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. :-)