I LOVE the apartment I just found for my tour. I just sent a request for information hoping that they will allow children and that they can arrange the rental of a crib for the babes. The kitchen ROCKS!!!! The location ROCKS!!!!!!! The price is AWESOME!!!!!!!!! (even with the exchange rate!!!!)
I am so jazzed! I was going to wait to move forward with anything until I heard from my Paris contact, but I realized today that I don't need someone there to be my contact. It would be awesome, but it's not necessary. Anyway, if it doesn't work out with her, there are plenty of people living in Paris looking to get paid for exactly what I'm looking for in an on-the-ground person. I just really want this gal. I like her style, I like her writing, I thing she's got a good heart and will lead us in the direction that I'm hoping to take this tour.
I'm building an empire here, people. One baby-nap at a time. Come hell or high water, I'm doing this tour Marsh 22-26, 2010. It's about God damned time!!!!!!
YAY YAY YAY YAY!!!!!
My obsessions with food and France have led me to this. It's not my fault.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Baby steps feel like giant strides: and Cockamay Inc.
After making my list yesterday, I confirmed that I now have a nanny/assistant for the tour, e-mailed my Paris contact to confirm that the dates I have selected work for her and started an FMT "Official" web page. I put that entre guillemet because I will be creating an actual web site, for which I already own the domain, in the near future. I hope to be able to afford some (very) basic help from a PR firm with logo creation and web design. Until then, I will be compiling information and content, and posting tour information on that blog. This is that site's sole purpose.
The site is: thefoodmindedtraveler.wordpress.com
I decided to go to wordpress because they have web hosting and you can get it in the cheap. It also seems like it may be easier and more stylish than what I am currently getting with GoDaddy. At least if I have to resort to creating my own site and managing everything on it, I will have something that's good looking, albeit not my ideal site. That will come after this first tour is under my belt and I have something to go to bank with.
How about this for a company name; Cockamamy Inc. This will be the parent company of all my little businesses that I will eventually have running... my tours, my book, my TV production company for my TV show, my jewelry, truffles, you name it. I look at the company name as a thumb to the nose to all of the people that ever made me second guess myself and my myriad of business ideas over the years (including me).
OK, time to pick up the house a bit. My mom is on her way to pick up the baby so I can go off to my day job and serve the people. I feel like quoting Bill Cosby right now;
"Grab a Coke and a smile and SHUT UP!"
Feeling good. Feeling proud
The site is: thefoodmindedtraveler.wordpress.com
I decided to go to wordpress because they have web hosting and you can get it in the cheap. It also seems like it may be easier and more stylish than what I am currently getting with GoDaddy. At least if I have to resort to creating my own site and managing everything on it, I will have something that's good looking, albeit not my ideal site. That will come after this first tour is under my belt and I have something to go to bank with.
How about this for a company name; Cockamamy Inc. This will be the parent company of all my little businesses that I will eventually have running... my tours, my book, my TV production company for my TV show, my jewelry, truffles, you name it. I look at the company name as a thumb to the nose to all of the people that ever made me second guess myself and my myriad of business ideas over the years (including me).
OK, time to pick up the house a bit. My mom is on her way to pick up the baby so I can go off to my day job and serve the people. I feel like quoting Bill Cosby right now;
"Grab a Coke and a smile and SHUT UP!"
Feeling good. Feeling proud
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Order of Things and Ripping off a Band-Aid one arm hair at a time
The order of things:
Set a tour date: ~ March 22 - 26, 2010
Confirm with Meg that this will work for her ~ e-mail sent 8/28/09
Nail down budget ~ Aiming for $2500 USD
Write a sponsorship proposal ~ going to: PP, Portalis,
Get Money!
Check out Savor's PR firm ~ do they create logos/advertising materials?
Create web presence and start advertising!!!
Set up Pay Pal account
Lock in Jenn or other child care assistant
Buy plane tickets
Define duties for Meg ~ note: have Metro guides mailed to her house in Paris (order from amazon.fr or Gilbertjaune.fr)
Select Paris apartment and book it!!
Set tour schedule
Book book book people!!!!
GO!!!
_________________________________
Follow Through: to see a project through to completion.
Remember: It's not what people say but what they do that counts.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Looking out for me
Someone is. "They've" gotta be.
I went on a walk today with the baby and found myself out at The Ballard Locks. It's a small park with big old trees, the locks (of course) and a small road that makes just one loop around the grounds. I decided to follow my nose around that loop just one time and then move on. Just as I was finishing my turn, I passed a smiley blond woman, with two teacup versions of some kind of dog, as she bopped up the hill. We smiled and she asked jokingly,
"How many times are you going around?".
I said, "I don't know. How many are you?"
"Eight!" she proclaimed.
To that I said, "Sounds good. Let's do it." And on we went on our opposing laps.
As we approached each other at the half way point, she asked if she could join me. And so she did. She was sweet and chatty. She told me about her business (home appraising) and the long path she took to find herself where she is today; moved from California to get sober, met her husband in AA, waited tables, managed restaurants. Now, on top of her business, she sponsors people in her AA group and teaches spinning classes at her, and other gyms.
Long story short, except for asking her questions, I really kept my mouth shut and let her talk. She was hitting on every sore spot I have right now; insecurity, sloth, fear of failure, and worse, fear of success. She was like an angel. A perky, recovering addict, dog-walking, inspirational angel. I kept asking myself things like, "Where did she come from?" and, "Those who don't know, speak. Those who know, don't."
She hugged me when we parted ways. We swapped phone numbers and are meeting for another eight laps next Tuesday. I'm to report a business-related accomplishment when we meet. Nothing in particular. Just something.
I like that.
To top it off, I got a great workout out of it. Feel the burn!!
______________
I had a new idea for the tour today. Scavenger hunt in Paris at the end of which I will have prepared a great meal and will serve bubbles.
Workin' it out. Workin' it out.
______________
A word of advice to parents: no matter how much your baby wants to be held while you are making them a bottle, PUT THE CHILD DOWN if you have to open a new can of formula. Those lids are razor sharp and it's impossible to peel back the lid with only one hand.
If you'll excuse me now. I need to go change the dressing.
I went on a walk today with the baby and found myself out at The Ballard Locks. It's a small park with big old trees, the locks (of course) and a small road that makes just one loop around the grounds. I decided to follow my nose around that loop just one time and then move on. Just as I was finishing my turn, I passed a smiley blond woman, with two teacup versions of some kind of dog, as she bopped up the hill. We smiled and she asked jokingly,
"How many times are you going around?".
I said, "I don't know. How many are you?"
"Eight!" she proclaimed.
To that I said, "Sounds good. Let's do it." And on we went on our opposing laps.
As we approached each other at the half way point, she asked if she could join me. And so she did. She was sweet and chatty. She told me about her business (home appraising) and the long path she took to find herself where she is today; moved from California to get sober, met her husband in AA, waited tables, managed restaurants. Now, on top of her business, she sponsors people in her AA group and teaches spinning classes at her, and other gyms.
Long story short, except for asking her questions, I really kept my mouth shut and let her talk. She was hitting on every sore spot I have right now; insecurity, sloth, fear of failure, and worse, fear of success. She was like an angel. A perky, recovering addict, dog-walking, inspirational angel. I kept asking myself things like, "Where did she come from?" and, "Those who don't know, speak. Those who know, don't."
She hugged me when we parted ways. We swapped phone numbers and are meeting for another eight laps next Tuesday. I'm to report a business-related accomplishment when we meet. Nothing in particular. Just something.
I like that.
To top it off, I got a great workout out of it. Feel the burn!!
______________
I had a new idea for the tour today. Scavenger hunt in Paris at the end of which I will have prepared a great meal and will serve bubbles.
Workin' it out. Workin' it out.
______________
A word of advice to parents: no matter how much your baby wants to be held while you are making them a bottle, PUT THE CHILD DOWN if you have to open a new can of formula. Those lids are razor sharp and it's impossible to peel back the lid with only one hand.
If you'll excuse me now. I need to go change the dressing.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Missing a place / One happy mama
Sometimes I'm confused as to why I miss a place so much. It's a place just like any other, in some ways. People live there. They wake up, like I do, every day. They do their shopping. Laundry. Go to work and cook their dinner, just like I do. But there is something about Paris that draws me in, like millions of other people.
A select few are very lucky to have figured out how to be there on a permanent basis and do for a living what I only dream of doing; live, eat, and learn about the mythical Paris only to write about those experiences... and get paid for it!
Someday.
I had, as Oprah would call it, an "Ah Hah" moment this week. If hurt feelings or any kind of familial unease are a byproduct of my parenting decisions, then so be it. I must follow my gut where my daughter is concerned. I absolutely must remember that I am the mommy... "Oh my God! I'm the mommy!!" (to quote Mad About You)
Fâmega anyone?
On a side note; I had been planning on going to see the movie Julie & Julia during its opening weekend for about a month now. I expected to go on my own, just to see a flick that I was excited about. But it turned out to be 'Friday night with the girls on opening night of a flick I was excited about'. Tickets were pre-purchased and plans were made, but plans fell through. Mom was sick and she couldn't watch the baby. Oh well.
I'll tell you though, I would rather have no other company than that of my beautiful daughter on any night of the week. She is absolutely the most beautiful creature on the face of this earth. There is no better way to spend a Friday night than with her. The movie will be there for years to come. These precious moments of my baby's life will never happen again. I will be pleased, thankful, honored and proud to say that I was with her for them.
A select few are very lucky to have figured out how to be there on a permanent basis and do for a living what I only dream of doing; live, eat, and learn about the mythical Paris only to write about those experiences... and get paid for it!
Someday.
I had, as Oprah would call it, an "Ah Hah" moment this week. If hurt feelings or any kind of familial unease are a byproduct of my parenting decisions, then so be it. I must follow my gut where my daughter is concerned. I absolutely must remember that I am the mommy... "Oh my God! I'm the mommy!!" (to quote Mad About You)
Fâmega anyone?
On a side note; I had been planning on going to see the movie Julie & Julia during its opening weekend for about a month now. I expected to go on my own, just to see a flick that I was excited about. But it turned out to be 'Friday night with the girls on opening night of a flick I was excited about'. Tickets were pre-purchased and plans were made, but plans fell through. Mom was sick and she couldn't watch the baby. Oh well.
I'll tell you though, I would rather have no other company than that of my beautiful daughter on any night of the week. She is absolutely the most beautiful creature on the face of this earth. There is no better way to spend a Friday night than with her. The movie will be there for years to come. These precious moments of my baby's life will never happen again. I will be pleased, thankful, honored and proud to say that I was with her for them.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Great news!!
I e-mailed Meg Zimbeck a couple of days ago and we are already communicating about my tours and her involvement in them!!!!
Very encouraging.
Very encouraging.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Pulling it together
I've sent an e-mail to Meg Zimbeck, one of the food and travel writers that I have been following. I saw on her web site that she guides tours! How cool is that?! I am hoping that I can start up a relationship either with her or someone that she may suggest to be my 'on the ground' person in Paris with whom I can work to create great culinary tours.
Here's hoping.
I was also thinking that because she works for Budget Travel that I can approach them for sponsorship. Why not, right? All they can say is no, and if they do I will ask them what they are looking for so that I can make my site and services more appealing to advertisers.
Before I forget, I need to remember to contact Greg Hancock about advertising, both hints as to what I should do to attract advertisers and how much it would be to advertise in Parade and/or get FMT in the mind(s) of their editors in hopes to get some free PR.
Also, Angela Shin's PR firm. Speak to them about promoting FMT.
Aden Ryan about web development.
Shawguides.com as a 'how not to look' page. Sorry Shaw Guides...
This is becoming a brain dump and needs to go in my work files.
The thing I am beginning to realize is that I have no follow through. This, I think, is my only major hurdle that I need to overcome. I have everything else in place, except money, but that'll come. I have a great idea and tons of experience to support it. There is no reason that I can't do my first tour in the fall of 2010, or even in April of 2010.
Absolutely no reason.
Here's hoping.
I was also thinking that because she works for Budget Travel that I can approach them for sponsorship. Why not, right? All they can say is no, and if they do I will ask them what they are looking for so that I can make my site and services more appealing to advertisers.
Before I forget, I need to remember to contact Greg Hancock about advertising, both hints as to what I should do to attract advertisers and how much it would be to advertise in Parade and/or get FMT in the mind(s) of their editors in hopes to get some free PR.
Also, Angela Shin's PR firm. Speak to them about promoting FMT.
Aden Ryan about web development.
Shawguides.com as a 'how not to look' page. Sorry Shaw Guides...
This is becoming a brain dump and needs to go in my work files.
The thing I am beginning to realize is that I have no follow through. This, I think, is my only major hurdle that I need to overcome. I have everything else in place, except money, but that'll come. I have a great idea and tons of experience to support it. There is no reason that I can't do my first tour in the fall of 2010, or even in April of 2010.
Absolutely no reason.
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