Changes in the air
I can now declare
Time grows short on earth
I embrace my family’s worth
Weaving memories in life’s net
I yearn never to forget

Here’s what’s going on… My husband has worked in the retail business at two companies for a combined total of about 20 years. He worked at one company for about 10 years on the West Coast and the other company for about 10 years on the East Coast. He has been a retail manager for most of those years and a darn great one at that. Put it this way… the motto is “Whatever it takes”.

Over the last couple of years, he decided to step down to be a supervisor since I was earning the main income and he could relieve some of the stress of being a manager to spend more quality time with our three boys and myself. Even as a supervisor, sometimes he was able to share his expertise that he learned over the years and other times just sit by and watch as new people came in and did what they think works.

This year he felt like he wasn’t appreciated. He was due for a miniscule raise as usual – same as each year. However, this time, he was denied. What was the reason? He had reached his “cap pay”. He was told the only way he would get a raise is if he were to step back up into a management position. He certainly doesn’t want to do this and put the added stress back onto himself and our family. He started talking with his boss about it and trying to address the situation about the DM (District Manager) decision. There are exceptions to the “cap pay” rule, which my husband qualifies for, but they didn’t want to consider it. There you go… my husband now feels his experience is meaningless. All of those 20 years of learning, classes, going to countless meetings, being in the trenches and training new people is worthless to the very company who helped raise him.

My husband and I talked about this issue at length to figure out what we should do. He works about 30-35 hours a week. It takes him about 40 minutes to get to work. The cost of gas has increased so much, along with his eating out; we figured half of his income is taken just to go to work. It’s like the stories you hear of when parents consider day care so their spouse can go to work only to find out that the day care, clothing, eating out, etc. is actually causing them to lose money and time with their family.

Therefore, he is quitting his J.O.B. with a heavy heart. His 40th birthday is on July 25th, this month. His last day at that job is about July 21st… this month!  I will officially be the main breadwinner in this house. Yes, this brings a lot of worry, stress, and anxiety about it… but many big changes in life bring those feelings. There are also feelings of freedom, relief from frustrations, unpredictability and pressure, etc.

For instance, my top five examples:

1) We NEVER know what my husband’s schedule is from week to week. This causes many problems for planning just about ANYTHING. Even if he puts in for a day off for important family functions well in advance… he isn’t guaranteed that time off and won’t know if he gets it off until the week before.

2) He ALWAYS worked most of the holidays. For example, just this 4th of July he worked all day, late until 9:00 pm. No celebrating for him… and it’s the same every year. Plus, it makes no sense why the store was open that late when in about four hours, there were only three customers.

3) Trying to put in for a vacation is like putting a puzzle together. The retail company is so short staffed that everyone there juggles a week here or there just to have time off.

4) Being at the whim of the company to rely on your health care coverage… which changes every year. The coverage seems to be the cheapest the company can afford with a bulk rate that’s best for who?… the company of course.

5)  Loss of family value by the company…. There was a time when a company would have a manager fly to another state for a meeting. This often times would include a “play time” of goodies. During the ‘good ole’ days, the spouse or whole family would be invited and many expenses paid for. Apparently, this all ceased to exist RIGHT before my husband became a manager. It’s not as if a family would ‘expect’ it. However, a company that is more concerned with including the family in some way to show their support for their top employees was better than how they seem to ignore basic family recognition these days.

There is such a big disconnect now. The needs of the store, with ‘whatever it takes’ is actually destroying the very foundation of the company… slowly… but surely.  Managers do more work these days … way more than most of their employees and are burning out fast. Managers are supposed to ‘manage’ the employees and be the brains of the operation… and sometimes get their hands dirty when needed. Now the company relies on the managers to do everything… including covering all tasks regular employees perform and work on a skeleton crew to save their budget. Yep… companies like this are dying slowly as if it has a disease. When people don’t believe in your company and talk highly of it, it’s just a matter of time.

** I’m sure you know I could go on about this topic and cover more flaws, but it isn’t needed here. We have come to a decision. We are going through this big change and will enjoy the ride, even if it is a bumpy one. 

In my experience this past year, there is a great need for people to have help with their online profiles. I decided to start a website targeting this problem and offer a service. I’m calling it Profile Minders: http://www.profileminders.com

In addition to this, I am going to be starting an online magazine sometime this month for all of those folks showcased on Officially Plugged In - so get those videos sent in and you’ll get to be a part of it. http://www.officiallypluggedin.com

That’s enough for now. As more things happen, I’ll post about it.

Hey, post below what you are up to. I love to hear about it.

The series of unfortunate events and some awesome highlights are things I cover briefly as they are related to family or friends. I tend to keep my family stuff quiet, unless there is a reason for posting something, such as my son’s ruptured appendix or lymes disease last year. I bring those things to light online sometimes because it is good to share information to help others who may have to go through it in the future. Other than that, I don’t post a ton of photos of my kids and I don’t gossip online about issues with my family or friends. You have to know me pretty well or I have to trust you to divulge any information. Otherwise, I just keep quiet about that area of my life.

I will give you some general advice about things that have affected me though. There have been many doozies this past year. I have felt the impact and had my heart broken watching my family (especially my kids) suffer from the circumstances that are out of our control.

You see, some people will tend to want things from you, and they don’t think about anything but themselves. They don’t pay attention to the mound of issues you have to deal with on a daily basis. They feel you owe them either your time or something else for free. They assume you can understand and ’sense’ what they need rather than tell you outright. They don’t communicate and they have tunnel vision only for their own needs. It is selfish, yes. Though we can all be that way off and on, depending on the situation we are dealing with at a particular point in time. But, life is precious…. those people have to stop assuming things. Remember, assume = ‘ass’ of ‘u’ and ‘me.

Another thing that happens is that rumors or hearsay are believed with no doubts or research to find if the information is true. This happens with family, friends, and acquaintances. It’s like you are guilty until proven innocent. What about keeping an open mind? It’s true then… life isn’t fair.

You may be going along, surviving day by day, thinking things are fine… and then wham… you are considered weak, evil, no good or incomplete.

Well, you know what? They aren’t the judge of you. So, stop worrying so much. Heck, I am very guilty of worrying about what people think of me… but I get over it. You have to. You know why? It will eat at you and hold you back from going on with life. It will cripple your mind and outlook on all things good in life. It will affect your personal life and your business life.

I am not perfect by any means. I am human. Though some folks would say I am different than many girls out there. But, none of us are from a mold… we are all unique.

So, I say, I know it’s hard to turn off hurt feelings at first. It’s hard to get past the shock of how someone treats you… especially if it was someone you really trusted or loved. It’s a matter of mourning that relationship, digesting the information you found out, and then either trying to repair any damage or just get closure and then let it go. There is no certain time period on this process of course. For me, there were so many things that happened over the last year that hurt. But, once I got over the process of being angry, wounded, and compressed by the feelings, I moved on.

Remember, the opposite of drama is comedy and other wonderful things. I try to focus on the great things that have happened over the last year. How my boys are healthy now and growing to be such wonderful young men. How I have beautiful nieces and a nephew who I am very proud of… as well as being proud of my brothers and other family. And I am grateful to have many new friendships. For any losses or disappointments in life, there is plenty of love. Find the source of it and bask in it.

Ok, I am not posting about my latest projects and cool info until my next blog.

Leave a comment about how your last year has gone. Don’t give specific details or names as this is the internet and those folks may read it one day. But, do leave a general post of your heartaches or your great accomplishments. I love hearing about great things happening… its inspiring and will help others know about some cool things in other’s lives….

Anyways… have a fantastic day! 

Oh, and pass it on please!!! XOXOXO

MEET A CELEBRITY - CHOOSE A PATH

Meet a Celebrity

Imagine this; you are exploring the internet seeking entertainment. You spy the social network webpage of a well-known actor that you adore. You sign up for an account on this social network and add this actor as a friend. You then decide to send a message expressing your adoration and gratitude for the actor’s work over the years. You secretly hope this actor reads and replies to your message.

You go to sleep that evening as the idea briefly revisits your thoughts before you doze off.

The next afternoon when you have a free moment, you decide to log in to your social network account to explore and find some new entertaining folks to befriend.

You are surprised to see a message reply from the actor you wrote to the day before. Can it be, really? Does this actor personally have time to write messages with such a busy life?

You excitedly open the message and think that maybe an assistant sent this reply. However, you find the message is actually signed by the actor. Wow! How nice.

The message was a short thankful reply sent directly from the actor. Your heart is aflutter with excitement. For a moment, you’re floating on cloud nine with the personal message received. Your thoughts focus on trying to muster up another good reason to touch this person’s life again, hoping you won’t bother them too much.

Before you know it, you have corresponded back and forth several times and visions of meeting this actor in person now seem more of a reality than a dream.

Choose a Path

1) Go find more actors/actresses:
http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/story-p1.php

2) Meet the actor in person:
http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/story-p2.php

3) Donate money for the actor’s charity:
http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/story-p3.php

4) Purchase actor memorabilia:
http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/story-p4.php

~wink

~WendyShepherd.com

Officially Plugged In - A website I started to showcase friends and folks who are in the public eye. The showcase contains a video, a mini interview and links to official websites. This is the first website of it’s kind!!

My friend Karlyn described the OfficiallyPluggedin.com site well in her blog today… she said, “These are artists, musicians, actors, directors, producers, authors, business people and more, who care about their representation in the public eye and want to make sure you know where to get the real info on them, their background, their website, contact information, etc and not be mislead by copy-cat sites, false or outdated information by others posted online, unofficial fan sites, or even people with a similar name.. If you are in the public eye and want to keep your friends and family (and fans) safe, then I encourage you to check out OfficiallyPluggedIn.com and all it has to offer you and protecting your online identity. As Wendy told me, «It’s just good to know who the ‘real deal’ is», you know?”

I have been helping actor Sean Patrick Flanery (Young Indiana Jones, Boondock Saints) with his Official website and MySpace account. There was some doubt from friends and fans as to whether he was indeed the real person he claimed to be. So, I had him make a video that said who he was and where his official website was located. This helped friends and fans wonderfully and they write in often to say they are glad Sean did the video. This got me to thinking that others can also do the same thing and so a site to showcase these videos came to mind.

I set the new website up at the end of last year and showcased Sean’s video after I talked with him about it. He was more than happy with the idea. So, this year, after New Year’s Eve, I started getting it going. To date … there are 23 videos/interviews showcased on the website. This site is not just for folks who are famous, but also for folks who are up and coming and are in the public eye.

I am always looking to help my friends out with the projects and things they are working on. This website will be useful to many folks as a resource to find others in certain fields to work with. For example, a casting agent may look at the videos of the actors/actresses and decide they like what they see and hear. So, they’ll contact them for film or television work. A filmmaker may like a band they see listed and want to use their music in a film. There are lots of ideas that can come out of this. Folks will be able to see, hear and reach the official site of folks showcased. The listings are complimentary! If I ever get too busy with it, I will try to keep basic showcases free and those who want up fast can pay a fee or pay to be featured.

This site brings people a presentation of folks that are real. You can hear and see them. The site helps to keep family, friends and fans safe on the internet.

Take a look at the ABOUT page and the GET LISTED pages for more information about why you should seriously consider getting showcased. All videos showcased will have the video/info posted at the various video/social networks listed at the bottom of the OfficiallyPlugggedin.com website.

I feel really strongly about this project. If you believe it is good, please get yourself showcased or tell folks who should be posted to get in touch with me. It is beneficial for everyone involved. Help me get this out there!

There is a MySpace set up for OfficiallyPluggedin.com (www.myspace.com/officiallypluggedin) where you can find some banners to post. If you want a size or something besides what is there, let me know.

TODAY is February 29, 2008. It’s my birthday and I am now 10 (40) years old… a rare day as it only comes once every four years. I often get asked when is it that I celebrate my birthday when there isn’t a 29th… well, I tend to celebrate a bit on both Feb. 28th and on March 1st… it depends on some family and friends and when they can celebrate it with me. However, I do prefer the 28th if it isn’t a Leap Year. Though celebrating over a couple days is nice, but I do feel spoiled no matter what year it is. I am blessed to have my family and friends. I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes today. You are awesome!! I wasn’t expecting such a huge outpouring of love and wishes.

My birthday goodies!!!!!!! The three cards in the front are the ones my boys made. My youngest made his with colorful lettering and filled it with hearts. My middle guy made a creative card box that held a card inside. My oldest used glitter glue which made the card have a raised affect…. He wrote in his card, “Most people have their birthday once a year, but yours is once every four. So it only makes sense that you make your birthday four times as special. Happy 40th Birthday Mom.” He is only 14. I love all my boys and husband!

The flowers with bear and the tower of yummy goodies are from my mom and her husband. I was totally surprised by them and ate some sweets after dinner. My husband came home from work carrying the big spring bouquet of flowers. Awwww!!!! I got lots of phone calls from my family and friends today. I am very blessed to be here to share more time and memories.

1. I love my family and wish we could live together forever.
2. My favorite color is purple.
3. I love chocolate… especially dark chocolate… everyday!
4. I am very sensitive to sound… if it’s too loud-too long I get irrated.
5. I love hot peach tea.
6. I only get a birthday once every four years… so I am 10 years old!

Now, I get to pass on this little meme to six friends.
Paul, Rob, Zara, Brett, Michael, and Frederic. and I’ll add Mireille, and whoever else wants to share theirs! Let me know if you do this and I’ll put your name here and link to your blog where you posted yours.

Oh yeah…I had the “You did that? But, I thought you were so innocent!” As I can look like that.

Then they become surprised when they find out something ‘new’ about me.

It isn’t ‘new’ at all. It is just a new discovery to them. They hadn’t figured me out at all.

The next reaction when they see this ‘different’ side of me is ‘why?’

Why does she do that? Why does she like that? Who influenced her?

It isn’t like her to be that way. She is acting out of character.

Is she depressed? Is she on something? The answer is no, but people will still think what they want.

The judgments people make can be amazing. I am sure everyone has to confront it or ignore it.

Generalization on character happens by people every day. Judging isn’t their job to do in the end anyway.

However, people’s judgments can be harsh and wound people. Just because they ‘aren’t like them’.

I think everyone has something interesting about them. People come into our lives for a reason.

I am not one to do something because ‘everyone’ is doing it. I am not a ‘follower’.

I won’t let anyone try to ‘mold’ me or tell me how I should be.

I ‘rebel’ against people like that. I won’t change just to ‘fit’ in.

Stay true to yourself. Help others along the way. Love your family and friends the best you can.

So there! I am who I am. I’m unique and different as it should be!

I can say my husband is my soul mate and understands me nearly all of the time.

However, no-one can be ‘pegged’ completely.

Do what you love in life and don’t let anyone say you ‘can’t do it’. Show them you can!

~Wendy Shepherd

Click here to see the large image of where Chart Jungle was mentioned.

ChartJungle.com has printables in many categories, so my new visitors have been writing saying how much they love all of the choices available to them for getting organized and such.

Thanks to Nancy Rones, Parents Magazine and everyone who wrote in about it as well as my friend who sent me the scanned image. If anyone has a copy of the magazine to send me, please message me.

Click here to see the large image of where Chart Jungle was mentioned. I blurred out the content of the page for the reason that this is a magazine by subscription and didn’t want to post their content.

Thanks for letting me know about this Jo!

…and also thanks to Paper Crafts magazine.

“The Internet is no longer an uncharted business frontier”… the first words I read.

The Online Millionaire is a how-to that zeroes in on this idea.

Serving up lessons on everything from eBay to building your own website author Amy Joyner backs up theory with stories from the front lines.

Lacing each chapter with stories retold by online millionaires, Joyner’s 101 approach (with sub-chapter headings like The Lowdown and How It Works) may not appeal to the Internet enthusiast, or anyone under the age of 16, but will be a breath of fresh air to the web-challenged. Joyner keeps it simple and paints with broad strokes . . . so for me - a member of the latter group, Millionaire helped break down the intimidating and self-imposed barriers I have towards the Internet. I couldn’t build a website before reading the book and I probably won’t anytime soon, but the curtain has been pulled and the mystery revealed.