Friday, December 26, 2008

Glad it's over

I am very glad Christmas 2008 is past. It had to have been the hardest for me to get through.
I will be glad when things get back to normal, whatever normal is.
I so enjoy reading the blogs of those who continue writing. I realize everyone needed a break for the holidays, but I will be very happy when it starts up again.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and will have a wonderful New Year.
Thank you to those of you still writing.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

outside your comfort zone

As I read the blogs, the common thread has been people stepping outside their comfort zone.
I need to share a little about myself here..
14 years ago, my husband suddenly died. I won't go into details here. But I was left alone to raise three children on my own (by God's grace).
After many years of being a stay at home mom , homeschooling, it was time to go back into the work place. Needless to say, I was scared to death. I had not worked for 10 years, but it was something I had to do.
Thankfully someone took a chance with me. It was a temp job, but enough to get my feet wet and the confidence and experience to continue looking.
I found another job, which I loved and was with it for 7 years. The economy as it is, I knew it was time to look for another job.
Fear came back, what would I do? I felt my age was a strike against me and lack of experience.
Again I had to take that step of faith. When I heard of a company hiring, I checked it out. It is working in an Adult Foster Care Home as a Direct Care Worker. Never in my life had I thought I would do something like this.
I have been working in the home and taking classes at the same time. Learning how to pass Medications, learing about viruses, bacteria........hepB.
For two months now I have been working with the people in the home. There are 6 of them. The funny thing about it, I know it is God, because I love these people as if they were family. I love what I do. They are absolutely precious and loving (or should I say lovable).
The reason I bring this up is because I had to completely leave my comfort zone. God has a way of taking you out of it, to be totally dependent on Him.
When my husband died suddenly, I had no choice.......I had no comfort zone....
I know the Boot Camp can be very challenging and difficult at times.....but trust me, if I can make the changes in my life and face those fears, doing it afraid....so can you.
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, I'm here to say...yes you can. ARF!!!
I am 54 years old. I have three of the most wonderful children in the world. Even though they are married, and have children, they will always be my 'children'.
I am very proud of them. Their father would be very proud of them as well.
One of them is in the Boot Camp. I know he is being stretched. It's a good thing. He has been stretched before and will be again through this lifetime. We just learn from it. And I know he is learning. I can see it, hear it and know it.
Good job, Ed...... I am so proud of you.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The weather has been unbelievable to say the least!! 10 to 14" of snow by the days end. I know of at least 5 Boot campers affected by this storm.
Let's not look at the 'storm' as defeat, but as a redirection. Similar to the story Ginny told on this mornings call.
Also, the blog that Tom wrote regarding where we should be at this time and the power of five.
Must read blog.
I think because we live in an "instant gratification" society, that if we're not getting sign ups by now, something must be wrong. WRONG!
There are so many things to take into consideration:
The time of year being the biggest. People are just very busy right now. They are in the Holiday mode, not home business mode.
The weather also has a big impact.....people can't get out to make their 5 contacts, so they rely on their warm market....as they should! DO WHATEVER IT TAKES.
The economy...people are scared and just trying to get through day by day things until after Christmas.

I just mention all this to encourage everyone to not give up. As Tom mentioned in his blog ( again, must reading!) It's all going to come together.....how exciting!!!
This so called slump? This too shall pass.

Monday, December 8, 2008

I was sharing the idea of 'planting' people in places to walk up and talk to, I had the idea also to maybe have the person say they just joined last week, and how excited they are.
So many possibilities.......run with it.
brainstorming..........
One of the bootcampers put out a call to fellow MPMers in his area to meet and go out together.
I thought depending on the response, if there were enough people, you could "plant" those people in certain areas, say it the shopping center in your town.
Then walk up to those 'people' and start sharing MPM with them. Surely others will overhear. Make sure the response is a good one, maybe to draw attention, but not overdue it.
As I'm posting this, I thought, heck, they don' even need to be other MPMers'. They can be friends, or family members. ( I have family who are not members yet, but would be willing to help out.)
Just a suggestion .
Joanne

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Two Weeks In.....

Wow! What a journey. I can honestly say I am glad I did not apply for this!!
My heart goes out to each and every Camper..... As I said, I have a son in the Boot Camp. I follow very closely. I am so very proud of everyone, especially when it becomes so very difficult. Somethings come easily for some, and harder for others. For those of you who have it more difficult, because this is something you've never done before....I admire you. You have allowed yourselfs to be in a 'fishbowl' for everyone to watch. I could name you each by name, but I won't . You know who you are.

I have seen people so discouraged and ready to give up......only to be encouraged to continue on by Ginny, herself. Can you imagine how she might feel some days? Do you think she never gets discouraged? What if she had given up........? Where would we all be today?
She knows what she's talking about or she wouldn't be where she is today.

As you all begin week 3 of your journey, take a deep breath and know today is a new day. Yesterday is past and tomorrow never comes. Give it your best....yes, work hard, so you can look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and know you have done all you can do. And hold your head up high.
I am so very proud to be a part of this 'family'. Thank you
Joanne

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Very excited for everyone

I've been reading everyone's blogs for the first day. May I say, I am very impressed and humbled at the same time. Here are people from all walks of life, overcoming obstacles yet getting their mission for the day done.
Impressed by the fact that people are coming out of their shell or box, and doing what is required. Not getting discouraged if it doesn't go quite right.
Humbled by the fact that I'm just sitting here reading all these, when I should be out there doing the same thing!
I am very excited for all of you. Can't wait to see results that I know are coming from all the hard work.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Very Excited !

Today is the first day of the WCRBC. I am not one of the selected (didn't apply), but will be followig closely these wonderful 25 brave people.
I have been getting to know them through the blogs, and am very excited for them all. One of which is my son.
I am also nervous for them. But know they will do absolutely wonderful. With leaders like Ginny and Jacki, how can they go wrong?
It will be fun watching and waiting for results. I want to thank everyone for being the 1st Campers. I know I , along with everyone else will learn a lot. Thank you again for being our examples.