The World We Live In

Working with kids all day and having two of my own, I am pretty scared about the state of the world we live in.  Just this past week in my hometown, a friend of mine's brother was shot to death in a senseless "road-rage" shooting and two girl scout troops were robbed while selling cookies at local establishments.  It's enough to make you want to move to some remote island and raise your kids away from all the crazies.

But instead of letting things like this get me down, I've resolved to be the change I want to see.  This is part of my vision, my goal for my future business. It will teach, inspire, and change things for the positive.  What this world needs now are people who care. People who won't give up on those around them...who know that for all the evil that roams, there is so much more good.  <<steps off soap box>>

Sorry, I digress.

As the ideas float around in my head as to what direction to take my business, one thing is clear....  My business will strive to improve the state of the world, one day at a time, one child at a time.

Make a Difference Mondays - Color a Smile

I'm sure many of you have seen this before, but it is one of my favorite "simple, yet effective" ways to get my kids involved in a charity.  What kid doesn't like to color? My 6 year old can go through a coloring book in a day.  The thing is, those sheets just get thrown away (hopefully recycled).  Why not have the kiddos color a page and bring a smile to a stranger's face in the process.

Here's how it works.

1) Go to Color A Smile
2) Either download one of their coloring pages, or follow the directions to make one of your own.
3) Send in your masterpiece.

These pictures go to Nursing Homes, Meals On Wheels programs, and other individuals that have requested a "smile."

A fun and easy on-going project for the kidderoos.  For the price of a piece of paper, an envelope and a stamp, you take a kid's throw-away project and pass on the love.

Michelle

Waiting...

One of the most frustrating things so far about starting my own business has been working off of everyone else's time schedules. So much is dependent on others time and talents, and of course their not nearly as motivated as I am to get things rolling!

On the other hand, today my husband and I are going with my oldest daughter on a field trip to Sabino Canyon so I can't complain too much. Maybe this will allow for a much needed breather. Some reflection time on how great my life is and the amazing planet we live on.  Nah, who am I kidding. We are going with a group of 14 kindergarteners. It will be loud and crazy.

Unless

My 2 year old is obsessed with the movie "The Lorax."  For those of you with kids, you know that when a child gets hooked on a movie you watch it multiple times in a day....over many days.

Could be much worse. It's a kid's movie that has humor that adults can relate to, which is nice.  The graphics are great.  But the part I like is the message. I have always been a fan of the book, and the original movie as well.  I was happy to see it updated and with the message intact.

Today I thought I'd share a little quote from the book/movie that has always inspired me.

This is what I am trying to do!

LOGOS! LOGOS! LOGOS!

That's where I'm at.  Picking a logo.  Who would have thought it would be so hard to finalize which one you like best.  Thankfully I work in a Daycare and my little kideroos can help me decide!  It also doesn't hurt that my uncle is a world famous designer. No really. Check him out at Line Design.  The man has an impressive resume.  Back in the day he even designed some pretty famous movie posters, that is if you think "Jaws" and "Superman" were impressive.  Now he designs for mostly environmental companies since he can be choosy and work with who he wants to.

He also lives in Vegas...I see a totally necessary business trip in my future.

But I think I have it. The design that is. I can't show you of course because it is not finalized and definitely not trademarked yet.  Can't show my goods all over the internet until they are secure!

Make a Difference Mondays

Here's the plan. On Mondays I will post about making a difference in our world. Could be a small act of kindness, a social-forward business or some other idea floating around in my head. The only criteria is that by participating in said idea, someone or something will benefit.

I woke up around 2:00AM thinking about this one.  So simple, yet effective.

Have you ever worked in some sort of service industry?  Somewhere that you deal with the public on a daily basis?  If you haven't, you should.  Just to gain some much needed perspective.  It's a tough job  no matter what you are doing if you are dealing with people.  In my life I have had desk jobs, but I have also worked as a barista, hostess, sales rep and a retail manager.  I've been yelled at and talked down to.  When I was in retail management one man actually refused to talk to me and wanted to talk to a man.  

Now on to my idea.  Why not celebrate those that work in these demanding jobs with a little note of kindness?  Carry around a few thank you cards that you can pick up at your neighborhood store.  Maybe order some small business cards that say "Thank you for making me smile today."  A small gesture can go a long way to make someone feel special and turn their day around.  I think my kids would really get on board with this one.  We may get some business cards made...it is so cheap to do online.

We are all in this together! Why not try to improve someone's day with a little kindness?

The beginning...

Ok, it's official. I'm a blogger.

Technically I have been a member since 2008, but that's not the point.  

Where have I been since then?  I've been busy! But really, no excuses.  I just never made the time.  But now, I've got purpose. This is my year.  Why not take some friends along on the adventure right?

So buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. This is the year I will try to open my own business.  A business that I have been dreaming of starting for years. I business that I know can make an impact on our youth and on the world.  Sounds lofty, but it's my dream.  

This blog will be my outlet. My place to dream big.  To cry tears of joy for my successes and tears of pain for my losses.  I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me.