The Fiery Grandma working at home. Have you ever wondered what a day might look like in the life of a working grandma? Here is a peek inside my life one day this past week.
The day started like any other with the alarm ringing at 6:30. Time to pop out of bed, start the coffee and get dressed. Our youngest grandson, Lucas would be here within 30 minutes. You see besides running my auto transport dispatch and brokering service, my network marketing business and eBay store hubby and I watch Lucas during the week. Having lived in California and away from my other grandkids while they were little, I really appreciate being actively involved with Lucas at 4 years old.
Seven o’clock rolled around and our son didn’t show up. Finally, I sent a text making sure he was alright. Come to find out it was his day off and he forgot to tell us. So, after a tasty breakfast of eggs and crispy hash brown potatoes and coffee, my workday began.
Have you ever thought about working at home? Have you used a to-do list to work from? This particular day my to-do list was the saving grace of productivity. You see, once a pebble gets in my path I get all flustered and rarely remain The Fiery Grandma. I tend to be more like a fizzled out flicker of a flame not getting much of anything done. I need organization and a plan to get everything I have in the works done.
For instance, while Lucas and hubby play cars I am busy checking email, answering requests for samples and questions from my eBay buyers. In between those tasks I handle phone calls from auto transport customers and the truckers. Some days are crazier than others and this day was no exception. There’s an old saying “it doesn’t rain but it pours”. That described this day.
One area of my business I am working on is a strategy. I’ve never played sports and strategy is part of any game that is if you want to win. So, I hired a strategy coach to help get my thoughts and actions into alignment with what I wanted to accomplish in my business. Every Monday afternoon we meet on the phone for an hour to lay out the next week’s plan of action. I thought I had planned my day well enough to get everything done before my call.
Instead, what I found was my beef stew half prepared, my coach was ringing in and I was flustered and couldn’t 
think. I spent the first ten minutes of my call expressing how my day went and my stew wasn’t ready. Needless to say, we had a good laugh and got on with the reason for the call.
In a nutshell that is what a day in the life of The Fiery Grandma looks like. It seems it all eventually gets done, I just have to roll with the flow of working at home, watching grandkids with a retired husband under feet at all times. It’s a life full of love, rewards, frustration, and challenges. This is my life!
Carla Gardiner is a mom of 2, the fiery grandma of 7 and has been married to her husband for 38 years. She is focused, and driven; a business owner who made a big move in her late 50’s which rocked her world. Transitioning from her native hometown to her new home 3 states away took guts, work, and dedication to get the job done. Now, she is focused on helping other women handle life’s changes after 50 while making the transition to their retirement lifestyle; one they’ve been dreaming of instead of the nightmare it could become.
P.S. Before you go I have a question for you. Are we connected on Facebook? Each week we get together and I share lifestyle tips, business tips, or even something fun to mix it up and keep life interesting. Join us, we are one wild bunch of women over 50. Click here to go to my Facebook Page.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."
