In the midst of hell there is a light

My father has lung cancer. It sucks. But it is the truth.  I go to the hospital with him as he has his chemo, I stay for a few days, I talk with him, cry with im, laugh with him. And its all to familiar. Why? Because my mother lost her own battle with lung cancer not two years ago.

I spend days away from work and family and home and try my best to let my dad know I love him and he isnt going through this alone. Not for one minuet if I can help it. Sometimes I need to be somewhere in a hurry. In such a hurry at times that I have to drag children and all along with me. The kiddo’s have spent a lot of time in the family waiting room lately. I have found a blessing to help just a tiny bit in these trying times. While they sit in the waiting room and hallways of the hospital they have a set of book from MobiStories that they check out.

Not just regular books but books online. Read to them and pages turned along with the naration. I like looking over my shoulder and seeing them gathered together at the table focused on the tales of The Thanksgiving Squirrel.

It is a simple and healthy way to entertain the kids in a snap during the holidays.

As a special treat to my readers, and to prove Im not full of crap, I want you all to try out these great books- FREE!Get $10 worth of Mobistories free by using the coupon code and instructions below. Then come back and share your experiences here!

Go to their website www.mobistories.com

Pick out your ten dollars worth of free books. (Dont forget to order the ones that are free too!)

Put in the coupon code :

BSM217

You’ll get an email with links to the download page and once you get ther you have your books!

Congrats!

Billie from A Peaceful Serenity won the Bejeweled Twist game. Congratulations Billie.

Stay tuned later this month for another chance to win this great stress relieving game for moms.

Hey moms! Have you heard the news?

There is a company that WANTS a mom to work for them. As a matter of fact there are quite a few. They want moms becuase their are certain things that only moms know. They have aperspective and a point of view no one else can offer.

They also have kick ass multi-tasking skills and a determination that was heretofor unheard of.

Where are these companies?

Well, just so happens there is a website that connect the skilled and brilliant mothers with said companies.

www.momforce.com is where you can find those positions from companies that are truly seeking a moms expertise .

Telecommuting Work Right Now

Looking for writers

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Reply to: job-922488336@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2008-11-17, 9:47AM CST
We are online shopping site looking for people to write a reviews on our products. You will be paid based on the number of reviews you write. I am looking for somebody with decent English writing skills. Work as your schedule permits.We are looking to pay $10-$20/review and each review must be atleast 400 words.

Interested persons can reply with experience and contact info.

Editor

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Reply to: job-923770971@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2008-11-18, 3:32AM CST

SPECIFIC DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Develop grant proposals and update donor information
1. Research, write and prepare, under the direction of the  Community Relations Director, grant proposals to be submitted to  government agencies at the federal, state and local levels.
2. Research, write and prepare, under the direction of the  Community Relations Director, proposals to be submitted to foundations and businesses.
3. Add and update information in the development database.

Bloggers need for sports websites

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Reply to: gigs-917827199@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2008-11-13, 2:37PM CST

I’m looking for a few real sports fans who can write. I run a network of fan blogging websites covering nearly every sport and I need some sports bloggers to contribute on a regular basis. Experience is not necessary if you can write well. You just need to be a fan with passionate opinions and you need to be able to put those opinions into words. There is some pay. Nearly all sports are covered in our network of sites including boxing, horse racing, mixed martial arts, MLS soccer, Nascar, NHRA drag racing, NFl/NCAA football, NBA/NCAA basketball, NHL Hockey, MLB baseball, tennis, golf, poker, high school football, and the WNBA Please tell me what your favorite sport is and why it is your favorite.

Play Bejeweled Twist- For Free!

Who says Moms aren’t gamers? Very out of touch people, that’s who.

According to Popcap, the makers of Bejeweled Twist, Bejeweled was scientifically proven to reduce the stress rate in women. Need I say more?

Take a look at popcap.com and check out all their great fun and functional games for the whole family.

Bejeweled Twist is the newest game sensation sweeping the nation and you have a chance to get it free (a $19.95 value!) here!

Heres how:

The contest runs from today until the 19th of November.

To enter post on your own blog about this give away and how playing Bejeweled Twist and other games is a stress releif for YOU! Then come back here and post a link in the comment section of this post!

Winner will be announce on this blog and via twitter on the 20th of November!

The Pros and Cons of working at home

This article list some really great pros and cons of working out of your home?

Personally, I like working at home because I am here all day and the worst part about working at home is that Im here ALL DAY.

Oh wait…

The Importance of Nothing

To make my point in this post I’d like tell you a little about my life lately.

I have decided to take the plunge and move out of my family owned home into something bigger. I have a big family squeezed into a little house because my heart hurts when I think of having to leave the house where my mom lived. She died two years ago and this house keeps her close to me.
But I know its time to go. We found a great house not to far away with a rent that we can afford. We are waiting (not-so) patiently to hear word on our application.

I was recently promoted to editor with one of my clients and Ive gotten a butt load of new work piled on me to get done in a week. I have been working at it feverishly along with the first 25,000 of a nonfiction book I was contracted for.

Add to this a whole host of freelance queries, MOMS Club, school, and impending holiday preparations and that itself would be a whole heck of a lot.

But WAIT! There’s more…

Last night my father was rushed to the E.R. with what appears to be complications due to lymphoma. He is swollen and feverish and scaring the hell out of me.

Today, however, I learned the importance of nothing.

I was up at 3:30 am. coordinating who would be going to the hospital with whom and then something hit me.

I cant. I have to stop. Im done for a minute, guys. Count me out this round.

I felt a mixture of adrenaline and extreme fatigue. My heart was racing but I just wanted to lay down.

I volunteered to be the one to stay home and call the rest of the clan and pick children up from school, etc.

I sat on the couch with my three year old son and veg’ed out.

I never got dressed, ate biscotti and chocolate lattes until noon when I switched to a slice of cheecake and neopolitan ice cream ( I would go on but it only gets worse..)

I stayed under the covers on the sofa watching a marathon of Andrew McCarthy movies. I love Andrew McCarthy. I have loved him since Class when he did it with Jacquiline Bisset in the glass elevator.
His was the first bare male chest Id ever gazed at. He had that sweet little boy next door look. The kind of guy that would throw you those sweaty looks while he helped your mom bring the groceries in. (Plus he reminds me of Randy Ball from Indianapolis Pike High who my best friend told I had a crush. He offered me a piece of gum that is now a fossil in my memory chest) I watched him grow up today. Still a pretty hunky guy.

I felt drained to the bone emotionally. Mentally I could not focus. I needed to recharge. Down time.

I may have glanced at my laptop. But that was about it. I could not fathom the idea of work.
If I had of it would have been the worst crap that ever fell off my fingertips. That is, if I could’ve even shaken anything out.

I knew that. I didn’t even try. I did nothing. I didn’t feel guilty about it either.

Sometimes, we have to take a break and regroup. Take a mental inventory of your senses and make sure they are working correctly with all nerves firing off in sync.
Especially when you work at home.
Your in this little world of your own. You work here, you eat here, you sleep here, take care of your family here- LIVE HERE. It can all melt together and one day you realize that you haven’t spent a moment alone with your thoughts in 3 weeks.

Nothing is a valuable thing sometimes.

Home Biz for the Holidays

Bizymoms.com
Offers New Business Opportunity, Just In Time for the Holidays!

Christmas is right around the corner and you know what that means…you get
to make some holiday cash. Yes, you heard me right. I know during
the holidays most of us have quite the talent for spending money,
but this year it can be different. You’re not the only one running
around trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone. Matter
a fact you’re going to help a lot of frustrated shoppers out
there who want to purchase several gifts for the little ones in their
lives.

So what am I
talking about exactly? There’s an incredibly rewarding business
you can start at home — today. You can decide if you want to run
it only during the Christmas Holidays or if you do it throughout the
year with letters from the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy and The Great
Pumpkin just to name a few. You might have heard of it as a Santa
Letter Business or maybe you haven’t heard of it at all. But
can you imagine the excitement on a child’s face when they first
get something in the mail addressed just to them? Kids LOVE mail.
Then to get a letter from someone they admire and think is the best
thing since peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?

Not only will
they just get a letter from Santa, but Santa talks about their family,
friends and pets by name. He can even mention something they are wanting
for Christmas and you know they are going to get. This is just a fun
business to get into for the Holidays and throughout the year.

There are several
Santa Letter Business Opportunities out there you can pick from so
why should you go with a Bizyletter Opportunity? Not only do we provide
you will all the information you need to start this business, you
also receive a lifetime website for your business. No monthly charges
for the website either. Once you pay for the program, that’s
it. You can also have one on one support to help you get this business
off the ground and running smoothly. We want to see you succeed. So
don’t wait any longer.

To get more information
and to sign-up today visit CLICK HERE!

My Boys are Superstars!

Well, not really but it feels like it. And Im pretty darn proud of them.

They were interviewed yesterday for a feature in Scholastic Action magazine.

It is an article about how teens are and have been affected by the economic crises.

She told me that they were “bight and articulate” and were going to help other students in the country realize that they arnt the only families to feel the crunch.

It was touch and go at first, an emotional topic as you might guess.
They were hesitant to “tell the world we are broke” as my bright and articulate 14 year old put it.
And frankly I wasnt to keen on the idea either.

But my kids are differnet. My boys have been through coporate downsizing and watched our savings dwindle. They’ve seen their fathers embarrassment at late bills and over due notices. They’ve seen me cry over friends that suddenly wernt so friendly and relationships that turn ugly. But somehow they’ve both maintained thier high grade point average. Heck, Caleb takes honors Latin! They share a bed room with younger siblings but still manage to get their homework done and occassionally help me with the laundry. (Occasionally does mean “when in need of brownie points” doesnt it?)

But since like so many others in the country, we arnt quite broke but far from well off, we decided to put ourselves out there and let other kids know its ok. You can still achieve your dreams, you can still stay on track, you can still make a good life for yourself.

The Hootchie Factor- Teaching My Daughters Self Respect

My 9 year old daughter got up for school this morning and was busily getting ready in the bathroom. I was throwing in a load of laundry and tho I couldnt see her we conversed loudly through the house.

“We are having an election day party today at recess mom!”

“Really? That sounds like fun!”

“Yeah, Cheyenne and Maddy are wearing their party dresses so Im going to wear mine.”

Party dress?
When she said this I thought of the gorgeous red velvet dress we bought her for a pageant last year. It hangs in her closet only to be worn on special occasions. I don’t usually allow her to wear a $300 dress to school but today is special, right? What the hell.

I went to the coffee pot and poured a cup, still hearing her running commentary from the bathroom and when I heard her behind me I turned around.

Picture one of those scary movies where the unsuspecting innocent bystander turns around to find a monster, serial Killer or similarly hideous site. I had to struggle to recover enough to keep my wrist from going slack and coffee from running out of my cup onto my fuzzy red socks.

Who was this child before me? It certainly wasnt my sweet, Miley Cyrus singing daughter. This girl had on a mini skirt and a shirt that barely covered her midriff. Her high top cherry Bubble Yum sneakers pulled on over red tights.

I was speechless.
“What in the hell have you got on?”

“I found it in a box in my closet. I used to love this skirt.”

“Back when it fit you?”

“It fits!” she said defiantly while tugging on it.

I said nothing. Just pointed in the direction of her room and she knew what that meant.

“Ill miss the bus!”

“Ill drive you.”

She stomped out of the room to return in a pair of jeans and a high school musical tee.

Aw, thats better.
Crises diverted.
Or is it?

She complained that now she will be the odd woman out as they all planned their party outfits carefully.”Everyone in my class wears clothes like this mom!”

How can we teach our daughters self respect and a positive body image without seeming like a raving feminist? I want her to love being a girl and enjoy her femininity while retaining a sense of self respect. How can we do this?

We talked some on the way to school about why I made her change.
“Is only clothes mom, not who I am.”

I explained to her that first impressions are important.
“Its not just clothes, honey. People look at you and make decisions about you in the first few minuets they see you.” There is a place to wear shorts and a place to wear dresses. There is a place to wear bathing suits and business suits.

I asked her; “What do you want people at school to know about you?
She thought about this for a while.

That I care about people. That I’m nice to others and want to help. That I love my family.
That Im a good person.

She opened the door and looked at me. I looked back and she smiled at me.
We saw Cheyenne and Maddy get off the bus SANS hootchie party dresses.

“I think I learned something before I ever got to school didn’t I?”
I winked at her.
“cool.” she said.

Yeah, cool.

Organization for the unorganized

Im awful. I am so unorganized.

I blame this on the fact that I have 6 children and a husband who could be considered a 7th.

I am constantly cleaning up after them and cooking for them and orgainizing after school activiites, clothing, church functions and then on top of it all- Im working 4 different projects right now ( with a 5th looming near its start date… oh geez)

AND- believe it or not- Im not the most computer literate person in the world. I tend to learn a new skill and then stick with it. Even if another, more productive, skill comes along on its heels.

As a little example of this I sit and stare at my tiny home office. It looks like a train hit it.

And it has. 7 individual train wrecks hit it daily looking for markers, crayons, Scotch Tape etc…

“Mom, wheres my mechanical pencil?”

“Honey, have you seen my box cutter?”

“MOM! I have to have 4 sharpies for class today. Sorry I forgot to tell you!”

But- somehow, Im able to get my work done. More or less on time.

I was momentarily vindicated and sufficiently placated by the book “A Perfect Mess,” by Eric Abrahamson and David H. Freedman, which shows the hidden benefits of being unorganized and cluttered and claims you can be productive this way. Hoorah!I read a great CNN article that told me I was just fine the way I am!

It was then I spent a week searching my office for the source of a foul odor that would waft through every so often and I realized- I need help. When I found the bowl of solid, stinky milk (spoon and Froot Looops protruding through like a playschool kitchen toy) under a pile of MOMS Club applications and bank statements I thought to myself

“Wouldnt it be great if someone could come in and place all my stuff on disk and file it away for me in a very easy to work with style?”

Oh wait. That can totally happen.

Pixily is a WAHMs best friend. Quite literally. You get organized with a quickness and I dont mean just a decluttered desk. I mean a decluttered LIFE! They provide you with pre-paid envelopes with which you send them all your paperwork. The organize, and store it for you. You can easily find it, share it and access it from anywhere. Its a monthly service that can orgainze a wahms life like nobodys business.

Got more paperwork from the kids school? Have three agendas from MOMS Club and the lastest Cub Scout fundraiser waiting for attention? Pixily’s got you covered. Once a month or once a week or once a DAY send it to Pixily.

Save trees and your sanity with this service and I aint whistlin’ dixie here ladies.

Theres a free trial on the site and if you like it I suggest checking back here in the next few weeks for a nice little surprise!

Go clean your desk off. You know it needs it.

Home again, home again, jiggidy jog…

Sorry for the post title; a bit of Sesame Street flash back, LOL!

Im home from Seattle and wow was it an exciting trip.

My first flight was late causing me to miss my connecting flight in Denver. I flew out anyway because the desk chick told me I could get another flight as soon as I got there.

Not so.

I had to wait several hours but finally got a connecting flight to Seattle which landed just in time for me to take a shower in my GORGEOUS room and then catch the shuttle to the event.

There was an amazing buffet and full bar with most exotic, entertaining and enlightening show Ive ever seen. They gave us all a goody bag with much info on the Bejeweled Twist and I was treated to a one on one with the creator and company owner, Garth, on how it can specifically de-stress moms who work at home.

If I could find the usb to my camera I would show you the amazing pics of the girls that dangled from hoops in the ceiling and the full set of laptops set up to give journalists the first shot at playing. Give me a day or two and Ill find it.

Im also preparing for an amazing give away that my readers will not believe. Its all about destressing WAHMs for the holidays. Stay tuned- you wont be dissapointed!