September 11, 2001 – I was a new Mom, heading to work on the train into Chicago. My husband had dropped our son off at a friend’s and he had gone to work. I commuted every morning, and didn’t know anything about what had happened until I got in that morning. Then standing in our conference room, watching on TV as the second tower was hit, I looked out the window and up at the Sears Tower. Couldn’t help but fear that it could happen there next.

Who didn’t want to call a loved one that morning? I had to call my husband, I seriously was in fear of what could happen, if a plane might still be on the way to hit the Sears Tower. That fear – brings tears to my eyes as I think about it still. I called him back later to let him know we were being evacuated.

I so remember looking up into the clear blue sky as I rode home on the train, knowing that there were NO planes flying. Nothing but blue for as far as the eye could see.

The world changed that day. Our lives were changed that day. Priorities shifted. For me – it was a triple whammy. Our childcare provider called later to say she couldn’t take care of our son – it was just too much with her own kids to take care of. (Understandable that her priorities shifted as well) To compound things, it was the day that my Mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness. That night, as we sat holding each other, my husband and I made the decision that our son would have his Mom at home to take care of him.

So, I’m deep in thought today…thinking about my Mom, thinking about that morning and how much things have changed since then. I’ll never forget that pivotal day in my life. I will always remember!

You might also be interested in...

• Preserve Your Story With Cherish Bound (3)

In 2008, my original online business with Top Line Creations ended – partly from their dissolution of my Consultantship when they dropped their MLM business model, and changed their name to Breezy Design. Then through my own final decision in September when I had finally had enough, and resigned all together.

I gave Mom’s Online Retreat a facelift, yet the momentum wasn’t there to keep it up to date. I renewed the domain, and can’t let it go because it is my baby, my very first built from scratch all by myself website. (decision will be made this year )

Last year brought big exposure for MomChats.com as our free chatrooms for Moms got some publicity in Family Circle magazine! Direct Sales reps and WAHM business owners have popularized the online party approach to sales and our schedule continues to reflect that popularity! We also introduced our own monthly shopping events – and plans are in the works for some great events in 2009!

Val and I also saw a need for an online venue to help WAHMs spread the word about their business opportunities – thus we created WAHMchats.com. While it’s been slow to take off, we have ideas for online classes and recruiting events (WAHMbiz Fairs) to assist in online team and business building.

My WAHM Space saw lots of growth and some changes. We added some new features (and a looking to add more). As the economy took it’s tumble we eased our members economies some by changing over to free memberships, with all the features of a paid membership.

One of my most recent developments happened at the end of 2008 and continues today. I hooked up with Lisa Robbin Young, and have been benefiting from her business coaching, especially her new “Build Better Customers” program. I’m using the techniques I’m learning from Lisa to develop the business model I want for my greeting cards business. (Coming soon!)

Oh, and 2008 marked the first year I had a somewhat steady income to show for all of my online efforts. I see that only becoming more steady as this year unfolds. Things have changed over the last year, but I believe for the best. Here’s to a productive and profitable new year!

You might also be interested in...

• Reflections of 2007 (1)
• Goal Setting Through My Son’s Eyes (0)

Thing is I really can’t share anything right now – it’s in the “TopSecret R&D” stage – but what I can say is it incorporates so much of what is me – my strengths, my passion, and in a way takes the fulfillment of a dream one step further.

So, be patient. If you haven’t seen me on IM, or Twitter – if I haven’t posted in awhile – be assured, I’m still here. Plus those who really need me know how to find me, and are more than welcome to too.

You might also be interested in...

• The Balance Shifted, Again (3)
• Reflections of 2007 (1)
• Out of Dial-up Land (2)