Random Thoughts

I'm sitting here tonight, Mike gone, Aristana in bed, thinking about how my life has changed so much in a couple short years.

I have finally come to the realization that we no longer have a baby. These past couple weeks, we have struggled to find a comfortable "snuggle position" in the rocking chair at bedtime, because of how long she is now. I remember when she barely reached from one arm rest to the other. Still, I can't seem to let go of rocking her each night...afraid that the day I stop, she'll grow even more. She's been my little buddy since the day she was born, and yet I already feel like the days of her choosing to hang out with her friends, over us, is just around the corner. I don't mean to sound pathetic, but where did the time go?

Her attitude is definitely nothing short of teenager, with the talking back, and smiling while she disobeys... but she got my personality, so I guess I expect nothing less. Many times I miss the baby, or even six months ago, but it has been a blast watching her become her own person. The personality that makes us want to pull out our hair, is also the same attitude that brings out the funniest sayings and moments we'll cherish. She is truly a punk. But she is extremely independent, for which I am proud.

Watching her discover new things everyday, reminds me that we were not all programed from the beginning. We too, took time to learn things and discover. We don't need TV, or computers (okay, maybe a little), or video games to make life great. In fact, life has been a whole lot better since we turned the TV off. We work in the garden, play in the sandbox, go to the park. I loved watching her face the first time she held a worm. Now she's on constant look out for "Mr. Wermy."

I'm rambling, but I am overwhelmed right now, with wow feelings, and just needed to say how humbled I am that God would choose us to take care of His precious child. I am so blessed to have such a fantastic husband, and daughter.

Thank you God, for everything.

Oh, and the update on the weight loss... still at 115 pounds lost. Thanks again for your caring and prayers!

Sorry I don't have a better picture. I'm usually the one behind the camera.

My new thought process...

So, I've come up with a new business mission over the last month or so. I have finally gotten to test it, and find it is even better than I could have imagined! In direct sales, you have many ups and downs. The hardest part about staying in direct sales, is riding that emotional roller coaster. The highs can quickly turn into a low, when you get a cancellation. Then, you have a show that night, and get a recruiting lead, only to find that you didn't get the sales you'd hoped for. But tomorrow comes and you have a great show, lots of sales, and bookings! Woohoo! It is very stressful riding that coaster...and I despise drama!

The problem? All of my goals revolved around things that I have no control over. I can prepare, I can offer incentives, I can give a fantastic presentation...but when it comes down to the facts, I can't force someone to buy. I can't force someone to book. I can't force someone to join. This is where the ups and downs come. I spent two days in March, completely wallowing in my own self pity, because I had six shows cancel or reschedule in two days. Did I lose the bookings? Yes. Could I have changed the fact that someone's loved one died...or another's baby ended up in NICU...or another with the flu? No. I have no control over that.

Thanks to the movie "Facing the Giants," I was able to amend my goals. I no longer have show goals based around numbers. No sales numbers, number of bookings, or number of recruits. My goals do not revolve around things I cannot control.

My new business goal/mission? TO HONOR GOD.

When I leave a show, if I can say that I was honest, worked hard, and upheld my integrity, then I have accomplished my goal. The only thing that matters to me now, is that I made God proud by the example that I gave at that show. That is something I have control over.

So now, if I have a show with low sales, or a show with a bunch of booking leads, it doesn't matter. If I can promote to management this summer, or lose another six shows, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that God is happy when he looks at the job I've done.

I do the work I need to do. I make my calls. I send my packets out. I follow up with leads. I book my shows. But my business has felt so much more rewarding since I started down this path. Not to mention, it has really boomed too. For that I am so thankful. But I praise God for what I have accomplished...and then move on.

I just had to share this. If we could all evaluate our lives, and take an approach like this, maybe things could be very different.

Thanks for listening...or reading.

Shout out to Andrew...since I know you read this sometimes...you may be the only one :)

Really Enjoying My Stay!

Friday, March 06, 2009 – 9am
I just have to say what a great place Staybridge Suites is. I truly feel like part of a family here. I’ve had several chances to speak with some really great people, from the staff, to the guests. This is more of a “long term stay” type of place, so there are more people who are laid back, talkative, and not in a hurry to get to any theme parks or tourist attractions. They serve free beer and wine in the evening, which brings everyone together. The wifi is free, the laundry is free. The breakfast and dinner meals are free. It’s really great.

Aside from the great place, I have also made the most of my stay here. On previous trips, I have stayed in my hotel until it was time for a show. This time, I went to the Jacksonville Zoo, and Ponte Vedre Beach, to read by the ocean. I went out for drinks with Nate B, and met with Sarah D for lunch. I can’t believe how slowly the last couple days have gone by, but I’m not complaining.
I was supposed to have a show last night, but made a strategic decision. The hostess (Karin) told me that she only had three people, including herself, who could attend. Everyone was interested, but being that it was thrown together last minute, almost all of them already had plans. I have a great girl, Julie, who is thinking of joining, but is concerned about not getting the initial bookings needed. She sent me a message that she’d join if she could get an extra booking. Julie and Karin know each other. I told Karin that I could do her show, with two guests, or she could reschedule for the future, with Julie. She took the second choice, and Julie got a booking. I’ll let you know how that works out. I will be talking to Julie tonight, at the show. Also, Diane, the hostess of tonight’s show, is considering joining, so hopefully that works out too. I’ll keep you posted!
My plane leaves tomorrow at 8am, so I’ll probably end up blogging from the airport again. See you later!

Checked In

March 4 – 9:33am – Jacksonville
Okay, so I have really been reminded of my appreciation for God’s plan, recently. I am so blessed to have the ability to see the little things as gifts. Remember how I complained about my $18 airport food? Well, as I checked in last night to the Staybridge Suites, the front desk lady told me about the free breakfast, which by the way had tons of food, hot and cold. Then she mentioned that on Tues – Thursday, in the evening, they offer free beer and wine, and a meal. Tonight, they are also having a grill out for free. Burgers and hot dogs, and side items. The front desk guy this morning (from Illinois), said I could bring brats, if I wanted ‘em. I guess I’m type casted. Oh yah shure, you betcha I’ll be there! I don’t know what they have tomorrow, but it’s free, so who cares?
By the way, this place is great! My room is awesome, with a kitchen and icemaker. They also have free laundry access, and free wi-fi. My bed was great, the comforter was nice and heavy, and the pillows are some sort of fluffy down. Not to mention, the rooms are trendy, with blue, brown, and cherry wood. I feel like I work for some sort of travel company…oh well, I must rave. Oh yeah, and the water pressure in the shower was great too! Enough of that.

So, after breakfast this morning, I went out by the pool. It’s only about 50 degrees right now, but I saw sun. I had to feel the sun. I sat in the pool chair, and my body absorbed all the sun it could, in ten minutes. I decided, since I have all of today available, and the day tomorrow, that I’d go to the Jacksonville zoo today, and the beach tomorrow. The zoo fee is only $13, and the beach is free, and only about ten minutes away. I don’t want to waste the day watching tv, so I need to seize the day! I really considered going to Orlando or Savannah, GA today, but with each being a two hour drive, I decided against it. I need a plan before I do something, and without the knowledge of the area, or the finances to get a hotel room if needed, I figured I’d do what’s in town. I’m also considering a tour of the Annhueser Busch brewery. It’s where they produce the Land Shark beer…Jimmy Buffet’s beer. I love that stuff. I still have Friday during the day available, and the tours are free. We’ll see.
I called Grandma and Grandpa Hinz’s house today, to talk to Aristana. She said slkdj;, ha, ha, ha. Aslkdfj;asld ha, ha, ha. Even though I couldn’t understand a word, I love that laugh. What a special girl. I just have to remember this, when she’s driving me nuts.
That’s it for now!

On the Way to Jacksonville (Again)

Tuesday, March 3rd - 4:34 – Chicago O’Hare Airport
Hi again! I know it seems I only blog when I’m traveling. I think you’re getting that idea, because, well, I only seem to blog when I travel… sorry.
I’m sitting in the Chicago airport right now, waiting to board my flight to Jacksonville, FL. The flight here was nice. The sun shone through my window and warmed me up. Good has been so good to me, and I can’t help but smile. I also had my own seat…life on a plane doesn’t get much better than that. Except that I was next to the toilet. Although no one had time on that short flight to use the restroom, a reminder of the activity on the previous flight seemed to linger in the air…I got used to it, and we were good to go.
Next, I gave myself a budget of $40 for food, since I have a kitchen in my hotel room, and not a lot of travel time. Well, the only restaurant in my terminal charged $9.00 for the cheapest sandwich on the menu. I ordered it, and honestly threw ¾ of it away. It was so disgusting. Seriously, that bad. I got a bag of chips and a bottle of water with it, and my bill came to $18! Can you believe it? There goes my flippin food budget.
I texted Jonathan to see if he has time in the next two days to get together, since I only have one real show right now. I have a possibility on Thursday, but definitely nothing on Wed. Hope he has time. That would be great to see him again.
I think I’ll go for now. .. see you later!

Random Ramblings
I am so bad at keeping up with this blog. I have something to say about pretty much everything, and still can’t seem to do it. Anyway, I’m thinking a few things right now, so here I go.

*Good-bye TV
I attended Lia Sophia Success Camp in Chicago, in January, and Jack Canfield, the author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” was our keynote speaker. First of all, he is a phenomenal speaker, whose message is loud and clear…and memorable. He said that we should all try to cut out one hour of TV a day. I thought, “What? Who watches an hour of TV every day to begin with?” So I got home, and decided not to watch TV at all, before 10:30pm. This has been amazing. My mind is so fresh, and not bogged down with horrific crimes being solved, the latest news of the economy, the new presidential administration, or how horrible things are around the country. “Ignorance is bliss.” I love this statement, and now I guess, I live it too. Mike will ask me sometimes, “Did you hear about the big accident… or the barn fire… or the politician who…” I love saying, “Nope, I didn’t know that.”

I figure, I log on to the computer every day. Yahoo News will tell me if there’s something noteworthy, that I should look in to further. If I need the weather, I can get that online too. There is no reason to be sitting in front of that big box that sucks the life force out of me.

Aristana and I also have higher quality days together. We have “domestic diva” days, where she pulls her kitchen into our kitchen, and we bake together. Then, while I clean up her kitchen, she plays, oh I mean does dishes, in the sink. We go to the airport, and watch the planes, or to the YMCA to go swimming. We’re forced to do something, which is great. I’ll turn on Sesame Street for her once in a while, and she actually turns off the TV herself. She’d rather play, then watch it. So cool.

I highly suggest this move for everyone. Even trying it for a few days will prove how you don’t even realize how much we all rely on television. I don’t think we’re going to do the digital conversion yet either. We’re going to wait to buy a new television, and won’t be getting a converter box. This should be interesting, because Mike isn’t as excited as we are about the whole no TV thing.
*Wal-Mart grapes – I have to give kudos to the Wal-Mart grapes. The Wal-Mart produce section usually rots big time, but right now, I am having some darn good grapes. Weird, but completely worthy of a shout out  MMM… I love me some antioxidants! On that note, do you know scientists have realized there is an extremely beneficial element found only in the skin of red grapes? They’re trying to find a way to extract it, to put it in pill form. Hey, here’s an idea, EAT THE FLIPPIN GRAPE!

*Red Carpet – I’m going to get on my soapbox about Lia Sophia again, so let this be your warning. I need to say again, THANK YOU GOD! We had the Lia Sophia Red Carpet Premier on February 5th, to welcome the new Spring/Summer catalog. I coordinated the event, and was so fearful that it was going to be a flop. It turned out to be a spectacular evening, with a packed house! I was so proud! I put the entire thing on, with the help of one of my friends on the team. It was so fun. Many nights at the truck stop at 2am, turned out to be worth it, although, I am so glad to know my days of trucker talk are over...at least until the next event. Maybe by that time, there will be a new location that has 24 hour Wi-Fi.

I also spoke at the event, telling my story, and about “why lia sophia.” I love this company. I love the Kiam family. I feel so grateful for being introduced to this fantastic opportunity. In a time of economic downturn, and unemployment rates at an all-time high, I am proud to say that my sales have doubled. This past December was a two-week fiscal month, and yet, I had my highest sales to date. I am in awe at the fact that I can say “I choose not to be affected by this recession.” That’s right, it’s my choice. I will not be laid off from my job. I will not be downsized. It’s awesome. As a matter of fact, I am planning on promoting to Unit Manager by the summer (my goal is June), which will increase my commission by 10%, and allow me to make 10% on everyone on my team. Because of the economy, more and more individuals are looking for an opportunity like this, and my team is growing fast. I had two join in January. I’m expecting about two in February, and am projecting 4-6 in March (not guessing – people actually wanting to set up starter shows). I am so excited! Not for monetary purposes though. I love to have my new teammates set five short term goals. My pay comes when they call me to tell me the goals as they accomplish them. I want lia sophia to touch the lives of so many others, the way it has touched mine. That wasn't too painful, was it?

For those of you following the weight loss, I'm still at 106 pounds. Not moving too much on the scale right now, and have actually been afraid to step on for the last few days... I've felt like a bottomless pit lately, and have not been eating as well as I should.

There's always tomorrow...