I find when it's time to write my thoughts or to answer questions, I always have a reason for not doing it right away. I think I'll do it later. And later never comes. I'm obviously missing something. Maybe it's the key to why I'm not progressing. Or maybe I need to be more prepared, to take my time and not be in such a hurry. When I was in school, I found the homework that was designed to teach critical thinking skills was my least favorite homework. It's funny. I avoid thinking about things other people want me to think about, but I really enjoy figuring out problems and thinking about things that interest me.
I need to realize how important these things are that people like Jim Rohn, Darren Hardy, Bob Proctor, Jeffry Gitomer, etc. want me to think about and become part of me. If I didn't have the spirit of a rebel, I'd learn these things faster and make quicker progress. Yet, Rohn says we should debate the things we learn. We should look at it from all sides. And, I do that. Anyway, I've been called an anomaly, and I guess that's what I am. Or maybe I'm just hard headed. I'm not stubborn. I just need to figure it out for myself.
Wow, here I am, 58 years old, and I'm still learning about myself. Now that I'm finding insight into my soul, maybe I can make some important changes.
I know it's been a problem that I don't write notes in the margins or highlight important things in the books I read. Most of my Bibles are still pristine. I ventured to put sticky notes in one, and I think I actually wrote in the margins a couple of times in another. Until a couple of years ago, I considered it sacreligious to write in a Bible.
I realized this was a problem, so I bought a couple of zippered book covers to hold the books I'm currently reading. Along with the books, there is ruled notebook paper that I made and punched holes in, a pen, a highlighter, and sticky notes. It has a handle, so it's easier to carry, and everything is together and convenient. This was all designed to make it easier to take notes and later keep in a small 3-ring binder. It is nice to have this "kit" with me. It's been a week since I made this kit. Do you think I've kept notes or highlighted anything. Well a little. I'm a hard nut to crack, but I'm crackable (I hope).
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Snow Day
Yesterday I stayed at the office to catch up on a job I'm working on and made arrangements for my son to pick me up. The temperature was 25 degrees, and it was raining. Consequently, the streets were icy, and he had a hard time driving to get me. He said cars were spinning around, abandoned on the road, the highway was closed, and he was terrified. When he got to my office, he got out of the car and said he was done driving. I got behind the wheel and we headed down the street, slipping on the ice. Luckily, we were only 4.5 miles from home, and I drove a steady 25 mph. We made it home with no incidents. All the other drivers were doing the same as me, and we made it home in 20 minutes.
This morning the office was closed until Noon, so I slept in to make up for the late night. I managed to get some reading in, though. I started Darren Hardy's Make This the Best Year Ever, which is about setting goals.
This morning the office was closed until Noon, so I slept in to make up for the late night. I managed to get some reading in, though. I started Darren Hardy's Make This the Best Year Ever, which is about setting goals.
The Richest Man in Babylon-2
What an inspiring book. I'm like many of the characters in this book. I work hard, make good money, but I can't seem to keep any in the bank.
The secret, according to Jim Rohn (whom I heard it from first) and The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason, is to put 30% of my paycheck to work. Seventy percent pays the bills and buys gas and groceries. Ten percent goes to God, 10% to savings, and 10% to investments. I already have a percentage going to investments (I don't think it's 10%), and the rest goes to pay for my lifestyle. Well, that is going to change. Now that everyone is gainfully employed in my household, I'll be able to arrange my finances so I can put something back in the bank.
Next week is payday, and it will be my first opportunity to figure out the best way to build my fortune.
I've been blessed to have a very active guardian angel who has protected me and helped me get through financial difficulties. There was a time when I was so broke I didn't know where I'd get enough gas to get to work. As I was walking to my apartment, a $5 bill was on the staircase next to my door. I picked it up and said "Thank You God" out loud. Then there was the time I was stressing out because I didn't have any money when I opened my bank savings book to check my balance and a $20 bill fell out. Again, "Thank You God!" I probably have more stories about how I foolishly wasted money or lost money. But I won't dwell on those, only on those occasions when I was blessed.
Speaking of being blessed. I worked until 10:00 last night on a section of a proposal we're preparing, and it rained with 25 degree weather. Needless to say, the roads became icy. My son was to pick me up on his way home. It took him an hour to get to my office, and I drove home from there (He was a wreck). The car was covered in ice. I kept the speed to 25, and we slipped a bit on the road. No one on the road was being careless; no one passed us. Most of the lights were green, and for the most part, it was an adventure. But we were definitely glad to be home when we finally arrived. OK, so that wasn't the blessing part. That was the guardian angel watching over me part. We didn't get home until almost 11:30 because of the icy conditions. It was 12:30 or so before I got to sleep. Here's the blessing. Here I am, it's 6:15, I've eaten breakfast and am ready to do my usual routine of dressing and going to work, expecting to drive slowly and steadily just like last night. I called the company weather hotline, and we don't have to report to work until NOON! So I'm finishing this blog, and I'm going back to bed. Yea! Again "Thank You God!"
The secret, according to Jim Rohn (whom I heard it from first) and The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason, is to put 30% of my paycheck to work. Seventy percent pays the bills and buys gas and groceries. Ten percent goes to God, 10% to savings, and 10% to investments. I already have a percentage going to investments (I don't think it's 10%), and the rest goes to pay for my lifestyle. Well, that is going to change. Now that everyone is gainfully employed in my household, I'll be able to arrange my finances so I can put something back in the bank.
Next week is payday, and it will be my first opportunity to figure out the best way to build my fortune.
I've been blessed to have a very active guardian angel who has protected me and helped me get through financial difficulties. There was a time when I was so broke I didn't know where I'd get enough gas to get to work. As I was walking to my apartment, a $5 bill was on the staircase next to my door. I picked it up and said "Thank You God" out loud. Then there was the time I was stressing out because I didn't have any money when I opened my bank savings book to check my balance and a $20 bill fell out. Again, "Thank You God!" I probably have more stories about how I foolishly wasted money or lost money. But I won't dwell on those, only on those occasions when I was blessed.
Speaking of being blessed. I worked until 10:00 last night on a section of a proposal we're preparing, and it rained with 25 degree weather. Needless to say, the roads became icy. My son was to pick me up on his way home. It took him an hour to get to my office, and I drove home from there (He was a wreck). The car was covered in ice. I kept the speed to 25, and we slipped a bit on the road. No one on the road was being careless; no one passed us. Most of the lights were green, and for the most part, it was an adventure. But we were definitely glad to be home when we finally arrived. OK, so that wasn't the blessing part. That was the guardian angel watching over me part. We didn't get home until almost 11:30 because of the icy conditions. It was 12:30 or so before I got to sleep. Here's the blessing. Here I am, it's 6:15, I've eaten breakfast and am ready to do my usual routine of dressing and going to work, expecting to drive slowly and steadily just like last night. I called the company weather hotline, and we don't have to report to work until NOON! So I'm finishing this blog, and I'm going back to bed. Yea! Again "Thank You God!"
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Richest Man in Babylon
The Richest Man in Babylon is said to have changed many people's financial status. It was written in 1926, and it is very interesting. I plan to read it until I fall asleep this evening. It is the first step in my personal development activity. I also was listening to Jim Rohn talk about financial freedom. He said to spend no more than 70% of your pay, save 10%, invest 10%, and give 10% to charity. If you can't start with 70,10,10,10, do 97,1,1,1 until you build to 70,10,10,10.
At least I feel I have a plan. The most important statement so far is "a part of all I earn is mine to keep." I've been keeping better tabs on my money, and I've had more left over at the end of the month than before when I just spent what I thought I could afford. Now I plan to earmark 70% to my bills and 30% to invest.
At least I feel I have a plan. The most important statement so far is "a part of all I earn is mine to keep." I've been keeping better tabs on my money, and I've had more left over at the end of the month than before when I just spent what I thought I could afford. Now I plan to earmark 70% to my bills and 30% to invest.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Good Friends and the Good Life
I have 2 special friends that I really enjoy being with. We've been a trio since 2000, and we get together whenever we can. Unfortunately, our paths seem to be moving in different directions, so we don't see each other as often as we'd like. But, this evening, we had dinner and shopped and had a great time catching up. We had an excellent meal at Longhorn's Steak House, where we exchanged Christmas gifts, and then followed it up with a shopping trip to Barnes & Noble. We left there at 10:55. It was really a nice last-minute decision that we all were grateful for.
We went to Barnes & Noble because I wanted to get a couple of zippered book covers that I could use to keep the books I'm reading in with pens, highlighters, and something to take notes. I have some small 3-ring binders, and I thought I'd print some lined paper to keep with the books. I'd take notes and then put the notes in the binder.
The notes could be ideas for speeches and some seminars I'd like to give. I'm really excited about learning more and teaching about leadership. I mentioned in yesterday's blog about the books I've received so far that I ordered from Thriftbooks.com. Well the last one came today -- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. I'm planning to read it first. I started Rohn's Seven Strategies for Wealth and Happiness and Ziglar's Biscuits, Fleas and Pump Handles, but Clason's will be the first one I'll concentrate on.
I got to visit with my grandson today. I haven't seen him since Christmas. Tomorrow (8 minutes from now) he'll be 3 years old. He's just the cutest thing. I built a Lego house with him and gave him a bath in the kitchen sink after he and his mom (my beautiful daughter) washed the dishes together. It was so cute to see him standing on a chair next to her handing her dishes so she could rinse them for the dishwasher. He got a drum set from his other grandmother (Nana) for his birthday. He was pretty excited about it. I bought a game and some books for him.
I can't wait to read The Richest Man in Babylon. I'll have to tell you all about it.
We went to Barnes & Noble because I wanted to get a couple of zippered book covers that I could use to keep the books I'm reading in with pens, highlighters, and something to take notes. I have some small 3-ring binders, and I thought I'd print some lined paper to keep with the books. I'd take notes and then put the notes in the binder.
The notes could be ideas for speeches and some seminars I'd like to give. I'm really excited about learning more and teaching about leadership. I mentioned in yesterday's blog about the books I've received so far that I ordered from Thriftbooks.com. Well the last one came today -- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. I'm planning to read it first. I started Rohn's Seven Strategies for Wealth and Happiness and Ziglar's Biscuits, Fleas and Pump Handles, but Clason's will be the first one I'll concentrate on.
I got to visit with my grandson today. I haven't seen him since Christmas. Tomorrow (8 minutes from now) he'll be 3 years old. He's just the cutest thing. I built a Lego house with him and gave him a bath in the kitchen sink after he and his mom (my beautiful daughter) washed the dishes together. It was so cute to see him standing on a chair next to her handing her dishes so she could rinse them for the dishwasher. He got a drum set from his other grandmother (Nana) for his birthday. He was pretty excited about it. I bought a game and some books for him.
I can't wait to read The Richest Man in Babylon. I'll have to tell you all about it.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Once More. This Time With Feeling!
I'm so excited! I signed up with the 1-Year Personal Development Plan, and the first email arrived today!
The materials filled a huge notebook. I haven't had a chance to check it all out yet. I just hope it's not the homework for just this week!
Because I couldn't get anyone to do the 1-year plan with me, I originally decided to postpone it for a year, so I ordered something to read instead. But, I got one more email that convinced me that this is the time to make dramatic changes to my life. Now the books I ordered from Thriftbooks.com have been trickling in:
I'M SO EXCITED!
I've been hitching rides with friends after work because my son has a job after one year of searching, and we only have one car. Don't feel sorry for me. I've thoroughly enjoyed having someone to ride with and talk to. As a matter of fact, I've had the opportunity to get to know a couple of really great ladies.
In addition, I attended 4 Feng Shui Treasure Mapping sessions that a dear and long-time friend taught. Even though I make a treasure map every January since 2006, I learned a lot. The classes were really enjoyable. I met so many great people there and saw old friends I never expected to see there. Kindred spirits!
Treasure mapping is the same thing as making a vision board. It's a collage or a visual list of goals, dreams, and wishes. The twist is we use the Feng Shui bagua map as the basis and guide. And on Saturday night, she taught Feng Shui for the home. It's really interesting that she and I started studying Feng Shui about the same time. I think it was about 6 years ago.
I'm actually working on several goals right now.
In addition to these work-oriented goals, I'm working on my leadership skills through Toastmasters so I can achieve the level of Distinguished Toastmaster. I've been every officer in the club Executive Committee. Several times I held more than one office at the same time. To achieve DTM, I have to do things outside my club, one is a High Performance Project that involves setting up a committee who helps to pick out my project, we strategize about the best project and how to implement it, and I have to give 2 speeches about it. The next thing I have to do is mentor or start a new club. AND, I have to do something with the District leadership.
I have a few projects picked out, and I have a list of people I'd like to recruit for my High Performance project. I just need to figure out how to invite them to work with me so they can't refuse. :O) I'm going to try to be an Area Governor from July 1 to June 30. We have had some really awesome Area Governors lately, so I have some high standards to fulfill. In the past, our AGs were weak, and the only time I heard from them was when they had to turn in an AG report, which was twice a year.
For the past year, I've worked with our Division Governor, and I feel privileged to know him. He helped me when I committed to do a mini Toastmasters meeting for a neighborhood credit union, and I couldn't get any help from more than one of my fellow club members. Then he was with me when I spoke to a leadership group who invited me to speak. Someone in the first audience invited me to the second group. Then someone in that audience invited me to speak at their Retreat this coming March. This means I need to get my speech out and dust it off.
Because of the mini Toastmasters meeting, the group at the Credit Union has formed a Toastmasters club, and I'm one of the mentors. I have truly been blessed with being at the right place at the right time. And I've not been afraid to take a leap of faith hoping I'll land on something soft.
You can see I've got a full plate, but if I keep that danged TV turned off, I think I can get much more done. Before my son moved back to SA, I hardly watched TV at all, and I really got a lot more done. So, he's working evenings, and I have the house back to myself. I really enjoy listening to good inspiring music without lyrics while I work. Unfortunately, my CD wallet is at the office, so I'm here listening to my keys clack as I type. That's OK too.
The materials filled a huge notebook. I haven't had a chance to check it all out yet. I just hope it's not the homework for just this week!
Because I couldn't get anyone to do the 1-year plan with me, I originally decided to postpone it for a year, so I ordered something to read instead. But, I got one more email that convinced me that this is the time to make dramatic changes to my life. Now the books I ordered from Thriftbooks.com have been trickling in:
- Biscuits, Fleas, & Pump Handles by Zig Ziglar
- The Seasons of Life by Jim Rohn
- The Aspiring Millionaire by Bill Bailey
- Twelve Pilars by Jim Rohn and Chris Widener (I believe this is the basis of the 1-year plan)
- Seven Strategies for Wealth and Happiness by Jim Rohn
I'M SO EXCITED!
I've been hitching rides with friends after work because my son has a job after one year of searching, and we only have one car. Don't feel sorry for me. I've thoroughly enjoyed having someone to ride with and talk to. As a matter of fact, I've had the opportunity to get to know a couple of really great ladies.
In addition, I attended 4 Feng Shui Treasure Mapping sessions that a dear and long-time friend taught. Even though I make a treasure map every January since 2006, I learned a lot. The classes were really enjoyable. I met so many great people there and saw old friends I never expected to see there. Kindred spirits!
Treasure mapping is the same thing as making a vision board. It's a collage or a visual list of goals, dreams, and wishes. The twist is we use the Feng Shui bagua map as the basis and guide. And on Saturday night, she taught Feng Shui for the home. It's really interesting that she and I started studying Feng Shui about the same time. I think it was about 6 years ago.
I'm actually working on several goals right now.
- Feng Shui consultant. I'm also learning more about Feng Shui so I can help people with adding peace and tranquility to their lives. I put lot of the Feng Shui principles in my home, and I absolutely love it. I'm so comfortable here. It's my haven. I don't know that I felt that way before.
- Wedding coordinator/planner for my church. It's not the same as being a full-time wedding planner, but it's a start. I love doing it. It's strictly volunteer, so I'm not getting rid of my day job just yet. But I think after I retire, I'll be able to either hire on with someone as an assistant or maybe do it myself. A friend wants to do it with me. She just retired (unexpectedly), and she's looking for something fun to do.
- Avon. Now, I sell Avon mainly to build a customer base for when I retire. And I'm my best customer ;O).
- Travel more. Mainly cruises. Maybe I can set up destination weddings that include a cruise. Maybe a long weekend cruise that would include the bachelor parties, wedding rehearsal, and the actual wedding and reception. Hmmm. You heard it here first!
- Teach seminars. I'm working on some material that I can use as a basis for my seminars. There are lots of civic groups I can speak to. Maybe even work on material for career days at local elementary schools. We are always getting emails at work about schools needing speakers.
In addition to these work-oriented goals, I'm working on my leadership skills through Toastmasters so I can achieve the level of Distinguished Toastmaster. I've been every officer in the club Executive Committee. Several times I held more than one office at the same time. To achieve DTM, I have to do things outside my club, one is a High Performance Project that involves setting up a committee who helps to pick out my project, we strategize about the best project and how to implement it, and I have to give 2 speeches about it. The next thing I have to do is mentor or start a new club. AND, I have to do something with the District leadership.
I have a few projects picked out, and I have a list of people I'd like to recruit for my High Performance project. I just need to figure out how to invite them to work with me so they can't refuse. :O) I'm going to try to be an Area Governor from July 1 to June 30. We have had some really awesome Area Governors lately, so I have some high standards to fulfill. In the past, our AGs were weak, and the only time I heard from them was when they had to turn in an AG report, which was twice a year.
For the past year, I've worked with our Division Governor, and I feel privileged to know him. He helped me when I committed to do a mini Toastmasters meeting for a neighborhood credit union, and I couldn't get any help from more than one of my fellow club members. Then he was with me when I spoke to a leadership group who invited me to speak. Someone in the first audience invited me to the second group. Then someone in that audience invited me to speak at their Retreat this coming March. This means I need to get my speech out and dust it off.
Because of the mini Toastmasters meeting, the group at the Credit Union has formed a Toastmasters club, and I'm one of the mentors. I have truly been blessed with being at the right place at the right time. And I've not been afraid to take a leap of faith hoping I'll land on something soft.
You can see I've got a full plate, but if I keep that danged TV turned off, I think I can get much more done. Before my son moved back to SA, I hardly watched TV at all, and I really got a lot more done. So, he's working evenings, and I have the house back to myself. I really enjoy listening to good inspiring music without lyrics while I work. Unfortunately, my CD wallet is at the office, so I'm here listening to my keys clack as I type. That's OK too.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Year's Resolutions
I've usually decided on my resolution(s) by now. I'm procrastinating, and I don't know why.
Let's see if we can narrow the possibilities.
I definitely want to lose weight, so my first resolution is to weigh 160 by Christmas by following the Weight Watchers plan and working out or walking at least 3 times a week.
I want to achieve DTM in Toastmasters, and to do that, I have to be a leader above the club level for a year. I will volunteer as Area Governor for the 2011-2012 term. I will finish mentoring the CU Speak Club, and follow the High Performance Program. I think my project will be either Busy Hands, bracelets, build the membership of our club (which may be the easiest), start a community garden at work, start a recycling program at work. We have a soda can and cardboard recycle program, but nothing for cans or soda bottles.
I want to put $1000 in the bank, which I think I can do this year. I also want to pay off my credit card. It may take more than a year to do that.
I can't think of a material thing I want. Maybe a Kindle or a GPS.
I'd like to find a Bible study class or some way to learn more about God and Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit and my guardian angel are with me all the time.
I think I'd like to do things like go bowling, make something ceramic, clean out the garage enough to get 2 cars in it.
We'll move the Nordic Track into the workout room and the body by jake to my daughter's. There are lots of books in the garage that we need to move to the library.
My friend and I will go on a cruise the end of April to Honduras and Belize. I'm excited about that. It'll be so much fun!
Let's see if we can narrow the possibilities.
I definitely want to lose weight, so my first resolution is to weigh 160 by Christmas by following the Weight Watchers plan and working out or walking at least 3 times a week.
I want to achieve DTM in Toastmasters, and to do that, I have to be a leader above the club level for a year. I will volunteer as Area Governor for the 2011-2012 term. I will finish mentoring the CU Speak Club, and follow the High Performance Program. I think my project will be either Busy Hands, bracelets, build the membership of our club (which may be the easiest), start a community garden at work, start a recycling program at work. We have a soda can and cardboard recycle program, but nothing for cans or soda bottles.
I want to put $1000 in the bank, which I think I can do this year. I also want to pay off my credit card. It may take more than a year to do that.
I can't think of a material thing I want. Maybe a Kindle or a GPS.
I'd like to find a Bible study class or some way to learn more about God and Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit and my guardian angel are with me all the time.
I think I'd like to do things like go bowling, make something ceramic, clean out the garage enough to get 2 cars in it.
We'll move the Nordic Track into the workout room and the body by jake to my daughter's. There are lots of books in the garage that we need to move to the library.
My friend and I will go on a cruise the end of April to Honduras and Belize. I'm excited about that. It'll be so much fun!
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