Archive for the Category »Life «

Jun

Warning: The Environment is about to Self-Destruct

Okay, I haven’t posted anything on MisticCafe.com in a long time. I’ve been busy with my other websites and life. This is the first blog I ever created and it’s like my baby. Unfortunately, like most parents sometimes you neglect your child because you become self-absorbed in your life. That’s about to end. I’m committed to posting at least once a week on this blog. So here it goes…

Is the environment about to self-destruct at the hands of humans? Year after year, it’s the same old story. Some corporation somewhere has contributed to the destruction of planet Earth. Most of the humans on this planet sit back and have a “whatever” attitude about it. They figure someone else will take care of the problem. What happens when there’s no one left to clean up the planet? What happens where there isn’t a planet to clean up? That’s right, our environment could self-destruct at the hands of the humans who walk and live upon it.

The Gulf of Mexico 2010 oil spill has really gotten to me and other citizens. It’s the 21st century and we still haven’t figured out that nothing lasts forever. Why does it take a catastrophe to happen to make us realize that nothing lasts forever? Wouldn’t it make more sense to ensure our infrastructures and structures are solid and secure? Wouldn’t it make more sense to ensure a crisis plan is in place in case something happens? How about having technologies ready and available to stop a crisis if it occurs? Perhaps this is asking too much.

The damage from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is horrifying. Experts say it’s worse than the Exxon Mobil oil spill of 1989. Innocent animal and plant life are once again killed because of human stupidity. Once again peoples’ livelihoods are in jeopardy because “big corporations” couldn’t think ahead. Maybe this tragedy will wake up the people of the U.S. It’s about time citizens become angry and demand change from corporations and the government. The life of planet and its inhabitants deserve justice.

What’s taking so long to fix Gulf of Mexico oil problem? Seriously, a five-year-old probably could have figured out how to solve the problem. Quit the “blame game” and fix the problem. Maybe it’s the lack of technology. It’s the 21st century and the U.S. is still lagging behind in technology when compared to other countries. This problem could have been fixed a long time ago if the proper technology was available.

It’s amazing how U.S. citizens have to bail out corporations like AIG, banks, and other institutions for their major screw-ups. In the meantime, Americans are getting screwed left and right. Their houses are being foreclosed, jobs are being eliminated, and credit card debt increases while these companies roll in the money. Where’s the justice in this? Why aren’t people speaking out? Nothing will change if your voice isn’t heard. It’s up to you to make it known how ticked off you are and that you won’t take it anymore.

If you love the environment, recycle (where you can), buy organic foods that are locally grown, make sure you put your trash in trash cans, pickup litter, and be the best you can be. The Earth won’t last forever if everyone doesn’t do their part to respect and protect the environment.

Rebecca

What do you think of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? Who’s responsible? How mad are you that “big” corporations and governments keep screwing up the planet? Share your thoughts.

Category: Green Corner, Just Think, Life, Politics and Social Issues Tags: Environment and Conservation, Politics Leave a Comment

Dec

The Impersonal Automated Phone System

Rebecca

Once upon a time, when you called a company a real person answered the phone. If you had a complaint, your call was forwarded to a customer service representative. Ah, the good ol’ days. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could go back to the time when “customer service” existed? A woman can dream can’t she!

Companies used automated phone systems because they cut costs and save time. Do they really save time and for whom? What about saving the company money? If you lose customers because they’re tired of your automated phone system, how is that saving your company money?

I’m tired of pressing 1 for English or 2 for Spanish. This is America, we speak English. Before you know it, you’ll be asked to press 3 for Mandarin Chinese, 4 for Japanese, 5 for French, 6 for Portuguese, 7 for Swahili, 8 for Latin, and 9 for Hungarian! Once you select your language, you’ll be asked to press 1 for this department, press 2 for that department, or press 3 for another department. You could travel to China faster than you can reach a customer service representative.

Automated phone systems never give you the option to press 0 for the operator. You can try to press 0 and hope to be transferred to customer service or redial and try again. How does this save the customer time? If an operator would be pickup straightaway, you could be connected to the right department in no time.

In my opinion, automated phone systems are the most irritating invention. I’d prefer to hire someone to answer phone calls from customers and have them directed to the correct people. Some may argue this cannot be done because we are global society. Others will argue that scaling back on automated phone systems will hurt corporations. Sigh…

All I want is to speak to a human being and not waste time pressing buttons on a phone. If I want to waste time pressing buttons, I’ll play a video game! It would be more fun than pressing buttons trying to reach the right department and person who can help me!

Rebecca

What bugs you the most about automated phone systems?

Category: All Business, Just Think, Life Tags: Miscelleaneous Leave a Comment

Dec

Millionaire Mind Intensive Rocks

Rebecca

My thoughts on the Millionaire Mind Intensive…

The weekend of December 4 – December 6, 2009, I attended T. Harv Eker’s Millionaire Mind Intensive. Harv is the author of the #1 Best Selling book Secrets of the Millionaire Mind. His company is Peak Potentials “one of the fastest growing business and personal success training companies in North America.”

I was invited to the event by the organizer of my Master Mind group. I was very skeptical because I’ve been invited to these types of events before and have been disappointed. Most events are nothing but “glorified” sales and marketing pitches. The Millionaire Mind Intensive was different. I was blown away by the event and it was FREE to attend if you were invited by someone. The event is usually priced at $1,295.

The Millionaire Mind Intensive is for those who are “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” You’re tired of having financial setbacks, living in mediocrity, and not knowing why you haven’t been successful in life. You will receive the answers to your questions.

Attending a Millionaire Mind Intensive requires an open mind. There was a lot of “hi-fiving,” clapping, and dancing — mostly by people who went up on the stage. It may seem a little hokey (I thought this), but keep an open mind and you’ll have a good time.

For those who are familiar with Think and Grow Rich, The Secret, The Master Key System, and the Science of Getting Rich will enjoy the Millionaire Mind Intensive. People at the MMI event are familiar with these books and other self-help books. They constantly work on changing their mindset around money and attend the Millionaire Mind Intensive as a stepping stone to the other courses offered by Peak Potentials.

All of us promised that what happened at the Millionaire Mind Intensive would stay at the Millionaire Mind Intensive, kind of like “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Again, I was very skeptical going into the seminar, but my mind was changed by Sunday night. I highly recommend you attend a Millionaire Mind Intensive if you’re fortunate enough to receive a FREE certificate. Not only will you learn the secrets of the rich, you will learn what is holding you back in life and business!

Rebecca

What’s stopping your from having a Millionaire Mind?

Category: All Business, All Finance, Just Think, Life, Motivation and Inspiration Tags: Finance, Money, Motivation and Inspiration, Personal Development Leave a Comment

Dec

Tiger is Caught in the Woods of Life

Rebecca

The reports surrounding Tiger Woods car accident are keeping people on the edge of their seat. Did he have an affair? Did he have a couple of affairs? What really happened the night of the car accident? Only he and his wife know for sure what happened that night. The public may never know the truth.

Reports have surfaced that Tiger’s wife is cashing in on the prenuptial agreement they had. It’s speculated she’ll receive $5 Million now and possibly $55 Million if she stays with him for two more years. It puts marriage in a whole new light.

What happened to marrying for love, for better or worse, rich or poorer, and in sickness and in health? It seems marriage has become more of a financial arrangement — like a job. If you stay with an employer for a specified number of years, you receive a severance package with a value attached to it. Marriage seems to be taking a cue from the corporate world. It’s understandable that Tiger and his wife would have a prenuptial agreement because of his golf career. However, it’s amazing how fast (if there’s truth to the story) his wife is “cashing in” on the marriage.

Marriage was something that was sacred, now it seems to be a “get rich quick” scheme kind of like some of the stay-at-home businesses you find online. You can make a quick fortune in a short amount of time, but if you’re financially immature, your earnings will disappear before your very eyes. You’re left with empty pockets and dreams.

Through counseling, perhaps Tiger Woods and his wife will reconcile and move past this unfortunate incident. It’s a reminder about Debbie Ford’s book, “…Why Good People Do Bad Things?” No one is immune to making mistakes, it’s whether or not you choose to make them that is the difference.

Rebecca

How is your marriage?

Category: Just Think, Life, Relationships Leave a Comment

Oct

What to Expect before You Become Pregnant

Rebecca

Many women decide to have a child or start a family without realizing the consequences and responsibilities. A child is a huge responsibility and a joy at the same time. If you’re not prepared for significant life changes, you may want to reconsider having a baby

When you decide to become pregnant, make sure you know what to expect. Your life will never be the same once you have a baby. If you think you’re ready, you may want to think twice about it.

Responsibility

Having a baby is a huge responsibility. You’ll provide your baby with food, clothing, and shelter along with medical attention and eventually an education. You may not be able to go out with your girlfriends for some time. How does this make you feel? Your friends will be having a good time, dancing, letting off steam, and you’ll be home on a Friday and Saturday with your child. Think about it.

What happens when your baby gets sick? Who will watch your child? Nine times out of ten, women call off from work. Unfortunately, your boss may not understand. You may have to make other arrangements like having a neighbor, friend, or family member take your child to the doctor. What happens if your mom and family are 2,000 miles away from you? These are things to think about before you expect.

Plan to have your baby

Women usually get a rude awakening after the baby’s born. They have anxiety about putting their baby in daycare or leaving them at home with a nanny. Some women develop postpartum depression which only makes the situation worse. Luckily, you can overcome obstacles with the love and support of your community, family, and friends.

If you’re not comfortable with leaving your child in the care of someone else, have a plan before you get pregnant. What is your financial situation? How many months or years will you be able to stay home? Before you become pregnant, consult a financial adviser so you can plan to have your baby. It may not sound romantic, but it’s better than crying day and night because you have to leave your baby every day. Don’t forget to figure in an emergency fund because life happens!

Know what to expect before you expect

Before you become pregnant, speak to moms. Reach out to your community and get to know moms and moms-to-be. It’s like the old saying, “…know before you go.” Well, know before you have a baby. Ask moms the following questions:

1. How did you or do you juggle work and family?
2. What scared you about having a baby?
3. When did you know you were ready for a baby?
4. What support system do you have?
5. What do you do if you don’t have a support system?
6. How difficult is it to be a single mom?

Think about how your life will change if you have a baby. This includes your job, friends, leisure time, and family. A baby can bring joy to you and the world. Make sure you’re really ready for the changes and responsibilities that go along with becoming a mom. You’ll know when you’re ready. Don’t try to force it or do it because your mother-in-law thinks it’s time for you to have baby!

Rebecca

Category: Just Think, Life Tags: Women Leave a Comment

Oct

Women Don’t Settle for Less

Rebecca

I enrolled SWIHA’s (Southwest Institute of Healing Arts) Life Coaching program and joined their online community. I received this from one of my “friends” so I thought I would share it with all of you.

“A comedian friend of mine sent this to me a few days. It is an actual email she received from a fan of hers – this is a supposed email asking her out on a date – I think it has value because so many of us have “settled for less” in our lives. This correspondence shows a women who now knows what she is really worth.”

Read on:

“Hey lisa hi im ron love ur shows find u very very funny and kinda cute hmmm lol love to talk iwth u if possible feel free to contact me i wont bite unless u ask nicely ha but if ever in nyc lets hang out xoxo ron oh yeah im the guy in the middle” RonInNYC

Hey, Ron,

Got your e-mail and wanted to get back to you. You’re obviously a fan of mine and a very handsome gentleman, but just wanted to give you some feedback on how to approach a woman of quality like myself:

1) First of all, Ron, love that you find me “very very funny.” You leading with a compliment is a good thing. As you know, women eat that up!

2) Secondly, you state you find me “kinda cute.” Hmmm. “Kinda cute”? Didn’t you mean to say “Hot”? “Sexy?” “Voluptuous?” No? What about “Attractive”? Any of the above would’ve been fine — of course, without the “kinda.” Hell, I woulda thought it was “kinda cute” if you said I was “Cute.” But the “kinda”? That makes me wanna spin again! Huge turnoff. If you’re gonna give me a compliment, give me a real one. If you don’t want to give me a compliment in a certain area, don’t even bring the area up.

3) You say you’d “love to talk with me.” THAT, I like. I love to talk via email or over the phone with nice chocolate daddies like yourself, and would be pleased to make your acquaintance in that manner. So, before you decide if you’d like to answer this, please put plenty of prepaid minutes on your cell phone and get ready to talk — and by “talk,” I mean “talk” and not “text.” I only text in emergencies. I TALK to guys I want to get to know better. Phone contact helps avoid the emotional walls put up by texting and lets a person get to know someone better by actually hearing the other person’s voice.

4) Congratulations, Ron! You get mucho points for “I won’t bite unless you ask nicely.” Although I’ve heard this before, I still find it sexy and look forward to being bitten if things should work out. Great way to flirt without being overtly sexual. That overtly sexual crap is a HUGE turnoff for someone in my position. So, you’re a clear winner here.

5) Regarding your picture, all men should learn from you. Always surround yourself when taking a photo by less attractive men. That way, when looking at the photo, a woman will say, “Please let him be the guy in the middle,” and will sigh with relief when they read that indeed the guy in the middle is you. Keep those friends of yours around — you smoke them out of the water!

6) One last bit of advice: “Let’s hang out” isn’t asking me on a date. I don’t “hang out” with men. I “go out” with them. So if you’d like to take me on a proper date — and IF you don’t have a significant other — you can ask me nicely to go out with you after we’ve conversed a bit. “Hanging out” is something you do with your buddies or ho’s you’re not serious about — and I’m not interested in being either.

Oh, and just to help you out, here is the English translation of the message you sent me. Trust me: educated white women LOVE them some punctuation and capitalization.

Hey Lisa!

Hi. I’m Ron. I love your shows and I find you very, very funny and smokin’ hot! Hmmm . . .

I’d love to talk with you, if possible. Feel free to contact me — I won’t bite unless you ask nicely! And if you’re ever in New York City, let’s go out. I’d love to take you out on the town.

xoxo,
Ron

P.S. Oh yeah, I’m the guy in the middle.

Well, Ron, hope you’ve learned something from my note. If you’re still interested in corresponding, you can e-mail me at this address. I find you very cute — handsome, even — and I hope you read this with a sense of humor and sense of understanding. Either way, I wish you nothing but the best!

XO,
Lisa L.
This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.

Category: Healthy and Well, Just Think, Life, Relationships Tags: Women Leave a Comment

Oct

Bank of America Causes Consumers to Revolt

Rebecca

I’d like to share my story about my credit card company. I’m with Bank of America and they sent me a notice on October 27, 2009 that my credit card limits were reduced. Receiving this notification was like receiving a sucker punch to the gut. Never in my life did I ever dream that I would be in this situation. How the hell did I create this for my life? Mark my words…this is my first and will be my only time to deal with this situation. Here’s my story…

I always enjoyed a very high credit limit and was able to pay my bills with ease when I worked as a Property Analyst for a real estate and development company in Cleveland, OH. Accounting wasn’t my passion, but I made a great living. When my father died, I decided to pursue my love of art and went back to school for a graphic design certification. I quit my accounting job, sold my townhouse, moved in with my mom, and landed a job as a graphic designer. I still was miserable. I managed to create the same situations in my life just with different people. Something had to change because I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I graduated in May 2007 with a Master of Science, Management degree. I researched some states and decided I would move to Arizona. I sent out resume after resume without receiving any responses. I went to the UK in August 2007 and when I got back, I finally spoke with someone about moving to Arizona. I was told that Arizona employers like to see Arizona residency BEFORE they will hire a person. So…In September 2007, I drove from Ohio to Arizona. It was my first “real” road trip and first time I drove cross country — no one was with me. When I arrived in Arizona, I decided to move there. I found an apartment, parked my car in the garage, flew back home, packed up, and flew back out. I was confident that I would find full-time or part-time employment utilizing my accounting degrees along with my Master of Science, Management degree. I was wrong!

Steps I took to finding employment

Sent out a ton of resumes before and after my move to Arizona in September 2007.
Started networking to make connections — hoping to gain referrals.
Contacted and met with several different representatives from employment agencies none of which helped me find employment.
Put ads on Craigslist.
Put resumes on Craigslist.
Put resumes on Jobing.com and CareerBuilder.
Informed people that I was a writer looking for work, but would be interested in accounting work as well.
Signed up with Guru.com and bid on jobs.
Tried my hand at Google AdSense and spent more than I earned.
Obtained not 1, not 2, but 3 degrees, including a Master of Science.
Received a graphic design certification.
Started reading books like Think and Grow Rich, The Secret, The Science of Getting Rich, Quantum Success, and other books to change my thoughts around abundance, money, and wealth.

Fast forward to October 28, 2009, and I am living, correction, surviving in Arizona by the skin of my teeth! According to all of the “spiritual gurus” out there, you can do what you love (writing for me) and make money from it. I’m grateful for my writing job and the writing jobs I had, but it’s not enough to live on. Let’s face it, we need and use money, that’s how it is. Anyone that says they don’t like money is lying!

I hope all of the CEOs of the credit card companies can sleep at night. I’m glad as an American taxpayer that I was able to help bail out the banks and credit card companies when they needed it. I sleep better at night knowing that employees and CEOs receive their BIG bonuses on time and enjoy spa days. I couldn’t live with myself if they missed a bonus check!

BONUS

CLICK HERE to read the letter I sent to Bank of America.

Rebecca

How have you been screwed over by a credit card company?

Category: All Business, All Finance, Life Tags: Money Leave a Comment

Jul

How to Lose a Job in 10 Seconds or Less

Rebecca

Social media has taken the world by storm. Unfortunately, many people use Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and countless other sites to VENT their frustrations about their employers, co-workers, and bosses. This is NOT a smart thing to do since employees scan these sites for employee activity. Right or wrong, one Tweet can cost you employment.

According to an article on MSN.com, employees that vented or insulted their employers were fired! It’s true. Employers don’t want unhappy employees working for them

Employees may scream the 1st Amendment (freedom of Speech), but employers will have a different viewpoint. They’re paying you a salary and benefits which is something that many people would like to have. Employers can easily replace dissatisfied employees. If you’re unhappy, do something about it.

Employers will not tolerate employees that “slam” the company. You’d think that in times of a tough economy, employees would be grateful for their jobs. Guess not. Even though unemployment rises in times of economic uncertainty, employees aren’t holding back. They let their feelings known via social media outlets.

Social media is a great way to stay connected with family and friends or to grow your business. If you’re going to make a snide comment about a co-worker or boss, you may want to hold off. You never know who is looking at social media sites. This is why they tell you NOT to send emails or surf the internet on company time. You can best believe that you’re time on the computer is monitored.

Remember, you’re at work to do just that. You’re providing a service and getting paid for it. Perhaps a change in mind-set is what is needed. Be grateful that you have a job and steady income each month. Start blessing your job and the money you have. Affirm that you know you’ll realize another position that is more aligned with your passion. Do this and then start the job search. If you don’t clean up your JOB KARMA, you’ll just repeat the same patterns over and over again.

If you’re an employee that has Tweeted or posted anything rude on Facebook, own up to it and take responsibility for your actions. You’ll be surprised how you can turn a negative situation into a positive one. Remember that social media is can be a good thing. It’s a way to connect with “like-minded” people and network. If you’re in the market for a new job, you may have a contact that can help you. Just be discrete about it. Don’t Tweet or post a Facebook status, send an email from home!

Rebecca

What kinds of Tweets do you post when you’re at work?

Category: All Business, Just Think, Life Tags: Personal Development, Professional Development Leave a Comment

Jun

Women Ask an Auto Mechanic These 27 Questions

Rebecca

Many women are “taken to the cleaners” when they bring their vehicle to an auto mechanic. If you don’t know anything about vehicles, you may want to educate yourself about auto mechanics. If you’re waiting for Prince Charming to “sweep” you off of your feet so you don’t have to deal with your vehicle, you may be waiting for awhile. In the meantime, learn the “ins and outs” of your vehicle. This is a great way to protect yourself when you car needs to be repaired.

27 Questions

What is an estimated dollar amount for repairs?
What references do you have? Listed with the BBB?
How many years have you’ve been in business?
How many of the auto mechanics are ASE certified?
Where did the auto mechanics receive their certification?
What can I do to maintain my engine?
When will the hoses need to be replaced?
When will I need to change the battery?
What is a serpentine belt?
What exactly do “fuel injectors” do?
When should the air filter be changed?
What is the best oil for my car?
Where will you keep the PARTS that needed to be replaced? Look at them!
How much coolant is required in my car?
What does it mean if the coolant seems to be disappearing?
When is it a good time to be fuel injector cleaner in my car?
When will it be necessary to change the spark plugs and injectors?
How do I keep my engine clean?
What parts are under warranty? For how long? Labor?
Where did the parts come from? (Manufacturer)
How long do brakes, shoes, and pads usually last?
How long does a battery last?
What kind of test can I do to check the TREAD on my tires?
What type of tire is right for my vehicle?
What battery is good for my car?
What money back guarantee is there?
What kind of test will you perform on my car to make sure it was properly serviced? Road test? Other?

Here are some tips and tricks to maintaining your vehicle.

Tips & Tricks

Take your car to a REPUTABLE auto mechanic. Get references! If you’re new to an area, it’s imperative to find a good auto mechanic. Ask co-workers and neighbors where they take their car;
Change your oil every 3,000 to 7,000 miles. The rule of thumb is 3,000 miles; however, some people “push it” to 7,000 miles;
Keep the proper amount of air in your tires. The normal pressure is 35 lbs. of air. Make sure to check your car’s manual or the inside of car door (drivers side);
If you live in the “desert states” of Arizona and New Mexico, you’ll probably be changing your hoses more frequently than the rest of the U.S. Make sure your hoses are in working order — ask your mechanic to check them out IF this is not included in a service package.

Ladies, it pays to know a little about cars and vehicles in general. The next time you take your car to be serviced, you’ll feel confident that you KNOW something about your vehicle.

Get to know and “tune” into your vehicle. This is just like being “tuned” into your body. Let’s say you go to the doctor for a checkup. You KNOW when something is off in your body. But, the doctor may say your fine. Your “intuition” will tell you when something is off. It’s the same with your vehicle. The more you know about your vehicle, the better you’ll be able to tell if the auto mechanic is trying to take you for a ride or brushing you off!

Rebecca

BONUS!

When you buy a car ask the following questions.

Where was my vehicle made?
How long is my vehicle under warranty?
What day was my vehicle made on?

Category: All Business, Just Think, Life Tags: Money Leave a Comment

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