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Greetings!
 When it comes to stress-inducing events, moving ranks right up there with tax audits and root canals. By the time you read this, I will have just completed my 16th move - given I lived in one house for 10 years, that's 15 moves in 24 years. And that doesn't even begin to take into consideration all the satellite apartments and hotel suites I called 'home' while working on the road for 10 of those 24 years.
Here's the good news - I am an expert packer and can count on one hand the number of things lost or broken in all those moves. The bad news? I have way too much stuff and the older I get the less I want of it.
As a society it seems we've been sold a bill of commercialized goods (pun intended). The phrases "Keep up with the Joneses", "Buy now, pay later", and "New and Improved" were all coined to condition us into believing we need more, bigger and better material wealth.
 Don't believe me? Just look at the proliferation of storage facilities. When our homes are too full and we can no longer park in the garage because it's become a closet, then off we go to pack even more stuff into a rented space so we can pay to save the things we don't use. Why? Why? Why?
It is so easy to accumulate stuff. Often we go shopping when we're bored or lonely or because we've been lured into thinking we need something when in fact we do not. Once we get all these inanimate objects we form attachments to them and those attachments, whether we realize it or not, create a suffocating environment.
 A few years ago, a friend told me she was on a one-year non-buying sabbatical. She refused to buy anything except food and general necessities. No clothes, no jewelry, no knick-knacks, nothing. I ran into her a year and a half later and asked how her sabbatical went. She reported that not only had she saved a ton of money, but she finally realized she already had enough stuff and was continuing her non-buying ways indefinitely.
Now, we're not advocating you never spend money, but when you do, take a moment to reflect on what you're spending, why you're spending it, and whether or not this particular item is truly needed. Or better, make a vow to discard two items for every new one so you can begin to declutter your life.
Don't wait for your next move, find time to take inventory around your own home now - what haven't you used in forever? Do you really need to hang onto it? Might someone else benefit from having it? If so, donate to someone in need or to your favorite charity.
And as the Holidays approach and you're thinking about gift ideas, perhaps you will consider giving something that doesn't fit in a box so you can do your part to help others reduce clutter.
The very best gifts, as surely you know, are the ones that create memories through action rather than a standard wrapped package. When we spend time with someone or make their life a little easier somehow, that is an ever-lasting gift and one that doesn't need to be dusted, packed or moved.
As for me, I discarded a lot of stuff when I was packing and now, as I diligently unpack, I am ruthlessly discarding more.
Even for me, releasing attachments is challenging, yet it is ultimately rewarding because, at the end of the day, this is the reality:
The less stuff you have and the more you focus on family and friends instead of inanimate objects, the more life you have.
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Executive Errands can free up your life so you'll have time to create memories that last a lifetime.
www.executive-errands.com
or call us today at 760.469.2487 |
Our Favorite Things
Juan Martinez - Real Estate Consultant
Executive Errands has the very good fortune to work with many realtors and brokers.
We appreciate the work realtors do and their ongoing referrals to us and to honor their dedication, we are partnered with Desert Welcome's VIP Welcome program to offer two hours free to new home buyers.
Since we do have such great realtor relationships, it is difficult to single out just one. However, this month, we'd like to recognize Juan Martinez of Centerpointe Capital Corp for his 'above and beyond' service.
As we all know, mortgage companies are severely backed up with short sales and foreclosures, yet Juan navigated the murky waters expertly and was able to get my own escrow closed in a reasonable timeframe.
And because I am not yet ready to purchase a new home, Juan helped me find the perfect rental property when I was too busy to do it myself.
Juan Martinez, one of our favorite people! Juan may be reached at 760.792.3485 or by email at jnmartinez186@aol.com
["Our Favorite Things" gives us an opportunity to share people, places, events and things that we truly love and that you might too. We have no business affiliation with any company or individual featured here. We just want to share good things with you and if our recommendations help build business for someone else or saves you time or money, GREAT!!!]
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Service Provider Spotlight
Debbie's Holiday Decorating
Executive Errands is pleased to add Debbie's Holiday Decorating to our network of licensed and insured Service Providers.
Debbie Dunn, owner of Debbie's Holiday Decorating has been designing holiday decor for over 28 years. Her client A-list includes:
~Thunderbird Country Club
~Nokia Theatre ~Disney Concert Hall ~Ahmanson Theatre ~Mark Taper Forum ~Saddleback Memorial Hospitals ~UCI Medical Center ~Ritz Carlton ~Augustine Casino ~Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa ~Palm Springs Riviera ~Nordstrom's ~Hyatt hotels ~Many Celebrity homes
Debbie offers both commercial and residential, interior and exterior designs. Her company does set up and strike for Holiday Parties and Conventions and offers not only Christmas floral and poinsettias but also Holiday props, such as sleighs, reindeers, snowman, and many lighted designs.
All of Debbie's designs are custom so whether you're looking for Christmas Tree's , Wreaths, Garland, Lighting or Menorah's, Debbie's is the one to use.
2010 SPECIAL FOR HOA MANGERS!!
If you are considering new Community decorations for NEXT year, we are offering a free walkaround at your property between December 26th and January 30th. Together you and Debbie will develop a Holiday decor strategy, then she will give you an estimate to use for budgetary purposes.
If you can dream it, see it, and feel it...
Debbie can do it!
For more information or to schedule your free walkaround, please contact Debbie at 760.324.4909 or by email at dunn33@aol.com and of course you can request her services through Executive Errands.
760.469.2487 www.executive-errands.com | |
Fix or Repurpose, Not Replace
giving old items new life
We are always looking for ways to save you money or time and this month, we got our own lesson in both.
 You know, one of the byproducts of having too much stuff is the waste it all creates. We discard items and create havoc with the environment when broken or unused items could easily be fixed or repurposed.
["Repurposing" means to rework or modify one thing into something else so you can still use it]
As an example, a few months ago, I broke my blender. The bowl was improperly seated and sheared off the rubber 'teeth' that engage the motor.
Because I use a blender almost daily, my first impulse was to run out and buy a new one. Unfortunately the new one wasn't as substantial or powerful as the broken one so instead of throwing it away, it went into a closet. (the fact I kept a broken blender is another story entirely).
So when I ran across the broken blender during the packing effort, I thought 'hmmm, wonder if this can be fixed?'
Do you know, it took only 30 seconds to locate the replacement part? And can you guess how much it cost? With shipping, it was $12 - far less costly than the new blender.
And in another situation, a friend's big screen television 'died' and she was lamenting the cost of buying a new one. Instead, we referred her to our TV repair Service Provider and the problem  turned out to be simple: a burnt out light bulb that cost less than $150, installed. That's a lot better than buying a new television.
Sometimes we forget how easy it is to fix or repurpose something.
What do you have that can be fixed? What can you avoid throwing into the trash? And just how much money might you be able to save???
Executive Errands has Service Providers available to help you fix or repurpose just about anything
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Service Provider Spotlight
W. Hoffmann Construction
 Locally owned and operating here in the Desert since 2000, W. Hoffmann Construction focuses on Quality and Service and is one of Executive Errands' newest Service Providers.
W. Hoffmann Construction owner and General Contractor, Walt Hoffmann offers both commercial and residential new construction, remodeling and handyman services. He says with a grin, "no job is too big or too small".
In addition to standard general contracting work, Walt is adding a C-46 Solar license and will be available to install Solar energy alternatives.
Up until now, all of W. Hoffmann's work has come from word-of-mouth referrals by satisfied clients and now we here at Executive Errands are very pleased to extend his services to all of our homeowners and communities as well.
For more info about W. Hoffmann Construction
please contact Karen at 760.568.9326 or by email at kambookeeper@gmail.com
Executive Errands
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Announcements....
Reminder: There are now three ways to reach us:
~Our Customer Service line 760.898.9604
~Our regular number 760.469.2487
~Our toll free number 888.777.4771 |
Service Provider Spotlight
Astra Electric Inc
Executive Errands is pleased to introduce Astra Electric Inc - our new Electrician Service Provider.
No matter whether you have a broken circuit breaker or need an entire new panel, Astra is there to help. They offer 24/7 support personnel and their rates are more than fair.
With 17+ years experience, this locally owned and operated company is personable, professional and responsive - just the way we like 'em!
Astra has extensive experience in large, small commercial; standard, high end residential remodel and new construction.
Remember, with one simple call, Executive Errands can arrange anything you need!
Executive Errands 760.469.2487
www.executive-errands.com |
Gifts That Create Memories
When you're looking for a special gift that won't create clutter and will help create memories, Executive Errands can help. We offer gift certificates and/or referrals for all of the following:

~An Executive Errands Gift Certificate - yes, you can buy time and use it to make life easier for yourself or someone else. Gift Certificates are available in any denomination from one hour on up.
~Cherished photographs, reprinted in black and white or transferred to CD (or better yet, a DVD montage) is a creative and sentimental way to highlight special memories and is a sure-fire way to bring tears to the eyes of any recipient
~Tickets to a musical or sporting event are always popular, especially if a group attends and you turn it into a party
~Speaking of parties, giving a catered dinner for two, a small cocktail party or a fancy birthday party is a wonderfully appreciated gift that makes everyone feel special and is sure to create happy memories
~The gift of housekeeping services - whether just once or for six months can be a blessing to a tired parent
~An in home massage or facial relaxes you in a way that can't be beat! A glass of wine, a few candles, a great spa treatment, a soak in the tub.... who could ask for more?
~General maintenance gift certificates are always appreciated - AC checkups, mobile car washes, golf cart maintenance, laundry assistance, computer virus check, handyman services or 3 months of Absentee Home services may be just what your giftee needs
C'mon - think outside of the box! These are just a few of the ways Executive Errands can help free up your life or the lives of your family and friends.
Be creative this holiday season and remember that all of our Service Providers offer gift certificates - don't see something you need? One call is all it takes!
Executive Errands:
Our Elves are ready to assist you!
760.469.2487 www.executive-errands.com |
Upcoming Events....
The Rancho Mirage/Cathedral City Soroptimist Club (of which we are a member) is holding the annual Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon Fundraiser on November 14th at Desert Island Country Club.
Fashions are provided by Coldwater Creek and the Master of Ceremonies is CBS2 news senior meteorologist Patrick Evans. Along with lunch and the fashion show, we'll be offering both a raffle and a Live Auction!
Proceeds from this event benefit House of Hope and other Coachella Valley charities.
This event is sure to be one of the most memorable of the Season. Cost to attend is only $45. For more information, www.holidaysinthedesert.com
We are accepting Visa and Mastercard this year to help make your donation effort easier!
If you would like to attend this worthy event, please contact Cardinal Ambrose at 760.399.2192 or by email at mcambrose@dc.rr.com
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Epictetus, a Greek Philosopher c 200 AD said:
"People are disturbed not by things but by the view they take of them"
Attachments come in many forms - to people, to places, to our animals, and to things. When our attachments override our common sense, they may cause us to make poor decisions and/or become a detriment in our daily life.
Sometimes attachment is misinterpreted as sentiment, where we convince ourselves we're hanging onto long unneeded or unused things just because they have sentimental value. In some cases that may well be true, but more often than not we keep things out of habit or a reluctance to let go.
More important than any physical things we own are the memories we create and hold dear in our hearts, the traditions we pass down year after year and the time spent with loved ones.
This distinction becomes shockingly evident in the wake of a disaster - if you lost everything in an earthquake or flood, would it matter as long as your family was ok?
Things are just that - things. All of us enjoy being surrounded by beautiful things and that's perfectly fine, as long as we keep them in the proper perspective and remain unattached.
This holiday season, see if you can think outside the box for new gift ideas, strive to unclutter your own life, repurpose if you can and donate what you can't. After all, someday you may want to move and believe me, there are far better things in life than packing boxes.
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Thanksgiving is traditionally a time when we sit down with our family. I prefer the "sense of family" rather than the biology of it because a family doesn't rely solely on genetics.
 So whether you share your holidays with relatives or with friends, be sure to give Thanks for the great things in your life, find a way to share with others less fortunate and make a point to perform an act of kindness whenever and wherever you can.
We give Thanks to each of you, our Clients, Service Providers, Business Associates and Friends. Thank you for supporting us and advocating for us. Thank you for your referrals and for taking the time to send your wonderful comments about this e-newsletter each month. And thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely, Leslie Spoor
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