Extracurricular Employment

I'm often amazed at the stories I've heard from actual people about how they've done so well in Network Marketing (or MLM's). Mainly because, I don't see how anyone could possibly without giving up their entire lifestyle, time, energy, $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, and sanity to do so. I've actually talked to people who have made a career of hopping from one MLM to the next and waiting for the one their in now to fall apart so that they can hop to the next one. I never fell for this in my earlier years, but living in this extremely expensive city (at the moment) and not being able to make ends meet as a health care worker, I looked for other options to increase my income. I kind of felt this one was alright, and decided I'd give it a try. Truthfully, it probably was a LOT better than most others out there mainly because it has an amazing leadership team, a great endorsement from someone who is respected worldwide, and also a great product. But, in the end, with my nutso life, I couldn't justify the time spent on it OR the money spent on ordering and using the product myself. So, as of today, I have resigned - FOREVER from Network Marketing. I'm just not cut out for it you know? I'm way too honest, and if someone doesn't absolutely need something, I can't tell them that they do. It just doesn't feel right you know? I have to focus my energy on other things, like self improvement overall, and in the funding department, I'm looking at taking on a second job. Perhaps something in data entry 2 or 3 evenings a week and Saturdays. So, if anyone knows of anything like that, let me know. I'm up for it. I've started networking (in the telling people - sense of the word ;-) to let people know that I'm looking for something like that. My background is a whole lot of health care, as well as a lot of computer knowledge (not in a programming way), and just about every retail and woodworking minion job that ever existed. (including a vast knowledge about pets as I worked at Petland), probably don't really want to ever go back to retail again to be honest with you, unless it was at a book store. So, if anyone knows of anything simple that I can do 2 or 3 eves a week and a Saturday or 2 a month, let me know. I'm interested.

Phenomenal Books at Incredible Prices!!!!

So, I've been looking for a copy of this book to purchase for at least a year. It's one of THE best books on faith ever written. Anyone who knows me really well also knows that I am a huge fan of Gene R. Cook. The man has amazing faith, and I am always excited to learn more on the subject from the man. I've read the book before, but it's such a gem that I wanted my own copy. I looked on Amazon for a copy, and discovered that it is available only second hand for a minimum of $46.76. (as all unbelievably difficult to find and out of print books are on Amazon) Anyway, about 3 months ago, I was in my church bookstore - Beehive Books, I looked in the used book section in hopes of finding it, but to no avail. I asked if they had a list where people could write down their requests, and if they saw that one come through give them a call. They did, so I had them make note of my request. Last week, I got a call from the Cardston store saying that they had a copy and that I could pick it up. I asked if they could transfer it to the Calgary - Queensland store for me and have them call me to pick it up. Yesterday they called, and today I went to pick it up. I could not believe my luck because they offered it to me for $2.50. What a freaking steal!!!!!!!! I looked closer on the book and on a piece of paper, it said something about it being $12.50. I pointed this out to the clerk, and she said, no, the price on the book is $2.50 and it's in the computer for $2.50, so that's what you're getting it for. I was sooo excited. It has a little bit of writing in it, but the writing is notes that are actually helpful to one reading the book, so I'm totally ok with that. I'm amazed really at the bargain and the lack of effort in finding this treasured gem. Just thought I'd share my good news with everyone.

My Spongey Valentine

My co-workers - bless them - gave me a gift today. It was this - The Valentine's Grow Your Own Boyfriend Sponge Man. This they stapled to a copy of my Chinese Horoscope for the year. They highlighted a portion of the horoscope. - "You are likely to find a new romantic interest, but try to take things slowly to avoid any dissappointments in love - especially if you are not single!" Do you think they're trying to tell me something? My "favorite" (note the sarcasm) holiday is coming up. Not that I'm bitter or anything, I'm fine with it, but I honestly have never had a good Valentine's day - ever. I think what makes it worse than anything is the pressure everybody puts on you. My girlfriends are already asking me - what are you doing on Valentine's? I'm all - well, likely nothing I guess - probably sit at home. Why does everybody seem to think it necessary to have "someone" at Valentine's day? Why can't we all go back to Elementary school where we gave out little bits of paper - remembering everybody and not leaving anyone out so that everybody felt included. I'm all for getting little bits of paper in my home-made heart-shaped envelope. I'm not saying I don't appreciate the gift from my friends at work, in fact I do. It was awfully thoughtful of them. They are some of the best women in the whole world, and they have sincere concern for me and my "dating" welfare. I just wish life (and dating) were simpler. Why does everybody have to make it such a big deal? Why can't we all just go and hang out, and make friends and see if we get along enough to want to spend more time together? It really is as simple as that you know.

My Shameless Yoga Plug

Can I tell you? - I Love Yoga!!!!!! It is so good and makes you feel really good overall. Not only is it a good stretch for all of your muscles and for body toning, but you feel so relaxed after, and balanced overall - mentally and physically. Those ancient Indians (from India) knew what they were talking about I tell you. I've just finished another Yoga practice as you can probably tell. Seriously, I think everybody should take it up. And, no it is not a girl exercise. I know a guy who does Yoga and loves it as much as I do. Another bonus for men doing Yoga is that it is predominantly girls doing it and therefore, men - *wink wink, nudge nudge* an excellent way to pick up girls. Seriously, it is amazing how much better you feel after you've done Yoga for a while. I've been doing it fairly regularly now for about a month. (at least 4 times a week, but prefer to do it every day if I can) Before that, I had a once a week class. Now I just practice in my room before I go to sleep with this online Yoga http://www.myyogaonline.com/ Check it out, it's totally worth the membership if you know what you're doing to begin with. Here ends my shameless plug for Yoga practice.

Life is what happens when you're making other plans

Why is it - that everything one has to do to catch up with life is always planned to be done on one day? Granted, most people get their stuff done on 2 days - Saturday and Sunday. But, for me - Sunday is a day of rest, so I only have Saturday. So, today I had everything planned out to be done today, but before I even woke up, my day was pretty much planned for me - as my Dad woke me up saying - "Becky, I need to go to the Emergency room". He was having massive pain in his lower abdomen due to the events from earlier in the week - Tuesday I took him to get his 16mm kidney stone lithotripsied. So, there's little bits. (in this case - a chunky bit) that have been passing all week. It turns out, this bit is stuck in his Ureter. I used to work on the Urology unit, and I've seen probably 100 of these situations, but have never been on the other side you know? For us on the unit, it was no big deal - another Renal Colic. Especially when we were dealing with more serious cases of Cancer in various Urological parts and removal of said parts. So, anyway, being on the other side - the family side - of a Renal Colic is not as easy as they make it look. So, took Dad (and also checked Mum in for her chest pain due to last week's accident) and, decided that they were in good hands and therefore, went to do (at least some) of the things I had planned. Vitally important for me - was the oil change. So, dropped off the car, waited, very impatiently, and wandered around Chapters for a while not finding any books that I wanted because I was thoroughly distracted. I mean, usually, I can spend a couple of hours in there easy and find lots of books to covet, but I just wanted to get things done and move on and get back to my parents in pain at the hospital. There were other things I wanted to get done, but didn't really get to them. I'm supposed to be going to a party for a friend - turned 30 earlier in the week, and wasn't going to go after my mad day, but, after talking to her husband and being severely guilt tripped into it. (you know who you are :-), I have decided that I'm going to go. So, once my laundrey is switched over so that I have sheets to sleep on tonight, I'm going straight there, and that is about... now. Bye.

*AMENDMENT*: So after going to my friend's party that her husband guilted me into going to, I've discovered that I'm actually really glad and grateful that I did go. It was a lot of fun, and I got to catch up with some friends that I haven't seen in forever. Even if I did get hit in the face with a Soccer ball, and I had to drive all the way out to High River to go, I'm really glad. (actually, the highway driving was really therapeutic after today's chaos) So there you have it. Go to parties, even if you're too tired, and don't feel like it. You won't regret it. (hopefully)

Exodus Patterns

Have you noticed that life has cycles? I had a teacher at church once who called it an exodus pattern. You start off somewhere where you're not growing, and then you go through an intense period of trial and growth, and then you finally arrive at the "promised land" so to speak. 3 steps involved. (I call it Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial - if you want to know more about what that means, ask me another time in person) Well, the last year and a half or so has most definitely been all Terrestrial for me. Growth and trial in every place I look. I'm really very grateful for it though because, if I hadn't had those experiences, I wouldn't be ready for what's next. What's next has got to be great, because - dang it, I deserve it and it's time for me to find my promised land (so to speak) I've been thinking of moving for quite some time, and I'm going to do some very serious thinking and praying on this subject. You know, life is just a series of these cycles over and over again. It's a pattern found in every great story (both fiction and non-fiction) What I've learned, I won't share here, but it is profoundly important and I really feel blessed for having learned it and for God's love for me in bringing this knowledge to me. The truth is, even though I suffered great pain, I would have never learned these things any other way. Strange, but I can honestly say that I'm grateful for painful experiences. Am I alone here, or do any of you out there feel the same way?

Lesser Known Facts About Becky

- I'm the biggest fan of history and most other "boring" topics that involve a good story.
- I have never been in any province in my country east of my own. :-(
- I've always had this fantasy about becoming an olympic athlete of some kind.

- I can sing the entire Sarah McLachlan album - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy from beginning to end in a really loud voice. (with accompaniment from the album)

- I have literally hugged a giant cactus. (saguaro)

- I've had my heart broken dozens of times by several different people, but have only really truly been in love once.

- I can (but would rather not) eat an entire bag of chips with an entire jar of salsa.
- I once owned a Bearded Dragon and would like to have other reptilian pets some day when I have my own home and space and time to take care of them. (also want dogs and cats)
- I want to live on a completely self-sufficient plot of land someday where I can raise my family - complete with wind turbines and solar panels and a lovely garden.
- My favorite singer of all time - Ella Fitzgerald.
- I have seen Neil Diamond in concert not once, but twice. (he's an amazing entertainer)
- I'm really grouchy when provoked. (no really, honestly)
- I once had a bigger collection of Star Wars memorabilia than any girl on the block.
- I don't tolerate pain well at all. (which I have inherited from my mother)

I'm sure I'll think of other things, but these are a few for now which I am willing to share. Thanks for reading my nonsense.