2007 in Review
Hey Everyone! Happy New Year!
Like many people, I have spent some time reflecting on the last year. I can honestly say I have had the best year of my life ~ so far ~ I expect it to get better every year.
In January 2007, my husband and I got to have a mini honeymoon (we didn't have one when we got married in December 2002). We went to Las Vegas for 5 days. We spent a few days just the two of us exploring and seeing some amazing shows. We saw Cirque de Soleil's Mystere at Treasure Island and Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian.
We also enjpyed a convention with my candle company where Hans really saw the potential of my 'little candle business'. I loved the time just the two of us and sharing the vision of my business and dreams with the man of my dreams (yes, I am more in love with him every day we are together). We had drinks and fun with many people from the company, including the owners! I love that the owners take the time to to travel and teach us but also socialize with us. This just showed us both I had found the right company to work with to achieve my goals.
I am in college full-time at MSU (Montana Stae University) working to finish my BA in English Literature. I made the Dean's List with a semester GPA of 3.85 for the spring semester. I made a goal to make the President's List with a 4.0 semester in the fall and am happy to say I achieved that goal Fall semester. (MY letter came today!)I worked very hard to achieve this goal and could not have done it without the support of my family and friends.
In August we went on a grand adventure across the country. Our first stop was at Whitefish Lake in Minnesota to visit with Hans' grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins at the cabin. It was relaxing at the lake ~ I hadn't seen Hans that relaxed in months ~ and Jenna caught her first fish.
Then we headed south to the Bloomington area where everyone lives most of the time. We had fun visiting the Mall of America and the Minnesota Zoo. Then we headed to Pennsylvania, where the corporate offices of my candle company are located. Along the way we did sight-seeing in Gettysburg and enjoyed the sights and smells and tastes of Hershey PA.
We arrived in Wilkes-Barre for 'Summer Fling' my company candle convention. Hans and I got to reconnect with friends from Vegas and meet many new faces. I even got to meet my top team member (sadly she had to leave early and we didn't get much time together, but I am sure this year we will). WE toured the factory, heard from great speakers, wined and dined with many new friends. Even the kids found other families with kids at the convention to swim and feed ducks with.
On the drive home we stopped in South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore...we even raced a storm and tornadoes to get there - we managed to miss the bad hail - many cars at the hotel we stayed at had lost window and/or sunroof glass. We made many memories and are very thankful that there are portable DVD players-not sure if both kids would have made it home with us if they had not had movies to watch ~ old Looney Tunes cartoon episodes were their favorite!
In August I went to see Chicago in concert here in Bozeman. It was an amazing performance. They are so talented and blew me away every minute of the show. I have loved them since I was a little girl. My first concert was when my Dad took me to see Chicago in 1983! This concert brought back memories of my life as the songs echoed in heart. It was one of the most incredible nights of my life and I got to share it with my good friend Shanay.
In October we went on the vacation of a lifetime; we went to Disneyworld in Florida for a week! My dad and step-mom joined us for part of the week. We had great, exotic food from Africa, Morocco, and Japan. When on a safari at Animal KIngdom. Visited Mt. Everest and got scared by a Yeti. Trick-or-treated in Magic Kingdom. We saw Cap't Jack Sparrow on the Pirates of the Caribbean...amazingly realistic-I almost though it was a live person, maybe even Johnny Depp himself - it was that realistic. We have amazing memories, a photobook and DVD with pictures from our trip to keep the memories alive for years to come. I really treasure having had this time with Hans, the kids, and my dad and step-mom.
I have extremely eclectic music tastes. As I mentioned, I went to see Chicago in concert in August. In November, Hans and I had the pleasure of taking Tyler to his first rock concert. We saw Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie perform in Billings. We made a big event out of it. We had dinner at Red Lobster (big treat!) and spent the night in a hotel suite, so Tyler had his own room with a TV and pullout couch bed...he stayed up all night of course! It was an amazing show and we had a blast, even though Hans' ears rang for days after.
We did a lot of traveling over the last year, so 2008 will keep us closer to home most of the year, but it was worth every penny and minute for all the memories we have as a family and couple. Just writing this my mind is filled with a hundred special moments from the trips. It was an unforgettable year in many ways.
I have set more personal and professional goals for 2008 and know it will be even more amazing than 2007 ~ who said life is over at 30 (or 40 or whatever) has never lived my life...like a fine wine it just keeps getting better year after year! Cheers to a great 2007 and the amazing opportunities to come in 2008!
Have a blessed year with me in 2008!
Lee Strickler
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Monday, June 18, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
My Story
My getting started was a series of strange events aligning.
Kari was just about to move into her new home (Teresa's
old house) and was at the laundromat for the last time.
Just for kicks she left 1 brochure , which she had not done
the entire time she had be using the laundromat.
I had been search for a home based business for a few
months because a car accident left me unable to
continue as a childcare provider and being home,
doing nothing was causing financial and emotion
challenges, but most of the opportunities I looked
at were party based, and I wanted to be at home
at night with my family (and by evening my body
can't handle hauling stuff and being on my feet, etc).
On Mothers Day, just over 2 years ago, my
husband decided it was a perfect day to go to the
laundromat and wash our king size comforter so
we could put it away for the summer...so, angry
and disgruntled-I mean it was Mothers Day- we
headed out to the laundromat. While sitting there
waiting (impatiently) for the comforter to get finished
my husband was wandering around and picked up
Kari's brochure-he was trying to be helpful since he
knew I loved and candles and was looking for a
business-I on the other hand saw it as another insult-
hurry up and get a job-because I was already frustrated
and hurt. I shoved it in my purse without even looking
at it.
The next day still a little emotional, but more clear
headed, I took it out and debated just throwing it
away, but something stopped me. I glanced through
the brochure, then read every word, twice. I started to
get excited that I might have found the right business.
I immediately went to Kari's website, read it , filled
out the questionnaire, and then I called her toll-free number
and left a message...my mind was racing with ideas. I
was too impatient to even wait for Kari to call me back, it
was about 10:00 at night and I decided this felt right and went
ahead and joined the COTM. The next day I talked to Kari,
got a sample from her,she lives about 5 minutes from me,
and a day or 2 later I ordered the Fast Start pack.
I have had my ups and downs, highs and lows, and have
questioned my decision to join a time or two, but
commitment, belief and perseverance have gotten
me past the lows to reach the highs. I can honestly
say, aside from my children and wonderful husband,
who I would not trade for anything, even the laundromat
on Mothers Day, this business has been the best thing
that ever happened to me personally and professionally.
Always remember-leaders are readers-don't forget
the most important part of this journey is the
personal development and growth that will impact
your entire life in a positive way, if you stick with it
and read and learn. And, of course, ask questions; this
group is here to help you reach your goals as well as Kari's
or mine or anyone else's. As a team we can achieve more.
Want more information about my business?
Kari was just about to move into her new home (Teresa's
old house) and was at the laundromat for the last time.
Just for kicks she left 1 brochure , which she had not done
the entire time she had be using the laundromat.
I had been search for a home based business for a few
months because a car accident left me unable to
continue as a childcare provider and being home,
doing nothing was causing financial and emotion
challenges, but most of the opportunities I looked
at were party based, and I wanted to be at home
at night with my family (and by evening my body
can't handle hauling stuff and being on my feet, etc).
On Mothers Day, just over 2 years ago, my
husband decided it was a perfect day to go to the
laundromat and wash our king size comforter so
we could put it away for the summer...so, angry
and disgruntled-I mean it was Mothers Day- we
headed out to the laundromat. While sitting there
waiting (impatiently) for the comforter to get finished
my husband was wandering around and picked up
Kari's brochure-he was trying to be helpful since he
knew I loved and candles and was looking for a
business-I on the other hand saw it as another insult-
hurry up and get a job-because I was already frustrated
and hurt. I shoved it in my purse without even looking
at it.
The next day still a little emotional, but more clear
headed, I took it out and debated just throwing it
away, but something stopped me. I glanced through
the brochure, then read every word, twice. I started to
get excited that I might have found the right business.
I immediately went to Kari's website, read it , filled
out the questionnaire, and then I called her toll-free number
and left a message...my mind was racing with ideas. I
was too impatient to even wait for Kari to call me back, it
was about 10:00 at night and I decided this felt right and went
ahead and joined the COTM. The next day I talked to Kari,
got a sample from her,she lives about 5 minutes from me,
and a day or 2 later I ordered the Fast Start pack.
I have had my ups and downs, highs and lows, and have
questioned my decision to join a time or two, but
commitment, belief and perseverance have gotten
me past the lows to reach the highs. I can honestly
say, aside from my children and wonderful husband,
who I would not trade for anything, even the laundromat
on Mothers Day, this business has been the best thing
that ever happened to me personally and professionally.
Always remember-leaders are readers-don't forget
the most important part of this journey is the
personal development and growth that will impact
your entire life in a positive way, if you stick with it
and read and learn. And, of course, ask questions; this
group is here to help you reach your goals as well as Kari's
or mine or anyone else's. As a team we can achieve more.
Want more information about my business?
Farmers Market
Good Morning Everyone!
I did my first Farmers Market in Livingston Montana last night. The weather was perfect, and very little wind, which surprised me...lol. I had a lot of fun sharing my products, meeting many very nice people and even a potential business partner, and of course making money is alway a good time! I love being able to share amazing candles with people-I mean who doesn't love almost soot-free amazingly scented candles?
If you are looking for a home business that can be flexible and profitable in many ways then please come look at my website and find out more about me and my business at http://www.SmellyBizness.com or call 877-892-2433 for a recorded message and voicemail.
Lee Strickler
Diamond Team Leader
I did my first Farmers Market in Livingston Montana last night. The weather was perfect, and very little wind, which surprised me...lol. I had a lot of fun sharing my products, meeting many very nice people and even a potential business partner, and of course making money is alway a good time! I love being able to share amazing candles with people-I mean who doesn't love almost soot-free amazingly scented candles?
If you are looking for a home business that can be flexible and profitable in many ways then please come look at my website and find out more about me and my business at http://www.SmellyBizness.com or call 877-892-2433 for a recorded message and voicemail.
Lee Strickler
Diamond Team Leader
Friday, June 1, 2007
Award winning Brownies
Hey Everyone,
We went to celebrate with Jenna and Brownie Girl Scout Troop #766 last night as they received all the the patches and pins they had earned over the whole year. Jenna was part of the Color Guard presenting the flag and earned great prizes for selling over 150 boxes of cookies this year!
I have been 'roped' in to being a co-leader for the troop next year...as Hans said 'there's a sucker born every minute' while it may be crazy, I expect it will also be fun and rewarding. If you want to know how I have time to be a co-leader with Jenna's troop and volunteer at GS Day Camp and VBS this summer, visit my website and see what I do.
Lee Strickler
We went to celebrate with Jenna and Brownie Girl Scout Troop #766 last night as they received all the the patches and pins they had earned over the whole year. Jenna was part of the Color Guard presenting the flag and earned great prizes for selling over 150 boxes of cookies this year!
I have been 'roped' in to being a co-leader for the troop next year...as Hans said 'there's a sucker born every minute' while it may be crazy, I expect it will also be fun and rewarding. If you want to know how I have time to be a co-leader with Jenna's troop and volunteer at GS Day Camp and VBS this summer, visit my website and see what I do.
Lee Strickler
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Happy Memorial Day!
Happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone! Please remember all those who have or are fighting for our country and freedom. We are truly blessed because of all the men and women who put their lives on the line and/or have died protecting us.
God Bless!
Lee Strickler
God Bless!
Lee Strickler
Mental Health Awareness
More than one million American children and adolescents suffer from bipolar disorder. They are among the estimated 50 million Americans who experience a mental health disorder in any given year, many individuals suffering from brain-based emotional and behavioral disorders. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only one-fourth of these people actually receive mental health care and other services.
Eradicating stigma can make a positive difference in the lives of our loved ones so that they may live healthy, productive lives, and contribute their special talents to the world!
http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/PersonalCharityBadge.aspx?PcaId=105361
Thanks!
Lee Strickler
Enter to win a FREE 16 oz. Gourmet Jar Candle and Body Bar at www.SmellyBizness.com
Eradicating stigma can make a positive difference in the lives of our loved ones so that they may live healthy, productive lives, and contribute their special talents to the world!
http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/PersonalCharityBadge.aspx?PcaId=105361
Thanks!
Lee Strickler
Enter to win a FREE 16 oz. Gourmet Jar Candle and Body Bar at www.SmellyBizness.com
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