I am at it again!
Yesterday, I had enough of "maybe tomorrow I'll have time to work-out" so tomorrow became yesterday. I am really sore, but lovin' every minute of it!
My abs, shoulders and lower back were impacted the most. But my brain on exercise is so happy! I can't wait to do it again today. My focus will be walk/run and then targeting legs and abs again. I love lifting weights but think I will be servedd better by waiting til tomorrow to tackle it again.
Why did I let my job interfere with my workouts? Remember...a job only pays the bills, your health is affected by the level of stress at your job which makes it even more imperative that you work out! So get out there and do it!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Checking In
Well...I have been busy.
My goals for the year are coming into fruition.
So far I have:
1. Cleaned out my closet and drawers and have taken my first consignment to "The Purple Turtle" here in town. 54 items and only two of them were shoes. That will be my next battle.
2. Michael and I hiked at Governor Dicks two weekends ago and are planning another adventure for this Sunday...maybe Gettysburg
3. We are planning the first stage trip back to Sarasota the third weekend in October to have a plumber come in for an estimate on changing the pipes, have an exterminator come in to ensure we are de-bugged and have the locks changed. While we are there I will be checking out some thrift shops and consignment shops for our basic furniture needs. The master bedroom will be the room we spend real cash on for a good mattress.
Random thoughts:
Then its Halloween...I think I want to be a pirate this year. Kinda like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. I will need to do some shopping for this costume as I have tossed all my old Halloween stuff that was in the old attic at 503 E Main.
Michael is doing very well with his new business.
I took today as a sick day so I could watch the vice-presidential debate tonight. I am interested to see how it plays out. I would love it if the candidates surprised me but alas I am too cynical to believe that will happen.
I need a real job where it is mine and all the passion and dedication belongs to that which benefits me financially and personally. What am I really good at? That is my quest. It has been said..."Do what you love and the rest will follow"
I am 50 now you know so it is truly time for a change. I can feel it in the breeze.
My goals for the year are coming into fruition.
So far I have:
1. Cleaned out my closet and drawers and have taken my first consignment to "The Purple Turtle" here in town. 54 items and only two of them were shoes. That will be my next battle.
2. Michael and I hiked at Governor Dicks two weekends ago and are planning another adventure for this Sunday...maybe Gettysburg
3. We are planning the first stage trip back to Sarasota the third weekend in October to have a plumber come in for an estimate on changing the pipes, have an exterminator come in to ensure we are de-bugged and have the locks changed. While we are there I will be checking out some thrift shops and consignment shops for our basic furniture needs. The master bedroom will be the room we spend real cash on for a good mattress.
Random thoughts:
Then its Halloween...I think I want to be a pirate this year. Kinda like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. I will need to do some shopping for this costume as I have tossed all my old Halloween stuff that was in the old attic at 503 E Main.
Michael is doing very well with his new business.
I took today as a sick day so I could watch the vice-presidential debate tonight. I am interested to see how it plays out. I would love it if the candidates surprised me but alas I am too cynical to believe that will happen.
I need a real job where it is mine and all the passion and dedication belongs to that which benefits me financially and personally. What am I really good at? That is my quest. It has been said..."Do what you love and the rest will follow"
I am 50 now you know so it is truly time for a change. I can feel it in the breeze.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Objectives for 50!
So here goes:
The following is a list of things I want to accomplish this year to celebrate 50!
1. Re-learn guitar
2. Be totally heart healthy (continued walk/run program, lifting, leg routine, for those saddle bags that have plagued me all my life and balance ball)
3. Limit all white intake. Veggies here I come!
4. Read 1 book every month. That will be a big challenge for me since I cannot read much after 7 PM due to vision issues.
5. Visit Sara and Tony for a long weekend before the Holidays.
6. Furnish our house in Sarasota so it is "vacation spot" ready by end of month February 2009.
7. Begin hiking on Sundays with Michael when I am not working.
8. Call my dad more often.
9. Call Nathan 1X a week.
10. Clean out my closet before Christmas. (So I have more room for all the cool new outfits Mikey buys me)
11. Consign old jewelry and clothes from Chico's 3x a year.
12. Save $200.00 a month in my personal checking account.
There ya have it....my committment sheet.
See you at the finish line.
The following is a list of things I want to accomplish this year to celebrate 50!
1. Re-learn guitar
2. Be totally heart healthy (continued walk/run program, lifting, leg routine, for those saddle bags that have plagued me all my life and balance ball)
3. Limit all white intake. Veggies here I come!
4. Read 1 book every month. That will be a big challenge for me since I cannot read much after 7 PM due to vision issues.
5. Visit Sara and Tony for a long weekend before the Holidays.
6. Furnish our house in Sarasota so it is "vacation spot" ready by end of month February 2009.
7. Begin hiking on Sundays with Michael when I am not working.
8. Call my dad more often.
9. Call Nathan 1X a week.
10. Clean out my closet before Christmas. (So I have more room for all the cool new outfits Mikey buys me)
11. Consign old jewelry and clothes from Chico's 3x a year.
12. Save $200.00 a month in my personal checking account.
There ya have it....my committment sheet.
See you at the finish line.
Fun at 50!!
Milestones:
I am now 50 years old. My birthday was incredibly fun! My dad turned 75, I turned 50 and my kid sister turned 45! We celebrated in style with a huge family get together at Lou and Tom's and saw people I haven't seen in 10+ years!!
Then, my fabulous husband, tricked me into coming home early from "Lead East" a fifties car show in Parsippany NJ labor day Sunday to surprise me with yet another party equipped with DJ, food, dancing, drinking and best of all my family together again!!! I was soooooo surprised! We had so much fun!
I am now 50 years old. My birthday was incredibly fun! My dad turned 75, I turned 50 and my kid sister turned 45! We celebrated in style with a huge family get together at Lou and Tom's and saw people I haven't seen in 10+ years!!
Then, my fabulous husband, tricked me into coming home early from "Lead East" a fifties car show in Parsippany NJ labor day Sunday to surprise me with yet another party equipped with DJ, food, dancing, drinking and best of all my family together again!!! I was soooooo surprised! We had so much fun!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
What's your silver lining?
There is a silver lining in everything we do, say, touch or imagine.
So...my last entry helped me through a difficult "moment" along with the help of two very dear "friends" of mine. My two daughters. I am so blessed to have them in my life! Thanks girls! Open, honest communication will resolve anything life sends your way. Having someone to bounce ideas off of is not so bad either. 45 minutes later, my honey and I agree, cliff-notes are the way to go. He understands when I "panic" I am not looking for him to "fix" anything, just listen. That is the greatest gift of all between us is the listening.
I do have great people in my life. To you all I say, "Thank you for being there!"
Now, back to the silver linings. Life is not about what happens to you but how you respond to it! I keep relearning that lesson. Every so often, I am reminded, just how important it is.
Follow-up day was today with my urologist. I was given a clean bill of health, kidney wise and he was totally impressed with my weight loss and my commitment to healthier living through eating well and exercising. 5 years from now, if I want another sonogram on the kidneys/bladder, we will do one. Otherwise, no worries.
I also treated myself to a new watch today. It has already stopped keeping time. Probably needs a new battery! There is a reason it stopped at 10:57AM, right now I do not know what that reason is but soon it will be revealed to me.
Well...tomorrow is date night! This has become my "dirty-martini" night. I look forward to it all week. I think I may need to find another drink. Can't linger too long on the same one as then I am too predictable, I need to take my badness back from Michael. He says that he would never have taken this chance on this new business if I didn't encourage him to "fly". He is usually a very cautious person, I am the diver. I just took him to the ledge and he trusted me enough to follow me and now he has learned how to "fly", now he likes the freedom so much that we have switched places. Careful Mikey...I am taking my badness back.....or maybe now that you have learned how to fly.......we will continue to become an even bigger badder force than before! Hmmm.....I like the sound of that!
So...my last entry helped me through a difficult "moment" along with the help of two very dear "friends" of mine. My two daughters. I am so blessed to have them in my life! Thanks girls! Open, honest communication will resolve anything life sends your way. Having someone to bounce ideas off of is not so bad either. 45 minutes later, my honey and I agree, cliff-notes are the way to go. He understands when I "panic" I am not looking for him to "fix" anything, just listen. That is the greatest gift of all between us is the listening.
I do have great people in my life. To you all I say, "Thank you for being there!"
Now, back to the silver linings. Life is not about what happens to you but how you respond to it! I keep relearning that lesson. Every so often, I am reminded, just how important it is.
Follow-up day was today with my urologist. I was given a clean bill of health, kidney wise and he was totally impressed with my weight loss and my commitment to healthier living through eating well and exercising. 5 years from now, if I want another sonogram on the kidneys/bladder, we will do one. Otherwise, no worries.
I also treated myself to a new watch today. It has already stopped keeping time. Probably needs a new battery! There is a reason it stopped at 10:57AM, right now I do not know what that reason is but soon it will be revealed to me.
Well...tomorrow is date night! This has become my "dirty-martini" night. I look forward to it all week. I think I may need to find another drink. Can't linger too long on the same one as then I am too predictable, I need to take my badness back from Michael. He says that he would never have taken this chance on this new business if I didn't encourage him to "fly". He is usually a very cautious person, I am the diver. I just took him to the ledge and he trusted me enough to follow me and now he has learned how to "fly", now he likes the freedom so much that we have switched places. Careful Mikey...I am taking my badness back.....or maybe now that you have learned how to fly.......we will continue to become an even bigger badder force than before! Hmmm.....I like the sound of that!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Growing pains
This has been an incredible year.
So many things are changing and I am so lost.
It all started last year. We bought a new home (condo) in Lititz to be exact, painted it, cleaned it and moved in. It felt great to be home. Next, Lexi went off to college, all in all she did very well with her first year and has grown into a much more user friendly young adult.
By around October we started to talk about our future, where we wanted to be in 5 years (now we have been having the same conversation for the past 7 years so you'll forgive me for thinking this was the same "lets buy a mustang" chat). To make a long story short....We now own another property in Sarasota, Florida, that is absolutely amazing, and I can't wait to actually see it again. I saw it once, flew back to PA, we made the offer, bought the house and here we are, waiting for an opportunity to go back to re-visit "our" house and quite frankly "Pinch myself"!
The next order of business was for Michael to quit his current job, find a new one, create a new one or become a beach bum in Florida that just happens to be the proud owner/operator of "Coffee a la mode". (Only the best coffee shop in Sarasota, opening date to be determined once we move there full-time). Well, he did quit his job, lots of drama around that, he is developing a new career joining forces with two business partners, which by the way is going to be gangbusters if the current trend of phone calls is any indication of upcoming success.
So, why I ask you do I feel so lost?
I am currently feeling "on the outside looking in". It is incredibly wierd...Our once incredible connection to each other and looking at life as "we" has taken on a very individualized feel to it. I no longer feel connected. So much is happening that only my significant other is doing, that I feel as though I am only along for the ride, left behind so to speak. When we do have time to talk at Michael's own admission he is "not present" therefore, most often he is preoccupied in his own mind and I am audibly cranky/irritated at having to repeat myself multiple times knowing he is not going to remember anything anyway, because his life is moving so quickly. Knowing myself the way I do, I know it is only a matter of time before I shut down, check out, so to speak and do not bother. This will, I do realize, only make communication worse. I am definately at a loss. This is the first time I am experiencing this with Michael. We are very seperate, even when we are together. It saddens me. Well....maybe now I have a starting point to open conversation with him.
As for me, I am looking to develop "girlfriend" relationships to fill my time,start taking yoga classes, or join a gym and get a personal trainer. I really hate this. And am quite resentful, knowing full well, that I encouraged him to run with the bulls. Now, I have become the cheerleader in his life rather than an active participant in our life.
...as is the title "growing pains" I am sure that this too shall pass, eventually.
So many things are changing and I am so lost.
It all started last year. We bought a new home (condo) in Lititz to be exact, painted it, cleaned it and moved in. It felt great to be home. Next, Lexi went off to college, all in all she did very well with her first year and has grown into a much more user friendly young adult.
By around October we started to talk about our future, where we wanted to be in 5 years (now we have been having the same conversation for the past 7 years so you'll forgive me for thinking this was the same "lets buy a mustang" chat). To make a long story short....We now own another property in Sarasota, Florida, that is absolutely amazing, and I can't wait to actually see it again. I saw it once, flew back to PA, we made the offer, bought the house and here we are, waiting for an opportunity to go back to re-visit "our" house and quite frankly "Pinch myself"!
The next order of business was for Michael to quit his current job, find a new one, create a new one or become a beach bum in Florida that just happens to be the proud owner/operator of "Coffee a la mode". (Only the best coffee shop in Sarasota, opening date to be determined once we move there full-time). Well, he did quit his job, lots of drama around that, he is developing a new career joining forces with two business partners, which by the way is going to be gangbusters if the current trend of phone calls is any indication of upcoming success.
So, why I ask you do I feel so lost?
I am currently feeling "on the outside looking in". It is incredibly wierd...Our once incredible connection to each other and looking at life as "we" has taken on a very individualized feel to it. I no longer feel connected. So much is happening that only my significant other is doing, that I feel as though I am only along for the ride, left behind so to speak. When we do have time to talk at Michael's own admission he is "not present" therefore, most often he is preoccupied in his own mind and I am audibly cranky/irritated at having to repeat myself multiple times knowing he is not going to remember anything anyway, because his life is moving so quickly. Knowing myself the way I do, I know it is only a matter of time before I shut down, check out, so to speak and do not bother. This will, I do realize, only make communication worse. I am definately at a loss. This is the first time I am experiencing this with Michael. We are very seperate, even when we are together. It saddens me. Well....maybe now I have a starting point to open conversation with him.
As for me, I am looking to develop "girlfriend" relationships to fill my time,start taking yoga classes, or join a gym and get a personal trainer. I really hate this. And am quite resentful, knowing full well, that I encouraged him to run with the bulls. Now, I have become the cheerleader in his life rather than an active participant in our life.
...as is the title "growing pains" I am sure that this too shall pass, eventually.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Seriously!
Work officially sucks!
Expectant mothers who work retail and have "baby emergencies" daily should be shot. No Seriously, they should not be allowed to reproduce. Everything is a drama...This one who works for me has had any/all symptoms of anything you can imagine, only to find out she doesn't really, she just loves the attention! I am soooooooooo tired of her drama. She needs to just be pregnant, enjoy it, do her job and seriously----SHUT UP----about all her "Oh my god...I think...blah, blah, blah, if she ever really did have an emergency I am not sure anyone would believe her! It has become an excuse for her to be LAZY!
I am sooooooo looking forward to my day off Friday, but you know I will have to go in to have a mini-management meeting with my staff, just to keep "miss pregnant thing" in line.
On a brighter note.........Working out with weights and walking/running during the week really helps the psyche. I cannot imagine what my stress level would be like if I did not have that.
Lexi is home from college for the summer! YEA!!! She is finishing up her last take home final, which is due Thursday by 3 PM. She has gotten 5 out of 10 essays questions done and diligently working on the rest. She has started working on cleaning out her room, and is working on getting a job for the summer. I am so excited she is home.
Now I am off to shower and get ready to go to work for the second half of my split-day shift. uuuggghhh
Soon, very soon!
Expectant mothers who work retail and have "baby emergencies" daily should be shot. No Seriously, they should not be allowed to reproduce. Everything is a drama...This one who works for me has had any/all symptoms of anything you can imagine, only to find out she doesn't really, she just loves the attention! I am soooooooooo tired of her drama. She needs to just be pregnant, enjoy it, do her job and seriously----SHUT UP----about all her "Oh my god...I think...blah, blah, blah, if she ever really did have an emergency I am not sure anyone would believe her! It has become an excuse for her to be LAZY!
I am sooooooo looking forward to my day off Friday, but you know I will have to go in to have a mini-management meeting with my staff, just to keep "miss pregnant thing" in line.
On a brighter note.........Working out with weights and walking/running during the week really helps the psyche. I cannot imagine what my stress level would be like if I did not have that.
Lexi is home from college for the summer! YEA!!! She is finishing up her last take home final, which is due Thursday by 3 PM. She has gotten 5 out of 10 essays questions done and diligently working on the rest. She has started working on cleaning out her room, and is working on getting a job for the summer. I am so excited she is home.
Now I am off to shower and get ready to go to work for the second half of my split-day shift. uuuggghhh
Soon, very soon!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Power surges and life changes
Power surges a.k.a. Hot flashes officially suck. They mess up my sleep pattern! You don't know if you are going to have a period or not and all of your symptoms (PMS) are still present even though "Aunt Flo" does not visit. Total mayhem!
On the plus side, I have found life without "Aunt Flo" to be sort of a blessing in disguise. It is amazing when you can go through life without having to change a tampon through out the day!
I also have found a new found peace in knowing that all those crazy things that I used to worry about when I was younger are just not that important! Life truely beings at 40. Now that I am 4 months away from 50, (ok...that number looks bigger in print than it feels when I say it), I am looking forward to life being even that much more fun! If we only knew at 20 what we know now. 20 year olds would be dangerous! There is no trade off for Experience. Life was meant to be lived that is certain. And experiencing all of it.........aaahhh.......that's where you begin to unfold all of what life has to truely offer!
Well I am off to do my hair and get ready for work. If only I were financially independently wealthy :)
On the plus side, I have found life without "Aunt Flo" to be sort of a blessing in disguise. It is amazing when you can go through life without having to change a tampon through out the day!
I also have found a new found peace in knowing that all those crazy things that I used to worry about when I was younger are just not that important! Life truely beings at 40. Now that I am 4 months away from 50, (ok...that number looks bigger in print than it feels when I say it), I am looking forward to life being even that much more fun! If we only knew at 20 what we know now. 20 year olds would be dangerous! There is no trade off for Experience. Life was meant to be lived that is certain. And experiencing all of it.........aaahhh.......that's where you begin to unfold all of what life has to truely offer!
Well I am off to do my hair and get ready for work. If only I were financially independently wealthy :)
Coffee, Breakfast and Reviews
Today is my last day of working on reviews for my associates! I have finally completed the daunting chore of getting them done. Three more to deliver by tomorrow. Then it's off to my favorite copy/fax joint Fed-Ex/Kinko's to get my review packet prepared to send off to my DSM so she can then send them to corp. Oh wait........don't forget you'll need three copies of each review. One to keep at the store, one for the associate and one for corporate. Then its time to review all their individual goals for the year! When all we want to do is sell, sell, sell to the customers and make money. You see our company pays out a personal bonus for hitting different dollar amounts of sales. So........my staff really just wants to know did they do well, did they get a raise and can they get back to the sales floor before someone else gets the "money maker" of a customer!
The new reality for our company is now its time to shift gears and not worry about the extra money you can make, lets focus on lots more customers (increase our conversion rate and make a difference in all their lives),not just the $$BIG$$ $penders. This is a hard concept for most of my staff as they are all "Big Money Honey's" looking out for number 1, and in case you haven't figured it out it is all about their paycheck.
We are having growing pains to say the least! Revamp the Bonus structure to reward smaller sales and that will happen with the current staff or cut full time hours to 30 rather than 40, put on more part-time sales people in order to get to more of the customers and we will convert more customers. OK....so I am not being so positive here, but the reality is...I have a well seasoned staff, they know how to sell and they anticipate the tasks and get them done. As a manager I understand and support the company's new direction, see the benefits from the company's POV. From a roll-out stance......it is hard to teach old dogs new tricks and even harder for someone in a sales position (who works commission) to see any benefit to them. So...I may need to invest in a hair color company before its all over!
I am also looking to hire a part-time sales lead to help open and close the store in my assistants absence during her maternity leave. That quest is currently moving in a positive direction with at least applications to review and people to call. I still think my opportunity is to recruit someone fab-u-lous, but one would have to be able to get out of the store for that!
On a much brighter note.....I am seriously looking forward to this weekend. Walking, lifting, reading my oxygen magazine and finishing "The Secret" which I started during our trip back from Florida two weeks ago. My honey is going to visit his son Friday-Sunday and I will be working Fri and Sat, but will have the day off Sunday to do with what I wish. Sleep in.................
The new reality for our company is now its time to shift gears and not worry about the extra money you can make, lets focus on lots more customers (increase our conversion rate and make a difference in all their lives),not just the $$BIG$$ $penders. This is a hard concept for most of my staff as they are all "Big Money Honey's" looking out for number 1, and in case you haven't figured it out it is all about their paycheck.
We are having growing pains to say the least! Revamp the Bonus structure to reward smaller sales and that will happen with the current staff or cut full time hours to 30 rather than 40, put on more part-time sales people in order to get to more of the customers and we will convert more customers. OK....so I am not being so positive here, but the reality is...I have a well seasoned staff, they know how to sell and they anticipate the tasks and get them done. As a manager I understand and support the company's new direction, see the benefits from the company's POV. From a roll-out stance......it is hard to teach old dogs new tricks and even harder for someone in a sales position (who works commission) to see any benefit to them. So...I may need to invest in a hair color company before its all over!
I am also looking to hire a part-time sales lead to help open and close the store in my assistants absence during her maternity leave. That quest is currently moving in a positive direction with at least applications to review and people to call. I still think my opportunity is to recruit someone fab-u-lous, but one would have to be able to get out of the store for that!
On a much brighter note.....I am seriously looking forward to this weekend. Walking, lifting, reading my oxygen magazine and finishing "The Secret" which I started during our trip back from Florida two weeks ago. My honey is going to visit his son Friday-Sunday and I will be working Fri and Sat, but will have the day off Sunday to do with what I wish. Sleep in.................
Thursday, April 3, 2008
No baseball caps here!
Florence, SC. WOW...definately no women in baseball caps. Sweats, sneakers, jeans, old ratty clothes yes..., but no baseball caps. Good thing I wasn't stoned in the "Bible belt" of America. Wow..........who knew a road trip from New Port Richey, Florida would take so many turns. It started out great, then turned into the trip from Hell as we proceeded to break down, get towed, spend 36 hrs in limbo, get back on the road and have lots of time to reflect:
1. Got to see 4 states are not for me for many reasons.
2. Learned that southern hospitality is a myth.
3. Alcohol should not be prohibited on Sundays anywhere.
4. A road trip is only as fun as you make it.
5. Sunny skies and warm weather are a definite must for my future.
Florida here I come..........To live and sell muffins. (thanx Lexi for the muffin suggestion)
It was exhilarating to see the rolling hills of Pennsylvania as we dropped the "mojo" challenged car off at the garage for a little love. I think the good luck charm in the car has to go. Sorry Mom.
1. Got to see 4 states are not for me for many reasons.
2. Learned that southern hospitality is a myth.
3. Alcohol should not be prohibited on Sundays anywhere.
4. A road trip is only as fun as you make it.
5. Sunny skies and warm weather are a definite must for my future.
Florida here I come..........To live and sell muffins. (thanx Lexi for the muffin suggestion)
It was exhilarating to see the rolling hills of Pennsylvania as we dropped the "mojo" challenged car off at the garage for a little love. I think the good luck charm in the car has to go. Sorry Mom.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
.6 lbs
Its all good. Today was weigh in day. To my surprise I lost another .6 of a lb.
Padre Michele gave us 4 special days of dispensation for the St. Patrick's day holiday. That means we went out Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to celebrate the wearin' of the green. In actuality that means we got to have 4 drinks in 4 days rather than our 2 in 2 days (Friday and Saturday) and we ate like crazy people (restaurant food is loaded with calories and fat!). Do you know how many calories are in pasta? Let me tell you how many veggies I have to eat this week to make up for the badness last weekend. I am gonna look like broccoli!
I will have to walk everywhere, even to work 8 miles, up hills both ways and lift mondo amounts of weights. Oh well, no pain, no gain right?
My reviews are almost done for my staff, I saved my assistants for last. That will have to happen over the weekend. My boss comes to visit tomorrow for the first time since Dec. 26th. Yep...I know the date, and I am looking forward to our chat. I called the employee hot line and told them what I thought of being open Easter Sunday, as if they care, but now I feel better about the whole thing.
And to my youngest daughter I say "A muffin shop in Florida might just be the way to go". Thanks for the idea.
Out for now!
Starbucks.........still pondering. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Padre Michele gave us 4 special days of dispensation for the St. Patrick's day holiday. That means we went out Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to celebrate the wearin' of the green. In actuality that means we got to have 4 drinks in 4 days rather than our 2 in 2 days (Friday and Saturday) and we ate like crazy people (restaurant food is loaded with calories and fat!). Do you know how many calories are in pasta? Let me tell you how many veggies I have to eat this week to make up for the badness last weekend. I am gonna look like broccoli!
I will have to walk everywhere, even to work 8 miles, up hills both ways and lift mondo amounts of weights. Oh well, no pain, no gain right?
My reviews are almost done for my staff, I saved my assistants for last. That will have to happen over the weekend. My boss comes to visit tomorrow for the first time since Dec. 26th. Yep...I know the date, and I am looking forward to our chat. I called the employee hot line and told them what I thought of being open Easter Sunday, as if they care, but now I feel better about the whole thing.
And to my youngest daughter I say "A muffin shop in Florida might just be the way to go". Thanks for the idea.
Out for now!
Starbucks.........still pondering. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Fun!
I am not always so serious.
Life is meant to experience, learn, grow and dream.
I'm out!
TTYL..........Its time to walk and pump up the volume! I have batteries now for my MP3 player!
Wa-hoo
Life is meant to experience, learn, grow and dream.
I'm out!
TTYL..........Its time to walk and pump up the volume! I have batteries now for my MP3 player!
Wa-hoo
What are you worthy of?
I am worthy of my Passions.
To have the time and energy to pursue them.
Some days....like today are quiet for me. Reflecting, moving slowly then regretting the time I spend lazily doing nothing productive. But...is it not productive to take time for ones self to rejuvenate? I stayed in bed til noon. Took a shower, ate lunch, then channel surfed til 3.
My job is draining I tell myself. Well, it does take a lot out of you to constantly reinforce to other women (who, by the way have minimal to no self esteem) that they are important, look great and should embrace themselves as special. No I am not a counselor, but a sales manager and trainer for a very visible women's retailer. Some customers are truly what I call "emotional vampires" zapping your energy in order so they may feel good. Its what I do essentially, give them energy, encourage other women to feel good about themselves. Teach them how to look in a mirror and see who they are rather than the labels someone else has put on them.
"I wonder if they ever did the exercise in school where you take a shoe box and put adjectives on the inside of how you feel and on the outside of the box that describe how you think other people view you?" It is amazing when those two worlds collide and you realize you are worthy of whatever it is that makes you happy and do not benefit from the labels or your own negative thoughts. Go pursue your dreams!!! "Create your life"
The amount of energy I exude at work is amazing. To what end though? Yes, my customers feel great when they leave but they still carry around their baggage, for their time with me is only a short fix. Then they return to their life, and come back to see me or one of my associates for another fix. The money they spend on new clothes to feel good always makes me a little sad. I cannot imagine being in their shoes, yet it is what makes me successful. I provide the positive attention they need, they spend money, I make money.
I have one woman who shops with me who has told me the reason for her shopping addiction. She is quite intelligent, is a professor at a well known university and has been diagnosed as using this addiction to cover up the wounds inflicted upon her as a child, made to feel "not good enough" and used the mask of "if I look pretty on the outside and get attention form others because of it I will feel good enough and be recognised as such". When in actuality she has almost lost her husband because of the way she spent money, causing them bankruptcy twice. He now has given her money to spend and she has been using that same money over and over again, making purchases, wearing items with the tickets attached then returning them for something new so the feel good cycle continues. She has now come up with a very creative way to spend the same dollar over and over again to feed her need to feel good.
There are many more I see on a weekly basis that spend money to feel good because something in their lives is not right. Rather than being responsible for their own choices they continue to try and fix themselves with retail therapy. I am always dumbfounded.
WOMEN, I scream, for heavens sake, why do you fill up your lives with meaningless crap? Why do you not know your own self-worth? Why do you need me or others like me to make you feel special. Why can you not do it for yourselves? What have you become?
Stand up! Take back your power! Rejoice in making better decisions in your life! And become the real "(insert name here)"
WOW Maybe I should have been a real counselor. Or at least taken some psychology classes. Hmmmmm..... I might be onto something.
To have the time and energy to pursue them.
Some days....like today are quiet for me. Reflecting, moving slowly then regretting the time I spend lazily doing nothing productive. But...is it not productive to take time for ones self to rejuvenate? I stayed in bed til noon. Took a shower, ate lunch, then channel surfed til 3.
My job is draining I tell myself. Well, it does take a lot out of you to constantly reinforce to other women (who, by the way have minimal to no self esteem) that they are important, look great and should embrace themselves as special. No I am not a counselor, but a sales manager and trainer for a very visible women's retailer. Some customers are truly what I call "emotional vampires" zapping your energy in order so they may feel good. Its what I do essentially, give them energy, encourage other women to feel good about themselves. Teach them how to look in a mirror and see who they are rather than the labels someone else has put on them.
"I wonder if they ever did the exercise in school where you take a shoe box and put adjectives on the inside of how you feel and on the outside of the box that describe how you think other people view you?" It is amazing when those two worlds collide and you realize you are worthy of whatever it is that makes you happy and do not benefit from the labels or your own negative thoughts. Go pursue your dreams!!! "Create your life"
The amount of energy I exude at work is amazing. To what end though? Yes, my customers feel great when they leave but they still carry around their baggage, for their time with me is only a short fix. Then they return to their life, and come back to see me or one of my associates for another fix. The money they spend on new clothes to feel good always makes me a little sad. I cannot imagine being in their shoes, yet it is what makes me successful. I provide the positive attention they need, they spend money, I make money.
I have one woman who shops with me who has told me the reason for her shopping addiction. She is quite intelligent, is a professor at a well known university and has been diagnosed as using this addiction to cover up the wounds inflicted upon her as a child, made to feel "not good enough" and used the mask of "if I look pretty on the outside and get attention form others because of it I will feel good enough and be recognised as such". When in actuality she has almost lost her husband because of the way she spent money, causing them bankruptcy twice. He now has given her money to spend and she has been using that same money over and over again, making purchases, wearing items with the tickets attached then returning them for something new so the feel good cycle continues. She has now come up with a very creative way to spend the same dollar over and over again to feed her need to feel good.
There are many more I see on a weekly basis that spend money to feel good because something in their lives is not right. Rather than being responsible for their own choices they continue to try and fix themselves with retail therapy. I am always dumbfounded.
WOMEN, I scream, for heavens sake, why do you fill up your lives with meaningless crap? Why do you not know your own self-worth? Why do you need me or others like me to make you feel special. Why can you not do it for yourselves? What have you become?
Stand up! Take back your power! Rejoice in making better decisions in your life! And become the real "(insert name here)"
WOW Maybe I should have been a real counselor. Or at least taken some psychology classes. Hmmmmm..... I might be onto something.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Disappointment
You're either on the bus or you need to get off the bus. Are you in it to win it?
Those were the two statements I heard two weeks ago at a Sales manager meeting from my Regional sales manager of the company I work for.
I have been pondering my answers since I heard them.
5 years ago I became a member of one of the most exciting retail companies I have ever known. I was proud to be a part of it, poured my heart and soul into my job, and got such a high from it because the company's vision and direction was incredible. Now 5 years later, well lets just say I am less than enamored. Our founders of the company stepped down two years ago and that's when the subtle changes (improvements, if you will) started to occur. I won't bore you with the details, but last evening the sales managers got another piece of information on the most current change. We will be open Easter Sunday as a company. The reason we were given for the opening is "We need to take advantage of everyday to recoup some of the financial losses we have experienced." Let me just say this............How are we going to see fantastic results from being open Easter Sunday when it is literally one week til Easter and We as a company do not do mass media advertising? A planning strategy would have worked better to plan for business 6 months to a year out, do some advertising for a month before the new open date, prepare your staff.......you get my drift. One week out is going to be an incredible sell to associates, and maintain morale at the same time. Yep.........You are either on the bus on this one or you are not!!!! Change is not my concern. It is the perceived knee jerk reactions to a faltering business that makes me crazy. A business that is as big as ours does not knee jerk, yet the store level gets the information one week before the change???? When signs were printed for the announcement and sent to stores one week before the news broke. I am upset to the degree that it looks like the "values" that we were founded on, no longer exist. This thing was planned (signs do not just get printed last minute, orders need to be place, even in house orders), so why wait til the last minute to bring the information to your front line at the final hour? We hired into this company for its reputation of putting associates on the front line first, at least considering, if your associates are happy they will make your customers happy and your business will thrive. The "values" the company was so proudly built on are vanishing as we go forward.
To our founders, I applaud everything you did while you were at the helm! Since your retirement our stocks have dropped tremendously, morale in the stores is low, and corporate continues place more levels of upper-management in place. Communication has been inconsistent, from the corporate level to stores, one minute we are to execute something and the next we are instructed to do something else, or do it another way. A frustrating year was had by all and it only looks like there is more to come.
I am on the bus, for now. I do play to win.
I can make lemonade from lemons. But, this is one company that through my rose colored glasses I never thought I would feel this way about. I am reevaluating my choices daily.
Those were the two statements I heard two weeks ago at a Sales manager meeting from my Regional sales manager of the company I work for.
I have been pondering my answers since I heard them.
5 years ago I became a member of one of the most exciting retail companies I have ever known. I was proud to be a part of it, poured my heart and soul into my job, and got such a high from it because the company's vision and direction was incredible. Now 5 years later, well lets just say I am less than enamored. Our founders of the company stepped down two years ago and that's when the subtle changes (improvements, if you will) started to occur. I won't bore you with the details, but last evening the sales managers got another piece of information on the most current change. We will be open Easter Sunday as a company. The reason we were given for the opening is "We need to take advantage of everyday to recoup some of the financial losses we have experienced." Let me just say this............How are we going to see fantastic results from being open Easter Sunday when it is literally one week til Easter and We as a company do not do mass media advertising? A planning strategy would have worked better to plan for business 6 months to a year out, do some advertising for a month before the new open date, prepare your staff.......you get my drift. One week out is going to be an incredible sell to associates, and maintain morale at the same time. Yep.........You are either on the bus on this one or you are not!!!! Change is not my concern. It is the perceived knee jerk reactions to a faltering business that makes me crazy. A business that is as big as ours does not knee jerk, yet the store level gets the information one week before the change???? When signs were printed for the announcement and sent to stores one week before the news broke. I am upset to the degree that it looks like the "values" that we were founded on, no longer exist. This thing was planned (signs do not just get printed last minute, orders need to be place, even in house orders), so why wait til the last minute to bring the information to your front line at the final hour? We hired into this company for its reputation of putting associates on the front line first, at least considering, if your associates are happy they will make your customers happy and your business will thrive. The "values" the company was so proudly built on are vanishing as we go forward.
To our founders, I applaud everything you did while you were at the helm! Since your retirement our stocks have dropped tremendously, morale in the stores is low, and corporate continues place more levels of upper-management in place. Communication has been inconsistent, from the corporate level to stores, one minute we are to execute something and the next we are instructed to do something else, or do it another way. A frustrating year was had by all and it only looks like there is more to come.
I am on the bus, for now. I do play to win.
I can make lemonade from lemons. But, this is one company that through my rose colored glasses I never thought I would feel this way about. I am reevaluating my choices daily.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Faith, Choices and Me
Well...here I sit aimlessly at my computer waiting for the sun to shine, wishing I were anywhere but here. The longer I live in the northeast the more I am convinced I should be somewhere south and warm. Winter sucks!!! And, we don't even experience the snow here like other regions of the country. I just need the sun, less clothes and more daylight. Being here makes me want to pull the covers up and hibernate til spring gets here full force!
Which brings me to the issue at hand. "Choices" life is all about them. When I was younger I thought life just happened...as it turns out I was so wrong! Life is all about choice. So why do I still sit here cold and wishing........well its like this..........there is still one kid in college and my life partner to consider. I choose for the time being to stay here, research my options and choose life wisely. I am a diver by nature. For those of you who don't know what that means I will tell you. I spent the first 36 years of my life doing then thinking later. Now, I think, then...well you are right sometimes its not as much of a rush but at least I am at a much better place in my life. Responding to life allows you to think about which choice is the right one for you.
I am at a cross-road in my life. I can feel the change inside but it is not ready to become a reality just yet. Reality.........
My reality is I have a wonderful husband, incredible kids and really cute grand kids and me. Who I am has changed so much over the years. Life is no longer about figuring out who I am, life is about living. This year for new years, my resolution was to start to enjoy the things in life that make me happiest. WOW!!! Imagine for a workaholic like me that when I put me first, I found out that work didn't do it for me. I want more time to enjoy my partner, I want to experience things that are truly different than anything I have ever done before. I am lifting weights...for me....I am developing amazing definition in my arms, I am walking and have increased my stamina to include jogging, something, by the way, I couldn't even do as a teenager. I am also developing my core muscles, all this being said the best part of it is its for "me". Wow!! I have chosen for my health to be an important part of my future.
My routine has also given me the time to think about the next steps in my life with my partner. Where do I want to be? That's easy......South. What do I want to do? Not so easy. I have always played it safe and worked at retail management jobs that came easy to me. Now, I want something of my own..........what that is yet is unclear. I am good at people management, motivation, support and training. I love to watch people blossom. I also am wise enough to know that people must want to do it for themselves and no one can do it for them. That being said, people do things that they never thought they could do because they have been inspired by someone else who has accomplished something that they want to accomplish. Kind of "If she can do it.....so can I" I am looking for my mentor in the next level of success I will have in my life. I know there will be someone or something that will speak to me, even if the voice comes from within, as it does so many times.
"Faith...When we face challenges, God either puts solid ground beneath us or teaches us how to fly" I am learning how to fly.
Which brings me to the issue at hand. "Choices" life is all about them. When I was younger I thought life just happened...as it turns out I was so wrong! Life is all about choice. So why do I still sit here cold and wishing........well its like this..........there is still one kid in college and my life partner to consider. I choose for the time being to stay here, research my options and choose life wisely. I am a diver by nature. For those of you who don't know what that means I will tell you. I spent the first 36 years of my life doing then thinking later. Now, I think, then...well you are right sometimes its not as much of a rush but at least I am at a much better place in my life. Responding to life allows you to think about which choice is the right one for you.
I am at a cross-road in my life. I can feel the change inside but it is not ready to become a reality just yet. Reality.........
My reality is I have a wonderful husband, incredible kids and really cute grand kids and me. Who I am has changed so much over the years. Life is no longer about figuring out who I am, life is about living. This year for new years, my resolution was to start to enjoy the things in life that make me happiest. WOW!!! Imagine for a workaholic like me that when I put me first, I found out that work didn't do it for me. I want more time to enjoy my partner, I want to experience things that are truly different than anything I have ever done before. I am lifting weights...for me....I am developing amazing definition in my arms, I am walking and have increased my stamina to include jogging, something, by the way, I couldn't even do as a teenager. I am also developing my core muscles, all this being said the best part of it is its for "me". Wow!! I have chosen for my health to be an important part of my future.
My routine has also given me the time to think about the next steps in my life with my partner. Where do I want to be? That's easy......South. What do I want to do? Not so easy. I have always played it safe and worked at retail management jobs that came easy to me. Now, I want something of my own..........what that is yet is unclear. I am good at people management, motivation, support and training. I love to watch people blossom. I also am wise enough to know that people must want to do it for themselves and no one can do it for them. That being said, people do things that they never thought they could do because they have been inspired by someone else who has accomplished something that they want to accomplish. Kind of "If she can do it.....so can I" I am looking for my mentor in the next level of success I will have in my life. I know there will be someone or something that will speak to me, even if the voice comes from within, as it does so many times.
"Faith...When we face challenges, God either puts solid ground beneath us or teaches us how to fly" I am learning how to fly.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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