Home Office Dilemma

It is raining and storming out on this Saturday afternoon. So, the problem is usually this: do I catch up on housework, laundry and other household projects, or do I get some work done for the business. I don't mind either one depending on the exact project. One potentially makes the family more money, but the other gives us clean underwear. Oh, the balancing act ...

Camera Lessons

The other day there was a need to take some new photos of an older sample casting we have so I took out my new camera and carefully set up the shot. The natural lighting was perfect, but I couldn't get the camera to focus on the right spot. I adjusted some things, checked the camera settings and tried again. I usually just hold the camera in my hands and this time I even used another table as a tripod. I couldn't figure it out. I needed to move on so I used what I had at the time as it did not need to be high resolution for this exact project and therefore the slight focus issue was not a huge problem. Then today I pulled out the camera for something else and felt something a little sticky near the lens. I then checked the lens itself and noticed what looked a big lick mark all the way across it. Note to self: keep the camera out of the reach of a climbing 2 yr old. Who knows how ago the lens was licked? My vacation photos may be a little skewed.

Another Work at Home Favorite

Sleeping in the t-shirt you plan to wear the next day. In the morning, throw on some jeans and a bra (optional depending on schedule) and you're good to go!

The Home Office Lives On

I still do most of my computer/phone work from a home office. The kids are getting a little bit older and all but 1 are in school. So, forgive me for getting a little brave today and making a call from the car with 3 kids in tow. The call was to one of our vendors and it's not really a big deal if they hear giggling and child chatter as many of them also work from a home office. However, while I was on the phone in a rather in depth conversation, my 5 yr old threw some sort of toy/gadget (thanks McDonald's) which bounced off the back of my head and then into the face of my 2 yr old. The 2 yr old then let out a scream that I have never before heard come out of her mouth and then continued to cry as loud as she ever has. The conversation had to be moved into a gas station parking lot. It wasn't all a loss. It gave me a chance to go over some paperwork with the vendor. Flying papers in the wind beat a screaming child any day. Note to self: kids and phones don't mix

Where's the Mute Button!?

So I recently upgraded the mobile phone I use for business. It's an HTC Hero and it is great, BTW. However, I have STILL not mastered the mute and/or hold button which is sometimes necessary as I have a 2yr old running around my office quite a bit of the time.

So, this is an apology to the customer that heard ear piercing screams. I had no choice but to hang up, call back and blame it on a wild animal outside my office window. We are in MN so we are more or less in the midst of either a forest or lake everywhere we go anyway, right? (Seriously though, many people from either the west or east coast have no idea where we are an those that think they do believe we are part of Canada.) Either way, I'm fine with it.

I sure hope I figure this phone out soon!

Toilet Paper, Anyone?

I have a business and a family of six so purchasing supplies and/or household items in bulk is a regular occurence. However, even though the 24 pack of cream of chicken soup, 8 boxes of crackers and the 36 pack of quick noodles are great and may help out in a local food emergency, there is something very satisfying about hauling a case of toilet paper through the door and stacking the rolls on a shelf. I feel like I have done my duty as the owner of a toilet and as a mother.

I'm not sure if it's because there are not a whole lot of appropriate alternatives, or because once you realize you are out-of-stock, it is not usually convenient to make a quick run to the corner store.

So does a cupboard full of my favorite brand of toilet paper make me prepared, or just weird?

A New Year!

For just a bit after the Holiday season, there is always a short time to catch your breath from both crazy schedules and a busy sales season. I'm not so sure which is worse: being so busy you don't have time to think, or having a little extra time and not sure what project to do first (if any). I'll let you know what I decide.