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I want to send a special THANKS!!!! to Vikki for all the organization and work she puts into this forum. I would also like to Thank Ted for being such a warm and welcoming person, especially to a newbie like me. No wonder these two received awards!!! There are so many other great people I met, but I don't want to continue listing them for the fear of leaving someone out. I have those senior moments too and I'm not quite senior yet (Ern). This was our (my families) 5th Rally. So, as one can imagine, we've heard most of the panels and attended many of the classes before. I cannot say that I learned anything "new" really, but it's always good to get a tune up. I can however say that this year was most likely the BEST we've attended. That probably has a lot to do with me being involved in this forum and meeting so many great people. We also had a string of "good luck" if that's what you want to call it. My 11 year old had his 1st live performance during Saturday's open mic. My husband, other son and a fellow singer/songwriter friend of ours MickeyJoseph performed with him. It was such an awesome experience for him. We talked one on one to several people that very well might end up having a direct effect on our future. Then to finish it off, my 17 year old won the Yamaha guitar given away by West LA Music. Not too shabby!!!!! We came very close to not being able to attend even though we had already reserved tickets and purchased plane tickets. We had a huge financial setback with a major vendor for our business. To make a long story short, they didn't pay us at the end of Oct and might not be able to pay us for 45 days. That means approx 90% of our income...gone. We had no way to pay for the hotel or even eat while out there. Through tears I emailed my Uncle and asked him to loan us some money to help keep us from imploding immediately. Thank God he agreed!!! This allowed us to pay for the hotel and live off of value menus. But, before he agreed to help, we had decided that we were going to the Rally come hell or high water. If we had to sleep in the lobby and beg to use someone's shower....we were going. Things fell into place...and it turned into one of the most memorable Rallies to date.We are still in a pretty desperate financial situation, but I would not change my mind and spend that hotel money elsewhere. We had to make a choice to invest in our future or hold on to things we have no control over. Somehow things will turn around and I pray that our focus is in what our passion is and not in the business we've been running all these years that has kept us from fully reaching for our dreams.

Che, honey, I'm so sorry to hear about the financial strain. We're not doin' great here either but I tell myself it's only temporary, things will get betta over time. I'm glad you went and had such a great time. It sounds like the kids did too! As a mom, I know how absolutely fun that is to watch. Yay!!Anyway, wishin' you much prosperity of the spirit over the holiday season (and that they get you the cash they owe you too!)Big hugs,Squiddy

WOW, that's passion and dedication!!You guys are amazing!! I didn't get a chance to hang with you too much but I can see that you and your family are pretty incredible folks and I wish you all the best. My thoughts are with you in this rough time but with your attitude, it seems like you'll make it through all the better for it. I know it's tough when you are in the middle of it but from this outside eye, you are some very strong people and will be just fine.WOW. I'm humbled.Mazz

Squids... Thanks for the encouragement!!! Being entrepreneurs is always risky, even though now days working for a company can be risky. I try to keep in mind that we will not be given more than we can handle. My husband takes things like this a bit harder seeing as he feels responsible to keep money coming in. Mazz,Thanks! You are correct about it being rough while your in it, but we know that somehow it will be ok. We will have to rebuild and establish a "new normal". We had to rebuild before after leaving our retail businesses in '97, but not quite from this far down. I guess it'll make us stronger! At least that's what the old saying says right?

Hey, Tricia.It was a BLAST hanging with you. I'm STILL upset about my not getting to meet the young rock stars you brought with you, but I will meet them next year.I know things are strained, financially, on you and your family right now, but I'm feeling confident that you guys will be fine in the long run.Still...I'll drop a few prayers off on y'alls behalf tonight.Ted

Ted,Your awesome! and we'll take every extra prayer we can get Thanks

Great to meet ya Tricia! That's too cool you guys won that guitar! Anyway, I wish you the best and I'll see you for sure next year.

Jeff,Great meeting you too. Yeah Tadjh is getting antsy already waiting on it to arrive. Here's to next year!!!

Nov 12, 2008, 10:22pm, che wrote:I have those senior moments too and I'm not quite senior yet (Ern). Hey Tricia! It's Senor (tilde over the "n") Ern! The movie theaters won't let me in as a senior yet --- I've tried! It was great to see you again, and talking with Tadjh. If he wants some guitar lessons, I'd be happy to help him out! --- Might be hard over the Internet, but I'll try!Best,Señor Ern