This weekend Ron and I really got busy and accomplished quite a bit outside. Didn't get anything done with my house or home business, but that's ok.

Years ago, I had dug a trench through the girls (goat) yard, continuing under the fence....through the boys (goat) yard and under the back part of their fence out to the woods. I had dug this trench to drain some water that sat in the low part of the yard.

Ron thought we didn't need it anymore, so I had since filled it in. This stopped the flow of some of the water, helping to create the pond I've been working on.

The other day, we decided we needed the trench again. So we redug it (I had only filled it in with old hay, knowing I WAS RIGHT and the trench was needed!).

We lay piping in the trench, and the water dumps into a small trench that goes into the pond. It was supposed to rain yesterday, but barely did. But we sprayed some water from the hose onto that area, and it worked!

Yesterday we cleaned out the pond in the FRONT yard (that's 3 ponds!). This one is little and is home to at least one snake every year and tons of frogs.

Many frogs weren't too lucky, I guess. Ron found several frog "parts" in the leaves and stuff he extracted....back legs, a front leg..................

BTW, dates on the pics are wrong- camera bites the biggie- I have to turn it off and on to work and get tired of restting the date...


Onto better things...............

And all of these...aren't they beautiful?

I think Spring has finally, really sprung!

Hop on over to my other pages here to see what I've been doing with my biz, homeschooling and puppy training.

Later!

We are one step closer to realizing our dream of traveling by RV or trailer. Yesterday I gave 3 of my goats away. I have 3 more to go, then I am FREE TO BE ME!

Since we got rid of our female goats, we took down the fence that was between the boys and girls yard. This enable me to make my duck pond even bigger! So yesterday I was digging and digging, removing rocks - making my pond bigger and deeper. So far this year, it has held water.

This morning I woke up and had tons of people to call regarding work at home with AmeriPlan. Of course, on Monday hardly anyone is home....

So I thought I would take a sec to write and then check out more of the Friday Fragments....haven't quite finished.

So I'm going to be taking a little blog-hop...anyone want to come along?

Advertising...........I am now ready to take advertising on the WAH page of my other blog:

http://www.athomeonwheels.com/

If you are interested in advertising, email me at freedomathome@hotmail.com

It's been busy, busy, busy as usual. Little Man was here for a for a couple of days...that's always a good, yet distracting time:-) Monday was was all about home business stuff, homeschool and puppy training.

Tuesday was homeschool co-op and business. We canceled Girl Scouts as the other leader and I (along with our daughters) were the only one's there.

Yesterday Princess Der and I went to the river in a near by town when I was done with my business calls and a few other things. It was around 60 degrees at our house. Princess Der took that as a sign to wear a t-shirt and no sweatshirt or coat. I TRIED to tell her- it's a bit cooler near the river...but does she believe me?

NO.................

I even told her that I had cleaned out the car the other day, taking my winter coat and her spare coat out of the trunk. No back-up. Does she care?

NO..................

It was COLD and WINDY near the river..........................

So our walk was pretty short...I only made her suffer a little while................

We did go grab some (late) lunch at a place across the bridge.

Then went home, hoping tomorrow- which is today- would be nicer.

It's a little after 9 a.m. and I don't hold much hope for that. Brrrr............

Recession? What Recession?

During my research looking for an Rv or Trailer I am amazed at the prices some of these things cost, even used ones!

I'm even more amazed how many people pay these high costs....some of them are so young! I mean, where does someone in their 20's get $45,000 for a rig? Many state that they pay cash!

Judging by all the families on the road..........I have to ask, what recession?

Of course, many have sold their sticks and bricks home to finance their dream....

For those looking for work....

People on the road often work wherever they go........according to one woman, there is work everywhere you go, you just can't be too picky. Some places even like temp workers..........of course if you are maxing out unemployment, it's hard to accept minimum wage.

Anyway, thought I would mention that.

Now, I must go get some breakfast, then get my derrier in gear.

Hope you'all have a great, prosperous day.

I started a new blog about our journey looking for an RV or trailer and our adventures traveling. This blog will be updated as we search, and once we've decided on a trailer, I will blog about our adventures. The link is:

http://athomeonwheels.blogspot.com/

Please go become a follower- I am trying to obtain advertising, and the more followers I have, the better my chance for major advertisers.

Little Man is here for his visit. He is such a goof-ball! Right now he is running around like he's a crazy man and then suddenly he falls and rolls around.

Can't wait to take him camping- he loves the outdoors, and last year he loved to swim as well.

Ron may have a new job- the guy is on vacation but is calling Ron on the 22nd to set up a meeting.

What happened is a break down service for tractor trailers called Ron to fix a rig. Ron told them sorry, that the place he had worked for had shut the doors.

A few minutes later, the break down service called Ron again- they had refered him to a fellow in Rochester, NY (about 2 hrs away) who is looking to expand his truck repair to Syracuse. As Ron was talking to them, the guy from Rochester was beeping in on the other line.

Ron called him back and they chatted a little. The guy was thrilled that Ron has an air compressor and welder, amongst his thousands of other tools. The guy has a service vehicle for Ron to fill, and Ron has the stuff to fill it.

Wish us luck!

Now for some fun:

Friday Fragments!

Friday Fragments are a time when you can get those little thoughts out- you know....

...the ones that aren't quite a blog post, but they are aching to get out............

So, here goes.............


The other night as we were snacking in bed, in front of the TV (don't tell the kids!) Ron and I got to wondering ...............if package sizes are getting smaller, why are Americans getting bigger?

Just wondering.....

Did you ever notice there are some words you love to say? The other day I said the word "sufficient" and thought "I like the sound of that word...."

How about those words you write and for some reason they don't look right- you wonder if you spelled it right...

Like the word. "has" or "the" - I mean did you ever look at a small word and something doesn't look right about it?

I know, I need to get a life....

Strange...but true!

This is one of my favorite stories about one of my ancestors. My mothers great-uncle was a school bus driver. Above the windshield of the bus he had his rifle mounted.

One afternoon, while bringing the kids home, he spotted a large buck with a perfect rack.


Stopping the bus, he quickly grabbed his rifle. He proceeded to open the bus door and aiming carefully, shot the buck in it's tracks.

He brought the rest of the children home, then returned for his prize.

Could you imagine a bus driver having a gun these days? Bet his students behaved pretty well!

Don't forget VGNO




Stop by Ann's place and leave your link. Check out all the other great blogs out there!

Until next time.....

Oh yeah, did you go visit the other blog?

At Home On Wheels

Comments.....

It's kind of hard to see the comments section here. Check where the keywords are, just above the google ads.

Thanks, I LUV Comments!

As many of you are aware, I started home schooling Princess Der this year. She is in 7th grade. No big deal, right? I’ve been through 7th grade. Heck, I even graduated high school early. And I graduated from college a few years ago. I should know it all!

We started home schooling with review to detemine where she’s at in math, grammer, etc….Once I figured out the math myself reminded her how to do stuff, she is ok. So yesterday we started working on Integers. Her bestest friend (also in 7th grade) is working on Integers. So it made sense to do them.



I am proud to say I remembered how to do them. Princess Der didn’t seem to remember doing them before. Yesterday I had a bunch of the greater than/less than (remember the < and > signs?) problems for her to do. She only missed one.

So today we get into adding them. I explain that a positive number plus a positive number is always positive, negative plus negative is always a negative. She got that ok. Mixing the two is a different story. She couldn’t quite get what I was saying when I tried to explain that (+73) + (-55) would = +18. You have to SUBTRACT even though there is a plus sign.

To the rescue- Ron’s oldest son, who is visiting for a few days, and Golden Child. They both said like one sentence to her and she got it…..and thinks it’s great fun. Of course, I haven’t corrected the paper yet.

I’m a bit worried when it gets to higher math. I’m ok with Algebra. I have done it a few times showing the kids before. But trig and other stuff like that? I don’t think so, Charley! Praise the Lord for my home schooling co-op and online school. Of course, I’ll learn Trig & stuff when The Princess does, I’m sure J

On to Grammar… It was the shocker for me to realize how much I don’t know! I mean, I was an excellent reading/English student. In grade school, I would correct the teacher! When my high school teachers assigned essays or compositions…the whole class would moan. Except me of course. Ideas would flood my brain. I would write and rewrite. I would get A’s. One teacher even entered a poem of mine in a magazine.

In recent years, I’ve been published several times in a local parenting magazine, I have written online articles (www.buzzle.com) and have a couple of blogs and websites. I teach journal writing to adults, and I own a home biz….

How in the world did I get away with all of this with my limited knowledge?

I do not remember learning about Pronoun Genders in either high school or college. You know, Masculine, Feminine or Neuter? Guess it is common sense, but never heard of it, and who cares?

I also don’t remember the words preposition, conjunction and dangling modifiers.


As you can tell from reading my writing……

Did I sleep through school or didn't they teach that stuff  30 years ago back then?

But honestly, when it comes time to “clean it up” and write a clear, concise piece in 300 words or less for a magazine, I can easily do it. My blog is my time when I can use those (Oh so necessary!) parenthesis, all those…….’s, and etc, etc, etc’s ! Oh yeah, and the !!!!!!!!!!!!!’s

So really, did I miss out on all that much! Then again, think where I can go if I REALLY learn grammar and how to write….

….hmmmm…..(need to stop typing all those….., etc)

Yesterday was both a homeschool and work at home success! Princess Der finished her "paperwork" around 12:15 or so. She needed very little assistance and got everything right except one math problem. I'll have her correct that today. I think I got more work done yesterday morning than I have in a long time!



In the afternoon, we went to the bank, put a few flyers out and then went to get goat feed. We also got supplies for a science experiment that was in her science work book we got. It was to show how water moved through rocks in the ground. Here are some pics:

OOPS! A little accident!

That's ok, this teacher didn't get mad or ridicule!


In fact, this teacher dumped thistle seed all over when filling the bird feeder realizes we are all human and make mistakes!



We laughed and worked together to clean it up.

The Finished product!














While supper was cooking on the grill, we partook of a game of horseshoes (gym time!)Despite the fact that Princess Der has major problems with the hands (cannot close her hands all the way due to arthritis), she can throw those horseshoes pretty well (...and she gives a mean back rub!)Here's a pic of her- excuse the tongue....its a family thing...in almost every picture of my dad (now deceased)he is sticking out his tongue. Many pics of my oldest son and my nephew are the same!








My "Princess"









The Princess started her work around 8 a.m. today. My neighbors grandkids are over and they always want Princess to come over. The kids are 2 and 4. My daughter loves helping out, so she wants to be done so she can go over for an hour or two. Then, she has another doctors appointment to have her shot again. They are going to have her give it to herself and if she does ok, we are on our own from here on out!

Anyway, must get to work. Until later...bye, dudes!

Ok guys, it's official- I am being featured on Homeschoolers-work-at-home

It's quite a lengthy piece- check it out and see what you think! Here is the link that goes directly there:


My story

On to other things...

hmmmm...not much else happening except I have to get back to work, then take The Princess to piano and Golden Child to his Open House at school.

Stop the world, I wanna get off

The company that I work at home for is having a great promotion & I just had to share! All of our dental and health plans are 1/2 off if you enroll into a plan between now and September 14, 2009 AND these prices are guaranteed for a year before they go back to the normal prices. Here's a run-down :



Basic Wellness was $14.95 a month NOW ONLY $7.48 a month


Single Dental Plus was $14.95 a month NOW ONLY $7.48 a month


Household Dental Plus was $19.95 a month NOW ONLY $9.98 a month


Total Health was $39.95 a month NOW ONLY $19.98 a month


Total Health Plus was $59.95 a month NOW ONLY $29.98 a month



To check out all the plans & to see the doctors available in your area, go to:



http://www.dentalandhealthnow.com/





Now, in case you are new to my blog, we are always looking for leaders who want to work from home. If this would be you, here are some reasons why I love AmeriPlan:



1. No storing, selling or shipping of products

2. Low investment to get started

3. No home parties or door to door sales.

4. Company has been in business for 17 years and has shown continual growth

5. They have a product/service people need and want.

6. They have a system in place, where if you follow it there is no room to fail.

7. Training is done online- no meetings or orientations to go to

8. Opportunity to help people work from home and help people save money!

9. It is residual opportunity - earn an ongoing check for that one time effort

10. I have my life back!

To check out the home business opportunity with AmeriPlan, go to:

http://www.findfreedomathome.biz/


Now, it's time to forget business and get on with the party! The Virtual Girls Night Out Party!

Click on the pic, go to Ann's site, and leave your link. Check out the other blogs & leave a little bloggy-love (in the form of comments, of course!)

Ann has a little "party game" going on. Check it out:

Dear Diary,

My best friend (a)______ and I went shopping for (b)______. We wanted to show them off when we went to hang out at the (c)______. You won't BELIEVE who we saw at the mall. (d)______! We screamed so loud they had to call Security. It was the best day ever!

Now, fill-in the blanks with the time-table of the year you entered High School.

Entered High School:
1975-1979 (a) Donna
1980-1983 (a) Tiffany
1984-1988 (a) Claire
1989-1993 (a) Jennifer
1994-1996 (a) Alanis

Entered High School:
1975-1979 (b) Bell Bottoms
1980-1983 (b) Argyle Sweater
1984-1988 (b) Neon Leggings
1989-1993 (b) Black Rubber Bracelets
1994-1996 (b) $200 Ripped Jeans

Entered High School:
1975-1979 (c) Roller Rink
1980-1983 (c) Arcade
1984-1988 (c) Food Court
1989-1993 (c) Multi-Plex
1994-1996 (c) Skate Park

Entered High School:
1975-1979 (d) John Travolta
1980-1983 (d) Mel Gibson
1984-1988 (d) Tom Cruise
1989-1993 (d) Brad Pitt
1994-1996 (d) Keanu Reeves

Mine is:

My best friend Donna and I went shopping for bell bottoms. We wanted to show them off when we went to hang out at the roller rink. You won't BELIEVE who we saw at the mall. John Travolta! We screamed so loud they had to call Security. It was the best day ever!

And now for my new give-away!

Since I know so many of you have kids (and if not I know you know kids!), I thought we'd have a kiddie give-away. Don't worry, it's educational- I found it looking for cool books to use to homeschool my 12 year old. I'm getting 2- one for me and one for....who?

Check it out! What better way to strain your kids brain than with brain teasers?

So, how do you enter for a chance to win this?

1. Tell me who you would give this book to in the comments section

2. Mention it in your blog- leave me a comment and link to your blog

3. Tweet about it on Twitter- let me know in the comments that you have done that

4. Follow my blog -let me know in the comments that you have done that

5. Sign up for a dental or health plan (remember, you only pay 1/2 price for a full year!)
Good Luck & see you all later!

Ok, I know many of you read my blog and say, "What in the world does this blog have to do with working at home?" Well, sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. But I thought for my followers who also worked from home, I would share some of the great websites I have found that help get more traffic to your site , puts more money in your pocket, gives you free leads, and affordable (or even FREE) promotional items. So, here goes. (see below for my book give-away!

I love this site for traffic building:




Web Traffic.com

This is totally free and quite easy. If you go there, you will see I have 2 sites there right now. You can use it for business website and blogs!


Here are some sites for free leads- you can also advertise for free and make money!









PROMOTIONAL ITEMS

Free business cards, postcards and more....



Business Signs....

Phone and fax service...







Promote your blog:

Enter to win here- ends June 15, 2009

For more give-aways by some of our bloggy friends, go to:

Bloggers Connect

So, until next time....don't forget to leave your comment in the section below the xxxx's!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Today I didn't exactly work from my home. Actually, I didn't do much work at all. I was the designated driver for my mom today. Ok, not designated driver as in "Let momma get sloshed to the gills on Tequila Sunrises , drive her home & pour her into bed" designated driver. My mom had cataract surgery today, so I got to play chauffer- in her new car!

So, I packed up my laptop, my leads, flyers that still needed to be cut-out, business cards, and a self-improvement book. Mom had to be in the city by 7:15. I had to go to her house to meet her(about 20 minutes or so away) and then we went to the surgery center (about 20 minutes or so away) so you can imagine what time I left my house this morning. They have you come into the surgery center like 2 hours ahead of time.

So we get to the center and mom checks in and we wait for 1/2 hour or so. I pull out the old laptop and Ta-Da! Wait! No wireless connection???? Pooh!

It actually turned out to be a blessing as I got a bunch of files cleaned out, cleaned out "my pictures", and also the emails in my outlook express (personal email).

They called mom in to get her in a gown and all that jazz. I continue with my computer stuff until they call me to come sit with her and wait for another 1/2 hour or more. The doc comes in and talks with us a little. I ask how long the actual surgery is. He says about 20 minutes. He leaves.

Someone else comes in. Questions. "What is your date of birth?" "What eye will the doctor be working on today?" Even though there is a lavendar X or something over her right eye so they don't goof. Just double checking.

I am not criticizing the fact that they mark you. I was quite delighted when I had surgery 3 yrs ago that someone thought to put a big old X over my left kidney. I am a pretty mellow person, but....take out the wrong kidney and I might fuss just a little.

Anyway, someone else comes in, Questions. "What is your date of birth?" "What eye will the doctor be working on today?" Even though there is a lavendar X or something over her right eye so they don't goof. Just double checking.

Finally, they wisk her away. I take a few minutes to run down to the cafe for a bite to eat. I rush back with in 25 minutes. And wait...and wait....I figure no ones come out with any bad news, so it must be all good news.

Finally the doc came out. I walk over to him and he says, "Why don't we step in here." An office. No big deal.

He says, "We had a little problem." Then all kinds of things run through my head like, "What happened? What have you done to my mother?"

It turns out he had a hard time getting the cataract out or something. He put in the lense and for some reason it wasn't working (already forgot how he explained it), so they used the old-fashioned kind of lense. He had to cut a little speck more of the eye to fit the other one in. So now, my momma looks like a one - eyed monster!

Ok, all joking aside my momma is doing fine- just talked to her a short while ago. Tomorrow, I take her back for a check-up. In 3 weeks, she has the other one done.

So me and my one-eyed mommy will be spending a bit-o-mommy-daughter-time together. And that's always good.

Side note: The nurse was telling Mom that I should have gotten a connection as they have wireless. I didn't see it on my list of available connections.

So anyway my dear bloggy friend's, if I'm not around for a day or two it's for a good reason! Later!

P.S. Oh yeah, I got to drive that new car home! I didn't think I liked big cars, but that is pretty plush. Lots of bells and whistles. I was scared to touch any buttons :-)

Friday. A time to tie up loose ends with the home business and get ready for the weekend. And you can't begin the weekend with out checking this out:

It's Friday night & time for Virtual Girls Night out! Yee-haw! I just love reading all the other blogs out there!

Lately, Friday's just haven't been working for me. So everyone, hopefully I'll be there - or I'll be Square. Talk about dating myself :-)

Anyway, click the button above, go to Ann's site and add your link. Go back tonight and take a look at all the blogs listed It's really very fun.

Do not dare to leave this site with out having a drink with me & reading my post. Below is a drink that I used to start my night out with. It's called a Stinger and it is Good with a capital G!

I would have one of those, get a buzz going on, and start in on the beer. Ok, that was WAY back when I was more of a drinker and way younger. Now a stinger may very knock me on my butt and put me out for the count.

I'm toying with the idea of getting the ingredients and making one tonight. But being I would have enough booze for more than one, that would be a waste....

...unless I started EVERY VGNO with a Stinger!

Yeah, right! Anyway, it's easy to make:

Stinger

Ingredients:

1 3/4 oz brandy
3/4 oz creme de menthe, white


Preparation:

Pour the ingredients into a fancy glass (hey, we're ladies here and it IS a party, right?) with crushed ice. Stir well.

Drink...slowly please, or you won't be with us for the party!

I thought it would be fun to talk about "Customer Service" or rather lack of Customer Service . I thought I wrote a blog post about this a few weeks ago, but darned if I see it. Maybe I commented on another blog about it.

I know I have been victim of bad customer service at least 3 times in the past few weeks. If you want to count the number of times a cashier didn't even look at me or say boo, well...I lost count.

A few weeks ago, I was out & about putting out flyers. I was in a small town about 15 mi from home. I had to be somewhere in a little while- I think to pick up my son from work, about 1/2 hr away. I figure I have a few minutes to stop at the little homeotwn market there. They have great meat and fruit and there are always have specials going on. And they have a bulletin board for my flyers!!!

Anyhoo...I fill my cart with all kinds of goodies. When I get up to the counter I hear the cashier tell the woman ahead of me that the credit machine was down . They could only take cash or checks.

My heart drops .. S*#T! I had neither with me. Only a card. I was going to the bank LATER, but had no cash now. I'm like searching my purse, maybe I stuck a $50 bill somewhere and forgot???? Maybe some bills fell off a money tree as I passed?

Apparently not. Nothing. Maybe some change. That's it.

Another employee /the owner??? sees me standing there, dazed and confused. He comes over and asks what's going on. The lady explains the situation.

I flippantly said, " I guess I'll have to put everything back."

The guy kind of shrugs and mumbles something and walks away. I wait a sec in case he said something like, " Oh no, ma'am I'll take care putting that stuff back. I'm soooo sorry for the inconvenience"

OR

" Come on over here ma'am. If you don't mind, I can call in your card information. If it's approved, we'll get you on your way. I'm sooo sorry for the inconvenience."

I wait..

The guy is over fooling around with a display...

I wait..

The guy never looks my way...I put all the groceries away

I leave, with very little time left. Now I have to shop AGAIN, after I get my son. I'm starving. I stop at McDonalds. I decide to go in instead of the drive-thru. I go to the counter & order Chicken Nuggets (the only thing I can stomach there), fr. fries and a Chocolate Shake (Follower's-just for clarification, that post about joining the YMCA & losing weight was AFTER this).

So back to the subject at hand- Customer service. The people behind the counter were barely friendly. The woman took my order, and I swear this to be totally true....I took about 5 steps or whatever it takes to the counter on the side with the straws and napkins. I grabbed one of each - it took me about 10 seconds, and I hear, "here's your order, ma'am." I'm like looking around. The only other people were some hunky road crew guys with bulking muscles, fantastic tans, curly bleach-blonde hair...oops...got a little lost there.

She was talking to me. Talk about Fast Food! That was maybe 10-12 seconds! Of course, I got in the car, started racing toward my son's work. Grabbed a nugget- it was barely warm. French Fries-yuk! They are delish piping hot- but cold??? I shudder thinking about it! Anyway, I really didn't have time to go back. So I lost out. Another crappy fast food meal. Blah!

Then yesterday, I have a Wally-world incident. The day before, my Bluetooth died. Having become dependent on it, a little piece of me also perished. I felt stifled in my biz. Holding a phone, taking notes and sometimes doing other things all at once, hey.. it freed up a hand. My son had to be to work at 7 a.m. and works almost across the street from a Walmart.

I stroll into the electronics dept at Walmart at around 6: 50 a.m. The bluetooths are right across from the cash register. There's a young fellow there behind the register. He looks at me and barely nods. He puts on a sweatshirt and zips it up.

I start looking at the different models and find what I want (I think) but they are "locked" onto the display. I turn to ask the guy for help. He was gone- vanished without a sound. I stand there for 3-4 minutes, watching the Tv's.

No one...No one....Finally I look for someone. I FINALLY find a guy standing around who looks like I woke him up from a nap. It is posssible, I used to work in a commercial bakery and learned to sleep standing up...and how to "sense" when the boss was coming and to open my eyes and smile at him and wave as he walked by.

So anyway, I ask if he can help me in electronics. He drones, "Maybe." We walk over and I show him what I want. He points out the obvious; that it's locked.

I say, "Do you have the keys?"

"No." says he.

"Oh", I say. " Do you know where the guy is that works here?"

"They are on shift change. Someone should be here in a couple of minutes."

A couple of minutes? It has to have been 10 or 15 minutes already.

I calculate in my head where the closet Radio Shack or Kmart or something is. Everything is quite a ways from that particular hick town, so I decided to wait it out.

Finally a girl shows up, clearly not happy to be there so early in the morning. I get my blue tooth and left feeling like crap. I hate shopping, but every now & then it's ok because I got got great customer service- a smile, a little joke, a whatever.

For a funny poem on grocery shopping read my post Grocery Store Madness

When I am doing my home biz, I put a smile on my face even if I'm on the phone. I try to go the extra mile. If I have a new member that needs help scheduling a first appointment, I'll 3 way call them in to a provider and get that set up. That is not part of my job. My job is to enroll them. But I go that extra mile. I believe it's just good customer. That member will most likely refer me to a friend who needs a good dental or health plan. A few extra minutes, a few extra members.

Same thing with a new business partner. Of course I will help them with training, learning to advertise, provide some free leads, etc...like any leader would. But I have often gone the extra mile there as well.

I have often had new broker's who barely knew how to use email much less copying & pasting text, saving folders and more. I have taken time to do a little "over the phone" computer training to those whom I felt were future "stars." I would hate to see anyone quit on their dreams because they were frustrated with something that I can teach them in a few minutes.

I know this is about customer servcie, but I just happened to remember I had done a previous blog post called The extra mile. I went back and read it- I like it! Sometimes I go back to things like that & want to change it. But I think I like it that way. And I just sort of whipped it up one night.

Anyway, leave me a comment. Have you had a bad cusomer service experience? Link to it in your comment or tell us about it! How about The extra mile? Any thoughts?

Bye see ya' all later!

P.S. Oh, yeah, don't forget to go to my OTHER Blog, Bloggers Connect to for links to some great prizes being given by our fellow blog-buddies.

I'm giving away this book:

Just click here to enter for a chance to win a copy.

Ok, just because I work at home, I guess I don't have to look like an old hag!

I saw my sister a few weeks ago, and she asked me why I don't dye my hair anymore. I am pretty grey and used to dye it all the time, but I'm so sick of trying to keep up with it.

Then, last week I ran into an old Girl Scout of mine and her Dad. He looks and says, "Geez, your hair has gotten white- you need to go see Heather."

Heather is his wife and she used to do my hair. They lived about 2 miles away at the time and it was so convenient. Then, they moved. Like 12 miles away, but it seemed like a 1,000 miles.

Anyway, he may have been saying that just to get a little biz for the wife, but he got me thinking. I needed a cut anyway....and I DO have convention in July- hmmm....



So Saturday, I went and had Heather cut & color the head. I had 2 people tell me I look 20 years younger.



We had stopped by a friend's house - his nickname is Horner-boy. (You have to know Ron & his friend's to understand). Anyway, Horner-boy was just leaving to pick his G.F. from work (who has known us like 6 yrs). We rode along, thinking we'd surprise her.



Well she was surprised. We walked in to the bar where she works, and she just looks....you can see her thinking, "Where is Carolee? Who's this chick?" (to be truthful, I think she had a few drinks at work :-) We were in the car going down the road and she all of a sudden says, "You got your hair done! You look 20 yrs. younger!"



My daughter took a pic. It was windy as heck, but....



Before.....

Oh yeah, I got new glasses since that pic, too!

Me after.....

But that's not all...Friday, I signed our family up for a membership at the YMCA. I've been wanting to do it for years, but didn't. My daughters doc said swimming is good for her arthritis. So now I can justify it!

My daughter & I went swimming Friday night & Sunday morning. They have aquatic arthritis exercise classes my daughter will take once school is out (they are early in the morning) and I'll do that with her or find another class to join.

And maybe I'll drop a few more pounds...I lost 7 or 8 lbs just by trying a little.

Anyway, time to feed the goats, the grandbaby & grandpa. Then get to work!

We had a new tenant move to the pond in our front yard

...and some have come back!

Little Man also stopped by for a visit:

The poor child went home all beat up. He has developed quite a temper when you tell him no. Well, the child LOVE'S (with a Capital L) the great out doors. We tried to bring him in yesterday and he threw a major fit and smacked his head on the end table- got a little goose-egg!

Then, he fell into a plant that had thorns and got all scratched up on his elbow.

Then...just to top it all off, Rocky decided to plow into him, knocking him over.

That was yesterday. You would think he'd never want to come here again. I wasn't here when they got here today, but Ron said he was quite cheerful.

Uncle Kenny has also dropped by a few times this week...

That's him with the saw,the other one is Ron. Just so you'all don't get confused, Uncle Kenny is NOT related in any way, shape or form. Not that there's anything wrong with the guy! He is actually the "Uncle" to another friend of ours, Ray. Actually, he's been in a long term relationship with Ray's aunt...or something like that. Anyway, we've always just called him Uncle Kenny!


And just to confuse you more, my dear sis is married to a Ken, so my kids have a real Uncle Kenny, too. Have I lost you yet?

Now, let me tell you about another friend, Uncle Eddie. Ok, maybe another time.



So, anyway, Ron and Uncle Kenny have been cutting trees. Uncle Kenny burns wood in the winter and boy, we've got wood!


This week also brought my beloved Lilacs!




Mmmmmm....they smell sooo good!




So, what have I been doing with myself beside taking pics of everything & everyone?




Let's see the 11 yr old had strep throat, so part of Tuesday was devoted to that. I see her doctor more than I see my own mother....


Then, today I had an appointment with my podiatrist...



He's a nice enough guy, and he takes AmeriPlan (what a good guy!)

To be totally honest, what I really like about that place is the nurse. We'll call him "Cute Thang". He is a real (young) cutie, and really is a very good nurse. The first time I went there, the doc examines my footsies and then declares that he will have Cute Thang come trim my nails. Well, I had to endure Cute Thang playing with my feet. Momma- Mia! Kidding folks!

Anyway, when I get there today, it's apparent that Cute Thang is running the show. There is no receptionist, and Cute Thangs checking people in, calling them into room and the whole shebang.

I get called in fairly quickly, and only had to wait a few minutes for the doc. Cute Thang had it all under control.

After seeing the doc, I go out to get my prescription & my next appointment. The normal receptionist is finally there- Cute Thang was off the hook. Almost....

The receptionist went to copy my prescription and the copying machine didn't work. She says, "Cute Thang, did you break the copier?"

He says, "I can fix that-watch," He sprayed a little cleaner on the glass (plastic) window where you push your options, wiped it off, spun around, and waved his hand over the machine- and it worked! Cute Thang saved the day!

After I left the docs, I put some flyers out for the Dental and Health Benefits and the home business opportunity with AmeriPlan

Once I got home, Little Man welcomed me with a huge hug & kiss. Grandpa made everyone some hot dogs. Then it was time for Grandpa to go to work. Little Man & his Dad went home....

...and I took my laptop outside and started working. I was running ads titled "I'm sitting in my backyard, working...Where are YOU?"



I wasn't bragging, you understand. Just telling the truth.

I'm sorry if the poor people reading the ads were stuck in an office somewhere-that's just not me!

P.S. That's not me in the pic...ah-hum...my bikini's a little bigger!

I've been working as much as possible lately . I have a chance to win a trip to Vegas. Also, I am trying VERY hard to promote within the company to Senior Regional Sales Director before the convention in July, then I can walk across the stage with other's that have promoted.

If any of you blogging buddies know anyone that needs dental, vision, prescription,chiropractic or health benefits, they can go to:

http://www.dentalandhealth.com/

....or if you or anyone you know is interested in a home based business, go to:

http://www.findfreedomathome.biz/

Anywhoooo...Ron just got home, so I should go say Hi.

You'all have a great evening and we'll see ya'all soon!

I have many "WHY's" associated with my decision to start a home business. I want to be here for my kids when they get home from school. I want to be financially free- pay off the house, pay off the car ( a car that I'm not especially fond of but still owe too much on to get rid of ), buy a new SUV, someday buy a houseboat.And a whole bunch of stuff in between.



I was standing in line at Wally-World this morning and heard the comment, " We just got back from Florida yesterday and we're headed to Canada today."

I turned and looked at the commentator, a spritely woman of maybe 65 or 67 yrs. old. And I thought, "Yeah... another WHY......just take off and go wherever, whenever." Which surprised me being that I'm a home-body.



As I was walking toward my car I thought about that woman's statement and my response to it. I guess I did have a bit of the traveler in me. Last February, my mom and I flew to Houston, TX to attend a Freedom at Home Team event. It was only my 2nd time flying (the first being a whole 45 minutes!) I loved it!
Check out the view!

Then, in July, Ron & I were off to Dallas! And I was even more excited! And the good news is, we are going again this July! And I'll get to meet even more AmeriPlan buddies and renew some old friendships. Can't wait.

I have many places in mind to visit and things I want to do when I am financially free. First, an Alaskan cruise. Then, we'll go from there!

Anyway, tomorrow I'm venturing out on a mini vacation- camping with the Girl Scouts. Yippee, skippee! 6th & 7th graders! They are running 3 stations with activities for about 80 other Girl Scouts. I have my doubts....

Please, my dear friend's-say a prayer for me!

And I'll be talking to you when I get back. I'm checking out info on famous woman who were Girl Scouts (Hilary Rodham Clinton for one!) Maybe I'll throw you all a post about that! Later, friends!

******************************************************************************************************************

Since I work at home , all of my "meetings" and "training" are done via the Internet and teleconferencing.
We had a team training call tonight and someone metioned something about going the extra mile, and this kind of came to me:

Are you willing to go the extra mile?

At the end of a long, long road there is a place where dreams really do come true. This special place is accessible to anyone- it doesn’t matter if you are a college graduate or a 4th grade drop out. This road has been traveled by many in the past and many more are sure to follow.

Yet most of the “travelers” do not stay on the road long enough. They miss out on the blessings that await them at the end. The reason? They must be willing to go the “extra mile” to get there. Most travelers stop just short of the extra mile, not willing to take the next step.

Others, like me, choose to continue the journey . And they find that the extra mile can be the longest mile ever traveled . Sometimes it’s smooth going, and we happily skip along. But other times the road gets bumpy, and we come out with bruised elbows and knees. We hurt, and want to turn around and go back to our old, comfortable life. Dust yourself off & keep walking, my friend, keep walking.

You never know which way the road will go. It may go uphill one minute, and downhill the next. There may be many twists and turns. Go up, go down, and go with the twists and turns. Just keep going my friend, Just keep going.


There will be times when you are the only “traveler” going the extra mile. You will wonder why no one else wants to go where you are going. Just continue on my friend,just continue on - you WILL meet others on the way who will join you in your journey.

The extra mile is not for the weary. Remember to feed your body and soul along the way. Keep up your inner and outer strength and just keep going, my friend,just keep going. Keep going for the prize.

Don't let anything stop you from grasping your dreams. Be willing to go over, under and around the “roadblocks” that get in the way. Soon you will have arrived at your destination - the place where dreams really do come true.

My dreams, your dreams, and the dreams of those who choose to go with us.

Are you willing to go the extra mile?

If you want to travel with me, go here

P.S. I LOVE comments- then I can check out YOUR blog!

************************************************************************************

Back on March 2, I blogged on the subject of disability. There have been numerous occasions when working at home where a prospect had really loved the AmeriPlan opportunity, but because of income guidelines, they are unable to better their lives. Many are left feeling " Stuck in a rut."

If a person on disabilty makes a substantial income, they risk losing their medical benefits. In some cases, the medical benefits are more important than the measly check received each month , which is supposed to cover living expenses.

I could not believe some of the stories I had been hearing. I put the word out on the Internet, asking for a first hand account. A lovely woman, Pam stepped forward. She gave me a call, I told her what I wanted to know, and she was kind enough to share her story. When you finish the story, check out her sites- they are very cool.

And so, here's Pam's story:

I have been on disability for around 5 years. On Dec 23 2002 I was involved in a horrendous car accident that changed my life forever. My neighbor was killed that day. I am lucky to be alive.

I was in a coma for 3 months. I suffered a head injury and almost lost my right leg. I have had several surgeries including 2 knee replacements a year apart from each other. I broke my sternum and almost every rib, and hurt my back badly. I will need surgery there also, but I am trying to hold off. I also now suffer from panic and anxiety disorders which I need medication for daily.

Before the accident, I was a very successful customer service rep at a large trucking company handling many accounts. I could multi task and do what ever was asked of me. I made a great living and was married. Since the accident, life has never been the same. I got divorced after 23 years of marriage because HE couldn't handle it. And of course, I am no longer at my job.
Getting on disability was a lengthy process. I went a year without any income. I had to move back in with my parents at 40 years of age. I did finally receive a settlement. I paid all the bills and got into a house. That money was gone.

I made $16.00 an hour before the accident - now I live on $832.00 a month!

I have come a long way, but because of my injuries and fear of driving working from my home is my only option. I would love to work from home but there are so many legal issues. I can only have a $1,000.00 in the bank and make less than $6000.00 a year while on disability. If I do work anywhere (including my home) they will try to take my disability away. To work outside of the home again, I would have to have a driver to bring me wherever I go, as I am afraid to drive due to panic attacks. And I still have to worry about how much I make.


I would love to get back into the work force but who is going to hire a woman who hasn't worked for 6 years, especially one with all of my medical issues? What job is going to give me good pay and the full medical coverage I need? The government makes it impossible for you to go back to work. I would love to. I have come so far but if I were to do anything (including working out of my home) they could take my disability away. Their thinking would be “Look, she can work”, when I really can't because of the limitations I have. It is so frustrating.

Life for the disabled is so hard. I know there are those that “play the system” choosing the option to work “under the table.” Not only is it not ethically right, but also if you get caught you may never receive disability. Then there are those of us that would do anything to get better and make a decent living. Honestly.

But what if I did try something and it didn’t work out? I would lose my disability- then what? I couldn’t afford my medications or any surgeries. I don’t want to be a charity case but that is how I feel.


Disability is a joke. Things need to change. I didn't ask for this life. I would love to go back to the way my life was before. I had such high hopes back then. It its sickening what you go through going to family services to get food stamps so that you can eat. Then the disability money can be used for the rest of the bills. Think about it- my disability is only $832.00 a month. Can YOU live on that?

The government needs to step in and help those of us that are on disability, but I don’t see it happening. I pray and hope I have enough to get by every month.

Obviously, something needs to change. Many people (myself included) would love to get back on the road to a good job that provides benefits.

Its hard enough to find a doctor who will take care of you when you have all these problems, let alone find a job that will accept your limitations and provide still medical benefits. Not to mention, the insurance company wouldn’t touch me because of my medical issues. Life is hard, but I try to make the best of it everyday.

Thanks for reading my story.
Pamela

www.Auntpamscloset.com
www.Poshpointofview.com

Sunday, my daughter and I went to a Future Millionaires class for Girl Scouts put on by a couple of great ladies from Primerica Financial Services They really shared some very interesting information on money and business. For instance:

Out of 100 people 65+ years old:

1 is wealthy

54 are dependent on family or government for part or all of their needs

36 are still working

5 are deceased

4 are doing ok

Wow! Those are some scary numbers!

How about this:

Out of a 5 lb. bar of steel, you can make:

Horseshoes valuing $45.00

Needles worth $300.00

or...

Watch springs worth $3,000.00!

One last fact I found amazing.....and most math teachers don't know this...

"The rule of 72"

If you want to find out how long it will take to double your money, divide the interest rate by 72. That will be your answer!

And one question they asked- If you could meet someone (dead or alive) who would you like to meet?

I put Abraham Lincoln. I've alway's "had a thing" for him. I got a book about him when I was a kid and always liked his honestly, of course. But he was also liked to have fun & "pull pranks" on others.

The day before the class, I was reading the book by Mary Kay that I have been raving about- found these facts on Lincoln:

1831- Failed in business
1832- Defeated for legislature
1833-Again failed in business
1835- Sweetheart died
1836-Suffered a nervous breakdown
1838-Defeated for speaker
1840- Defeated for elector
1843-Defeated for congress
1848-Again defeated for congress
1855- Defeated for Senate
1856-Defeated for Vice President
1858-Defeated for Senate
1860- ELECTED PRESIDENT! Wooo-HOO!!!

Lincoln shows that persistence DOES pay off!

My fave quote is by Lincoln (and is crucial for those in biz to remember):

I will prepare and some day my chance will come!

So friends, share! Who would you like to meet?

When you have a home business, there is a lot of competition. Everyday more and more business opportunities pop up. More and more people are becoming their own boss. And there are more and more ads on the Internet everyday.

Yesterday, my daughter & I attended the Future Millionaires of CNY class that the girl Scout Council had held. I was planning sharing on that subject, but something else has been bugging me so I want to address that issue first, and will post some cool stuff from that class later.

Before going to the class I had run my ads on a few forums I belong to. One of them has tons of work at home groups. I belong to about 25 or so on that forum, and I've seen more. Anyway, I got done running my ads yesterday morning around noon. Usually I get done with email, ads, and other online stuff by 10 a.m., but with the hour time change & pure procrastination, it was later.

We got home from the class around 3:30 or so. Did a few things around here,yadda, yadda. Around 5:00 or so, I started checking my email accounts. I had TONS of email between the biz, social networking, etc...Finally, I felt I had it pretty well under control, so I started running my ads. I get to like my 2nd group, and there's an ad titled something like Don't overpost each other. Half the time I'm in a rush and don't read the other ads. I mean, I already have a business I'm happy with, so why would I read the ads. But now & then I do a quick scan of the titles. For some reason, I scanned the titles, and thought it looked interesting. I opened the ad and imagine my surprise when I read what the poster had to say.

It was, believe it or not, another AmeriPlan broker. She was pretty much addressing the issue of two AmeriPlan broker's who keep overposting each other. She stated that it is not good team work, and that is not what the Freedom at Home Team stands for. She felt that this shows moms looking to work from home that our team has no unity and that we are just competing against each other.

And the Freedom at Home Team does work together. We have leaders (I am one of them) who conduct training calls that are attended by TONS of people who are not even on the trainers team! The info we provide can help other people prosper and we don't make a dime off the lions share of these people.

This post was like a knife in my heart, because I know I am one of the two brokers mentioned. I felt this person was saying that this other broker and I lurk on this forum just waiting for the other to post an ad so we can rush in and repost, thus being back on top. And it has bugged me since I read that. Because I try so hard to help others, but I am in business just doing my job.

I always try to give others a helping hand, whether they are with my company or some other company. I wouldn't have started a work at home website if I didn't want to help others. Any home business owner can advertise there on the forums and I even have a "featured members" page for anyone that wants to be featured for a month. I have given leads for FREE to AmeriPlan brokers that weren't even on my team!

Anyway, the poster went on to say that she will not post there anymore to avoid confusion. That moms don't like it when you just post an ad and give no real value. That they want to be able to trust you and build a friendship, and just posting ads doesn't do that (how do they know about me if they don't read my ad?) . She asked that next time a person posts an ad (no matter what company you are with) make sure that another rep from the same company has not posted there.

I am confused- that is what the group is for. Advertising! And frankly, I was posting there BEFORE this person and the other broker who posts frequently. So, should they have not put an ad there? Or do we set a time when each person can post?

I responded with this:

I am with AmeriPlan and have been for 2 years- with the Freedom at Home Team also. We do work together as much as possible, but we are responsible for our own business, and getting our own leads.

BUT, my feeling is, some people post once a day or once a week and feel they will be noticed and get loads of responses.

If someone doesn't want to take the time to repost often, then sorry you get stuck at the bottom.

I am not going to "not post" because someone posted an hour ago or even a day ago, whatever. Occasionally, if I have the time, I may go through all my ads and post and go back & do it again- that is typically an hour or so in between. By the same standard, some days I can't post at all.

I would be more worried about people that post the same ad 3 times in a row in every group. Everyone forgets to delete one now & then, but c'mon. 3 and 4 in a row!

If you only want one rep from each company, let me know! I will graciously bow out!

It is not my intention to step on anyones toes. I rarely even look at the other ads. I just post mine & move on.

I have also told new AmeriPlan reps on the site (some not even on my team) that I have met (and those I have enrolled onto my team) that if they want to advertise on any groups, let me know and I will back off on advertising. No one has said a word until now!

In fact, I'm surprised how little A.P. brokers take advantage of online advertising. Many social networks I'm with have none but me!

Anyway, enough said....

Now what I want everyone to understand is, this other broker & I do both advertise on this site. When I noticed this ad , I started paying attention when I was posting. This other broker (who is accused of overposting) was on a lot of the same groups I was. I was posting 2 hours after she did yesterday. Sometimes I don't even see a post from her it has been so many hours. I am usually done with my last posting of ads around 10 p.m. ( sometimes 11:00 depending on life) So, from 10 p.m.- 8 (or 9:00,10:00 depending on life) I'm not posting. Most days, I don't post again until I'm making dinner ( 5:00,6:00,7:00 p.m. depending on life).

So I certainly don't sit here all,day, checking my ads and posting,posting,posting. If I did that, I wouldn't have a biz ! You do have to return calls to people, too! And anyone that reads this knows I spend a good part of my life sitting in doctors, dentists and chiropractor offices - in fact my daughter is sick today. Guess where I'll be from around 2:30-4:30 or so? At the doctors, then on to the grocery store. Being that I have calls to return this morning, as well as my website to update I probably won't get to repost until around 5-6:00.

My question to those who work at home and may be familiar with posting ads, what is the etiquette for posting ads? The last thing I want to do is give people the impression that I am not a team player and that the Freedom at Home Team is anything but supportive of each other.

But my job is to enroll people into benefits plans & recruit others to work from home doing the same. That means advertising. With the number of people who give up on their dreams & quit their business, how do I know that a person that advertised a day or two ago on that site is even still with the company? I had a new broker from this very site that started, advertised for about a day, and quit!

So, my friends, tell me how you feel. Should you wait a certain amount of time to post if someone else from your company has already advertised there? Should you NEVER advertise there if there is an ad from someone else?

I really want to know- I do feel bad that a broker has that opinion of me (and the other accused broker)

Ok, back on my February 26th post, I asked the burning question " Are you raising a young entrepreneur ? " For all those folks who work at home, I can almost guarantee there is a good possibility of it. And it even stretches across generations........check this out!



Yesterday, Little Man stopped over. Dad had some errands to run, so I was the lucky recipient of an adorable little tyke who always keeps us in stitches! For those of you who are new readers, Little Man is our 16 mo. old grandson. He LOVES coming to Grandma & Grandpa's. So much in fact, he called me the other day. My phone rings and I see on the caller ID that it's David, my stepson. I answer and all I here is Little Man screaming and David saying, "Give me the phone." Little Man is shreeeeeching! All he wants is to talk to grandma! I mean geez, doesn't dad know anything?



So back to my story. David drops little man off. My laptop was on the kitchen table - I was using the office chair at the table. Little man runs over to the closet where we keep his toys, grabs his toy laptop and sets it on the table next to mine. He grabs the office chair, hops onto it, and gets to work! The funny thing is, he even remembered to wear his work uniform, Jammies! Check it out!










Not only is Little Man jumping on the bandwagon, but the other day, my 11 yr.old daughter said she can't wait to be 18. I said, "Why, so you can do whatever you want?" Her answer:

"No, so I can start my own business!"

BTW, we are going to the Future Millionaire's class that the Girl Scouts is holding tomorrow. I can't wait to see what I learn!

Anyway, must go and be a good example to the young entrepreneurs & build my business!

Later, friends!

One great thing about having a home business is the networking! I love online networking!

I just got off the telephone after talking with Ruthie Appleby of The Ruthie Interviews. Ruthie was offering to do an interview with home business owners on her blog. Me, loving the online experience called her right up. And so, I am now a "Start for the day" on The Ruthie Interviews.

So, if you already haven't clicked on the link, go take a gander. And remember, Ruthie is looking for others to interview. This could be great exposure for your home business !

Later, faithful followers!