I am Thankful For

During this season of giving thanks, I want to tell you my family “thank you”

I am thankful for Sunday Dinners, we get together more than any family I know and I am so grateful for all of you. My family is special in many ways.

I am thankful for mom My sweet big hearted Mom, what a strong person she is.
My genius inventor Dad who made us all learn the hard way!
I am thankful that my parents raised such great kids.
I am thankful for growing up with all of my siblings in the house on 8252 Rickie.
I am thankful for my Goof ball brother and all that he’s taught me
I am so thankful for my big sister who gives me so much in life just in observing her extraordinary courage and strength.
I am thankful that my little sister understands me and accepts me unlike anyone else and can always make me laugh.

I am thankful for seeing my Emilys face when she gets out of school
I am thankful for Walking the kids to school
I am thankful I am healthy and can do anything I want
I am thankful for almost dying while 7 months pregnant that put a whole new perspective on life.
I am thankful for my kids who remind me of God everyday
I am thankful for my big teddy bear hubby who always says what he needs to say
I am thankful I am here on earth and can share this time with you.

Keep Balance in Life

I don’t want to give this up, walking Emily to school, building train tracks with Jake. It sure is a juggling act but this is where I want to be right now in life. I am working 24 hrs a week and about 10 hrs a week for my own business. I wrote the business plan today, and I am working on reserving my domain name for my website.
Where there’s a will there’s a way. I was told this when I mentioned to a girl at work what I wanted to do. Today was another part of my journey in life. It started off walking the Emily to school and ended up at an awards gala in Detroit. The DHDC event with the company I’ve worked for now 14 years (which I love). Then event was very moving, a man spoke at the event Ron (can’t think of his last name) who had no legs since birth he was amazing! He spoke of all he’s has overcome and how important it is to know that you can achieve any dream. He had everyone stand at the end of his speech to raise awareness of how lucky we all are to not be disabled. Then after the event we all went and had a drink at the bar and I was able to talk with one of the “whistle blowers” from the Kwame scandal with the Detroit Police officers.
All of this in one day its so great to spend time with the kids and then meet such interesting people. I continually work and promote my own business in all I do so I don’t ever have to give up this freedom. I love such diversity in my life the balance with my family and profession is awesome, The more I meet people in such high stature roles the more I realize they’re just people. I used to be intimidated by people of authority, but now realize we are all the same. We have families, and dreams and just want to be loved.

Keeping it Simple

I wonder if Life in America will ever slow down. Today as I was working out there was a conversation I couldn't help but listen in on. It was a guy talking about his wife going part time. He went on to explain that their cutting out daycare cost and will be able to make ends meet. He then said "most importantly she'll be able to spend more time with the kids". This may sound silly but it gave me hope for a simpler America. We all seem to be so busy, and exceed our needs. I often see these big beautiful houses with no one in them? I wish everyone would just slow down. We have so much more than most people in the world but everyone wants more. I myself want more, more shoes, a bigger house, a nicer car. But one thing I keep reminding myself of is that monetary things don't make happiness. It's the simple things in life. Like Emily winning her first trophy. Or Jake thinking he can really fly because he was dressed as buz light year.
Yeah someday I'll be well off, but I am not willing to give up my happiness for it. These days I find myself smiling more and just in a better mood. These days in our house you'll find just the right mix of caos and love.

A Little Past Little Rock

To soon to know what's up ahead to late to change my mind. I've gotta keep my mind out of this and both hands on the wheel. I'm learning more and more each day just how it feels to be a business owner. Today Emily and I went on our first client meeting together. A moment I will never forget I wanted to talk with a local business owner about what services I could offer them and Emily came with me. I told her that she had to be quiet during my meeting and could ask questions when I was done. She did good and asked lots of questions. Like why did she wear that thing on her head? I had to explain the Muslim culture. In general I think she can benefit from seeing what it takes to start a business.
The meeting went well I will meet with Beth again on Friday to give her the costs for setting up Her Google AdWords account. This is an extremely interesting lady she has 9 kids and owns her own business. I hope that someday I can be like her, well not exactly but I sure do admire a women that can juggle all of that.
This week has been an interesting week full of good news. On Monday I found out that my boss/brother has been appointed to VP of the company. I am so happy for him and his family, he deserves it. Also today I got a call from a recruiter saying that word on the street is that Ideal has let go of some good people. Hmm this really makes me think and the opportunity looks pretty nice. I don't see myself taking another full time job, however I am keeping my options open. For now I am focusing on My business and loving it, as my friend Cindy said to me today I am creating my own destiny. It's exciting and a little nerve racking at the same time, but as the song says to soon to know whats up ahead to late to change my mind. I gave it all up and have really enjoyed these last few weeks with the family and my flexible schedule.