I took a part-time job.
No, no longer delivering flowers (although I did this a few weeks ago). I got a whole one dollar tip. I hate running errands. I really don't need to do this. If I'm going to earn some extra money, I need to do something I like. Not this ridiculous thought of running errands - I HATE running errands...... Remember, I did this already. I owned a gift company.
I need to do something I've not ever really done before. I need to be a place I've never been. I need to work hard doing something that challenges me.
I just landed.
Right where I needed to be.
Of course I did. Where else would I land???
My part-time job? I'm an "Office Manager for an Internet Start Up Company".
Me: Three days a week. X amount of money
Him: The position pays X - y. Let me know if that works
Me: You want me there. I will take (X-y) and two days a week. I want a piece of the pie when you sell.
Him: Ok - so I will pay you at X - y. And, we will put the paperwork for you to have some pie. ;-)
Me: I will take it. You aren't going to be able to live without me.
Him: We know that. Thank God we found you.
Me: It's been two weeks. Just when I think I have it all under control, I learn something new. And I'm finishing your thoughts. BTW, I leave for Hawaii in Jan. And I need a month off in July.
Him: When you run off, we aren't going to be able to live without you.
Me: I know.
Him: Smile.
Me: I didn't say this out loud. My first thought: "Did you ever watch Ghostbusters". I'm that girl. The receptionist. If you haven't seen the movie in years. You should. The receptionist starts out very mild mannered. In the end, she was one of them.
I was always afraid of the stereo type of "receptionist" "office manager" "Admin". I was too proud. Too proud to admit I wasn't everything I appear. Too afraid to admit that I'm "just the receptionist" I've worked hard to not be "An Admin" - I'm the woman in charge".
Then something changed. Maybe spending two summers in Hawaii helped me find the girl living inside the woman. I'm over being in charge. I don't care what you call me. Well, as long as it isn't "B*tch"..... They aren't two separate people, they are one and rolled into one...... we should all be afraid.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Where the ocean meets the land
There is a song out right now with the lines
Someone said they might have seen you where the ocean meets the land
So I've been out here all night lookin' for your footprints in the sand
Did you hear the ocean singing, baby did you sing along
While you danced out in the water to some ol' forgotten song,
I think I've lost another one to the water.
Nolan, my youngest son, just arrived home from SeaCamp in San Diego. All the parents were at the escalators waiting for our kids off the airport train. It was fun. All the parents waiting to hear the stories of the week. There was a blog that kept us updated, but nothing like the real stories. Three of us moms rode together to pick up our boys. The ride home is so much better when you have several of them in the car - they tell stories to each other, forgetting the moms are in the car.
The general consensus: They will be so glad to be home.
Me: Not my son. He's going to want to pack his bag and head back. I would bet you on this one.
Here he comes. Sunglasses still on. Hat on backwards - wavy blonde hair escaping from the cap. Shorts, flip flops and a SeaCamp sweatshirt. A tinge of sunburn on his nose. "The water is SO much better than the mountains". "Sam and I thought we should hitch a ride and go to LA. I'm going there after college. Heck, I may go there to college". I really should bet on this child.......
I want my sons to realize they live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We have perfect weather - we get all four seasons. We have the snow. We have the dessert. We have SUNSHINE. LOTS OF SUNSHINE.
The only thing we are missing? The water.
I want them to realize what they have. I want them to realize there is a WHOLE BIG WORLD out there. BUT, Be present. Be and live where you are. Don't spend your whole life wishing you were some place you aren't. Being someone you aren't. But go TRY. Pack up your stuff, and go experience it all. OR DON'T. Just don't spend your time here wishing you were there.
In 8th grade, one of my best friends name was Mark. Mark and I were going to go to UCLA. We were going to have matching white Mercedes convertibles. My license plate: "Buffy" His "Bif". We never made it. Our dreams were big - we just didn't know how to get there.
I've been to the UCLA campus. I still think of Mark when I think of UCLA. Mark and I lost touch years ago, but I am friends with his older brother on Facebook. I still think I want the Mercedes convertible. (only it will probably be an Audi with a retractable roof - still white though)
The first time I was on the campus - I wanted to send Mark a picture and the quote "I made it". My license plate will no longer be "Buffy", it will be "NVRLKNBK" (let me know when you figure it out)
One thing I've realized about dreams. They all come true. Sometimes just later than you wanted. They change a bit - the premise is still there. AND, you don't have to stay. You can check it off the list. Then go on.
Now though, I believe, I could make it. If I really want it. I also know my sons can make it, if that's their dream.
"When you are ready to run away to the ocean, don't every worry. I'll take you" said me to Nolan.
I don't have to stay with you. Chances are though, I'll be living down the street. You can find my footprints in the sand.....
Someone said they might have seen you where the ocean meets the land
So I've been out here all night lookin' for your footprints in the sand
Did you hear the ocean singing, baby did you sing along
While you danced out in the water to some ol' forgotten song,
I think I've lost another one to the water.
Nolan, my youngest son, just arrived home from SeaCamp in San Diego. All the parents were at the escalators waiting for our kids off the airport train. It was fun. All the parents waiting to hear the stories of the week. There was a blog that kept us updated, but nothing like the real stories. Three of us moms rode together to pick up our boys. The ride home is so much better when you have several of them in the car - they tell stories to each other, forgetting the moms are in the car.
The general consensus: They will be so glad to be home.
Me: Not my son. He's going to want to pack his bag and head back. I would bet you on this one.
Here he comes. Sunglasses still on. Hat on backwards - wavy blonde hair escaping from the cap. Shorts, flip flops and a SeaCamp sweatshirt. A tinge of sunburn on his nose. "The water is SO much better than the mountains". "Sam and I thought we should hitch a ride and go to LA. I'm going there after college. Heck, I may go there to college". I really should bet on this child.......
I want my sons to realize they live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We have perfect weather - we get all four seasons. We have the snow. We have the dessert. We have SUNSHINE. LOTS OF SUNSHINE.
The only thing we are missing? The water.
I want them to realize what they have. I want them to realize there is a WHOLE BIG WORLD out there. BUT, Be present. Be and live where you are. Don't spend your whole life wishing you were some place you aren't. Being someone you aren't. But go TRY. Pack up your stuff, and go experience it all. OR DON'T. Just don't spend your time here wishing you were there.
In 8th grade, one of my best friends name was Mark. Mark and I were going to go to UCLA. We were going to have matching white Mercedes convertibles. My license plate: "Buffy" His "Bif". We never made it. Our dreams were big - we just didn't know how to get there.
I've been to the UCLA campus. I still think of Mark when I think of UCLA. Mark and I lost touch years ago, but I am friends with his older brother on Facebook. I still think I want the Mercedes convertible. (only it will probably be an Audi with a retractable roof - still white though)
The first time I was on the campus - I wanted to send Mark a picture and the quote "I made it". My license plate will no longer be "Buffy", it will be "NVRLKNBK" (let me know when you figure it out)
One thing I've realized about dreams. They all come true. Sometimes just later than you wanted. They change a bit - the premise is still there. AND, you don't have to stay. You can check it off the list. Then go on.
Now though, I believe, I could make it. If I really want it. I also know my sons can make it, if that's their dream.
"When you are ready to run away to the ocean, don't every worry. I'll take you" said me to Nolan.
I don't have to stay with you. Chances are though, I'll be living down the street. You can find my footprints in the sand.....
I write better in Hawaii
My mom didn't believe me.
Neither did anyone else.
"I love what you write." I've been hearing it more. This blog started two summers ago as a journal for the next "adventure" of my life. That's all. Just stories of our House Swap. Then I discovered there was a write living inside of me. She needed to come out. Then I come home to the mainland.
Then my mom agrees. Granted, no loves you more than your mom. Some point in time, she agrees, you do write better in Kona. My cousin writes me: " When are you going back to Hawaii? I miss your blogs". A local friend I didn't know read my blogs: "You need to go to Kona, your musings from Kona are great"
Are they great because I'm at my happiest there? or are they great, because YOU can live there with me. I'm just writing well enough for you to imagine it there not here. YOU get to escape with me.
Happiness moment:
On the beach this summer.
Me: Reading a book I bought at the recycling center in Holuloaloa. $ . 50 a book.
It was a book signed by the author. It was simple. It was beautiful. It was a beach book, I paid fifty cents for, signed by the author and I was sitting on the beach reading it. It was a perfect moment in time.
I just finished the book while sitting at the beach. It was happy book. A lady on the beach walks by:
LOB: You represent what it means to read a book on the beach
Me: Really?
LOB: You should see your face. You are smiling from ear to ear.
Me: I got this book at the recycling center for $.50. It's a signed book. It was a simply happy book
LOB: Thank you for letting me share your joy.
Me: Mahalo
We should all be so lucky.
Yes, I had just read the book. Yes, I was smiling. What I was really smiling about??? (Yes the book did make me smile). The last page. You know, the page they tell you about the author.
The author:
She left her corporate job and lives on the Big Island. She writes books. She lived happily ever after...
I'm still smiling..
Neither did anyone else.
"I love what you write." I've been hearing it more. This blog started two summers ago as a journal for the next "adventure" of my life. That's all. Just stories of our House Swap. Then I discovered there was a write living inside of me. She needed to come out. Then I come home to the mainland.
Then my mom agrees. Granted, no loves you more than your mom. Some point in time, she agrees, you do write better in Kona. My cousin writes me: " When are you going back to Hawaii? I miss your blogs". A local friend I didn't know read my blogs: "You need to go to Kona, your musings from Kona are great"
Are they great because I'm at my happiest there? or are they great, because YOU can live there with me. I'm just writing well enough for you to imagine it there not here. YOU get to escape with me.
Happiness moment:
On the beach this summer.
Me: Reading a book I bought at the recycling center in Holuloaloa. $ . 50 a book.
It was a book signed by the author. It was simple. It was beautiful. It was a beach book, I paid fifty cents for, signed by the author and I was sitting on the beach reading it. It was a perfect moment in time.
I just finished the book while sitting at the beach. It was happy book. A lady on the beach walks by:
LOB: You represent what it means to read a book on the beach
Me: Really?
LOB: You should see your face. You are smiling from ear to ear.
Me: I got this book at the recycling center for $.50. It's a signed book. It was a simply happy book
LOB: Thank you for letting me share your joy.
Me: Mahalo
We should all be so lucky.
Yes, I had just read the book. Yes, I was smiling. What I was really smiling about??? (Yes the book did make me smile). The last page. You know, the page they tell you about the author.
The author:
She left her corporate job and lives on the Big Island. She writes books. She lived happily ever after...
I'm still smiling..
Sunday, October 14, 2012
A different perspective
This post is being written by a different person, my moms youngest and favorite child, Nolan. My mom is, well, a nut.
For example, she does hula hooping I mean come on; one of my friends saw her on the news for hula hooping and all I could do was shake my head. He doesn't understand, I have to live with - she's always like this. She even goes to classes for it and actually thinks its exercise. She also carried one to the beach every day, and expected people to join her.
Next, her friends are crazy too, one of them walks around with a clown nose on, and has a dog named Walter. That's not normal. Her friend even brought me a clown nose thinking I would join their little clan. One New Years Eve, two of her friends were over and started "partying a little to hard". One of them found a sushi making kit with a Japanese bandanna in it and he ran around the house screaming SUSHI!!!
Then every time something about Hawaii comes up she completely loses it. She starts crying and wishes she was there. When the Kona Iron Man was on she had it streaming for over 8 straight hours, COME ON. Also, all she can talk about is moving there when we are in college.
Another story: my mom is the biggest dork ever. One time when we drove our car on a ferrie in Texas to take us to the other side, she and my crazy Aunt Carolyn were talking about how this was so much fun as a kid, so she got out and started taking pictures, but the ride was only about 2 minutes long. Also, if I go somewhere without her she talks for 1 million hours about how much she's going to miss me.
My chance at a normal childhood has completely gone out the door. I am not saying that is a bad thing necessarily, but with Moab, and Salt Lake City I've just stopped trying. While all this stuff might be true, I wouldn't have her any other way. Well, maybe just a little different.
For example, she does hula hooping I mean come on; one of my friends saw her on the news for hula hooping and all I could do was shake my head. He doesn't understand, I have to live with - she's always like this. She even goes to classes for it and actually thinks its exercise. She also carried one to the beach every day, and expected people to join her.
Next, her friends are crazy too, one of them walks around with a clown nose on, and has a dog named Walter. That's not normal. Her friend even brought me a clown nose thinking I would join their little clan. One New Years Eve, two of her friends were over and started "partying a little to hard". One of them found a sushi making kit with a Japanese bandanna in it and he ran around the house screaming SUSHI!!!
Then every time something about Hawaii comes up she completely loses it. She starts crying and wishes she was there. When the Kona Iron Man was on she had it streaming for over 8 straight hours, COME ON. Also, all she can talk about is moving there when we are in college.
Another story: my mom is the biggest dork ever. One time when we drove our car on a ferrie in Texas to take us to the other side, she and my crazy Aunt Carolyn were talking about how this was so much fun as a kid, so she got out and started taking pictures, but the ride was only about 2 minutes long. Also, if I go somewhere without her she talks for 1 million hours about how much she's going to miss me.
My chance at a normal childhood has completely gone out the door. I am not saying that is a bad thing necessarily, but with Moab, and Salt Lake City I've just stopped trying. While all this stuff might be true, I wouldn't have her any other way. Well, maybe just a little different.
Thanks for everything mom.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Focus
I have a piece of paper dated October 2009 - Goal $1056.
It's in a Folder that says 2010 on the label.
Then it reads as follows:
Lipstick Communications $1500 Final Total $2805
In September 2009, I received an e-mail about a marathon in Greece. I've mentioned completing the marathon. Here is where it all really began.
A dear friend of mine wanted to go to Greece. We were setting goals together. I was doing research for her. I found the marathon in Greece. Let's go do a marathon. She replies "I want to go to Greece. I hate running". For me though, the idea took over.....
It was the Twenty Fifth hundred anniversary of the original running from Marathon to Athens. If I ever was going to do one, this had to be the one.
Gypsy girl - says "I'm going" - Career Woman/Hockey Mom - says "How are you going to do this??" The practical one of the two of us. Not only "HOW (by running) but HOW (by how am I going to pay for this??)
The running part: Run 1 minute, walk 1 minute; Week 2 run 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes, the suddenly it was run a mile, walk a minute. Then somehow, it all came together. I was focused.
Which brings us to: "How am I going to pay for this?" I make decent money. Not over the top. Comfortable, yet I still feel like I'm always going to run out of money. I do budget, and I had year to come up with this money.
The Goal was born $1056 - 5 nights in Athens, transfers, dinner before the race, reception 2 days before the race, extra night.
The of course, let's add a few nights - let's go to Santorini. Spend a couple of nights there. Airfare to get there $1200.
(By the way, I went with a group www.marathontours.com - a travel company whom takes people to run marathons). More on my recruiting abilities for them later......
My total is now close to $2500. New goal. How am I going to raise my money?
As I mentioned, I recruit. I'm a good recruiter. I could have easily said "make an extra placement over your goals for recruiting - and it more than covers it". That would be SOOOOOO boring. Recruiting pays for the real world.
A friend of mine whom lives down the street e-mails one day - she leads/creates market research for different companies. "Would you come to a focus group for 2 hours on Wednesday, the compensation is $50 - and we will provide lunch". Sure, no problem. It will get me out of the house.
Then, I was in a coffee shop - "Tylenol study" - need research participants - cash compensation $180 on the bulletin board. Take a slip. What, am I in college???
Wait, I just spent basically 4 hours of my time, in two different activities and earned $230. Huh. What if I started a list, and tried to see how many studies I can participate in during the next year - use this to pay for my trip??? An the idea was born.
It was no longer about the money - it was a goal to help me reach my other goal.
The really funny thing is - USAA is my insurance company - I was 151 dollars short of my goal and it was August. They called me and asked me - RANDOMLY and asked if I would participate in study reviewing them as a company, they would pay me $150. Really???
Two months out. I was ONE DOLLAR short of my goal.
One more surfaced - from some place in this universe. THEN, the woman down the street. The one whom asked me to participate in the first study? She called. Can you help me out - I have this research project, but I don't want you to participate. I know you are a recruiter - can you help me recruit participants. It will take x amount of time at x per hour- can you get done before your trip? Yes. Yes I can.
$1500 later. I not only surpassed my first goal. I paid for my whole trip.
Most market research companies probably don't want to know I was this active in their marketing research, but I was FOCUSED.
PS - I had a GREAT time in Greece......
It's in a Folder that says 2010 on the label.
Then it reads as follows:
- Wyoming $50
- Tylenol $180
- Lotion $75
- Baking $75
- Wine $100
- Tylenol II $90
- YP Study $200
- Radio Station $50
- Dating $85
- USAA $150 Subtotal $1055
- Software $250 Total $1305
Lipstick Communications $1500 Final Total $2805
In September 2009, I received an e-mail about a marathon in Greece. I've mentioned completing the marathon. Here is where it all really began.
A dear friend of mine wanted to go to Greece. We were setting goals together. I was doing research for her. I found the marathon in Greece. Let's go do a marathon. She replies "I want to go to Greece. I hate running". For me though, the idea took over.....
It was the Twenty Fifth hundred anniversary of the original running from Marathon to Athens. If I ever was going to do one, this had to be the one.
Gypsy girl - says "I'm going" - Career Woman/Hockey Mom - says "How are you going to do this??" The practical one of the two of us. Not only "HOW (by running) but HOW (by how am I going to pay for this??)
The running part: Run 1 minute, walk 1 minute; Week 2 run 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes, the suddenly it was run a mile, walk a minute. Then somehow, it all came together. I was focused.
Which brings us to: "How am I going to pay for this?" I make decent money. Not over the top. Comfortable, yet I still feel like I'm always going to run out of money. I do budget, and I had year to come up with this money.
The Goal was born $1056 - 5 nights in Athens, transfers, dinner before the race, reception 2 days before the race, extra night.
The of course, let's add a few nights - let's go to Santorini. Spend a couple of nights there. Airfare to get there $1200.
(By the way, I went with a group www.marathontours.com - a travel company whom takes people to run marathons). More on my recruiting abilities for them later......
My total is now close to $2500. New goal. How am I going to raise my money?
As I mentioned, I recruit. I'm a good recruiter. I could have easily said "make an extra placement over your goals for recruiting - and it more than covers it". That would be SOOOOOO boring. Recruiting pays for the real world.
A friend of mine whom lives down the street e-mails one day - she leads/creates market research for different companies. "Would you come to a focus group for 2 hours on Wednesday, the compensation is $50 - and we will provide lunch". Sure, no problem. It will get me out of the house.
Then, I was in a coffee shop - "Tylenol study" - need research participants - cash compensation $180 on the bulletin board. Take a slip. What, am I in college???
Wait, I just spent basically 4 hours of my time, in two different activities and earned $230. Huh. What if I started a list, and tried to see how many studies I can participate in during the next year - use this to pay for my trip??? An the idea was born.
It was no longer about the money - it was a goal to help me reach my other goal.
The really funny thing is - USAA is my insurance company - I was 151 dollars short of my goal and it was August. They called me and asked me - RANDOMLY and asked if I would participate in study reviewing them as a company, they would pay me $150. Really???
Two months out. I was ONE DOLLAR short of my goal.
One more surfaced - from some place in this universe. THEN, the woman down the street. The one whom asked me to participate in the first study? She called. Can you help me out - I have this research project, but I don't want you to participate. I know you are a recruiter - can you help me recruit participants. It will take x amount of time at x per hour- can you get done before your trip? Yes. Yes I can.
$1500 later. I not only surpassed my first goal. I paid for my whole trip.
Most market research companies probably don't want to know I was this active in their marketing research, but I was FOCUSED.
PS - I had a GREAT time in Greece......
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
When you are doing your job right
I received the following e-mail from my oldest son today:
To: Mom
From: Duncan
Re: hawaii
Not sure where he found it. Or how he found it. BUT, he also knows that I heard that song for the first time upon returning from Hawaii in August. He knows it's my favorite song. A Colorado band.
Not sure if the e-mail or the video made my eyes water more.
Gotta love that boy.....
To: Mom
From: Duncan
Re: hawaii
|
you will love this video, try not to cry
Duncan
|
Not sure where he found it. Or how he found it. BUT, he also knows that I heard that song for the first time upon returning from Hawaii in August. He knows it's my favorite song. A Colorado band.
Not sure if the e-mail or the video made my eyes water more.
Gotta love that boy.....
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Random Strangers
Random Strangers have shaped my entire adult life. They probably shaped parts of my earlier life, but I love when moments happen and someone leaves a mark. They never know it. You can never tell them. You remember them forever.
Today.
Today was a picture perfect Colorado day. Not a cloud in the sky. 55 degrees. Crisp. Leaves changing.
I've been seeing this guy - and this was his suggestion of the day: "Let's take a drive. Go the changing of the trees and pack a lunch. We'll be back in time to watch the Broncos game." (Oh, we didn't make it back it time for the game - it was just too beautiful outside to worry about going home).
Sounds like a delightful day.
We head out. Let's go to Estes Park. Beautiful drive - beautiful town 2 hours and a lifetime a way. We live in an incredible place. There is a guard at the Stanley Hotel (you know, the one from The Shining). I say, "tell him we are here for the wedding". He does. I can't look, I'm trying not to laugh.
We sit on some side steps of the Stanley Hotel and have lunch. We have wine, wraps, fruit, nuts. A relaxing perfect afternoon.
(Looking at the pictures, we were on the first steps to your left). Yes, I took this picture - turns out my camera has a panoramic button!!!
(Our view from the steps)
A lady walks out of the hotel and notices us on the steps. "Look, they are having a picnic. Aw...."
Me: "You can join us, if you want".
Him: "We have plenty of wine".
Her: "Aw..... They are having a picnic. Aw......".
No, she didn't come over. She did make me smile. Thank you random lady for making us smile. I hope you are still smiling too....
Then we are in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some roads were closed and some park rangers were out at different spots. Not sure how, but we got on the subject of "Yogi Bear and his buddy BooBoo". We are at this dead end, in the middle of a forest, and there is a park ranger.
Him: "Excuse me, we are looking for Yogi Bear and BooBoo"
Park Ranger: Pause. Smile "Haven't seen them in a while, but I know they are here"......
Still no bear sightings. Lots of Elk. Lots of tourist. A few deer and a few rams. Still no bear.
Lots of random strangers making each other smile.....
Today.
Today was a picture perfect Colorado day. Not a cloud in the sky. 55 degrees. Crisp. Leaves changing.
I've been seeing this guy - and this was his suggestion of the day: "Let's take a drive. Go the changing of the trees and pack a lunch. We'll be back in time to watch the Broncos game." (Oh, we didn't make it back it time for the game - it was just too beautiful outside to worry about going home).
Sounds like a delightful day.
We head out. Let's go to Estes Park. Beautiful drive - beautiful town 2 hours and a lifetime a way. We live in an incredible place. There is a guard at the Stanley Hotel (you know, the one from The Shining). I say, "tell him we are here for the wedding". He does. I can't look, I'm trying not to laugh.
We sit on some side steps of the Stanley Hotel and have lunch. We have wine, wraps, fruit, nuts. A relaxing perfect afternoon.
A lady walks out of the hotel and notices us on the steps. "Look, they are having a picnic. Aw...."
Me: "You can join us, if you want".
Him: "We have plenty of wine".
Her: "Aw..... They are having a picnic. Aw......".
No, she didn't come over. She did make me smile. Thank you random lady for making us smile. I hope you are still smiling too....
Then we are in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some roads were closed and some park rangers were out at different spots. Not sure how, but we got on the subject of "Yogi Bear and his buddy BooBoo". We are at this dead end, in the middle of a forest, and there is a park ranger.
Him: "Excuse me, we are looking for Yogi Bear and BooBoo"
Park Ranger: Pause. Smile "Haven't seen them in a while, but I know they are here"......
Still no bear sightings. Lots of Elk. Lots of tourist. A few deer and a few rams. Still no bear.
Lots of random strangers making each other smile.....
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