I have been trying to organize and get some things done before jumping into the heavy planning stages of my business. In the meantime, I have been getting inspired by others who have gone before me and who are doing it right now! Being on Twitter has allowed me to meet some wonderful people and to see what's going on in there businesses! There are some really cool businesses out there not to mention some really great websites!
It really has given me some food for thought to see what I can aspire to. For now, I am just getting inspired and doing as much inspirational reading as I have time for. Summertime is always a busy time and so finding time to get it all done can be challenging at times to say the least! One thing is for certain...I feel determined to reach for this goal because I finally feel like I can grab for it on the shelf.
One of the things that I want to accomplish within the next little while is to flip a couple rooms...by that I mean, I want to switch rooms so that I get more workspace for myself. Right now, my workshop is really small and has been a major dumping ground for anything that doesn't have a spot in our already small home. The other day, while reading someone else's blog on cleaning their office space, they gave me the idea of creating my perfect work area. I need more room and as much as I love that room...it's just way too small to work in. I need to be able to breathe in there and not feel claustrophobic! So, I plan on weaning out a lot of things and then switching everything from one room to the other. I think that it will be a great thing for me because it will give me the room I desperately need to work in as well as the motivation to want to go in there to work!
I'm feeling excited about all the prospects that I can feel for my future...I can't wait to get started! It's growing harder and harder to sit behind a desk day in and day out instead of doing my own thing! All this inspiration that I'm getting from others is motivating me to work harder at achieving my dreams! Woohoo! Can't wait to make a go of it!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time to move on!
Well, I've begun the process of trying to simplify my life so that I can begin to pursue my dream of owning and running my own business. The dream has been there for a long time but because I had begun some volunteer commitments with the youth ministry in our church and doing outreach for teens, it left me with no time for anything else but my full time job working 40+ hours and volunteering doing 30+ hours with that. Needless to say, a lot of other things have suffered because of it.
I've decided to step back and stop the volunteering altogether so that I can put all my focus and energy on starting and running my business. Life is short and I'm not getting any younger. I don't want to let life pass me by and not have done everything within my power to get me there. Yes, helping out with the Lifeteen program did give me many rewards and a lot of experience with using my creativity, as well as giving me much needed strength. After thinking on it...I feel at peace with it. So it must be the right decision to make.
Our son is graduating this year and will no longer be allowed to go to Lifeteen unless he makes the decision himself, to volunteer to help. One of the main reasons I was helping was because he was going to it and the rest just became the bonuses of helping out. My problem is though, that I had been volunteering to help out at other churches as well...three in total to be exact! Some were temporary commitments but time consuming just the same! Sometimes things were happening at the same time where they would be pulling at me all at the same time. It almost drove me mad! I just kept looking at it as if they were clients and I needed to please them all. I managed ok but it was touch and go at times! lol!
So, once I finish up with these last two commitments (banners for one church and the graduating Lifenight), I would like to consider myself finished with the volunteering so that I can put my energies and focus on myself, my business and simplifying my life! I'm at a good place in my life...it's time to move on!
I've decided to step back and stop the volunteering altogether so that I can put all my focus and energy on starting and running my business. Life is short and I'm not getting any younger. I don't want to let life pass me by and not have done everything within my power to get me there. Yes, helping out with the Lifeteen program did give me many rewards and a lot of experience with using my creativity, as well as giving me much needed strength. After thinking on it...I feel at peace with it. So it must be the right decision to make.
Our son is graduating this year and will no longer be allowed to go to Lifeteen unless he makes the decision himself, to volunteer to help. One of the main reasons I was helping was because he was going to it and the rest just became the bonuses of helping out. My problem is though, that I had been volunteering to help out at other churches as well...three in total to be exact! Some were temporary commitments but time consuming just the same! Sometimes things were happening at the same time where they would be pulling at me all at the same time. It almost drove me mad! I just kept looking at it as if they were clients and I needed to please them all. I managed ok but it was touch and go at times! lol!
So, once I finish up with these last two commitments (banners for one church and the graduating Lifenight), I would like to consider myself finished with the volunteering so that I can put my energies and focus on myself, my business and simplifying my life! I'm at a good place in my life...it's time to move on!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Always Good to check things Out!
Good day all,
Well, it's always good to check things out...just so you're sure! My husband and I took a vacation day today and drove out to check the house out in the country. It was a beautiful drive and we enjoyed the drive out despite the not-so-perfect weather. It was cloudy with mild rain. Some fog even, in some places!
We made it there just in time for our appointment with the realtor, which I had set up for 11am. Needless to say, the house was in terrible shape. Totally run down because it hasn't been lived in for over a year. It's sad really...it was probably a beautiful Colonial home in it's day...but now, it's basically abandoned! Needs a lot of TLC. It could be again but for the asking price (which isn't a whole lot by today's standards) is still way too much for how much work will be needed to renovate and fix it up. It would definitely make a great summer home for someone. Not so sure after seeing it, whether or not I'd picture it as a Bed and Breakfast.
Anyway, both my husband and I realized as soon as we saw it, that this was definitely, not what we were looking for. Sure it had potential but not for us. It was definitely way over our heads for renovating...we're more cosmetics and not really heavy renovations type of people. I'd rather let the professionals handle this one. Your best bet, would be to buy it dirt cheap and tear it down and build new...that way, you're mainly paying for the land and not the building.
What shocked us the most, was that it was actually used for a senior's home before it went up for sale...which is rather scary considering it's delapitated condition! We really felt badly for any senior that may have had to stay there.
Well, we talked about it and decided that we will keep looking but are in no immediate hurry to jump into a venture like this any time soon. In the meantime...we can dream, can't we! ;-) Have a great weekend!
Well, it's always good to check things out...just so you're sure! My husband and I took a vacation day today and drove out to check the house out in the country. It was a beautiful drive and we enjoyed the drive out despite the not-so-perfect weather. It was cloudy with mild rain. Some fog even, in some places!
We made it there just in time for our appointment with the realtor, which I had set up for 11am. Needless to say, the house was in terrible shape. Totally run down because it hasn't been lived in for over a year. It's sad really...it was probably a beautiful Colonial home in it's day...but now, it's basically abandoned! Needs a lot of TLC. It could be again but for the asking price (which isn't a whole lot by today's standards) is still way too much for how much work will be needed to renovate and fix it up. It would definitely make a great summer home for someone. Not so sure after seeing it, whether or not I'd picture it as a Bed and Breakfast.
Anyway, both my husband and I realized as soon as we saw it, that this was definitely, not what we were looking for. Sure it had potential but not for us. It was definitely way over our heads for renovating...we're more cosmetics and not really heavy renovations type of people. I'd rather let the professionals handle this one. Your best bet, would be to buy it dirt cheap and tear it down and build new...that way, you're mainly paying for the land and not the building.
What shocked us the most, was that it was actually used for a senior's home before it went up for sale...which is rather scary considering it's delapitated condition! We really felt badly for any senior that may have had to stay there.
Well, we talked about it and decided that we will keep looking but are in no immediate hurry to jump into a venture like this any time soon. In the meantime...we can dream, can't we! ;-) Have a great weekend!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Here's the thing...
I was bored at work one day and started browsing the real estate sites...I came upon an old inn which was no longer in use and for sale...at a steal, I might add. It's got 8 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 kitchens, an office, 2 living rooms, a great room and Rec room....plus 1.45 acres. It's got loads of potential! Of course, that got me thinking and daydreaming of what I could do with something like that. A bed and breakfast....a retreat house for teens or adults for that matter...a rooming house....and the list could go on and on.
The only thing is, it has loads of work to do to it, it's way out in the country and my husband knows nothing about carpentry or what it would entail to renovate something like that. But we are both 42 and not getting any younger. He figures that he would have to keep working if we took this endeavor on...for a while anyway...but it's 50 minutes away. He could stay in town during stormy weather in winter and come home on weekends. Those are minor issues. My main concern would be...is this just a huge risk to take on.
It would mean a complete upheaval of my life...quit my job to concentrate on creating this new life. Jumping in with both feet to make this work. It is definitely a lot of work but I don't mind the challenge! I would relish it actually because in the end...it would be mine and would allow me to work from home. Of course, I wouldn't just do that....I would have a work shop so that I could have a gift shop on the side, maybe a little coffee/tea house....and sell whatever I would create or design...I could have a beautiful flower garden and totally transform this place into something breathetaking...that's my vision.
My question is....is it too big a risk to take and to jump in with both feet without weighing all the consequences? Right now, I'm trying to find as much information on starting and running a bed and breakfast because I've never done it before....I have loads of books on other things but that's not one of them.
We also would have to sell our house and right now, there are too many things to fix on it to do that right away anyway. Something tells me the house will keep...it's been for sale for a very long time apparently. I'd like to actually see the house up close instead of looking at pictures on the internet...maybe that would deter me a little....or make me want it more! Who knows?
I would appreciate any input that any experienced person out there might have had! ;-) It's a huge decision and not one that I want to take lightly...so I really need to think long and hard on this one! Thanks!
The only thing is, it has loads of work to do to it, it's way out in the country and my husband knows nothing about carpentry or what it would entail to renovate something like that. But we are both 42 and not getting any younger. He figures that he would have to keep working if we took this endeavor on...for a while anyway...but it's 50 minutes away. He could stay in town during stormy weather in winter and come home on weekends. Those are minor issues. My main concern would be...is this just a huge risk to take on.
It would mean a complete upheaval of my life...quit my job to concentrate on creating this new life. Jumping in with both feet to make this work. It is definitely a lot of work but I don't mind the challenge! I would relish it actually because in the end...it would be mine and would allow me to work from home. Of course, I wouldn't just do that....I would have a work shop so that I could have a gift shop on the side, maybe a little coffee/tea house....and sell whatever I would create or design...I could have a beautiful flower garden and totally transform this place into something breathetaking...that's my vision.
My question is....is it too big a risk to take and to jump in with both feet without weighing all the consequences? Right now, I'm trying to find as much information on starting and running a bed and breakfast because I've never done it before....I have loads of books on other things but that's not one of them.
We also would have to sell our house and right now, there are too many things to fix on it to do that right away anyway. Something tells me the house will keep...it's been for sale for a very long time apparently. I'd like to actually see the house up close instead of looking at pictures on the internet...maybe that would deter me a little....or make me want it more! Who knows?
I would appreciate any input that any experienced person out there might have had! ;-) It's a huge decision and not one that I want to take lightly...so I really need to think long and hard on this one! Thanks!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Being a Scanner!
I used to think that there was something wrong with me....why wasn't I able to pick a profession or something that I wanted to do and stick to it? Did I have something wrong with me? Was there something that I was doing wrong or should have been doing? I just couldn't figure out why! Until I read about Barbara Sher...she wrote the books, 'Refuse to Choose: A Revolutionary Program for Doing Everything You Love' and 'I Could Do Anything, If I Only Knew What It Was'. Right now, I'm reading, 'It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Now: How To Create Your Second Life At Any Age'....Barbara helped me realize that I'm perfectly normal! There's nothing wrong with me other than the fact that I love a lot of different things. She calls that, being a 'scanner'. My only problem is that they just happen to be all at once, lol!
Lately, I've been feeling the itch to want to be an Organizer and/or a Home Stager, I also love to make costumes/puppets, jewelry...Party planning...I simply LOVE to be creative....I have a passion for thinking outside the box when it comes to creating things! For the past two years, I have been doing volunteer work at some churches and schools and used my creativity to create environments for teen get togethers, I've thrown parties/dances for the teens, and I've helped out at my son's high school musicals for the last three years, helping with costumes! I have had a blast! I thoroughly enjoy doing those things. This year I am also helping to make liturgical banners for one of the churches that I go to. All of these things, have strengthened my experiences at being creative.
Right now, I'm trying to figure it all out and try to create and form a business that I can make a good living at and feed my passion for being creative. I want to do it all....I think that I can do it! I have an abundance of resources to look at...but because I work and do a lot of volunteering, I don't always get the chance to read any of it. It tends to make my life a bit chaotic and overwhelming. I'm trying to slow it down though and take things one day at a time and one thing/item at a time. It'll happen, I can feel it. I haven't always felt it in the past...but things are changing for me....I'm focusing on releasing positive energy and living a life full of positive outcomes! After all, everything happens for a reason....everything that I have done up to this point, has been for a reason! I just have to become more aware and figure out how the puzzle fits together!
Life is an adventure...I want to enjoy the ride!
Lately, I've been feeling the itch to want to be an Organizer and/or a Home Stager, I also love to make costumes/puppets, jewelry...Party planning...I simply LOVE to be creative....I have a passion for thinking outside the box when it comes to creating things! For the past two years, I have been doing volunteer work at some churches and schools and used my creativity to create environments for teen get togethers, I've thrown parties/dances for the teens, and I've helped out at my son's high school musicals for the last three years, helping with costumes! I have had a blast! I thoroughly enjoy doing those things. This year I am also helping to make liturgical banners for one of the churches that I go to. All of these things, have strengthened my experiences at being creative.
Right now, I'm trying to figure it all out and try to create and form a business that I can make a good living at and feed my passion for being creative. I want to do it all....I think that I can do it! I have an abundance of resources to look at...but because I work and do a lot of volunteering, I don't always get the chance to read any of it. It tends to make my life a bit chaotic and overwhelming. I'm trying to slow it down though and take things one day at a time and one thing/item at a time. It'll happen, I can feel it. I haven't always felt it in the past...but things are changing for me....I'm focusing on releasing positive energy and living a life full of positive outcomes! After all, everything happens for a reason....everything that I have done up to this point, has been for a reason! I just have to become more aware and figure out how the puzzle fits together!
Life is an adventure...I want to enjoy the ride!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Time to get moving!
I have been so busy with volunteer projects that I had sort of put all my thoughts on getting my business moving on the back burners. It's time to get moving again and try to get inspired. I really could use a day away from my J-O-B to read some inspirational books, listen to some inspiring CD's and do some research but for now I will just be inspired by looking at the different websites of my twitter family. I cannot get over the wonderful websites that are out there! So much talent!
I do have an incredible amount of things to do besides..for instance, Spring Cleaning...I love spring cleaning, always was my favorite time of year! I need to re-organize my space/house! Not to worry though, I will designate an allotted time slot for me to propel myself forward. ;-)
I have a great many interests and enjoy each one of them. Right now, I've begun losing weight (so far have lost 30 lbs.) and trying to get healthy! It has given me a tremendous amount of energy of which is really great because to do the things that I need to do, I need all the energy I can get. My 25th high school reunion is coming up in July.
I've ordered the book, 'The Creative Entrepreneur' by Lisa Sonora Beam from Amazon. I can't wait to receive it and get to work with it! I have a lot of books, CD's and resources at my disposal to draw inspiration from. Now I just need to devise a plan, make some goals and reach for my dreams! I really want this year to be different...I want to reach for my dreams and achieve them!
Here's to working towards a dream (or two)! :-)
I do have an incredible amount of things to do besides..for instance, Spring Cleaning...I love spring cleaning, always was my favorite time of year! I need to re-organize my space/house! Not to worry though, I will designate an allotted time slot for me to propel myself forward. ;-)
I have a great many interests and enjoy each one of them. Right now, I've begun losing weight (so far have lost 30 lbs.) and trying to get healthy! It has given me a tremendous amount of energy of which is really great because to do the things that I need to do, I need all the energy I can get. My 25th high school reunion is coming up in July.
I've ordered the book, 'The Creative Entrepreneur' by Lisa Sonora Beam from Amazon. I can't wait to receive it and get to work with it! I have a lot of books, CD's and resources at my disposal to draw inspiration from. Now I just need to devise a plan, make some goals and reach for my dreams! I really want this year to be different...I want to reach for my dreams and achieve them!
Here's to working towards a dream (or two)! :-)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Moving Forward....
I am excited about moving forward with my dream of owning and running my own business! Lately, it has been feeling more and more like a reality! I am in a foreign territory here but I want to move forward just the same! Fear or not!
The things I know for sure are, that I am a very hard worker...I know that I can do the work! I have always done 110% no matter what I have done in my lifetime. I am what people would consider a perfectionist. Not to mention, I'm a people pleaser! I wouldn't be happy unless the customer was happy. Personally, I think that those are some pretty good combinations for running a business. I'm hoping to learn the rest (business aspect) as I go. Right now, I need to ask a lot of questions and learn from those who are already doing it! So I've been observing on Twitter and have been fascinated with what I've seen!
I am a huge fan of Barbara Sher. She has written many books on escaping the J. O. B. world. She has a unique perspective that makes you realize that, 'Hey, there's nothing wrong with me at all'...lol! You see, I used to think that there was something wrong with me because I couldn't settle on one thing I liked to do with my life. I am a creative person and absolutely LOVE thinking outside the box and being creative! So, when I read her books, she explained that I was what she called a 'scanner'...which is someone who loves all kinds of things and can't settle on just one thing. We wouldn't be happy if we did! I love that!
I also belong to Valerie Young's website, 'Changing Course', which taught me about having multiple streams of income. So, if I want to have a bunch of small businesses that could bring in small amounts, that somewhat relate, they can all add up to give me a reasonable amount to live on. Which gives me the happiness factor! I've always believed that a job isn't worth doing unless you're happy with it. Otherwise, you lose a piece of your soul! I've been there, done that....didn't like how it felt! I also look at it this way....I'm not getting any younger and I don't want life to pass me by without having tried! Right?
So, I've come to realize that this is the year to make things happen for me...I'm moving forward and onward to make my dreams happen. I'm learning from reading different things that have been inspirational to me, that life is short....no one knows what tomorrow brings and that I...me alone with God's help, have the ability to make my life what I want it to be. No one else can do it for me...so I have to do it. I have to make the changes and create the life that I want! I'm excited and scared at the same time but I think that I'm in the right place right now, in my life to make things happen! I can feel it! It's going to happen!
Here's to moving forward!
The things I know for sure are, that I am a very hard worker...I know that I can do the work! I have always done 110% no matter what I have done in my lifetime. I am what people would consider a perfectionist. Not to mention, I'm a people pleaser! I wouldn't be happy unless the customer was happy. Personally, I think that those are some pretty good combinations for running a business. I'm hoping to learn the rest (business aspect) as I go. Right now, I need to ask a lot of questions and learn from those who are already doing it! So I've been observing on Twitter and have been fascinated with what I've seen!
I am a huge fan of Barbara Sher. She has written many books on escaping the J. O. B. world. She has a unique perspective that makes you realize that, 'Hey, there's nothing wrong with me at all'...lol! You see, I used to think that there was something wrong with me because I couldn't settle on one thing I liked to do with my life. I am a creative person and absolutely LOVE thinking outside the box and being creative! So, when I read her books, she explained that I was what she called a 'scanner'...which is someone who loves all kinds of things and can't settle on just one thing. We wouldn't be happy if we did! I love that!
I also belong to Valerie Young's website, 'Changing Course', which taught me about having multiple streams of income. So, if I want to have a bunch of small businesses that could bring in small amounts, that somewhat relate, they can all add up to give me a reasonable amount to live on. Which gives me the happiness factor! I've always believed that a job isn't worth doing unless you're happy with it. Otherwise, you lose a piece of your soul! I've been there, done that....didn't like how it felt! I also look at it this way....I'm not getting any younger and I don't want life to pass me by without having tried! Right?
So, I've come to realize that this is the year to make things happen for me...I'm moving forward and onward to make my dreams happen. I'm learning from reading different things that have been inspirational to me, that life is short....no one knows what tomorrow brings and that I...me alone with God's help, have the ability to make my life what I want it to be. No one else can do it for me...so I have to do it. I have to make the changes and create the life that I want! I'm excited and scared at the same time but I think that I'm in the right place right now, in my life to make things happen! I can feel it! It's going to happen!
Here's to moving forward!
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