I'm working late tonight.
This doesn't happen often. I'm up late a lot, and working, but it's usually stuff I need to do from my own "To Do" List. Tonight is different. I'm waiting for a response on some docs I'm preparing for filing tomorrow.
I hope I did everything right. Yeah, I still worry. And I still get excited and nervous when I talk to a new attorney. Whether he/she is calling to hire me or calling to find a VBA. The excitement that so many attorneys are calling is something I did not prepare myself for.
And I'm happy for those VBA's who are working for attorneys. I know it won't be long before we have all VBA's working.
So I started this blog with one thing in mind and of course, there I go, off on another subject altogether...... Senior moments.....
For 2009, I want to do 10 Things. I know I'm going to do 10 Thousand things, because that's what I do. Stay busy. Oh, there I go again......Anyway,..... Back to the 10 Things.
Here we go:
1) Celebrate the little things with enthusiasm. Too often, we forget to celebrate the little things in life. When our son was younger, we would celebrate "A's" on a report card as if he had earned a college degree! You can imagine when he DID graduate from college. Let me tell ya, that was a celebration!
2) Not buy anymore printers. I love printers. Don't ask me why, but I have all these printers! I have single tray, dual tray, laser, inkjet, you name it, I have it.
3) Work Out. I love to work out. But not the kind of workout you might be thinking. I walk, stretch, move. That's about it. When you have a home office, it's really easy to not move. I mean really, how long is the commute? 2 Minutes?
4) Remain motivated for my members. This isn't hard to do...sometimes. I really need to stay focused and realize that some days....well, some days.
5) Make time to spend with my BFF. I have a BFF. She and I have known each other since we were in second grade. This year has been a whirlwind of events and it has left me little time for my friend. Yet, when I need her, there she is. Yep, this one should be number 1 on the list.
6) Enjoy my family. I know all too well how quickly our loved ones can be taken away. I lost both my parents while they were still very young. My mother died when she was 48, and my dad when he was 67. Thankfully, they brought us up to love each other unconditionally. Our family get togethers are so much fun and I'm sorry I haven't had time to be there this year.
7) Find time each week to reach out. I want to make this a priority. I need to reach out and buy someone a cup of coffee. Or pay for someone's grocery. Or offer a ride. I'm not sure what I will do, but it will be something for someone I don't know.
8) Get away with my husband. All I could say about my husband is, "what a guy". He is so supportive. He handles all the craziness I dish out. Talk about remaining calm in a stressful situation. He probably needs the time away more than I do. But while we're away, I need to not take my work with me, otherwise, what's the point?
9) Buy myself something completely useless. I'm difficult. I do not buy anything unless it has a specific purpose. Unless, of course, it's a printer! So, in 2009, I'm going to buy something completely useless but fun to have.
10) Keep my hair and nail appointments. I love hair and makeup. I spend thousands on makeup and hair. But, when I go get my hair and nails and makeup done, I take my work. So, in 2009, I promise not to take any work with me when I go to the salon. Not only that, I'll turn off my phone (oh no!, do I really want to go there?).
What will you do? I want to know. Share our aspirations, dreams and goals for 2009. Either here or email me. You know where.
That's it, I'm done.
Vikki
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
We're getting close!
I can't believe it's December.
Where does the time go?
We're in the last month of the year!
There is still so much to do. I hope December slows down just enough so I can get all these projects completed by December 31st.
One year, I started addressing Christmas cards in late September. By October 31st, all my Christmas cards were addressed and ready to go. That was then. Now; well now, I'll be lucky if I get around to sending email Christmas cards.
It's not just work that has me so busy. It's family stuff that has me just as busy. We had a lot going on this year; we had our share of sad things, but we also had our celebratory moments as well.
I have often wondered why there is such a rush to get projects done before the year is over. One of my sisters once told me that whatever doesn't get done before the end of the year, that will be your burden throughout the next year. Thanks a lot sis!
Which is why she cleans her house, does all her laundry and completes every single project before the stroke of midnight on December 31st. My other sister performs a ritual of her own, which I find just as curious. She gets a bucket of water and tosses it out the front door at midnight on Dec. 31/Jan 1 to symbolize getting rid of the burdens of the old year......I often wondered where my sisters picked up these rituals because I had never done either one. Nor do I remember mom, grandma or great grandma discussing such things.
For myself, I'm lucky if I can stay up until midnight on December 31st. It's kinda funny, because in a previous life, I would stay up way past midnight, all the way to 3:00 A.M. Our family would host a huge New Year's Eve party and everybody we hadn't seen that year would come to this party. It so much fun and completely exhausting!
But we're getting way ahead of ourselves here. We're barely on December 1st!
My husband and I were at the Mall this weekend. My husband is a very laid back sort of fella. I kinda think the Mall was not a good place for him. Especially this weekend. He said, "is it my imagination, or is everyone moving at warped speed?." I laughed.
Where does the time go?
We're in the last month of the year!
There is still so much to do. I hope December slows down just enough so I can get all these projects completed by December 31st.
One year, I started addressing Christmas cards in late September. By October 31st, all my Christmas cards were addressed and ready to go. That was then. Now; well now, I'll be lucky if I get around to sending email Christmas cards.
It's not just work that has me so busy. It's family stuff that has me just as busy. We had a lot going on this year; we had our share of sad things, but we also had our celebratory moments as well.
I have often wondered why there is such a rush to get projects done before the year is over. One of my sisters once told me that whatever doesn't get done before the end of the year, that will be your burden throughout the next year. Thanks a lot sis!
Which is why she cleans her house, does all her laundry and completes every single project before the stroke of midnight on December 31st. My other sister performs a ritual of her own, which I find just as curious. She gets a bucket of water and tosses it out the front door at midnight on Dec. 31/Jan 1 to symbolize getting rid of the burdens of the old year......I often wondered where my sisters picked up these rituals because I had never done either one. Nor do I remember mom, grandma or great grandma discussing such things.
For myself, I'm lucky if I can stay up until midnight on December 31st. It's kinda funny, because in a previous life, I would stay up way past midnight, all the way to 3:00 A.M. Our family would host a huge New Year's Eve party and everybody we hadn't seen that year would come to this party. It so much fun and completely exhausting!
But we're getting way ahead of ourselves here. We're barely on December 1st!
My husband and I were at the Mall this weekend. My husband is a very laid back sort of fella. I kinda think the Mall was not a good place for him. Especially this weekend. He said, "is it my imagination, or is everyone moving at warped speed?." I laughed.
I've decided that no matter how busy I get, I will stop and take a breather and remember that Christmas is not about being busy; but a time to share, talk, and reflect.
I think the reason I'm so stressed is that I haven't met my goal. I'm going to try and keep it. It is the one goal I wrote down that I have stayed focused on since I made it.
For those of you who have been with me from the beginning, you know what that goal is. For those of you new to this blog, the goal is to have 80% of AAVBA members working by the end of the year. Well, the year isn't over yet. So I have time.
As for the rest of the stuff that needs attention, I've decided that I'm going to do one project at a time and not multi-task. I make myself and my husband crazy. He has no idea what multi-tasking is, he calls it "crazy time" and moves out of the way.
I'm looking forward to the Webinar we have scheduled this month. I hadn't planned on doing any Webinars until next year, but we had so much going on, there was no way it could wait until next year.
I'm looking forward to 2009. We have a Convention in May and September/October, the ABJA Conference, and the NNA Convention. I have a few speaking engagements, and of course, our Training Webinars, which I enjoy.
You'll have to sign up as a member of AAVBA to find out about our upcoming Webinars. There is much going on and you want to be part of it.
I don't know if I'll be back this month, so if I don't make it back here, have a Merry Christmas and a very healthy, prosperous, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Peace,
Vikki
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Giving Thanks
I love Thanksgiving.
It's an opportunity to cook a turkey, side dishes and desserts.
My stove and oven don't get much of a workout during the Spring and Summer months because we grill and barbeque.
Ah, but when the cool weather approaches, I am the happiest person in the world. Well, maybe not in the world, but definitely the happiest.
My husband and I host an Open House Thanksgiving. We invite our neighbors, friends and family to stop by and have a drink and something to eat on their way to their own family gatherings.
It's become quite popular. Each year, more and more people show up.
There used to be a time my husband and I would drive from from our house in Gardena to Victorville to Costa Mesa on Thanksgiving. Mapquest it and see how many miles it is. I tell ya, we spent most of Thanksgiving on the road. Needless to say, we've gotten too old to make the long trip, so we came up with the Open House.
I have so much to be grateful for. Actually, I'm grateful for everyday. It wasn't too long ago that we weren't sure if I would make it another year. But, here we are, 5 years later and going strong.
This year is pretty special.
I have a great group of associates who have become very good friends.
I have an organization I'm proud of. And a membership that is the best around.
I work with attorneys who are the best in the land.
But best of all, I have my health.
When I was younger, much younger,.....my grandmother would tell me, "you have everything if you have your health". This saying always puzzled me as a young person, because what I wanted at that time was a Cadillac.
Unfortunately, I would later find out exactly what she meant when she uttered those words. So; I'm going to say them now to you, "be grateful for your health, it is everything you need."
I hope this year will be a memorable one for you and your family.
With a grateful heart I say, Happy Thanksgiving!
~Vikki~
It's an opportunity to cook a turkey, side dishes and desserts.
My stove and oven don't get much of a workout during the Spring and Summer months because we grill and barbeque.
Ah, but when the cool weather approaches, I am the happiest person in the world. Well, maybe not in the world, but definitely the happiest.
My husband and I host an Open House Thanksgiving. We invite our neighbors, friends and family to stop by and have a drink and something to eat on their way to their own family gatherings.
It's become quite popular. Each year, more and more people show up.
There used to be a time my husband and I would drive from from our house in Gardena to Victorville to Costa Mesa on Thanksgiving. Mapquest it and see how many miles it is. I tell ya, we spent most of Thanksgiving on the road. Needless to say, we've gotten too old to make the long trip, so we came up with the Open House.
I have so much to be grateful for. Actually, I'm grateful for everyday. It wasn't too long ago that we weren't sure if I would make it another year. But, here we are, 5 years later and going strong.
This year is pretty special.
I have a great group of associates who have become very good friends.
I have an organization I'm proud of. And a membership that is the best around.
I work with attorneys who are the best in the land.
But best of all, I have my health.
When I was younger, much younger,.....my grandmother would tell me, "you have everything if you have your health". This saying always puzzled me as a young person, because what I wanted at that time was a Cadillac.
Unfortunately, I would later find out exactly what she meant when she uttered those words. So; I'm going to say them now to you, "be grateful for your health, it is everything you need."
I hope this year will be a memorable one for you and your family.
With a grateful heart I say, Happy Thanksgiving!
~Vikki~
Thursday, November 6, 2008
History was made on November 4, 2008
I'm glad to see that everyone went out and voted on November 4th.
What I can't understand and will never understand is why we don't have these numbers in all elections. Do people not understand that when you vote, your voice is heard?
Do people think, "I don't like the guy who is running, so I'm just going to stay home and not vote". Yeah, that'll fix 'em.
Let those who vote each and every time, whether they like the candidate or not, nominate the person they want in office. Meanwhile, those of us who do not like either candidate figure it's better not to vote anyone in office than to have a voice.
When I hear of how everyone is complaining of the economy, the war, and everything else that is wrong with this country, I think, well, it's our fault. We cannot blame anyone but ourselves. We vote the President into office. Or not.
I hope this election has taught everyone to vote each and every time. If you don't like either candidate that is running for office, choose one. Who knows, maybe you'll choose the candidate who will do some good.
But either way, don't blame the President or anyone else who is running our government. We choose them. And if you're response is, "don't blame me, I didn't choose him or her because I didn't vote". Really? Yes, you did. By not voting.
That is what is so great about our country. We have a voice. We can choose how we want our lives to be by voting. It is the great Equalizer. Yet, so many people do not see it this way.
I heard someone say that voting is the best non-violent way to have a revolution. I wish everyone would see it this way.
Young and old. Rich and poor. It makes no difference in the polling place. When you vote, you have a voice.
For myself, women should be the ones leading the revolution. After all, it hasn't even been 100 years since we got the vote. Yet, many women do not vote. Why? The fight to get the vote was a violent and long struggle. Many women died and suffered for our right to vote.
So I continue to say. Vote. Not just in the General Election. In all elections. Vote for your State Representatives, your City Council, your Neighborhood Watch Captain. Make it a habit. Something you do each and every time.
Then see what happens.
Vikki
What I can't understand and will never understand is why we don't have these numbers in all elections. Do people not understand that when you vote, your voice is heard?
Do people think, "I don't like the guy who is running, so I'm just going to stay home and not vote". Yeah, that'll fix 'em.
Let those who vote each and every time, whether they like the candidate or not, nominate the person they want in office. Meanwhile, those of us who do not like either candidate figure it's better not to vote anyone in office than to have a voice.
When I hear of how everyone is complaining of the economy, the war, and everything else that is wrong with this country, I think, well, it's our fault. We cannot blame anyone but ourselves. We vote the President into office. Or not.
I hope this election has taught everyone to vote each and every time. If you don't like either candidate that is running for office, choose one. Who knows, maybe you'll choose the candidate who will do some good.
But either way, don't blame the President or anyone else who is running our government. We choose them. And if you're response is, "don't blame me, I didn't choose him or her because I didn't vote". Really? Yes, you did. By not voting.
That is what is so great about our country. We have a voice. We can choose how we want our lives to be by voting. It is the great Equalizer. Yet, so many people do not see it this way.
I heard someone say that voting is the best non-violent way to have a revolution. I wish everyone would see it this way.
Young and old. Rich and poor. It makes no difference in the polling place. When you vote, you have a voice.
For myself, women should be the ones leading the revolution. After all, it hasn't even been 100 years since we got the vote. Yet, many women do not vote. Why? The fight to get the vote was a violent and long struggle. Many women died and suffered for our right to vote.
So I continue to say. Vote. Not just in the General Election. In all elections. Vote for your State Representatives, your City Council, your Neighborhood Watch Captain. Make it a habit. Something you do each and every time.
Then see what happens.
Vikki
Friday, October 31, 2008
Daylight Savings Time
The days will now get shorter. This has a good side and a not so good side.
The good side is that I will get one extra hour of sleep, for now.
The not so good side is that we lose daylight a lot sooner. It will be dark by 5:00 P.M.....bummer.
I'm a summer gal. I love the sun and the heat. I love that daylight arrives at 5:00 A.M. and doesn't end until 8:00 P.M. Nice, long, beautiful days.
Fall and Winter offers a time to bake. I love to bake. Cookies, cakes, pies. I don't cook during the summer. At least not in the kitchen. We barbeque and grill during the summer, rarely using the stove. But my stove gets a workout during the Fall and Winter.
I hear there is rain in the forecast. Good thing, maybe it will get cool enough to turn on the oven.
So, once again, we say goodbye to Summer and hello to cooler weather, hectic days of holidays, and one extra hour of sleep.
Vikki
The good side is that I will get one extra hour of sleep, for now.
The not so good side is that we lose daylight a lot sooner. It will be dark by 5:00 P.M.....bummer.
I'm a summer gal. I love the sun and the heat. I love that daylight arrives at 5:00 A.M. and doesn't end until 8:00 P.M. Nice, long, beautiful days.
Fall and Winter offers a time to bake. I love to bake. Cookies, cakes, pies. I don't cook during the summer. At least not in the kitchen. We barbeque and grill during the summer, rarely using the stove. But my stove gets a workout during the Fall and Winter.
I hear there is rain in the forecast. Good thing, maybe it will get cool enough to turn on the oven.
So, once again, we say goodbye to Summer and hello to cooler weather, hectic days of holidays, and one extra hour of sleep.
Vikki
Sunday, October 26, 2008
You've got to see this
If you haven't signed up for a Twitter account, you're missing out on a lot.
The following was posted on Twitter and I had to share it with you.
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/cc65ed650d
Vikki
The following was posted on Twitter and I had to share it with you.
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/cc65ed650d
Vikki
Monday, October 13, 2008
Who's #1?
I'm sitting here watching the Dodger game. I am an avid Dodger fan. I am an avid Sports fan. I love football (SF 49'ers and SD Chargers), and of course, the Anaheim Angels. Yeah, yeah, I know the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Whatever...they will always be the Anaheim Angels to me.
We're in a "who's number 1?" season. Everyone wants to be #1. Take, for instance, the ball game. I knew once the Dodgers acquired Manny Ramirez, we would end up in the Championship game.
We had the Summer Olympics this summer. Everyone wanted to win Gold. They even had a tally at the end of each day to see which country had the most Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Everyone wanted to be #1.
Now, we're in the home stretch of the Presidential nomination. What a year, don't you think?
Personally, I love Presidential election years. I love the Conventions, the Debates, the commercials. I especially love election years, because the vote for women became a reality only 88 years ago this past August 20th.
Can you believe that? Only 88 years! In 2010, we celebrate 90 years of having the vote. I don't know about you, but I am going to PARTY!!
When we go to the Polling Stations on November 4th, we are completely equal. Everyone's vote carries the same weight. I could be voting and in the next booth could be Arnold Schwarzenegger; you never know, it could happen. Yet, when Arnold the Governator (as we affectionally call our Governor), votes, his vote doesn't carry any more weight than yours and mine.
I'm not concerned by how you vote, nor am I here trying to sway your vote. I am concerned that you get out there and vote.
My dad once told me, "you can't complain about how things are if you don't vote". I think we've all heard this at one time or another. I find myself telling our son Anthony, the same thing.
I made sure my family was registered to vote as soon as they turned 18. I registered everybody. And I call everybody on election day to remind them to vote. I'm a real nuisance.
My husband was not registered to vote when I met him. Oh no! No way could I be married to someone who does not exercise their right to vote! Yep, I registered him too.
If you're not registered, you still have time. October 20th is the deadline. I hope you exercise your right to vote and make it to the polls that day.
I told my husband I was going to sign up to work at the polling place on November 4th. Do you know that the only thing he was concerned about was that I didn't sign him up with me. He actually said, "only you right?". Yeah, only me. I'll get him to come with me someday.
Who's #1, I don't know. But we'll all soon find out. Will the Dodgers go all the way, I sure hope so. As for the other, well, we'll see at the end of the day on November 4th.
Vikki
We're in a "who's number 1?" season. Everyone wants to be #1. Take, for instance, the ball game. I knew once the Dodgers acquired Manny Ramirez, we would end up in the Championship game.
We had the Summer Olympics this summer. Everyone wanted to win Gold. They even had a tally at the end of each day to see which country had the most Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Everyone wanted to be #1.
Now, we're in the home stretch of the Presidential nomination. What a year, don't you think?
Personally, I love Presidential election years. I love the Conventions, the Debates, the commercials. I especially love election years, because the vote for women became a reality only 88 years ago this past August 20th.
Can you believe that? Only 88 years! In 2010, we celebrate 90 years of having the vote. I don't know about you, but I am going to PARTY!!
When we go to the Polling Stations on November 4th, we are completely equal. Everyone's vote carries the same weight. I could be voting and in the next booth could be Arnold Schwarzenegger; you never know, it could happen. Yet, when Arnold the Governator (as we affectionally call our Governor), votes, his vote doesn't carry any more weight than yours and mine.
I'm not concerned by how you vote, nor am I here trying to sway your vote. I am concerned that you get out there and vote.
My dad once told me, "you can't complain about how things are if you don't vote". I think we've all heard this at one time or another. I find myself telling our son Anthony, the same thing.
I made sure my family was registered to vote as soon as they turned 18. I registered everybody. And I call everybody on election day to remind them to vote. I'm a real nuisance.
My husband was not registered to vote when I met him. Oh no! No way could I be married to someone who does not exercise their right to vote! Yep, I registered him too.
If you're not registered, you still have time. October 20th is the deadline. I hope you exercise your right to vote and make it to the polls that day.
I told my husband I was going to sign up to work at the polling place on November 4th. Do you know that the only thing he was concerned about was that I didn't sign him up with me. He actually said, "only you right?". Yeah, only me. I'll get him to come with me someday.
Who's #1, I don't know. But we'll all soon find out. Will the Dodgers go all the way, I sure hope so. As for the other, well, we'll see at the end of the day on November 4th.
Vikki
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