going into. My roomate and I have strategically planned out our evening party-hopping in order to maximize the fun and still make it to a couple of training sessions.

She and I already tempted fate Monday night by going downtown to the Bon Jovi concert - I haven't laughed that much or had that much fun in years!! It was totally worth the ridiculous amount I paid for the tickets. Good grace, when did it get so expensive to go to a concert?!? The best part was, of course, spending two and a half hours enjoying the view that is David Bryan - the keyboard player. I could stare for days. . .

Alright - I simply must go and pack, then off to bed early, as my flight departs at the unholy time of 6:05 a.m. What was I thinking when I booked this thing?

New Year, New Me

2008-01-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

OK, so it's already more than halfway through January and I still haven't done anything to update my blog, but, hey, I've been crazy-busy!

Now that things are back to just busy (as opposed to crazy-busy), I can take the time to update things. 2007 was a year of change for me and now that I've had a little time to look back on what happened, I am happy to report that all of the changes were very good for me personally, as well as professionally. Things are all going in the direction that I want them to go and I'm really excited about what 2008 will bring.

My business is starting to hit it's stride and things are becoming automatic for me, which is a huge blessing and now allows me a lot more freedom with my time then I thought. I can get everything done that I need to and still have time for myself, my friends, and my family. Not only that, but I had a personal best in sales and began to build my team, which will create some stability and a foundation for a prosperous future. It has so far been a challenging and fascinating journey, learning to be a leader and I am enjoying my role not only with my downline, but also on the bigger "stage" that facilitating trainings and meetings bring. There is so far no where to go but up with this amazing opportunity that I jumped into just 2 short years ago. I feel like I have really come into myself, learning so much more than I thought possible and realizing that there is more to life than the small circles that I was once a part of. There are many to be helped and there is nothing more rewarding than the thank you that I get when something that I have said or taught ends up changing or improving someone else's life.

My day job is still in a lot of transition right now as we go through the pains of being merged with another company, which should be complete in the first half of the year. I think that the change will be a great wake-up call for some that have become complacent with regard to their position in the company and will also offer a lot of room for growth for me personally, as I have been informed that the new company has already shown interest in moving me to a position that better fits my skill set. This will also be a great time to negotiate a better work schedule for myself so that I will have even more time to devote to my business and be able to watch it grow at an even faster pace.

2007 brought a closeness with my family that we haven't had in quite a while. There were a few months of tension and stress, but things are now coming full circle to where there is better understanding of each other and what we all need (and don't need) from each other. Hopefully this will continue in the same direction and I foresee some major changes in the players.

As for my personal life, which I know everyone is always so worried about, it is going quite well and I am enjoying all of the things that a single, unattached girl can in a big metropolis, including those fun one-on-one social interactions with those of the opposite sex. Yes, readers and worriers, that would mean dating. Gasp! Only time will tell whether the fish on the line gets hauled into the boat, or whether I let him get away - I am hoping for the former and not the latter!

There were a few chapters in my life that I had to close the proverbial book on and though it was quite painful, the further I get from the situations, the more I know that I made the right decision. My stress level has dropped tremendously each time I separated myself from something that I knew deep down wasn't working for me and ironically, I have found even more time for some of my life pleasures that I thought I no longer wanted to do anymore. The creativity and passion that I once felt is now coming back and I am enjoying my "craftiness" once again. I am even starting to feel the writing bug once again and that voice has been silent for many years. The ideas seem to be flooding into my head and I am enjoying getting them down. Sadly, I miss the people that I had to say goodbye to, as well as a few fun activities that I will no longer be a part of, but I know that there will always be fun memories to draw upon.

2008 looks to be a glorious year in many ways for me and I wake up every day feeling blessed to be a part of many things that I know are greater than myself, but that I contribute to on a regular basis!

It's That Time of Year!

2007-12-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

It's finally upon me - time to go out Christmas shopping. I've been dreading it, trying to avoid it and hopelessly fretting over it for quite a while now, but I can't let it go anymore. It officially stared yesterday when I was at a craft show and found the perfect things for the kiddos - couldn't believe how cute and the guy cut me a deal because I needed so many!!

Time to get out into the crowds. I am hoping that between 2 and 5 today that there will be fewer people out there since that is when the Bronco game is on, but we shall see. Thanks to TiVO, I won't miss a moment of the game!! Here's the kicker, though. I have to unload my car BEFORE shopping. Who has to do that, except me!! I've had 5 parties this week and the car is loaded down with all of my business stuff, leaving no room for any kind of shopping.

And where shall we go trekking this year? To an amazing place called Southlands Mall - it seems like every time I need to go to a specific store for something, it's out in that neck of the woods - I don't even know why I attempt to shop anywhere else anymore since everything I want is right there. No more bopping around all over town - just park once and it's all right there!! I LOVE modern malls!!

OK, I'll Play

2007-10-08T18:27:00.000-06:00

From Andrea's blog at http://buriedinpaper.blogspot.com

Accent – I don't have one, but everybody else sure does!

Drinks - Mostly water, occasionally Sprite. Alcoholic is just about anything with Vodka.

Pets - I have a cat and a part-time dog. I used to have an aquarium with fish, but they didn't make it through the move. Right now I just have a glass box with yucky water in it. Maybe I should do something about that.

Essential Electronics - laptop, i-Pod, Palm Pilot, Cell Phone

Perfume - I've gotten away from wearing it, but when I do, it's usually something with a vanilla scent to it. Maybe I should do something about that, too.

Gold or Silver - Silver

Insomnia - Sometimes. A lot less these last couple of weeks, which has been nice.

Job Title - Romance Enhancement Consultant. And Senior Business Support - hopefully soon to be Legal Compliance Analyst.

Most Admired Trait - I don't think I have one. I know for a fact that no one envies my life!! I know I don't! :-)

Kids - Nope. But maybe someday.

Phobia - I don't think I have one.

Religion - Christian

Siblings - One older sister

Time I Wake Up - 5:15. Also known as O'Dark Thirty

Unusual Talent or Skill - I can talk to total strangers about all kinds of sexual things without getting embarrased. Is that a skill?

Vegetable I Refuse to Eat - Tomatoes, Mushrooms

Worst Habit - Procrastination. I'm quite good at it.

X-rays - 2004 on my kidneys.

My Favorite Meal - Anything that resembles American comfort food - steak and potatoes, beef stew. I love all of that stuff!

If you would like to play, have at it!

What Was I Thinking?

2007-07-22T19:43:00.000-06:00

Oh, yes, it's official. I've over-extended myself yet again. I even know exactly how it happened. I remember the date, I remember where I was, I remember what I was doing, who I was with and I even remember the conversation. I just didn't bank on the results. Bad move on my part.

I have been appointed as co-chairman of the Colorado Slumber Parties Holiday Party. For the whole state. What was I thinking?

And to make it even more fun, the "committee" has had 2 meetings, and my co-chair, who shall remain nameless, for now, has already bowed out of one committee entirely, leaving me with 3 to handle, and now, tonight, she has given up her co-chair duties. Thankfully, someone else is stepping up to the plate to help me a little, but COME ON!

What was I thinking?!?

Starting to Feel Like Home

2007-07-04T20:36:00.000-06:00

After spending the better part of the last 2 days unpacking boxes and deciding where things should go, my new condo is finally starting to feel like home to me. It's interesting what things make you feel like you're a little more permanent in your new space. Like being able to put a tablecloth on the dining room table, finding somewhere to put all of the casserole dishes, getting all of the "office" stuff into the office - not unpacked and put away, but at least the boxes aren't in the living room anymore.

Happily, my dad is coming down tomorrow to help me move my aquarium, which is the absolute last large piece that needs to come over. Then after that, this Sunday morning I will be finishing up the last of the moving and then next Saturday, it's time to clean and then be DONE with renting forever!!

My mind is starting to grasp how big of an accomplishment this has been and I can finally admit that it's awesome, and - I did it!!

Newly Discovered Bliss

2007-06-28T21:30:00.000-06:00

I've recently discovered that I love working in bed. Love.It. Had absolutely no idea until about a month ago. Right around when I moved into my new condo. Coincidence? Perhaps, but I don't care.

Now, as much as I love it, there are still a few obstacles to making it the absoute best thing since sliced bread.

First, when I had my cable installed, I didn't through very clearly where I wanted the DVR installed. I ended up having them put it in the living room. In hindsight, a BIG mistake. That I need to get corrected so that I can do all of the cool things you can do with DVR from the comfort of my bed.

Second, The work space has a lot to be desired. Now, I have a lap desk, that serves it's purpose pretty well. But, what I really want is this:

It is a beauty to behold - available through the greatest store ever invented for readers - Levenger. This little wonder can be used on either side of the bed and can adjust to several heights. It's also strong enough to hold a laptop computer. Which, by the way, is the key to my love of working in bed. Right along with the whole wireless internet amazement.

What would we do without modern technology?

I'm slowly learning that it's the little things that make people the happiest. Small steps. That's what counts.

New Beginnings

2007-04-27T08:09:00.000-06:00

The day has finally arrived! I am closing on my condo this afternoon. I'm still not excited about it, but I think that's because of knowing that my luck tends to run very thin. I'm sure that my excitement will grow throughout the morning, as I treck to NOrthern Colorado to pick up the cashier's check for the down payment. Once I am done signing those 5,000 papers to take ownership of my condo, it's then off to pick up more moving boxes that a friend of mine has been saving at his work.

And then? An actual evening out where I get to socialize and have some fun with another friend of mine. Comedy Works and then dancing at The Stampede. I haven't done either of these things in ages.

Tomorrow is more high adventure as I go shopping for a new car. An SUV in order to grow my business to where I want it to be. And, of course, a bigger payment. And higher insurance. And more gas.

Ah, to begin life anew!

Occasionally, Things Go Well

2007-04-18T19:07:00.000-06:00

In just under 48 hours, much progress has been made in my world! I got the second insurance check today, which will get deposited tomorrow. I got my closing scheduled for next Friday and there is only one more piece of information that is needed to finish that up. My apartment has been getting cleaned up a little more each morning. I had a very fun and relaxing dinner with a friend this evening and now I am home getting ready to tackle all of my outstanding to-do items for my business.

It's amazing what a couple of days will do!

Physical Clutter is a Reflection of Mental Clutter

2007-04-16T04:02:00.001-06:00

I read this statement today and it pretty much hit me like a ton of bricks. My personal living space has gotten out of control (again) and I haven't been able to figure out what my problem is. This statement is the only thing that has made any sense to me in the last month. And it's little wonder.

I am currently trying to close on a house, which includes all the minute detail involved with finally separating myself entirely from my ex-husband. Plus trying to pick a moving date, coordinating the escape of my current lease and deciding whether it's just easier to hire movers than to attempt to ask anyone to help me to move, which, incidentally, has never worked in the past. It usually ends up that it's just me and my dad moving me somewhere. Super fun and entirely too tiring.

I am also trying to research cars to buy, which is a lot harder than it sounds. I'm running out of time to do this and the stress is building. Quickly.

Still dealing with the theft from my garage. I did get the first check from the insurance company so I can get my electronics replaced. They are giving me a huge hassle regarding replacing all of my business product. I now have to provide and excel spreadsheet with each item written out, the retail price, my cost, and whether each item is net or retail. Did I mention that I've already submitted a list of everything stolen? And that I had to get SP Corporate involved? They had to fax a letter to the insurance agency explaining that I purchase things at a discount and then sell them to customers at retail price. Hasn't American Family Insurance ever heard of running a business?

I am starting to not like my day job. At all. I can't stand the fact that I own my own business, where I make every single decision, and yet I have to stand at a copy machine during the day and take orders from other people. I hate it. And there's nothing I can do about it.

I am trying to run a business in my spare time, which is eating me alive. I am so tired all of the time and can't find the energy to stay awake after I get off from my day job to do the customer service that my customers deserve. I booked 4 parties on Thursday night. Have I mailed anything out? Have I followed up? I haven't even written the thank you note to the hostess from Saturday afternoon and it's already Monday.

And I'm supposed to be training to do a 150 mile bike ride in July. I can't fit in going to the gym.

Somewhere in here I have to find the time to pack up my apartment in preparation for the move. Which I can already tell will be put off until the night before the movers arrive (since I will probably just hire them, since it's easier than depending on people).

Which brings me back to the state of my personal living space. Disaster. I can't manage to take the trash out. I have 6 rolling toolboxes sitting in my living room because I'm afraid to leave them in my garage for fear that they will get stolen. There are piles of paper everywhere and I never have time to deal with any of it. I can't even put away things that I have purchased recently - it's all just sitting in the shopping bags. I don't know what my problem is, but it's getting to the point where I am becoming paralyzed by the mess.

Calgon can't even take me away from my own hell.

Will I Ever Catch a Break?

2007-03-31T12:20:00.000-06:00

I can't seem to win in the game of life. Every time I turn around, there's a new obstacle to hurdle. Even when things seem to start going in a really great direction, something happens.

This morning, I went to my garage to load up to meet with my mortgage broker and founf that it had been broken into. Unbelievable!!

So, instead of just loading up my car, I have to call the police to file a report, talk with the management office to have locks changed, notify all the credit bureaus to put a fraud alert on my accounts, call all of my banks to alert them, change all of my online passwords and every other thing that is associated with this mess.

And what was stolen? My product demo. And part of my inventory. And my I-pod. And my Palm Pilot. And batteries - that I just bought yesterday. And a bunch of cds.

Can't I please just catch a break?!?

Well, at least I know how it will turn out!

2007-03-26T21:02:00.000-06:00

You Will Be a Cool Parent

You seem to naturally know a lot about parenting, and you know what kids need.
You can tell when it's time to let kids off the hook, and when it's time to lay down the law.
While your parenting is modern and hip, it's not over the top.
You know that there's nothing cool about a parent who acts like a teenager... or a drill sergeant!

Would You Be a Cool Parent?

It's Official - I'm Addicted

2007-03-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

to the t.v. show '24'. I just started watching the first season on DVD and I'm HOOKED!! I have to send the first one back and actually WAIT for the next disc. Might be easier to just start buying the seasons and keeping them for myself!

Round 5. And Counting.

2007-01-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

It's snowing yet again in the metro area. Shoveling has officially commenced. I was able to get out of the house for about an hour today to run a couple of errands. I probably could have gotten away with not going out, but it was good to be able to see whether I could do it or not. For the second week in a row, I've had business meetings canceled due to the weather - which is getting old, fast.

Apparently it's a good day to finish my taxes.

Enough Already - Sheesh!

2007-01-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

It started snowing again today. For the fourth weekend in a row. It's also wicked-cold out there. So cold, that I only went out and shoveled once. I'll pay for that decision tomorrow morning, I'm sure. This snow is SO OLD!! We're not used this "snow staying around for days" thing in Colorado. We usually don't mind a big storm here and there, because USUALLY, it melts away within 2 days and then we can wear shorts again until the next snow fall. But, this is ridiculous! I'm not even a homeowner - I'm just a renter - and I've had to shovel a lot of the white stuff this year. Good grace, I hope when I own my place, I don't have to shovel this much. Ever.

I'm going a little stir-crazy today, can you tell? My family held their monthly breakfast today and I called the parentals to tell then that I wasn't going to make it. They (no, my mom) tried to send me on a guilt trip for not going. Didn't work, though! I stood my ground and said 'Nope - not going to drive in this'. Of course, if a party had been at stake, then I would have been there!! Gotta love perspective!

Ten Words

2007-01-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

I was given an assignment by a friend of mine to come up with ten words that start with the letter 'R'. Then I also have to explain why I chose that particular word. So, here we go:

Reason - there is a reason that everything happens. Even the bad things. We may never understand or even know the reason, but it's out there and at some point we will all be better for all of those unexplained things that happen to us.

Right - From the immortal words of Professor Dumbledore, "the time will come when one will have to chose between what is right and what is easy." I think this phrase sums up everything I have experienced in my world over the last 3 or so years. And I dare anyone to argue the point with me.

Rich - We all dream of being rich, but I think that we forget to define the word. It means so many different things. I have realized, slowly, but surely, that although my bank balances dip into the red zone more often than I would like, I am still rich. I have a job. I have a wonderful business opportunity. I have family and friends that I know support and respect me - and even a few that I know love me. I have a place to lay my head at night, a pantry filled with too much food, a car that runs, pets that adore me, and aspirations to motivate me. I am rich in every sense of the word.

Resourceful - It seems that whenever a challenge comes my way, things all fall into place and I end up on my feet. Hmm, maybe I live a more charmed life then I give credit.

Relax - this is certainly a state of being that I am always striving for. Happily, I think that I am at my most relaxed when I am at full speed. I seem to thrive on getting it all done with seconds to spare. I wonder what it's like to get things done ahead of time.

Relations - so many meanings for this particular word, as it relates to me and my life. With family. With friends. With business associates. With lovers. With those who may bless me in the future.

Reflection - I am starting to enjoy looking back on the path that my life has laid. For a long time, it was hard to reflect, but I am learning that there is something real to the phrase, "that which does not kill us, will make us stronger."

Real - I love the song by Trisha Yearwood "Real Live Woman". It's an anthem about how a woman comes into her own and realizes that she has more to give than a lot give credit for, that there is true love out there for everyone and that it's OK to not completely bend and break to unrealistic expectations.

Randy - I wouldn't be honest with myself and all of you if I didn't fess up to my wild side!

Ready - After a few rocky years of discovering who I am and where I want to go in my life, I think that I am officially ready to tackle all that will befall me in my enlightened future.

Sick of Snow

2007-01-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

We in Colorado have had it with the whole snow-thing. Enough already. It snowed again yesterday - probably 3-4 inches in my neighborhood. I still haven't shoveled - I just keep driving over it, which is bad, because I'm going to eventually just mush it down and it will turn to an ice rink. How fun would that be?

So Long 2006!

2007-01-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

I'm actually a little glad to see it go. I was hoping that 2006 would be my year - and boy was it! A year for many changes, not all of them good. So, now is a good time for reflection and to try and plan a monstrous 2007.

What did I accomplish in 2006?

1. Started my own home-based business. It has gone pretty well - I am #1 in sales for my immediate upline and am currently waiting to hear whether I made top 10 on my district team.

2. Graduated from college with honors - A Bachelor's degree in History with a minor in Political Science. This one was a tough one to accomplish, but I am glad that I did it - AND, no one can ever take away my degree!

3. Got laid off from a job that I didn't really care for - and found an even better one to replace it. This was truly one of the best things to happen to me this year, especially considering that through this, I really learned who my friends are. I'm still in contact with those that meant the most to me.

4. Got rid of a lot of "friend" baggage - again, this was due to being laid off. The true colors of those I thought I knew shone through and I am thrilled to have exited stage right from that entire dramatic production. Although, I got text messages from 1 person in a starring role and another in a supporting role on Christmas Day. The holidays - the most weird time of year!

5. I got to know some other friends a lot better and I am very happy to report that I think these are folks that will be around for the long haul. They are the sort that I share a lot of values with and who are also becoming a great support system - people I know I can count on when it really hits the fan. You know how good of friend you are to someone when you are honored to be on the "short-list" of immediate notifications when their new baby arrives.

And, so, some resolutions for 2007:

1. Expand my business by 50% over the course of the year. I did about $17,000 in sales this year and I would love to see that number double, but a more realistic goal is to increase to about $26,000 - this would be in a ramp-up to try for $50,000 in my third year, something that I truly think that I can do.

2. Pay off all of my unnecessary debt in preparation for buying my own place this year.

3. Nice lead-in from #2 - buy my own place. My dream would be to buy back the house that I once had. I loved that house with it's huge kitchen, porch in the front and yard in the back. But, alas, my income is a far-cry from what it would take for that, so I'll just "settle" for anything with a mortgage that isn't any smaller than what I'm currently renting. (For those that need to know - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, ~1,000 square feet, and a garage). A pantry and linen closet would be nice additions!

4. Exercise a heck of a lot more. OK, so this one is forced from my doctor, but still, it's a goal. And besides, what resolution list would be complete without the "losing weight, eating right, exercising more" lie that we all write down.

5. Make better use of my time. I've decided that my mantra for 2007 will be "How Bad Do You Want It" and my theme song will be the title of the same name by Tim McGraw. Hopefully, this will help me make some better decisions about how I spend my time - as in, "is what you are doing right now moving you closer to your goals?" If the answer is no, then I need to change what I am doing.

Here's to the arrival of 2007 - MY year!!

Yes, Virginia, it IS a blizzard in Colorado

2006-12-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

I am currently sitting in my apartment for the umpteenth hour since arriving home yesterday in preparation for the Blizzard of 2006. We'd been getting news reports for a few days ahead of time indicating that there would be a lot of snow. Of course, we all know that weathercasters are the world's highest-paid palm readers. Except this time. This time they ended up being right. And of course, this is the one day every 4 years or so that they live for - the single day that they are RIGHT.

I woke up at about 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning to wet roads. About a half hour later, there was an inch of snow on the ground and the snow wasn't falling down to the ground, but instead, blowing sideways. I seriously debated even bothering to go into work, but being the new girl in the department, I didn't want to show any signs of weakness. So, trek in I did, up and over the Cherry Creek Dam Road (why this was even open, I'll never understand). Wisely, I topped off the gas tank in the freezing wind on the way in - this is important later.

Work is surprisingly functional considering all of the windows and the opportunity for everyone to pine for their warm beds and fireplaces at home, or dream of fluffy ski slopes yet to be realized. Then, the snow starts falling even harder and it becomes difficult to make out the cars trying to go by on the highway 100 feet from our windows. It's getting pretty obvious that this storm is for real. So, I decide that I am going to finish up a couple of important things, and then head for home. Til I remember that I have a meeting at 9:00 to help someone upload documents to an internal website. Did I mention that she was in NO WAY prepared for the meeting. And that I had to wait around for her to finish meeting agendas, rename documents, yadda, yadda, yadda, all the while getting a phone call from family saying "quit if you have to, but get home now." Apparently this is serious stuff.

My employer finally decided to shut down at 11:00, which is fine, except that means that about 2500 people are going to be trying to leave all at once. Driving was incredibly trecherous and took about twice as long as a normal commute - but, I got home!! Much better than a lot of other people. Or so I'm told. The worst part of the drive? Trying to pull into my garage! I have to do a couple of awkward turns to get into it, and on a good day I occasionally pull in too far to one side or the other. Yesterday, there was about 10 inches of snow to navigate through. I almost dented the side of the car, but made it in safely. Of course, all of the snow then fell into the garage, covering the sensors, which then wouldn't allow the door to close. Did I mention that I don't own a shovel? Yeah, moving that snow was an adventure.

And so, the snow-in began. Not too bad - giving me the opportunity to finish decorating my house (I've had a nekkid tree in my living room for a week now) and get caught up on laundry. How the hell does that get so out of control all of the time? But, now I am into Day 2 of being snowed in and I'm getting a bit restless. Not because I NEED to go anywhere - work shut down today as well, but because I hate being forced to do anything. Or, in this case, forced to not do things.

Aurora has reported snow of about 25 inches and now my fear is that I won't be able to get in to work tomorrow. Because I don't own a shovel. And now I have to debate whether I want to walk to the grocery store to see if they have any. Nevermind. I just called them and they are sold out of shovels. Of course.

So, it is with mixed emotions that I might be snowed in for yet another day tomorrow. Not that I mind just hanging out, reading and baking cookies.

Freak Flag

2006-12-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

I sent an email to a friend earlier, asking about a magazine subscription that I had bought from her daughter a little while back. Haven't received an issue yet, but I also can't remember the time frame that they gave for when the first one will start.

That goofy little email got me thinking about my incredibly ecclectic assortment of magazine subscriptions and how you can really get to know someone based on what they subscribe to. So, here's a little more about me, my "freak flag", if you will, based on my magazines:

1. Cosmo - the woman's bible (and a tax write-off from here on out!)
2. Creating Keepsakes - gotta stay current with the trends - even though I hardly read it.
3. Kiplinger's Financial - I need to get my financial house in order. And it's starting to work!
4. Money Magazine - I need to learn as much as possible, clearly.
5. Consumer Reports - Hey, I'm a woman, and technically we don't care about money, we care about the things that money can buy us, so I might as well be buying the good stuff, right?
6. Time Magazine - because I'm a poli-sci minor and we're supposed to subscribe to this. Actually, I'd prefer to get The Economist, but it's too dang expensive!
7. The Historian - it's techically a book that comes out every quarter with historical articles written by members of Phi Alpha Theta, the honor society for history majors (which I am actually a member of!!).
8. Better Homes and Gardens - I don't even know why I get this - probably because it was cheap.
9. Martha Stewart Living - this one occasionally has a neat idea or two.

That's all I can remember off the top of my head. I'm sure there are more. Notice that there aren't any health magazines? Or food magazines? Maybe that's a clue as to why those to areas of my life are seriously lacking right now. Hmmm. Off to look for and exercise magazine. Any good cooking mags out there? That use normal ingredients?

Rental Life

2006-12-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

OK - so I know that I am constantly hating the fact that I only rent and don't have a mortgage of my own. Yet. But there are certainly a few perks to this lifestyle. The main one being that in the even that anything breaks down, I just call someone else and they come and take care of it.

For example - my thermostat will not keep the heat at a human temperature. Don't know why. Don't care. I have the thing set at 79. It still hovers around 60. So, I call and the maintenance maid comes out and tells me that occasionally air bubbles get into the system and so it doesn't work properly. OK fine, just fix it.

Then, this morning, no hot water. None. So, no shower for me - and I can't tell you how icky I've felt all day. I could have run to the gym and showered, but I was running out of time and was going to be late for work. Now I know better than to not doing morning chores in their proper order. If I'd have just gotten in the shower as soon as I woke up, I would have known about this issue and could have gone to the gym. But no - I've developed a terrible habit of doing everything else in the morning first, then rushing to shower and get out the door on time. No more - need to get back into the good habits and out of the bad ones.

So, I had to have maintenance come again to fix that problem. Now I'm waiting for the water to heat up so I can shower. And then probably just go to bed, since I'm so dang tired from dealing with shipping companies today.

I !HATE! UPS

2006-12-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

OMG - where to even begin on this nightmare!!! I have been having the worst time with receiving shipments from corporate. Incompetent drivers. The worst customer service. No one to help. None of them care.

Things seem to go fine for a while. I get shipments on time, according to their "tracking" system. The boxes arrive in beautiful condition.

Then it all goes to HELL!! This is what I have been dealing with lately. Boxes that don't show up when they are supposed to - and when you call their 800 number, they have to "send a message" to the distribution center and then "someone will call you back within 60 minutes". YEAH RIGHT!! Never happens. I have been known to sit on the phone for HOURS waiting for someone with half a brain to get me information on a package. Does it ever happen? NOPE!!

I love it when the tracking system says that the package has been delivered and signed for - yet - I HAVE NO PACKAGE IN MY HANDS. How is that even possible? "Well, I'm sorry, but there's nothing more that we can do for you, as it clearly indicates that the package has been delivered and signed for. We no longer have any liability for the shipment." Are you KIDDING me?!?!? I HAVE NO PACKAGE.

So, to try and solve the issue with the terrible drivers, I start having my packages held at the distribution center. This will be much easier. I will just go and pick up the packages and circumvent the drivers all together. WHATEVER!! I had the tracking information indicating that the box was in the same building as I was standing. Yet, the box couldn't be found. I was there for over an HOUR, trying to reason with people. They made me call the 800 number, FROM THE DISTRIBUTION CENTER, so that then I could be placed ON HOLD, while they called the exact same place where I was standing!!!! I'm not even remotely kidding - I was on hold on one side of the room, while one of the employees was on the phone with the customer service center on the other side of the room. HOLY CRAP!!! But, they still couldn't find the stupid box. WHY? Because no one was willing to just go look for the stupid thing!! They kept just looking at their computers. And saying that there was nothing that could be done.

I FINALLY convinced the kid working the counter to go and find someone who would just LOOK AROUND for it. He came back up to the front and said that the dock manager was just getting out of a meeting and to give him 10 minutes to look around the warehouse.

Well - what do you know - about 15 minutes later, here comes the dock manager. WITH MY BOX. Now, why couldn't someone else have just looked around the place an hour ago? WHY? WHY? WHY?

I don't even have a choice in using them - SP is the one that contracts with the shipper. Oh, and while I was at the distribution center, the kid behind the counter let it slip that UPS uses FedEX for its own shipping!! They don't even trust themselves enough to get things where they are supposed to be!!

Here's the kicker - I was venting to my dad and he reminded me that my cousin has worked for UPS for about 25 years and that he is a high-level manager at corporate. Guess who's getting an email from me tonight? Yep. If nothing else, he can give me options on how to handle this situation going forward. Whether he can actually do anything specific for me, I have no idea. But it's certainly worth sending him a little electronic hello!

I !HATE! UPS

New Quest, Old Problem

2006-11-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

So, the insomnia bug has hit me again. But this time, I decided to try and actually fix the situation. I went to the doctor and told my very sad story to the NP. I don't think I've actually seen my M.D. in the last 5 or 6 times I've been there. Anyways, she decides that what I need to do is reset my internal sleep clock.

Hmm. OK, sounds good to me. She gave my 2 weeks worth of the sleeping drug Ambien. This is supposed to be some really good stuff - puts you right out and keeps you there for a minimum of 8 hours. She warned me thoroughly about how to use this drug. Make sure that you are completely ready to go to bed before taking the med. Make sure that you have already washed your face and brushed your teeth. It would even be best to take the pill while you are already in bed, under the covers.

OK - these warnings are a little scary - makes me think that the second I swallow the pill, I am going to literally have my head hit the pillow. And in 2 weeks, all will be well and I can get on with my life. Now, keep in mind, that because of the time that I have to get up for work, and then get up even earlier to hit the gym in the a.m. (because insomniacs should always workout at the ass-crack of dawn, so as not to disturb their "schedule"), my bedtime is now 9:00 p.m. I'm 32 years old, with a full time job, a more-than-full time business and my own house to take care of. And I have to be in bed every night at 9 p.m. My first thought? When the hell am I supposed to get things done? Like laundry. And cleaning. And eating. And running my business. (We're skipping the workout question - because no way I can get up that early, leave my house and then be expected to come back and quickly get ready for work).

But, I'm game for this experiment. Because I'm TIRED! All the time. I can barely keep my eyes open at work, which is a problem because at this new job, I actually have WORK to do.

So, I prep myself appropriately on the first night. I can't even explain how excited I am to have this sleep opportunity in front of me. I get all ready for bed and take the pill once I'm all snuggled in and then wait for happy sleep to envelope me.

And wait.
And wait.
And wait.

I think I finally fell asleep about an hour and a half later. This is a new record for me in the falling-asleep time frame. Oh, and no dreaming at all during the night. Which is difficult anyways because I wake up about every 30-45 minutes all night long.

This exact same scenario has been playing itself out for 2 weeks, every night. This amazing drug is CRAP!! It doesn't make you fall asleep. It doesn't keep you asleep.

Oh, wait, except for the couple of nights that I didn't take the drug because I was so fed up with it. On those nights, I laid awake for a minimum of 4 hours, waiting to fall asleep. Even on nights when I took regular sleeping pills. Now, after the third night of this, I called the doctor and told her that I wasn't going to take it anymore. I was promptly instructed to stay the course, because at the end of the 2 weeks, there would be a world of difference.

World of difference is right! I can barely stay awake to drive to work. I'm a total mess. My house is a disaster, there are no clean clothes to be found anywhere. I am getting literally ZERO sleep and still trying to function as a human being. I have a follow-up appointment on Wednesday. If I can stay awake for it, I am going to give that NP an earful!!

The New Frontier

2006-11-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

So, today was the first day of the rest of my life. I've made a few behind the scenes changes in the last few days, but today I ventured into. . .The Gym. I actually had a pretty good workout - may arms are going to be sore as soon as they come out of shock.

My cousin is a personal trainer and I finally asked for some advice on how to get my ass going in the opposite direction that it has been going for the last several months. I had to go to the doctor recently to get help with why I can't sleep at night, and of course, there was the required standing on the scale. I cried. No, really, I actually cried. I can't believe where that number is - and it's a far-cry from where I want it to be. Thus, the call to the aforementioned cousin.

Of course, that nasty little number (actually large, but no one but the nurse and I saw exactly how large) is probably the cause of a lot of my sleeping issues. So, it's time to deal with it. I'm clearly not getting any younger which means it is going to continue to get harder and harder to reach the look I want to have. And believe, me I see in my mind exactly what the image is and I WANT IT!!

What's Your Seduction Style.

2006-11-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Your Seduction Style: The Charmer

You're a master at intimate conversation and verbal enticement.
You seduce with words, by getting people to open up to you.
By establishing this deep connection quickly, people feel under your power.
And then you've got them exactly where you want them!

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatisyourseductionstylequiz/">What Is Your Seduction Style?

OK - this was a fun little quiz that I picked up off a friend's My Space page. I loved her background image as well - will have to ask her where she got it from!

Slowly Coming Back to Center

2006-10-16T20:06:00.000-06:00

I am finally finding myself getting back in control of my life. I spent a huge portion of the weekend just cleaning up the clutter in my world, both literal and figurative. It's amazing to me how just putting away the laundry makes me feel better about the universe. I am no where near where I would like to be, as is evidenced by the three bags sitting to my left that still need to be put away from my long weekend a while ago, but at least they aren't in the living room anymore.

It also helps that my boss is out of town for the week. Again. This gives me a lot of time to really explore my job and read old files to understand better what my role in the department is. I actually felt a feeling of relief this past Wednesday during a meeting when he told me that I was doing a phenomenal job and he was truly impressed that I have caught on to the department so quickly.

It's so nice to be appreciated!!

Have you Ever?

2006-10-16T19:56:00.000-06:00

Have you ever run into an old flame? While with your dad? At the tire store?

Yes - this happened to me today. What an incredibly awkward experience. Now, I hold no ill-will towards the former flame, but admittedly, it was still really weird. I needed tires - BADLY - considering the major blow-out at highway speeds that I had this past Saturday and knew that I would get a decent deal from my friend's husband. However, I had completely forgotten that "former flame" also worked there, until, of course, he came in from the dock area. Can you say completely crazy?!?

He still looks pretty good.

Random Reactions Upon Learning About My Business

2006-10-16T19:26:00.002-06:00

I decided that I would immortalize some of the reactions of people when they've learned about my business. I know that it will always be an interesting ride, seeing people's expressions, but, never-the-less, certainly worth recording for all digital history. Or until I screw something up and accidentally delete this blog. So, here we go. . .

"C, we have to go to church and pray for her." - my aunt to her husband. I made sure to ask her to pray that I make a lot of money while she was there.

"Well, I guess there's a market for that kind of stuff." - my dad, who has since become one of my biggest cheerleaders in this endeavor.

"Are you a Madame? Can you hook me up?" - one of my single guy-friends. This one perplexes me - does he think that I was once a prostitute? He swears he was kidding, but, you never know. Of course, then he asked what my biggest seller is. Then blushed when I told him. Priceless!

"You're doing what?!? Are you kidding?!?! That's crazy!!!! Can I see a catalog?" - My aunt's sister. She was beside herself, but still thought it was cool.

More to come, I'm sure.

Type-A is on Vacation

2006-10-12T02:54:00.000-06:00

When did my type-A world spin so out of control? I can't even begin to remember. All I know is that all of a sudden my house was a complete mess and nothing, but nothing, was keeping it picked up.

I had a friend over recently and the only comment made was, "This isn't you. What's going on with you?" I honestly have no idea. The only thing that I do know is that this is now causing me to lose sleep. It's 2:50 a.m. and I'm awake, looking at the piles.

I finally weeded through about 2 weeks of unopened mail. Yeah. I'm in some sort of weird funk that I can't seem to find my way out of. No idea when the end may be in sight, although just getting through that mail is probably a good start. Long ago I found a crazy woman on the internet and I started to follow her advice, which worked for a while. I fell off that bandwagon and clearly, I need to GET BACK ON!!

I'm going to go drink a glass of milk and see if that helps.

In Love with Franklin

2006-10-09T19:35:00.000-06:00

I had a glorious weekend away with five great ladies! A lot of fun, a lot of laughing, a lot of drinks and very little scrapbooking accomplished.

It was almost tarnished, however, upon the realization that I am in love with Franklin!

Who is Franklin? Franklin is my lifeline and I now know that I can't live without him, or at least I can't live for very long without him. Yes, Franklin is my day planner that I am supposed to take with me everywhere I go. I accidentally left it on my desk on the last day of my week before my long weekend away. I thought I could go without it, but by dinner on Thursday, I was almost in a cold sweat over it. That thing holds my entire life's existence - all of my business stuff, all of my to-do lists, ideas that I jot down, an occasional journal entry, goals, finances, EVERYTHING!

I was so distraught over this seemingly unimportant thing that I found myself up at 6 a.m. on Friday morning seriously contemplating driving BACK to Denver from the mountains, just to go in to work and get the stupid thing.

I won't even go into the enormous feeling of calm that came over me on Monday morning when I arrived at my desk and saw my wonderful Franklin waiting there for me. . .

I need a life!!

Has it really been 4 months?

2006-09-02T08:29:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that it's been four months since I last posted to my own blog. Where have I been? Many, many places.

The business has been busy, but alas, not as busy as I would like it to be. I've decided that I need to make the full commitment to doing this and that it's time to take the turn to either going with it, or to understand that it will just be a hobby.

I'm going away for a few days this weekend with friends and this will mark the official end of my not being serious about several things in my life. Like my business, and losing the weight that I keep complaning about and finding contentment with the life of a single person. I am of that certain age where it's time to take life seriously and concede that the fun that people claim life can be is just one big lie. It's all work. Every minute. Of every day. Fun takes work too, so it's now time to get to it.

On Another Note

2006-06-06T13:16:00.000-06:00

One of the ladies that I work with had started a new relationship and I've been having such fun living vicariously through her. She and I have a lot in common when it comes to dating - we both have major trust issues and are always looking for bad things to happen. Happily for her, things seem to be going quite well between them.

She gives me hope!!

Life's Fun Little Chores

2006-06-06T13:03:00.000-06:00

I've been spending some time today doing one of those fun chores that we all love to do - shop for new insurance. I hate doing this. I really hate that I want it done and overwith before the 20th of this month so I don't have to pay another dime to my current company. I hate my current company. They keep taking my premium payments before the day they are supposed to, and it's wreaking havoc on my checking account. Yes, I know, it would be easier if I would just have extra money in my account, then I wouldn't have to worry about such things. But, reality is a far-cry from the dream-world where there's this big buffer in your account so that you never ever have to worry about when anything hits your account. Who lives in that fantasy land anyways?

Oh, and I also hate my insurance company because they refuse to write a business liability policy on my car. They find my business "distasteful". That's what the agent actually told me. When I asked her if she really meant immoral, she refused to answer. I told her that there are other companies out there that I know for a fact will write the policy and she actually challenged me to find one - she said that no insurance company would approve of coverage for such an outlandish business. I gave her the name of the company that I plan to go with and she didn't believe me - her loss, and the other company's gain.

I Can't Believe I Forgot

2006-05-19T20:43:00.000-06:00

to post in huge letters that I'M FINISHED WITH COLLEGE. Yes, it's true, I have finally caught up witht he holy grail of educational acheivements. At least to me!!

I had an open house at my parents house, which was very nice until my aunt and my grandfather (who's 96, mind you), practically got into a fisticuffs over having to be around one another. I knew there would be a little tension, but didn't think it would be that bad. Now my aunt is threatening to sue all of her siblings to ensure that she doesn't get cut out of the will. Let me tell ya - there ain't nothin' to be fightin' over - there's nothing left!! She's usually all talk and no action, but I can't tell you how exhausting it is to hear my mother rehash the day over and over and over and over and, well, you get the picture. But all in all, it was a very nice day, complete with visits from family that I haven't seen in quite a while.

The big event was on Mother's Day - yes, the school, in it's infinite wisdom decided to hold graduation on Mother's Day. What an event it was - 1300 graduates (thankfully, only about half showed up to walk) and a room at the convention center filled with thousands and thousands of people - what a nightmare. We didn't even walk in to the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance". Nope, it was some weird song that was being sung by a guy and a choir of young kids. The president of the university will be getting many angry emails from all of the graduates - and certainly from me. How lame. I was at least able to fein "sick mother" and leave right after my name was called, although I was interrogated by no less than three professors and a convention center worker as to why I was leaving. Sometimes it's good to have a sick mom!

It's so hard to fathom that I am truly done with school - although, I'm so ticked off that I didn't get to hear the right music that I might just have to go get my Master's degree, just so there will be another opportunity to hear it!

Only 1 test and 1 paper to go!

2006-05-10T11:44:00.000-06:00

Yep - I now only have a couple more things to do in order to be officially done with college. Isn't it amazing how this goal seemed so huge for so long, and now it's here!! I can hardly believe it.

I had a friend ask me the other day what I plan to do with all of my spare time. I had not idea how to answer. But this morning, I started thinking about what I really want out of life and what the right answer to that question is.

So, what do I want out of life, now that I don't have excuses anymore?

Contentment.

Above all else, I want to feel content with the decisions that I make on a day to day basis and I want to be able to know at the end of each day that I did something to bring myself closer to all of my worldly goals.

Admittedly, my list of goals is incredibly long right now and mostly has to do with finances and security for the future, but they are all reasonable and attainable in a relatively short amount of time, which makes it even more exciting to work towards them.

It's now time to spread my wings and see where my determination can really take me.

Random Thoughts

2006-03-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

I was perusing the internet while at work today and came across a list of billionaire bachelors. It was quite interesting to read what they have done to become billionaires. There's the run of the mill, I-inherited-it-from-my-great-grandfather-and-am-now-living-off-of-his-hard-work types, and of course the one or two that have somehow managed to be in the right place at the right time (like being buddies with someone who's looking for another person to take over their Middle Eastern oil business because they're just too rich now to bother with working), and then there are the very small handfuls who have actually started their own business and worked hard and now they have this gigantic bank account. One of these hard worker-types is actually from Canada (you know how the name Canada was chosen, right? See the end of the post to find out). He's only 44. He set up a system to do legal online gambling. He had to set up companies in different countries in order to bypass a few laws, and runs his operations out of Costa Rica, but hey, who wouldn't want to live their life in a beautiful tropical place?

Why do people find it necessary to completely disregard a meeting that is going on between two admins and just plop down all kinds of other work and ask really stupid questions - even after they're told that they are interrupting an actual meeting? People are so rude.

Who's bright idea was it to start the very first "Get to know your friends better" quizzes that are going over the internet? Admittedly, I've done a few and forwarded them on, but this week is out of control! I think I've deleted about 9 of them. I vow to never forward another one of these on again. I promise, if I'm curious about something regarding one of my friends, I'll just ask you, and be done with it!!

Why do companies invent really tasty foods, or wonderful shades of lipstick, or insert other item of joy here, only to discontinue it about 12 minutes after releasing it to the public? This would include the fact that SP has discontinued one of my best-selling products. Yes, I realize that I've only had 3 parties, but I've sold multiples of this at every one of them. Frustrating!

When cows laugh, does milk come out of their noses?

Why do you drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?

If 7-11 is open 24 hours, why are there locks on the doors?

Why do the British keep insisting on driving on the wrong side of the road? We really should sucede from them and start our own country and do things right for a change. Better yet, shouldn't Tony Blair sucede from us and try to get his country to stand on it's own? There's a thought.

Why are people that have so much more education and life experience than me, so completely stupid?

When you get promoted to management, is the procedure that you are required to endure that removes your brain, including all ability to do simple things like use a copy machine or find the BOLD function in MSWord, a painful one, or does your memory of such procedure also get deleted?

And finally - how the name Canada was chosen for our friends to the north:

Someone put all of the letters of the alphabet into a bag. Some super-patriotic person was chosen to be the one to draw out letters and come up with a name. So this super-patriotic Canadian reaches into the bag and says:

"C-eh"
"N-eh"
"D-eh"

And now we have - C-ehN-ehD-eh. Or, as the American's spell it: C-A-N-A-D-A.

Why can't the world be simple like that?

Spring Break

2006-03-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

I've been on Spring Break this week. It's absolutely crazy how tired I've been all week long! I think it's because I'm actually allowing myself to relax and be lazy, which I can't do on a normal day. I was in a meeting this morning and I had this gigantic yawn right when someone asked me a question - I actually apologized profusely because the timing of it was so rude (not intentional, mind you, but still rude). Everybody just laughed and we all went along our merry way, but still!

It's been a very pleasant week, allowing myself to be lazy and watch tv and movies in the evening. I usually have a six foot table set up in my living room so that I can work on things while I'm watching tv, but this week, I put the table away so that I can lay on the couch and just be. What glory!

What am I going to do with all of my time once I graduate?

Pirates, they be!

2006-03-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

My pirate name is:

Iron Bess Read

A pirate's life isn't easy; it takes a tough person. That's okay with you, though, since you a tough person. Even through many pirates have a reputation for not being the brightest souls on earth, you defy the sterotypes. You've got taste and education. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

Things I'm Thankful For

2006-03-18T08:39:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I get so caught up in worrying about things and wondering why seemingly bad stuff happens, that I forget to think about all of the good things that go on in my life. So, what are the things that I'm thankful for?

1. I'm truly thankful for my overall health. I've known many people who aren't as lucky as me and hearing about their day to day challenges makes me take pause and realize that life could so much more challenging if not for my health.

2. I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to finish my college degree. Some days it's really hard to sit down and finish a paper or read a chapter or do research, but overall, I'm lucky to even be able to have this opportunity. So many people are never able to go to college at all and for me to have fought through and done it while being a working adult is fantastic. And, a college education is something that can never be taken away from me.

3. I'm thankful that I have a job. I don't necessarily like my job every day, but I'm glad that I at least have a job. I have also been given some flexibility in my schedule that has allowed me to not only finish my degree, but also take care of day to day things that an inflexible schedule wouldn't have ever allowed. This job also provides me with my health insurance and my retirement plan, which is great!

4. I am thankful that slowly but surely, there is starting to be more money left over at the end of each month. I have struggled with this for quite a while and I am finally starting to see the light at the end of this dark tunnel. It's such a great feeling that lately, after all of my bills are paid, there's still a little left over. The left over isn't much, for sure, BUT, at least there's more money than month!!

5. Because of #4 above, I am thankful that I have been able to invest in a new business, that although is not yet profitable in the sense that I can buy things for myself, or send anything extra to bills, I have at least made back my initial investment and have used that to continue investing in inventory and demo products. There will come a time, very soon, where I won't have to use anything out of my personal funds to support the business, and then after that, I will be able to start paying myself some type of salary in order to reap the rewards of my hard work.

6. I am thankful for my family - my parents in particular. They have, of course, always been there for me, but they have been especially helpful the last few years as I was starting my life over and becoming more independent each day. My dad has even started to help me with the organization of my business, which is a huge help to me!

7. I am thankful for my friends - I have several separate groups of friends and I cherish each of them. My girfriends from my childhood are the best friends that anyone could ever ask for - we are all so completely different and live completely different lives, but when we come together for anything, the bond is something truly inspiring. They have been with me through every single step of my life (a couple of them since kindergarten!) and know me better than anyone, and yet, they still talk to me! You have to love that about them!

So, my list is a little short, but it's at least something that I can reflect on and see how far I have come in the last few years. There was a time when the only thing I had was maybe one or two of these things at one time, so it's nice to see the list growing. I'm looking forward to the next things that I can add.

Less than 8 weeks to go!

2006-03-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

So, I realized this week that I officially have less than 8 weeks of school left. Not in the semester, but in total. It's so hard to believe how close it's really getting to the "Big Day". It's been a very long six and a half years working toward this degree. And now I'm to the point where I can truly start the countdown.

So, what will I do with all of my free time? I honestly have no idea at this point. It's going to be interesting to see how I manage to keep myself going - I'm so used to being busy and blowing off homework in order to do other things. Now, I won't really have anything to blow off. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. I guess we'll see once that day arrives.

Who knows, maybe I'll finally take the time to start writing a book or something else equally ambitious.

Did you know?

2006-03-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there is practically an unending list of things that are tax deductible when you own your own business? I am learning new things every single day.

A good portion of my rent, phone, cell, internet and utility bills can be written off. Part of the "good portion" is because my place is so small and all of my business stuff is all over the place!!

I get to write off the cost of the swanky new color printer/fax/copier/scanner that I got for such a good deal at the warehouse store. Very cool!

I get to write off all of the expenses involved, including the purchase of things like stationary and shipping supplies.

Oh, and get this - I get to write off all of the things that I have to buy for my demos - so each thing out of the catalog, is eventually free to me, as a cost of doing business. Kind of scary when you think about it!

The best part? The retirement plan that I can now open. SEP-IRA. I am able to put away something like $40K a year if I wanted to. And, since it's my own business, the moola is tax sheltered, AND, I'm 100% vested at all times. Definitely going to have to look into that and get it started. Hey, even if I only put away five grand this year, that's a heck of a lot more progress than the 401(k) at my "real" jon that I've been chipping away at for the last several years.

Going to need to seriously look into that plan!

I'm now visible

2006-03-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well, my first post since admitting to some of my closest friends what my blog address is. Now it's sort of scary knowing that people will be reading this. OK, maybe not so much scary, just a certain sense of awareness.

It snowed in Denver today pretty much all day, but nothing has really stuck to the ground and nothing accumulated on the streets. Of course, you would have thought that the world's worst blizzard had hit with the way people were driving. Over-cautious to the point of dangerous - oh, and don't get me started on the blue hair that was trying to navigate (I use that word loosely) the roundabouts near where I work. That was probably the most scared that I've been in quite a while.

And while I'm thinking about it, what purpose do roundabouts serve? Seriously. I've seen more near misses, and know several people not fortunate enough to only have a near miss, than I think should be allowed under DOT laws. Were they invented to keep insurance adjusters and tow truck drivers in the lifestyles to which they have become accustomed? Just put in a 4-way stop people - it's so much easier. Although not as commical, when you're perched in the 3rd floor bistro at work, watching it all unfold from a safe distance. Now that's entertainment when you're supposed to be working.

Sick mind, Sick mind!

New Career Opportunities

2006-02-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

So, in my never-ending quest to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, I made the decision (and the investment) to open my own business. Yep, I now have the opportunity to make unlimited amounts of money with only working a few hours a week. Yeah, right. Who thinks up these weird little catch phrases?

My new business? I've become a distributor for Slumber Parties. Yes, that's right. I now sell sex toys and novelties to the masses via home shows. It's actually quite fun and I have a good profit margin.

The problem? Making time in my life to drum up business. I'm kind of busy as it is, what with a full time job and pretty much full time school, and then to add the start of a new business on top of it? Well, needless to say, there is now officially always something to do!

You never realize until you actually start doing something how much it really costs. There was the expense of the initial kit from the company, then there's the requisite tax and business licenses from the city and state, then there's the cost of things like pens and lapboards and presentation materials. Not to mention paying for demo products and then there's inventory. The nice thing (for the customer and for the seasoned distributor) about this company is that when you attend one of these shows and make a purchase, you get to take home the items that night. This is a completely different philosophy from most other home show businesses. Usually, you go to a party, spend money and then wait to get your stuff. So, why is this bad for the new distributor? Because you have to invest in inventory, and when you've already shelled out for the kit and all the aformentioned stuff, your funds are very low. Now, all of my other "slumber sisters" (as we all affectionately refer to each other as) are very sympathetic to my plight, because they were all in my shoes at some point, and advise to just build slowly. And that's the truth, and it will work. But it still will make the first few parties a little awkward - what with all of my literature touting that the ladies can take their stuff home that night - and me actually having to correct that and say, "but I'm new, so. . ."

I'm not too worried - I have 4 parties for the month of March (only one short of my goal, and it's still February) and three possible recruits (it is, afterall, pretty much a pyramid scheme, and I'll make even more money if I have people under me). So, I'm very encouraged and looking forward to having more time to devote to this after I graduate in May. Have I ever mentioned that I graduate this May?

I can take a hint!

2006-02-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

At several points in my life, I have taken different apptitude tests that tells a person the type of career that they should go into, based on their interests, personality, temperment, etc. I took one in 5th grade and it said either a lawyer or a veterinarian. Well, a lawyer sounded boring, so I started to get interested in being a vet. Until I watched my dog's vet do a procedure on my pooch, and I immediately decided that wasn't for me.

Then, in 8th grade, I took another one (you know all about these - your school makes you take them every few years). This one said a lawyer or a teacher. Lawyer still = boring, so I started to think about being a teacher, but I was told by several people that I wasn't good enough in school to be responsible for other people (even though I made honor society that year), so that idea went out the window.

My senior year of high school, I took an in-depth apptitude test, roughly 300 questions. This one reported back that I should go into the performing arts, or into law. Well, my mom convinced me that there was no way that I was smart enough to be an attorney, but the parentals also made an appointment to meet with the school counselors to deter them from encouraging me into a music career. The counselor told them that based on my scores, that I should consider being an attorney in the music industry. This enraged my mother and she left the office in a huff.

Well, I decided to go to school to become a paralegal with the intention of having that serve as a bit of pre-law. I LOVED the classes. But alas, the job market was very tight and I never got a job as a paralegal. So, I worked a series of jobs that I never really liked, including the insurance industry and several different stints as an admin. None of this to my liking at all.

So, recently, I've been trying to decide what to do with my history degree that I will be getting in May. I've thrown the idea of law school out to a few different people and they have all been terrifically encouraging. So, I checked out a book called "Do What You Are". Another in a long line of apptitude-type things. And guess what? This book points out that I would be good in law enforcement, or, even better in law school. Are we sensing a theme yet?

So, here's the kicker! I'm out there on the big huge internet, where I happen upon several fun little apptitude tests to see what kind of higher education degree I should get. Know what this goofy little thing said?

Here ya go:

Yep - once again, a lawyer. Think I should start listening to the signs, and ignore the dissenting opinions? Only one person, one, that I've ever told about my interest in being an attorney (besides my mom, but I think her reasoning was based on the "dream big, possibly crash and burn big" philosophy) had flat out told me that it's a bad idea. I think he didn't get accepted to law school.

I am Paper - Here me Roar!

2006-01-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Well, this one is interesting!! I never would have thought of myself as one of the most basic of all of the supplies!!

You are PAPER!
You are an all natural basic person who likes to
act as a foundation to others. You are
willing to take a backseat in most of your
relationships and let others take the
spotlight, while you show your support and
help them shine! Underneath it all, you are
the one who makes it all happen. You are the
focus and stability in any group, even if you
are not the leader. Others look to you to set
the pace and provide ideas for ways to get
things done. But Paper Beware - sometimes you
get a little edgy with the people who look to
you for support and can give them some
papercut remarks that can hurt their
feelings. Remember to watch what you say,
because you are best when leading by example.

What scrapbooking item are you?
brought to you by

Coffee Anyone?

2006-01-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

OK - so, one of my friends has severe insomnia due to antibiotics that she's required to take because of the big honkin' green booger living in her sinuses that won't go away. She's found a way to pass the time in the late hours of the night and now I've begun to see about all of the fun she's been having. Here's the first things I tried:

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern
At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent
You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet
Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

I think it's pretty dead on accurate.

Another Day, Another Half-Dollar

2006-01-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

So I guess that blogging is the "new" rage in the techno world - how new? Who knows, I'm always behind the times in everything but eventually manage to catch up to everyone else. Of course, when you have absolutely nothing to do all day long, it seems natural to want to fill the hours with something, so here we are. Why don't I have anything to do all day long? Because my sole focus is on school, and not work, until May. May. Finally. Finally in May I will have my bachelor's degree and I can hopefully move forward with the whole career thing. I've had many a career in my short life-span - Lifeguard/swimming instructor, legal secretary, insurance agent/csr, admin assistant (Ok, I've been one of these many different times and you know what? I have this particular career down pat and would really rather not ever do it again if I can help it), and I've also had numerous certifications and licenses - cake decorator, insurance agent, bartender, paralegal. Apparently, I just don't get enough of schooling! May. Is it here yet?