Every Tuesday for the past few months I have anxiously awaited looking at my deposit from Le-Vel. I am not making a ton of money at this point, but every few bucks helps! 5 years ago we were a 2 income family, with both of us making about the same amount before bonuses... then we were suddenly a one income family, our income cut in half! That hurts. It took over 2 years for my disability to go thru, which isn't even remotely close to what I was making! This is one of the reasons I decided to become a promoter for this company. My first commission check was $7.43... I know, that doesn't even buy lunch at McDonalds! But then I started getting bigger checks, and right now they vary depending on the week- anywhere from like $30 to $150... each week, not month! And now my husband is doing the same thing. His first commission came in today... I was so excited to see the amount! Way more than my first one! So between us we can now really make a dent in our future- just with what we are accomplishing with this business.
$50 a week... put it in savings for vacation or a home, or pay down your debt each week? A nice date night every week? Or maybe a new pair of shoes? There is a lot that can be done with that money! So what if ... a month or two from now that wil be double for each of us! And the harder we work for what we want, the faster we will reach those goals! What if you had an extra $50 a week? or $200 a week??
A lot of people roll their eyes at me when I tell them that I do this... really? Don't tell me you can't see the changes in me and my health since I started using these products! Why wouldn't I promote something that has honestly saved my life? I will tell everyone about it if I have the chance! And I can get paid for just telling people how it has helped me? Pretty easy way to make money! My goal is not to be a millionaire, my goal is to be healthy, and help others feel as good as I do. The benefit is that I have a little extra money. My goals do include being out of debt, I think everyone shoots for that! And being able to buy a new pair of boots if I see some I love! I want to be able to have breathing room with my budget... but I don't dream of being a millionaire!
A lot of people say its a pyramid scheme, or its just the latest fad... they don't know until they try it. What I know is not just what I hear and see in others who use the products- I know the results my husband and I have both had! I don't care that someone else is making money every time I make money, good for them! It is because of them that I have this opportunity to feel good and to make money! Pyramid schemes are illegal, they are bogus products. Look at me now and look at me a year ago and tell me this is a bogus product!
I am excited about having my life back, having dreams for my future again, and having a few extra bucks every week! I am happy again~ and that is all that matters right now.
If you are interested in this life~ you know how to contact me-- Facebook* Red McCann; Twitter, Periscope or instagram* Redxamy; or my Le-Vel page* www.redmccann.le-vel.com
Have an incredible day!
My Love
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Sunday, October 18, 2015
death and respect
The other night there was a fatal accident, the facebook posts and comments really bothered me!
The media released a photo of the bike, and stated a name was not being released until the family was notified... but gave an age and what city he lived in. First of all, this is not at all acceptable in my opinion- any of it! They should say there was an accident, but no photos and no description should be released until they have the ok to give all the info!
I was one of many people who saw the photo and read that description and honestly believed my husbands best friend was dead. Dozens thought it was the same person I did. I called him, he answered his phone and I burst into tears! when I posted on Facebook it was not this person, to put friends minds at ease, all I saw were posts saying how glad they were it wasn't him... then I saw a response that it was a friend of a friend. I also got a message from a friend of a family member of the deceased.
What bothered me? Everyone was so happy it wasn't my friend, no one was sorry for the person who did lose his life. This man had a family, and a lot of friends! In the riding community he was no less important than any other rider, to his family and friends~ he was more important than anyone can imagine... until they lose someone!
Every time I see news stories that someone died... my heart hurts for the family and friends. I don't ask who it was, or if I knew them... everyone has someone who loves them and cares for them~ a mom, a wife or sister, a daughter or nephew... those people are hurting and deserve respect from me, from you, and most importantly- from the media! I cannot imagine looking at my facebook or twitter and seeing a photo of my own husbands bike laying on the ground with a heading saying WVC man killed in accident. No body has a right to do that without me being informed by the police and being asked permission to release that info to the public!
Next time you see there has been an accident, don't say "I hope that's no one I know," instead, say a prayer for the family!
That is my rant for today... now back to my Packers game!
The media released a photo of the bike, and stated a name was not being released until the family was notified... but gave an age and what city he lived in. First of all, this is not at all acceptable in my opinion- any of it! They should say there was an accident, but no photos and no description should be released until they have the ok to give all the info!
I was one of many people who saw the photo and read that description and honestly believed my husbands best friend was dead. Dozens thought it was the same person I did. I called him, he answered his phone and I burst into tears! when I posted on Facebook it was not this person, to put friends minds at ease, all I saw were posts saying how glad they were it wasn't him... then I saw a response that it was a friend of a friend. I also got a message from a friend of a family member of the deceased.
What bothered me? Everyone was so happy it wasn't my friend, no one was sorry for the person who did lose his life. This man had a family, and a lot of friends! In the riding community he was no less important than any other rider, to his family and friends~ he was more important than anyone can imagine... until they lose someone!
Every time I see news stories that someone died... my heart hurts for the family and friends. I don't ask who it was, or if I knew them... everyone has someone who loves them and cares for them~ a mom, a wife or sister, a daughter or nephew... those people are hurting and deserve respect from me, from you, and most importantly- from the media! I cannot imagine looking at my facebook or twitter and seeing a photo of my own husbands bike laying on the ground with a heading saying WVC man killed in accident. No body has a right to do that without me being informed by the police and being asked permission to release that info to the public!
Next time you see there has been an accident, don't say "I hope that's no one I know," instead, say a prayer for the family!
That is my rant for today... now back to my Packers game!
Friday, October 16, 2015
felons and honesty
Something came up today, I see so much on social media and the internet in general of people talking trash or lying about who they are. It got me thinking...
There are 3 types of excons...
First, there are the ones who walk around all bad ass saying they've been to prison and know how to kick your ass. I laugh at these people. first of all, been there! in my 15 months in the womens facility, I saw ONE fight. And it wasn't at all the kind of fight you would expect. it was a hair pulling, nail gouging, biting fight... aka, a cat fight! Second, if they are going to be talking like that, it means they probably a- learned that on the streets, and b- went right back to the same life they had prior to lock up.
Second, there are the ones who are silent about ever being in prison. Denial, shame, whatever the reason, it is never mentioned, even lied about to keep others from knowing their past. I respect these people, I understand the stigma! I have such a growing circle of friends, most of whom would probably never, before now, consider having friends who are felons. It trulym is hard to have a 'normal' life after prison.
Third, people like me. I never claimed to be a bad ass (other than jokingly when my daughter would bring home a new boyfriend), I am not in denial- it happened, it changed my life, it made me the person I am today. And I am not ashamed of it... people make mistakes! I talk about it, I am totally honest about my experience. Why hide it? If I lie to someone about it, eventually the truth come out, right? Then people don't trust you... why should they trust you? First you lied, and of course- you are a felon! If I am upfront and honest, people are more likely to trust and even respect you. No, I don't introduce myself, "Hi, I'm Red, and I'm a felon." But as I get to know someone, when they ask about my background, my family, etc. then it comes up. A lot of people as they get to know me, will pull up my blog and start reading and get it from here.
I get asked things like why I don't own a gun when it is obvious to most that I want one, I am asked why I don't work in the field I have my degree in... things like that bring up the subject.
Everyone has their own reasons for doing the things they do, and I am not one to judge. I do however, feel being honest with ourselves, as well as forgiving, is a key part of our emotional well being. And being honest with those we expect to give us that same respect, is vital to any relationship.
Maybe it depends on the reason a person goes to prison, or how many times they have been there, how long maybe? Who knows. I know my reasons for how I am about my time served... and that really is all that matters, right?
There are 3 types of excons...
First, there are the ones who walk around all bad ass saying they've been to prison and know how to kick your ass. I laugh at these people. first of all, been there! in my 15 months in the womens facility, I saw ONE fight. And it wasn't at all the kind of fight you would expect. it was a hair pulling, nail gouging, biting fight... aka, a cat fight! Second, if they are going to be talking like that, it means they probably a- learned that on the streets, and b- went right back to the same life they had prior to lock up.
Second, there are the ones who are silent about ever being in prison. Denial, shame, whatever the reason, it is never mentioned, even lied about to keep others from knowing their past. I respect these people, I understand the stigma! I have such a growing circle of friends, most of whom would probably never, before now, consider having friends who are felons. It trulym is hard to have a 'normal' life after prison.
Third, people like me. I never claimed to be a bad ass (other than jokingly when my daughter would bring home a new boyfriend), I am not in denial- it happened, it changed my life, it made me the person I am today. And I am not ashamed of it... people make mistakes! I talk about it, I am totally honest about my experience. Why hide it? If I lie to someone about it, eventually the truth come out, right? Then people don't trust you... why should they trust you? First you lied, and of course- you are a felon! If I am upfront and honest, people are more likely to trust and even respect you. No, I don't introduce myself, "Hi, I'm Red, and I'm a felon." But as I get to know someone, when they ask about my background, my family, etc. then it comes up. A lot of people as they get to know me, will pull up my blog and start reading and get it from here.
I get asked things like why I don't own a gun when it is obvious to most that I want one, I am asked why I don't work in the field I have my degree in... things like that bring up the subject.
Everyone has their own reasons for doing the things they do, and I am not one to judge. I do however, feel being honest with ourselves, as well as forgiving, is a key part of our emotional well being. And being honest with those we expect to give us that same respect, is vital to any relationship.
Maybe it depends on the reason a person goes to prison, or how many times they have been there, how long maybe? Who knows. I know my reasons for how I am about my time served... and that really is all that matters, right?
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
I still get angry
So, I really do my best to maintain a positive happy carefree attitude. I don't let the little things get to me anymore. But every once in a while... someone pisses me off!
About an hour ago I heard my dog barking- not her normal bark that she does when anyone walks by- but a bark telling me maybe I should check and see whats up. Troy went outside, and dragged the dog back in telling me of a man walking his pit bull past the house, he was on the ground and seemed a little sore like maybe the dog had pulled him down. I felt bad, but thought "if you can't control your dog on a leash, maybe you should have a wiener dog."
So just a few minutes ago my dog starts that bark again. I run to the door and what do I see? A man on the ground with his pit bull at the fence... at this point I was a little annoyed. Why not go on the other side of the street if you know there are dogs here?!
Then he got up. I noticed his Big Gulp cup on the sidewalk- empty with soda all over! He took two steps and immediately I knew who this was. Concerned for the guy? No. Annoyed? Oh not anymore! Just flat pissed! Then he opened his mouth... don't you EVER yell and swear at my dogs!
This guy walks by the house every day. He laughs at my dogs when they bark at him- he's always alone, I've never seen him with a dog. He disabled, walks with a really bad limp- I have honestly wondered if it is due to a bullet injury! He has one of those sexy tattoos on his face that says "I'm in a gang" or "this is prison ink"... either way, I am always a bit leary when he walks by and avoid eye contact- made that mistake once and he asked me for a cigarette... and had that amazing aroma of alcohol- not spilled, like sweating out alcohol. Oh yeah, he seems to have trouble with one of his eyes, too... not blind, but obvious damage to the eye (maybe from that prison tattoo gun?)
Anyway, back to my rant... I am a responsible dog owner. My dogs are fenced, they cannot get out of the front yard. Sure they bark, it's what dogs do when another is in their territory! My dogs were not a threat to him or his dog. He knows I have dogs, and he walks by with a freaking pit bull? The man can't even walk himself let alone a strong dog! Then he comes right back by the same way, knowing the dogs will be there? And is swearing at my dog while he gets past the house. I was ready to go off! But... I am not a gun owner, and I'm pretty sure under those baggy pants and shirt that could fit all his siblings- he has a gun. I shouldn't say that, kind of stereotyping, but seriously! I know I will see him again at some point this week... and I really need to just bite my tongue. But I am mad, it seems to be a common sense thing to me, that could have totally been avoided. I know that I avoid things that could cause problems (ok, most of the time), so many things could have happened! I want to just scream at him and ask him how much dope he has smoked in his life! What if his dog somehow managed to get over the fence into my yard?
Yes, I am angry. Yes, it is justified. No, I haven't let things bother me like this for a long time! My new attitude and outlook on life has kept me from so much anger and other emotions that I see as damaging to myself, and I love this new me!
About an hour ago I heard my dog barking- not her normal bark that she does when anyone walks by- but a bark telling me maybe I should check and see whats up. Troy went outside, and dragged the dog back in telling me of a man walking his pit bull past the house, he was on the ground and seemed a little sore like maybe the dog had pulled him down. I felt bad, but thought "if you can't control your dog on a leash, maybe you should have a wiener dog."
So just a few minutes ago my dog starts that bark again. I run to the door and what do I see? A man on the ground with his pit bull at the fence... at this point I was a little annoyed. Why not go on the other side of the street if you know there are dogs here?!
Then he got up. I noticed his Big Gulp cup on the sidewalk- empty with soda all over! He took two steps and immediately I knew who this was. Concerned for the guy? No. Annoyed? Oh not anymore! Just flat pissed! Then he opened his mouth... don't you EVER yell and swear at my dogs!
This guy walks by the house every day. He laughs at my dogs when they bark at him- he's always alone, I've never seen him with a dog. He disabled, walks with a really bad limp- I have honestly wondered if it is due to a bullet injury! He has one of those sexy tattoos on his face that says "I'm in a gang" or "this is prison ink"... either way, I am always a bit leary when he walks by and avoid eye contact- made that mistake once and he asked me for a cigarette... and had that amazing aroma of alcohol- not spilled, like sweating out alcohol. Oh yeah, he seems to have trouble with one of his eyes, too... not blind, but obvious damage to the eye (maybe from that prison tattoo gun?)
Anyway, back to my rant... I am a responsible dog owner. My dogs are fenced, they cannot get out of the front yard. Sure they bark, it's what dogs do when another is in their territory! My dogs were not a threat to him or his dog. He knows I have dogs, and he walks by with a freaking pit bull? The man can't even walk himself let alone a strong dog! Then he comes right back by the same way, knowing the dogs will be there? And is swearing at my dog while he gets past the house. I was ready to go off! But... I am not a gun owner, and I'm pretty sure under those baggy pants and shirt that could fit all his siblings- he has a gun. I shouldn't say that, kind of stereotyping, but seriously! I know I will see him again at some point this week... and I really need to just bite my tongue. But I am mad, it seems to be a common sense thing to me, that could have totally been avoided. I know that I avoid things that could cause problems (ok, most of the time), so many things could have happened! I want to just scream at him and ask him how much dope he has smoked in his life! What if his dog somehow managed to get over the fence into my yard?
Yes, I am angry. Yes, it is justified. No, I haven't let things bother me like this for a long time! My new attitude and outlook on life has kept me from so much anger and other emotions that I see as damaging to myself, and I love this new me!
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Who Am I
Yesterday I was interviewed by a college student for one of her classes. It really got me thinking! I didn't have answers to some of her questions, things most people would be able to answer easily.
My past and my experiences have made me the person I am today. I no longer have 'family' as most people would define family. I don't celebrate holidays in any special way. I don't have traditions from my childhood that I have carried on. Kind of makes me feel like I am just existing. How does my family feel about these things? Am I neglecting them, keeping them from experiencing life to it's fullest?
When I chose to walk away from my family, I walked away from everything they represented, from the memories, from the things we did together. Altho most of those 'traditions' had died long before I left the family. Multiple marriages, I think, also has an impact on that. Each marriage, each family, that I became a part of, had their own traditions and way of doing things. I adapted to that, became comfortable and even enjoyed some of those. Then divorce happens, and those celebrations, and the people, are no longer a part of your life. Then eventually a new partner- with new family and new traditions.
I got tired, burned out, and actually cold to any of that. My own doing? Absolutely! Fair to my daughter and my current husband? No.
I have tried, but I have such terrible memories, that it is just too hard to open up and try to have positive experiences with some of these things. I have hopes that by the time I become a grandmother, that I will find it in myself to create memories and family traditions... I want my daughter to be able to tell her children about their first Christmas, about 'that one year at Easter.'
I am thankful that my daughters dads family still continues with many of the traditions from her childhood. Honestly, that family made me feel more a part of the family, than my own family ever did! And for years after our divorce, I was still a welcome, and expected, part of those family celebrations.
For years I didn't celebrate Christian holidays- which really, is the majority of our holidays. I celebrated for my daughter. Now, that I have accepted God and Jesus, maybe the holidays will be different... I still struggle with that, this is all kind of new to me and I honestly have no idea what the future holds for me in that aspect. But only time will tell. Maybe it's time I start some traditions, maybe it's time I give my family reason to enjoy the holidays and to look forward to specific times of year.
I don't ever want to be asked what defines me and not be able to answer. I don't want to be asked about tradition and family and shrug my shoulders. Just because I have had some really craptastic experiences in my life, and my family won't have anything to do with me... shouldn't stop me from being an incredible wife and mom and making life the best it can possibly be for all of us!
Who am I? I am a woman who has overcome more than I like to admit. I am a mom and a wife who would take a bullet for my family. I am passionate and caring. I have built walls that are due to be knocked down.
My past and my experiences have made me the person I am today. I no longer have 'family' as most people would define family. I don't celebrate holidays in any special way. I don't have traditions from my childhood that I have carried on. Kind of makes me feel like I am just existing. How does my family feel about these things? Am I neglecting them, keeping them from experiencing life to it's fullest?
When I chose to walk away from my family, I walked away from everything they represented, from the memories, from the things we did together. Altho most of those 'traditions' had died long before I left the family. Multiple marriages, I think, also has an impact on that. Each marriage, each family, that I became a part of, had their own traditions and way of doing things. I adapted to that, became comfortable and even enjoyed some of those. Then divorce happens, and those celebrations, and the people, are no longer a part of your life. Then eventually a new partner- with new family and new traditions.
I got tired, burned out, and actually cold to any of that. My own doing? Absolutely! Fair to my daughter and my current husband? No.
I have tried, but I have such terrible memories, that it is just too hard to open up and try to have positive experiences with some of these things. I have hopes that by the time I become a grandmother, that I will find it in myself to create memories and family traditions... I want my daughter to be able to tell her children about their first Christmas, about 'that one year at Easter.'
I am thankful that my daughters dads family still continues with many of the traditions from her childhood. Honestly, that family made me feel more a part of the family, than my own family ever did! And for years after our divorce, I was still a welcome, and expected, part of those family celebrations.
For years I didn't celebrate Christian holidays- which really, is the majority of our holidays. I celebrated for my daughter. Now, that I have accepted God and Jesus, maybe the holidays will be different... I still struggle with that, this is all kind of new to me and I honestly have no idea what the future holds for me in that aspect. But only time will tell. Maybe it's time I start some traditions, maybe it's time I give my family reason to enjoy the holidays and to look forward to specific times of year.
I don't ever want to be asked what defines me and not be able to answer. I don't want to be asked about tradition and family and shrug my shoulders. Just because I have had some really craptastic experiences in my life, and my family won't have anything to do with me... shouldn't stop me from being an incredible wife and mom and making life the best it can possibly be for all of us!
Who am I? I am a woman who has overcome more than I like to admit. I am a mom and a wife who would take a bullet for my family. I am passionate and caring. I have built walls that are due to be knocked down.
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