From the "What were you thinking" department: A woman in Ohio was stopped today for driving while talking on a cell phone. Oh, and she was also breastfeeding her daughter! DUH! You can see the story HERE
I have a new website coming that I am very excited about and I will be giving you all the addy as soon as it is launched. Hopefully, it will be ready by March 10. That's my goal anyway. I think it is going to be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to it. I've just finished my Webography and it is located at Squidoo so check that out if you get a chance.
I'll be putting together a regular schedule of topics for the weeks posts soon so you'll know what to expect. I'm thinking "Freebie Friday" and "What were you thinking Wednesday" and I don't know what else yet; any suggestions?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Freebies
No gimmics, no spam, scam or jumping through hoops. I've done the research already!
Free True Lemon Drink Mix
Free Splenda Sample
Free Betty Crocker Coupon Book (If you sign up for their Dinner made easy free program)
Free Emmerson House Coffee
Free Dunkin Donuts Dark Coffee
Free Minutemaid Juice Coupon
Free Gain Laundry
Free Tide Total Care
Free Bathroom Tissue
Free sample Dove Lotion
Please leave me a note to let me know if you took advantage of these. I just may post more often! Enjoy.
Free True Lemon Drink Mix
Free Splenda Sample
Free Betty Crocker Coupon Book (If you sign up for their Dinner made easy free program)
Free Emmerson House Coffee
Free Dunkin Donuts Dark Coffee
Free Minutemaid Juice Coupon
Free Gain Laundry
Free Tide Total Care
Free Bathroom Tissue
Free sample Dove Lotion
Please leave me a note to let me know if you took advantage of these. I just may post more often! Enjoy.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Speaking of Grandmothers
I was reading my email this morning and came across information about a contest that was being held by CVS pharmacy about Caregivers. I thought It would be appropriate to share my story here.
My Parents were good people. Very hard working, family oriented people. They made sure we had a good life and in many ways they dragged us up through middle class by their dedication and hard work. We went to private schools and had new clothes twice a year and also went on yearly vacations. My story, however, isn't about my Parents. It is about the woman who cared for my sisters and me every summer and weekend and sick day from school; My Grandmother.
As I said, my Parents were good, but they were alcoholics. Although my Grandmother was dirt poor, had very little in the way of material things, her home was like a haven. We loved going there. My Grandmother was loving and looking back it seems she was full of laughter and in her home and in her care we felt comfort and safety and love. We would be allowed to experiment with baking and cooking which my Mother wouldn't allow because she was afraid we would burn the house down or something. My Grandmother would play baseball with us in her backyard. My Parents sent us to Private School but my Grandmother took us to church.
My Parents home had air conditioning and yet partially by choice, we would spend every summer with Grandma, who had none. Oh, I can remember many nights by the open window praying for the slightest of breezes to come through-and not ONCE did I say I wanted to go home where there was air conditioning. Not once. It never even occurred to me. As poor as my Grandmother was, I never realized it. We ate well, we played often and we were safe and loved.
This continued throughout my life and luckily, my oldest Son got to know his Great-Ma (which is what we called her) and he grew to love her just as much. She absolutely adored my Son. I can remember she would sing to him (singing is not something our family is well known for) and he would just start bawling! She would laugh and start to sing again.
As my Grandmother got older, she was afflicted with Arthritis. We were aware of it but she never really made too big of a deal about it. Looking back, I realize how much pain she was in. I can honestly say that until her last day, Grandma put us first. At one point, she had had a stroke, a leg amputated, her diabetes was out of control and she was facing another surgery. We literally had to sit down beside her before surgery and tell her it was okay if she was tired and wanted to go home to be with the Lord. We told her she had done a wonderful job with us and she need not worry about us if she wanted or needed to leave. Grandma didn't leave us just then, but it was soon after. I honestly believe she was holding on for us. Her life had been a hard one and I know that in more ways than one she went through hell. Yet, when I remember her, I remember the smiles, the laughter, and the fun. My Grandmother was one of the greatest influences of my life and I hope my own Grandchildren think of me in somewhat the same light.
Thanks for reading.
By the way, if you post your story on the link I gave you, you have a chance to win $10,000 - 25,000. Thought I'd let you know.
My Parents were good people. Very hard working, family oriented people. They made sure we had a good life and in many ways they dragged us up through middle class by their dedication and hard work. We went to private schools and had new clothes twice a year and also went on yearly vacations. My story, however, isn't about my Parents. It is about the woman who cared for my sisters and me every summer and weekend and sick day from school; My Grandmother.
As I said, my Parents were good, but they were alcoholics. Although my Grandmother was dirt poor, had very little in the way of material things, her home was like a haven. We loved going there. My Grandmother was loving and looking back it seems she was full of laughter and in her home and in her care we felt comfort and safety and love. We would be allowed to experiment with baking and cooking which my Mother wouldn't allow because she was afraid we would burn the house down or something. My Grandmother would play baseball with us in her backyard. My Parents sent us to Private School but my Grandmother took us to church.
My Parents home had air conditioning and yet partially by choice, we would spend every summer with Grandma, who had none. Oh, I can remember many nights by the open window praying for the slightest of breezes to come through-and not ONCE did I say I wanted to go home where there was air conditioning. Not once. It never even occurred to me. As poor as my Grandmother was, I never realized it. We ate well, we played often and we were safe and loved.
This continued throughout my life and luckily, my oldest Son got to know his Great-Ma (which is what we called her) and he grew to love her just as much. She absolutely adored my Son. I can remember she would sing to him (singing is not something our family is well known for) and he would just start bawling! She would laugh and start to sing again.
As my Grandmother got older, she was afflicted with Arthritis. We were aware of it but she never really made too big of a deal about it. Looking back, I realize how much pain she was in. I can honestly say that until her last day, Grandma put us first. At one point, she had had a stroke, a leg amputated, her diabetes was out of control and she was facing another surgery. We literally had to sit down beside her before surgery and tell her it was okay if she was tired and wanted to go home to be with the Lord. We told her she had done a wonderful job with us and she need not worry about us if she wanted or needed to leave. Grandma didn't leave us just then, but it was soon after. I honestly believe she was holding on for us. Her life had been a hard one and I know that in more ways than one she went through hell. Yet, when I remember her, I remember the smiles, the laughter, and the fun. My Grandmother was one of the greatest influences of my life and I hope my own Grandchildren think of me in somewhat the same light.
Thanks for reading.
By the way, if you post your story on the link I gave you, you have a chance to win $10,000 - 25,000. Thought I'd let you know.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Back to work!
I'm afraid I've bogged myself down so much these past few months I've neglected my blogs. I've been working on my other blog Thrifty Home and I've been working on my Pet Rescue Column on The Examiner. Now I need to concentrate on this blog.
I'm still loving being a Grandma, even though the kiddos live with me. They delight me in ways I never dreamed possible. Their smiles light up my life and give meaning to days that I'd rather stay in bed.
I'm going to be starting a newsletter for this blog soon, so I need your input. What sorts of things would you like to see here? General stories, information, recipes? I'd appreciate some of your thoughts on the subject.
Grandma's are no longer taking to their front porch rocking chairs (at least not without their laptops!) Many of us are on the go, internet savvy Grandma's who at least try to keep up with the times. We are still very productive in society in our own way, be it online, offline or both. We've learned from our past and still look forward to our future. We're the NEW AGE GRANDMA'S. Join me as we celebrate (and sometimes commiserate) with each other in this exciting time in our lives.
I have a website all ready to be hosted and set up for when this blog grows into what I hope will be an active Grandparent community. Maybe some Mom's will even stop by! I welcome your comments and suggestions, and thanks for hanging in there. I'll be putting up a new sign up box for newsletters, so even ifyou have signed up before, please do so again. It will say "NEW Newsletter sign up.
I'm still loving being a Grandma, even though the kiddos live with me. They delight me in ways I never dreamed possible. Their smiles light up my life and give meaning to days that I'd rather stay in bed.
I'm going to be starting a newsletter for this blog soon, so I need your input. What sorts of things would you like to see here? General stories, information, recipes? I'd appreciate some of your thoughts on the subject.
Grandma's are no longer taking to their front porch rocking chairs (at least not without their laptops!) Many of us are on the go, internet savvy Grandma's who at least try to keep up with the times. We are still very productive in society in our own way, be it online, offline or both. We've learned from our past and still look forward to our future. We're the NEW AGE GRANDMA'S. Join me as we celebrate (and sometimes commiserate) with each other in this exciting time in our lives.
I have a website all ready to be hosted and set up for when this blog grows into what I hope will be an active Grandparent community. Maybe some Mom's will even stop by! I welcome your comments and suggestions, and thanks for hanging in there. I'll be putting up a new sign up box for newsletters, so even ifyou have signed up before, please do so again. It will say "NEW Newsletter sign up.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Grandma's gone Virtual!
Well, this may surprise a lot of you (I know it did me!) but THIS grandma is going virtual. I have so many things going on and I run out of hours in the day before I get anything completed!
I've hired a coach who should help me focus and I've also hired a Virtual Assistant to help with some things. I'm in the process of narrowing down which blogs/sites I can connect and what will have to go.
I have tons of recipes and I know that I will be putting them together in files and selling them CHEAP so stay tuned for that.
I've hired a coach who should help me focus and I've also hired a Virtual Assistant to help with some things. I'm in the process of narrowing down which blogs/sites I can connect and what will have to go.
I have tons of recipes and I know that I will be putting them together in files and selling them CHEAP so stay tuned for that.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Finding more family time
As a parent, (or a grandparent) you are familiar with the concept of “family time,” but have you ever sat down and thought about why it is important and the benefits it brings to both you and your children’s lives?
Many of today’s families are very busy. Most households need two incomes to survive. Some parents even hold down two or more jobs in order to make ends meet. Many parents feel out of balance when it comes to their working and family time.
These feelings can lead to stress and anxiety. As you know, stress and anxiety lead to other health problems, such as head aches, irritability, depression, high blood pressure, and other ailments.
The time your children spend with you gives them many benefits. Spending time as a family provides your children with feelings of love, support, security and safety.
The various activities you engage in during family time provide your children with opportunities to learn new behaviors and skills. For example, teach younger children the alphabet by making a game out of it. If your elementary age child is learning about pollination, go for a walk and point out the many types of flowers you find.
Spending time with your middle school and high school aged children allows you to stay connected with them and to help them ward off peer pressure. When your child feels a connection to you and the morals you have taught them, they won’t have a high need for acceptance from peers. Your teen will be able to take pride in themselves and stand up for their own convictions.
Spending time together as a family can also be beneficial to your marriage. It’s no secret that the nation’s divorce rate is quite high. Family time isn’t just about a parent spending time with their children; it’s also about spouses spending time together. When both partners are actively making time for one another, the marriage will be stronger and less likely to fold.
While the importance of family time is clear; it isn’t always easy to find the time needed to enjoy family time. There are resources to help you, such as the report “Real Life Guidance: Finding More Family Time.” This report goes over many ways to help you find more family time and it also provides some fun (and inexpensive) ideas for how to spend your time together.
Author Resource - Aurelia Williams is a certified life coach and author of Real Life Guidance: Finding More Family Time. Take the 1st step to finding more family time today.
Many of today’s families are very busy. Most households need two incomes to survive. Some parents even hold down two or more jobs in order to make ends meet. Many parents feel out of balance when it comes to their working and family time.
These feelings can lead to stress and anxiety. As you know, stress and anxiety lead to other health problems, such as head aches, irritability, depression, high blood pressure, and other ailments.
The time your children spend with you gives them many benefits. Spending time as a family provides your children with feelings of love, support, security and safety.
The various activities you engage in during family time provide your children with opportunities to learn new behaviors and skills. For example, teach younger children the alphabet by making a game out of it. If your elementary age child is learning about pollination, go for a walk and point out the many types of flowers you find.
Spending time with your middle school and high school aged children allows you to stay connected with them and to help them ward off peer pressure. When your child feels a connection to you and the morals you have taught them, they won’t have a high need for acceptance from peers. Your teen will be able to take pride in themselves and stand up for their own convictions.
Spending time together as a family can also be beneficial to your marriage. It’s no secret that the nation’s divorce rate is quite high. Family time isn’t just about a parent spending time with their children; it’s also about spouses spending time together. When both partners are actively making time for one another, the marriage will be stronger and less likely to fold.
While the importance of family time is clear; it isn’t always easy to find the time needed to enjoy family time. There are resources to help you, such as the report “Real Life Guidance: Finding More Family Time.” This report goes over many ways to help you find more family time and it also provides some fun (and inexpensive) ideas for how to spend your time together.
Author Resource - Aurelia Williams is a certified life coach and author of Real Life Guidance: Finding More Family Time. Take the 1st step to finding more family time today.
Multi-generational homes
There is a lot to be said for them but not all of it is good. Especially in times of economic trouble, having a multi-generational household can save a lot of money. (Read: The kids usually live at Mom's for free.) But what happens when Grandma is the only one bringing any income into the house? A lot of frustration, that's what. I love my daughter, I love her children but carrying the load is getting kind of old. That's not even the worse part. I feel trapped in my room some times. My computer is in here and I am a writer by profession so naturally I spend a lot of time in here. When I do venture into other parts of the house, however, I am usually tackled by the grand kids (God bless them!) In fact, my granddaughter (she's only 2) finds any excuse in the world to get in here and when I go out there, she is all over me.
I'm just not sure I like being a prisoner in my own home. I'd like to go to the fridge and get a snack without tripping over toys and having the little ones tackle me. Like I said, I love them to death, I just have done my Mommy gig and I'd like a little peace now. When I'm not working, I'd like to enjoy some television maybe. No can do unless I want to be in the room with 4 other people. sigh. I guess I'm just venting. Does anyone else live in a multi-generation house? Any thoughts.
I'm just not sure I like being a prisoner in my own home. I'd like to go to the fridge and get a snack without tripping over toys and having the little ones tackle me. Like I said, I love them to death, I just have done my Mommy gig and I'd like a little peace now. When I'm not working, I'd like to enjoy some television maybe. No can do unless I want to be in the room with 4 other people. sigh. I guess I'm just venting. Does anyone else live in a multi-generation house? Any thoughts.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
10 Steps For Cooking-Up Family Memories
The kitchen is the perfect place for making memories. When you spend time baking, cooking and enjoying meals with your family, you create happy memories you and your children (or grandchildren) will cherish forever.
The benefits of preparing and enjoying food as a family are clear. You save money and eat healthier meals. You create opportunities to connect and communicate with your children and spouse. And most importantly, you show love for your family when you spend time cooking and eating with them. Children of all ages need your attention and your time. By working together to create a meal or bake a batch of cookies, you spend valuable time together.
So, here are 10 steps to get your family cooking up memories.
Step 1:
Teach small children the fun of cooking by helping them bake cookies and cakes. If you are short on time, you can use a boxed cookie mix and spend more time decorating.
Step 2:
Encourage the littlest ones to play pretend cooking. Kids love to play with real mixing bowls, strainers and wooden spoons. These make harmless toys and can be easily thrown in the dishwasher for quick cleanup.
Step 3:
If you live by your day-timer, schedule in baking cookies with your kids. Our schedules can be so hectic that something as simple as baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies can get skipped over. Write it down and do it.
Step 4:
If you have teenagers, let them play their favorite music while they wash the lettuce and set the table.
Step 5:
Work together with your spouse to prepare the dinner and use the time to catch up on each other's day.
Step 6:
Even if you are in a rush preparing dinner, remember to reduce your stress and focus on creating a fun atmosphere that naturally encourages the whole family to participate.
Step 7:
When spending time preparing food with your children, include lessons about healthy eating choices. Keep the conversation positive and avoid listing foods they can't have.
Step 8:
On days where you anticipate time will be tight, consider taking a short cut by using a frozen stir-fry mix or pasta with a jar of pre-made sauce. Your family will appreciate your relaxed mood much more than a made-from-scratch dinner.
Step 9:
Share the job of grocery shopping. One week have mom take one of the children as a helper, the next week dad can go with another child. Always work from a grocery list and let your children help you retrieve items and cross them off the list.
Step 10:
Have big family meals where you share about your day. Keep the conversation fun and avoid negative lectures over dinner. Remember to laugh.
Take these steps today and make your kitchen a fun and memorable place for your whole family.
The benefits of preparing and enjoying food as a family are clear. You save money and eat healthier meals. You create opportunities to connect and communicate with your children and spouse. And most importantly, you show love for your family when you spend time cooking and eating with them. Children of all ages need your attention and your time. By working together to create a meal or bake a batch of cookies, you spend valuable time together.
So, here are 10 steps to get your family cooking up memories.
Step 1:
Teach small children the fun of cooking by helping them bake cookies and cakes. If you are short on time, you can use a boxed cookie mix and spend more time decorating.
Step 2:
Encourage the littlest ones to play pretend cooking. Kids love to play with real mixing bowls, strainers and wooden spoons. These make harmless toys and can be easily thrown in the dishwasher for quick cleanup.
Step 3:
If you live by your day-timer, schedule in baking cookies with your kids. Our schedules can be so hectic that something as simple as baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies can get skipped over. Write it down and do it.
Step 4:
If you have teenagers, let them play their favorite music while they wash the lettuce and set the table.
Step 5:
Work together with your spouse to prepare the dinner and use the time to catch up on each other's day.
Step 6:
Even if you are in a rush preparing dinner, remember to reduce your stress and focus on creating a fun atmosphere that naturally encourages the whole family to participate.
Step 7:
When spending time preparing food with your children, include lessons about healthy eating choices. Keep the conversation positive and avoid listing foods they can't have.
Step 8:
On days where you anticipate time will be tight, consider taking a short cut by using a frozen stir-fry mix or pasta with a jar of pre-made sauce. Your family will appreciate your relaxed mood much more than a made-from-scratch dinner.
Step 9:
Share the job of grocery shopping. One week have mom take one of the children as a helper, the next week dad can go with another child. Always work from a grocery list and let your children help you retrieve items and cross them off the list.
Step 10:
Have big family meals where you share about your day. Keep the conversation fun and avoid negative lectures over dinner. Remember to laugh.
Take these steps today and make your kitchen a fun and memorable place for your whole family.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Great ideas- after the fact
Have you ever just had great ideas? I mean, just out of the blue, for no reason. I think that happened to me today. I'm not sure why, but I had this thought: Great title for a Blog: Grandma Muses. (You know, like Grandma Moses, only Muses.) Ahh well, that's for another day
I'm under the weather today. Stomach flu I think. I've been working hard trying to get everything done and today I'm not going to be doing much of anything.
Please tell your friends about my blog. I will be adding some great stuff soon.
I'm under the weather today. Stomach flu I think. I've been working hard trying to get everything done and today I'm not going to be doing much of anything.
Please tell your friends about my blog. I will be adding some great stuff soon.
More thoughts on the New Year
I've been busy as ever and worked right through New Years Eve and New Years Day. It is sometimes a struggle to keep up with my job as a content writer (writing 7500 words a day) and also trying to start my own business. That's before the blogging and Squidoo-ing that I try to keep up with! I did want to point out that I do have high hopes for 2009. My most popular and best ranked Lens on Squidoo right now is "I'm gonna Shine in 2009" It even toppled the Lens that was my #1 for over 8 months! You may want to take a look at it and join those of us who are making a commitment to shine in 2009!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Is there something magical about New Years?
I don't think the magic is in the day but rather in our determination on this day. Whether it was held on January 1st or May the 14th, it signifies a change. It represents what we have learned about ourselves and what we would like to change. Personally, I don't make "Resolutions." I do make some general goals and I think that is important to do. Everyone should have goals and aspirations. However, "resolutions" get broken whereas goals can be modified.
No, it's not the day that is magical, it is how we view the past with hindsight and wisdom and use that to try to shape our future. Oh sure, New Years is a holiday and many people celebrate it. I have no problem with that. I prefer to just go on about my business and yet take time to reflect and even plan some goals for the future. New Years does tend to give us hope and that is probably the most magical thing about it. The old year is past. As Oprah said "here's to a new year and another chance to get things right!" Good Ole Oprah.
Monday, December 29, 2008
My new website
Although I have yet to add the shopping cart, I am proud to announce my new website; Affiliate Marketing 101 Today I will be offering e-courses on how to begin affiliate marketing, Squidoo, Niche ideas and other options. Take a look and let me know what you think! Of course, Grandmas online will ALWAYS get first view and crack at new products and services (shhh...and get a discount!)
More tomorrow!
More tomorrow!
Life ain't always a picnic!
Isn't it kind of funny the way most adults try to put on their best face when online? I know I do, even though there are times I am reading twitter updates and thinking things like "Oh sure, but I think your a putz!" Does that seem mean? Honestly, I think we all have those thoughts. No, I don't actually type that back to people, but sometimes I think it. It is my opinion that especially older people (not OLD, just older) do that a lot when dealing with younger people online. I'm not a mean person, but like most Grands, I've been through a lot and hey, I'm entitled to my not so great moods. So are you! While some Grands throw it all out there, good, bad and ugly, I think a lot of us hold things in (or talk out loud, which is perfectly acceptable for anyone over 40!)
Grandmas are often dealing with trying to earn a living, we STILL have issues with our kids, many of us are raising our Grandkids and life just ain't always a picnic. That's before I even mention menopause! It's okay to have moods and to not always be in the pink. Just try to remember that the impression you leave online lasts a long time. Say whatever you want to out loud or to your dog, or even to your computer screen, but try to keep it civil online especially if you are trying to gain friends or employment! Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to break out my M&M stash, watch crime shows and wait out this hot flash! :)
Grandmas are often dealing with trying to earn a living, we STILL have issues with our kids, many of us are raising our Grandkids and life just ain't always a picnic. That's before I even mention menopause! It's okay to have moods and to not always be in the pink. Just try to remember that the impression you leave online lasts a long time. Say whatever you want to out loud or to your dog, or even to your computer screen, but try to keep it civil online especially if you are trying to gain friends or employment! Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to break out my M&M stash, watch crime shows and wait out this hot flash! :)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Get a website that's easy and (almost) FREE!
I wasn't sure if this would work, but sure enough, it did! Up front I'll tell you that it will cost $1.99 for a .info domain name and NOTHING for your hosting! Here's what you do: go to Synthasite and register for free. When they ask, click that you want to buy the domain name somewhere else. It will give you an IP address for a "Point to". Write that down. Once you do that go to www.GoDaddy.com and get yourself a $1.99 .info domain name. (You can also get .com domains for $7-$10 but, I'm cheap!) They will offer you a lot of other things like hosting and such, but if you want to save money, refuse offers and just get your domain name. Go back to Synthasite and use easy templates to build your website on Synthasite. (Trust me, I am a techno-tard and I did it! It's not completed yet but you can see that it works by going to www.granmasonline.info. (yes, it's misspelled, but I was in a hurry to see if it worked! That's GRANMASONLINE.info) I paid, after taxes, $2.14! It doesn't look like much now...but it's MY SITE! If you have any problems, just email me and I'll help, but you shouldn't have any problem at all, like I said, I did it and I get frustrated very easily if I don't understand something easily! Go ahead, give it a try!
Twitter me this...
I was checking in and out of twitter last night as I worked on my articles and I noticed in that time that two separate people had asked about outsourcing jobs to other countries such as the Philippines. I wondered why they would do that, so I asked. The answer was that a lot of mundane jobs such as small writing jobs and social marketing blurbs were often outsourced to other countries because people in the US just don't want to do them. Poppycock! I know a good many Grandmothers who would like the extra money! I'm not suggesting that we work for sub-standard wages but a few pennies here and there may interest some WAHGs, right? Well, more on this as I find out about it, but please leave me comments on whether you might enjoy getting work tossed your way in the future. More later!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Focus
Have you ever noticed how many pretty, shiny things there are on the internet? I have! I will get this brilliant idea for a project or a lens (Article) and start searching the net for information about it. That is normally where my entire plan goes awry. For instance, I wanted to do another lens on the Paranormal. I started to do some investigating and found a site that led me to a forum. On the forum, they were talking about websites and moving traffic from blogs to websites and the reverse. Wow! Then I started thinking about websites and where I should buy the domain names and who should host them...and completely lost focus on my lens that I initially went digging for information on! Oh, if my thought process only had stop signs and road maps, I'd be set. But it doesn't, so I have learned and am still learning to FOCUS.
I think many of us do that. We have busy lives and are often even helping to raise our Grand children. We try to make money online (and it CAN be done, I do it.) There is so very much information out there that we get pulled away from our initial objectives. It takes a lot of practice but we can become more focused. Since I often have several projects going at once, I now carry a notebook with me and as thoughts occur to me I write them down. I picked 2 projects, or themes that mattered most to me. Those themes were being a WAHG (work at home Grandma) and Saving money. When I am online, I try to spot things that pertain to these two things and follow up on them. If my main priorities are taken care of for the day, I move on to my other interests.
Especially if you want to make money online, focus is extremely important. Pick two things that you want to focus on. Don't make them general such as "I want to make money." Well, of course you do, and the best way to do it is through doing something you love. For me, it's writing. I'll give you a tip; Online exposure normally involves several avenues. One is blogging. If you can type, you can blog. Start blogging about something you love. Another avenue is Squidoo. If you don't know about Squidoo, it is a site where you can create web-pages and be very creative while doing it! In fact, if you don't know what your "niche" is going to be, start with Squidoo before you begin blogging. Join Squidoo- It's fast, fun and free! Create a lens on something you love...anything, just start creating! You can always change the lens in any way you want. Soon you will discover that there are certain things you love writing about more than others. Just start with that for now and we'll go more into it later. Find your focus, that is the message here. It is the beginning of learning to make money online.
I think many of us do that. We have busy lives and are often even helping to raise our Grand children. We try to make money online (and it CAN be done, I do it.) There is so very much information out there that we get pulled away from our initial objectives. It takes a lot of practice but we can become more focused. Since I often have several projects going at once, I now carry a notebook with me and as thoughts occur to me I write them down. I picked 2 projects, or themes that mattered most to me. Those themes were being a WAHG (work at home Grandma) and Saving money. When I am online, I try to spot things that pertain to these two things and follow up on them. If my main priorities are taken care of for the day, I move on to my other interests.
Especially if you want to make money online, focus is extremely important. Pick two things that you want to focus on. Don't make them general such as "I want to make money." Well, of course you do, and the best way to do it is through doing something you love. For me, it's writing. I'll give you a tip; Online exposure normally involves several avenues. One is blogging. If you can type, you can blog. Start blogging about something you love. Another avenue is Squidoo. If you don't know about Squidoo, it is a site where you can create web-pages and be very creative while doing it! In fact, if you don't know what your "niche" is going to be, start with Squidoo before you begin blogging. Join Squidoo- It's fast, fun and free! Create a lens on something you love...anything, just start creating! You can always change the lens in any way you want. Soon you will discover that there are certain things you love writing about more than others. Just start with that for now and we'll go more into it later. Find your focus, that is the message here. It is the beginning of learning to make money online.
A little about your Grandma Host here.
I have an extensive online presence and have learned more than one or two things about
~Writing
~HTML
~Blogging
~Squidoo-ing
~Social Media
~Marketing
Now, take a look at that list above and that will also be the answers to "what I need to learn more about!" I love to learn and maybe I'm just too hard on myself, but...that's just how I roll!
About being a Grandma; I have two of the most gorgeous, sweet and talented Grandchildren God ever put on this earth! Sound familiar? I'll bet it does. It's probably the same thing you think about your own Grandchildren. Well, I am pretty proud of my little 2 year old Grand-daughter, Loveyah and her 7 month old brother, Jeffy (Jeffery Lee III.) They live here with me and I am helping to raise them. Their Mother also lives here (My daughter.) While I absolutely LOVE my grand children, it also gets difficult with them living here because hey, let's face it, I did my Momma gig and I'm older now...I want a little peace! So, I spend a lot of time in my room writing, blogging, Social marketing and trying to make a living being a content writer. When I do leave my room, my little Lovie ALWAYS makes a bee-line for her "gramma!" She thinks I am SO cool, and I love that! Jeffy always gives me his sweetest smile when he sees me and holds out his arms. How can I resist. After all, I am a Grandma!
So my two worlds come together here. From being a member of Squidoo I know that there are a LOT of Grandmas that are online. Some are very internet savvy and others not so much. If you run across something you need clarification on, just speak up and I'll be glad to clear it up for you or send you in the right direction anyway! Grandmas UNITE! :)
So, I'll share a little of this and a little of that. I'll share things that other Grandma's might want to know as well as things that Grandmas who work online may want to know. Ohh, and my hobbies? Hmmm, crocheting, the Paranormal, Forensic science (and shows) and spoiling my grand kids! One more thing you may need to know is that I am deaf. I try to put videos on my blogs and lenses, but of course, I cannot hear them, only see them and check into them a bit. If I ever have a video up that is questionable PLEASE tell me! lol. Otherwise, I may never know.
~Writing
~HTML
~Blogging
~Squidoo-ing
~Social Media
~Marketing
Now, take a look at that list above and that will also be the answers to "what I need to learn more about!" I love to learn and maybe I'm just too hard on myself, but...that's just how I roll!
About being a Grandma; I have two of the most gorgeous, sweet and talented Grandchildren God ever put on this earth! Sound familiar? I'll bet it does. It's probably the same thing you think about your own Grandchildren. Well, I am pretty proud of my little 2 year old Grand-daughter, Loveyah and her 7 month old brother, Jeffy (Jeffery Lee III.) They live here with me and I am helping to raise them. Their Mother also lives here (My daughter.) While I absolutely LOVE my grand children, it also gets difficult with them living here because hey, let's face it, I did my Momma gig and I'm older now...I want a little peace! So, I spend a lot of time in my room writing, blogging, Social marketing and trying to make a living being a content writer. When I do leave my room, my little Lovie ALWAYS makes a bee-line for her "gramma!" She thinks I am SO cool, and I love that! Jeffy always gives me his sweetest smile when he sees me and holds out his arms. How can I resist. After all, I am a Grandma!
So my two worlds come together here. From being a member of Squidoo I know that there are a LOT of Grandmas that are online. Some are very internet savvy and others not so much. If you run across something you need clarification on, just speak up and I'll be glad to clear it up for you or send you in the right direction anyway! Grandmas UNITE! :)
So, I'll share a little of this and a little of that. I'll share things that other Grandma's might want to know as well as things that Grandmas who work online may want to know. Ohh, and my hobbies? Hmmm, crocheting, the Paranormal, Forensic science (and shows) and spoiling my grand kids! One more thing you may need to know is that I am deaf. I try to put videos on my blogs and lenses, but of course, I cannot hear them, only see them and check into them a bit. If I ever have a video up that is questionable PLEASE tell me! lol. Otherwise, I may never know.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Goal Setting
I wanted to get the first post up so that after Christmas everyone could start thinking about their goals for 2009. Goals will be one of the main categories of the blog. Hope you enjoy!
Five Myths and Realities about Setting Goals
To some, goal setting may seem like an urban legend. Only nerdy people write things down that they’d like to achieve. Goal setting is a powerful and effective tool to get what you want out of life no matter what type of person you are.
Here are some of the more common myths and their truths when it comes to the issue of goal setting.
Myth #1: Goals do not have to be written down to be effective.
Reality: Goals can be as fleeting as our breath on a cold morning if we don’t make them permanent. Writing them down gives them weight in our life. It is something that we want to do and will do with the right planning. Starting a business is a worthy goal, but no successful business would work if all of their plans were left to the ether and not to the paper.
Myth #2: Long term goals are too hard to achieve.
Reality: Long term goals require a series of steps to achieve. The things that make a long term goal manageable are the small goals we meet along the way. A person who wants to totally wipe out their $50,000 worth of debt will not do it in one fell swoop. It takes time and that time can be broken down into steps. For instance, creating a five-year plan with each year wiping out $10,000 in debt, versus waiting until the entire amount has been saved.
Myth #3: Goals are achieved faster when we work alone.
Reality: A support system is not only encouraged, but necessary for achieving goals. Take weight loss for instance. People trying to lose weight are more successful when they have a friend or family member to hold them accountable with them than someone who goes it alone. Without support, setbacks can be permanent and obstacles can seem insurmountable.
Myth #4: Goals are not meant to be altered in any shape or form.
Reality: It is wise to review your goals every few months. Maybe something in your life has changed and the goal needs to be amended in order to continue. Life happens and rigid goals can lead to failure. The path we map out for a goal can require an alternate route at times but all roads are leading to the same destination; to our ultimate goal.
Myth #5: Goals can only be started at the beginning of the year.
Reality: We have all fallen into that New Year’s resolution trap. If we don’t get going on the first day of the year, all hope is lost. If that were the case, there have been a lot of broken dreams and unhappy people. Goals can begin today. All it takes is an idea and the willingness to create a plan for achievement.
No matter what misconceptions you might have heard in the past, toss all preconceived notions out the window right now. Begin goal setting with a clean slate and see how much more you can accomplish.
A friend of mine has a great e-book called "Banish the Blahs" and along with it, you can download the "10 x10 Workbook" which can help you set goals for 10 things you want to accomplish by 2010! You can check it out at her Banish the Blahs Site.
Five Myths and Realities about Setting Goals
To some, goal setting may seem like an urban legend. Only nerdy people write things down that they’d like to achieve. Goal setting is a powerful and effective tool to get what you want out of life no matter what type of person you are.
Here are some of the more common myths and their truths when it comes to the issue of goal setting.
Myth #1: Goals do not have to be written down to be effective.
Reality: Goals can be as fleeting as our breath on a cold morning if we don’t make them permanent. Writing them down gives them weight in our life. It is something that we want to do and will do with the right planning. Starting a business is a worthy goal, but no successful business would work if all of their plans were left to the ether and not to the paper.
Myth #2: Long term goals are too hard to achieve.
Reality: Long term goals require a series of steps to achieve. The things that make a long term goal manageable are the small goals we meet along the way. A person who wants to totally wipe out their $50,000 worth of debt will not do it in one fell swoop. It takes time and that time can be broken down into steps. For instance, creating a five-year plan with each year wiping out $10,000 in debt, versus waiting until the entire amount has been saved.
Myth #3: Goals are achieved faster when we work alone.
Reality: A support system is not only encouraged, but necessary for achieving goals. Take weight loss for instance. People trying to lose weight are more successful when they have a friend or family member to hold them accountable with them than someone who goes it alone. Without support, setbacks can be permanent and obstacles can seem insurmountable.
Myth #4: Goals are not meant to be altered in any shape or form.
Reality: It is wise to review your goals every few months. Maybe something in your life has changed and the goal needs to be amended in order to continue. Life happens and rigid goals can lead to failure. The path we map out for a goal can require an alternate route at times but all roads are leading to the same destination; to our ultimate goal.
Myth #5: Goals can only be started at the beginning of the year.
Reality: We have all fallen into that New Year’s resolution trap. If we don’t get going on the first day of the year, all hope is lost. If that were the case, there have been a lot of broken dreams and unhappy people. Goals can begin today. All it takes is an idea and the willingness to create a plan for achievement.
No matter what misconceptions you might have heard in the past, toss all preconceived notions out the window right now. Begin goal setting with a clean slate and see how much more you can accomplish.
A friend of mine has a great e-book called "Banish the Blahs" and along with it, you can download the "10 x10 Workbook" which can help you set goals for 10 things you want to accomplish by 2010! You can check it out at her Banish the Blahs Site.
Go Grandma Go
With so many Grandmas going online, participating online and making money online, I decided it was time to have a blog dedicated to helping. I'm a Grandma too and I see many sites and blogs dedicated to WAHM's but nothing for WAHG! (Work at home Grandma's) So that is how "GO" (Grandmas online) came into being. The objective of this blog is to offer support, helpful information and articles pertaining to things Grandmas Online can appreciate. I will also be putting in humor because that is just who I am.
So come on in, grab a cup of hot coffee, have a couple of cookies, relax and let's get started. Also, feel free to join my newsletters, they will have a lot of information too. Thanks for stopping by!
So come on in, grab a cup of hot coffee, have a couple of cookies, relax and let's get started. Also, feel free to join my newsletters, they will have a lot of information too. Thanks for stopping by!
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