Sunday, August 31, 2008

Who am I? Who are you?

This is the introduction of me for the Blog Trip hosted by Mommy Community.
Let's see, last night I was thinking about what I should say, I should have written it down.
I am a wife, SAHM (2 very active boys), daughter, sister (to 3), friend (to a few) and then WAHM. I know it reads weird to have SAHM and WAHM in the same sentence. I am fairly new to the internet working world and learning the ropes. So I still consider myself a SAHM since I am not yet contributing to the household finances. On the other hand I am spending many hours trying to be successful in this WAH world.
I have been married for 15 years, we were married for 10 years before we had kids. Sometimes I think it's harder because we waited to long and got so set in our routines and now it's all changed.
My boys are 31/2 almost 4 and 21/2 (16 months apart). They love to play and fight and I love them with all that I am. My 21/2 yr old just got diagnosed with Asthma, I have saying it since he was born. I have asthma also and just knew it.
My husband is in sales, and works alot of long hours, sometimes I feel like a single parent. He is a good father and loves the boys with all that he is.
Our lives have been turned upside down the past few years with starting a family, loss of some very important family members and this darn economy. Hence why I am trying to start an internet business, so I can still be home with my boys.
So what do I do, I am taking a stab at affiliate marketing. I would love to someday be able to show someone what I did that worked, and encourge someone to make it. I enjoy helping people and always cheer for the underdog.
Thats me in a quick nutshell. If you like what you read stick around, sometimes I actually have something interesting to say.

Oh yeah during the blog trip don't forget to leave a comment for an entry into my contest to win a $25.00 Gift Card. One entry per blog post and 1 extra entry for a link back to my blog (1 per day) let me know if you make a link so I can verify. Don't forget to leave contact information in your post so I can contact you if you are the winner.

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Saturday, August 30, 2008

Weekend Recap

Weekend Recap Meme

This being a holiday weekend, hopefully everyone worked hard and is able to take a little fun time.

Me on the other hand, I'm spending the weekend trying to catch up with my blog. I am participating in the a blog trip and don't want to be lacking in the content category.

I have been very busy this week learning and working. I updated my Secret Restaurant Recipes and OurAsthma.info if anyone has an opinion, please share your thoughts.

I have started trying to design my own websites with Kompozer. I used to think I knew what I was doing.

This was my week of dealing with problems
1. Problems with my mentor program not answering questions.
2. Problems with an upgrade not fulfilling it's promise (shouldn't I get my money back?)
3. Problems not getting some ebooks I ordered - actually got this one resolved. Thanks bestchoiceforebooks.com

Maybe next week I can get the other two resolved.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend? Maybe.

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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Tuesday Toot



I have finally found the only 2 things that bring a calm to my world. Our lives right now are really upside down and not going very great. Most days I feel like I can't handle another thing. With deaths, finances, problems, failures and such the small world I live in has become more than I can handle. But over the last two days I have realized that I haven't been better, more positive.
Why
1. I have gotten back into my devotional book and back into reading the Purpose Drive Life - both are causing me to stop and realize that I need God to handle what life has to offer and he will guide me and show me the way. I haven't found my purpose yet, but I'm on my way
2. I am putting more effort in taking this time I have with my boys and enjoying it. We have been enjoying the gifts God has given to us, the nice weather, open windows ( I really don't care for air conditioning), our swing set, our new puppy and many more.
So for today, I have lots to stress over and yet have somewhat of a calm to how I spent my day.

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I'm going to join the blog trip



Come join the fun and go on a Blog Trip - no packing, or long drive necessary.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Organizing Relieves Stress in Your Business

A little less stress is a good thing.

One of the great things about being an employee and working for someone else is that when the clock hits five you are basically done for the day and you jump in your car and you are gone. You do not have to worry about anything until the next day when work starts again. Your mind is free and you own it.

When you own a small business it really owns you and there is always some aspect of your business on your mind. But sometimes this can cause stress.

Organizing has a huge impact on your home and your home business and the stress of it all. Being organized reduces stress. When someone is disorganized, they often feel a lot of stress, anxiety, and generally overwhelmed. They may not be able to locate missing items, they may find their selves constantly running late or forgetting things, and they may be prone to missing work deadlines.

When someone is organized they will be able to find what they are looking for, will be less likely to forget things, and will find that will be more likely to arrive for meetings on time and turn work in before the due date. An organized person will feel more confident because of those things and their stress levels will go down.

Another great reason to get organized is that being organized increases your productivity, and therefore, can increase your bank account. When you are organized, you will be able to get more work done. Depending on the type of job you have, the more work that gets done can generally lead to bigger paychecks and a bigger bank account.

Being organized can help you create a sense of calm and peace in all aspects of your life. Once you have organized one area of your life, you will start to notice that things seem to run more smoothly in all areas of your life.

From my own experience the more I let my work space become disorganized the more stressed and unproductive I begin to feel. I have learned very quickly when this begins to happen, take a few minutes clean up/organize the work space and once again I will be ready to go. It is worth those few minutes of organizing.


For Step by Step directions on getting your home organized, check out Organization for busy moms.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Weekend Recap

Weekend Recap Meme

I have not been keeping my goal of 2000 words for my blog this week. As a matter of fact I believe for the last two week, I have not been a good blogger.

I have been working hard to get a new program up and running. Those who have read the blogs I have posted know that my son has been diagnosed with Asthma, which I also have myself. The doctor has put him on Singulair, again is what I have been taking for sometime now. It was pointed out to me that this drug can cause mental issues, so I will be looking into this because we do have some mental health related problems in the family. I have also been looking into more natural - drug free solutions for asthma.
So along with this, I am working on a site to help others who have small children or they themselves have asthma. This should be a venture that I can truly get into. My parents were very good about teaching me about and getting me into classes that taught me how to live with my Asthma. I hope to do the same for my child and others out there. For now you can go here to check out the book about drug free asthma treatments.

I have been revamping my first website - trying to find its focus. I like the site, but some experts say "needs focus" and "not ready".

I did spend some of my "free" time this weekend doing surveys and little junk like that. At the end of the day I enjoy it and although it's not going to pay my bill - I do make a little money and I just enjoy it.

Next week I will hopefully get back on track. The boys have a week off from gymnastics and music class is over, so I will have more time to work.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Tuesday Toot Meme



I am finally back and working hard, after having to take some time off to avoid a mental break down. I was getting so frustrated and unfocused just trying anything and everything to make some cash.

I now know where I want to spend my time, and although it is a new venture, it is something that means alot to me and I will be able to help my family, myself and many others at the same time.

I hope to continue my current website, but will be focusing on my new venture for the time being.

Wish me luck and patience.

Diagnosis - Asthma

Well many of you may have read about my really bad Thursday a few weeks back. If not you can read about it here.
What a morning

So last Tuesday we had our follow-up visit with our family doctor. I was a little nervous about the appointment. I knew something needed to be done for my son, but most doctors nowadays don't want to "label" children at this age (21/2). I also had my checkup scheduled at the same time, so over all it wasn't going to be a good visit.

Well for all my worrying and trouble, the appointment for my son went better than planned. My doctor agreed with my personal diagnosis and agreed to putting my son on medication. We are trying out singulair - which is what I am on. The doctor said just like heredity of diseases, heredity can hold true for treatment also. Plus I really didn't like the idea of using a steroid for daily use, although growing up that was all that was used on me.

Along with that she gave me a nasal spray for those times we know we are going to be spending more time outside.

So there we have it. I have been doing some research online, asthma treatments have change alot since I was a kid. I do miss the days of just getting a shot of adrenaline (haha). We will see what I come up with.

I am looking into a no drug theory current, it would be great for myself and my son if we didn't have to take drugs - oh and save some money too. We will see.


Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Tuesday Toot



Today I was able to focus on my work and get more than normal done during my "work time". I added some copy to my website and worked on some research and a couple other things. It felt good to get alot of work done.
We have also took care of some doctors appointments today and still managed to walk the dog and play at the park and take baths.
So now this will be the last of my work for the evening, to toot myself for such a great day. There is still more than can be done, but today is enough - time to visit with my hubby.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Budgeting secrets for this new frugal world


Want to save money and willing to learn? Let's review the secrets to budgeting with frugal finances.

The budget will tell you the truths of your financial story: how much money you have available, where your money is going and where it SHOULD be going. If your budget isn't telling you these things you might want to reconsider its layout.

1. Assess your monthly expenses: Make a list of all of your regular monthly expenses, including any money that you spend on fun things like eating out, entertainment and hobbies; and any minimum payments that you have to make towards your debts. Using a budget form makes this easier.
Teamwork is extremely important - spouse, children should be on board with the budget. The family needs to have a clear understanding of what the monthly expenses are and where the money flow is headed

1a. Clarify Your Income and Expenses: First, list all sources of gross income. Second, list all of your fixed expenses and subtract them from your gross income. Fixed expenses include savings, credit and loan payments, insurance payments, mortgage or rent, and taxes. The amount left is what you have for variable expenses. Variable expenses, being the easiest to reduce, include groceries, clothing, auto expenses, eating out, and entertainment.

2. Prioritize: This is a serious Must-Do. Once you have written down all of your expenses on paper: get a clean sheet of paper and rewrite them in order of Priority. If your house is your biggest priority, put your mortgage at the top.

3. List your Goals: Most budgets don't plan to fail, but many fail to plan. If you haven't discussed with your family what your goals are, you will not reach them. On the bottom of your Budget, Write your Goals down. If your goal is to have your house paid off and be entirely debt free, write it on there. If your goal is to Retire at age 55, put it down on paper.

4. Track Your Spending: Use a small notebook, your checkbook register or financial software to track all of your expenditures. I find it easier to use a small notebook and the check register, because I can carry it with me and stay current. Financial software, like Quicken or Money 99, does an excellent job and will even show your spending graphically.

5. Analyze Your Spending: After tracking all of your spending for at least a month, look to see where you can reduce your spending. Is your long distance phone bill too high? Do you spend too much on lunches out?

6. Put your budget to work: Once you've created a budget that covers all of your monthly expenses and financial goals, it s time to put your budget to the test. Try to live within your budget, and see how it feels.

7. Rework your budget: If your budget comes out on the negative side, rework it until your numbers crunch. To do this, go back over each expense, and look for places to make cuts.

8. Reward Yourself: Frugality takes time and effort. Reward yourself for your progress, but not with financial rewards. For example, play soft music and spend the evening lying in bed reading a good book - borrowed from the library, of course!

Solid budgets are realistic, flexible and are not made in one sitting. This will be a process that will continually change as your needs, income and desired output change.

Don't Forget: Build in money for debt reduction. Build in your savings and investments.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Weekend Recap Meme

Weekend Recap Meme

This was a week for thinking and struggling.
This week was a busy week although some things didn't get done. Next week might be worse, need to get back on track.

Monday was week 2 of Podcasting Bootcamp with Kelly McCausey. It is really an eye opening class. Kelly really makes you think about your purpose and be able to back it up.

I finished up changing over my autoresponder for my website. I worked on a domain name for my newest website and started doing some research.

I have accepted a challenge to write atleast 2000 words per week on my blog. Whew, last week was a bad blog week, I was so busy getting everything else done, that blogging just didn't happen.

I purchased a program that has to be loaded onto my hosting server, that is not going well for me. Hopefully I can get that taken care of this week.

I am still struggling with time, I have taken on multiple projects to try and start earning some income for the house, and really need to start spending some quality time completing those projects. But I am a SAHM first and no one can do this for me. Ugh Ugh I enjoy working and being a mom. I must strive to make it through these hard times and then the prize will mean so much more. I want it all and I want it now! At one time I made a schedule, I guess I need to review that now that I have added more projects and set up a new one.

I did get 3 or my 5 email account cleaned up. For the time being I have made the decision that I will be unable to do surveys and have set that aside to revisit when things are running more smoothly. While I enjoy doing them and you make some money, it's not in the range that I need to help with the household finances.

Until next time.


 

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