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What Does PotPieGirl Do All Day?
The emails I get are so great. I’ve had people email me and ask me to answer all kinds of questions about working online, ways to do this or that, and my opinions on ideas. This morning I got an email that I thought would be fun (and maybe embarrassing) to answer. The reader asked me what a day in the life of PotPieGirl was like. So, want to know what I do all day? Read on….
An Average Wednesday For PotPieGirl
Today has been a pretty common day so I’ll use today as an example.
I woke up about 10 am. One of the first things I do each Wednesday morning is check my bank account. Clickbank pays me each Wednesday in the wee morning hours, so I always check to make sure it went in my account properly. I really like Wednesdays…. lol
My daughter has college classes on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Since she is still only 17, I drive her to classes. In all honesty, I LOVE Mom Taxi time. My kids and I have always had the best talks and the most fun while we drive somewhere. I also know that the time we get to ride together is priceless….and ends sooner than I like. If you have teenagers, you might get what I’m saying about this driving time.
Ok, back to my day…
After checking my accounts, I put on jeans and t-shirt – then pushed my hair back with sunglasses and we left. Now the t-shirt I was wearing is my hubby’s t-shirt. It’s an old Nike shirt he was wearing the night we really spent any time together that led to us starting to date . Yes, the shirt is WAY too big on me, but I like it… it makes me happy. I spent so many years HAVING to wear certain clothes for work that I now only wear what I want, when I want. I am a jeans girl and I will be wearing jeans unless the event makes it totally unacceptable for jeans to be worn. As for the hair thing…. well, I have long hair. A brush and a pair of sunglasses do awesome in a pinch (oh c’mon ladies, you know you’ve done it, too! lol).
In the car, my daughter and I went over some of her Medical terms for the test she was having today and I realized again just how smart she is. We also talked about what kind of car she wants. While she wants something small and sporty… I want her in a tank!
Dropped my daughter off about 10:40 and went to run some errands while she was in class.
We are going out of town tomorrow for a long weekend. It’s my birthday Friday (yes, Friday, the 13th!) and it’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so me and the sweetie are going to a casino resort to gamble a little, eat some great food, see a show, and maybe sneak in a round of golf if the weather is good.
The whole trip (room, show, meals…even GAS) is being comped by the casino. It’s a small resort in Mississippi and they are very accommodating in this economy to get guests out to the casino. Works for me…lol! But, we still needed “playing money” so I had to go to the bank.
PotPieGirl Goes To The Bank
I wrote a check for cash and gave it to the teller. She asked me how I wanted it (ie, what kind of bills…20’s, 50’s, 100’s etc etc). I told her, but as she was counting out I flashed back to my hard times and recalled that whenever I cashed a check for the whopping $20 I could afford to get out my account not that long ago, no one EVER asked me how I “wanted it”….lol. They just tossed a twenty dollar bill at me while I tried to figure out how far I could stretch it. I’m tellin’ ya tho… single moms can make $20 go a LONG LONG way!
Then I went to another bank to write a check and put money in for household bills. The teller there is so nice… sometimes she even gives me a lollipop!
Then To The Car Wash (are you bored YET?)
Next stop – the car wash. Some of you might remember, but last summer, the day before we left for our week-long family beach vacation, the hubby and I bought a new Expedition. Considering the gas prices at the time, it wasn’t the most economical move, BUT, also considering the gas prices as that time, we got a GREAT deal.
On our vacation, we took all 4 kids and two “friends of kids” – in total, there were 8 of us. Even tho my son and his fiance were driving down in their own vehicle, I REALLY wanted something that would fit all of us while at the beach. Remember how much I said I love driving with my kids? Well, I miss hanging with my son. I really miss the days he and I would drive around and he would tell me all the things I never ever wanted to know about life as a teenage boy.
Anyway… I took the Expedition to the car wash to give it a bath.
I love that tank. I’m not a very materialistic person, but there are some things I really, really love. That big SUV is one of them =) If it wasn’t dark out, I’d go take a picture of it. It’s all clean and shiny right now. I vacuumed and wiped everything down too. I even got that mysterious little person’s foot print off the far back window (I still don’t know how the 4 year-old got her foot back there).
And The Excitement Continues…
I finished with the car and headed back to get my daughter. I still had some time before she came out so I made some phone calls (you know, that work stuff….lol).
Now, usually after her classes we stop and get something to eat, but not today. You see, my daughter and I went grocery shopping yesterday and we did a MAJOR shop. She got a cart and I got a cart and we filled them UP. My daughter remembers the “hard times” we went through so she has a lot of appreciation for these NOT hard times. It’s really cool to have your teenager actually tell you how happy they are that you, the mom, are not so stressed anymore….and when your kid tells you that she is proud of you – wow! It’s enough to make a mama cry her eyes out!
Success = Paper Towels?
You know, people ask me sometimes what being financially secure means to me. One time, someone asked and I simply said, “Select-a-size paper towels”. You know, those great paper towels that tear into smaller sizes and they are so good that you could easily rinse them and use them again?
To me, that is a LUXURY.
When I am in my kitchen and see those paper towels, I am oddly filled with a “everything is ok” feeling. It wasn’t too very long ago that IF we got paper towels at all, they were no-name brand. Nothing wrong with no-name brand….but there is something for me about the option to buy the really great paper towels if I want to without my checkbook telling me I can’t (and without a coupon!)
Wow, I am so rambling…let’s get back on topic here…
So today we didn’t stop to eat because we both knew there was a HOUSEFUL of food at home. We came home and thought about what to eat. While we were deciding, we opened up a can of special “treat” cat food for our two whacky cats. My daughter and I got so tickled watching these cats with their treat!
Not long ago, I asked my family if they had ever noticed how dogs stand up to eat, but cats sit down to eat.
Why is that? (and yes, for the record, I am known to pop out with those kind of weird question observations at any random time).
But today, when we gave the cats their treat, my daughter started laughing hysterically. She said, “Mom, Look! They are both standing up to eat!”
By golly she was right. Both cats were so focused on the treat in their bowl that they didn’t take the time to sit down…let alone MOVE. Bailey, the gray and white cat, was so still and so focused that her tail was quivering.
That musta been some REALLY good cat food!
However, my daughter and I opted for chicken… human food chicken…lol
Uh, What About WORK?
Hmmmm, I guess I better get to the part where I did some work, huh? Okayyyyyyyyy, if you insist!
About 1:30 pm or so I sat down at my desk. I answered some email, checked some stats, and continued some research on other free-to-use sites for my up-coming diversification guide for One Week Marketing.
I also got things straight with my very first FULL TIME outsourcer! Starting Monday, I have a wonderful young woman in another part of the world doing work for me full time.
THIS THRILLS ME!
I want more time to do “PotPieGirl” stuff, but I really, really needed someone to help with the “to-do” lists and work. Now, I have someone!
After getting things with her all straightened out and set to start, I did some keyword research for projects she will be working on. I then wandered through some forums, did more email and then some more email (and I STILL have email left to do).
PotPieDude Comes Home
About 5, my hubby came home and we hung out a little. After awhile he went to get the 4 year-old who later came running in with news that Daddy got her a Happy Meal! (uh, didn’t I JUST mention that we went shopping yesterday? lol). But her delight with her surprise toy and chicken nuggets was contagious… and Daddy was a hero…so well, we can eat the other stuff later, right? =)
Now, it’s almost 8 pm and I am typing this “Day In The Life” post (and also wondering who REALLY wants to know all this…. my life is kinda boring…lol).
Priorities
From the living room I hear a familiar sound. Daddy is playing a Wii game… sounds like tennis. I called out to him to ask him what he was doing and he says, “Playing Wii Tennis…. you want some of this?”
A Challenge.
I tell him in a minute… after all, I AM busy typing to all of you at the moment. So then he says…
“Oh, are you SCARED??? Chicken???”
We are a weeeeee bit competitive in this house…lol
Just for the record, I am NOT scared – but, there is a small problem.
Flashback To Saturday Night
This past Saturday night, the hubby and I realized that we were all alone in the house with NO KIDS. So we did what every other happily married couple would do when there’s no kids around…
We played Wii games (hey! get your mind out the gutter!!)
We played Wii bowling, and Wii tennis, and Wii baseball, and Wii golf… In fact, I “Wii’d” so much that I was afraid I broke my shoulder! Today is the first day it doesn’t ache when I move it.
Important Decision For Today
Now, do I REALLY want to go in there and not only BEAT him, but also risk my shoulder hurting while we are out of town?
You bet!
No one calls ME chicken!
The Rest Of My Day
As far as the rest of the night, I’ll probably be back in my office to do some more email and set things up for me to be gone for a few days, but that will be about it work-wise.
I still need to pack and make sure all is set for the mom and dad to be gone…maybe wash a load of clothes. At 10pm I will watch Damages on F/X. That is one show that you can NOT miss an episode or else you are way off for the rest of the season.
So, that’s it… that was my day today. Exciting huh?
Shouldn’t You Work More?
Yes, there are days I work more than today, but my goal for 2009 is to make MORE but work LESS. That has been my goal since I started with my action plan….and all the work I’ve done the past two years has really paid off and got me to where working less/making more is a very realistic goal for this year.
I was up late last night – in fact, until after 3am. I was watching some seminar footage that was intensive. I like to do things like that when it’s quiet and I can really focus, take notes, and figure out how I can implement what I’ve learned. While I don’t spend as much time WORKING as I used to, I still spend a good bit of time on the computer or reading.. .. always learning. Always.
While I imagine I could all but stop working now, I have no desire to. Not only do I love what I do, I also know there is always better and more efficient…and more options for others like me who have little to invest to start their online business.
I also spend time doing random searches on Google. Yes, I’m weird…lol But, I do this often – just type in some sort of buying keyword phrase and look at the Top 10. Look at their on page SEO, look at their back links…then ask myself, “Why are they #1 – and what would someone need to do to take that first spot on Google?” While for many this may sound like a waste of time – for me it is very enlightening and I learn a LOT.
I’m not a “guru groupie” so I don’t follow all the big launches. In fact, I only ever really find out that there IS a “big launch” when my inbox blows up with all those “get MY bonus” copy/paste emails (ugh).
All in all, I am a very laid-back, content, and happy person who is FAR from “all business”. I love my life and I’m very proud of what I have created… but above all, I love my life and the people in my life. Being someone who knows the alternatives life can give you, I feel extremely blessed…. money or NO money.
The Truth About Money
Money doesn’t make you happy. When you don’t have money, it feels very hard to believe that having money won’t make you happy (I can totally understand how anyone would feel that way).
For me, what money DOES do is give me options and alternatives. If I hadn’t spent the time to build my online business, today I would’ve been working from 9-5 (or longer). I would’ve missed ALL of today because I was sitting at some JOB. Instead, I got to hang out with my daughter, run my errands (in jeans…lol), and plan for a trip. And yes, we have money for that trip so we can truly enjoy it…and that money won’t make even a tiny ding in the household financial situation.
Money also gives me the opportunity to help others follow a similar path – and that really, really matters to me. My hope is that those that achieve with a little nudge from me, will in turn make a point to nudge others to take a similar path.
Just for the record and in the spirit of full-disclosure, I will say this tho… Having money is WAYYYYY better than NOT having money. I can’t lie about that or pretend it’s not true. Just a simple trip to the grocery store becomes fun as opposed to STRESS CITY. Reality is – Life is expensive.
The toys and the trips are all really great, but the simple release of STRESS is priceless for me. Daily life just becomes….. well, it becomes easier. Hard times are no fun. Thankfully there is this internet that gives us all options regardless of how much money we have starting out.
Wrapping Up My Day
So, there you have it… a day in the life of PotPieGirl. Pretty boring everyday type stuff, isn’t it? I planned to post this hours ago, but yes, the Wii “peer pressure” got the best of me (I am SO bad at Wii tennis!) Now I am watching Damages and typing during commercials. I sure am glad I put a TV in my office! Multi-tasking!
Just for fun, I want to show you what my office looks like when the 4 year-old decides she is coming to work with me:
Princess Barbie table… notebooks, stickers, and oh yes, her purse, too.
Life is good!
See y’all next week when I get back!
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Sounds like a great day. I’m totally the opposite, I feel awesome when I get up early, and would love to have an IM work day from about 6 AM and be done at about 2 PM, in time to head to the gym before it gets crowded.
I’d be curious, if you are interested in a post idea, as to what a typical Potpiegirl day was like a year ago, or whenever it was when you were busting butt, putting in the most hours and work you could to reach your goals, ie. lenses/articles/sites/etc. per day.
Just an idea.
Great to see you have a relaxed day today (and every day).
“great paper towels” ?
Aww…go with the ShamWow. They’re made by the Germans. And you know the Germans make good stuff!
And maybe set up a lens, or two, or three.
Happy working on the diversification guide!
andrew wees last blog post..The “Is Blogging Dead” Meme and Other Navel-Gazing Nonsense
Well, I must say, your post was VERY inspiring, and can you believe I actually read the entire thing. I usually skip through long posts, but for some reason you kept my interest. Thanks for the inspiration!
I agree with Nate, I’d love to read a post about your day when you were working hard to get financially stable.
Misti Sandefur, Christian Author/Freelance Writers last blog post..Tips on Public Speaking: How to Prepare for Your Speaking Event
I loved this post. I read all of it and it was inspiring. The best part was your daughter’s office setup. That is too cute.
restlesslimbss last blog post..Squidoo Payment
I can’t help but smile when I read your posts Jen 🙂
Anyway, would you care to share a little more about your outsourcer? Things like:
– Where did you hire the person?
– What do you pay per month?
– What do you have her do?
– How do you give her tasks?
And things like that. The reason I ask is that I am thinking really seriously about getting a help but I can find that many places to read about people’s experiences with it.
Thanks
Mikael
Mikael Riecks last blog post..More Than Pet Insurance vs. Vet Insurance
Hello Jennifer
Enjoy your birthday….we are celebrating my sweeties birthday on Feb 13 too….and then Happyp Valentines day too.
Having the money top take those trips – the freedom –
is worth all the work one has to do….and the paper towels choice…….WOW ya hit it then!!
Have a great weekend
Leo Hanes
Wonderful, I love it. What a great life. I am so proud of you and I don’t even know you.
But I know some of what you went through to get there. I am there right now. But I will get there soon.
Have a great trip.
Keep the posts coming.
Ron
Hi PotPieGirl,
It’s great to see how your day is now. I worry though, that it will feed the “you don’t have to work” mentality. I imagine people don’t quite understand how long and hard your days were when you were getting to this point.
I agree with Nate that a post about a typical day back then might be well worth doing.
You rock! have a great holiday.
Jackie
Internet Marketing Strategy for Momss last blog post..How to Take Action Building Niche Sites
Hi all! Thanks for the comments and feedback!
I was doing once last peek online before we go and saw something that I know I MUST respond to…
The “You don’t have to work” mentality.
Oh no no no No No NO….. Work IS involved and there was a LOT of work previous to this year.
Here is the “secret” to all this:
For every one thing you create online that works FOR you, YOU get to work a little less down the road.
Have a great weekend and THANK YOU for the birthday wishes!!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
I laughed so loud when I read the part about doing what other married couples do when they don’t have the kids! That sounds so much like my husband and me.
Anyhow, I just started OWM since I’m on disability now (due to being 35 weeks pregnant!) and I’ve put so much faith in this.
I personally would love a post on “How to keep a 4 year old entertained while mommy works on the computer.” LOL!
It feels soooooooo good to read/hear about success and happiness…. thank you for this post!
Have a very happy birthday, the good times you spend with your family are the most precious of all! 🙂
Jennifer,
I have a funny feeling that you won’t be here tomorrow, so…..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY – on your birthday day!!
Just relax, we will all survive while you’re gone! LOL
I too, just love those paper towels that have different sized rip off points. You COULD say that they last longer – a selling point!
Anyway – have a great one.
That was a fun post to read, and thanks for the tip in the comment too. Maybe I’ll try Googling some sites as you do–I certainly don’t have a grasp of keywords yet.
Beth Partins last blog post..Three for Me
Jennifer,
That was wonderful! Its so good to see that even though you have a wonderful financial situation you are still down to earth and just like everyone else, NORMAL!!! haha. You really inspire me with your post. I mean its like I really know you!!! I wanted to tell you that. (Bye the way, Im a little jealous about the vacation!!!) lol….Just kidding. Very happy for you and I hope you and your family have a wonderful time. Looking forward to hearing from you when you return. Sincerly, Faye
Glad to see you are now in the outsourcing game 🙂
I wish you luck and hope you get some good ones.
Loved the nick you have for your hubby!
Karl Pembertons last blog post..The First Post!
This is yet another great post! Very inspiring to a lot of us! You are definately someone to aspire to! Thanks for all your hard work ~ Happy Birthday to us! (Mine is Saturday)!!!
You deserve this weekend off! We will miss ya! 🙂
This caught my attention: “Starting Monday, I have a wonderful young woman in another part of the world doing work for me full time.”
It makes me curious about what and how you are outsourcing. Perhaps a topic of another blog post?
EuroSquids last blog post..The Pause That Refreshes
i just had to add my 2 pents, great post btw. will we ever get to see the cats. i have a cat, frisky little bugger. oh and if you want more help with working less please check out the people i read, i surf a lot to i dunno how i got here, i think i was looking for lens flipping, anyway google grizzly brears, make money beginners, seo zombie, and keyword academy that should get you working less this year.
cheers
– antbanksmoney
Nice!! I especially like:
“…Nothing wrong with no-name brand….but there is something for me about the option to buy the really great paper towels if I want to without my checkbook telling me I can’t (and without a coupon!)”
for me, it was a heated towel rack for the bathroom. 🙂
Barbara
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coachs last blog post..Must-have HIGH payout alternative to Google Adsense
hey i have lost track of time i have beening reading this blig for 4 hours WTF!! lol no offence hey but i never stay on a blog for 10 tens minutes let alone 4 hours!!
Great work….
Hi PPG. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your day and I am also enjoying the rest of the blog as well. I too make my living online and I laughed out loud when you mentioned the paper towel success measure…:) I feel exactly the same way. For me it’s Bounty or nothing…and don’t get me started on toilet paper…:) Seriously, it’s the small things that count in my book and being able to buy brand name grocery goods adds a little more to my daily life. Thanks for sharing and take care. All the best towards your success.
Lyle
I subscribed to you RSS feed on my iPod Touch (what a great device!!), and I was reading this post in a Starbucks coffee shop in Montreal and I was literally LMAO! in the middle of the coffee shop! (…I wasn’t embarrassed!) So I wrote a reminder to myself to comment on this post once I get online from my computer. So here I am…
Jennifer, aside from being a great inspiration to me, you are soooo FUNNY! there is not one post that I read that I don’t laugh…
Just to quote an example “No one calls ME chicken!” haha!
Anyways, just wanna say thank you for bringing (more) laughter and inspiration into my life 🙂
And have a wonderful day!
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