I Blinked and the Month's Gone

Where did this month go? Seriously?! I feel like I am stuck in a rat race a la what not to do by Robert Kiyosaki, but I'm really having a hard time getting out of this hamster wheel. I don't know if it's just one of those days, but I feel stagnant. Like nothing's happening any faster even though I feel like I'm working harder. Blah.

So if you're wondering how I've been, that's how I've been. I guess when you look at it on "paper" though, it's actually pretty fruitful. Maybe I just don't feel like it is because I'm so fatigued that I can't even enjoy the little triumphs. Note to self, must take time to smell the proverbial roses.

Step One. Enjoy the little bouts of success.

On the work front, to say things have been insane is an understatement. In corporate America, it would probably take four or five people to do what I'm doing. Alas, as a small business, I am the janitor, runner, PR agent, etc. But it's been rewarding. PLG has officially been accepted as a vendor for the NEX after a long dead-end with a former contact. Finally meeting with the right people, the process went relatively quickly. They've placed their orders and PLG will be on the shelves come the peak of summer.

In addition, my friends at Isla Vet opened Boonie B&B, which incidentally became one more retailer for PLG. I've been doing some market research and hopefully that helps make the business a bit more focused. I'm finally going to attend SuperZoo this year, so that should help with more ideas. I'm very excited :) Slowly but surely, the income is tipping in more on PLG rather than my life as a writer.

Not to say I'm not going to miss writing, but I'm beginning to focus that strength into something a bit more my flavor. Enter K9 Konnection, the new TV show produced by a team of truly talented people. I am so proud to be part of this team. It's a definite boost for my ego that I'm still being solicited for writing jobs, but with everything on my plate, I've had to become a lot pickier with those projects. As my very smart business counselor told me, I have to think of where I want to be in five, 10, 20 years and start making decisions that will lead me there. Not take on projects that don't align with those goals.

So that's work... PLG, K9 Konnection, and the few writing projects.

On the other hand, there are all the volunteer stuff -- NFL, which we are preparing for Nationals again in a couple weeks -- Bark for Life, Project Dog Park, GAIN, GYP, etc. I know I probably need to cut back. But where? I have not quite figured it out just yet.

With all of that and a bag of chips, that sadly leaves very little room for personal life. And I know that needs to change. When I have the time, I need to figure that out. But with time running out, I think I need to be better at making time. That is the goal.

Control Freak

A friend of mine recently posted on Facebook about how she hates group projects. It reminded me of high school -- how I, too, had the same sentiments. I hate how there are people that are assigned to be in the same group, and then one of two people work really hard and the rest of the people in the group just ride on their coattails. Apparently, things don't really change much when you're older. Even in adult situations, there are projects where you have to work with supposedly grown adults who still don't carry their own. But then sometimes I wonder if it's me. Yes, I'm aggressive, overbearing and I know what I want. And as much as I would like to think that this is why I get things done, I know I have to let go of some control and learn to trust that others will also get things done. Albeit not the exact same way I would do it, but it'll still get done. At least that's what I'm hoping. *Sigh*

Blah Blah Blues

Every now and then, you get into a heated conversation with friends that leads you to a deeper appreciation of your relationship. You learn that you are different people on different paths of life, but you have a mutual respect for each other's choices. Other times, you look at the person, and you wonder how you're even friends with someone whose mindset is so far from anything you consider acceptable. I had an experience with the latter last night.

In a place like Guam, it's hard to be discreet on a very public blog, but hell, perhaps if the intended person knows what I'm thinking, she'll reconsider her friendship with me as well. In truth, I think we're each better off. But I digress.

There's a saying that there's truth to every "joke." And the joke is how I haven't changed a bit from my apparently unworthy social class in high school. I'm somehow supposed to be honored that she even makes time for me, let alone let me into her social circle of who's who.

I'm so angry with myself that this bugs me. I know what I'm worth and I know how hard I work. But one jab from a spoiled little rich girl can still manage to shake my self esteem. Why? I know I don't have to prove myself to her. So why does this bug me?

To make matters worse, I stooped to her level and said things I shouldn't have said. And what's even worse than that is I'm not even sorry. I don't regret what I said. And I'd say it again if I had the chance.

Perhaps it's not just her that angers me, but everything she represents. People who claim credit for so-called accomplishments that were practically handed to them. People who rely on Mommy and Daddy for everything yet snub people who sweat for every dollar they have. People who think connections are worth more than relationships.

Maybe it just hurts more because I thought she was a friend. There are all sorts of people who think the worst of me and I could care less. But for a friend to think those things sucks. And people wonder why I only have a trusted few? Unbelievable.

Worth More

A few weeks ago, I ran into one of my old photographer buddies. We got to talking about the freelance market and his wedding photography business and how there's been a surge of "photographers" lately. It made me laugh how he said that one guy bought himself a T3i and all of a sudden he's a wedding photographer. HAHAHA! I have a T3i and I wouldn't even consider myself within the same caliber as he.

I'm sorry. But a nice, expensive camera does not a photographer make. And sadly, they are running down legit, talented people. When you're looking for someone to document what could be one of the most memorable times of your life, are you really willing to put that in the hands of someone whose camera controls they don't master to save a few bucks? If you want to pay $200 for a wedding photographer, you will get photos that are worth $200. It’s not a lesson you want to learn the hard way.

I have to admit, I was recently on the receiving end of a similar price negotiation. I'm still battling with whether I should have given in. But every marketing and business site I Googled convinced me not to. And I can't help but feel insulted that people who know me are offering to pay me less than what even an intern is worth. Really? I understand companies are on a budget. But hey, I’m a business owner too. You get what you pay for.

Hello Again, 3am

It has been one hectic week to say the least.

The girls debate team I coach had their semi-final competition on Saturday, and we have been spending a few hours each day preparing for it. It has paid off for the most part. Of all those who competed, only one girl didn't advance to the championships. I feel really, really bad for her and am still unsure about how I'm going to talk to her about it, especially since she's the one who took first place in her category last year. Unfortunately, it's always tough trying to go up against SongFest AND midterms. *Sigh* But on another note, I am extremely proud of our team, because I think some of them surprised themselves with how well they did.

In other news, we have added a new member to our pack. I hadn't planned on doing so this soon, but things just happened that way. A friend of mine who had imported some great danes had said they were interested in a golden retriever. I made a joke that I would give them one of Tilly's puppies if they reserved a dane for me when they had one. A female in heat and a broken gate later, they had an unexpected litter a few years before it was planned. So on Saturday, we brought home our little-but-not-for-long Monica.



Her first night was great. And I think we celebrated too early, because last night, she cried ALL NIGHT LONG. I don't think I've ever dealt with this with any of our other dogs. I'm glad she's pretty much potty trained though. It's like having a new child all over again.

The Land of the Childless

Today, I ran into an old friend and got to catching up about life in general. The topic turned to both of us being childless. The difference is that she's not childless by choice. I was sympathetic to her situation, but I couldn't help but be peeved that she was chastising me for my choice not to have children. No, I'm not waiting for my maternal instincts to kick in. I just simply don't want to procreate. Is that a bad thing? I love most of my friends' children and respect their choice to have them. So why can't people respect mine?

Gawd... I need to make more childless friends.

Project Dog Park Commences

One of the biggest projects on my plate on has finally been deemed "official." Project Dog Park, a non-profit organization working to establish Guam's first public dog park, is now officially registered with Rev & Tax :)

Next on the agenda is to finalize the agreement with Parks & Rec, get some sponsors to build the actual park, and with God's help, we may have this place up and running before the end of the year.

Here we go... but first... here's a group shot of our founding members. What a great bunch of people with whom to be working.



From left: Yours Truly, chair; Jimmy Camacho, vice-chair; Gabe Lombard, treasurer; Diane Isis Thurbur, founding member; Seth Forman, secretary.