This was my post for MUIB, a Business Mom group I belong to.  The lesson I learned this week was so valuable, that I decided to share it here, with you!

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Okay, so I didn’t post my goals for the week on Monday … I’ll learn to do that … for now, I write them all down in a notebook that I carry everywhere!  In the meantime, I’ve accomplished so much and met so many deadlines and expectations, I’m SO exhausted, yet very elated … I just had to share and brag a little!  Maybe even spread a little inspiration?  *wink*

First and foremost, let me just remind those of you who don’t remember or weren’t around for my intro … I’m a single, 37-year old Mama … I have a demanding pre-schooler and a self-absorbed teen (+ his girlfriend) … I stay with my friend’s ‘special needs’ daughter 4 days a week (outside of my home) … I’ve gone back to college FT (online / at night) … I’ve been attempting to run 2 businesses from my home (1 product & 1 service) and 1 ministry for single moms … I’m essentially the ‘right-arm’ to the Pastor’s wife … I’m also a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend … you get the idea!

Anyway …

* In the course of the week, I designed and edited a business card for our Pastor.  Delegated the printing and cutting to Staples Print Center.  (Dropped off and picked up.)  Managed to order, receive and press matching business card holder - - all in time for Father’s Day!  -Invoiced.

* Through much frustration and aggravation, with faulty equipment (X 2) and having to ship supplies from Alabama AT THE LAST MINUTE via FedEx Express … I pressed 58 t-shirts and delivered them to the SAL (last night) in time for their golf tournament this morning!!!  (Also managed to reorder / replace discontinued tie-dyed t-shirts - received and delivered on time!)  -Invoiced.

* Pressed and hand-delivered paper weight for Father’s Day order before said ‘father’ left for Myrtle Beach on Friday.  -Invoiced.

* Petitioned college Foundation for emergency assistance with school books (on Wednesday) for classes that started on Monday!  Was awarded “Scholarship” and picked up books (on Thursday)!  (Have even started studying and took first quiz - 95%!)

* Collected numerous pieces of information (from 2006) for Financial Aid office!  (Putting together for Monday’s mail as we speak!)

* Dealt with sick child - twice!!!  (Isn’t there a clause in the Mama handbook that says they can only get sick once per week?!?!?!)

* Scheduled same child’s appointment for minor, oral surgery.

* Successfully robbed Peter and paid Paul.  (Also known as the gas and cable / internet.)

* Celebrated MY Mom’s 60th birthday!  (Go MOM!!!)

* Housework / Chores?  Although I did not even touch my house, (unless you count cleaning up puke) I am on ‘vacation’ from babysitting next week – I will catch up then.  It’s not going anywhere – trust me!  (I’ve tried waiting it out!)  I did do laundry (which mind you I have to drag to a laundrymat) and buy groceries.  (I’ve volunteered to bake apple pies for Father’s Day dinner at church!  What was I thinking?)

SIDENOTE:  Never got around to cutting grass.  (Lawnmower sounds like chainsaw on steroids – must delegate repair!)  *cheesy grin*

So seriously, I’m not trying to brag!  I AM trying to remind myself how remarkable I can be when I put my mind to it!  In the past week (or two) I have learned one very, very, extremely important lesson!  (And you can trust that I plan to blog about it!)

KEEP YOUR JOY!

“Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.”&nbps;  [James 1:2]

I cannot even tell you how many times I wanted (was tempted) to cry, scream, cuss, punch something or someone, or worse yet – give up, this week!  But I maintained!  I just kept telling myself that my joy was all I had left!  Was I really going to let the world around me rob me (and my family) of that too?

I know it’s hard to get through the day, week, month, or longer sometimes!  I know that just when you think you can’t take ‘one more thing‘ what happens?  ONE MORE THING!  I too get into situations where I can feel my insides curdle and reel at the thought of one more confrontation (phone calls, e-mails, letters, essays, applications, forms)!  I know the feeling when your blood feels like marbles because all you can think about is everything that needs done and how little time you have to do it!

Concentrate on the things that have gone your way.  Concentrate on God’s blessings and goodness!  Concentrate on your dreams and making them come true!  Concentrate on your family!  (The one you are doing it all for!)  Remind yourself how awesome and competent you are!!!  You CAN and WILL do this!  (Whatever this may be!)  We’re MOMS – we’re capable!  *grin*

Here I am now … the end of another hectic, crazy, hair-pulling, teeth-grinding, fist-clenching week.  One that I thought I could not get through!  One that I almost let get the best of me!  But I did and it didn’t!  I kept my joy despite myself!  It’s Saturday, the ‘to-do’ list is all checked off.  My baby is making me play-dough cookies!!!  I have a full pitcher of iced tea and a few more Reese’s Cups in the bag!  It’s all good my sisters!

ALL GOOD!

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AND … now … I’ve blogged as well!  *wink*