Happy Pictures of the Week: Wintering in Colorado

 

Four weeks into the New Year and I have kept up all of my healthy habits, including a daily walk, whatever the weather.  If it weren't for Covid, I'd be in Florida now...  I'd really been looking forward to being a Snowbird and enjoying winter days on the beach. Like these geese, however, I didn't fly south for the winter after all.

Once I realized I was going to be home in Colorado for the winter, I made a list of ways to keep warm and have fun.  Even when the temperature drops, usually the sun is still shining and the air feels brisk and invigorating. The views of the mountains are spectacular and it's nice to have a chance to wear the winter coats, scarves, and boots.

I've also been doing a lot of cooking, experimenting with delicious soups, chili, and roasted or sautéd veggies. And, of course, there's also my lovely bath ritual to keep me warm.  I've even been creating little cozy spaces to snuggle up with plenty of comforters and blankets.

With no commute to worry about, it's really quite nice being home for the winter!

Bundled up and ready for a winter walk

I love boots!

My nook in the basement almost feels like Florida

Lots of healthy food to keep me warm!

Unemployed Individuals Can Work For Themselves With These Tips

Today's post is courtesy of Cherie McLaughlin of couchbasedbiz.com

Looking for work can be an incredibly frustrating process, especially during these uncertain times. The competition can be tough, but you can forge your own path by working for yourself. 

Whether you’re looking for a full-time job or just a side gig to make extra money, there are some important things to consider before you jump in, including figuring out what your skills are and whether becoming an entrepreneur is right for you. Read on for tips on how to get through the process of starting a business, courtesy of My Carpe Diem Life.

Prepare to work from home

There are lots of options available nowadays for those who want to become an entrepreneur, including freelancing or starting a small business. No matter which path you choose, the key to working from home is to set realistic goals for yourself; otherwise, it will be a struggle to get your work done when something unexpected pops up, such as a doctor’s appointment. It’s also crucial to set up the right workspace, including a solid internet connection and a laptop or computer with lots of storage space. If your current device is a few years old, consider upgrading. You can find some great online deals with several options to choose from so you can make the most of your budget.

Make yourself marketable

Once you’ve created a workspace for yourself, think about how to market your business. Whether you want to sell handmade scarves or baked goods, Ecommerce Platforms notes there are several online platforms and resources available for entrepreneurs to sell their wares and services these days. While there are typically fees associated with these sites, they can also help you build your brand and get exposure to a wider audience. 

If you have experience with email marketing, social media tools, or creating a website, utilize those valuable skills and get to work putting your brand out there yourself. You can also take advantage of an existing blog, or create a new one that uses ads for monetization. 

Select your business structure

Before you get your business up and running, you need to register with your state for tax purposes. This will involve selecting a business structure, which can feel pretty complicated if you never had to think it through before. There are all sorts of terms to learn before you make a decision; for instance, you might be wondering what is a sole proprietorship business? Should I use a DBA (doing business as)? Do some research and make a decision with confidence.  

Plan for paying your taxes

Working for yourself comes with many benefits, but it also means you have to plan for tax time a little differently. TaxAct points out that many people who are self-employed must pay their taxes quarterly, although this means they aren’t left with a large lump sum due at the end of the year. Talk to your accountant about how to set up such a plan, and learn more about your responsibilities as a self-employed individual. 

You’ll also need to obtain a business license in your city, which typically costs a small fee and is issued after you pay any local tax due for the year. 

Becoming an entrepreneur takes a lot of dedication, but if you’ve struggled with finding the right job lately, it might be for you. Network with other self-employed individuals or small business owners on social media, as this will help you make valuable connections and gain insight as you get started.

For more ideas and information to encourage and inspire you, connect with My Carpe Diem Life.

Photo via Pexels

Carpe Diem Day eBook Experiments

For the past year, I've been experimenting with social media and how I might promote Carpe Diem Day. One idea I had was to create an eBook and maybe a newsletter.

One nice thing about not having many followers is that I don't stress too much about trying things when they are far from perfect.  

Right now, I'm just experimenting with how I'd distribute an eBook using Blogger.  If you stumble upon this post, you can try these different options and let me know what you like best. I'm actually going to give them a try myself now to make sure they work at all!

It looks like I can give readers a direct link to the eBook:

Click here for the Carpe Diem Day eBook

Another option is to give readers a link to a shareable PDF version from Drive.

Click here for the PDF version of the Carpe Diem Day eBook (from Drive)

One more option is to give readers a link to a shareable ePub version from Drive.

Click here for the ePub version of the Carpe Diem Day eBook (from Drive)

OK, Let's go see how these work!

Happy Picture of the Week: Biden Inauguration

 

I'm still riding a New Year's high, but this week I'm especially happy because we have a new President who has a message of unity. What a welcome change after four years of Trump.  And, of course, along with the rest of the nation, I'm breathing a big sigh of relief that we had a peaceful transition of power.

Even though that fireworks picture is one I got off of the internet, I enjoyed watching the ceremony and celebration and felt such a huge since of pride and hope for our nation. I know we have a lot of challenges ahead, and that there's still a huge divide to overcome, but finally, we have a grown-up in charge.

I wore pearl earrings on Inauguration Day, along with thousands of others who donned pearls to show support for Kamala Harris and empowered women everywhere.

Happy Picture of the Week: Zooming with Mom!

 

Mom and me on Zoom

I'm still going strong with my New Year's mojo! I've kept up with all of my New Year's resolutions and goals! One of said goals is to blog at least once a week about something that made me happy during the week.  Even better if this happy thing is a solution to something that is not-so-happy.

I was not-so-happy that I wasn't able to physically visit my 85-year-old Mom in Sacramento at all in 2020. I normally visit around the holidays and my plan (now that I'm not working full time) had been to spend the better part of December with Mom, helping her specifically with something that I love... technology.  It turns out, though, that I'm able to help her remotely without a problem!

Before Covid hit, my siblings and I chipped in to get Mom a new Chromebook for her birthday.  I setup a bookmark for ChromeRemoteDesktop on her Chromebook, which, once she generates a code, very easily gives me visibility to her machine. I can even control her machine remotely!  This makes it very easy for me to she's doing when she's unsure and to even show her, by taking control of the mouse, what she needs to do.

Mom still is a bit... what's the word... "stressed?".. about using the Chromebook, so one of the presents I gave her for Christmas this year was that I would give her little lessons to help her get more comfortable with it.

Between Zoom and ChromeRemoteDesktop, I was able to help Mom with her email and introduce her to all kinds of fun sites: YouTube, Amazon, Netflix..   We went on a little virtual shopping spree and I was able to buy her a book that was delivered to her house in two days..  she found it all amazing and acted like it was the best present I'd ever given her.

Even though I know most people are suffering a bit from Zoom fatigue, I am so grateful for the technology that is available to us these days..  most of it, free of charge and very easy to use!

Yay for Zoom, ChromeRemoteDesktop, and Mom's willingness to learn!

2021 is a Happier New Year!

I don't know about you, but I am ALWAYS motivated in the new year to...  well.. do everything! I want to eat better, exercise more, get more organized, write more, read more, hike more, dance more, learn more, play more, ... you get the idea. 

Even though we still have to worry about Covid19, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Some friends and even my son (who works in health care) are getting the vaccine next week. I know we're not completely out of the woods yet, but with an end in sight, it's easier to continue with virtual parties and follow all the social distance guidelines.

This year I didn't have to worry about going out in the cold to celebrate. I rarely go out on New Year's Eve anyway, so this year was actually more fun than most! I had private Zoom parties with friends and relatives and it was fun to don one of my silly hats and plan for 2021 adventures.  My friend, Lisa and I have plans to go to South Carolina in the spring and I'm planning a November Mexico trip with my friend, Nancie!

I also am happy that today I was able to finish up all my New Year's cards complete with my custom "Carpe Diem" seal.  I switched to New Year's rather than Christmas cards several years ago and love that tradition.  Rather than rushing to write cards in the midst of all the Christmas mayhem, I can take my time and thank anyone who sent me a card. I also will have any of their latest updates and most current address!

How about you? What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Meet my adopted flamingo, Kazi

Flamingos have been my personal mascot for many years now. When Sarasota Jungle Gardens offered the opportunity to Adopt a Flamingo last April, I was so excited! 

Because of Covid, the park was closed at that time, but I was very impressed with all the paperwork I received in the mail, telling me about my adopted flamingo, Kamikaze - "Kazi" #38.

A couple of weeks ago, my friend, Amy Sargent, posted a cute picture on Facebook of a flamingo "kissing" her and, upon further inspection of its tag with a photo zoom, we found out it was none other than #38 - Kazi!   Imagine that! Without Amy even knowing I'd adopted a flamingo, she posts a very cute closeup picture!

Seeing that Kazi was alive and well and that Sarasota Jungle Gardens was open for business, I had the opportunity myself to meet my adopted flamingo yesterday!

As you can see, there are many beautiful flamingos and birds at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. There were many that didn't come out to greet the park visitors. How lucky for me that Kazi is so sociable and photogenic!

I've been especially lonely for a pet lately. With all the travel that I usually do, it's not very practical for me to own a pet, but this is a very cool alternative! Since I hope to make Sarasota a regular winter destination, I'll be able to visit Kazi and his friends at least every year. 

The Joy Makeover

This girl's dance on Halloween is pure Joy!

In Season 2 of my podcast, Carpe Diem Connections, I'm going to be doing a deep dive into finding joy.  I've become enamored with Ingrid Fetell Lee and her recent Joy Makeover workshop.

She offers a workbook and a very interesting set of interviews, digging deeper with topics about things such as how our joy is affected with 11 different topics starting with time, money, and relationships.

I know 2020 has been a difficult year, and there have been so many struggles. However, those struggles are what help us build resilience and learn more about ourselves, to grow, to persevere, and the overcome challenges.

I'm really enjoying Podcasting, but I want to hear your thoughts and have more of a discussion than podcasting really allows. I hope you'll come join in the discussion on Carpe Diem Connections Facebook group.

Let me know if any of you also are participating in the Joy Makeover and let's share what we're learning! Here are my responses to the first 4 "pre-work" questions.

Joy inventory What parts of your life bring you the most joy?

• Friends

• Relationships

• Playing

• Warm Weather

• Time

• Learning

• Health

• Food & Drink

• Beauty

• Kindness

• Whimsey

• Home

• Creativity

Joy Goals What parts of your life would you like to transform for more joy?

• Snowbird Home

• Deeper Relationships

• Travel

• Learning

• Adding value to society

Joy Barriers What is currently getting in the way of you feeling more joy?

• Politics

• Covid Worries and Restrictions

(Other things that can be Joy-Suckers)

• Financial Stress

• Other people’s hardships

• Grief

• Disappointments with Relationships

• Fears

• Bad Health / Pain

• Rejection

• Decline with Aging

• Loneliness

Joy Vision What would happen if those obstacles were removed? What does a more joyful life look and feel like to you?

A feeling that I was always experiencing the comfort of security, gratitude, and love. A continual feeling of awe and excitement at experiencing and learning new things and connecting with people.

Carpe Diem Connections Podcast - The Joy Makeover Spinoff!

Summary

I'm loving participating in the Joy Makeover and I bet you would, too! In Season 2 of Carpe Diem Connections we'll be doing our own deep dive into finding Joy, starting with finding Joy in the election season! 

History

About 12 weeks ago I started a podcast, Carpe Diem Connections. I'd procrastinated because I knew nothing about podcasting and was worried that I'd be embarrassed by how amateurish it might sound.

However, with any kind of new hobby, if you go into it realizing that you have a lot to learn, and not having high expectations, you find the learning process and the improvement is usually fun!

When I'd gotten laid off in 2009, a suggestion at a lead's group was to host a blog and interview people who I admired.  This turned out to be awesome advice and it was how I ultimately got a job as a Site Editor at TechTarget and was able to network with a lot of my industry's thought-leaders. Ultimately, I ended up with a successful consulting career and a wonderful network of mentors, friends, and colleagues in the world of Agile Leadership and Quality Assurance.

Chapter 3 of Life

Now, I'd like to do something similar in the field of Positive Psychology, particularly as I'm entering a new stage of life.  I'm hesitant to call it "Retirement" or "The 60's"..   Maybe "Chapter 3"? 

"Chapter 1" was childhood and college, "Chapter 2" was career and raising children. Now, in "Chapter 3," I'm a 60-year-old empty-nester, grateful for the opportunity to discover and experiment with what it means to live life fully. 

I left my full-time contract at USAA in November, 2018, shortly after getting some bad news about degenerative back conditions. After a review of my finances and lifestyle, I came to the conclusion that, thanks to my ultra-frugal ways (and paying house-mates), I could afford to "retire."  (I wasn't sure I really wanted to retire since I loved my job but..  I also wanted more time to travel, visit friends, and be as active as possible while I still felt healthy, energetic, and pain-free.

I had an awesome 60-weeks-until-60 set of celebrations, full of traveling, adventure, and new experiences. My kids and family surprised and honored me on my 60th birthday, Feb.26, 2020, by gifting me with "Carpe Diem Day," officially proclaimed in the National Archive of Days! 

Carpe Diem Connections - Season 1 - Interviews with Happiness and Connection Experts

As the proud recipient of Carpe Diem Day, I promptly bought CarpeDiemDay.com and have experimented with social media and activities related to"seizing the day."  I also started a Carpe Diem Connections Facebook Group, Carpe Diem - Single Snowbirds Facebook Group- and, again, 12 weeks ago, the new podcast.

During this past 12 weeks, I used the same strategy I'd used in 2009...  I looked for guests who I admired and were living life fully.  Most were coaches or somehow involved in the field of Positive Psychology. I'm very excited and grateful to those who I met and interviewed! It's been enlightening to hear their thoughts on what it means to them to live life fully and foster deep meaningful connections, particularly in the midst of the pandemic.

Carpe Diem Connections - Season 2 - The Joy Makeover Spinoffs

On Tuesday (Election Day!) I flew back to Sarasota, Florida, for "Snowbird Season." I'm so lucky to be staying, once again, with wise and witty Becky Burns!  It seemed the perfect time to also start a new season on my podcast, hopefully, with continued learning and improving over Season 1.

Becky has agreed to be my co-host as we talk about Finding Joy.  I've become enamored with Ingrid Fetell Lee and her recent Joy Makeover workshop. She offers a workbook and a very interesting set of interviews, digging deeper with topics about things such as how our joy is affected with 11 different topics starting with time, money, and relationships.

Becky and I are going to do our own deep dive into these topics and add a few more that are particularly relevant for the times or for us.  For example, this week, we'll talk about Joy and Politics since the election is causing so much anxiety for so many people.  As I write this, the vote is still undecided. I find it interesting that the uncertainty is causing so much anxiety, both with Covid and the election..  Uncertainty and its affect on Joy might also be part of that first podcast of the season.

Getting Feedback

In order to learn and improve, we need feedback! One of the few things I don't like about podcasting, is that it's difficult to get feedback.  We base results on how many people listen or subscribe, so, of course, it's helpful to see those numbers go up.  However, what I really want is listener comments and feedback!!

I know that many of us listen to our podcasts when we're out and about, so it's not a very convenient medium for giving feedback.  

However, I would appreciate any feedback you'd like to send my way by email: yvette.francino@gmail.com,  by using the "message" button from the podcast Website, or by commenting or IM'ing me on Facebook.

Goodbye Beautiful October!

As everyone keeps saying, these are crazy times! Like the rest of the world, my emotions have been all over the map. Besides all of the stressful things going on in America, we had the worst fires Colorado has ever experienced, and I had some personal stresses this month as well...  friends and family who are suffering from major health problems and grief.  

With all this going on, it can be hard to stay positive. In fact, it can seem almost insensitive to be 'promoting' a Carpe Diem attitude, when so many people are suffering so much.  On the other hand, we only have control over our own minds and actions. Succumbing to depression doesn't help anyone.

I've been keeping a journal of "good things" and "not so good things" that happen each month and at the end of the month, I review and go through all the pictures I took over the month. When I had my end-of-October ritual, I recognized that despite those sad things that are out of my control, there were so many happy things that happened and that I'm so grateful for.

WALKtober

A highlight of my month was participating in WALKtober Bingo put on by Walk2Connect. Every morning, the talented leaders would fill our inboxes with a beautifully written post and prompt of how we could celebrate each day of "WALKtober."

Daily Hikes and Walks - Rediscovering 10,000+ Steps a Day

On October first, we were asked to set an intention for our WALKtober challenge and mine was to walk at least 10,000 steps each day. Since I did this every single day of 2019, I figured doing it in October should be a piece of cake.  It actually wasn't that easy! On days that the weather was bad, I didn't sleep well, or I just felt depressed, it was really hard for me to make the time to get out and walk.

But every single time, I felt better and happier, for getting out! I have to admit that a couple of years ago, when I had to give up running, I felt like walking was such a wimpy substitute..  it didn't feel like much of a workout. But I realize now that it's more beneficial for my mental health than running ever was for my physical health.

Being in nature... seeing the beautiful colors.. exploring new trails.. seeing the sun rise while breathing in the crisp early morning..  witnessing smiling neighbors, beautiful yard decorations, cute pets, and all the treasure of my neighborhood..  all of it is food for my soul. I realize that there is so much goodness and beauty in the world.. so much to be grateful for.

Enjoyed beautiful Fall colors!

Found new places to hike thanks to The Best Urban Hikes:Boulder by Darcy Kitching!

Snowy walks were appreciated, too! They helped get the fires under control!

Working with American Red Cross

This month I finally stopped procrastinating about doing the on-boarding training for ARC so that I could become an active volunteer. I am SO impressed with all the volunteers and hard work that goes into this organization!

As soon as I had the training finished, I was immediately put to work, helping get all the spreadsheets up to date for all those who had been evacuated from their homes because of the fires.  Though this isn't the most "exciting" job, I know that many people aren't comfortable with installing new apps and working with unfamiliar technology. I felt proud that I was quickly up and running and able to help in a way that was needed.

Joan Cernich has been in touch every day and I immediately felt part of a useful team.  I realized this is something I've been missing since I've stopped working at a traditional corporate job. Joan is amazing and is juggling communication and handling the logistics of all the work that's being done with the area's fires. On top of all of that she hosted volunteer (social distanced) get togethers at her home!

Joan Cernich hosts volunteer orientation

Carpe Diem Connections

This is the first time I've posted on this blog for months, but I've been quite active on my new site: CarpeDiemDay.com.  I've interviewed a guest each week for my new Carpe Diem Connection Podcast! It's been fun and exciting for me to meet, reconnect, and learn from all the people I've interviewed! I've also learned a lot about podcasting (but still have a lot more to learn!)

I also have been having fun with my Carpe Diem Connections Facebook group and love the pictures and posts people add as a result of my little prompts.

Socializing and Halloween

This month I was able to have some very welcomed 1:1 celebrations with friends! I really miss the Pre-Covid parties and traditional celebrations, but I also love having some individualized time with friends.

And Halloween turned out to be better than usual! Socially-distanced street parties and neighborhood displays with safe and creative way to deliver treats to the trick-or-treaters!

Costumed girl joyfully dancing while a band plays for the neighborhood

Trick-or-treating goes on in creative new ways!

Pasta Jays on Pearl Street on a sunny Halloween

And now we're into a new month and new adventure! I'm heading to Sarasota again to start snowbird season on November 3rd!