Progress Report 21

We had a good week last week. The kids finished up their 4-H season with their play. I was able to work some extra hours. I really feel like I've strengthened my character by reading books on business. It makes me look at work as something more than a job. It's an extension of who I am and what I want to become.

We had a good trip north to see the family. It was really too quick and I didn't get a chance to visit with everyone that I wanted to but it was good to see everyone anyway. The kids had a great time! We also saw some wildlife on the highway. A black bear on the way north and 3 deer on the way home.

This week I need to concentrate on getting the garden in and grading all of Geoffrey's schoolwork. We are officially in summer vacation mode. All though, it seems I'll be busier than ever with everything we have planned for the next few months. I'm going to try to enjoy it as much as I can.

This week I will:

1. Plant garden
2. Grade at least 3 subjects
3. New budget/ bank visit
4. Pay off car!
5. Go to Ecotat!
6. Go to coast.

Progress Report 20

Last week was a very busy week, but it felt productive as well. I completed or made an honest effort to complete everything on my list. I got the magnets delivered, the business card designed and out for proof, an estimate out on the lettered sign (waiting on customer), the breast cancer decals and Maltese cross are both designed and waiting on material (should be here tomorrow), almost done the E-Myth and on CD 12 of Dave Ramsey. I also made a couple of those phone calls that have been hanging over my head and scheduled the engagement shoot for July 10. On top of that, I lettered J's truck with the name of his new Maine Guide business. Maybe the time management workshop helped a little. :-)

1. Create a household budget
2. Finish the E-Myth
3. Listen to more Dave Ramsey
4. Get lots of rest, drink OJ and get over this cold before all the family gets here for Saturday's Moody picnic. Can't wait to see Mandy and the kids.
5. Of course there are DbR related things I need to attend to this week as well.

So, it's off to bed with me for the afternoon. We'll see how the week progresses.

Progress Report 20

The end of last week was a whirlwind of church services. We were busy between services trying to get a bite to eat, running the roads and getting ready for the next service. What a blessing to hear from God so many times and know that you are heading in the right direction! It gives me strength to keep marching on.

This week will also be busy but for different reasons. Geoffrey and Ella have their last 4-H meeting of the season on Tuesday and their final drama program Friday evening. Wednesday evening is the awards ceremony for the Christian school and of coarse I'm back to work every morning and a couple of afternoons. We will also be making a trip to Aroostook for a family Memorial Day picnic.

This week I will:

1. Catch up on laundry
2. Catch up on dishes
3. Clean out refrigerator
4. Clean bathroom
5. 4-H events
6. Plant garden?
7. Memorial day picnic

The heart of business

I've been reading the E-Myth Revisited and had a monstrous epiphany. I know what is wrong with my day job. The man who started the business, who had the dream and the vision is no longer working there. He retired a few months ago and things seemed to have gone down hill since. The financial side was always rough, but the spirit is gone now too. The moral is in the dumps and doesn't show any sign of turning upward. I realized that the reason things seem so terrible, is that the passion behind the company is gone. It is now being run by "businessmen" who are all about the business of business and have forgotten that real people with heart, soul and spirit work in those buildings. So in spite of the fact that there are 400 bodies inhabiting the shops for eight and a half hours a day, the space feels empty.

Some of the blame must fall on the same man who had the dream, however. He was folly in his belief that the friends he hired to work with him in the beginning would see his vision through without the direction of a solid, written plan. After 12 years in business, I watch every day as more operating procedures are put into place, more policies are written scrutinizing every little thing employees do, oppressing them instead of encouraging them. Instead of going back and starting from the beginning, they keep throwing paperwork at it, hoping it will get better. It hasn't and it won't. There is always hope, however with the mindset of the current management, there is little. A prime example of what not to do.

Dirt

It's the title of a song by Mary Mary. Its about a garden and how beautiful it looks, but underneath it all is just dirt. A line in the song catches my attention every time.

Life at times can make you weak, and I have cried myself to sleep. 'Cause reality makes you cry, but the truth will dry your eyes. Things: they just can't stay the same when you work hard and you pray. It may be kind of tough now but the point I'm trying to make is we all need a little bit of dirt to grow.

Two things that will get you through life's struggles every time! Hard work and Prayer.

It seems that these two work together exclusively. I've known people who work hard every day of their life and never seem to get ahead. Then I've known people who are constantly praying for God to get them out of their mess but don't think they need to do anything about it personally. Neither approach seems to work very well independently.

Since the beginning of May when I started thinking of going into business for myself, I've been working hard at learning how to have a great business. I have changed my mindset about my housekeeping job since the beginning of the month and started thinking of my employer as a client instead of my boss. It's funny, but I work harder knowing that my reputation is now on the line rather than just my employment. I've been thinking of how my work can be a witness of my integrity and my beliefs. Today I was rewarded with a 10% raise!

Work hard. Pray.

The Peeps Are Here

My chicks were delivered yesterday! There was a lot of excitement as the kids rushed to hold one and we cleaned up the chick feeder and waterer. The neighbor girl came over to see the chicks and they all deliberated over names. Unfortunately we had one chick DOA. It was one of the Barred Plymouth Rocks. So instead of 8 we have 7. Two Buff Orpingtons, two Barred Plymouth Rocks and three Easter Eggers. They went right to the water and chick food. They ate and drank until they were content to settle under the heat of the 100watt light bulb. Dapper is unsure of the peeping but seems to ignore them mostly.

While they are small, the chicks are very unobtrusive and need little care. Fresh water and more food, and clean bedding ever couple of days. They are in a plastic tote in the living room for now, but will move to the garage after a couple of weeks.

Let the adventures begin!

Progress Report 19

So this may not be my 19th report, but it is the end of week 19, as far as I can tell. I have been very busy. It feels like I have been spinning my wheels the last few weeks, though; doing a lot but accomplishing little. However, it changes this week. Mandy came up on Friday and we went to a Time Management workshop. It didn't do what I really wanted it to, which was map out my day for me, but it probably did something better. It put things into perspective. I have 24 hours in the day, same as everyone else. It is up to me how it gets split up and used. I need to use the time more effectively; prioritizing for myself and quit the multi- multitasking. I run myself in circles that way and I see that now. I actually started today. I went up to my shop, picked one project out of the many and completed it. I even checked it off my list. :-) That felt good.

Mandy has been working on a possible business venture called the Occasional Housewife. Unexpectedly, I was the recipient of her services. Saturday morning I had to be in Caribou at the crack of dawn. She was left to fend for herself for a little while. She did some light cleaning that I just hadn't been able to get to, but had been weighing on me. What a wonderful feeling to come home and have those things done. I think the Occasional Housewife has a real future! :-)

I feel exceptionally fortunate that I have my sister. In the short time she was here, I was more inspired than I have been in a while. She breathes life into my dreams. Thanks, Mandy.

So, this week:

1. Deliver completed magnets
2. B.card design
3. Vinyl lettered sign
4. Breast Cancer decals
5. Fire Dept. Maltese cross design
   
6. Read more of the E-Myth
7. Listen to more of Dave Ramsey
8. Make a couple more phone calls
9. Schedule engagement shoot

Phew, that's enough, but I think it is doable with focus and good time management. :-)

Progress Report 19

I had a great week last week! I completed nearly everything on my list with the highlight definitely being my trip north! The time management class in Presque Isle was surprisingly helpful and fun. It was not what I had expected, but it was a great added bonus to my visit. It set the tone for the rest of the day where Row and I got to discuss priorities, business, time, finance and self-improvement all as how they pertained to our families, goals, values, and ourselves. Though I was only there for a day and a half, I didn't feel rushed or anxious. It was exactly the visit I'd hoped to have.

I finally saw Row's new shop with my own eyes. It reflects her personality, and tastes but more than that, it radiates the love and care of her precious dreams and the heart of her future. I had the privilege to witness Row as she worked. I couldn't help but note the way she spoke of her equipment as if they were living things to be cared for carefully. I saw how skillfully she worked the hand tools as if they were extensions of herself. Her attention to the smallest detail of every design, though seemingly tedious to me, put her one step closer to a finished product and a very happy client: two things worth striving.

Row mentioned in our class that I inspire her, though she was unsure if she inspired me. Yes, Row. You inspire me. I've jokingly spoken of your shop as a 'diamond in the rough' because until you walk through the door, you'd never know that beautiful shop was there. Like a rare, exotic flower in the midst of a hay field. It is truly a 'diamond in the rough' because it is such a precious thing. Not because of the cost of equipment or renovations, but because it encapsulates a love, a dream, a passion. You are definitely an inspiration! Thanks.

This week will be a busy one. We have eight special services crammed into 4 days, Thurs-Sun. I will be working my second job on Monday and Wednesday. Eric has another contract and must do some onsite work Thursday. I'm not really expecting to get any great things accomplished this week. However some things are pressing.

This week I will...

1. Work
2. Plan meals during Heritage Conference
3. New budget and bank visit
4. Pick up a few groceries
5. Get some white dress shirts for Eric
6. Set up for chicks, bring home chicks
7. Read more of You, Inc (Great book!)

Progress Report 18

The weekend is over and it's Monday again. My books that I ordered came Saturday while we were out of town. I've been able to read a couple of chapters. I can tell that these books will prove to be invaluable information for a small business. It's already changed how I see things and taken the fear out of much of the planning.

Geoffrey should finish his school work today or tomorrow. Then I'll have the fun of going through all of the tests and giving a final score.

Friday I'll make the trip to Aroostook to take a Time Management class with Row and visit with family!

This week I plan to:

1. Clean house
2. Mow lawn
3. Go to 4-H
4. Call PO about chick pick-up
5. Go to PI
6. Register Eric's car

TGIF, I guess...

Yeah, it's Friday. My list is already accomplished and I feel like I have very little to do. It's been like this most of the week. My plans for the day only take up a couple of hours and I'm left with a lot of down time.

It's funny how much I dislike being on the run all the time or busy, busy, busy, but not having anything to do just feels wrong. I feel stagnant. I have energy and creativeness that don't have an outlet. I've tried to read but find myself starting several books and not getting into any. I ordered some books from Amazon, but they won't be here until next week. Can't wait for next week! I want information to devour. Right now I'm stuck with Martha Stewart's Housekeeping Handbook. :) Not really a page-turner. But I'm calling it "training".

I've worked on my business model. Trying to narrow down the niche and form a mission statement and work on how to gain and keep customers. I've taken a lot of notes, done a lot of research online and critical thinking on paper. I'm good at the planning stages. Hopefully the follow-through won't fizzle out. Right now, I wish I had 3 or 4 clients a week. That would give me something to do.

The next two days are full and the kids have a play date with the neighbors' kids later this afternoon. Next week will be here before I know it and full of new possibilities. I'll get my books and will get to visit Row on Friday! Can't wait! I finally get to see her new studio in person and have the chance to sit and talk for an afternoon.

Progress Report 17

I'm hitting the ground running this week. There are so many things that I want to do! The warm weather we've had this weekend along with some fresh inspiration has fueled my fire again. I'm determined to make the best out of this week and put my best foot forward. I've heard it said that the enemy of "good" is not "bad" but "mediocre". I don't want this week to just be another week. I've had enough of those, I want a great week!

With the help of my husband and Row, I hope to officially launch The Occasional Housewife soon. Eric has already purchased the domain for a website and Row has agreed to help with business cards and brochures. I have to say that as intimidating as starting a business can be, with the support of people like them, I feel like I have a greater chance of succeeding.

This week I plan to:

1. Mow the lawn
2. Clean house/laundry
3. Work on business model
4. Visit in Jay
5. Plan Mother's Day craft for SS
6. Grocery shopping

Business Idea

I've been thinking about a way to make some extra money lately. I currently work a job doing housekeeping for a well-to-do family. I enjoy cleaning and helping to make their household run more smoothly but I find that the daily management of someone else's household can be draining and even frustrating at times. I've stayed away from the standard 9-5 job because I enjoy the flexibility of housekeeping, the feeling of accomplishment and the wages are better than any other job for a relatively uneducated housewife and mother of two.

I really started thinking about the varies skills that I have and how they may be beneficial to others and even monetized. A stay-at-home mother has many skills that are lacking in many "professional" households. Salary.com estimates a mom's worth annually at $117,850 on the average. That is taking into account the many "jobs" that a mom has, the average pay for each job title, and the number of hours per week that each job is performed. If stay-at-home moms are really worth so much, why are there so few these days?

I read an article in a magazine recently that opened my eyes to the type of business that I think I'd really love. A busy, professional woman realized that her home was missing a housewife. She was busy with her job and found that her home was lacking in the domestic area. She was prompted to open a business to help professionals, like herself, who were too busy to perform daily domestic tasks. That's the business for me!

I've given it quite a bit of thought lately and even ran the idea by a few friends. I'm going to call it The Occasional Housewife. The Occasional Housewife will offer services like organization of any room, eliminating clutter, filing/bookkeeping, bathroom cleaning, decorating/un-decorating, personal shopping, running errands, packing for a move, cleaning vacated houses or apartments, spring cleaning, or anything else that that you don't have time to do. These services will benefit working moms, professionals, single moms and dads, bachelors, seniors, and large families. My rates will be $20/hour for 1-2 hour slots. Weekly customers will receive a discount and $.15/mile in addition will be charged for running errands. I may need some brochures and business cards made up (ahem). :) My overhead would be low so I think I can try out the business without much risk.

Progress Report 17

The last couple of weeks have been absolutely crazy. Arianna has tennis almost every day after school. J has been working on his race car and I have been pounding out decals for it, as well. I have been doing some studying, attended the Maine Center for Women Work and Community ambassador orientation meeting, finished a logo and have sent out a couple more estimates. I have a bunch of emails that need to be returned and a couple of phone calls to make. Cleaning up after the puppies takes at least another hour out of my day. I love the little things, but will be glad when we are down to just one. BUT, thankfully, I will be attending a Time Management workshop on May 14 which will make everything all better. HAHAHA I'm hoping it helps at least. I must keep this short, as I have much to do for the weekend.

1. Pay a couple bills
2. Return emails & phone calls
3. Attend Arianna's home tennis match
4. Create NE Pellets t-shirt designs
5. Finish BAND header
6. Redesign DbR business cards
7. DbR ad for SBS Guide
8. Prep for Caribou City Wide Yard Sale

Phew, that's enough, but not everything I have to do. :-)