Get a Life!

We all have such people in our lives...those you want to grab a hold of, shake them and yell "Get a Life!" I've had one such friend of many years. We hit it off as friends when we met at a certain job several years ago, even though he was of a different culture, country and age group. We worked together on some different projects and a couple of network marketing businesses.


For him, there's always an excuse as to why he couldn't do something or why he was not successful. Such things as:

• I have to take my daughter to school/pick her up from school (a college age daughter; even after she had her own car)



• I'm fixing the roof



• My daughter got a dog and I have to take care of it



• I'm re-tiling the floor



• I'm painting the house(an upcoming excuse)



• I have to re-finance my house (an upcoming excuse)

I've seen him borrow $3,000 to buy into a vitamin/weightloss network marketing program and as far as I know, I was the only person who bought his products. Four years later, he was dumping expired vitamins and powdered milkshakes into my hands. He was and remains in a constant state of "being broke" and complaining about it. (Since I decided to cut my losses with him, I've watched as he got all excited about 2 other programs which he did not follow through on.)

I began to see the light about him earlier this year when I read Larry Winget's book, "Shut Up, Quit Whining and Get a Life!" Some quotes from his "Quit Whining" chapter: "If you are unhappy, unsuccessful, sick or broke --please just keep it to yourself" and "whining prolongs the problem." This guy spares no one.

Well, the lightbulb finally went off in my head. I had been my friend's own personal guardian angel and I had spent countless hours helping him set up his presentations, driving him to meetings, giving him extra business building materials, helping him sharpen pencils...you get the picture. Yes, I enjoyed his company but it did nothing for my bottom line except kill time.



So I had reached that point where it was finally time to move on. Since then, I found plenty more productive hours to reach my own goals. It's quite refreshing.



My point is, take a look around you and see who is draining your batteries. Tell those friends and family to "Get a Life!"



Til next time,

Celeste Peterson

Ziplining in Costa Rica

Next year, I'd really like to go on an adventure tour to Costa Rica.


About five years ago, my daughter and a group of friends spent a week there and had the time of their lives. One of the highlights was a ziplining ride they took in Monteverde National Park. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, "ziplining", it's a ride in which you are suspended on a cable line and "zip" along it from treetop to treetop 300 feet above the ground. Definitely not for the squeemish. At my age, it's time to go for the gusto. I have to...I don't like heights and usually hang on for dear life on the second rung of a ladder. Well, it's time to get over all that...


Another thing they enjoyed seeing in Costa Rica was the Arenal volcano, one of the world's most photographic and active volcanos. My daughter said it was very active when they were there, with spouting smaoke, lava, gasses and sometimes rocky boulders bouncing down the slopes.

This is an escape to another world in Costa Rica amidst verdant jungles, tropical beaches and fiery volcanoes. There's everything from mountain biking to white water rafting, jungle treks, canopy and rappelling tours, superb surf breaks, incredible snorkeling and fantastic underwater diving opportunities. Costa Rica sets the stage for the thrill seeking adventurer to truly have an unforgettable vacation!

With something for everyone, this tiny Central American country has today become one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, with plenty to do and much to see. With an impressive wealth of national parks, which cover more than a quarter of the country’s land surface, Costa Rica provides adventure lover’s with a thrilling stage; hosting everything from mountain biking to white water rafting, and jungle treks to canopy and rappeling tours of the verdant forests here. For those who enjoy the ocean in all its glory, Costa Rica has some of the best surf breaks and swells in the world, with incredible snorkeling and underwater diving opportunities as well.

For those who enjoy endless meandering trials set amidst some of the most lush and magnificent forests, Costa Rica has some incredible hiking and trekking possibilities. Visit the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park or take a hike in the wonderful Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja to become truly one with nature. However, if you prefer you can visit the secluded and remote jungles of the Corcovado National Park, which is home to the last remaining coastal Pacific rainforest.

White water river rafting and kayaking opportunities are also abound in Costa Rica. Kayak out in the open ocean or raft down the roaring rapids of the Rio’s Pacuare, Revenatzon and Naranjo for wild ride. But if surfing is your thing, then head on down to the fantastic beaches that Costa Rica has on offer. Visit the Salsa Brava, Ollie’s Point, Witches Rock, Pavones or Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas for some of the most superb surf breaks in the world.

To explore some of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous sceneries underwater, dive along the coast off Bahia Drake or Drake Bay or visit the lovely Isla del Caño, home to some of the most fabulous underwater and marine life in the country. Along the Guanacaste Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula excellent snorkeling opportunities can be found at Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal and Playa Hermosa. And if all this is not enough, try rappeling down some of Costa Rica’s beautiful waterfalls around the areas of Puerto Jimenez and Cabo Matapalo.

As you can see Costa Rica’s versatility not only extends to its landscape, but its fantastic adventure opportunities as well. So come on down to this gorgeous tropical country to experience Pura Vida or the ‘Pure Life’ and have the adventure of a lifetime!

Bon Voyage...

Celeste Peterson

Health Insurance

Many people think that they do not need medical insurance or that they can't afford medical insurance. Neither of these is actually true. Yes, medical insurance costs seem to be growing all the time, but the alternative is less than pleasant for people who don't have medical insurance. Everyone needs medical insurance because one major illness or accident could completely destroy a person's financial security if they have no medical insurance. For those that think they can't afford it, there are lots of options for inexpensive medical insurance, especially online. Medical insurance is, quite simply, protection. It is something that everyone needs, regardless of his or her financial situation.


If traditional medical insurance does not seem to offer the kind of insurance rates and coverage you are looking for, you can always look online. Online health insurance companies offer a variety of plans for complete coverage, partial coverage such as dental, eye or prescription insurance, or to supplement your existing medical insurance if it is not very good. Most online companies will offer you competitive quote based on the information you enter. Of course, the costs will vary depending on your medical background and other mitigating factors such as you being a smoker or having had any serious illnesses in your past. Online health plan quotes are easy to obtain and require no obligation to purchase a plan when you are shopping around the various companies to find medical insurance that is right for your health needs and your budget.


It makes sense to check out any medical insurance company you are considering. Find out how long they have been in business, what their reputation is, and if they are licensed in your particular state. You don't want to pay for insurance from an insurance company that is not going to be there for you after paying your premiums. Reliability is an important trait in these types of companies.


It is also a good idea to decide what kind of coverage you need, such as travel insurance, prescription coverage, dental coverage, eye insurance, emergency care, etc. If you are of retirement age, you need to find out if the medical insurance you are looking at covers long term care, hospice care, pre-existing conditions, etc. The needs of individuals are so different. Medical insurance companies strive to offer reasonably priced coverage for every life stage.


While medical insurance companies are not perfect, they can usually work out a plan that fits your needs. There are a lot of options in health care coverage these days. The best way to find the right medical insurance plan for you is to assess your personal needs, how much you can afford to pay for medical insurance coverage, and then shop around for the best deal.



Til next time.

Celeste Peterson

Where's John Adams when you need him?

I recently watched the HBO movie "John Adams " and I don't know about you, but I was totally impressed with the realistic portrayal of life during the time of the American Revolution as well as the idealism expressed by the Founding Fathers. If you haven't seen it yet, I'd urge you to rent it and watch it over a few evenings. I love history and enjoy seeing it re-enacted in a TV movie although through poetic license, most of it is made up. Having originally come from Philadelphia, I can vouch for the fact that the room in Independence Hall in which John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, et al. worked on the Declaration of Independence looks just like it was portrayed. Nevertheless, it's too bad we couldn't have watched something like this during our school years...sure would have been more entertaining than a dry old history book.

Take a look at this "John Adams" video clip .


Somehow, I don't believe that the government we have today is what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they wrote the Constitution. We have way too much Big Government supported by way too High Taxes.

And here's a quote from Thomas Jefferson:

"A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned -- this is the sum of good government."

Here's an interesting story I read in another blog post:

Free Corn

A chemistry professor in a large college that had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the Prof noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back, and stretching as if his back hurt.The professor asked the young man what was the matter.

The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?'

The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming.


When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence.They get used to that and start to eat again.

You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.

Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.

The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America. The government keeps pushing us toward socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc. While we continually lose our freedoms - just a little at a time.

One should always remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch! A politician will never provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.

If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life, then you will probably delete this email, but God help you when the gate slams shut!

If you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America , you might want to send this on to your friends.

In this 'very important' election year, listen closely to what the candidates are promising you! Maybe you just might be able to tell who is about to slam the gate on America ...

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have -- Thomas Jefferson

This is indeed a very important election year. Before you cast your vote in November, think hard about the candidates and who will lead this country as our Founding Fathers did. Get the facts, don't believe the hype.

For one final quote we have this:

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."

Abraham Lincoln


Til next time.....
Celeste Peterson
http://www.celestialtravelbiz.com/
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Networking for Fun...and Profit

I've never been one of those hard core sales people we so often hear horror stories about. You know what I mean...

I've always built a clientele through relationships and networking, sometimes through direct measures and other times indirect. In other words, some groups I've joined specifically for industry contact and other groups for "friend of a friend" contact.

Many years ago, I ran my own insurance fraud investigation agency in south Florida. My job was to check out people who put in worker's compensation claims or "whiplash" auto accident claims to see if they were legitimate or not. My target clients were therefore insurance adjusters, insurance claims managers or law firms that defended the insurance companies from fraudulent claims. This industry has what's known as "claims associations" in which there were monthly luncheon meetings with an educational speaker, a board of directors and a twice a year party or golf outing. I attended the Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando claims associations meetings religiously every month and even worked my way onto the Board of Directors for the Miami Claims Association. You might say that I was pretty well know in those circles. Now folks, that's a lot o' networking there and it led to a successful business. But how did I find my best clients? By going to the twice a year parties and hanging out with all those people on a casual basis. Did I do good work for them? Of course I did. But I got my foot in the door, met with potential clients and gained their trust.

Contacts can be made outside the business world as well. On another occasion, I felt drawn to attend a particular church in Ft. Lauderdale. I did not know anyone who attended it and had no one to go with me, so one Sunday morning I decided to attend by myself. I sat alone that morning but it felt like the right place to be. During the announcements, it was said that there were committees that needed volunteers so the first thing I did after the service was sign up on the fundraising committee. I eventually became that committee's chairman and down the road I was elected onto the Board of Directors for the church. I made many new friends there who have referred business to me. This is a great example of some indirect networking.

Here are some pointers you can use in networking situations:

• Work that room. It's not about how many business cards you give or get. Nor is it about instant gratification. It's about beginning and strengthening relationships. It's about earning trust and goodwill.




• Choose your weapon. What's your style? Do you prefer a social setting for your networking or does a more structured approach work better for you? Both types can be very effective and fruitful if you plan ahead and network consistently.




• Get out of your comfort zone. Sometimes it's not easy to meet new people, especially when they're part of a large crowd of people. Overwhelmed, you can wind up back in your comfort zone, talking with the same people time in and time out. Break your pattern; stretch your envelope. Set an easily achievable goal - perhaps to meet just one or two new people.




• Hey! You got the time? Determine how much time you can devote to marketing yourself through networking and then commit to it. As with any means of marketing, regularity and repetition rule.




• Make your list. Research the organization sponsoring a networking event. Find out who will be in attendance. What few among them would you like to meet or see again? Measure your networking success by the quality of the time you spend with those people; not on the quantity of people you glad hand.




• Tell everyone what you do. Without being pushy, without monopolizing their time and only when the time is appropriate, let everyone you come in contact with on a regular basis - your neighbors, the merchants you frequent, members of your social, fraternal, service or civic club, your banker, members of your church - know what you do. But don't ask for anything from them - referrals, etc. - until you have done something for them.




• It's who you know, not what you know. That's okay as far as it goes. It will help you get your foot in the door. But to get the sale, create customer loyalty and earn referrals from your customers, you'll need to know your stuff and deliver results. Customers appreciate referrals based on competence and trust rather than solely on name recognition, social acquaintance or academic association.




• Join pertinent business, civic, service or industry organizations. Many of these organizations offer a variety of networking opportunities. They range from seminars, conferences and workshops to business mixers to "Rolodex sharing." Some even offer more focused peer and affinity groups.




• Get rid of those butterflies. Remember that, although you hope to eventually gain something from networking, it's in giving that you will succeed. Take the focus off of you, your expectations and your agenda. Instead, focus on the person you'd like to meet or with whom you're talking. Learn about their business and look for ways you can help them. Your nerves will settle and this once frightening encounter will become much more comfortable and manageable. With some practice you may even begin to like the process.




• Volunteer. Get involved on a committee, in a service organization, at your church, on a board in your city or town. Donate your time to a charitable cause. Read to children in your library's or school's literacy program. Mentor a child or share your expertise with budding entrepreneurs. In each of these activities you'll meet like-minded people and you'll all work toward the same goals. Demonstrate your talents and value by working to achieve those goals. You'll achieve peer status with those you work with and referrals will flow naturally from the relationships you build.




• Referral swapping, anyone? Some well established organizations exist for the sole purpose of facilitating referrals among the business people who belong to them. Some of them are local and some are national in scope (for example BNI). They meet regularly and their members live by the rule that you must give in order to get. Be a giver. You won't be sorry.




• Networking should be a win-win situation. Expand your circle of contacts by helping your customers solve their problems and build their businesses. You'll earn the right to ask them to help you build yours. And they'll be happy to oblige by making referrals, offering expert advice and introducing you into their circle of contacts. That's networking!

Happy Networking, Everyone!

Celeste Peterson

http://www.celestialtravelbiz.com/