OOOH... Wacky Wednesday Time!

I almost forgot today's Wacky Wednesday post! I've been saving this one... and almost forgot it...
Sadly, we all know that once "Back to School" is over in the stores, signs like this will be popping up all over the place!

Anti-Social ~ Social Networking

Here is a question I pose to myself today. Anyone reading can feel free to post a comment in response...

Can a person who is anti-social by nature really succeed in Social Networking?

Its odd, because in most circumstances, I would consider myself anti-social. Life has made me that way, sadly. I moved around a lot as a child, 5 states in my first 18 years. Heck, halfway through my senior year it came time to move again so I started school after Christmas break in a whole new state/school. It wasn't easy, and has had both positive and negative effects on me. I am fiercely independent and can handle most anything life hands me on my own... but part of me longs for the human contact of friends, etc that I shelter myself from even to this day.

So here we get back to the question. How does being anti-social affect both being a WAHM and Social Networking? It seems that social networking is a huge part of the WAHM culture, and has been for a long time. Being relatively anti-social has made that aspect of "relationship marketing" and social networking difficult for me. I don't have anything to talk about in the forums, I don't seem to "fit in" most of the time. I join social networks (like Ning) but after a short time the "networking" aspect becomes more like work to me and I just stop. I usually don't even get to the point where people get to know the "real" me at all.

So how does being anti-social work with social networking? So far, not so good.

Experiments....

Well.. I need to follow up on how the 2 experiments have been going for me. First, the more successful one...

I found that using the index cards to keep myself on task worked well, for the most part. But as any WAHM knows, life can't always be planned out. I had some distractions and some additional tasks thrown in there, but for the most part my day went smoothly and by the end of the week most of the cards were ending up in the "completed" pile. Of course some of the "One time only" jobs (like sorting through all the school clothes to see what fits and who gets what) didn't get done, but I DID get ALL of my laundry done, a monumental task with 7 kids. All in all, I consider it a success... and when my older 3 kids come home from their dad's on Sunday and I have some help, things should go even better.

Now for the experiment that was not so successful. Or maybe it was, depending on how you look at it. Avoiding negativity is NOT easy. There were so many things that tripped me up, not much on gossip, but the overall negative emotions and thoughts. I have noticed that when I first started, I felt more bliss, and after a day where I felt bad and complained a lot I had a less positive outlook. So starting over and trying again. I do know that when I focus on the good things I have, I feel great... so back to that.

Oooh... Check this out!

One of the Ning groups I am in, Mompreneur Cafe, is hosting a great giveaway...

Slimpressions are body sculpers that help contain the bulge. Helps you LOOK thinner while you are trying to BECOME thinner - or even just to look amazing in that special outfit.

Slimpressions is giving away the product of YOUR choice to one lucky winner! Check it out at
http://www.mompreneurcafe.com/profiles/blogs/slimpressions-review-discount .

Slimpressions have even been on What Not to Wear! Such an exciting giveaway - can't keep it to yourself!

Experiment (or 2)

Trying a couple of new things this week. Both stared today.

First is my new "organizational system". I took 2 small envelopes, tucked the seal inside and then several 3x5 cards. I have a few that are set up Morning, Mid Day, Afternoon, Evening that have the things I do multiple times a day (like check e-mail and do loads of laundry) and others with basic things I should do every day. I made a card for each of my sites, with a list of the specific pages that need work as well. The first envelope, that they start the day in, is "To Do" and the other, of course, is completed. It is keeping me on track, but by being individual cards I can re-prioritize and put things at the end of the day, etc if it is low priority. So far its working. I am staying on task and getting cards moved to the "Done" envelope. Will keep updating how it is in a few days.

Second thing came from an e-mail from Shelby Collinge. It was a challenge/experiment for 21 days, to avoid gossip (including reading it or watching it on tv) complaining and anything negative. She said the first few days it would seem impossible, but after you get working with it more it becomes easier AND it opens your mind for more positive thoughts and therefore more positive responses from the world around you. Can't hurt, so I'm gonna give it a try. I know that I am the one standing in my way most of the time, hoping this helps me get out of that type of mindset.

The Mall rework is coming along great! I am so excited to see how it looks. Just need a few more pages done, and (of course) a response on exclusivity of a graphic I want to buy and it will be up! Going to start the re-work on the network next. Since I really didn't use any front page fancies on there, it should be much easier to work with... we'll see.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Wacky Wednesday

Just a few of the hysterical pics I got in e-mail the other day. Saving some for next week. :)

Wow... Really? A gun shop has weapons? What a weird thing to find there.

I think if the human skull had been used more than once I would be more scared.

And this sale... I gotta go. 50% off is great - but HALF PRICE?! What a bargain!

Hope you smiled ~ enjoy your day.

New Week, New Breakthru

I think I have the mall ready for content to be added. I like the way it looks and aside from playing with a new header, etc I should be ready to go. I am amazed at what a little bit of looking around at templates for sale can do for inspiration. Now just to buy the graphic I want and I'm ready to go. Very exciting. I love the new look and I hope everyone else does too.

Slowly but surely

Re-doing the websites from almost scratch isn't easy, and it is pretty time consuming. But at the same time it is giving me the opportunity to re-think things I did a year ago and change some things around. Plus I am learning new things and developing my own solutions. It really has been fun so far, I can't wait to share it with everyone.

I am so excited that people seem to be taking notice of my work. On twitter I had been posting questions, etc and not getting any answers. But all of a sudden I am seeing more mentions, more re-tweets, and more responses.

See what a little "hardship" can do for you?

I wouldn't wish this rollercoaster of a week on anyone, but since I get to ride I might as well enjoy it.

OK.. Here's todays REAL post

What a rollercoaster week we've had this week.

Sunday we downloaded Windows 7 Beta during some routine maintenance with the system. Monday, some of the old XP files went on strike against Win7 and rendered the computer virtually useless. By evening we had it back up and running again, so I prepared to "teach" Win7 where all my files were on Tues. Well, Tuesday comes, and I'm working on some of my files, managed to get a Office 2007 and Expression Web up and running. I still couldn't get it to access my webdisk like XP did, but I can use ftp too, so no big deal... (or so I thought)

So today I download the pages from my sites so I had the most up to date things on the computer. FTP worked perfectly and I got all the pages from all my sites without a hassle. Awesome! I realize that the sites I made before I really knew what I was doing didn't have the images in an image folder so I set out to get more organized. I take the first page and hit "edit" ... simple enough. Who ever said that Expression Web is simply an upgrade to Front Page was an idiot. There are so many changes and useful functions now gone that it is worthless. Themes are totally gone, so is their instant Navigation. I can't edit the pages the way they were and actually fix them in Expression Web.

Now I am faced with a forced re-design. It is going to be a great thing, just going to take a lot of work. At least the sites that are on the servers are ok and working, so I won't have the downtime. It looks like it is going to be better to start from scratch rather than try to "fix" what I had... and that is where I need help. Please, take a look at my sites... Mom's Online Mall, M.O.M. Network, Beyond Pregnancy, TeamMOM ... and tell me what you think. What should I do differently, what do YOU want to see?

Please, feel free to e-mail me at mary@momnetworksite.com and let me know what you think.

Change is a little scary at first, but its going to be an amazing opportunity, I'm sure!

Wacky Wednesday

Gonna start off today with my Wacky Wednesday pic. A friend sent it to me and everyone I have shown it to has laughed hysterically! I just have to share it here!

Warning... the picture is a little graphic.

It involves a boating "accident" and shows a man on the brink of death.

Only one last warning...

Oh the Joys!

I am so thankful that we have multiple computers here. Hubby installed Windows 7 (beta) on the desktop I usually use, and now I have to show it where all of my files are. That means no Office, no Front Page. I can't even get it to access the my websites through "my network files" like I could before. And to top it off... Windows 7 is saying it isn't compatible with Office 2003, so I am not sure what I am doing.

So, "work" is put off for some time. Which is most annoying because I made a huge list of errors and changes that I need to get fixed on pretty much all of the sites. I had some re-write ideas for articles and a few other tweaks too, and now they have to wait.

There ARE some more great things coming, its just gonna take me a bit.

In the mean time, have you taken the surveys from my last post??

Wacky Wednesday

Well, since I posted that it was Tuesday today, I decided I needed a fail pic for Wacky Wednesday today. Then I got lost on Failblog.com and well... spent some good time giggling.

Here is just one of the things that made me laugh today! Enjoy!



But.. but... but I WANT to fold my coins!!!

Terriffic Tuesday!!

Its a great day today! I have a renewed energy and spirit. It really is amazing what changing some colors on the screen has done today. Instead of using a maroon or black font while doing some writing on MS Word, I tried a black background with yellow words. I still feel tired, physically, but mentally I'm alert and excited for the day. Its a great feeling and I'll have to play with colors more often.

I have also come up with a new survey to help me with the network site. I was so excited to see the responses on my other survey, I knew this was a great way to get some feedback. You can check out my Network Survey here, or visit the Traffic Exchange survey here. Feel free to answer one or both of the surveys.

Wow... where has the week gone... I just realized it is Wednesday, not Tuesday! LOL... Guess this makes it a Wacky Wednesday after all!!

KITTENS!

We have a cat who decided she wanted to be an outside cat. When she came to us a little more than a year ago she was a tiny, sickly kitten who didn't seem like she was even old enough to be away from her mother. But we took care of her, got rid of the flea infestation that threatened her life, and nursed her back to health. She stayed in for a while, but the "call of the wild" got the best of her. She still comes in every day to eat, but she spends most of her time outside. She had been getting fatter, so we knew she was pregnant, but then one day about 2 weeks ago she came up to eat and she was MUCH skinnier. She was obviously hungry because she ate a full can of cat food PLUS some of her dry. Childbirth can wear you out, yanno.

This morning we got a special treat. She brought her kittens up to live on the porch.

Three little kittens have joined our family. The kids are ecstatic.

Friday

Well, another Friday has arrived. Been playing with the new site all week. So many issues to correct. But basically its back up. Check out WAHM Coffee Club and tell me what you think. *I* think it still needs a lot of work, but I am never satisfied with my own work.

M.O.M. Network is coming along nicely. Working on a page of resources that all businesses need with low-cost and free options. I am including links to WAHM owned options whenever I can.

I do really want to make the M.O.M. Network the "One Stop WAHM resource" so if my readers have any suggestions of resources or WAHM businesses that should be included, please let me know.

Also, as I am getting ready to launch the sites and really get them out there, I am looking for nominees for our very first "WAHM of the Week." The M.O.M. Network has spots for Site, Shop, Blog and WAHM of the week. So send me your nominations!

Have a great holiday weekend and be careful out there. (Especially if you live in or around Dupage county IL... some idiot stole 5000 pounds of commercial fireworks and will probably kill all his friends and family putting on a show in his backyard.)

Slacking

Wow, I've really been slacking on adding to the blog. I really need to get it worked into my schedule so it is something I do automatically.

I must say that there has been a lot going on around here, between real life and the new site. I have gathered a lot more resources that are great for home business owners, and while they're not owned or run by WAHMs I really think that these links are some services that many small/home business owners really want. This site has also been helping me clear up my hard drive, because I have, over the past few years, downloaded a ton of e-books and business building products that I have resale or giveaway rights to. So I am working on getting those added to the site as well. Busy busy busy.

To top it off, I have just purchased an existing website that I think will fit in well with the network. I am not sure about the way the site is currently set up, it seems that it is 2 different sites meshed together, but that is something I will be working on. The main site, and the domain name that goes with it, will be the social hub of the network. There is a forum set up as well as a place for contests/games and chats. Its pretty exciting how things are just seeming to fall into place.

I would really love to hear from anyone who is reading this blog. Please, whether you have a business that can benefit WAHMs or you just have some good links, send them my way. What is your favorite WAHM resource? Who do you recommend when a WAHM is looking for a place to advertise or wants to learn something? E-mail it to me at mary@momnetworksite.com. All submissions will be entered to win a mini-basket with special gifts inside and a free spot in the banner rotation.

Well, back to work :)

Marvelous Monday

It really is a marvelous Monday! Hubby is done working out of town for now, kids are all home and actually got their playroom clean, and I've gotten some more work done on my new site. Plus I created a yahoo group for the members ~ partially as a newsletter, and partially to promote member to member networking. There will be "Members Only" specials I post there, and I would also like to see member to member specials, barter & trades, and just general chatting. Might even do some shopping spree type things and bonus giveaways there too.

I am almost ready to launch. I just want to put some finishing touches on the Learning Center. If anyone reading this blog would like to have an article placed, along with their own ads/graphics on that page, e-mail me at mary@momnetworksite.com.

Check out the Directories and send me your listings, while we're at it. These listings are a first come, first served basis (with priority placement for those with linkbacks) and I am gradually opening the site to collect these links. First priority will be anyone who reads it here. Then I will offer it to people in the Ning groups that I am in, yahoo groups and finally twitter ~ before opening it up completely to the internet.

Exciting

So much has been going on that I can not even begin to go through it all in this blog.

With the decision to start working on my new project I have been immersed in it for the past week, at least. You can see what I have started here. Please, keep in mind that as of this posting it is not ready to be promoted and released. There are some rough edges and a lot more things to come.

The other night I had a dream where I met Neale Donald Walsch, an inspirational author/speaker I heard on the Healing with the Masters series. There wasn't much conversation, but when I woke I had a new attitude and feeling towards things. I knew in my heart things that I had been working on were going well. I knew that bigger things are headed my way. I had such excitement when I woke up that I worked non-stop most of the day. (Well, as non-stop as a mom with kids at home can work, anyway.) Every day since then I have had this wonderful feeling of anticipation. Good things are coming! I love it!

Earlier this week, I contacted Kustom by Kris, the woman who did the banners for the mall for me, and asked about creating some new banners for my project. My only real request was that they coordinate with the other ones she did for me, and that the Traffic Exchange have a car on it... that was it. The next morning she sent me proofs of what she made me and all I can say is WOW! These really are amazing. A great way to get me even more hyped up for this project. I will be using her for all of the graphics I need from now on.

I need to get back to work.... Have an amazing day.

A shift in thought

Today, this blog will make a shift. I can't say for how long, but for today I will actually talk about me. The personal side of me.

I have been doing some reading, after listening to some of the speakers on Healing with the Masters series, on manifestation. At first my goals were to find a way to make it work. Upstream, as Abraham-Hicks would say. I wanted to find the method, the words, the way to manipulate things to get what I want.

And then my eyes were opened. I can't even say what the moment was, or the trigger was. I just know that at the end of my day, I was in pure bliss. Not wanting for anything, just reveling in the beauty and joy of the abundance that I already have.

After all, I have an amazing husband who worked 17 hours yesterday, out of town, so that we can have things that we need. But that isn't all. He really is a thoughtful, considerate (most of the time), loving, caring person. Sure we have had our struggles, but I have to say that 90% of those have been caused by outside influences.

I also have some great kids. I hear from friends that their kids are in trouble with the police, getting caught drinking or stealing, or even drugs - and they are the same age as mine. My kids are all healthy, happy, well adjusted and all around good kids. I am thankful for that as well.

We have the money to pay the bills, we have a beautiful house to live in, we have what we need. Life really is good.

So what would I like to see manifested now? I want some extras. And I want my business to grow and develop so that *I* am the one contributing these extras. The first treat I want for my family is the weekend getaway to Renfaire this summer. Next will be the trip to Las Vegas for a honeymoon. I even know I want to stay at the Luxor and that we will go Oct 23-25. Then, probably over spring break or next summer we are going to DisneyLand and the LA area. Got that trip planned out pretty much too.

While the costs of these things seemed to be more of a concern to me before, now it feels like I just know. I can't describe it, other than just a wonderful feeling of knowing. There is no "what if" or "but" just knowing.

Life is beautiful. Just take a moment to look around at all you have, instead of what you do not.

Amazing New Company

Whether you’re looking for a new business, or just want to take a peek at some of the cutest new products to hit the market – you have to check these out…

Iggly Biggly has pre-launch spots still available for only $20 registration.
http://www.igglybigglysales.com/?id=Shmonkey

Who doesn’t love flip-flops? Iggly Biggly has such adorable styles you’ll want one of each!

For more info on this great product and amazing opportunity e-mail me at mary@momsonlinemall.com or go to Iggly Biggly

Thought for Thursday

When something is supposed to happen, everything that is required for it to happen will come. Everything falls right into place as the need arises.

Just like the M.O.M. Network. The flood of ideas of what it has started with. The ideas move toward the site needs like hosting, etc so I investigated some WAHM centered hosting companies, and found the one I want to go with. As I keep going I see the expenses that the new project requires and I know that the funding to cover them will be here when the time is right to move to that step.

I think the biggest thing keeping me from getting all of this done and ready is me. I really have to learn to get out of my own way and let things come in.

Great things are coming!

Magnificent Monday!

I did have a Magnificent Monday! I had so much fun at "work" that I hardly got the chance to do the "fun" things I had planned. So much fun that I didnt' even get a chance to post to the blog.

There are so many new changes coming, developing new "M.O.M. Network" sites and looking at hosting options, etc. You can go to www.momsonlinemall.com/momnetwork.htm to see what I've got so far, but it is far from ready. Big changes, lotsa re-arranging coming.

I must say that the "dream" (literally) came after listening to some coaching calls I had taped and ACCEPTING where I was in life at this moment. All of a sudden the floodgate opened. I started to get frazzled about the new ideas swimming in my head, and "How am I gonna...." and seeing some friends kinda fall out of the picture. So I listened to the Thursday night Healing with the Masters call. I got on the call late, but just in time to hear Jennifer say something along the lines of, "If things are a little disjointed right now, be happy. That means that what you have asked for is rushing toward you in a new way and pushing everything that doesn't fit in with it out of the way." At that point I knew exactly where I was going, what I needed to do.

Each day is a learning experience. Just because something doesn't work out the way you think it should doesn't mean it won't work out - better than you originally hoped. We should all remember to stop getting in our own way!

Yummy!

I just got a link exchange request for Mom's Online Mall from another blog... and when I checked it out I knew what was for dinner tomorrow! (would have been tonight, but I don't have all the ingredients on hand)

Check out the Mom On a Budget blog! You'll be glad you did!

defeat

Well, so much for the manifesting and 10 miracles. Got my final kick in the teeth last night when I got the "congrats" email about the new owner of the site I wanted.

I've been beaten. Sure - when one door closes another opens somewhere... but by the time I find it, it will close on me too.

This door has to come find me.

Crappy attitude? Sure. Reality bites.

So I guess you gotta take a day off sometimes. Gonna listen to some motivational recordings and start all over tomorrow.

Plus the season finale of Hell's Kitchen is on tonight :).

What the heck is up with Twitter?

I am not sure if this should be a blog post, an open discussion on the forum, or a discussion in a twitter group, but here goes…

What the heck is twitter for? Obviously I am missing something here. Everyone I have chosen to follow is someone that I want to hear what they have to say. Most of them are because I believe I can learn something from them. Heck, one of them tweeted something about her wholesale program and her products are something I have been looking for to add to my site, so I am gathering an order together and working out ideas for labeling.

And then there are the few that I am ready to unfollow. Sadly, one of them is/was a good friend. Her tweets have gone from what her kids had for lunch (PB&J most days) to blatant advertising. She is a friend on Facebook too, and sends her tweets both places. In a 3 hour period there were 17 friend updates on my Facebook wall… 11 of them were blatant ads by this one person. She claims that she enjoys the conversations with all 1000 of her Twitter followers, but I wonder how many of those followers are enjoying them. And to top it off, it seems as though Twitter is a competition to her. She found some lists of the top people to follow that will follow you back, to grow your follower list – and followed each and every one of them. How many of her followers are truly interested in what she has to say, and how many are just gathering followers themselves, I have to wonder.

One of the others I am tempted to unfollow seems to have a schedule of tweets, and every day it is the same thing. I don’t mean “good morning” and such, I mean EXACTLY the same tweet, in exactly the same order, every day. Since that person is a motivator, and the morning reminders that the one thing that makes today different is that I am creating it as I go are nice… so far. But that is because I have only been following them for 3 days.

So seriously, what is the point of Twitter? It started out as a way to keep friends updated, and now it looks like a competition to have the most followers, whether they listen to what you are saying or not. And it seems highly egotistical to think that the whole world (or 1000 followers) is hanging on your every word/ad.

Please, don’t follow me on Twitter, unless you like what I have to say or want to interact with me. And certainly don’t follow me if you want to collect followers or sell me something.

Still want to follow me - @momsonlinemall

Thought for the day...

Living for the now... its not a new concept. It is something that mindset coaches talk about in order to help you get over the past and start anew.

I was reading an article about how the past is gone, old and stale and the future is always waiting. It reminded me of a Stephen King story and movie called The Langoliers. In the movie, the passengers on a plane went through a time rip, and those who were asleep didn't pass into the next moment. Instead they stayed behind, only a few seconds, but they were in the past. Nothing was as bright as it should be, nothing tasted as good, nothing was "right." The basis of the movie was simple, they struggled to get back to "now" while the "Langoliers" came to clean up and remove the past. Staying in the past was deadly, as the "Langoliers" destroyed everything in their path.

Placing that in perspective - we are all being followed by "Langoliers" who come and clean up the past. They follow right behind us, keeping us in the moment. It is only our mind that lets us relive the past, for once a moment has passed it is gone forever. Don't let your memories of what was rule your now. Or you may face the "Langoliers" yourself one day.

The past and the future exist only in your mind. Take a moment and relish TODAY, for it soon will be gone as well.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Hoping everyone has a great day today, whether you ARE a Mother, or just have one. :)

Wacky Wednesday (2 days late)

As I was reading a discussion on a message board about the MMORPG I play they started talking about a helmet that is supposed to be in the game. Someone asked for a pic of the helmet and this pic was shown. I am not sure I have laughed that hard in a LONG time!

10 Miracles in 10 Days - Day 8

Well, I guess I sent it out and then gave up on it - but I got it anyway. Manifestation is a curious thing. In my last post I mentioned that the haircut wasn't important and I was going to take it off the list because it wasn't really something I was worried about. And yet, when a friend and I went to lunch yesterday - she took me for a haircut. My hair went from the middle of my back to above my shoulders! And I was right, I absolutely love it!

Another thing off my list.

Still waiting for...
The traffic exchange purchase
The profits from my business
The vacation in Vegas in October.

I think I need to re-align my thoughts because I know I have been feeling some doubt on the bottom 2. The TE, for some reason, I believe - despite the setback that has been put in front of me. But the profits on the site I keep looking at "the how" and trying to figure out what I need to do to make it happen instead of letting it happen. And the vacation seems to be connected to the site's profits.

Time to re-listen to one of the audios on manifesting, I guess.

10 Miracles 10 Days ... day 5

Yeah, yeah... I know I should have done day 5 yesterday. But better late than never...

To recap the desires...
1. buy "Free Banner Xchange"
2. buy a new van *****COMPLETE
3. make Mom’s Online Mall self-sustaining and drawing profit
4. find some new friends *****COMPLETE
5. let go of my perceptions of what ppl think of me *****COMPLETE
6. schedule honeymoon in Vegas for October 23-25
7. find an offline expo for etc and/or stuff a pal
8. make profits of my own from my businesses
9. find my friend a better job
10. get a haircut and makeover

Had a delay in the first one... but its a good delay. Apparently there is a potential buyer for the site, but she will have a final decision later this week. But this works to my advantage. The van set us back a little bit more than expected, BUT if she doesn't have a decision until later this week, my new support will be in next Tues or Weds and I'll be all set to buy it then. Its all a matter of perspective - most people would have been upset when something they want looked like it was slipping through their fingers. But I managed to find the positive in it.

I have also found, while thinking about it last night, that some of these things on my list are not really things I care about. I can honestly say that 9 & 10 were both put there just to fill the spots, and 3,7 and 8 are all pretty much repeating the same thing. So lets condense this list and see what there is left to go...

1. buy "Free Banner Xchange"
6. schedule honeymoon in Vegas for October 23-25
8. make profits of my own from my businesses

Looks like we're gonna make it!

miracles... continued

How odd... here is my horoscope today. Very strange...and even MORE exciting.

Virgo Horoscopes
(Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 -- The Moon's return to your sign today is a strong reminder that managing your internal world can be as useful as putting your external life in order. Your attitude today sets the stage for the upcoming week. If you allow yourself to feel overwhelmed or discouraged, it will only get harder as the days fly by. Consciously nudge your thoughts in a positive direction whenever you can, for what you think is what you will get.

10 Miracles in 10 days...day 4

OK.. so the last few days I've slacked off on my blog. But to recap my 10 miracles experiment, Shelby Collinge suggests making a believable list of things you want in 10 days, concentrate on how having/doing those things will make you feel, and keep track of things as they come.

Here's my desires list...

1. buy "Free Banner Xchange"
2. buy a new van
3. make Mom’s Online Mall self-sustaining and drawing profit
4. find some new friends
5. let go of my perceptions of what ppl think of me
6. schedule honeymoon in Vegas for October 23-25
7. find an offline expo for etc and/or stuff a pal
8. make profits of my own from my businesses
9. find my friend a better job
10. get a haircut and makeover

I can cross off #2 entirely. My husband came home from out of town on Friday, and yesterday was the only day it could be done. (for some stupid reason, it is illegal to buy/sell a car on Sunday in Illinois...) The day moved on and it didn't seem as though it was going to happen. I could feel myself slipping into doubt - and each time I caught it I tried to turn it around. I used one of the phrases I learned After listening to a webinar by Richard Moss (http://www.healingwiththemasters.com) to turn myself around - "I don't *Need* it, it is on its way." And about 3 pm, as my husband was going to pick my daughter up - he bought a new van for us as well. It fills me with Gratitude, blessings and Happiness.

Now the new van outlay SEEMS to put a damper on the first thing on the list, buying the TE. But yesterday I e-mailed the seller some questions about it anyway. And from a newsletter she puts out, it seems that she is due with a baby in 4-5 weeks, so she will not be available online as much. This is my blessing. It gives me some time. I have expressed the interest to her, and now have only to wait for her and then arrange hosting, etc. By that time, my next support payment and my husbands expense check will be in, and we will be ready to go.

The new friends... well, I guess I haven't been too specific about that one (lol). Last night, in an online game we play (mmorpg for those who understand..lol) I made several new friends and was up till 3am talking to them. Will I ever meet them in real life - doubtful. But I did set out to make some friends - and I was successful, in an odd sort of way.

Oddly enough, #5 - letting go of my perceptions of what ppl think of me - is also pretty much done. The HWTM call on Thursday night addressed that exact topic. We cam not control what people think of us, only how we process and deal with it. So if someone doesn't like us - so what? They will never know what they are missing out on. ...Now do I have this attitude ingrained yet? nope - but I will. I have to stop worrying about what other people think of me, or what I *think* other people think of me. Either they are a part of my life or they are not - but I can not allow my perceptions of their attitudes eat me up.

OK... so to sum it up for today... 4 days in and 3 1/2 things down. I CAN DO ANYTHING! It really is exciting to see these things come through. It will be even more exciting when the 10 days is up and all 10 things are here!

Thankful Thursday

Yep, I missed it again... lol.

For yesterday's Thankful Thursday I want to say thanks to all of the people who are contributing to the Healing with the Masters web series with Jennifer McLean. (http://www.healingwiththemasters.com)

I've listened to 3 or 4 of the calls so far and each one has touched me in some way. They have a new speaker twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday. Thursday's call was Richard Moss speaking on change. He says, "There is no such thing as change for the worse. Every change is an evolution, a step for the better." And "when you change your perspective on an event - you change everything." It was a very eye-opening call.

So Thanks Jennifer, and all of the Masters contributing.

10 miracles in 10 days - DAY 1

As I was surfing online today I came across an experiment that Shelby Collinge put up back in June 2007. The basics of it are - list your 10 desires for accomplishments for the next 10 days. Be sure that you believe these can be achieved at least 51%. Then focus on how you will feel when you have your desires. Be sure to eliminate the "NEED" factor and instead believe "I NEED nothing, its on its way." Each day revisit the list and focus on how each of the items on your list will make you feel, and then just create a "proof pile" list of how/when your desires have come to you. Be sure to view your "proof pile" with an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness.

So... for the next 10 days I will have my usual daily post, and then my "Proof Pile" and Gratitudes. I am excited to see the outcome of this little experiment.

My Desires list...

1. buy "Free Banner eXchange"
2. buy a new van
3. make Mom’s Online Mall self-sustaining and drawing profit
4. find some new friends
5. let go of my perceptions of what ppl think of me
6. schedule honeymoon in Vegas for October 23-25
7. find an offline expo for etc and/or stuff a pal
8. make profits of my own from my businesses
9. find my friend a better job
10. get a haircut and makeover

My feelings...

Basically when all of these things are accomplished the feelings will be very similar. The first feeling that comes to mind, for ALL of them is Excitement. I will be so excited for each of these changes in my life - even something as simple as a haircut is exciting because it is a step toward accepting who I am and what I look like. The other feelings that I anticipate are: Freedom, Happiness, Joy, Pride, Blessing. It will be wonderful to have these things come to me and exciting to see the changes that come about and the new things that they each will bring.

I have to say, that as I concentrate my thoughts on these desires and the feelings - I feel great. I am feeling the excitement already.

Tune in tomorrow for updates!

Wacky Wednesday

My wacky Wednesday for today came in the form of an e-mail again. I want to have fun like this when I'm old too. :)



Have a Wonderful and Wacky Wednesday!

Oops!

I totally forgot to post my Terriffic Tuesday Motivation yesterday.

Better late than never, though.

Today's motivation (or should I say yesterday's)is simple.

Shelby Collinge defines FEAR as Forgetting Everything is All Right. And if you think about it, its so very true. Everyone experiences fear at times, but taking a moment to remember that everything IS all right, and that everything happens for a purpose - you can stop that fear from taking over. This give you a chance to learn something from the events that you once feared. Its not easy, by any means - but you can overcome anything that stands in your way, simply by remembering that Everything is All Right and that each experience is a chance to learn something new.

Just another Mommy Monday...

Oh what a Mommy week it has been. My daughter made a bracelet and I made her a necklace and earrings for an event she was attending this weekend, and she was the hit of the day. She said so many girls were asking where she got them, and was so proud to tell them that we made them. (Next time I need to print her some cards with the web address on them so we can get orders.) It was so amazing to see her glow as she was showing them off to her friends, as well as posing for pics for me.



And I am even more excited to announce that we are officially a diaper free home! My youngest (and last) child is 100% potty trained!

Hope your Mommy Monday was great!

Fabulous Friday

It is a Fabulous Friday and I have lots to be excited about. I've got several more pieces to put up on Mama's Jewels, including an all crystal birthstone bracelet. I am getting some different birthstone keychains made up to add as well.

We are getting ready for the Shmonkey's Spa launch with a limited line of lotions and fragrances, and adding to the Shmonkey's Charms area as well.

I'm going to be running a special on some "Popcorn" Bags from Etc Boutique for May and working on a lot of new things that I'm bringing to the mall.

I have also created a WAHM Directory on the mall with 125x125 ads for all the WAHMs out there to get some extra exposure.

Its been an exciting week at Mom's Online Mall.

Thankful Thursday

Sometimes it seems hard to find something to be thankful for, especially in today's economy. But I am finding that it is important to take that moment to be thankful and show you appreciate someone. Heck, it may seem trivial to you, but it could make someone's day.

Today I would like to say "Thanks" to Kristy Woodby of Mothers Work at Home. Kristy has been there for me both as a businesswoman and a friend for several years now. When I have a new product idea, she's always honest when giving her opinion, she is a great person and a great wahm as well. Kristy has 6 children of her own, so when I talk about the kids and work - she knows exactly where I am coming from.

So Thanks Kristy. I appreciate you!

Wacky Wednesday

Wacky Wednesday is a day that I plan to post funny things I have seen on the web, or other fun things that I have seen, heard or found.

Today's Wacky Wednesday is from an e-mail I got....

In the middle of the table is a round food tray with five kinds of Fruits on it.

They are:

A. Apple
B. Banana
C. Strawberry
D.. Peach
E. Orange

Which fruit will you choose? Please think VERY carefully and don't rush into it.. This is great, I was astounded!

Your choice reveals a lot about you!


Test results: Please SCROLL DOWN ;



If you have chosen:


A. Apple: That means you are a person who loves to eat apples
B. Banana: That means you are a person who loves to eat bananas
C. Strawberry: That means you are a person who loves to eat strawberries
D. Peach: That means you are a person who loves to eat peaches
E. Orange : That means you are a person who loves to eat oranges

Happy Wednesday!

Beginnings

Everything has a beginning. Whether it is a brand new beginning to a project never tried before, or a renewed beginning.

For me, blogging is a renewed beginning. I've started a blog before, but forget about it, or don't write because I can't think of anything. But that's ok - starting over is a good thing. This time I have a plan that should help me keep going with the blog, as well as keep some readers interested.

But before we start on this adventure, a little about me, and Mom's Online Mall...

I am Mary. Mom to 7 great kids from 2-17. (Where the time goes, I have no idea...) I am a SAH/WAH mom and owner of Mom's Online Mall. I also own a few other sites, like Bears & Cakes and TeamMom, and I am working on a brand new site that I am calling Lotsa Kids - Lotsa Love or LKLL. The last one is still in the beginning stages.

Mom's Online Mall is dedicated to promoting WAHMs. We feature products and services by WAHMs as well as articles to help start and build a WAH business.

There it is, in a nutshell. Not a bad beginning, if I do say so myself.