It was even better than I imagined . . .

It is hard to believe that this all started with an idea on November 10 and tonight we actually pulled off an amazing event at the school. When I got home from the event there was an email from a mom saying what a great event it was. I am thrilled.

Based on my observations, there was tons of socializing happening and lots of money was exchanging hands. The vendors were engaging and happy and the moms were receptive and excited about the opportunity to see new things. We had a good mix of services and products in a variety of price ranges. There was lots of food, especially deserts. And we had message therapist there performing wonderful messages for our moms. What more could you ask for.

I think what I liked best was meeting moms I would have never have met. There were moms from the upper, middle, lower and pre-school. It was great. And the teachers were there as well, which I think made it really special.

The only thing Becca and I need is a night off.

Have you ever felt like this?

Today, this was my life. And all though most of the day was exhilarating and productive, I took moment to pause and think, is it all worth it. I have to admit that right now I don't know any other way. So until I can come up with another way that I can have the lifestyle that I want that includes being able to pop in to school and help my First grader with Writer's Workshop or snuggle on the couch with my 3-year old and still make an income, this is what I will look like for a while.

Now if I can just figure out how to pick up one of those balls and still remain balanced. Hmmm.

We are not an island . . .

I received this from a client and thought it worth sharing. I always get back to we are not an island, we are not alone. It's about interdependence.

Build Relationships Of Trust

Life Moves Pretty Fast,

But In The End It's All About

Our Faith, Our Family, And The Relationships

We've Formed Along The Way.

.....Aim For The Heart...........

What was I thinking????

This year I made a commitment to myself to take care of Lia. With this in mind, I thought it would be nice to have my nails done. After all I need to look professional for what I do and it is nice to have my hands look like that of a woman and not that of a child.

I must say I felt quite self-indulgent. And I also was surprised how hard it was to just sit there for the hour and a half it took to get them done. Hmm, something I need to work on. Then the reality set in. Have you ever tried to open you pants with sticks hanging off your nails. Well that is what it felt like. My youngest saw my hands and said "mom, don't poke me." I never expected to inflict fear on my children. And just sitting here typing is making me wonder, "what was I thinking?"

I must say in all fairness that I am going to try to stick this out. I believe in time I will get used to them and appreciate them. Wish me luck.

So now that the holidays are done . . .

now what?? It's hard to believe that what took 6 weeks to prepare for, is over in 24 hours. Getting the house ready, decorating, putting up a tree and lights, our trains, the cookies, the holiday concerts, all the parties and visits. And then on December 26th, It's all over. And now it takes time to get the house back in order to resume normal life. But that's ok with me. I enjoy the process.

As I reflect back on the last two months, I find myself smiling and enjoying the memories. Yes it was hectic, and it was joy-filled. And we made a special effort not to forget why we are celebrating and preparing. After all, it's all about the Jesus and his birth. My favorite part of the holiday was lighting candles on a cake on Christmas day and singing happy birthday to Jesus. It was a tangible way to remind my boys why we do what we do.

Is it Friday Yet????

Today was a typical day in my life. I got the boys off to school and then I ran to my home office to check my email and pick up something I needed for my meeting. I got to the meeting a few minutes early, so I updated my calendar, made some calls, set an appointment. My meeting was very productive and we all left energized ready to conquer the world. On my way home I decided to make a walk-in cold call which produced a name and some inside information that might help me approach this person. I also stopped at the cell phone company to get my phone repaired. Once home I had an hour to eat lunch and catch up on emails and work on an ad for a directory. I then went to my son's school to help with their Writer's workshop (the highlight of my day). I then took my oldest home and picked up my youngest. Once home we did homework, played and made dinner. Then my oldest was off to Karate and I stayed home for some quality time with the little dude. So here I sit in the quite and blog. Isn't life grand.

2006 - How did that Happen?????

If you have been wondering where I have been, I have been right here. I just needed a break. I needed time to think through things, get through the holidays and re-prioritize. I suddenly wasn't sure why I was blogging. I wondered if anyone even read it or cared. So I just stopped.

The holidays have been busy and joyous. I have thoroughly enjoyed my family and all that the holidays bring. We were sure not to forget why we celebrate this holiday. It has been truly an awesome experience. So as I start to plan forward and partake of another year, I will cherish the memories of a great 2005. It has been a year of personal and professional growth.

If you do read this and enjoy my ramblings, thank you. I make a commitment today to provide entries on a weekly basis, if not more. I hope you and yours have a great 2006.