Holidays?

Today was my first day of a week of holidays. How did I spend it?

I leased two vehicles, and then dropped off the lease documents at work. Then I checked my messages and discussed some staffing and fleet issues with my general manager.

I discussed some billing with my bookkeeper.

I discussed some marketing plans with my business development representative.

I checked my messages.

I fretted over June's early financials.

I fretted over our cashflow.

Throughout the day I checked my email.

I'm going to try a little harder to 'vacay' tomorrow, but it's hard! There isn't one day that I don't think of the business.

But what I really hope to do this week, is to get some of the 'big picture' stuff done -- you know 'working on the business instead of working in the business'.

I'd like to do my painted picture, and then make sure that my quarterly plans, and individual plans align well with this.

Personally, Ken & I are also doing a One Page Strategic Plan for our relationship and family. We did our first quarterly meeting this evening and I think we've set some good reachable goals.

At the end of the week, Thursday through Saturday, I am going on a retreat with my Forum. We normally meet once a month to talk about business issues and twice yearly we go on a retreat. We are going here this time.

And even though this seems to be a working holiday, I am getting some quality time with the kids too. Kevin is at bike camp this week, and is kicking butt at bike riding. He is so proud of himself! When I picked him up, we went to McDonald's with his friends. Then the kids ran through the sprinkler this afternoon.

Did I mention we move in 2 1/2 weeks?

Ode to Daisy

Okay, I'm kind of frusterated because I was about two thirds through a post, and the baby just kicked my lap top and deleted the whole thing.

Not cool. But one of the hazards of the job I guess.

I was writing a post about our impending move and how I'm kind of avoiding the details of it. But really, it turned into a post about my deep gratitude to Daisy, the nanny who joined our family in February of this year. She is indispensible.

Having a family and a career is not easy. It's almost cliche to discuss how difficult it is. But what I do know is that I love running my business. It challenges me and satisfies me in ways that I never have been before. I also know that I need to have this in my life -- I would feel empty without it. And frankly I am proud of all I have accomplished.

But I could not run my house without our nanny. Truly, she is the wife I have always wished for.

She keeps the kids well fed, cleaned and happy during the day. I do not need to think about what to make for dinner. It's cooked when I get home. Laundry is not my issue. Daisy does a better job at laundry than I do. My floors are cleaner than they should be in a house with three boys. If the baby has the sniffles, I know that she will give him the extra attention he needs without me having to stay home.

She is soft when she needs to be, firm when she needs to be and instinctive always.

As we get ready to move, I am so grateful Daisy is here to assist. I COULD not have this all organized without her. As I try to balance my busy, BUSY life, I realize that she is not a luxury. She is an absolute necessity.