A Seasonal Story that Matches the Vision of Giving Inspired by Ginny Dye and Together We Can Change the World

“For the Man Who Hated Christmas”

by Nancy W. Gavin

It’s just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years or so.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas--oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it--overspending... the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma---the gifts given in desperation because you couldn’t think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.
Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended; and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler’s ears.

It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn’t acknowledge defeat.
Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” Mike loved kids - all kids - and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That’s when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition--one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.

The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.
As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn’t end there.

You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more.
Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing to take down the envelope.

Mike’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit will always be with us.

For complete info on this story:
http://www.whiteenvelopeproject.org/originalstory.html

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All

Sending bright wishes to everyone for a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, whatever your faith may be! May you share wonderful time with family and friends, and eat heartily of good cheer and good food. Travel safely.

Tuesday's Travels and our "Pause" in Boot Camp --- Day 14

Day 14

We shall be off! I-5 here we come!

Whilst we drive, we will be listening to the conference calls (YEAH!). It feels like deja-vu, as I made this trek a few weeks ago, the 26th of November while Big Z was in Florida soaking up the rays with his Dad on the beach (O.K. he really went to visit his Dad's side of the family).

As I drove, I felt so much a part of the Boot Camp, and as each mile passed from the a.m. call, I couldn't wait to get to the p.m. call. You all were great company, and, it was only deep into my trip that I learned, and was so grateful, that the 5015# number WAS NOT creating phone quality issues in spite of my tuning in via cell. I cannot tell you how many wonderful things I did while listening to you on the calls in California, and, upon my trip home.

The goal this trip is to at least stay current with the calls. I realize now that I've had a few hours of shut eye, that last night we missed the Family Chat . . . Oooh, bummer. I'll see if it's posted before we leave.

We have a relatively few follow-ups, but the ones we do, we hope to keep up with. I'm noting that there are still a lot of unopened emails that we've sent, so, I'm guessing the e-cards are being sent into the spam box. We may have to consider changing our address at some point for the Foundation Mall.

I realized yesterday that upon our return home, we need to step up our efforts and add some extra days to our boot camp (perhaps 10). We still expect to finish in fine fiddle. Depending upon how our time between 4 households in California goes, and our connections to Internet, we may even utilize some leads . . .

And, now that this trip has the bonus of having invitation cards, we're likely to be using them while were traveling ;-). I'd so wished I'd had them a few weeks ago. lol.

We'll check in as we can from the road. Until then, we wish you all a safe and joyous Christmas. And, I know that everyone's efforts will pay of in a very big way coming into 2009. Ginny has set us upon a course of success. Enjoy!

What to Buy at My Power Mall ???

A Sampling from LisaJ, Boot Camper, Member Extraordinaire:

(I'd like to ) "share this interesting purchase on my mall. Here goes:

1. I purchased a $500 Amex gift card - Over $4 in the pay plan.
2. I used the Amex to purchase a $100 gift card from gifts.com for the GAP - 4.2% into the pay plan.
3. I used the $100 gift certificate at the GAP on the mall - 4.2% into the pay plan.

"So I don't have the exact figure that I saved, but just by doing a little pre-planning, I think I got a great discount on something I would have purchased anyway. "

Now, that's some strategy for using the rebate system to triple your return. WOW. We like it~~

Thanks, LisaJ.

Monday's Mania --- Day 13

Day 13

Today was a beautiful and crisp day, and c-o-l-d. So cold that my heater fan was frozen. What an awful sound it made as I went to warm up my car after sitting in the frigid cold for a few days, snow still covering its windows and hood. Thankfully, the sun had already been working its magic, yet the wind howled in my ears and my fingers turned icy in seconds. They weren't kidding when they said this was an Arctic Chill ;-).

We got Big Z to school and he was happy. Happy for our impending trip south. He could care less about the details, and instead says, "Mom. I'd be happy to leave now." Or, "Mom, let's just go now." He could care less about making sure the car has fuel, or the engine will run, or the wipers will wash away the myriad debris from the window as we drive 1200 miles. He just wants the adventure to begin. And NOW. You get that don't you? NOW.

Precisely what we need to be doing in our businesses, right?

Another good bit of advice he had when the heater didn't work and we froze the whole way to his school (thankfully, it's not far, but I was the one in the car all day and felt it), "Mom, I think we should just kick out the window if it's frozen when we leave in the morning. We can't wait on the heater to defrost it. We have to just GO!" I told him I'd really rather wait for the sun to come up than to kick out my windshield and drive down the freeway with the wind (and that debris we spoke about) mucking up my contact lenses, and giving me a new kind of "bug feeling" in my teeth. Not to mention my chapped skin . . . Hey, we older folks have to protect our flesh!

Ah, well, the day moved on with the many details to check off before a trip. The best part was learning that I didn't need a transmission after all ;-). All systems are go on the rig, and after a few hours in the icy cold, I was glad to get my body back inside for a bit to thaw. Before I left the shop, though, I gave a card to my mechanic. He was humored by my questions and concerns, and my statements that clearly showed him that I haven't taken my automotive shop class yet.

As he drove me around the icy roads at about 20 m.p.h. faster than I would drive them, he asked, "So, you comfortable driving in this stuff?" He's from the mid-west, and it's a breeze for him. This led to a conversation about making extra money, getting little sleep, attorneys fees, and what-have-you. I told him I could identify, still not having a job (oh, maybe you didn't know that yet, but it's true). And, that after my last trip to CA to say good-bye to my step-Dad before he passes on, that I'd come to the conclusion that our hope is in Big Z's business. So, since he was going to be on the Internet looking at how he could change his airfare to see his fiance in China, he might as well look up http://www.bigzgivesbig.com/ and check it out. I even told him I wouldn't bother him about follow-up, that I trust that he'll get in touch with me if he likes what he sees.

Now, mind you, he's delivering 3 routes of papers before his mechanic's job, in the wee morning hours, to earn extra cash. I asked him, "When do you have time to sleep?" Well, he's not getting much of that this last year as he's socking away what he can to help get his Fiance over to America. He doesn't necessarily have time to spend growing a business, but then, I've heard over and over over the years (that's a lot of overs) that it's sometimes the most busy of folks that actually get things done. It's unlikely I'll be able to keep my word, because when I go back for my next oil change, you know I'll be talking to him ;-).

Big Z had a great day at school and he ended it with a play date with one of his good friends. He's asleep now, and that's where I should be. The cold zapped my energy today and sleep is much needed for the trip south.

Looks like we'll have a window of time to make it past Redding, CA before more snow dumps on us (we hope!). The earlier we start, the better for all. However . . . though all are being tucked into bed, I still have more details to attend to either now or before we roll south . . .

I emailed the nice young mom from the credit union tonight. The snow may have prevented her from getting to a computer yet, but, I promised to let her know if we head out of town.

Confidence

Confidence, like art, never comes from having all the answers; it comes from being open to all the questions.

Earl Gray Stevens

Weekend Wonders --- Days 11 and 12

Days 11 and 12

Spoke this weekend with a friend who has recently moved to southern CA. She has met some incredible people who have mentored her in starting a gallery. She has a long-time artist friend, and knew that for years she would like to display his work. She had her opening and it was good. A few weeks ago, she featured another talented artist. It also was well-attended. She's also had a Bed and Breakfast in the past and may have another in the future.

I've spoken with her before about the business, but her computer has died and she hasn't replaced it. She's had me take the lead for other projects when it comes to the Internet and the computer. This visit, I really wanted to let her know about the Business Partnership Program, and how she could gain an added revenue stream by introducing her new business contacts to the program. We'll keep in touch and check in again after the new year, and after she gets another computer. They are going to be moving back to our town then, too. YEAH.

Saturday was a day of cleansing and organizing. Amazing what a clean desk can do for your soul. Will still be working toward perfecting a good system of tracking contacts, follow-ups and growing the Big Z team.

Saturday also brought with it our first snow. A huge Arctic Front has brought a big freeze and snow to the West Coast. The coldest since 1990.

Waking up Sunday to a brilliant white wonderland was lovely. The day brought with it some sun and it felt like a perfect winter day to nest. Sun always makes the day brighter (no pun intended!) Made some lentil soup, and a cake to surprise Big Z with when he arrived home while listening to the recently posted evening calls from 2 weeks ago. When he got here, there was a still a few rays of daylight and so he took advantage to it by getting the sled out and playing in the freezing cold snow for about 10 minutes.

The calls were great, and I found some information in them that I'm glad that I didn't miss. How good it is to catch the calls live. It's challenging to catch them both in a busy day. So, having the calls recorded and accessible is very, very helpful. If we had i-pods, why I can guarantee we'd have them downloaded to the little gadgets to listen to over and over again!

Christmas cards were also a part of our afternoon. Years have gone by with my good intention to mail Christmas cards to friends and family, but for some reason, those wonderful messages never get delivered via USPS; instead they are sent through time and space on loving thoughts and prayers. Typically, before we know it, mid- December is here and we're flyin' or drivin' south for the holiday (this year we were going to stay put since I just made the trip, saving it instead for warmer weather and Spring Break!). No, not this year for those cards. They aren't staying in their boxes another minute. We have SUCCESS! Most, if not All, will receive a cheerful holiday message from us. We'll do our best.

Lastly, we've been preparing for our impending trip to California for my step-Father's services this Friday. We're going to stay through Christmas Day. We're going to be navigating the storms and make our way south during a window that's supposed to occur this week, likely Tuesday.

I struggle with the disappointment of knowing that our efforts in growing Big Z's business during our personal boot camp will need to be set aside during this necessary time with family. I realize, though, that it's not an end, just a pause to our efforts . . . A pause that life will always insert into our lives.

This gives a chance to tell you of one reason WHY it is important to grow a business to the point that it provides income even when you're not able to devote time to growing it. That's called R-E-S-I-D-U-A-L I-N-C-O-M-E. We love being able to help others in our lives. When people have day jobs, the amount they are able to help is diminished in certain ways. They are not able to help a mom who needs to have surgery and has no one to watch their kids. They aren't able to help friends and family with odd tasks and jobs. It's not easy to take time away from work to go support a loved one who is ailing. It's not easy to just leave your job to take a trip like we are taking--- a service for a loved one and an extended stay for the holiday. It's not easy to help care for pets of friends who have to go out of town. It's not easy to volunteer at your school if the teacher is ill. It's not easy to work for the your school and their fundraisers. It's not easy to raise your kids while getting quality time. It's more difficult to help your friends with landscaping projects. This doesn't even count all the community efforts that need support daily. Ultimately, it boils down to TIME FREEDOM, to FINANCIAL FREEDOM (at least financial comfort), and to FAMILY FREEDOM.

This is one of our WHYs for having a business from home. We want freedom and wealth, and to know that we can do what we want and have to do at a moment's notice, without wondering how it will be paid for and whether we'd lose our job by taking time off, or wondering if our kids will have more affection with their day-sitters than you, etc.

Jobs are good. They serve a purpose, yes. As another Boot Camper said, j.o.b. stands for "just over broke." I've heard that before. We want a Life, not just being a slave to the clock. All of us deserve Life. And in this economy, we also deserve Security . . . something that a lot of j.o.b.s. are not providing right now.

Take action for your future. Find a way to grow your possibility of Life well-lived and enjoyed:

Visit http://www.bigzgivesbig.com/ and sign up as a World Changer. Utilize the gift of the $300 fuel rebate when you sign up! And earn your rebates for shopping in your own mall! Or, purchase an American Express Gift Card and shop locally. Make a difference in your life. Pay yourself first by claiming your rebates. You'll be glad you did.

Friday --- Day 10

Day 10

Follow-ups:
-----3 voice mail: 1 not-reached 3 times. 1 f/u to make sure she was finally able to view the website and blog site. 1 not-reached 3 times, but know he's busy. Had mentioned in passing the BPP. Tonight I gave him added homework ;-)--- the Business Partnership Website link.

-----2 connects: 1 with one of our very first meetings at the Mall. Learned she is a very young woman, still in high school, and is in the Running Start Program. She's at community college now, with one class. Next quarter she goes full-time. Is considering getting her own place with some friends, but not sure yet. Has her sights set on going to U.C.L.A. to go to school for cinematography, and would like to work her way up to being a director, or head of the department. She wants to travel, have fun, and make movies.. She didn't make it to the site, lost the intro card, and gave me an outdated email address. We got her email address current so I resent her e-card. Went through the interview process. At her age, she was a bit overwhelmed with the concept of owning her own business, especially with all the transition she's currently experiencing, but she liked what we talked about. She would consider taking another look once she gets settled into her new routine as full-time student. She has been a missionary in 8th and 9th grade, having gone to Mexico where she worked in the streets, handed out food, gave performances, worked in orphanages and she especially loves working with the kids. Last year, she got to go to Honduras. This young woman has the heart of a TWCCTW person. If she had the cash, she'd likely be on a missionary trip right now, which may just side-track her from her cinematography career . . . Who knows? Perhaps one day she'll actually be making videos for the S.I.F.A. kids, or for children who are in similar situations, helping to bring about positive change for them. She said she didn't shop much, but yes, her parents do shop ;-). We agreed to keep in touch. She will view blog, etc. and we'll get back in touch in a few months.

-----1 connect with a the 25-year young mom we met at our credit union. She'd just picked up her boy from daycare and was heading home. She's really incredible, and what she and her husband are doing is incredible, too. She had been to the website, but didn't see the video. She saw Ginny's face, but then before the video loaded, she was off exploring the site. She said it became a bit overwhelming not knowing what it was about, so she's determined to get back to the site to check it out. She was willing to go through the interview process, and she pulled off the road before her cell cut out a few minutes from her land. Her little guy fell asleep in his seat. She's been in the banking industry for 6 years, beginning at 19. What she loves most is talking with her members. She's been at this credit union for 4 months, and it was very difficult to leave her last bank because she'd had wonderful connections with her clients. She's been a teller, and she's anxious to move up into management. She could see herself going through retirement there. The only challenging part about it is the schedule. At times, the schedule keeps her away from her boy and her husband. She said the c.u. really gives great hours to its members, but she feels the impact on her family life. She's thought about having a home business since her boy was born, so that she could be a stay at home mom. She doesn't like sales, nor would she like approaching 5 people a day like we did. If she did have a business, she would have to begin small and with few hours because they are devoting all their extra time to building a home on their land. They live off the grid and are building green. For her, she's already giving back because of the way they are choosing to live--- they get their own water from the land, they compost everything, they aren't using plastics, etc. She would continue to be an environmentalist (I have a friend who very much wishes to support these concepts, so I thought of her while we were talking). However, if she was making enough money to live comfortably, enable them to save and plan for college (we narrowed this number to somewhere in the neighborhood of $100-$150K year goal), that her ideal would be to be a stay at home mom and working only about 30 hours a week. The largest challenge is the debt payments, and she would like to take care of this easily. We'll be checking in after Monday, once she has a chance to view the presentation. It was such a pleasure getting to know this Mom. She's incredible, and I did feel as if I'd made a wonderful friend in the process of the interview. We shared side stories through-out it, so it may have taken me a little longer than I'd anticipated. As I hung up, I realized we were on the line for 50 minutes, but it seemed so much shorter to me, as if we were just visiting. I hope it was the same for her. We've agreed that she can speak candidly about her questions, thoughts, likes or dislikes, and that even though she has a tendency to say yes when she wants to say no, she's going to be clear and up front in our conversations. I like that in a person. A willingness to be down-right straight about things.

-----1 follow-up e-card, eaten by the system--- We call this SNAFFU! Will create another in the a.m. However, I did a search on this woman and little would I have known that she is an author in our town. She was a dynamo, for sure, and a long-time resident. She's contributed to school boards and to blog posts for our town paper. I can't wait to meet her all over again, for I can tell she's a treasure trove of history and life.

Believe it or not.

Zero contacts.

WHAT?

Yep.

We went to fuel up today, and thought our favorite guy would be there. He wasn't. And the person in his place was tight-lipped as I spoke with him through the glass. The friendly smile I'm accustomed to of late was gone.

We went to the market to get a few items. Alas, everyone was very focused on their task. Even the checker was visiting with another checker the whole time we were checking out. As we placed the basket by the door, a woman was coming by. We offered it to her because, by now, it had dried off in the store (we went into the store while it was raining hard). She gladly accepted, and I realized that in that moment, we could've asked her, but my hands were full with two bags and Big Z was carrying some water (impending storm). So, we talked about our missed moment on the way to our car, foggy windows and all. We came back home just in time for the evening call, a quick few minutes of Monopoly, and then follow-ups.

Will have to *rock-it* tomorrow . . . ;-). In spite of it, and warmed by a bath ready for sleep, I feel a surge of excitement in my belly. For I know that our planting of seeds is already bearing the fruit of seed germination. How long for these seeds? How long until their sweet green shoots come pushing forth from the soil? Well, as is with all in Life ~~ In God's own timing. We let go of the outcome because we know that our outcome can only be good, as our intentions of good for others and ourselves are present as we take action.

A thought still lingers, "What would it be like (now) if we had gotten started sooner?" Hmmm. That's a place we cannot go, we cannot know. So instead of asking fully, I'll say, "I'm so glad we've started now." We are so grateful for our team, though it be small, for they came, you know, unexpected-like into our lives. They found us. They watched the presentation and had a spark ignited within them. Something spoke to them and they chose to Start; they make their One-Thing purchase and more; they are already woven into the fabric of our MPM experience, and we are grateful.

Sweet dreams . . .

Thursday --- Day 9

Day 9

Today we met a very lovely woman at a grocery store. She was buying lavender and mint--- she was going to make lavender-mint cookies for another woman, and she'd hunted and hunted to relocate the recipe that she'd had since way back when . . . in the past there had been a little shop in an older part of town that made these scrumptuous cookies and left the memories dancing around in her head. Wow. They sounded really, really good, and I could imagine them with a good cup of tea, and I could see me and Z in a little tea house enjoying the aromas and flavors and decor of this little shop. The checker asked if this woman would also send her the recipe. As we stood in line, this woman beamed. She turned to us and asked us, "Would you like me to send you the recipe, too?" For me in that moment, I didn't want to trouble her further, but instead, I was still dreaming of the taste of a lavender mint flavored cookie (we try to be as wheat free as we can, and that includes the white sugars). I kindly thanked her, but that I'd rather dream about the these delicious flavors. She told me that I might regret it ;-).

We visited on the way out about the changes in our taste buds and our memories as we age and ended up in front of a counter. As we stood there visiting, and we began leaning on a counter a bit, I asked her if she had a computer? She said she did. Was she familiar with email and the Internet? She was. We then asked if she would help us by answering some questions for Big Z's business. She was very glad to do it, and bent down to Big Z in such kindness and willingness, and she requested that he speak up since she wasn't as good at hearing anymore. She'd just come from a massage and was feeling good, but upon learning this, I really wanted her to be able to go relax ;-).

Big Z turned to her (he was taking a peek in the little store that was at the end of the check-out line, filled with goodies and toys and all sorts of cool things) and he politely asked her, "What would you do with an extra $2000?" With her $2000, she would give it to the Humane Society. She said, "I'm a rescuer of animals. I have two little dachshunds in the back seat of my car that I rescued." Big Z asked her, "What would you do if you had $2000 extra per month?" She answered, "I would help even more animals and I would help people. I believe in helping." She was very open to learning more about what we were doing, and she gave us her name and her email address. By the way she said it, I sensed she was uncomfortable about giving out her name. We gave her the invitation card and asked if she ever watched the reality shows on T.V.? She said she didn't, and I agreed, that I didn't either. We showed her where our contact information was after telling her a bit about who we were wanting to support when we change our Together We Can Change the World Foundations and bring them local--- Hospice and perhaps The Boys and Girls Club or the Humane Society (Big Z is still deciding). Once she was clear about information on the invitation card, she quickly departed. I told her, "I may have to get that recipe from you after all!" and we waved good-bye. What a wonderful and generous woman she is. It will be good to reconnect with her again.

We gave a follow-up call to Big Z's Aunt. Unfortunately, yesterday our family suffered a loss of our Step-Father. We agreed that we were going to put aside the visit about the business for a few days, but she still wanted to look at it.

Be it as it may, since Big Z had gone to his Dad's house, I thought about making more calls to gain our contacts for the day. However, I just didn't feel I had the spunk to do so --- I could have pushed my sadness out of my voice, but I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to focus on them like I want to, and, I know it's O.K. to be in my now. I found it difficult to stay focused all day, though I kept up with the email contacts. Mostly, in terms of our Boot Camp, I spent time catching up on the blogs of our Boot Campers. I was able to feel the emotions I had flowing through me while also being able to celebrate the steps that the Campers are taking daily, and it felt good to get to say hello to them by responding to their daily blogs. By the time I was done reading their blogs, I was heartened and full, and I felt that I could sleep well, knowing that we've found my son a business that is going to set him up for his future, it's going to enable him to really know the power of giving to others, and it's going to help us continue to have quality time with each other while he's still young.

Wonderful Wedneday --- Day 8

Day 8

Happiness is having a great day. Or, is it better stated, Happiness is having the outlook of being happy? Happiness, like beauty, is in the eyes and hearts of the beholders.

We are happy ;-).

We met two wonderful women today. One was at our credit union and the other was bringing in carts in a grocery store parking lot. Well, OK, we almost ran into the line of carts she was bringing to the store cart parking area because we were walking forward and not paying as much attention to what was happening since Big Z was looking at the display at the entrance of the store and I was dreamy about the rosemary plants shaped as trees, the Christmas trees, the beauty and color, and the joy in having my son with me--- he carried the hand basket through the entire store to gather our supplies. Wow. He's getting BIG.

The woman at our credit union helped Big Z with his banking. He was depositing his allowance and distributing across his savings accounts, and with one intention. One intention only: to withdraw play money to go buy that Fox Jersey on discount at the bike shop we've been going to. The teller helping us was very kind and patient with us (as they all are when we bring in change, allowance $, gift money, etc. for this ritualistic distribution of cash across accounts).

Since she was so nice, and there was no one in line behind us, we asked if she would do us the favor of being one of our 5. She was. We found out she is a mom of a young boy, 10 months. She looked like she was getting all of her sleep and is beautiful, so we joked about the many, many sleepless nights new moms have with youngsters. She bent forward to hear Big Z's questions, and she was very willing to share her information so we can visit with her again. Her hopes with $2000 is to pay bills, and to pay more bills. This little fella has a great Mommy, we can just tell.

The other young woman collecting carts in the parking lot was a little caught off guard after we joked about almost walking into her pathway to park the line of carts by asking her if she minded if we talked with her for a little bit while walking with her to get more carts. She said it was OK, but still, wondered what we were up to. We hope that by the time we left her, we didn't startle her too much ;-).

This young woman was very conscientious. She said she didn't really spend a lot of money, but that she liked to save. If she had $2000, she would save it, and give some to an NPO (non-profit organization) that she likes, one that's associated with her church. If she had $2000/month, she kindly said that she would save some, maybe only buy groceries, maybe some clothes, but the rest she would give to her family. What a giving heart she has--- The Together We Can Change the World kind of heart.

We didn't realize when we looked at her contact information that we didn't have her phone number . . . We instead have her email and her address. This lets us know that sometimes, even when we think we are paying full attention, there are details that slip by.

We have sent them both emails using a tailored e-card with thank-yous and links to http://www.bigzgivesbig.com/ so they can view the online presentation that shows what MPM is all about, and how they can support causes closest to their hearts, pay of bills, give to those they love, and earn fuel rebates just for doing what they do everyday--- shopping for the necessities of living life.

We went to the bike shop to get Big Z's Fox jersey. Our favorite guy was there and we waved, but he was with a customer. So, we did our business of letting Z buy his shirt, knowing he was a part of our follow-up calls later in the evening. Big Z is so fun to watch when he spends his money. He takes great pride in his purchases, as he's not one to spend it lightly. But, when he knows what he wants and he has the cash in his play account to buy it, he does so with joyfulness.

I remember when I was young and I had my first job, a paper route. Well, my first job was really caring for my Grandmother, who had Parkinson's Disease, and she needed care 'round the clock. But, anyway . . . the paper route gave me my first spending cash, and later, it was my job at the local gas station/sporting goods/video store. What I most remember about having cash was the joy and pride I had when I wore my new school clothes to our local fair. It was different. I felt different knowing I had purchased those clothes instead of my parents. This creates an added admiration for my son when he's spending his cash and he's clearly glad to be doing it.

The Business Partnership Program is really appealing to us. We're talking about who is first on our list to approach. Here is a link to know more about this special program: http://www.businesspartnershipprogram.com.

We thank Linda B. for her efforts to spear-head the program, and for the 25 Official Boot Camp members who are putting it into play. Perhaps even the Alternates are now getting the info. GO, TEAM, GO!

(Readers new to our blog, you may learn more about the Official Campers at http://www.worldchangerrealitybootcamp.com/. All of the information about the Team, the Requirements, and their blogs, including the phone number to our daily motivational and training calls is there for YOU.)

We gave follow-up calls AFTER our Monopoly time yesterday. It was fun. I called while Big Z multi-tasked by watching "How Things are Made" on T.V. and listening to me calling.

We made 7 follow-up calls to our local people and left message for all of them. One of our people, our 8th, gave a call yesterday saying she was having trouble viewing the website, the blog, and just about everything we gave her. She didn't get to open our email as she was having computer issues, but we sent her another email from a different email account with the hopes that she could view the information on her sister's computer.

We created our e-cards for our two Canadian folks we met the other day at the grocery store and sent them. One had an email address that came back as invalid, however, we checked and checked and are sure it's right. We'll try to resend again. It's to an educational institution, so we are wondering if it was blocked since we have admin@bigzgivesbig.com as our email address. We'll try to send it to him from another account.

We gave follow-up calls to our leads. One lead that had come in on the 8th we got on the phone. She said it was a bad time. I thanked her for telling me and asked if there was a better time. She said that, "No there isn't." I asked if she was still looking for information about a home business, and she said, "No. I'm not looking any longer." I thanked her for her time and wished her and her family a happy holiday.

I called another woman and a fellow answered. She was away from the house for another 30 minutes or so. I left my name and info with him so she can contact me, and I will call again in 5 days.

I called our last person, and she answered. She was wonderful to visit with for a few minutes. She had a kind voice, and she had requested information, and she was still wanting to know more. However, her Seattle number rang in Missouri and it was 10 PM! Her address showed she lived in a town called Ozark, and I said that I'd never heard of that town in Washington State! She and her husband have just moved there, something they've wanted to do for a long time, as they have family in Missouri and in Iowa. Her husband's previous employers just sold the business, so, they figured they may as well just move.

She told me she had saved my message and planned on calling me to get together next week when she and her husband flew back to Seattle to put their house on the market. They will be here for a few months. We made plans to talk again when she gets to Seattle, and is settled. We agreed that I would call her on Wednesday if she hadn't called by then. She lands on Sunday night, and I told her to call anytime she felt like she had the time for it.

My call with this very kind woman was the perfect way to end our calls for the day--- on a very friendly note, with the joy that a good bit of visiting will soon take place ;-). We like creating new friends ;-).

American Express Gift Cards to Meet Your Everyday Shopping Needs

American Express Gift Cards ~~~~ A key way Anyone can gain rebates for their everyday shopping.

Do you shop? Do you shop for . . .

Groceries?
Cell phone bill?
Phone/Internet bill?
Fuel for your vehicles?
Dining out?
Purchasing gifts for family, friends, business associates?
Contact lenses and glasses?
Prescriptions?
Toiletries?
Vitamins and supplements?
Furniture?
mp3's?
Electronic gadgets?
Phones?
Computers?
Animal food?

. . . If you're like all of us, you DO shop. And, likely you have your own ways to do it, your favorite stores, and products that you buy.

Did you ever consider that you can get paid to shop? No, we don't mean that you get paid by being a mystery shopper. Instead, you're an Everyday Shopper, buying items that you buy everyday anyway, but that you're paid for it.

Did you ever consider that you could support a worthy cause by shopping?

Well, you can do all this an more.

The list of potential items that you purchase everyday anyway is endless, and you can find it in your very own My Power Mall OR in your very own community.

The American Express Gift Card gives you the flexibility to earn rebates on all your spending, whether it is online or offline at your favorite local store.

Here's how to maximize your experience with an American Express Gift Card:

1) check the code to enter to have the fee waived when you order your cards. This is found on the page for American Express, with the magnifying glass at the bottom of the picture and logo. This changes frequently, so be sure to check it before you get your cards each and every time.

2) A tip for those of you who do get your gift card: call the number on the back of the card when you get them and give the merchant your name and address. In this way, you'll be able to use the card almost anywhere, including online (Shuli K. Thanks for the tip on this). This is especially important when a merchant wants to verify the card with the name on the account (Comcast does this; Verizon does not).

3) Where do I get my American Express Gift Card that supports charity?

Go to the Shop Button on the right of the website you've visited to know more about helping fund http://www.BigZGivesBig.com or http://www.GivingTogetherIsGood.com and the non-profits we support (currently we support the Together You Can Change The World Foundations, which support the One Child At a Time Program). Your shopping will give back rebates to those who need it.

Click the Financial Services Link on the left of the new page. Go to Credit/Discount Cards. American Express shows up with a list of other companies. It is here you find the magnifying glass and the info on how to receive your discount code.

4) How do I get my own rebate for using the American Express Card?

Sign up for your World Changer Mall, and in the process, gain valuable tools to grow your business, AND, $300 in fuel rebates.

Then, go to your personal mall (you will have a business mall to promote with, and a personal mall to earn rebates on). Ask us how and we'll walk with you every step of the way.

Proceed as in step 2. Go to the Financial Services link on your home shopping page, on the left. Go to the Credit/Discount Cards link. Viola! AMEX shows up on the very first page.

5) Can I still receive air miles for my American Express Card?

Yes. And you can receive rebates and special perks by using ANY American Express card when you purchase American Express Gift Cards. Just click on the magnifying glass to read about the different cards, their rebate structure and how to best maximize the value of using your regular American Express card to purchase the Gift Cards. Get the generic cards (some of the specialized cards don't earn a rebate).

We wish to thank you for supporting our cause to help those in need around the globe, and for using an American Express Gift Card!

To Me, "Watermelon" is the Slice of Life by Wally Amos

"How do you keep from getting sidetracked by the daily distractions in life? I have created two reminders that help me stay focused and positive.

"Write on a sheet of paper, 'I can be five times more enthusiastic about life!' Underline five times five times. Rip the paper in half and ball the two pieces in a tiny wad. Put a rubber band around the wad to keep it together. Put it in your pocket or your purse.

"It's been 12 years since I first did this exercise in a classroom in Charlotte, North Carolina. I've gone through a few wads of paper because when I lose or give one away, I immediately create another. I feel lost if I do not have it in my pocket.

"Not only does it remind me to be more enthusiastic, but also more loving, more giving and more faith-filled. It's a constant reminder that I can always increase the positive characteristics of life times five, times five, etc. Use it and see if it works for you.

"The second was inspired by a variety of sources. It's a credo based on watermelon -- my favorite symbol of life. I've given each letter in watermelon a positive meaning.

W --- Whatever you believe creates your reality.

A --- Attitude is the magic word.

T --- Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM).

E --- Enthusiasm is the wellspring of life.

R --- Respect yourself and you will respect others.

M --- Make commitments, no excuses.

E --- Every day can be a fun day.

L --- Love is the answer.

O --- One day at a time.

N --- Never give up or become a victim.

"Why not create your own credo using something personal and special to you? Review it frequently. Share it with others. If it inspires and motivates you, it will do the same for them. One or both of these techniques might just be the answer to help you Be Positive. Happy New Year!"

Wally Amos is a nationally acclaimed inspirational speaker and author. You can e-mail Wally at amos@aloha.net or through his Web site at http://wallyamos.com.

Tuesday's Tests --- Day 7

Day 7

Today we moved forward, but both of us were feeling a bit more sluggish. Big Z didn't have any desire to talk with people after school, but we did anyhow. I was feeling feverish and dizzy for some reason by late afternoon. I knew that sleep was the cure.

Regardless, I called the leads--- it's a good thing that 3 came through by accident yesterday. One wasn't any good at all, however. The man I spoke with, though frustrated by his situation, was very kind. Since he had so much trouble, I felt it best to wish him well and move on. Using the script, tailored to me and my own style, I left messages for our other 2 people (taken from the World Changer Training Manual). Even though I've made calls to people I don't know before, when it's been awhile, I always get nervous, and then, as time moves on, they get easier.

Since I was on a roll, (or, is that a donut?), I thought to call another person who'd asked for info on a home business. I called and left the message, as above. This person called me back a short time later asking who it was that called. I thanked her for the return call, and asked if she had listened to my message, and why I called her. She said she hadn't. She said it was a bad time, and while I was talking, seeking to ask her when a better time was, she hung up. I finished my sentences anyhow.

It wasn't long and she dialed me back again. I thanked her again for her call, and asked if she was O.K.? I made sure now was a better time. She said it was. I clarified her information by asking if she'd remembered filling out a form asking to know more about a home business. She did. I asked if she remembered filling out questions that related to how much she wanted to make in a month, what she could invest to get started, why she was looking for a home business, and, how many hours she could work. She said she remembered doing that. I asked if she'd listened to my message. She said she had listened to part of it, but she stopped listening, and she said it was something about a home business and a website. So, I began to tell her more. She cut me off and started firing some questions, pushing me to let her know more, to tell her quickly. I told her that the website has a presenation that shares with her much better than I could if she now is short of time, that it's the fastest way for her to know more. She ultimately got frustrated when I couldn't tell her more than I already had, that we were with My Power Mall, a Division of Together We Can Change the World, etc. She hung up on me. Clearly, this still wasn't the time to talk with her. I wish her well and hope she finds what she is looking for.

I spoke with a very good friend of mine who is already a business mall owner. We check in on occasion about all sorts of things. Today I got to share with her about the Business Partnership Program, and the A-ha that Linda gave me when she spoke about listing a business (I have a Reconnective Healing business, and didn't even think to list myself!). I caught her up on a few ideas, and we chuckled because I'd gotten a phone call from a non-profit organization in New York a few minutes beforehand. Lately, I've been asking her to think about who she wishes to support so we can start supporting them under her business. The number one organization is the Celiac Foundation. It was good to talk, share ideas, strategize and dream. She decided after our call to go in and buy her hubby a gift for Christmas on her personal mall. I won't tell you what it was because, just in case he reads this, it could let the cat out of the bag. Suffice it to say, she had her own A-ha, the reminder to shop in her own mall, and she asked me to update her on a few of the inner workings of the system (she has a 2 year old, is in college getting her Master's, after moving across the country, and recently moved again after her husband got a job upon completion of his Master's). She is going to attempt to keep a closer eye on what's happening after she gets finished with her schooling this quarter.

We wrote a letter to Big Z's Team updating them on what we're up to, and the recent developments for MPM. The person above is one of them, so, the now all have our blog address and we hope they will tune in, be inspired, and enjoy the fun and connecting that is happening amongst the Boot Camp participants.

Big Z got a return phone call from his Aunt. He got to ask her his questions and talk with her about his business (usually it's Mom who does this with this Aunt, so, for me, it was so heart warming to listen to each of them "talk business" with each other). She's open to learning more, as she is always, always, a supporter of Big Z, in whatever it is he chooses in life. She positively adores him, and since she has no children of her own, it's her nephews and nieces that bring her joy, intrigue, laughs, play, and a depth of love and appreciation of their unique ways of being in this world. She works as an R.N. with Hospice in her local area. She has a tremendous heart, and gives her All and then some for the people she works with. Her biggest dream is to have a place on her land to bring troubled young people and help them learn life skills, and improve their lot in life, and to introduce them to her passion, horses. Of course, the horses would provide a source of healing, friendship, and be of assistance for these young people's communication skills.

We mailed another friend our link so she may stay abreast of what's happening for us as she is an advid follower of most Reality TV shows. She's supportive of Big Z and our dreams, however, she's not much into growing a business at this time (even though she's a MaryKay Girl that buys for her sisters and herself). It will be fun to hear her response to our blog, and to learn if she tunes into the 25 folks that are in the fish-bowl, those who are leading the way, blazing new trails, and stepping far, far outside of their comfort zones. Our friend is a wonder, and a big supporter of her kids' school, and the PTA. She is always, always giving, to her family, to her friends, to her kids and husband. She's a giver and she always amazes me, inspires me, and gives me hope. She's friendly to everyone, and her smile is genuine and full of care.

We spoke with another friend about whether she may have interest to know more, and were sensitive to the fact that her life and that of her loved ones is quite challening right now. She wants to know more, and we'll check in again in about 3 weeks to see if timing is better then. She liked the idea of having the links to the blogs to follow along with if she's ever up late in the night and is surfing the web. I know my son would agree, it would be awesome as ever to work with her and her family. We love 'em and get great joy from them, and it would feel so great to help boost their financial portfolio.

Another friend said her husband will contact us soon, that he's been really, really busy. I told her I knew that I would, and I ribbed that he must or he'll keep hearing from me ;-).

That's not really true, you know? We don't chase people, rather, we give them enough time to see the information to make an informed decision for themselves about whether My Power Mall can help them achieve more. It's right for some; it's not right for all. We are individuals, and not everyone can be attracted to what we have to offer. It's an amazing system. Everyone shops for everything they need, online and locally. They can USE My Power Mall for their own benefit, YES. But, it's still not for everyone. We respect everyone's particular needs and wants.

What I'm excited about for these friends is the Business Partnership Program. They have a business already, and this is a wonderful way to supplement their income in this slumping economy. Their industry has held out quite well in our area, but, it is still feeling the crunch, and they in particular, have had challenges that are testing their limits.

After school, we went to a sports shop to peek around. They are going out of business, and we spend time there now and then. As we walked in, much of their inventory is gone. It's sad sometimes, to see a business have to close their doors. We wandered around, and then asked the young folks at the counter if they had anything lined up when the store closed. Neither did, and they confessed that those people who typically don't work retail are doing so now since they need a job. They weren't sure what they were going to do come January. I added my understanding of their situation because I have been seeking employment for a few months, and though I've had some bites, nothing has panned out. Even the temp. agency I was working with said, after I learned that my spot for a bit of shift work wouldn't be there after I'd counted on it, "The economy is bad right now. Everyone is looking for work."

So we got their permission to ask them our questions, and their responses were: 1) pay debt, pay college debt and 2) travel. With an extra $2000/month? 1) pay more debt and 2) travel and pay college loans.

We got to question number three and had our cards handy. With that, the young woman asked while she took her hands into the air to create the shape, "Is this one of those pyramid things?" I explained that it is not, and what she may be referring to is not a pyramid, but instead network marketing. I added that My Power Mall is neither network marketing or affiliate marketing. It's totally new, but it does have elements of both. We had placed the invitation cards on the counter by this time. And, before we got further, a gentleman that had come into the store after us came up to the counter with a question. He wanted to buy all the LaCrosse gear and wondered if he could get a free duffle bag if he did. We stepped aside, and wandered the store some more.

Big Z found items that he was excited about, and I admit, they had some pretty good deals, especially if you had cash in your wallet or your American Express Gift Card in your pocket ;-). Eventually, we said good-bye as they were still very engaged with selling this man his supplies, and I still wasn't feeling all that great, and Big Z was also needing some down time.

We went to the video store to get a video. It wasn't busy at all. Tonight, we figured, we needed some down-time. Eat dinner. Have a video and play monopoly. Big Z says, "I want to have a business, but I want to play more." I'll do my best to keep us both in balance. The weather and darker days have caused us to reduce our summer and fall time play of bike riding to a minimum. We must continue to look for other forms of play together to stay healthy.

Big Z purchased a lot of property during our continued game of Monopoly. I gained a wealthly stash of cash. We had a great meal. Big Z had fun while watching Scooby-Do, and I was reminded of their antics as I'd not seen Shag and Scoob since my younth. In spite of my swirling head, I was content in our decision to share a leisurely evening together.

A Great Monday --- Day 6

Day 6

The day has been full and good. That Monopoly game kept us up later than we intended last night, and it threw off our whole morning routine, but never mind. We still made it to school and the day still kept on keepin' on. Tonight has been talking with people, homework, Cubs, more homework, follow up calls, and bedtime is just around the corner ;-).

This a.m. I stopped by to give a card to a friend that just lost her good friend. It was good to visit with her and her youngest daughter, and their little friend that over for playtime. We talked about the economy, our finances, the stories of struggle and success in our days, and amongst our friends. We got to play "doctor" and "telephone" with the kids, have a delicious cup of tea, and enjoy our moments. I also got to share a bit of what's up with Big Z's business, something this friend was aware of before. It was good to give sound-bites of what's been happening, and the recent developments that create appeal with those in our local market that love to shop locally, such as this friend. The Local Merchant Program, the ease of supporting a local charity, the funding that Ginny is donating so youngsters can take their ideas and bring expansion into the world by providing benefit to others locally. Before we knew it, it was high noon! EEEKS!

Upon arriving home, a quick check to the technological systems. All functioning and updated. It was great to see that one of our emails from the e-card system had been opened. All other still lie dormant in the email accounts, or, in the spam folders.

What does this mean? Follow up.

I did some checking for a friend on a particular kind of doll in our Foundations World Changer Mall. Wow. There are a lot of gift stores to purchase Christmas gifts in My Power Mall. I had a bit of fun "window shopping" in Big Z's personal mall, and wrote down ideas that my friend may also like besides the doll. I missed her today, but will get the list to her tomorrow. She's furiously grading college papers at this time, and caring for her large family, so . . . it's not likely she's gotten to the site, yet.

After school, we went to a grocery store to get some supplies, to poke around and to meet people. I must say there were more people out at this store tonight than in the Mall. We're guessing that people are either shopping online in their World Changer Malls for the holidays OR they are shopping at places like Freddies, Kmart, Wal-Mart, Target and the like. We're happy that Target and Kmart are on the Mall, and one day, perhaps, Freddies will join in the fun. They are missing out on a great group of shoppers ;-).

We met a young man in the health food aisle near the Imagine soups. It happens to be one of our favorite broth makers, so, I queried him as he studied the ingredients. I asked him if he really did like Imagine brand better than Pacific brand (by the way, I believe these can be purchased in the World Changer Mall at Vitacost.com, as well as many other healthy food items, including another favorite of ours--- coconut oil). He said he chose Imagine because it had less sodium content, but, he noted, it was also lower on protein. Pacific has more protein, but way more sodium. Sodium is the kicker, and he chooses less for his ticker, and to assist his waistline.

Since we were having a good conversation, I asked him if he'd mind spending a few more minutes with us. He didn't mind. While we were talking with him, his friend came to find him. So, we got to ask both of them what they would do with $2000.

They are both from Canada; one works at the admissions office at the university, the other works at a market. One said he would save the cash; the other said he would go have a lot of fun with it. If they had an extra $2000/month, one said he would save it and pay more bills; the other said he would have even more fun spending it. Each of them kindly took our information and gave us their information. They were willing to have us call them, but we were cautioned that we'd be calling Canada ;-).

We met another fella in the refrigerated produce section. He happened to catch our eyes, and he had a huge grin and he seemed like a wonderful guy. We smiled, then I turned back to him. I held his eyes for a few minutes, and he was trying to decide if he knew me. Finally, he asked, "Do I know you?"

I told him, "No you don't know me, but you sure look like a nice guy!" We visited and we asked him if he would entertain our questions since we were already talking. He said he'd be happy to, but he bent down to Big Z and asked him to make sure he spoke loud enough for him to hear.

We smiled and Big Z asked his Q's. His responses were 1) "Save it. I'm a Saver!" and 2) "Put it into savings. I'm a Saver!" Ultimately, this gent, as he was playing with his cell phone, said he didn't have an email address, nor did he have a computer. He said he kept things private. I let him know that what we had, then, probably wasn't much use to him, but we told him what we were working towards, supporting non-profits globally, but we would eventually bring it local--- to the Hospice and to perhaps the Boys and Girls Club or to the Humane Society.

He hopped on that one and said he loves animals and all, but he'd support people first. So, I asked him who he supports most, and he said he gives to the Christian youth with cash. I asked if it was to help them go on mission trips, but he really didn't know. He said that supporting people first was most important and so that's what he did.

We asked him if he had family that had computers and email. He said that many of his family do have connections. So, we asked if he would be kind enough to take a card and share it with one of them. He smiled politely and said he would be happy to. We thanked him for the pleasure of our conversation and then we parted ways.

Follow-Ups:

Made 13 follow up calls. We let the folks that hadn't opened our email yet know to check their spam filters, etc. We will call them all back again, each on varying days depending upon when we last left them a message. One of our neighbors from last week we spoke with, but their world is spinning into next week. We'll check back then. The young man that had his phone not accepting calls still isn't accepting calls.

Remember the very nice woman we met at Target? We got her on the line tonight and she graciously apologized for not calling back. Her son, age 4, raced out of his bedroom the other night and ran his head right into the striker plate and broke his head open. Thus began an bout of extra-elevated blood pressure for her and a long set of hours in emergency for her family. He's better now, and his head has stitches. This Mom is going to school to be a medical assistant. She has about one year left, and is soon to begin her internships. Her other child is a daughter, age 8.

We had a very nice conversation. She said she did visit our website and she really liked what she saw. However, now isn't the time and the monthly cost is challenging at present. I told her about the business mall, but it still wasn't an option now. The bigger consideration is the timing in her life. She'd already told us at Target that she doesn't have much time at all, and is already working 2 part-time jobs, even if they are only a few hours each --- her husband helps with the kids and house chores so she can study to get a good paying job (previously she worked in production until an accident put her on L&I--- ultimately, after her light duty and L&I was settled, the company wasn't very kind to her. She went from working days to nights, and when she found herself almost driving into someone else's home after a long night at work, she decided enough was enough. Time for a life change for the better.) .

To recap her impressions of My Power Mall, she liked what she saw, the timing was off, maybe later. We talked about the fuel rebates with World Changer vs. the Business Mall and how to get started slowly.

She is going to keep updated with the blogs, and she would like us to keep in contact monthly. I am very glad to have met this woman. She is working hard for her family, and it was so good to hear how supportive her husband is of her efforts to improve their life. Her injury prevents her from doing any heavy lifting. It's evident she has a caring and considerate nature. Before we hung up, I didn't get to ask what her husband did for an income. Funny how ingrained that is in us to always want to know what our occupations are . . .

Cubs is over and bedtime insists . . . So, we bid you good night.

Lest you feel we didn't get our 5 --- we have 3 leads that crept in upon us today, unbeknownst during our morning routine. We will call them tomorrow, and today, we celebrate their unexpected entrance into our lives.

Business Partnership Program/Local Merchants

A Friend, and former business partner of our own Ginny Dye (CEO of Together We Can Change the World and My Power Mall), investor, and My Power Mall member, Linda, had these ideas to share on our training call this morning. Pretty incredible info. Thanks, Linda.

The question asked (I paraphrase): "Where can you advertise your brick and mortar business for $15.95/month?"

Linda thought that it's almost like getting it for f^ree if you register your business with the Local Merchant Program after becoming a World Changer and you get at least one sale per year. She has a real estate investor's club and to advertise with their club it costs $144/month. She added that most businesses have to pay an arm and a leg for advertising and what a gift this could mean for a business that is struggling in our economy right now.

I add, "Where can you advertise your business for $15.95/month AND receive $300 in fuel rebates over the course of a year just by becoming a World Changer?"

Bonus: Your business information will be picked up by the Google search engines, so people can find you even if you don't already have a website of your own. Your business and information will be displayed in a special area of your new Back Office that supports you and the growth of your business.

Bonus: If this business would like to get their advertising for F^ree more quickly, then, they can refer 10 of their best self-employed friends to do the same.

What kind of discount or rebate will this business offer MPM members (as of today, there are 148,548 of us around the globe) for shopping with their American Express Gift Card at their store?

2o% off? Waiving application fees? Buy one, get one f^ree?

{(Realize that this could mean a double discount for members, which keeps the concept of rebates for patronage. One rebate for the purchase of your Amex Gift Card AND one rebate given by the brick and mortar business--- well, that is unless you're like some of our creative shoppers and you go get an ADDITIONAL rebate (s ) by going to www.giftcertificates.com on your new World Changer Mall, after you purchased your Amex gift card ;-) Some are known to double, triple and quadruple dip into the rebate plan-- that's strategy!)}

Does this business have a favorite charity or special cause they support often (like the a Booster Club, or, your kid's soccer team, the football team, the Kiwanis)? If so, then, they can put a Foundation mall under their World Changer Mall for zero cost, and begin building under them. Perhaps all 10 of the referrals from this business would like to support the same local charity.

Pretty soon, the business owner will be receiving income from new shoppers at their business AND from the online shopping at their World Changer Mall . Sounds like a win-win.

((NOTE: If a business would like to be a part of My Power Mall's online shopping stores, it is possible. Let us know if you would like to know more. We can get you the information about how to do this as well as by being in the Local Merchant Program.))

A Different Kind of Day --- Day 5

Day 5

Today was a great day. It started the evening before by spending some moments before getting to reading a great book called Money and the Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I had the great fortune of watching the original version of The Secret with Mr. Big Z, and this was my greatest amount of information from Esther and Jerry, giving me a greater appreciation for all the wonderful comments I've heard about them and their work. Though I haven't read all of their books, I'm most pleased with the information in this book. (This book may be purchased in your new World Changer Mall by shopping at the wonderful bookstores we have, including Barnes n Noble.)

So, this morning, when I awoke (Big Z was with his Dad), I was energized after my lengthy catch-up sleep time [(geez, I think it was almost 12 hours! Ginny, I don't know HOW you get by with so few hours of rest ;-)]. I also knew that I needed to get to a project that I'd promised a friend, and the one project that I put off this week as we launched our boot camp.

Before I geared up for that, however, I checked our email. We'd received on back from one of the nice women we met at the Mall, the one woman I'd reached at work. She had replied to the email we sent after not reaching her at work. She kindly said she appreciated our info, but that now was not the time. I wrote her back and thanked her again for being open to hearing about TWCCTW and WCM (world changer mall) and how it can help make an impact in the world, for good. I invited to her to follow our blog, and, to please refer anyone she thought may like to learn more, and, would it be OK if we kept her updated every few months. She replied once more, and again thanked us, said she would follow the blog, no need to keep updated, and she wished us happy holidays. I smiled after I read her note, and felt pleased.

It is no good to have completion to the cycle of asking. This, or any business for that matter, is not for everyone. And, as this person said, "Not now." This means, not never, but perhaps later. Having the blog (s) and the new 60 Day Boot Camp provides a great means of enabling a person a that doesn't have the time presently, to keep their pulse on what's happening.

Next, I checked over our list of folks to ensure no other follow ups. All are happening tomorrow ;-).

While working on the project, I tuned into a CD program that I thoroughly enjoyed some years ago. This was after making sure I had listened to all the Boot Camp calls and the Miracle Team Training Calls, or Monday Night Family Chats. I really felt listening to inspiration while working would make my project go more enjoyably.

The program is from a guy you may know of, and if not, then you may at least have heard about his "Notes from the Universe." Mike Dooley. Mike is great fun and he shares some awesome messages in his Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams. For the next 6 hours, I worked on the project, and I was happily occupied. Big Z arrived home during the last hour or so.

We ended the day playing a Deluxe Monopoly game that we'd gotten at Christmastime last year. It was great fun. Why? Going past go and getting $200. Getting inheritance of $150. Getting rent on my property. "Thank you, Sir!" Buying land with ease. Money flowed so very easily and I laughed and laughed about the simplicity of it all.

Guess what?

Big Z will have his college funded while supporting a charity of his choice, while helping others get what they want in life, while helping his Mom gain maximum time with him, while learning great people skills, service skills, and business skills. What can be better than that?

THE BIKE.

Saturday --- Day 4

Day 4

Spent time on the Blog, exploring, figuring things out, and catching up on reading some blog posts that got by us this week as we were getting geared up and moving forward for our Boot Camp. Quite the amazing stories . . . YEAH.

For some reason, my system isn't able to download the TWCCTW Song in a gadget form. I even tried their technique to remedy the issue, clearing cookies and caches, etc. After viewing Shuli's site, and seeing how she figured out HOW to add the three songs from the Ginny Dye Channel on YouTube, I went back to try again. I figured it out, finally: GinnyDye Channel, not Ginny Dye. That did it, so thank you, Shuli. You helped without knowing it.

Also, been trying to figure out how ALL of you are posting the song smack dab in the middle of your pages . . . but maybe it's these links above that will help out (the toolbar on the posting page). That for another day.

Today for follow-ups:

--2nd call, f/u message, will call again in 2 days

--1st call scheduled for today, no exact time, their work number-- left message and sent an email to ensure she knew we didn't wish to interrupt work time. Asked for another number, or for her to call when store isn't busy only IF her boss really doesn't mind.

--neighbor 1 and 2 not home

--1st call to young man from mall, left VM, will call again---referred to email I sent

--1st call to another young man from mall, VM not accepting calls---hmm, should email him, too.

--spoke with Big Z's aunt, though mostly not about business. Thanked her for her kindness in talking with Big Z last evening. She queried: "Do you really expect that people are going to be into this during the holidays?" Er' Yep. Some surely WILL. There are a certain kind of people that are ALWAYS looking. We're looking for those that are looking AND that wish to take action.

--another aunt called back to speak with Big Z. He was out. She wishes to call him again upon his return.

Today for study:

Review the World Changer Mall Training Manual

Listen to recorded conference call from evening call this week

Review other calls to ensure I've not missed any others (November 24 thru the first weekend, I was on both a.m. and p.m. calls in spite a sudden trip out of state to visit a dying relative. My son was in Florida, soaking up the sun and enjoying time there with family. Upon our respective returns to town, we were able to get on most a.m. calls, but didn't seem to catch the evening calls as we were out meeting people. When Thanksgiving Day and the weekend came, I realize that I surely did miss the calls! Even today, I miss the calls. They are a good touchstone.)

As for Magic Power Beans:

We've looked in a few markets, and haven't found them YET. None-the-less, we've decided we'd like to use our beautiful polished stones instead. They have always been MAGICAL and POWER-FILLED.

Fun Friday --- Day 3

Day 3

Today was a day to spend a few minutes on the blog--- we have an education in front of us ;-). There are so many tools, and gadgets to play around with, so, we hope, that over the course of our 60 Day Challenge, we'll get better and the blog will look nicer.

Check out the You Tube videos to the right of the page--- Look for the SIFA Choir (http://www.sifachoir.org/). It's a most amazing video that will likely touch your heart as it has ours. The SIFA Choir toured America this past summer, raising funds to build a new orphanage and school for them in Uganda. Most of them are orphans, vastly affected by the AIDS epidemic.

You can also view the song by going to http://www.togetherwecanchangetheworld.com/TWCCTWSong.aspx. All proceeds for downloading the song go to the kids.

As for our day out and about as Boot Campers:

Handed out an official invitation card to friend spoken to earlier in week and who'd already gotten an email from us the day we spoke with her.

We gave follow-up calls to our neighbor, and to two of the people we met last night at the Mall. We left messages for them and will call again. Another neighbor ended up not getting home, so, we'll check in with them this weekend.

We went to visit with a very nice woman at our property management company. Big Z spoke with her and she was so kind to give him her undivided attention, as she always does. She was happy to take his information and will look at it this weekend. She'd use $2000 to pay of debt, go back to school for photography, and to help her younger sister pay for her college.

We went back to the bike shop. Big Z approached the man who has been helping us shop for the right bike, tonight, as a business man vs. a consumer. This guy is also a very nice, helpful, and gentle. He also gave Big Z undivided attention, and became quite amused with his presentation. He commented on how Big Z gave a nice close: May we give you a call on Monday or on Tuesday to see what you thought of my site?

He said that it sounds like "they" are doing a good job of training him in sales and what a wonderful program it sounded like to help kids. He'd had prior sales training, and so was familiar with a lot of styles, and he uses some, but mostly he helps his customers get what they want.

We told him about the business partnership program, and its renewed form that the Campers are working on now, and that it may be something he would like to consider as he views the information. We also told him that Ginny is setting aside the $25K that she offered to non-profits in order to create seed money for kids with ideas for generating income to donate to good causes. This is fantastic (Ginny told us this on one of the daily calls).

For him, he'd spend that $2000. As for $2000 extra a month? Spend more. Get bills. Increase the quality of his life. Upgrade his lifestyle.

Sounds good to us!

He asked Big Z what he would do with the money. Big Z answered, "I'd get a new bike, and save the rest."

Big Z called two of his Aunts. One wasn't home so he left a message. The other Aunt was home and she gave him her attention while letting her dinner sit a bit and get cold (what a nice Auntie she is). Though she knew that Big Z had his own business, she didn't know about the Reality Boot Camp, nor had she ever heard Big Z talk with her too much about it. Tonight she knows he's turning professional. He did a very good job talking with her.

She said she would buy more jerky for her dogs (she has quite a few cats and dogs). With an extra $2000/month, she said she would be able to relax since she would have extra money for bills. She'll review Big Z's info and we'll call her next Thursday.

It was getting late into the evening, and we had to seek out more folks to share World Changer and Together We Can Change the World with. We went to our local Kmart--- it was GREAT, 'cause not only did we get to talk with three nice young men, but we got EXERCISE! Big Z was a bit high-energy after our salad, split pea soup and tortilla with goat cheese dinner ;-).

The three young men were Cruisin' Kmart. They were there because they had a Sweater Party later in the evening, and one of the guys didn't have a sweater to wear. They were super sweet to stop and talk with us as we interrupted their cruisin'.

All three chimed they would pay off their college loans, and one said he had tools to pay off 'cause now that he's a diesel mechanic, he had to invest in about $20K worth of tools for the trade. They all said they would save money if they had $2000/month.

As we left the guys to their hunt for a good looking sweater, we found a green basketball. Ever seen one of those? It was really interesting, and we found, it was green because it was made from recycled materials. Pretty cool. We're going to have to see if we can find on on our mall!

Then, as we raced up and down the aisles for excercise, holding hands and smiling as we passed all the bright colors, Big Z said, "That was fun!" I asked him, "What was fun?" He said, "Talking with those guys. It was easy and I liked it." That's great feedback from my young business man ;-).

Everyone we spoke to gave us their contact information and were very nice. We have given them all e-cards and thanked them for their time.

The ready made e-cards in our back office are really good. We don't use them cookie-cutter style, though, but instead, we tailor them to each person we've spoken with. It's been a savings of time, and it's given some good ideas. Thank you, Ginny, for creating the letters and information. And, thank you to the Team that has created the E-card templates. The photos are just stunning.

Quite a Thursday --- Day 2

Day 2

We have to hand it to the folks that have been at this awhile . . . They're doing GREAT. Our day attests to the challenges of being a World Changer Reality Boot Camper. Kudos to all the participants and alternates!

We agreed with each other that we could get up earlier and out the door earlier, and meet people before school . . . It's on our list ;-).

After Big Z got to school and settled into his group, I took off with my invitation cards and notepad in my pocket. I keep wondering . . . Where to go to talk with the most people in a casual way? Haggens? The Mall? Freddies?

I decided to head to Sunset Square. I'd had a nutrition store that I'd queried a few times about carrying kombucha drinks, so, maybe they have it in stock now . . . I can go see. And, my blender is broken, so, Good Will has been on my list to see what they have.

When I arrived and parked, I found the nutrition store not open yet . . . wow. Sunset Square opens late. So, off to Good Will.

As I walked by the stores, I was surprised to see so many empty store fronts. The new Wrap place is inspiring, considering the one in Fairhaven years' ago just didn't make it. Two people were in prepping food for the day. I walked past a sandwich shop, and in the past, we got a lot of sammies there, and I'd had some conversations with the owners throughout the years. That's a place to stop.

I went to Good Will. I looked around and found it with a lot more people than I thought there would be. As I took note of the customers, I made my way to the section where the small appliances were. There was a nice old, old Sears blender, solid looking and seemingly little used--- good price, too! I took a look at it and found it's as broken as mine: it didn't have the blades to blend a good smoothie with! So, it stayed on the shelf.

I perused the aisles for a bit, deciding if I was nervous or not, or, who I'd talk with or not. Eventually, I thought I'd look for sports jerseys--- something Big Z and one of his friends, especially, are collecting. They DO sell them on our mall, we've been there checking them out ;-).

As I was doing this, I saw a mom and her child in a stroller. She seemed like a nice woman to talk with. But, I passed her by. I later found her again, in the book section. I walked by again. Dang it. I didn't think it would happen, but I WAS getting nervous. Why, I don't know . . . except maybe about striking up conversation.

So, I back I went to another sport rack. That calmed my innards. I chanced a stroll back towards the books and the woman, and found her child unhappy. I paused at the books and eventually went to talk to the child, and got permission from the mom. A book was in front of the little girl, so, I offered to read the story to her. She was glad for some attention, and didn't seem to mind.

However, when it came time to ask for help, to tell about TWCCTW and the Boot Camp and asking the 3 questions, I didn't. I just didn't feel right, and, I got nervous, thinking that by then she'd thought I'd only talked to her kid just to talk with her.

I left and went to check out. Talk with the checker? Nah. I left. I chalked it up to, O.K. Well, so I got scared . . . Next.

I looked at the owner in the sammy shop. He was also prepping. I got up my nerve and went in there. I talked with him about business, how the economy was affecting his shop (he's doing good), about where he gets his supplies, etc., etc. He shops a lot at Costco, usually once per quarter. The rest comes from the local supplier, or what his franchise sends him. I asked him if he shopped online. Nope. Rarely.

I asked if he liked the idea of using an AMEX Gift Card to gain a rebate on almost anything he bought--- Nah, he felt his return wouldn't be worth it--- Costco has one of those, too. I let him know my son has a business where people can shop and get rebates on all their purchases, and that they offer the American Express Gift Card, but he thought he'd talked to someone else about that sort of thing in Ferndale and he wasn't interested.

I asked if he ever gave to charities. Yes. In the past, but it created an issue with his contract with the Franchise, so, he's stopped donating food, etc. The franchise is really strict.

By now, I figured, this isn't the guy to invite. I thanked him for the visit, enjoyed the aromas of his freshly baked bread, and went on my way. The nutrition guy HAD to be open by now.

He was. I walked in and asked about kombucha. Not yet. It slipped through the cracks, and as he spoke about it, he figured that he wouldn't carry much of it since the mark-up wasn't very good with his supplier. And, therefore, he likely wouldn't be able to provide a competition with the other local shops in town on price. It would still be about $3.

The owner proceeded to share a lot of his aggravations about the world, and ultimately, I politely went upon my way, into the beautiful sunshine . . .

Later in the day, I gave a follow-up call to one of my people from yesterday. He hadn't had time to look at it yet, so, he asked to have time to view info over the weekend. We'll talk again on Monday.

A friend came over for a few minutes, and she's one who cannot stand anything that smells like network marketing (her Mom has tried many under the sun to no real success), but she enjoyed listening to how Big Z talked to folks last night. She also liked the story about the Foundation Ginny wants to put into place as seed money for kids with ideas to grow a business that gives back to the world. My friend is passionate about supporting causes that she believes in, so we touched upon the vision of Ginny, and how this is a great part of the company she would like. In spite of that, she still didn't want to peek; instead, it is her sister that is able to do this with balance to decide if it's something that works as an affiliate partner for their business ideas. So, a no is a not right now. She did say that she would shop on BigZ's mall for items she would buy, to support him.

After school, Big Z gathered his notebook and pen, and we headed to a busy spot: The Mall. NOT. There really wasn't much happening at the Mall. It was pretty quiet. I don't go there often, but I've been there a few times at this time of year . . . It reminded me of the times I've got to the Skagit Mall . . . a lot of stores, but a quiet crowd milling about.

We went into the Mall and went into a store. There we talked with two nice women and they gave us time and attention, and were glad to answer our 3 questions. We got their contact information. One is a mother and would like to pay off medical bills, buy gifts for her family, not work as much, and give time and money to charities. The other woman is used to saving, as her parents taught her young to do this. She would also like to go on more mission trips. Both were quite taken aback at the thought of having an extra $2000/month. We are, too!

We went out into the mall and spoke with a man at a kiosk. He was willing to answer our questions. He was a no, not interested in something like that. He's a college graduate, with bills to pay, and working 2 jobs.

We spoke with another Mom at the old toys my son used to ride on as a tot. She was willing and she decided, no, she wouldn't give her information.

We went into Target. As was the case with all the Mall, my son was feasting his eyes upon the goodies . . . and so it was here, too. Video games that he's not gotten yet, but his cousins and friends have them . . . Standing next to us was a nice woman who was picking up one of the games. I asked her if her kids played them a lot? No, they didn't. She was like me, and doing her best to keep them away as long as possible. An Uncle, though, wanted to change that this year. Her daughter is 8.

Since we were there, we asked if she would be willing to visit with us a few more minutes. She was, and she was willing to answer our questions. This woman is in school to be a medical assistant, and she works 2 jobs part-time, each only a few hours. She would like to pay of bills and pay for her college training.

We met up with two other women in Target. I have to say it wasn't pleasant, but we stayed Graceful under Fire. We asked two women to assist us in getting our 5. O.K. They were willing, but the first one looked hesitant. In a short while, I asked if they were mother and daughter.

Major faux pas.

I got blades of steel from the hesitant one, and the other laughed, thinking it was most funny for me to ask such a question. They looked so much alike, and that's why I asked, and it was also because of the way the younger looking of the two stood behind the one I'd offended greatly like I've seen daughter do with their moms on many occasions.

It got worse when the younger friend asked me who was the mother and who was the daughter? I guess you can imagine that the dagger blades from the eyes of the one were pushed further into me as I pointed who I thought was Mom and who I thought was Daughter. I should have just apologized and left them, but instead, I kept asking our questions. The one who laughed was still humored; the one I'd offended was doing all she could do not to strangle me. She'd given me her word to answer her questions, so, she was determined to do it, with or without daggers in her eyes.

I admit that I'm foggy on their answers, except for the last: NO, we will not give you our information.

I thanked them, and I apologized for offending them with my question and said that I really thought they were related. She made a very rude remark and the jovial one added, "We're the same age."

Big Z was oblivious to the nuances of our communication, and he chattered as if nothing had happened as we walked away . . . I finally had to stop him and explain that the one woman was very angry with me, and that I needed a moment to keep collected after my blunder. I followed him to the aisle that had his attention, and did my best to let it go, knowing, that I intended a compliment. I know now to be more careful . . . ;-).

On our way out of the Mall, we decided to head into a shoe store where three guys working there were visiting since the store didn't have customers. The three of them were very kind and didn't seem to mind that we interrupted their conversation. We found out they are college students, and that they would use $2000 mostly to pay for college. Tuition is upwards of $17K per year. One would like to save half of it, pay for college, and also buy a gift for his long-time girlfriend. They are considering marriage, so, he liked the idea of being able to save for the occasion. We got their contact information.

Upon our arrival home, we've followed up with our neighbors. One was unreachable, so left a VM and will call again tomorrow. One hadn't looked at the website, so, we've also rescheduled for tomorrow.

The friend of our neighbor did look at the website. He felt that the business looked too much like a scam, like a pyramid scheme. I asked if he'd known anyone in a pyramid scheme. No. I asked if he was confusing the term with a legitimate industry, known as network marketing or MLM? He said yes, that was it. I asked if he knew anyone in network marketing? No. I asked what it was about network marketing that didn't sit well with him. He responded that it was one of those things where people spend a lot of money and give a lot of attention to, that it's one of those ways people try to make money a lot these days. I explained to him about pyramids, vs. legitamate corporate businesses. He said this wasn't for him, and he couldn't see himself spending any more time with it. I sent him a thank you e-card with 101 Ways to Change the World E-Book for taking time to look at the business, and I invited him to keep track of the progress of the Boot Campers by visiting the Blogs.

An e-card was sent to both of our neighbors, as we didn't get a chance to send one last night.
E-cards were sent to all 6 of our people we met today.

What did we learn today?

We learned that we must have better signals between us when we are talking with people. Big Z was distracted by all there was to see (we rarely go to the Mall, like I said), and, he'd asked me to lead originally. We took turns talking the best we could, but he let me know there were times that he tried to interject, and I didn't see it. He likes handing out his invitation cards. I told him we would get better working together, and we'd give each other better signals. We both were satisfied with our results.

We checked in about having more time for Big Z's business, and less time to play, vs. Mom at a job and us not being together. Big Z chose to have Mom home and working on his business instead of me being at a job. I don't know how many 8 year olds would be out talking to people about business, but my guy wants to. I find his willingness commendable, too. More on that in another post, in his own words.

Big Z's Mom