Coming to an end!

So here we are. Seeing another year coming to an end. I’ve read  a lot of post of how many didn’t do all of what they set out to accomplish. But that’s OK, because you came closer than last year. And now you know what it takes. So as we count down the days to the new year, all we can do is ask ourselves “What did I learn this year?” Or you! And take that into the new year as a lesson learned.

The one thing I did learn this year was that ‘There’s no time to waste time!’ When you think about all that has to be done, (work, family, grandchildren, birthdays, holidays, not to mention all the classes your taking). It’s like a whirlwind going around your head. And all you want to do is scream ‘Stop!’

I read someone who wrote that between after Christmas and New years theirs nothing to do. Right! Because you spent all year going here, going there, planning this, planning that. Some are probably still doing it rolling into the new year but for most we just stop! Everything has been done. And we sit twiddling our thumbs as to say “Now what?”

So, here we are thinking of regrets, disappointments, what we got done and what wasn’t. At least I do. If only I would of done this or that. Would of, could of, should of! But hay! Theirs always next year!

So don’t kick yourself. You did the best you could. And I’ll give you an ‘A’ for putting in the effort and trying. Who can ask for more than that?

And after doing my own review, like I do every year. I decided to take on little journeys here and there. So, I’m looking  forward to filling in my 2016 planner for that. And yes get a planner! Its not the same as writing stuff in your phone. Odds are your not going back to look unless your on the go and have a business. No, seriously! So make that a priority on your list for next year.

I am happy to say though, that I was finally able to make my ‘snowflake cookie’ this year. Came out cute and my grandchildren loved them. It only took two years! Couldn’t get hold of the darn cookie cutter. I guess there is a time for everything. Is that Ecclesiastic or Lament? Its one of those.

What I was really looking for though, was a cookie cutter for the Star of David. Which I didn’t find. Maybe thru one of my journeys this year, I’ll find one. So, I stuck with the snowflake instead.

I’m also looking forward to writing more through out the new year. So, until then keep being productive and creative. Believe me everything you learned last year won’t be wasted.

Have a Happy Blessed New Year Everybody!!!!!

 

 

 

 

show time!

These two words have been coming up a lot lately in my life these days. What do they  mean? well, I’ll tell you what it means! It’s exactly what we do everyday before we walk out the door.

We get up in the morning, shower, have our coffee, look through our closet to figure out what to wear. And if your a woman, well, you can’t forget make-up application. Choosing the right color and so on to match.

When done and ready to walk out, and even though you don’t say it! In your mind you know it’s ‘Show Time’.

When your at an office, desk or cubical and get your little do-dads prepared, it’s because you know its close to ‘Show Time’.

And If you have to wear a uniform. You know your going to make sure everything is on or tucked in just right before you hit the floor because in a second, it’s going to be ‘Show Time’.

It’s show time in everything we do. How we interact with our friends, family, co-workers, customers! It helps us to be confident and to put our best foot forward.

And no, it’s not always easy and at times it can be difficult, tiresome or costly! But necessary!

I had learned this years ago when I worked for a downtown firm. You know the kind! Big building and you have to take the elevator to the up teenth floor! And when the elevator opens, you see the lonely receptionist at a big desk between two opposite humongous doors.Well, every time I had to stop at that floor to deliver a package (I was a mail clerk at the time) she was always nicely dressed. Until one day, when those elevator doors opened, my jaw dropped! This girl looked so sick. I’m sure she had a cold or something. But, it was as if she just threw on a sweater and came to work. No make-up, no nothing!

So the lesson I learned that day! No matter how sick you are or feel, don’t ever show it. Especially in the work place. Watery eyes, runny nose, you can’t help that. That doesn’t give you an excuse not to look presentable. And If it’s that bad, take a sick day and stay home!

And it is true. First impression is key to so many things. Could you imagine first time clients stepping off that elevator! I know I’d be a little leery.

So, be in good health. Eat right, exercise and remember when you step out into the world, its always ‘ShowTime!’

 

Feeling so, so

I really don’t know what to make of this weather. Living in Chicago does has its ups and downs but lately the weather pattern has changed drastically, especially during the summer months. I’m not really complaining though, cause I like the idea of saving money by not putting the AC on due to the cold/rainy weather. One day out of the whole week may be hot and the rest are cool. Where ya, you need a sweater in the morning when you walk out the door.

Its a little sad cause it feels like we don’t have summer at all. And the tourist can’t enjoy Chicago due to the rain and they end up staying indoors. Not cool!!! But again it beats walking under the sweltering heat where you can hardly breath. Boy,do I remember those years.

It’s actually nice and comfortable. But I hope I’m not speaking to soon. A few hot days are coming our way but again they won’t last.  And that, doesn’t say much for the lake cause we need those hot days to warm the water. But, oh well. It is what it is.

And I really hope not having hot weather doesn’t discourage you from being creative. I mean, really. Your under pressure when the heat is on. Your blessed if you can afford AC, if not then your screwed. No really!!! Sitting there trying to make something and sweating bullets (which I have gone thru many times) can be discouraging.

So, take advantage of this nice cool weather while you can. Especially if your living in Chicago. I hear the heat is really bad in Texas. Which makes me be glad that I’m here and not there!

I’m telling you, ‘It’s a God thing!’

Let me start with this. I had a pre-paid phone where you add minutes as you go along. But being tired of running out of minutes and using the minutes sparingly, My son convinced me to go on a monthly plan. Even though at first I was totally against it. When he saw the flip phone I purchased, He said ‘no’ and purchased a smart phone for me instead.

Now on the other end. My eldest landed a good paying job, in which we’re all still in awe about.

Now, it so happened that I got myself in a bit of a jam. One that I just in no way forsee.

As I drove to pick up a few pizzas, the business parking lot was jammed. So I went to a different parking lot thinking ‘I’ll just run in and out’ What could possibly happen? No pizzas were ready and there was an 8 min wait. Immediately, I thought. Go get the car and bring it back to this parking lot. Ha, ha ha. Did you think I’d listen, NO! Obviously 8 mins was a long time. And when I got back to the car, yap, you guessed it. I had gotten the boot.

Now, never having experienced this and I have to admit ‘I panicked!’ I just was beside myself. So here I was blowing up my son’s phones. ( In which I might add, my eldest son just bought himself a new I-phone) and also came with cash to bail me out.

Now, I know people don’t believe in miracles these days. But just like I did not forsee this happening. God did! The timing for this situation was just providential.

If this would of happened 4 or 6 months ago. The outcome would of been and I’m also sure of it, a lot worst! Were not perfect and were going to make mistake but when your faithful to Christ, He’s faithful to you. You can count on Him to take care of you. In whatever storm we put ourselves in. He’s there to help us get through it all the time.

Now ya. I could say ‘It just a coincidence’ That it just happen to fall during this time. But as far as I’m concerned, this was just a darn good MIRACLE!!!!!

A Day at the Bakery

It’s funny. When I’m working, I can’t wait to punch out. When I’m home, I can’t wait to be back at the bakery. I guess it’s because, it’s so fast paced and theirs always something to do.

The other day was ‘Fat Tuesday’ known for those whole love ‘Paczki Doughnuts’. Half the time I’m not even sure I’m saying it right. Alot we’re sold that day of course. I heard people we’re waiting in line since early morning. I didn’t start work until 2pm and it was still busy when I came in. Anyway, it was suppose to be one of those dreaded days (my boss warned) I was suppose to worry about. But I have to say, it went quite smoothly.

When you arrive, you can’t help but feel your part of something great. And you are because your with people who are doing just that. Their creating great things. You look at the stuff they make and your quite simply amazed! And the smell. Gosh!! You just want to eat everything in there.

One co-worker asked me. ‘It’s fun working here, isn’t it?’ I was like, “Ya!”  And as I see it. It’s a collaboration of everyone working together. Because if you don’t, then that’s when things fall apart or slow down. And I can tell you that no running business wants that.

I’m not saying it’s easy. Like everything else there is a lot to learn. Like the  ‘Do’s and Don’t’s’ of the job. I still get confused with the orders, especial the custom cakes like ‘shapes & numbers’ but hay, theirs a lot of details involved.  And I mean a lot!!! Basic cakes I can handle. I’ll get there. I know I will. Then I’ll be whipping those orders out!!!!

 

Grammy’s

The show was pretty good this year. Considering all the sex hype music that was out this year. ‘Blurr line’. Kinda feel offended by that one. Wait, Women are animals?  Hmm!

Anyway, ‘Royal’ being song of the year struck me as odd. It wasn’t that great of a song. I felt like she was whinning of herself forever being broke. Well in the song anyway. But how does that relate to others? We can’t think that way. But hay, she won so. Good for her.

Ya, I am a fan of music, Always have. These days I listen to k-love christian station 94.3 FM. I do listen to contemporary music just to know what being put out there. Some of it is good. Others misleading.

One song that stuck with me this year was Capital Cities: ‘Save and sound’. Great song and I really enjoyed the video. It was nominated for ‘Best video catagory’ but Suit & tie Justin and Jay z won that one. Again, I’m not sure why? I saw the video, no biggie.

When I watch the video and  it makes me so emotional. Of how far we’ve come and how precious life is and to enjoy life, we need to live life because it goes so fast. What is here today will be gone tomorrow and all we’ll have are the memories. So we all need to make good ones. Regardles of our fortune.

And if we love one another and help each other thru, we’ll all be save and sound. I’ll tell you, I can’t get enough of the song. You tube it, and you see what I mean. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Other songs I like this year: Get Lucky, Radio Active, Roar, Give Me a Reason (Pink).

2 days left!!

I’m already getting emotional. I can’t believe the year is close to an end. 2013 will be no more.  But I have to tell you, it was a rollercoaster of a ride. So much that I read and learned thru out the year. The best part is that my whole family is together. My second eldest son was in Kawait last year. And my third was in North Carolina for his basic traning. This year, I’m glad we’ll all be ringing in the new year together.

With that being said. I was thinking about how our living conditions came to be.  We live in a nice, three bedroom, size apartment.  There is six of us all together. I’m the only female here. Except for my daughter but she lives with her huband. I have four boys and one daughter and two grandchildren. A pretty size family. Anyway! Our living condition came to be mostly like a ‘college campus enviroment. I don’t have a dining or living room for their both being used as dorm rooms. The only room that is accessible to all of us to use and thats the kitchen.

It’s not kid friendly. And my grandchildren have seen that first hand. Their mostly in my room or my husband’s. I like it though, because we all have our own space and privacy and we all have our own laptops and tv’s. So no, we don’t have a traditional home like most families do. It just doesn’t work for us.

We all pitch in to pay the rent and bills. My husband and I do most of the cleaning and laundry and babysit the grandchildren. With work, babysitting and trying to build a brand, I’ll tell you, it’s hard work. And ya, I’m tired all the time.

So, I am really anxious to see what the new year is going to bring. In my world, it’s always different. It never stay the same. Change is always happening. I’ve learned to go with the flow and not get too comfortable because I know change is always around the corner for me. And what is life if it’s not forever evolving.  For one, it keeps me young and it keeps me on top of things.

And on that note,  I can’t wait to read some newyear resolution. I know their going to be some good ones.

Have A Safe and Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Looking Ahead

With Christmas a couple a days ahead and the new year right around the corner, I’m already looking ahead to what I’ll be doing starting now, for 2014. I’ve done a lot of reading thru the year, watched a lot of informative and learning shows. Enough to ask, what’s next? Where do I go from here?

Have to admit I’m a little anxious and I’m always looking for more inspiration. I have read articles on ‘Homebased Business, Mommypreneur, WorkingMother, Etc.’ They all just seem to sound the same. No new information on how to continue to move forward. No follow ups on anyone on how their doing.

I don’t know, maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m looking for something that just doesn’t exist yet.

Ok, like before September, I was on unemployment. I miscalculated and my funds ended abruptly. Believe me the holidays were the last things on my mind. Where or how to get a pay check took priority. Just looking for jobs on-line wasn’t enough. I had to hit the pavement as well and hope for the best. If I saw an opening, I had to hurry, get dressed and race over that same day. Their wasn’t time to waste!

This went on for two months. By the end of October, I was almost in tears. Luckily for me, I had one more shot in the beginning of November. Saw an ad and ran over. Filled out the application right then and there. Spoke to the employer that same hour. I’ll tell you. I was so at the end of my rope that I couldn’t help it. I got emotional. Ya, I almost busted in tears in front of this person. After that was over. I went to my car thinking. What the heck did I just do. He’s not going to call me back.

But guess what? He did!! He liked my honesty. And believe me. At that moment, that’s all I had. I had nothing to lose at that point. So, I got the job! Happy to say.

So, if your young and reading this. Please take note. When the say “Party now, Pay later” Their not kidding! Rest assured. If you let to many ‘good times’ get in the way, You will regret it later. So it’s “Pay now, Party later”. You’ll have the rest of your life to enjoy!

So with all that said. For one. I am so very thankful for the job I received this year. And can’t wait to see what the new  year brings. And just like a job, I have to take everything I learned this year and put it into practice for next year.

So then, why is their no new information. Because you already read and heard it all. Their is no new information. Now, I’m talking about ‘tricks of the trade’ that’s a whole different can of worms. I’m talking about your basic information to get you started. It’s basically like math or reading. Once you have the basics, It’s up to you on how far you want to take it.

And don’t give up! The harder you try, the sooner you’ll see your breakthrough!!!

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS everybody!!!!!! Stay safe!!!  And out of  the mouth of TinyTim.  May God Bless us, one and all! 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tid-Bit

With hurt eyes. ‘I can’t believe you said that. I stood close that day. That I might to see a glimpse of hope in your eyes. That I, was the longing piece that you were so missing in your life. You come come back years later saying you miss me. I’m tired and  I’m not sure how much of the person I once was is even there.’

Anyway, just having a play on words. When poems of darkness fall upon me, I have the tendency of giving myself my own chills. Crazy I know.

How did I get here?

So, here I am looking up a tutorial to finish a crochet project that I’m working on and I get distracted by reading about world disasters. That are apparently are suppose to be right around the corner. Internet and electrical shutdown, not to mention attacks on the US. And all this info coming from NASA? Makes you wonder what they know, that we don’t!  So I’m like. ‘Ya, ya, ya whatever’. Then I hit the ‘Illuminati’ theory and how all the celebs and those in high place are demon possessed. But then again with ‘Miley Cyrus’ and her antics on stage, well that’s not hard to believe. But the best one that got me was how Kate Middleton didn’t give birth at all. OK!

With so much going on these days, we don’t know what to believe. But I do believe that song writers as well as film makers are trying to give us the ‘heads up’ so to speak. To keep us in the loop. Shakespeare did in his plays, John Lennon in his songs and Vincent Van Gogh in his paintings. And Micheal Jackson! Do I detect foul play? Heck ya!!!

C,mon, you know their being silenced and those who are silent are to scared to talk.

So fellow blogger, lets keep each other in the loop. Say enough but not to much. Don’t want to see anybody get in trouble. As a writer you should know how to word your words. Be careful!

God bless and have a great weekend!!!