A friend told me that anyone following the blog probably thinks I'm stranded in Arizona somewhere, so I'm borrowing someone else's Internet to make this quick post.
I arrived in California on June 30th in the afternoon. I have some stories about that day's travels, however, I will save those until I can upload the photos to go with them.
My Internet gets installed tomorrow, so I'll post Day 7 happenings and then I have some insights gained from the trip now that I've had a chance to process them that I'll share as well.
Today, Jeannie and I will be spending the day at La Costa Resort and Spa getting dry brushed, massages, facials and our nails done. We'll probably have a spa lunch somewhere in there and take advantage of hanging out on the beautiful grounds.
A HUGE thank you to her husband Ken for treating us to the massages--he said he knew we'd need them after being on the road for so long! Isn't he a keeper!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Personal Development Day
ROAD TRIP DAY 6
STATS
Hours on Road: 8:30am Mountain time to 5:50pm Pacific time
Miles Driven: 477
States In: New Mexico and Arizona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gratefully, today was uneventful in terms of car trouble, weather and other unforeseeable natural disasters.
Finally feeling like we've gotten into the groove of driving, Jeannie and I spent the day listening to Abraham Hicks and Jana Stanfield from my iPod and Jeannie's Joel Olsten cds.
The big lesson of the day: "Nothing you want is upstream."
Basically, it's about going with the flow and not resisting what is because when we resist, we get more of what we're resisting. Simple, huh?
While we listened, here are some of the sights we enjoyed:
We also had some wonderful talks (as we have throughout the whole trip) prompted by the concepts shared in the programs. We came to the conclusion that this road trip has been like one big personal development seminar for both of us, which is pretty cool.
And now something funny.
For all of the previous posts, I have used photos that I took while the car was moving with my little credit card digital camera since Jeannie had been doing most of the driving. Some I took out the front window, others I would put down the side window and take.
Today, I drove and asked her to take some pictures. Here were her first attempts:
We both laughed hysterically and she announced, "I had no idea how hard it was to take a good picture while moving." And, here's one more...
Shifting gears again.
Today was supposed to be our final day of driving, however, with the delays earlier in the trip, we didn't drive the 500 miles per day as planned, so we still have one more day of driving. We estimate it to be about 6 or 7 hours which will be less than the 10 to 11 we have been doing.
When I realized this--sometime around 4pm this afternoon--I began doing some scrambling to reschedule Monday appointments and contact CoachU about possibly needing subs for my classes since I won't be anywhere near a landline tomorrow. This turned my evening into a bit of a frenzy.
Since it's Sunday, I was only able to leave messages. I'm trusting that all will be well.
STATS
Hours on Road: 8:30am Mountain time to 5:50pm Pacific time
Miles Driven: 477
States In: New Mexico and Arizona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gratefully, today was uneventful in terms of car trouble, weather and other unforeseeable natural disasters.
Finally feeling like we've gotten into the groove of driving, Jeannie and I spent the day listening to Abraham Hicks and Jana Stanfield from my iPod and Jeannie's Joel Olsten cds.
The big lesson of the day: "Nothing you want is upstream."
Basically, it's about going with the flow and not resisting what is because when we resist, we get more of what we're resisting. Simple, huh?
While we listened, here are some of the sights we enjoyed:
We also had some wonderful talks (as we have throughout the whole trip) prompted by the concepts shared in the programs. We came to the conclusion that this road trip has been like one big personal development seminar for both of us, which is pretty cool.
And now something funny.
For all of the previous posts, I have used photos that I took while the car was moving with my little credit card digital camera since Jeannie had been doing most of the driving. Some I took out the front window, others I would put down the side window and take.
Today, I drove and asked her to take some pictures. Here were her first attempts:
We both laughed hysterically and she announced, "I had no idea how hard it was to take a good picture while moving." And, here's one more...
Shifting gears again.
Today was supposed to be our final day of driving, however, with the delays earlier in the trip, we didn't drive the 500 miles per day as planned, so we still have one more day of driving. We estimate it to be about 6 or 7 hours which will be less than the 10 to 11 we have been doing.
When I realized this--sometime around 4pm this afternoon--I began doing some scrambling to reschedule Monday appointments and contact CoachU about possibly needing subs for my classes since I won't be anywhere near a landline tomorrow. This turned my evening into a bit of a frenzy.
Since it's Sunday, I was only able to leave messages. I'm trusting that all will be well.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
258 Mile Detour
ROAD TRIP DAY 5
STATS
Hours on Road: 8am to 6:45pm Mountain time
Miles Driven: 433
States In: Colorado and New Mexico
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My father took one look at what we were driving and towing and strongly encouraged a major detour in our route. He said that we would have a tough time going through the mountains. It would be tough on the transmission, the brakes and on whichever one of us would be driving.
Even though the detour adds 258 miles, he assured us that since thr route is mostly flat, that it would take either the same amount of time or perhaps even less.
So, this morning, we headed out on I-25 South toward New Mexico instead of returning to I-70 to head through the Rocky Mountains toward Utah. At the beginning of the day, we were excited about no steep grades and we had no idea what we would face in the afternoon.
Here are some pictures of the calm before the storm:
I have never seen this sign before. I'm guessing it's for elk crossing the road?
At about 3:30pm, the sky suddenly became very dark and within 10 minutes the rain was coming down so hard and fast that we pulled over. We stayed pulled over for massive winds that rocked the SUV and while hail fell. Thankfully, we only had to stay on the shoulder for about 30 minutes.
Here are some post-storm photos. Keep in mind...this is New Mexico and all that white on the ground is hail!
The three inches of hail on the road went on for about a mile and a half.
The rest of the drive was uneventful though and tonight we're in a nice La Quinta Inn and Suites. For the third night since we've been on the road, we ordered in Mexican food. I just love guacamole!
STATS
Hours on Road: 8am to 6:45pm Mountain time
Miles Driven: 433
States In: Colorado and New Mexico
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My father took one look at what we were driving and towing and strongly encouraged a major detour in our route. He said that we would have a tough time going through the mountains. It would be tough on the transmission, the brakes and on whichever one of us would be driving.
Even though the detour adds 258 miles, he assured us that since thr route is mostly flat, that it would take either the same amount of time or perhaps even less.
So, this morning, we headed out on I-25 South toward New Mexico instead of returning to I-70 to head through the Rocky Mountains toward Utah. At the beginning of the day, we were excited about no steep grades and we had no idea what we would face in the afternoon.
Here are some pictures of the calm before the storm:
I have never seen this sign before. I'm guessing it's for elk crossing the road?
At about 3:30pm, the sky suddenly became very dark and within 10 minutes the rain was coming down so hard and fast that we pulled over. We stayed pulled over for massive winds that rocked the SUV and while hail fell. Thankfully, we only had to stay on the shoulder for about 30 minutes.
Here are some post-storm photos. Keep in mind...this is New Mexico and all that white on the ground is hail!
The three inches of hail on the road went on for about a mile and a half.
The rest of the drive was uneventful though and tonight we're in a nice La Quinta Inn and Suites. For the third night since we've been on the road, we ordered in Mexican food. I just love guacamole!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Over Halfway There! (and the haunted room story)
ROAD TRIP DAY 4
STATS
Hours on Road: 7:45am Central time to 4:15pm Mountain time
Miles Driven: 440
States In: Kansas and Colorado
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I did a good amount of the driving today, so I wasn't the out-the-window photographer, so there will be no photo pictorial today. So sorry!
We are staying at my parent's house in Lone Tree tonight and they treated us to a lovely dinner out at Alexander's where we traded our fast food fare for Cheesecake Factory-sized salads--YUM!
Even though it's only 9:30 here, we are both beat and getting ready to head to bed.
But, quickly, what we learned today:
--not all of Kansas is flat, but the whole northern part of Colorado is.
--just because a sign on the highway says there is gas at the next exit, it doesn't mean there is.
--if you're really tired, even a cup of Starbucks coffee won't make you feel awake (This one is Jeannie's--I don't drink coffee.)
And, by request, the haunted room story:
The Days Inn we stayed at bordered a field to which we parked the SUV and trailer parallel. When I got the dog out of the car, she wanted nothing to do with the field. I sat her in the grass and she stood frozen. Finally I was able to convence her to do what she needed to do after which she immediately jumped out of the grass and wanted to get back in the car. I sensed a strange energy in that area, but shrugged it off. This cycle eith the dog repeated itself every time I needed to take her out. It was quite bizarre.
The other thing that repeated itself is that I would stick the key into the door of the room and get the green light then I'd push and it wouldn't open. Even when I put my full weight into the dorr it wouldn't open. Then just before I'd stick my key into the slot again, the door would just pop open without any effort on my part. I inspected the door and could find no reason why it would do that.
The dog also would not walk into the room on her own. I had to pick her up and carry her in whereas she nortmally would trot right into a room behind me. I suspected something was up with the room, but besides feeling colder than I would expect since it was 101 degrees outside, I didn't feel anything to be concerned about.
Later, I found out why the dog had been hesitant, right after I'd turned off the lights in the room, I flipped over and saw a man standing in front of the door to room (he was inside). He was looking at me, but I didn't sense that he was evil or bad in any way. I asked him to look after us and keep us safe, then I thanked him for sharing his room with us, flipped over and went to sleep.
The next morning Jeannie said she kept waking up in the middle of night and would look around, but see nothing and go back to sleep. This happened several times. I think the spirit must've been messing with her.
STATS
Hours on Road: 7:45am Central time to 4:15pm Mountain time
Miles Driven: 440
States In: Kansas and Colorado
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I did a good amount of the driving today, so I wasn't the out-the-window photographer, so there will be no photo pictorial today. So sorry!
We are staying at my parent's house in Lone Tree tonight and they treated us to a lovely dinner out at Alexander's where we traded our fast food fare for Cheesecake Factory-sized salads--YUM!
Even though it's only 9:30 here, we are both beat and getting ready to head to bed.
But, quickly, what we learned today:
--not all of Kansas is flat, but the whole northern part of Colorado is.
--just because a sign on the highway says there is gas at the next exit, it doesn't mean there is.
--if you're really tired, even a cup of Starbucks coffee won't make you feel awake (This one is Jeannie's--I don't drink coffee.)
And, by request, the haunted room story:
The Days Inn we stayed at bordered a field to which we parked the SUV and trailer parallel. When I got the dog out of the car, she wanted nothing to do with the field. I sat her in the grass and she stood frozen. Finally I was able to convence her to do what she needed to do after which she immediately jumped out of the grass and wanted to get back in the car. I sensed a strange energy in that area, but shrugged it off. This cycle eith the dog repeated itself every time I needed to take her out. It was quite bizarre.
The other thing that repeated itself is that I would stick the key into the door of the room and get the green light then I'd push and it wouldn't open. Even when I put my full weight into the dorr it wouldn't open. Then just before I'd stick my key into the slot again, the door would just pop open without any effort on my part. I inspected the door and could find no reason why it would do that.
The dog also would not walk into the room on her own. I had to pick her up and carry her in whereas she nortmally would trot right into a room behind me. I suspected something was up with the room, but besides feeling colder than I would expect since it was 101 degrees outside, I didn't feel anything to be concerned about.
Later, I found out why the dog had been hesitant, right after I'd turned off the lights in the room, I flipped over and saw a man standing in front of the door to room (he was inside). He was looking at me, but I didn't sense that he was evil or bad in any way. I asked him to look after us and keep us safe, then I thanked him for sharing his room with us, flipped over and went to sleep.
The next morning Jeannie said she kept waking up in the middle of night and would look around, but see nothing and go back to sleep. This happened several times. I think the spirit must've been messing with her.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Third Day Is a Charm
ROAD TRIP DAY 3
STATS
Hours on Road: 9am - 7pm Central time
Miles Driven: 485
States In: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As I said to my Mom when she called midday, today's driving can be summed up as being, "Smooth as a baby's bottom."
We ran into one accident that slowed us down, but only for a few extra minutes.
Mostly this is the kind of stuff we saw all day:
Tinkerbell is thoroughly enjoying the road trip.
Part of the reason may be because she has two of us spoiling her. Here's Jeannie holding her while I run into the truck stop.
Our biggest challenge is that neither of us are fond of fast food and choose not to eat it, however, it has been impossible to avoid this trip since with a dog, we have to eat what we can grab quickly. Subway is our favorite, but not always available.
We both ate at Sonic for the first time today. I have to say their salad was actually good and I'd eat it again over the nasty Burger King chicken sandwich I had yesterday. I also really liked the cherry limeade I ordered which tasted divine in the 101 degree humid heat. It probably contained more sugar than a cookie, but it was tasty.
Tonight we're in the Quality Inn in Salina. Aside from having to move rooms in order to get high speed Internet, it is a decent place to crash. As Jeannie said, "The beds are more comfortable than last night's."
And, it's a plus that this room isn't haunted, like last night's as well. (Sorry, I'm too tired to share that story tonight!)
STATS
Hours on Road: 9am - 7pm Central time
Miles Driven: 485
States In: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As I said to my Mom when she called midday, today's driving can be summed up as being, "Smooth as a baby's bottom."
We ran into one accident that slowed us down, but only for a few extra minutes.
Mostly this is the kind of stuff we saw all day:
Tinkerbell is thoroughly enjoying the road trip.
Part of the reason may be because she has two of us spoiling her. Here's Jeannie holding her while I run into the truck stop.
Our biggest challenge is that neither of us are fond of fast food and choose not to eat it, however, it has been impossible to avoid this trip since with a dog, we have to eat what we can grab quickly. Subway is our favorite, but not always available.
We both ate at Sonic for the first time today. I have to say their salad was actually good and I'd eat it again over the nasty Burger King chicken sandwich I had yesterday. I also really liked the cherry limeade I ordered which tasted divine in the 101 degree humid heat. It probably contained more sugar than a cookie, but it was tasty.
Tonight we're in the Quality Inn in Salina. Aside from having to move rooms in order to get high speed Internet, it is a decent place to crash. As Jeannie said, "The beds are more comfortable than last night's."
And, it's a plus that this room isn't haunted, like last night's as well. (Sorry, I'm too tired to share that story tonight!)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Dastardly Delays
ROAD TRIP DAY 2
STATS
Hours on Road: 10 - 10:15am; 11:30 - 12:45pm; 1:05 - 6:30pm
Miles Driven: 306
States in: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were on the road today for all of 5 minutes when Jeannie said:
The first thing I saw was the dummy computer telling us the liftgate was open (it wasn't totally opened, just not totally latched) so I had her pull over. I closed it and she indicated the light was still on. The one I saw wasn't the same one. Hers was a tire pressure gauge.
We are carrying almost 4,000 pounds, so we knew we'd need to watch the tire pressure. However, when we pulled off at the next exit to find that we couldn't maneuver into the area necessary to fill the tire with air at the gas station, I saw a tire place and she pulled into there. I'm glad we did.
We had a screw in the tire (I had the tech give it to me for putting in the scrapbook)and much more driving on it would've led to a blowout.
Over an hour later, we were back on the road and hit the first rainstorm of the trip.
We were humming along at the grand speed of about 35 mph when I noticed the lights weren't lit up on the trailer. Jeannie played with the switches, but they still didn't come on.
At the next exit, I hopped out into the pouring rain to look for a problem, but everything seemed fine. The actual brake lights did come on when Jeannie tapped the brakes, so as long as it was light out, we weren't in too much trouble. However, we didn't want to let a problem go, so when we saw a sign for a truck repair shop we decided to visit them.
Josh, one of the techs, was very nice. He found a cut in the grounding wire and taped it up, but it didn't fix the problem. He recommended that we call U-Haul and have them send someone out.
Having gone less than 100 miles and it being the afternoon already, we had lost a lot of time. We opted to not wait the hour plus it would take for U-Haul to get someone to us and get back on the road. Without back lights unless we hit the brakes we needed to be off the road before it started getting dark, so we decided to do our best to make it to St. Louis before nightfall.
And what was the dog doing during all of these delays? Sleeping, of course!
The rest of the afternoon passed without any more "events". Here's a few pix of the scenery from today:
Tired and unable to find a pet hotel in St. Louis, we decided to stay in Vandalia. We're at the Days Inn and the hotel attendant Tim has been amazingly helpful. He totally "gets" great customer service!
Jeannie dropped me off at the front lobby to check in and drove around the side of the hotel to find enough room to park. Unfortunately, the parking is in spaces around the hotel and it deadended.
Our plan to never back-up was shot. Jeannie and I worked for awhile to get the trailer and SUV backed up without success. We were covered in sweat (the humidity here is EVIL and it was 90 degrees), tired, hungry and yet we knew we couldn't give up. About that time, a guy pulled in and took pity on us. He not only backed it up, but got it facing forward so we can just drive out tomorrow night.
Here's how beautiful (haha) I looked after our days ordeals (actually I think this was just after the first two).
Oh, I almost forgot. U-Haul sent out Willy's Repair at around 8:30pm and they found that there may be a short in the trailer that caused the fuse to blow which is why it happened when it started raining hard. They replaced the fuse with one twice as strong and said it would probably hold. Let's hope...
STATS
Hours on Road: 10 - 10:15am; 11:30 - 12:45pm; 1:05 - 6:30pm
Miles Driven: 306
States in: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were on the road today for all of 5 minutes when Jeannie said:
What's this light on the dashboard?
The first thing I saw was the dummy computer telling us the liftgate was open (it wasn't totally opened, just not totally latched) so I had her pull over. I closed it and she indicated the light was still on. The one I saw wasn't the same one. Hers was a tire pressure gauge.
We are carrying almost 4,000 pounds, so we knew we'd need to watch the tire pressure. However, when we pulled off at the next exit to find that we couldn't maneuver into the area necessary to fill the tire with air at the gas station, I saw a tire place and she pulled into there. I'm glad we did.
We had a screw in the tire (I had the tech give it to me for putting in the scrapbook)and much more driving on it would've led to a blowout.
Over an hour later, we were back on the road and hit the first rainstorm of the trip.
We were humming along at the grand speed of about 35 mph when I noticed the lights weren't lit up on the trailer. Jeannie played with the switches, but they still didn't come on.
At the next exit, I hopped out into the pouring rain to look for a problem, but everything seemed fine. The actual brake lights did come on when Jeannie tapped the brakes, so as long as it was light out, we weren't in too much trouble. However, we didn't want to let a problem go, so when we saw a sign for a truck repair shop we decided to visit them.
Josh, one of the techs, was very nice. He found a cut in the grounding wire and taped it up, but it didn't fix the problem. He recommended that we call U-Haul and have them send someone out.
Having gone less than 100 miles and it being the afternoon already, we had lost a lot of time. We opted to not wait the hour plus it would take for U-Haul to get someone to us and get back on the road. Without back lights unless we hit the brakes we needed to be off the road before it started getting dark, so we decided to do our best to make it to St. Louis before nightfall.
And what was the dog doing during all of these delays? Sleeping, of course!
The rest of the afternoon passed without any more "events". Here's a few pix of the scenery from today:
Tired and unable to find a pet hotel in St. Louis, we decided to stay in Vandalia. We're at the Days Inn and the hotel attendant Tim has been amazingly helpful. He totally "gets" great customer service!
Jeannie dropped me off at the front lobby to check in and drove around the side of the hotel to find enough room to park. Unfortunately, the parking is in spaces around the hotel and it deadended.
Our plan to never back-up was shot. Jeannie and I worked for awhile to get the trailer and SUV backed up without success. We were covered in sweat (the humidity here is EVIL and it was 90 degrees), tired, hungry and yet we knew we couldn't give up. About that time, a guy pulled in and took pity on us. He not only backed it up, but got it facing forward so we can just drive out tomorrow night.
Here's how beautiful (haha) I looked after our days ordeals (actually I think this was just after the first two).
Oh, I almost forgot. U-Haul sent out Willy's Repair at around 8:30pm and they found that there may be a short in the trailer that caused the fuse to blow which is why it happened when it started raining hard. They replaced the fuse with one twice as strong and said it would probably hold. Let's hope...
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
CA or Bust!
ROAD TRIP DAY ONE
STATS
Hours on Road: 10am to 8:45pm
Miles Driven: 463 miles
States In: Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsyvania and Ohio
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tinkerbell loves road trips. Even before we were done packing the car, she was ready to go!
After allowing ourselves a really nice night's sleep, Jeannie and I got on the road at exactly 10am this morning.
This sign is located on 1-70 before the turn-off for Columbia Maryland. I have always wanted a photo of it since you never see signs listing cities when the mileage is THAT far away.
Jeannie actually drove all day. She wouldn't let me relieve her once. I wonder if it's because she's ridden in a car with me before? :-)
Here are some photos of what we mainly saw today...
Tinkerbell spent most of her driving day lounging on her perch between Jeannie and I. Rough life, huh?
And I split my day between doing some practical things, like navigating, tracking our progress and making a list of things I need to accomplish while on the road.
However, I also documented the funny things we said--I have a whole page!
Today's winner is:
Tune in tomorrow when who knows what will happen!
STATS
Hours on Road: 10am to 8:45pm
Miles Driven: 463 miles
States In: Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsyvania and Ohio
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tinkerbell loves road trips. Even before we were done packing the car, she was ready to go!
After allowing ourselves a really nice night's sleep, Jeannie and I got on the road at exactly 10am this morning.
This sign is located on 1-70 before the turn-off for Columbia Maryland. I have always wanted a photo of it since you never see signs listing cities when the mileage is THAT far away.
Jeannie actually drove all day. She wouldn't let me relieve her once. I wonder if it's because she's ridden in a car with me before? :-)
Here are some photos of what we mainly saw today...
Tinkerbell spent most of her driving day lounging on her perch between Jeannie and I. Rough life, huh?
And I split my day between doing some practical things, like navigating, tracking our progress and making a list of things I need to accomplish while on the road.
However, I also documented the funny things we said--I have a whole page!
Today's winner is:
There's going to be a van sandwich up there and if we don't slow down and move over, we're going to be the toothpick.--Leah to Jeannie when two lanes merged and one lane had a passenger van oblivious to two semi-trucks coming into its lane.
Tune in tomorrow when who knows what will happen!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Ground Zero
COUNTDOWN 1 DAY
Jeannie and I are checked into Hyatt Place in Ownings Mills to get a restful night of sleep before we begin our big drive tomorrow. We are both excited and a little anxious (you'll see why later).
Since I don't have a lot of energy left to write many details, I'll share some photos of the day's events.
6:00am
Wake-up to finish packing remaining items.
8:10am
The moving truck and team arrive.
The team wraps up furniture and transports it to the truck in 80 degree heat and high humidity. So glad it was them and not me! They were all really friendly and nice.
Tinkerbell takes a much needed rest on the living room chair before
it gets wrapped. (Yes, those are doggie diapers. The massive amount of disruption around the house has made her nervous and she's been having accidents.)
Here's the room I spent most of the day in teaching three classes for CoachU and coaching clients. I'm surrounded by the items that are being transported in the SUV.
4:35pm
The guys move the last of the items out the door.
6ish
My car gets loaded onto the car trailer.
6:45pm
Jeannie arrives from San Diego just in time to see a beautiful rainbow in the sky.
7pm
Pack the SUV and head out to dinner.
9pm
Jeannie and I decide not to drive to my other friend Jeanne's house which is an hour away to stay at a hotel close by and get a good night's sleep.
9:30pm
Grocery store stop for water and road munchies.
10:35pm
Check into the hotel and chill.
Jeannie and I are checked into Hyatt Place in Ownings Mills to get a restful night of sleep before we begin our big drive tomorrow. We are both excited and a little anxious (you'll see why later).
Since I don't have a lot of energy left to write many details, I'll share some photos of the day's events.
6:00am
Wake-up to finish packing remaining items.
8:10am
The moving truck and team arrive.
The team wraps up furniture and transports it to the truck in 80 degree heat and high humidity. So glad it was them and not me! They were all really friendly and nice.
Tinkerbell takes a much needed rest on the living room chair before
it gets wrapped. (Yes, those are doggie diapers. The massive amount of disruption around the house has made her nervous and she's been having accidents.)
Here's the room I spent most of the day in teaching three classes for CoachU and coaching clients. I'm surrounded by the items that are being transported in the SUV.
4:35pm
The guys move the last of the items out the door.
6ish
My car gets loaded onto the car trailer.
6:45pm
Jeannie arrives from San Diego just in time to see a beautiful rainbow in the sky.
7pm
Pack the SUV and head out to dinner.
9pm
Jeannie and I decide not to drive to my other friend Jeanne's house which is an hour away to stay at a hotel close by and get a good night's sleep.
9:30pm
Grocery store stop for water and road munchies.
10:35pm
Check into the hotel and chill.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Playing Hookie
COUNTDOWN 4 DAYS
Beginning at noon yesterday I embarked on a girl's weekend with my friends Monica and Laura.
We are using the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Chantilly, VA as our excuse to get together.
Yesterday afternoon, we took a couple of classes and they shopped the vendors on the convention floor. I didn't dare buy an expo entry ticket, I am already moving enough scrapbooking stuff.
In the evening, we hit one of the acclaimed local resturants--Anita's--known for its fabulous Mexican food. We weren't disappointed. We started the evening with pina coladas (Laura), raspberry daquiris (me) and banana smoothy (Monica), guacamole, and lots of laughter. Our entrees were equally tasty and so large none of us were able to clean our plate.
Today I am volunteering from 8am to noon as a teacher's helper while Laura and Monica take classes. Volunteering is a great service-based distraction to keep me off the convention floor unattended.
I will take a couple classes in the afternoon. I am really looking forward to taking one called Random Musings Acrylic Album. Laura took that class yesterday and her mini album is gorgeous.
Once the classes are over, we're meeting up with some other women and having a final meal together before I drive home to dive back into packing.
A few people suggested I was being irresponsible to take a day and a half and essentially "play hookie" from preparing for the move. I completely disagree. In fact, I already feel refreshed and I know I'll be able to complete what's left by the time the truck arrives on Monday.
Beginning at noon yesterday I embarked on a girl's weekend with my friends Monica and Laura.
We are using the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Chantilly, VA as our excuse to get together.
Yesterday afternoon, we took a couple of classes and they shopped the vendors on the convention floor. I didn't dare buy an expo entry ticket, I am already moving enough scrapbooking stuff.
In the evening, we hit one of the acclaimed local resturants--Anita's--known for its fabulous Mexican food. We weren't disappointed. We started the evening with pina coladas (Laura), raspberry daquiris (me) and banana smoothy (Monica), guacamole, and lots of laughter. Our entrees were equally tasty and so large none of us were able to clean our plate.
Today I am volunteering from 8am to noon as a teacher's helper while Laura and Monica take classes. Volunteering is a great service-based distraction to keep me off the convention floor unattended.
I will take a couple classes in the afternoon. I am really looking forward to taking one called Random Musings Acrylic Album. Laura took that class yesterday and her mini album is gorgeous.
Once the classes are over, we're meeting up with some other women and having a final meal together before I drive home to dive back into packing.
A few people suggested I was being irresponsible to take a day and a half and essentially "play hookie" from preparing for the move. I completely disagree. In fact, I already feel refreshed and I know I'll be able to complete what's left by the time the truck arrives on Monday.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Moving Nightmares 101
COUNTDOWN 5 DAYS
Even though I have moved frequently I still seem to forget those little things that must be taken care of and that can quickly turn into tiny nightmares. The past 24 hours seems to have been the time for several of these to rear their ugly little heads.
1) Acquiring phone service
I delegated the research on phone service to my assistant, who after calling six companies informed me that they all told her they do not service my new address.
2) Acquiring Internet service
I also delegated the research on Internet service to my assitant, who after entering my zip code into the two key service companies sites got the message that no service was available in the area.
3) Confirming the date of drop-off with the moving company
The company made us choose a four-day window for dropping off our items. I choose June 30 - July 3. I called today to see if the company could narrow down the window and was told the delivery date was set for June 27. First, June 27 is days outside of the window in the contract. Second, I won't be arriving in San Diego until June 29 at the earliest!
I will save you the details about the hours of additional phone calls and e-mails necessary to resolve these items.
I am happy to report that I now have phone installation scheduled for July 1 which is the same day the Internet will be activated. The delivery date still isn't set, but it will definitely be during the four-day window, so for now, I can sleep soundly.
Even though I have moved frequently I still seem to forget those little things that must be taken care of and that can quickly turn into tiny nightmares. The past 24 hours seems to have been the time for several of these to rear their ugly little heads.
1) Acquiring phone service
I delegated the research on phone service to my assistant, who after calling six companies informed me that they all told her they do not service my new address.
2) Acquiring Internet service
I also delegated the research on Internet service to my assitant, who after entering my zip code into the two key service companies sites got the message that no service was available in the area.
3) Confirming the date of drop-off with the moving company
The company made us choose a four-day window for dropping off our items. I choose June 30 - July 3. I called today to see if the company could narrow down the window and was told the delivery date was set for June 27. First, June 27 is days outside of the window in the contract. Second, I won't be arriving in San Diego until June 29 at the earliest!
I will save you the details about the hours of additional phone calls and e-mails necessary to resolve these items.
I am happy to report that I now have phone installation scheduled for July 1 which is the same day the Internet will be activated. The delivery date still isn't set, but it will definitely be during the four-day window, so for now, I can sleep soundly.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
All About Energy
COUNTDOWN 6 DAYS
Having been a coach for 11 years, I walk my talk by always having a coach myself. Sometimes I have a one-on-one coach and other times, I opt to participate in group coaching. Since last October, I have been a part of The Ultimate Game which is a combination training/group coaching program led by my friend and fellow coach Jim Bunch.
This month's coaching topic is around energy and the idea that everything in our space carries energy--positive or negative. It also carries past energy, present energy and in the case of something like a vision board, future energy. The goal is to fill your physical environment with items that have positive present and future energy.
This concept really slammed me into a wall (spiritually, that is.) I realized that almost all of my kitchen items--dishes, silverware, pots and pans, serving spoons, glassware, etc. were all wedding gifts. Identifying other things in my space, I realized that all of my bathroom towels were also wedding gifts. Now, I've been divorced for 13 years, so that's some past energy and it's tied to a relationship that failed, so that's negative energy.
I also identified that I have many other "remnants" of past relationships in the form of gifts those men had given me--a piece of expensive collectible artwork, a diamond tennis bracelet, diamond earrings, a diamond bracelet, Tiffany earring, bracelet and necklace set, etc.
The recommendation to replenish energy and keep fresh energy flowing is to get rid of anything tied to the past, especially if it's tied to something that's over or was negative. I was on board for doing that, until I realized that if I were to get rid of all of the items that fall into the either past or negative energy items, I would be replacing just about everything in my house.
Interestingly, I would love to do that. (What American girl wouldn't enjoy a whole house shopping spree?) My second thought, after how much fun it would be, was how much it would cost, and I don't want to go into debt financing items for a new house.
Jim challenged me on my financial thinking (going to a place of first thinking I'd need to go into debt to buy things) and encouraged me (and everyone in the group) to play the 1 to 10 game for a week.
Basically, this game is about making $10 for every $1 you spend. So far this morning, I have spent $180 for having Leisure Fitness come to take apart my PreCor elliptical and move it to the garage. That means I need to come up with a way to make $1,800 within the next week. I have few ideas...guess I'll need to implement them to see how they work!
Until then...is anyone interested in some really nice kitchen stuff? I have red and white Williams-Sonoma brasserie plates, a copper-bottomed cookware set, etc. Or, perhaps, jewelry is your thing--let me know!
Having been a coach for 11 years, I walk my talk by always having a coach myself. Sometimes I have a one-on-one coach and other times, I opt to participate in group coaching. Since last October, I have been a part of The Ultimate Game which is a combination training/group coaching program led by my friend and fellow coach Jim Bunch.
This month's coaching topic is around energy and the idea that everything in our space carries energy--positive or negative. It also carries past energy, present energy and in the case of something like a vision board, future energy. The goal is to fill your physical environment with items that have positive present and future energy.
This concept really slammed me into a wall (spiritually, that is.) I realized that almost all of my kitchen items--dishes, silverware, pots and pans, serving spoons, glassware, etc. were all wedding gifts. Identifying other things in my space, I realized that all of my bathroom towels were also wedding gifts. Now, I've been divorced for 13 years, so that's some past energy and it's tied to a relationship that failed, so that's negative energy.
I also identified that I have many other "remnants" of past relationships in the form of gifts those men had given me--a piece of expensive collectible artwork, a diamond tennis bracelet, diamond earrings, a diamond bracelet, Tiffany earring, bracelet and necklace set, etc.
The recommendation to replenish energy and keep fresh energy flowing is to get rid of anything tied to the past, especially if it's tied to something that's over or was negative. I was on board for doing that, until I realized that if I were to get rid of all of the items that fall into the either past or negative energy items, I would be replacing just about everything in my house.
Interestingly, I would love to do that. (What American girl wouldn't enjoy a whole house shopping spree?) My second thought, after how much fun it would be, was how much it would cost, and I don't want to go into debt financing items for a new house.
Jim challenged me on my financial thinking (going to a place of first thinking I'd need to go into debt to buy things) and encouraged me (and everyone in the group) to play the 1 to 10 game for a week.
Basically, this game is about making $10 for every $1 you spend. So far this morning, I have spent $180 for having Leisure Fitness come to take apart my PreCor elliptical and move it to the garage. That means I need to come up with a way to make $1,800 within the next week. I have few ideas...guess I'll need to implement them to see how they work!
Until then...is anyone interested in some really nice kitchen stuff? I have red and white Williams-Sonoma brasserie plates, a copper-bottomed cookware set, etc. Or, perhaps, jewelry is your thing--let me know!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Packing, Not Writing
COUNTDOWN 7 DAYS
Wow...just one week to go. As my Mom would say, I'm getting down to the wire.
I'm taking the advice of my friend (see yesterday's post) and focusing the time I'm not exercising, coaching or getting a massage (my last at Ojas Wellness) today on packing.
Wow...just one week to go. As my Mom would say, I'm getting down to the wire.
I'm taking the advice of my friend (see yesterday's post) and focusing the time I'm not exercising, coaching or getting a massage (my last at Ojas Wellness) today on packing.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A Good Question
COUNTDOWN 8 DAYS
I was talking to friend on the phone today and she asked me:
"If you are behind in packing, why are you taking the time to blog daily?"
In the moment, I didn't have an answer. Now that I've had some time to ponder the question, I think it's because I want to capture the energy, the thoughts, and, yes, the sometimes mayhem, of this big move.
When I moved out here six years ago, I didn't document anything. Interestingly, I didn't even take photos going across the country and since I didn't write anything down, I don't even recall why.
So this time, there's this online journal. And, I'm excited to post photos as we travel west. I even bought a car charger for my camera battery to be sure I am prepared!
I was talking to friend on the phone today and she asked me:
"If you are behind in packing, why are you taking the time to blog daily?"
In the moment, I didn't have an answer. Now that I've had some time to ponder the question, I think it's because I want to capture the energy, the thoughts, and, yes, the sometimes mayhem, of this big move.
When I moved out here six years ago, I didn't document anything. Interestingly, I didn't even take photos going across the country and since I didn't write anything down, I don't even recall why.
So this time, there's this online journal. And, I'm excited to post photos as we travel west. I even bought a car charger for my camera battery to be sure I am prepared!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Top 10 Things I Will NOT Miss About Maryland
COUNTDOWN 9 DAYS
Since I did the things I will miss about Maryland yesterday, I think it's only fair to balance that with the things I will not miss:
Top 10 Things I Will NOT Miss About Maryland
1) Ticks (One of the worst things I had to do while living here was to remove an engorged tick from my poor little dog--ICK!)
2) 495 (Traffic is NOT worse in LA.)
3) The perpetually drunk neighbor who thinks everyone wants to see him b-b-q on his deck with no shirt on. (Bleech!)
4) High humidity days.
5) Snow.
6) Marylanders driving in snow.
7) Seeing KKK meeting signs posted in rural areas. (CREEPY!)
8) The McDonogh Township HOA who stated that they pay for everything outside until something breaks or needs fixing and they amend the contract to no longer include these items. (Not joking--this happened with the roof, the siding, the driveway, and the gutter...in that order.)
9) Lack of any type of salad bar type restaurant. (There are no Soup Plantations, Sweet Tomatoes or Soup and Salad places out here.)
10) Bruised, sad-looking produce at the grocery store.
Since I did the things I will miss about Maryland yesterday, I think it's only fair to balance that with the things I will not miss:
Top 10 Things I Will NOT Miss About Maryland
1) Ticks (One of the worst things I had to do while living here was to remove an engorged tick from my poor little dog--ICK!)
2) 495 (Traffic is NOT worse in LA.)
3) The perpetually drunk neighbor who thinks everyone wants to see him b-b-q on his deck with no shirt on. (Bleech!)
4) High humidity days.
5) Snow.
6) Marylanders driving in snow.
7) Seeing KKK meeting signs posted in rural areas. (CREEPY!)
8) The McDonogh Township HOA who stated that they pay for everything outside until something breaks or needs fixing and they amend the contract to no longer include these items. (Not joking--this happened with the roof, the siding, the driveway, and the gutter...in that order.)
9) Lack of any type of salad bar type restaurant. (There are no Soup Plantations, Sweet Tomatoes or Soup and Salad places out here.)
10) Bruised, sad-looking produce at the grocery store.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Top 10 Things I Will Miss About Maryland
COUNTDOWN 10 DAYS
In celebration (or mortification) of the move being just 10 days away, I thought it would be fun to do a top 10.
Top 10 Things I Will Miss About Maryland
1) My friends
2) Ritas
3) Mari Luna
4) Maryland crab cakes
5) Cropmania retreats
6) Thick, dense forests/tree cover
7) Deer and rabbits in suburbia
8) NYC is driving distance
9) Going 85 mph on I-95 and being passed as though I had my car in park
10) Just enough humidity to make my hair wavy and to keep my skin from being dry
In celebration (or mortification) of the move being just 10 days away, I thought it would be fun to do a top 10.
Top 10 Things I Will Miss About Maryland
1) My friends
2) Ritas
3) Mari Luna
4) Maryland crab cakes
5) Cropmania retreats
6) Thick, dense forests/tree cover
7) Deer and rabbits in suburbia
8) NYC is driving distance
9) Going 85 mph on I-95 and being passed as though I had my car in park
10) Just enough humidity to make my hair wavy and to keep my skin from being dry
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Packing = Exhaustion
COUNTDOWN 11 DAYS
Since packing really only consists of wrapping items in paper, placing them in boxes, and taping then labeling the boxes, it doesn't seem like it would be exhausting.
Yet somehow it is.
Today I rolled out of bed and started simulataneously packing and doing laundry. I packed 30+ boxes and did three loads of laundry. (Yeah!)
I broke up the packing in the middle of the day to run some errands then it was back to packing. With so much left to do, I skipped driving to Northern VA for a party tonight. :(
Unfortunately, I didn't finish today, so tomorrow I will tackle the kitchen.
Since packing really only consists of wrapping items in paper, placing them in boxes, and taping then labeling the boxes, it doesn't seem like it would be exhausting.
Yet somehow it is.
Today I rolled out of bed and started simulataneously packing and doing laundry. I packed 30+ boxes and did three loads of laundry. (Yeah!)
I broke up the packing in the middle of the day to run some errands then it was back to packing. With so much left to do, I skipped driving to Northern VA for a party tonight. :(
Unfortunately, I didn't finish today, so tomorrow I will tackle the kitchen.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Speaking Today...
COUNTDOWN 12 DAYS
I am NOT a morning person, yet I am awake (well, kinda) right now preparing to drive to Washington DC so that I can speak today at the Capital Coaches Conference.
My presentation is one of the morning breakout sessions and is titled: Invisible Influencers: How Four Key Areas Determine Client Behavior
I know the material inside and out from teaching it for CoachU and using it with clients, but this is the first time I've presented it.
A few more hours of sleep last night would've been nice. Guess I shouldn't have left the final editing of my PowerPoint until 9pm last night. Ahhh...small details.
It's right about now, I'm wishing I drank coffee or soda or anything with caffeine in it...
I am NOT a morning person, yet I am awake (well, kinda) right now preparing to drive to Washington DC so that I can speak today at the Capital Coaches Conference.
My presentation is one of the morning breakout sessions and is titled: Invisible Influencers: How Four Key Areas Determine Client Behavior
I know the material inside and out from teaching it for CoachU and using it with clients, but this is the first time I've presented it.
A few more hours of sleep last night would've been nice. Guess I shouldn't have left the final editing of my PowerPoint until 9pm last night. Ahhh...small details.
It's right about now, I'm wishing I drank coffee or soda or anything with caffeine in it...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Female Friend Fun
COUNTDOWN 13 DAYS
Last night my friend Laura hosted a girls-only goodbye party for me. It was so much fun to have six of my friends (Laura, Rachael B., Rachel H., Ruth, Shelly and Monica B.) around a table talking about the experiences we've had together and those we are looking forward to in the future year.
The last time we were together was at a weekend retreat that I had organized and hosted at a Winter Retreat House in Annapolis earlier this year in January. Rachael B. surprised us a few months ago by renting out the same Winter Retreat House for a weekend in March of 2009. Shelly had asked me if I would fly back to join them.
I had agreed, but I hadn't thought much about it, but now, it's nice to know the next time I'll be able to spend quality time with this wonderful group.
At the end of the evening, I received a lot of heart-warming goodbye hugs and acknowledgements. Rachel H. made a gorgeous fiendship card for me and the sentiments she shared in it brought a tear to my eye. The hostess-with-the-most-ess, Laura, who has been taking pottery at a studio in Adams Morgan, presented me with a beautiful handmade bowl in rich deep reds, greens and golds as my first house warming gift.
I am so grateful to have such rich and wonderful friendships! I will definitely miss these women!
Last night my friend Laura hosted a girls-only goodbye party for me. It was so much fun to have six of my friends (Laura, Rachael B., Rachel H., Ruth, Shelly and Monica B.) around a table talking about the experiences we've had together and those we are looking forward to in the future year.
The last time we were together was at a weekend retreat that I had organized and hosted at a Winter Retreat House in Annapolis earlier this year in January. Rachael B. surprised us a few months ago by renting out the same Winter Retreat House for a weekend in March of 2009. Shelly had asked me if I would fly back to join them.
I had agreed, but I hadn't thought much about it, but now, it's nice to know the next time I'll be able to spend quality time with this wonderful group.
At the end of the evening, I received a lot of heart-warming goodbye hugs and acknowledgements. Rachel H. made a gorgeous fiendship card for me and the sentiments she shared in it brought a tear to my eye. The hostess-with-the-most-ess, Laura, who has been taking pottery at a studio in Adams Morgan, presented me with a beautiful handmade bowl in rich deep reds, greens and golds as my first house warming gift.
I am so grateful to have such rich and wonderful friendships! I will definitely miss these women!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
336 Hours
COUNTDOWN 2 WEEKS
aka 14 DAYS
aka 336 HOURS
Only 336 hours remain in my Maryland hourglass until everything must be handled, packed and 100% ready to go.
Imagine the painting "The Scream"
Now PhotoShop me in as the screamer.
Need I say more?
aka 14 DAYS
aka 336 HOURS
Only 336 hours remain in my Maryland hourglass until everything must be handled, packed and 100% ready to go.
Imagine the painting "The Scream"
Now PhotoShop me in as the screamer.
Need I say more?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Last Times
COUNTDOWN 15 DAYS
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...
No, actually it was the last of times.
As I have done certain things over the past week, such as take the dog to the groomer, get my hair cut, or drop off items at the dry cleaner, it has struck me that these will be the last times I experience these things in Maryland.
People and places that I have relied on to keep my dog and myself looking good will no longer be there for me. In a way I feel like I have taken them for granted.
I have been making a point to tell them what their service and smiles and kind words have meant to me as I say goodbye.
I think it is sad that it has taken me leaving to acknowledge them so fully for the important role they play in my life.
When I get to California, I'll need to establish new relationships with all these types of service people and I look forward to that, however, I will miss the care and friendship of those who took care of me here. I am taking with me the lesson of how important it is to appreciate people in the moment, not just at the end and I know this learning will impact my future relationships in positive ways.
Question: Do you fully acknowledge the service professionals who take care of you, your clothing, your children, your pets, your house?
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...
No, actually it was the last of times.
As I have done certain things over the past week, such as take the dog to the groomer, get my hair cut, or drop off items at the dry cleaner, it has struck me that these will be the last times I experience these things in Maryland.
People and places that I have relied on to keep my dog and myself looking good will no longer be there for me. In a way I feel like I have taken them for granted.
I have been making a point to tell them what their service and smiles and kind words have meant to me as I say goodbye.
I think it is sad that it has taken me leaving to acknowledge them so fully for the important role they play in my life.
When I get to California, I'll need to establish new relationships with all these types of service people and I look forward to that, however, I will miss the care and friendship of those who took care of me here. I am taking with me the lesson of how important it is to appreciate people in the moment, not just at the end and I know this learning will impact my future relationships in positive ways.
Question: Do you fully acknowledge the service professionals who take care of you, your clothing, your children, your pets, your house?
Monday, June 9, 2008
Girl's Night Out
COUNTDOWN 16 DAYS
Tonight I went out to dinner with my friend Laura and then my friend Jeanne joined us and we saw the Sex in the City movie.
After being a fan of the tv show for years and owning the whole series set on DVD, I was excited to see the four women on the big screen. The tv shows always left me with a feeling of hope about relationships and friendships.
Interestingly, I found the movie to be quite the opposite. I actually found it a bit depressing.
For those who haven't seen it yet, I won't give any details away, but the tv show portrayed a woman's love life in her thirties as being a fun whirlwind of dating, relationships, endless cosmopolitans and expensive shoes. While everything didn't always work out for the characters, it was for the best and there was always more fun around the corner in the form of a new romance, a new opportunity or a swanky fashion show.
In contrast, the women in the movie have moved into their forties where it's apparently uncool to have fun dating and it's time to accept lives that include lots of commitment, a huge helping of forgiving, a dose of sticking with what you have, and a lot less sex. I mean, A LOT less sex.
As someone in her mid-to-late thirties, this protrayal doesn't make 40 sound at all appealing.
I'm not saying I want to run around dating forever. In fact, I would like to get married again, maybe have children and "settle down."
But, if I subscribe to the view in the movie "settling down" seems to mean "settling" period.
-- Settling for a life that involves a lot of compromise and not a lot of sex.
-- Settling for a mediocre relationship because you're too old to go date new people or it's easier to go back to the ones you know.
-- Settling for spending holidays with friends because spending them alone after being with someone is too depressing.
-- Settling for eating junk food in place of intimacy.
None of these options are appeaing to me.
To be fair, the movie definitely celebrates the strength and importance of friendships between women. However, that piece doesn't make up for it not doing justice to those between men and women.
I believe the dynamic energy present in love relationships in ones thirties can convey over into ones forties and hopefully fifties and sixties also.
Am I being too idealistic?
Tonight I went out to dinner with my friend Laura and then my friend Jeanne joined us and we saw the Sex in the City movie.
After being a fan of the tv show for years and owning the whole series set on DVD, I was excited to see the four women on the big screen. The tv shows always left me with a feeling of hope about relationships and friendships.
Interestingly, I found the movie to be quite the opposite. I actually found it a bit depressing.
For those who haven't seen it yet, I won't give any details away, but the tv show portrayed a woman's love life in her thirties as being a fun whirlwind of dating, relationships, endless cosmopolitans and expensive shoes. While everything didn't always work out for the characters, it was for the best and there was always more fun around the corner in the form of a new romance, a new opportunity or a swanky fashion show.
In contrast, the women in the movie have moved into their forties where it's apparently uncool to have fun dating and it's time to accept lives that include lots of commitment, a huge helping of forgiving, a dose of sticking with what you have, and a lot less sex. I mean, A LOT less sex.
As someone in her mid-to-late thirties, this protrayal doesn't make 40 sound at all appealing.
I'm not saying I want to run around dating forever. In fact, I would like to get married again, maybe have children and "settle down."
But, if I subscribe to the view in the movie "settling down" seems to mean "settling" period.
-- Settling for a life that involves a lot of compromise and not a lot of sex.
-- Settling for a mediocre relationship because you're too old to go date new people or it's easier to go back to the ones you know.
-- Settling for spending holidays with friends because spending them alone after being with someone is too depressing.
-- Settling for eating junk food in place of intimacy.
None of these options are appeaing to me.
To be fair, the movie definitely celebrates the strength and importance of friendships between women. However, that piece doesn't make up for it not doing justice to those between men and women.
I believe the dynamic energy present in love relationships in ones thirties can convey over into ones forties and hopefully fifties and sixties also.
Am I being too idealistic?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Stylish Stampers Farewell
COUNTDOWN: 17 DAYS
Today I will be saying goodbye to a fabulous group of women who trusted and liked me enough to sign-up for the Close to My Heart opportunity under me. These women, none of whom had done direct sales before, decided, like me, to take their hobby of scrapbooking and make some money from it.
They have done an amazing job! They have all had phenomenal sales for the short time they have been in the business. They are trying new things, like vendoring at crops, teaching classes and organizing clubs. Almost all of them have signed up people under them and several of them are attending the company's convention to further their product and sales training to build even more successful businesses.
I am extremely proud of them and have enjoyed being able to watch them and their businesses grow. Although I haven't decided to what level I plan to work my Close to My Heart business when I get to California, I am committed in assisting them from afar in whatever way that I can.
I have prepared a special little gift for each of them as a token of my appreciation and I am looking forward to being able to present it to them.
BTW...Yesterday's seminar was AMAZING! There was so much good stuff presented that there's no way I could even summarize it here. I have 11 pages (!!) of notes front and back. Great stuff! So great that I signed up to attend his four day experiential in Las Vegas at the end of July.
Today I will be saying goodbye to a fabulous group of women who trusted and liked me enough to sign-up for the Close to My Heart opportunity under me. These women, none of whom had done direct sales before, decided, like me, to take their hobby of scrapbooking and make some money from it.
They have done an amazing job! They have all had phenomenal sales for the short time they have been in the business. They are trying new things, like vendoring at crops, teaching classes and organizing clubs. Almost all of them have signed up people under them and several of them are attending the company's convention to further their product and sales training to build even more successful businesses.
I am extremely proud of them and have enjoyed being able to watch them and their businesses grow. Although I haven't decided to what level I plan to work my Close to My Heart business when I get to California, I am committed in assisting them from afar in whatever way that I can.
I have prepared a special little gift for each of them as a token of my appreciation and I am looking forward to being able to present it to them.
BTW...Yesterday's seminar was AMAZING! There was so much good stuff presented that there's no way I could even summarize it here. I have 11 pages (!!) of notes front and back. Great stuff! So great that I signed up to attend his four day experiential in Las Vegas at the end of July.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Two Awesome Events in One Day
COUNTDOWN 18 DAYS
Although it's going to be a L-O-N-G day, I have the pleasure of attending two really awesome events today.
The first is David Neagle's Art of Success Seminar in Baltimore. I need to be there by 8am and it runs until 4pm. I have been looking forward to hearing him speak about applying the laws of attraction to business success.
The second is the launch party for one of my dearest friend's first published novel. It's a romantic suspense called Dark and Dangerous. Her name is Jeanne Adams. You can see her website here.
The story and writing are excellent (and I'm not just saying that because I'm named in the book.) If you are at all into romance or suspense be sure to pick up a copy and support a new writer. Her book is available at Broders, Barnes and Noble and Amazon!
Although it's going to be a L-O-N-G day, I have the pleasure of attending two really awesome events today.
The first is David Neagle's Art of Success Seminar in Baltimore. I need to be there by 8am and it runs until 4pm. I have been looking forward to hearing him speak about applying the laws of attraction to business success.
The second is the launch party for one of my dearest friend's first published novel. It's a romantic suspense called Dark and Dangerous. Her name is Jeanne Adams. You can see her website here.
The story and writing are excellent (and I'm not just saying that because I'm named in the book.) If you are at all into romance or suspense be sure to pick up a copy and support a new writer. Her book is available at Broders, Barnes and Noble and Amazon!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Mover Chosen!
COUNTDOWN 19 DAYS
The fairytale idea of my girlfriend and I driving a Penske truck towing my convertible came to a swift end when I realized that a 26-foot truck would be needed when I agreed to include my dear friend's stuff who is moving to Los Angeles. With gas prices as high as they are, sharing moving costs just makes sense.
I investigated other alternatives, such as PODS and by train. In the end, just having a good old fashioned moving company handle it, turned out to be the best option.
From my days in corporate, I felt it important to get three estimates. I'm glad I did because they varied greatly from $12,000 to $8,000. However, in reading the fine print, there were a lot more ways they varied:
-- one only offered .60 to the pound if anything was damaged. Just about anything that weighs a pound costs more than sixty cents. I can't even buy produce that cheap right now!
-- one gave me delivery dates spanning from June 30 to July 15. How crazy is that!?
-- one of the prices wasn't "bound" which means they could add as much as they wanted to to the estimate--double it even!--and they'd be within their rights.
In the end, the company I choose was United Van Lines through their agent Suddath Relocation. They were the mid-range estimate (and it was "bound"), but they didn't have weird, crazy terms and gave me a four day delivery window, so at least I know I'll have my stuff before I need to be in full swing of work again on July 7.
For those of you excited to witness the road trip--no worries! Jeannie and I will still be making the trek across the US. Stay tuned for our new driving plan!
The fairytale idea of my girlfriend and I driving a Penske truck towing my convertible came to a swift end when I realized that a 26-foot truck would be needed when I agreed to include my dear friend's stuff who is moving to Los Angeles. With gas prices as high as they are, sharing moving costs just makes sense.
I investigated other alternatives, such as PODS and by train. In the end, just having a good old fashioned moving company handle it, turned out to be the best option.
From my days in corporate, I felt it important to get three estimates. I'm glad I did because they varied greatly from $12,000 to $8,000. However, in reading the fine print, there were a lot more ways they varied:
-- one only offered .60 to the pound if anything was damaged. Just about anything that weighs a pound costs more than sixty cents. I can't even buy produce that cheap right now!
-- one gave me delivery dates spanning from June 30 to July 15. How crazy is that!?
-- one of the prices wasn't "bound" which means they could add as much as they wanted to to the estimate--double it even!--and they'd be within their rights.
In the end, the company I choose was United Van Lines through their agent Suddath Relocation. They were the mid-range estimate (and it was "bound"), but they didn't have weird, crazy terms and gave me a four day delivery window, so at least I know I'll have my stuff before I need to be in full swing of work again on July 7.
For those of you excited to witness the road trip--no worries! Jeannie and I will still be making the trek across the US. Stay tuned for our new driving plan!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Benefits of Budgeting
COUNTDOWN: 20 DAYS
I dislike creating budgets. (Are there people who actually like doing them?)
As a business consultant and coach, I know the importance of at least having a ballpark figure of either what a project is going to cost, or what amount I am willing to put toward the project. In an ideal scenario, a business owner would know both numbers.
I encourage my clients to create budgets, but I have to admit, I'm not much of a role model on this matter.
In relation to this move, instead of figuring out way ahead of time what this endeavor might cost, I said, "I plan to spend $5,000. on this move." Without any back-up research, I have been operating from this number for the past several months.
When the move estimates started to roll in, I had an inkling my original figures were off, but I kept pushing the thought out of my head, thinking it would all wash out in the end. (Ummm, denial, is that you?)
So, last night I sat down and created a spreadsheet of actual move costs to date and projected move costs based on estimates I've received.
The actual cost of this move is going to come in some where around $10,000--twice the random number I came up with in my head!!
I have access to the money (thanks, CitiBank!), so unlike a small business making a miscalculation that results in expenses being twice what the owner had "thought" they would be, I'm covered.
But, there is a lesson here. If I had I taken the time to create the spreadsheet months ago, I would've been better prepared and more clear about all the moving parts and I might not be relying on my credit card for the extra money.
When I choose the $5000 number I was only thinking about the moving truck portion, and it is going to cost about $5000. I wasn't thinking about the little charges that add up quickly:
-- $650 for having the elliptical taken apart at one end and put back together at the other
-- $500 for having the washer and dryer serviced at one end and at the other
-- $500 for a tow dolly for my car
-- $125 for a wooden packing crate for my glass top table
and this list goes on...
This is the same scenario I see with my clients--they get uber-focused on one piece of the project and forget about the other important things that have expenses in the way of either money or time associated with them.
I know a bunch of my clients have been reading this blog, so, here's a quick assignment for you: Do a budget that will run from now until the end of the year. Be sure to include estimates for projects and marketing, as well as figuring in all of the fixed costs (phone, office rent). I can't wait to hear what you learn!
I dislike creating budgets. (Are there people who actually like doing them?)
As a business consultant and coach, I know the importance of at least having a ballpark figure of either what a project is going to cost, or what amount I am willing to put toward the project. In an ideal scenario, a business owner would know both numbers.
I encourage my clients to create budgets, but I have to admit, I'm not much of a role model on this matter.
In relation to this move, instead of figuring out way ahead of time what this endeavor might cost, I said, "I plan to spend $5,000. on this move." Without any back-up research, I have been operating from this number for the past several months.
When the move estimates started to roll in, I had an inkling my original figures were off, but I kept pushing the thought out of my head, thinking it would all wash out in the end. (Ummm, denial, is that you?)
So, last night I sat down and created a spreadsheet of actual move costs to date and projected move costs based on estimates I've received.
The actual cost of this move is going to come in some where around $10,000--twice the random number I came up with in my head!!
I have access to the money (thanks, CitiBank!), so unlike a small business making a miscalculation that results in expenses being twice what the owner had "thought" they would be, I'm covered.
But, there is a lesson here. If I had I taken the time to create the spreadsheet months ago, I would've been better prepared and more clear about all the moving parts and I might not be relying on my credit card for the extra money.
When I choose the $5000 number I was only thinking about the moving truck portion, and it is going to cost about $5000. I wasn't thinking about the little charges that add up quickly:
-- $650 for having the elliptical taken apart at one end and put back together at the other
-- $500 for having the washer and dryer serviced at one end and at the other
-- $500 for a tow dolly for my car
-- $125 for a wooden packing crate for my glass top table
and this list goes on...
This is the same scenario I see with my clients--they get uber-focused on one piece of the project and forget about the other important things that have expenses in the way of either money or time associated with them.
I know a bunch of my clients have been reading this blog, so, here's a quick assignment for you: Do a budget that will run from now until the end of the year. Be sure to include estimates for projects and marketing, as well as figuring in all of the fixed costs (phone, office rent). I can't wait to hear what you learn!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Visual Reminder or Taunt?
COUNTDOWN: 21 DAYS
I just turned my big calendar over to June today.
I think I had been avoiding doing so because it's a large visual reminder of how much is going on this month.
Not to say I didn't already know this month is full, OK, overflowing. I have a DayPlanner after all, but I see only one day at a time in that to keep life manageable. In contract, my big monthly wall calendar has all of the big events on it--things like parties, seminars, speaking engagements, conferences, weekends away and, this month, moving.
June just started and it's already packed with the following big events:
-- three parties--two in MD, one in VA
-- one all-day seminar in Baltimore
-- one coaching conference that I'm speaking at (which reminds me I haven't finished my PowerPoint for that talk!) in Washington DC
-- one all day team meeting in VA
-- one scrapbooking conference in VA
-- one weekend getaway in Hershey, PA
-- a full week of moving!!!
Whew!
So, I have a choice...I can see it as a visual reminder of all the fun I'm having this month, or I can let it taunt me. Which one I choose might change from day-to-day which it is--we'll see.
I just turned my big calendar over to June today.
I think I had been avoiding doing so because it's a large visual reminder of how much is going on this month.
Not to say I didn't already know this month is full, OK, overflowing. I have a DayPlanner after all, but I see only one day at a time in that to keep life manageable. In contract, my big monthly wall calendar has all of the big events on it--things like parties, seminars, speaking engagements, conferences, weekends away and, this month, moving.
June just started and it's already packed with the following big events:
-- three parties--two in MD, one in VA
-- one all-day seminar in Baltimore
-- one coaching conference that I'm speaking at (which reminds me I haven't finished my PowerPoint for that talk!) in Washington DC
-- one all day team meeting in VA
-- one scrapbooking conference in VA
-- one weekend getaway in Hershey, PA
-- a full week of moving!!!
Whew!
So, I have a choice...I can see it as a visual reminder of all the fun I'm having this month, or I can let it taunt me. Which one I choose might change from day-to-day which it is--we'll see.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
My Life as a Morphing Blob
COUNTDOWN: 22 DAYS
One of the phenomenons I have witnessed in my coaching clients lives over the past 11 years is that when they do something big and major in one part of their lives, things get disrupted, pushed out, stretched or expanded in other parts.
My friend and fellow coach, Jim Bunch, explains this concept using the idea that life is a circle and each area of our lives takes up a piece of that circle, so by doing something major in one piece (such as taking a new job, getting married or divorced or, in my case, moving across the country) that one of two things has to happen:
1) the other areas of your life have to contract to make room for the expansion happening in one area, or
2) your whole circle, and thus every area of your life, has to expand into a larger sized circle.
I am currently seeing a little of both happening right now, such that my circle--if one were to look it--resembles a strange morphing blob akin to something one might expect to see in a low budget horror movie.
While everything in my life pertaining to moving is expanding, the amount of time I am exercising has contracted, however, it seems the amount of food I'm eating has contracted also. (I just don't want to take the time out to eat or I'm so busy I just plain forget.)
On the flip side, my social calendar has been expanding as I make time to say goodbye and spend time with friends here as well as connect with friends in California. I am also working on several projects that will expand my financial area.
While I feel a little like Gumby (remember him?) I know that overall my whole circle is going to expand as a result of this move and that's pretty exciting!
One of the phenomenons I have witnessed in my coaching clients lives over the past 11 years is that when they do something big and major in one part of their lives, things get disrupted, pushed out, stretched or expanded in other parts.
My friend and fellow coach, Jim Bunch, explains this concept using the idea that life is a circle and each area of our lives takes up a piece of that circle, so by doing something major in one piece (such as taking a new job, getting married or divorced or, in my case, moving across the country) that one of two things has to happen:
1) the other areas of your life have to contract to make room for the expansion happening in one area, or
2) your whole circle, and thus every area of your life, has to expand into a larger sized circle.
I am currently seeing a little of both happening right now, such that my circle--if one were to look it--resembles a strange morphing blob akin to something one might expect to see in a low budget horror movie.
While everything in my life pertaining to moving is expanding, the amount of time I am exercising has contracted, however, it seems the amount of food I'm eating has contracted also. (I just don't want to take the time out to eat or I'm so busy I just plain forget.)
On the flip side, my social calendar has been expanding as I make time to say goodbye and spend time with friends here as well as connect with friends in California. I am also working on several projects that will expand my financial area.
While I feel a little like Gumby (remember him?) I know that overall my whole circle is going to expand as a result of this move and that's pretty exciting!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Starting to Say Goodbye
COUNTDOWN: 23 DAYS
Yesterday I attended a Quarter Auction one of my friends, Monica, hosted to collect money for Breast Cancer Research in honor of her mother surviving the disease last year.
Besides helping out a great cause by bidding on all sorts of things, (I didn't win any of them which was OK--less to move!) I had the opportunity to say goodbye to some of the women who were welcoming and sweet to me when I moved out here and knew virtually no one.
While I am so excited to start my new life in California, it was sad to say goodbye to:
-- Michele and Theresa who gave me the opportunity to participate in their events after only seeing my work once
-- Kristen whose workshop packed 18 people into my dining room and kitchen for a day of fun
-- Donna, who always has a big hug and smile for me at Monica's events
-- Miriam, who has been a customer of my CTMH business and tells wonderful stories
I also got to see Rachael, Shelly and Ruth--who I will get to see again before leaving at Laura's Party on June 11.
As I was driving away from the Annapolis Elk's Lodge, I felt grateful to have had my life touched by these wonderful women. I also felt sad that I may not see them again.
Yesterday I attended a Quarter Auction one of my friends, Monica, hosted to collect money for Breast Cancer Research in honor of her mother surviving the disease last year.
Besides helping out a great cause by bidding on all sorts of things, (I didn't win any of them which was OK--less to move!) I had the opportunity to say goodbye to some of the women who were welcoming and sweet to me when I moved out here and knew virtually no one.
While I am so excited to start my new life in California, it was sad to say goodbye to:
-- Michele and Theresa who gave me the opportunity to participate in their events after only seeing my work once
-- Kristen whose workshop packed 18 people into my dining room and kitchen for a day of fun
-- Donna, who always has a big hug and smile for me at Monica's events
-- Miriam, who has been a customer of my CTMH business and tells wonderful stories
I also got to see Rachael, Shelly and Ruth--who I will get to see again before leaving at Laura's Party on June 11.
As I was driving away from the Annapolis Elk's Lodge, I felt grateful to have had my life touched by these wonderful women. I also felt sad that I may not see them again.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Domino Effect
COUNTDOWN: 24 DAYS
So I've decided to keep my Precor elliptical 576i cross-trainer that I bought a couple years ago. I was going to put it on consignment at Play It Again Sports since I will be doing most of my exercising outdoors in San Diego and it's big and heavy to move. Unfortunately, they don't have any room for treadmills, stairsteppers and ellipticals right now and said that with the downturn in the economy it'll be awhile before they do.
Have you ever moved an elliptical?
It's a little more complicated than I thought.
First, I have to pay a fitness moving company to come take it apart and move it down three flights of stairs. They will do this for the "low" price of $325.
Second, I will need to rent a larger truck. The back part of the elliptical has a plastic casing that can be broken if anything is sat on top of it which means a lot more room is needed to transport it.
A larger truck at this point is a 24 footer. GULP.
I pondered driving that size truck towing my car behind it for about two minutes. During that time, I imagined taking out phone poles, gas stations and other cars. <> Then I called a professional moving company for an estimate.
Mayflower came on Friday and my stress level rose about 10 points as I walked the estimator through the townhouse showing them what would be moved and what wouldn't and I realized how much packing I still have to do.
While I was hyperventilating, he printed the estimate. If the adrenaline hadn't already been pulsing through my veins, I might've fainted: $12,000.
Suddenly, $325 sounded like a bargain.
My next step was to research other forms of transport, such as PODS ($6,700 + insurance + moving help) and other moving companies (estimators coming next week).
The bottom line: I still don't know how I'm going to get my stuff to California.
However, I'm pretty sure that it's going to be a moving company. I just don't want to drive a HUGE truck 3,000+ miles and coordinate a bunch of different moving assistance.
And, the cost? That's what credit cards are for, right?
So I've decided to keep my Precor elliptical 576i cross-trainer that I bought a couple years ago. I was going to put it on consignment at Play It Again Sports since I will be doing most of my exercising outdoors in San Diego and it's big and heavy to move. Unfortunately, they don't have any room for treadmills, stairsteppers and ellipticals right now and said that with the downturn in the economy it'll be awhile before they do.
Have you ever moved an elliptical?
It's a little more complicated than I thought.
First, I have to pay a fitness moving company to come take it apart and move it down three flights of stairs. They will do this for the "low" price of $325.
Second, I will need to rent a larger truck. The back part of the elliptical has a plastic casing that can be broken if anything is sat on top of it which means a lot more room is needed to transport it.
A larger truck at this point is a 24 footer. GULP.
I pondered driving that size truck towing my car behind it for about two minutes. During that time, I imagined taking out phone poles, gas stations and other cars. <
Mayflower came on Friday and my stress level rose about 10 points as I walked the estimator through the townhouse showing them what would be moved and what wouldn't and I realized how much packing I still have to do.
While I was hyperventilating, he printed the estimate. If the adrenaline hadn't already been pulsing through my veins, I might've fainted: $12,000.
Suddenly, $325 sounded like a bargain.
My next step was to research other forms of transport, such as PODS ($6,700 + insurance + moving help) and other moving companies (estimators coming next week).
The bottom line: I still don't know how I'm going to get my stuff to California.
However, I'm pretty sure that it's going to be a moving company. I just don't want to drive a HUGE truck 3,000+ miles and coordinate a bunch of different moving assistance.
And, the cost? That's what credit cards are for, right?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
I Swear I Didn't Give Them Water After Midnight...
Remember that movie Gremlins where the cute little furry animals turn into psychotic killers and multiply if watered at night (or was it just watered period? I don't remember.)
In any case, I feel like my belongings are somehow taking on the characteristics of those Gremlins. I have eliminiated TONS of stuff and yet it feels like what I have is multipying into more and besides the two totally cute pairs of Rocket Dog sandals I *had* to buy at DSW yesterday, I haven't been buying anything.
When I say I have gotten rid of a ton of stuff, I'm not kidding...my queen size bed, a big dresser, a bunch of shelves, boxes of books, lots of kitchen and household stuff. Here's a picture of 128 pounds of clothing I donated on one closet clean-out.
Plus, I can't even count the number of trips to GoodWill I've made this year. I think I could wallpaper a small room with my donation slips.
Yet, it's still looking like I'm going to need a truck bigger than the 16-footer I want to drive to take it all with me. Eeep!
To be fair, a few of my items take up a lot of space.
I had planned on selling my Precor Elliptical 576i Cross Trainer but the market is awful and I'm not going to let a $7,000 purchase made 2 years ago go for $500 on Craig's list. I have space in my new townhouse to use it, so it's going with me.
I also found out that I will need to bring my Kenmore Elite washer and dryer since the ones my townhouse was supposed to come with are being switched out for older, lesser models than I was shown. I suppose it was nice of my landlord to warn me, but those babies take up A LOT of space in the truck. I really can't live without the handwash and the santitary cycles though.
I considered buying new ones on the other end, but I just bought these a little over 2 years ago and to replace them would be close to $3,000. Once again, not going to let them go for $100 on Craig's list. Duh.
This realization brought me to the point of wondering if it's time to explore alternate ways to transport my "stuff" to California. I will still be driving across, but driving cross country in my convertible sounds ultimately more fun than hauling a 24-foot truck with a car in tow behind it--doesn't it?
In searching the Internet for "cross country movers" I came across this blog post that I thought I'd share:
http://cardhouse.com/travel/move.htm
I warn you, it's long and he does more negative ranting than suits my taste, but there's some good advice in it whether you are moving locally or cross country. He's found his preferred method of transfer, now I have to find mine...
In any case, I feel like my belongings are somehow taking on the characteristics of those Gremlins. I have eliminiated TONS of stuff and yet it feels like what I have is multipying into more and besides the two totally cute pairs of Rocket Dog sandals I *had* to buy at DSW yesterday, I haven't been buying anything.
When I say I have gotten rid of a ton of stuff, I'm not kidding...my queen size bed, a big dresser, a bunch of shelves, boxes of books, lots of kitchen and household stuff. Here's a picture of 128 pounds of clothing I donated on one closet clean-out.
Plus, I can't even count the number of trips to GoodWill I've made this year. I think I could wallpaper a small room with my donation slips.
Yet, it's still looking like I'm going to need a truck bigger than the 16-footer I want to drive to take it all with me. Eeep!
To be fair, a few of my items take up a lot of space.
I had planned on selling my Precor Elliptical 576i Cross Trainer but the market is awful and I'm not going to let a $7,000 purchase made 2 years ago go for $500 on Craig's list. I have space in my new townhouse to use it, so it's going with me.
I also found out that I will need to bring my Kenmore Elite washer and dryer since the ones my townhouse was supposed to come with are being switched out for older, lesser models than I was shown. I suppose it was nice of my landlord to warn me, but those babies take up A LOT of space in the truck. I really can't live without the handwash and the santitary cycles though.
I considered buying new ones on the other end, but I just bought these a little over 2 years ago and to replace them would be close to $3,000. Once again, not going to let them go for $100 on Craig's list. Duh.
This realization brought me to the point of wondering if it's time to explore alternate ways to transport my "stuff" to California. I will still be driving across, but driving cross country in my convertible sounds ultimately more fun than hauling a 24-foot truck with a car in tow behind it--doesn't it?
In searching the Internet for "cross country movers" I came across this blog post that I thought I'd share:
http://cardhouse.com/travel/move.htm
I warn you, it's long and he does more negative ranting than suits my taste, but there's some good advice in it whether you are moving locally or cross country. He's found his preferred method of transfer, now I have to find mine...
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