Bigger, Better, Brighter and More

The holidays are rushing by and I have not had a chance to catch up with my blog. This time of year means different things to different people. For me, the older I get, the more I love this season. I love the snow on the ground and being able to bundle up. I love spending time with family (especially when it involves five days at Starbucks Ranch and watching the Clydesdales romp in the snow).

I love thinking about how my life has changed for the better with each new season. I also love the hope that grows into bigger, better, brighter and more. Now mind you, I am not talking bigger, better, brighter and more in the sense of "stuff." I am talking about an abundant hope that can only come from within. With the coming of the new year, I choose to focus on the weeding, pruning, and reshaping of my life. What needs to be to cut out? What hinders my path? What diminishes who I want to be?

Thus, I would like to share with you what I choose to focus on for my New Year from a study on “peace of mind” by Duke University. This is my starting point for my New Year and my being bigger, better, brighter and more:

1. I must learn forgiveness and work harder on not taking offense or holding onto resentment.

2. I have to let go of past mistakes and failures as only through those challenges have I become who I am now.

3. I have to invest my time and talent in places where I can make a difference and not waste time and energy fighting conditions I cannot change. I must cooperate with life.

4. I must force myself to stay involved with the world and resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive because it is safer emotionally.

5. I must refuse to indulge in self pity when my life encounters some sorrow or misfortune.

6. I must continue to cultivate the old fashioned virtues of love, humor, compassion and loyalty.

7. I have to stop expecting too much of myself and be proud of my accomplishments.

8. I need to continue focusing on and believing in something bigger than myself.

It's Great to be a Florida Gator!!!!! The SEC Champions 2008!!!!!!

Need I say more?

Out and About: Networking Opportunities

Thursday, December 11: WOMEN IN BUSINESS BREAKFAST BREAKFAST HOLIDAY EVENT AT GALLERY TWO TEN (210 E. Cimarron Street 80903) Thursday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m. Each member is requested to bring a bottle of their favorite wine to share in wine tasting. Hor d'oeuvres will be provided. As we all will be busy generating holiday cheer for our loved ones there will be no regular meetings will be held in November and December because our meeting day is on the actual holidays!!!!

Friday, December 12: The AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION EXPRESS NETWORK (CSWEN) will hold a Holiday Gala at Tansi's, the newest and classiest boutique in the springs. Mark your calendars now for Friday, DECEMBER 12th 6 PM to 8 PM. If you are not an ABWA member and would like to attend, please contact me at Cris@Carter.net and I will get an invitation to you.

Mark the evening of Friday February 6, 2009 on your calendar for the ABWA Colorado Springs Express Network's Annual Fund-raiser with a live auction and wine and cheese affair at the Gallery Two-Ten, Colorado's newest and best contemporary art gallery, the venue of which has been extended to us for our use by our member, Marianne Gunter, who is the Director and Owner of Gallery Two-Ten.

GENERAL AND ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES:
Would you like to visit my BNI group? Success Partners meets at The Plate restaurant for breakfast at 8:00 every Thursday morning. Contact me directly if you would like to be a guest.

GET IN SHAPE WITH FRIENDS IN TRAINING. I don't know about you but gaining pounds during the holiday season scares me. So in conjunction with the Entrepreneur Club, you can get a discount on membership at Gold's Gym. Email me at Cris@Carter.net if you are interested.

Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels

I am one happy camper right now. For the first time, I can finally wear two pair of pants that I received as gifts last Christmas!! Woooohoooo!!! I've lost 12 lbs since I started the Metabolic Research Center diet November 7th. Their guarantee is 2-5 lbs weight loss per week if you stay on the plan. Today was the end of week 4 and I was 12 lbs less! This Metabolic Diet really works. And it is getting easier. Just what they guaranteed. Amazing. Not hungry, not craving, high energy and no drugs! And I love the cranberry green tea and the strawberry banana jello!

Now don't tell Julia, my weight loss coach at Metabolic, but I have cheated. Not a lot mind you, but a cheat is a cheat. Luckily after a cheat, I have managed to get back on the horse quickly! Although I am still not getting to the gym regularly, as life is a bit to busy this holiday season, I am seeing a skinny new me for 2009 and am delighted in the process. Just think, when I hit a plateau, then I can hit the gym hard. Life is good and getting better every day!

Xerox will send a card to a military member on your behalf

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. Encouragement and appreciation from home, goes a long way. Be blessed as you share with others.

When the student is ready, the teacher will come.

I have found in my life that when I think that I am running the show, I have to have the same lesson presented to me over and over again until I get it. Often times, the lesson has to become more pronounced and the consequences of my failure to learn the lesson become more severe. But then there is that “aha” moment when I get it. And I thank my God that the lessons have persisted long enough and without too severe a consequence and that I now have a new tool in my toolbox.

I think perhaps that is what is happening right now with our economy. We, as Americans have not been paying close enough attention to what is in our best interest. We have become frivolous and glutenous in our consumption of material things.

What better time of year to rid ourselves of those bad habits then the holiday season. This year, just maybe, we will come closer to recognizing the real gratitude lesson that we have given lip service to in the past, but have not held onto once the Thanksgiving meal is off the table. This year my shopping will be with the reality that others close to me cannot shop at all as they have lost their job, their home or are close to doing so. Many of my friends and I will not be gifting each other at all, but rather giving money to charity instead.

I hear people say, we have seen this economic crunch before. May I suggest that the race this time is not going to be a sprint, but a marathon. For anyone who has ever run a marathon, you know that there will be moments of highs and even more moments of lows. Some may find a point where he or she is ready to give up as they are weighed down by the insecurities and doubts that slow us down in this life. Let’s pull together and realize that we are not running this race alone. Let’s surround those who are in this same race but struggling with greater fear and pain. Perhaps together we can learn this important lesson for the last time and live our lives accordingly in the future! Wouldn't that make for a wonderful holiday gift for us all?

Battling the Bulge Once Again!

I have bitten the bullet. I knew I had a little extra weight to lose but when I finally got on the scales it was a bit more discouraging then I was contemplating. I began having nightmares of how much worse it could be if I gained the typical 5 or so pounds that Americans usually gain around the holidays. The thought of starting the new year with an additional poundage on top of the already bulging waist line did not look pretty.

Gold's Gym here I come. Something for everyone there...cardio cinema with new released movies, active classes, restful classes, dodge ball (how long has it been since dodge ball was on your mind?) and a salt water pool along with all the spa facilities. Okay things were looking up. And the price was right! If anyone wants to join me, I have free passes for a one week trial of the gym from my good friend, Antoinne. Just send me an email and I will get a pass to you.

Think I am serious? Yes I am! My next stop was to see Julia Archer at the Metabolic Research Center. A balanced diet, a counselor and accountability. With a guarantee weight loss of 3 lbs a week if I follow the plan, I could be done within two weeks of the New Year! So far so good, my motto is going to be "Nothing Tastes as good, as Skinny Feels."

UPDATED NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

NOVEMBER EVENTS

Wednesday, December 10: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN NEWCOMERS GROUP holds their annual holiday meeting starting at 9:30 a.m. Meeting is held at the Broadmoor Community Church (not church affiliated), 315 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Lunch will be served after the holiday program. The Newcomers have 34 subgroups that meet throughout the month based upon varying interests from educational, fitness and health, charitable, card games of every variety and food, food and more glorious food.

Thursday, December 11: WOMEN IN BUSINESS BREAKFAST BREAKFAST HOLIDAY EVENT AT GALLERY TWO TEN (210 E. Cimmarron Street 80903 (719) 632-2132, Thursday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m. Each member is requested to bring a bottle of their favorite wine to share in wine tasting. Hor' deours will be provided. As we all will be busy generating holiday cheer for our loved ones there will be no regular meetings will be held in November and December because our meeting day is on the actual holidays!!!!

Friday, December 12: The AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION EXPRESS NETWORK (CSWEN) will hold a Holiday Gala at Tansi's, the newest and classiest boutique in the springs. Mark your calendars now for Friday, DECEMBER 12th 6 PM to 8 PM. If you are not an ABWA member and would like to attend, please contact me at Cris@Carter.net and I will get an invitation to you.

Mark the evening of Friday February 6, 2009 on your calendar for the ABWA Colorado Springs Express Network's Annual Fund-raiser with a live auction and wine and cheese affair at the Gallery Two-Ten, Colorado's newest and best contemporary art gallery, the venue of which has been extended to us for our use by our member, Marianne Gunter, who is the Director and Owner of Gallery Two-Ten.


GENERAL AND ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES:
Would you like to visit my BNI group? Success Partners meets at The Plate restaurant for breakfast at 8:00 every Thursday morning. Contact me directly if you would like to be a guest.

GET IN SHAPE WITH FRIENDS IN TRAINING. I don't know about you but gaining pounds during the holiday season scares me. So in conjunction with the Entrepreneur Club, you can get a discount on membership at Gold's Gym. Email me at Cris@Carter.net if you are interested.

Colorado Springs Dreaming

Have you heard of DreamCity 2020? It is a new approach to charting the future of Colorado Spring's. It allows people of every walk of life to input ideas as to what we want our Colorado Springs community to be like in the year 2020. From my perspective, this is an opportunity to allow our input to generate ideas about our future, and together inspire, educate and mobilize this community to create a better place for us all to live, work and play. The Gazette, Leadership Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Library District and COPPeR (Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region) have come together in supporting this landmark visioning project. Please check out www.dreamcity2020.com.

Brand Ascension Group Pilot Program.....free if qualified

The Brand Ascension Group (www.brandascension.com) is looking for Colorado based companies for the PILOT launch of a new program. Participants must be able to speak and comprehend English. Company size is 10 to 50 members. You can email me for the specific Brand DNA webinar syllabus, Application for the Pilot (FREE course), and the Promo flyer (as it would not attach nicely here). If you have colleagues or clients that you believe would ‘fit’ the profile and would appreciate taking this course (and providing feedback to Brand Ascension) contact by email is Suzanne@BrandAscension.com or by phone 719.265.1707. I have seen a Brand Ascension program before and this is a great opportunity. Of course, be sure and tell them you learned about this here on MsCrisCarter's blogspot!

THE MORNING AFTER

So here we go. Many debates, many signs, many votes later. Soon it will be the morning after the 2008 elections. Some of us will feel elated; others will be disappointed. However we will have taken part in a historical election no matter who wins or who loses. If Obama wins, the country will see the first acknowledged President of a mixed race. If McCain wins, we will have a first woman Vice President. There may be recounts, there may be disappointment in the electoral process and there may be the ongoing debate of the delegate system compared to the popular vote. But we will have validated another election and at the end of the day, we must continue to respect the process.

Certainly, this election has brought out deep sentiments this year. People seemed to be more vocal, more involved, more impassioned, than in prior elections. While the spectrum of possible morning-after reactions runs the gambit from complaining to an outbreak of violence, what we must acknowledge is that the future of the world economy and the Iraq war are in the balance.

As Americans the best we can hope for is that the winners do not spend the next four years in continuing petty battles attempting to punish or mete out retribution to the losing party. Our American ethic as people who are strong competitors must yield in order that we can regroup and move forward together. What is clearly more important than who you voted for or who won, is that we stop sneering at each other and reunite as Americans. We must, together, accept the winner, even if things don't go the way we wanted. We have to do whatever is necessary to insure that whoever wins will put nation above politics. And it is our job as the electorate to support our President and not do anything to undermine him.

Lift Your Vision Higher..........it is worthy of repeating

Fall has arrived. The leaves fluttering in the trees and being returned to the earth in beautiful hues of yellow, orange and brown. The smell of fireplaces beginning their annual toil to produce heat, light and ambiance. Kitchens actively adding the fragrance of soups and stews percolating and baked essences arising from the ovens. I was probably more aware of the beauty and abundance of Colorado as I had visitors from Florida in last week that oooohed and aaaaawed at every sight, sound and smell that makes Colorado Springs so special.

Remember that life is not about the markets, money or possessions. How often, in the inner depth of our souls, do we realize that the most important things in life are people and relationships? I suggest now is the time to focus on relationships; support each other, give of yourself. The investment you make in people and relationships will continue to grow in abundance. Lift Your Vision Higher, You Can See the Lord.

LADIES...MORE OPPORTUNITIES ADDED!!! Check it out!

RSVP for the next Express Network meeting of the American Business Women's Association on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14. This month's program features Mandy Egolf of Via Voce. Mandy is a communication coach and will be providing practical strategies for improving your communication style. Meeting starts with Networking at 11:30. This is the new ABWA group in town and yours truly is the charter President!! Dynamic, exciting meeting at the exquisite Garden of the Gods Club. RSVP at www.cswen.org no later than Tuesday November 11.

Women in Business Breakfast Holiday Event at Gallery Two Ten on Thursday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m. No regular meetings will be held in November and December because our meeting day is on the actual holidays and we all will be busy generating holiday cheer for our loved ones. Keep posted for further details!!!!

GET IN SHAPE WITH FRIENDS IN TRAINING. I don't know about you but gaining pounds during the holiday season scares me. So in conjunction with the Entrepreneur Club, you can get a discount on membership at Gold's Gym. Email me at Cris@Carter.net if you are interested.

The American Business Women's Association will hold a Holiday Gala at Tansi's, the newest and classiest boutique in the springs. Mark your calendars now for Friday, DECEMBER 12th 6 PM to 8 PM. If you are not an ABWA member and would like to attend, please contact me at Cris@Carter.net and I will get an invitation to you.

Women in Business Breakfast Members Are Busy. Check out the opportunities to support them!

Women in Business Breakfast Holiday Event at Gallery Two Ten on Thursday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m. No regular meetings will be held in November and December because our meeting day is on the actual holidays and we all will be busy generating holiday cheer for our loved ones. Keep posted for further details!!!!

Submission from Jamie Giddings: Wednesday November 5, 2008 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am "How To Create Strategic Partnerships That Can Double Your Ideal Client Base In Less Than 180 Days, At Little Or No Cost..." At this workshop, you will learn the value and benefits of having strategic partnerships. ActionCOACH, the #1 business coaching firm in the world, will teach you the fundamentals of how to create powerful strategic partnerships that will increase referrals for your business. Location:. 1915 Aerotech Drive, Colorado Springs Cost: COMPLIMENTARY (Regularly $95.00) Call Janna Hoiberg 719-358-6936 or email jannahoiberg@actioncoach.com

Deb Witte, co-owner of DreamMakers of Colorado Springs is sponsoring the Showcase of Remodeled Homes on November 15, 2008 to benefit Care and Share. Items Most Needed: Canned meat and tuna, Canned tomato products, Boxed pasta, Canned meals (chili, etc.), Canned fruits and vegetables, Canned and bagged beans, Canned soup, Peanut butter, Powdered milk and Monetary Donations: For each $1 donated, Care and Share can procure up to 10 pounds of food. Bring your food or $$ donation to any of the 3 remodeled homes or the DreamMakers showroom 11/10 to 11/21 Monday- Friday 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. 3 remodeled homes Free to the Public. For more information Call 719-636-2444 or visit www. DreamMakersCS.com

Terry Zarsky, Librarian Extradornaire and Dog Lover is supporting the All Breed Rescue and Training: Whine and Cheese Fundraiser Saturday November 8th. Are you a dog lover or supporter? Join All Breed Rescue and Training for their Whine and Cheese Fundraiser Saturday November 8th at the Paragon Culinary School at 3125 Sinton Road. This will go from 6pm until 11pm and will include live music, silent auction and food. $40 - Cost includes Tapas, wine and soft drinks. Tickets can be purchased at http://haveanicedog.org or at the door.

Jane Aiello is on the Business Development team for Concept Restaurants. In that capacity, Jane represents MacKenzies, Jose Muldoon’s and The Ritz. Jane was previously the co-owner of a distinctive local catering company and managed a staff of 20 and was responsible for all aspects of sales and marketing. Now Jane is able to place her clients and their guests in the restaurant best suited to their needs. Each Concept Restaurant is unique: MacKenzie’s is the Springs’ Premier Chop House. The Ritz Grill has been serving fine food and great drinks for more than 21 years. Jose Muldoon’s is family friendly and serves up the Best Tex-Mex in town. These great restaurants are all conveniently located on Tejon Street in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. Call Jane at 719-238-6101 to discuss your corporate, social or non-profit event needs. You will find her dedication and experience makes hosting your next gathering easy and enjoyable. Or you can email Jane at jane@conceptrestaurants.net.

Lift Your Vision Higher

THIS THURSDAY OCTOBER 23 AT 7:30 WOMEN’S BUSINESS BREAKFAST AT THE CITADEL MALL’S WOMEN’S RESOURCE AGENCY

Beth Roalstad, the Executive Director of the Women's Resource Agency, Inc. will be hosting the Women in Business Breakfast for our October meeting on the 4th Thursday, October 23. Jane Aiello came up with a great idea that as long as we are going to the agency, we might want to clean out our closets and contribute to the WRA’s Dress for Success. Visit www.wrainc.org for the guidelines for donations to Dress for Success so you can cull through your closet and get your donations ready to bring to the meeting. Thank you Beth for hosting and thank you Jane for a great idea.

Beth will give a brief presentation about the Women’s Resource Agency. As we are getting into the season where dusk occurs earlier and earlier and many of us will alter our routines to be running around in the evening to accomplish all kinds of errands around the holidays, we will also be having a self defense presentation.

The Women’s Resource Agency is on the EAST side of the mall between Penny's and Dillard's. Enter Service Court 7 (an employee entrance) between the two stores. When you go through the second double door, turn left down a very short hall-way and a sign will be posted for Women's Resource Agency. That is their back door. Should you get lost, Beth’s cell phone number is 231-7803.

For those of you that are unfamiliar with this group, at last count there were 60 members. The Business Breakfast occurs once a month on the 4th Thursday of the month. We have networking and then a program. We don’t charge a membership fee but we do ask for a $5.00 contribution every 6 months to pay for coffee supplies and paper goods. Each person volunteers to bring muffins, quiche, fruit, yogurt etc every 6 months or so. Members come as they can but there is not a meeting requirement per se so the group flexes each month. We also change locations depending what the program is and what venues are available. Networking starts at 7:30 and program at 8. We are out of there by 9.

My wonderful Mother-in-law sent this for my friends to enjoy

My Prayer;
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love
It is their for each and every one of us.

Opportunities Are Endless

I am a bit behind the eight ball as life is moving fast and I needed a little R&R after traveling to the American Business Women's Association National Leadership Conference last week. But not to fear, I got my Afterburner DVD in the mail, and have my own top gun retired fighter pilot calling me from Atlanta to chat about Flawless Execution. I am trying to convince him that I will need a lot of coaching in the planning, execution and debriefing areas. I'll keep my fingers crossed. You may want to go to afterburnerseminars.com and check out their manner of presenting how to conquer business challenges.

Here is what is coming up in the next two weeks on my calendar:

RECURRING Meetings are held by the Entrepreneur Club. Lunch networking meetings are held at many locations on different days throughout the week. There is also a training session that is very valuable that is held several times during the week by Patti Serrano. I go to the meeting on Wednesday at noon at TCF BANK Academy & corner of Austin Bluffs but check out all the resources at www.eclubnetworking.blogspot.com
And if you join E Club, you get a discount at Gold's gym for working out with Friends in Training!

SATURDAY October 18th, 2008 3 to 8 at the Gallery Two-Ten (210 Cimmaron close to downtown) is having another exciting event, the opening of an exhibit of creations from nature's most versatile of products. Meet the artists at a reception from 4pm to 8pm. Plenty of parking at the rear of our building.

THURSDAY October 23rd at 7:30 a.m. is the next Women's Business Breakfast. This meeting will be held at the Citadel Mall at the Women's Resource Agency. Send me an email if you are not on the mailing list and would like to have all the details. Cris@Carter.net

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 at 11:30 for the next Express Network of the American Business Women's Association. This is the group that just chartered on AUgust 8, 2008 and that yours truly is the charter President of. Dynamic, exciting meeting with networking and business and leadership programs at Garden of the Gods Club. Again send me an email if you would like to have all the details as there is just too much going on to list here. Cris@Carter.net


That's my agenda for the next two weeks of fun networking. Make it a great week. Remember Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other!

Engage, Experience and Excel

OMGosh!!!! I am still on cloud nine after an invigorating four days in Covington, Kentucky at the ABWA National Leadership Conference. I had a wonderful time. I met so many wonderful women. Wonderful programs, absolutely wonderful educational opportunities. Did I mention it was wonderful?

The Franklin Covey seminar was brilliant, as was the Saundra Pelletier presentation about having your own cavalry (women who have your back) as well as the other business, sales, motivation, networking, people skills and assessment programs. There is nothing better to have top gun fighter pilots sing to you as they present leadership tips. But the humor and shows were over the top. ...Mark Mayfield presented twice and tears rolled down my face both times. The grand finale at the banquet was performed by a very talented group known as the WaterCoolers. They danced and sang parodies and made us laugh 'til it hurt.

I laughed so hard, learned so much and met so many new friends. I only wish I could have shared it with everyone in our network group. I am going to try (with the help of my IT crew) to have a DVD made to share with my friends the highlights of this exceptional experience. Trust me, I will be a regular at the ABWA National Leadership conferences from here on out. Luckily, next year it will be in Kansas City. Just a short drive from here (okay it's all relative).

But before that, I will be throwing my next birthday party in Tucson during the District VI Conference March 21 & 22, 2009 at the Hotel Arizona and sharing that with many of my ABWA friends.

My congratulations go out to our very own Michelle Egbert the new Vice President of ABWA District VI which covers the western U.S. from Colorado west and includes Hawaii and Alaska (ok. I admit that Michelle's primary chapter is Pikes Peak but she is a secondary member to our network so we do get to share in her glory). I got to know Michelle much better and she is one savvy lady. Also congratulate Leacia Brilliant as she is one of the top ten American Business Women this year!! Ten out of 40,000 is pretty special. She represented our region well as she related tales of making a mission impossible segment, become possible. I also am very thankful to the Pikes Peak chapter President, Patrice Christian, and Diane Pfalzgraf who went out of their way to make me feel a part of their group during the conference.

Now my biggest concern is how I am going to top this experience! Maybe that will come to me once I am well rested! Ciao!

GREAT LEADERS ARE BORN IN DIFFICULT TIMES

In reality, we all know that the current economic crisis happened for obvious reasons. And most of us know that the current economic crisis is temporary; it will end. Markets go up and markets go down; just like the world goes round and round. Good economic times will come again. Your 401K, investments and home values will rise again. And hopefully, we will have learned much from these mistakes. Whether your opinion is that this happened due to corporate greed and waste, political lackadaisicalness or the immediacy and proliferation of negative media, the best thing that can happen is that we have learned a valuable lesson.

Right now, the economic sector is causing fear. Fear is not our friend. Fear causes us to be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event. Creating fear is a process that takes place in the brain and is completely unconscious. Julia Layton has written about the process of creating fear and
the paths of fear and explains it as two paths available. She writes “the low road is take no chances. Assume the worst.” The high road takes more time and delivers a more precise interpretation of events. While the low road is initiating the fear response just in case, the high road is considering all of the options. Both processes happen simultaneously. The sensory data regarding the door -- the stimulus -- is following both paths at the same time. But the high road takes longer than the low road. That's why you will have a moment or two of terror before you calm down and realize that this is just one more of life’s challenges, that you will live through and conquer.”

I’m convinced our ability to find and instill courage in the face of today’s fears, is the key difference between mediocre leaders and great leaders. In fact, these are precisely the times when many great leaders will be made. One definition of Courage that is particularly meaningful is that courage is the ability to control one’s fear, so as to face danger, pain, and trouble willingly.” This is your chance to be a great leader. Rise to the occasion!

OFF TO THE AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S NATIONAL CONFERENCE BUT FIRST,

This week should be full and exciting. Business before pleasure but by Thursday I am off to the American Business Women’s Association’s National Conference in Covington Kentucky. Franklin Covey’s Seminar, Mike Robbins, AfterBurner team building, Comedy from the Water Coolers and more, Top Ten Business Women, Recognition, Dining, Shows. I hope I can keep up. The good news is that I have been working out so I am hopeful.

But first, here is what is going on with the Women in Business Breakfast members as announced at our meeting last Thursday:

SEPTEMBER 15-NOVEMBER 14: COATS AND CANS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Our collection of Coats and Cans for the Community Drive begins September 15th and runs through November 14th. People can bring gently used coats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and even clothing and can goods to my office, Harris Group Realty, Inc. 2950 Professional Pl Ste. 205 M-F 8:30-5 pm or if they give me a call at 227-9900 I will be glad to swing by and pick up any donation that they have. I will be giving the donations to Springs Rescue Mission and Lighthouse Ministry food pantry. Any questions or need more info contact Barbara Harris: barbara@barbaraharristeam.com

OCTOBER 7 AT 4 PM PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH COLORADO SPRINGS MAYOR
October 20-24 is National Business Women’s Week in the U S. It is a week for us to be recognized for our many contributions to the business world. Pikes Peak BPW will host a proclamation signing at City Hall on Tuesday, October 7th, at 4 PM. We would like to have as many women attend the proclamation presentation as possible. Submitted by Anne Wamser. Any questions or need more info: awamser@yourfriendlybank.com

OCTOBER 9, THE WOMEN IN NEW ENGLAND PRESENT A DINNER SEMINAR
RSVP to Cris@Carter.net by Friday October 3. Topic is Financial Independence and Security because you owe it to yourself to take charge of your future! Dinner is complimentary and starts at 6 p.m. at Patty Jewett Golf Club!

OCTOBER 10, AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S CSWEN LUNCHEON
The American Business Women’s Association’s CS Express Network meets on October 10th at 11:30 a.m. for lunch, networking and program at the Garden of the Gods Club, 3320 Mesa Rd. October program will be the Brian Tracy Interactive Workshop: "Beyond Goal Setting - How the Top 1% Plan Their Success" & "Developing the Attitude of a Champion" Auction will be held for tickets to the Denver Women on Boards Event (See Below). Lunch reservations are required no later than October 7 and may be made on line at www.cswen.org Submitted by Cris Carter, President CSWEN

OCTOBER 21, SCWCC LUNCHEON
The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce meets at the Warehouse, 25 W Cimarron St. Program will be by Beth Kosley, the Executive Director of the Downtown Partnership. See www.scwcc.com for further information. Submitted by Linda Mojer, Executive Director, SCWCC

NOVEMBER 1O, WOMEN ON BOARDS
Women on Boards is an annual panel discussion held in 6 different locations throughout the United States in order to educate and prepare women to serve in Boards of Director positions. Currently, women represent only 14.7% of the membership of Fortune 500 company boards, but new expectations for board members of all organizations are creating new possibilities for women. The Women on Boards workshop is in Denver on Monday, November 10, 2008 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the auctioning off of 2 tickets to the event (each ticket worth $75.00) at next month’s CSWEN meeting. Please see www.sharpupswing.com/WomenOnBoards4518.php for more details of “Women on Boards.”
Submitted by Cris Carter

NOVEMBER 22nd SENIOR RESOURCE COUNCIL HOLIDAY DINNER DANCE FOR SENIORS
The 6th annual Holiday Dinner Dance will be on November 22nd. This is a free dinner and dance for our senior community put on by the Senior Resource Council. Table sponsors and volunteers are needed. Tables are $100 each and includes the door prizes for that table. If you are interested in sponsoring or volunteering, contact Renee Cunningham at rcunningham@brightstarhealthcare.com

NEXT MEETING OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS BREAKFAST: OCTOBER 23 AT THE CITADEL MALL’S WOMEN’S RESOURCE AGENCY
Beth Roalstad, the Executive Director of the Women's Resource Agency, Inc. will be hosting the Women in Business Breakfast for our October meeting on the 4th Thursday, October 23. Jane Aiello came up with a great idea that as long as we are going to the agency, we might want to clean out our closets and contribute to the WRA’s Dress for Success. Attached are the guidelines for such donations so you can cull through your closet and get your donations ready to bring to the meeting. Thank you Beth for hosting and thank you Jane for a great idea.

BITING THE BLOGGING BULLET

Okay, I have bitten the blogging bullet. To some, this will be a leap forward. To others (like my daughter) it will be, it's about time. I have given this blogging thing a lot of thought before leaping in. But ultimately, since I am so involved in so many activities in Colorado Springs and have so many people to communicate with, rather then do the constant emailing that I have done in the past, I will switch over to a blog. That way, all my way-cool friends, can see what's up, what my plans are and where I will be networking in the near future. And my not so way-cool friends will be able to expand their horizons a bit by following my blog and even posting to my blog. So welcome to my new expanding world. I hope to not only inform and educate but also to entertain. (at least myself) So hold on to your hats, we are taking a new ride into cyberspace aboard my very own blog. Can't wait to see if this makes my life more complicated or simplified. Best Regards, Cris

THE BAILOUT COMES UP JUST SHORT OF BEING COMPREHENSIVE

Written for the Colorado Springs Business Journal
by Mike Boyd September 26, 2008

Dear President Bush, Secretary Paulson and Chairman Bernanke:

I know the three of you are fairly busy at the moment saving the world from an economic meltdown of biblical proportion, but I was hoping that you might have a minute to patch up a smaller, but in my opinion no less important, financial crisis.

You see, I noticed in the bailout proposal that was hammered out earlier this week that there wasn’t any provision included (even in the small print, and trust me, I ready that puppy back and forth and three ways to Wednesday) to provide any financial assistance to make the pain of my own poor investment decisions more bearable.

While I’m sure it was simply an administrative oversight, I would very much appreciate it if you could tack on an amendment somewhere or issue an executive order or some such other type of decree to absolve me of my losses.

Again, I know that the three of you are very busy, and I know that you might not have had time to keep up with reading all my columns, but trust me — I’ve taken a beating the last year or so on the investment front.

It’s not that I’ve been greedy (I got over that when my 401(k) went belly up because I was sure that Enron was the Yellow Brick Road to early retirement). No, I just haven’t made a lot of good choices as of late. I’ve had some hot prospects, but they’ve all crashed and burned. I know it’s my fault, but all things considered, I’m not sure how my request could be deemed completely unreasonable.

And it’s not like we’re talking about a trillion dollars or anything. Heck, you could probably cover my losses with a rounding error.

If you will be so kind as to make me whole again, I promise to start listening to Allan Roth’s investment advice. I promise that I’ll diversify my portfolio and embrace compounding interest over time instead of instant gratification and sexy stock charts.

I believe that the Internal Revenue Service has my checking account information on file, so if you could arrange for a direct deposit, that would be great.

If you need to review the specifics of my request, feel free to visit www.csbj.com and read my archived scribblings. If you’d like to chat personally, my direct line at the office is below.

Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration and resolution of this matter.