If you’ve been following my blog since conception, you might already know the story of my dual birthdays. For those of you who don’t, sit a spell and I’ll fill you in.
July 22nd is my real birthday, and has been for the past 29 years. A true 29 years. Next year, I’ll still say 29, but we’ll all know that it’s not. Shh.. I trust you all to keep my little secret. July 22nd is also the anniversary date of the first Gateway to Saving workshop, ironically, the Christmas workshop was the first class. Ultimate Couponing didn’t come along for a couple more months.
Prior to then, I tried to keep my discount shopping under wraps. It was so much fun to show up to Christmas with extravagant gifts that fell under the $5 limit, or to watch the look on our friends faces as they opened up our cupboards. As the recession started to hit, I began to feel a little guilty about keeping all of my secrets to myself, so I started giving friends tips and hints. It began to consume my life. I was already working 50-60 hours a week and spent every waking minute at home answering phone calls and emails with questions. I’m the type of person to put friends ahead of my own needs, but after so long, it began to get a little old.
A few of my friends got together and asked me to host a class, so I could teach them all in one sweep. It was definitely the answer I had been looking for.. but wait.. I DESPISED public speaking. I was the kid in high school that would slip off to the bathroom when it was my turn to answer a question, or would skip school the day of an important oral presentation. This fear carried over into college, and would you believe that I actually selected my first major because it avoided all communication classes? By the time I was done with the immense amount of college, I felt much better about public speaking, but it still wasn’t one of my favorite things, by a long shot. It fell somewhere between sticking needles under my toenails and dealing with a batch of seed ticks.
With the encouragement of my friends and the promise of a small class, I said to myself, ‘What the heck?’ and agreed. The class was scheduled for my birthday, unbeknownst to my friends. It became quite the celebration, cake, gifts, and the whole nine yards. Instead of the nine people that had registered, nearly FIFTY showed up to hear me speak. Local media caught wind of it, and within a month, my classes were the hottest thing going. I could pack any venue I booked. I was still working full time, and could not devote the necessary time to both, so when the economy took my job in November, it was a blessing in disguise. Since then, the classes have tapered way off, but are still enough to allow me to stay home and devote my time to helping others take control of their lives.
In a way, it was the best birthday present I’ve ever received. I now have a somewhat successful business and come home from a workshop grinning from ear to ear. I don’t remember ever doing that at my ‘real’ job. I’ve made tons of new friends and hear success stories on a daily basis. It was definitely worth it to give up that birthday for a class! Now, I try my hardest to schedule around it.
I could have not done this without my friends, and the constant encouragement from Connie and my husband, and you- my readers. I want to thank each and every one of you. Every time you visit the site, click a link, attend a class, or become a fan on facebook, it gives me that extra encouragement to keep Gateway to Saving going. Thank you for everything!
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I don’t remember you being that kid in high school.
I’m glad you found something you love and that helps people save money. I would love to take a class if I’m ever in the area at the right time. I send people to your blog all the time.
Happy Birthday!