Posts Tagged ‘Vacation’

Our Last Summer Fling…

Monday, July 18th, 2011
5
Digg me

It’s been almost two months since the kids got out of school for the summer. Riding bikes, swimming at the pool, the water park, and hanging out with friends playing Xbox has turned into a very dull routine by this point of the summer. Our last week away as a family is upon us.

Then the kids will spend a week at the Grandparents (and a week for just Ronda and I) and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

By the time we all get together again as a family unit it will be the beginning of August. The start of a new school year will be only one week away. I’ve been living here in the Atlanta area for almost 20 years and I’m still not use to these schools starting so early. Call me old fashioned, but school runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day – that’s how it was growing up, and overall, I turned out okay.

I really don’t have any plans to post anything leading up to the Convention this summer, now just 9 days away. Afterward, there will certainly be plenty to write about – and from what I’m hearing of what we can expect to see and hear in St. Louis – I’m looking forward to a bunch of articles in a very familiar format.

You can be assured that the newsletters will be in your inbox each of the next two Sundays for pre and post-convention updates and announcements. But this blog for at least the next week and a half will be fairly quiet.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
Share

Spring Break

Monday, April 4th, 2011
12
Digg me

I love this time of year. Of course here in Atlanta everything outside turns this lime green color from all the pollen in the air. I’ve been living here since 1992 and still not use to seeing such thick pollen you actually see it on everything.

It’s a big week this week and I’ll be taking some time off, but still wanted to write something this week.

Today happens to be my birthday, and I’m hoping that nobody catches on that I’ve been celebrating 29 for who knows how long. We’ll do our traditional Publix birthday cake (a birthday isn’t a birthday without a Publix birthday cake!) and head on over to Provino’s Italian Restaurant for dinner tonight with the family where your birthday dinner is free! (Whoo Hooo!)

The kids also have the week off for Spring Break and we have some special events planned with them. Other than storms coming in Tuesday night the weather should be absolutely perfect this week!

The kids also want to ride around this week in “the coolest car ever”. We have a new (used) convertible as part of the family. A Chrysler Sebring JXi, which is just the ticket after a rough couple of weeks with only one car. Yours truly totaled our 300M a couple weeks ago after plowing into a deer in the middle of I-85.

Ideally, we were going after a hybrid and that’s still in the cards, just at a later date. We’ll tackle a new hybrid later this year when the budget allows for it and the down payment is where we want it. The leading candidate right now is the Ford Escape Hybrid, which we owned once before. (Although a hybrid wasn’t even an option back then.)

And we can’t forget that it’s Masters Week. Won’t be going to a practice round or Tournament Round this year and I’m due. Still have the connections – but like the last couple of years, it sneaks up on me. Practice rounds to me are the way to see this course. Just more laid back and you don’t have to worry about missing “the shot” while watching in Hi-Def at home. I’ll never forget the first year I went probably 10 years ago now. Augusta National is absolutely pristine and hallowed ground. Once you’ve been there, it changes the entire view of the course on television.

All Masters shirts are pressed and ready to be worn this week. (The only time of year I really ever wear them.)

Before I close, I wanted to add a special congratulations to Melissa Boston, YTB/ZamZuu’s newest Circle of Champions Director. For those of you in YTB – you know what that means in regards to earnings. We’ve known Melissa for some time and she’s one of the most dynamic speakers and presenters we’ve seen in any company, let alone YTB. Smart business woman too. She surrounded herself with other smart business minds and worked steadily to achieve her goal. We couldn’t be happier for her.

We couldn’t be happier for the company either. By Melissa reaching the Circle of Champions at this point in time, it’s a clear sign that the the company is growing and could signal other top level Directors who will move into this level of achievement. (That should rattle some cages, huh?)

Here’s one last point before heading out to enjoy my week.

Name me one other business model where a Representative of the company can earn more than the CEO, Founders or other Top Executives? Name me one other company where someone can earn more than the people above them period. Doesn’t happen in any other business than Network Marketing folks. You can talk all you want about the theories you’ve heard, average everything out like some Socialist society all you want. The reality of it is, folks like Melissa Boston do happen. That’s real world – not some trumped up fear mongering line of BS.

But alas – much like the fact that there has never been a single example of any MLM or Networking company running out of “suckers” – this myth about all the poeple at the top making all the money will undoubtedly live on. You have a choice you know. You could follow dumb schmucks who’ve never had an ounce of experience in the industry – or take a tip or two from people who not only know the truth, but aren’t intimidated one bit by it.

Enjoy your week! (We will!)

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
Share

Time For Green Travel

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
18
Digg me

You’ve probably noticed that gas prices are on the rise – again.

When the price of a gallon of gas exploded a couple years ago there was a huge outcry for a sustainable fuel. There were all kinds of talk and hype about ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen power, and electric cars. Now here we are, years later, and it sure doesn’t appear like we’re any closer to realizing the type of change we were talking about back then. At the very least, it’s been a very slow and arduous process.

Sure there have been a few stars over the last few years. Our extended family owns two Toyota Prius vehicles, which has been by far the most successful hybrid vehicle to date. Our trash has gone way down, and the recycling has gone way up. Our compost pile has also grown in size producing rich organic soil for plants inside and outside the house. As well, our security system in the house not only keeps our home secure, but helps us save costs with pre-programed lighting utilizing less power, and automated control of our heating and cooling system that also saves energy and money.

While I don’t consider myself a “tree huger” by any means – I do have an interest in doing my part in not only conserving energy, but utilizing renewable resources whenever possible. I also have my favorite front runner in bio-fuel development – algae. It grows easily, can be transported via pipes (existing pipes no less), and algae not only eats up the carbon dioxide we’ve created, but can also be located near waste-water treatment facilities, cleaning up the wastewater while at the same time producing a renewable fuel for the community.

Yes, I’ve done some study on the subject over the years.

Not that I’ve never thought about my impact on the environment, but I started giving serious interest about our carbon footprint and recycling when Ronda and I first started cruising over a decade ago. While down in the Caribbean I was impressed with how these large vessels sustained themselves. They are after all floating resorts. They also appreciate that the pristine beaches and water found down in the Caribbean can only stay that way if they take an active approach, and help passengers understand the importance of preserving these tropical destinations.

Over the years, I’ve come across news stories and watched countless documentaries that promote a greener earth. Not because I’m concerned about global warming – there’s so much data out there that it makes my head spin. For me personally, it’s more about preserving a feasible and comfortable life for my kids and grandkids. If we keep doing what we’re doing – I don’t need a news article or movie documentary to tell me there’s not going to be much left for them.

I’ve been impressed with Virgin Atlantic’s biofuel flight test a couple years ago. (Leave it to billionaire Sir Richard to be the first to do something like this.) I also loved reading about Sandals Resorts earning it’s Green Globe Certification a few years back. Hotel chains are also getting involved, like InterContinental Hotels Group who was awarded with an LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for one of its hotels.

Then this weekend, I caught a glimpse of the new Boeing 747-8, which is more ‘environmentally friendly’ (not really ‘green’) and thought to myself, why am I not writing about this kind of stuff? I mean, if I find it interesting, surely there would be others who feel the same way – right?

So I’ve decided to make a small, but noticeable shift in my writing to keep things interesting – for me. Like politics, religion, and network marketing however, just how we should take care of this world we live in can get a bit heated. The goal here isn’t to argue right or wrong, good or bad, or even better or worse. It’s simply a way for me to research and write about what I find interesting. The hope obviously is that you as the reader will too, but if not, that’s perfectly fine with me.

My hope is that I can open up minds that supporting suppliers and vendors with an eco-friendly conscious is the way to go. Over the years, there has been plenty to write about and I’m kind of bummed that I didn’t do something like this sooner. It’s a very cool industry and it needs awareness to gain support from people like me and you.

This won’t be a complete shift in direction mind you – simply a new category that I want to expand and write about. What I really like about the subject is that its solutions based – and promotes evolving technology designed to correct the harsh way we’ve treated our home for more than a century. If you know anything about me, I’m not about to shy away from taking a stand – and frankly – taking better care of the environment we all live in is important to me.

It’s a small step for me that will hopefully spread with like-minded people who care about the environment and their impact in it. It a choice I’ve made – and like most of my choices, I’m proud of it. That’s just the way I roll.

So join me as we explore a cleaner, more environmentally friendly way to travel. While I hope it becomes an option for you – the choice is entirely up to you.

For me, it’s time to focus on going green – even when I travel.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
Share

Off On A Family Vacation…

Thursday, July 1st, 2010
12
Digg me

By the time you read this, we’ll be off enjoying time together as a family.

We picked an additional half week to spend with extended family to celebrate “Googley-Bears” birthday on Friday. He’s been talking about turning 7 for weeks now and we wanted to do something special for him.

Yes, he’ll turn 7 in spite of the fact that I’ve asked…

I’ve pleaded…

I’ve even made an attempt at ordering that he must remain at six for at least one more year but he won’t have any of it.

Little does he know that I have this picture already framed and prepared give to his bride on his wedding day. I’ve entitled it “Sand in Diaper” which was shot on a Weekend Getaway to Sandestin Resort several years ago.

Teach him to disobey his father. ;-P

Because I want to enjoy as much family time together as possible, I don’t plan on posting again here until after the 11th.

The newsletter will still go out as scheduled. (Part of this weeks publication is already done.)

Here’s wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Chow!

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
Share

Winners VS. Losers

Friday, April 2nd, 2010
18
Digg me

I received a Facebook “tag” yesterday morning from one of my connections. One of the things I love about the growing list of friends on Facebook are the quotes I see from famous people or simple words of wisdom provided by them personally.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate reading these words and quotes on my wall. Quite often the quotes I see are extremely timely for what’s going on in my current life – or like the one I found yesterday, I can relate to through my own experience. As I wind down the week, and get ready to spend a week with my family on vacation (the kids are on Spring Break) I thought I’d share my thoughts on what was forwarded to me – and see if you can relate.

It’s entitled “Winners vs. Losers”

Winners are always part of the answer.
Losers are always part of the problem.

Nobody’s perfect and everyone has problems – but why on earth do some people constantly dwell on the problem rather than looking for an answer? I mean – does complaining actually solve anything? While “venting” can make some feel better, it doesn’t resolve squat. Furthermore, until you actually find a solution to the problem – it’s never going to go away.

I’ll expand a little more a little later on how coming up with an answer can not only eliminate problems, but can also be extremely profitable.

Winners always have a program.
Losers always have an excuse.

Remember the goal setting you did back at the beginning of the year? (You DID do the goal setting right?) That’s your program – your road map – your blueprint. You wouldn’t build a house without some type of blueprint to follow. And for guys, I know this is hard…but it IS a lot easier when you actually READ the directions. You don’t however have to tell anyone. ;-P

Let’s say your “program” comes up short, or even worse, doesn’t work at all. Instead of making excuses and thinking you’re failure, think about what you could change or tweak that to produces a better result. I never look at anything I do as a failure, only a result.

Next time you think you need to make an excuse because somebody (even your own head) screams at you that you “failed” – think about this quote:

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
~Thomas Alva Edision

Instead of coming up with excuses the next time you stumble and fall, think about what kind of adjustments you need to make to your program. What you come up with could be the light bulb you need to complete your program.

Winners say, “let me help you.”
Losers say, “that’s not my job.”

The appreciation that I receive on an ongoing basis for our newsletter is humbling. I remember a time in our company that if you weren’t part of a particular team, you didn’t get much help. I never understood that concept, and the thing that I’m probably proudest of these days is a willingness to help each other out regardless of who your sponsor is, your Power Team Leader, or your Director.

You’ll never know how good it feels to give unconditionally until you actually try. You know what they say about tithing – that works with actions too. What you give happily and without any expected return – comes back to you many times over.

Opening up our newsletter to everyone in our company has proven to be not only extremely rewarding – but produced ample opportunities for new ventures and income I could have never imagined if I didn’t freely give of my knowledge, skills and talents.

Winners find answers in every problem.
Losers find a problem in every answer
.

Wanna hear a really cool definition of an Entrepreneur? An entrepreneur is a “problem solver”.

Think about it.

Have you ever heard the story of Mike Nesmith’s mom? For those who don’t know the name Mike Nesmith – think back to The Monkees’. (And if you don’t know who The Monkees’ are – just call me an old fuddy duddy and read on…)

Anyway, Mike’s mom invented “liquid paper”. Her problem was she couldn’t correct her typing mistakes on one of those old fashion typewriters. (Please tell me that you at least know what a typewriter is.) She ended up using her experience as a starving artist to solve this problem and the rest as they say – is history.

An average housewife who was simply looking for a way to solve her problem.

Winners see a green near every sand trap.
Losers see 2 or 3 sand traps near every green

It’s so odd to me how so many people focus on the sand traps instead of the green. The Masters is coming up next week. Is there any question that these professionals have a laser focus on one thing and one thing only – the green. Imagine what their game would be like if the thought going through their mind as they take the club back is “Don’t hit the sand – don’t hit the sand – PLEASE don’t hit the sand!”

Those types of thoughts only ensure that the next thing that comes out of their mouth is “[expletive]! I just hit the sand!”

I can tell you from personal experience that listening (or reading) from those who focus on the sand will land you in that trap. And it doesn’t matter how strong willed you think you are. That kind of negative crap will rub off on you like it or not.

Instead, get yourself a Coach who will not only show you the green – but how to hit it every time.

All those Golf Pros you’ll see next weekend at The Masters have a Coach, and it’s because of their Coach (along with a lot of hard work and practice) that their playing on one of the most pristine tracks known to man – and you’re sitting at home watching.

Winners say, “it may be difficult, but it’s possible.”
Losers say, “it may be possible, but it’s too difficult.”

What the mind can conceive, it can achieve. Kennedy knew this when he gave our nation the goal of sending a man to the moon and landing him safely back here on earth. Ford knew it when he gave his engineers the task of creating a V8 engine.

Imagine where we would be if someone said “Nah – it’s too difficult.” The amount of problems and scenarios to overcome in order to land a man on the moon is mind blowing. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy – and I don’t know about you, but I’m nowhere close to knowing everything or feeling like I can stop learning, growing and expanding.

Walking was once difficult when you were a baby – but possible. Becoming financially independent in this current economic climate is difficult – put possible. If you see others doing it, it’s possible. The trick is finding out what they think – how they act – and what they feel. Then just model that behavior.

I won’t be around next week. Instead, I’ll be spending some time with my family and myself to work on more goals. I’ve checked off some born and achieved back in December and January – and it’s time to re-evaluate and create new ones. My own quarterly report if you will. I’ve also got some new ideas that you’ll find out more about in this weekend’s Newsletter and you’ll see one of the steps I’ve taken and how I’m planning to achieve this new idea.

So food for thought as we move into your week – be it spring break or not:

You’ll enjoy your weekend and you’re week much better if you think and act like a winner instead of a loser.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
Share

Until we get back around the way…

Monday, October 26th, 2009
15
Digg me

By the time you read this, our family will be in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I’ve come equiped with my  “What part of NO do you not understand?” T-shirt which I purchased the last time we were in port here. (For those of you who have been here, you know why we need a shirt like this.) We’ll spend a relaxing day at Bamboo Beach Club since the kids wanted some beach time. (And still too young for Dunn’s River Falls)

Tomorrow is a big day in Grand Cayman. We’ll do a couple of excursions including swashbuckling on a Cayman Pirate Adventure in the morning and then spend the afternoon at Dolphin Discovery and the Cayman Turtle Farm.

Later that evening, we will dine and celebrate my daughters 8th (going on 18) birthday aboard Carnival Destiny.

This particular ship has been the top pick for a number of our clients since it was refurbished and started sailing it’s 4 and 5 day itineraries to the Caribbean from Miami. When Ronda and I were awarded Team MVP by our Directors at Convention and given a Carnival Gift Certificate as a way to say thanks for all we do, I pretty much immediately knew when and were we wanted to go.

Of course, you can’t have a proper birthday party without family involved. So we invited extended family to come along for the party on the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line. (They know a really good Travel Agent who got them one heck of a deal.)

So while you enjoy RPM and Red Carpet Day, we’ll be stuck down here in the Caribbean – thousands of miles away. (And lovin’ every minute of it.)

I’ll probably hit the internet cafe a time or two, but don’t be looking for any posts during the week. Like our newsletter that went out yesterday, this was written and scheduled last week before we left.

To keep you entertained – check out our favorite cruise tune this trip. I’m a classic rock and roller, but Michael Franti and Spearhead’s new tune “Say Hey (I love you)” gave me happy feet the first time I heard it. It’s got a create Caribbean beat and will certainly give you the itch.

So until I get back around the way – Enjoy!

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
Share

What’s Your Life Balance Barometer?

Friday, October 23rd, 2009
18
Digg me

When I first saw this story in Travel Weekly about Princess doing a survey on the most stressed out cities in the US I was intrigued. I mean – cruise lines have been helping people de-stress for decades. While I wouldn’t consider this survey Pulitzer material, it’s certainly an interesting read for those of us who want to sell more vacations. (If you want Pulitzer, I’ve been telling people for over a decade that a cruise is the best vacation money can buy.)

irate-cust-510The Princess survey was done in conjunction with Harris Interactive who specializes in custom market research. The press release also referenced Dr. Kathleen Hall, founder of The Stress Institute, who believes learning how to deal with stress is one of the most important things Americans can do to lead more balanced lives.

According to the survey the top-five things Americans feel will help them achieve better life balance include realizing financial success, improving physical fitness, getting organized and taking more breaks and vacations. Yet one in four Americans aren’t planning to take a vacation in the next year. (Siting “work-related” reasons for not taking one.) As a side note – these same Americans (particularly those living in Washington, D.C.) don’t think the President of the United States should be given any vacation days either.

Here’s the list of America’s Most Stressed Out Cities

1. Chicago
2. Houston
3. Boston
4. Los Angeles
5. San Diego
6. Denver
7. San Francisco
8. Detroit
9. Tampa (tie)
9. Portland, Ore. (tie)
10. Seattle
11. Washington, D.C. (tie)
11. Baltimore (tie)
12. Sacramento
13. Pittsburgh
14. Philadelphia
15. New York
16. Phoenix
17. Atlanta
18. St. Louis
19. Minneapolis
20. Cincinnati
21. Las Vegas
22. Dallas/Fort Worth
23. Miami

Not surprising that the least stressed city in the survey has a major cruise port. (Hummmm)

I found the Princess Press release and the findings are an interesting read. Some of them include that 72 percent of Americas say they do not have balance in their lives, but there is hope. Slightly more than half believe they can achieve life balance in the next five years. The survey also noted that the poor economy is a leading causes for life imbalance, followed by the need to lose weight.

My solution to achieve life balance? I’m going to tote the Princess line here – “escape completely” on a luxury cruise liner for a week. Have someone else do the cooking and cleaning, enjoy the romance of the sea, and there’s something about the turquoise water that just soothes the soul. 

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Book Your Travel & Vacations With


TSO #588629
Share