Springtime brings.....

This May doesn't feel much like springtime, but the usual springtime things are still here. Planning for graduations and for family vacation travel can be a big part of spring. I'm planning a trip for my granddaughter's graduation in June, but suddenly realized that planning time is almost over. Everyone thinks about arrangements for mail and for making travel arrangements, but don't forget to check the status of your pets' vaccinations if you are planning to board them! Any reputable kennel will want to make sure all the animals are protected, and you don't want to suddenly have to include an emergency trip to the vet for shots. Some animals are harder to leave than others too. I have a Great Dane, which means that my source of kennels is much more limited. Cats much prefer having an "in home" pet sitter care for them rather than going to a kennel, and that means carefully choosing a reputable one in your area.

Traveling with the family can be great fun, but also great stress. If you are taking children and flying domestically or internationally, checking the TSA website first is a great way to find out what the actual travel regulations are. Don't stop there though, because individual airlines have their own policies on what is required. IFly.com, a wonderful web guide to airports, has an excellent page on flying with children, as well as a page that will explain all the requirements for identification for children and adults. I'm very proud that IFly.com specifically recommends my product, KidsTravelCard as a source for children's identification.

No matter where or when you might be traveling, do it safely and take lots of time to relax and just have fun!

Blessings to all, and remember that when you are feeling wonderful you are sharing that joy in life with everyone around you!

Welcome

I've been thinking about this blog a long time, so it's time to get it going! This week-end has been super busy, and a perfect picture of the things that are important to me. Saturday was very busy with orders for my company, Travel ID Cards. The products we sell are special Photo ID's (KidsTravelCard, TeenTravelCard, AdultInfoCard, and PetTravelCard) plus custom plastic cards, but the real thing we are promoting is old fashioned service and maximum flexibility. That means that when customers need me, I'm hard at work!

Sunday started out early at a monthly Spay and Neuter Clinic that I help run with my best friend, Ann Dickson of Cause for Paws. For 3 years we have done one clinic per month, fixing an average of 50 to 60 cats and kittens each month. We have wonderful volunteers who do all the work, including volunteer vets, and handle primarily rescue animals. The cats range from precious bottle fed babies who have reached a 3 lb weight minimum to battle scarred ferals who will be released back to their territory when they recover. Animal rescue has been a huge part of my life for over 20 years, so working the clinics is a major commitment and labor of love.

I left clinic early in order to make it to a birthday party for our twin grandsons, who just turned 9. All grandkids are special, but these are even more so because they were diagnosed as on the Autistic Spectrum when they were just 20 months old. We are so thankful for early diagnosis and therapy! They are now in regular school, cub scouts, and sports relating well to other children. They still are receiving behavioral therapy because social issues that are part of autism, and the support and understanding of family and friends is extremely important. We have all had to learn all about autism and even more about patience, understanding, and compassion. These little boys are truly gifts to us all!

Monday was the monthly lunch meeting for the NAPW Sacramento chapter, which is also very important to me. I started the first chapter in February 2009, just because I wanted a way to network locally with other business people without spending a lot of money, and ended up starting a national movement! The national organization was thrilled when our local group started and have supported me every step and promoted local chapters on the website. We now have over 40 chapters in 25 states -- and I feel like a very proud mother hen!

That is enough for one post, but it provides a good thumbnail sketch of what I do. I am hoping that this blog will serve as a good forum for lots of people to discuss their jobs, careers, family, passions, and hobbies and support one another while doing so.

Live each day in gratitude, and bless everyone around you!

Sharon