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?
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Spring Break
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?
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?
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Pirates, they be!
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.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Things I'm Thankful For
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.
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.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Less than 8 weeks to go!
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Did you know?
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!
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
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!
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!
Friday, February 24, 2006
New Career Opportunities
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?
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?
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
I can take a hint!
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
I am Paper - Here me Roar!
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
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?
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:
I think it's pretty dead on accurate.
| You Are a Frappacino |
 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.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Another Day, Another Half-Dollar
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?
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