Moving...NY version

I don't think there is anyone alive who will tell you that moving is fun.  We may like the end result of packing up all of our shit belongings, putting them on a moving truck and unloading them at a new place but the process itself is definitely not my definition of fun.

Take, for instance, the packing part.  I had been in AZ since January, with only 2 brief trips back to NY.  I left a list for my kids to follow, of what I thought needed to be done in order to get ready for the move.  I arrived back in NY on June 3 for the movers to come and pack up the house.  Guess how much of that list was done before I got back?  Yup, just as much as you think (probably less than what you think because you may be nice and are giving my teenagers the benefit of the doubt that they don't deserve.)

So, there was a lot more for the movers to pack up into boxes than I would have liked.  That's probably something common to just about every move but I still felt bad that they had to deal with our crap stuff.  At the end of day 1, there were boxes every where!  While I was grateful that they were doing the packing (because that meant I didn't have to), there is something very weird about having someone else pack your things.

Boxes everywhere!  Nope, we didn't want to try and sit on the living room couch at all...

The dog's bed is somewhere behind and among all of those boxes.

Take out for dinner!  Can't do any cooking in this kitchen!

The first day also included taking apart Matthew's bunk beds so Trent and the kids went to stay at his mom's house while I stayed at the house with the dog.  She was so confused by all of the boxes in her way.  She was used to navigating through a maze of Hermann droppings left all over the living room but this was a bit much, even by our standards!  I think it seemed more overwhelming because our house isn't that big to start with and the boxes were spread out into every available corner around all of the furniture.

Day 2 of packing was interesting.  The day 2 guys were complaining about how much was left because they couldn't believe how little the day 1 guys got done.  By the time they left, the basement was barely touched.  So, Emily and I came back down to the house after having dinner with my mother-in-law to spend the night at the house and try to tackle more of the packing in the basement.  We made a little bit of a dent but there was a ton of stuff down there and it was late.  I was up until 2 am before I recognized that I needed to get some sleep to make it through the next day.  (If only I didn't need and like sleep!)

Day 3 was load the truck day.  The driver had told us that he was going to be there around 8 am.  Two crews showed up that morning.  A team of 3 guys were there to finish packing the basement.  The second team of 3 guys were there to start loading the boxes and furniture into the truck.  I was back in the kitchen when 2 of the loading guys came through the kitchen to the back of the house.  They introduced themselves to me and seemed like nice guys.  I thought they were going out to the deck to start moving the outdoor furniture and grills.  Little did I know that they were actually walking through the house to walk out the back door and take off because they didn't want to do the work!  I am still scratching my head at that one.  You sign up for a job as a mover - what did you think you were going to be doing?

Anyway, the driver was understandably upset and tried to get another crew to come over but summer is a busy time to move so there was no other crew.  Thank goodness they had sent three guys to pack because two of the packers became loaders and started loading the truck.  These guys were great and I don't think I could ever fully thank them for how they worked that day.

Do you see how he is carrying those boxes?  They are on his back, piggy back style!  I never could do that !

Staging area.  It seemed like there was no way it would all get loaded on the truck at certain points of the day.

I was amazed at how they stacked everything to maximize space and get it all to fit.

At 7:45pm, they were all loaded and ready to get on the road.It was a long day!

I forgot to take pictures of the empty house but it was really weird to walk back in there and see all of our stuff gone.  We spent the rest of that weekend going through the rooms, cleaning out garbage and doing the first clean of everything.  Matthew and Molly still had a couple of weeks left of school so we had to make sure that they could get in the house and have a spot to do homework.  They were very glad that I had left the wifi on since their grandmother does not have internet access at her house.  And to think that we all survived in the pre-internet days!  lol

Stocking update #1

Time for an update on the stocking I've been working on for Trent. This is the first time I have actually taken pictures after I finish stitching for the night so I can track the progress. It's going to be so cool to go back and look at them to see how much I stitched in that sitting. 

At the request of my mother-in-law, I am also keeping track of how much time I spend stitching on this project. I've never done that either. I always have a kind of rough estimate of how many months a project takes based on when I think I remember starting something. But I don't stitch every day (sometimes I don't get any stitching in during a week or two, either) so it is never an accurate accounting. I'm really curious to see what the total hours winds up being. 

So, this was the result of the first night of stitching on this project. Lots of half stitches in this one, which makes the stitching go faster. 

Time: 1:47.09

Changes - Arizona living

Three weeks ago, I boarded a plane in Albany, NY to Phoenix, AZ with a stop in Chicago, IL. I boarded with a one-way ticket. As in, not returning. It was really weird and exciting and sad and bittersweet and overwhelming ... I think you get the picture. I was a mix of emotions!

Right before Thanksgiving, I accepted my dream job at the University of Phoenix.  Part of the deal was moving to Phoenix to work out of their offices in Tempe, AZ.  I never would have thought that I would ever pursue something like this. I am a homebody who likes to be close to family. I couldn't imagine moving across the country and being a plane ride away. But then the gentleman from the search firm called and told me that three people had given him my name and recommended that he talk to me. In September. A month after our lives were turned upside down by my brother's suicide and my father-in-law's passing. Right when I was thinking that a change would do me good. I talked to Trent about it and as usual, he was supportive and encouraging, if not a bit insistent that I pursue this.  He's always been a bit more adventurous than me and knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

So, I pursued the position. I had two great phone interviews and then a day long interview here in Phoenix in November. It was quite a trip to have a driver pick you up at the airport, take you to and from your interview and then drive you back to the airport.  He told me that he regularly drove celebrities and athletes and here he was driving me around. It totally cracked me up. 

Luckily, it all went well and they offered me the position. I am now the Vice President of accessibility and disability strategy. It's an exciting job and I am really enjoying it so far. The salary is amazing and the relocation package is fantastic. For instance, I am writing this now from my furnished apartment that I am in for two months courtesy of the university. And when we're ready for Trent and the kids to move out here after the school year ends, I will have movers at my house to pack everything up and ship it out. Pretty cool, huh?

The last three weeks have been a whirl wind. It has been crazy to start a new job, learn new policies and procedures, meet new people, and explore a new area. It's been really weird to live in an apartment all by myself.  I haven't lived by myself since I was an RA in college almost 20 years ago!  And don't even get me started on how weird it is to cook and do laundry for myself only. Most days, I really don't know what to do with myself after work because I am not getting someone to or from dance or swimming.  Of course, Trent is doing all of that and has been a rock star holding down the fort at home.  I am so grateful for his support and encouragement. I miss him and the kids like crazy - this is the longest I've ever been apart from them. Thank goodness for modern technology as we text every day and can also see each other through FaceTime. That makes a big difference. 

I have to say that I am really loving Arizona weather. I know the summer will be awful but 76 degree days in early February is pretty awesome. The scenery out here is so beautiful. I am constantly in awe of how beautiful the mountains are out here. So different than what you see in NY. I've had fun looking for houses to rent - another blog post on that later, I'm sure. :-)

This was a big, scary move for me and there were many times when I wondered what I was thinking. But it has been such an awesome move so far. I'm looking forward to what's next to come!

By the way, check out the seat I snagged on the way to Phoenix - extra leg room, baby!!  Woo hoo!

The view outside of my office window. The highway is a bit loud but the mountain is beautiful.  It will be neat to see the action when spring training starts, too. ;-)

This was taken last week when it was only 55 degrees out. But it was January so I didn't mind!

Welcome back?

It's been about 2 years since I last logged in to this blog. I guess it's about time for a come back, huh?

There's been a lot that has happened in those two years and here we are at the start of another new year. 2016 was not the best year for me or my family. It had its high points but there were a few too many low points, too. I'm looking forward to 2017. We have some exciting things on the horizon and I know it is going to be a GREAT year. 

One of my goals for the year is to finish the Christmas stockings I started stitching last year. I have finished one and in the midst of the second one. I have three more left to do after this one. My mother-in-law asked me to keep track of how much time I spend stitching a project so I have been taking pictures and timing my stitching sessions. I'm going to share those here, as it's pretty neat to see the progress through the pictures. 

The first picture is of the blank canvas. I love the start of a new project and the promise that it offers. Stay tuned for some more pics!

For my brother...

I have agonized over the last several days, thinking about how I could possibly string together enough words to capture who Tommy was and how important he was to all of us. And there are no words. At least, none that I can think of in my own head. So, I went to his social media accounts and started going back through his posts and his pictures, alternating between laughing and crying. I did more laughing and since I think we can all use some laughter right about now, I’m going to use Tommy’s words to help me tell his story. Don’t worry, Father, I edited where necessary to make sure they were G rated and appropriate for church.

He took a lot of pride in being a ginger. His Instagram handle was kingginger, and yes, he did think that highly of himself. He often told me how awesome he was, whether I needed the reminder or not. Many of his funniest stories came from things that happened to him while on his route. And the weather conditions, especially in winter, were full of material. Take, for instance, this post from February 2015: “I'm starting to think these customers think I use magic to get this truck in their driveways, and I have this magic spell to get the garbage cans out of the 3 foot snow banks all over the place.... just because I have red hair doesn't mean I'm Ron Weasley from Harry Potter.”

Right before his 27th birthday, the weather also became a cause for prayer: “Dear God, I don't ask for much, except for a beautiful girl to fall in love with me, the winning lotto numbers, a new car, a government that isn't retarded, a 6 pack, and the New York Rangers not sucking… ok maybe I do ask for a lil much, but please I will let most of the other stuff slide if you cannot let it snow too much tomorrow that way I can finish work in time to get home and make the train to the city tomorrow to go to the rangers game. I'd really appreciate that considering today was a disaster. It can be like an early birthday present to me… Thanks big guy.” Tommy made the game but the Rangers lost to the Predators 4-1. I guess he forgot to ask God to help the Rangers win the game, too.

The past few years, my sister, Diane, and her family have spent part of their summer vacation at my uncle’s cabin in Brant Lake, NY. It’s a beautiful spot to get away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks. When it doesn’t rain. And it always seemed to rain the week she was there. We like to tease her about that (although it didn’t rain this year so her streak may be over) but Tommy had other thoughts: “Since it has rained every day of this vacation upstate, and I am now taking credit for turning this area into a rain forest, I am now beginning to plan a vacation to New Mexico to aide in their drought problems. With my help New Mexico will soon turn into one great big giant mud hole. Help is on the way New Mexicans… don't you worry.” He really was dedicated to helping others.

Tommy did a lot of complaining during his time as a garbage man, to the point that you would think that he hated the job. But he did admit to some good things. Like the time that he backed his truck all the way up Bruce Willis’s drive way right after he moved into his new house. Bruce was standing outside, watching him, making Tommy nervous because it wasn’t the easiest drive way to navigate. He parks the truck, hops out of the cab and comes around to the back and says hi to Bruce Willis. And that’s when Bruce Willis told him that he didn’t have any garbage for Tommy to pick up. All that for nothing but at least he did get to meet Bruce Willis. Richard Gere was another one of his customers. He was quite proud to show me the card Richard gave him with his holiday tip that was addressed to “my friend, Tom.” And then there was this guy: “Some guy just walked up to me and said "are you taking the garbage?" I felt like saying "nope I'm delivering used groceries and diapers." As Diane said when he posted it on facebook, here’s your sign.

Tommy always had a pretty wicked sense of humor. Before my dad passed away, we were all in the kitchen in the house on Mount Hope Road and talking about a friend of Maureen’s who had cancer. My dad either wasn’t paying attention or had just walked into the room (I can’t remember which) and asked “who has cancer?” Tommy patted him on the shoulder and said “you do, dad.” I certainly can’t do his timing or the way he said it justice here today but it was one of those moments that had us all laughing. Just like when he would refer to himself as the red headed Mexican, Paco. And he made sure to tell us that Paco liked tacos. While on his route one day, he opened up a recycling bin and found a racoon stuck in the bottom of the empty can. He was often finding animals hiding in the cans and, most of the time, they startled him which made him mad. He took pity on this poor racoon – “I tipped it over and let him go, I felt bad. I named him Pedro because he reminded me of when the border patrol finds a Mexican hiding in a tunnel. So I let him go after I gave him a good talking to and telling him not to come back.” I believe he told him it was not a good place to take a nap, especially when the can was empty.

Tommy was a good friend and had a few close friends that were like family, especially Matt. The two of them would get mad at each other, fight like brothers and sometimes not speak for a while but when push came to shove, they were always there for each other. And if you were around the two of them, you were guaranteed to laugh. Tommy was very punctual – he hated being late. One of my favorite pictures I saw when going through Tom’s facebook pictures was a screen shot of a text conversation between him and Matt that Matt posted and tagged Tommy in. Apparently they were going somewhere together. I am going to assume that Matt told him that he was running late because the first text you can see from Tommy is “I’m already outside. Lol.” I love Matt’s response because we all know that it is true: “Seriously I’m buying you patience therapy for Christmas. But you’d probably leave the office before your session.”

As often happens, friends get busy with life and you don’t get to hang out or see each other as often as you’d like. So, Tommy placed an ad on facebook: “Wanted: new friends Description: some new people to talk to and or hang out with Reason: old friends suck Perks: I'm a ginger, everyone needs at least one ginger friend in order to make fun of them. I'm nice. Pretty generous. Sometimes funny. I like doing things. I defend people's honor. Did I mention that I'm a ginger? By the way, I promise not to steal your soul. Extra perks for girls: I'll compliment you. And make you feel good. Inquiries can be left here or messaged Again... I promise I won't steal anyone's soul.... that's just a myth....” I’m not sure how successful his search was but I know I would always hear about a lot of people who he liked to hang with, whether it was hiking, drinking a few beers around a fire pit, getting way too much white castle at an hour when most reasonable people are sleeping, going to a hockey game (or many hockey games), working on the cars or getting another tattoo. And I know you all held a special place in his heart and were really important to him. Thank you for sharing good times and creating memories that brought a smile to his face.

To my family, we have been through a lot in the last few years. There have been good times and there have been sad times. We have to remember the good times and hold on to those memories that make us smile. Because, as we have been reminded way too often in the last several years, life is too short and you can’t get back the time you have lost. So, in Tommy’s memory, love each other, be kind to each other, and put away petty nonsense that, in the long run, doesn’t mean anything. To my kids, my nieces and my nephew, Uncle Tommy loved you. And despite what he may have said about locking you in basements, with or without clown masks that freak you out, he thought you were all pretty special and good kids. He will forever be your guardian angel with grandpa.

I’m going to leave you with this last PSA from Tommy: “Did you know that you cannot hum while pinching your nose closed? Go ahead and try, I'll wait…” And when you do try, because, admit it, we’re all going to try at some point after we leave here today, just remember that he will be watching and laughing.

Tommy's obituary

Are you ready for the holidays?

Oh my goodness, how did it get to be December 19 already?  I feel like 2014 just started yesterday and we're already at the end of it.  I won't be too sorry to see this year leave but I wish I had a little more time between now and Christmas.

Have you seen this cartoon?

This just about sums up how I feel about the holidays right now and what I still have left to do.  Like PUT UP MY CHRISTMAS TREE!!  Holy cow - we are never this late with that!  Most of my shopping is usually done by now.  I think I have most of what I need but there's this nagging feeling that I don't have enough that's bugging me right now.  The kids' school schedule is messing me up a little bit this year, too, considering that today was their last day of school and they are off for two weeks.  TWO WEEKS!!  What on earth am I going to do with them for two weeks?  Beside pray that they don't kill each other!

I am feeling more stressed out about the whole Christmas gift situation than I think I need to be but I won't start to feel better about it until I actually have stuff wrapped and I see what the piles look like.  It always comes together no matter how stressed I am about it but I just don't feel ready this year.

How about you?  Are you ready for the holidays?  If you are still looking for some last minute gifts for the pretty nail lover in your life, let me know!  Jamberry is running a special promotion on our e-gift certificates between now and Christmas Eve.  The company will send you a second e-gift certificate worth 10% of the value of the one you purchased.  Then the pretty nail lover in your life can choose the super cool, awesome nail wraps that she wants from my website.  Win-win for all!  If you are interested, please visit the e-gift certificate page on my website or send me an email to order.

Why direct sales?

This morning I heard that another direct sales company, Monet Handbags, is closing its doors at the end of the month.  This follows Lia Sophia's announcement that it will close on December 31, 2014 at the beginning of the month.  In the last year, Creative Memories also went through bankruptcy proceedings and had to close.  That company has come back as Ahni and Zoe but can it ever be the same?  Will customers and consultants be comfortable relying on the company to be there?  It's hard to say.

I've been involved in direct sales since 1997 when I first joined Mary Kay as a beauty consultant.  I loved Mary Kay and I did very well for quite a while.  Then, life happened.  I was on my way to becoming a sales director when my dad was diagnosed with cancer right after my son was born in 2002.  With two little kids, a full-time job and the roller coaster of my father's terminal illness, building and maintaining my business with Mary Kay was not a priority.  There were a couple of times that I tried to go back to holding skin care classes and facials after my last baby was born in 2004 but I just wasn't able to make it work.  I've been a personal use consultant since then, as I love the product and won't use anything else on my skin.

So, you may be wondering why I joined Jamberry last month?  I have a different, more intense full-time job now.  My three children are now 10, 12, and 16 and involved in all sorts of time-consuming activities.  I'm finishing my doctoral degree and working on my proposal for my dissertation, which is pretty time-intensive in and of itself.  Why would someone with such limited time decide to join a direct sales company that is relatively new in an era where many direct sales companies are struggling?  It's pretty simple, actually.  I love the product and am having a great time holding the parties on facebook.

Jamberry attracted me for several reasons.  First, there is no requirement or expectation that consultants will hold inventory.  This was one of the main reasons why I have not attempted to start my Mary Kay business again.  Maintaining an inventory is vital to your success in Mary Kay because if a customer runs out of cleanser, she doesn't want to wait for your order to come in to replenish her supply.  Second, the customers do not have to try the product in order to know that Jamberry nail wraps will work therefore I don't have to leave my home to do a party for my hostesses.  All of my parties have been on facebook so far and that is very attractive to someone like me who has a crazy schedule and does not want to go out after work, dressed professionally, to talk about nail wraps.  I love how successful the facebook parties are - it fits my life and allows me to have a little bit of fun while having great looking nails.  Can't beat that!  And lastly, the compensation plan is competitive but fair.  If I recruit a new team member, I receive a commission based on her sales but that in no way takes away from her commission on her sales.  It is above and beyond what she receives.  I also like that Jamberry consultants are also eligible to earn commissions on other generations within their downlines without having to go through a qualification period where you could lose them as members of your team or unit if you don't meet the qualifications.  It is a better fit for the consultants, as they know that they are a member of a particular team no matter what happens up the food chain.

So, that's why I decided to join Jamberry nails and I am so glad that I did!  Within my first two weeks of business, I earned more than the cost of my consultant kit in commissions and also lots and lots of free product by hosting my own launch party.  It was pretty exciting!  I love checking my account every Friday to see what my weekly commissions are and monthly to check out my monthly bonuses.  Want to hear more about Jamberry for yourself?  Feel free to let me know!  (email me at kelherjams@gmail.com) I'm happy to share more information about the company and answer any questions that you might have.