Productivity and Organization Expert Stephanie LH Calahan

There are many different ways that you can connect with people today and I have fun many of them. I know that different people like different types of and frequencies of information, so I use my networking sites in different ways.  Pick one or more of your favorite sites below and let's start a conversation!

www.StephOnTwitter.com - I am very vocal here and I focus on work and life productivity.  Here is some of what you will find:   tips for those wanting to get organized, resources for other organizers, resources from other organizers, re-tweet other's information, some of my favorite quotes, my links, crazy pictures of stuff that I do, other's links, snippit conversation (140 characters of course), some of my favorite music and more.  I enjoy @messaging back and forth with my followers and look forward to a conversation with you.  See below for some of my follower's comments.  

www.StephOnFacebook.com - I am connected with all different kinds of people through this social media (people I've known since birth all the way to people I met yesterday), so you will see information about my business as well as my personal life.  I upload all kinds of pictures and video here too, to share with my friends.  While I share tips and quotes here, I do it much less frequently.  You will see more conversation from me here.  Come write on my wall and let's get to know one another!

www.StephOnLinkedIn.com - I'm less "chatty" on this site, but when you ask me a question, I'll give you detailed answers.  I also belong to a number of LinkedIN groups and share my knowledge there too.  Need to be connected to one of my links?  Let me know your business reason and how you intend to connect with my contact and I'll help make introductions. 

Follow me on Cinch http://www.cinchcast.com/search/stephcalahan - Cinchcasting (audio) is new for me, but I am already having quite a bit of fun doing it!  If you follow me here, you will get notified every time I add a new podcast.  I try to keep most of them short (between 1 and 10 minutes) so that you can get "bites" of information in your day.

http://profile.typepad.com/stephcalahan - If you are interested in seeing various comments I make on blogs, etc. this is the place to go for an internet roundup.  You won't get all of my comments (because it will only pull from sites that connect to this functionality, but you'll get all that do.)

www.StephOnYouTube.com - While I'm still new to creating videos, I'm 
a fast learner!  I share tips, reviews, observations and more here.  If you want to see something specific, let me know!

www.StephOnPlaxo.com - I share updates and love connecting with new and old friends here.  I do not actively go out to the site, but when you contact me here, I'll be sure to reply right back.

www.kiva.org/lender/StephCalahan - Share my new passion of micro-lending!  I am blessed to have been brought up in a family that believes in giving back. When we build bridges among caring, capable people, we make lives and the world a better place than we found it. I am blessed to be an entrepreneur and own my own successful business. I want to loan to help others be successful in their businesses as well. In addition, through participating in this program, I can continue to pass the legacy of giving on to my son.

http://friendfeed.com/stephcalahan All of my various posts and status updates are pulled together here!

 LiveJournal       MySpace     Plurk     Pownce

 Mashable  Xanga     hi5    Bebo

 Tumblr      SelfGrowth

What Others Say

   

Check Out Who is Following Stephanie

 

Get your twitter mosaic here.

Hi.  I'm Stephanie and I work with my clients to help them actually LIVE life rather than run around crazy every day.  So many people are busy being busy.  Over time, we lose focus on what is really important to us in life.  RECLAIMING our time, space and thoughts is a way to ENERGIZE our life and ENJOY what we do.  Organizing can be really boring if you only look to the topic as a list of tips, however, with your big picture in mind, you begin to realize all of the wonderful things that you can do when you have the time and space to do them.  I look forward to getting to know you.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Who could you be if your story was no longer holding you down?  Stephanie LH Calahan works with intelligent, highly motivated, busy entrepreneurs, executives, producers and other professionals to teach them how to do more with their time, space and information.  She believes that life is meant to be lived and that fabulous vision combined with practical systems can make that happen very quickly. As the creator of a number of programs, she focuses on helping you identify solutions for the way you think and work.  She and her team of experts at Calahan Solutions, Inc. help you maximize every hour and every dollar you invest in your business and life.  She frequently delivers transformative presentations and workshops to kick start massive business success through systems and simplification. You don’t have to do it our way, because we help you find your way!™ Contact Stephanie at  309-826-5263 or support[at]calahansolutions[dot]com or network with her directly www.NetworkWithSteph.com.

Stephanie LH Calahan is a dynamic entrepreneur, nationally known speaker, media personality, author, publisher; productivity/organization consultant, and business start-up coach.  As the creator of a number of programs, including www.FindInFiveSeconds.com and many others, she focuses on helping you identify solutions for the way you think and work.

As the founder and CEO of Calahan Solutions, Inc., she and her consultants focus on helping you make the most of your time, space and information. She and her team of experts work hard to help you maximize every hour and every dollar you invest in your business and life... and because they are small business specialists, they are especially attuned to the skills and tools required to make smaller businesses work.

"My clients' success (as they define success) is my first focus - what their goals are and what they are trying to accomplish. I enjoy seeing my clients soar and reach goals that they did not originally see as possible! It is why I do what I do!"

The media enjoys working with Steph and other Calahan Solutions, Inc.consultants because they can meet even the most pressing deadline.  She has been featured on and in numerous venues. 

Stephanie believes that diversity of thought, communication styles, backgrounds, and experiences lead to more innovative, longer-lasting solutions. She has worked with hundreds of clients, and understands that every person is unique and requires systems that work for them.  You don't have to do it our way, because we help you find your way!™

She is an active member in many professional organizations and is an active community leader.  As such, she has received numerous awards recognizing her for her contributions.  Her organizing expertise as well as her Computer Science and HR backgrounds give her a unique perspective on what works at work.   

Having worked in both Corporate America and small businesses, Stephanie has observed that most workers have to do more with less time and fewer resources.  As a wife and mother, she knows family and leisure time is more important than ever.  She has spent the last 19 years developing systems and tools to aid her clients and readers.  Rolodex, Stacks & Stacks, and the Neat Company are a few of the international companies that have asked her for her expertise.

"I love to hear about your successes!  Please email me or reply to a posting to share how these ideas are working for you or to share an idea that you have."

About Calahan Solutions, Inc.

A premier productivity consulting firm, serving a national and local clientele in corporate settings, home-based businesses, and residential environments.  Guiding You To Your Solutions - Our mission is to identify solutions (big or small) that minimize stress, enhance productivity, and maximize space so you can focus on priorities.  You can learn more at www.CalahanSolutions.com.

 

You don't have to do it our way, because we help you find your way!™

To Stephanie's Introducer:
Here's what to say AFTER the program, to replace, "Let's hear it again for…."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks so much Stephanie!  I know that I'm going to ________________ when I get back home/to the office.

Stephanie presents her Keynotes and Workshops at conferences and special events, similar to ours, around the country . . . and around the world.

If you know of a conference that needs a kick . . . her message might be just the thing. So, please stop by and say 'hello' to Stephanie at her table.

As Stephanie shared, she really values your feedback.  Please share your thoughts on the forms provided.  Also, Stephanie talked to us about the Scorecards.  You may win a great door prize as a result.  Also, as a fabulous favor to us, if you fill out your scorecard and turn it in either today you will qualify for a free 30 minute telephone consultation! 

Her CDs are only available for the next half hour, and only at events like ours, so get them while you can! Stephanie will be signing her materials for the next 30 minutes at: (give directions to CD & autograph table for meet & greet).

To Stephanie's Introducer:
Here's what to say AFTER the program, to replace, "Let's hear it again for…."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks so much Stephanie!  I know that I'm going to ________________ when I get back home/to the office.

Stephanie presents her Keynotes and Workshops at conferences and special events, similar to ours, around the country . . . and around the world.

If you know of a conference that needs a kick . . . her message might be just the thing. So, please stop by and say 'hello' to Stephanie at her table.

As Stephanie shared, she really values your feedback. Please share your thoughts on the forms provided.  Also, Stephanie talked to us about the Scorecards.  You may win a great door prize as a result.  Also, as a fabulous favor to us, if you fill out your scorecard and turn it in either today you will qualify for a free 30 minute telephone consultation! 

Her CDs are only available for the next half hour, and only at events like ours, so get them while you can! Stephanie will be signing her materials for the next 30 minutes at: (give directions to CD & autograph table for meet & greet).

Stephanie's strength lies in her ability to engage your audience.  She can work in a variety of situations, however we have shared the most optimal below.

Keynote Presentations

Stephanie Calahan Provides

1. Laptop with presentation
2. Backup of presentation
3. Wireless presentation remote

Audio Requirements

1. A good public address system good speakers.  Speakers on stands are preferred over ceiling speakers because they give a better quality sound.
2. Cordless mic connected to the sound system.
3. One mic on an adjustable stand, not attached to a podium.  (This can be the announcement mic.)
4. CD player with connection cable to send the music through the mixer.
5. CD player operator to start and stop the songs. (This doesn’t have to be a sound engineer.  It can be a member of the sponsoring group.) 

If any of these requirements cannot be provided, please contact the Speaking Office to make arrangements.  You can reach Stephanie's Event Planner by calling 309.826.5263.

Set-up Time Required

Stephanie needs a 30-minute block of time to set up her equipment and do an equipment check at least 90 minutes before the program.  This can be done early in the morning or the day before the program.  Please schedule this with Stephanie through the Event Planner.

Visual Requirements

Presentation screen to project visuals:  Please ensure that the screen is of appropriate size in relation to the audience.

Overhead Laptop Projector: Stephanie prefers to use her laptop for smooth flowing presentations.  If the projector is mounted on the ceiling, please contact the Event Planner to coordinate loading of presentation.

To provide everyone a good view and the best possible experience:  If Stephanie will not be performing in a theatre or a theatre-like venue, we require a portable riser stage, preferably 8 x 12.  If the group is over 200 people, it’s best to have a riser that is at least 18 inches off the floor. Please set the stage as close to the audience as possible, or seat the audience as close to the stage as possible.  For an audience of 350 or more, an amplified light package greatly increases the impact of the presentation. Two light stands are ideal, along with a spotlight if possible.

To eliminate audience distraction:  Please do not have anyone sitting on stage during Stephanie’s program. We require a performance space that is separate from the head table area.

To give Stephanie a place to put her laptop, notes and water on stage, please provide a small table (the size of a piano bench is fine) with 1 water bottles on it or several glasses of water without ice. This is easier for her to handle on stage rather than an entire pitcher of ice water.  It will look a lot better if you can add a plant or flowers to camouflage the water.  Set this just to Stephanie’s right on stage so she can glance at her notes as she speaks.

To make Stephanie’s information (books, CD’s, etc.) available, please provide a long table in a well-lit, high traffic area where they can be viewed before and after the show.  She will be happy to autograph and pose for photos with audience members there immediately after the performance.

Workshops or Break-Out Sessions

Stephanie Calahan Provides

1. Laptop with presentation
2. Backup of presentation
3. Wireless presentation remote

Note: Sometimes Stephanie provides workshop material and sometimes you are requested to make your copies.  Please review the speaker agreement for details.

Audio Requirements

1. Cordless mic connected to the sound system.
2. CD player that plugs into the mixer for amplification - Please place the mixing set-up at the front of the room where Stephanie can reach it to operate the CD player and adjust the equipment.  (Note: in some instances the amplification is not necessary, determine based on number of participants and size of room.)
3. Back up Extension cord for laptop, projector and CD player.

Please have a sound technician meet Stephanie 30 minutes before the program to guarantee that all the equipment works together to deliver great sound for participants.

If any of these requirements cannot be provided, please contact the Speaking Office to make arrangements.  You can reach Stephanie's Event Planner by calling 309.826.5263.

Set-up Time Required

Stephanie needs a 30-minute block of time to set up her equipment and do an equipment check at least 60 minutes before the program.  This can be done early in the morning or the day before the program.  Please schedule this with Stephanie through the Event Planner.

Visual Requirements

Presentation screen to project visuals:  Please ensure that the screen is of appropriate size in relation to the audience.

Overhead Laptop Projector: Stephanie prefers to use her laptop for smooth flowing presentations.  If the projector is mounted on the ceiling, please contact the Event Planner to coordinate loading of

To provide everyone a good view and the best possible experience:  A U-Shaped room with small tables for participants to write is the optimum room setup. 

To eliminate audience distraction:  Please do not have anyone sitting on stage during Stephanie’s program. We require a performance space that is separate from the head table area.

To give Stephanie a place to put her laptop, notes and water on stage, please provide a small table (the size of a piano bench is fine) with 1 water bottles on it or several glasses of water without ice. This is easier for her to handle on stage rather than an entire pitcher of ice water.  It will look a lot better if you can add a plant or flowers to camouflage the water.  Set this just to Stephanie’s right on stage so she can glance at her notes as she speaks.

To make Stephanie’s information (books, CD’s, etc.) available, please provide a long table in a well-lit, high traffic area where they can be viewed before and after the show.  She will be happy to autograph and pose for photos with audience members there immediately after the presentation.

If you should have any questions, please call 1-309-826-5263.

For Immediate Release
Church Concert at: _______________________________
Date/Time: _____________________________________
For information, call: _____________________________
Location/Directions: _____________________________
To reach Stephanie Calahan, call 1-309-826-5263

Stephanie LH Calahan: She'll Help You Find Your Way

Ready for a faith-lift? Are you ready to laugh, learn, and enjoy thoughts that makes you feel good?

Illinois based consultant, coach, author and inspirational speaker Stephanie Calahan will be doing what she does best. She’ll be giving people a faith-lift with humor, tips and message at
Place:  ________________
Date:   ________________
Time:  _________________
Presentation: __________________.

Productivity systems and organizing solutions are about making time and room for what is important to you. Practicing what she preaches, she balances the demands of a business owner with her personal and volunteer schedule by developing systems that work specifically for her family's needs. As a result, Stephanie has plenty of time for her favorite pastimes: spending time with family and friends, reading, singing, volunteering, taking photos with her son, and continuing her education. Over the years she has had active involvement in national, regional and local professional organizations, and has contributed to her community through volunteer work with numerous organizations along with holding office and chairing many committees.  She is a member of a number of organizations, including NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), NSGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization), NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), Faithful Organizers, and is Better Business Bureau Accredited.

As a wife and mother, she knows family and leisure time is more important than ever.  Her organizing expertise, Computer Science and HR backgrounds give her a unique perspective on what works at work.  She has spent the last 13 years developing systems and tools to aid her clients and readers.  Rolodex, Stacks & Stacks, and NeatReceipts are a few of the international companies that have asked her for her expertise.

Stephanie Calahan's messages of how you can live a life focused on what is important to you have been enjoyed by many and thousands of readers enjoy her down-to-earth commentary in various publications.  As an expert and performer, Stephanie has made numerous television appearances.

Learn more about Stephanie: www.StephanieCalahan.com.  Learn more about Calahan Solutions, Inc.: www.CalahanSolutions.com.  Visit Stephanie’s blog: www.ProductiveAndOrganized.net

Stephanie has recorded many CDs and DVDs of her programs, which will be available at the event.

(Venue) is located at (directions). The cost for the event is ($$). (Other local details: Parking, group rates, volunteer needs, etc…)

This toolkit has been created to help you, the meeting/event coordinator, have everything you need to pull off a fantastic meeting.

If you have any questions about anything you read here, please contact our Event Planner at 309.826.5263.

Stephanie's One Sheet

Download Ask Stephanie to Speak to Your Group

Speaking Resumes

If you are interested in knowing where Stephanie has delivered keynotes, workshops and short presentations, view this document.

Speaking Résumé by Type of Venue

Audio Visual Checklists

These links will take you to the checklists we have created to help you set up the event space for the best possible outcome.

AV Checklist for Keynote and Workshops

Marketing and PR

Great marketing of your event makes it fabulous.  We have provided the following information to help you in your efforts.

Download Stephanie's Pictures - 300 dpi

Press Release - Church Presentation

Introductions

Standard Print	Large Print
General Get Organized Month Informal Informal Business	General Get Organized Month Informal Informal Business

Outros

An outro is what you can say as Stephanie is leaving the stage or meeting area.

Standard Print	Large Print
Outro for Stephanie	Outro for Stephanie

Technorati Tags: meeting planner tools

Corporate/Business

• Association of State and Provincial Associations of Fairs and Secretaries Conference
• A 25 Hour Day
• Arbonne International
• Bank of Illinois Seminars for Success
• City of Champaign Legal Department
• City of Champaign Secretary's Team Meeting
• Corn Belt Energy Corporation Annual Meeting
• East Peoria Chamber Leadership School
• Illinois Farm Bureau
• McLean County Business Showcase Exhibitor
• McLean County Chamber of Commerce (multiple presentations)
• McLean County Health Department Employee Training
• Pathways to Success Conference
• Peoria Housing Authority
• Peoria Chamber of Commerce
• Presbyterian Women Fairbury
• Silpada
• State Farm
• T.A.L.K. Women's Conference and Expo

Educational Institutions

• Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma
• Heartland Community College (2 classes taught - hired for 2 more in late 2009)
• Illinois Education Association Regions 14 & 62 Retired Chapter
• Illinois Education Association Retired State Conference (hired for 2 different conferences)
• Illinois State University Health Educator's Club
• Illinois State University Business Week Illinois State University Student Services Staff  

Healthcare

• BroMenn Women's Healthcare
• BroMenn Women's Healthcare - A Joyful Journey Conference Business
• Cornbelt Health Educators Association
• OSF St. Joseph Center for Healthy Living
• OSF St. Francis Hospital  

Clubs/Non-Profit Organizations

• ABWA - American Business Women Association American
• Association of University Women Consultant's Forum
• Executive Club of Champaign County
• Festival of Trees -- Inspired Event
• First Assembly of God Church
• Ford County Home Extension
• Home Based Business Professionals Association (HBBPA)
• Human Service Council of McLean County
• IAAP (International Assoc. of Admin. Prof.) Champaign Chapter
• IAAP (International Assoc. of Admin. Prof.) Marquette Chapter
• IAAP (International Assoc. of Admin. Prof.) Tri-County Chapter
• Illinois Assoc of Accounting Administrators
• Illinois Farm Bureau State Conference
• Illini Country Stitchers Quilting Guild
• Kewanis Club of Peoria
• National Association of Women Business Owners
• Our Chinese Daughters
• PEO Organization
• Professional Home Economists of McLean County
• Scarlet Bloomers Red Hat Society
• Sunset Rotary Club
• United Way Agency Exec. Council
• Women in Communication
• Women in Leadership
• Work at Home Mom Conference

Library and Library Systems

• Champaign Public Library (hired for 3 different patron programs across 2 years)
• Harrisburg Public Library
• North Suburban Library System
• Pekin Library (patron programming)
• Pekin Library (staff full-day development)

Professional Involvement

Stephanie is an involved member following professional organizations:

• The Better Business Bureau - BBB    2004 - present     BBB Accredited business with A+ rating
• National Association of Professional Organizers - NAPO: activities have included serving as new member mentor & development coach, on national leadership development task force, as new member ambassador, on website development committee
• National Association of Professional Organizers Golden Circle
• Institute for Challenging Organization (ICD) formerly known as National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization - NSGCD: activities have included serving as the international referral coordinator
• Paper Tiger Expert - active member in good standing
• Paper Tiger Authorized Consultants Network - active member in good standing - program closed in 2009
• National Association of Woman Business Owners - NAWBO: activites have included serving as Membership Services Director, National Leadership & Education forum member, public relations committeechair of awards committee, and chair of social events
• National Association for Female Executives - NAFE
• Faithful Organizers

Involvement in Community

Teaching and philanthropy are very strong in Stephanie's family history.  Giving back to the community is a standard and privilege.  

• Baby Fold Festival of Trees -  volunteer in planning and delivery of fund raising event    
• District 87 – Washington Grade School - volunteers in her son's classroom, parent teacher organization & Building Leadership Team – Diversity development
• YWCA Stepping Stones program (sexual assault support counseling) - served as sexual assault counseling and first responder, sexual assault medical advocate and annual fundraising steering committee 
• Pathways to Success Conference - planning committee in multiple capacities over the years.     
• YWCA Women of Distinction Planning Committee
• McLean County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) court appointed advocate and advisory counsel
• LP Academy advisory counsel   

Awards and Recognition

• 2009 Selected as a Top 5 Finalist for the Most Innovative Organizer Award from NAPO-LA.

• 2009 Selected as a Small Business Center Adviser by Bizymoms.com

• 2009 Appointed to AboutOne Advisory Board

• 2009 Certified iPEP Specialist

• 2008 Asked to serve on the strategy team for the Central Illinois build for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

 

• 2008 Platinum & Premium Author by EvanCarmichael - Entrepreneur Resource
 
• 2008 Selected as a Expert by SelfGrowth.com

• 2008 Selected as a National Spotlight Member by the National Association of Women Business Owners

• 2008 Selected as Stacks And Stacks author for Clutter Control Freak Blog

• 2007 Appointed to the NEAT Receipts Consumer Advisory Board

• 2007 Central Illinois 40 Leaders Under 40 Award

• 2007 Selected as OnlineOrganizing.com's exclusive author on paper and information management

• 2007 Appointed by the National Association of Professional Organizers as the new member online mentor

• 2007 Appointed to the Rolodex Expert Panel

• 2007 Identified as one of B2B Magazine’s Women to Watch

• 2007 Pantagraph 20 Leaders Under 40 Award

• 2007 Pioneer Award by the National Association of Women Business Owners

• 2007 Selected as expert author for the Advisors Circle

• 2007 Certified Paper Tiger Productivity Institute Consultant

• 2006 Calahan Solutions Selected as Finalist for BBB's Torch Award for Ethical Excellence

• 2005 McLean County Chamber of Commerce's New Member of the Month

• 2005-2007 OnlineOrganizing.com's preferred consultant for the Peoria area and McLean County

• 2005 Certificate of Achievement from the McLean County Board of Health for her significant contributions to Achieving Public Health Goals

Education

Continuous development is built into the framework of Calahan Solutions, Inc. “The more we know, the better we can serve our clients!” Stephanie has earned the following professional certificates:

• Paper Tiger Authorized Consultant  - Paper Tiger Productivity Institute & Monticello Corporation

• Productive Environment Process Certified  - Hemphill Productivity Institute

• Basic ADD Issues with the CD Client - NSGCD Certificate of Study

• Basic Hoarding Issues with the CD Client - NSGCD Certificate of Study

• Basic Mental Health Conditions & Challenges Affecting the CD Client - NSGCD Certificate of Study

• Basic Physical Conditions Affecting the CD Client - NSGCD Certificate of Study

• CD Client Administration - NSGCD Certificate of Study

• Chronic Disorganization - NSGCD Certificate of Study

• Learning Styles and Modalities - NSGCD Certificate of Study

• Understanding the Needs of the Elderly CD Client - NSGCD Certificate of Study

• Understanding the Needs of the Student Client - NSGCD Certificate of Study

• Appreciating and Valuing Differences - Diversity - Train the Trainer Graduate - HEW

• Project Management & Leadership Program Train the Trainer Graduate - HEW

• Project Management Learning Program Graduate - HEW

• Degrees from Illinois State University's honors department—Management Information Systems and Human Resource Management

More than You Might Ever Want to Know

Here is a listing of questions that Stephanie has been asked over the years and her responses.

Fact	Steph Says:
She has been performing almost since birth	I have been a life-long performer.  My first time on stage in front of 100s of people occurred when I was 4 years old.   Back then, I was cute in a little red tulle skirt and tap shoes...  I would not dream of an outfit like that now!  Since then, I have been involved in theatre, singing, orchestras, etc.
Oldest of 3 children	I grew up with 2 younger brothers. They would torment me just like most younger brothers!  Of course, I did my share of older sister stuff too.  I love them very much and we are good friends now.
Fabulous Parents	I am so fortunate.  My parents were very focused on helping the 3 of us grow up to be self-sustaining, considerate adults.  They are still together and are great examples of what a loving relationship looks like.  I have learned so much from them.
Grew up in Central IL in small communities	I lived in 2 different small communities growing up.  Both places had caring neighbors and great schools. I was raised, not only by my parents, but a number of other great adults.  I learned what community felt like.
First job was door-to-door sales	When I was in 2nd or 3rd grade, I spent summers going door-to-door selling holiday greeting cards.  Things were a lot safer then!  I used the money to buy Christmas presents for friends and family.  At the time, I really enjoyed going to people's homes and helping them figure out what design they liked the most. I had this huge book that I would lug around with samples. I learned a lot! I did not want to sell door-to-door for a living!  Riding a bike with a heavy book makes it hard to balance without falling a lot.  If I was to sell in the future, I should pick a product that is not seasonal.  Be dependable - if you say you will be somewhere - be there.  Love what you do and if you don't, stop doing it!  (I have used this one a few times over the course of my career.)
Sang since birth	Well, ok, maybe not since birth, but I started singing at a very early age.  Music was in our family all of the time and if there were words, I learned them.  In grade school and high school I was in every choir but the boy's choir.  My favorites were jazz choir and Madrigals.  They were very different in style and purpose, but I loved it!  I also took private voice lessons in college and got great scores on juries even though I was not a music major.
Played a number of instruments starting in 5th grade	I actually started instrument lessons before 5th grade.  I took piano lessons for a number of years.  I never became very good at that instrument though.  I'm kind of sad about that because it could have led to hours of entertainment as I got older, but I was just not into it.  I also learned to play a recorder in probably 1st grade, but there is only so much you can do with a plastic instrument.  I can still play "Green sleeves" on it though! I started band in 5th grade as a French Horn player.  My dad was my 5th grade band instructor!  I played this horn all the way through to my second year in college.  It is a really beautiful sounding horn. Over the years I have also played a melaphone, trumpet, xylophone, and marimba.  I was in marching band, concert band, symphonic winds and winter drum line.
Loved working the drive-through at Dairy Queen	I started working at DQ when I was 15.  My biggest goal was to work to being the main person on the drive-through.  The place was always packed and the drive-through always had a line.  They put their best person in that position every shift.  The owner of our DQ was very particular about the cleanliness of the store.  I was really proud that the place sparkled when we left for the night.  I mean, really sparkled!  I learned great customer service skills and how to work with people that were different from me.  Oh, and I did get that drive-through position and worked it for a number of years!
Not very athletic but tries!	I started dance lessons and tumbling when I was quite young.  I was pretty good, but did not think so.  I also played volleyball in junior high and some in high school, but I was not good.  My brothers got the athletic ability - Mom was a P. E. teacher!
Worked on an "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Project	In 2008 I was asked to be on the strategy team for the Central Illinois build.  It was a life changing experience.  I'll tell you about over coffee and pie sometime, or you can check out my facebook page for pictures.
Most life changing moment was birth of son	I have had so many amazing moments in my life, but by far the birth of my son was the most life changing.  I fell in love with him before he was even born.  He is my buddy and I enjoy every new thing he learns and every new challenge that he brings our way.
She is goofy (sometimes)	My son tells me I'm silly all of the time!  We laugh a lot.  It may be dancing in the middle of the family room, or having a tickle fight or making up goofy stories.  Life cannot be serious all of the time.  Life is meant to be lived!
Danny is her constant companion	"Daniel Alexander" (named by my son) is our Havanese puppy.  Danny goes with me almost everywhere.  He is a good friend and somehow knows what I need.  When I'm not feeling well, he just sits next to me, but when I'm being silly, he is right there goofing with us.  He is cuddled right next to me as I answer these questions.

Want to see more pics? Sure you can!  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=50135&id=709218690&saved#/photos.php?id=709218690