Chicks at Sea 2010

Chicks at Sea

It’s one of my favorite times of the year, when I start booking our annual Chicks at Sea Girl’s Getaway Cruise, and this year is no different. I get jazzed up when I remember the fun and deep relaxation I get when on a cruise and the idea of sharing that with other women—well I get excited—I really do. I love, love, love the idea that I am a tiny part of giving women something positive to help them restore, relax, and rejuvenate. Having been a working mom while raising two kids; I know how hectic and tiring it all can become. My mentor and friend told me to be successful one must find their “bliss” and I think I have. Helping women feel better about themselves, to become nourished and renewed so they can go back to their family, friends, and career ready to take on the world.

This year’s Chicks at Sea is a five day cruise departing from Tampa, FL on February 20th, 2010. We will be making port stops at Key West (can you say fun) and Cozumel, Mexico. We also have 2 sea days for visiting the spa, taking in the entertainment, making new friends, and enjoying the many other activities of the ship. Or maybe just lounging by the pool doing something special—absolutely nothing! How long since you did nothing?

We have a range of rooms reserved for our group ranging in price from $574 to $924 per person based on double occupancy. Your price includes everything including your prepaid gratuities. Also included is a swag bag with spa goodies, a pretty journal, and other goodies just for the gals. We do recommend you add Travel Insurance. Deposits of $100 per person or $200 per cabin are due November 19th. Final payment date is December 12th, 09. Find a roommate and get your deposit in. I feel pretty good about saying you will so glad you did.

Chicks at Sea is near and dear to my heart and I so look forward to talking to you more about this special gals getaway. Feel free to visit my web site: www.SandyWheelerTravel.com fore more information or just give me a call 252-339-9614. You can also email me for more information.

Love and peace, Sandy


Sandy Wheeler, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler an Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow her adventures at www.SandyWheelerTravel.com or on Twitter @thedivacruiser

Gold Stars For My Girls!

I ran across some little gold stars in the back of my desk drawer the other day and had to laugh. I’ve used them for a number of “teacher” type activities through the years, but the laugh came from a memory, way back in the day when my daughter was in Sunday School. The girls received gold stars for memorizing verses and the competition was hot and heavy for these special tokens. While listening to one little girl recite her verses I had to stop and ask her to repeat. I tried hard not to roll with laughter when I realized she was using the words “barn dance” instead of the word “abundance”. Since her whole family was into square dancing, I can see how the error occurred. I still laugh when I hear the word abundance. Actually though, it’s a pretty good word, don’t you think?

Abundance brings to mind having enough money to have a comfortable existence. Enough of the green stuff to pay all the bills, save some, and enjoy some. But that’s certainly not all that we aspire to, and I speak here for and to baby boomer aged women in particular. It also means good health for ourselves and our grown children, love and romance, meaningful friendships, a chance to make a difference and give back. A sense of accomplishment, a career we love, hobbies that ease our stress and open our minds and a little more time and fewer responsibilities in which to enjoy the mix. It’s time to start treating ourselves to a few special things we may not have had money or even time to do before. Things like a cruise or trip with gal pals, an afternoon in the hammock with the latest in chick lit, gym membership, or getting ourselves those flowers we admired so much in the florist window. It’s our time and it’s very much OK to treat ourselves well.

It bothers me when I see women still trapped in the role of victim or feeling as if they have to put themselves last every time. A well nourished, relaxed, and happy woman makes a better mother, wife, worker, and citizen. The abundant life is for everyone, even you girlfriend. And heck, who knows, a barn dance might be fun too!

Sandy Wheeler, the diva cruiser, is in reality an Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates who sponsors the Chicks At Sea cruises especially for women. Follow Sandy's adventures at www.SandyWheelerTravel.com and on Twitter @thedivacruiser.

Facebook Fun and Games

I admit it, I absolutely love Facebook! I check it every morning just after I check my business and personal email. I update it most every morning, sometimes several times a day. I check it before I go to sleep at night--I confess I love Facebook! To my friends and family, this comes as no surprise, to those of you who don't know me--well don't judge until you try.

Why do I love FB? Several reasons divided into two different categories. First personal reasons. Did you know I hardly ever miss a friend or family member's birthday now? And, I have reconnected with a friend I started elementary school with. In fact, more than one. Several people I went to high school with, people I knew from 25 years ago; it's amazing how many people I am finding. I found a lost cousin, people I love that I used to work with, and about a hundred kids I taught while they were in high school who are now raising kids of their own. I see what my own kids are doing even when they don't take the time to call their mom, and can take pride in my nieces and nephews as they enter their high school years. It's wonderful--I LOVE Facebook.

The second reason I love it is for business. I use it to introduce cruise specials, connect with clients and post my blogs, tweets, and pictures. I met my business coach and have received help, advice, and a chance to mentor from several like minded industry leaders and new friends. I have found suppliers and resources as well as inspiration from other small business owners working their way through the joys and problems of business ownership. I LOVE Facebook.

Some people maintain you really need to have two separate accounts, and they may be right. I tried it and didn't like doing it that way. I wound up mixing the two parts of my life by accident or lack of time anyway; plus I feel a person is the sum of their parts, so there you go.

However, I have a little advice that I would like to pass along.

• If you are like me and use FB as a personal and professional tool, be careful that you keep a decent balance. Too much info either way may be aggravating.
• Don't use your FB as a political, moral, or economic platform. Think before you expect other adults to change their minds about any of the before mentioned, no matter how eloquent your debate.
• Be careful the information you list in your updates. I freely give my business phone, but almost never give out my home phone or home address.
• Remember your Facebook page may be indexed by Yahoo and Google. Often my FB page will come up higher than my actual web page. And while most of the info is protected, any entry level hacker can figure out a way around the safeguards, so again discretion is advised.

Just some friendly advice, some unfortunately I learned the hard way. I am certainly no expert, but then that's another one of the beauties of Facebook--anyone can learn to use it and enjoy the product for personal and professional benefit. Just another reason I LOVE Facebook!

Keep on posting,

Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality Sandy Wheeler, an Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow her adventures on www.SandyWheelerTravel.com and on Twitter @thedivacruiser