So What Happened?

It's Wednesday and our final day at the ABC Kids Expo. What is really apparent is that this is not our show. Most of the products here are for expecting women and infants, along with furniture. Our product is for toddlers up to ten year olds. That said, we are getting an amazing response to ZipperBack Gloves. Retailers in the north-east, mid-west and Canada love what we have and they want it now, for this season. It was our intention to take orders for the following year and they all said, "Fine, but I want X amount for this season, now." At first blush that sounds fantastic, but as you learn in business, selling all of your inventory for your first season to retailers may not be the smartest move. With that, I'll just say that it was a huge success and a wonderful prelude to the SIA (Snow Sports Industry Assn) show in January.

Taking Action

If you want something to happen, you have to take action. Just thinking or talking abut what you want is not enough to see it come to life. I'll be the first one to say that thinking and talking about your desires can open doors to opportunities to take that next step, but you have to DO just that, step, move, walk, follow up, take action. If you do just one little thing a day, you will find the thing you have only thought about is now a real part of your daily life!

Remembering 9/11

To everyone who experienced the events of September 11, 2001 I want to tell you, "I remember."

Every American felt the effects of that tragic day, but certainly there were families who were forever changed in ways many of us will never know. As a military family, we remember everyday, but today is special. Know you are loved and you are remembered.

9-9-09

Does this mean anything? I don't know, but days like this are kind of fun. They are memorable and conger up conspiracy theories about the end of the world or better yet, it makes a great wedding date.

Numerology experts - who operate outside the realm of real science - believe that mystical significance or vibrations can be assigned to each numeral one through nine, and different combinations of the digits produce tangible results in life depending on their application.

As the final numeral, the number nine holds special rank. It is associated with forgiveness, compassion and success on the positive side as well as arrogance and self-righteousness on the negative, according to numerologists.

I don't know about all of that, but I can agree that it's a fun series of numbers!

Is It Ever Okay?

Is it ever okay to impose your belief system on another person? I struggle with this especially when it seems like the situation is black and white. Julie is a paramedic and works in one of the toughest areas in N. CA. When she is called to save the life of someone who appears to be a drug user, physically a mess, and not pleasant in any way shape or form, she treats that person the same way she would an affluent soccer mom living in a gated community. I've asked Julie how she doesn't judge and her answer was beautiful, she said, "It's not my place to determine who lives and dies. I don't know why they are dirty or how they came to be living such a life, all I know is that it's my job to do everything in my power to save that life." Nice. She went on to say that she feels she can make a positive impact on someone who may have lost their way by being kind and doing her best. Next time I find myself judging another, I'm going to hear Julie's voice in my head reminding me it's not my place to determine who lives and dies. Thank you Julie!

Time With Mason

Mason is growing up so fast. I can remember him toddling, oohing, and drooling. Now he only drools when he sleeps.

Kindergarten is going really well, a far cry from last year. I keep looking at him and seeing all these big boy qualities, like his legs are getting really strong and not so skinny. And he has really intelligent questions and answers. Just when I start to adjust to this little boy who is less little and more boy, he does something really silly like pretend he is Riley (the dog) and wants me to throw a toy for him to fetch. It's in those moments when I realize I can't be so busy that I let these moments pass us by. It won't matter if I miss 30 minutes of trade show preparation, but Mason will remember those 30 minutes I played with him pretending he was my dog.

I know the days of offered kisses, wanting me to fall asleep with him in his bed, and him thinking I know the answers to everything are fleeting. Heck, once the thinking I know everything days are gone, they are gone forever. It's now that I need to listen and value his opinions. I want to share good lessons of manners, values, right & wrong, and kindness while he's still impressionable enough to consider that these things are not only a good way of life, but the only way of life. I have no doubt we will have our challenges while Mason grows up, but I will know that I spent time, stayed plugged in, and truly did my best to be not just a good mom, but a great mom!

Recession Proof Your Mood

If you're like me, you have worries about the economy, jobs, reduced hours at work and any number of other things. Since it's known that chronic stress increases your risk for illness, here's a few things to think about how to lower those anxiety levels.

Make a plan. Think about the one thing that is stressing you out the most and devise a plan to handle it. If it's credit card debt, talk to your creditors about lowering interest rates. If your mortgage is adjusting or you simply can't make ends meet because of a wage loss, definitely call your lender. Almost all lenders are doing modifications and you can work with them directly for free. I can answers questions for you on this if you have them. Just comment here on my blog.

Get help if you need it. A financial planner of credit consultant can often help you see solutions you may not realize are available to you.

Finally, focus on the positive. Be grateful for all you do have. A roof over your head, family and friends who love you and make you laugh, even just watching a movie you have in your collection of VHS tapes. All these things can help you see that even in these trying times, there is still so much more to be happy about!