Monthly Archives: August 2010

Christmas on Commission

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early-xmas-shoppingI know it’s early but I am starting to think about Christmas. It has taken me several years as a commission based earner to finally figure out that my shopping habits need to be based on when I actually GET money, not on calendars or holiday sales. Now that I think about it, I suppose the ideal situation would be to have the discipline to put aside the money, as I get it, for those Ugg boots my daughter wants or the Xbox for my son – and hold it until the big holiday sales begin. That way I can take advantage of the bargains. Right? I don’t know though. Who can do that?!

Living on commission takes some work and getting used to. I think if I focus on just starting early, planning, and buying early for this year – it will be a success. Maybe next year I’ll  perfect the process and set aside my shopping funds so that I’ll be able to save money at sale time too. :)

Aim Higher Paris!

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paris-mug-shotParis Hilton is in trouble again – This time for cocaine possession. Which fell out of her purse while getting out lip balm. While being questioned by police for marijuana possession. Hello?!

She says the purse wasn’t hers. Was the lip balm? Cus that’s just gross.

Paris has been in trouble for drugs before. And drinking under the influence. She also yachts with suspected arms dealers and is cruel to her pets. Whatever, it’s all hearsay. What I really want to know is where are her PR people?!  I watch ENTOURAGE and when Vinnie Chase makes a move TOWARD making a stupid move he has a whole team on his case and doing damage control all over town. Where is Paris Hilton’s team? Who is protecting her? Or is she surrounded by “yes” people? Even her folks maybe? That would be sad and would make me feel for her for about a minute. Cus I know people make bad choices when they’re unhappy. I mean, it almost LOOKS like she was trying to get caught. Who pulls out lip balm and cocaine when they’re talking to the cops?! Can she really be that bumbling?

I don’t know. All I know is that if I woke up every day to a fat bank account, no responsibilities, and a closet full of Prada shoes – I’d be pretty happy and pretty anxious to show my gratitude to the world. But maybe that’s because I HAVE struggled and gone without. Is that the key to truly appreciating all the gifts that life presents us, big and small? Maybe having never to want for anything has not served the hotel heiress very well. What do her parents have to say about all these things? Hm. I have a headache. I hope Ms. Hilton gets it together and someday learns how good it feels to contribute rather than just take. With all her resources she could make Oprah difference in the world. Too bad she sets her sights so low.

Now is the Time

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now_watchHouse prices and mortgage rates are so low – now is the time to buy a house.

With the kids gone for the weekend – now is the time to work on that basement project.

Back to school is just around the corner – now is the time to initiate a new schedule and routine.

I’ve got a big commission coming next week – now is the time to think about which of those bills to pay off.

With so much funding available and the convenience of so many online schools – now is the time to go back to college.

So much to do.  No better time to do it than now. Except I’m exhausted. Now is the time for me to go to bed.  It will all still be here tomorrow.

From Wood to Silver for Five Years of Marriage?

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5th-anniversaryDo you know what the “appropriate” gifts are to give for each year’s anniversary? Like for instance the traditional 5th anniversary gifts are wood items. I had to look that up. I was also surprised to learn that there is a “traditional” group of gifts and a “modern” group of gifts. That same fifth anniversary, according to the modern listing is silverware. I’m not sure how I feel about this. I mean, even though I don’t know all the year’s corresponding gifts, I have always known silver to represent 25 years – a great accomplishment. I find the reward to be out of line as a gift for only five years of marriage.  Not that 5 years is not commendable – it is! But it isn’t 25.  Wedding vows don’t command the respect they once did and marriages are not lasting very long. I say the precious metals like gold and silver should be kept in the distance, something to work toward, not moved forward so that they’re more accessible.  What do you think?

Do you know what the traditional Fifth Anniversary gifts are? I didn’t either.

I Like to Shop, I Like to Surf, I Like to Compare, Without Leaving my Turf

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There is not much I can’t get accomplished from my desk and I could not be happier about that.  Remember that movie THE NET with Sandra Bullock? I watched it with wide eyes and childish enthusiasm that the life she lived could actually be possible some day. She worked from home, ordered pizza from home, and socialized from home – she really didn’t have to leave the house unless she wanted to. My friend Andrea and I remarked, “now THAT’s the life.”

Guess what! Last weekend I ordered a calzone from Cottage Inn online! And I am working right now. From my home computer. And I will be compensated for it through Paypal, which is connected to my checking account, which is attached to my debit card which I will use to buy things over the internet to be shipped to my home. Life is good. People say they’re “living the dream.” Not me. I’m living “the net.”

There are a couple issues with shopping online, though. You cannot touch and sample things before you buy. So unless you know exactly what kind of whatever it is you want that you want, you’re taking a gamble. This frustrated me this weekend as I was shopping for navigational systems for my car. I am a realtor and I’ve been expanding the territories I cover which means I am lost a lot so I was checking GPS prices online and having a tough time comparing. Then I found these Wiki Buying Guides. Have you heard of them?  They are part of the ShopWiki network for your convenience not only the States but France, Australia, Spain and beyond! They offer information about products and allow you to compare products to decided which one will work best for you. Takes online shopping electronics up a notch!

Now I know that “living the net” could be unhealthy if taken to the extreme. So don’t worry. I understand something that Angela Bennett did not. Hugs, kisses, and $3 margaritas are essential to a well balanced and happy existence. So until those things can be delivered, I’ll happily head out the house to find them.