KEEPing It Real

To quote David Bowie "Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes."  Happy New Year Riders, I am sorely aware that it's been a while; so here I am, sporting a brand new background, striking away at the keys, and excited about what 2016 has in store!!! 

It doesn't seem like it was that long ago, when I first told you about Reunion Coordinator (RC) and the beginning of Luis' DJ career; but alas, it's been five whole years.   Within that time, I had become a Reunion Coordinator, and even went on to manage the company for three years. While RC was doing quite well, the owner's primary business had been skyrocketing, so he decided to sell the company. Thankfully, he offered me a job in the accounting department and sweetened the deal with a raise.  I began assisting the CFO in September and continued to manage RC in my "free time"; until the end of the year when it was sold. Although the reunion business had its challenges, the rewards were greater.  Luis had always talked about wanting to be a DJ and not only was he able to fulfill a dream, it was the catalyst for us to start DJ Louie and Company; which has been doing very well.  We're not making millions by any means, but we LOVE seeing the kids and families in Peoria dance.   We've been very fortunate with the clients that we've worked with and have met some fantastic people, DJing school carnivals, , weddings, vow renewals, Sweet 16's reunions and a variety of other events.  Through RC I met some wonderful people who are now dear friends,  I enhanced my event planning skills, and took part in celebrations that I will remember forever; but that chapter has now ended.  Even though I could have continued planning reunions for the new owner, I decided that my time and effort would be best spent growing MY new business KEEP Collective.  

While often welcomed, actually making a change, taking a chance, and starting something new can be scary and risky; but if we don't try to make a difference, we have to be prepared for things to stay as they are and for me that's not an option right now.  Luis and I have always sacrificed higher salaries, for flexibility in our schedules so that we didn't require outside child care; and if you've met my kids, heard me talk about them, or read about them, you KNOW that our decision was the right one for us.  Our kids are phenomenal, they are kind, thoughtful individuals who are excelling in all areas.  I could go on and on about how absolutely incredible they are; but that's not the point of this post.   Suffice it to say that as a family we are rich in so many ways, but the time has come for us to fatten out bank accounts and reap the financial rewards for our hard work.
About a year ago, an acquaintance of mine started selling a new line of jewelry called KEEP Collective.  She explained that KEEP was a sister company to Stella and Dot and they sold jewelry that would let you create one-of-a-kind pieces to tell YOUR story.  The jewelry was stylish and I LOVED the idea of being able to wear something to support my kids; but I wasn't ready to start something new at that time or make a purchase.  In August, I saw my friend make a Facebook post saying that she was looking for two hostesses to have parties, so I decided to volunteer.  The kids were just going back to school and I really wanted a bracelet that said "SWIM Mom."
I hosted the party, which only had two sales, so I didn't earn the potential hostess rewards, and ultimately purchased my bracelet, along with two Pave "M's"
and a volleyball, so that I could make a bracelet that said "Volleyball MOM".  Even before I made my purchase, I could not stop thinking about selling KEEP.   I know many people who work for a variety of direct sales businesses, but none of them ever made sense for ME before.  I never felt that I could sell a product that I couldn't afford in my own budget, nor did I ever feel passionate about a company before; UNTIL I learned about KEEP Collective.  I was all set to talk to my friend about signing up; BUT, she didn't ask me about it; so I didn't ask her.  Silly me!  A few months later we did discuss it and she told me that she thought I would love it, and have great success, but she didn't mention it to me before because she didn't want to be pushy.  We agreed to meet on Dec. 13th to talk about it more in depth; and right then and there, I made the decision that I should have made months before.  That day I signed up, and I am thrilled to say that I am a KEEP Collective Independent designer and before I go on any further, I MUST thank the friends old and new, who made purchases during my first party.  I cannot thank them enough for supporting me and I am so gratified that everyone is delighted with their purchases.

Now, what do I LOVE about KEEP Collective??? EVERYTHING!!!!  It's important to me that the business leaders are women who support and encourage other women and that my earning potential is unlimited.  Storyteller and promoter of the GREATER GOOD that I am, it's rewarding for me to be able to wear my beliefs, my message my causes.  I've coined the phrase "Tell your story, share your passion, wear your pride."
KEEP has partnered with the KIND Campaign whose message you have to know, I promote.
KEEP Collective is a positive company, whose motto's are displayed everywhere from the "life celebrated" cards that you receive with your purchases, to their "All things are possible", "live happy", and "You Can Sit with Us"  bars.  They have gorgeous script letter words, for "Love", "Believe", "Faith" and "Blessed" and I for one, enjoy wearing them as a reminder to myself.  And lastly, all of the "keys" (the letters, symbols, bars) fit all of the "keepers"  (the bracelets, pendants, key fobs) so you can change your look and grow your collection.

Becoming a KEEP designer was an inexpensive start up, compared to other direct sales businesses; just $149 plus tax and $5.95 shipping for $500 worth of jewelry, and the incentives kept rolling in.  Within the first few weeks, I earned $100 in FREE KEEP plus two half price items.  I earned the opportunity to upgrade my original kit for $50 and receive another $250 in jewelry; not to mention, I GOT PAID 25% commission, weekly.  No need to wait for a check; they give you a special debit card and load your pay on every Thursday if you've earned commission.  Of course I'll receive a higher pay rate as I excel and once I build a team, I'll make a percentage of their sales as well.

I feel truly blessed to have joined KEEP Collective during their first year of business.  We currently have 10,000 designers and we're growing.   This is still a ground floor opportunity for anyone who may be curious about joining me.

So here's the thing, THIS is not a sales pitch.  The title of this post is "KEEPing it Real", because I want to catch you up on what I've been up to, and WHY I made the decision to sell KEEP.  I want to spread the word about this amazing line, because it's still so new that most people (that I know), have never heard of it or seen it.  I have no intention of turning the Bumpy Ride into a promotion for KEEP Collective, but as I'm hoping that it will be a big, important part of my life, I'm sure that I'll mention it from time.  This one time though, I will say "Ladies and Gentlemen, PLEASE check out my  website  (Yes, I have a website...) You can take a look at the catalog and  if items interest you, contact me so that I can mock it up for you and you can see what it will look like before you buy (just like the images that I shared above.)  Valentine's day is coming and KEEP would be an ideal gift for your loved ones. (Just sayin...)    If you'd like to host a party, through the magic of Facebook, anyone in any state can have a Facebook Social with me as their designer; which is awesome because it doesn't limit who I am able to work with.  And of course, once you've checked out what we have to offer, if you think that KEEP might be the opportunity that's right for you; I'd be thrilled to have you join my team.

It's important to me that you know that while I may contact you with a design idea or to tell you that there's a piece that I think you might be interested in, it's not because I want to make money (that's a bonus); it's because I think that it's something that you might not know about and you may enjoy.  If you're not interested, my feelings won't be hurt; but they will be hurt if you think that I'm using our friendship to make a sale.  C'mon riders, you KNOW me... I'm all about the (say it with me...) "Greater Good"; and that includes showing you something that I think you'd like.

One thing I can say, I believe that working with KEEP will lead me to my own GREATER GOOD and afford me more time to pursue all of my interests including writing "The Bumpy Ride,"

At this time, I'm going to share a few more photos from the fabulous KEEP Collective collection and simply say...

Till next time,
Paige

(43-238) Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

In  "Walk The Walk," I told you that I'd asked my boss if I could take on some additional work hours with his new, reunion coordinating company; and I'm thrilled to tell you that I started my new job today, and I LOVED it! 

Although I typically work at home Monday through Wednesday; I went into my office today, so that I could meet with my boss and begin my new position.  Within minutes of arriving, my boss told me that he had something for me to do; but I informed him that I felt there was something that I needed to get done first.  I explained that I'd been acquainting myself with his website; and I'd found several typos, as well as many changes that needed to be made.  I asked it I could edit his website and he told me to have it.  I spent the better part of my day re-writing the text on the website; and you have to know that I was in my glory.

Once I completed the website; I met with my other boss to discuss the changes to my schedule.  I explained that I'd been volunteering in my daughter's classes on Friday mornings and that I'd like to continue doing so through the end of the school year.  I asked if it would be possible for me to work for only four hours on Fridays and make up the additional hours on other days; and my boss agreed.  I offered to submit a schedule proposal and he welcomed me to do so.  By the end of the day, both of my bosses had approved the exact schedule that I'd requested and I was extremely pleased with myself (and them.)  Thank goodness I had the courage to ask for what I wanted.  Not only will I be able to work at both jobs and continue volunteering at school; but I'll also still have date day with Luis.  It's a total win, win situation for me and my family.  YAY!

As soon as my schedule was secured, I got back to work on my reunion assignment. I was so busy that my day flew by; and I didn't even take a lunch break.  What a great job!  Just one day of attempting something new and I feel rejuvenated.  I am so excited to finally be doing work that suits me and my skills so well.

When I turned 43, I said that I was going to make the most of this year.  I proclaimed that I was going to do things that made me happy; and try to make positive changes that would better my life.  Asking for this new job, has propelled me on my way to becoming my authentic self.  I am going to be A person who is doing things that I'm meant to be doing, in order to feel fulfilled and reach my full potential.  What a feeling! 

Because I'm so interested in promoting (say it with me,) "The GREATER Good," I want to remind you that none of us ever know how many days we're going to be given; so it's never too soon to start living the life that you want.  I highly recommend taking a step or making a change that will further your own success; whether it be personal or professional.  Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Be honest with yourself and believe that you know what's best for you and that you deserve it. 
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING                               

(43-157) Ten For 10'

If I had to choose a word to represent MY 2010; without a doubt, it would have to be DISCOVERY.  This past year I have learned so much about myself, my family, my friends, and life in general.  Although I've frequently written about my discoveries on "The Bumpy Ride," since this is the end of the year; I would like to share TEN of my most important discoveries with you.

This year, I've discovered:
1.  Change is good.  Change can often be scary; but if things always stayed the same, they would never grow.
2.  You HAVE to be true to yourself.    Everyone has their own path, and you and only you, are responsible for yours.
3.  Age is just a number.  You're as young as you feel and you should never let your age stop you in any way.
4.  I am strong.  I have strength of character, and strength of mind. I am strong in my commitments and my values; and I am getting stronger every day.
5.  Family!  I have found cousins that I never really knew; and I am so ecstatic to have them in my life.
6.  I have made a difference. By reconnecting with some of the girls that I worked with when I was a Social worker; I now know that my efforts were appreciated; and meaningful.
7.  I have a lot left to do.  I have not nearly reached my potential, as a wife, a mom, a friend, a writer a person.
8.  Reciprocity is crucial.  Life is a two way street, and even though you may be accustomed to always being the person who does or gives; you also HAVE to let others do for you.
9.  Karma!  It's the guiding force behind (say it with me,) "The greater good."
10. It's OK to ask for what you need.  I've never really been good at this.  And I know that just because you ask for something, doesn't mean that you're going to get it; but certainly if you don't ask; you're assured not to get it.  And so, once again, I'm going to ask for your help...

This post is number 157 of 366 and number 294 for all time.  Hard to believe; I KNOW.  And as we all know; I still have a long way to go, at least to get to July 29, 2011.  So with that being said; once again I would like to take a grassroots stab at increasing my readership; and this is where you come in.  If you enjoy "The Bumpy Ride," and believe that my messages and stories are those that others would enjoy or benefit from; PLEASE share me with a friend.  I'm ASKING that you tell at least two friends about "The Bumpy Ride," in the hopes that they will join me on a regular basis and tell two more friends, etc. etc.
Now sometimes, telling someone about something isn't enough; you have to show them, SO in keeping with my Ten for 10' theme, I'm going to provide the names and links for the ten posts that I think were my best of 2010.  Then you can just forward this blog onto your friends, with suggested reading built right on; OR, you can copy and past one of the posts into an email, so they can read me for themselves; PLEASE!!

Ten For 10': 
43
Acceptance
My Something Special  
A Gift Horse Tale
The Dirty Word
What A Mom's Gotta Do
Red - A Retrospective
The Protectors
What You Choose To Believe
A Blueprint for a B.F.F


There are so many ways for people to join "The Bumpy Ride." If they visit my blog itself; they can sign up to have "The Bumpy Ride" emailed to them each time there's a new post. If they're on Facebook, they can sign up on Networkedblogs, and follow me that way; or they can sign up through Google reader. Let us not forget, they can also show their support by joining The Bumpy Ride Fan Club, on Facebook. I'm starting to feel like a bit of a broken record; BUT, if I don't ask you; then you won't know that I need your help; and boy, do I NEED your help.

Well, that's it for me. I'm so pleased with how this year has gone. Even though it hasn't always been easy; it's ALWAYS been worth it.  I'm so excited to see what 2011 holds in store for us all.  I wish you love, peace and good health.
Till next year...
Queen of EVERYTHING

                                                

(43-10) Acceptance

It's just after 1PM, and I've already had a mind expanding day.  I've learned some very valuable lessons, and although they have not been pleasant; they were necessary!    Even though I've never personally been in a 12 step program of any type; I am finding comfort in the words of the serenity prayer "God, grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference."  I now understand that even though you're being a good friend if you want more for your friend than they want for themself;  a circumstance like this is a waste of your time and energy.  I've been reminded that when someone shows you who they are; you should believe them AND that if someone REPEATEDLY does the same things, even though they say they want to do things differently; they are NEVER going to change; despite your good intentions and repeated offers of help.  It makes me sad to say that I've learned these lessons today; but at the same time, it gives me clarity about how I should proceed in the future.
In the interest of preserving this person's privacy (and you need to read that word with an English accent and a short i because it just sounds so much better to me that way;)  I know that these statements must sound very vague; but the truth is that you don't really need to know all of the details of what brought me to these realizations, in order to benefit from them; which is of course why I've shared what I have. 
In order to be the best people that we can be, we must grow from both our positive and negative experiences.  We must continue to keep learning about who we are, what we need and what our limitations are when it comes to being there for ourselves and for others.  As for me, I surprisingly feel a great sense of peace and relief; and I'm making a list of the friends that I need to give great big hugs to when I see them.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Winter Wonderland

The older you get ,the faster time seems to go, (with the exception of time spent at work of course.) I mention this because in addition to it being the holiday season, it's also the birthday season at my home. Kelsie is celebrating making it to her 6th birthday today, and Lyndzi will be turning 8 just one week later on the 18th; so naturally I've been reflecting on how quickly these incredible years have passed and looking forward to all that I will share with my family in the years to come. As a parent it is bittersweet to watch your babies grow. In some ways you want them to remain small and always in need of your help and in other ways, it is delightful to think of all the endless possibilities that lay await and all of the new experiences that we will encounter at each different stage of their lives.
I think back to when I was Nicky's age and try to remember what I was like and what I was thinking then and it's hard for me to believe that we have already gotten to that point with our amazing boy; but we have. Nicky's grade recently had "THE Talk;" and it just doesn't seem possible to me that it could ALREADY be time for that, and yet it was. A few weeks after "THE Talk," Nicky came home and was very excited to tell me that he was going to be bringing home an invitation for the 5-8th grade Winter Wonderland, school dance and I was smacked in the face with the reality that my babies are no longer babies by any stretch of the imagination.

Nicky was really looking forward to going to the dance and protective mom (ok OVER protective mom) that I am, feared this dance would be his ruination, for despite the fact that Luis and I can both bust a move; our boy has no coordination whatsoever. To say that Nicky is rhythmically challenged might be going too far, but suffice it to say that my memories of the spasmic displays that I've seen during holiday parties and other dancing opportunities were not inspiring my confidence. I wanted to coach Nicky without insulting him and so I recommended that he subtly bounce to the beat and keep his hand gestures to a minimum. Thankfully he was receptive, as I explained that I knew first hand how cruel kids could be and that if anyone found a reason to make fun of his dancing, they'd probably never stop. And for those of you who are fans of psychology and may think that I was transferring my own stuff on to Nicky, so be it.

I was teased mercilessly as a child and pre-teen and if I could do anything to help my child avoid that; psychology be damned; I'm gonna do it!! Now, don't get me wrong, I certainly didn't want Nicky to be scared to go to the dance; just PREPARED; I mean it's what I would have wanted someone to tell me, if they knew something that could possibly protect me from a world of hurt; and luckily Nicky and I have the type of relationship that he knew I was trying to help him, not hurt or intimidate him.

I told Luis about the dance and he too was concerned that Nicky might not use the best judgment about dancing and ultimately do something to embarrass himself; so we agreed that one of us might volunteer at the dance just to give him some encouragement and keep a watchful eye. I asked Nicky if he'd like one of us to volunteer at the dance and though he is usually happy to have us on his field trips, he said " That's OK; I got it." And so we had to let him go.

Nicky got dressed for the dance according to the Winter Wonderland dress code: Black, Navy, White, Silver, or Red. He wore black pants, a long sleeve, stone grey, knit Henley shirt and black shoes ~ And my boy looked GOOD!! When we dropped Nicky off, we couldn't help but notice how grown up all of the kids looked and how excited they all seemed to be. Luis even commented on different kids outfits; in particular this one little girl in a red, shiny,shirt. Leaving Nicky at the dance was definitely taking a leap of faith for us, but we drove off hopeful that he would have a wonderful time.

The 2 hours flew by and we went back to pick Nicky up. Luis pulled up to the curb content to wait for Nicky to come out, but when I saw some other moms going in; I wanted to do the same. Luis felt confident that Nicky would come out on his own but I reminded him that I had friends inside that were teachers and I could try to find out how it went and Luis responded with a typically male "Do what you want to do." So the girls and I were off like a shot.

Upon entering the building we were greeted by Nicky's teacher; who told us that the dance had gone very well and that Nicky had danced with a girl (I will call "B") for most of the night. I said that I didn't know B and his teacher said that she was in the other class. His teacher told me that so many of the kids had come up to her and said how surprised and happy they were to see Nicky dancing, because he is SO shy and she told them to leave him alone so he could have a good time and reminded them that you can't judge a book by its cover. Well, of course I was on the verge of tears; but just then Nicky came over to me and I held it together. I asked Nicky if he'd had a good time and he said "Yes," and promptly gave me my change for the evening. There couldn't have been more than 2 minutes left to the dance so I asked him "Are you ready to go or did you want to finish up?" And he said "Can I finish up?" so I said "Sure," and with that, he went back out on to the dance floor and proceeded to put his arms around the waist of the little girl in the red, shiny, shirt. Her arms were around Nicky's neck and they danced slowly to the last song of the evening. I was frozen in my place as I watched my baby dance like a young man, in the arms of this pretty, little girl with hope on her face; and Nicky's teacher leaned over to me and said "That's B." Once again I was almost in tears, but in a way they were tears of joy, because I can now look forward to a new phase in Nicky's life. He had made it through the dance without incident and was beaming with a confidence that I rarely see in him. He said good night to B, and thanked his teacher and we got into the car. I whispered to Luis that the dance had been a success and that Nicky had danced with B most of the night and then pointed out that she was the girl in the red,shiny, shirt; to which Luis replied "Well, I noticed her first."

Nicky regaled us with all of the details of the dance and it turned out that B had asked him to dance and he gladly accepted her invitation. Nicky had the time of his life and his new found confidence was thrilling. I told him that I was so, incredibly proud of him and that he probably made B's night; (because I totally can remember what I felt like after my first dance;) and I commented that he seemed so confident that he might even score a goal at soccer on Saturday; and HE DID! I actually heard one of the mom's say; "Nicky should go to a dance every friday night;" and I honestly wish that he could.

It is such a fantastic feeling to witness the growth of someone you love; whether a child, a spouse or a friend. To watch a person strive towards their potential and realize who they are, what they can do and what is out there for them. Life really is a wonderland!!!

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING