Priorities

The Mayor of the city I live in, put it out there on Facebook, what are the top issues for our community for 2015. Great! He is polling for public opinion, I am a fan of that. Here were the responses...

"Last week I asked the question - what would your #1 priority for 2015 be? Here are the results, group by category with # of responses:
- Pedestrian Improvements (35)
- Road Improvements/Traffic Flow (27)
- Speed on Local Streets (16)
- Transit Improvements (14)
- Rec Centre Redevelopment (10)"

Clearly we have some on-the-move issues to work out but what interested me the most was not on the list at all, homelessness. My suburban city has been turning a blind eye to what literally surrounds us, which is, humans in need.  In many ways my city is new, innovative and trendsetting on many fronts; business support, wireless technology, environmentally friendly, etc. The city has even won awards for such innovations. But we are light years behind any sort of social programs for those in need. I know when it comes to the homeless and funding the municipalities turn to provincial for help and in turn provincial turns to federal for assistance. The problem is that each level of bureaucracy looks to each other and claims it is not my responsibility. In my opinion, it is everyone's responsibility.

Truth be told that many homeless people migrate to the lower mainland in the winter months simply because we do not get much snow and it is the warmest spot in Canada during this time. There are solutions to be had but we are so consumed with the idea of consumption we like to lay blame rather than take action.

My little city is surrounded by rivers. We have many homeless people camping out by the river banks at night. Which is a convenient for the out of sight and out of mind argument. There are beautifully innovative things being done to help those in need all over the world. I am wanting and hoping my city could put itself on the map for difference reasons other than business and start implementing these things such as; portable mini shelters, meals on wheels programs, medical assistance, addiction services, etc. Our current system is broken and we are all accountable to fix it. So if money is the bottom line for any sort of innovation in my city lets look at the long-term effects of putting homelessness on top of the priority list. It is a well known fact that providing services now will cut down on costs later. It feels gross to be connecting homelessness with a monetary value but when this issue is not even on the list I guess it is best to speak in their language.

I keep thinking about Maslow's hierarchy of needs; if the physiological and safety needs are being met then wondrous things can happen. Studies have shown that simply having a roof over a person's head and having a fixed address gives a person a chance at being integrated back into their community. Next, it provides them access to services they may need and in turn gives helper access into their world if they so need/want it. If someone has a fixed address, more appointments can be made and kept, more ways social service workers can get an idea of what is really needed as well.

I am rambling... just a few of my thoughts...I am sure I have missed a few...

HUGS and Shit

The Momma

                                              

                                                        Yeti says, "love everyone."

2 year old logic...

An awesome mom says to me today, "Oh wow you got Thing 2 to wear gloves! My kids refuses to wear gloves." My response, "Yes he only wears gloves because they are red and it is a Thursday."

I open up a banana for Thing 2, it accidentally breaks in two. Banana is null and void.

Thing 2 drops his juice box and cries while pointing at it. I come along and pick it up and wipe it off. Thing 2 cries harder. I switch it with mine. Thing 2 cries even harder. I cut it open and put it in a cup. Thing 2 cries the hardest. Note to self: Ignore Thing 2 when he drops his apple juice, especially when he can reach it himself.

Give Thing 2 mac n cheese, his favorite, but not this week. Thing 2 wants ketchup. I put ketchup on Thing 2's plate beside mac n cheese. Thing 2 points at mac and cheese and cries. I put ketchup on mac n cheese. Thing 2 collapses into a pile of tear-snot ridden mess. He just wanted a pile of ketchup for lunch.

Put Thing 2 down for a nap. Thing 2 insists I lie down with him. I think Thing 2 is sleeping. I lift my head gently, Thing 2 forcefully puts his hand on the side of my head and pushes it back onto pillow.  Repeat 8 times over next half an hour. I give up.  Screw the shower, I am getting a nap.

Thing 2 got mad because I went to the bathroom and did not invite him.

Thing 2 got mad because Thing 1 looked at him.

Thing 1 got mad because Thing 2 looked at him.

Thing 2 got mad because his tiny tongue cannot reach the snot coming out of his nose.


Babies are such a nice way to start people.

Hugs & Shit
The Momma

I gots da poo rage!

Tonight, in the span of  2 minutes and 100 square feet.... Thing 1 took off his underwear and was showing his brother how to do the downward facing dog pose. Thing 2 tore off his diaper and found a hard little poo nugget in which he threw at me. Simultaneously, the hubs took a big shit in the en suite bathroom, door open, whilst giggling.  And lastly, my cat, took the turd of her life in her litter box adjacent to the bed. It all hit me at once. My olfactory receptors were assaulted.. The smells were accosting my senses. I could smell, taste, and even hear the poop sensations. And then it happened, I got a bad case of the poo rage. True Story.

No HUGS
The Momma

ASMR.. what is it?! Sleep help here!

About a year ago I have come across something so fantastical called ASMR. This stands for

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.  

 ASMR is a relatively new word for a perceptual phenomenon characterized as a distinct, pleasurable tingling sensation in the head, scalp, back, or peripheral regions of the body in response to visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, or cognitive stimuli. The nature and classification of the ASMR phenomenon is controversial, with strong anecdotal evidence to support the phenomenon but little or no scientific explanation or verified data. -Wikipedia 

I remember when I was in the first grade I had a grade 7 reader helper that would come by twice a week to help me with my reading. She was so kind and soft spoken and had a voice that would send shivers down your spine. I first experienced ASMR when she would read to me. First there was a tingle on the crown of my head that would flow down my body and put me into a relaxed comatose state. She must have thought I was so weird with my droopy eyes and playing dumb just so she would read to me. Reading time was fantastical and opened me to a whole new world of, what I did not know at the time, meditation. About a year ago I was going though some slightly stressful times and I sought out reading loads of novels and watching You Tube videos to help me de-stress. When I looked up meditation videos, I came across my first ASMR artist, Maria. She has an amazing gift! She has helped me though what would have been sleepless nights and daily anxiety. Was it an escape for me? Yes and no. I found Maria of "Gentlewhispering" to be such a positive influence in my life. Her kind words and attention to detail would lull me to a deep meditative state and most times to sleep. For me it is meditation; I get to quiet the mind and to get a little boost of beautiful energy. In this past year I have come across many other ASMR artists. Some of my favorites are "MassageASMR" by Dmitri and "AccidentallyGraceful" name unknown. 

Gentlewhispers Maria https://www.youtube.com/user/GentleWhispering

She is my fave go-to ASMR artist. She is from Baltimore MD and has a lovely Russian accent. She even does some of her ASMR videos in Russian. I don't speak Russian but I love to listen to both! She does lots of role play situations and is always a boost to your self esteem. She is a super positive person! She also does massage, teaches you how to fold towels and has an amazing story of her own.

MassageASMR Dmitri https://www.youtube.com/user/MassageASMR

Dmitri is another one of my fave go-to artists. He is a massage therapist by trade and he is amazing with his taps, crinkles and his deliberate heavy breathing and lip smacking. Who knew these could be sleep-inducing noises?! He also has a lovely Australian accent which I love. He has plenty of videos some short some long and some role play. He even has videos with no talking at all with creative auditory sounds.

AccidentallyGraceful  https://www.youtube.com/user/accidentallygraceful/featured

I love this gals bath time and sleepy time video. She gives you a 30 plus minute tutorial on how to make bath salts with Epsom salts and essential oils.  More recently she has done a bit of acting in her videos. She is a very talented actor and delivers a compelling 20 plus minutes of a post apocalyptic monologue. She is even a wonderful singer to boot!

Each have amazing gifts in helping me chill out. Now I don't get the tingling sensation every time so if you don't get it at first don't worry, let your mind go and it will come. Also, you need to find an ASMR artist that works for you! Everyone is so different with techniques, styles, roles plays and sound ideas. I feel so fortunate to have discovered ASMR and so grateful for the ASMR artists who keep producing these mind tingling videos.

Other noteworthy ASMR artists:

https://www.youtube.com/user/HeatherFeatherASMR HeatherFeather

https://www.youtube.com/user/ASMRrequests ASMRRequests

https://www.youtube.com/user/OliviaKissperASMR

Happy watching and happy relaxing!

HUGS

The Momma

 

 

 

 

Full Time Parent & Part-Time at Home Business an Unofficial How to Guide

In March of 2012, I officially opened my business "Awesome Possum Tutoring & Consulting." I have to say it has been fun, a lot of hard work and worth every minute I put into the business to be at home full-time with my kids. I have written this blog entry based on my experiences starting up and maintaining a successful home business. I hope my blog can help you or someone you know along the way in doing the same. All the best to you!

Here is a super awesome helpful guide oh how to start up your home based-business in British Columbia.

Q: Do I have an appropriate space in my home or can I make one?

A: Yes, I bought the townhouse with the idea in mind that I would have a workspace for tutoring clients. I was fortunate enough to have this plan well in place before my first son was born so I was able to find a place that fit my needs. My office is on my lowest floor, it has front door entry, a good size to house my tutoring materials, desks, office supplies and books and it has an attached bathroom.


Q: How well would this type of business do in my area? 
A: Since I live in a suburban area and close to many schools I knew it would be well received. Also, I researched other tutors in my area and there are not many Orton Gillingham based tutors and the demand is high with no sight of declining.


Q: Does your home have good street parking and easy access? Is it near transit? 
A: Yes, I am fortunate I have 6 visitor spots in front of my house as well as the bus goes by my place every half an hour. I also have a corner unit so there is ample waiting space beside my unit as well.

Q: Do you live in a strata? If yes, what are their rules for at home businesses? Does your business and all activities fall under their guidelines?
A: Yes, I live in a strata and I read the by-laws before buying into it. The rules state that I can have a home-based business provided I have a reasonable amount of come and goers and I show no signs or
advertisement for my business on lawns, windows or doorways. Lastly, you must have no outstanding fines, fees or levies with the strata.  

Q: What are your city guidelines with home-based businesses?
A: I am allowed to have a home-based business if I have a limit of 5 visitors/day including clients and deliveries. I must abide by all strata guidelines or I could lose my business license. Also, I must receive an original letter from the strata counsel agreeing to the business being located on strata property to be made available when applying for a city license. (see below)

Q: What are my overheads? What do I charge for product and/or services? (Do your research on other competitive companies in the area)

A: I acted as if. I am not an accountant so made a list of all the possible expenditures I could potentially have to make in my first 6 months as well as factor in potential clients and income. I played with the numbers and found a happy budget to work with. I also picked up the phone and called competitors to see what they charge. You can also look online for these types of career job market research. Remember you may not make money in the first couple of months and that is ok! Give yourself a deadline on your financial goals. This will help your make it or break it debate. 


Q: Is the market saturated or is my product or service in need? Is it a growing need? 
A: There are plenty of websites to help you with this research and don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask questions as a potential customer.



Q: How much time will this take away in a typical week? 
A: Map out your valuable time, do this liberally. Do not be conservative with your time allocations to tasks; you want to make sure this is an attainable business for you. Staying up all hours will only burn you out faster.


Q: Where do I start? Name Registry in BC.
A: Go to the Name Registry in BC online http://www.bcbusinessregistry.ca/nameapproval.htm
Go here to check to a see if your business name is available to use. They have great tips on this site on how to pick and name and the dos and don'ts. This will cost you under $50, dependent on your municipality. Once you have a name registered the registry will give you a business reference number. Hold on to this for the next step. This process will take approximately 3-5 business days.

Q: Then what? BC Business Registry.
A: Go to BC Business Registry online: http://www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca/bcreg/corppg/companies/index.page Find your type of business and fill out the necessary paperwork either online or hard copies. Do read the fine print on this page. Depending on your business you may have to fill out additional forms or register with additional organizations based on health standards etc. This process will take approximately 2-4 weeks. Once you are approved you will then receive a business number.

Q: OMG then what? City License Registration
A:  Go to your local city hall and apply for a city business license. This will be the only license you will have to renew and pay for annually if you are simple straight forward business like mine. Most municipal licenses are under $100 for the year. This process will take approximately 2-3 weeks. Once you are approved and you meet all the regulations and guidelines you will receive a paper license in the mail. Get a nice frame and put that sucker on the wall, you earned it! The license is required to be in a conspicuous place at your business site. Also, make copies before putting up, this will help you later. Lastly, check out what your municipality does for its businesses, you never know there might be some perks!

Q: Do I need insurance?
A: You always need insurance whether it is for loss or liability. Go to your current insurance broker and try to get a rider on your current home insurance. Business policies are expensive and will suck you dry but home-based business riders are affordable and easy to do.  Let the broker guide you, that is what they are there for! Don't be afraid to shop around but not your rider has to be with your current home and contents insurance or you will have to move the entire thing.



Q: Advertising - what did you do?

A: Since I cannot post any signs on my windows, lawns or doors I turned to Facebook where I made an awesome possum consulting page. I got myself signed up on LinkedIn, tutoring email lists, contacted local resource centres and libraries with my business cards and brochures. I gave away free lessons as part of gift baskets and raffles. I had advertising magnets done up for my car. I volunteer at my son's school with the Talking Tables program and with reading. I signed up for the annual Christmas tree decorating competition between all the businesses in my home town. I participate in city events. I go to school board meetings and I am a part of my son's school PAC. I wear my Awesome Possum hoodie and baseball cap with pride. I talk about what I do. I have set up vendor tables at events such as craft fairs and marketplaces. I have posted my logo-ed items on community notice boards. I offer a free session to any current clients who successfully bring in a new client to me. You name it, I have done it!


Q: Facebook! What did you do exactly?
A: Facebook is a whole other cat. You can take classes on how to maximize the site traffic on your business page. For me personally, I know Facebook is based on algorithms so I based my posts on contests like free sessions so people would share my info. I would post random fun words facts to catch people's attention. I offer a free session to those clients who book with me through Facebook. I keep my posts fun, positive and usually with something to offer.

Q: Where did you get all your logo and all the logo stuff made up?
A: Vistaprint -they are pretty amazing. It was a one stop shop for me. I also frequent the local print shop when I need something next day.

Here are some other helpful hints:

- Take notes on everything, even it seems ridiculous
- Make a Excel spreadsheet for all your finances if you do not use a bookkeeper.
- BC business taxes are not due until the end of June.
- Always keep a stack of business cards on you; you never know when you will need one.
- Keep info on your clients/customers this will help when you offer a new service
- Save all your bills, receipts and invoices for tax time and file it all straight away.
- Do month end reconciliation, don't put it off, you want to track everything!
- If you do not have a bookkeeper Turbo Tax is an excellent program for first time business tax users.
- Document all your gas expenditures, travel and keep receipts. Credit card bills are acceptable!
- You can write off so much off at tax time... http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/slprtnr/bsnssxpnss/menu-eng.html#expenses for a full list with guidelines. (Cell phone, bridge tolls, insurance, etc!)
- Schedule time in to work! It is too easy to procrastinate. Set boundaries with your partner and children with time and space.
- Change what doesn't work and cut the redundancies. For example I changed my pay scale six months in as it was too labour intensive for a sliding scale and I wanted more public transparency with what I charged. Having said that I can take on a student of the parents or guardians are struggling financially.
- Keep a do to list
- Dream where you want to go with the business. Write down where you see yourself in 5 and 10 years.
- Follow your instincts
- Keep a blog - if appropriate
- Participate in community events - give back!
- Try to think 2 steps ahead, never be 100% complacent, and always question things that do not make sense to you.
- Create! it is your business, have fun with it!
- Love what you do!

- Thrift shops and Craiglist are GREAT places to acquire office supplies, decor and office equipment. Don't spend all your money on super fancy office items. Go for classy with the guise of it being cheap, easy, or free!
- Keep your clients informed about new products, services and events. There are new federal laws about sending informational emails to customers. Be sure upon them subscribing they agree to you sending them unsolicited information.

- Keep relevant, move with the times, trying not to get stuck or stagnant. Attend seminars and classes, they are out there and most of them are free! Check your local library, non-profits and newspapers. "Like" Facebook pages that help your cause.


I will keep adding to this list as I go on...

I hope you find this helpful! If you do pass it along! If you don't well I can't give your your time back but I can give you a hug the next time I see you. I do not have a business degree, all this above information is based on my own personal experience. Take what you like and leave the rest!

If you have any questions feel free to email me at awesomepossumconsulting@gmail.com also, like my Facebook page for awesome possum super fun facts on spelling, writing, word origins and other wordy word type things. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Awesome-Possum-Tutoring-and-Consulting/192510507539462

Cheers!

Courtney C.
Sole Proprietor of Awesome Possum Tutoring & Consulting and CEO of the Catt household

                                                         I can't believe it is all mine!

The City of Port Coquitlam - Nominated Home-Based Business of the Year 2013 & 2014
Runner-Up Port Coquitlam People's Choice Award 2014

Why you Gotta be so Crude?

There's an evil man trying to claim the north pole
preservation? for science? oh fuck! oh hell no!

There are a couple of other countries in the frozen running
Run by the oil hungry, diggin for some money
zealous sons of bitches without a blessed soul
Harper is one of them; lets dig that fucking hole!

Blinded by the money and the thick teaxs tea
The Jebs are so long ago 1960s
Time to get with the times you thieving shitty dude
Why are you eying up Santa's secret ocean crude

Oh wait yes I said it the value and the money
raping precious earth has never been that funny
The beauty of the earth is going to slip away
so you and your golfing buddies get a payday

There are 5 power countries vying for the space
 Denmark and Norway their heart's in the right place
But the other three countries have a little learning
Russia, Canada and the States these countries are really burning
To get a big mark in international waters
No one owns that place for the sake of sons and daughters

Dropping the flag on the pristine ocean floor
Is a pathetic little show for what is in store
Canada ultimately has turned to the dark side
But this shit isn't new google Harper for the crimes

PEACE

The Momma

                                                                Classic.

Holiday Thought...

My two-bits... It does not matter to me if someone says Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas to me, I am grateful for the blessing. What bothers me is the xenophobic, ultra nationalist, far-right-tea party-Ann-Coulter-garbage of the super staunch "Merry Christmas" folks who have the inability to see it from any other side but their own. No point in getting in a tizzy about the lack of Merry Christmas's because nothing is being taken from you, in fact, you are given so much with a simple blessing. I welcome any kind of well wishes including the Christ in Christmas. 

Hugs & Shit
From the Pagan Momma!
Blessed Be!

Happy Saturnalia! Happy Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Bodhi Day! Happy Krampusnacht! 
Happy
Pancha Ganapati! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Yule! Happy Yalda! Happy Sadeh! 

Happy Chahar Shanbeh Suri! Happy Soyal! 

Many blessings to you beautiful souls around the world.