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!!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
OK, I'll Play
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!
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!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
What Was I Thinking?
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?!?
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?!?
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Starting to Feel Like Home
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!!
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!!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Newly Discovered Bliss
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.
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.
Friday, April 27, 2007
New Beginnings
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Occasionally, Things Go Well
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!
It's amazing what a couple of days will do!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Physical Clutter is a Reflection of Mental Clutter
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.
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.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Will I Ever Catch a Break?
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?!?
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?!?
Monday, March 26, 2007
Well, at least I know how it will turn out!
| 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! |
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
It's Official - I'm Addicted
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!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Round 5. And Counting.
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.
Apparently it's a good day to finish my taxes.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Enough Already - Sheesh!
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Ten Words
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.
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.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Sick of Snow
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?
Monday, January 01, 2007
So Long 2006!
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!!
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!!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Yes, Virginia, it IS a blizzard in Colorado
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.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Freak Flag
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?
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
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.
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
