10% of Retail Value

If you could get something that was slightly used, but still in very good condition, and sometimes brand new for 10% of what that person paid for it... would you?

If anyone answered no to that question... stop reading.

I have some great friends who have spread the infatuation of Garage Sales to me. At first I was skeptical. With thoughts of, "I don't want to buy other people's junk." I might have even thought I was "too good" for that sort of thing.

But my first trip to a garage sale was a couple years ago. I was half awake and wanted a rice maker. What are the odds of finding a rice maker at a Garage Sale you ask? Well... evidently pretty good (although I still look and have yet to find another one). So the first place we went to, I found a BRAND NEW, NEVER BEEN USED, rice maker. This rice maker (pictured below) sells for $24.99 at Target. I got it for $1, yep one dollar. That is 4% of the retail value... or if you like to think in terms of Discounts... How about seeing a sign that says 94% off... would you buy it... So I say this because some people at Garage Sales do not realize how to price or sell their "treasures". They put way too high a price on their valuables, adding their emotional value on their items. My dear friend said multiple times over this weekend when she saw things were overpriced "10% of the retail value (or what you paid for it)" is what people should sell things for. I completely agree with her.

I love telling people about the treasures that I find at garage sales and seeing their surprise about the quality of it. I love knowing that I saved a ton of money by purchasing things that I needed at a 90% discount! It is the joy of the hunt that keeps me coming back for more. Below are two pictures of the treasures that I found yesterday!

Not exactly what mine looks like, but very close. Walmart - $269, Garage Sale - $20 = 7% of price.

3-Cup French Press Brand-New (exactly the same as what I got), Target - $24.99, Garage Sale - $1 = 4%... YES!

Tech Support

This is where your phone calls are going to in India! AH, no wonder there is so much confusion on the line...

On a positive note. Life is great! I am quickly learning what it mean to be involved in a start-up company. It is so exciting to be able to create everything from scratch and be part of some big decisions! This is an incredible experience that I am getting and I am so thankful for it. Once we have our website up and running I will post a link to it...

My first lesson that I have learned is:
Do not underestimate yourself. Sometimes I feel like because I am 24 I should not have this much responsibility or freedom. But I do and therefore I must do well!

On another note, went to the dentist yesterday... I'm just wondering... who grows up thinking {Man I want to take little tiny drills that spray water and make a terrible noise, stick them in peoples mouths and grind away their teeth.} That is way beyond me...

Hope you all have a great weekend!

The Sky's the Limit :: Really It Is

As kids we have always heard that phrase and others like it. "Shoot for the moon", "You can do anything", "Think outside the box". I think my generation especially does not feel any restraints as to what we can accomplish. This can be a positive thing, but as a twenty-four year old, who just completed a two year fellowship obtaining her MBA and is now in search of "the job", these thoughts seem way too vague.

So... I decided to make a list (you know how I love lists) of the things that I do want:
I want to accomplish great things in my life and be proud of the work that I do.
I want to enjoy working everyday and build new relationships.
I want to be creative and not be limited by uncertainty.
I want to be challenged and grow in each new adventure.
I want to work with a team of individuals that strive for excellence not only in word but in deed.
I want to be true to who I am, never faltering from my core, but always learning.
I want to be transparent, so everyone will know what you see is what you get (just to add another cliche...).
I want to add excitement to the world and find awe in the little things.
I want to laugh at life and be surrounded by those that are continuously optimistic!
I want to be passionate about the place that I am working at.
I want to serve God in all I do and honor Him by using the gifts that he has given me.

I am committed to this list. I do not think that it is all encompassing and I am sure that I will think of other things to add to it. As I search for a job, I will not compromise these desires. I have been honored by the experiences that I have had in the past and know that there are more to come in the future.

What are some of the things that you want in life? It feels good to write it down!

A phase of life is finished...

Today is my last day in Arkansas. I can't believe that my life here is almost over... I have had such a great time with friends these last several days! I have felt so much love and support it is incredible. So the only sad part is, everything we did I took my camera... but didn't take any pictures! haha... so you will just have to trust me! Here are some pictures from our morning so far...

Love these girls! (said with an Arkansas accent).

For old times sake... this never gets old...

Yep... like I said... never gets old.

The HAM'S MEGABUNCH!

Complete Rest

I am laying in bed exhausted, but sleep does not come. I have just been out at Greystone Estate for two days for our Ethical Leadership Summit. I always learn new things whenever I am coordinating one of these events, mostly because the different participants that come always bring such unique discussion. But it wasn't the participants, the topics at ELS, or the discussion that made an impact on me this time (although I always find something to take away with me). It was the fact that an almost broken relationship is now on the mend, all while we were hosting 12 CEOs and senior leaders in an intense 2-day session. I know now the caliber of leader that I work with at The Soderquist Center.

Pros and Cons

Wow... job search is interesting... I know that is a very vague description, but that is really the only thing I have to describe it with.

It is full of:
ups and downs
pros and cons
questions and some answers, very few, but some
certainty and uncertainty
waiting and praying
known and unknown
good and bad
exciting and exhausting

For a typically even-keeled person this is probably the most "drama" I have been through in a long time! I am so thankful to be surrounded by amazing family and friends that are giving support, wisdom, love, prayer and laughter during this time.

It just seems like one thing after the next keeps happening. I am thankful that things keep happening, but I just want to have things figured out by now. But I don't so I keep trusting, walking, resting, moving, looking, to that next step.

This is broken

Hilarious video about marketers/marketing.