Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Goodbye, 2008!

Well, tomorrow is the last day of 2008. Is any one else ready to kick it out the door? I am! 2008 hasn't been bad, but it wasn't great either.

My friend Ashely had her second child, a baby girl, named Abigail Faith. Nick & I got to meet her when we drove up to Seattle to visit. It was good to see everyone! George (Ashley's husband) was able to get out of going back to the Middle East due to some medical issues he has. I haven't talked to them in awhile, but I hear they're doing well.

I joined Positive Changes Hypnosis in June. It wasn't the radical change I was hoping it would be, but to their credit - that's all on me. I'm not as good about it as I was when I first started. I'm letting things slide in my life that I need to get back in control of.

Nick completed his first year of school and is doing so great. Only a year and a half left! YAY!

I joined the Scentsy team back in September, too. I'm experiencing quite a bit of disappointment with it as well. I wish it was going better for me, but I should have expected it to be slow as I don't really know any one here and the people I do know already know about Scentsy. My friend Susan also joined Scentsy in September and is doing so awesome with it in Ohio. I should take her up on her not so subtle suggestions to move to Ohio. I don't believe I've ever been to Ohio. I hear it's humid there. :-)

Nick's family took a trip to Europe in the spring to visit all the English/Irish relatives. We had to pass on the trip, but loved the photos and can't wait til we can go, too!

And, speaking of Nick's family - we got to see his parents for Thanksgiving. It was really nice to see them and show them a little bit of Idaho. Perhaps for their next visit, they'll come at a more hospitable time of year and we can show them more of Idaho.

My cousin, Erica, also had a baby girl (her 2nd baby, too!) named Liliana. She's so cute! I proud the things my cousins have done with their lives. Just recently, my cousins Julia & Megan took a trip to Egypt and did some wonderful work while they were there. I'm glad they had the opportunity to follow their hearts and get to see a bit of the world while they were at it.

I think I'm leaving stuff out but I'm tired and ready for bed.

Here's to a much better 2009! Perhaps the economy, housing market, etc will all rebound and be better than ever!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Christmas Come....Christmas Go....

Today probably isn't the best of days to blog as I'm in a grumpy frame of mind (that happens when I think about my life, what I'm doing with my life and where my life is going....and with the coming new year, those items have been on my mind pretty much nonstop), but I have these thoughts swirling in my mind and I feel I need to get them out.

I don't know about anyone else but I was so disappointed this Christmas. Not because the gift-exchange was much smaller than normal, but because of the general attitude. Everyone seemed depressed or upset or annoyed or put-off by the whole holiday. This is two holiday's in a row (Thanksgiving being the first) that I'm glad is over and so glad that we have almost a full year before we have to go through again.

I don't care if you're Christian, Buddhist, Agnostic, Atheist, LDS, Catholic, Baptist, Jewish or Muslim. This time of year is special. It's December, the close of one year and the open of the next. It's time for reflection of the prior year, for dreams of the coming year and for being with FAMILY. Rich and poor, old and young alike - it's a time to just come together and celebrate being a family. Whether or not you choose to believe in Christ, whether or not you choose to belive in the celebration of his birth, it's a magical time of year. The family traditions that carry on from year to year and the new ones that are created are important and should be given respect and JOY.

It's not about gift giving. It's not about who got what from whom. It's not about who got the best gift or who got the worst gift (although, I think mom wins that one w/ the list of things to do from her mom). It's just about being together as a family and enjoying the time together. I don't know about you, but I don't want to have another Christmas where I feel stressed out and upset and the general feeling that I just can't wait for it to be OVER. If that's how it's going to be in the future, then I guess I'll choose not to participate any more.

I'm not trying to write this blog and be a Negative Nancy. But you know, as far as WE know we only get the one life. Why should we spend it doing things that are unpleasant and make us feel bad? Why can't we have fun and enjoy our lives while still being good people?? It doesn't seem like that radical of an idea and I admire those of you that choose to do the things that make you happy.

What it comes down to, I suppose, is making a choice. Choosing to be happy and healthy and accepting the cards that are dealt to you - choosing then to play your hand or ask for new cards to see what else you might get. It's your attitude on how you face the challenges of your day that really shape who you are. I, for one, am tired of resenting...well...pretty much everything. I can choose to be annoyed and hateful towards Idaho, or I can accept that this is my landing spot for a few years and move on with enjoying my time here the best I can while I'm here.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Childlike Christmas

Remember when you were a kid in class, and some one would notice that it was snowing? They'd always shout it out, so excitedly. Then the class would all run to the windows and enjoy the magic of snow falling. Reality would soon set in as the teacher made every one go sit back down, but I remember I would always keep sneaking glances outside.

Remember when you were a kid, Christmas was the thing of the year (aside from your birthday). It seemed like ages before it finally came and when it did, you just couldn't contain yourself. It didn't really matter too much if you got what you asked Santa for or not, it was the thrill of the packages under the tree, wrapped festivly and just begging to be opened. I used to harass my mom non-stop for just ONE present to open early. Some times she'd give in, some times she wouldn't.

In our family, we always opened presents from the family Christmas Eve and then the presents Santa left under the tree and in our stockings Christmas morning. Every year I'd get up super early to peek under the tree and take my stocking back with me to my room. One year I got a Baby Sitters Club movie in my stocking. I watched it in my room at 3 in the morning and then went back to bed.

Then there was the food. The Christmas Feast. My mom always makes a ham dinner for Christmas dinner. Ham and potatoes and biscuits and pie. My mom makes THE best pies in the world.

Christmas day was all about playing with the new toys you got and being with the family.

It seems the older we get, the less fun Christmas is. There's decorations to put up. That in itself is a lot of work for just a month (if you're us - we put our stuff up typically the weekend of Thanksgiving). Then comes the agonizing task of Christmas shopping. I always put a lot of pressure on myself to find "that" gift that the recipient will just LOVE. I love giving presents that are unique and totally awesome. My favorite part of Christmas presents is the wrapping. I spend a lot of time and effort (usually) wrapping my presents up so they look just right. Like little pieces of art. I know that not everyone appreciates the hard work, but I do and that's what matters.

I know Christmas to many is the celebration of Christ. I'm not overly religious but I have my beliefs and they're mine. I think, though, that Christmas can also just be about family. Just because you're not Christian, doesn't mean that you can't get caught up in the season. There are so many things to be excited about. The tradition of things. I think it's so awesome that these Christmas traditions carry on. There's the season itself - it's winter, so there's snow and hot cocoa and good books by the fire. There's skiing or snowboarding or sledding.

In the Christmas spirit, here are a few things I'm thankful for:

My family. I may not be as in love with Idaho as my mother would like me to be (I MISS Washington), but I love being close to my family. I just wish we got to see more of them and do more things together. My brother lives 11 miles from my house and I don't see him often enough.

Our troops. It's not a glamorous job; they don't get to pick where they go or when they go. But they go, when ever they're called and often under less than perfect conditions.

My situation. I have a job, I have a car (although it needs some help, it still runs), I have a house. These days, less and less people can claim all of those things. I'm thankful that although I don't love my job, at least I have one and it allows me to continue paying for my house and my car.

And speaking of that job, it's time I brought this post to an end and get back to it.

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Christmas Wishes

I dont' know if every one is done shopping for us or not, but I thought I'd take a few moments and be selfish. For anyone that might be looking for Christmas gift ideas for me or Nick, here are some things we would love to have:

Sarah Wishes For:
Gift certificate to Two Rivers
Gift certificate to Salon Safari
Many, many beautiful items from Heritage Reflections
Renewed subscription to Country Sampler Magazine
Subscription to People magazine

Nick Wishes For:
Camping gear; specifically: pick up truck (to haul said camping gear in), fishing poles and/or accessories, many items on our Coleman wish list
Packers Gear (visit the Pro Shop for ideas!)
Renewed subscription to Men's Health magazine

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

December News

Well, it's been awhile since I blogged about anything update wise. I have so much to say, but I'll bet this blog is short because I'll probably forget half of it by the time I get to it!

Thanksgiving came and went. Nick's parents came up from Florida for a few days over Thanksgiving. It was a short and sweet trip. We didn't get to do too much, we did take them on a drive up to Crouch for the day & had lunch and did a bit of shopping. We mostly just hung around with the family, chatting and playing games. It was nice to see them!

See, I've already forgot what I was going to say (you don't know this, but it's been over an hour since I started this blog...I am actually working). Speaking of work, here's something. Brenda is coming back! I'm so excited! She won't be back til after the new year, but hopefully not too much longer. We could use her. And she's the perfect option - she's knows our customers, she's familiar with the way we do things and I could go on and on. I just wish she'd never left in the first place, but I'm SO happy she's coming back! This will make life SO MUCH EASIER!

Another thing slightly work related. As I was leaving work yesterday, I pulled up to the stop light at our business park behind a car that had an advertising decal for interior home staging. I went to her website and sent her an email, asking if she needed an assistant or apprentice. I don't think she'll respond, but at least I took the step! I hope I hear back! It'd be fun to do something like that on the side.

And on the subject of things "on the side", my Scentsy business has slowed way way way down to like nothing. I didn't meet my sales goal for November, which means I have to meet it either this month or in January or I'm out. :-( I'm way bummed. I had really hoped that Elaine's party would generate some other parties being booked, but nothing so far. I've been sending out my business cards with the bills that I can't pay online. I left my catalog with the tip when we went out to dinner. I thought I had an order lined up from one of my friend's moms, but she hasn't ordered yet. I'm open to any suggestions that anyone can think of on how to promote my little business. I don't want to get the boot in January, but I can't afford to order that much product to keep myself active, either! HA!

And that's a nice segue into my next topic of other things I can't afford. My car. The check engine light came on, so I took it down to Rooster's to have it looked at. I was hoping so badly that it was something easy cheesy to fix. Nope. It needed fan belts (which we had replaced to the tune of $219). The motor that runs the fan that gives me heat and cool is dying and will cost $240 to repair. I said to hold off on that for now. I'll just wear a heavy coat if the fan dies. but here's the kicker. The catalytic converter is shot. :-( And because it's on the manifold, Rooster's can't fix it - I have to take it to a Mitsubishi dealer. The guy estimated $1200 for repair, but I'll betcha Mitsubishi jacks the price. All said and done, that's almost $2k of work. My car is only worth $2300. So here's my dilemma. Do I try to buy a new car, with my crappy credit and get bummed when they laugh in my face? Do I drive my granny's car (well - Nick would drive it and I'd drive his car) until tax time? Or do I try to shell out the dough and just get it fixed, hoping it lasts me a few more years til Nick is out of school and we can afford something better? Sigh. I haven't decided what to do yet. This couldn't come at a worse time.

Well, I guess that's really it. I hope you guys are having a great holiday season!

p.s. - to the Florida Beesley's (if you read this): your Christmas gifts were mailed via UPS and should be delivered on Monday, the 15th. Rob & Tara - we forgot to include one of the gifts for Shea. We'll get it shipped out, but it might not make it in time for Christmas. :-(

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

8 Things

Okay, I'm stealing this from Heidi's blog.

8 Favorite TV Shows:
Grey's Anatomy
Deadliest Catch
Ghost Hunters
Mythbusters
Divine Design with Candace Olson
Color Splash with David Bromstad
Designed to Sell
The Cosby Show

8 Favorite Restaurants:
Olive Garden
Oshio Teriyaki in Enumclaw
Red Robin
Chipotle (sad that there are none in Idaho)


8 Things that happened yesterday:
- I ordered some Christmas gifts on line
- I worked
- I ate dinner
- I watched the Cosby Show
- I updated my Scentsy website
- I checked the status of my UPS shipment from Scentsy like a maniac until it showed that it was picked up
- I found my coat that I thought was lost
- I found a gift for Emma

8 Things I'm looking forward to:
- Christmas
- Seeing what my Christmas bonus will be
- Greg meeting with a certain some one on Friday to see if she'd like to come back to work
- Baking for the holiday
- Shopping
- Getting more sucessful with my Scentsy business
- reading books
- Getting caught up at work (which is what I should be doing instead of this)

8 Things I love about fall:
- The leaves!
- The colors!
- My House!
- Cooler temps!
- Thanksgiving!
- Seeing friends & family @ Thanksgiving!
- Decorating!
- Football...I suppose...

8 Things on my wish list:
- Many, many, MANY things from Heritage Reflections
- To win the lottery
- For Nick to hurry up & finish school
- For a raise. or a new job.
- happiness & health
- confidence
- to get back on track w/ my hpynosis thingie
- too many more to list

8 people I tag:
Susan
Cindy - if she reads this still
anyone else that wants to. I'm not sure 8 people even read this blog.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Scentsy: December Newsletter

It’s that time of year again; the bustling holiday season. This time can be busy and overwhelming, family and friends gathering for dinners and parties, decorations are waiting to be set out and presents are yet to be bought.

Scentsy offers a variety of scents and warmers; you're sure to find a gift for anyone on your list this year! Don't forget, Scentsy also offers Car Candles and Room Sprays that are wonderful stocking stuffers!

SCENT OF THE MONTH: HEARTH AND HOME

Welcome holiday memories with Hearth & Home, a fragrance combining the aromatic spices of the season with sweet Bayberry. A perfect scent for those cold nights spent indoors. Hearth & Home can be purchased this month at a Scentsational value, debuting at a 10% discount.

Cyprus and Malta Warmers invoke the timeless elegance of Old World style. Inspired by the beautiful Mediterranean cities for which they are named, they are perfect additions to your holiday decorating. The rich, nearly iridescent green of Cyprus is accented with gold highlights by using a reactive glaze. Malta, in earthy neutrals with warm, gold undertones will bring the classic look of earthenware to your décor.

Since Scentsy is flameless, wickless and sootless, these systems are a much healthier and safer alternative to flame candles. They're great for dorm rooms, offices, really anywhere!

My favorite Scent: Skinny Dippin’ (smells like candied apples!)

Let's plan a party and let me help you find your favorite scent! There are fantastic hostess rewards and I'm offering a free Room Spray to anyone that books and hosts a party!

www.scentsy.com/beesley