Measuring Success

According to Dictionary.com, success is defined as follows:
1. The favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals.   

2. The attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like.   

 

Lately, I would have to say that I don't feel very successful. I've had many goals, but very little have been carried into completion. I seem to create goals that end up discarded along the way. Dreams get placed on the shelf. I know I've talked about this before. It seems to be a life-long thing at this point.

I'm by no means wealthy. Not even in the 'comfortable life' sense. I live paycheck to paycheck with a little thrown into savings for those inevitable vehicle repairs that I seem to have more often than I would like. My position in life is the same now that it has been all my life - middle class to poor. Though I suppose I have finally moved into a white collar job. I have no distinguishing honors. I know a little about a lot of things, but nothing to specialize in.

 

My life goals:

Finish college (Quit when I got married and pregnant)

Become an ASL Interpreter (Have to finish college to get this)

Buy a house (Would have this year, if my ex-husband didn't pull me down with his tax evasion)

Become a writer on the side (Finally accepted that I'm not as good a writer as I thought)

Create my own business (Takes money to make money and I don't have it)

 

So how do I know if I am successful? If I compare myself by the definitions, I'm not. I haven't obtained any of my goals, wealth, honors, position, etc.. I barely keep my family afloat, and that's just surviving - not living. If I compare myself to other women, I'm nowhere near as successful as I should be. I'm not on the same level as some of the "white trash" types I've met over the past few years, but I'm also not doing well in keeping my kids on the right track in some areas. My kids aren't honor students. Okay maybe my 4 year old daughter will be, but her brothers aren't. I no longer own my vehicles, but make payments. I live in the crappiest apartment I have ever been stuck in. Even the first one I was in, next door to drug dealers and hookers, was better health-wise than this one. I spend more time at work every day, than I do at home. My kids see me maybe 3 hours during the week, everyday. During the weekend, I'm busy running errands, cleaning the house, or trying to catch up on projects (sometimes this includes side work). All for what? The mediocre life of getting by?

No where do I see the shining story of rising above and making a difference. More recently, I have felt like a failure at the job. I've worked hard to assist my supervisor and it seems our efforts are for nothing. And it has shown me how little I know. I now get annoyed by being called a unicorn when before I felt honored. For those of you who don't know the meaning, see the video below. Maybe its because I've been out of school for so long and that's where my success seemed better. Maybe its because I just had a baby and I still feel like a fat cow. But throw everything together and I don't see where "successful" is in the description of me.

So I pose a question to Mom's out there. How is success measured for us?

Scrape A Round review

Texas is too far south for heavy snows and ice. At least in the San Antonio area. We barely get a freeze that lasts more than 2 nights. Instead we enjoy highs of 60 degrees and count ourselves lucky when it doesn’t get higher than 75.

With that said, when it does freeze or ice over it can cause quite a difficult time. We don’t typically keep tools on hand to battle winter. Summer is our enemy. Winter is a friend who bites on occasion. This winter, I wasn’t prepared for ice on my windshields. Okay, let me rephrase…. I wasn’t planning on ice, but I was fortunate enough to have just received a Scrape-A-Round to write a review for. Thanks to my partnership with US Family Guide. Let me explain how that morning was for me and my kiddos.

  I get up late (long night with the baby), I’m throwing on clothes and trying to get my older kids to tumble out of bed and get dressed for school. I’m grabbing bags and finding shoes. Finally, it is time to trudge into the biting wind to my van. It might have only been about twelve feet from my door, but those steps couldn’t have felt more difficult to take. I get the kids situated in the back and climb into the drivers’ seat. And that’s when I saw it. Frost. Ice on the windshield. A nice solid layer that doesn’t go away when I try to swish them off with the windshield wipers. Now I’m annoyed. Frustration levels are soaring past the roof and into the clouds. I have to drop off my girls with the sitter. I have to take my boys to school. And then make to 30-60 minute drive to work (depending on the traffic). I grabbed a half empty bottle of water the kids had left in the van and poured it out, hoping that I would be able to wipe the ice off. No luck still. It wasn’t until I sat back, ready to scream, that I remembered I had just received the Scrape-A-Rounds. I run inside and grab one. Within 60 seconds, I had a clear windshield and took off like a horse at the start of the race.

It did not take effort or upper body strength (which I lack) to get it truly cleared off. I just swirled the Scrape-A-Round over the windshield in a circular motion. You don’t have to, I just do as a habit. Everything is circular with me. The Scrape-A-Round fits solidly in my hand.

It has attachments that help with thicker, more stubborn ice.

I also appreciate the fact that it can double as a funnel for adding windshield wiper fluid. It is a decent size that stores well in compartments in my van too.

 I may not have need of it often, but I’m grateful to have it when I do come up against ice. When I’m in a hurry, the last thing I need is the weather causing me to be late.

If you need more information, see their ad below.

The Scrape-a-round is a brilliant feat of ice scraping engineering. The simple explanations why Scrape-A-Round is the best ice scraper are as follows, Scrape-A-Round is the:

Best ice scraper because of the softer plastic, allows the scraper to conform to the window curvature! Find out more information: http://www.scrapearound.com/
18" of ice scraping surface.
The comfortable grasp provides relief for the arthritic or carpal syndrome sufferer.
Direct pressure to the window, no pressure lost through the ice scraper!
The circular rotational motion of ice scraper.
Double ice scraper action, leading edge and trailing edge.
Multi functional, remove the cap and it doubles as a funnel.
This scrapes windows frost and ice free in half the time!
Makes the perfect gift for the Holidays!

http://www.scrapearound.com

 

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Disappointment in the Rewards

Something I have come to notice in my professional career, is the lack of thought that owners, managers, and leaders put into the rewards and surprises they create for their employees. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a burst of enthusiasm from a team that is striving to impress the higher ups, only to feel like they received a slap in the face in return. How so? Simple. Those in charge of picking the rewards don’t put any thought into who they are rewarding. They go with what is cheapest, looked cool, or is just easy to obtain. Why should an employee strive for obtaining their goals if the reward promised isn’t something they would care to have? Let’s look at this, shall we.

Let’s say that I am told I could win a prize if I meet a certain goal. The prize isn’t defined. So my imagination can go wild with possibilities. Out of curiosity, I can push myself to meet or even exceed that goal that was set for me. But then the time comes when the prize is revealed. And suddenly I’m living the Clark Griswold moment from Christmas Vacation. “It's a one year membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.” Suddenly I’m questioning whether my efforts were worth giving. According to International Best Seller, Mark Villareal, you should always give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. You aren’t just working for the company, but for God. But should I push myself above their expectations? I’m going to be paid the same amount either way. Why should I give extra effort for something I have no interest in?

Think about the people you have to encourage. What are their goals? What do they like? Recently, my department was offered prizes to the best performers based upon their goals. If their goals were met, tickets to a Spurs game could be theirs. In San Antonio, lots of people are Spurs fans. I’m not a sports fan, let alone a Spurs fan. I could care less. I don’t feel the need strive for higher. Not for myself. Now, because I do respect my supervisor and know she would like them, I don’t mind attempting to get us to our goal so that she can get the tickets. It won’t benefit me.

It is true that if you try to please everyone, you end up not pleasing anyone. So where is the median to this conundrum? For our department, they have ongoing contests monthly. Having multiple rewards available gives more incentive than if there is a single prize to be won. It makes everyone want to participate. Heck, cash bonus’ works for every employee. Who doesn’t need extra money? Or want it? Gift cards to places that you know everyone could use. None of us here are made of money. As a matter of a fact, in a kickoff meeting for this year, almost everyone that was asked by the owner, “What are your goals for this year?” answered with, “Get out of debt.” That ought to say something.

Now don’t get me wrong. I like getting something I wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford on my salary. Tickets to events can be fantastic for people who live paycheck to paycheck. A chance to sit back and enjoy life on someone else’s dime. But, personally, I’m also very conscious of life and the things that it requires. I have bills. I have kids. I can’t go out whenever I please. I still have 3 tickets to see the latest Star Wars movie with from Christmas. The Star Wars nerd, holding tickets…. They are burning holes in my pockets. But I digress.

I think leadership should consider these things a little more before they randomly start contests. You really want your employees to feel appreciated? Get to know them. Be sincere. Be genuinely interested in their lives, in their personal goals, their dreams. If you are going to spend money, spend it on things they can receive wholeheartedly. 

Millennium Falcon 3D Deco Light review

Christmas has past, but a whole new year is here with birthdays, graduations, and baby showers or wedding showers. There are so many reasons you might have to buy gifts. OR you might be in the market to buy a house, move to a new place. Whatever the reason, I have a review I think everyone can benefit from in some way.
Having a partnership with US Family Guide, I was given the chance to review a night light from 3DLightFX. This one is a Millennium Falcon 3D Deco Light.

These lights are amazing. Easy to install, very detailed, they come with a wall decal that adds to the effect. Even while in use, they are cool to the touch. I do like that they are battery operated, so I don't have to deal with cords. Though that means I will have to change them every so often.

They also have a timer. I love this function. I've used it on the Death Star that we bought recently.

They have many varieties. My Little Pony, Avengers, Star Wars, etc. Whatever you or your family and friends are into. And they make great décor with the light is off.  
They do sell them at Target stores and Target.com as well as other stores. You can get more of the decals from their website. I only wish they had something included to smooth the sticker during application to the wall. That part can be a little troublesome.
I love having these around the room. It shows off my Star Wars love while providing a really cool decoration to the walls that are also useful in the dark.

Which ones would you consider getting?

Master Caster review

Shoplet.com is again hosting a great review. This time it is for Master Caster self adhesive wheels and the microfiber gloves they sent my way.
I don't know about you, but I've been having fun cleaning and preparing for family get-togethers. And let me tell you... its been quite the trial. Moving furniture is never something I do randomly. Most of the furniture I have is heavy. Mast Caster Instant Swivel Wheels alleviate me having to move or lift those objects completely on my own strength.

Simply attach the wheels with the self adhesive strips that stick very well. And your furniture glides across the floor. My table now slides back and forth across the carpet with a push or slight tug. I can make room for more at the dinner table without struggling and fighting the table to move. Or worrying about it pulling the carpet out of sorts. I love how easy they were to apply. They also swivel as needed. And they can hold up to 250 pounds! They come in 4 packs and require no tools to attach. These are $21.41 for a 4 pack of wheels.


The Master Caster CleanGreen Microfiber cleaning and dusting gloves are great for dusting. My fiancé and daughter both have allergies and he has asthma. I try to keep a clean house and as little dust around as possible to help their breathing be better. Besides, its definitely healthier for all of us. These gloves make it as easy as just swiping my hand across the surface. Then I can shake them off and wash them out as needed. Even better is a two-handed job that cuts my cleaning time. Granted, that's only if I don't have to lift things with one hand... The microfibers attract dust like magnets. They are $7.40 a pair.

Don't forget to check out Shoplet and see the other great office supplies they have to offer. They have office furniture, medical supplies and cleaning supplies as well. They are a great source for all your home and business office needs!

Gift ideas for the new mom that you might never have considered

Lately I've been thinking about some gift ideas that I wish I had thought of before having my baby. Things that usually don't end up on the registry or that maybe I had a moment of thinking about, but would never have asked for. But in hindsight, let's be real, sometimes asking for those things is better than saying, "I'm not really sure, so get whatever you think I might need." Which is sorta what I did. As a seasoned mother, I knew what I could live without (swing) and what I couldn't (cloth diapers/spit rags). This wasn't my first rodeo. Though you better believe it when I say it will be my last (just got scheduled for a little snippety snip this month).
So I was expecting the usual. Diapers, wipes, gift cards, newborn outfits out the wazoo. Funny that I didn't get those newborn outfits as much. I only received a handful. I had to buy gowns for her since I only had one and those things are AMAZING. And will be first on my list...

Numero uno: Baby gowns. Every new mom should have them. They make those midnight diaper changings soooo much simpler. Nothing like a squirming baby, lack of light, lack of sleep and snaps. You wake up the next morning and it looks like your 4 year old snapped up the front blindfolded. Plus if your baby is like mine, she didn't fit her newborn footed outfits too well. She would kick and stretch until both legs were tangled inside. Even better if you get the ones with built-in mittens.

Next up, nursing clothes or a gift card to get said clothes. Sure its fun to buy for the baby, but if you know Mom is planning to breastfeed, help her out! Nursing clothes aren't cheap. I had a hard time finding used ones. So I ended up just going with nursing camisoles and button up plaid shirts. But even cami tops are $25 a piece. Remember that Mom has to care for herself in order to care for baby. I think even I forget that at times. I get so caught up with doing what is needed for everyone else, that I lose track of what is going on with me. Point in case - how many times I've skipped a meal lately... Talk about the migraines I get later. Or the fact I am not getting enough water. Breast milk isn't being produced as much as I need it to be. So keep Mom's needs in mind as well as the baby's.

Walk Away the Pounds DVD's are fantastic.

You can't give these to just anyone though. You have to know the lady and know what her feelings about her weight and losing it will be. I'm very self conscious about my weight. I fully intend to lose all the baby fat by next June. Partly because I'll be getting married then, but mostly because I look at myself in the mirror and hate what I see. I plan to start using mine again. Just need to find times when the fiancé isn't around. Yep, self conscious around even him.

Baby Tongue/Gum Brushes are great for cleaning off the milk residue that babies have after feedings. I'm wishing I had gotten one. And now I'm finding it hard to get one. They used to sell the kind that fits on your finger.

Seeing the residue on my girls tongue makes me wish I had one.

Delivered Meals or Desserts are always welcomed. Notice I say desserts too. Do you know how often I've craved cookies or a slice of cake. But I'm too tired to make them myself most times. Granted, with wanting to lose weight, I suppose its for the best. But still... cravings are there at random times.

Nightlights are amazing. Waking up for those early morning feedings and changings, you really don't want to turn on blinding lights. Then you run the risk of waking up the baby and thus never getting sleep you desperately need. You also don't want to risk tripping over things, stubbing your toes, or even grabbing the wrong item for a diaper changing. My fiancé set up the 3D FX Death Star light.

If I absolutely need more light, I use the closet light. But baby girl likes the pattern on the wall from this one too.
Forget mittens. Get the baby socks. For their feet and hands. Okay, I know you are probably scratching your head at this. But let me explain it to you. This applies only to tall women having long babies. They typically have longer fingers and feet than other babies. And what I've learned, is that those mittens don't fit unless the baby never stretches their fingers out. It only works on permanent fists. She stretches, those mittens drop off. And then you can't cut the babies nails too soon. Too difficult. So those little razors flail through the air and usually scratch the tar out of themselves or Mom. She might look silly in the socks, but they work wonders when she's in long sleeves onesies.

No, they don't work well in short sleeves.

So what else have you found is a gift that gets overlooked, but is completely worth putting thought into? Share in the comments below!

Time for more gift ideas!

I know many people living in states that get snow. Or even ice. We get ice. Maybe once or twice in a month. Might not seem like much, but its annoying still. So I was curious when I was asked if I wanted to participate in a review opportunity in league with the US Family Guide. They are partnering with Scrape-A-Round.

If you know someone who has to suffer through the cold winter months of ice and snow, you might want to check them out...

If you're tired of scraping your windows the old fashioned way, then join the Scrape-A-Round movement. You will secure your family's safety, access new gift ideas and scrape your windows cleaner in half the time with the world's best windshield ice scraper. View the Scrape-A-Round action

 

The Scrape-a-round is a brilliant feat of ice scraping engineering. The simple explanations why Scrape-A-Round is the best ice scraper are as follows, Scrape-A-Round is the:
Best ice scraper because of the softer plastic, allows the scraper to conform to the window curvature! Find out more information: http://www.scrapearound.com/
18" of ice scraping surface.
The comfortable grasp provides relief for the arthritic or carpal syndrome sufferer.
Direct pressure to the window, no pressure lost through the ice scraper!
The circular rotational motion of ice scraper.
Double ice scraper action, leading edge and trailing edge.
Multi functional, remove the cap and it doubles as a funnel.
This scrapes windows frost and ice free in half the time!
Makes the perfect gift for the Holidays!
http://www.scrapearound.com/

My readers get to save! Get FREE Shipping at http://www.scrapearound.com/ Use code LU8FBEZREU2 at checkout.
http://usfamilyguide.com/coupons.php?bid=13171&dealid=3099