The results

They didn't help me feel much better. It appeared that he was a little over medicated for his thyroid problem which is why he started to lose weight (this would not cause him to be in the condition he was). He also had slight levels raised for his kidneys and white blood count which could have been a result of his diarrhea. Other than that he had a perfect test. The vet was quiet shocked when I told him that I had to put him down because his lungs sounded great on Thursday. But he did reassure me that if he was going through everything I described I made the right decision. That doesn't make me feel any better. Bear was also my protector when hubby went to work so now I have none and feel vulnerable. I just don't think I could possibly get another dog right now or anytime soon. A cat, maybe, but what good will that do as far as protection? I'm so messed up right now and it sucks!

I would really love to get involved with an animal rescue and I sorta am now, but it isn't enough. The organization is a bit small so they really don't have much for me (or at least they aren't giving it to me). I also thought about fostering, but that could be a lot of work as well because a lot of the animals require some training and I really don't have the time for that. I also thought about checking with my vet to see if they could use volunteers. I'd love to work in the office for free (no I'm not that nuts I just have a passion for it). And then I thought about starting my own nonprofit for those that are experiencing financial hardship that can't afford their vet bills. But that sounds like a TON of work and I have no idea where to start. I'm done rambling now :)

The Worst EVER

I had to make the worse decision to have my dog put to sleep! I'm so devastated. I adopted him 13 years ago from Animal Welfare Society when he was only 5 1/2 weeks old. He was abandoned at Kmart in the bitter cold. He went through everything with me, my divorce, my move, etc.

He would comfort me when I would cry and would get so excited when I got home. He took a turn for the worse on Saturday night and I had to take him to emergency vet hospital. The bad thing is I haven't even gotten the test results back from the vet visit on Thursday. I will get them tomorrow and now all I can do it hope they were bad so I feel better about my decision. He could barely breath, he was turning blue and very weak. I could tell when he looked at me that he was really suffering. All of his symptoms point towards congestive heart failure (I did some research online). Please pray that my grieving process passes soon. My heart aches for him. Thank you!

I feel it!

I need to create before I just pass out! It's killin me now that it's been so long and I've done DIDDLY! I want to start on my sons scrapbook before he turns 18 haha (17 more years to go). Perhaps I'll start that next week since my husband is being laid off AGAIN! It's funny how just a few years ago working for the Big 3 was a great thing and now it's one of the worse. Our future is so unstable it isn't even funny. I'm sure ya'll have been effected some way or another by this horrible economy. My husband and I went from just about being totally debt free (everything except our house) to just about ready to file for bankruptcy (I didn't say we were I said READY to)! If this is a nightmare will somebody wake me PLEASE! If it really is reality then I guess I need to tighten up my boot straps and figure out some ways to cut back. What have you done to cut back? Let me know. It would be nice to see who's still reading my blog anyhow.

On top of all that my dog is sick again! In about the last week he has gradually stopped eatting. He is to the point now that he won't eat any dog food. He only eats what I cook him (lamb, ground beef, chicken) and it's not because he's getting spoiled. I think he only eats it because it's food he never gets. Ya know like chocolate, no matter how sick you are you'll still get it down. He has an icky case of diahera (sp), coughing and lost about 6 pounds in a month (due to not eating I hope). So we took him to the vet, which we can't afford, and $200 later they did a fecal sample and blood panel. We should get results next week, but in the mean time they are treating him for gastro infection. They said because his symptoms are so vague it could be the flu to cancer. He has no fever btw. So pray for my puppy who is 13 years old.

I DID IT!

I've been in direct sales for oh.....13 years and have NOTHING to show for it. Before all you non DS believers say "yea that's because that stuff don't work" read on....

My biggest fear ever was to go into strange people's houses. Therefore I'd do the parties within my group, which usually didn't result in any bookings because I would never ask in hopes of not having to go to some strange house. So I'd do about 3 shows and be done. Then move on to the next "fabulous" company.

Over the years, as you can imagine, I've gathered some things from many companies. About a month and a half ago I decided enough was enough! I had a member of my WIN group, talk about her business and how she had a $6.2 million dollar team last year. That in itself floored me to have somebody so close be so successful. I thought, that is who I'm looking for! They say if you want to be successful you have to surround yourself with successful people (you are who you hang around with). After talking with her I decided to join Tastefully Simple and give it all I have. So, I'm writing a book over ONE accomplishment haha.

My upline had given me a lead for a show she could not do. I did it yesterday! I never met this woman or her guests before-complete strangers. It was SOOOO fun to meet new people. It was interesting to learn a little about each one. The sales aren't great right now because she also had a jewelry party going at the same time, however it did result in at least 2 bookings and she is rebooking for January (total of 3 bookings). I see that as a total success! Your business ends if you get no bookings, so with 3 my business will continue. That is just for this hostess I have other shows booked :)

This post was written prior to coffee, that's my excuse if it makes no sense.

Networking

I'm always looking for new opportunities to network with other people, especially women. Have you heard of the Direct Selling Women's Alliance (DSWA)? We meet once a month and if you are in Direct Sales this meeting is AWESOME and a must attend type of meeting. One member of the group will usually be on the "bid table", which means they get about 15 minutes to give their pitch to the group. You can place an order with that person if you'd like and the hostess credits usually go to the group to be raffled off for future meetings. Then we do an educational portion where I've learned so many awesome things. If you are local (in Michigan) and would like more details let me know. It really is an awesome place to be. However, they do not allow recruiting of their members so if that is your main goal forget it.

I also run a women's networking group and we'll be doing our membership drive in January. For this meeting I only allow one person per category so your competition is locked out. Also a great networking opportunity.

I find myself always looking for new groups in the winter that won't break the bank. If you know of one locally let me know. I'm considering joining one of the Motor City Connect groups, but I hear some good, but some bad so I'm not sure. Maybe I should just be a judge for myself. Since joining Tastefully Simple I really want to get focused and get my name out there. I've eliminated all the other companies I'm with and I feel soooo much better. I made it a goal to hit $1000 this month and I'm just about there. I should make it by Saturday at the latest and I can't wait. I think it will be the first time in my DS history that I have sold $1000 of any product in one month. What an accomplishment!

Catch up!

Ew! I just noticed I haven't posted anything since September. How disappointing. It's unbelievable how nearly 3 months have went by. We went shopping today (not a big shopping trip) after dinner and man the snowflakes were coming down and they were HUGE! I'd have to say it was beautiful. Maybe because I really don't have to drive in it to a J.O.B. I used to hate it. Either that or after living in Georgia for 5 years and not really having any snow or the 4 seasons I've learned to appreciate them.

So you ask, what have I been up to? Where do I start? I've been putting a lot of time and effort into making my women's group, Women In Networking (aka WIN of Macomb), to make it a success, run more smoothly and make sure my members see value in it. It's working, YAY! I've also decided to expand it. Our main meeting right now meets in the morning, which isn't good for everybodies schedule so in January we will launch a PM meeting which will meet once a month. Then in February with the help of Kathy Gambino with Delicious Marketing we will launch a Business 2 Business group (for women only). Then in the spring I'm hoping to open up a group on the West Side. We only allow one person per business classification so if you are interested please email me at winofmacomb@gmail.com asap to see if your category is open.

I have gotten rid of all of my other direct sales companies (I still purchase Mary Kay just for personal use) and started with Tastefully Simple like 2 months ago. I LOVE it! I can't believe I actually do home shows and love it. I think the reason I've become more comfortable is because of my woman's group. There is no time to be shy and hidden. I have to get out there and meet new people and I love it. I still need some work though haha.

On another note, my baby will turn ONE on Wednesday. I'm so excited, but he is not longer my little baby. He's getting so big, walking and getting into EVERYTHING. Makes me want another but we can't in this small house we are in :( He has this new fascination with pigs haha. There is a new show on Noggin (not sure what it's called) and then when Peppa Pig comes on he stops dead on his tracks to watch it. Kinda funny.

Well maybe this time I REALLY will start posting at least once a week. We'll see.....stay tuned....

Expos

Ever buy a new car and then realize you and about 20 million other people have the same car or even the same color (and you thought you'd picked something not many others would pick)? That's how I feel about women's expo's. It seems like every group is doing them now and is starting to get a little saturated. As long as they are spread out throughout the year it's not so bad, but when you have several in one month it's time for a change. Have you ever attended one of these expos? What did you think? Was it worth going to? Give me your opinon by clicking on comment below. I'd love to take that into consideration for next year. In the mean time, don't forget to visit Women In Networkings expo on Sunday September 21st from 11am-4pm at the Best Western Concorde Inn in Clinton Township. Meet Paula Tutman from Channel 4 News! For complete details and to preregister to be entered to win a gift basket visit www.winofmacomb.com.