Ooh...a winter storm!

Yikes! Has it really been over 2 months since I last posted on here? Yep, looks like it. The last time I posted it was a wonderful fall day and now there's talk of 6-8" of snow in Iowa tomorrow...how things change!

Speaking of CHANGE - here's a quick recap of a few things that have happened recently.

First - I had surgery. Nothing really serious, but I got my gallbaldder out. That's only been 4+ years coming. Thankfully they listened to me and took it out. So far so good. One less organ to worry about. Did I mention that my surgeon was pretty attractive and not married?!? Yeah, I was too out of it to act on that one...we'll go with that. Regardless of how out of it I was, I would have been too chicken to do anything!
Second - I QUIT MY JOB!!! Yep, that's right. I got an offer to run the prom store full time this season and after lots of thinking and working the numbers, I decided to jump off the food stamp ship! I gave my notice last Thursday and my last day is 12.31.12. Then I'm off to living at the mall, selling dresses and doing something I enjoy! I'll miss some of the people and the great health insurance but it wasn't enough for me to continue doing something that sucks the life out of me.

Here's the week when all of this came down.
Sunday - Get the text with the job offer from the prom store owner.
Monday - Get a call from the guy in Algona about my building.
Tuesday - Meet with the surgeon who gives me the go ahead on surgery.
Thursday - Gallbladder surgery

So I lose my mind a bit when I get the text not knowing what to do and I abandon my Christmas decorating to go pace the floor at my friend's new house while she paints. The phone call made me a little more nervous until I talked to him (someone wants to rent the building from Feb-April and then it's mine in May - PHEW!). And meeting with the surgeon threw my life into a bit of crazy, set the surgery for 2 days out after making sure I had people to take care of me and could be off work for a week. But I think had that not all happened the way that it did, I wouldn't have made every single decision I needed to make. I was out of it for the first 5 days from the pain and the meds, but after that I was able to think about things more and work some numbers to figure out how to make it work. Went back to work the following Monday knowing what I was going to do, just took me until Thursday to have the guts to tell them! And once it was out at the office - I could do nothing but SMILE. Everyone is really excited and supportive of what I am doing and wants to hear all about it. And I think some are a bit jealous that I'm following my dream. Someone said to me, "You're so lucky you have the chance to do this." To that I said, "We all have the chance to do what you want with your life, you just have to take it."

1.1.13 is the start of something new. My new life. On my terms. Doing things I love. And all I can say is...
It's about damn time! :)

Ahh, a sunny fall weekend in Iowa :)

Happy Saturday morning everyone!

It's a chilly one out there this morning (all of 35 degrees - whoa!) so grab a cup of hot coffee, apple cider (with a splash of buttershots in it if you want, I'm not judging! While you're at it - add some Bailey's to your coffee, it's the weekend!) and enjoy it. I know I'm going to.

Spent last weekend in Omaha and it was a blast. Full of laughter, shopping and everything in between. A nice road trip across Iowa in the fall two weekends in a row is never a bad thing. It's amazing to watch harvest progress. I grew up with it my entire life and never had the thought to appreciate it for all of it's beauty until I lived in the "city" for almost 10 years. :)

A lot has happened this week that has made me sit back, think and be thankful. Sitting here this morning on my bed - country music playing, coffee in hand, laptop, phone and making a To Do list for the weekend. I have many things in life to be thankful for. It's funny to think I do my best thinking, sorting out my thoughts and working while sitting on my bed (or driving down the road, actually). It's the sort of thing you'd expect from a college student not a 30ish year old woman - but it works for me. I'm enjoying a quiet Saturday morning because I know they won't always be like this for me (come January 1st - weekends are anything but quiet!) and I need to take advantage while I have the opportunity.

Friends for a Reason, Friends for a Season and Friends for a Lifetime. 

Next to my family, one thing I am most thankful for is my friends. Nothing is more true than the saying above (if you know me - you know I'm obsessed with fabulous quotes!) and it's funny when you take the time to think about it, you can put every friend you have into one of these places. Don't get me wrong - I've had plenty (and probably more than plenty!) of friends that are there for a reason and the others that are there for the season. I am MOST thankful for those that are there for a lifetime. It's also funny as you get older, you sometimes figure out the ones that are actually going to be there for a lifetime quicker than you used to. Sometimes I get sidetracked and spend a little too much time with the ones I know will be around for the season/reason because it's easier and convenient because they are often in closer proximity. But - when push comes to shove, it's the lifetime ones you can truly count on. And I count my blessings that I have been lucky enough to make some fabulous lifetime friends that I can truly count on. Isn't it funny that most came later in life? Yeah, childhood friends are great and some people have some from outside their family, mine are my siblings. High school friends? Yep, I have a couple of truly great besties that I still talk to, see and love dearly. College friends? Yet another group of ladies who I still talk to, see occasionally, and one for sure that will be my best friend for life. Bigger group than high school. Adult made friends? Yep, another group of fabulous people that I know are in it for the long haul kind of friends. All met in a different way, for a different reason, don't see each other as often as we'd like but they are there. I love being an adult and making true friends with new people - every one of them adds something else to my life. All of these people are the ones I would drop everything for in a heartbeat when they need me.

Knowing one of these friends for a lifetime is going through something you never want someone so close to go through, has been hard on me this week. Yet, through all my own tears - I'm going to be there for her when she needs me. She's one of those people to me. To those who have been there for ME this week, I am truly blessed to have you in my life as MY friend. Knowing there are people in my life like that makes it easier to let go of those friends who are there for a reason or a season. The ones you wanted to let in for a lifetime but something in the friendship just didn't quite click to let that happen. I'm not sure if I'm the kind of person that makes friends easily or not so much (I honestly couldn't tell you) but when you're really my friend - you get to see it all. And you love that I am who I am. A lady with a mouth, a temper, an attitude, lots of sass but with a huge heart for all those who deserve to see it. I don't let that part out there as easily as I used to. I've been burned by people too many times.

A little much for a Saturday morning, I know. But I've been through some ups and downs with friends this week and some things I'm washing my hands of. For myself. Nothing against anyone, but I need to do things in service of myself and my own greatness. :)

Shit. That took WAY longer than I thought to get out the way I wanted (yes, perfectionist!) - that HUGE to do list isn't going to tackle itself. Here's to a weekend of crazy girl cleaning, laundry and getting things done! Last drink of coffee...I'm off and running!

Happy Weekend!

Twice in one week?!?

Yep, that's right. I'm off my completely unintended hiatus! Well for now...

I'm up at my parents house this weekend and finally had a little time to myself. Right now, my dad and brother are in the field, my mom, little sister and sister-in-law are all at a baby shower and I have the house all to me for a bit. It's a gorgeous day - a bit windy, mid 50's, and harvest is in full swing in Iowa. It really doesn't get more wonderful than this - this time of year is just so beautiful. Ooh and hit up the high school football game last night - always seems a little smaller when you've been out of high school for over 10 years.

A little news on the business front. I met with the man who is in charge of renting the building I am interested in. Good news is that he's talked to the president of the board about me and what I'm looking to do and they both think it would be a great fit for the space. And that there's only been one other somewhat serious inquiry into the building other than myself. We talked about what I want, my time table and intentions and possible other options I could have (not mentioning that - don't wanna jinx it!) and price for renting. So things went pretty well on all fronts, hoping for some possible negotiation but we'll see what magic my dad can work on that one. Kinda bad news (with silver lining good news) - someone could still step in and rent the building before me. I can't hold it without paying half the rent every month without actually being there. So between now and the end of the year it's still on the market. If nothing happens between now and then, as of January 1, 2013 - it's mine. So fingers crossed, send up the prayers between now and then. :)

Just a little update - you're all still probably cleaning up everything I threw at you the other night. Back to work...or maybe some reading. Just finishing up book four in a series and want to knock it out. LOVE the series - so if you are looking for something easy to read and full of adorable, check out Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet. I've read all 4 in a matter of 2 weeks. Yes, I'm obsessed!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Well...it's been awhile!

Whoa! It's been just a WEE bit of time since I've posted anything. Right. Pretty pathetic on my part. Sounds a little harsh, doesn't it? Well - that's pretty much how I roll. I definitely hold myself to a higher standard than I do others and in every part of my life. As a friend, sister, daughter, employee - you name it. Some days you could say I'm harsh, overly self critical or it's rough constructive criticism, and you'd be right. But it's the Virgo in me striving for perfection. Oh yeah, I don't make time for bullshit in my life. Including people. Bullshit people - that's weird to think but I think you get what I mean? Probably makes me a bit of a bitch but meh, I'll live with that. I just don't put up with people or things in my life that drain me. Been there. Done that. OVER IT.

Wow - that was a bit of a tangent. Super sorry about that. I'd delete it but...Nah, not today.

On to things a little more fun. :)

For my fabulous friend Brooke - it's time for the skinny on the wedding from Labor Day weekend. Ask and you will receive. Ten fold.

Started off with a trip to pick up the linens for the reception and deliver them to the site. Went into the place to get them and in essence they have the kind of business I am working to build soon so my ever inquisitive eye was scoping things out. Yes, they have a nice place and looks like they could put things together for people. I just know from looking what I want to do better. And not in a snotty way, just in a way...ok probably snotty. Whatever. I just know how I want myself and my business to come across at first impression to people. Picked them up and drove them out -met with the General Manager who would be overseeing the event so we could chat a bit and know what we needed from each other. She was fabulous to work with and you could easily tell it wasn't the first wedding she'd put on. Loved it.

Off to the rehearsal - got there early to meet with the wedding coordinator at the church so we could make sure we would be on the same page. Crazy enough, we hit it off really well - we've both been a part of enough weddings to know how shit needs to roll to make it a smooth success. (We are planning to grab drinks soon) Some people missed the rehearsal but they got caught up to speed so not too big of a deal. After rehearsal, I got the decorations and everything I would need for Saturday. Whew, maybe a little more than I bargained for but I can handle pretty much anything you throw at me and make it happen. Just had to go home and put it in "Sarah Order" - which in my mind is the only logical one.

The BIG day. My happy ass was up by 6:00 to get out and get decorating done. Starbucks in hand I headed out - ready to roll by 6:45 with everything in front of me. What I thought would take me an hour-ish took me closer to three. There were a few things I had to figure out I didn't know I would need to (like dressing the head table...it wasn't even set up when I got in) and honestly, I'm THAT anal. First events have to be perfect and make a great impression. But I did it all and happily. I'm a nerd. Ran home, showered and got ready - at the church before noon. This is when the real stuff kicked in. Making sure the bride had what she needed, the girls, the guys - everyone. The church needed to run on schedule (there was another wedding after ours) and I wanted to make sure we did that and had time for what the bride wanted. We did. Although not everyone understood why - but I got all of their stuff picked up and out to where it needed before the wedding. And while they all stood up there looking lovely I was hauling purses and coolers onto the wedding party bus. Yep, I had to be the ballbuster and take the guys' cooler of beer away from them at the church...not the moment I loved doing, but better me than the crabby old lady. I had it loaded for them by the time they were done...no complaints. At this point, I rolled out of the church with the stuff for the reception before the bride and groom were done with pics.  Probably a bit of a hasty move on my part but I wanted to make sure things were done right and bank in a bit of time if needed. (Oh yeah, I had my magic bag of tricks for the girls - and as usual, it came in handy. I wonder if people actually have a wedding without one? Foreign concept to me. Always prepared.)

Reception was fabulous! Once the wedding party showed up - I was on purse patrol, making sure everyone was good, hauling coolers out back - hell I was serving drinks to the head table. They loved that. And I didn't mind...just made sure those boys knew I wasn't going to bring them food. Just booze.
Finally I grabbed myself a plate and headed out to the main area and ate quickly in some peace and quiet. It was wonderful for a few minutes. Then the bride made sure I got myself a drink and had some fun. Which I did. Free wine? Hell yes I'm in. :) Granted I was still working while drinking but I got to relax a bit and enjoy the night. I was still bossy and got shit done. Just how I work. Probably not as much when the shots started rolling - dang girls I tell you what. But it was a fabulous time.

I got a million compliments. The bride and groom were both BEYOND happy with what I did for them. I can't tell you all the great things she said - just too much. Her parents, his parents, the wedding party - everyone. Just amazed. Which is JUST what I wanted.

Oh yeah - even hungover the next day (ugh!) I got up and went back out to the reception and picked up everything I knew was out there and took it to the hotel to sort it out with them. Yeah, apparently I never stop working. Shballs I'm crazy.

Here's a few pics from the day - one of the finished product. The other of my friend Katie who's helped me get to this place in life. And no, we're NOT sober in the pic! :)

Ahh - that took much longer than I thought to write. Sorry for throwing up all over you. You're not the first today. Oops. Oh well, clean yourselves up and get over it! HA! Off to find energy to pack to head north for the weekend!
Hope you have a great one!

Whee!

Whew! What a fabulous long weekend!

Ahh, it's September - FINALLY! One of my favorite months - not only because it's my birthday (the 11th) this month but it's the start of fall. My favorite season of all!

This weekend was a turning point in my new career path. It was the first event I worked as the "day of" wedding coordinator and got paid for it! WOO HOO! :) And it was fabulous. Literally. I'm not going to say I didn't work my little tail off for over 12 hours on Saturday but I loved every single minute of it. Seriously. I am like a personal attendant and event coordinator on crack all rolled into one!

Here's my photo from 6:45am Saturday - cheers to myself and shared with everyone on FB. I couldn't be more excited!!!

More to share later! 

Hope everyone had a great weekend! 

Eek!

Happy almost Thump Thump Thursday :) 

Yep, finally did something tonight I've been meaning to do yet just keep dragging my feet on. Finally bought my domain name. Yikes! I kept thinking I'd just keep stalking it on Go Daddy's website to make sure someone else didn't take it but while doing that I realized I was doing it again. Always just waiting for the PERFECT time to do something and usually for silly reasons (which through all my life coaching I realize is not in service to my greatness). So I decided tonight was the time for me to JUST DO IT. No excuses. Just pull the trigger. No more little chicken shit Sarah V style...

So yep. Sorry folks but www.simplydivinebysarah.com is MINE! :) 

Now onto creating a web page. Lots of work to do on that one. Double yikes! I'll save those yikes for another night. A few other things to tackle tonight - I have to be up by 3:30am to take some wonderful people to the airport.

Here's to not Talking About it and Being About it! :) 

Mastering the Art of Procrastination...

Happy Monday!

I'd have to say I'm definitely a master already! No need to practice here - I'm totally one of those people who can accomplish more in one lunch hour than I can in the 3 days before when everything SHOULD have been done. Just pinned this on Pinterest and I think it fits...

After spending the weekend with some of my family at the fabulous Iowa State Fair on Saturday for around 5 hours (4 adults and 4 kids  = man to man defense) and then laying around yesterday before heading back to the fair to catch the Boyz II Men free concert with a group of work girls - let's just say, I have a lot of things to take care of tonight. Yet, I wouldn't trade the time at the fair with everyone for anything - it was GORGEOUS out this weekend which means seeing the butter cow, a giant boar, bull and a whole load of animals, caught part of the open class cattle show, ate my fair share of food on a stick and watched the kid love riding the rides. Granted, my damn feet hurt a lot more than I'd like them too...stupid plantar fasciitis screwing with my world. It's a bitch getting old. Or having jobs that require standing on concrete a lot. Gonna have to get em figured out before another prom season and so I can hit up the gym tomorrow night after work.

So with that little blurb for you - I'm off! Need to do another load of laundry, pay a few bills, email a bride about her wedding next Saturday (my FIRST day of the event gig!), buy my domain name (shhh - I know I said I was doing it before), check out info on getting a tax id and registering my name with the state, get a hostess packet ready for a Silpada show I booked last week, and a few other things that need mailed (how the hell did I lose a whole sheet of stamps?) and squeeze in a quick ab workout before heading to bed.

Yep, that's right - it's only 8:20. The night is young....Right? :)

In a Bit of a Rut...

Believe me...I know it could be MUCH worse than it is. Day in, day out - I see people in a much worse spot than myself. And most of them don't have one clue how to get out of their situation or even have desire big enough to make it happen. Desire to pursue my dream - check. A clue/plan to get out of the crummy job and do something I want - check. 

After spending 5 days in Atlanta working for someone who makes all her own decisions on how her business is going to run - it's been a bitch coming back to work. And dealing with the office politics, the BS and doing something that drains me rather than fills me up. *sigh* I'd throw myself a pity party, but I know I'm not going to be there forever. Probably only another 8.5 months if all goes well with my plans. I know it's going to fly by (especially once January comes around...hello prom season chaos!) but day to day, it's been dragging this week. I guess that's how it goes when you go on vacation - you're all hyped up for it before and during and when you come back, you're totally bummed because it's over. I never said Atlanta was vacation (who works 12 hours/day while on vacation?) but it was a trip doing something I enjoy MUCH more than my 8-4:30 job. 

My motivation this week is high in thoughts but in practice, I suck at it. I have all these ideas sitting at my desk, lists made of things to accomplish once I get home - yet, I end up sitting on the couch watching seemingly endless hours of One Tree Hill on the DVR (pathetic - yes but it's entertaining and filled with drama I don't have in my life - total guilty pleasure!), pinning things on Pinterest and creeping people on FB. Seriously Sarah? Get a life. How are you going to make this move and take this leap if you can't get your chubby butt off the couch? Oh yeah, haven't been the gym in almost 2 weeks now. I have decided to forgive myself this week and get back at it next Monday...new gym goals are currently being set. In my mind. Just have to get in practice come Monday night. Need to shed another 10lbs and get toned up again. I think I need to be a bit of a hottie when I move up north. Why? Not sure. Well I might know a little bit of the why....but that's my secret! :) 

Ahh - just need to get over this hump. Hopefully seeing my friend and her new baby tomorrow at the hospital, then going to dinner with girlfriends after that puts a little pep back in my step. Should probably stop by and see her again on Friday night too since I won't get to camp out too long tomorrow after work. If that doesn't do me in - maybe a trip to the Iowa State Fair this weekend will help. How can a pork chop on a stick and mini donuts not make a girl happy? Hope Pat & Mere let me tag along with them! Pretty sure I'll kick some ass if they don't! 

The one thing that has made me smile and practically dance out of my chair this week. My country music. Those who know me know I listen to nothing else. Well, country music and prom market don't go hand in hand (someone did play a bit of it during down time but their idea of country was Taylor Swift and that chick makes my skin crawl - ugh!) so it had been awhile. Current new favorites - Take a Little Ride by Jason Aldean and Beer Money by Kip Moore. HUGE fan of Mr. Aldean and Mr. Moore's voice is super gravelly in this song...YUM. :) 

Night all! :) 

Ahh...fresh air!

What a gorgeous Sunday morning! It's a mild 68 degrees here right now and only topping out at 81 today...a perfect morning to shut off the air, open the windows and enjoy a cup of coffee. Makes me smile. 

It was a week full of many, many thoughts, decisions and taking more steps for ME. I often get sidetracked by great things that work well for others but not always for myself. And it takes me a bit to get there, but I soon realize it's ok to do what works best for me and my life. So with that - I've decided to drop one of the balls I started juggling a week ago. After much thought, a few tears and a few drinks - I've decided to stop doing Body by Vi. Something about it just doesn't feel right in my gut. It's a fabulous product and the business side of it is working amazing for a lot of people, I just know in my heart it's not the business for me. And guess what? That's OK. I'm finally good with saying it out loud. 


So the focus is on two things. Silpada and Simply Divine. Does that mean I'm not juggling anymore? You probably can just juggle two things, but anyone who knows me knows I'll throw something else in there. Just have to find it. For now, going to focus and keep moving forward on both of these. It's my life. Living it for me to make myself happy. 


The weekend has been great so far. Happy hour started at 4:30 and ended long after the drink deals did on Friday night. Quick trip to get my haircut with my girl Trudie which gave me a nice road trip to think, sing and have a little fun. Then pizza with my sister and her family - those kids just crack me up. Made a diaper cake for a baby shower today. Now off to deliver it and then spend the day cleaning my house, making food and pricing jewelry for a Sample Sale/Retired Party for Silpada tomorrow night. 


Tuesday I'm off to Atlanta for Prom Market until Sunday! It will be a fabulous week of dresses, drinks and LOTS of work. But fun work. :) 


Have a fabulous week! 

Just a few balls in the air...3 to be exact.

Yep, it's Sunday night. Anyone really following had to know, I'm pretty good about posting on Sunday nights. Why I'm not sure...but it's a good way for me to think about my focus for the week. And yes, it changes about 17 times during the week. I think that's part of my 'She appears to be super organized yet I'm pretty sure she's bat shit crazy facade'. 

My friend Shawna came to town Friday night until this morning and we had a great time together. From dinner Friday night to drinking wine watching SATC movies last night (she'd never seen EITHER of them - I didn't know what to think) and all the random running around in between - we had fun! Farmers Market shopping, mainstream retail shopping and then off to the Antique malls on a hunt for props. No major finds were made but we had fun poking around at things. I'm pretty sure half my childhood is in the antique mall. Either that means I am getting OLD or my mother really did have a knack for keeping things that might be worth something someday. One item sparked a very interesting convo with my brother! 

Today was spent on many different things - which seems to be the case with me these days. And after getting frustrated with things on many levels, I decided I need to focus on what's important. I wish I was in the position to be only focusing on just ONE thing but that's not my nature - I really work better with having to take on MORE than one thing at a time. So I decided to have 3 balls in the air at one time - each one has a different opportunity for my future. They say you're supposed to share things with people so you can stay accountable. Yep, you guessed it - I'm sharing with you. 

Ball #1 - My future business. Simply Divine. It's time to start making decisions and getting lists made of things that need done. In 9 months, I will be making the big ol move. Like an expectant mother, I need to prepare. Spent some time today getting back to my first client about her wedding on Sept. 1. 

Ball #2 - Silpada. I've been a rep for 7.5 years now and haven't done a show this year. And as I was going through jewels and the new catalog - I realized how much I miss it. Time to get back on the wagon and have some jewelry parties. New jewels are FAB - check them out @ www.mysilpada.com/sarah.vonnahme. Retired party next Monday night. Can't wait! 

Ball #3 - Body by Vi. First Challenge Party tomorrow night! Excited to finally get this rolling. Scared b/c I have no clue what I'm doing. Trying to figure out how to reply to a girl in Chicago right now who wants to sign up for a kit! Better get it together Sarah. 

I'm going to get SO good at juggling all 3 balls I'm either going to soon be a STAR at the circus or amazing entertainment at children's birthday parties! 

Here's to the side show! Cheers! :) 

The Ones...

Ahh, being single and living alone gives me plenty of time to think. To daydream. To wonder. To have faith. To enjoy this quiet, lovely life while I have it. And appreciate everything about it because someday - I know it will change. 


I think about the men I've allowed into my life, even if just a little bit. And as great as the attention is or the small thrill of getting a text from one of them is - I know that it's ok to not have them in my life more. There's the one who is rebounding in and out of an interesting (that's my nice word for f*cked up) relationship. We've already played this game. Two years ago. And I shut him out of my life then and am only looking to be friends again now. He messed that deal up. I don't hold a grudge, but I also don't put up with bullish*t. There's the one I've never met in person but have had fun texting and checking out on FB. But he's not consistent, doesn't seem very interested (maybe he is but is flaky - NO clue) and I somehow know, he's not the right guy for me. Just something about that interaction. There's the one I once worked with when he had a girlfriend a few years back, he's now single and sent me a text out of the blue last year. We've been saying we'll get together for a drink for that long now. It's never happened. He can be a bit of a butthead and we only text randomly. He hasn't brought up getting together lately (we've texted once since February) so I wonder why he popped up out of the blue again a few weeks ago. Then there's the one I did let in more than others. And he broke my heart more than once. And although I am happy I put an end to that roller coaster again, the random texts would be nice. But just too heartbreaking to bear. His loss. NOT mine.  


All of these men are just for fun guys and/or guy friends. Yeah, it's great to have someone to text back and forth - but seriously? That gets old after awhile. And I'm usually the girl who tells it like it is - and apparently some guys don't appreciate that. Which is usually when we stop texting back and forth. I wish sometimes I wasn't so much like that but it's who I am. I recently had my friend's husband tell me (this was after a lot of beer) that when he first met me, he thought I was annoying because I would say what I thought and tell it like it was. And now this is the thing he loves about me most. I'm still on the fence if this is a good thing or a bad thing? I stood up at their wedding never knowing this. Hmmm...hurts just a bit. (Yes, I have feelings. And they get hurt too. Even if I'm a sarcastic bitch most of the time. I have a big heart.) So still figuring that one out. 


Then there's the one I don't have much interaction with. We don't text, call each other or even write on FB pages. Neither of us will even LIKE anything on the other's page. We've hung out once and seen each other one other time for like 10 minutes (or interacted, as we had each saw the other person a couple days before that...with no interaction). So it could be lack of interest on his part. Or something else entirely. I don't know. He just makes me smile. And he had a shit-eatin grin on his face the day I saw and chatted with him. And he's the one I completely try not to think about much. Because all of my thinking is planning and I don't want to plan anything with this one. Usually the plans in my head are the ones that don't come true. 


And I'd really like to see how this one plays out. In real life. :) 

Domain names, tax id's and registration - OH MY!

Ahh, midway through the week. Can't complain, right? Well I've been married to my couch for the past day and a half - so it could be better, yet it could be worse. I'm not completely dying over here but have definitely felt better. It's been a few days of resting, sleeping, TV watching and excessive pinning. Oh, and trying to start a forum for a couple of girlfriends and myself to have a book club and recipe exchange (since we aren't able to get together as we don't live in the same place!). You'd think that wouldn't be too hard - but apparently I'm less than brilliant and it's kicking my ass. 


Even though my future business location hasn't been decided yet - there are still things I can work on to get the ball rolling. Like, buying a domain name. I have one picked out and just need to pull that trigger. Thankfully a fellow business lady is helping me go through this process - or I'd probably have dropped like $500 for no reason. Now it's just going to be $90 for a year. Not bad, right? Then I need to get my business name registered with the Secretary of State - which isn't too hard but I think costs like $50. My parents have done this before and another friend has recently so again, bases covered on what to do. And then I need to get a sales tax ID so I can start buying as a business not a consumer. No clue on this front. It can't be too hard though, right?!? 


Yet, as I've been laying around watching insane amounts of One Tree Hill in reruns, I've been spending time on Pinterest. I cannot wait to test out new and different ideas I find to decorate weddings and events. I have SO many ideas and no time/space to test them out and mess around with them. It will be amazing when I'm actually getting paid to do something I love. Nope, won't be a million dollars but will feel like it when I'm not sitting at a desk helping feed the poor. Ahh. Exciting. 


A few other exciting things. 
It might actually rain here in Iowa tonight. After this insane heat...it was 106 today at 5pm, seriously driving me NUTS...everyone is SO excited to hear it's even in the forecast. And looks cloudy towards the north (and I think raining up there) but it better take care of business down here too. 
One of my best girlfriends is coming to town this weekend! YAY! I can't tell you the last time Shawna and I hung out. And I get to tell her about all these fabulous plans. We'll hit the Farmers Market (IF it's not 100 degrees out...neither of us like melting in public), then do the antiquing thing in search of props for her photography business, drinks, food, and plenty of laughter. Can't wait! 


Hope the rest of your week is fabulous! :) 

It's good to have options, right?!?

Happy Monday! 


Ahh, a lot can change in a week. Or even a day. Really a span of a few hours can change things. And that's what happened this weekend. 


I had my meeting with the man who owns the building on State Street (aka Main Street) on Saturday morning. It was great to meet him and go over different details, talk about the potential timeline, the rent price (which was about what I thought it would be) and actually get to go into the building to check it out. The last part sounds super glamorous, right? Well - if you like ceilings falling in, subfloor that has holes in it, HUGE dead wasps all over and cobwebs. (If you know me, you can picture me walking around - I had to hide the fear on my face!) It's going to be a gorgeous a building once it's done. The man has an impeccable eye for detail. There's so much potential there. Despite all the work that needs done - I got a couple chills just picturing it. Timeline is another story. The owner needs to sit down and figure out how long it would take him to get it done. Based on everything, most people's opinions say a year. *sigh*


Are you wondering where options fall in? 


Rewind to Friday night. Hit up the good old Palo Alto County Fair to watch Mitch (Meredith's son, my new nephew) show his first bottle calf. Well, despite hauling as much ass as possible to make it - I walked into the pavilion just as Mitch & Pat were leading the calf out. Fail. It's all good though, Mitch didn't care too much - he had a huge fan club showing. Hung out there for a bit, caught a few glimpses of something else that makes me smile and then headed off to dinner with the family. This is where my Dad drops on me that he has another building option for me. I'm sorry - what?!? My DAD has been checking things out for me? Ok, I'll listen. You never know what's going to happen. 


Where is this building? Well, not on State Street. But it's on actual North Main in Algona. And it's attached to the hall where Pat & Meredith had their wedding reception. Hmmm. I'm willing to check it out. Need to keep the options open. Oh Dan. The man with the connections. Gets the key from the guy looking to rent it and we check it out on our own. (PS - my dad is straight from doing chores. For all you non-farm kids out there that means he was done feeding the cows for the day. So we checked it out with him in his boots, smelling like a lot of cow shit!) It's 2800 sq. feet, has a "showroom", a couple of offices, a back room the size of the showroom - with it's own entrance and garage door for easy loading/unloading. Does it need a face lift? You better believe it. As much work as the State Street option? Not at all. Do I get the same chills I do for the other building? Not really. But I do see the HUGE potential this location has for me. Attached to venue could be HUGE, especially for a place that does 12-16 weddings a year on average (2012 has been big - they have 18. BTW - Algona's population is 5,500), plus a multitude of other events. Talked with the yet another man about a building. Got some details and my dad thinks he can talk him down in price if I'm really interested. The potential there is fabulous. And I can make anything look pretty, right? :) 


So - now I have decisions to make. Going to wait and hear about the timeline from the first guy. But not going to wait forever. Might have the option to open even earlier than when I move back there. (At least Saturdays, that is. Have to love having family willing to step in and help out!) If that doesn't make me shit my pants a little bit, I don't know what will?!? 


After processing all this on a few hours of sleep (why wouldn't I close the bar down in West Bend on Friday night with Beth and Latto?) - had lunch with Meredith to go over all of it. Man, I can't tell you how good it is to sit with someone and hash it all out. And then, I needed a nap.


Crap. I better stock up on cold sore meds. I tend to get one every time I get REALLY stressed out. And when I say one, I mean one over and over and over again.


Have a great week everyone! :)  

It's time to make decisions...

Happy Sunday Night?!? 


Right. I don't think those words go well together either. For now. I can't wait for the day when I don't get crabby to have to go to work on Monday. It's going to happen. Sooner rather than later. 100% For Sure time frame has yet to be determined...but I have a good idea in my mind. I'll let you all know after I meet with the man who owns a building on Saturday. Here's hoping it all goes the way I want it to! 


I think I've been a little overwhelmed by everything lately. Don't get me wrong - I'm excited beyond belief to be taking the steps to living the life of my dreams. It's just a lot to process and make decisions about. So excited, scared to death, anxious, happy, blah blah blah - the list goes on about all of things I feel about this change. I'm not going to let the fear stop me from doing what I want. I'm addicted to fabulous quotes and here's one I'm digging. (and yes, I have spent WAY too much time on Pinterest in the past 24 hours)


"Decide you want it more than you are afraid of it" ~Bill Cosby


Decision made. I want it. BAD. More than anything so far in my life. Yep, scared out of my mind. So many things that might happen, could happen, could NOT happen. *sigh* But it's not going to stop me. Just have to keep working on everything. And make my dreams a reality. 


I've also had the issue of doing it 'alone'. I've done many things on my own in my life and I'm a pretty strong lady for taking things on by myself. Yet I realize as I work through things and as much as I try to do myself - I'm SO not alone. Family & friends have a lot of faith and belief in me and what I'm working on. And offering to help with the things I'm not as good at or as interested in taking care of (and this list is HUGE - I like the fun/creative parts of everything NOT the business/financial/bookwork side of it all). Thankfully I have a sister who's a CPA, a brother who's a loan officer, another sister who knows more about my computer than I EVER will and parents who have been self employed their entire lives and have a wealth of knowledge. And other friends who own their own businesses that know a bunch of things I need as well. And everyone is so willing to offer help. So, I'm not in this alone. At all. :) 


Now I need to sleep on potential domain names. Thought I had one picked and now I'm between two. I'll pick one, I promise. Just want to make sure it's the "right" one. 


Have a fabulous week! 

Just another Tuesday...

Hope everyone is enjoying the week so far :) It's almost Hump Day...

My weekend was fabulous! It was great to spend most of it with Brooke & Libby. We have fun every time we get together. Road sodas in hand we headed to Saylorville lake on Saturday afternoon to go boating on Libby's boat. I haven't boated in a few years and I was MUCH more sober and smart this time around. I actually put on sunscreen. So this porcelain princess didn't fry and make herself miserable like the last time. Score for that. And in true Brooke & Libby fashion - they talked me into something AGAIN. I went tubing behind the boat for the first time in my life! It was a blast. The 3 of us could fit on it together so we were back there screaming and laughing like we were 12 years old. But my 31 year old body was feeling it BIG TIME on Sunday. Holy shit. Might be one of the last things I let them talk me into. Who am I kidding? There will be something next time. I just know it. Bitches. 

Got a few new books from Amazon as well. If you're a Bethenny Frankel fan - you have to read her new book, Skinnydipping. It's fantastic! If you aren't a Bethenny Frankel fan, I am sorry for your life. I think she's hilarious, tells-it-as-it-is, motivated, woman. And she's real. You see the bullshit in her life along with all the roses - I like knowing and seeing it all. One of her other books, A Place of Yes, is one of my favorites. Finally a book that I can relate to and read to help better myself. (I struggle big time with books like this - I get distracted and bored easily but this one held my attention, which is hard with my self diagnosed ADHD) Highly recommend! And I also got the $100 Startup - starting out as a good read. It's just not a book I will devour in a day like I did the first. (No one appears to be falling in love in this one!)  

The week has started off pretty well. Which is good since I slept just north of awful on Sunday night. I needed the chiropractor more than I needed to eat yesterday - and not just from tubing (he laughed when I told him I did it!) but because I was due for my monthly appointment. Popped pretty much everything from my neck to my ass. Damn, he does might fine work - I walked out feeling human again. Had dinner with some girlfriends and told them about my plans. Of course they are excited for me, but sad to have me move. I mean, who wouldn't want to live near me all the time? :) Bahahahaha - I flatter myself. Then we went to Magic Mike. With all the hype the movie got, I expected a little more. Don't get me wrong - it was good, but not GREAT. I think of how much hype the first Sex and the City movie got and that delivered it all (it was on E! yesterday after my appointment - you bet your ass I sat and watched it). 

Ooh Ooh Ooh - I talked with the man who owns the building I have my eye on in Algona yesterday too. AND...I'm going to meet with him next weekend when I'm back home to discuss my plans/ideas with him and see if what I think fits in with his timeline and mine too. YAY!  I'll have to squeeze him in between watching my new nephew show his bottle calf at the county fair and seeing my best friend from high school who's back from Dallas for the weekend. :) You know I'l find time for this one! Now I just gotta get my shit together! 

Big Happy Birthday to my brother in law Zach today and my brother Pat tomorrow! :)

Night all! 

Already excited for the weekend!

You have to love short work weeks, right? Well for the most part it's great - but usually just means the other 4 aren't going to be much fun. This week that is VERY true. Nothing like a great post 4th of July argument with a client over the phone to make a girl REALLY ready for the weekend. Yeah, we'll just say he seems a bit confused about where he and his son "live" right now. And whether or not the son's mom is his mom or just a "friend" they are staying with. Meh, we'll just send out an investigator to figure that one out (she is the mom, no worries there!) - apparently we weren't going to get anywhere over the phone today since I was trying to complicate things. Right sir - that'd be federal food assistance policy just being a pain in the ass again. Barf :)


Ahh, not much happening on the future business front this week. Still waiting for a call back from the owner of the building I'm interested in. I'll chalk it up to vacation (and my message probably sounded like a crazy lady ramble as well...that's me!) and call back next week if I hear nothing by then. Want to know price, timeline, etc. I have worked out a tentative timeline in my mind now so need to know if that's going to work. Working on different things instead. Research on other businesses similar in the general area to see what I'm up against. A little Body by Vi lunch to get that rolling. Major house cleaning overhaul. Finally got my office and spare bedroom in order so I can USE both of them now. Tornado Sarah cleanup complete. Phew. I've thrown away and recycled a TON of stuff. Amazing feeling. 


And it's all in time for....GLAM girls weekend, Round 2! Brooke (of the fabulous Brooklyn's Photography in Omaha) is coming to town. She ran the Omaha GLAM store this season and I wish I got to spend more time over there with her. Lots of phone conversations though. And texts. And pics. And of course she's coming not only to see me, but to see Libby (Libby & Jean) too! Libby has ran the Jordan Creek GLAM store for the past couple of years. I'm the girl who gets to GLAM part time (ran the store in 2010) but pretty much marry the store for 4 months even if not there around the clock. Yes, I have issues. You should know this by now. We're going to check out the Farmers Market, World Market, maybe a little boating, definitely cocktails and who knows what else? I'm EXCITED! 


These are the 2 girls who talked me into getting a Mac when in Omaha in May. Seriously, bought one within 1 hour at Nebraska Furniture Mart. They both blog. So I started blogging. (You need to check them both out - www.libbyandjean.blogspot.com & www.brooklynsphotography.com) Young entrepreneurs like myself that want more out of life. Oh yeah, and Brooke has been bugging me about Twitter - so I got on Twitter yesterday. Now if I only knew something about it. HA! 


Enjoy your weekend! I'll be sure to post pictures next week...once I figure out how to successfully do that. Crap...I really should have gotten a spray tan tonight. There's always tomorrow! 

Taking out the Trash...

Happy 4th of July Eve! 


I apparently need to pay attention to how often I do (don't - is really the better word) post something. Just noticed it's been almost a week - not sure where the time goes most nights after work, that's sad! Fixing that real quick. Yet you might get more annoyed hearing from me more often. Meh, even if you do. You'll get over it. :) 


So, even as far as I've come in my life in the past year - I still have work to do. And one of the things is letting in men that do not deserve one second of my thoughts during the day. As much as I want to meet someone, fall in love and have that big ol happy ending - I tend to let in the WRONG ones. And fall hard without them even knowing I actually fall. Have you heard the song by Zac Brown Band - As She's Walking Away? If not, listen to it. (I love them!) If so, just change that She to He and you've got my whole dating past over the last couple years or so. Wonderful song? Yes. Pathetic way to live your life? Again - yes. Sigh.


I have a tendency to be totally gun shy when it comes to telling a guy I'm interested in them. I have friends that say you just need to tell them that you like them because guys don't get it and don't know until you actually draw the picture for them. Others say, if he's not calling/texting/seeing you - he's not into you and move on. UGH. Total opposite ends of the spectrum and makes me nuts. I wish I knew what was the 'right' way to think and act - but I have NOT ONE SINGLE F*CKING CLUE. I consider myself more than dating challenged - I think I'm completely dating handicapped. Pretty much a walking disaster which is why I usually avoid it altogether. Easier? You bet. A lot more lonely? Without a doubt. 


So, there was someone I let in last year. A man a little younger than myself but had many of the things I finally figured out I was looking for in a man. Or so I thought. He ended up breaking my heart more than once - and didn't even know it - and decided to "see" someone else instead of me because she lived closer. Seemed like the lamest reason to NOT get to know someone you had chemistry with but I dealt with it. Cut him out of my life for a good few months, then went back to talking again and then had him tell me he couldn't talk to me so he didn't ruin his chance with this girl. I don't know her, she doesn't know me - but I'd kinda like to punch her. So he reappears in my life a few weeks ago thru FB and it was driving me crazy. Mainly b/c I kept wondering What the f****ck? So after a brief and ridiculously boring text convo and nothing much more after that (best part of it - the lame excuse that his "friend" was asking about me at the bar and he looked me up and his "friend" must have requested me), a few tears and a little reassurance of him being really shitty in general - I deleted him. And then told him why I did it over text. I was a very mature lady about it too. And he came back with, Ok. Yep. Not worth my time. After a bottle of wine that night - I almost told him to F*ck Off. Yet didn't. There will be a time for that. I just have a feeling...then maybe I'll punch him instead of her. 


Some days taking out the trash in your life, really just makes more room for the good stuff they say is just around the corner. Right? Either way - life has been a little easier since Saturday. Just making room for the good stuff...

Holy Sh*t!!!!

Always appropriate as title for a blog post...nah, but it fits in with my thinking tonight. 


So you all know about how much of an impact my life coaching experience had on my life. Pretty significant experience to finally get me moving in the right direction. Well I wrote on his FB wall today saying we needed to have phone date soon so I could fill him in on all that's going on with me. And of course, he said YES!!! (I think he's just as excited as me to catch up - man he's a freaking rockstar).  We'll work out details later but I hope it's soon. 


Of course, in true kick ass life coach style - he one upped me on news today. I'm trolling FB again tonight and he's posted a video (ok, I'm a little addicted to FB but my job is LAME and  I need something to distract me other than music all day). What's this video of you might ask? Oh, just him calling his boss and QUITTING HIS JOB to pursue his dream and be a life coach full time! 


Seriously. I don't find anything more inspiring than someone actually doing that. I can only imagine how freaking scary and empowering that is to do. I'd likely be shitting bricks the whole time. But you gotta just take the bull by the horns one day and do it. My goal is for that moment to happen in the next 6-9 months for me. (There's a few things to figure out once prom season rolls around - you know I'm in for one last season. Got the text about Atlanta Market just yesterday.) Pretty sure I won't be taking a video of it though. You'd get to see the gray/drab hell I work in daily. And I'm sure it violates some sort of State of Iowa policy. But you can bet your ass I'll be VERY excited for that moment. I can imagine my boss thinking it's lame and crazy to leave a steady job with decent pay and great benefits. Yeah - that's nice. But it's better to be your own damn boss and do what you love! :) 


As always, minor mental freakouts about everything I'm up to (ooh, Rodney would be proud to hear that one...) but taking a few deep breaths about it all and knowing it will all work out. That's the crazy thing about life - it always seems to do that. Just wish I knew why and HOW some things are going to work out. There's one in particular driving me crazy. And I'm pretty sure I'll get ballsy enough one day to pursue it a little farther or figure out how to punch someone an hour away without the hassle of driving. :) 


That's it. Time to peel myself off the floor of my now somewhat empty office. I decided to take everything out and put it back in differently tonight. I mean, why not? It's only still 90 degrees out and I've picked the one room in my house without a ceiling fan to work in. Time to finish the last swallow of my beer and get ready for bed! 


Night all! 

The Best Gift Ever!

A little back story on how I got hooked up with my life coach. After I got laid off in 2008, I was out of work for awhile (and not so secretly loving it!) and trying to figure out what the next step was. With the blessing of having severance to bridge the gap for a bit, I was able to start thinking. During this time, my dear friend Rachel approached me about her coworker/friend that was starting to be a life coach and was looking for people to "practice" on and she thought of me. I said yes. And Rodney and I worked on different things together but I can say that my head wasn't really in it and we didn't get far. Then he was deployed to Iraq for a year (You can bet your ass I am proud that my life coach is a soldier!) and we lost touch. 


Fast forward to Sept. 2010 and I get a random call from him wanting to do a completion call with me from what we worked on before. We talked for 90 minutes one night and I was FINALLY ready for it. I spilled more to him in that time than any of my friends ever heard. So, to get him started again and to help myself I signed on for 3 months...I was his first ever paying client. Score for both of us. 


So we would talk for one hour each week and I would have different assignments to work on and created 4 different projects (Relationship, Financial, Career and Well Being). I'm not going to tell you that I've rocked out each and every one of these projects but as is life, they are a work in progress. And the perfectionist in me f*cking hates that. But the new Sarah says it's ok (don't worry that perfectionist is still in there and I have to fight that bitch every day - in some ways, it is who I am and I LOVE that about myself now). It's so hard for me to put into words how much I learned about myself, my life and going after everything I've ever wanted. I've gotten rid of the shitty things I used to tell myself (ok they sneak up too but I am SO much better than before), gotten off the selfish bitch-people pleaser teeter totter I was on for most of my life, and am FINALLY putting myself first. It's been freaking amazing. 


Don't worry, it wasn't all peachy keen the whole way down the path. Sometimes Rodney would want to push me to do things my heart wasn't really in...like joining a gym b/c I had this crazy ass idea I wanted to be a runner - I can count on one hand how many times I actually went to the damn gym, online dating (and I went on a date too...ugh) - which I've determined is NOT for me, just to name a few. And we fought..not like punches and that stuff, but there was a time when he pushed a few wrong buttons and I completely shut down. For a whole week. On him. And I'd never done that. But we worked through it. B/c as he said - his work with me is out of love for me and the love he wants me to have for myself. 


It was the best gift I'd ever given myself. And it was worth every f*cking penny I invested into it b/c it was an investment in MYSELF. I would not be here today sharing my life with all of you without going through this experience for 11 months (I think that's how long it was?). It completely rocked my world and changed everything about me for the better. It's funny to talk to friends who have known me for years and can see this change in me. When Rodney and I "broke up" as I called it - it wasn't b/c I didn't love him, want him or need him in my life - it was purely a financial decision. And it wasn't a break up forever, just a break. (bahahaha - makes me think of Ross and Rachel on Friends) And the crazy thing is - we both cried. It was more emotional than anything I've gone through. That man knows me better than anyone else does and cares so much. 


And yet, I've never met him in person. He lives in St. Louis and I'm in Des Moines. (Did you all see that coming?) Yet he helped me change my life. Over the phone. One night a week.


If you, or anyone you know, is needing to make a change or is looking to go down a different career path or whatever - a life coach is truly an amazing gift. And I can hook you up with my man, Rodney. He has his own business now in St. Louis. You won't regret it. 


I promise :) 

Ahh, Sunday night...

It's always filled with a bit of melancholy. The weekend isn't just winding down, it's pretty much over. And that makes me sad. When did I become a girl who works all week to live for the weekends? This is SO not the way I want to spend my life. Seems like a pathetic way to live for the next 30+ years until retirement and it's part of the drive that makes me keep pursuing my dreams. I've always heard that when you do something you love, you won't work a day in your life. And I believe this to a certain point, but I know that not all days are hearts, flowers, unicorns and rainbows as an entrepreneur. There are days that it is work, but hopefully those days are strongly outweighed by the ones that don't feel like it is. :) 


I've had a couple of great weekends lately - just spending time back home. Drives a lot of thoughts about fitting in and having my own life back there. I know it will be a tough transition and there will be times I want to say "F*ck it!" and head on back to Des Moines b/c that's the easy way out - but I won't. At the age of 31, I can safely say that I don't take the easy way out for anything that happens in my life. At times, it's totally sucked and pissed me off thinking about how easy it seems for other people to get the things they want in life and I feel like it's not happening for me. But it is, it's just taken me time to realize my path is so much different than others. And it's been occasionally easy, tough more often than not but it's been so worth it. I've learned so much about myself and what I want out of life over the years by going through everything I've been tested on. Much stronger than I ever thought. 


As I've recently discovered - my path is ever changing. I gave myself the best gift I ever could last year and had a life coach. I'll tell you all more about that experience tomorrow. After the bike ride back home last weekend, 2 trips equalling 10 hours in a car on Wednesday and Thursday for my uncle's visitation and funeral and then another trip back home this weekend for my cousin's wedding - I'm spent. From Sunday to Sunday I've spent 16 hours in the car and driven all but 5 hours of it. More than enough for awhile but that's what family does and how important they are. Showing someone you care enough to spend time with them when they want or need you most is what being a part of a family is all about. 


See you all tomorrow! :) 

Baby steps turning into FLYING leaps!

And it feels FABULOUS! I finally revealed my thoughts about my future and where I want to go with my life to my parents (it wasn't until Sunday afternoon that I dropped that bomb on them!) so I can now share more with all of you. 


I've lived in the Des Moines area for 9 years now and have been bopping from job to job with nothing that's really making me happy and doing what I love. I had a conversation with Meredith around 6 weeks ago and we talked about how I need a change. This got me to thinking - I've not had a major life change in quite awhile. Bought a house 7 years ago, ended a relationship 5.5 years ago...and aside from getting laid off and changing jobs - that's it. No new boyfriend, engagement, marriage or baby in that time (hell, I've barely DATED in the past 5 years). And I think I've just been settling for what's going on in my life and filing it with endless work and random things to keep me busy. I need a change. BIG time. 


All of this thinking has lead me to start thinking about moving back around home...not back to Mallard but back to the Algona area where my parents live. So this would not only be a career change, but a move I think is exactly where I want to be right now. What would a banking/finance/prom dress selling/food stamp giving girl like me do for a job back there? Well...finally open a business that excites me. Right on a Main Street. I've always dreamed of walking into my own business every morning excited to start the day and I think I've found a way to make that dream come true. Main Street (or State Street as it's actually called) in Algona is changing and it's filling with small businesses and it's thriving! I am currently looking into opening a Wedding/Event planning business that also does rentals of things needed for different events. Table decor, table cloths, table runners, chair covers, back drops and the like. I'm still doing my research and scoping out others in the area (which the closest is like 40 minutes away) but I'm EXCITED! 


It's also gotten me to thinking about why I've not been lucky in love here in Des Moines...maybe I've not met someone I'm meant to spend my life with because I'm not living where I'm supposed to be for the rest of my life?!? How's that for deep thinking for Sarah on a Tuesday night? :) 


The endless thinking keeps me up at night...Where will I live? How will I make money while starting the business? Where will I work out? (I kickbox and weight train - pretty sure there's no studio for that back there - yikes!) Will I finally be able to get a new car? Can I sell my house? Or just need to rent it out? And what's it going to cost to rent the building I have my eye on, on Main St? AHHHHHH! So many decisions to make. 


So there - this is the start of a journey taking me back to Northern Iowa. Where Target and Starbucks are 45 minutes away. F word. Two things I LOVE. 


Welcome to the ride! 

What a weekend!

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! 
I know I did - I even have the sore ass to prove it. Dang, it was a LONG bike ride yesterday. Definitely fun but harder than it was last year. Maybe it was the different bike I rode and the seat wasn't as great  but the last 3 miles back into West Bend were BRUTAL. Enough that my brother and I walked our bikes for a mile as we went against the wind. Maybe I had more beer than bloody marys and that didn't help? Who knows? But Pat is just as sore as I am - he told my dad that it felt like someone put a 2x4 up his ass. He paints a pretty picture, don't you think? Can you tell that we're a little bit alike? 
Speaking of which, I have a funny story for you. In January, I was shopping with my mom, Meredith (my brother's wife), her mom and her aunt for dresses for their wedding. As we're walking through the mall - I'm in front of the pack and her mom says, "She walks just like Pat." Oh dear lord. I am now acutely aware of how I walk. And sadly, she's right but you never want to hear you walk like your brother. Any way you slice that - I either walk like a dude or he walks like a girl. Yet, Pat and I do walk alike - apparently we have a "strut". So as we're sitting at the BBQ after the ride yesterday, I'm in a lawn chair next to Mere's mom watching my dad grill burgers for the riders and she says to me, "Well, I now see where you and Pat get your butts." She points directly at my dad's ass. Good lord. The man doesn't have one. Which, neither do Pat or I. Obviously turns into hilarious conversation for awhile about the butts of the the 3 of us. I LOVE the inappropriateness of Mere's Mom (who doesn't check out her son-in-law's dad's ass?). She fits right on in with the rest of us. Apparently her daughter is turning into her - she's sitting next to me in church this morning and tells Pat, "Sarah has your dad's nose." Shit - I hope I don't go bald like the old man. I don't think that's a look I can rock! 


It was an interesting weekend in another way...got a peculiar Facebook friend request when I woke up yesterday morning. One that puzzles me like no other...yet I accepted it and am now attempting to patiently wait to see the reason behind this request. We'll see how long that lasts - according to this person, I am funny, upfront and aggressive (he also said beautiful but whatever on that) so true to form it's hard for me to sit here and wait to see what his deal is. 


Also - have you seen the video for Kenny Chesney's new song Come Over? If not, you need to...NOW. Holy hella hot stuff! That man finally figured out how to rock being bald (hmmm, shaved his head) and it's a steamy video. Damn fine for 44...


And yes, I spilled the beans to my parents on my plans...stayed tuned to hear all about that! 

Ah, Thump Thump Thursday...

What's that mean? Not a clue - but makes me laugh. And think of my friend Katie. She's a riot. 


For the past 12 years I have had the same hair stylist, Trudie. Randomly got her one time in college and haven't left her since. Ok, I've randomly strayed to others due to necessity. Oh, I didn't mention she lives 2 hours away from me? Yep, that's right - I am crazy and picky enough to drive almost 2 hours ONE WAY to get a haircut and a color. She knows my hair, what I like, what I don't (and actually tells me things she won't do b/c she knows I'll hate it - even if I think it's something I WANT) and I never walk out the door unhappy. 


Well - I've cheated. Twice this week. With 2 different people. A cut from someone I met through Silpada and it was ok. Always hard for me to LOVE it b/c I suck at telling them what I like done with my hair. And then I went at supported my friend Katie who is currently in school at the Aveda Institute in WDM. We had a ball! And she did a FABULOUS job. It was the first time EVER in 12 years someone else has put color in my hair. I had total faith in her that she would do great - and she delivered. Freaking entertaining as hell the entire time too - a little singing, dancing and completely inappropriate conversation you can only have with a very wonderful girlfriend. Let's just hope I didn't get her kicked out of school for being unprofessional! :) 


And I thought about it yesterday - I rarely cheat on my hair girl. But apparently when I cheat on her for a cut - I get around. There's only been ONCE that I've been back to the same person twice. And my new fill in color girl has been found. That is one I will continuously have a hair affair with. Apparently I'll still be whoring it up for haircuts in a pinch! 


I have been promising myself to be more consistent with my posts but this week has completely gotten away from me. But I'll get better, I have no doubt. I have SO much to share about the things moving along in my journey but a few sidetracks this week. And other things coming up that have priority. I'll actually start to reveal more to everyone soon - should probably tell my parents first when I see them this weekend? :)


I'll be climbing on a bike on Saturday for the 4th Annual Mindy's Miles Bike Ride in honor of my little sister's friend (and my sister-in-law's cousin, family friend's daughter - I love small town connections!) and her boyfriend who were killed in a car accident in 2008. It's a great morning ride - complete with my friend and yours, the Bloody Mary. One of the best I've ever had! Here's to 30 miles on Saturday for Mindy and Chris! 


And on a sad note - please keep my Uncle Steve and family in your thoughts and prayers. He's losing his 12 year battle with Multiple Myeloma, it's only a matter of time at this point. Thankfully he's surrounded by his family and is resting comfortably during these last few days with us. To my Aunt Denise and her boys (Mike, Todd and Troy) - you're all at the top of our prayer list for strength to get through the days ahead. We all love you and are here for you. 


Love to everyone! Make it a GREAT weekend! 

Oh yeah...it's Hump Day! :)

Hope it was a happy hump day for everyone! 

I can't complain much...I got my back cracked (and boy it was a big one - like a little throw up in my mouth, but in a good way) and now the CMT Music Awards are on. You should be thankful you aren't here listening to me sing along. One of my biggest loves - country music. Minus Taylor Swift. But I think I figured out how she wins video of the year on things like this. They don't limit the number of times you can vote for something. There's probably some horny 13 year old boy thinking she's the best thing ever and votes during the entire show. 

You can bet I was close to that voting for Jason Aldean.

I had a fabulous lunch date yesterday with my friend Angie. She is an amazing woman I met in the Silpada business and am blessed to call her my friend. So much to share later on how Silpada has gotten me to the place I'm in today. She's a woman who doesn't take no for an answer and doesn't limit herself on where her life can go. She's a "Why not?" woman. And she has an amazing gift of sharing that with you and doesn't even know how she has helped me have the confidence to get where I want to be. She was the first person to tell me, "You'll be successful wherever you build your business, you have to know where is best for YOU."  It was fabulous to sit there and talk about my dreams for my business and share with someone the direction I want it to go. It was crazy the ideas I developed that I hadn't thought yet of while sitting there sharing it (of course I immediately went and wrote them down once I got back to work...just so I don't forget). She told me I was looking great and glowing (as only Ang can!) and then laughingly asked, "Are you pregnant?" My response, "It'd have to be Immaculate Conception if that was the case." I guess that's what finally making plans to follow your dream can do for a girl. The right plans. Finally figured out what those are. One last thing she told me (and you wonder why this was a fabulous date - who gets this many compliments in an hour?) "You have too much talent to waste sitting in an office working for someone else, doing what you do." 

Ahh, there are so many options I need to consider before jumping on this new and crazy venture. The worst part of it - not being able to just to the dreaming part of it. I actually have to be a 'big kid' and do research, make contacts, make the tough decisions and some of those are yucky ones. Decisions I don't know what the best option might be for me. If only the real estate market wasn't still less than fabulous. *sigh* 

And yep, that's the only clue you're getting to the future steps I'm taking with developing my business. You'll just have to stay tuned to find out more! 

I'd say I want a Monday do-over...

...but that would just mean the weekend would be farther away. So I'll take today as it was and keep moving forward! 


So it was a funny day from the start. And it got myself and a friend talking about dating and the quality of men we are meeting/being introduced to etc. It's funny how you can have a conversation with someone and it goes amazing, on for hours and you think -dang this dude is actually a GOOD one. Believe me, we ladies in our 30's (f*ck - that makes me feel old) - ladies in our EARLY 30's continuously wonder if there are truly any good ones left out there. The ones we end up talking to more than once turn out to be guys that likely don't deserve take us out on a first date. Or even to have another conversation with. And it's the stuff they DON'T tell you about that changes all of this. In the society we live in, we definitely need to protect ourselves and do our homework. So once you have at least a first/last name you are pretty much set to do at least a little pre-screening (aka internet stalking). Is that a bad thing? Should we be allowed to judge the potential of another person to be a good match based on information we find out about them online? I mean, there's creeping their Facebook page to see what kind of pics they have (aka ones with an unmentioned gf/ex-gf - which is a prompt eliminator.) 


Then there's the next step. Online court records searching. Now, don't tell me you haven't done this to ANYONE ever. (If you haven't...kudos to you. But you should try it. For real.) Let's start turning over rocks on people. Some people's are pretty harmless (seat belt, speeding, window tint) but others have a little more going on that you'd ever think. Assault, domestic abuse, felonies - yikes, etc. Some things are major deal breakers. No matter how much a person says they've changed, they are working on getting their life together - there's always that little part of you that wonders what else they HAVEN'T told you. (And I know that no guy is going to come out on a first date/convo/whatever and tell you he's got an assault charge but when was it and what's he doing now? Is his life REALLY together or is he still living in his parents house and can barely hold a steady job?) So, are their kids out there they aren't telling you about that they have to pay child support on but aren't? (Ooh, if they owe back support...that shit will go on forever!) Do they have a crazy ex-spouse that isn't over the relationship with? You just never know.


We all have a past. No doubt about it. But when you check out MY name under Iowa Courts Online - all you're going to find is a slew of speeding tickets and a small claims court case. That's right. I took an ex-boyfriend to court. We had a small misunderstanding who was responsible for paying for that amp and cabinets he needed for his gig in a band. We'll just say, he paid for it. :) 


Is that disqualifying information for someone creeping on me? Might be. All they'd have to do is ask about it and I'll tell them how it is. I'm like the First Bank of Sarah. You don't pay me money owed, I'm required to take action. I just don't have to defend myself on bail being made, time spent in jail or probation. My lesson was a pretty easy one to learn and grow from. :) 


Now if you'll excuse me - I have a little "research" to do...

I'm apparently a slow or lazy blogger since I've only posted once. Hoping to have words of wisdom or new revelations in life to pass on...well, I'm lame and have none of that. Yet. I was actually sick most of last week so I bailed on my friend for dinner/drinks on Wednesday (lame sauce, I know...but I needed another night on the couch) and thankfully felt more normal Thursday. I was SO ready to answer phones for a few days at DHS. You'd be entertained by the things people feel they need to call and ask about. Here's my top 3 from Thursday/Friday. 

1. A young lady calls in to ask where she can get information about getting her pets spayed/neutered by the ARL paid by DHS since she's on food stamps. Umm, I'm sorry miss but I don't know what one has to do with the other. 

2. A lady calls in for her brother (I'd say probably in her 30's, maybe?) and I told her I needed his permission to talk to her. She tells me, "Well he's in the bathroom right now." Ok. Then I hear a door open/shut and silence after her telling him I need his permission to talk to her. It's silent for a good 45 seconds. All of a sudden she's back on the phone telling me she doesn't know why he won't talk to me. Umm, maybe it's because you are in the bathroom with him and it's likely awkward?!? This call lasts a good 3-4 minutes in complete awkwardness as I then tell her she'll need to call back when he's ready to give permission. 

3. A man calls in asking why his income was put so high because it caused his food stamps to go down. Yep, your income is higher now sir so that's what happens. Argued with me that we were wrong in our calculation and everything, nothing I said was "right". Told him to get his notice out and I walked him through it talking about gross vs. net income and why we use gross (which of course he doesn't think is far until I go thru the deductions we give him from it) and he told me I should have started there. Right sir. I told him then maybe he should be sitting in my seat doing my job. He told me he could do a better job. Yep,  you're right. Your work ethic of not regularly putting in even close to 40 hours/week (or even any at all) at your temp job clearly qualifies you over me to do this job. Jackass. You better believe I hung up on his ass. 

Yet you all wonder why I don't want to stay with this glamorous career forever?

On Thursday, I was excited when I got home - package from Thirty One sitting on my doorstep and my order from Amazon in my mailbox. Definitely cute new bags to use for different things (busted one out for my trip to the Farmers Market yesterday - worked perfect!). And after avoiding most trends of books to read (like Twilight & Hunger Games)I caved and bought the Fifty Shades of Grey series. And I was sucked into the first one within the first 3 chapters. Ridiculously sucked in enough to stay up until 1:00am to finish the first one. And up til 2:30 starting the second. Finished the 2nd on Friday night. Read the entire 3rd yesterday. Completely lame on my part for the weekend...who spends the whole thing reading? Ugh. But they were great books. Would highly recommend them. 

And that's your lesson on why I don't buy books often. I get nothing else done until I finish them. 

Crap - I need to get back to work. Took a couple crazy pills this morning and decided to clean out my master closet. It's amazing! Got rid of 13 pairs of jeans. There's now 4 garbage bags of clothes for donation. But all the junk NOT going back in it needs to be sorted out for other closets and my office. And I'm over working on the project. Effff. Where the hell is my personal assistant again?!? 

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday :)