GIVING Campaign - Day 3

Well, sure enough I got roped back into rescue work!

I knew me fostering and in the end adopting Amber would lead to more volunteering. I just wasn't prepared to take back over the paperwork - AGAIN. For now I am just helping get caught up - it really is a time consuming job and I don't have time for it, even though we have now made it a paid position - with owning my own business and working full time at the telephone company, I really cannot find the time to do paperwork again full time.

So Day 3 - I bought dinner for Jonnie and I. Ok, She's a cheap date - Taco Tuesday and cheap beer - but it's still something nice I can do for my closest girlfriend. I don't get along well with many girls, but Jonnie and I have that bond where we can not talk for a while, and pick up right where we left off. I'm grateful she's always been there for me as a friend and like an older sister.

And how I have NO photos of the two of us, I have no idea. I know there are 2 on my dead laptop, so must find a way to get them off the drive.

Cheers!

GIVING Campaign - Day 2

On Day 2 of my giving campaign, a fellow rescue friend through Southern California Bulldog Rescue has been having medical issues with her bully, Muttley. She had already spent most of her money on tests, and needed to get more tests done to figure out what was going on, and now she didn't have the money to pay the mortgage on the house. Someone mentioned donating money or doing a fundraiser, and in the course of about 15 minutes, 5 people asked for her Paypal address and sent funds.

Feel better soon, Muttley! Beki I'm glad I could help with donating some money to finding more answers as to why Muttley seems to be retaining a lot of fluids!

GIVING Campaign - Day 1

Day 1 came early for me, as I was trying to save the biggest surprise for last, but it came 2 days early and before Christmas day, to say the least!

I had been fostering for DREAM animal rescue for 3 weeks and we were discussing the upcoming adoption event on Thanksgiving weekend. Last event, I dropped off my foster, Amber, and she was miserable the whole time. When I came to pick her up she was laying in her litter box being non-social. My friend Staci said when I left, Amber watched me as I walked away from her and then continued to look for me.

I knew she never did well at events, and she was really blossoming into a wonderful kitten here! She loves catnip, grooms fuzzy cat, and will jump in anyone's lap who will let her. I decided I wasn't going to torture her by going to events anymore, and that she could stay permanently with me.

I filled out her application, paid her fee, and now she's a permanent resident! Here she is in her few short weeks with me:

Upcoming Classes!

Hey Everyone!

So, I have an upcoming doTERRA class and I would love it if you could make it - it will be in Rancho Santa Margarita, at my new home. If you have my questions, it would be a great time for you to come and learn more about essential oils and how they can benefit you both mentally, physically, and emotionally!

If you can't make it, I'd be happy to set up a consult with you one day after work or on a weekend if you just let me know what you're interested in, so I can bring you some samples. Also, if you can't attend my class, not to worry - there are others in my area and I'd be happy to go with you! You can follow my business on Facebook as well, which has all the upcoming local classes and tips on how to use your essential oils.

My FIRST class!

What: Introduction to Essential Oils Class
Who: Hosted by yours truly!
Where: Rancho Santa Margarita (please email for address, if you are serious about coming)
When: December 10th 2010 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Why: I want to help you fine a more natural solution for whatever issues you are having. We are so used to going to the doctor to be prescribed a pill - what if we could do it naturally, no doctor's co-pay, no medication costs... essential oils are pennies compared to big pharmaceuticals.

Hope to see some of you there!

Shame on Me!

I know, I haven't really been good about updating my blog - again, life gets in the way (I KNOW IT'S NO EXCUSE!)

But with my business, I've been so busy doing my success challenges with my team, going to meetings, helping clients start using essential oils, building up my business...

But from here on out, Thursday will be blogging Thursdays (starting next week, as I have a business meeting tonight, like that's a big surprise).

I can't thank everyone enough who is supporting me, my two mentors who lets me ask all kinds of questions, both silly and curious, who help me with building the business, who have all great ideas... I cannot wait to be a leader and help someone else like you ladies have helped me - so THANK YOU.

Learning to Live Holistically!

Hey Everyone!

So sure enough, my doTERRA consulting has begun! I offer one on one mentoring, parties, samples, and more. We offer 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils that are safe to use daily and even be taken internally. If you had to ask me what's helped me the most in my weight loss and Fibromyalgia journey, it's yoga and essential oils.

Don't live near me? Not a problem! I can do Skype one on one mentoring, and you can order through my website anytime you want. Thinking you know someone who could benefit from essential oils? Let me know all about them, and I can give you recommendations, or point you to peer reviewed studies that you can show them on how essential oils can be beneficial for them.

Tired of cleaning your house with chemicals? I can show you the natural way, using essential oils. I clean my house this way, and I know my house smells clean and fresh afterwards, not like bleach or other harsh chemicals.

Have allergies? Because our oils are Pure Therapeutic, you probably won't have a reaction, but I can always get you a sample if you're worried and want to try it first. Obviously if you are allergic to the plant the oil is made of, it won't work, but I may be able to find you an alternative oil that may work just as well!

Now, I know some of you are thinking "But the prices seem high!". Well, remember this, you get what you pay for! Our large bottles (majority of our oils) are 15ml and have about 250 drops. Say you use 2 drops a day, so 125 days worth. 3 bottles will last you a year. And on our more popular oils, it's well worth the price.

For example, I use Serenity nightly to help relax me and get to that wonderful state of slumber. 1 drop, on a tissue, next to my bed. Serenity retails at $40.00 a bottle (only 15 ml available). so for $80 A YEAR (less really, $80 for 500 days), I don't have to take prescription sleep aids anymore! Still think it's a bit too out of your range? doTERRA also maybe a serenity bath bar, for $9.32 retail. Wash your face, or take a shower or bath before bed and use this puppy! It's natural soap infused with the oils.

Interested in a particular oil? I'll gladly share my knowledge and do my own research to learn even more. 

Have a particular medical condition? I can let you know what has worked for most, or some of the people that I know, and give you recommendations on how to make it more manageable to live with!*

*The statements on doTERRA's website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

"Serendipity - Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you've found is more suited to your needsthat what you thought you were looking for" - Lawrence Block

doTERRA Product Consultant

As some of you have heard me talk about, especially in the past 8 months or so, I've really had a lot of success with using essential oils as part of my yoga practice and Fibromyalgia holistic treatment. The more I use them, the more I love them, and the company itself. So, why not SELL product?

I have the time, I'm young, I get the business aspect, and I've PERSONALLY reaped the benefits of the product. Not only that, I use them daily (no joke - supplements, topical application, aroma therapy, and I even use some as cleaners!) I'm ready to get the word out and show people how you can still live holistically, and get rid of a TON of chemicals in your life. And they work just as well, if not better.

I met with my two mentors last night for dinner and a learning class. I just ordered all my product enrollment forms and signed up for a build doTERRA class which is next week, as well as post convention meeting next weekend in Anaheim. I plan on actually following leads, hosting learning sessions, and even will have samples available for anyone who wants to try some for a bit and see how it can change their life.

So do you want to learn more? If so, I'd be happy to set up a class session, or a one-on-one appointment to discuss your questions and concerns. doTERRA is 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil, so it's safe to use daily and even take internally (certain oils only).

Want to learn more about what essential oil is? Click here
The doTERRA Story - Click here
To purchase products from me - Click here

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start." -Nido Qubein

Mine, ALL MINE

As many of you have probably heard me talk about, especially for the past 6 weeks, I have officially moved into my own apartment. ~850 square feet all to myself. Well, I do share it with Fuzzy, my 15 pound gray tabby. This has been quite an adventure, and a long time coming!

Originally, I wasn't going to move until closer to November/December, save up some more money. But since D walked out for stupid reasons (what I believe to be selfish reasons, not so much stupid, but selfish I will agree), and me wanting to move on, get on with life, return back to work after being disabled for nearly 2 months, and starting my own business (I'm hoping to start in about 3 weeks), I felt it was time. I had been watching the prices closely, and although I did sign my lease right in the middle of the price ranges, I can be comfortable and still have enough for bills and groceries. I am so enjoying being able to fend for myself, knowing I am self sufficient. Don't get me wrong, as much as I would love to be the homemaker and trophy wife, it will probably never happen. I'm nearly 30, but in today's world, I might as well be 50 when it comes to lack of love and romantic relationships.

I feel liberated knowing I can do anything in my life. With D I felt held back, like something was missing. I was missing my true self! I had become so used to him and being with him, I lost myself in the process. This is my fresh start. New home, new part time business, new life, new Michelle. I think each and every day about doTERRA, think of all the possibilities it could open for me, think about all the people's lives I can touch with it, just like it did for me, and I am forever grateful to my two awesome mentors, Lorraine and Linda.

I feel so much more alive than a month ago, even 2 months ago. The sky is the limit at this point, and I'm aiming for the stars.

"Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas." - Henry Ford

BE YOU!

As I've mentioned before, I'm part of a fitness website known as My Fitness Pal. Anyone from any walk of life can register there for free, to keep a food and exercise diary, and you find friends with similar interests, similar goals, etc.

Very often, we congratulate each other on jobs well done, pounds (and sometimes ounces) lost, good food choices, and even fun sayings to keep us motivated. A dear soul on there, who said I could use her quote she posted (thesophierose, THANK YOU!) mentioned this yesterday, and it made me read it over and over as I start moving on and finding my happily ever after:

"Be insane. Be beautiful. Be you. <3"

Obviously it means something different to everyone. Each part has a different meaning, different tone, different bearing on each of our lives. The way I see it: Do whatever you want, but always be yourself. Don't let someone define you. Don't stay unhappy in any situation. Make your dreams come true, and don't stop until you reach your goals.

The more I reflected on this the past day, the more I'm brought back to one of my doTERRA mentors, who said this is now the PERFECT time to start up my own doTERRA business. I'm single, can make extra income, and it's a product I use daily and have seen the benefits of it with my mood, yoga, Fibromyalgia, aches and pains, massage therapy with layering of the oils, etc. I've even done quite a bit of research on essential oils and holistic animal care, as animal rescue it another of my hobbies. It makes the most sense to start selling part time, build my business, find my niche, and start making it work for me. I'll still work full time (and then some) at the telephone company, but this will be extra money in the bank, and something I am very passionate about.

I will probably start up in November, working on business models, all admist moving into my first apartment (I get my keys tomorrow), returning to work full time after being on disability and partial disability for 2 months (one week down!), and getting my life back in order so I can be the best I can be, take care of myself, provide for myself, reconnect with old friends and new business clients, researching more doTERRA oils and uses (millions upon millions, I've learned!), And all in all:

Being insane, being beautiful, and being ME!

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous" - Coco Chanel

Forgiveness

It was a bit slow at work this past week, and while going through CNN.com to read through articles, news, see what was going on in the world, etc. I came across an interesting article. One paragraph stuck out at me, in particular:

"Forgiveness isn't about saying, 'It's OK,' or that you 'accept' or 'approve' what happened," Blanton said. "Forgiveness is the acknowledgment that what happened, happened, and that you are now ready to set down the baggage, the pain and the fear."

Wow. Just wow. Think about all the things we hold onto in life, and the "unnecessary baggage", that we could release and put behind us? Just because you can forgive someone doesn't mean what they did was ok, but think about the burden that will be lifted of your shoulders.

The reason this hit me hard this week, coming about a month after D walked out - I do forgive him. In the end it's really his loss anyways. Yes we both made mistakes. Yes we both said things we didn't mean sometimes. Our 3 years together were nowhere near perfect. Am I still bitter that I'm not getting married? That I don't have the kids we said we wanted, the family and life we wanted? Maybe a little. But what good is being bitter about it going to accomplish? Absolutely nothing. I can look back on my 10 years of long and failed relationships (all 4 of them) and honestly say am I bitter they happened? No. I learned something from each one.

Some things I learned the hard way. For example, domestic violence is never ok, and I'm lucky to be alive right now. Another thing - schedules won't always match, but you make the best with what you have and you both compromise to spend time together. And lastly, no matter how bad you want it to work, you can never change someone, and that may be the downfall of the relationship, and you need to accept that.

So why don't we open up that baggage, unpack some it, and let it go? (and talk about coincidence - Keane- Put it Behind You just came on my iPod)

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."  ~Thích Nhất Hạnh

One month Into my Journey

Today, it's been one month since D left... it's amazing how things can change in an instant. It's also amazing how things can get better in almost that same instant.

I saw a dear mentor of mine the other night, one who knew me better, but also did know D. She said she can't believe how much I've blossomed in the past month. She now calls me an "old soul". Well, I am too mature for my age, and people when they meet me always tell me "Oh, I thought you were older!" Well, 28 is starting to get up there in a sense. I'm a member of My Fitness Pal, which for those of you who don't know me, I've lost a total of 47 pounds over the past 4 or so years, on and off. I posted something the other day, made the same day my mentor had commented on how much I've grown:

"So it's been almost exactly a month since "D" walked out. I still won't use his real name. I may have lost the person who was the love of my life and my bestest friend, but I gained SO much more. Self Worth. Confidence. Clearance from my doctors to work again. Kept the weight off. New Hobbies... We're all here to be healthy and lose weight, but we all have more things in life to be thankful for."

This was even brought on by another post that morning, by a friend of mine on MFP. Her husband had been rushed to the hospital the previous weekend, while she was on a retreat. He was suffering from a low heart rate and a dangerously low blood pressure. Yet through all of his suffering and his stay at the hospital, he would continue to ask her "Did you weigh in today?" She was so floored, that while yes her weight loss is important to her, how trivial it is with his recent health issues!

"Don't believe in miracles - depend on them." - Laurence J. Peter

When Life Hands You Lemons...

There are so many remaining answers to that phrase...

"Make Lemonade"
"Make Margaritas"
"Ask for the Tequila and Salt"
"Wait, Where's the Vodka?"
"Keep Them: FREE LEMONS!"

My favorite answer is this one:

"If life gives you lemons, throw them at life and see if life will make the same mistake again."

I am all for the "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me" aspect of life. Of course I didn't follow that rule for the last relationship (Against my better judgement, I granted one more chance). I thought maybe I knew better. I thought maybe people can change, really. I tried hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, thinking it really could be all white picket fences, owning my own business from home, and trying to support the love of my life who I truly believed was the one, who promised to marry me and had plans to within the next year... But life threw me lemons instead.

I decided in those next 30 minutes, after the initial shock that it really was over - to never, EVER, let anyone walk all over me again. It turned to more of a "I'll get them before they get me" mentality. I don't care if I'm selfish, I'm 27 (nearing 28 too fast) with NOTHING that I ever wanted in my life in my 20's.

If you had asked me 10 years ago, on my 18th birthday, what my wishes of where I would be in 10 years, this is what you would have heard:

"I'll be 28, married to my best friend, with 2 kids, a house, and an English Bulldog or a Great Dane."

When in reality: Today, I'm 27 years, 10 months - single with no real prospects, no kids, and a fat tabby cat (Yes, the crazy cat lady mentality is already starting, and I'm not even 30).

I think it's time to realize my happily ever after isn't going to happen the way I planned. Obviously, nothing has gone the way I planned, otherwise I would be married, I would at least be working on my first baby, and not still be living at home with my parents (I stayed home to save money, and deal with 2 chronic medical problems that have plagued me since I was 25).

The past 2 weeks have brought nothing but good news for me, in which I hope to return to my new normal:

• I have been cleared off disability and was working 4 hours a day. I just received clearance for 6 hours a day, with returning to full time September 23rd. 
• I just signed my first lease, and am moving into my own apartment (no roommates, unless you count the fat cat) on October 4th. 
• For my birthday in November I am going on a weekend yoga retreat with my mother and it's being taught by my two favorite yoga teachers. 
• I joined our local Stampin' Up! card making group and while I am the youngest, those ladies are a lot of fun!

What I need to still do to create my new normal:

• Yoga daily. Right now I'm practicing 4 times a week. Once I get into my apartment I will have the space and I will find the time 
• More meditation. I need to learn to control my anxiety naturally. 
• Reconnect with my girlfriends, or make some new ones. 
• SLOWLY learn to trust again. 

And most importantly - TRY AND HAVE FUN.

"People are like stained - glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross