Archive for November, 2008


Own your own business

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

In an economy of uncertainty the only certainty we have is in ourselves. If we can’t count on ourselves then who can we count on? We used to be able to count on our employer that we worked for all our lives…but no more. Today, more than ever people are looking at looking online for a small business for sale. There are many businesses out there that are ready for you to buy them, take them over and plan for your future.

As a virtual personal assistant and small business person I can tell you that the stress of running your business, keeping your head above water and keeping employees happy can get the better of you - if you let it. But—but—it such a relief to know that when the chips are down, I can count on myself and my hubby to make it all work. Trust me, owning your own destiny is so worth it. Take the plunge today.

Memories

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

Did I ever tell you about the first luggage my parents bought for my sisters and me? It was when we were in junior high, I think…maybe even before then. My sister, Shelia, had the red set, my other sister, Cindy, had olive green and mine was light blue. Until 5 or 6 years ago I still had all my Samsonite luggage! It’s been with me through all my moves, all my travels and pretty much, all my life. Now, if you don’t know old that made my luggage…think that my 35th class reunion in is 2010. I never had it repaired because it never needed it and except for a little looseness in the lining…it was just as good the day I said good-bye to it as it was the day I opened them under the Christmas tree. Now…that’s pretty cool. If we hadn’t moved to another island I’d have never left it behind. Still, I was able to donate each piece of my light-blue Samsonite luggage to families in Mexico that I left behind as well. That’s a good feeling…and some very good luggage.

Moving on

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

As you all know, my son just moved to Orlando. So far - so good ;-) He’s had it pretty good since the moving trucks pulled up to his house, loaded up and left…later delivering every item they packed in perfect condition. Now, he doesn’t get to spend a lot of time in his great new apartment in downtown Orlando but…he’s enjoying his work, traveling and learning about Orlando. He’s still trying to sell his condo in Charlotte - if you’re looking to move to a great city - but this is the last step in his move. The housing market is doing well in Charlotte, in spite of what the news is saying so it should sell soon…maybe to one of you ;-).

Battle of the Buldge

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

It’s interesting what measures people will go to so that they can lose weight. For me, if I could afford liposuction I’d have it in a heartbeat. I know drastic, right? Why don’t I just try appetite suppressants, you ask? Because for me, that’s not my problem; I’ve used them only to find that when I eat – it’s because it’s what I want to do – not because I’m hungry. Yes, I’d do the surgery route but it’s difficult for me to do the exercise route. It seems, in my mind, exercise is much more painful and almost a punishment to lose weight.

I talked to a friend of mine the other day and she said she’s never exercised. I’ve tried a few times but it never lasts long, thus the liposuction. Now, my sister told that a doctor won’t do lipo on just anyone. She said the doctors make sure you’re eating right and exercising before the cut it all out. That makes sense….but, it also cuts me out of surgery. Ugh! The battle. Until a couple years ago I never had a weight problem – other than I weighed to little. Ugh!

Lipstick Jungle - CANCELLED!!!

Monday, November 17th, 2008

I can’t believe it and won’t believe it until it happens…Lipstick Jungle has been cancelled!!! Why??? I know lots and lots of us watch it so why was it cancelled? Makes no sense. I’m wondering if there’s something we can do to keep it on the air. We all need to write NBC and let them know our dislike of their decision - today! It’s all because they moved it to Friday nights…why on earth did they do that??? You can also go here and post to not cancel the show as well.

Coming to America

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

I’ve lived in many countries over the past 10 years and enjoyed just about every minute. Because of this, I feel I can voice my opinion on people going from one country to another. Many US citizens detest the idea of Mexicans, Cubans, Dominicans or Puerto Rican’s trying to live in the US. Now granted, some enjoy the government footing the bill…but isn’t that an American way of life? American’s who don’t work still eat, still enjoy living in their homes and still enjoy free medical care. However, in Mexico, for example, if you don’t work you don’t eat. Mexico wants their people to work and because their country doesn’t foot the bill - they have to work. Why does the US foot the food bill for Americans? Makes no sense to me. If you don’t work - you don’t eat.

Now, as far as Mexicans or Haitians or Cuban’s “coming to American”…who cares? The US has lots and lots of land that is still undeveloped, unlike China, right? It’s not like the people that come illegally do so to hurt the US…but to help the US in whatever small way they can. These people actually LOVE the United States. These immigrants come to the US and are willing to do work for less than any greedy American I know. When was the last time you asked an out-of-work American to clean the toilets for less than $10 an hour? It’s a toilet for God’s sake. It has less germs than the keyboard of your computer!!! Yet, most Americans of any race consider themselves too good for the job and refuse to do the job for less than $10 an hour.

Now, I have lived in the Dominican Republic. This same situation occurs there as well, so the US is singled out only as being a very large and prosperous country.  If you are Dominican and you see a Haitian (Haiti shares the same island as the DR), that has worked very hard to get into the DR, you shun them, walk on the other side of the street or worse, hurt them. Do you know that there are grain trucks that carry rice throughout the Dominican Republic that have Haitians (because they work for less than 25 cents a day) scoop the rice with buckets?  Sometimes they work too hard and die or they get hit by a car. Know what the Dominican truck owner does? They simply throw the body into the field and hire another Haitian. No big deal. Their mindset is that the people from Haiti are no better, or worse, than a bug you would squash for getting in your way.

People! We are talking about human lives here? Why is one life valued at less than another? Why does it ask your race on many applications? (unless your race is a marathon in NYC) Why does race come into any conversation other than finding out a way to solve this problem? And, why can Mexicans not come to the US to do the jobs that Americans are to darn lazy to do or “think” they are too good for? Instead, they’d rather sit on their butts and collect government money - because their too good for ANY job.

Lord knows these immigrants would never apply for government money because their illegal; most aren’t a part of some drug cartel or gang - like the ones that exist in the US started by US citizens…so why are American’s so shallow and selfish to share their country with others? Isn’t that a part of what America is all about? Sharing??? Please, help me understand.

Wedding plans

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

The wedding Saturday night was so nice; the bride was beautiful and the groom was very happy. It was obvious Yinnett and Ray are in love with each other…and to think that Ray planned the entire wedding without his bride finding out thing! She really did enjoy and appreciate all his hard work.

While I’ve attend more than a thousand weddings, I’ve only been invited to three. And, even though I’m not a wedding person…this one was very special because the couple truly cared more about each other. So many couples get so caught up in the planning, the huge expense of the wedding and the “ceremonial” process by the time the couple gets married its like “get over it, already”.  The wedding Saturday included every item a couple plans for in their wedding and reception. However, the difference was that most couples take an entire year to plan what this man planned in 10 days. And, he’s not the first! I’ve helped several couples plan extrodinary weddings in less than a month or even less than two weeks. It can be done…it can be enjoyed…and couples can enjoy each other even after the wedding day.

How long did it take to plan your wedding? Was there a reason you planned it in the time frame you did?

My sister…my friend

Monday, November 10th, 2008

Las Vegas

Friday, November 7th, 2008

It probably seems like my hubby and I are always traveling…so I’ll just set that record straight – we are. Even before we were eloped to Las Vegas, we took weekend trips, overnight trips and week-long vacations. Traveling has become our way of life. Next year we’ll celebrate our 14th anniversary and we’re looking at celebrating, of course, in Las Vegas. We found a Las Vegas strip map online and we’re slowing planning our trip down memory lane. Yes, we’ve been there many times. My hubby goes to play craps and black-jack…I go to shop. It’s a fun time for both of us. Of course, between now and then, we’ll probably make a few weekend trips to the coast where the beaches are the most beautiful on earth.

Apology

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Please accept my apology for all of you that enjoy commenting on my blogs. Because I’ve been overwhelmed with spam comments the last few weeks, I’ve had to resort to having commentors create a login. Yes, I still want to hear from you - love to hear from you - and enjoy reading and learning from all of you, so please, don’t stop commenting. Thank you…Diana