Paul Tingley dot Com - Plan B

Goals, Reality and Faith - Give up Worry - trust Divine Providence!

2011-03-20T14:19:00.000-03:00

March 2011

From the end-of-season with Ambassatours, Oct 31st, 2010 and into January 2011 - I was unemployed and looking for work. I took a week-long resume class, a networking workshop, and even applied to Acadian Lines and Ambassatours for full-time work - anything to get away from EI and seasonal employment. Ambassatours had taken my resume and I felt sure I had a chance. Acadian offered me a job but Ambassatours was holding me at bay so I asked Acadian to pause so I could wait and see what my fate was with my previous employer.

But here is what God allowed to happen: I got a phone call from a fellow driver. He had been watching me for 8 years or so and when his son was talking to him about needing a good man, this gentleman mentioned my name and the card was played. He suggested I give his son a call.

I hesitated for a couple days then finally summoned up the nerve and called. It was surely only by faith and trust that I made that call. My experience in management was zero, nada, nilch, besides managing my home and trying to get through life. But whatever I had shone through for my fellow driver friend so I felt obligated to follow through. We chatted a bit and he wanted to meet in person and we made the appointment.

On January 20th, I had an interview totally off my radar that answered prayer and was placed before me by divine intervention. (At least I see it that way). I talked with his son - he is a young man with a lot of ambition - 24 years younger than I am - but with all the things I had dreamed of when I was his age. He drives a Porche Cayenne sports car, owns his own successful business, has a family and loving wife and a new branch of his Newfoundland business, in Nova Scotia. We talked about where he came from, what he had accomplished, and where I came from and the experience I could bring. I am not sure exactly but I feel he was taking his Dad's word (who was also a successful (now retired) business man) and told me all about the Operations Managers position for the provincial office.

I came home that morning in total shock and to be honest started to wonder if I was dreaming or would I be biting off more than I could chew - that was coming from the lack of confidence from so many, layoffs, short term jobs, and life's trials.

Get this!!! Five days later, on January 25th, I had two emails - one from Ambassatours in the morning telling me there was no position being filled. So much for that!

The other email came from this young man telling me I had an offer attached for consideration and review. My Mom always said "in God's time" and this couldn't have been truer than at that time! The starting salary he was offering blew my mind!!! I read the detailed job description over and over and put my mind around each task. This was what I had done in life, managed this, controlled that, but when I was doing it, I was alone and I had to answer only to myself. This time I was to be entrusted with what I considered to be "his dynasty" and now I would answer to him. I prayed daily for guidance! I even called for clarification on some points. After a thoughtful night on my knees, with faith and trust in God, I accepted the full time permanent position offered to me. He was elated and returned my call with excitement. Start date: Feb 1st!

When February rolled in I started my management position at a company I had not heard of until a fateful phone call made me aware of the opportunity. It will be a month and three quarters tomorrow and I have to say the job is what anyone my age dreams of. Monday to Friday - 8:00 - 4:00 - weekends and holidays off and two weeks paid vacation. We even talked about possibly more money now that he has seen my progress.

I had made so many goals in my life, and reality seemed to slide by without reaching them. It took almost 55 years to finally come to a point in my life where a simple networked phone call solved financial, and self-confidence issues with one fair swoop. My faith held tough - God answers prayers in His time. It may have taken those answers a long time to come, and a lot of lessons were learned on the way - but isn't that God's way?

I tried the online hype and lost that race. I held jobs back in the 70's and 80's for years, but progress means layoff. In the 90's to 2010, I tried going it on my own - self-employment - driving, courier, shuttle driver, bus driver - but they all were just preparing me with tools - emotional and psychological tools - to handle something God had in mind for me. I kept wondering what I was doing wrong when all along I was doing exactly what I was meant to do. Every day was a point on God's map for my life.

Each week during the short month of February I quizzed him on my progress and his feelings on my work. Each time he said it was "excellent" and subtly and gradually has given me more - which by ethic and habit I take on with determination and ethical focus. My hidden management skills shine through and as I learn more they come easier.

My goals today may be the same, a new car, a home I can call my own, and financial freedom, but I'm letting God lead the way - I'm handing it all to Him. In His time!

All I can say each day is "Praise God!"

If you feel discouraged, drop to your knees and hand it over to Him - or whatever power you believe in. He'll open windows as the doors shut behind you.

Have a great lent season. Give up Worry - trust Divine Providence!

Paul

Brother Can You Spare a Dime

2011-02-10T18:32:00.000-04:00

I heard a version of this on a TV sitcom.. I found the lyrics here

But here they are for your reading pleasure.

Brother Can You Spare a Dime

Once I built a railroad, made it run
Made it race against time
Once I built a railroad, now it’s done
Brother can you spare a dime?
Once I built a tower to the sun
Brick and rivet and lime
Once I built a tower, now it’s done
Brother can you spare a dime?

Once in khaki suits
Gee, we looked swell
Full of that yankee doodle de dum
Half a million boots went slogging through hell
I was the kid with the drum
Say don’t you remember, they called me Al
It was Al all the time
Say don’t you remember, I’m your pal!
Buddy can you spare a dime?

Once I built a railroad, made it run
Made it race against time
Once I built a railroad, now it’s done
Brother can you spare a dime?
Once I built a tower to the sun
Brick and rivet and lime
Once I built a tower, now it’s done
Brother can you spare a dime?

Once in khaki suits
Gee, we looked swell
Full of that yankee doodle de dum
Half a million boots went slogging through hell
I was the kid with the drum
Say don’t you remember, they called me Al
It was Al all the time
Say don’t you remember, I’m your pal!
Buddy can you spare a dime?

Add 100 Fresh Leads to Your List Every Day

2011-01-07T23:48:00.001-04:00

WARNING: This Instant Listbuilding System Will Not be FREE for Long...

"How to Add 100 Fresh Leads to Your List Every Day for FREE!"

Here's what you're about to discover:

* A step-by-step system for adding 100 leads (or more) to your list every single day
* How to get high-quality traffic to your squeeze page for FREE with just 10 minutes of work!
* Three secret hangouts where you can find people hungry to send you traffic
* How to automate your listbuilding and get a steady stream of leads every day without any extra work

100 Leads System

This coupled with webcasts and meeting in virtual offices can build a list quite nicely.

GVO Conference

Have a fabulous weekend!

------------------
Paul
GVO Conference
100 Leads Each Day!

Joined PayBox

2011-01-03T12:24:00.000-04:00

Good morning - Happy 2011

PayBox is a rapidly growing online currency and payment processing service.
We're on a quest to become the best payment processing service anywhere.
We aim to achieve this with the help of our dedicated EarlyBird users.

Our service is still in development. So, for now, all of our transactions are in a “Closed Box” system.
This means that all payments sent, and all payments received, stay within the PayBox system at this time.

Currently, our users can send person-to-person payments (within PayBox).

Give it a whirl - Why you should join today...

You start with a $25 balance and it's free.
PayBox will add up to $20 per day to your account for participating as we prepare to launch our new service.
You get $10 per person you refer to PayBox.
You'll be an EarlyBird user—before PayBox opens to the public.
You'll help shape the development of the best payment system ever designed for the Internet.
You could have hundreds or thousands of dollars in your account by the time we launch, without ever making a deposit!

PayBox

Paul

[BREAKING] Google Dumps 49,884,000 Active Websites?

2010-12-19T12:33:00.000-04:00

This is the biggest thing Google has ever done. They are
giving away over 49 million websites that are already listed
in Google…. Most are getting traffic already!

Click Here => http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4052859

Please watch this 2 minute video ASAP and start claiming
these FREE, pre-listed, pre-seo’d websites now.

Plus, I’ll show you how to make a quick $500 a pop
claiming them for your friends and neighbors.

This is HUGE!

- Paul Tingley

Here is the link again, click below:
Click Here => http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4052859

Can 1’s and 0’s really make YOU money online? Yes they can with Easy Video Producer!

2010-12-18T20:27:00.000-04:00

How many years has it taken for our society to create a way for anyone to make money from home? I remember all of the classified ads that I would read a kid while surfing my comic books in the 1970’s looking for a way to make an extra buck so I could buy my own toys when I was 14. It always seemed that I would stumble across classifieds that would direct me to stuffing envelopes and to send away for the information. I must have sent away for dozens of offers only to find out that I couldn’t implement all the things necessary to make it work because it required even more money and I simply didn’t have it!

Well today is a new day with new opportunity and new ways to connect and produce results that’s for sure. Because of computers and the internet it is now possible to create and income online from the comfort of your home, office, or even for starving students in college. Literally anyone can create income online with a click of a mouse strong intentions and a product, a digital product to be specific.

So the question becomes, “How do I begin to make money online and with what tool?” Well, I will say to you that about 1.5 years ago I stumbled across a link a friend forwarded to me about a gentleman by the name of Armando Montelongo (He and his wife are the stars of A&E’s Flip This house). I viewed the link and watched the video 5 or 6 times, but even more importantly I clicked on a link on the bottom of the page that most webmasters post as a link to their site and this is where I found the company of an incredible entrepreneur, Joel Therien. Joel is a guy with a vision who has created one of the most influential internet businesses on the web today because he give back to his subscribers, customers and people in general.

Beginning in March, Joel will be introducing a product that allows anyone to build a MASSIVE contact list using a virtual product with high perceived value for all people. How many times have you visited a web page where you download a trial product and then have to upgrade within 7-30 days and soon after that you’re not using the product at all because you didn’t upgrade to the paid version?

Mr. Therien’s product is given away for FREE and allows all of its users the ability to create an online income payable via a PayPal account. Software of this caliber can cost $250 - $600 easily, but now all interested takers have the ability to post their own videos on the internet for free with a few clicks of a mouse. How easy can it be to get more for less?

Why would Therien give this software away for F.REE? You know, I asked the same question. I came to the conclusion that this not only allows for me to get more exposure and build my marketing list to sell virtual products and more, it give my joint venture partner, Joel the ability to exponentially increase his marketing list and grow his company to the mark of $100 million this year. And I’m committed to helping him because he’s helping me create my $5 Million. That is truly a WIN-WIN for all parties involved and certainly a joint venture partner I want to engage with.

Joel Therien and Global Virtual Opportunities business model are in the process of changing the internet and pushing the online envelope by sharing knowledge, virtual opportunities and customer service to create more choices in the global marketplace. Being connected with Joel Therein has taught me trade secrets that I would have not received anywhere else on the planet and coupled with his network of Internet Gurus, like Mike Filsaime, Frank Kern, Mike Koenigs, Stephen Pierce you not only have a chance to meet these people, but you have a chance to learn more trade secrets and make more revenue online.

Easy Video Producer started its public launch on March 2, 2009 and to take advantage of the buzz on the front side and to build your marketing list quickly, you need to sign up quickly. Again the software is F.REE and if you find value to the product upgrade to the next level if it makes since for upgrade. It’s that easy. The secret to making money online is to build a contact list of people that see value in what you offer and Easy Video Producer provides extreme value.
Take a couple of minutes to sign up for Easy Video Producer and begin building your new marketing list today!

To Your Success,
(Written by Mark Coble)

You can visit the site at http://www.easyvideoproducer.com/clickthru.php?id=2775

November Update

2010-11-05T20:26:00.001-03:00

Remember November

Hi and welcome to another weekend.

Another cruise ship season came to an end last Saturday. Charters have lessened and late fall and winter are ushering themselves in with wind and rain and early nights - short days. We'll set our clocks back an hour this weekend - that will help in the morning but oh those dark drives home at suppertime. But alas it happens every year.

I started my gym routine again - I found going back helps give me something to do and also will keep me in shape over the winter months. My blood pressure is normal and I want to keep it that way.

Today my GoodLife workout consisted of mostly cardio with push ups and crunches thrown in the middle to make up a good 1 hour workout. The treadmill started me off for 15 minutes at 3.2 speed. Three sets of 12 push ups and 3 sets of 12 crunches felt awesome! Then back on the treadmill with a "hill" routine (speed 3, level 6, incline 6) to help spike up the heart rate more. Some stretching afterward and I was done for the third day this week. To me this was a milestone and a baseline for future visits.

As I've always said before - eat good, sleep good, and exercise - it will be your lifeline to the next level of your age.

Stay fit!

Oh, by-the-way.. what exercises would you do for a well rounded 1 hour workout?? Love to know.

Until next time Lest We Forget! Remember our vets please.

Paul

April Showers come in all forms

2010-04-13T11:07:00.000-03:00

April Showers

Hello fellow earthlings

A few changes to be sure. MXI (you remember Xocai?)! Well, I love the products, and in fact I'm drinking an Xe as I post, but timing was bad I guess. I managed to sign up two distributors before I had actually signed up myself, and lost $300 in commissions. Not Sweet! Now talk about feeling guilty and obligated to help.

I do have some items for sale on Ebay - that's a lot of fun. Just search out 8852paul stuff :)

GVO is still an active occupation... GVO offers hosting and conferencing and many other tools of the internet trade. For $45 a month you can save literally $1000's.
&lt;a style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; float: right; margin-left: 1em;" href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1847281087?tag=refocus&amp;amp;camp=213761&amp;amp;creative=393545&amp;amp;linkCode=bpl&amp;amp;creativeASIN=1847281087&amp;amp;adid=0PRC05GP40VQN756FDWM&amp;amp;" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img style="cursor: move;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XGEA7CYVL._SL110_.jpg"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;

Calling the government. Talk soon

Paul

OPTIONS - from zero to $150

2010-04-08T21:07:00.008-03:00

Good day fellow internet-eur! (new word?)

These are a few options I wanted to lay out for you in this post.
Having a choice might be just what you need.

Let me list the 5 of them and you make the choice:

1) DNA (Data Network Affiliates)
How much to get in? $0.00, zero, nada, nothing! ever
What do you do? collect licence plate tags, and promote cell phone service
The link? https://sites.google.com/site/refocusdna/

2) EVP (Easy Video Producer)
How much? $0.00, zero, nada, nothing! ever (unless you upgrade)

What do you do? promote video production for your websites, blogs, whatever
The Link? http://www.easyvideoproducer.com/clickthru.php?id=2775

Melaleuca
How much? current promo $1.00 - usually a one-time $29.00
What do you do? Swap stores
The Link? https://www.melaleuca.com/

GVO (Global Virtual Opportunities)
How much? $1.00 two week trial , then $45 per month (90% commissions)
What do you do? Promote tools within GVO or your own opportunity with the same tools
The Link? http://refocus.gogvo.com/

GDI (Global Domains International)
How much? one week free trial, then $10 per month (10% commissions)
What do you do? Promote GDI or use it yourself
The Link? http://www.refocus.ws

Xocai (Sho-Sigh) (MXI Corporation)
How much? $150 then $150 per month - Ask about the '3 for free' strategy which makes it free!
What do you do? Promote healthy anti-oxidant dark Belgium chocolate
The Link? http://mxi.myvoffice.com/terryt/

If you liked any of the above and joined, congratulations! You are now an Internet-eur !

Have a fine day
Paul

March Break rolls into Spring 2010

2010-03-21T22:28:00.000-03:00

March 21, 2010

Yesterday, Saturday, March 20, at approximately midnight was the official first day of spring for 2010 (in the Northern Hemisphere) and wasn't it great? The winter seemed to fly by with very little to worry about in the way of storms. I swept the last one away. But I met someone on my nightly power walk who commented that it may be a season of tropical storms and hurricanes if we keep getting warmer. That could be true. Global warming might be so.

It was a good week. I did manage to get out and see a few people about eating healthy Xocai chocolate but it wasn't the best week to bother people in my mind. In the meantime I started the process of a planning a new business (brick and mortar type). Traveling around looking at commercial real estate makes a guy feel rather important. But I was made to make, and plan to make a difference so maybe that means I am important. (Boasting unintended). With any luck I'll open the doors early June. I'll keep you posted.

I talked with Ambassatours Gray Line this week. How I miss the old days of double decker with GPS commentary. But things have picked up. You heard about Ambassatours Gray Line driving our athletes around at the 2010 Olympics I hope? What an honor that must have been for our drivers and owners of Ambassatours Gray Line to be sure. They brought back some new buses (articulated). I might get a chance to drive one, along with one of several new double deckers, on cruise ship days, just to help out. It is always fun showing off the beautiful city of Halifax.

I have not missed any gym sessions with Ashley. She worked the sweat out of me last Thursday - wow - lots of cardio. I was happy to tell her that my doctor took my blood pressure and it is even lower than 6 months ago. I "clocked in" at 130/78 - BELOW normal as far as he was concerned. Good workouts, good food, and good chocolate are the reasons I am positive! (But I digress!)

Ashley first let me finish 15 minutes on the treadmill at 3.5 MPH, then we put together a step up system ( 4 risers) and I did three sets of 2 minutes stepping, and 12 squats. My heart was pounding good after that. Then it was some sitting rows (3 sets of 12 with 55 pounds), and we moved to shoulder presses (3 sets of 12 at 40 pounds). I was a lather :) The last couple of exercises were the plank - actually helps with the stabilizer muscles, and then back on the tread mill for a "hill" workout to "cool down". One and a half hours after my stretching. I felt perfectly fine! The only thing I'll miss is Ashley though.. she has to leave for another gym and I only have maybe 3 more sessions with her. :(

So, welcome to Spring and a new week. May this start a prosperous journey into the best of 2010!

Remember to ReFocus! Eat good! Stay Fit!

Paul
PaulTingley.com

My doctor was impressed

2010-03-19T09:42:00.000-03:00

Hello from sunny Nova Scotia!!!

I just wanted to drop in a note or two on the happenings of the week. It's been interesting!

Now that the days are longer we all can take advantage of the extra light in the evening to go for that oh so important walk. I have been getting 3 sessions in at the gym and a walk a day. What a difference!! The fresh air, the sounds of birds and wind in my face makes my walks less mechanical then the treadmill and I get real 'hill' workouts. But that isn't to say I don't do cardio at the gym. I still put in at least 30 minutes and have reached as high as an hour in a stretch. Then I take 30 minutes to work my lower or upper body to provide strength and balance. Dear Ashley, my personal trainer, is leaving (sadly) but she was kind enough to write up a program card for me so I won't miss a beat.

Oh, and speaking of beats. It had been 6 months since my last appointment, so this past Tuesday I made an appointment to see my physician. The main reason was for the blood pressure check that has become quite important for me. Well, well, well!!! He put the cuff around my bicep, pumped it up, and we both waited as he took the measurement. He looked, then did it again! I asked him why the second time. He said he had a hard time believing the reading and felt a double take is always wise. I responded - I hope the "reading" is good?!! He looked at me and said, and I quote: "Do you realize that your blood pressure used to be 145 over 98?". I said, "yes, and that was high". He responded, "well it is 134 over 78 now - what have you been doing???" It is practically and obviously normal and even a little below!!! (normal being 120/80). The 78 was the key number here!! It was truly spectacular. He asked again, "What have you been doing?"

I told him I had joined a gym as a start, removed salt/sodium from my diet, and was eating healthy chocolate. He is convinced that the three things I am doing are the best I could be doing compared to a life on a blood pressure tablet and he was impressed. He wishes everyone would stand back and see how important it is to take care of yourself. I left the doctors office with a smile on my face (not something you see too much of at a clinic).

So take my advice. It may take 6 or 3 or even 1 month (depending on your condition), but take stock of yourself - workout (at least move 30 minutes a day) - eat right? (fruit, veggies, anything but fat and sodium), and supplement that with a healthy treat to help with oxidation in your system - (recommendation - Xocai, The Healthy Chocolate! dark rich cold pressed Belgium chocolate with acai berry cold pressed for a perfect guilt free treat)

It has been a fantastic week! Join me in that feeling.

Refocus! Get fit! Make your doctor impressed.

Have a great day

Paul

Exercise Facts

2010-03-14T22:49:00.000-03:00

Some Facts About Exercise

1. There is no difference between stronger, larger, and firmer muscles. Those three go hand in hand. It is simply untrue that one kind of exercise will build a different kind of muscle than another. The only three variables you can influence with any type of exercise are: muscle mass, muscle shape, and the amount of body fat.

2. Each pound of muscle (1 pound = 0.45 kilograms) burns 75-100 calories every day simply by being.

3. A pound of body fat stores 3500 calories.

4. Your muscles do not grow during exercise. Exercise is only the stimulus. The body strengthens the muscles while you are resting.

5. The amount of rest needed in order for muscles to grow depends on their current size. The larger it is, the more it needs to rest. Gym beginners should rest at least two days between exercise. After a year in the gym you should probably rest three days. And so on. By exercising every day you are hurting your body and retarding muscle growth!

6. The only way that you can know that you have stimulated the muscles enough is to train to failure. If, after some number of repetitions, the muscle is unable to move for 15 seconds even though you are willing it to, then you know that you have provided maximum stimuli.

7. Your body doesn't care if you muscle failed after five repetitions of an exercise or after 50. Use the weight that allows you to do 4-8 repetitions for maximum safety and time efficiency. And there is no reason to do more than one set.

8. You can hurt yourself during exercise if you apply excessive force to your muscles. The force when lifting a weight is F = m*(a + g), where m is the mass of the weight, a is the acceleration, and g is the force of gravity. Mass usually doesn't vary greatly. If you can lift 100 pounds 10 times, the max you can lift once is 133 pounds. A 33 percent increase. However, people who use quick, jerky movements experience the acceleration differences of over 400 percent. So work very slowly. Raise the weight for ten seconds and lower it for ten seconds.

9. There is a myth that says that "aerobic" exercise is good for you heart. But if you keep breaks during exercise very short (~ 1 minute), your pulse should be at 120-180, exactly what people try to achieve with "aerobic" exercise.

Home Business Tax Tips

2010-03-08T22:05:00.002-04:00

video platform video management video solutions video player

March Madness

2010-03-08T19:11:00.000-04:00

Prosper!

Ever hear of that expression - March Madness? It is amazing how true it is. I woke Sunday morning at 6am all wound up, mad, and ready to go. I walked out to my computer, turned it on, and started composing an ad to locate affiliates to join my company promoting healthy chocolate. I used every social site I am a member of. Twitter, Ryze, Adlandpro, Linkreferral, Advertising Freeway, and SalesSpider. I then printed off enough ads to place at every brick and mortar business with high 'people traffic' along my stretch of highway. Now I will wait!

Here is the ad:

Affiliates Wanted

· Health & Wellness industry

· Good source of income

· No sales required

· Website provided

· 800 # provided (6 month)

· Join a trillion dollar industry

· Part-time or Full-time

Call Paul 1-866-576-8877 (Opt 2) for details

or Email: refocus@eastlink.ca

That was Sunday. This morning was a new week, a new Monday. I hit the gym with as much vigor as always and took care of an hour of cardio. Sure felt good. From there to deposit some commission cheques at the bank, then some gas in the car and home. Having a home business has obvious benefits, but freedom of time is the biggest.

I hope you will consider your options and choose to be fit, healthy and happy. Work from home, eat good food, eat healthy alternatives (chocolate?), and share share share!

Have a fantastic and prosperous week.

Paul
PaulTingley.com

Alternative Super Food - Healthy Chocolate? Xocai to you all!

2010-02-27T22:27:00.000-04:00

Xocai to you!

It has been a great week as usual. 3 workouts at Nubodys and new members joining my Board of Directors helping me promote the healthy alternative to chocolate candy - that is Xocai healthy chocolate.

Ashley gave me lots of cardio work to do. Treadmill, bike, squats, step ups, lunges, arm extensions, rowing and ended every session with more cardio on the treadmill and of course the stretch out afterward.

I stopped into Sports Chek after my Xocai meeting with my two new members and picked up a great pair of new sneakers. They were Nikes (Bowerman Series) marked down from $133 to $89. What a difference a new pair of shoes make - wow! I used to hurt in the shins on the treadmill.. never felt a thing this week. Lesson? Keep your feet supported.

The Olympics close tomorrow.. how did you like them this year? Pretty tense hockey games!

Enjoy the weekends. Stay fit! 30 minutes a day can do wonders. I personally have 3 helpings of Xocai chocolate before each meal of healthy fruit and veggies wth some protein thrown in for good measure. Losing weight and smiling all the way to the bank.

Take care

Paul Tingley
PaulTingley.com

Workout update

2010-02-24T09:08:00.000-04:00

Tuesday workout

Ashley (Nubodys) was there just after my 15 minute treadmill walk and we proceeded to handle dips and pull ups. These always manage to keep my heart rate up and it feels good. After that, some stretching and back extensions, then a circuit of fast stepping, squats, and crunches with the exercise ball. My lower back felt the workout. I walked some more on the treadmill then stretched out and called it an hour.

These workouts, usually 3 times a week, sure are making me feel great, along with my diet (eating properly) and stress free lifestyle working as a distributor for Xocai life could not be better.

Have a great day - ReFocus Get fit! I highly recommend this book "Owning Yourself""

Make this day yours.
Paul

Weekend Reflections - an olympic event

2010-02-21T17:48:00.001-04:00

Weekend Reflections

I find that the weekend is a great time to look back over the past week and prepare for the upcoming week based on what I either accomplished or failed to get do.

The Olympics have kept us all captivated and supportive of our American/Canadian Athletes as they compete in various winter disciplines using those well honed skills that got them there in the first place. Good luck everyone! Keep the gold at home.

Last week was a great week and I feel so good about so many things. As I said I have taken time to reflect. The corporate world of which I participated for almost 32 years was put behind me as I entered a phase in my life called "semi-retirement". I am using my honed skills of communication and internet savvy to work from home. I have never felt as relaxed and the lack of stress has shown in my attitude and high degree of focus. I feel I have entered my own "Olympic" challenge. It feels great. I also know that eating healthy chocolate has affected my lifestyle as well. It is just plain good for me! My body is telling me daily.

I had a chat with my cousin, same age as I am, and we talked for over an hour about all the time we have worked and wasted. He also is a self-employed man but he works a hard brick and mortar type of job. He said he has reached an age when he doesn't mind working but it is time to be happy in what he does. As baby-boomers we agreed that life is more than stress and we both vowed to make it better.

PaulTingley.com is a busy place now. Xocai has me busy both eating good and sharing! My workouts have been fantastic as Ashley makes my sessions more intense. She even commented that I seem to have so much more energy and enthusiasm now. But this kind of busy is making the world turn so much better. My higher power is truly blessing me as I place this life in His hands.

Decisions that revolve around "life" truly affect "life" and the decisions I make to be happy when I get up in the morning are helping me achieve everything I put on a list. I urge you to make the same type of decisions.

Stay happy - stay fit - refocus and this life is all yours to truly excel.

Have a great week!!

Paul Tingley
Skype: tingley
MSN: isaacdave
Phone 902-850-2460 (800 # coming soon)

Sixteen and a half months to retirement

2010-02-19T18:43:00.000-04:00

The end of another great week!

This has been a very profitable week. Five days of business building and body exercise (I was going to say 'building', but I am more about fitness then bulk).

Let me start with Monday. I started by setting myself up in business - and what a business this is going to be - join me and let's take the ride together.

Tuesday I had a great workout with lots of cardio and a business meeting to follow.
Wednesday I hired two members to be on my board of directors (still searching for a few more).
Thursday Ashley put me through the ropes with increased intensity to my cardio.
Today, Friday, I landed a huge account for the company.

It just proves what we are taught - think you will make it and you will make it!

Communication is wealth! With all the tools we have before us - telephone, computers, Skype, I-Pods, Blackberries and the list goes on and on, there is NO reason why we cannot succeed. Vow to use at least one each day, if not all, to connect with someone. Share what you have to offer and make it stick. Repeat that over and over until you just do it naturally.

I was at the gym, as you know, I had a can of my energy drink, Xe, and when I left a sample for my trainer, a girl asked me what it was - opportunity to share - I told her all about it and she now connects me with that product. I wonder who she will buy it from? Yep, me! That is the thing.. make an easy thing easier by just doing it. Each time it is done, add that to experience and you just got better.

Next week I will continue my daily responsibility to pass along my knowledge to others. If I can give value to what I am offering up front then I can handle what ever emerges from my efforts. If I do nothing, guess what, I'll get in return. My business meeting on Thursday WILL net me two more business board members.

It sure feels good to take control of my destiny with steps of faith in whatever I do and say.

Before I know it, I'll reap the benefits and retire quite well off. I ask you - if you want the same, join me.

Take care this weekend.

ReFocus! Get fit!

Paul Tingley

Self-employment can be a healthy along with a wealthy choice

2010-02-16T23:00:00.001-04:00

Hello and good evening

My workout was absolutely awesome today. Ashley put me through the Cardio paces :) I started with 15 treadmill at 3.5 before Ashley met me and we started the following routine.

1) Step-ups with standing arm presses with a 10 pound bar, then side stepping with ball over the head bouncing - full cardio/core activities. (30 minutes non-stop)

Since I am no longer sitting for extensive periods of time in a data centre I am now self-employed and the stress levels have obviously dropped like lead. I feel great. I attended a meeting for MXI which opened my eyes to even more benefits.

Two things have also been added to PaulTingley.com.
1) MXI (XOCAI)- healthy chocolate (looking for members for my Board of Directors)
2) ISAGENIX - (this is my sister's website) - family business can be fun stuff.

My goals of a six-figure income and a new BMW-M3 get closer every day!

Take care - stay fit and be healthy towards wealthy.

Paul

Paul Tingley - a personal look

2010-02-14T18:16:00.000-04:00

Hello! Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you for visiting my personal blog and for wanting to learn a little bit about me. I live in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia, Canada's ocean playground. I have been here all of my life and the smell and sound of the ocean is the pure definition of peace. People know me as Paul, and in fact a neighbour has been known to call me Gick, a term of endearment I hope. I like to be a good neighbour and keep our blissful community intact.

I am a single father of two great boys, David (Davy) and Isaac (I call him 'Bones'). Both love to sing, and play on the shoreline. We have a cat we have tamed and named Whiskers. I enjoy many things, but at the top of my list: Driving! It is my passion. I have had the opportunity to drive tour buses and show tourists our beautiful province. I love to fly fish and soak up the sun during a daily walk.

For my last vacation, I and my boys visited Cape Breton Island (Cabot Trail). PEI, and short day trips on the south shore give us total satisfaction.

Goals and ambitions are motivating and important in a person's life. One of my goals is to make an income online and drive a new BMW M3 (thinking rich emerald blue). I want to see Europe and Asia. Thailand is my main planned destination.

I've been fortunate to accomplish many things in my life. But my biggest accomplishment is having held down a computer operations position at Dalhousie University for almost 20 years prior to breaking out to programming and driving.

I'm having the time of my life right now by living my dream of owning my own business. Working on my own as given me the chance to see my boys more often, watch them grow and accomplish great things in school and life. The freedom to do as I please when I please is awesome! Try it! I hope that gives you some insight into who I am.

There is a time a place for everything and this is the time to take a look at this opportunity. Please add me to

Skype: tingley and let's talk. I am looking for members to be on my Board of Directors.

Paul Check out My Website
Skype: tingley
MSN: isaacdave

Strictly music for your workout

2010-02-05T20:51:00.000-04:00

MP3's for you!

Nothing is better than a good beat while you are on a treadmill or elliptical, or even a bike.

Here are a few MP3's that should suit most everyone's taste.

Enjoy!

Paul

Stay Fit!

Paul Tingley dot com is live

2010-02-04T21:57:00.000-04:00

PaulTingley.com

After a lot of thought and encouragement I have decided to go the domain route and get PaulTingley.com as piece of my internet real estate. The site is all about fitness and health or wellness.

Take a look for books, exercise equipment, fitness supplies and even exercising music (MP3's).

It is nice to be able to offer something that is so needed these days. A busy lifestyle needs a little exercise to tone and exercise the heart and lungs as well as build strength. And what better time of the year then winter to prepare for those hazy lazy days of summer just around the corner (well almost depending where you are).

I hope you get a chance to take a look and please leave a comment or suggestion.

Take care. Stay Fit!

Paul

Tuesday Workout

2010-01-26T22:32:00.000-04:00

Ahh., it was goood!

Today Ashley had me booked for 10:30 a.m. at Nubodys. I drank half a can of Verve when I arrived at about 10:10 and after changing, and getting some water in my bottle, I made my way (almost by habit now) to the treadmill.

My starting heart rate was awesome today .. a low 99 bpm compared to the stressful days of last week. This vacation is nice (maybe I should just forget about work :~)). I pressed the quick start button, got the speed to 3.0 and after a couple of minutes up to 3.5. That got things pumping! Got the rate to 140-145 bpm.. felt great! After a good 15 minutes, I pressed the cool down button (3 minutes) and Ashley arrived beside the treadmill just as the belt stopped. As is common these days I wiped down the machine before we headed off.

First exercise, three sets of 12 chest flys followed by 12 deltoid flys. They are great for the upper back and chest. I am not sure what weight she had me set at, but it burned on the last set - that's what she aims for.

We made our way to a central area where there is quite a length of space to walk. Walking lunges this time. I did a 3 sets of 10-12 lunges followed by 12 squats. Wow!! I felt that in my legs, front and back.

That was 30 minutes but she advised that I get 15 minutes of cardio in. So, back to the treadmill and 3.0 for 15 minutes. I stretched out my back and hamstrings and quads.

That was one really good hour of working out. I washed up, changed and headed home. But before I left I finished off that can of Verve. It feels good to eat, drink and exercise sensibly.

Hope your routines are getting easier.

ReFocus! Stay fit!
Bye for now
Paul

7 Day Weight Loss Diet Program

2010-01-24T21:16:00.001-04:00

Weight Loss Program

I found this article using a program called Stumble, so I guess I truly 'stumbled' on it. But, I thought it was rather interesting despite how extreme it first appears. What are your thoughts? 10-17 pounds per week?? WOW!

******************************************************
This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.

The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol

You must drink 10 glasses of water each day

Day One All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

The next morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as creme de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.

Wonder Soup

The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.

28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.

Additional Comments

Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil.

You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :

Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
Club Soda is OK.
Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.

Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.

How and Why It Works

Day One you are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.

Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.

Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.

Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.

Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.

Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.

Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it. "
**********************************************

Pretty amazing hey? If you try it let me know if it truly works!

In the meantime. Stay Fit!

Paul

Cardio needs resistance too

2010-01-21T21:34:00.000-04:00

Thursday's Workout

This is just a quick update of today's workout. Ashley teaches me new things that dispel myths every session.

For example, a person sometimes thinks that a treadmill is all anyone needs for weight loss and strength. It's just not true. It does indeed help one lose weight but at the expense of muscle as well. You need to have resistance training to compliment it. True it does help legs both upper and lower but not enough.

Today I started with 15 minutes at 3.5 on the treadmill. My heart rate got up to 140 bpm or so. Any less and it's useless, so my goal is to get that puppy having me walk and even running (once I get new sneakers).

Ashley arrived just as I finished my cool-down. We went immediately to the back extention machine. 3 sets of 12 superset with 12 squats. My squats are getting lower showing that my thighs and glutes are stretching out nicely and getting stronger. You need to get past the 90 degree squat. Took 10 minutes.

Then we made our way to the pull-up and dip machine.. 3 sets of each of those 12 times per set. Lots of good breathing to make those muscles work. That kept my heart rate up. That took another 10 minutes.

The last 10 minutes of my 30 minute session was on the bike.. kept it at 80 RPM, heart rate at 145-150+, used as a cool down. Based on the sweat on my brow it didn't appear that way but it does let the muscles calm down with new blood going through them.

So if you look at that short period of 45 minutes I was able to incorporate cardio with resistance and exercise my upper body. Of course I made sure I stretched out before I left.

Next trip in I will be alone, so Ashley gave me a workout that starts with at least 30 minutes of cardio followed by pushups, crunches, walking lunges, and leg lifts. The leg lifts are new.. she says to use a BOSU machine (blue half ball).. may have to google that one :) or at least ask someone.

Hope you like these updates. Try the routines - if you have any questions I'll get answers.

In the meantime, ReFocus! Stay Fit!

And Invigorate with Verve.

See ya next time
Paul

Participacting

2010-01-17T20:38:00.000-04:00

Walk a block a day!

Remember that expression? Currently there are campaigns for Lupus. And then there is ParticipAction! These mean a lot to me now. We all should take part in such "action".

I found that after a reasonably relaxing weekend lazing around home before a work week a workout was in order. So at 6:15 p.m. I arrived at Nubodys and started with a good walk on the treadmill.

I have good news tonight too. My heart rate was high last week, as you might recall, but I peaked at 135 tonight at 3.5. I was so pleased. It is true that eating good, sleeping good, and taking it cool on days off sure helps blood pressure.

After the 15 minute walk I did some lat pull downs (3 sets of 12 at 75 lbs), sitting rowing (3 sets of 12 at 40 lbs), then shoulder presses (3 sets of 12 at 30 lbs).

Thinking more cardio and weight loss this year, I got back on the treadmill and walked for about 10 minutes at 2.8 and watched my heart rate calm down to 121 by finish. A stretchout and my workout was complete. It felt so very good.

Hope you are enjoying the same peace from working out as I have developed. If you are frustrated or nervous, take it out on an exercise machine, not a person or a pet .. your body will thank you along with your doctor.

Have a fit 2010.
Oh, and try Verve too! ;)

ReFocus Fitness! After the holidays

2010-01-14T23:58:00.000-04:00

First workout of 2010

Today I had the pleasure of finally getting back to working out at the Nubody Goodlife fitness centre. I had missed a month of actually going into the gym (at least with a trainer). She told me that even after the first week my body would start to lose it's energy and forget its motabolism rate. In fact I was feeling groggy to tell the truth. So I was glad I was back at it.

I hadn't gained any weight (surprisingly) but I hadn't lost any either. I tried to keep to the healthy diet I was used to, and for that we both were glad.

My heart rate was way up from December though. I checked it at the very start of my walk and it was already at 121 bpm. I used to walk at 3.5-3.8 on the treadmill and my heart would gladly pump away at that same 120-125 bpm. at the very most for the duration.

Today I was walking at 3.4 and it was beating like crazy at 145-150 bpm.. my ticker was working hard. I also have a feeling my blood pressure must be up some too. (Have to get that checked).

But, I do have to say it wasn't showing any ill-effects. I walked for 15 minutes with a 3 minute cool down before Ashley took me off for the routine she had planned today. She is so in tune with her clients and suggested that if I started to get lightheaded to just let her know.

We started with a superset - 3 reps of 12 crunches with 12 pushups, then moved to the trainers room for another superset - 3 reps of 12 squats and 12 sitting rows (45 pounds) (I sat on an exercise ball for even more core effect). Then I was back on the treadmill for 10 minutes at 2.8 for some cool-down cardio. My heart rate actually dropped back to about 134 by the end of the 45 minute stretch. I felt great !!

A new year - new resolutions - new life-style changes. I now know that 3 times a week is required for me and I have set it back in motion. It's like they say (whomever they are) - take action and stick to it - it will be your reward.

Oh, by-the-way, I added a liquid to my diet - it really is working great - Verve (from Vemma). Loving the stuff. Lots of energy with no side-effects or sugar highs or lows. I highly recommend it.

Have a great weekend.

Think fit - stay fit!

Paul

Caffeine Content of Drinks

2009-12-28T21:38:00.000-04:00

Caffeine Content of Drinks

Have you ever wondered the health value of what you were drinking?   I have been looking at charts and literature on this topic and found astonishing amounts of caffeine (for one ingredient) in lots of everyday drinks by every day people who have more than one cup every day.

In Canada many people are addicted to a large cup of Tim Hortons coffee (20 ounces) or a Starbucks Grande (16 ounces). Did you know that 20 ounces of Tim's has 200 mgs of caffeine and 16 ounces of Starbucks has 330 mgs of caffeine. Wow.. thats a bang, isn't it.. talk about a 'snap you awake drink' and 'drop to the floor slump' later on :~) - yikes!

Let's look at simple pop (soda) - let's say Cola vs a Red Bull. Many people like a good cold coke for a boost of energy.  A RedBull has 80 miligrams in an 8 ounce can. Coca Cola Classic has 35 milgrams in a 12 ounce serving.   Hmm, thats two cans of coke for the same hit as Red Bull - Red Bull is scary!

I guess my point here is that we have no idea sometimes how strong a drink is and how it can affect our bodies. Or if we do and still need a shot then we should revisit our health priorities.

I workout about 3 times a week.. water is my primary drink.. (zero mgs of caffeine:) ). It is amazing how many people I see hitting the pop machine after a workout for the hit of energy. I wonder what they are thinking?  Is it the sugar that will help or the caffeine? I suppose the sugar will revitalize electrolytes but what about calories, and caffeine will do what exactly (I see one wired athlete).

January is approaching so let's resolve to drink right, workout weekly, and stay fit.

Have a happy new year everyone.

Paul

Happy Holidays Everyone

2009-12-22T22:28:00.001-04:00

Hello

Just wanted to wish each and every one a happy holiday season and may 2010 be good to you.

Try to stay active all season, but treat yourself - turkey is good for you, fruit and vegetables are awesome too, and a piece of pumpkin pie will never hurt you! (Just make sure it's just one though :) )

Remember to sleep and rest when you are able too. Try to stick to your three workouts per week.

From Paul at Verve and GVO - See you in 2010

Paul

An Insanely Healthy Energy Drink??

2009-12-12T14:35:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone

As you can see to the right I have a picture of my favorite new energy drink. --->>>>>>>>>
(Click on the can if you want)

When I came across this, you were the first people I thought of! Then I wanted to ask you a question:

“If I could show you an opportunity with which you could take a $60-dollar-a-month investment in your health and turn that into a part-time or even full-time income opportunity would you be interested?” If you said yes, I can show you how! AND, its is good for you too - try it!

I’ve set up a pretty cool website which will give you a great idea what I’m talking about. Check it out at www.myvemma.com/refocus.

If you are like me, you probably don’t like the pressures of selling! That is why I like this business so much; this website does it all the tough stuff for you. By the way, all it takes to get started is $60 bucks and I can get you the same website with your name on it at NO EXTRA COST to you! This thing does most of the selling for you!

So take a look at my website www.myvemma.com/refocus and call me at (902-850-2460) after you take a look at it; I would love to hear what you think.

They call it an Insanely Healthy Energy Drink. I agree!! No buzz and drops, just plain good energy.

Enjoy!

Happy Holidays.

Paul

Gym stuff and diet tips for November 2009

2009-11-26T21:58:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone

Can someone tell me where November went please? Holy macoroni (whole wheat of course ;))

This was a crazy month trying to balance the kids school, their illnesses and recoveries, my cold and recovery, missed gym sessions (subsequent guilt) and work! I just finished my week and am totally toast.

But after all was said and done I did manage to get 2 sessions in at the gym and am feeling better again.

Gym Stuff

Ashley (my dear personal fitness trainer (PFT) at Nubodys) worked me hard today. We are concentrating on more cardio with her sessions for weight loss, and I do the weights on my own in between.

First, she has me walking moderately fast (3.4) on the treadmill, to warm me up, then after 10 minutes, she has me crank it up to 4.0 and away I go. (Note to self: need new sneakers - I will have shin splints if I don't get some :)).

She gets me to walk at 4.0 for 2 minutes then do 15 squats (for 3 sets). My legs feel every bit of that afterwards but my heart thanks me. It works my quads and butt (pardon the expression) nicely at the same time.

Then we go into the trainers room for a set of exercises that will help my abs and hamstrings (she has removed the leg curls and extensions from my lower body workout as the squats will be primary).

One is the normal 3 sets of 12 crunches, superset with the other what I like to call an 'angled hamstring raise'. (You can do this at home. :~O )

Get a mat and lie on your back on the floor. Put your feet on the centre of an exercise ball (or couch if at home) and with your arms by your side lift yourself so your body is straight from feet to head, hold for 3 or 4 seconds, then lower. Do this about 8-10 times, then back to the crunches. You will love the way it stretches the hams (no pun intended).

I have a feeling she has me do this because my job requires 12.5 hour shifts in a sitting position.. my hamstrings are tight!! That sure stretches them out. I appreciate these sweating sessions!

Diet Tip

Eating properly is critcal to staying fit too.
I call this my "Three Cup Veggie Soup".
I am having a bowl now.. mm mm mmm

Get a large pot and pour 3 cups of cold water in it (hence the name)
Add a small can of chicken broth (beef of you want)
Add a small can of tomato with basil and oregano soup
(You can substitute the soup with tomatoe paste or pizza sauce)

Next,

Cut up (large pieces) and add 3 cups of potatoes
2-3 cups of chunked carrots
2-3 cups of chunked turnip
1-2 cups of of sliced celery
and a small onion
(and 3 cups of any other veggie you want for that matter)

Add a handful of flour (helps thicken it some), pepper, and summer savory (notice NO salt!) and a bayleaf (remove this bayleaf after the soup is done okay?)

Give that a stir and put a cover on the pot and place it in a preheated oven (300 degrees) for three hours. (Yes, 3 hours - and it never fails!!)

About 30 minutes before it is done make some dumplings of your choice and drop them on the top. Ohhh what a delicious and healthy meal you have just created.

I get easily 4 to 5 good meals from that one pot of soup. I found it in a Healthy Heart Cook Book. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. My heart thanks me for that too.

Stay fit and force yourself to get that way! It sure was tempting NOT to go to the gym today, but man oh man I was glad I did.

Take care.

Paul
Twitter: shuttlep

Good job!!

2009-10-23T22:08:00.003-03:00

"Good job"

End of October! Where did the months go since I started working out? Gladly in the past :)

It is still a good feeling to exercise and feel good. The last couple sessions with Ashley have been a little different, but very useful.

The first one this week was one favoring my lower back and keeping an eye on my "wind" from a chest cold. Ashley took it easy on me but made sure I had lots of cardio and a few lower body exercises that didn't agitate my back or play havoc with my lungs. She's great that way. I still did squats and back extensions but more time on the eliptical.

Tonight's session we concentrated initially on cardio - I had done my usual 10 minute warm up at 2.8-3.0 on the treadmill, but she wanted a few more minutes at a faster pace - 3.3 - 3.5. My heart rate never spiked as it did way back when - in fact it stayed at a reasonable 130-135 bpm. It wasn't hurting my lungs and warmed me up considerably. So 20-25 minutes of cardio I think will be the norm for the next while.

We left the treadmill and went to the trainers room where I did crunches and pushups.. 3 sets of 12 each - she was totally impressed with my progress.. I heard "good job" several times. My form was good and my strength is showing obvious progress. Next I did some step ups/downs (60 seconds) alternating the leading foot, every 30 seconds, to get some more cardio in super-set with some lat pull-downs (65 pounds) - 3 sets of 12. I used to shake (core was weak) but today I was steady and smooth. "Good job".

My diet has become second nature (the spread sheet I send every Saturday is helping her advise on diet); my workouts more intense; and as a result, my progress good. I have reached that point where I don't want to miss a workout. Even when not sheduled with Ashley, I work either my upper or lower depending what I did previously. Thanks Nubodys!!

Lesson learned? - push yourself a little harder each workout - you'll surprise yourself and not get your body too used to the workout.

Stay fit :)

Paul

P.S. Last fall/winter I lugged luggage at work and pellets to heat my house. I was always sore. Last night I lifted 4 or 5 bags of pellets and never felt a thing :~) . Can't help but feel good about that. P

Learning while exercising

2009-10-09T19:46:00.002-03:00

Prepare yourself

Hi fellow fitness enthusiasts. It has been a good week. I managed to get my three work shifts in and three workout sessions at the gym. In the process I have learned that preparation before the workout is rather crucial.

To start with your eating habits should be logged and analysed by someone who knows your goals in fitness. (Ashley, in my case). On a weekly basis I send her my log so we can discuss it at the trainer session. The whole idea of strengthening and getting fit revolves around diet, exercise and sleep. So this shows her how I eat and how I can improve.

Sleep patterns are so important. I find if I have had a bad sleep or not enough sleep (less than 7 hours) my workout is harder and I tire faster. In fact today I experienced that fatigue while into my last super-set of lower body exercises (the bike and leg presses). I had noticed that my resting heart rate was at 104.. a lot higher than usual.. the drive in early in the morning, and the fact I had less than a perfect sleep must have affected my relaxed state. I was toast while stretching and knew my body was tired and in fact my blood pressure and sugar level lowered. [This gives you a close to dizzy feeling]. Fortunately I knew that a good glass of cold water and even a gatorade would revitalize me and all was fine.

One of my sessions this week was after a 12.5 hour shift. Phychology helped me that day. I had had a very relaxed day at work as long as it was, and was not scheduled to work the next day. My workout went like a breeze as I worked my upper body. I remember noting my heart rate at the start of my treadmill warmup was at 88. I was relaxed! I prepared by having an early night the night before, being relaxed all day, and eating properly and it truly showed.

Humans are complex creatures!! But we can adapt. So, the only advice I would give you would be eat well - grain filled breakfast, protein snack, lunch, another protein snack, dinner, and a protein snack in the evening, but nothing at least 2 hours before bed. Drink lots and lots of water. Incorporating cadio in your workout will help a lot (as I mentioned last time). I walk on days in between my workouts and that feels good out in the fresh air. I dread winter :) so maybe I will get to the gym for a 'treadmill/eliptical only workout' for cardio on those cold winter days.

I've learned a lot in the last while - hope it helps you too.

(PS: thanks for the reviews on my blog - I appreciate the feedback - stay fit)

Happy Thanksgiving Canada/Columbus Day USA

Paul

Cardio mixed with weights is a well rounded workout

2009-10-02T14:23:00.002-03:00

Workout Update - October 2009

It has been a wonderful experience working through the 'cracks and snaps and burns' as I get in better shape at Nubodys. Here are my current workout programs when I don't have Ashley ( less the whip) poking me along :~)

I alternate from Lower body to Upper body each time I go. Ashley adds things in each week.

The word WITH is critical in the list. I 'super-set' or work either side of a muscle group faster this way. The THEN adds cardio of a different type. The OR is an alternative based on the combination already used.

LOWER BODY

CARDIO: Treadmill – 10 minute warm-up (2.8) then 10 minutes on bike or elliptical
Squats – 3 sets of 15 with Back Extensions – 3 sets of 12
Hamstring Curls (65 lb) - 3 sets of 12 with Leg Extensions (50 lbs) - 3 sets of 12
Bike – 3 sets - 2 mins. at 80 RPM (Level 6) with Leg Press (140) – 3 sets of 12
STRETCH!

UPPER BODY

CARDIO: Treadmill – 10 minute warm-up (2.8) then 10 minutes on bike or elliptical
Crunches – 3 sets of 12 with Push ups – 3 sets of 15
Pull-ups with Dips (150 lbs) – 3 sets of 12 each
OR Lat Pull Down (60 lbs) – 3 sets of 12 with step ups (tip: don't do lat pulls after pullups and dips)
Seated row (40 lbs) – 3 sets of 12 with Side Bends (15 lbs) – 3 sets of 12
Shoulder Press (25 lbs) – 3 sets of 12 with Bicep Curls (15 lbs) – 3 sets of 12
STRETCH!

I hope you enjoy a happy fall season and remember to eat well and stay fit!

Paul

New Exercise Update

2009-09-15T08:39:00.003-03:00

It has been awhile but things are going good with my Nubody's workouts. I work upper body and lower body alternately each week.

Ashley introduced a couple new machines for my upper body.

First she worked me on an Assisted Chin/Dip machine. Good for the back, biceps, shoulders, chest, arms, Deltoids, pecs, triceps and lats - sure can work up a sweat too.. weight loss!!!!

The second one was similar to a rowing machine without the moving seat. It worked my shoulders and upper lumbars.

The bike was good too - have increased my cardio by adding 20 RPM and getting my heart rate up to 140+. I superset the bike with the rowing machine, and the leg press so far.

Just a short update.

Paul

Upper and Lower body workout suggestions

2009-08-30T22:17:00.002-03:00

Happy last Sunday before school starts!

I have been working out now for a little under 2 months at Nubody's. The results have been good. My blood pressure lowered, and my feeling of fitness has raised.

Here is a list of upper and lower body exercises I have been trained to do:

I always warm up using a Treadmill - at 2.6-2.8 and walking primarily for 20 minutes (walking every other day after work is helping too) - main purpose... cardio (more below).

Lower Body
(3 sets of 12 for each)

Squats (weight on heels)
Back extensions
Hamstring curls
Leg extensions
Bike (2 mins at 65RPM)
Leg Presses
Stretching!!

Upper Body
(3 sets of 12 for each)

Crunches (neck straight and hands on temples)
Push ups (upper body from knees only)
Side bends
Bicep curls
Lat pull down (wide grasp)
Shoulder presses
Stretching!!

There are also neat cardio / muscle combos I have been doing too. Today I did step up/down on blocks for 60 seconds then squats.. kept the heart pumping and the legs working. Then there was the rowing machine for my shoulders along with dumbell bicep curls.

These 'super-sets' as they call them allow certain muscle groups to be exercised side by side.

What I did discover is that if I know I'll be super-setting cardio with muscle I warm up a little less so as not to lose my stamina. When I get home I rest and then do a cardio power walk for about 35-40 minutes.

More to come I am sure - but only 4 more months with Ashley, my trainer, so I really need to get the machines and routines down pat for my lone sessions in 2010.

STAY FIT!

Paul

Progressively speaking

2009-08-11T19:40:00.002-03:00

Know you've worked out!

Now, remember, it has been one month exactly, so not only was it a first month anniversary routine last time but it also was a time to progress to the next level. Ashley started that transition today.

I was scheduled for her training at 10:00 am so I got there at 9:40 or so and got some cardio exercise on the treadmill at 2.9.. my increase of 3 points here is significant as I notice my recovery rate for my heart rate is faster now and my heart rate gets up slower (this means my heart is working more efficiently). That's good news as my blood pressure remains down at 130/83 (down from 188/94)! (All I need now is an MP3 player for entertainment.)

Ashley arrived on time as usual and we went into a studio where private sessions are held with more room and a huge fan. (Thank God! ha ha)

First superset included 3 sets of stepping up/down (60 seconds) with 3 sets of 12 squats
Next, 3 sets of 12 pushups superset with 3 sets of 12 ab crunches (felt every one of those)
After some water and 1 minute catching my breath we moved to the rowing machine.
I superset 2 sets of 12 pulls on that (45 pounds) with 2 sets of 12 double bicep curls (12.5 pounds each arm)

Thirty minutes had passed. I would never have done that a month ago, and even today I was feeling it across my chest and arms. She truly worked my core today. It took me a couple or so hours to feel okay after that but it will be interesting to see how things develop as I continue towards my 30 pound weight reduction goal and fitness plan.

I am 53 years old.. and if I can handle this so can you. Let me know.

Have a fit summer.

Paul

PS: Read optiMyz forhealth tips (Halifax based mag)

One Month Anniversary

2009-08-09T18:43:00.003-03:00

August 9, 2009

My Nubodys' membership is exactly one month old and I feel 10 years younger. My blood pressure lowered by 10 points on the diastolic and to walk 30 minutes is nothing now - used to be pain and burn in the chest and 'black and white' fatigue on my return.

Tonight my workout routine was awesome. The session with Ashley (a great personal trainer!) lasts about a half an hour. So I go early so I can get 20 minutes or so for cardio on the treadmill.

Tonight my routine was as follows:

Leg extensions (Quads) - 3 sets of 12 superset with Leg Curls (Hamstrings) - 3 sets of 12
Lat pull down - 3 sets of 12 superset with 60 seconds of cardio step up/down (3 sets 60 secs)
Bike - 2 sets of 2 minutes (heart rate to 144) with some interval training with Leg Presses (2 sets of 12 (150lbs)

Then I stretched out quads, hamstrings and my back to call it a full hour.

I go back Tuesday at 10am.. I'll keep you posted.

Feels good to feel good!

Try it.. be fit!

Feeling Better All The Time

2009-08-02T20:03:00.003-03:00

It Takes Time, but it is so Worth It

No more headaches. Easier sleeping and no problem getting up early in the morning. That's a happy three if I ever saw it.

Working out at least two times a week at Nubody's and walking on days in between has proven worth every dollar of membership and every step forward.

My last session was a 16 minute walk on the treadmill at a 2.8 setting. Following that I met Ashley, my personal trainer, and we walked over and I did three sets of 12 squats - they are getting easier, balance is key. In between sets of squats I did 12 side bends with 10 pound weights.

After a small rest we moved to the back extension machine and I did 3 sets of 12. Even that was easier as my back gets stronger. A small drink of cold water and to the lat pull down machine - three sets of 12 for the back and triceps. Then over to a machine where I could push weight ahead of me to work the upper chest and shoulders, much like bench pressing except slightly up and forward in a sitting position.

The hour went fast but the workout was perfect. I am feeling better all the time - who wouldn't!

Therefore I recommend a fitness program for you today - call your local fitness provider - it is so worth it! Besides, winter will soon be here, like it or not.

Paul
Future Millionaire and fitness freak!

Fitness Program Progression

2009-07-24T16:47:00.002-03:00

Add some great exercises

( Warm-up at 2.6-3.0 on a treadmill )

1) leg extensions (quads) - 3 sets of 12
2) leg curls (hamstrings) - 3 sets of 12
3) lat pull down - 3 sets of 12
4) chest fly - 3 sets of 12
5) rear deltoid fly - 3 sets of 12 (for upper back and back of the shoulders)

It felt good to work on legs, lats, chest and shoulders.

I sure do feel it :)

Stay healthy - stay fit.

Paul

A preliminary workout

2009-07-19T22:44:00.002-03:00

Keep fit! Part 1

I have lost 6 pounds in 2 weeks. This progressive approach to fitness and weight loss for the reduction of high blood pressure and high scale readings is working. This is only the start of a very preliminary exercise routine. NOTE: hydrate and rest when required... it pays!

Warm-up - Treadmill set to 2.6 for 15-20 minutes
Squats - 3 sets of 12 with 1 minute breaks between sets
Back Extensions - 3 sets of 8 with 1 minute breaks between sets
Side Bends - 3 sets of 8 (10 pounds each arm, one arm at a time)
Bicep Curls - 3 sets of 10 (10 pounds each arm, one arm at a time)
Shoulder Press (sitting) - 3 sets of 10 (15 pounds per arm)

This should take a little over 60 minutes and has worked your cardiovascular system, back, arms (biceps & shoulders), legs, glutes, thighs, and obliques. Stretch out your calves, back, and hamstrings when finished and you'll walk out of the gym the same way you walked into the gym.

Happy fitness.

Paul

A New Chapter - Love and LIfe

2009-07-09T20:04:00.004-03:00

Love and Life

Mark July 9, 2009 as the day Paul got on with it!

I signed up with Nubody's Fitness Centre in Halifax. My goal is a loss of 30 pounds (~14k?) and to replace it with a toned strong body. I want to thank that person (he knows who he is) for encouraging me to do so. (Good luck in Toronto - thanks for a good 2 years!)

Why did I call this a new chapter? My life has been like a bad novel but with a lot of good and bad chapters. So why not take the 9th day of July, 2009 (day after a full moon) to start a new good one?? And why not take it towards lower blood pressure issues and a stronger person both internally and externally! No more "baby steps" - these will be large goals and will be attained.

Follow my progress.. pictures pending :)

Have a great summer.

Paul

Easy Video Producer

2009-03-06T09:27:00.003-04:00

A new month - a new fresh start

What do you think of that lucky deer below? Ha ha. Been there myself - his buck fever will be gnawing at him for months. What surprised me most was that he had the guts to put that up on the net. I would have been way too embarrassed. Guess he will have to start over - maybe check out that rifle or take up another sport where 'close' counts (horse-shoes?).

Speaking of fresh starts, I woke this morning, looked at my livingroom and thought it was finally boring - in the space of 20 minutes I had moved things around and oh what a nice change. What is the expression - a change is the same as a rest?

I also had an opportunity to re-evaluate my current status. I have ideas but never follow through. So I took one of my ideas and formulated my thoughts into an email and sent it off to people who might have an expert opinion on my idea. I can't devulge it just yet but stand by I am sure I will soon.

Also, we all want to try to succeed on the web. I received an interesting email from what will be launched next Tuesday March 10th - EasyVideoProducer.com - take a look if you want :). Have you noticed that video is the way of today? We all can grasp a concept and see validity if we see a face and hear the content. I like the idea! Listen to the video on that site. "Video converts sales!"

Well back to my Friday - have a great weekend and try to make a new day of this the first day of the rest of your life. And try to do it @home.

Paul

Lucky Deer

2009-03-05T15:41:00.000-04:00

Lucky Deer

Life Goes On

2009-02-26T06:50:00.002-04:00

Day 2 and 3 and 4? (still Day 1 of the rest of my life)

Where did those 2 days go? Time flies! But it is still day #1.

Well Tuesday and Wednesday are behind me. The Ambassatours Setra and MCI training was great. Those motor coaches are so computerized they literally drive themselves. And as far as being green (environmentally sound) the transmissins are built NOT to send emissions out into our atmosphere and actually save us fuel and wear and tear. The training was easy and the fact I was paid helps too.

Yesterday, I also picked up my cheque from Hilton. I bumped into the daytime shuttle driver and the maintenance manager. The place was packed with cars. Charter season has started. My timing was good. Speaking of saving energy - I'll save my back by not being full-time for sure. But, on another note, since I am available, the manager asked me if he could call - well of course I said yep.

TeleTech will be automatically depositing my final cheque from them in my bank at midnight so between Hilton and TeleTech and small amount from Ambassatours, I'm basically paid for my March budget.

The wait is on for CGI though. I believe he said 2 weeks from this Friday (tomorrow). Let's pray it is sooner but I'll survive.

And speaking of surviving, I never heard anything back from the Courier so I am not sure what I should do there. In the meantime I'll get my kids to school and have a "check engine" light checked at Toyota this morning hopefully (or at least make an appointment). He may call during that time.

Thursday! A new day. And still day 1 of the rest of my life!

Enjoy your day too.
Paul

Day one - rest of my life

2009-02-23T21:23:00.003-04:00

Day 1 - Irons in the fire

Today started with a great trip to the school with my boys, although they weren't all happy about a Monday morning back at the books. I then managed to come home and organize my day. I had emailed CGI and now was waiting for a reply. Twittered a bit on twitter.com.

I grabbed a short nap, something for lunch then headed to the bank to get some money orders to pay some bills, then off to Teletech to officially resign. (I had sent an email of resignation, but it was a good idea to actually go and clean out my locker and give back the headset and grab my notebooks). The exit interview was postponed due to technical difficulties though (IT firm?)

That done, and still no call from CGI, I headed for the grocery store and got some food for the boys for dinner tonight then out to the school to bring them home. 3:30 pm already!

It was near 5:00pm that I finally got my reply email from CGI! They have a spot for me... YES! I will have to organize my questions for tomorrow and call to see what they have in mind.

So, Tuesday and Wednesday I'll get to see Ambassatours new model buses (two paid training days with lunch supplied) and Thursday is my run with the Courier (paid as well).

So, as I see it, while I iron out CGI, I'll train with Ambassatours and the Courier company and drive a courier until things are in stone. 3 jobs in a sense - but money coming in nevertheless. As a side note I called Hilton and there is a cheque waiting for me there as well. All good news!

I was desperate Friday and now have 3 options open. Maybe even 4 if Hilton ever calls me for spare driving work.

The moral of this story is stick to it - be positive - and take action!

Have a good night and enjoy this your first day of the rest of your life too.

From home - Paul

Weekend thoughts and decisions

2009-02-22T21:55:00.002-04:00

Keep it day by day

There goes another weekend. Wow, they go fast! But I am taking things day by day.

I had my visit with the courier dude at noon yesterday - we stood outside in the cold just talking - but he suggested I come with him for a day (he'd pay me) to get a feel for a possible job. We agreed on this Tuesday but I have a feeling Thursday might work out better. Here is why:

Monday morning I take my kids to school then have a chance to go to TeleTech and resign. That being done will give me tomorrow to do my banking and persue other employment options.

Speaking of options, this evening I had an interesting conversation with a lady I used to work with at CGI back in 07. She commented that it would be good to have me back there, and that I should ask the guy above her boss if there was a possibility. That was good news - I liked that job! Perhaps he'll call tomorrow as well.

Tuesday and Wednesday have been set aside as training days at Ambassatours Gray Line. Apparently a couple new buses (Setra and MCI) are coming and they will have experts onsite to train those interested. Being a possible seasonal option and considering it will be 2 paid training days I think I will go (free lunch too).

So, I'd be paid Tuesday, Wednesday and then take the Courier trip as a paid day Thursday. With any luck CGI will be a payable option not too far into the future and courier work will keep me fed until then.

Anyways, that was my weekend, a time of thought and prayer, and some really good leads.

I have to tell you though - it was exhausting. I was talking with a great friend of mine. She has always been helpful with objective insights. I mentioned leaving the call centre and baggage was killing me at the Hilton. She asked me a very simple question: "What will make you happy?".

I had to pause awhile.. I really don't know. She added that until I found out I'd be going in circles. Looking to the past wouldn't boost me to the future. I now look at things with a different outlook. My next move has to be stategic. If I want to retire to the Margaree Valley (Cape Breton) as I boast to my children constantly, then I need to settle down in a job I like and be happy with it for the next 8 years!!

So it's time to read my bible, pray and sleep - tomorrow is a very important day! It starts the rest of my life.

I'll keep you posted.

Paul @ home

Back to the drawing board

2009-02-21T08:29:00.002-04:00

Oops - I did it again!

Well, I did it again! As you may or may not remember, I had started training at what I thought was going to be a different experience with TeleTech: Order Support. After 3 weeks and several y-cording sessions (that's when you connect to an agent and listen in on a few calls) I realized that most calls are from "very" unhappy (grumpy?) customers who hate everything or just like to complain. I can handle myself on the phone and I can handle a computer but I cannot handle 8 hours of a cubicle/pod listening to complaints. I have rationalized it all out - sure I don't know these people and yes, I only may talk/listen to them once in a lifetime (similar to shuttle work) but I asked myself if I could handle that 8 hours of every day of a work week. My gut said NOPE!

Working has to be a happy thing - you have to feel relaxed and glad to get up and do your duty for your employer or yourself for that matter. At my age I just want to get up, put in my 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, get paid every two weeks and not be so stressed out that work becomes the morning 4-letter word. I KNOW I must work. I KNOW there are not that many jobs you can go to. I KNOW that I have a responsibility to myself and my family (kids in particular) to provide for them, but I also KNOW it has to be a job that entails work I can handle and that would fulfill that responsibility without undue stress.

Don't get be totally wrong - TeleTech was okay - it had benefits and all that, but the environment just was not condusive to a stress-free relaxed experience. If it wasn't for the luggage I'd still be hammering away at shuttle driving but I know my limits and that was testing the physical ones. TeleTech would stress my mental ones.

So, where to from here? I told my sister yesterday that I had a few irons in the fire. She said, "they better be hot!!" and laughed. My father (oops - do-it-for-daddy syndrome surfaces) says I am the person he would want as a customer service person - steady, knowledgeable, mature, and all that, so he feels I should stay put (but he has NEVER worked a call centre job).

So here is my list of hot pokers: Hilton Garden Inn still has me as part-time on-call, R. Forbes Delivery Courier work has my resume, Ambassatours Gray Line is always a seasonal option. I have even sent out resumes to CFB Halifax, a couple of trucking firms (using my Class 2), and even a training association for truckers (that satisfies my Class 1 trucking fantasy I suppose). I have no idea where those resumes are in a process.

My Next Step: talk to them! (Well, actually get outta TeleTech is the first major one), but not before I have a job to walk into this Monday (and it's already Saturday by-the-way).

My first stop already arranged is with R Forbes. I had applied several months ago but when he asked me if Hilton was keeping me busy that must have backed him up. When I called early morning Friday (yesterday) to touch base, he offered to meet me today at noon. He told me a guy was going out the door early this week. Sounds promising to be sure and here is what it satisfies: it is paid work, my car is my office (driving), my bills will be paid and I will be employed (self-employed?). It will be a job based in my home village where I know the owner. Work will be Monday to Friday and stops each day when businesses close. No shift work! (details forthcoming from todays visit).

Next I need to get my name taken off the roster at TeleTech should the courier job materialize. I want to leave there on good terms - never burn a bridge I was told.

If the courier job seems risky I will have to regroup and continue sending out resumes and suffer through A-Bay at TeleTech I guess. (sadly)

So, I am back to the drawing board! One benefit that TeleTech offers at the get-go is EAP support. I will be calling an EAP specialist to find out why I am stuck on this satisfy Daddy kick! I'm 52, for goodness sake.

This could be the day I satisfy a self-employment status as a contractor with a reputable company. I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, have a safe weekend - and remember February is almost over and March starts to usher in spring.

Stay happy - work @home or at least from-home.

Paul

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2009-02-12T19:53:00.002-04:00

Maturity Majority

Mid-February and Valentine's Day are soon upon us. I hope you enjoy a loving time with your friends and family and partners, mates or girlfriends/boyfriends (whoever you share love with).

TeleTech is going steady with two weeks of a 5 week training stretch almost done. One more week of in-class work then it is on the phones to get the system down in what is called A-Bay (training bay with lots of coaching?).

I've noticed one very important element in the "group" dynamics. One word - RESPECT! The ages of the 18 people is maybe 19 to 52 (me). I have a feeling I am the oldest one there (even older then the instructors). But despite the cultural differences, age differences, marital status differences, stages in life, and even lifestyles, we all respect each other. The young and old all help, support and treat each other as equals. We are all at the same level as far as training goes and we will be all at the same level on the floor. I appreciate it so much!

Have you had any experience where status meant everything and you felt like the outsider? Ever feel like a newbie no matter how experienced you were? Ever feel like you were outside of the clique. Well remember we are all human - we all demand some form of respect and some kind of acknowledgement or validation. If we give respect we will gain it. Everydody wins!

I receive a lot of inspirational videos from Mary Robinson Reynolds. Here is one for you http://www.YouAreLoveMovie.com . Know that you are love this time of the year.

Happy 'Love' Day
Paul

Tell-a-tale

2009-02-06T21:39:00.002-04:00

Feeling good!

Been awhile! How have you been? Enjoying the weather in Canada? The politics in the US? The heat down under? The global warming everywhere? Hope so :)

I just finished my first week at TeleTech - 1st of 3 classroom training weeks before 2 weeks of practice runs with real people. And you know what, unlike 2003, when I was being trained there, this time is a whole lot better. I like it. It is fun. It is sinking in! My position will be less about "everything calls" and more about "order support calls". It will be more focused. I will be more focused.

Let's go back to 2003/2004 - I had just separated, had 2 boys (4 and 6), and my head was just not into this call centre pressure. Six years have passed, my boys are 10 and 12, and my attitude is so much different than back then. It sure makes a difference when you feel good about life, because it makes it easier to grasp life. At my age this is crucial for my ego indeed.

So, to Tel-a-tale, I encourage you to contact me anytime about TeleTech. Need a fulfilling carreer or job? I would be pleased to refer you.

Settling in.

Paul
@ home

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2009-01-24T11:10:00.002-04:00

From outside to inside

On Thursday Jan 22nd, I gave my notice to Hilton Garden Inn as a shuttle driver. That's enough!! I know I've done that before but this time I really mean it. The whole idea of driving eight hours in the peak season and loading and unloading tonnes of luggage just doesn't interest me at $9.25 per hour. (regardless of tips)!

I had three options, remember? Superintendent of an apartment complex in downtown Halifax; Customer Support Tech at TeleTech Holdings; or Hilton Shuttle driver. After careful comparison - the TeleTech won - the wage is higher ($11/hour), it is inside and it doesn't half kill me while on the job. I am not 22 anymore and I just had to come to that realization.

The pros won out based on time with my children (joint custody) and time for a life based on my needs. I had over 28 years of computer experience and customer service skills acquired through several jobs so it fits nicely as a pre-retirement job.

So one more shift today, a couple days off and 5 shifts next week will close that book and move me onward and upward into the next chapter.

Changes - seems to be the way of my life. (Might be the name of my book someday too :))

Take care everyone.
Paul

January Deep Freeze

2009-01-18T10:43:00.002-04:00

Anybody have an extra layer?

One can take that more than one way, but firstly it has to do with the weather across Canada. We started at +10C and dropped to -25C in a day and that lasted this entire week. Every province got nailed with snow then rain then fog than sun but then ohh sooo cooold!

I work near the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and I have to tell you there was no way I could keep my shuttle warm - every time I opened the door to let a person in and then open the back door to load up luggage what little heat I had was sucked out. It took the whole trip back to the airport or hotel to get it back to comfortable. But I do have to say I was more acclimatized to it than those poor folk arriving from such places as Maui, a Florida Cruise, or Cancun. There was no temperature in any van that could compare to the 75-85 degrees they were coming back from. I remember telling them they had just lost 85 degrees - welcome back to Nova Scotia.

But enough of that. How thick is your skin? How many layers do you have emotionally? How much can you take before you really need to crack down and do something about the problem or the decision?

Let me give you some personal stuff here. I was paying almost $800 a month on a car I purchased for $23000 3 years ago that was worth $5000 now maybe. I still had three years of those payments to go. It added up to almost $50,000. My loan was still at $30,000. Okay, that was ridiculous - I had to do something. I kept putting it off, and in the process missed payments.. after the third I got a call from the bank and not long after that the car was taken away to pay for the loan.

I have two feelings here - I'll miss that car - worked well.. never needed servicing, only had 90,000 kilos on it and was a great machine. But, I'll never miss the payment! It was a mortgage on a condo fee for crying out loud. So my layer was thick when I waved goodbye and sighed with relief at the loss of the payment. Was I irresponsible for missing payments? Nope! My kids nourishment comes first.. I can replace the car. The interest was killing me!

Another decision is on the go too. Do I get a job at a call centre and make more money than a shuttle driver? Do I take a job as a Superintendent of an apartment complex (apartment provided) with a salary or is it too much for me? Do I follow up with a local courier company for a job that would allow me to stick close to home and be home evenings? These decisions I need to make this week. Throwing off one layer to add another. All I need to do is follow through on each fantasy and see where it goes. Besides I am working - that makes it a lot easier to look I guess.

A new year, new decisions, and a resolve to grasp the moment and set myself up for retirement in style.

Happy New Year all. Paul

2009 - Happy New Year

2008-12-28T11:19:00.004-04:00

Anything is better than 2008

I don't know about you, but with the stock market crashes, cost of fuel and general high cost of living - 2008 sucked! I mean my income didn't go up at all! Sheesh!

I travel 45 minutes from home to work one way.. it cost me over $60 a week during the summer to get to work. Thank goodness gas prices are at 69.6 cents per litre.. half the cost to go to work now. (Still too high though)

My investments are slowly coming back but it hurt to lose on RRSP's considering they are my 'future income'. By the time I get to use them they will buy one month of retirement home fees.

So it continues, the rich prosper and the poor remain.

I recently got an email that read like this: "Every now and then along comes something so totally unique, so different and wild, it just takes off and screams "I'm making money!"
This is one of those... You've got to see this site. Spend a little time here. In fact, you can even get paid, just by being there for a few minutes... now that's wild!
More info here: http://www.thefortune39.com/uncover/hugeprobiz/ "

I clicked on that link. I stayed a little while (13 minutes) and reaped a whopping $.10 (cents!!).. Now they are telling me I'll reap like crazy daily. But you know if I did I'd send it to that bank clerk. hehe. They are offering something for $39, so I sent them $39 through my PayPal account (nothing lost there) and I'll keep you posted on my progress.

In the meantime it is 'clean house' time. First the Christmas decorations are down, then the finances cleaned up and it is full steam ahead in 2009.

So let's make it a Happy New Year.

Until next time!
Paul

23 sleeps to Christmas

2008-12-01T22:31:00.002-04:00

Are you ready?

Imagine, only 23 sleeps to the big day everyone waits for at this time of the year. Unbelievable how fast 2008 is slipping by isn't it?

But I would have to say that there are some people who have no excitement or great expectations at the end of this year. Many people dislike the commercialized chaos of this season. Some people have no beliefs around this season. With the cost of living so high it scares people and puts many under extreme pressure to give as they always have even when they can't afford it nor feel in the mood to do so.

Funny really! We give gifts to people we may never talk to all year round but have grown into such creatures of habit that it is essential they get something as a gift from us. Explain this to me please?!

This has been one heck of a year for me! I am sure many of you who happen on this article would agree or relate. I started unemployed January 2008 and was drawing EI. I managed to get a job at Quality Inn (2 days) but had to go on workers compensation due to a back sprain which took over from EI. After physio-therapy I drove for Ambassatours Gray Line (double decker duty). I left that in mid-July for a full-time job at Hilton Garden Inn Airport Hotel. I felt I could make a few extra bucks in September and October, so I went back to Ambassatours Gray Line until mid October, when I again returned to Hilton Garden Inn and am there still. I am months behind on car payments and some bills. Child support and rent and fuel and pellets (if I can find any) are all extra worries. Then there are family birthdays in October (2), November (1) and December (2). And on top of all of this rolls in Christmas. *sigh*

Sleeping is okay because I am basically beat so 23 sleeps won't be the real problem. I have to stop, think and decide that this is the year of practical giving and restraint from over-spending (from what money I am not sure but you get the drift).

Whatever your situation make it the best darn time of the year you can - 2009 just has to be better -- right?

If you can work @home.

Happy Holidays

Paul

Reality check

2008-11-11T09:26:00.003-04:00

Getting the other perspective

Sunday November 9th. I had booked a room at the Hilton Garden Inn about a week ago (staff rate) and packed up the two boys and off we went by 3:00 pm to check in. I usually see the check-in procedure from a staff person's point of view but have never been the customer at the same hotel. It was great service! My rate was the same (no hidden stuff) and all I needed to do was prepay. That done, we were handed our pass keys for the room (306) and took our luggage (minimal) to the room to settle it.

Wanting to see the airport and do a little looking around at the new shops inside, we took the free Hilton shuttle bus over to the airport. The guys got a chance to have a donut and drink from Timmy's and play a few games (car racing, mortal combat) before we decided to return for a proper supper.. caught the 5:00 shuttle.

The oldest son ordered room service (Fish & Chips) and the youngest and myself had free cookies and a drink to tie us over (in fact the huge F&C gave the youngest some fish to eat and I finished up the fries). Then after a short relaxing time the guys put on their swim suits and we went to the pool for a half hour of salt water swimming in the heated pool.

The computer room was next with a visit to the exercise facilities where we all had a go. Now that was fun. Then it was back to the room to check out the flat screen TV with game cube. The youngest wanted that so we booked an hour ($7 wasn't too bad). They wanted another swim so we went back to the pool for another 30 minutes. I decided after that it was 'take it easy time', and I read the paper while the boys got cookies (complimentary), a drink and hit the computer room. All of us returned to the room and relaxed until 9 when we all decided to take in a good night's sleep.

Next morning one boy was up at 5 soon to be sent back to bed for another hour at least. Then we all woke at 6 and he finished his game cube time, and we went down for breakfast. Cereal and croissants, juice and toast. We paid for that, then to the 8:00 shuttle to the airport to take in a few more games, go to the observation tower to watch a few planes take off and land then Timmy's for a treat and back to the hotel.

I checked out (total owed $4) and we killed time waiting for a hunting trip planned for late morning.

All in all, the boys never stopped and after the hunting trip, a short stop at a grocery store we were back home. Evening was the usual computer games and video games, then as I read some stories to the boys the youngest fell sound asleep on the couch and the oldest headed for bed. I watched a movie called "88 Minutes" (Al Pacino) and went to sleep at 11:00. It was a good day!

Why was this a reality check? Well, the yongest boy loves hunting games, computer hunting games that is. The hunting trip was a chance to smell the woods, walk the trails, sit and wait for the possible game (totally uncontrolled as in a game). The oldest got reality from the seat of my car as we scanned a field until grampy finished with the youngest. They both realized the animals do not walk out anytime you want, if at all, and it can be a time consuming wait - eventually, to them, 'boring'! It was good for both of them - I do have a feeling the youngest will go again but the oldest has no urge.

The other reality came from my observation of shuttle dependence and experiencing service as a paying customer. The Hilton has class in all respects and I will have a much better approach as a staff member in my next week of work. As a side note, have you ever noticed how places look and feel when you are not an employee on duty?

Shuttle Fun

2008-11-02T13:45:00.003-04:00

Philisophical Stuff

I have finally realised that each day as a shuttle driver is a different day (outside of the 16 trips to the airport and back). Every person I see is only for 3 or 4 minutes. That experience is their first impression of the Hilton Garden Inn or Holiday Inn Express and can set the tone for the rest of their short stay.

Whether it is the lady who can't speak english or the person late for a flight or the guy who just lost his luggage, each and every person is exactly that - a person! They might be cranky but its because of a bad trip or illness or even despair. A driver can't take everything each says personally - it may not be directed to him/her - it might be a "vent" and the driver is the first chance this person has to do so. Soak it up .. agree, sympathize.

I had a couple of senior ladies get on my shuttle.. I always ask how someone is - and the reply was "Don't ask"! They were coming in from Florida where is was 80 to Halifax where is was 35 and were just plain tired and cold. It actually ended up a laugh as they related their trip and how they "were only 30 years old". So in other words of course they would be cold but they could have remembered they were returning to a colder climate and admitted it after venting. I had given them a chance to vent and cool off in the process.

It can be fun seeing who might get on the bus each trip - where have they been, what brings them here or why? Everyone has a different story and every story has a special meaning to them.

Airports are romantic and emotional places.

Keep It Going

2008-10-11T18:43:00.003-03:00

Keep it going

October 11th. Today was the last official day for me driving for the season at Ambassatours Gray Line. Hilton Garden Inn Airport will allow me to start back as a shuttle driver (see my yahoo group) over the off-season - thank goodness!

I remember last October. I had finished the year, started a course, dropped a course and was unemployed all winter (on EI). It was the hardest winter I have ever lived through. But I lived through it. It was a serious lesson for me: Keep it going.

So, unlike 2007, I am employed and am so very thankful for that. I met a lot of new drivers and guides at Ambassatours this year. But there is something missing - it's hard to explain really - it used to be fun getting up, hopping into a double decker or coach and driving happy vacationers around. But the people politics and the lack of concern for seniority seemed to disappear. I am not sure if it was intentional, but I do know I felt more distressed than blessed this year. Maybe a winter shuttling will help me think about what to do in 2009 - I'll keep you posted on that.

By-the-way, I found an awesome alternative to stuff like Red Bull and the like. It is called Verve from Veema. It is amazing how much energy you get from one can without the huge kick and without any "thud" after it wears off. The energy is healthy - not near the caffeine or sugar as in the other stuff; just good vitamins and minerals and a 'special ingredient'. (Check it out).

So, until next time, have a great fall and prepare for winter.

Keep it going!

Paul
@home

Seasonal vs starvation

2008-09-29T20:10:00.002-03:00

October already!!

To think, October is just around the corner, and Autumn has already arrived. So where did that summer go? I mean one minute it was 30 and humid and the next I had the pellet stove blowing hot air to keep me warm and it was 0 and cold.

Anyways, I've been busy with Ambassatours Gray Line, and now only one month separates me from seasonal layoff/part-time winter work or back to full-time/part-time shuttle work at The Hilton Garden Inn Airport Hotel. I thought I could do both part-time but every day I have had a charter or a cruise ship to drive for and every day in October looks the same.

It sure looks like a rather serious decision as usual.

On top of this I received a letter from some french lawyer (I think - the letter was totally in french) looking for $4000 to pay off my Visa. I wrote a totally english letter to my bank requesting help (haha).

Enjoy this month of Thanksgiving.. watch the colors and talk soon.

Paul

Decisions to please Daddy ????

2008-08-24T09:49:00.003-03:00

Wow - another summer is almost history

In Nova Scotia students go back to school next week (Wednesday Sept 3rd - some Sept 2nd). When you ask any boy or girl if they are looking forward to it some can't wait, others cringe at the mere thought of crossing the threshold of an educational institution. (I remember feeling that way every living school day). But if you look around your community it is obvious the boys and girls need to get back to routine tasks and back with school mates and friends. They have WAY to much free time to cause problems looking for ways to fight their boredom. Boring is the word of the day near the end of the summer. "I'm bored" - "this is boring" - "there's nothing to do." Don't you wish you could say that? ha ha

I am still driving shuttles for the Hilton and believe me there are no boring moments. I was working it full-time while waiting for Ambassatours to ramp up to peak cruise ship season - and its here -September/October are non-stop ships; so I will make Hilton my part-time job and Ambassatours will be my full-time job. I have a feeling Ambassatours will take up most of my time until the end of October then become charters for universities after that. A couple days at the Hilton a week will fill in the gaps.

One needs to pay bills - this has to be the way.

Here is something extremely deep about me. I wonder if you've been in this situation. For years and even into this later stage in my life I have been making decisions making sure my Dad was happy with it. Each one has been ok but was what he felt would work for me. I ended up changing jobs often with this happening each time - me explaining myself to my Dad - but yesterday I told him I "had to make a decision for me". Of course I haven't heard back from him on that (here I go again). Ever want to satisfy your parents so much that your work decisions make you unhappy but pleases them? Thats what I am caught in now.

If you can shed light on this problem please do so. By-the-way my both parents back me up on everything I do, but have a day when they spell out their worry.

Whatever you are doing make sure you enjoy it - make your hobbie your job - that can make all the difference in the world!

Paul
And hey, enjoy what is left of summer and dive into Autumn with a vengence.

Double Time

2008-07-11T08:32:00.003-03:00

As in two jobs

I looked around the corner, as you might remember last month, and I found out I need not one job, but, two jobs, to make ends meet. Thanks to a good resume and a week with only a couple charters, I had time to look.

The Hilton Garden Inn came through with a shuttle job (all I have to remember is to lift properly) and Ambassatours will fit me in around my schedule. The Hilton job lets me have the day free up to 2:00pm - my shift is 3 - 11 Tuesday - Saturday. So if I don't drive for Ambassatours during that time (without affecting my hours of service), I can go boating, pay bills, shop, walk, chill, shovel snow, or whatever until its time to leave.

I am sure there are many out there who have to do the same thing - work two to make it. And if you have a partner who works you have it made too.

Work - we must - but find one (or two) that you like. Better yet, work @home if you can - but work! Then retirement wonlt be a fear.

Until next time.

Paul

Lazy Crazy Days of Summer?

2008-07-02T11:23:00.002-03:00

Happy 141st

141 - that looks a lot like the cost of fuel per litre huh? haha.. Well close enough. But Happy Canada Day to all Canadians and soon it will be July 4th - Independence Day for the USA. Congrats! Have fun.

I have over 200 hours clocked with Ambassatours. Not too bad for the start of summer vacations and cruises. I had a few Prom and grad class charters.. they were fun (just ask local RCMP). RV'rs are arriving and the Tattoo has started too.

Today I am mowing the lawn, sitting and watching the life on the cove in the fog (I think there is something out there). But the temps are up and everyone is enjoying life - well let's hope so.

Work happy @home or wherever you choose.

Talk soon.
Paul

Just Around The Corner

2008-05-26T06:01:00.002-03:00

Summer you say?

May 26th?? Can you believe it? June with all of its glory is just around the corner.

This is a time I wait for every year with keen anticipation. The green grass starts to pop through the grey or brown lawn. The trees bud and the leaves emerge for summer. Birds reappear after their long winter south. The days are longer and the temperatures warm up. But you know all about that.

Tourism is supposed to increase too, or so I am told. Lately work has been rather scarce though. The price of fuel might be to blame. I mean $1.39/litre is down right ridiculous!! Diesel is even more than that!

What can a guy do? Working for a company in travel/tourism is great but its slow to start.. September/October happen to be the busiest months. May, June, July and August can be ok but not enough to keep the bills paid. A second job maybe? But hold it.. if one gets a second job how can he be sure he'll be available for the first one? Talk about an ethics problem.. sheesh!

So, I guess a job decision is just around the corner too. Do I stay with Ambassatours until layoff time in October?? Or, do I find a job that keeps me going year-round.. sounds easy but it is proving rather difficult at the moment.

I'll have to wait for the answer - it has to be just around the corner.

Hey.. work @home @least!

Paul

Physio-Therapy??

2008-04-19T09:11:00.004-03:00

Fixing mind and body

After that back injury I was pleased to get some 'repair work' done by way of physiotherapy. These guys know their business. The first job was to get the inflamation down then work the muscle through various stretching techniques and electronic stimulation. Awesome!

I would tell him how things felt and he could snap the right cord and relieve the pressure. I remember one day telling him I was tense on the opposite side of my sprain.. he bent me in half while on my side, said take a deep breath and *snap* that knot was gone and I mean gone ! I haven't had trouble since. Sweet!

I had a sore lower side while sitting at times, so I mentioned it to him.. I felt like I had to really relax to calm it down. Although this one was a little painful to cure, he pressed his elbow into my hip and massaged that muscle until everything loosened up and voila - gone! After a brief explanation of what it was and a few exercise suggestions I can now handle that pain that I was putting up with every drive I took. Nice!

After 10 sessions I can get in and out of bed without gritting my teeth; bend to tie my shoes without favoring my entire body; and now am able to lift what I am required to lift on a daily basis.

The physio scan (functional) put me through several weight handling situations. Lifting weight from a chair to a shelf.. adding more weight and doing it again until I couldn't lift comfortably. Filling a bucket with weight.. walking to a specified location in the room, having more weight added and walking back until I couldn't handle anymore weight. A push meter and a pull gauge were used for those measurements. The first week I was not good.. 30 pounds lifting, maybe 50 walking. I am not sure of the pull and push weights I could handle. After the third week, I had almost doubled and even tripled some of that weight.

That was the body.. but more importantly my mind was under therapy as well. Think about it! I was sore, so I didn't feel good about lifting, even moving, comfortably. Then my body was repaired and I felt more "confident" to lift more weight, then after 3 weeks I felt really good about being able to handle the weight and was asked to stop - I had reached goals for the tests. That was my mind being fixed.. I had lost confidence through the pain to handle weight.. that was fixed. It was like a eurika!

So if you have pain or muscle issues or broken bones and are going through the 'physio' process, let them take it all the way. Fix your body, retrain your mind and keep going. It proved to me I am only as strong or capable as my mind lets me be and building up confidence comes easy with professional help. (And that doesn't mean a phychiatrist!)

I put my swing chair up yesterday.. I carry my wood pellets in again.. I carry on with my boys again. And I will soon be transporting passengers around in a new tourist season.

Fantastic!! Even better 'workers compensation' paid for it all.. even my mileage to and from.. gotta love that too. It is done April 29th, just in time for May 1st tours.

Enjoy spring.. summer is soon to follow. Exercise your mind and your body.

Paul

PS: I worked @home during this process and workers compensation along with a tax return got me through another month. I made it through the winter - yeeehawww.

April Showers

2008-04-08T19:29:00.002-03:00

Seasons change

What a month!

Remember that great idea I had - finding that job that had driving and full-time year-round work to boot? Well I did do that (Quality Inn) but I injured myself. So now it is workers compensation and physiotherapy until the end of this month.

The good side I guess is that in the meantime I had 2 days of training (one for a new pre-trip training and Professional Drivers Improvement) for Ambassatours Gray Line. I can now train on the new fleet of tour buses and get all ready for the 2008 season while on workers comp and physio. I can also get my free training for First Aid.

There is a time for every season.

Have a good month.. work @home if you can.

Paul

See ya later winter blahs

2008-03-12T10:15:00.002-03:00

Spring into spring

WOW.. what a brutally long winter.. it started November 1st, 2007 and is still at it in some places. But spring is just around the corner. Have you ever noticed how winter brings everyone and everything to a dull lull??

Let me give you a personal example. On November 9th I was seasonally laid off from Ambassatours Gray Line. I took advantage of Employment Insurance in November, December, January and February but found that the loss of employment income brought my self-esteem down to where I didn't think I could do anything. Now thats winter blahs!

In mid-March the insurance ran out.. now I was officially broke! My bills still accumulated though and I was lucky enough to have enough to make my car payments to keep the car to look for work. I applied to several places over the winter with no answers or change of plans. I tried couriers, but I would have had to use my own car (it would have been ruined). I applied to government jobs and trucking jobs.. never got a reply.

This past weekend we put our clocks ahead. It was like an "end the blahs" switch. I got a call from a trucking company offering me a job. I had applied to a hotel and they offered me a job, and Ambassatours asked me if I was ready to drive this season again. Like the expression goes: "it never rains but it pours" and wow the heavens opened with all sorts of opportunities.

Well, long story short I accepted the Quality Inns job and the potential opportunities are amazing! I start as a shuttle driver to the airport (1 mile away) for the hotel but I can see desk work, banquet and meeting room setup work and who knows what in time. It is a job come true. I had not taken the courier job and the Inn job availed itself! Talk about divine intervention.. everything happened (delays and choices) in exactly the way they were supposed to.

The blahs are gone.. I have a new job with set hours and set pay and lots of tips in a field that still caters to my love of people and love of driving but no more seasonal layoff blahs.

Moral of the story.. let the blahs be an opportunity to evaluate your choices slowly and as detailed as you can. Then let divine intervention make the choice in its own time. My insurance ended the same day I got the new job - go figure!!

Good luck in 2008 - work @home, work @what-you-want but work happy.

ReFocus! often.
Paul

February - the longest month of the year

2008-02-17T09:48:00.004-04:00

almost there

February tends to be a long month in the middle of a longer winter. The last stat was that we had 15 snow storms this winter compared to maybe 2 last year. That in itself is hard to take!

But as the days get longer and the last half of February starts we can look forward to Spring and all the joy it brings.

The days inside also give a person lots of time to think. That can be a problem for some as they contemplate the meaning of life in the state of winter blahs or it can mean planning for a year in an effort to get past them.

I have had a setback or two but I feel good that something should happen soon in the way of work and I know for sure that I'll be driving buses in June. It is just getting there that has me worried. The debts and cost of living are un-ending but the wages or assistance from Employment Insurance inadequate to handle them. It makes a guy worry.

I applied to many out of home jobs and ICT Group (@home job). I have yet to hear from any of them but to land something part-time will save the day and my credit rating.

I even resorted to putting my car and boat up for sale to make ends meet. Hard to sell a boat in the winter and with the value of the dollar new car sales are easier then buying one that has depreciated my car well beyond the loan owed.

Thank God for family and friends helping me get by :)

Take care this month.. March is around the corner and @home opps might surface soon.

Work @home not @hardship.
Paul

January Blahs

2008-01-15T09:28:00.001-04:00

2008 continues

Hi goal setters and mini-goal keepers. Hopefully you are attacking those short-term goals with a vengeance.

I have a little goal set - appeal the Provincial Department of Education (Loans). Remember them? They gave me $7000 then decided mid-term to want it back. I'll keep you posted.

Had snow overnight, so I better clean up the driveway... although since I am home and not going far its just exercise :). You just have to love this @home existence.

ReFocus! Work @home
Paul

Happy 2008

2008-01-03T09:02:00.000-04:00

Hopefully

With another year, comes another chance. We all make our resolutions, our big plans, and then for some strange reason not always follow through. Why is that? Is it because we are caught in the excitement of a new year at first then settle back into the 'known' after it gets rolling? Well I'll let you answer that one.

What are your hopes, your dreams, your plans? As you focus or ReFocus on them remember that this year is your year. Set a mini-goal - reach it and do it again.. if you did that once a month you would achieve 12 goals this year. (If it is losing 5 pounds - you'll lose 60 by December; or saving $100 a month- that's $1200 by December)

I plan on doing that - first I want an income - then I'm taking that income and pumping it into my debts. When thats done, time for a vacation.. winter will be over by then. Then of course back to driving tours in Nova Scotia - my summer semi-retirement job. But I have learned a hard lesson - winter is long when money is short - so I'm planning ahead for a better winter next year.

So do yourself a favor - ReFocus work @home even - but reach a pile of little goals and smile.

Take care this year.
Paul

Happy Holidays

2007-12-25T10:01:00.000-04:00

2007 is almost history

Wow.. where did that year go, huh? I sure hope it was a good one for you and yours. I was sitting back thinking about the events of 2007 in my home. Had a J.O.B. at CGI January to April. Then I drove tour buses all summer and to the end of October. I got a student loan and now they want it back. I applied to a university but now have to cancel (no money). But its Christmas Day and the best part of that is that I can turn all that off and concentrate on this 'most wonderful time of the year'.

I just cannot wait for the new year to see what happens next.

Happy Holidays everyone.
Paul @home

Weekend Update

2007-12-14T22:08:00.000-04:00

12 days to Christmas and counting

Hi everyone

Another week has slipped by with a lot of junk email, and junk mail, in our inboxes. Phew. It is truly crazy what this paperless world has continued to do isn't it? Everything from flyers to fake money making schemes.

Well I don't know about you but I think with the holidays so near it is rather hard to find something to do @home as far as work. But if you are diligent over the next couple of weeks you might be set up for the new year. Refreshed and ready to go so-to-speak. I always find a new year to be a time to say goodbye to old habits and hello to a new start.

Stand by for more on that later but for now, enjoy your weekend.

Remember to ReFocus! @home
Paul

Sixteen Days

2007-12-09T17:21:00.000-04:00

until the holidays

Another week has gone by - are you ready for the next one? With 16 days until the holidays it tends to be rather stressful trying to figure out how one more paycheque is going to cover the costs, right?

Well I have been browsing and receiving emails as usual and learned a lot about this time of year. It is supposed to be a giving time. We can give of ourselves, give money, give a gift, or give up. Our choice.

I got an email about Dubai.. know where that is? Check this website for a rather interesting opportunity (if you see it that way) http://refocus.dubaimlm.com/ . I was rather taken by its huge numbers.

I guess its up to you but what a monster of a place don't you think? I wonder if it's on the up and up? It is free to join I suppose.. might be fun watching if nothing else.

In the meantime, back to reality, have a great week.. make it your own.. work @home.

Paul

Options Options Options

2007-12-06T07:27:00.000-04:00

Unemployment options

Hi everyone. This might be a rather serious sounding posting but it amazed me when I researched how many options there are when it comes to being 'unemployed/unemployable'.

Firstly, in Nova Scotia, Canada, as I am sure in the US, we have EI or UI or whatever its called. In other words, Employment Insurance. 55% of your insurable earnings from the last 52 weeks of work (assuming you didn't quit) translate into a weekly payment over a certain period of time (9 months). Sometimes this is quite a good sum and one can live quite comfortably. (Here is a tip though - don't quit a job and try for EI/UI - they don't like that, unless it was for extenuating circumstances). Check out that website for nitty gritty details.

Secondly, there is Social Assistance. This is where your basic living expenses, and that includes rent, heat, lights, water, and food and even medical or dental expenses are covered. They even have programs for housing and repairs. Check out the website. Amazing help is available. I know people who just can't work for some reason or have run out of EI and this is the only place to turn (or starve). I also know people who use/(abuse?) this system and make more than most people who work. If you get past the stigma attached to "welfare" this can be a life-saver.

Then there is EI with a catch (I call it that). You can draw EI and after a referral from a job search agency start a 40 week Self-Employment Benefit. This program allows you to continue receiving your EI but make money 'without penalty' while running a business that you are trained to create and operate. In Nova Scotia it is offered through CEED. To me this is amazing, especially if you have a viable business idea and it starts to make money. They will start you from scratch and work with you on a business plan, financing and eventually the grand opening of your business. One has said that to make money you need to own the business not work for a business. This is the ticket for self-employed work @home enthusiasts. And its paid for by the government (Human Resourses Department). The money you make will not stop your EI. If the business looks like it might be struggling, you still have income while you iron out the marketing or advertising campaigns.

Of course, in my mind, the last option is a full or part-time time J.O.B. I remember drawing EI and I actually lived more within my means by NOT having to pay as much for fuel and lunch food because the car didn't move and I ate at home. Think about it - no wear and tear on the car and no commuting on winter roads or contending with traffic. And remember only income tax is taken from EI whereas every deduction known to mankind is taken from a paycheque. In the end you make almost the same amount. You still have to claim it as income though.

I am not saying quit your job! If its working for you - keep it - there are not many jobs around. What I am saying is that there are good options available to people who unfortunately lose their jobs through layoff or dismissal without just cause.

I have worked almost 37 years of my life. I paid into the EI program as a premium from my pay and sometimes it seems reasonable that I should get some of the benefits from that.

To top it all off, I can work @home. Hmm.. might be a good idea as I wait for the tourism season to start again in 2008.

Take time to ReFocus! Telecommute!
Have a great weekend.

Paul

Courier Update

2007-12-03T07:48:00.000-04:00

Rose Colored Glasses

The courier idea is a good thing if you are have no income whatsoever.. but remember the wear and tear on your car/van can be brutal (ask any cabbie) so before you try it make sure you've tried all other alternatives OR make sure you are using the courier companies vehicle!

22 days to Christmas - wow.. and I haven't even started looking for gifts.

Good luck @home.. ReFocus!

Back soon
Paul

@home in your car

2007-11-30T09:41:00.000-04:00

Couriers and self-employment?

Hi everyone.. hey.. 25 days to Christmas.. are you ready? Neither am I .. ha ha

I found a most amazing angle to 'self-employment' and @home working using your own car as your 'home'.

If you like to drive and want to write off expenses to save on income taxes, here's what I found. In Canada you can claim a business expense for all the work you do from your car if you are paid for it. I applied to several Courier Companies here in Halifax/Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and the one I liked the most was Apple Courier. I talked to them, told them when I was available and what kind of car I had and they offered me a 'job'. I'll get a walkie talkie/dispatch unit which will allow me to get work, and a GPS unit so they will know where I am so I can stay within an area to get the most done in the fastest time.

Here is the great part.. all my car expenses - loan payment, gas, insurance, bridge/road tolls, and service/repairs are all deductable as an expense against my income at the end of the year.

So in essence I am a 'self-employed courier' working for a 'well known' courier company with guaranteed business and no management headaches. All I need to do is make sure I have workmans compensation coverage and a clean drivers abstract.

This may not appeal to everyone, but for 5 days a week (or whatever you are able to do part-time even), from 8-5 you can earn 70% commissions (in this case anyways) on the delivery and pickup of parcels within your very own city. No sitting at a cubicle or being stuck in the office.

I'll be @home in my car - sure eliminates office politics unless I have a problem with the news on the radio.

ReFocus! Work @home (wherever that might be).

Have a great holiday season everyone.

Paul

Lest We Forget

2007-11-10T09:18:00.000-04:00

Remembrance Day
Letters that Remember

As the title says, in Canada it is Remembrance Day weekend. It is a time to reflect on those who went to war for our country and died for the same. It is time to remember their sacrifice for our national freedom. It is time to remember their families left behind. Never Forget!!!

Hello everyone. Did you see that YouTube video on the Blogger page called ToDoLists? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HXoU1LJtMg . Quite amazing really. Like she says, we all do them for whatever reason and it does reveal quite a bit about us; what is on our minds, short to long term goals or simply what we need at the grocery store. She was quite smart to actually take all the To-Do Lists she received from people and create a book. And she did it from home.

I felt this was quite appropriate for my blog as anything you do @home can be lucrative if you think about it. For her it was ToDo lists. Can you think of anything? Mom's recipes? Dad's tricks of his trade? Your brother's or sister's system for finding a "friend"? Car tips?

As you know, I have started full-time studies to get a degree. I took on way to much at my age, and dropped a couple courses. Now I am still behind with only three. My ToDo list is turning out to be a ToStressAbout list. I didn't want my @home experience to be that. You see, two of these courses are online courses and one is not. But all three are highly involved - lots of reading - some overlapping assignment due dates. My current mindset cannot do it like I could when I was just out of school. That study pattern has long disappeared. To top that off, tourist season is over - my job is down to one charter (possibly) a week. This means I may have to depend on the social systems to keep food on the table and money in the bank. So I am slightly distracted too. I am contemplating dropping the online courses (dispite the penalties). See what happens when you take on too much. :-)

If you get a chance take a look at this: http://www.refocus.savingshighway.com/index.php?id=refocus&page=home&theme=5 . I haven't done all that much with it yet, but I see a great way to save a dollar and make one too while helping others.

I was told by a wise entrepreneur once, that it is best to buy an existing business, get trained by the former owner and run with what exists. Wise advice, don't you think? It is in most cases, expecially if that business is doing well and the owner is truly getting out of it.

Well I saw an ad on a restaurant website last week. It had a shuttle service and Limo service that catered to clients of not only the restaurant but to the people of the community in which it was built. I took a chance! I emailed the owner of the Limo/Shuttle service and asked him if he ever looked for drivers? (Good sideline work I felt). I got a reply quite quickly that he was getting rid of the shuttle service and continuing with the Limo service, but if I wanted the whole works, and since he was 65, I could have it all.

Wow - here was an established business with established clients. I persued it some more and asked what he would take for the business. $40,000! Hmm.. not bad considering a van, limo, phone number and clients were already in place.

I called my bank and asked if the assets (van/Limo) would be enough to secure a $40K loan. No problem as long as financial statements could be submitted. I asked the owner if we could talk about it. He was willing.

Well to make this long story a little shorter, he must have changed his mind when he thought about things. When I said I was going to call him he immediately emailed that I should get my own van and do as he did. His business suddenly became worth more to him. Maybe what I had done by offering to buy the business was make him see that is was worth something for him to stay with it.

Although disappointed I learned a good lesson and thanked him for his patience and advice. We need to start what we want ourselves. Whether it is @home or outside, it will be ours and define who we are. Then down the road we can sell it and retire.

Enjoy this weekend. Think about what you can do @home. ReFocus! and see what happens.

Take care
Paul

Reap The Harvest

2007-10-19T12:43:00.000-03:00

Autumn renewal

It can be said that in business, in life, and in love, fall can revitalize us. The fresh air, the colors, and the new season brings about a change of attitude. In business its time whether your business is online or brick and mortar to tap the market returning from vacation. In life its time to look at what a vacation has done and take the renewed energy and apply it to our business. In love its time to freshen up with a harvest of new hope and thoughts of thanksgiving and friendship.

Thousands of students have returned to school or college. Thousands of parents or grandparents (after sighing a sigh of relief) are preparing for the holidays. Fresh fruit and vegetables are everywhere and the colors of fall are something to feast our eyes upon. Attitudes are happy.

Those of us who work @home either studying or as contracted out for our expertise can now settle down and make the fall harvest truly count as we re-introduce our products and services to our old and new markets. Another approach might be necessary. Another angle will work.

But through it all there is still that wonderful feeling that you won't have to commute nor waste a tonne of money trying to get to work on a cold wintery day. Working @home is your pre-retirement blessing.

Reap the harvest. Have an awesome @home experience.

Paul

Hazy August turns to crisp September

2007-08-31T18:02:00.000-03:00

Plan for winter today

So.. July and August are history and September is upon us. Parents are preparing for work after vacation, students get ready for a new year at school or university/college and the days get shorter as winter creeps ever closer.

August has been a busy time for me. I have driven 1000's of tourists around this wonderful province of Nova Scotia (Canada) and in circles around the capital city (Halifax). September will bring a cruise ship a day sometimes 2 or 3 and even one day has 4 ships. All the students and all the tourists fill up the city making moving around ever so challenging. Five universities bring over 40,000 students and 40 ships another 80,000 over the month. To say the least I will be busy behind the wheel.

Another change in my routine revolves around acquiring a degree in Theology. I was accepted at a university and was awarded a student loan to cover the first year nicely. So now, at middle-age I can get my degree and drive - my favorite past-time.

There are many oppotunities to work at home. Studying for a degree and driving allow me to do just that. The university where I was accepted allows me to do so from home - no dorms, and no commuting to school over wintery roads (the campus is 45 minutes away). Tourism will slow down by November so the student loan and my savings will get me through a cold winter inside a warm "home school".

Good luck in the fall.. work @home. Its the way of today.

Paul

Sweet Summer Vacation

2007-07-11T09:17:00.000-03:00

Are you getting vacation time you deserve?

Vacation is a term used in English-speaking North America to describe a lengthy time away from work or school, a trip abroad, or simply a pleasure trip away from home, such as a trip to the beach that lasts several days or longer. (Wikipedia).

Notice that? Several days .. not just a day. I remember taking vacations around my normal shifts. So in effect I never did get a vacation and the company never paid out my vacation pay back to me. So I learned quickly that the 15 or 20 days I had should include shifts I would have normally worked that week or two. That made it truly a vacation.

I can remember feeling guilty I was leaving my post for vacation - but in retrospect I sure am glad I did or I would have burned out.

What is my message here? Take time off .. whether you are full-time, part-time or work @home. Get away from your work and play a little and for more than a single day. If your business requires that your inbox or to-do list be completed even when you are away, have someone do it for you at a low fee, so you can relax.

My line of work now is Tours and Site-seeing. I work in a perfect industry because my days on are really trips away. My days off are to relax before the next "vacation" trip. Try to find work or an occupation that lets you truly enjoy what you are doing and actually makes you feel guilty that you are getting paid to be on "vacation".

If you don't have such a job - book time off today - you deserve it - winters are long - and look around you - everyone else is taking time off, why not you?

Have an awesome summer.

Paul

&&& Happy Canada Day / 4th of July &&&

2007-06-29T22:00:00.001-03:00

Have a most enjoyable celebration of Canada Day in Canada and 4th of July in the US.

Paul

June Bugs

2007-06-05T18:58:00.000-03:00

Hey everyone checking out this blog.

The schools are closing soon, the universities have shut their doors to everyone but summer students, and tourists are starting to move about the country in an effort to escape the day-to-day grind. I am a full-time semi-retired driving professional and I was talking with an individual on a charter last evening and I related to him how I had over 30 years of computer/IT experience and that I had had enough and driving was my passion of the present. He was impressed. He said too often people stay in their ruts and stressful lifestyles only to retire exhausted.

It is your turn.. time to think of a way you can work @home (telecommute). I am using skills I have acquired over those 30 years to give guided tours of the province I love.. what better way to spend time and make money at the same time. My home office is my motor coach or double decker and my reward is my bank account balance. Some drivers call it a job - I call it a lifestyle of pleasure. Isn't that what you want?

So, make two lists; one with all your good points and one with all your bad points and resolve to make your good ones stronger and eliminate your bad ones.

If your J.O.B. is causing you to be short tempered or irritable with your family members maybe its your job that needs to go! Get back your family - start a business or hobby with them - leave the boss behind! They say there is power in numbers. If you and your spouse (or significant other) and extended family can get together and brainstorm an idea and pool all resources - both talents and finances - you will be amazed at what you can do. Family businesses last a whole lot longer then corporations because the family keeps the business going. But keep in mind also you'll need to find an alternate health and dental plan.

Don't let the June bugs bite!! ReFocus!

Have an awesome summer.

Paul

May this month be whatever you may want it to be

2007-04-29T20:37:00.000-03:00

May'Be - its your turn

[I applied but have heard nothing yet about the @home opportunity with Staples (Home Depot) but I will let you know shortly].

In the meantime I've managed to secure a line of credit (great for bills) and get ready for the tourist season which usually starts in May. I do know May 13th will be busy day as the first cruise ship arrives in port. Hopefully I'll get to drive one of the 53 vehicles that day.

If you are interested I am a driver/guide for a company called Ambassatours Gray Line. There are marvelous worldwide tours made available through Gray Line. Take a look.

Have a great week. And remember to look for those May flowers.

Take care
Paul

Semi-retired? What's that ?

2007-04-21T09:07:00.000-03:00

Is it Time To ReTire?

Have you ever been asked: "so, when do you plan on retiring?" What is that anyways? You mean you can actually stop working and never do a thing again? You mean money will always come in and bills will stop? That RRSP is finally yours? The pension plan at work and all the savings can finally be used until your inevitable demise?

Hold it!!! Let us define retirement: Retirement is the point where a person stops employment. (ok.. thats right then). A person may also semi-retire and keep some sort of job, although usually out of choice rather than necessity (ahhh- there's our work @home phrase).

So.. if there is enough pension savings you can retire fully - but semi-retirement is that state when you work part of the time and let your savings take you the rest of the way.

So.. I semi-retired. I work part of the time and save money by not commuting the other part. Sure works for me. Sometimes the cost of working exceeds the cost of living when you get right down to it. I can now fill my gas tank and it will last for two weeks!! I can get food and not eat out and save substantially. And, I can work @home on different projects that can become very lucrative or even hold down a tele-commuting job.

As a matter of fact, Staples Depot (Business Depot) has an local opening for a @home Customer Service Rep. I think I'll apply and see where it goes.

If you read this - tell me your experiences with retirement/semi-retirement.

Above all - have a great day!

Paul

Never Rains but pours

2007-04-13T18:17:00.000-03:00

Hello. Hope you enjoyed your Easter celebrations. Where did this week go? Into the past I guess - best place for it.

Well, as you know, I was working on getting away from shiftwork and into bus driving/guiding. It is official as I said last week and tomorrow is my last official day with the corporation. I am now offically a driver/guide. I have felt the stress fall away as I think about not having to work those brutal 12.5 hour shifts. Wouldn't you?

In the meantime I had a call from an employment agency. The lady said she had found my resume and had an offer for me with a national company as a temporary driver. I asked her many questions and in the end realized I had the best job as it was and was not interested. To have offers at my age sure felt good.

As far as work @home opportunities I have not had much time to research more for you but will do so and expect an update soon.

Have an awesome weekend.

Paul

Easter Greetings

2007-04-06T22:08:00.000-03:00

Easter

The weekend is here. It is always a good time to relax and be with family and friends. This weekend started great with a Good Friday service and a relaxing day to follow. Yesterday was my last 12.5 hour shift. Yes.. no more.. nada.. never again. It felt like a ton (tonne) of bricks has been lifted from my shoulders and my head can finally pop back out. The stress is gone. I was given a fine lunch and a gift certificate and a nice card with many thoughtful comments. It is funny though - we always get the comments that praise your character and ethics or personality the day you leave - never during your stay. I was always one who liked feedback (good or bad) on a weekly basis. That can keep one honest and working harder. Nevertheless it was nice.

I had great plans to lay it on the line - tell the management what was going on and what a political playground I was in. But, alas, I didn't. I thought I better not burn any bridges.

I am now available after the Easter weekend to my new employer and can hardly wait.

Have a fine holiday no matter what you may believe and hope the easter bunny finds you :)

Paul

>>> Decision Made <<< >>> Feels great <<<

2007-03-29T21:44:00.000-03:00

Move ahead

It has been a great week. Decisions around career have been made. No more shiftwork! I told the corporate giant I work for that I would be leaving in a month and a half. Well next week after 4 days off, I work my last three 12.5 hour dayshifts then have 4 off and 3 days vacation. That will end my association with the company. I can then make myself totally available to the new employer. It feels great. The time during 'the notice' has allowed me to pass along knowledge and experience to new hires and feel comfortable but not complacent with the days that are left.

I struggle a little with the politics and procedures but I know soon they will be a thing of the past. There is also an opportunity through an exit interview to explain why I resigned my position. I want to tell them about the bad management, lack of ethics, or lack of respect I received but I wonder if that would just make me happy rather than make a point worth making.

In any case, on April 5th, I will work my last shift and move on to a new career. That is next week.. amazing how fast that month and a half went by!

Have an awesome weekend everyone.

Paul

Spring ahead

2007-03-22T22:46:00.000-03:00

Spring has finally arrived here in eastern Canada. To have longer days with more light sure feels good, and that sun actually feels warm. The idea of springing ahead as we set our clocks ahead early this year was a nice change. The winter 'blahs' took a hike.

Remember LiveOps.. well I did the audition and it took awhile but I received this:

Congratulations!

The LiveOps Agent Services Team has reviewed your quiz scores and voice audition, and has determined that you are an excellent candidate to certify your home business with LiveOps!

LiveOps Direct Response clients want you to immediately begin certifying to take phone orders in time for large call volume weekends. You must send your completed paperwork to LiveOps within the next few days in order to complete certification in time.

Now that was amazing but since I live in Canada I will not waste their time or mine, but it was good to hear from them. Have you tried? Let me know how it came out.

With the topic being "Spring" I also took the plunge (so-to-speak) and am getting out of the shiftwork mess and into regular work hours. That has already put a spring in my step. I put in my last 12.5 hour nightshift Tuesday night. The corporate world sure messes with a person's head.

So on this first week of spring 2007, I wish you all the best and keep that 'spring feeling'.

All the best.

Paul

Go "West"

2007-03-09T07:57:00.000-04:00

ReFocus! Pick a direction.

Go West

Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, West processes billions of minutes in voice-related transactions every year and they employ over 28,000 people, located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. And while their client base is expansive, their focus is singular. They specialize in the creation of voice-related solutions, based on the leading technologies and the strength of their methodologies that have been proven over time.

West @Home

West at Home agents handle calls for a variety of products and services. From customer service calls to order processing, every agent receives web-based certification to handle these incoming calls on behalf of some of the nation’s premier companies in the wireless, retail, Internet, restaurant, and other industries.

In response to an increase in their call volume during weekend hours, they are at this time seeking hundreds of Contractors who are available to work on the WEEKEND. This is a great opportunity for those who are looking for supplemental income and an opportunity with weekend hours available during the day, evening and graveyard for maximum flexibility. If these hours meet your needs, please register and complete the on-line assessment today! You will be contacted via email within seven business days regarding your next steps in the process of becoming a Contractor (please be sure to check your email often!!).

As an Independent Contractor for West At Home Agent you have 100% flexibility because it’s your own business:

You work from your home.

You are self-employed — your own boss.

You set your own hours to work around your schedule — hours vary by project.

You have flexibility to create your schedule daily.

You do not have to commute/no drive to work.

You can wear what you want — no dress code or dry cleaning bills

To find out more information about West At Home including the registration process, equipment requirements, pay, and answers to other questions, please visit the About and Support sections.

Are you ready to get started? There is no investment required. You can even complete training from your home PC through their web-based training certification program.

Steps to Becoming a West At Home Agent:

The following steps explain how you can register, interview, and begin certification to become a West At Home Agent.

Step 1: Completing the on-line registration form
West At Home Agent follows a standard selection process for all registrants. You must complete the registration form on this website. Please make sure that you have a valid email account before completing the registration form. Your email account is a vital communication link. Minutes after completing the registration form you will receive an email with your status, either accepted for further consideration or qualifications do not match West-At-Home agent requirements.

Step 2: Taking the Suitability Survey
When you receive the acceptance email, you will find a link to the web site to take the Suitability Survey. This survey will enable them to help you be successful. Upon completing the survey, you will receive another email with your current status. If you are accepted for further consideration an appointment date and time will be confirmed for a telephone interview with their Contractor Support Staff.

Step 3: Phone Interview
The Contractor Support Staff will call you as scheduled. The phone interview will last about 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Welcome to West At Home Agents
Once the phone interview and background investigation authorization have been completed, you will receive an email with important information about training and certification.

Good luck and please let me know how it went ...

Paul

Work-at-Home Customer Service Jobs on the Rise

2007-03-01T21:48:00.000-04:00

According to a 2005 article by the New York Times, work-at-home customer service job opportunities are on the rise in the U.S. (Customer service jobs are also referred to as call center jobs.) The article indicated failed offshoring attempts due to language barriers, as one of the reasons why U.S. companies are now hiring more local representatives (agents) for work-at-home customer service jobs.

By employing work-at-home agents, companies also reduce attrition in customer service jobs while saving money on office rent, utilities and equipment. Consequently, they're relatively eager to employ work-at-home agents and motivated to pass along some of their savings in the form of increased hourly wages. According to the article, customer service representatives working in traditional call centers generally earn only $8 to $9 per hour, but work-at-home customer service agents generally earn $13 to $14.

The advantages for agents employed in work-at-home customer service jobs are fairly obvious, especially for stay-at-home parents and physically challenged people who need income. But perhaps a not-so-obvious advantage is that you can sweeten your net pay, if you're eligible to take deductions at tax time for business use of your home.

... more to come

Paul

Homeshoring

2007-02-07T14:47:00.000-04:00

All a-shore whose going a-shore!!

Paul here with another weekly update on a new and fantastic trend. Check out the chart - the trend is amazing for @home customer service representation. 40,000 - 60,000 more @home workers each year up to 2010 is amazing growth. Why not be one of them?

Homeshoring is the use of home-based workers, such as customer service agents. Through the use of technology, home-based workers can log onto company systems seamlessly to do their work. They just need a broadband Internet connection, a phone line and a computer. The person at the other end of the telephone or computer, or otherwise receiving the service, has no idea that the person is really working from home.

I recently looked at Arise - a company strong in providing homeshoring opportunities for anyone who might be interested and of course qualifies for a position. What I liked about Arise was the comprehensive screening process. My only stumbling block was the fact I could choose a country (Canada) but only a ZIP code was accepted to proceed through the process. I have an outstanding email on that one.

With the trend going upwards it is obvious that homeshore, inshore, @home, or whatever a company chooses to call it, is going to save money on real estate as each agent has his or her own. The opportunities for disabled individuals to work in a rewarding career is finally here.

Continue to ReFocus! Have a great weekend.

Paul

Find February

2007-02-01T22:14:00.000-04:00

Just a quick "Hello"

I have just finished a most grueling 3 day shift of monthend related work at my place of employment. All-in-all, I worked 37.5 hours in those 3 days. I woke tired and in the dark, I worked hard and missed the day, and I slept like a ton of bricks. Makes me wonder if I enjoyed it or not; or was I running on sugar rushes.

There is a better way to make a living - there is a better location. The work @home opportunities we have looked at prove it.

So, let us 'find February' on this 1st day of the month and run with it. It can make a cold winter warm as we energize our minds and ReFocus!

Thanks for reading.. have an awesome month @home (if you can). Look for Volume 2 of ReFocus! coming soon to the blog you are reading.

Paul
Get your own ReFocus! ebook

Work @home continued

2007-01-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

Well .. hi again.. we've had a couple of brutally cold days but by staying inside I have had a chance to look at amazing opportunities to "work @ home" .

My first find is a company called "Working Solutions". Just look under the Agent section and FAQ's. It will answer a lot of your questions and then you will have a good idea what is involved before you decide to apply. The hourly wage is around $9.00 an hour. This company is looking for worldwide agents. I took the two tests during the application process and they were quite good. The first one allows you to summarize a call that you listen to, and the second allows you to call a special number with your assigned agent number and respond to a situation as if you were answering a call, as well as commenting on what you can offer the company and why you feel you would be a good fit. (I'll let you know how that screening process shakes out for me). Give it a whirl.. you have nothing to lose!

The second find is Alpine Access . This company seems to be quite thorough in its application process and even offers paid training. Agents are sought primarily in the US but I read that international agents are not impossible. Again read the FAQ page and apply if you like it. Wages range from $7 - $30 depending on the type of client. I did not get far with the online application mainly because there is no option for anything other than US as a country. I sent an email to get info on applying if out of the US. Again, give this one a go.. it looks very professional and you would actually qualify for company benefits like medical, vision and dental care after a short evaluation period.

Have fun this weekend. Happy job @ home hunting.

Paul

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Work @home you say?

2007-01-24T17:49:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone.

I just finished up 39 hours of nightshifts in 3 nights. Although feeling a little jet-lagged (so-to-speak) I can finally relax. During some lull times during the last three nights I had a chance to check out an idea that struck me as rather interesting. I am sure you have heard of it - working @home. I am not talking about MLM or some other hair-brained scheme that costs you money, but rather legitimate work @home.

The first company I looked at was TeleTech . It appears that they have started a new concept in customer service representation through the home based telecommuting model. Once screened anyone in the US can assume the position of a CSR through TeleTech@Home.

Here is the job advertisment on the site:

TeleTech @Home Customer Service Representative
Location
Englewood, CO

********************************************************************
Now Accepting Applications in all states to be filled in the next 3 - 6 months!********************************************************************
Make an Impact Without Leaving the House! Excellence. Innovation. Passion. Creating customers for life. That’s what TeleTech's work at home program stands for, and if you are the kind of person who is a motivated, self-starter who enjoys working from the comfort of your own home, then we have a great opportunity for you!

All positions are part-time, with a minimum of 20 hours per week, and you are empowered to select from our variable list of shift times to create a schedule that works for you. No ‘suiting up’ in the morning, juggling family appointments, spending your paycheck on gas, or navigating rush hour.

Interesting huh? Having been a former TeleTech employee I applied before I read that it was only in the US but was told by an online customer service agent that it may move into Canada soon. But if you are in the US try it!!

What an awesome concept!!! If you like the phone and can do it @home it sure could save you some money and in a way saves TeleTech money too making it a win-win situation. (By-the-way I am in no way associated nor advertise for TeleTech or paid to promote any offerings from the same).

Here is another one I found - LiveOps . This company caters to the business world. That is also home business. You go through a Qualifying Process to become an Agent for LiveOps. "An Agent is an independent contractor that develops and manages their own business. An Independent Agent contracts with LiveOps under an Independent Contractors Agreement to receive calls from people requesting products or services from LiveOps clients".

The qualifying process includes:
1. Validation your email address
2. Verifying your understanding of the basic requirements
3. Filling out contact information
4. Providing background information
5. Evaluating your reading comprehension
6. Recording a voice audition

I suggest reading the FAQ's here but it looks interesting to say the least.

Now working @home is not for everyone - you need to have peace and quiet and a room to focus. After all this is your job. But the balance of family and work sure is easier this way. Imagine the savings in fuel and time when you can get up anytime, dressed in anything, and work for a legitimate company who pays on time.

I think I will go continue my qualification steps with LiveOps. Talk soon and enjoy your work - it is what you spend the majority of our time doing, so why not make it pleasant.

Have a great weekend. In the meantime I will look for more telecommuniting opportunities.

Take care
Paul

My Contemplation

2007-01-12T17:39:00.000-04:00

Contemplation means to separate something from its environment, and to enclose it in a sector - maybe "thinking outside the box".

This week I have watched the large corporation I work for lay off 3 people and at the same time take on more work.

Hmmm.. wonder if that means the ones left have to do all the work the others left behind? In any case, this company is thinking inside the box insofar as profits are concerned. Think about it. Less people means less salaries, and subsequently more work equals more money and more money makes for more profits. All politics and profit - typical corporate mentality.

I suppose this is good business but hard on the homes affected in the case of the laid off (victims). It has me thinking and obviously contemplating what I should do. With over 25 years experience in IT a career move ought to be rather challenging (thinking of the hiring practices of many companies - 50 is old) but I also believe that 50 is where my life can begin.

Thinking outside of the box, I have developed people skills, life skills, if you will, that can help me move in the direction that not only helps me pay my way but stay active and happy.

Thoughts of investing (condo, house, RRSP) come to mind (inside the box) and starting a touring business will be something that allows me to think outside the box since I have only done it part-time for three years. Could I make such a business fly?

Time to do some research, networking, contemplating, analysing, figuring and praying.

Have an awesome weekend.

* Manic midlife *

2007-01-06T08:27:00.000-04:00

Every now and then and it seems during the three days prior, during, and after a full moon I get a terrible urge to quit my shiftworking IT position and start a business of my own, or even worse start another job. I seem to want to "change" things. I seem to want to add stress to my life with a career move. I spend hours researching my idea - checking prospective employers, emailing for quotes on business idea assets, only to watch and feel the urge fade into reality again and go back to work after my days off.

The latest kick was getting a quote on a new 56 seat motor coach so I can write a guy in NY who will help me start my new tour business here in Eastern Canada. Guess what these buses cost? $560,000 each - I thought 5 of them would do. (I will go check my mattress for that little bit of money).

I see this as a psychological problem - wouldn't you?? I have a job (1,000,000's do not). I have a new car, a place to live and usual debts (paid monthly with my current salary), but I need to get out of this crazy shiftworking position every monthly cycle of the moon.

Even with a new car (1 year old) I look for ways to get a new one. I have lost value through depreciation and figure I can move up and save money. Duhhh!!! I call dealerships and look up book-values of my car and always figure I better keep the current one. Sound familiar? Sounds like my job need doesn't it!

Can someone offer some reason why I require change in manic spurts? Is it disatisfaction with my current status in life (Divorced employed 50 year old male with 2 children)? Why would I feel that way? Oh-oh, isn't that mid-life crisis???? Maybe I need to talk with someone. Maybe I need a new job, a re-location. Oops.. I did it again. See, I keep thinking I need to change to avoid reality while making a new stressful one.

Welcome to manic midlife Paul! Or is this reaching to attain a goal? I better nap on it.

New Years Resolutions

2006-12-30T13:48:00.000-04:00

I woke on this sunny Saturday morning (a cool December 30th) and realized we are quickly approaching a new year.. 2007!! The first thing that comes to mind, and out of every mouth, is "ahh.. time for my 'new year's resolution' ". How often have we heard that and if we would have followed up we would have found that most fizzled into thin air not long after the novelty and the holidays ended.

So, this year when we make a so-called 'resolution' it should be more of a decision, a life changing event, not a fad, or diet, or promise to do something that we know we won't stick to. Many times we come out of Christmas slightly guilty of extra weight or debt. Lifestyle will change that - not a resolution. The word is good, don't get me wrong, if we have a problem we should resolve it, but instead of adding pressure to our already pressurized life, let's just make it habit (lifestyle habit). The result will be a resolved problem but without the New Year's stigma and lack of successful result attached.

Have a most happy new year and decide to live good. By-the-way I am going to lose 30 pounds!!! What does that mean? A diet? .. nope.. I plan to eat right and exercise daily. I'll let you know how things work out :~)

Have fun!
Paul

Happy 2007

2006-12-28T21:57:00.000-04:00

Happy New Year

I wanted to take a few minutes to wish everyone, that stumbles on to my blog,

a most prosperous and happy new year.

-- Paul

2007

Crazy On You

2006-12-23T08:38:00.001-04:00


On March 4, 1977 Heart performed on the Midnight Special. This lineup featured Ann and Nancy Wilson, Roger Fisher, Howard Leese, Steve Fossen, and Michael Derosier. Enjoy this video - remember the past.

John Pinette

2006-12-23T00:21:00.001-04:00


John Pinette

Holiday Greetings

2006-12-21T18:25:00.000-04:00

Happy Holidays Everyone

If you celebrate Christmas or even if you do not, may this be a peaceful and blessed season.

When we give of ourselves with love and generosity we truly are participating in the spirit of the season.

Be safe.
Paul

* Time and Talents *

2006-12-06T11:02:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone

The dilemma is over as far as the decision I had to make on upgrading my drivers licence. It appears that I have a couple of friends who might help me by teaching me the ropes on driving a tractor-trailer and then I can either borrow theirs or rent a tractor-trailer for the test. It truly is amazing what you can find out if you just wait it out a few days.

It also shows how if we stay focused we can reach our little goals and bigger goals without stressing ourselves out. So if you have a talent, take the time to focus on how it can be used and follow through on your fantasy.

Have a great week. Paul

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