From: Pipermynt@aol.com
Date: Sat, 12 May 2001 19:45:35 EDT
Subject: Re: working from home
To: paidtoparty@hotmail.com, balloondeco@balloonhq.com

Hi Angela
I thought those "homebase rules' you have are terrific, and I run about the 
same as you do.  With a 3 yo, even though he does entertains himself really 
well, there are times where I do need to be a mommy.
I do just have to put in a few points.  I know some of you meant well with 
the idea of going into a separate room when the phone rings and shutting the 
door or hiring a sitter to watch the kid from 10am to 3-4pm.  But 
unfortunately, that always doesn't work.  
When my business phone rings, I pick it up and immediately head to my studio 
and yes, I do shut the door behind me.  95% of the time my son doesn't follow 
and knows that when the "balloon phone" rings, he needs to leave mommy alone. 
But of course, the other 5%  my son is cranky, upset or whatever, he WILL 
open that door. No.. I can't lock it..he would scream louder from here to 
Katmandu!  
Tricks I have...
1)  Mini candy bars or tootsie rolls.  He loves those things and they fill 
his mouth nicely for a good amount of time!  
2)  Pulling out my markers and paper..let him sit and draw at my work 
station..makes him feel "grown up" and he's being mommy's helper.
3)  Rubber bands...he thinks those things are cool!
4)  Small pocket size photo albums of pictures he doesn't see that often that 
he likes.  The dogs, trains, grandparents, anything Thomas the Tank Engine.  
Even those cheapie 5 cent garage sale toys, those have done the trick more 
that once.

Lord knows I can't give him a balloon..big deal..he sees those things all the 
time!
Good luck!

Gayle Rood
Helium Works
Kokomo, IN










In a message dated 5/12/01 9:49:26 AM, paidtoparty@hotmail.com writes:

<< Well, I hope some of this helps. I agree, you must be disciplined... and 
when I am not, my biz suffers. But, I take things day by day, and try to get 
my daily goals set.


Angela Edwards >>