Water sport vacations are among my favorite ways to holiday in the summer.
When I lived on the Intercoastal Waterway in South Florida, boating was the lifestyle that kept me as fit-as-a-fiddle and as brown-as-a berry during the summer months.
I miss boating now that I live in Tallahassee. Sometime, I'm going to call Ed Hamilton and make reservations for fabulous Crewed Yacht Charters to distant ports.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Understanding Software
Every business owner should have good Financial Reporting Software.
But if you are like me, trying to discern which software is best for your particular circumstances can feel a bit like trying to understand a foreign language.
People like us- need people who can help us through the maze of information.
I like the Prophix website.
But if you are like me, trying to discern which software is best for your particular circumstances can feel a bit like trying to understand a foreign language.
People like us- need people who can help us through the maze of information.
I like the Prophix website.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Don't Forget To Do The Market Research
When I was in college I enrolled in plenty of marketing classes. I found the advertising, marketing and public relations industry fascinating.
I learned about how important it was for research and testing to preceed the launch of a new product.
Actually I learned a lot about marketing. Some of these tried-and-true practices became forever etched in my brain, while others seemed to slide off like pancake on teflon.
The professor of one class had a sign over the board: "Don't forget to do your market research!"
I learned about how important it was for research and testing to preceed the launch of a new product.
Actually I learned a lot about marketing. Some of these tried-and-true practices became forever etched in my brain, while others seemed to slide off like pancake on teflon.
The professor of one class had a sign over the board: "Don't forget to do your market research!"
Spread The News Like Wild Fire
Suppose you have just written a new book. Did you realize that your work is far from over?
Before you book that cruise to the South Seas, there is still much work to do!
In fact, I wonder if some of the more difficult work still awaits the writer.
From what I'm learning, the process of writing the book is only the first step in the book's adventure to the best-sellers list.
News of the book needs to spread like wild fire. There are many tactics that can be employed, some as simple as investing in a truck of promo pens.
Before you book that cruise to the South Seas, there is still much work to do!
In fact, I wonder if some of the more difficult work still awaits the writer.
From what I'm learning, the process of writing the book is only the first step in the book's adventure to the best-sellers list.
News of the book needs to spread like wild fire. There are many tactics that can be employed, some as simple as investing in a truck of promo pens.
There Is Always Hope
It doesn't matter what you have done... there is always hope. Sometimes people feel that they have messed up their lives so much that there is no turning back. But that is not true.
You can change. You can begin to make tomorrow better than today. But first you have to do three things:
1. Truly desire to change
2. Believe that change is possible
3. Ask for help
In my life I've learned that change is possible through the transforming work of God. By desiring, believing in the power, and asking for help; truly divine things will happen. Whether you are obese in need of weight loss or an addict in need of drug rehab.
You can change. You can begin to make tomorrow better than today. But first you have to do three things:
1. Truly desire to change
2. Believe that change is possible
3. Ask for help
In my life I've learned that change is possible through the transforming work of God. By desiring, believing in the power, and asking for help; truly divine things will happen. Whether you are obese in need of weight loss or an addict in need of drug rehab.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Find What Went Unnoticed For Years
Intellectual curiousity is a great thing! One of the things that I enjoy about my work as a blogger is that I get to expand my intellectual horizons.
There is so much that I don't know. While it is true that I have earned three college degrees, I believe that learning is a life-long process and something that grows in enjoyment over the years. At the ripe age of 49, I discover that I am far more astute than I ever was in the classroom.
So when I received my current assignment, I knew that I had to do a little homework.
Because the truth was I didn't know very much about how valuable a Telecom Audit can be in uncovering cost saving measures that may have gone unnoticed for years.
There is so much that I don't know. While it is true that I have earned three college degrees, I believe that learning is a life-long process and something that grows in enjoyment over the years. At the ripe age of 49, I discover that I am far more astute than I ever was in the classroom.
So when I received my current assignment, I knew that I had to do a little homework.
Because the truth was I didn't know very much about how valuable a Telecom Audit can be in uncovering cost saving measures that may have gone unnoticed for years.
Springtime In The Garden
Sequins of light bounced off the nearby reflecting pool as I went through my morning routine in the garden.
After a long winter there was so much to do to restore the grounds and coax new life.
I was grateful to the natural rhythms that already bloomed in the garden... the camelias that began the parade several weeks earlier, that later were followed by the wild azaleas and the dogwoods.
But I still needed to do my part. With little fear of another deep freeze, I plucked my clippers and gardening gloves from the garden shed and stepped into my garden clogs. As I pruned the near dead branches, pokings of bright green life assured me that my plants were indeed still alive and ready to welcome another beautiful spring season in Tallahassee, Florida.
That's when I noticed that my house marker could use a seasonal scrub.
After a long winter there was so much to do to restore the grounds and coax new life.
I was grateful to the natural rhythms that already bloomed in the garden... the camelias that began the parade several weeks earlier, that later were followed by the wild azaleas and the dogwoods.
But I still needed to do my part. With little fear of another deep freeze, I plucked my clippers and gardening gloves from the garden shed and stepped into my garden clogs. As I pruned the near dead branches, pokings of bright green life assured me that my plants were indeed still alive and ready to welcome another beautiful spring season in Tallahassee, Florida.
That's when I noticed that my house marker could use a seasonal scrub.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
The Mystery In The Parking Lot
It was a Saturday night in March. Spring fever had bit me hard and so earlier that week I hopped in the car and drove to the coast.
My objective was simply to escape the crowd. I found a vacancy at a rustic cabin nestled away in a mist-shrouded and moss-draped hammock.
Everything had been pretty quiet until that Saturday night. That is when the mystery began.
"It is Heavy-Duty reinforced construction – 14-gauge steel or .125 aluminum," the deep voice said.
"How much combustible liquid will it carry?" another voice queried.
"Don't worry it will do the job. It is pressure tested to 150% of D.O.T. requirements. " a third voice said.
Inside I shuddered as I tried to get a read on what was going on in the parking lot of this hidden resort. What were these three men up to with a transfer tank?
My objective was simply to escape the crowd. I found a vacancy at a rustic cabin nestled away in a mist-shrouded and moss-draped hammock.
Everything had been pretty quiet until that Saturday night. That is when the mystery began.
"It is Heavy-Duty reinforced construction – 14-gauge steel or .125 aluminum," the deep voice said.
"How much combustible liquid will it carry?" another voice queried.
"Don't worry it will do the job. It is pressure tested to 150% of D.O.T. requirements. " a third voice said.
Inside I shuddered as I tried to get a read on what was going on in the parking lot of this hidden resort. What were these three men up to with a transfer tank?
The Secret On My Rolodex
It is always smart to keep a list of service companies handy. For example I like to keep names of people who can help me when I have a problem.
Since like most business people, I've always had a full office suite of equipment, and from time-to-time I've bumped into repair issues.
On my rolodex are the solution providers to just about any problem I might need solved in the day-to-day task of running a business.
Recently I was flipping through my rolodex and passed an intriguing card that simply said Top Secret power supply repair.
Since like most business people, I've always had a full office suite of equipment, and from time-to-time I've bumped into repair issues.
On my rolodex are the solution providers to just about any problem I might need solved in the day-to-day task of running a business.
Recently I was flipping through my rolodex and passed an intriguing card that simply said Top Secret power supply repair.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Is It Legal?
Buying medicine online seems to be becoming increasingly popular. My friend Joe told me several years ago that he ordered his prescriptions from Canada and other countries for a fraction of what the same prescriptions cost in the United States.
I've been wondering. How exactly does that work? Since I am not one to ever take medicine, I never really thought too much about it. But when assignments occasionally come across my desk to write a blog post about products like Generic Ultram, my curiosity is engaged. Is it legal to sell prescriptions over the Internet?
I've been wondering. How exactly does that work? Since I am not one to ever take medicine, I never really thought too much about it. But when assignments occasionally come across my desk to write a blog post about products like Generic Ultram, my curiosity is engaged. Is it legal to sell prescriptions over the Internet?
Florida Golf
Last year when I was talking with Florida's Wildwood Golf Course and the adjoining Inn at Wildwood about doing some advertising with the Tallahassee Discoveries Magazine, the general manager at the time said, "You know, Kathi I'm really more interested in what you can do for me online. The magazine you work with is beautiful. I would love to advertise with you. But our research indicates that we will get better bang for our buck through Internet advertising."
Like so many others, he essentially said "sharpen your pencil and bring me a viral marketing campaign."
As I drove away I considered putting up a golfing blog featuring southeastern golf communities and entertained swinging visions of golf clubs.
Like so many others, he essentially said "sharpen your pencil and bring me a viral marketing campaign."
As I drove away I considered putting up a golfing blog featuring southeastern golf communities and entertained swinging visions of golf clubs.
Spotlight
I love reading success stories about businesses that begin with a simple but solid idea, and through principles of integrity, and tilling the soil of hard work produce a fruit where one didn't previously exist.
Today's spotlight looks at a company that began over a half century ago in 1951 when two men had an idea for starting a business.
Their venture was to market inexpensive, yet dependable life insurance protection to Americans who were living in rural areas.
They opened shop in Oklahoma. Through the years their enterprise grew by leaps and bounds and over fifty years later they are described as a prominent force within the insurance industry. The company now has 2.5 million policies in force, and over $30 billion of insurance with $1.4 billion in assets.
Today you don't have to live in Oklahoma to benefit from the fruit of this company. The insurance products are sold near and far. For example, I was recently contemplating getting some Funeral Insurance.
Today's spotlight looks at a company that began over a half century ago in 1951 when two men had an idea for starting a business.
Their venture was to market inexpensive, yet dependable life insurance protection to Americans who were living in rural areas.
They opened shop in Oklahoma. Through the years their enterprise grew by leaps and bounds and over fifty years later they are described as a prominent force within the insurance industry. The company now has 2.5 million policies in force, and over $30 billion of insurance with $1.4 billion in assets.
Today you don't have to live in Oklahoma to benefit from the fruit of this company. The insurance products are sold near and far. For example, I was recently contemplating getting some Funeral Insurance.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Touching Down On The Outer Banks
I'd like to take my parachute and touch down for a week or two on the Outer Banks.
It is a known fact that travel writers can get some pretty nifty free perks. Well I say bring them on! My writing sings all sorts of melodies, especially melodies of travel!
Investing in a travel writer's holiday stay can pay rich dividends in return with articles that will be read by hundreds of thousands or millions of readers.
It is a known fact that travel writers can get some pretty nifty free perks. Well I say bring them on! My writing sings all sorts of melodies, especially melodies of travel!
Investing in a travel writer's holiday stay can pay rich dividends in return with articles that will be read by hundreds of thousands or millions of readers.
Like a Parachute Floating Through The Stratosphere
Trace from Vendor House has been sending me frequent e-mail about owning my own Vendor House Christian store. While I enjoyed the opportunity and experience of owning my Agape Cove Bookstore with Spread The Word Ministries, the truth was I really engaged in the opportunity because of my writing. Through that time frame, I discovered that I much rather preferred promoting products than selling them. It is true I hate to sell anything. But yet I love promoting products. Go figure!
Some exciting news is that a new editorial opportunity might be on the horizon for me where I will be able to oversee and impact the editorial direction of a new publication. I'll keep you posted!
On November 10, 2002 I wrote the following entry into the first page of a Prayer and Answers Journal that I had just purchased from the local Christian store:
"If this is your will, Father God, please connect me in an extraordinary way to a Christian magazine that glorifies you on every page, story and advertisement. Father God please make that magazine lead a hurting world to you. Who will carry the words of the Lord to them?" "Here I am. Send me!"
While many of the other prayers posted in the journal, have answers also posted, this one does not. But I recognize that the Lord's orchestration has indeed been present since 2002, leading me step-by-step closer to the manifestation of that petition. Since 2002, I closed my catering business and engaged in full-time writing. For more than a year I have worked for a regional magazine in the dreaded position of advertising sales, but I've also had the opportunity to see how a magazine works and to write some articles for the publication. Since last May I've been writing a regular newspaper column, too. The column is something that indeed brings me great satisfaction and has helped me to become more focused.
With a mind that opens like a parachute floating through the stratosphere, learning to focus tightly is really a good thing.
So back to Trace, thank you for your offer to own another Christian online store, but the truth is I'd rather promote, than sell christian gifts.
Some exciting news is that a new editorial opportunity might be on the horizon for me where I will be able to oversee and impact the editorial direction of a new publication. I'll keep you posted!
On November 10, 2002 I wrote the following entry into the first page of a Prayer and Answers Journal that I had just purchased from the local Christian store:
"If this is your will, Father God, please connect me in an extraordinary way to a Christian magazine that glorifies you on every page, story and advertisement. Father God please make that magazine lead a hurting world to you. Who will carry the words of the Lord to them?" "Here I am. Send me!"
While many of the other prayers posted in the journal, have answers also posted, this one does not. But I recognize that the Lord's orchestration has indeed been present since 2002, leading me step-by-step closer to the manifestation of that petition. Since 2002, I closed my catering business and engaged in full-time writing. For more than a year I have worked for a regional magazine in the dreaded position of advertising sales, but I've also had the opportunity to see how a magazine works and to write some articles for the publication. Since last May I've been writing a regular newspaper column, too. The column is something that indeed brings me great satisfaction and has helped me to become more focused.
With a mind that opens like a parachute floating through the stratosphere, learning to focus tightly is really a good thing.
So back to Trace, thank you for your offer to own another Christian online store, but the truth is I'd rather promote, than sell christian gifts.
A Treasure Chest of Inspirations
"What kind of writing do you do?" a new acquaintance recently asked me.
"My writing is rather an eclectic collage, sort of like my decorating style. If I were to try to define the essence of it... perhaps I would categorize my style as fitting more in the home, garden and entertaining niche."
"Maybe you can help me."
"I would love to try."
"We are doing some home remodeling. Jim's daughter is getting married and so we are converting her former bedroom into a new space. But we need help. We don't know what we want to do."
"A good place to begin is by browsing furniture collections online. With the click of a mouse you'll come away with a treasure chest of inspirations. Why don't you start by clicking on Coaster Furniture?"
"My writing is rather an eclectic collage, sort of like my decorating style. If I were to try to define the essence of it... perhaps I would categorize my style as fitting more in the home, garden and entertaining niche."
"Maybe you can help me."
"I would love to try."
"We are doing some home remodeling. Jim's daughter is getting married and so we are converting her former bedroom into a new space. But we need help. We don't know what we want to do."
"A good place to begin is by browsing furniture collections online. With the click of a mouse you'll come away with a treasure chest of inspirations. Why don't you start by clicking on Coaster Furniture?"
Vertical Equity
A loft bed is a smart and space-saving solution for tight bedrooms and college dorms. Sometimes it is plain good sense to think vertically!
If you capitalize on the vertical equity in a space, you can get the space to often perform better, regardless of square footage.
Imagine a college dorm, and you see quite cramped quarters. But if you go vertical, the living and studying space could be below the sleeping space in a cozy alcove.
Ah, what a nice compact little world! Think loft bed.
If you capitalize on the vertical equity in a space, you can get the space to often perform better, regardless of square footage.
Imagine a college dorm, and you see quite cramped quarters. But if you go vertical, the living and studying space could be below the sleeping space in a cozy alcove.
Ah, what a nice compact little world! Think loft bed.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Simplify Things
The assignment is a pretty straight forward one. The topic is about Financial Consolidation Software, something that can simplify a business owner's life.
When shopping for software it always good to read the reviews that are easy to find online.
By doing some internet research, you can determine what you should be considering as you decide on the type of Financial Consolidation Software to invest in for your business needs.
When shopping for software it always good to read the reviews that are easy to find online.
By doing some internet research, you can determine what you should be considering as you decide on the type of Financial Consolidation Software to invest in for your business needs.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Dad Was Right
There are all types of dietary aids on the market to help people with their weight loss.
Keeping a shapely body can be a big challenge, especially when you have genetics not working in your favor. I didn't like it when my dad told me that I was going to have to watch my weight my whole life. Bless his heart, he was only trying to give me some good fatherly advice. But at the time I thought his advice stunk!
Fast forward a number of years... and I must admit dad was right. I will need to watch my weight for the rest of my life. Right now I am working on getting the scale to reverse directions and so far it has dropped fifty pounds!
I'm always interested in researching reports on products that can aid in weight loss, like the research on Metabolism Booster.
Keeping a shapely body can be a big challenge, especially when you have genetics not working in your favor. I didn't like it when my dad told me that I was going to have to watch my weight my whole life. Bless his heart, he was only trying to give me some good fatherly advice. But at the time I thought his advice stunk!
Fast forward a number of years... and I must admit dad was right. I will need to watch my weight for the rest of my life. Right now I am working on getting the scale to reverse directions and so far it has dropped fifty pounds!
I'm always interested in researching reports on products that can aid in weight loss, like the research on Metabolism Booster.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
The Perfect Truck Tool Box
After buying his new truck at the Chevrolet dealership in Tallahassee, Florida my friend started looking for some truck accessories.
But he had a problem. He couldn't find what he was looking for in the local auto supply centers. He wanted something like he had seen on a truck in Dallas, Texas.
But since it would be ten months before he had another scheduled trip to Dallas, he got smart.
He went online and found the perfect truck toolbox.
But he had a problem. He couldn't find what he was looking for in the local auto supply centers. He wanted something like he had seen on a truck in Dallas, Texas.
But since it would be ten months before he had another scheduled trip to Dallas, he got smart.
He went online and found the perfect truck toolbox.
Achieve Your Goals With the Synergy of Video Conferencing
I was so excited that Heath sent me an assignment to write a blog post about video conferencing.
It is true I love video conferencing! As a matter of fact, as soon as I work through the writing assignments he sent to me today, I'm going to surf on over and peruse the website and let the synergy wash over me.
There are so many different possibilities for how Video Conferencing can be used to achieve one's short-term and long-range goals.
It is true I love video conferencing! As a matter of fact, as soon as I work through the writing assignments he sent to me today, I'm going to surf on over and peruse the website and let the synergy wash over me.
There are so many different possibilities for how Video Conferencing can be used to achieve one's short-term and long-range goals.
Littman Stethoscope
I was surprised to learn that not all stethoscopes are created equal. The prices range between under $40.00 to well over $500.00 for the most sophisticated electronic instruments.
The ECHO Plus Data Link is an example of a state-of-the-art stethoscope. It is made by the Doctor's Research Group. The sound quality from this instrument is amplified by as much as 400 times the actual volume and can even be be linked to a PC to record patients' hearts.
If I was studying to become a doctor, I believe I would want this instrument. However, it is smart to research all the different types of stethoscopes available on the market beginning with the famous littman stethoscope .
The ECHO Plus Data Link is an example of a state-of-the-art stethoscope. It is made by the Doctor's Research Group. The sound quality from this instrument is amplified by as much as 400 times the actual volume and can even be be linked to a PC to record patients' hearts.
If I was studying to become a doctor, I believe I would want this instrument. However, it is smart to research all the different types of stethoscopes available on the market beginning with the famous littman stethoscope .
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Resistant To Changing?
"Ameriquest Mortgage must call me at least twice a week."
"What do they want?"
"Oh they are trying to get me to refinance the house. I keep telling them I have no interest in changing mortgage companies. I like working directly with my bank."
"Jim and Molly refinanced their property last year and they are saving close to $1000.00 each month."
"I know I should probably investigate it, but you know how resistant your dad and I are to changing our ways."
"Do I ever! I still say if you all won't buy a new computer, then at least add some more computer memory to the hard drive so you can download the pictures of all the grandchildren."
"What do they want?"
"Oh they are trying to get me to refinance the house. I keep telling them I have no interest in changing mortgage companies. I like working directly with my bank."
"Jim and Molly refinanced their property last year and they are saving close to $1000.00 each month."
"I know I should probably investigate it, but you know how resistant your dad and I are to changing our ways."
"Do I ever! I still say if you all won't buy a new computer, then at least add some more computer memory to the hard drive so you can download the pictures of all the grandchildren."
Beat Mesothelioma With An Orlando Vacation
After battling mesothelioma cancer for the last year, JJ has decided to take a long awaited vacation.
For years he worked so hard to provide for his loved ones, build a solid portfolio and create a future of hope and promise.
His health had always been great, until just before the doctor made the deadly diagnosis.
"Mesothelioma cancer? What in the world is mesothelioma cancer?"
A year later JJ could write volumes on this disease, but instead he told his beloved wife Viv, "Honey, I don't have much time left. Let's go play. Let's spend the season on an Orlando vacation."
"What about the cancer?"
"Heaven can wait. I still have a whole lot more living to do. Let's see if a little fun in the sun can help us beat this mesothelioma mess."
For years he worked so hard to provide for his loved ones, build a solid portfolio and create a future of hope and promise.
His health had always been great, until just before the doctor made the deadly diagnosis.
"Mesothelioma cancer? What in the world is mesothelioma cancer?"
A year later JJ could write volumes on this disease, but instead he told his beloved wife Viv, "Honey, I don't have much time left. Let's go play. Let's spend the season on an Orlando vacation."
"What about the cancer?"
"Heaven can wait. I still have a whole lot more living to do. Let's see if a little fun in the sun can help us beat this mesothelioma mess."
All Things In Life Are A Divine Test
While whipping up a batch of family heirloom secret recipe cookies a mother and her daughter had the following conversation.
"Oh mom. What are we going to do? If TJ finds out the truth it will ruin everything. Absolutely everything! We just can't let that happen."
"Honey you have to focus on the bigger picture. You have to look past today. You have to look at what is best for everyone concerned even if that means that it might not benefit you. All of life is a test - a divine test allowed by God to measure the heart of his children. One day you will stand before the Lord and be asked to justify the decisions you made down here. You want those decisions to be decisions that bring glory and joy to the Eternal Father and Creator of Heaven and earth. "
"Why mother, you certainly have a way of putting things in perspective. I guess I should proceed with the paternity testing."
"Oh mom. What are we going to do? If TJ finds out the truth it will ruin everything. Absolutely everything! We just can't let that happen."
"Honey you have to focus on the bigger picture. You have to look past today. You have to look at what is best for everyone concerned even if that means that it might not benefit you. All of life is a test - a divine test allowed by God to measure the heart of his children. One day you will stand before the Lord and be asked to justify the decisions you made down here. You want those decisions to be decisions that bring glory and joy to the Eternal Father and Creator of Heaven and earth. "
"Why mother, you certainly have a way of putting things in perspective. I guess I should proceed with the paternity testing."
A Dream Getaway In The Mountains
Question: We are looking for some mountain property in North Carolina for a family retreat. Can you recommend a realtor that can help us find the perfect piece of land to build our dream getaway?
Answer: You are smart to invest in Carolina mountain real estate! Mill Valley Realty is my top recommendation for anyone in the market to buy or sell North Carolina mountain real estate.
Answer: You are smart to invest in Carolina mountain real estate! Mill Valley Realty is my top recommendation for anyone in the market to buy or sell North Carolina mountain real estate.
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