Gotta Make a Livin' / Life is a Box of Chocolates

(Out a little later than usual - so posting got delayed!!! )

Last night I laughed more than I have in forever!   See, it was BUNKO!!!   Bunko night for me was always "Well, I might make it - but will probably be late" because of my JOB!!   Not the case yesterday - I got there early!

Seriously these women are just the best!   We were also celebrating the start of "Glitter's" sabbatical.   So things were a little crazier than normal - but it was just what I needed.

 Side Note:   We assigned "night" names to all; not something we usually do but its very convenient for blogging.  My name was "Destiny".  I was there when names were assigned - it wasn't just coincidence or divine intervention!!  

ANYWAY, my WINS just kept stacking up!!   I started thinking, maybe I don't need a job, I can just get into about 20 Bunko groups (earnings and food/drink!)  My partners started feeling the pressure of keeping the Wins going.  "Diamond" was so disappointed to announce my first Loss.  "Poison" was looking very stressed during one tense game, when she pulled through for me and rolled a BUNKO!  To all the girls (Coco, Kitty, Roxy, Cherry, Monique, Bambi, Sasha, Peaches  and our leader Sister Mary Margaret):  WHAT A GREAT NIGHT!!  We kept the party going with Karaoke and I think this group could give new meaning to the words "working girls".    (In the bright morning light, I have reminded myself that I never win at Bunko, so I probably need to re-think this plan!)

Besides the laughter there was also inspiration.   At Glitter's thoughtful suggestion, all Bunko money was donated to some kids who need it.   Roxy has a line on a job for me (although I am only partly qualified - LOL)!   Bambi found the following on the Dove Chocolate wrapper and was nice enough to pass on to me:   Live life for the expressions, not for the possessions!  And last night was clearly full of expression!   (Special thanks to "sister"!   I am voting her the best dancer!!!!)

Bunko fee $5; Beers at the Bar $3; Tylenol $4 - 

Laughing MAO:  PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!

You Rock, Ladies!!!!

New Ideas

Yesterday I spent time engaged in new business research.   What are the hottest franchises, home based businesses, etc.    I found it very interesting that some of the best franchises were cleaning services.    I would have thought in a suffering economy that perhaps that business was down.  Home Health Care is another booming area.   Small business services (accounting, tax, web services) were mentioned as well.    Most were service related - not product.  Which seems to support something I have been thinking about.  The "thing" that people want most and are willing to purchase is TIME. And service businesses offer that indirectly.

Today I need to tell my wonderful cleaning ladies that I will not be able to use their services anymore.   This is difficult for me because I know they depend on their income and in our small town, its more difficult to replace clients.   I am on a mission, however, to find a new client for them!   And will definitely hire them back if when circumstances allow.  (Gotta stay positive!  :D)

I am feeling very good in spite of not knowing what the future holds - which is huge for me!   I love getting to talk to new people.  I had a fabulous brain-storming session at lunch yesterday and my mind is now buzzing with ideas.   Went to a softball game (Go Vipers!) and had some laughs last night.    Friends have engineered a new headband that can be worn about five different ways (LOL!!!)  Audience was split between innovative and stupid, and you have to love the honesty only a mother can offer!   Seriously, I don't think this is going to be "IT" but I can mark it down as one of the "NO's" which means I am just that much closer to the "YES"!

I am also re-activating my real estate license today!   Very excited about this...I have an opportunity to work with some GREAT people, do something I liked and was good at,  while I determine where I want to land.  So, be sure and let me know of anyone looking to buy or sell!

PS - I am still looking for new names for this Blog.  HELP!!!!

Control Freak

Recently there have been two incidents where I've been irritated about things completely out of my control.    So while my mission here is to get my life back into my control and on my path, I definitely have issues when it comes to controlling situations.   This is what I commonly call "The World According to (my name)".   I admit it.  I am a control FREAK.   I like for things to be done my way - because my way, is the best way.   AND I just can't understand why the rest of the world doesn't get that!!!

In this alternate reality of (my name) World, there is no chaos because I have instructed all people how things should run.  All events start (and finish) on time.   Each day's schedule allows for maximum efficiency.   Yes, I know it doesn't work this way....but, I'm kind of wired to think that it should.   And, so when things don't go that way, I end up frustrated.

I see three things I need to work on with control:

1. Let go of things that I cannot control (even if I think I could and should!).  I need to learn to just go with the flow more, relax and breathe.  (Wonderful Man has been telling me this for 25+ years).
2. Resign from my post as Supreme Leader of "World According to (my name)".   
3. Focus on controlling my professional life and let my faith and instincts guide me in the big picture.

Side Note:  This writing thing is really helpful.  Until today, writing it all out, I've never been able to see what it is that needs to change.  I'm probably saving a fortune in therapy costs!  Which is good since given my unemployed status.

Update on some things:   I have been trying to stick to the plan.   Staying positive, exercise, contemplation and meditation, laughter, balanced with time looking for my next opportunity.    I've done well except the positive part sometimes escapes and then the fears and doubts set in.   (As far as discovering the kitchen:  I did cook a full meal one night.  I planned it and everything!   Wonderful Man was impressed but still hungry so maybe need to work more on portions!!)

What's in a Name?

When I started the blog (split-second decision that I then communicated to others so I couldn't just not do it!) I said my purpose in part was to help keep me sane (and it has!!!).   There's something really amazing about writing things that other people may read.  I titled it GirlPower (another split-second decision while filling out the Blogging-for-Dummies Template!).

My point of this adventure is that my life needs to be different (yeah, yeah - more purpose, we know. I can just hear you all saying that!!!!) :D And its about taking back control of what we do. ANYWAY, I had told those chosen few that I think as women we try to live up to a standard set by society.

Side Note: I saw on TV yesterday that women still make 25% less than men.  However, more women retained their jobs in the recession because they made LESS than their counterparts. ???

ANYWAY, We are supposed to look beautiful, bring home the free-range, organic, chicken, cook it, while making sure our children are multi-lingual by the age of 3.   I tried...really I did.  But, never could "do it all".   So it was these thoughts that really prompted the name GirlPower.

But really taking control isn't limited to just women.  After all, I do make Wonderful Man and Boys 1 and  2 read this!   Plus, I was certainly using the term GIRL rather broadly given my age!  So, now that I'm on this quest for purpose and fulfillment I'm not sure the title is really right.  BUT I'm not sure what is right...

Journey to the Center of My Life (little narcissistic, maybe?)

Chapter 2 or the Next Chapter

Living on a Prayer (and a hope and a dream) (hmm, song title!) 

ANY IDEAS?  Please share.  Perhaps we could have a contest where the winner gets featured up-close and personal in my blog!!!  I'll be nice - seriously - if you are actually reading this, I have nothing but good thoughts for you!!!

A new me?

I've spent enough time reacting, analyzing, reflecting.   Update from my previous work-life:  I did agree to prepare a transition document in return for a consulting fee.   Part of me thought, well ....you know what I thought!!!  BUT you can't let pride get in the way of reality.  This allows for a small bit of breathing room while I figure out what to do.

Good friends have provided: leads on the non-profit job job market, opportunities for part-time work, introduction to real estate broker.   Can't say how much I appreciate this...REALLY!! Please keep them coming!   I have faith that if I keep working these and other ideas, what I should do will become clear.

I need to make changes in other areas.  I'm "forty-something" and by most calculations, my life is more than half over.  Rather than be depressed, I want to spend my time doing things I love and have always wanted to do.  It is exciting to think that a year from now I might not recognize myself!!!  Not like physically, although removing 20 or so pounds - without use of an airbrush - is needed as well.   I really mean more about how I'm living and what I do.    I am - and I wonder if most people are - my own worst enemy.   I am afraid of what people will think, will I make a fool of myself, will I fail?   Interesting that I didn't consider these things when I quit my job without another one!!!!


I LOVE ....

• Music.   I have a "passion" for contemporary Christian music.   When I sing along, I'm in a different place.   

• Playing tennis.   I have not played in years!!  But, tennis requires two people and a decent court, both are lacking for me.

• Talking to People.  Hearing their stories.   Learning about them.

I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO...

• Run.   This is a total challenge for me - really!!!   But the idea of completing a 5k at this point in my life sounds so fulfilling.  (Last night - actually started and I ran more than I walked but it was tough!!)

• Dance.   REAL dancing - couple dancing - that would require the cooperation of Wonderful Man!  

• Teach.    (Side note:  It was a teacher who took the time to tell me they thought I had potential, a potential I never saw.  I wonder where I would be today without that.)

• Own a business where I sell things.  LOL!!  Have no idea what - just can see myself in a cozy place, helping people.   :D

As I read through this, none of these involve my previous "work" life.    And except for teaching or owning a business, none have any potential financial gain  (Wonderful Man:  Please continue being patient!!! )      I am going to take this list and TRY to weave these into my life.  Maybe nothing comes of it....but I'm pretty sure its going to provide for some great stories and laughs!!!!