Ok, I got my new Blackberry, which I call my "Pinkberry" the other day right after I posted. So now, I'm not just working at home, I'm working EVERYWHERE! Ok, not exactly yet- still trying to figure a few things out. I have my Hotmail and Yahoo account going to the phone, but still having issues getting my AmeriPlan email and some websites. I also haven't figured out the volume (duh-probably the easiest thing!) and how to turn off the vibrate and alarm that goes off everytime it downloads the email.

Friday Ron took half a days vacation and we went to our friend Dennis'. Actually, we all went- me, Ron, Golden child, my oldest son, my step-son and Princess Der. We (mostly Ron) gives Dennis a hand with haying, and in exchange, Dennis lets us get hay for our goats. He also runs a blueberry patch- he sells the blueberries, has pick-your-own, and sells some other produce from his garden.

When we got there, Dennis was picking as it had been so rainy they hadn't been able to pick. Now, the berries are huge, and needed to be picked before they split. So, we picked a couple of pailfuls for him, and took some home. Ron & I decided to go back the next morning to help them get a start on their day.

We got there and they were BUSY! They have some people that pick berries for pay- they were all excited to be able to work. There were also a lot of pick-your-own people there. We picked 4 buckets for Dennis and took another home. My mom also met us there and picked. It was fun, and we helped a friend out- that's always a good thing.

Later, my nephew and the kids came over for a while. Then, we had a fire outside and sat around that for a while.

Yesterday Princess Der went with her cousin and his wife to be in a parade. Ron & I went visiting friend's. You may remember Uncle Kenny from this post . We stopped at Uncle kenny's to see the new deck he added to the back of his house and the progress on his kitchen renovation. Both very nice!

Then we went to visit Horner-boy, who you met here . Had a nice visit with him, then went to grab something for supper. Got some yummy steaks and cooked on the grill!

And that, my friends, was my weekend. What about you?

DON'T FORGET ABOUT MY GIVE-AWAY!

Get FREE advertising on my 2 blogs and website! Check it out here!

I wanted to pay tribute to 3 great mom's in my life. I am going to put them from oldest to youngest- when you read their stories, you'll understand why.

The first is my grandmother, Grandma June (My mother's mom). Grandma really was a woman of strength and servitude. She married my Grandfather and moved into the family home- at the time a working farm. She was to be a mother to 3- my mom (the oldest) and my 2 uncles, both born with hemophilia. In those days, there were no medicines to help ease the pain & internal bleeding that hemophilia brings. My grandmother had to find creative ways to help her boys. They were home schooled for the most part. It was difficult to attend school regularly when you constantly had elbow, knee, hip or ankle bleeds. Schools weren't set up for children with disabilities. Even if they were, bleeds can be very painful.

For many years grandma also ran the family store- a modern day convenience store if you will. The children went to the store with her. For a time, so did my uncle's goat! Everyday, Gram loaded the goat into the car along with the kids. In her later years, she was an antique dealer. She ran a "flea market" all summer long from her garage.

Gram was always a "favorite"- a favorite Grandmother and Aunt. Everyone loved June. In fact, there are at least 5 females in our family that I can think of (maybe more) that share the middle name of June.

Although gram had a very rough life, she always opened her home to others. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Family & friend's alike would stop by for a cup of coffee and one of Junes famous English Toffee cookies. Many would stay on for dinner- always a festive event. While there, they would admire her trees. Yes, trees! She had the big tree in the Livingroom, and only God knows where else you might see one. A small tree in the dining room, one made from tree branches in the bathroom. The question was always, "I wonder how many tree's gram will have this year?" Christmas was like a month long party around Grandma Junes.

Gram lived through many trying events in her life- a miscarriage, my Grandfather's luekemia (which left her a widow in 1978), her youngest son passing away due to complications associated with hemophilia. And her own failing health, which finally took her life last March at the age of 90. She was a true model of patience, courage, and love. She is greatly missed.

The second is my mom. When my mom met my Dad, she was a single mom of 1 (my sister). Dad eagerly accepted the role of dad. They were married and 2 yrs later, along came me ! My mom played many roles in life. She too had a son with hemophila. Things were marginally better for hemophiliacs and their families by then. There was some hope in the name of blood transfusions. That meant a trip to the hospital (about 25 minutes from home) where you waited HOURS to be seen and treated. There were many times when my mom had to pack up all of us kids to go to the hospital so my brother could get treatment.

Mom also worked for the town doctor. I remember as a child stopping by the office after school and helping out by filing, making copies, and such. I loved going to the office & helping out. I actually took over my moms job after I graduated from high school.

For several years, my mom also ran a second -hand/antique shop in town. I also spent a lot of time there working and learning about the world of business and customer service.

Mom & Dad also provided us with a summer camp. We started out with a small trailor and bought larger & larger over the years. We always camped at the same campground, and so did many other families. So every spring was an exciting time- seeing old friends again. Camp is where I got my first kiss, actually where I got married the first time (at 12 years old-that's another story!)! I cannot thank my mother enough for packing up every Friday, dragging my friends & I to camp, packing it all back up every Sunday, and unpacking at home (not that us kids didn't help, people. Really....) Oh yeah and putting up with our fighting in the car on the way to camp!

For several years, my cousin & I bowled with our moms on a bowling league. We were about 19-20 yrs. old. We had a lot of good times bowling! I gave us some common ground with our moms.

My mom helped me out so much in my younger years. My first son was born just short of my 18th brithday and like most young couples, the Dad and I didn't work out. He disappeared from our lives by his own choice. My mom was there to lend me a few bucks when I needed it, give me a ride to work as I had no vehicle, and occasionally take my son to camp for the weekend so I could catch a break. Many young mother's don't have anyone standing by them. My mom was there- thanks mom!

My mom is a galavanter. She is always on the go! I don't know how she keeps her schedule straight- lunch with friends, dinner with old classmates, church functions, hospital volunteer work, garage saleing- the list goes on and on...I get tired thinking about it!

There is soooo much more to say about Mom, but I still have to write about my dear sister, Kathy.

Named Katz by the kids... Well, we fought like sisters.

I'm sure I told y'all about her throwing all my clothes on top of me when I was sleeping -thought I was gonna suffocate. In her defense, I believe she warned me if I didn't pick them up, that would happen. (At least she says she warned me!). Or about the time she put my hand in warm water when I was sleeping. If you don't know what happen's, go try it on someone. See what happens ( giggle-giggle!)

But despite that, we had some good times. We actually rented a house together for a while. It was on a lake. A few years later, Katz bought the house next door! Alot of good times there- many family reunions!

One night, when Katz was tending bar part-time, we decided to bring the party home after closing. Several people followed us home. Since it was winter we dragged out the ice skates and everyone was skating on the lake at like 3 a.m. We had races and everything. Ahhh, to be young again!

My sis had her son at a young age and has literally brought herself from a minimum wage worker to a very good position at a well known company. She jets around the country giving presentations.

But she didn't get where she is without her struggles. Her son's Dad was killed in a motorcycle accident when my nephew was only 6 yrs old. Although they were not "together" at the time I know she still loved him and it was very hard on her.

She set to work building a career, one step at a time. She raised her son, and was free to advance her career even more. This eventually led to a job out of state. There she met her husband.

Soon after the marriage, she became "mom" again- to a (step) granddaughter. So now, my sis gets to do it all over again. I have to praise her. It's not easy. There are some medical issues involved, and at a time when most moms are gaining a measure of freedom, she has lost hers. But she's doing it, with the help of the husband :-)

Anyway, my dear friend's, that's a bit about the people in my life who were great moms. Just wanted to honor them.

Gram, I love you and miss you.

Mom and Katz, I'm sure you'll say, " What about this, what about that? " There just wasn't room for everything! Next year, we'll do it again.

Side note: My 17 yr. old SON gave me a dozen roses and a very sweet card. One line says something about the long talks at the kitchen table and I just started to cry. Because those are the times I cherish most.

When he was about 14, he started working on a farm. He would come home with his arms all scratched up from haying, banged up from nudging cows to the feeding stalls(or whatever they are called!) and just tired from getting up at like 4 a.m. and riding his bike down there. Those were some long days- 15 hrs. sometimes. I know they had breaks between wagonloads of hay & feedings where they wrestled in the hayloft, rode their bikes to the store and such. But he was proud, you could tell. And he would talk farm talk, which really, isn't all that exciting to me, but I soaked in every word. Because my son was talking to me!

I guess he appreciated those talks, too!

Anyway, Happy Mothers Day everyone!

I know I have been fooling around with wordless Wednesday the last few weeks, but today I just had to share! Most of you know I work at home with AmeriPlan selling affordable dental and health plans. I am always sharing why I think they are a great company. Well, here's another reason why:


I can win an all expenses paid trip to sunny Las Vegas! Sure could use the sun now :-)

Usually, only so many people can win these trips (usually 2 trips/yr.)- say the top 50 producers, or the top 100. This time, anyone is eligible- they just need to get 1,250 points. I'm not sure yet how many points each enrollment is, but hey, I'm going for it!

And....in April, the points are doubled!!!!! Yeee-haw!

So dear friend's, I know I'm being "businessey" today, but if you know anyone looking to work at home, send them here and if you know anyone that is in need of affordable benefits, please send them here .
Tell them to mention your name & web address or email so I can thank-you and I will return the favor to you somehow (advertising on my webpage, refer someone or something)

Thanks guys!

And for being such great friend's, here's a little treat! Ummm...can you tell I just figured out the whole video thing?

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!

Yesterday, I took a break from working at home and talked it up for a while with my cuz and BBF, Tracy. Tracy moved to Colorado about 20 yrs ago after her jaunt in the army. We see each other every couple of years, but talk for a couple of hours by phone almost every week. We get talking, and the time just flies by.

Which was the subject of our talk yesterday. I happened to mention that my 2nd son was going to be 18 in June. Tracy was astonished! She couldn't believe time had passed so quickly. I then mentioned that my oldest son, Mike was going to be 30 this year! Holy moses, where did the time go!

I remember joking with the 17 year old a few years ago. He was into one of his "I can't wait to grow up" deals. I told him, "You just wait, you're 14 now, next thing you know, you'll wake up and you're 40!" Of course, he thought I was full of horse poo. Tonight, didn't he say, "Wow, I can't believe I'm going to be 18 soon. Seems like I JUST turned 17!"

And that got me to thinking about home business, and how it is so easy to get permission from the boss (you) to take a day off. And how one day can lead to another..........

I have on occasion thought, "Hey, I deserve a day off." And, I put a request in with the boss(me) and lo and behold, the boss says yes.

So, I take the day off and loaf around (cleaning house), take a long car ride ( to the grocery store), and generally stay away from business. What happens?

The next day, a kid is sick. I'm busy all day emptying the pukey bowl, washing out pukey clothes, and cleaning puke off the rug. I get no business done.

The next day, another kid has a dentists appointment, I have Girl Scouts in the afternoon, and again most of a day has gone by with no work done.

And that's why I have learned to do my biz at least a little everyday. I know if nothing else I will ALWAYS wake up around 6 a.m. (I may sleep till 7 on a Sunday!) and run my ads, do my emails, and set my schedule for the day. And I will ALWAYS run my ads at night. And I ALWAYS have flyers and brochures in the car. Even if I have a day off due to appointments and such, I can still hang flyers when I see a bulletin board.

My AmeriPlan bag always has a book, postcards addressed to prospects (easy to do in waiting rooms) and a note book to jot down my ideas.

Because, I know if I "sleep" instead of "work" f or what seems to be only a day or two, I may wake up one morning and it will be years later. And I'll be amazed and say, "Where did all the time go?" And I'll still be stuck in the same rut. And that, my friend's is what keeps me working every day- whether I want to or not. Even if I've had a bad day. Or a bad week. Or a doctors appointment. Or a Girl Scout cookie sale, yadda...yadda!

While working at home is great and you really can't ask for a better boss, it does take a lot of discipline to stay focused. How do you stay focused and keep "Your eye on the prize?"

Don't Quit
When things go wrong as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and debts are high
And you want to smile but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit...
Rest if you must-but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won if he'd stuck it out
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer thanIt seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given upWhen he might have captured the victor's cup
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things go wrong
That you mustn't quit.

Author Unknown

I'm so glad I work at home now. Otherwise, I would have been spending Saturday morning working at the library where I used to work. Great job, but not as great as being my own boss.

The day started out with my 11 yr. old daughter, 17 yr. old son & I making Valentine's cookies.

While that was going on...........

While the kids started cutting out the cookies, I decided to clean out the refigerator.

It's not like I set out to punish myself, but this particular recipe called for cooling the dough for ease in handling. There was barley room in the fridge to accomodate even the small bowl that I had the dough in. I guess time got away from me. Business, doctor appts., home, family and Girl Scouts all kept me from getting to that fridge (ok, I know, more excuses!)

Once the dough cooled, there was only thing to do - dig in and take care of the mess! I figured I had an hour or so until my grandson came over.

I started heaving out bowls of stuff that I can only describe as...........well, indescribable! Leftover mashed potatoes had an orange tinge to them, while the accompanying bowl of gravy sported some white fuzzy stuff. A clump of cheese had green splotches that resembled warts. I happened to remember reading somewhere that white fuzzy stuff and clumpy, lumpy green stuff is what pharmaceutical companies use to make pennicillin.

Thinking back to all those trips to the doctors with the kids for strep throat and earaches, a light bulb went off in my head! Hmmm....maybe I could keep the white matter and little green wart-like things. Maybe I could try my hand at homeopathic medicine. Anyone up for a little white and green lumpy & clumpy tea? Not sure where to begin with that little project, I pushed it aside for another day. I threw out the stuff. I'm sure I'll have more again one day!

I continued on with my duties. I unearthed a plate that yielded a piece of dried, cracked mystery meat. I was just ready to throw it in the garbage, when an idea struck. Having heard about dehydrated food (add water and presto-chango- it's instantly hydrated). I decided to experiment. My dog was to be the proverbial guinea pig. Supposedly, they won't eat bad food. I put the hunk of meat in a bowl, and proceeded to add water. I expected the meat to soak the water up like a dried out sponge, miracuously transforming into a juicy filet mignon. The water simply rolled off. I wrapped the whole mess in plastic wrap and threw it in the microwave. Several minutes later, it still resembled shoe leather. The dog turned his nose up at it, so I tossed it out!

I really needed to get to work! The kids were ready to bake their cookies and I was still cleaning! I reached my hand in and pulled out a pound of hamburg I had taken out of the freezer days ago to make hamburger helper. A wave of guilt rushed through me. I was so busy that day that even hamburger helper couldn't help me! (I know what you're thinking. "She not only doesn't make a homemade meal, she doesn't even make a prepared meal!") Oh, well............I'm sure the kids ate SOMETHING...they're still breathing.

Suddenly, we heard a rather loud truck in the driveway. David was here with the baby. They always seem to come 1/2 hr-45 minutes earlier than they say. How could I forget? Yikes! I grabbed a dish rag and quickly wiped out the now empty fridge. I looked around at the million of dishes on the counters from the fridge. And said, " Oh well.....maybe later." Grabbed the baby, kissed him and got right down to teaching him how to cut out cookies with the little bit of dough we had saved for him.

We baked up the cookies and planned on frosting them later........For once, they turned out perfect! Every cookie seemed to have the perfect thickness. They were cooked perfectly. We were planning on frosting them & writing cute sayings on them. We had hearts, lips, bells,etc... Thought we could write things like , "Kiss me" on the lips, "You can ring my bell" on the bells, etc... with frosting.

Grandpa came home from work, Grandma (me, of course) gave him a cup of coffee and recommended he get a cookie (non-frosted) b-4 they are gone. We went to bed with one (unfrosted) cookie left. I gave Ron his card & an empty cookie tin :)

We had the babe until about 9 p.m. The dishes got done, the fridge was clean. We had no cookies for midnight snack, but it was a good day all and all.

Grandma Aggies Butter Cookie's

1 c. (2 sticks) butter
1 c. Sugar
1 egg
1 tbl. milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 3/4 flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Cream butter; gradually adding sugar. Beat until light & fluffy.Beat in egg, milk & vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients. Gradually add to creamed mixture.
Cool for ease in handling.
Cut with floured cookie cutters.
Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.
Decorate as desired

Wow, my work at home site is growing ! As of now, 9:24 p.m., I had 28 unique visitors; and 5 new members! I am so excited!

Today, I added a post: How do you keep your kids entertained while you work [at home]? I look forward to seeing some of the different ideas.

Yesterday I asked: What do you dream about. What is your "why", why you do work at home, or why you want to work at home

Read the forum to see my long-term whys!

Got to go post my ads for the last time tonight!

Carolee Sperry
Regional Sales Director
AmeriPlan
CSperry@ameriplan.net
www.mybenefitsplus.com/sperry
www.freedomathometeam.com/sperry
yahoo instant messenger ID: carolee_sperry
1-800-918-5154

We like to see you smile!

So I was hanging out today , working at home in my jammies. I started slamming out ads with the sunrise. I checked emails, fed the animals, and fed myself. Placed more ads, worked on my online groups, made some phone calls. Had some lunch, yadda-yadda. Very motivated today.

The next thing I know, it's 4 p.m. I needed to leave by 4:45 or so to meet the cookie coordinator for Girl Scouts. It's that time again! Yum-Yum!

Obviously, I needed to get out of my jammies and put on some real clothes. I trudge into the bathroom, look into the mirror and stifle a scream.

My hair was sticking up all over the place. I looked like I was some kind of science fiction character- 1/2 human, 1/2 chicken. I wonder ......Who the heck is that rooster in the mirror? Yikes! That's me! I couldn't help but wonder, how did it come to this?

The pajamas I could understand. I have sleepwear, and I have my working pajamas. So I do change everyday (yes, and shower,too!), I just like being comfortable. I detest high heels and business suits.

But the hair.....uggggh! I have visions of my favorite Federal Express guy coming to deliver my Vista Print order. I come to the door and ahhhhhh..... he runs away in horror.

And it got me to thinking about how easy it is to let yourself go when you don't have to face the public everyday.

And I made a resolution......for the next week, I am going to wake up and get dressed as if I were going to work.

I'll put on the accessories, and style my hair. Put on make-up. Wear a bra (giggle, giggle!) Sashay around the house in my finery.

I looked through my closet - since my surgery 2 years ago (had to remove kidney & spleen due to a tumor) I had gained around 35 lbs. Most of my nice "work" clothes no long fit. You don't realize just how bad it's getting when you are hanging out in pajamas and sweatpants the majority of the time.

And so I started looking at my "modern-day work clothes." I did have a pretty pair of pajama bottoms - could that be counted as dressing up? How about that t-shirt that doesn't have a single coffee stain (can that be mine?) And my new fuzzy slippers, wouldn't they just complete the look ? Hm.... brush the hair - there may be hope yet.

And then, like most resolutions, it flew right out of my head. Who cares if I wear pajamas, bunny slippers & I have messy hair? The important thing is I am home, where I am happy. And that is sooooo much more than what most people have.

So I look like a rooster sometimes. I can think of worse......so many people strive to look perfect so that they can go out and be miserable. I look, well... less than perfect. But I'm perfectly happy, working at home.

Carolee Sperry
The Blogging Biz Mom (edited)

How many home business opportunities have you tried and "failed" at before you found "the one" ? 3? 4? More? Or haven't you found it yet? That was a question I asked the members of my group , " The Pajama Momma's" the other day. I have tried so many in the past 20 years, I think I forgot one or two when I did that post.



So, was I a failure, or did I fail to plan? I think the longest I worked any of these businesses was about 3 months. Then I threw in the proverbial towel and proclaimed the company and it's products "impossible to sell."



For gosh sakes, I've been here 6 weeks and haven't made a dime!



I just knew I would never succeed. Another company out to get my money!



About a year or so ago, I ran into a woman who was my upline in another company about 8 years ago. She was driving a VERY nice car. Dressed to the nines. Great hair. Great face ( hmmm...those beauty products that were part of our inventory?) I asked her if she was still with that particular company. I was floored when she smiled and said, "Yes, I am." All I could think as I drove home is "that could have been me!"



So that got me to thinking. Why do some home business owner's flourish in business, while others wither away?



I was about a year into my AmeriPlan business and was growing, but pretty slow. Giving up wasn't an option. I believed in the service, believed in the opportunity and I was so thrilled that there was no product to sell, store and ship. So I decided to get a little old fashioned education. I listened to motivational speakers on CD's - those people that had what I wanted. I read inspirational books. Read about famous people and what they have accomplished, and the time it took them to succeed. I almost hung my head in shame! Compared to some of these people , I hadn't even STARTED the process needed to be successful.



Check out these facts:



We all know this one! Look how long it took God to create the world, and he's GOD! C'mon, I'm just me. How long did I try before I gave up?



Thomas Edison's teachers proclaimed him "too stupid to learn anything." It took Edison 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. Edison 's attitude was this : I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.



Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he succeeded



Dr. Suess's first book , And to think I saw it on Mulberry Street, was rejected by 27 publishers. Vanguard Press eventually picked it up. It went on to sell 6 million copies. Since that time, well....it's all history.



The list goes on and on. In fact, some of the most successful people had tried and been unsuccessful at least a few times. Which gave me a new resolve- I was going to look at the successful people in my company and do what they did. All they did was keep on keeping on! I did, too. I made Regional Sales Director soon after. Now I help participate in training calls to help other's reach RSD.



Why am I willing to go the long haul now? I think it really came when I saw my upline from the previous company. She had what I had wanted way back when but did not have the courage and conviction to see it through. Granted, she probably believes in the product. I admit I didn't feel comfortable selling stuff I didn't even like using! But I do believe in health benefits.

Wow, I just received this. This just proves why I believe a home-based business with AmeriPlan is such a great opportunity. With the falling economy, we can't lose! Check it out!


Ameriplan USA Review

This is a question I am often asked. I may work from home, but I am talking to people from all over the United States. And what better ice breaker is there than to talk about the weather? But of course, if you're like me, this question will literally stump you!

Don't get me wrong, I DO get out! We have goats and chicken's, so I get out at least twice a day to feed them. Throw in a trip to the mailbox - heck - I get out!

But what about those times when I am holed up in my home office answering emails, posting ads on the Internet, and "socializing" on all the forums I am a member on? When feeding the animals earlier it had been sunny, a balmy 38 degrees, with no wind at all. The weather was great when I closed the door to my sanctuary.

Fast forward an hour or so. Like I said, I'm doing my online stuff, in my own little world. I have someone I need to call in Florida. I hop on the phone and give them a call. I let them know who I am , that I am returning their call and ask how can I help them. We pass a few "how are you's" , etc.... and then they ask the question...... " Where are you calling from?' When I tell them New York, they always ask about the weather. ( The weather........ahhh, who knows?) .....

..... hurry, run to the window, look at the sky. What where did the sky go- all I can see is snow! Check the thermostat! 23 degrees? When did that happen? Woah- look at car! Where the heck did the truck go?

........" Oh, it's snowing like a son of a gun!" I say. "Must have about 6-8 inches . The temperatures' only 23!"

They are amazed! Some people I speak to have never seen snow! If they only knew.....

I tell them, "That ain't nothin', honey. A few years ago, a town a few miles north of us got 10 FEET of snow in a few days- we only got 3 feet!"

Have you ever heard that old saying If you don't like the weather in Central New York wait 5 minutes? It's true, too. We can have a raging snowstorm that will literally shut down schools across the region. A few hours later the sun is out, and the wind has died down. The picture perfect scenery with it's sparkling new- fallen snow belies the fact that you could only see 2 feet in front of you an hour ago. And it can go the other way. Great weather can turn nasty pretty quickly around these parts.

So if you happen to call me and ask about the weather...........and I seem clueless....it's not that I don't get out much, or that I have been on the computer for hours...(REALLY! I MEAN IT). It just means I haven't looked out my window in an hour or so!

Welcome to the wonderful world of working from home. No longer do I care about the weather! Just give me my computer and leave me alone!

When you work at home running your own home based business, every New Year is a new adventure. It's a time for new business partnerships, new friend's and new experiences. It is also a time to set some business as well as personal goals.

There are some great books out there that will help take you to the next level. Currently, I am eading Chicken Soup for the Soul: Unlocking the Secrets to Living Your Dreams by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.

The book stresses how to dream, and then to turn those dreams into goals & objectives. It also touches on visualization, overcoming fears and taking action! And as always, it has some great Chicken Soup for the Soul inspirational stories.

I set my 1st goal before I even cracked open the cover. My goal was to read the WHOLE book. Usually, I get bored with some part of a book, or it contains information I already know, so I skip around. In the beginning of this book, they recommended reading it through 1st, then going through it again and do the exercises. I vowed to do just that.

So, I've almost read the whole book (have about 5 pages left). Believe it or not, I didn't get bored! I WAS itching to get to the activities and set some goals. So that is my goal for tomorrow- to do start the exercises.

This will be a first as I usually skip the exercises in these types of books, too.

But it's a new year, time for a new me.

So what about you? Whether you work at home or not, why not tell us what you are reading for the New Year that will help improve your 2009?

Carolee Sperry
Regional Sales Director
AmeriPlan
CSperry@ameriplan.net
www.mybenefitsplus.com/sperry
www.freedomathometeam.com/sperry
yahoo instant messenger ID: carolee_sperry
1-800-918-5154
We like to see you smile!

Will you be out with friend's and family, whining about how crappy 2008 was ? That's what 98% of the people will be doing. Making resolutions they know they won't keep. Complaining about the spouse, the boss, the economy. Drinking themselves into believing 2009 will be different. But when they wake up on January 1st, will anything be different?

SEE YOU AT THE TOP!