VOL - What is that?

VOL stands for Virtual Online Learning.com. And what is that? VOL is a wonderful group of successful people who have made the decision that learning never stops no matter how old we become. There is always something new to learn. Always something we can improve or change to make better. Kudos go to Danna Crawford for starting the group. She'll be your biggest cheerleader!


We are all business people of all ages and from around the world who come together in a virtual classroom and learn from each other stuff related to the internet. Most of it relates to how to improve our eBay businesses but any business that has a website online can benefit from this group.


What I personally like about it best is the fact that its all inclusive and Deaf friendly! I am Deaf but I'm still welcomed and can participate. Yes, all the classes are done via talking over the phone or via the computer speakers but most (if not all) also come with a PP (powerpoint) slide presentation and the leaders take the time to transcribe their notes for me (and anyone else who requests written transcripts).


I am very blessed to be a part of this group. I invite you to come join us and I invite you to do it soon as I have seen that the fee is going to go UP January 1. This is a one time life time fee and a real deal! Don't delay. If you have a business, it is required that you continue to learn from others. Don't waste time figuring it out yourself when you can have mentors who are able and willing to answer your questions 24/7. Make wise use of your time! See you on the VOL boards!

Out of Touch

Isn't it interesting how we get into routines and then just as quickly, we get out of them again? I know I was blogging pretty faithfully last year but I can't even remember what happened... but something did and I got distracted and simply just forgot to blog. I have to relearn how to do this again. I even struggled to remember my password to get in here!


Blame it on old brain cells or lack of interest and motivation? Probably both. I know this is my first blog post this year so far. I know my blogs were in the "dead" zone because I was getting constant spam messages in the comments. I have since changed my settings. I apologize for the inconvenience for having to figure out what all those bunched up letters and numbers are to leave a comment but they do cut down on spam.


So... what is new with me since last fall? I'm thinking...


My life is pretty stable...always has been. I pretty much stay the same year after year without making major changes but more like baby steps. I am still working on eBay and I'm still a "Power Seller" although they have now changed that term to "Top Rated Seller". Just got my certificate in the mail this week which is hanging on my eBay hall of fame door. Hey... I got several new consignment clients the past few months too! They keep my inventory fresh and varied.


Business is also stable... not getting rich but enough to pay the bills and have a little left over for "stuff" - mostly to pay for stuff related to our kids. We have one kid graduating from high school this May so that means we will be having an "Open House" for him this summer. I guess that will be my summer project and motivate me to do things to improve the inside and outside of the house.


I'm still involved with Deaf Cafe which went through some rough ups and downs the past 6 months or so. What a ride that was but God provides for our needs, as always and we give Him an applause of praise and thanksgiving.


My husband is still working for Delta/NW so I still do a little bit of traveling.. not as much as I wish but we go as we are able. I was in Wash DC/VA area a week ago and it was good to force me to get out of town. Sometimes traveling is a pain in the neck with the packing and in my situation, being stuck in airports if there are no standby seats available. I learn to be flexible and patient!


Hope you all have a lovely day and I hope to get back to more frequent blogging!

eBay and Cleaning House

As regular readers know, eBay is my business. Been doing this for 8 years. So, what kind of things am I listing now? I have a high of 338 items up for sale (as of the time I'm typing this). As soon as I finish this blog, I'll be listing more.

I just listed a bunch of vintage cowboy shirts. I have assorted clothing listed for men, women and infant babies. I have Disney toys, military videos, pottery from Germany and assorted other items.

I'm taking a break from listing the Bible study related books. I'm concentrating on cleaning up my eBay storage room that is in my basement. The books can wait until after the holidays.

I'm in the process of trying to get rid of things in this house. Found a person on Craigs list who was looking for free magazines. Hey... I have two boxes for you! She is coming later today to pick them up. That's two boxes out of this house. Happy smile.

I have a bag of clothing for my friend's daughter so that's another bag out of my house and into her house (LOL). She'll get those tomorrow.

I feel an urgency of getting things out of here and not bringing anything new in. On Tuesday, I took two bags of clothing to a local church that has a clothes closet for the community. They give the clothes away free. I can probably come up with another bag very easily. I have at least two boxes that should be taken to Goodwill soon too. I keep debating on whether to do that or save for a future yard sale. I cleaned a closet out yesterday and found several things that I can pass on to other people.

In the meantime, I list on eBay everyday as every time something sells, that's one less thing in this house! If you haven't checked out my store, BienleinDesign Finds, recently, I hope you will soon. Maybe I'll have just what you've been looking for. If you mention that you read about my store in my blog, I'll give you a discount!

See you there!