Sacrifice

Sacrifices. We all make them to get what they really want out of life. It doesn't really matter what we're after, something has to give.

Every once and awhile I get really down about the things I have to miss. I'm missing out on things with friends, sleep, even starting a family. It hurts sometimes. I hate not getting to see everyone, I'm grumpy when I don't get any sleep, and you already know that I'm hurting from not getting to have a baby right now.

But what is the sacrifice for? Well, my business is soaring and I love it. I know that I've gotten to meet some new friends and have some awesome experiences. And there will be a day when I get to bring those babies into a home that I've been able to keep because of my sacrifice. They will have a mom who loves her career and loves them enough to provide a stable, safe, happy home for them.

I've sacrificed for my husband. He's been dealt a bad hand this year, but I can make the difference. That's what you do when you love someone, you make a sacrifice. You work and do what you need to because you love them, and because you know they wouldn't even blink to do the same for you.

This is not to draw attention to myself, we all make sacrifices for what we really want. I think about my friends that have recently had babies: they've sacrificed time, sleep, their bodies, and many other things to have that baby. I think of my friends that sacrifice to take care of elderly parents, build their own businesses, and achieve their own life goals.

The point is, sacrifice is a part of life. Those that don't sacrifice live in mediocrity. And when you finally reach that point, you don't really remember all those nights you didn't sleep, the nights you wanted to go out but worked instead, and instead thank God for the discipline to get up and go.

Sacrifice is a beautiful thing.

Goodbye 27!

Most people tend to think in terms of the calendar year - January through December, but I like to operate July to June. I do this for a few reasons:

1. My birthday is on July 1st, so it seems like a good time to process life.
2. Our Mary Kay fiscal year is July 1-June 30th, so July 1st is a great time to set new goals for my business.

I've always been one of those people that just LOVES their birthday, too - I don't care how old I get, my birthday is a huge deal, and I prefer to celebrate all week. (All month, really, but K doesn't so much go for that...)

So tomorrow's the big day, and I'd like to give my salute to my 27th year of living. Here's the highlights:

1. July 1, 2008 - earned my first Mary Kay car
2. September 9, 2008 - celebrated being married to my hubby for 2 years.
3. February 1, 2009 - started as Music Minister at St. Peter - a definite answer to prayer!
4. May 1, 2009 - became a Mary Kay Sales Director

Next year I hope to have even more highlights! Goodbye 27, and here's to 28!

A Rant...

My close friends know this, but I absolutely HATE it when people say "You'll understand when you're a mother." I am well aware that many things change that i can't totally relate to as I have not yet birthed a child, but I am not stupid. Don't assume I can't relate with you in some way.

Lately, people everywhere have taken it upon themselves to ask me how many kids I have, or when we are having kids, or my favorite, "You've been married almost 3 years? Oh, then you'll have kids soon!" Excuse me? Do you know something I don't? This is especially irritating because I want so badly to have kids now and can't. And before all of you start spouting out, "There's never a perfect time" or "You never have enough money" take a look at the past year in my life and tell me that now is a great time. Tell me that because I'm struggling to pay my mortgage it's ok to bring a child into this world.

Also, don't assume because I haven't had kids that I can't handle the following: crap, throw up, screaming, spills, pain. I have IBS - I've crapped more in my life than your kids have total combined. Throw up - I sat with my mother in the hospital while she went through chemo and the results. I can handle throw up, I just don't care to see it. As for screaming, whatever; spills - have you met me? and pain? I've had more broken bones than I care to admit to. If you think you're protecting me, you're just treating me like a child, and I don't appreciate it.

Finally, just stop asking. Everytime someone asks me that, my stomach drops, my heart hurts, and I'm reminded of the craptastic year our family has been through. Love me for my non-kid self and quit looking down on me because of it.

Rant Over.

I'M A MARY KAY SALES DIRECTOR!

Oh my gosh, I can't believe it's actually happened! This has been the craziest ride of my life, but every minute was worth it. We finished Thursday night at 11:52pm, just 8 minutes to spare! Today has been crazy, also! Wow, first day as a director, planned on taking the day off, and ended up working all day! Haha!

Anyway, more to come on my director adventures, but thanks to all those who prayed, those who are part of my team, and my sweet family who has stood by my side. Big thanks to Kyle who has listened to me cry, held me up when I had a failure, and cheered with me when I succeeded! Also he took orders and answered the phone for me on the last day! haha!

Love,
Michelle - Independent Sales Director!

Say a prayer for me today, please!

We are only 5 new consultants away from finishing, which is going to make a HUGE difference for my family financially. And if you know of anyone who might be interested in making extra cash, or getting their own make up for half off, here's the MK details:

$100 to sign up - right now MK is offering a $100 rebate, so basically making it free!
$200 initial order - gives you $400 in products to keep for yourself, sell, or whatever. :)
We make 50% of all we sell, with no quotas or territories (hence why I can talk to you, my blog friends, about team building or sales!)
We are also booming because of the economy - people won't buy big ticket things, but they'll buy a lipstick to make them feel better. :)

Let me know if you have any interest or know anyone, I'm asking EVERYONE!!

Check It out! MK in the news!!

Check out our recent video clip featured on Nightline!

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7295022

Being Thankful When Times are Tough

It has now been a year since our struggles began, and although they continue, I keep finding new things to be thankful for that I might not notice. I was watching an All-State commercial that talked about everyone going back to the basics, and the basics are good. I have to agree. And even though what we've been through sucks, there are worse things. I have friends with kids in the hospital, friends with dying parents, and those that are dealing with their own illnesses. So, in no particular order, here are a few things I'm thankful for:

First of all, Kyle. He's the guy I choose to spend every day with. Despite the days we're mad at each other, or when one of us says something stupid (which is A LOT) we always find new things to giggle at, and there's no one I'd rather spend my time with.
These puppies! Today Bryson and I took a 2 hour nap - him cuddled up next to me on my pillow with his paw on my hand. Seriously, my furry babies are fantastic!
Visits from old friends - today these two showed up at our house - haven't seen them in nearly a year, but they decided they missed us, and just showed up. It was a quick visit, but I'm so thankful for ALL of my friends, not just these two!



General silliness - because it's the moments of being silly that allows us to keep going, smile, and enjoy another day of whatever God brings us.