The Notary Fringe

The Wedding

2006-06-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

There is a wedding on the horizon. It's making me dizzy! Sometimes I just have to stop and write down things. If only I can just write fast enough to get it all down on "paper."

The Groom
It's my son. My son is getting married...my little boy, my little blue-eyed baby. Goodness, but wasn't he a pretty child? In my mind he looked like an angel.

Through many tears, many of my own tantrums to insist on him becoming a man, many a spanking, many a grounding, many a girl I did not like but grinned like I did, through many a threat to "go right to school with you and sit in class until you pay attention and get your grades up" my son has emerged a man among men.

Oh, I know he's only 25, but I have faith. He's got a wonderful future.

You have got to have faith in your kids. You gotta know that the end is going to be great for them, no matter how trying the middle is.

You give them a vision of how great they can be, you give them a vision of something besides your own jaded views and you send them into life. You peep in on them while they sleep and then you close the door to their room. The next day with a feverish prayer to The Almighty you let them out of your sight the next morning. You do it again each day until you have learned what faith is all about...you trust your most precious thing to God's care. You let them go each day and into the the next several thousand days with only your faith to make you sane sometimes...life with a son is often frightening that they might not come home...but between my prayers and his grandma's direct line to God, he somehow made it past childhood to his engagement day and into the race for the biggest day of his life...his wedding.

The Bride
He's found a lovely young woman who looks at him like she loves him, like she believes in him more than I do. (I should add my belief in him is bigger than the universe. )

She gazes at him like she's the most fortunate woman in the world to be with him and she gives him reason to return that same gaze; that perfect gaze of true love. It's so fascinating to behold this moment in your child's life.

She gazes in a knowing womanly way and she does it in a wide-eyed girlish way. That's really good stuff. Seeing him mirror it perfectly is better.

I am so glad my boy is marrying a woman-girl with a beautiful figure, full of grace and graciousness, astute, aware, focused, and oh yes...did I mention the smile that rivals all the Mona Lisa smiles in the world? Girl, I am mighty happy with you!

His Parents
Well, there's me, and you all know about me if you are reading this. Then, there's his daddy.To you, my old friend, I want to say thank you.

We have become comfortable in our relationship, I love your wife like a family member. The boy blessed us all personally--not with his mere existence and the joy he brought us all, but he blessed us with a chance to build our characters. To learn to love one another because he needed us to.

Oh, we had our high old moments -- tense ones, but we made it. We are so much better because we knew this kid and he drew us together.

I think we actually all love one another as a result of it. We put the greater good ahead of ourselves. What is better to achieve than that in life?

We have learned to be more than concerned with only our own little small selfish worlds and we learned to be joyous in a bigger effort. M. you did good, I did good, and that daddy of his did a bang up job, too. In spite of all our own personal demons and failures, we triumphed in something far bigger than ourselves.

But, before I ramble off, let me say, dear father of the groom, that you gave me a dream. It was you who gave me the most important dream of my life...to see my boy walk across the platform of the best school in the USA (Texas A&M University). Without that vision, I might not have been able to do my part to make the boy's life get to the point it has.

You did your half, my friend, but because of your hard and fast vision, I did mine. I did not go to college...my mother and daddy did not go to college. Our boy was the first in my line to do so. You not only made his life possible, you gave me the vision to help him have a very keen, clear goal to realize. Gig 'em Aggies. God bless you for all you have given him in that way.

And, to my dear late G., it is too bad you could not stay here with us and share in this joy with us. I am still mad at you sometimes for leaving, but my dear husband, you did add to his life and you were a good role model he listened to when his dad's voice, my voice, and his step-mother's voice sounded like white static to him.

Yes, he did listen to you, and he still thinks of you. He said he is so sorry you will not be here, but I wanted to pause and thank you for your brief time with us and for what you contributed to the man he is now.

Her Parents
Don't know you all that well just yet; but, this thing I know: A special young woman is in my son's life. She knows what she wants and she's got direction. I know she'll perfect my son's compass with that true north level-headed sense of direction you instilled in her. My son has always had a good head on his shoulders. He knew the right woman immediately. Thank you for making his life complete with this fine girl you raised.

My Son's Brothers
You are so much a part of us, me and the groom...you also have made him and me better people for being gilded threads woven into us. Our family has made a peculiar little pattern in the fabric that is our history and life. But, oh you are so special to us. You are my sons because you were my step-sons...then legally, after you dad and I divorced you were no longer my step sons. That's when you became as good as blood to me. Our love kept us joined.

My head is full of stories about you. I will write about you on another summer night soon...on another night I am counting my blessings and hugging myself because life is so sweet these days.

To My Readers - The Notaries who tune in here to find out what I am up to...
Lordy, I don't know if you are a readership of one, or none, or a thousand! But, friendly readers, if you muddled through this far...stay tuned...there's more of this to come. Lots of thoughts to think out loud for you. Nothing too personal, nothing too negative...just a mother's pensive moments of good fortune based on the miracles of life and the never-ending hope which comes from having a son who has met and exceeded all of her expectations.

Thank you notaries, you are my muse...you are the ones who made me bold enough to write things I would let others read.

Goodnight, sleep tight. Don't let the bedbugs bite!

Texas Notary Statutes - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND PROOFS OF WRITTEN INSTRUMENTS

2006-03-09T00:09:00.000-08:00

CIVIL PRACTICE & REMEDIES CODE

TITLE 6. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 121. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND PROOFS OF WRITTEN INSTRUMENTS

§ 121.001. OFFICERS WHO MAY TAKE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS OR
PROOFS. (a) An acknowledgment or proof of a written instrument may
be taken in this state by:
(1) a clerk of a district court;
(2) a judge or clerk of a county court;
(3) a notary[0] public;
(4) a county tax assessor-collector or an employee of
the county tax assessor-collector if the instrument is required or
authorized to be filed in the office of the county tax
assessor-collector; or
(5) an employee of a personal bond office if the
acknowledgment or proof of a written instrument is required or
authorized by Article 17.04, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b) An acknowledgment or proof of a written instrument may
be taken outside this state, but inside the United States or its
territories, by:
(1) a clerk of a court of record having a seal;
(2) a commissioner of deeds appointed under the laws
of this state; or
(3) a notary[0] public.
(c) An acknowledgment or proof of a written instrument may
be taken outside the United States or its territories by:
(1) a minister, commissioner, or charge d'affaires of
the United States who is a resident of and is accredited in the
country where the acknowledgment or proof is taken;
(2) a consul-general, consul, vice-consul, commercial
agent, vice-commercial agent, deputy consul, or consular agent of
the United States who is a resident of the country where the
acknowledgment or proof is taken; or
(3) a notary[0] public or any other official authorized
to administer oaths in the jurisdiction where the acknowledgment or
proof is taken.
(d) A commissioned officer of the United States Armed Forces
or of a United States Armed Forces Auxiliary may take an
acknowledgment or proof of a written instrument of a member of the
armed forces, a member of an armed forces auxiliary, or a member's
spouse. If an acknowledgment or a proof is taken under this
subsection, it is presumed, absent pleading and proof to the
contrary, that the commissioned officer who signed was a
commissioned officer on the date that the officer signed, and that
the acknowledging person was a member of the authorized group of
military personnel or spouses. The failure of the commissioned
officer to attach an official seal to the certificate of
acknowledgment or proof of an instrument does not invalidate the
acknowledgment or proof.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended
by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 891, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2001,
77th Leg., ch. 986, § 2, eff. June 15, 2001.

§ 121.002. CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. (a) An employee of
a corporation is not disqualified because of his employment from
taking an acknowledgment or proof of a written instrument in which
the corporation has an interest.
(b) An officer who is a shareholder in a corporation is not
disqualified from taking an acknowledgment or proof of an
instrument in which the corporation has an interest unless:
(1) the corporation has 1,000 or fewer shareholders;
and
(2) the officer owns more than one-tenth of one
percent of the issued and outstanding stock.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.003. AUTHORITY OF OFFICERS. In a proceeding to
prove a written instrument, an officer authorized by this chapter
to take an acknowledgment or a proof of a written instrument is also
authorized to:
(1) administer oaths;
(2) employ and swear interpreters; and
(3) issue subpoenas.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.004. METHOD OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT. (a) To acknowledge
a written instrument for recording, the grantor or person who
executed the instrument must appear before an officer and must
state that he executed the instrument for the purposes and
consideration expressed in it.
(b) The officer shall:
(1) make a certificate of the acknowledgment;
(2) sign the certificate; and
(3) seal the certificate with the seal of office.
(c) The failure of a notary[0] public to attach an official
seal to a certificate of an acknowledgement or proof of a written
instrument made outside this state but inside the United States or
its territories renders the acknowledgement or proof invalid only
if the jurisdiction in which the certificate is made requires the
notary[0] public to attach the seal.
(d) The application of an embossed seal is not required on
an electronically transmitted certificate of an acknowledgement.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended
by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 603, § 1, eff. June 14, 1995; Acts
2001, 77th Leg., ch. 95, § 1, eff. May 11, 2001.

§ 121.005. PROOF OF IDENTITY OF ACKNOWLEDGING
PERSON. (a) An officer may not take the acknowledgment of a
written instrument unless the officer knows or has satisfactory
evidence that the acknowledging person is the person who executed
the instrument and is described in it. An officer may accept, as
satisfactory evidence of the identity of an acknowledging person,
only:
(1) the oath of a credible witness personally known to
the officer; or
(2) a current identification card or other document
issued by the federal government or any state government that
contains the photograph and signature of the acknowledging person.
(b) Except in a short form certificate of acknowledgment
authorized by Section 121.008, the officer must note in the
certificate of acknowledgment that:
(1) he personally knows the acknowledging person; or
(2) evidence of a witness or an identification card or
other document was used to identify the acknowledging person.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended
by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 90, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§ 121.006. ALTERATION OF AUTHORIZED FORMS;
DEFINITION. (a) An acknowledgment form provided by this chapter
may be altered as circumstances require. The authorization of a
form does not prevent the use of other forms. The marital status or
other status of the acknowledging person may be shown after the
person's name.
(b) In an acknowledgment form "acknowledged" means:
(1) in the case of a natural person, that the person
personally appeared before the officer taking the acknowledgment
and acknowledged executing the instrument for the purposes and
consideration expressed in it;
(2) in the case of a person as principal by an
attorney-in-fact for the principal, that the attorney-in-fact
personally appeared before the officer taking the acknowledgment
and that the attorney-in-fact acknowledged executing the
instrument as the act of the principal for the purposes and
consideration expressed in it;
(3) in the case of a partnership by a partner or
partners acting for the partnership, that the partner or partners
personally appeared before the officer taking the acknowledgment
and acknowledged executing the instrument as the act of the
partnership for the purposes and consideration expressed in it;
(4) in the case of a corporation by a corporate officer
or agent, that the corporate officer or agent personally appeared
before the officer taking the acknowledgment and that the corporate
officer or agent acknowledged executing the instrument in the
capacity stated, as the act of the corporation, for the purposes and
consideration expressed in it; and
(5) in the case of a person acknowledging as a public
officer, trustee, executor or administrator of an estate, guardian,
or other representative, that the person personally appeared before
the officer taking the acknowledgment and acknowledged executing
the instrument by proper authority in the capacity stated and for
the purposes and consideration expressed in it.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.007. FORM FOR ORDINARY CERTIFICATE OF
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The form of an ordinary certificate of
acknowledgment must be substantially as follows:
"The State of ____________,
"County of ____________,
"Before me ____________ (here insert the name and character
of the officer) on this day personally appeared ________________,
known to me (or proved to me on the oath of ________________ or
through __________________ (description of identity card or other
document)) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the
foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the
same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed.
(Seal) "Given under my hand and seal of office this ________
day of ____________, A.D., ________."

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended
by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 90, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

§ 121.008. SHORT FORMS FOR CERTIFICATES OF
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. (a) The forms for certificates of acknowledgment
provided by this section may be used as alternatives to other
authorized forms. They may be referred to as "statutory forms of
acknowledgment."
(b) Short forms for certificates of acknowledgment include:
(1) For a natural person acting in his own right:
State of Texas
County of ____________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date) by
(name or names of person or persons acknowledging).
(Signature of office)
(Title of officer)
My commission expires: ________
(2) For a natural person as principal acting by
attorney-in-fact:
State of Texas
County of ____________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date) by
(name of attorney-in-fact) as attorney-in-fact on behalf of (name
of principal).
(Signature of office)
(Title of officer)
My commission expires: ________
(3) For a partnership acting by one or more partners:
State of Texas
County of ____________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date) by
(name of acknowledging partner or partners), partner(s) on behalf
of (name of partnership), a partnership.
(Signature of office)
(Title of officer)
My commission expires: ________
(4) For a corporation:
State of Texas
County of ____________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date) by
(name of officer), (title of officer) of (name of corporation
acknowledging) a (state of incorporation) corporation, on behalf of
said corporation.
(Signature of office)
(Title of officer)
My commission expires: ________
(5) For a public officer, trustee, executor,
administrator, guardian, or other representative:
State of Texas
County of ____________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date) by
(name of representative) as (title of representative) of (name of
entity or person represented).
(Signature of office)
(Title of officer)
My commission expires: ________

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.009. PROOF OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY WITNESS. (a) To
prove a written instrument for recording, at least one of the
witnesses who signed the instrument must personally appear before
an officer who is authorized by this chapter to take
acknowledgments or proofs and must swear:
(1) either that he saw the grantor or person who
executed the instrument sign it or that that person acknowledged in
the presence of the witness that he executed the instrument for the
purposes and consideration expressed in it; and
(2) that he signed the instrument at the request of the
grantor or person who executed the instrument.
(b) The officer must make a certificate of the testimony of
the witness and must sign and officially seal the certificate.
(c) The officer may take the testimony of a witness only if
the officer personally knows or has satisfactory evidence on the
oath of a credible witness that the individual testifying is the
person who signed the instrument as a witness. If evidence is used
to identify the witness who signed the instrument, the officer must
note the use of the evidence in the certificate of acknowledgment.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.010. FORM OF CERTIFICATE FOR PROOF BY
WITNESS. When the execution of a written instrument is proved by a
witness, the certificate of the officer must be substantially as
follows:
"The State of ____________,
"County of ____________.
"Before me, ________ (here insert the name and character of
the officer), on this day personally appeared ____________, known
to me (or proved to me on the oath of ____________), to be the person
whose name is subscribed as a witness to the foregoing instrument of
writing, and after being duly sworn by me stated on oath that he saw
____________, the grantor or person who executed the foregoing
instrument, subscribe the same (or that the grantor or person who
executed such instrument of writing acknowledged in his presence
that he had executed the same for the purposes and consideration
therein expressed), and that he had signed the same as a witness at
the request of the grantor (or person who executed the same.)
(Seal) "Given under my hand and seal of office this ______
day of ____________, A.D., ____________."

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.011. PROOF OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY HANDWRITING. (a)
The execution of an instrument may be established for recording by
proof of the handwriting of persons who signed the instrument only
if:
(1) the grantor of the instrument and all of the
witnesses are dead;
(2) the grantor and all of the witnesses are not
residents of this state;
(3) the residences of the grantor and the witnesses
are unknown to the person seeking to prove the instrument and cannot
be ascertained;
(4) the witnesses have become legally incompetent to
testify; or
(5) the grantor of the instrument refuses to
acknowledge the execution of the instrument and all of the
witnesses are dead, not residents of this state, or legally
incompetent or their places of residence are unknown.
(b) If the grantor or person who executed the instrument
signed his name to the instrument, its execution must be proved by
evidence of the handwriting of that person and at least one witness
who signed the instrument. If the grantor or person who executed
the instrument signed the instrument by making his mark, its
execution must be proved by the handwriting of at least two of the
witnesses who signed the instrument.
(c) Evidence taken for proof of handwriting must give the
residence of the testifying witness. A testifying witness must
have known the person whose handwriting is being proved and must be
well acquainted with the handwriting in question and recognize it
as genuine.
(d) Evidence offered for proof of handwriting must be given
in writing by the deposition or affidavit of two or more
disinterested persons. The evidence must satisfactorily prove to
the officer each of the requirements provided by this section. The
officer taking the proof must certify the witnesses' testimony.
The officer must sign, officially seal, and attach this certificate
to the instrument with the depositions or affidavits of the
witnesses.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.012. RECORD OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT. (a) An officer
authorized by law to take an acknowledgment or proof of a written
instrument required or permitted by law to be recorded must enter in
a well-bound book and officially sign a short statement of each
acknowledgment or proof. The statement must contain the date that
the acknowledgment or proof was taken, the date of the instrument,
and the names of the grantor and grantee of the instrument.
(b) If the execution of the instrument is acknowledged by
the grantor of the instrument, the statement must also contain:
(1) the grantor's known or alleged residence;
(2) whether the grantor is personally known to the
officer; and
(3) if the grantor is unknown to the officer, the name
and residence of the person who introduced the grantor to the
officer, if any.
(c) If the execution of the instrument is proved by a
witness who signed the instrument, the statement must also contain:
(1) the name of the witness;
(2) the known or alleged residence of the witness;
(3) whether the witness is personally known to the
officer; and
(4) if the witness is unknown to the officer, the name
and known or alleged residence of the person who introduced the
witness to the officer, if any.
(d) If land is charged or conveyed by the instrument, the
statement must also contain:
(1) the name of the original grantee; and
(2) the name of the county in which the land is
located.
(e) The statements of acknowledgment recorded by the
officer are original public records, open for public inspection and
examination at all reasonable times. The officer must deliver the
book to his successor in office.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.013. SUBPOENA OF WITNESS; ATTACHMENT. (a) On the
sworn application of a person interested in the proof of an
instrument required or permitted by law to be recorded, stating
that a witness to the instrument refuses to appear and testify
regarding the execution of the instrument and that the instrument
cannot be proven without the evidence of the witness, an officer
authorized to take proofs of instruments shall issue a subpoena
requiring the witness to appear before the officer and testify
about the execution of the instrument.
(b) If the witness fails to obey the subpoena, the officer
has the same powers to enforce the attendance and compel the answers
of the witness as does a district judge. Attachment may not be
issued, however, unless the witness receives or is tendered the
same compensation that is made to witnesses in other cases. An
officer may not require the witness to leave his county of
residence, but if the witness is temporarily present in the county
where the execution of the instrument is sought to be proven for
registration, he may be required to appear.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.014. ACTION FOR DAMAGES. A person injured by the
failure, refusal, or neglect of an officer to comply with a
provision of this chapter has a cause of action against the officer
to recover damages resulting from the failure, refusal, or neglect
of the officer.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

§ 121.015. PRIVATE SEAL OR SCROLL NOT REQUIRED. A
private seal or scroll may not be required on a written instrument
other than an instrument made by a corporation.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.

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Got something you want to tell or sell???

2006-01-29T22:51:00.000-08:00

If you have a crafty item, or a notary service, or any kind of marketable thing you can sell let me know. I am working on a webpage to list products by other notaries.

With a little drop off of business, we need to find other ways to keep our self-employment income coming!

Write me...agent@texnotary.com.

Also, if you just want to do an ad in my newsletter, let me know.

(I do reserve the right to refuse ads or items for sale.)

Thanks, BrendaTx

The Mind is...

2006-01-29T22:49:00.000-08:00

There used to be a commercial that said “the mind is a terrible thing to waste.” My late husband and his punny (Punny, not funny, with pun intended.) friends used to shorten that and say, “the mind is a terrible thing!”

How correct and true that statement can be. If the owner of the mind does not control the mind's musings, the mind can be prohibitive to personal success. On the other hand, if controlled and guided properly the mind is a fertile place for success to take root, produce and thrive.

Surprisingly enough, the direction of one's mind is a choice that is made within the mind. Once the choice is made, the mind must be continually checked and encouraged to continue on the path of the choice.

The mind truly is a terrible thing if you do not take full control of it and direct it in the right direction which is the best for you and what you desire from life. Without encouragement to seek the right thoughts, the mind is detrimental to personal hope, personal happiness and personal success. When one is separated from hope, happiness, and success, it is natural to allow the mind to find ways to ensure that others are not able to be happy, hopeful or successful.

When you host a toxic mind, bet on it: You will become a toxic person. The purpose of this article is to help myself avoid that and to help others to avoid spreading the poison of negative mind activities.

I guess I was nearly thirty years old before I realized that I had the ability to take control of my mind and to direct it toward what I wanted to spend my time considering.

Unfortunately, my early years...my formative years...were not spent developing positive ideas, goals and dreams for myself. I learned a more negative way of seeing life at first. That's not to say I blame my parents for anything, as they were not privy to the positive way of looking at things when they were children so they only passed on what they knew. With so much negative in life, it is easy to flow down the dark course of negativity and to avoid swimming upstream toward enlightenment, better goals, ideals and hope.

My parents were not readers, either, so they did not know that a huge world existed outside of our little spot on the earth. They did not comprehend that what they had learned was not the end all way of things and that outside their small place of life there was possibility, hope and that things could be different, exciting and full of paths that could be beneficial to them if they were to consider them.

They were afraid to deviate from what they knew and they kept their children on the same path with them as much as possible. But, having the love of reading that I did gave me a route to the outside...a route to a better way of looking at life than I was taught.

And, a voracious reader I was. I read books every day which gave me ideas that perhaps life was not exactly contained by the view of my parents. Later, after I was grown and a mother, at some point I ran upon a book by Napoleon Hill called “Think and Grow Rich.” I read “Think and Grow Rich,” and realized that the mind was a tool that could be developed into a success seeking device, and that it was not required to allow the mind's ramblings to be in charge. About that same time, I began to seriously read the Bible and to realize that life as we know it is often limited by human perceptions and what we “see” when the truth is that with a little faith in something greater than ourselves we are able to develop the hope of things we desire but which we can only glimpse in thought. Thoughts that come from where? From the mind.

The negative mind is unable to generate the kind of thoughts that will bring fruit to positive results. A negative mind left unto itself will not produce the next breakthrough in science, it will not produce leadership that will be good for humankind. A negative mind produces losers. We can and shall see that one can change the course of what we think. Else, we are caught in the snare of negative outcomes and the rotting fruit of the darker side of things.

Before discovering the realization that I could choose the path my mind would seek, my mind was, in many ways, a terrible thing for me to have guiding me. This is the not the place for me to explore the dark side of negativity or why it was my natural course. This is the time to celebrate that fact that we do not have to accept this course. We shall explore how we can develop a better means for the mind to serve.

First we must identify where our destiny will be. What path will we push our mind to think upon? Where will we meander in thought as we relax? Where will we run and power walk our thoughts so that we will arrive at the destiny we want for ourselves?

Secondly, once the mind has its arrival place fixed, in order to expand its sense of travel along good paths, we need to introduce the paths to it. What the mind does not know it cannot utilize. So, the next stop is to develop fuel for successful thinking. Listen to things of “good report” is the advice of the Bible. Read books which are positive. Watch television programming which encourages possibility thinking. Negative thinking is easy. Thinking positive thoughts is not. Pile good stuff into your mind so that there is little room for the negative.

Thirdly, just like the body needs good exercise so does the mind. Read books which enlighten and exercise the mind into becoming more supple and graceful at stretching outside of our comfort zone. Consider taking classes in religion or philosophy. These thinking-related subjects can be helpful to stretch the mind's capability to think.

Fourth, develop an outlet for the product of your mind so that you can monitor what your progress. One way I pay homage to the better way of service of my mind is to write the good and positive things that come to me. The more I cultivate this activity, the more positive information my mind receives and the more ideas, ways to make money, better goals, and so forth come to me. That is what I am doing right now with this article. While you letting your mind have an outlet for the results and ideas it develops you can do two things...One, you reinforce the positive in your mind. Two, you share the good and positive thinking with others and that can only enhance the possibilities in the loops through life that you affect and impact.

Fifth, develop a way to share the best of your mind. If you write, then write. If you can encourage others by talking to others in encouraging ways, do this. If you blog, write a blog. If you can serve with talents such as cooking, building or through some types of enjoyable art that you do, then do so. Whatever you can do, do it so that you sprinkle around the positive results of who and what you are.

No matter how long a mind has been diverted from the negative way of seeing life, it is so easy to go back to negative pathways. “Woe is me.” thinking is an enemy which must be identified and we must flee from it by counter-acting the woe-thoughts with “Wow is me!” thinking.
The mind is a terrible thing to waste! Do not waste it and do not let it become a terrible thing...don't let your mind be a “stinker.” Take control of your thoughts and direct yourself to a more positive path.

List of California Escrow Mortgage and Title Businesses

2006-01-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

List of California Escrow Mortgage and Title Businesses
To order click this link: PRICE: $15.95 - 5000+ Records

All have company name, address, city state and zip. Many have telephone numbers. Suitably delimited for ease in mail merge. Price is $15.95 and subject to change to $19.95 after introductory period. Compare to other sites which sell similar business leads list for 20 times that amount. If you would like to see a sample of the finished product, you may download a short list here. Once I have received your payment for this product, I will email the list to you.
If you purchase this list, you agree and understand: This list was compiled using internet sources and has not been tested for accuracy or completeness. My lists may or may not be seeded to keep folks "honest." That means there may be a few records which are bogus and will help me track if the list is being resold or given away by those who purchase it. Please do not abuse this resource. The price is set very low so that it is affordable to the those in our industry.
Watch this page for additional information products.
Provided by default in MS-Excel format (*.xls). If you need this in a comma-separated *.csv, or text *.txt format, note it with your payment or send an email to agent@texnotary.com .
Good luck in your notary signing agent business!
Brenda Stone :: TexNotary.com

How to Ask for Help Getting Started

2006-01-29T06:13:00.000-08:00

how to ask for help getting started...

Asking for help is an artform. If you ask the right way, you get answers. If you do not, you might get a grouch answering your email.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I get many calls and a great deal of email from people who ask me about getting started as a notary signing agent. The problem is that the email will state something like this:

Hi Brenda, I want to know how to start a business like yours. Can you tell me how to get started? TIA, Ned Notary

That's a really tall order. This type of request tells me that the writer is looking for a free one-stop place to get all the answers. I used to try to answer this letter each time. I was excited, I guess, that I had put together a plan that gave me a good start in the business and my ego was glad enough to share it.

I welcome most queries if they are short questions that I can give an answer to without writing out a large letter. Here are some ideas on how to get help:

Before you make a contact, do lots of reading and research

One time I received a call from a woman who was determined for us to stay on the phone for over an hour. She was excited and wanted to know everything in one day. I kept referring her to the links here in my blogs but she wanted to talk. I am not that good at talking on the phone when I am in my office. I am usually marketing or writing. I like to get the name and number and call them back when I am on the road.

Before you can ask questions, you have to know what the questions are. There is not a place free resource to make one stop and gain all the answers. You have to do a lot of research. If you were to do searches on Google.com, Yahoo.com, and MSN.com you would find an abundance of information.

At each of the above websites, I have inserted a hyperlink which will lead you to the search engine's return on the search: “how to get started as a notary signing agent”.

Other places to search:
Clusty.com
Altavista.com
Dogpile.com (Has more unique hits as of this writing.)

Okay, now that you have done your research...

Here are the keys to getting help.

Recognize that the experienced notary is busy most of the time. If they are not closing, they are marketing. It will be appreciated if you have two or three very focused and pointed questions.

If you have lots of questions, you should ask for a good time to get with them so that you will not feel slighted if they cannot talk for very long.

Never call the last week of the month. Never. You might encounter a curt notary.

Do not ask right off the bat "who are your good title companies and other clients? Where do you get your work? Who pays the most? " Those questions will turn off your would-be mentors.

Ask this type of question: What do you recommend, Solution A or Solution B?
That shows you have done a lot of your research and ground work.

Identify yourself FULLY.

Do not assume that having a certification from any establishment will garner you the respect that maybe it should with experienced notaries. Right or wrong, many of us think that the NNA certification is hardly worth giving second glance at. If you are in California, consider www.notaryclasses.com over the classes for the NNA. Most in the industry realize that the NNA test is open book and you can take it twenty times until you score high enough to pass.

Be very clear that experienced notaries network on the boards and via email all the time so don't knock one to the other.
Once, I was contacted by a person considering the career of professional notary. She was in Texas and she wrote me. She asked the blanket question "Please tell me everything..." I gave her quite a bit of information and links to look at. Then, she wrote my friend in Florida and said "I have contacted notaries in Texas but got very little help." Without realizing that the notary had already picked my brain, my Florida friend forwarded me the email and told the inquiring notary that she would probably get assistance best from me since we were both in Texas. I received the forwarded email telling me that I had not done anything for the woman. You can imagine how eager I was to help more after that.

Be prepared to pay for one on one training if you need a great deal. Because I get so many inquiries, I try to limit my help to calls in length of about ten minutes these days. After that, I feel it would be fair to pay me $35 per hour for one on one tutoring. The way I see this is that my resourcefulness is what has helped me be successful. The resources I have built and compiled have been a long time coming and I will gladly share ideas and where to get more information with you, but if you want the "intense" version, I must charge for the time involved.

================= TUTORING=======================

Currently, I will walk through a reverse mortgage with NSAs for an hour if you need to be tutored on those. My price is one NSA for $35 or two NSA's $55 one hour. I conference call on my phone. I also have a quick start guide for NSAs which I will provide you. I am in the process of writing up my notes on what loan signers need to know to be comfortable signing a reverse mortgage. Other tutoring options for one are here.

========================================

Just put yourself in the place of the person you need to get information from and be considerate of what they may think and feel about your call. If you do that, you'll soon be on your way to having a friend for life. Notaries really are good people.

========================================

The following is a good common sense guide to get you thinking about what you need to know. When you know what you do not know and the right questions to ask you will be prepared to make contacts so that you can get good and useful replies.
========================================
are you prepared to contact established notaries for assistance?
for better results, have this information available
before approaching someone for assistance

PLANNING FOR FOR A SIGNING AGENT BUSINESS

Do you have a business plan? Will you be making one? People who are serious about starting a business have some kind of plan sketched out.

Do you have an amount in mind for how much you want to make as a signing agent? Do you want full-time income...part-time income...whatever you can get??

(TIP: If you do not know where you are going with a business, you are sure never to arrive!)
--Before making the call, seek info on a business plan...Find help on making a business plan at http://www.sba.gov/.

BUSINESS AND NOTARY QUESTIONS

Have you ever run a small business? If not, do some study on small business management so that you can ask develop and ask good questions about the notary business.

Do you have your notary commission? Before you make contact, you need to know about what it takes to get a commission in your state. If you are already a notary, be clear on your notary rules before making the contact.

If so, how long have you been a notary? If you have been a notary ahwile, this will be easier for you, however, the notary part is only one piece of the puzzle. It's the base...do study and know your notary rules, who to contact for help and be clear on what the correct acknowledgment and jurat verbiage is for your state.

Do you already carry errors and omissions insurance? Check out notaryrotary.com for this type of insurance. You need it if you are a notary professional.

Do you know all your notary rules? Yes? No? This is a big deal to experienced notary signers. Be sure it is a big deal to you before you consider a career as a professional notary.

Professional notaries must know their rules. If you do not know them, be sure to have a self-study program in place. (Find help on notary rules through your Secretary of State's office (or the office your state has for this type of assistance to notaries. Look at this link on my website to locate your office if you need help. http://www.texnotary.com/tooltime/sos.htm )

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Do you have a background in law office, mortgage, real estate, or title work?
Do you have a paralegal degree?
If you have any of the above, this will be easier for you, I think. My background was the real estate, mortgage, title.

What is your background in notary work (if you have your commission)?
If you have already been handling loan documents you don't need to be tutored through the educational process...you just need to know how to market yourself.

Places you can get more information, buy books and take classes:
http://texnotarynewsletter.blogspot.com (My newsletter)
http://www.50statenotary.com/ (Book and other resources)
http://www.amrsigners.com/ (Book)
http://www.signingregistry.info/ (Book)
http://www.notaryclasses.com/ (California/classes and newsletter)
http://www.wildsignings.com/ (Book)

READ FORUMS

What forums are you reading? Here are the most popular public forums:

http://www.notaryrotary.com/

http://www.gomobilenotary.com/

http://www.notarydepot.com/

VIABILITY OF A SIGNING BUSINESS FOR YOU
No one except you can decide if there will be enough work to support you plust the others already in your area working as a notary signer.

Do you know what your competition will be like in your area?

Check to see how many notaries are already doing this kind of work in your area here:
http://www.123notary.com/
http://www.notaryrotary.com/
http://www.notaryfind.com/
http://www.notarydepot.com/

Have you checked to see how many mortgages are being done on a monthly or weekly basis? (If you know how many signing agents there are in your area, and then you go to your local county property records and look at the deeds of trust and home equity loans which have been signed each week in the recent months, you can figure out if there is a place for you to fit in. If you live in Florida or California, the odds are that there are plenty of loans being done. Still, you need to remember that you are in competition with other notaries. This makes a difference.

DO check to see what your competition will look like if you start a business—any kind of business.)

A couple more tips...

Before you contact someone for assistance, be prepared to tell them your name, phone number, location by zip code (maybe even your address) and other pertinent information to assure them you are not just another loan signer looking to snoop into their own business practices.

Be aware that if you contact a nearby neighbor you probably will be met with snappish answers. You would be that person's competition. Our business is very competitive.

FINALLY: There is no need to reinvent the wheel so I will not put all the information here again that you will find at this resource. BEFORE you make contact to ask for help Go to www.notaryrotary.com. Click on the orange search button. Search for message #33325. Read the entire thread.

1985: Technology and Mullet Cuts

2006-01-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

The First of the Story

- - or - -

1985 - The Year I Made Peace With Technology (and Saw My First Mullet Cut)

========================================

SUMMARY: This is a meandering reflection on

Building a Website 'cos the Internet is Staying
Texas Fickle Fashion - Parallel Universe to Loan Star Beer?
Lone Star Beer v. Slammers
Gosh, I guess it was "Motherhood" that Made Me Fit for Society
Mullet Cuts

By '85 nobody was buying pairs of hunting dogs and naming them "Bud and Sissy" any more -- not even in Pasadena, Texas!

Read the tale here.

Signing at a 50th year class reunion - Reflections on the year

2005-12-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

Dropping in at a 50 year class reunion was a really memorable signing this past year. A man from California here to sign his rev mort while on vacation at his 50th class reunion.

I am going to deviate from my usual policy of not using skin color to describe people. In this case it does matter that the bwr was black because there would be no story if it were not so.
The signing was on Friday around 5 pm. The party was on Saturday. I turned down a rutted up dirt trail into a thicket that so dense it turned day into night, nearly.

I was supposed to meet with Mr. H at his sister's house. I am kind of uneasy about this because there is scary stuff along the way...junk...tires...and then I see this huge cattle guard and a gate that announces the name of a industrial vendor firm in the area. There is a paved drive into a "compound" for lack of a better word.

I don't know which shocked me more...the compound or Mr. H. He had rolled into town from LA just a few minutes before I got there. He came in a very, very nice brand new Cadillac. At 69 he is a very tall, handsome man and more sophisticated that your usual 69 year old Texan of any color...he's lived in California and done well for himself. He's also widowed.
Now, about the compound. In Texas, black people know ways to make barbeque and the trimmings taste better than it seems possible. Now I know why. They have these secret places where they go and cloister themselves, and they do all these old fashioned family things and they hand down traditions. This place was unbelievable. There were a few of the family homes scattered around beyond the gate. This was a paradise. Who knew it even existed out there at the end of that sad little road? There was a generous dance pavillion with sound system... a row of barbeque pits to die for and a huge swimming pool for the kiddos to stay cool in. There were a couple of large ice machines to make ice for ancient old ice house type bins where the drinks were overflowing. It was mid July and boy, did those iced down drinks look good. Drinks cooled by ice in a cooler in the hottest part of the summer are better than refrigerated drinks for some reason.

We signed all but one document on Friday night. The LO forgot to send the wire instructions sheet. I had to go back the next day during the party (with pay). And, there was a major party going on.

When I pulled up, Mr. H, standing in a circle of very nicely dressed 1955 beauties, waved to me like he was so glad I was there. (It was the beer smiling, more than Mr. H.) He broke loose of those woman and came out to where I was like he was about 36 years old...moving very fast. Talk about some smiles turning to mean faces on the ladies! Seeing someone like me drawing out Mr. H was the last thing they planned on during their Southern Flirt Fest with local boy who is now a very comfortable (and youthful) widower. And, obviously his family was not doing too shabbily either.

Mr. H was loving it and his sister was laughing at all of it from her corner of the party. It was so obvious how upset it made them. He signed his paper and then he said let's just walk out here a ways. So we did. We had a laugh over the situation, and he told me that he had really enjoyed playing that little trick on those women, and he had needed to get out of the little knot he was tangled up in. It was so good to see him having such a good time. By the time I got into my car, I knew I had to get gone. Those 1955 babes were not even the least bit pretty at that point. Mean. Mean faces.

Dust Off is apparently bad, bad stuff.

2005-11-08T03:33:00.000-08:00

This was posted on NotaryRotary.com

OT.... Warning to parents and grandparents of teenagers...
Posted by Brasring_Ca on 11/6/05 5:47pm
Msg #74720 from logged in user

I realize that this board is for notary related but I am a notary and a member here who almost lost my 15 year old daughter last Thursday night to a product that we all probably have used or have heard of before. I want you all to be aware that teenagers and young children are huffing (breathing in through their mouths) the product called DUST OFF and products similar, it is used to clean computer keyboards. This product is deadly! It has already taken the lives of several teens and it almost got mine. The product freezes the brain, stops the lungs from getting oxygen and STOPS THE HEART! It is very dangerous and easy to obtain. Anyone can purchase it from many local retail stores. Please be aware of this and talk to your children and grandchildren because awareness is the key. Please be sure to keep this product out of the reach of any children who may enter your home if you use this product. You might be saving a life!My daughter was admitted to Saddleback Hospital Emergency Room in Orange County, Ca last Thursday night and stayed for 17 hours. They tested blood for cardiac enzymes several times and had to run multiple EKG's. She is medically cleared and going to be okay but mentally, she is in a psychiatric facility in Alhambra for the next 5 days, for further treatment and assessment. Thank you,Jenifer Smith

A Dark Tale About My Mother, Me, and a Fax Machine

2005-10-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

After bravely patting it's LED....then, running my fingers over that familiar tiny little spot on its glass, I smiled and reflected on when I got a stubborn speck of White Out on it that time...then, I hugged my old friend one last time and I gently loaded up my workhorse HP OfficeJet 85 into the car for a trip to my mother's house in Brazoria County.

I really hated to part with it, but I felt that it was time for me to clear some space around here. In my sordid little laser printer-PCL-toner-eDoc-bloated business, the ink jets are the first to go.

If the truth be told, a lot of my generosity toward Mother in this situation actually had to do with the persuasive evidence that the only space available to put another piece of technology is next to the shower. I am running out of room...but perhaps we can avoid telling the truth. I could live with a modified version for the purposes of this tale...a version which casts me in a magnanimous light would be better.

Let me meander ever so slightly to explain....I have all this techie gear that excuses me from keeping house or decorating properly. What a demanding lot these machines are.

And, there ain't nothing pretty about my place. I am hard core geek-first generation...my CPU never has all it's screws in place because I just might want to peak under those putty colored skirts to see if things are running right. If you know me, you know that I profess to keep all these little electronic time-wasters around because they are requirements to run this massive notary loan closing business of mine. Just between us, I have all these props just to keep my sweet little mother calm enough to play dominoes while I pretend this is a real job, but that's another tale for another day. Geek, refocus thyself!

Sigh, I have refocused and I shall continue on with my tale about Mother's new found method of reminding me, "I am in my second childhood and I am making the most of it, Kid!" (Note: This is a direct quote that scares me to death because she means it.)

So...back to the tale. With only the best of intentions toward Mother, (aside from the clutter problem which is "all about me.") I decided to share my cheerful color printer, which is also a copier and a fax machine. As the old saying goes, "no good deed goes unpunished." (Be real, Brenda...No foister of obsolete electronic clutter goes unpunished either.)

The only reason I am writing this right now, rather than taking my nightly turn in the figurative discipline helmet from hell (aka receiving a fax from Mother) is because the printer is out of ink and I have deceptively convinced Mother that means it will not work as a fax machine until I replace it. (Self, another truism to note-- People who lie to their mothers do not go unpunished.)

~~If I can only stop talking to myself, now, I'd like to get on with this. It's really starting to bog down.~~

What I wanted Mother to get out of the printer was its copying capabilities. I hoped that she could stop feeling as if it were a RED ALERT when she needed a copy of something. No need to ring up her accountant, the mighty man and solver of problems with paper, to wit, Mr. James Clem of Gratzer, Clem and Company. No, I wanted to save me and Jim Clem a little bit of stress

I hoped (secondary to clearing out clutter) that by giving my mom a tool to use to keep her off the streets desperately trying to score a copy of an obituary I'd save her from something painfully reminiscent of the "dope fiends" in the cult classic, Reefer Madness.

I am a good daughter and I was trying to help her out by giving her the printer to use for her occasional copying needs. (Brenda, Wow, that sounds good so let's go with it!) Capriciously, I also off-handedly told her she could use it for the occasional faxing.

And, oh where was my brain?

It was truly love and concern for my mother that prompted me to take her my HP OfficeJet 85. (Continuing to go with my modified version.)

I pulled this fine trick on myself for the right reasons (Liar!)...I thought this would be a real help to her.

I just had no idea how much she would find it helpful--but me? Not so much!

Let me reiterate, "For me - not so much! Not so helpful for me at all."

I am so very pleased with my incredibly brilliant decision to put a weapon of mass distraction into my mother's hands. (Someone? A towel for the sarcasm. It's dripping here.)

I should have known this was going to become a very involved situation. I should not have warped passed my mother's anti-technology personality and pretended that she would decide to LEARN to use the fax machine. This was the vortex of my poor choice-making. I knew that Mother mentally rejects the concepts illuminating inventions and circumstances that did not exist in 1959 or previous thereto.

Mother does not even attempt to grasp concepts existing in regard to the wonders of fax machines, much less the internet. It's my fault. I admit it. I knew my mother before I took her a piece of equipment--AND, I knew that the word "equipment" in and of itself shatters her attention span into split levels which only finite math can comprehensively define.

My mother is my best friend, but we are as different as night and day. My mother is very smart and she's really a refreshingly enjoyable person, as well as a hipster with blue hair. She's open minded about things that some people long ago shut down and refused to consider. And, yes, she's "cool", if you will...we have laughed together until we've wet our pants, split our sides, tears ran down our faces.

Hanging out with her is like hanging out with a kid. Everything is exciting to her...she loves to go, learn and have fun. However, present her with an object of modern technology and it's written all over her face: IF IT comes with an electrical cord and buttons and knobs--ZERO tolerance. She wants to go have fun...no time for this technical crap!

My mother is a silly-heart, a old fashioned gal of solid character, she's a fun-lover-- she sings along with songs playing on Muzac in the grocery store or the doctor's office for Pete's sake! And, true to her southern upbringing, she still does her best to pretend she believes that men are smarter and more adept and capable than she. (Machines and yucky stuff like equipment are not her thing. That's what men are supposed to know about.)

The signs of what would ultimately come as a result of this electronic gift were there long before I took her this printer/copier/fax machine. It's not her personality to deal with machines...and so actually what I did was give her a machine that I would have to talk her through every time she used it to fax me things I did not want to see.

Well...let's take for instance, the newspaper. Mother loves to peruse the local newspaper and clip articles obscurely related to something she thinks is very important for me to know.

She used to drop these packets of Very Important Information into the mail to me, BUT ONLY AFTER reading them to me on the phone. (No matter that I could read them on the newspaper's website as she was reading them to me. She still read them aloud and then she mailed them to me.)

What I have always really been thrilled MOST to receive are the obituaries of people I have never heard of. I cannot tell you how I treasure those. I say I do not know the freshly dead person and Mother refuses to accept it -- she goes into who this person is, who they worked with at Dow Chemical and whether or not my Aunt Louise knew them. If it is a female, she might tell me if they came to her baby shower.

Oh...but if there is a smidgeon of "dirt" on them, she'll tell me that my Grandma would say "he was a little light in his loafers." or some other questionable rumor about the deceased. (Mother never tells the bad on the dead, but according to Mother, Grandma would certainly remember to mention it if she were still alive.)

Rather than argue that "I don't know the dead man, damn it." I finally, learned to just say "I hate to hear that Mr. .... died!"

Now days the Obituary Reports from Mother mean so much more to me (BECAUSE THEY INTERRUPT MY FAVORITE TV SHOWS.) Yes, this is my non-life now that my mother has a fax machine AND a friendly guy hanging around to operate it. Guess what! Now Mother faxes obits and articles of trivia to me--on a fax machine I put into her hot little hands, and to a toll free number that I pay for.

Now, that would be totally okay except for the Pre-fax call.

THE PRE-FAX CALL

The Pre-fax Call is the real motivation for all these words crawling around on this paper...blog...email...whatever you have been kind enough to continue reading to this point.

My mother only faxes items to me AFTER calling me to go over the details with me--again, no matter that I tell her I can surf right over and read them in real-time along with her.

Then, she says, "Okay, I want to fax it to you--do you have your fax machine on???"

Let me pause here to let you in on a little known secret.

Apparently, faxing makes the recipient (me) hard of hearing because my mother gets louder and louder as we try to get our nightly faxing done. Apparently it affects anyone the fax machine owner has in close proximity, as well. Yes indeedy! Her friend (Warren) can be in the same room about two feet away and Mother gets increasingly serious (aka LOUD) about being heard by both me, and by Warren.

During the Pre-fax Call I hear: "WARREN... DO YOU HAVE THE FAX MACHINE ON? DO YOU KNOW WHAT BUTTON TO PUSH? IS IT PLUGGED IN?

NO, NO, NO...THAT'S THE WRONG PLACE TO PLUG THE PHONE INTO...I think...well??? Well what??? I thought you had it plugged IN WRONG AND NOW WHAT DO WE DO...BRENDA? BRENDA? ARE YOU THERE...(miffed) WELL, I guess she hung up!"

But I have not hung up!...I am just trying to blot out that old familiar face of mocking stupidity ... I brought this on myself. I am the one who gave my mom the fax machine so I could clear out some clutter. And, I was not even drinking when I told her I have a toll free fax number. I opened my mouth and it just tumbled out like I had good sense.

Goodness...once she discovered I had a toll free fax number all control over life as I knew it was lost .

Yeah...one day I had a life and the next day it was KATY BAR THE FREAKING DOOR - MAMA'S A-FIXIN' TO FAX YOU LITTLE SISTER. AND, OFTEN.

I am sorry. Yet again, I digress from describing the Important Pre-Fax Call and getting to the end of this dark tale.

Sometimes I am being quiet on the other end because I am being grateful. Mom assumes we have been disconnected when she does not hear me butting in while she is talking ... like she and her (hard of hearing) friends do... like she and her sisters do to each other... like my grandmother and her sisters did when they were in a conversation.

During this Pre-fax interlude of Mom TALKING REALLY LOUD TO WARREN WHO IS ONLY ONE OR TWO FEET AWAY FROM HER, I am saying prayers of thanks for the little volume button on my telephone.

This even more so since I have seen Mom talking into her cell phone. I am very grateful to still be without a hearing aid.

That gal is a two-fisted cell phone talker; her technique makes all conversations with her a high decibel proposition. See...she has an ear-splitting method of delivery that assures no rebellious word can slip off to parts unknown...no word goes unheard on her watch...not while travelling through her cell phone. No Sirree!

It is a double-hand method -- she holds the phone with one hand, then she assures there is no way someone will miss her remarks by a method I have never seen before, until I saw Mom do it.

It is amazing. As if she had an identical phone back in 1959, she deftly positions her hand around her mouth AND the phone's mouthpiece the entire time she talks LOUDLY into the cell phone...see, she says it MAKES THEM ABLE TO HEAR HER BETTER.

God Bless her! No wonder she worries about me talking to her on my cell phone in the car.

But, let's get back to the nightly Fax-o-Rama...one technique, I have learned to utilize for myself at the critical Pre-fax Call stage, is that it is best to just remain silent while my mother asks questions, answers them, and directs Warren on how to fax the document to me...even though she does not know how to use the fax machine without Warren, of course.

I try to have an out of body experience ... relax my neck muscles and meditate on words like "abundance, patience, I have an abundance of patience...pink patience...baby blue clouds of patience, BUT NOT BLOODY BLACK HYPER-FREAKING-MURDEROUS RAGE-FiLLED IMPATIENCE because I am a very patient person, DAMN IT."

There is no getting a word in edgewise so I just wait and I meditate...I am just glad to still have hearing -- whew, especially now that I have witnessed my mother's perfected double-fisted cell phone technique. I realize that there is no way she'll hear me say anything until she stops talking REALLY LOUD and capturing the words in her palm and through some mysterious power in her hand, the hand acts as an uzi to DRIVE HER WORDS THE HELL INTO THE cell phone AND MY EAR ... while it is so LOUD on her end hearing herself talking that OF COURSE SHE CANNOT HEAR ME.

Well...you might wonder ... have I told her that she did not have to call me first? Yes. I did.

I used to tell her, "No, Mother. I don't even have a fax machine. It comes through the internet. You do not even have to call me first. Just send it."

Then, we always discuss how I can NOT have a fax machine and receive a fax from her. AND IT IS A LOUD DISCUSSION BECAUSE SHE'S DOING THAT HAND-UZI THING.

I know now not to argue technology with my mother. No way. From this day forward, I swear I will turn down the volume on the phone and just tell her "Wait....Okay, I just fired up the fax machine! Wait...almost time! OKAY MOM... Let her rip!!"

Thank God that she's still there to fax me, but, I have to laugh. This fax machine thing is, no doubt, one of the finest tricks I have ever played on myself.

Why I Blog

2005-10-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

I blog because I am an internet marketer - it generates content.

I blog to get things off my mind.

I blog to sound off.

I blog to keep from stacking up the notary boards with my thoughts on crap that even notaries don't want to parse through.

I blog to keep up with sources to remember.

I blog to keep up with memories.

I blog elsewhere to journalize and log important business things.

I blog because I write a newsletter and posting something here and there reminds me of good things to include next time.

I blog because I can. And, you cannot stop me (evil laugh).

I blog because I'd rather write than talk to someone about the trivia that gushes stupidly from my head. If I said it all rather than write/erase, write/erase I would spend some time with the MWN (men with nets).

And, as it has been said a million times before - I am therefore I blog!

No Copies for the Borrower - What about the RTC?

2005-09-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

Through NAMELESS Signing Service.com (for whom I do continue to work for a fee less than my usual base) NAMELESS Title sends me jobs. These are usually sub-prime lender loans.

If they are overnight docs, they send one original only - no copy, but usually they are email docs. I get $25 for the edocs. For $25, I always assume 2 copies need to be printed. The instructions say to print one copy only and that the title company will send the copy of the signed copy post signing.

I have a problem with this practice. I have decided that the way to handle this is to make the copies on my own dime or don't take any more of the NAMELESS Title signings through NAMELESS SIGNING COMPANY . If I need to make an extra copy of the package, I will do so--at my own expense. I have advised NAMELESS SIGNING COMPANY of this.

NAMELESS SIGNING SERVICE is a good outfit even if they pay lower than my normal fee. I have queried them about the following and have advised them that in my opinion they are setting up the signing appointment to fail.
-What if the signer or the notary errs on the DOT? There is no extra copy to fix the error.
-What if the signer will not sign because they have no copy to review?
-Isn't this taking away the benefit of the Right to Cancel? How can the notary point to it and say the borrower can change their mind?

NAMELESS SIGNING SERVICE has kind of mumbled that maybe I should make a copy of the "important" documents but I am not required to. To which I queried back, why not the whole package? How am I, a mere notary, supposed to decide what is important and what is not?

Personally, I feel this is an unethical, if not illegal, practice being perpetrated upon sub-prime lending borrowers by title companies who are doing all they can to avoid rescissions. I'd say that 90% of the time, title companies do not get paid when a deal falls through.

This no copy scenario tells me that some title companies are barely making a profit, or they would not be pulling a stupid stunt like this.

There are probably one or two people up the ladder who are getting a good bit of profit off the top, but these will fold up one day and leave signing services like NAMELESS SIGNING SERVICE holding the bag. I think even NAMELESS Title Companymay see some branch closings. And, has NAMELESS SIGNING SERVICE been charging enough to stay afloat if that happens? Can they pay their notaries? We'll see. I don't think they can. Not when they are taking certain jobs for $25 to $50 over what they pay notaries and doing such a large volume at the same time.

The last NAMELESS SIGNING SERVICE for NAMELESS Title I did was through NAMELESS Funding. The loan was the very worst I have ever seen. It was an ARM with a prepayment penalty within two years. The scumbag LO called during the signing and advised the borrower not to worry, he'd have them out of it in one year. You betcha. nd, the borrower will pay around $4500 in prepayment fees. If I had not had a copy to leave them to read before I left, I could not have slept that night.

I also feel this practice is putting notaries into a bad position. Why?

(1) Many times the loan documents state that the copy has been provided. Yes, of course, I realize we are too stupid to read documents and interpret them. And, I also understand we are not to interpret law, but the consumer law is clear on the delivery of the copies. Texas Business and Commerce Code 39 addresses this. (I have copied and posted the section below. Scroll down to read.)

(2) It sets us up for a long closing that takes forever because the borrowers want to read every word. Then, they still may not sign without copies.

(3) It makes for bad relations between notaries and signing services. Notaries naturally feel it is their job to provide a copy and then they get upset with the signing service for not providing an edoc or copy fee post signing appointment or post fee agreement. The signing service cannot put another $25 onto a pre-negotiated fee and cut their own profit.

So, what's the answer?

For me, I will keep doing what I feel is right. Even if the title company does not want the copy to go, the signing service will be advised that I will make a copy. If that poses a problem, we are through doing business together.

I won't expect a title company or a signing service to support my beliefs on what I think is right. I'll only take these types of signings as long as I am willing to make the copy for free. When that is no longer possible, I will quit taking the assignments.

And, when too much of this kind of thing becomes the accepted way things are done, I will be gone.

I think there's more than one way to have self-employment. Signings are not the only way. I am not sure what the answer is just yet, but I feel confident about the future and my abilities. I truly believe that thinking out of the box is the key.

The guy who started a huge business with his condense milk did not hit his winning homerun until he was around 55-60 years old. Before Gail Borden started condensing milk which lead to "Borden's" as we know it today, he actually worked on a huge machine that would "walk" across Galveston Bay to transport people from the mainland to Galveston Island. He also tried making a hard biscuit type of thing to sustain enlisted men. The biscuit did not do well even though some thought it was ingenious.

Maybe the notary signing business is simply our "hard biscuit" and our condensed milk project is just around the corner!

================
To read more about Gail Borden go here:
http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issues99/sep99/object_sep99.html

================

BUSINESS & COMMERCE CODE
CHAPTER 39. CANCELLATION OF CERTAIN CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS
Sec. 39.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Consumer" means an individual who seeks or acquires real or personal property, services, money, or credit for personal, family, or household purposes.
(2) "Consumer transaction" means a transaction in which one or more of the parties is a consumer.
(3) "Merchant" means a party to a consumer transaction other than a consumer.
(4) ""Merchant's place of business" means a merchant's main or permanent branch office or local address. For a state or national bank or savings and loan association, the term includes any approved branch and any registered loan production office.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 39.002. APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. (a) This chapter applies only to a consumer transaction in which the merchant or the merchant's agent engages in a personal solicitation of a sale to the consumer at a place other than the merchant's place of business, and the consumer's agreement or offer to purchase is given to the merchant or the merchant's agent at a place other than the merchant's place of business:
(1) for the purchase of goods or services for consideration that exceeds $25 payable in installments or in cash; or
(2) for the purchase of real property for consideration that exceeds $100 payable in installments or in cash.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), this chapter does not apply to:
(1) a purchase of farm equipment;
(2) an insurance sale regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance;
(3) a sale of goods or services made:
(A) under a preexisting revolving charge account or retail charge agreement; or
(B) after negotiations between the parties at a business establishment at a fixed location where goods or services are offered or exhibited for sale; or
(4) a sale of real property if:
(A) the purchaser is represented by a licensed attorney;
(B) the transaction is negotiated by a licensed real estate broker; or
(C) the transaction is negotiated at a place other than the consumer's residence by the person who owns the property.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 39.003. CONSUMER'S RIGHT TO CANCEL. In addition to any other rights or remedies available, a consumer may cancel a consumer transaction to which this chapter applies not later than midnight of the third business day after the date the consumer signs an agreement or offer to purchase.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 39.004. NOTICE BY MERCHANT. (a) A merchant must provide a consumer with a complete receipt or copy of any contract pertaining to the consumer transaction at the time of its execution.
(b) The document provided under Subsection (a) must:
(1) be in the same language as that principally used in the oral sales presentation;
(2) show the date of the transaction;
(3) contain the name and address of the merchant; and
(4) contain in immediate proximity to the space reserved in the contract for the signature of the consumer, or on the front page of the receipt if a contract is not used, a statement in bold-faced type of a minimum size of 10 points in substantially the following form:
"YOU, THE BUYER, MAY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO MIDNIGHT OF THE THIRD BUSINESS DAY AFTER THE DATE OF THIS TRANSACTION. SEE THE ATTACHED NOTICE OF CANCELLATION FORM FOR AN EXPLANATION OF THIS RIGHT."
(c) The merchant must attach to the document provided under Subsection (a) a completed notice of cancellation form in duplicate. The form must:
(1) be easily detachable;
(2) be in the same language as the document provided under Subsection (a); and
(3) contain the following information and statements in 10-point bold-faced type:
"NOTICE OF CANCELLATION
(enter date of transaction)
"YOU MAY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, WITHOUT ANY PENALTY OR OBLIGATION, WITHIN THREE BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE ABOVE DATE.
"IF YOU CANCEL, ANY PROPERTY TRADED IN, ANY PAYMENTS MADE BY YOU UNDER THE CONTRACT OR SALE, AND ANY NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT EXECUTED BY YOU WILL BE RETURNED WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOLLOWING RECEIPT BY THE MERCHANT OF YOUR CANCELLATION NOTICE, AND ANY SECURITY INTEREST ARISING OUT OF THE TRANSACTION WILL BE CANCELLED.
"IF YOU CANCEL, YOU MUST MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE MERCHANT AT YOUR RESIDENCE, IN SUBSTANTIALLY AS GOOD CONDITION AS WHEN RECEIVED, ANY GOODS DELIVERED TO YOU UNDER THIS CONTRACT OR SALE; OR YOU MAY IF YOU WISH, COMPLY WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE MERCHANT REGARDING THE RETURN SHIPMENT OF THE GOODS AT THE MERCHANT'S EXPENSE AND RISK.
"IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO RETURN THE GOODS TO THE MERCHANT OR IF THE MERCHANT DOES NOT PICK THEM UP WITHIN 20 DAYS OF THE DATE OF YOUR NOTICE OF CANCELLATION, YOU MAY RETAIN OR DISPOSE OF THE GOODS WITHOUT ANY FURTHER OBLIGATION.
"TO CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, MAIL OR DELIVER A SIGNED AND DATED COPY OF THIS CANCELLATION NOTICE OR ANY OTHER WRITTEN NOTICE, OR SEND A TELEGRAM, TO (name of merchant), AT (address of merchant's place of business) NOT LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF (date).
I HEREBY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION.
(date)
(buyer's signature) "
(d) The use of the forms and notices of the right to cancel prescribed by the Federal Trade Commission's trade-regulation rule providing a cooling-off period for door-to-door sales constitutes compliance with this section.
(e) A consumer transaction in which the contract price does not exceed $200 complies with the notice requirements of this section if:
(1) the consumer may at any time cancel the order, refuse to accept delivery of the goods without incurring any obligation to pay for them, or return the goods to the merchant and receive a full refund of the amount the consumer has paid; and
(2) the consumer's right to cancel the order, refuse delivery, or return the goods without obligation or charge at any time is clearly and conspicuously set forth on the face or reverse side of the sales ticket.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 39.005. MERCHANT'S COMPENSATION. A merchant is not entitled to compensation for services performed under a consumer transaction if the consumer cancels the transaction under this chapter.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 39.006. RETENTION OF GOODS OR REAL PROPERTY. Until a merchant has complied with this chapter, a consumer with possession of goods or right or title to real property delivered by the merchant:
(1) may retain possession of the goods or right or title to the real property; and
(2) has a lien on the goods or real property to the extent of any recovery to which the consumer is entitled.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 39.007. DUTY OF CONSUMER. (a) Within a reasonable time after a cancellation under this chapter, the consumer on demand must tender to the merchant any goods or right or title to real property delivered by the merchant under the consumer transaction.
(b) The consumer is not obligated to tender goods at a place other than the consumer's residence.
(c) If the merchant fails to demand possession of the goods or the right or title to real property within a reasonable time after cancellation, the goods or real property become the property of the consumer without obligation to pay.
(d) Goods or real property in possession of the consumer are at the risk of the merchant, except that the consumer shall take reasonable care of the goods or the real property both before and for a reasonable time after cancellation.
(e) For purposes of this section, 20 days is presumed to be a reasonable time.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 39.008. VIOLATIONS. (a) A merchant may not:
(1) fail to include on both copies of the form described by Section 39.004(c):
(A) the name of the merchant;
(B) the address of the merchant's place of business;
(C) the date of the transaction; and
(D) a date not earlier than the third business day after the date of the transaction by which the consumer must give notice of cancellation;
(2) include in a contract or receipt pertaining to a consumer transaction a confession of judgment or a waiver of any of the rights to which the consumer is entitled under this chapter;
(3) at the time the consumer signs the contract or purchases the goods, services, or real property, fail to inform the consumer orally of the right to cancel the transaction;
(4) misrepresent in any manner the consumer's right to cancel;
(5) negotiate, transfer, sell, or assign any note or other evidence of indebtedness to a finance company or other third party before midnight of the fifth business day after the date the contract was signed or the goods or services were purchased;
(6) fail to notify the consumer before the end of the 10th business day after the date the merchant receives the notice of cancellation whether the merchant intends to repossess or to abandon any shipped or delivered goods; or
(7) fail or refuse to honor a valid cancellation under this chapter by a consumer and fail before the end of the 10th business day after the date the merchant receives the notice of cancellation to:
(A) refund all payments made under the contract or sale;
(B) return any goods or property traded in to the merchant in substantially the same condition as when received by the merchant;
(C) cancel and return any negotiable instrument executed by the consumer in connection with the contract of sale;
(D) take any action appropriate to terminate promptly any security interest created in the transaction; or
(E) restore improvements on real property to the same condition as when the merchant took title to or possession of the real property unless the consumer requests otherwise.
(b) A sale or contract entered into under a consumer transaction in violation of Subsection (a) is void.
(c) A merchant who violates a provision of this chapter is liable to the consumer for:
(1) any actual damages suffered by the consumer as a result of the violation;
(2) reasonable attorney's fees; and
(3) court costs.
(d) If the merchant fails to tender goods or property traded to the merchant in substantially the same condition as when received by the merchant, the consumer may elect to recover an amount equal to the trade-in allowance stated in the agreement.
(e) A violation of this chapter is a false, misleading, or deceptive act or practice as defined by Section 17.46(b). In addition to any remedy under this chapter, a remedy under Subchapter E, Chapter 17, is also available for a violation of this chapter.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 39.009. INJUNCTION. If the attorney general believes that a person is violating or about to violate this chapter, the attorney general may bring an action in the name of the state to restrain or enjoin the person from violating this chapter.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

(Note: Thanks to a California notary “D” for bringing this section of the Tx. Bus. & Commerce Code to my attention.)

Unsolicited Advice, Poaching, and Encroaching

2005-08-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

A little fringe talk about my pet peeve of unsolicited advice from unsolicited advisors.

(As an aside, they funny thing is that the ones this essay refers will not see themselves at all!)

In case you ever find yourself in the position of being a "project" or protege' for which some other superior one (or two) who both think it would be grand to tweak your life...and tweak the way you do things ... when you don't even want to know their opinions!! Okay, so these people are clearly helpful and bright, but they want to make you into a better you, a more polished professional. Soon, you find yourself a self-appointed "mentor's" project to repair and correct.

And, you ain't even broke! But, they are ("broke") in my assessment of things, and that's another essay for another day.

I get this kind of "help" all the time. It's more fun to tell another how to do something rather than look at one's own personal conflicts and business difficulties and figure out how to correct them.

I just blow these blow-hards out of my thoughts until the next time they lure me in with their intelligence, tidbits of good information (which may or may not be true) and the niceties they use to get your attention.

Within a twinkling of an eye, the direction changes and they start to tell me what a unsophisticated bumbling notary I am...in nice words...of course, always being helpful...just making suggestions, you see.

Turn the volume way down on the toxic unsolicited advisors in your real world. What they say about your business is about 50% worth considering, and 50% of it is of no consequence and simply part of their negative and critical nature of needing to be superior. (Expect advice here - posting is almost like asking for advice.) If they are not in your region, they don't know their rear from third base about most of what they criticize.

If you love your life and if you have great ideas that keep you motivated and you are the type who is content and happy with your life, here is a weird little bulletin: Unsolicited advisors cannot stand to see another person so carefree.

The sticky sweet venomous wisdom flows out from them to you under the guise of trying to help improve you. (Help improve what??)

They want to guide you out of your country mouse ignorance and uneducated ways ...they want to help you not look so unprofessional because they think so much of you. If only you'd do as they said, you'd be dy-no-mite!

Their kindly comments are always couched in nice fake compliments. They'll give you those backhanded compliments about how you have improved SO MUCH since back when you were so stupid and inept at doing a, b or c.

And, their dialogue is superior in tone and purposefully delivered to you as the great advisor so they can build their own egos ---they have their agenda of being Superior Mentor and Wise Friend to you, the Project Reject. They always criticize your TRUE mentors.

Mention a true mentor's name and they are quick to hiss and tell you how much your real mentors brag or lie on the notary boards.

Tell these people you don't agree with them and be very clear. While they are stunned at you rejecting their brilliance, move away quickly hissing as they go. They will be shocked, but mark my words, the advice will continue to flow forth at every opportunity. Don't let them have too much of your time. They will dominate it if at all possible.

You just paddle your own boat with confidence and have a plan. Ignore them.

I have received MUCH of this type of advice because I usually let their drops of pseudo-wisdom roll off me like water off of a duck's back.

However, each and every one of them really thought that I'd continue to listen to their unsolicited and petty criticisms and suggestions. Now, that is funny and so not going to happen!

You should not let these types get your undivided attention either.

It amazed me when I got enough exposure on the notary board, a few zeroed in on me as a poor Texas BillyBobbette waif who needed to be overhauled and tutored. They called me stupid names of endearment...both the male and the female ones.

BULLCORN. This here 'un hillbilly is pretty comfortable in her own skin. They are the ones who are not content and at peace with their lives.

At first they seemed pretty insightful and to be nifty and funny. But it never stopped! I let them take an inch and they wanted a mile of my time to give me a makeover ala them.

Then, I began to wonder why a near stranger aka self-appointed expert on being me would give a rat's tail?

I don't give a flip about what they do in their lives any further than networking with them professionally.

Initially, these arrogant individuals each emailed me to tell me they thought my website was not as professional as it should be...or, perhaps I needed to get an editor for my content...or I should not put certain pages in my site because I was making competition for myself...and, I needed this or that...or that I did this, or that wrong...ALL UNSOLICITED.

Hogwash to you Superior Advisors! My website is a worker. It's great for getting me jobs. You can find me on google.com by putting in "notary and brazos county" because I am at the TOP.

They are not. The website they said was hard to read and not professional brings me LOTS of business...and, isn't that what counts when you get right down to it?

If I would have asked them to give me pointers, I would have expected a truthful answer. I do things for MY purposes and enjoyment...not for them to improve upon.

I decorate my own soul and I create my own happiness. I don't think they can do either. I see their souls with bare walls...they speak little or none about a God that is actually in existence. To me this says much. God does exist and he has fertilized my efforts of being a contented person who wants to exist in peace and serenity. These people make me feel chaotic and not at peace. I can see they are missing the benefits of having a Holy God as their constant companion.

Too much of these people and you'll implode. They will suck you dry as they try to fill their own voids.

While they are the parasite and you are the life-sustaining host for them, be aware of this: you will ironically receive an exhaustive set of comments on your shortcomings while they slurp and greedily suck out your stuffings, then gently break the news to you (in between nibbles) that you are a bumbling idiot and you need to have a pro (meaning them) edit your ways and advise you about any number of things about your life and business.

And, to this I giggle a teeny-bopper's "um, no!"

Don't give them many details. The more they know, the more they see to fix. The more they find to encroach upon...the more they try to poach that which is you.

They will glean all they can from you to give you more advisories to redeem yourself to their superior level.

The sad thing is that if they'd just "be," they would be delightful friends and I would love them! But, no...they must correct, critique and alter everything about those they want to mentor into acceptable standards. They must be the worshiped mentor of your life...they must be your sage, and your guru.

Talk about a high maintenance relationship! It's so thick it weighs you down like a cat sleeping on your chest.

So, folks...identify them and don't let them get too close. Realize they have no respect for your boundaries...they are encroachers and poachers.

Be confident that YOU know the best for YOU and YOUR business. The notary world is full of people looking for someone to drain of their joy. They are lying little parasites...emotional vampires and this makes you feel like every "friendly" conversation is a battle.

They nay say and you try to explain! Don't do it any more...explain nothing....the argument is futile. They cannot be a regular friend, they must be your superior. Say goodbye!

I hope this helps a few people down the road realize who and what this personality is. They are subtle and sly.

I can spot them now and deal with them on my terms before they get TOO involved in my days.

And, if you feel inclined to edit this post or send me a list of spelling and/or grammar corrections, maybe you need to wake up and realize this essay is all about you.

I am too tired and too sick of your critical natures to issue an explanation. I won't and I will not discuss this with you. However, I wish you'd find another source of attention and ego stroking. I am weary of you.

Grandma's Cures - Contributed by Sheryl Mann

2005-07-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

Grandma's Cures - Contributed by Sheryl Mann (Member of www.MobileSigningService.com - San Antonio, Texas 78268 - 210-382-1010 Bus 210-846-3232 Bus - 210-523-6761 Fax - Experience: Year 3 / 350+ Signings

Keep this on the Fridge

1. Did You Know That? Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."

2. Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

3. Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.

4. Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

5. Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

6. Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer . Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product was never been advertised for this use. (Note: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine is not the same...and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)

7. Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
8. Listerine therapy for toenail fungus... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

9. Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

10. Coca-Cola cure for rust.... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.

11. Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

12. Smart splinter remover...just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

13. Hunt's tomato paste boil cure...cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

14. Balm for broken blisters...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine ... a powerful antiseptic.

15. Heinz vinegar to heal bruises... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

16. Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.

17. Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

18. Eliminate ear mites... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

19. Quaker Oats for fast pain relief....It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

If you send this to 10 people and only one of them doesn't know about this, then it was worth it. If you don't send it to 10 people, you will need ALL of these cures.

Fedex is a FREE Resource...

2005-07-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

Go to Fedex.com and get an account. It's free. You can order all the supplies your black little notary heart desires...even if you never, ever intend to use them to ship a package!

It is a FREE resource...and they deliver them to your door!

You can use this FREE resource in many ways...here are but a few:

-insulate your attic with the tyveks, paks and envelopes...I don't know if it would help or not, but it would be interesting to see what the results would be

-build things like fake furniture using the stiff ones, duct tape, and epoxy. Set them around on your deck or by the pool

- do crafts!

- paper mache'

- cut up the envelopes and make homemade business cards

-secretly (& fraudulently) use the plastic ones for shipping to via other couriers. You can do this by turning them wrong side out . (I have seen an SS from Tx who does this with LSO.com's!)

-make a fedex scrapbook

-use the stiff ones to make padded/quilted picture frames covered in bright fabric (If you need more instructions on how to do this, I'll try to do a craft thread soon!)

-put them in your flowerbeds - cut a circle out of the middle, lay them around your plants to stop the weeds from growing. Lay full envelopes in the bare spaces. Cover with mulch.

-play tic tac toe on the white parts

-start keeping a journal on fedex envelopes. Use matching ink.

-use them as USPS mailers..order boxes and tubes...cover them in brown paper before mailing

-order all sizes of the larger parcels and tubes...wrap gifts in them. Then, decorate your Christmas tree with white and purple...have a Fedex theme!

-again, with duct tape you could fashion those dashboard/windshield things to keep the sun out of the car; give them to friends and family and then act hurt when they don't use them

- put them in your car floorboard to keep from getting the mats dirty

-use them as file folders

-have a Fedex-colored Nativity Scene

-paperdolls! (Remember Betsy McCall? Now wouldn't she last longer if she was pasted on sturdy Fedex Pak cardboard?)

-draw your children's silhouettes on them - spray paint black and mount on full envelopes. Have your children give them to your ex for special occasions.

-order in mass quantities and take them to Boy Scout troups to for recycling drives

-donate fedex supplies to thrift shops for a tax write off (hey, none of this is honest!)

-order lots and lots...then, go around and ask your neighbors if they'll store large quantities of them...or ask them if they will just store one envelope for you.

-Valentine's Day! Cut out hearts, spray paint them white, then get some of those fancy, lacy paper doilies and lay them on the white hearts, spray paint with red over the doilies...do the reverse with the red coat first, then the white...add a few gold stars...delicious

-make greeting cards out of them...color them with crayons

-purchase confetti and wrap a full bag of confettie in tissue paper. Spray it with lots of perfume...stuff it inside of a Fedex Pak and put a label on the outside - mark it URGENT. Set in on the windshield of the neighbor's car before they get up in the morning. Watch them open it, sniff it, spill it and go nuts before they go to work...all while sitting in the car! (Cheap entertainment!)

-Pass them out in Sunday School class. Act really concerned if you don't have enough to go around. Promise to bring extras next time.

-Take an entire package to the grocery store with you. Carry a large tote bag. Select the youngest checker and go through that line. Furtively attempt to hide the stack of Fedex envelopes in the tote bag and see if they call the manager for you doing shoplifting. If so, pull the package out and yell "Psyche!!!"

-Cut up a dishwashing cellulose sponge into one inch squares and purchase black acrylic paint. Make the fedex pack checkered. Do several and put a couple in all of your windows.

- use them as poop scoops if your dog gets over into the neighbors' yards

-cut them into strips approximately 2" x 5" and buy a bag of clothes pins. Stop all bike traffic you come into contact with and clip the strips onto their bikes so they get the "motor" sound

-fill your back seat and trunk up almost full with several different sizes. Go to Sam's and buy a television set. Ask for someone to help you out with your purchase. Start raving when there's not enough room to put the purchase into the trunk

- each week, donate a box of the large tubes to a school drama department - tell them to make scenery and settings with them. Offer to bring labels, boxes, and tyvek envelopes as well.

- cut a good sized corner off two ends of the tyvek envelopes, trim the lengthy down also. Purchase dainty pink, blue and yellow spools of ribbon. Cut out a bib shaped item out of the tyvek envelopes as well. Punch holes, add ribbon to secure around the baby's neck. Wrap up the corners and the envelopes, and the bib as well in beautiful gift wrap for baby showers. Amazing! You can now give handmade tyvek bibs, booties and diaper covers to all your young friends having children.

-while you are at it, make tyvek clothing items to give out as Christmas gifts. Use the same corner cutting technique to make tyvek underwear.

- give tyvek envelopes and rubber bands to golfers to cover their woods (excellent for your son-in-law at Father's day)

- With regular 8 1/2 x 11 paper, fold in half and write WASH ME ! on one side. Make up several of these and slip them into the clear fedex labels. Carry a supply of these in your car so when you see a dirty automobile you can peel off the backing, stick on the windshield and leave the owner a message.

-----
Or, you can just use Fedex supplies to ship back your packages to the title company.

Searching for Bart Whitaker

2005-04-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

REMOVED DUE TO HARRASSMENT OF AUTHOR BY READERS.

Who Is Your Favorite Notary Poster?

2005-04-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

NotaryRotary.com is my favorite public forum. In fact, I am probably addicted, but I digress...

Lots of times new people ask questions which have been discussed to death. As a result, the reply is sometimes: Read what's already here in the forum. Start at Message #1 and read forward.

Now that there are 30,000+ messages that's getting a little bit tough. Because of this, I'd like to make a place to collect helpful information to answer questions.

Let's start with who are your favorite posters...whose advice do you read the most?

My list is made up of those who were there before I was, for the most part. Anyhow, here it is.

Chicago Bob-IL: To the point...posts little...too busy...makes useful items out of duct tape in his spare time.

SylviaFL: English version of Southern Lady, likes dogs, won 1st place in tire changing contest in high school.

PAW-FL: Super Geek, Super Notary (Probably a closet Mensa.)

HisHughness-TX: Retired lawyer, ret'd editor, ret'd academic, writer of sonnets, dancer, liberal; seeks widow with trust fund and bass boat.

Ted-MI: Lawyer, single, good tan, good-looking. Very polite. Women leave him for bikers who call them "My Old Lady."

CaliNotary-CA: Astute, sense of humor, ego intact...thinks yours should be, too--get therapy if not. Lies about his age. Excellent speller.

sue-PA: sue is short and to the point...hates to be wrong as much as I do. Therefore, she won't be. No warm fuzzies...pound sand if you don't like it.

Bobbi-CT: Real dang smart, edgy in a good way.

Janet-CA: Ditto

Carolyn-CO: Detail person. Trains lawyers using crate method.

Jon-CA: The tax man, knows the notary rules; don't ask Jon about the NNA; has CA Jurat tattoo on right shoulder.

Melody: Man trainer; has messy house/empty fridge at end of month.

Charm-AL: Positive thinker. Does not have fat arms. Good hygiene.

Ernest-CT: In charge of state abbreviation appearing after poster's name. Sells cheat notes to SA tests on black market.

USE THE "COMMENTS" TO LIST THOSE YOU LOOK FOR.

You can post "Anonymously" if you'd like. If you don't like someone, please don't post--That's not the purpose.

How I got Started (A Diatribe from Texas)

2005-03-17T13:25:00.000-08:00

I am giving you the exact path I took. I hope this helps. It's
really pretty labor intensive in the start up...I am not sure if it
ever lets up! But I like it. Anyhow...please read it and
understand that this is the only route I know to share.

Unfortunately, I know of few short cuts. This is what I have told
everone who has asked me about how I got started.
-------------------

I ran across the concept of being a Signing Agent online while
looking for something totally unrelated. My background was perfect
for the job so I looked into it further. (If you don't have some
real estate, law, or mortgage background, it will be a bigger
learning curve. )

I have been a mortgage processor back when we used IBM Selectrics
and typing erasers. I have been a legal secretary in a probate and
real estate law practice. I have also worked as a metes and bounds
typist for a title company lawyer. And, even before then…back in
the dark ages…I was hanging out in title companies by the time I was
11 because my parents developed a small subdivision in Burnet,
Texas.

They sold all the lots and owner-financed them over a period of the
next 35 years. I am actually working on the closing of the last ½
acre lot this week.

In the previous jobs I mention, I had needed a notary commission so
I had experience going back to 1989 for that.

Once I decided to investigate this business I did a search on
Google.com for "notary signing agent" or "notary mortgage documents"
and so forth.

For $15 I purchased Victoria Ring's book which gives a good overview
of the signing process. (50statenotary.com) Many people do not like
Victoria Ring because she makes punctuation errors. Some don't like
her because she is purported to give bad information. I found that
she was just the thing I needed to get the picture in my mind. You
really need to know what this involves to know if you can enjoy it
and stay with it.

The good news is that my business is growing ever so slightly each
month. The bad news is that you cannot count on making a living on
this until after about 2 – 3 years, if then. My expenses are very
low, or I would not even attempt it. Not trying to be negative! I
love this work. Just being practical.

Make a business plan.

Set aside time DAILY for marketing.

I spend every day except maybe half a day on Sundays doing something
to find more clients. It's been my experience that this kind of
commitment is required.

Alright, back to the "getting started" diatribe:

So, first I renewed my commission. I found NotaryRotary.com and
started reading the forum from Message #1 forward. I keep up there
on a daily basis. Signed up as a Premium Member and it was a very
good investment. I signed up on 123Notary.com. Within three weeks
I had my first 3 jobs from NotaryRotary.com and 123Notary.com.

I joined the NNA and took the Certification Test. I have had two
companies ask me if I had the NNA Certification and have decided it
was worth it for those two companies who have given me quite a bit
of business.

And, then I used the list of signing services at NotaryRotary.com
and filled 200+ applications for signing services. This is a
necessary step and you must seek jobs daily.

Purchase plenty of cell phone minutes (I have 3000), a laser
printer, a scanner, and it helps to have fast internet access. I
use efax for faxing. I have a great digital camera to take pictures
of ID's. Borrowers seldom remember to have a copy ready for you.

When I started, I set my fee at $50 for an overnight doc signing,
and $25 for edocs. I charged approximately $1.00 per one way mile.
A year later I have set my lowest fee at $65.

First rule of being a Signing Agent: NEVER, EVER get angry while
talking to a client, borrower, or while interacting on forum
boards. If you get angry easily, this is not for you.

Be aware that public forums are not set up to be supportive. You
will get your head snapped off if you ask basic notary questions.
You should not start being a notary if you don't understand the
rules of your commission. LEARN YOUR NOTARY RULES before you start
working as a mobile notary or signing agent.

One more thing…I purchased a "how to" guide from the
SigningRegistry.com. It's very good and complete.

And…learn to be a champ at searching the internet, and the notary
forums. Once you know the questions, you can find nearly all of the
answers online...probably in the links I have provided below.

A list of places to list your ads, as well as notary forums are at
http://texnotary.com/tootime/notarysearch.htm.

Your Texas Notary Rules are at
http://texnotary.com/texnotaryedu.htm

Get a notebook to make notes while you read through the
NotaryRotary.com messages. Write down the bad companies and good
companies you read about.

Another notary forum is www.gomobilenotary.com. However, please
wear armor before you get on there and post. I still have post
trauma stress disorder from a few encounters there.

Read the newsletter I write when the mood hits me at
http://texnotarynewsletter.blogspot.com

Read www.50statenotary.com archive of newsletters.

TAKE NOTHING at face value, not even what I say. Be able to back up
everything you determine to be part of your mode of operation, or
how you conduct your signing business by finding the rules, or laws
to support it.

Realize that notaries near you are your competition and they may be
reluctant to help you get started. Notaries in Dallas might want to
call a notary in Houston to get insight, for instance.

Okay…that should be enough to get you started. When you get through
reading through my newsletter archive and on NotaryRotary.com from 1
through message 6000 at NotaryRotary.com, send me a list of
questions.

I am not being a smart aleck about the 6000 messages. There are
currently around 20,000. But, you'll get the drift of most of the
terms, etc. in the first 6000. I did, and I am not telling you
anything except that this is the way I learned. You'd be surprised
at how many notaries that get mad at me for saying to do all this
research, but I know of not other way. If you read all this info, by
then, you'll know enough about the business to have some pretty good
questions.

Engage the Golden Rule.

Look up the Secretary of State's number and call them for basic
notary questions you need clarified if you cannot find it in the
notary rules.

YOU MUST know your rules before you start working, otherwise you
will be bullied into doing things by high-pressure poop talkers.

You are a notary first before you are a signing agent. Notaries are
guided by laws. The term "signing agent" is just a moniker someone
came up with.

Write when you can. Eat a well balanced diet. Brush regularly.
And, don't drink and drive.

Love, Mom

The Life of a Christian - John Calvin

2005-03-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN

(Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It)
John Calvin
(1509-1564 A.D.)

It must be held to be a universally-acknowledged point that no person is a Christian who does not feel some special love for righteousness. And, the Christian life and the doctrine of regeneration and repentance must be connected.

Several extremes are to be avoided. False Christians who deny Christ by their works should be condemned. Those who are opposed to this life must be censured.

1. They have not truly learned Christ.
2. The Gospel is not the guide of their words or actions.
3. They do not imitate Christ, the Master.
4. They would separate the Spirit from His word.

True Christians should not despair, though they have not attained perfection, provided they make daily progress in piety and righteousness. They ought not to be discouraged:

1. if they take the Word of God for their guide.
2. if they sincerely cultivate righteousness.
3. if they walk, according to their capacity, in the ways of the Lord.
4. if they are always making some progress.
5. if they persevere.

1. We have said that the object of regeneration is to bring the life of believers into concord and harmony with the righteousness of God and so confirm the adoption by which they have been received as children. Although the law comprehends within it, that new life by which the image of God is restored in us, yet, as our sluggishness stands greatly in need both of helps and incentives, it will be useful to collect out of Scripture a true account of this reformation lest any who have a heartfelt desire of repentance should in their zeal go astray.

Moreover, I am not unaware, in undertaking to describe the life of the Christian, that I am entering on a large and extensive subject, one which, when fully considered in all its parts, is sufficient to fill a large volume. We see the length to which the Christian fathers in their treatment of individual virtues extend their exhortations. This they do, not from mere loquaciousness; for whatever is the virtue which you undertake to recommend, your pen is spontaneously led by the copiousness of the matter so to amplify, that you seem not to have discussed it properly if you have not done it at length.

However, my intention in the plan of life which I now propose to give is not to extend it so far as to treat of each virtue specificly and expatiate in exhortation. This must be sought in the writings of others, and particularly in the sermons of the fathers. For me it will be sufficient to point out the method by which a pious man may be taught how to frame his life aright and to briefly lay down some universal rule by which he may not improperly regulate his conduct. I shall one day possibly find time for more ample discourse, while the nature of my present work requires me to glance at simple doctrine with as much brevity as possible.

As philosophers have certain definitions of rectitude and honesty from which they derive particular duties and the whole train of virtues, so in this respect, Scripture is not without order, but presents a most beautiful arrangement, one which is also in every way much more certain than that of philosophers. The only difference is that they, under the influence of ambition, constantly pretend to have an exquisite perspicuity of arrangement, which may serve to display their genius, whereas the Spirit of God, teaching without affectation, is not so perpetually observant of exact method, and yet by observing it at times sufficiently intimates that it is not to be neglected.

2. The Scripture system of which we speak aims chiefly at two objects: The former is that the love of righteousness to which we are by no means naturally inclined may be instilled and implanted into our minds. The latter is to prescribe a rule which will prevent us, while in the pursuit of righteousness, from going astray. It has numerous admirable methods of recommending righteousness. Many have been already pointed out in different parts of this work; but we shall here also briefly advert to some of them.

With what better foundation can it begin than by reminding us that we must be holy, because "God is holy" (Le 19:1; 1Pe 1:16)? For when we were scattered abroad like lost sheep, wandering through the labyrinth of this world, he brought us back again to his own fold. When mention is made of our union with God, let us remember that holiness must be the bond; not that by the merit of holiness we come into communion with him (we ought first instead to cling to Him so that, pervaded with His holiness, we may follow wherever He calls), but because it greatly concerns His glory not to have any fellowship with wickedness and impurity. Therefore, He tells us that this is the end of our calling, the end to which we should always ought have respect, if we would answer the call of God. For to what end we were rescued from the iniquity and pollution of the world into which we were plunged, if we allow ourselves, during our whole lives, to wallow in them.

Besides, we are at the same time admonished, that if we would be regarded as the Lord's people, we must inhabit the holy city Jerusalem, which, since He has consecrated it to Himself, it would be impious for its inhabitants to profane it by their impurity. Hence, such expressions as: "Who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness." (Ps 15:1,2; 24:3,4), for the sanctuary in which He dwells certainly ought not to be like an unclean stall!

3. The better to arouse us, it exhibits God the Father, who, since He has reconciled us to Himself in His Anointed One, has impressed His image upon us, to which He would have us to be conformed (Ro 5:4). Come then, and let them show me a more excellent system among philosophers, who think that they only have a moral philosophy duly and orderly arranged. They, when they would give excellent exhortations to virtue, can only tell us to live agreeably to nature. Scripture derives its exhortations from the true Source (Mal 1:6; Eph 5:1-3,26; 1Jo 3:1,3; Ro 6:1-4; 1Co 6:11; 1Pe 1:15,19; 1Co 6:15; John 15:3; Col 3:1,2; 1Co 3:16; 6:17; 2Co 6:16; 1Th 5:23), when it not only enjoins us to regulate our lives with a view to God its author to whom it belongs; but after showing us that we have degenerated from our true origin, namely, the law of our Creator, adds, that Christ, through whom we have returned to favor with God, is set before us as a Model, the image of which our lives should express.

What do you require that is more effective than this? Nay, what do you require beyond this? If the Lord adopts us for His sons on the condition that our life be a representation of Christ, the bond of our adoption, then, unless we dedicate and devote ourselves to righteousness, we not only, with the utmost perfidy, revolt from our Creator, but also abjure the Savior Himself! So, from an enumeration of all the blessings of God and each part of our salvation, it finds materials for exhortation. Ever since God exhibited Himself to us as a Father, we must be convicted of extreme ingratitude if we do not in turn exhibit ourselves as His children.

Ever since Christ purified us by the laver of his blood, and communicated this purification by baptism, it would ill become us to be defiled with new pollution. Ever since he ingrafted us into his body -- we who are his members -- should anxiously beware of contracting any stain or taint. Ever since he who is our head ascended to heaven, it is befitting in us to withdraw our affections from the earth, and with our whole soul aspire to heaven. Ever since the Holy Spirit dedicated us as temples to the Lord, we should make it our endeavor to show forth the glory of God, and guard against being profaned by the defilement of sin. Ever since our soul and body were destined to heavenly incorruptibility and an unfading crown, we should earnestly strive to keep them pure and uncorrupted against the day of the Lord. These, I say, are the surest foundations of a well-regulated life, and you will search in vain for anything resembling them among philosophers, who, in their commendation of virtue, never rise higher than the natural dignity of man.

4. This is the place to address those who, having nothing of Christ but the name and sign, would still be called "Christians." How dare they boast of this sacred name? None have contact with Christ but those who have acquired the true knowledge of him from the gospel. The Apostle denies that any person has truly learned Christ who has not learned to put off "the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and put on Christ," (Eph 4:22.) So, they are convicted of falsely and unjustly pretending a knowledge of Christ, whatever the volubility and eloquence is with which they can talk of the gospel.

Doctrine is not an affair of the tongue, but of the life. It is not merely apprehended by the intellect and memory, like other branches of learning, but is received only when it possesses the whole soul, and finds its seat and habitation in the inmost recesses of the heart. Let them, therefore, either cease to insult God, by boasting that they are what they are not, or let them show themselves not to be unworthy disciples of their divine Master.

We have given the first place to doctrine, in which our religion is contained, since our salvation commences by. But it must be transfused into the breast, and pass into the conduct, and so transform us into itself as not to prove unfruitful. If philosophers are justly offended, and banish from their company with disgrace those who, while professing an art which ought to be the mistress of their conduct, convert it into mere loquacious sophistry, with how much better reason shall we detest those flimsy sophists who are contented to let the gospel play upon their lips, when, from its efficacy, it ought to penetrate the inmost affections of the heart, fix its seat in the soul, and pervade the whole man 100 times more than the frigid discourses of philosophers?
5. I do not insist that the life of the Christian shall breathe nothing but the perfect Gospel, though this is to be desired and ought to be attempted. I do not insist so strictly on evangelical perfection, as to refuse to acknowledge as a Christian anyone who has not attained it. In this way all would be excluded from the church, since there is no person who is not far removed from this perfection, while many, who have made but little progress, would be undeservedly rejected.
What then? Let us set this before our eye as the end at which we ought constantly to aim. Let it be regarded as the goal toward which we are to run. For you cannot divide the matter with God, undertaking part of what His word enjoins and omitting part at pleasure. For, in the first place, God uniformly recommends integrity as the principal part of his worship, meaning by integrity real singleness of mind, devoid of gloss and fiction, and to this is opposed a double mind; as if it had been said, that the spiritual commencement of a good life is when the internal affections are sincerely devoted to God, in the cultivation of holiness and justice. But seeing that, in this earthly prison of the body, no one is supplied with strength sufficient to hasten in his course with due alacrity, while the greater number are so oppressed with weakness, that hesitating, and halting, and even crawling on the ground, they make little progress, let each one of us go as far as his humble ability enables him and prosecute the journey once begun. No one will travel so badly as not to daily make some degree of progress. Therefore, let us never cease to do this, that we may DAILY advance in the path of the Lord, and let us not despair because of the slender measure of success!

However little the success may correspond with our wish, our labor is not lost when today is better than yesterday, provided with true singleness of mind, we keep our aim, and aspire to the goal, not speaking flattering things to ourselves, nor indulging our vices, but making it our constant endeavor to become better, until we attain to goodness itself. If during the whole course of our life we seek and follow, we shall at length attain it, when relieved from the infirmity of flesh we are admitted to full fellowship with God.

Digressions: Remembering R.

2005-02-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

02/16/05
I was with C. the night she met R.

We were both in our mid-twenties and dancing like two fools at a place called the Mine Co. in Freeport, Texas. I am hopeful to write more of a tribute to that evening. Today's just not the day for it.

I just got off the phone with my long-time acquaintance and friend, L. She called to tell me that a mutual close friend to the both of us lost her husband. R. died this morning in an accident involving a solo flight of his ultralight plane.

May God be with K. and C. during this time of grief.

02/19/05
What a glorius obituary for R. The best parts of it:

R. was an instrument and electrical consultant for [omitted] in Equatorial Guinea, Africa. R. and his colleagues built the first power plant in that country on the island of Malabo. He was “Papa R.” to the African locals because he taught the electrical skills which enabled them to become electricians. He lived life every day as if it was his last.

R. was devoted to his family. He was a loving and caring husband, father, brother and uncle. He taught his daughter to enjoy life as he did. He will always be remembered by his daughter, nieces and nephews as a teacher of many skills, having taught them to swim, hunt, fish and more. He was adored by his family and will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him.

----
I wrote C. today and mailed it this afternoon. Know that my heart breaks for you, Girlfriend. We've not talked for a long time, but you are in my thoughts and you are always in my heart.

It's still hard for me to go to funerals...this one especially would be hard for me. I know you have an abundance of family and friends who most would envy to get you through these days.

One day soon, C, you'll pick up the phone and it's going to be me. I do know some of what you are going through. It's a crime we have not talked in years.

Just know that my life has been all the more better for having known you and R.

Digressions: Reading Today

2005-02-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

I don't have any appointments today and kind of glad about that. I have been busy this week, and tomorrow I will be busy again. One never knows what the week with bring in our business. Going to the mailbox is like a trip to Vegas. You might get bills, you might get checks.

In fact, I love my job today. I am going to spend some time reading. My mother mailed a book to me and if I don't read it, well...there'll be questions to answer. It's a "true crime" book--"Every Breath You Take" by Anne Rule. And, it might be an okay read for today.

But, I gotta tell you about my mother. She's so funny sometimes. Being reared in the depression days, she's very thrifty. So, she bought this Anne Rule book at the thrift store for $.25. She read it and then she decided it was a MUST read for me. Why? Not so sure. Sometimes these things just come on her and she's got to see it through. It's best if I comply.

Anyhow ... she paid $5.00 to mail it to me, along with a couple of catalogs from the Oriental Trading Company or some such outfit by a similar name. The catalogs no doubt added to the cost of the postage.

According to her, these catalogs came from a senior friend of hers. She sent them along in the box with the book. Apparently Mother feels the catalogs must be information I need since she paid top dollar for priority mail.

Now, why Mother thought I wanted to see two catalogs from a place which seems to trade in wholesale quantities of party favors, I do not know. One can only guess.

Digressions: Valentine's Day Call

2005-02-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

Tonight, my daddy called me just to wish me a Happy Valentine's Day.

Thanks, Dad.

You made my Valentine's Day the most special day ever!

Love, Brenda

Digressions: February 14th Memory

2005-02-14T05:10:00.000-08:00

This is a true story. My husband died in November 1999. On the following Valentine's Day an interesting thing happened.

On the morning of February 14, 2000, without even realizing what day it was, I stepped into the garage to do a load of clothes. For no reasonable explanation I can give there was a greeting card envelope lying face down in front of the washer.

I picked it up and turned it over. It had red hearts on the front of it and it had "Brenda" written on it in my husband's handwriting. For a second or two, my heart raced because the card's envelope appeared to be brand new in spite of the fact that the day was humid and the garage floor was wet. With my hands shaking and my breath coming in shallow gulps, I opened the card. I read it and I realized it was the card my husband gave me on Valentine's Day 1999.

I never questioned how it got there or why it was there. I am sure there are many reasonable explanations for it. The fact remains that it was miraculous to me because of the perfect timing.

After I read it, I had a good little cry, and then I thanked God for the message I felt it delivered to me. Finally, I put the card away in a plastic shoebox where I kept Gary's glasses, his city manager's badge, our wedding picture and a couple of other little things that memorialized our relationship.

This is a wonderful little event that will be ever in my memory. It's been five years since I found that re-cycled card while I was doing the laundry. I took it out this morning and looked at it. I am still grateful for it.

I don't believe in the dead communicating with those who are still living. But, I do believe that God was involved in the perfect timing of the delivery of my recycled Valentine's Day card. Perhaps it had been lying there for days and I had not noticed it. Who knows.

The fact is that I found it on Valentine's Day after Gary died. I'll never forget finding the card that morning. Never.

The message I got from this strange little event is that God knew my sorrow, but rather than let me mope that day and reflect on the loneliness I could have felt, He allowed me something else far more exciting and compelling to muse upon...something that would supercede feeling sorry for myself...something that would keep me busy trying to figure out how it could have happened.

Do I think that God has enough time or that He cares enough to arrange things like this for a middle-aged gal in Texas? You bet I do.

This event is still powerfully etched in my mind and it always will be. In fact, it's Valentine's Day again in 2005 and I expect great things from this day. Not just because it's Valentine's Day, but because I have learned that I can, and I should expect miracles and good things from life.

God's got my life in His hands and He's the one who is in control. He's made miracles for me before and He'll do so again.

This morning, as I write this, I am reminded of my sister and a verse in Psalms 118--a verse my sister reflects upon every morning when she goes to work, and through which she daily expresses her gratefulness to God for another sunrise:

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Digressions: Fact or Fiction???? S.T.I.C.K !

2005-02-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

We live in a different world than our parents grew up in. They are open to all kinds of scamming and con artistry which floods into their email accounts and into their mailboxes daily. This is because:

What was once written had to be factual. No more!

What was once agreed to and signed was binding and factual. No longer the case!

What our parents read, they could believe. Convince them: Never believe what you hear or read until you S.T.I.C.K.!

So...what is S.T.I.C.K???

S. T. I. C.K.

S
STICK and STAY with what you know. SEPARATE the facts from the fiction!

T
THINK. And, THINK “TRUTH?” How can I verify the TRUTH? THINK and question, and know the TRUTH before you believe.

I
INCREDIBLE INFORMATION??? IF it sounds INCREDIBLE, gossipy, wild, heart-wrenchingly sad, or too good to be true, it probably is! Verify INCREDIBLE INFORMATION for yourself.

C
CAN I prove this information? CAN this information hurt someone if I repeat it? CAN this information hurt me if I believe it? CAN I verify any of this?

K
KNOW the difference between opinion, lies, fiction or gossip AND truth, law, or facts. Know the difference between what you have been told, you “heard” and what you KNOW to be the truth especially where money, a person’s job, a person’s reputation, and safety are concerned.

People have been scammed out of their money because of incredible, believable tall tales and lies. S.T.I.C.K. where money is concerned.

People have used wrong job procedures because they did not S.T.I.C.K. but rather used procedures they “heard” were correct.

People have been ruined because others carried tales of slander and gossip to ruin someone’s reputation. S.T.I.CK. before you repeat something you “hear” or read.

People are dead because they put their personal safety concerns aside and trustingly went along to help someone who told them a tall tale of needing their help, before S.T.I.C.K.-ING.

----
Convince your parents (and yourself) that the world is now much different than the one that our society lived in during the times they learned about the world.

Help them not to fall prey to the mass floods of the written word and those who write them.

Protect your parents and yourself! S.T.I.C.K.!!

By the way, if YOU tell your parents this…they’ll never believe it. BUT, if you say you printed it off the internet from a notary in Texas who writes a blog called “The Notary Fringe” THEY’LL BELIEVE IT.

Could someone please write a column with this information in it so I can print it off and send it to my parents? That way, they'll BELIEVE IT.

Reporting from the Fringe of my Notary Life, Your humble correspondent,
Brenda Stone

Seen & Heard on the Forums: Equipment - Cameras & Copies of IDs

2005-01-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

There is a thread at NotaryRotary.com in part regarding cameras. It starts at Message #17800 - Here is my contribution to it:

I use a Sony Cybershot 5.0 megapixel model DSC-F717 with a close up lens that I also ordered from Sony. Granted, my camera is a pretty pricey set up, but worth it because it makes beautiful pictures of grandbabies, and other excellent subjects such as for draw inspections.

I have always enjoyed copying pictures with my 35 MM cameras and learned a long time ago that a close up lens is nothing more than a magnifying glass that screws onto the lens.

Recently, a notary asked me about using her digital camera to take pictures of TDLs. I told her until she could purchase a better camera to try using a magnifying glass for that purpose.

This morning, I was curious about my theory of using a magnifying glass with digital cameras so I unscrewed my close up lens and held a cheap Pier One turtle-shaped magnifying glass in front of it.

It works.

Also, I have tested the theory of using a phone camera with a DL. I have a Sprint Samsung which came free with my account last spring. With enough light, it works both with and without the magnifying glass.

Let me also add that with my DSC-f717 I can also copy complete 8.5x11 pages with perfection.

THE DRAWBACK to using a digital camera to capture ID or make copies of pages is that you cannot reproduce it immediately to drop the package and have to go back to the office to print it out unless you carry a printer in your car that works on media sticks without the computer...or a laptop with enough of a power source to do the job.

In cases where I could drop the package without it, I have called the SS, TC, Lender contact as appropriate and asked: "Do you want the package dropped without the ID copy and I'll fax/email it to you, or do you want me to delay until tomorrow morning to drop WITH the ID copy. " Usually, the answer is to wait until the following day and send the ID picture with it.

Overcoming Obstacles: Things to Think About and Do When Business is Slow

2005-01-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

Things to Think About and Do When Business is Slow

Part I - Take Action and Encourage

Focus – Decide on the targets and goals of your business.
Plan 49 Contacts to Make
Use a Daily Seven List
Develop a Successful Rhythm to Prepare you For Success

Part II – Work on the the Right Attitude

Be content with the situation and give thanks.
Get your eyes off of yourself for a period each day
Make tangible reminders to keep your faith.

PART III - Anticipating Success - Take Care of Loose Ends, Manage Life and Create Order

Establish Policies & Goals.
Create Action Plans for making your operation run smoother when success is banging on your door.

The Car
The Notary
The Office
The Notary's Spirit

Part I – Take Action and Encourage

This is one of those examples from my life that has helped me gain perspective on how action can create success. I was winging it when I first started using these principles, but they have proven to work for me and my family.

One of my sons graduated from college with a technical degree in multi-media in the late nineties.

Actually, he was my stepson from my previous marriage, but he’s always been like a son to me—both of my stepsons are. So, when he called and asked if it was okay with me if he moved in while he was looking for a job, I was thrilled.

For a month, he rested and half-heartedly sent out resumes. I have always been a soft-touch with the boys, so I had no problem with that. I figured he needed a little time to unwind.

However, there came a time when he got too comfortable saying that he could not get a job in his field, and he began to get into the habit of extensive napping and late night prowling. To cut the story short, I got pretty excitable and began to pressure him to take his destiny into his own hands and get moving. I began repeating the concepts of gaining success and achieving a goal which I had learned from reading books on the subject. At the time, I was not sure if they worked, but I knew ANY effort was better than NO effort, so I began to tell him what I believed would get him where he wanted to be. As it turns out, these concepts are pretty good ones.

Focus:
First, I told him about the bonus of aiming for a target,
Don’t just ‘shotgun blast’ your efforts”, I told him. “Know what you desire and want first, streamline your activities accordingly.”

“Son,” I said, “Knowing what you want helps you to focus your direction and to waste less effort. Know what you want, then figure out what you have to do to get there.” So, out of this came writing a goal for what he wanted to do.

Plan to Make 49 Contacts:
Second, I told him about my theory of sevens. Somewhere I had read that in order to get a “nibble” you need to cast out seven times. In this context, send out seven resumes. So, I kept repeating to him that in order to get one nibble, it was necessary to send out at least seven resumes.

For every seven nibbles, you might get one solid “for sure.” Do the math. Seven resumes = one nibble. Seven nibbles = a possible real shot at a good job. 7 x 7 = 49. You need 49 casts for finding one good job you might be interested in. So, I assigned him the job of making a list of 49 targets to “cast his line” toward.

Use a Daily Seven List
Third, I assured him that if he engaged himself into a momentum of success and he would be rewarded. He got very tired of me saying: “Just DO SOMETHING – do it daily and consistently to get what you want.”

“What do you mean?” he asked me. I think by this time, he was getting worried that he’d never get a job. So, to keep him involved in the process, I created a daily job for him in the form of a list. I called it the “Daily Seven List.”

The form for it is listed here. Basically, you list Seven Life Goals to work toward each day. Next you make a list of seven things to do like this:

1. Fill in the first seven list of the day.
2. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
3. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
4. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
5. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
6. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
7. Stop, smile, pat myself on the back and realize I have taken action toward my goals of Success. Results: Feel of control. Follow up needed: Start another list.

Finish those and make another seven items to attack. Do something all day long each day to get ready for your goals to be achieved and to find the work you desire. Be active, make a list of things to do, contacts to make, and ways to market yourself.”

Look toward a goal that you want and get moving toward it.

1. Fill in the next seven list of the day.
2. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
3. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
4. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
5. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
6. Item:___________Results:__________Follow-up:___________
7. Stop, smile, pat myself on the back and realize I have taken action toward my goals of Success. Results: Feel of control. Follow up needed: Start another list.

Finish those and make another seven items to attack. Do something all day long each day to get ready for your goals to be achieved and to find the work you desire. Be active, make a list of things to do, contacts to make, and ways to market yourself.”

Look toward a goal that you want and get moving toward it.

I DID mean to repeat the above. You have to do these things repeatedly to get to where you want to go.

Develop a Successful Rhythm to Prepare you For Success
Fourth – Keep Success Hours and Maintain a Successful Image

I insisted my son sleep regular hours and dress to be employed.
Dress – But why??? To find confidence in his appearance and the way it boosts the ability to act on a moment’s notice.

I insisted that he get a job of ANY kind while waiting for a job in his field. “Why?” he asked. “Because you need to get into the rhythm of working every day and once you are out and on your feet taking steps toward your goal, you can make contacts and enlarge your circle of influence, find leads and pretty soon you’ll be confident that you can do whatever you have to do to get where you want to go.”

Epilogue
My son employed these techniques. He developed a good resume and put it online. He acquired a job with a retail store in the mall. The second week he was employed, he was strolling through the mall during a lunch break. There was a booth set up selling web hosting and web creation. He stopped and talked to the owner. The owner asked for his resume. My son produced it immediately because he had it online by that time. The man hired him on the spot.

He worked there for several years. When this business went under due to some underhanded tactics of the owner, my son started working from home and acquired several of the accounts and began maintaining the websites and doing the hosting. And, because of this, during the time my grandson was a newborn, my son became “Mr. Mom” and took care of the baby and his older sister while working from home. I am very proud of my son and his success.

Things to Do When Business is Slow - Part II

Be Content & Be Thankful
Get your eyes off of yourself for a period each day
Make Tangible Reminders to Keep the Faith
Create Action Plans that will make you more efficient.

#1 – Be content with the situation and give thanks! The Bible (which is also my Manual for Life & Business) has guidelines for these times:

Philippians 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

To effect this in your life, be grateful and content both in attitude and in speech. My personal prayer is “God, my business is showing me a downtime. I can either be nervous and anxious, or I can be content and grateful. I watch in anticipation during this opportunity. I await clear direction from you. I am excited about the way my faith will be increased! These quiet times are excellent lessons for me to be sure you will show me you are attentive to me in my time of need. Direct my steps, Lord, and let me care for others less fortunate as much as myself. ”

#2 Get your eyes off of yourself for a period each day. Put some of your thoughts on the enhancement of another person’s situation.

Pick a notary to pray for each day you are worried about your own situation. Today, I am going to pray for three new notaries. First name initials are R, A, and C. At this moment my prayer is that “R, A, and C know that God has their best interest at heart and that He cares for them personally. Help them understand, God, that You will meet their needs in their business. More so, I pray they know You want them to know You, God.”

Pick a person who is not a notary to pray for. I am praying for two family members who have bigger problems than financial situations to look at.

Be encouraging in speech and in action. If you encourage another GUESS WHAT? You will encourage yourself!

#3 Make tangible reminders to keep your faith. Establish three visual reminders to keep you positive. For instance, try candles. Here is the purpose of three candles I have lit for today.

I am reminded:

FOCUS CANDLE: To Focus on Goals, Success, and to re-focus on others' needs as well.

CONTENTMENT CANDLE: To have much peace of mind, patience and gratitude for the slow time

ANTICIPATION AND ACTION CANDLE: To be content to wait, but to have anticipation of favorable situations & success on the horizon.

Act on your faith by getting prepared, organized and ready to work. Do not to waste a minute worrying on slow business days. Use every minute at your disposal to act in ways that that will propel you toward business success.

Put your faith in action by creating a momentum of productivity and get prepared for business to open up and start flowing.

PART III - In Anticipation of Success: Take Care of Loose Ends, Manage Life and Create Order

#1 – Establish Policies & Goals. Do you have a fee list, a list of business goals, a marketing plan? Work on these things.

#2 - Create Action Plans for being more efficient. This will help in making your operation run smoother and for restoring order to your life. While you are taking care of these checklists, acknowledge that you have faith this is going to make you prepared for busier times ahead.

Action Plan: The Car

Take care of recalls – put on your calendar
Inspection Sticker Renewal - – put on your calendar
Check State Registration Expiry – put on your calendar
Check the tires – put on the calendar for checking again
Change your oil – put on the calendar for changing again
Wiper Blades – change or put on the calendar as a reminder to check again.
Wash and detail the car.

Action Plan: The Office

Bookkeeping System Check
Catch up the filing
Refill Toner Cartridges
Re-bill the slow paying clients
Start preparing for tax time.
When does your cell phone contract expire – is there a cheaper way to do business?
List of supplies you need to re-stock.
Clean up your computer files
Back up your email.
When do your memberships come due?
Decide what memberships to renew.
Make a budget.
Envision your perfect work environment and make a list of what you need to do for it.

Action Plan: The Notary

Is it time for a check up? Schedule it.
Try daily walking for anxiety.
Drink water when you feel upset.
Make a list of ways to be pro-active.
Make a schedule of outfits to wear.
List what you need to purchase to extend your wardrobe
Look for buttons that need to be replaced/seams to be fixed.
Organize your closet.
Make a menu list with shopping lists.
Set up a schedule for keeping up with chores.
Catch up hand washables.
Catch up your laundry.
Clean the ceiling fans.

Action Plan: Marketing

Decide on a number of of Companies to Market Yourself to DAILY. Do it.
Follow up on these lists by making calls.

Action Plan: Schedule

Start a daily schedule for when there is little or no business and set aside time for your Action Plans.
Stick to it.

Action Plan: The Notary's Spirit
Encourage yourself with scripture. One of my favorite scriptures is

Proverbs 18:21: The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Watch what you say because your speech has a powerful affect on your life. If you think and speak negatively, you will kill your success. If you speak life into your success with words and thoughts of faith and with a positive attitude, you'll reap the rewards.

Look up scriptures about answered prayer.
Read them daily
Read them aloud
Write them down
Stay focused on the message
Believe what you read
When you have negative thoughts - remember what you have read and cancel out the negative thoughts with the message of your scripture reading.

EPILOGUE:

While I was finishing up this article, I was called on both lines for two assignments with companies that pay well and on time.

I feel by putting my faith in action, and sharing encouragement, God blesses my business and helps me to thrive as a self-employed person.

Reference Links from Acronymfinder.com

2005-01-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Notary Fringe Reference Links
THESE LINKS WERE LIBERATED FROM
Acronymfinder.com

1-language.com ESL Resource Center Links Directory
5 Star Support Links
A.Word.A.Day Links
A Research Guide for Students Virtual Library of Useful URLs
Aardvark's EFL Resources Dictionaries and Reference
Accent Technologies Resources
Angela Brett's ACRONYMS (A Crazy Roundup Of Nonsense You Must See)
AcroWizard acronym management tool by Anvil Logic
ALLIN1.com
armcor.com, Ltd Glossary of Government Contractor Terms
Author Helper Links
Bauq Online Reference Online Tools
BeTranslated Useful Links
Beaucoup! Reference/Language/Literature
Berkeley Digital Library SunSITE's Librarians' Index to the Internet
Beyond... The Black Stump Info Goldmine
Biblioscape General Reference
Booklovers Match-o-Matic Links
Britannica Internet Guide Award
CTS LanguageLink Related links
Cactus Language Language Links
Career Education
CargoLaw Reference Desk
Jess Carranza Links
Center for Democracy & Technology Links
Centre International d'Antibes Links & Partners
Don Clark's Library
Computer Currents Interactive (Acronym Finder was CCI's Link of the Week, 12/29/97)
Cyberwalker Computer info links
Noël Danjou Acronyms
Defense Daily Industry Links
Dictionary.com Reference
Ectaco, Inc. Electronic Dictionaries Education Links
Edinburgh Engineering Virtual Library
Education Index General Reference & Military Technologies Resources
English Ink Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
Equipped to Survive Other Interesting and Useful Links
Exploratorium Ten Cool Sites (November 1999)
ExpoWorld.net Event Research & Development Search Tools
Family Tree Magazine Site of the day, 9/20/2000
Flight Journal Aviation Links
Franson's Research Page
Freelance Writing Organization - International
Andrew Freeman's home page
Freeware Hall of Fame Acronyms
Free Pint Today's Tipple
Fusion Acronyms
Rover's Gay Acronyms
GISearch Friends
Globemaster US Military Aviation Database Abbreviation Search Engine
Glossarist
Glossary of IT Terms Other online Glossaries
Harrold's HTML Tutors, Tools'n Resources Links
HowStuffWorks Super Useful Tools
How To Universe
I Hate Computers (IH8PCS) Vol 5, No 30
INFOMINE at The Libraries of the University of California
InfoWorld Electric HotSites, January 26, 1998
Intellifact.com Business Research Portal
International Society for Measurement and Control (ISA) Links
Internet Library for Librarians Ready Reference
InternetOracle Online Glossaries
Internet Public Library Ready Reference Collection
Internet Scout Project Sep 18, 1998
Internets Language Databases & Library Databases
Italian Translation Service
Bob Jensen's Technology Glossary
KSFO's Web Wanderer Links for January 3, 1998
KY3 Bits and Bytes for October 14, 1998
Kansas State University Libraries Thesauri
Glenn Knapp's Master Menu Links
Knowledge Finder Acronyms & Terms
Knowledge Hound: the How-To Hunter Other Useful Sites
KnowPlay? Reference
LadyBug Communications Favorites
Lane Memorial Library (Hampton, NH) Dictionaries & Thesaurii
Learning Fountain Niches
LibrarySpot Acronyms page
Lingo24 Ltd Links
Linksgiving Weekly Link Award, Reference Dictionaries, Return Links
Miguel M. LLop Dictionaries
LockerGnome 3/2/99 and Week of 3/6/99
Cynthia Lockley Communications Tools for Writers
LogisticsWorld
Logo Links Learning and Reference
Marketingterms.com Internet Marketing Acronyms
Married to the Military
James Marshall's Canonical Abbreviation/Acronym List
Jim Martindale's Reference Desk Language Dictionaries
MatWeb Links
Michigan Electronic Library Acronyms and Abbreviations
Mike Mossman Acronyms
Mil-Spec Documentation, Inc. Links
Multinglés Links
My Virtual Reference Desk
NASA EOSDIS Acronym Finder
Naval Air System Command Logistics Related Links
NetLingo Acronyms & Shorthand
Office Support Services WebGrammar References
OneLook Dictionaries Dictionaries
OnlineBusiness.com Education & Reference
PC Magazine Online Top 100 Web Sites Reference
PC Magazine "Top 100 [undiscovered] Websites", Feb 2002
PC World Web Stars: Best of the Web, Feb 2004
Penn State Libraries Quick Reference
Franck Poupon's Aconymes Internet Anglais
Radian Translations Links
Resource Central Dictionaries
Rich's Web Design Acronyms
Romsey Associates Glossary
ScienceIQ.com Links
SCSI Planet SCSI Definitions
SearchBug Reference Acronyms
Search-It-All
SearchEngines.com additional resource links
Secret Hackers Society Acronym Site's Acronym Links
SIRS, Inc. Research & Writing links
SIGNAL Magazine (AFCEA) Information Resources
SiteOne's Useful Tools
Sniper Country Links
Software Quality Assurance Tester Reference & Resources Center Glossary
SpectraMedi Links
Stetson University Virtual Reference Desk
TechAdvice.com
TechTV TheScreenSavers Site of the Week
TechTV CallForHelp Site of the Week
Text Engineer Resources
Nigel Thomas' Alphabet Soup
THOR+ Virtual Reference Desk
Toronto Public Library West Region Staff Home Page
US Army STRICOM Other Web Sites
USA Today Hotsite for May 6, 2003
Ultimate Army Info
Uncle Fed's Tax Board Business Management Links
Universal Translations Links
University of Colorado at Boulder Libraries Military Information Resources & Periodicals
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Tools & Web sites
University of New Mexico Libraries Reference Tools
v-lex ltd External Search Engines
VirtualSchool's Search Tools
VPNAVY Glossary
WSBE Channel 36 Providence, RI Internet Search Tools
Wall Street ExecutiveLibrary.com Best of the Net
War Times Journal Research & Education
Waterloo Public Library Reading & Writing Tools
Web Developer's Virtual Library Internet Resources
WebFanatix Dictionary and Thesaurus Resources
Western Connecticut State University Libraries Ready Reference Dictionaries
Whizzle.net
Woody's Office Portal (WOPR) Search Page
WorldWideLearn Resources
World Wide Wolinsky Web Word Play
Writers Guild of America Research Links
Writing English
Xtant Medical Transcription Resources Dictionary & Abbreviations
Yet Another Acronym Server (YAAS)
YourDictionary.com

Digressions: Thank You to the One Who Finds My BAD Typos

2005-01-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

You know who you are!

I appreciate that you let me know I blundered by writing "I beginned" rather than to state "I began" in a previous blogging moment.

I assure you, it WAS carelessness--a mere oversight.

Any Texas Notary Publisher knows that the word "beginned" is used like this:

"I was out at the club too late last night. I vaguely remember singing into the dj's microphone while he was on break and...well... nevermind.

Clearly, I was beginned by the green Tanqueray bottle!"

Notary Minutia: Glad I Did Not Know This Sooner!

2005-01-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I spent some time calling a few companies I have not heard from in awhile.

One call would have stopped me from starting the business if I had known about it before. Glad I did not know this sooner!

In one call with my usual contact at a company located in Texas:

Me: Haven't heard from you folks in a while and wondered if I had done anything wrong, been replaced in my area, or if if there is any reason you guys had not called me lately?

Contact: Let me pull up your profile. No problem with you. Working with notaries in Texas is hard.

Me: How so?

Contact: The problem is in Texas you cannot close so many of the loans with a notary in a home and they have to go a title company, lender branch or an attorney to close the loan. I have two friends who have considered doing what you do. I have told them not to quit their day job to do it because they will not be able to make a living at it.

Me: Man, I am glad I did not know that a year ago! I do ok. Yes, I understand about HELOCs.

Contact: In fact, many lenders are requiring HELOCs be closed in Houston at a title company or lender branch. The bwrs have to drive to Houston, but you are not affected because of where you are located.

Me: Well, there are scary times when things are quiet, but I just keep looking for work by marketing and making calls.

Contact: Yes, and you're serious about this and have a background in real estate and do this full time according to your profile. You did not quit your day job and expect to work all the time like my friends have with no background in the business. [Note: My background r.e. legal secretary/mortgage processor.]

Me: Yes, and like I said, I am pretty busy marketing myself all the time. Obviously! I am on the phone with you right now asking questions.

Contact: For some reason, my girlfriends think that they can quit their day job and start working full time as a notary right off the bat. I told them, from my experience, you cannot.

Me: Well, this is all interesting and I appreciate what you have told me. Thanks for letting me know much about the way you see things.

Contact: Be sure that we call you every time we can. You have a good rating with us.

Me: Please do and thank you!
-------------

Epilogue: Especially for notaries starting the business:

(1) If you start the business, be ready to hang in there for 18-24 months to get enough clients built up to work for in order to make a go of it full time.

(2) Find a notary in your state to exchange good contacts with to help build your client base. Let the notary get to know you and your work product a little before you Refer one another.

(3) Develop a marketing plan and stick to it.

(4) Call your contacts and ask them what's going on in their world. Often they can tell you if there is something in the "pipeline" for you.

Thank you for indulging me in reading my articles. I enjoy writing very much. Even though I am not as talented as my published friends, Hugh Nations, or Laura Vestanen, I do enjoy being your humble correspondent!

Reporting in from the fringe of my Texas notary life,
Brenda Stone

Tips: Is the Print Here Too Small?

2005-01-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

Tips - Is the Print Here Too Small?
by Brenda Stone

If you find the print on your screen too small, here's something you can try:

Hold down the CTRL key, and with you mouse, roll the little roller on your mouse forward. The print should get larger for you. Roll it toward you to make it smaller.

If you don't have a mouse with a little roller, I am not sure how to fix it. It might be worth your while to invest in a new mouse for easier viewing.

If someone knows how to do this without the roller, email me at roller@texnotary.com.

Thanks!

Notary Minutia: Three Questions that Concern Me

2005-01-04T17:11:00.000-08:00

Notary Minutia: Three Questions That Concern Me
(Speaking from a Texas Perspective, of Course)
By Brenda Stone - "Notary Publisher"

Since I am from Texas, this article will use references from the educational materials provided from the Texas Secretary of State .

I am addressing the three questions posted regularly on notary forums about Acknowledgements and Jurats which give me reasons for concern from a Notary Signing Agent's perspective. (Note to other experienced notaries: I invite you to give your input a permanent home. Try writing a short article of this nature to go on NotaryDepot.com in the article section, or submit it to me and I will create a place for it. It will only take a minute and it will help new notaries. We can also use this type of an article to refer new notaries to. If you do this and let me know that you have submitted your article, I will give the article a link in my newsletter. Plus, in my newsletter, I will give you credit for writing the article when I refer to it, along with a link to your email and/or website.

Here are the three common questions that disturb me the most.

The reason these types of questions are so disturbing is because it shows that the notaries asking them have not become familiar with the educational materials which come with their notary commissions.

1-Which do I use--an acknowledgement or a jurat?
2-What's the correct wording?
3-How do I make one?

Which do I use--an acknowledgement or a jurat?

If a notary asks whether or not to use an acknowledgment or a jurat on a document it shows they have not read their state's notary rules. Why? Here is the answer in my state's notary rules:

MAY A NOTARY PUBLIC DETERMINE WHICH TYPE OF NOTARIAL CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO A DOCUMENT? No.

A Notary Public who is not an attorney should only complete a notarial certificate which is already on the document or type a certificate of the maker's choosing.

If a notary public is brought a document without a certificate and decides which certificate to attach, that notary public would be "practicing law."

However, a notary public is provided copies of sample notarial certificates with his or her notary commission.

A person for whom a notarization is performed may choose the notarial certificate, and the notary may add such certificate to the document.

What's the correct wording? How do I make one?

Please note, both of these questions can be answered from the educational materials. See the following forms which came with my Texas Notary Commission.

Form for Ordinary Certificate of Acknowledgment

State of Texas

County of _______________

Before me, (insert the name and character of the officer), on this day personally appeared ____________________, known to me (or proved to me on the oath of ______________ or through (description of identity card or other document)) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed.

Given under my hand and seal of office this __________ day of __________, (year).

_____________________
Notary Public's Signature

(Personalized Seal)

Short Form (For a natural person acting in his/her own right)

State of Texas
County of _______________

This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date) by (name or names of person or persons acknowledging).
______________________
Notary Public's Signature

(Personalized Seal)

Jurat
State of Texas
County of _______________

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the __________ day of _______________, (year), by (name of
signer).

______________________
Notary Public's Signature

(Personalized Seal)

Final Comments
Notary Depot provides a utility on its site for notaries to use to create acknowledgments.

(It's quite a nice little tool. Thank you, Joe! )

Overcoming Obstacles: Methods to My Madness

2005-01-01T07:54:00.000-08:00

Greetings and salutations for the happiest New Year of your life!

Last time I posted in the OO (Overcoming Obstacles) Ramblings, I said I would talk about a Method to My Madness.

The Method to My Madness involves staying focused and how all this writing that I do ties in together.

As I have told you previously, I have a single-minded determination which I believe serves me well and which is getting me to the end results I desire. It has been proven time and time again that if you want something badly enough you can acheive it given enough time to pursue it.

The problem is: Do you know where you want to go? I did not but after a good deal of self-study, I began to learn about beginning with the end in mind. (Sound familiar? It's because I have read and been coached in Stephen Covey's "7 Habits." You'll find more about the 7 Habits in a book called "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." )

Covey's Habit # 2 states: " Begin with the End in Mind. " Habit #2 teaches that successful people know that they must find a focal point in the future to move their purposes toward. You must determine your destination before you set out to get there.

WOW...It's the first of the year. A new start for the rest of your entire life. What better time to get into your own head and figure out what you want. I am not trying to boss you around, reader, but if you want to know how to get what you want out of life you are going to have to define what it is that YOU WANT.

And, in the meantime, drawing from an earlier Digressions article I wrote wherein I quoted a song by Sheryl Crowe "It's not having what you want - It's wanting what you've got." (Click Here to See CD ) . Get satisfied to be in a state of progress and on the way to reach your goals--don't be impatient or discouraged because the goals are not already acheived.

Thinking in terms of where you are going, consider writing a personal epitaph today. Not just for this year, but for the rest of your life. Once you know where you want your life to end up, you can then begin to work on goals to get you there.

If you will recall, I have earlier stated my Core Values. I call my values the "Tombstone List" because it made sense to me that I could arrive at these by a focus on what I wanted to do with the rest of my life through this exercise. (If you have trouble realizing what you want from life, or setting goals and getting them to come to fruition, I'd recommend that you look for this book at your local library, or purchase it for yourself: Living What Matter's Most - Hiram W. Smith . This is Smith's wonderful and helpful guide for recalibrating personal priorities and living according to your values.)

The word Epitaph is defined as a brief literary piece commemorating a deceased person. My focus for the rest of my life is currently clear because I created my Tombstone Wish List, aka, my Core Values-- my very own Epithaph.

Here, once again is my own list clearly stated and one which I review daily:

At the end of her life, Brenda strived to:

-Live a life that God approved of; and to be defined by God and not man. (Core Value #1)

-Love extravagantly; be an excellent mother; and, to support her children with her resources, her acceptance, approval and love. (Core Value #2)

-Be independent of others who were negative, toxic, and who were not supporting of her life and her goals and as a result received the desires of her heart in all things. (Core Value #3)

-Increase her knowledge daily, and never stopped learning. (Core Value #4)

-Live boldly, and to let others do the same without criticism from her. (Core Value #5)

Now, in order to fulfill these things, I must stay focused on how I want to be remembered, and to let nothing get me off of that course. And, what a better way to stay focused than by writing this blog entitled The Notary Fringe so that I can share it with other notaries.

Next time we talk, I will tell you about how you can create a focal point of success through Notes for a Good Ending,

Until then, I remain, your humble notary publisher
bringing you reports from the fringe of my notary life.

Brenda

Digressions: I will be a Sun Sponge Today

2004-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Memo to Self:

Hi Self...Great decision on choosing to be a sun sponge today!

You did a great job on not getting in a snit this morning because of something that meant a lot less than the energy you might have spent stewing over it. Kudos to you Ms. B.

You can either see the world through your own little human short view, or you can take the overview of the Almighty.

Brenda, everyday you have a choice. You can either turn your face to the sky and soak up a little sunshine, or you can be short-focused and look at moldy old problems you probably cannot do a heck of a lot about anyhow. Choice is a wonderful thing! It's up to you. There is so much to be happy about...be thankful for the fact that you are not in Indonesia, if nothing else.

Yep...lot's of folks will think this is a mighty big chunk of self-involved backpatting and hoorahs, but they are the same kind of folks you should continue to ignore.

They are the ones who would be your maginifying glass to bring your focus to the gray and dark areas of the so-called failures in your life. You see them as educational experiences...others would hope you be inhibited by obsessively assessing your flaws.

I say let's whip out the headphones, slap a good CD into the computer and sing along. In fact, let's dress up the dog in a red bandana!

Life is good. You're kind of a fun gal, Brenda. What about this: Let's just take a moment to sing indulgently, childishly and loud enough with your headphones on so that Miss Dog goes off to the bedroom in a huff.

"Soak Up The Sun"
Sheryl Crow

My friend the communist
Holds meetings in his RV
I can't afford his gas
So I'm stuck here watching TV
I don't have digital
I don't have diddly squat
It's not having what you want
It's wanting what you've got

[CHORUS:]
I'm gonna soak up the sun
Gonna tell everyone
To lighten up (I'm gonna tell 'em that)
I've got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame
I'm looking up o I'm gonna soak up the sun
I'm gonna soak up the sun
I've got a crummy job
It don't pay near enough
To buy the things it takes
To win me some of your love
Every time I turn around
I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do
Maybe i am crazy too

[CHORUS]

I'm gonna soak up the sun
While it's still free
I'm gonna soak up the sun
Before it goes out on me
Don't have no master suite
***I'm still the king of me****

You have a fancy ride, but baby
I'm the one who has the key
Every time I turn around
I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do
Maybe I am crazy too

[CHORUS]

I'm gonna soak up the sun
Got my 45 on
So I can rock on.

-----------------------------
Memo to Readers:

If you got this far...be responsible for your own happiness and toot your own horn today!

Digressions: Silly things we say

2004-12-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

I'll get back to my thoughts on getting a life back together again, but, I digress!

This is about the silly things families say...

-Non-cursing-
Daddy: God Bless America and all the little countries underneath her.
Uncle Bill: Mother Goose
Brenda: Mother Ritchkey
A Cousin, Kelly: Good gosh Nina Pope!

-Sarcasm & Silly-
Son - Rob: Oh Goody Gumdrops.
Me: "...but I hope to play one on tv someday."
Gary: "I don't know what it is, but I want my picture taken with it."

-Question/Silly Answer-
QUESTION - Me, as a Child: Where are we going?
ANSWER - Aunt Jo Ann: To Whaleypecker to get a load of rice.

QUESTION - Me, as a Child: What for??
ANSWER - Grandma: Cats fur to make kitten's britches.

-Silly Questions-
My grandfather (I called him Bob) always liked to call his hunting buddies around 8 pm in the evenings. He'd always start his phone calls with:
"Mr. Stewart, Are you sober???"

-Silly Reasons-
After my kids were old enough to understand what married meant, when they'd do something they could laugh at themselves for, I'd say:
"You see the way you are!!! That's why you are not married!."

Guess what those same kids say to me when I pull a "stunt."

Digressions: Link to TexNotary Newsletter for 12/26/04

2004-12-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

December 26, 2004 - TexNotary Newsletter

It's out folks - Whew!
I had a lot to paste together and get online before tomorrow's busy week.

God Bless You All! I hope your holiday was as wonderful as mine was.

Signing off for the night...

Your Humble Notary Correspondent Connecting you to the "Outside"
(Whatever that means!)
Brenda Stone - Writing from The Notary Fringe

Overcoming Obstacles: Developing a Realistic Mental Self-Image

2004-12-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

Last Time, I went through some personal observations on the road I took back to being "alive."

-I cannot do everything or be everything to everybody.----I have to be willing to make choices and sacrifice.----I have learned to be like "Teflon" and never let the negative "crap" stick.----I have to be determined and persevere.----I have realized outside of God's Grace, which is freely given, and the love every child deserves, we have no entitlement to anything else----it must be earned.----I might never be able to achieve the "mental image" of myself which I was before I set my goals.---- What others say or think about me is irrelevant.

Now, I want to share my thoughts on taming the Mental Self-Image.

I developed a revised mental self-image for myself.

Why was this necessary? Because my old mental self-image was conflicting with the core values that I found myself possessing after the death of my husband in 1999.
----------------
Here is what I think about self-image.

We start out with self-images which we derive from the social climate we live in, or in the dreams we build for ourselves as children. Southern women my age generally think of being
-a perfect homemaker
-a stylish wife and mother with big hair and salon painted toenails
-a wonderful career attainer who sets the same aside to be a stay at home mom
-a Bible study leader
-an accomplished entertainer and party-giver

In order to get on down the road, I have had to abandon some of my former self-imaging concepts and to renew an image more compatible with my true core values.

Otherwise, I was conflicted in what I did with my time.

For instance, I had to drop the fantasy of being a wife at this juncture in my life.

I am a fun loving person who enjoys people, and in particular I enjoy the company of men.

I never saw myself as living out my 40's without a significant other. If all goes right for me, perhaps by the time I am 50 I will be able to re-engage that part of my life--but, only after I achieve the goals I have set for myself.

In November of 2002, I started dating a grad student who lives near me.

The first thing you know, he was telling me what I needed to do with a piece of rental property I owned. And his advice was not bad. However, his advice was not something I felt was within my scope of ability without his help and I was not ready to hand over my fragile independence.

Next, he gave me his point of view on whether or not time spent going "out" was valuable in the big scope of things. Based on where I wanted to go with my life, I did not have the time to invest in much going out to the local fun places so plentiful in a college town.

I do go out on occasion, but regular dance club attendance is not something that I care to do, or to devote my time to.

I love to go out and be with people, but I cannot afford the investment of my time into it.

(Don't get me wrong, this person is a very nice man.

For those of you who are confused by the term "student" and may think I was robbing a cradle, this student was actually was only a few years younger than me. Five to be exact, and the same age as my late husband. I admired his wish to return to school, however, our goals did not run parallel to one another. )

It took me exactly five weeks to realize that the problems of a relationship would side-track me from my goals of independence. So, I had a choice.

I could either continue to involve myself in that relationship that would cause me to have to
reassert myself constantly remind him of MY goals, or I could get back on track and remain focused. I chose the latter.

Why is because I have a single-minded focus that I protect and I do not intend to let others steal away from me.

If I am going to meet my goals, I cannot make compromises with others at this stage in my life. I think it's a good thing that I recognize this and do not want it "all" while running roughshod over the life of another person.

As I go along in my endeavors of creating wealth and independence, I receive a lot of negative feedback, and a lot of backhanded compliments. The old Brenda who was a city manager's wife who had to give thought to the opinions of others would be crushed. Especially so without my husband by my side to tell me that I should not be hurt, or put off by the kind of remarks many negative people seem to live to speak.

For some, helpful hints and advice given without solicitation, and critical commentary shrouded in "helpfulness" is what they live for.

Take note: The new and improved model "BrendaTx" does not give a rat's tail.

I have a single-minded determination that I believe serves me well and which will get me to the end results I desire.

I devote my time to writing and working on marketing myself and my notary business.

Though I look like a business professional when I do loan signings, I have stopped worrying so much about trends and fashion and fall back on classics. I spend my extra dollars on advertising, marketing, and technology upgrades.

Had I not defined what was important to me at the time my husband died, my mental self-images would have conflicted drastically with what I really wanted from life. Therefore, my tombstone could possibly have ultimately read:

-Brenda strived to please everyone else and felt angry and hurt all the time.

-She was worried about being "alone" so she married so many times she lost count and made every husband's life a living hell.

-She felt threatened when others did not agree with her, or chose to see things differently from her, so she stayed mad a lot.

-She never met a dust bunny that she'd let stay in her house and resented every minute she spent cleaning house.

-Appearances were everything to her.

-She invested in status, style and fashion and came up empty-handed.

-She never learned the art of spending time alone because her worth came from the validation of others. Therefore, she was always miserable.

-She was a very unhappy woman who blamed every bad thing that happened to her on everyone else.

-She became a very negative and critical person in the final result.

She was an uptight, mean old lady who was uncomfortable in her own skin, and we don't miss her at all! Good Riddance!

Next time - "A Method to My Madness...(I think)"

Until then, I remain...

Your humble correspondent,
Brenda Stone
Writing from "The Notary Fringe"

Overcoming Obstacles: Short Book Review - "Nasty People"

2004-12-26T18:25:00.000-08:00

Nasty People by Jay Carter.

Sometimes, NSAs feel bullied by those that hire them and the ones they interact with on forums. Added stress, when getting through a period of depression, or through a time of grief is caused by people we love, or even those we briefly encounter in a day.

One Book I have found to be rather helpful is Nasty People by Carter, Jay. At Overstock.com it's only $6.93.

At Overstock.com , I have submitted the following Review:

"This is a positively wonderful book for those who feel bullied by family, friends, or co-workers. If people make you feel "funky" this could be the book to help you see through the fog (Fog, Obligation, Guilt) that is often spread by unhappy people. I highly recommend this easy, short read! " Brenda - College Station, Texas USA.

Overcoming Obstacles: Observations to Keep Me Steady

2004-12-26T17:48:00.000-08:00

Last time, I told you that I decided to work on my goals for earning financial support and they were:

My #1 Goal is Self-Employment.
My #2 Goal is to be self-employed in a job, or jobs, that I enjoy.
My#3 Goal is to earn a certain amount of assets and regular income by a certain date .
-------------------------
In this entry I will talk about

Critical Personal Observations

Still Interested? Read on...
-------------------------

Through setting my goals above, I made critical personal observations I believe to be the way I am achieving the success I desire.

And, I realized part of that personal observation would be to shed some incorrect thinking.

Observations

Quickly stated, here are my Goal Related Observations for Achieving Life Satisfaction.

Observations:

-I cannot do everything or be everything to everybody.

-I have to be willing to make choices and sacrifice.

-I have learned to be like "Teflon" and never let the negative "crap" stick.

-I have to be determined and persevere.

-I have realized outside of God's Grace which is freely given, and the love every child deserves, we have no entitlement to anything else--it must be earned.

-I might never be able to achieve the "mental image" of myself which I was before I set my goals.

- What others say or think about me is irrelevant.

Next Time - Developing a Realistic Mental Self-Image

My next post will involve reconciling my Core Values (Tombstone List) with a new set of goals to a Realistic Mental Self-Image.

Until then...take care...

Your humble correspondent,
Brenda Stone
Writing from "The Notary Fringe"

Overcoming Obstacles: Defining Moment

2004-12-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

This entry into the blog covers a defining moment in my life. Out of this occurence came my business and the reason I defined my values and set goals to get to where I wanted to go...

Defining My Values & Setting My Goals.

In 1999, I lost my husband. He was a city manager of a small Texas town.

I was absolutely devastated by his death. Yet, life must go on!

During the weeks and months following his death, I realized that it was totally up to me to make my life work for me again.

It was up to me to fulfill my own goals and to gain peace of mind and satisfaction with my life. I started the process of doing that, but it probably took a good two years to work through all the garbage that fell upon me when my husband's death took place. By the third year, it got better, and by the fourth year, I began to feel human again. As I closed in on year five this Thanksgiving, I realized it was time to do everything I could to share my good fortune of "coming back."

Lots of folks contributed to my recovery. One who comes to mind right now is my Aunt Jo Ann.

After losing my husband, my Aunt Jo Ann (another widow) said to me "I know just how you feel. After your uncle died, out of all the things I missed, the thing I missed the most was my mind!"

There's more to this story which I might publish one of these days, however, to get back to the topic at hand which is how I recognized my values and defined my goals:

Be Determined: I Will Never Give Up

Probably about 100 plus times after that fateful Sunday night after our Thanksgiving Holiday in November of 1999 I sat down with a pen and paper to figure out where I was going to go from that point to get on with my life.

Some people have to try to quit smoking many, many times before they finally quit. For me, I had to work hard to get my life back together.

The main point to remember here is that I never gave up.

Gain Control
I started out right from the moment I realized Gary was dead and assessed the situation. The first thing you have to do after a disaster is to gain control and assess the damage and the assets you have left to work with. I shunned and eschewed victim thinking! I got control over my life.

Count Your Blessing (While Assessing the Damage)
Next, count your blessings. Yes, I had lost a wonderful part of my life but I looked for the lessons to be learned and for the silver lining that I could find from it.

I recognized right away that as a result of Gary's death, good or bad, I was the only one calling the shots.

Establish a Can-Do Attitude
I had two choices to choose my perceptions from:
(1) being in charge of my life, or
(2) being a victim.

Left widowed, I could either see it as an opportunity, or a victimization.

Either I was totally in control of my life, and would say to myself "Ah...but it's good to be Queen!"

or

I could view my situation as a victim of circumstance.

(Quick note: My husband was a very humble man, and he used a lot of humor in his way of communicating. For sure, Gary never elevated his own importance above that of others. But to give him credit for one of the things that helped me to move on, I affectionately use one of the funny little things my husband said privately to me once "Ah...but, it's good to be King!")

If I had employed a victim's attitude, I would have said "Woe is me!! Poor me!!!" Rather, I made a choice to live the rest of my life and to live it well. I assessed what I had to work with and moved forward.

Then, the Next Question - where was I going?
It was a hard time, to be sure, but I used a technique I learned in a seminar I once attended. I call it the "Tombstone List"

Unfortunately, graves and death were a part of my thinking at the time, but those very points helped me to focus on my personal Tombstone List. I knew all the wonderful things that people said about my husband at his funeral and in the months afterward.

I decided to think on what I want to list on an imaginary tombstone which would be erected at my own grave when the time came. From this, I figured out the my core values of my life and it made me sure of where I am going with my actions, time, and resources. I don't have to stop and argue with myself.

My personal Tombstone List can be summed up in five things which are really what are more commonly known as "Core Values." Hopefully, at the end of my life, these things can be said about me:

Brenda strived to:

-Live a life that God approved of; and to be defined by God and not man. (Core Value #1)

-Love extravagantly; be an excellent mother; and, to support her children with her resources, her acceptance, approval and love. (Core Value #2)

-Be independent of others who were negative, toxic, and who were not supporting of her life and her goals and as a result received the desires of her heart in all things. (Core Value #3)

-Increase her knowledge daily, and never stopped learning. (Core Value #4)

-Live boldly, and to let others do the same without criticism from her. (Core Value #5)

Hold to Your Purpose
Once this list was created, I knew where I wanted my heart's true desires to lead me. I also knew how to prepare for where I planned for my life to go. I had to chart a course and get cracking. Admittedly, some days I cracked more forcefully than others. Some days I did not get out of bed.

Some days I wished I was dead, but I remained alive and willing to wrestle through it all. I realized I had a purpose and a set of values that were going to take me through life. This is undoubtedly one of the tender mercies from God who provided me with the wisdom to do that which gave me hope.

Crazy as it may seem, but using the Tombstone List created a new lease on life for me. I am not afraid of death, so the idea of a tombstone has no bearing on my mood. The technique worked well for me.

By generating my core values and writing them down, I took on a new way of looking at things and my whole life improved. I was able to work at the grief, stumble through the cloud of depression with a reason to persevere, and it also worked to reduce the affects of the remnants of old baggage from my entire life. I forced myself to focus forward, and not to look backward.

Purpose is Established: Ask: How will I get there?

From the exercise of creating my own Tombstone List, I realized the best way to be able to pursue what I enjoy is to be self-employed. Satisfactory self-employment would be the vehicle that would get me to the place I wanted to be in fifty years or so.

Hence, self-employment has become my major life drive. I seek it unswervingly, incessantly, and with unwavering determination.

And, as much as I enjoy being an NSA, here's a little insider info on me:

My NSA work is the largest one contributor at present to my income, but I have other methods of working at home that helps acheive my financial goals and I am watching them grow.

I like being an NSA because it does get me out to be around people just the right amount that pleases me. And, I love doing it because I am good at it.

However, I seek other means of income which I can do from my own home and which match my core values. I will write more on this later.

From much meditation on the way life is, and how I could get to where I wanted to be, I have determined that I will do whatever it takes to reach my income goals as long as it allows for me to live within the boundaries of the five Core Value items listed above.

After creating a list of my core values that defined me, and to point me to walk through my life so that I can be remembered as I wish to be, I had to do what we all do: Determine how to to support myself financially to be able to live the life I want to live.

So, I decided to work on my goals for earning financial support. Here's what I came up with:

My #1 Goal is Self-Employment.
My #2 Goal is to be self-employed in a job, or jobs, that I enjoy.
My #3 Goal is to earn a certain amount of assets and regular income by a certain date .

Next time:

Observations to Keep Me Steady

Until then...take care, Brenda

Overcoming Obstacles: Who is BrendaTx?

2004-12-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

From Brenda Stone - TexNotary.com

What you will find here is is a little bit about me:
- who I am
- insight into my personal life and what motivates me
- where I am going with my business, and
- how I have decided on my course of action and business goals

As you probably know, this notary's name is Brenda Stone, and I am a Notary Signing Agent in the Bryan & College Station, Texas area.

I have a dog I think is great. I grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast.

My background that brought me to being an NSA is from being a legal secretary for a probate and real estate lawyer. I also have mortgage processing experience. And, my mom and step-dad were small developers when I was growing up. I spent more summer days at title companies than I could hardly stand back then. (If only I had that opportunity now!)

Also, you may know that I have a few websites:
1 TexNotary.com
2 Texas Signing Agent
3 Affidavit Notary Direct

Two of my three grown children have websites.

Jason's is Texas Network Solutions. He's a self-employed guy in addition to being a regular employee.

Rob's website is a personal website: RobMunson.net. It shows pictures of all my grandchildren: Skyler, Brent and Camron.

Steve does not have a website yet, but he does have an email. I suspect he'd appreciate it if I did not publish that, so we'll move along now.

The next entry into this blog is a little bit about the way I have come to make some of the decisions I have about my business.

In the next entry I discuss:

Defining my Core Values

Setting my Business Goals

December 26 2004 - Welcome!

2004-12-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers -

This part of my newsletter & blog will offer a more personal side of me. It will not be as regular as the other blog. It may be more regular, may be written on daily, or may become defunct.

Hopefully, it will become a regular part of my newsletter writing.

To check it regularly, you can set a bookmark for this blog here:

http://brendatx.blogspot.com

Thank you for visiting this blog.

Sincerely,
Brenda Stone
Texas Notary Public
TexNotary.com