Spit & Spat

2009-12-09T19:42:00.001-05:00

Good quote: "I am what survives of me." - Eric Erikson

2009-11-29T21:51:00.001-05:00

Useful Time Mangement Video from Carnegie Mellon: http://ping.fm/dPwrc

2009-11-29T21:50:00.001-05:00

Useful Time Management video from Carnegie Mellon: http://ping.fm/0u6hG

2009-11-25T18:49:00.001-05:00

Benefits of Pissing People Off: http://ping.fm/3oDJi

2009-11-16T20:31:00.001-05:00

My new fave quote from Jeep ad: "seizing every moment instead of watching the minutes."

Shifting Focus: Coming Down and Moving Up

2009-11-08T13:07:00.001-05:00

Life is glorious change. And so it means growing, shifting and trying things. So I'm gonna try it with my website. Created for play and as a learning tool, my existing personal site, ChelseaRocks.info, has been my platform for practicing my multimedia development skills over the past 2 years. Now it's time to grow.

Why scrap and move on...but, mostly, why blog about it to everyone? Because who cares what one girl's doing in her life and her thoughts about it! Does it relate to you? How does it really matter to your life, other than being a tiny detail about where I am these days or what I'm doing? Really--who cares!

Why do you read magazines or books, visit websites and keep up with the news?

Because it matters to you and your life in some way.

You read and visit the sites because it keeps you in tune with society, updates you on something or helps you improve yourself. You learn tips for how to lose 10 pounds or have better sex, check the scores from last night's game, read opinions about news topics, and so on. Beyond helping you and your own goals, your interest probably fades pretty quickly.

But I want to matter to you! I want you to want to come to my blog, enjoy reading and even consider what I'm saying later in your day when you're somewhere else. My blog site needs to give you something: inspiration, information, guidance, camaraderie...something.

To aim to do that for you is very ambitious and almost ridiculous or pompous to think that I can do so. But I'm going to try. Chelsea-Rocks.info is going to come down and Rock-the-Journey.com will be born. Rock-the-Journey.com will have links to articles and blogs that inspire me, key points to stay motivated, and descriptions of experiences that I think will be useful to you as you go for your own goals. It will be aimed towards you who are trying to reach goals and not lose stamina. Starting from the beginning not really knowing what you're doing, or how to get what you want--but keeping with it anyway. Obviously I don't have those answers. But it's what I'm going through. I hope I can be comforting or inspiring by talking about it and sharing resources.

Thanks so much for those of you who have been reading my stuff so far. It's an honor to write something you take a moment to read. May I be able to give something back.

Insightful Words About Creating Personal Change

2009-10-15T00:26:00.003-04:00

From one of my favorite bloggers, Yaro Starak and his Blogging To Awareness posts: a discussion of creating personal change, pursuing your goals and taking charge of your life if you have the courage to do so. These words stuck with me this evening:

"Once you gain the power by becoming self aware of your own voice inside your head and how you perceive the world around you, half the battle is won. You are in control and that will always be the case no matter what happens to you or your environment.

Creating positive change in your life begins with how you interpret life itself. If you want things to change for the better, the first step is to make the choice to see the world in a way that is beneficial, on the inside. The outside world is always open to interpretation, and you will never know the real truth, so why not create perceptions that help you?

The key take away from this article is self awareness is the first step towards creating the change you want, in fact, it is all you ever need if you really drill down to it. You are the master of your own universe."

Collaboration.

2009-10-06T16:17:00.000-04:00

I am learning that collaborating with others-in projects, in events, in business, in relationships-can make the final package so much better that it would be stupid not to. When I come off my "solo" powertrips and listen to others, old and young, I learn SO much more, gaining so many more ideas. My end results are therefore more effective and more impressive. Novel concept: other people really DO have smarter opinions and much more wisdom than me. Wow! The older I get, the more I realize how little I know-and how fantastic it is to open up and learn from others! Anyone or anything can be a teacher if I have my eyes and ears open to the lesson. May I remember this more regularly.

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Getting Closer to That Lease

2009-10-06T10:27:00.001-04:00

Here we go! My partner, Jason, and I reviewed the details of the new lease for the new business location on St. Thomas. We're both stoked to be leaping forward--nervous as hell, but stoked--and also to be moving into the larger, more convenient location. We reviewed several different ones and decided upon this one that is easily accessible, has great parking and is located in an active business location. Only a few more days before the lease terms are agreed upon and final...then we get MOOOVING! Call the carpenter, get the Kia trucks for hauling supplies, make the trips to the USVI government offices for businesses, call the accountant, hire a front desk person and...and...open! November 1-4 is our goal.

Go Big for Potential, or Stay Small and Conserve?

2009-09-28T20:16:00.003-04:00

Considering options for expanding in the new business venture, partnering with Jason with Computer Express, we are looking at two spaces on St. Thomas. One offers 7 times (!) the space, 875 sq. ft, a divided office space on the second floor of a popular business/shopping complex in the Red Hook area. The space has its own bathroom, a reception area, and multiple rooms where we could stock inventory, shoot videos, and a large space for the repairs. It's ideal for what we anticipate--about 4 times growth in our customer base. With the potential we see ahead, this space fits our goals and would be perfect. It's also double what we wanted to pay in rent.

The second space is next door, at 475 sq ft it's still 3 times larger than our space on St. John. It also would require build-out, as it's just an empty, worn space right now with a main area and a closet. It would suit our needs now, because it is larger than what we have and we could make it work. The rent is what we were hoping to find. But...meh.

So the question becomes, do you venture forward with a big leap, anticipating the potential growth and reorganizing finances to make it work? Or stick to the smaller space, build it up (which would also delay our opening date...) and stay conservative?

I say go for the gold. If you're not going to aim high, why are you trying?

Thrills and Tills of Starting a New Business

2009-09-25T14:46:00.003-04:00

And ACTION! I returned from the Italian holiday to launch into a new direction: partnering with Jason Monigold to buy into Computer Express, a PC and Mac repair/networking/IT consulting business. Based on St. John for 6 years, he's drummed enough business to expand to St. Thomas. That's where I jump in: to partner with him for the expansion, making computers and my web design my full-time gig. Which is very exciting!

Hard to leave the day job with the steady paycheck, though, definitely. Working as a project manager for Stone Masonry Inc. for the past year was a perfect opportunity to understand business management and bookkeeping. It definitely helps me prepare for understanding running Computer Express. But again...leaving that steady paycheck....

Today Jason and I ventured to St. Thomas to look at 2 prospective locations for the business and consider the lease details. One space is smaller but half the rent and a generator; one space larger but more money and space for possibly subleasing. Now we're breaking down our numbers and getting into the nitty gritty to feel what's realistic and what we're aiming for.

Starting new ventures in a "bad economy" can be seen as smart or silly--it all depends on if you have balls or not! One thing I know for sure is that staying stagnant, not growing or challenging myself, would only cause me to wither. So it's not really a choice; it's only a matter of deciding HOW to proceed, not IF.

My Entreprenuerial Hero, Timothy Ferris, in his current Nicaraguan "office"

2009-09-18T20:04:00.000-04:00

Oh Bittersweet.

2009-09-13T08:37:00.000-04:00

I have had nothing to say but praise and love for Italy and its warm, genuine culture since I arrived. Spending the weekend in the Valsesia valley in the mountains of the north, staying with my girlfriend and fiance' at their B&B and attending her wedding, I am only more certain of this.

The wedding in the small village of Alagna, where Mara grew up, began with the bride and groom's guests all gathering at each of their respective houses prior to the ceremony. This was neat because everyone of the bride or groom's guests-family, close friends-could have private time to share with the bride or groom before it all started. We had fantastic wine (the vino bianco was wonderful!!! No better than in Italy!) and small snacks as everyone took pics and congratulated Mara on her fantastic red wedding dress. She got to greet and talk with her guests for about an hour-long enough for the pouring rain to stop, clear and lift away. It was very cold all of the sudden in the mountain air, but at least not raining. The town cathedral's bells rang out into the valley with "Here Comes the Bride" song...it was awesome! As a big group, with Mara and her family and attendants leading, we all walked through the village to the church as the bells rang. People stood in the streets to greet her and wish her well.

We went into the church for a lovely Catholic ceremony, complete with a signed certificate from the pope annoucing blessing of their marriage! The church was cold and damp, so everyone was very chilly but it was still nice. I had the honor of signing as a witness because of being her bridesmaid. Then we went out to the streets to greet, throw rice, and...head to the pub! More wine and some sangria mixed rum drink stuff. I left with some of Mara's friends and sister to head to the disco for the reception dinner and the dancing party. First-we stopped at another pub. More vino! Then we walked in last to the Igloo Discoteque (sp?) for the antipasti and drinks. Dinner was a sit-down multi-course meal with wonderful Italian dishes, all delicate portions with elegant presentation. First was a plate of risotto with some herbs, then squares of lasagne, then a chilled sweet drink with ice cream in a wine glass, then excellent fish ("pesci") with lemon, vegetable and tomato. All were perfect-sized dainty portions, beautiful to savor the sight, the smell, and the flavor in a few bites. The wonderful Italian way.

We had a DJ and speaker making jokes with dancing for awhile, then moved outside to the dance area for tiramisu and more drinks to finish the meal. The tiramisu, rather than a big cake, was served in Dixie-cup sized glasses with either strawberries, blueberries or kiwi I think. With dessert wine, it gave a quick sweet fix before more dancing and cutting the groom's tie into pieces to auction off as good luck ritual. Then more dancing, freezing cold breezes, and gala for the rest of the night.

I made so many friends and met such wonderful people in such a short amount of time. I felt so welcome and comfortable with all of them. We could communicate through gestures and dancing if nothing else-and lots of laughing.

I bailed not too long after midnight with my ride back to the B&B, but Mara and Marco stayed with friends dancing until about 4:30. Their apartment got raided and decorated in the meantime (rather than decorating the couple's car).

Today I leave Mara and Marco and their families, each very special to me in new ways. I feel certain I will return within another year-they are now family, lifelong friends. An amazing way to conclude the northern Italian tour of the past couple weeks.

I'm headed on a long ride to Rome to fly home to return to STJ mid-week. I am so grateful for the challenges, the personal insight, the pleasures and surprises, and the new perspectives. Thank YOU for listening to it all!

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Milano Centrale

2009-09-10T07:05:00.000-04:00

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Florence Terminal

2009-09-10T04:34:00.000-04:00

Waiting for train to depart to Milan Central. Finally figured out how to read my train ticket...I think. Thank goodness people are nice and helpful! I didn't know how to find my seat assignment or train car-i didn't even realize it was designated. I thought you just picked a train car and got on! But several very nice Italians showed me how to read my ticket and find where to sit. With my luggage and bags, I feel like a circus stumbling around with all my stuff, trying to sit down without knocking into everyone! I've never been blessed with grace, so I always seem to bump someone. Usually it's a lady that's well-dressed and doesn't look happy with me at all for touching her!

I gotta say that the trains are very comfortable. The seats are wider than airplane seats, and there's more room for your feet and luggage.

Today I'm headed to Varallo where my girlfriend Mara will meet me, and then onto Alagna. Saturday is her wedding. I am very excited to experience Italian wedding traditions! I am also a bit anxious to see the dress I ordered. I have the honor of being a bridesmaid in the ceremony. I didn't want to pack a dress, so I found one on Ebay from a merchant in China and had it mailed to Italy. Mara said that it arrived about 10 days ago, so that's reassuring!

After 2 1/2 days in Florence, I am sad to leave the beautiful Renaissance city but happy to venture into the countryside of Alagna. I was there 10 years ago in high school; I remember it being crisp, quaint, rich with old world charm and rural beauty.

Again, thanks for reading my emails and listening to my babbling as I go! When I see each of you in person, I can kiss your cheeks on both sides and thank you properly.

C*
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Espresso at Florence Train Terminal

2009-09-10T03:46:00.000-04:00

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IMG00846.jpg

2009-09-09T05:25:00.002-04:00

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Gettin' it Down

2009-09-09T05:25:00.001-04:00

Ahhhhh...just mailed off 2 big boxes of loot back home. This makes my suitcase much roomier for traveling again tomorrow, up into Val Sesia, on into the mountains in Alagna. Plus, I found the PO closes at 18:00 (6PM), so I can still shop this aftenoon and mail off again today! Wooo! Bought a second pair of Italian boots because the first I bought are fantastic! So comfortable and complete my outfits with style not frump. The first were a light cream, the second a light Siena. Both soft, flexible leather. One an ankle boot, one a calf boot.

Now I'm having espresso near Ponte Vecchio, a bridge in Florence lined with goldsmiths and jewels. I'm headed into Piazza de' Pitti to see the Medici family jewels, porcelin, china, lavish apartments and living quarters. And a costume museum! Very excited!

Next year's trip is already being roughly planned out.

Travel is essential to my spirit...I didn't know how much so until I took the leap.

Plan your own journey. You learn so much about yourself as well as the culture of your destination and the customs of the travelers who also visit there.

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Espresso in Piazza del Signoria

2009-09-08T04:19:00.000-04:00

Heading to Uffizi Gallery this AM to see the renowned Renaissance works...sorry to keep filling your inbox with these emails, but that's what happens when you want to share your bubbling excitement with your friends! I already chatted it up with a French couple sitting next to me. I think they want some peace now from the yippy American.
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Piazza della Signoria

2009-09-08T04:09:00.000-04:00

About to head into Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest collections of art in the world.
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Ah, Florence

2009-09-08T03:46:00.000-04:00

Good morning, thinking of each of you, wanting to share.
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Arrived to Florence!

2009-09-07T08:34:00.001-04:00

Stepped out of train statione, started walking aimlessly looking for Hotel Universo. Bought a Coke, got vague directions, kept wandering and voila! There it was. Off to trot around the square...
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Off to Firenze

2009-09-07T05:27:00.001-04:00

On the train again, to Florence today for a few days. Bright, sunny day, should be great for walking the city when I get there. Left the quiet Montepulciano with new friends and renewed assurance that travel must be a regular staple in my life diet. :)

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Now to Florence

2009-09-07T04:48:00.001-04:00

And now, Monday morning 07 Sep, off to Firenze, Florence, leaving beautiful Tusan countrysides. Had an exquisite jog from Montepulciano, down the hill to a large cathedral, out onto the country roads. Past the wine vineyards and olive trees, the sandstone villas and the tiny European cars. What a lovely place to fill my lungs with fresh morning air!

Now off to Florence to the city setting again. A balance with the weekend in the country. I have my Italy guidebook in my bag to read up on Florence sights as I go. I think the train ride is about an hour. Not real sure where to get off. Just emailed the hotel where I'm staying to find out. Hopefully they'll answer before too long...

More to come!
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Train Travels to Tuscany

2009-09-07T04:41:00.001-04:00

Bon Giurno! Waiting for the train to head into the Tuscany region, in the countryside to a small town called Montepulciano. Its near Siena; might take a day trip out there. Navigating metro to train station, then getting tickets for legs of the journey the next few days isn't that easy unless you do research before or ask others what to do. Its not spelled out exactly how to find the train you need, when it leaves, what platform among 23 to choose, where it stops, how long it takes, etc.

Part of what stresses me most in life is when I don't know what to expect, when I can't anticipate how it will go. That's precisely why I do this to myself-to get out of my comfort zone and have to take it as it comes, act in the moment, not really knowing what to expect or exactly how it will turn out. It puts me on edge-which heightens my senses and forces me to live "in the moment" rather than bumbling along in my comfortable routines without really feeling life.

Now, there's a morning dose of profound insight for you! That's what happens when you're passing time waiting on the train platform. 25 mins to go. Already went to the ladies' room. Do you know you have to pay €0.80 to use the restroom?

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