Level Two Sommelier Course  Blog 274 In 273, I delved into exploring the wine industry. Now, let’s embark on a trek through the Level two sommelier course. Well, I’ve leveled up and tackled the Level two sommelier course. Spoiler alert: I passed on January 26th, 2024. But hey, let’s rewind and take a look at what went down. Level Two Exam The exam is split into three juicy sections: Tasting Portion: This is where the real action happens. Armed with the required wines, you dive into tasting under the watchful eye of Instructor Keith Wallace. No faking it here; you’ve gotta show off ..read more

In Blog 271, I delved into strategies for Stress Relief in daily life. Now, let’s embark on a journey through the wine industry. Reflecting on my 18 years, 10 months, and 18 days in my last job, I experienced both the best and worst moments. Amidst 48 job rejections, I pondered if it was ageism or simply the need for a change. Onje thing is for sure, I have a lot of knowledge to share in those experiences so how can I do this and enjoy myself in the process. After some reflection It really became a choice between staying on the same path or opt for something different. Change of Course Opti ..read more

In Blog 271 I talked about Time to work on me now. In this blog I wanted to talk about Relieving Stress in your Life   According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the most common sources of stress in the USA are financial worries, work, and the current political climate. These factors have taken a toll on people’s mental health, with stress leading to anxiety, depression, and physical illnesses. In fact, stress has been linked to heart disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders. What’s more, a lack of emotional support and community connectedness has also contributed to ..read more

In Blog 268 I Talked about how the Etsy site gained steam. In this blog I am going to talk about Building a Shopify site   My wife asked me the other morning what my blog was about now. It got me to thinking about it a little more in depth. Originally I stated this in my about me section:   “This is my journey in the footwear industry that shares tips on what I’ve learned starting from when I began in 1980. I start out with my adventures in store management with three different companies and on to my 11 year run with Nordstrom. I had many wonderful mentors at Nordstrom and st ..read more

In Blog 267 I Talked about utilizing my passion for dogs. In this blog I am going to talk about how the Etsy site gained steam. My first thought to the Etsy site was to have Footwear themed items. I made Shoe dog t-shirts with A description of what a shoe dog is. I put a link on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Had a few comments but no sales. I made some coffee mugs and did the same routine. Unfortunately, I got the same result. Made several items in other categories as well. Then my long-time mentor started ribbing me on what a shoe dog is. I listened to what he had to sa ..read more

In Blog 266 I Talked about Going to visit Rabaul and a volcano. In this blog I am going to talk about utilizing my passion for dogs.   My Passion for dogs   I’ve always been fond of dogs. I had a Dachshund as my first dog as a little boy. The dog I grew up with though was a poodle terrier mix we named Muttley after a cartoon we all used to watch. My aunt Linda had her originally but asked my parents if we wanted to take her. Her original name was “Queenie” but my brothers and I didn’t like that name, so we decided on the new name. She was an amazing dog and probably why I hav ..read more

In Blog 265 I Talked about Going to a village in Papua New Guinea. In this blog I am going to talk about Going to visit Rabaul and a Volcano.   1/31   As we were sailing today we passed a mountain that may be an active volcano, there were fumes coming up from what appeared to be a hole in the mountain, I’ll have to research this further. Yes after doing some research it is in fact an active volcano and very dangerous to this area. It last erupted however in 1994 and devastated the city of Rabaul. There are several in the area but most are dormant with this one the only one that is ..read more

In Blog 264 I Talked about Going Down Under for some R and R. In this blog I am going to talk about Going to a village in Papua New Guinea.   1/26   The next day we would go to the cruise terminal which is always fun. Picture the worst day at Disneyland and you have a cruise terminal. You had to wear a mask and since Linda’s carry on was open we couldn’t check it and it was a good fifty pounds.  I was worried I’d get denied because my temperature was high from lugging this 50lb. bag through the terminal. I was sweaty, my nose was running, luckily the mask hid that though ..read more

In Blog 263 I Talked about the SEO learning curve. In this blog I am going to talk about Going Down Under for some R and R.   1/23   I didn’t think I’d be able to write while away but the connection is good enough, just have to time it right as the connection can be spotty. One of my Core Values is Balance: “You want everything in your life to be in the right proportion to everything else. No one thing dominates your life”. To do this sometimes you need to shift gears or as they say down under “Take a holiday”. What better way to do that than to travel clear across the world ..read more

In Blog 270 I Talked about Doggydaddyshop.com is born. In this blog I am going to talk about Time to Work on Me Now.   Many of us live our lives running from task to task, painfully aware that we aren’t taking care of ourselves as well as we should be or living in the moments. I knew I needed to focus on this myself, but it is hard to create these inviting moments for self-reflection and growth when you are struggling to keep up with work, life and family obligations; taking time out just seems impossible. Yet it doesn’t have to be this way – So I decided to act. I’m dedicated to helpi ..read more