Friday, September 11, 2009

The Job of a Working Mom Is Not Easy!

The job of a working mom is far from easy. I can go on and on about the many sacrifices one makes in order to juggle one's career and motherhood. I recently had to make a very tough decision on whether or not to continue pursing my full-time job, break away from the workforce cycle and branch out on my own as a free agent and full time mother.

Well, I chose the latter of the two and I'm experiencing so many emotions. There's definitely the feeling of What the HELL did I do, but yet, there's another part of me that feels like I've been freed and the shackles have been removed. I know we're a long way from slavery, but when you work in Corporate America in order to sustain a suitable lifestyle that works for your family, you really do become a slave to your job. They control you, they control your money, they control your time and they have control over everything you do on their clock. And like obedient, slave-like individuals, we do as we say. And if there's something you don't like, in most cases, you swallow it and keep it in, for fear of the consequences that may follow. Hey, this sure sounds like slavery to me, but with better benefits and better pay.

More importantly, what's even more disconcerting, is that sometimes as a parent, we literally contemplate making unfortunate choices between going to work and knowingly sending your sick child to school or daycare. Why? Because of fear and the consequences we face at work. I too am guilty of not wanting my own precious children to inconvenience my job. Wow, the thought of that does not even sound right, but parents are faced with these choices everyday and we all dread that phone call from the school or daycare stating that your child is sick. So my question is, what's more important, your job or your child? Unfortunately, I have to say both, but we tend to respect the job more. Don't hate on me, I'm just saying what most people only think, but I'm saying it out loud. I'm sure when you get that call at work, stating your child is sick, you're like, "Damn it, I have to tell my boss." And you know you dread walking in your boss's office to tell him you have to leave....AGAIN! Why? Because you don't want to disappoint your boss and you want them to know you really need your job, but you can't do that if you're not around. No one is indispensable.


In my opinion, Corporate America really does not care about your personal life, their only concern is what goes on in the office and if you're meeting their expectations. Again, in my opinion, your personal life outside of the office is an inconvenience to Corporate America . Taking time off to care for sick children or visit teachers or whatever the situation may be, means taking time off from what Corporate America deems what's important; their bottom line.

Two years ago I found a nonprofit job that I thought would fit my lifestyle, because they were open to flex time and they claimed to really care about their employee's families. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It actually worked out really well for two years. My boss was open to flex time, which then enabled me to avoid $1600 a month in childcare fees. I was so excited by the opportunity to finally save some much needed money, along with work for a company who I thought really cared. Well if something is too good to be true, then it probably is. Two years later, the company had a different agenda and no longer honored my flex time. I felt sick to my stomach. The thought of losing one entire paycheck to child care and precious time with my children was not on my agenda.

Moral of the Story: The wonderful thing about life is that we all have choices and I chose to put my family first. I chose to remove the shackles that bound me to that job, because I want control over my life. And as we all know, slavery IS OVER! And you better believe me, when one door closes, another one will open. I want to control my destiny and I refuse to be Corporate America's Bitch. "If you do not have big goals & big dreams, you will work reeeally hard for someone else who does." For me.....that someone will be me. Hey, if it doesn't work out...So What!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Wrapperlicious Clothing Swap, Shop & Network Extravaganza

Wrapperlicious's 2nd Annual Clothing Swap, Shop & Network Extravaganza was so much fun!!! Once I found the perfect pair of sized 3 jeans in a deep sea of clothing, I threw my hands up in the air and said, SUCCESS!!!! The jeans fit like they were made especially for ME, patiently waiting for that special moment when we would meet! It was truly love at first sight. Ahhhh...

Wrapperlicious's clothing swap was an exhausting journey leading up to the big event, but it was filled with so much joy & pride. The journey started with just an idea! I am the type that will act on most of my ideas and see what happens from my actions & efforts...HA! Anyway, in an attempt to simplify my life, I wanted to really clean out my closets of all unwanted and unused clothing, but in doing do, I also wanted to refill my now lonely closet. I pondered.....how will I manage that on a budget. Ah Haaaaa! My light bulb moment-- Clothing SWAP Anyone!!!! So with great effort and lots of team work with two of my friends, I turned my idea into a reality for many. It brings me so much joy to bring joy into the lives of many and I hope that was accomplished with this event. Wrapperlicious plans to host clothing swap events every 2 to 3 months. Whoo Hoo!!!


Also, in life you should be careful for what you ask for, because you just may get it! Gosh, I've been asking to hit the lotto for well over two decades....well...still waiting on THAT wish. LOL.


When I kindly asked to plug the clothing swap event on Great Day Houston, a local tv station in Houston, my wish was granted. It was an interesting experience, but well worth the cotton mouth I instantly received when the camera started rolling and the man yelled "ACTION." It was like I was having an outer body experience and my mind turned to mush and my legs began to buckle like overcooked spaghetti. And I thought I was destined to be a star. Not with cotton mouth I'm NOT! Tee...hee...hee. My lips became dry, you'd think I had been walking through the desert for weeks without water or had been eating white, powdered donuts. Trust me it wasn't pretty. Even Debra Duncan, the host of the show, asked if I needed some Vaseline for my donuts, I mean my lips...tee...hee..hee. Okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration, but it was darn close!

After I got over my initial shock of 15 seconds of fame, it's event DAY! We had food, tons of prizes, give aways, mountains of clothing and vendors for almost every need imagineable.

This is Tammy. Tammy hosts bead parties and they are AWESOME. And you get a great piece of jewelry after her shows too. Well, let me tell you about Tammy. Tammy was AMAZING!!! She stepped in and helped with the set up and the tedious break down after the event. She was truly a blessing to us that day and thank you so much Tammy for being an AMAZING sport. THANK YOU!




Melissa was also there from Wildtree demonstrating how tasty and wonderful her goods are. And let me tell, if Bazzle buys something, Honey...it's GOOD!!! I love Wildtree. Thank you Melissa for attending the event and I hope you got some great clothing. I'm actually wearing my clothing swap items as I write this blog. Whoo Hoo!




Affordable Embroidery was also in the house representing samples of her AMAZING work and when I say AFFORDABLE, I mean affordable. Victoria Henry, the owner of this fabulous business, actually donated items for the give away bags and she designed my fabulous Wrapperlicious t-shirt.

There were many, many vendors there and I believe they all had a GREAT time. Sales were low, but the benefit of the swap made up for that. We all left the event with adorable pink bags filled with clothing and a great time.















Overall, Wrapperlicious's Clothing Swap, Shop & Network Extravaganza was AMAZING!!! More importantly, we were able to raise over 25 bags of clothing for the women's shelter, now THAT ROCKS! This is a picture of LaShun Foster & I dropping off the numerous goodies to the shelter. What a great feeling. I hope you are able to join us for the next Wrapperlicious Clothing Swap, Shop & Network Extravaganza, because it's an experience you'll remember for a life time. So stay tuned for a Wrapperlicious Swap coming your way soon!

Keep up with Wrapperlicious Events at: http://www.wrapperlicious.com/
The Moral of the Story is this: If you have a dream, idea or goal, it's up to you to make that dream a reality. I love the saying: "Failing does not make you a failure. Giving up, accepting your failure, refusing to try again DOES." So if there's something you want to do, act on it. You may fail, but that is okay too; dust yourself off and try again. You are your worse enemy, so FIGHT it and do the damn thing!
HOLLA!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Debut of Wrapperlicious' Wrapper of the Week Photo Contest

Wrapperlicious Announces Its New Wrapper of the Week Photo Contest!

Wrapperlicious is very excited to offer its customers and visitors the opportunity to showcase their photography talents. Wrapperlicious wants its customers to submit a non-professional, non offensive, entertaining and super creative photo for the Wrapper of the Week Photo Contest. Wrapperlicious visitors will vote on their favorite photo.

Do you have what it takes to win this competition? Wrapperlicioius wants YOU to show your skillz!

The Grand Prize winner will receive several special gift(s) of the month, including their very own customized candy wrapper keepsake. Based on our wonderful sponsors, gifts may vary from month to month. The winner will also receive a prime spot on the Wrapperlicious.com home page! Talk about bragging rights!

Wrapperlicious Customers Are Excited About the Photo Contest!
“Wow, I love your new idea, I can’t wait to send you my favorite photo.”
“You did it again, you’re a genius!”
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About Wrapperlicous
Wrapperlicious creates personalized candy wrappers for any occasion you could image, from birthdays, baby showers, weddings, and bridal showers to holidays and corporate events. Wrapperlicious is so easy to work with that they will accommodate any request, no matter how odd it may be! Wrapperlicious prides itself on being flexible, forward thinking and nonjudgmental. If you can think it, Wrapperlicious will make it!

For more information, please go to the http://www.wrapperlicious.com/ website or email us at: info@wrapperlicious.com for more details or feel free to call us and chat at: 832-257-6795