Valerie Leuba

Blink: In Review; The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. By Malcome Gladwell

2009-11-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

Malcolm Gladwell has the magic ability to provoke and stimulate thoughts. In his book Blink, you literally can’t afford to blink or you might miss a crucial point.

What is a snap-judgment and can you really trust a decision based on what your subconscious tells you? In his book Blink, Gladwell uses fascinating and compelling stories loaded with anecdotes and social science research, to which he manages to break down to an easy and understandable reading.

There have been numerous times in your life; when you know something is not right, or that something that just don’t feel right or is out of place. This is what Gladwell mean, when your subconscious is making a decision for you.

When, and in what situation is a subconscious decision better than an informed and conscious decision? Gladwell shares some amazing stories for the pros and cons for this particular question. There are definitely in my opinion times when a snap-judgment is far superior then a drawn out planning process. A classic example of this is life-and–death situations, or sometimes in the case of a sensory overload, when a person has too many variables to choose from and use to make an informed decision. I don’t want to ruin your reading and give away some wonderful stories, but I will say this though- can we call our perception reality, if considering our interpretations of people, events and ideas are funneled through a filtering system, that are heavily influenced by internal ideologies and beliefs. Gladwell uses so many examples of this kind of brain-massage, which will stimulate and provoke us to think in a diverse way.

A must read! I highly recommend Malcolm Gladwell’s book Blink, not only for you to be able to make an educated decision either on a sub-conscious or conscious level, but also as a fascinating day or two of study, reading and contemplating about the intuitive instincts we all may have.

Valerie Leuba

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Phone: 910-988-3751

Skype: vleuba

RICH DAD’S GUIDE TO BECOMING RICH WITHOUT CUTTING UP YOUR CREDITCARDS. By Robert Kiyosaki.

2009-11-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

“You can be rich by being cheap. The problem is, you’re still cheap.”( Kiyosaki, pg. 36)

Most Americans today are due for a financial oil change. There is only so far an engine can run on pegged out red rpm, until something will break and fall apart.

Most of us can’t afford to lose much more than a few dollars. We, the majority of people of the greatest and richest country in the world, the United States of America, have already lost the financial game of life. It is very apparent in our present economical situation, when a dramatic change in our daily life occurs, either as a loss of income due to a lay-off or an illness preventing someone from being able to work.

Our financial IQ is unfortunately not as high as it ought or could be. This is the root of the problem to free ourselves from the engine blowout. The educational program we currently have is not up to date. We live in a society that constantly changes, and unfortunately our school and educational programs have not stayed abreast to our fast paced society. The biggest problem is that we are not taught even the most rudimentary level of financial education.

There is a solution to all of this. I agree with Kiyosaki, that we must raise our financial IQ, we must change our school and educational system to stay abreast of the future and most of all to invest in ourselves in the required learning of finance. The problem that arises with this proposed life-line, is that most folks today are not willing to pay the price of such endeavors. It is like anything in life, the required training to become a hall of fame athlete or years of dedication of study to be an astronaut, it is all about paying the price, which most of us just don’t want to do.

According to the grim statistics of Americans reaching retirement age of 65;

1% of us will be wealthy
4% well off
5% must continue to work
54% live under care from either family or government
36% dead

Find a big enough why and start the journey of financial freedom. The most successful people not only learn from their own numerous mistakes, but also from other peoples mistakes. Learning is an ongoing process so start today and avoid 99% who did not make the decision to be in the 1% wealthy when reaching retirement age.

In summary: Read Robert Kiyosaki’s books and other books of financially successful people, and seek the power of mentorship and guidance. To find out more on how to increase your financial IQ:

Valerie Leuba

Phone:910-988-3751

Skype: vleuba

eMail: leubav@gmail.com

When you are ready to start your financial journey Click Here

Why Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It. The E-Myth Revised: By Michael E. Gerber

2009-11-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

Michael Gerber hit a home-run with his book The E-Myth Revised: Why Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It. It is a must read for someone thinking about starting a small business as well as a seasoned business owner.

"Simply put, your job is to prepare yourself and your business for growth."

"To educate yourself sufficiently so that, as your business grow, the business's foundation and structure can carry the additional weight".

"And as awesome a responsibility as that may seem to you, you have no other choice-if your business is to thrive that is". (Gerber, pg.62)

This is the owner's job. If the owners don’t do this, nobody will!

In business as in life, knowledge is power. Successful business owners are not necessary smarter than the rest of us, they just need to know more of all aspects of business and to do it absolutely right. What Gerber meant by this, is that the business owner need to know to it’s entirely the smallest most mundane task like the books, to the excitement of raising capital for the business. It's all about the development of an extraordinary business. This is the never ending game of business ownership.

Gerber classified three personality traits a business owners possesses; The Entrepreneur, the Manager and the Technician. There has to be a symbiotic relationship between them all if the business is to flourish. If one overtakes the other the business will suffer and die.

Instead of always capture the employee of the month badge, you can replace that boss you thought was absolutely useless or incapable of running the business, and be the best boss you ever thought possible. Most people who are smitten by the entrepreneurial bug and steps in to the business ownership world are normally Technicians, or experts in their chosen profession.

The goal of business ownership is to work on your business versus working in your business. To create a business on auto-pilot, that is based on solid time tested principles.

Gerber uses the Franchise model of McDonald’s to express and explain how to run a business. There has to be a system in place to work like a Franchise, a plan supporting the business and a vision of how the business will look and operate in the future a business in order to be successful.

Valerie Leuba

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Phone: 910-988-3751

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2009-11-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

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Review of Conspiracy of the Rich by Robert Kiyosaki

2009-11-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

There has never been a time in history when there has been a greater exchange of wealth. There has never been a more urgent time then now to get educated in your financial future then today. today may even be too late, that is how urgent it is!

You are either informed and part of the 1 to 3% of the wealthy or you are going to settle and be left behind. I am sorry if it sound abrupt but I do not like to see families kick you of their homes and people loosing their jobs. If you do not become financially educated to protect yourself from the greatest transfer of money that the world has ever seen this could possibly happen to you. This recession is only the beginning and in the next three to five year will be significant if you are going to be part of the affluent or sit on the sidelines and wish you educated yourself and your family for what is to come. I highly, undeniably, must start your financial education with Rich Dad's Conspiracy of the Rich by Robert Kiyosaki. it will light a fire under your butt and make you take massive action.

The major conspiracy is education; conspiracy against our education system to keep the majority of society uninformed so people have to seek outside of our school system if they what to become better informed. It all comes down to education.

The 4 major causes of our finances:

Retirement conspiracy against our retirement because this country is in such great debt that in our lifetime we will see social security fail. There will be a tremendous increase of forced retirements therefore creating a higher social security class. The baby boomers are in their retirement years and the government is lying about supporting that demographic.
Inflation conspiracy because money is not money anymore it is monopoly money and it is printed as much as it is needed. The money gets stretched thinner and products get more expensive.
Taxes are increased because the Federal Reserve System tries to pay down the debt that is created from the printing of money which comes social security and income tax from the middle class and the struggling not from the rich.
Debt which most of the population is in because of the inflation and taxes. It is from the cost of just surviving today.

As you can see there is an urgency to educate and learn as much as you can to prepare yourself for what is to come. It will get worse before it gets better.

Valerie Leuba

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Skype: vleuba

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Review of Guide to INVESTING in GOLD & SILVER

2009-10-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

I just finished Guide to INVESTING in GOLD & SILVER, by Michael Maloney, and WOW, what a punch in the gut that was. I really had a hard time putting this book down. If you did not know this book is part of the Rich Dad Poor Dad series by Robert Kiyosaki, I highly recommend that you increase you financial IQ. It continues the financial education we all need for being successful in our business ventures. In Michael Maloney's book Guide to Investing in Gold & Silver he educates in the history of monetary standard of the economic cycles of Gold and Silver and a, How To, guide for expanding our context in relation to investing in precious metals.

History has proven itself over and over again how cyclic it is. Maloney explains in detail how monetary standards come to be, from simple bartering with seashells and chickens to today's world currency. History has shown that Gold and Silver have been standing true to its value all along, while the rest of the fiat, not backed by something tangible like precious metal, currency has collapsed.

The economic cycles of Gold and Silver have been tested true and arises victorious over the present economic situation. The exchange of wealth is when Gold and Silver are reevaluated and in the fall of 2009 is that very situation when to buy low and sell high.

The paper currency of the world is on a downward spiral, and nothing is truer than our dollars decline. Gold and Silver has always returned to its true value. The key is to buy when the cycle is on the low end and sell on the "top of the trend"

Michael Maloney writes in detail on how the Federal Reserve came about, its secrecy and influences in today's World Economy. It was shocking to discover the Federal Reserve is not even American, nor part of our Government!

The World Economy is influenced by the weakened dollar and China's exploding entrance into the marketplace only enhances the U.S.A into an irreversible debt. The Inflation, Hyperinflation, and or Deflation are loudly knocking on our door.

What can us as US citizens to combat this doom and gloom of this future trend and create wealth when the economy is falling apart all around us?

Michael Maloney's solutions:

• Buy Gold and Silver! The winner will be the one who has Gold, Silver, and other Precious metals in their investment portfolio.

• Tangible assets such as Real Estate and Land, available dirt cheap if you have a currency that has Value. Right now, fall of 2009, Silver is the very undervalued! Remember buy low!

• Seek knowledge in the Economic cycles that affect the World Economy, business ownership, and financial investing in Gold, Silver and Precious Metals.

I highly recommend Guide to Investing in Gold & Silver. I also recommend the entire Rich Dad Poor Dad series to prepare you with the knowledge for what is to be the future World Economy Tsunami. Look towards the future with a positive aspect and participate in the greatest exchange of wealth that history has ever experienced.

"Knowledge is Power and with Power comes Change” Tony Horton, (P90X fame)

To learn how to better position and protecting yourself in today’s economy.
visit: Ask Valerie Leuba

7th week of P90X

2009-10-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

The workout is coming along. I am begining my 7th week in P90X and the Plyometrics is much easier but I still haven't finished the whole hour. I get as far as 40 minutes and every week I am getting stronger. I have not lost any weight but my muffin is shrinking ( fat that hangs over your pants). Every muscle is getting tighter. This program is great because I do not have to drive to a gym and waste time on the road, I can get right to business. I work from home so time is very important to me. I want to get as much done as I can with the time I have. This program allows me to get a quality workout and sweat! Get rid of all the toxins with sweating.
This program is strength training and cardio, stretching, yoga and diet. I actually feel like I am getting a workout. I will be 45 shortly and Tony Horton is 46 when he made the system so that was all I needed to start. Since he looks like that (awesome shape) for his age It is possible for other who are that age and older.
I strongly reccommend this system to everyone. I want to workout everyday and you will to. When I have something going on and I am unable to workout I am one crabby individual. As Tony Horton says "Knowledge is power and with power come change" That is not only true for working out it applies to all aspects of life and it take displine. Try it out I know you will be hooked. Until next time.

Review: Grow Rich! with Peace of Mind Napoleon Hill

2009-09-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

I like to share my review of one of my favorite books Grow Rich! With Peace of Mind by Napoleon Hill I remembered reading a book about a decade ago that totally changed my outlook on life. I decided to reread this amazing and absolutely fascinating book. It is as I remembered; a hard book to lie down and stop reading. This book not only changed my life the first time I read it, but for the second time I found so much more that I can implement into my life.

I believe that there is correlations between the notions of someone have to see an ad at least seven times and to reread a book more than once to fully comprehend what is explained. I know now, that I interpret books and written material differently compared to fifteen years ago, and I also have a better understanding of how the society and the world are working. A lot have changed in fifteen years, and I have tried to change with it. I highly recommend rereading a lot of the most interesting and challenging books you have read in the past. Learning is an ongoing process, and Grow Rich! With a Peace of Mind is a great testament of that.

As I was reading Napoleon Hills Grow Rich! With Peace in Mind, it occurred how much I needed to evolve. I have always been a huge believer in the Golden Rule of compensation and knowing yourself and being you, and this book exemplifies this and bringing life to another level. Do to others what you like to be done for yourself, and to truly live a life without fear. The past is just that…the past. The power to let go of past mistakes enriches you. Move on from failures and lost love ones, and strive to live life to its fullest capabilities. The mind is a formidable weapon, if used correctly, against the enemies of our evolvement, such as fear, greed, hatred and twenty three more enemies, will aid in our life journey.

The journey through life is an eternal problem. As we grow older and hopefully learning as we go, we are constantly challenged by problems in one way or another. In the beginning we can only solve the easy problems. After each successful encounter of problems, we are then faced with progressively harder problems. We start our journey as the size of a pea, with all kinds of problems circulation around us as the planets around the sun. As we grow stronger and manage to solve our immediate problems, we grow larger. Now we are the size of a soccer ball, with a different set of problems circulating around us we did not foresee and did not knew existed before. Again we hopefully grow and manage to solve our problems. The cycle continues and we grow, and each time we grow we encounter new set of progressively harder problems. Life has its problems and lessons to learn so it is best to live life to the fullest, grow more out of your comfort zone and become a great problem solver.

Every adversity carries the seed of an equal or greater benefit, and this is so absolutely true. With an enthusiastic attitude, have a great smile, absolutely live by the Golden Rule, belief that anything the human mind can believe, the human mind can achieve, and just let go of all fear. I hope I see you all on the other side. Until next time

Blue skies!

Animal Rescue

2009-08-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

It has been a pretty good week, This past week, I rescued a baby squirrel and took her to a wildlife rehabilitater and she gave her some antibiotics because she had a few scratches on her. I went to my veterinarian first and the office let me know that it is illegal to take care of wild animals so I found a lady who has a license to take care of wildlife. I was very happy that I saved a life and two day after my husband came in the house and said "I found another one" but it was a little finch and we had to find a specialist who takes care of wild birds. Our Vet gave us some numbers to call and we went to the sweetest lady. She is an older lady and she told us that she has been taking care of wildlife for 15 years and not only birds but others animals, squirrels, rabbits, ducks, humming birds, dogs, She is very informative. I was happy to listen because I do not want to contribute to making animals sick. She said that the little finch that I brought to her had wasting disease. It is a disease that happens when birds are fed empty calories, like breads and crackers and processed foods, from people who are trying to help out but do not do a little research to find out what is a good healthy diet for the little ones. Trees that are cut down are also a factor in the diminishing food source for all species of birds and she said more and more animals are disappearing because of clear cutting of trees on private property and also forests and the birds can not get the nutrients they need. It is sad to me because when she was talking to me, and I was listening very intently, she started to tear up and I could see her passion to help animals and the strength of this women is amazing. I hear my neighbors and friends complain about one little dog and usually the poor thing is left outside all by him or herself and these people will disregard one pet, and complain its too hard to take care of. This lady is so strong and it is such an inspiration to keep doing what I am doing, protecting dogs, to know there are more people who have the strength to put their complaints aside and do the right thing. To step out of ones comfort zone is very rewarding.

P90X Plyometrics, My 2nd Week

2009-08-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Oh My Lord! That Plyometrics from P90x is no joke. It is a smoker, its awesome and I feel energized and it was an hour long and I have the momentum now. I am in my second week and I want everyone to try this. I still need to burn about 1/2 in. of fat on my stomach, I know its overall fat but what really bothers me, and I believe most women know their problem areas, and mine is my stomach. I am sorry, I thought I could add the picture, the before, but I chickened out. I will be more brave later on. I promise. In the first week I wasn't able to finish the full hour but now, and only my second week, I finished the full lesson, and tomorrow it is shoulders & arms. It is riviting I know. and this is for http://fidoandwino.blogspot.com/ I am drinking a glass of red wine from Coppola Rosso and its so exciting the bottle came with a glass.

Discipline Philosophy

2009-08-17T07:52:00.001-07:00

Discipline: The definition of discipline is to train and develop by instruction and exercise in self-control.

This is a true statement and all it really takes is a decision to want to do something, weather it be to learn a new skill or decide you want to be in shape. Once you have made the decision it takes the discipline or execution to want to see it through!

Most people I have discovered are comfortable in their station in life and it will take effort to move out of that comfort zone that they have grown so accustom to.

I have discovered this myself, I now have to workout harder then when I was much younger and it is taking a much stronger discipline then effort then I am use to.

I have embarked on a routine of exercise at the same time everyday. creating a schedule to workout and eat healthy has been a challenge for me to over come, The mindset, I am sure most people have made excuses or rationalized in their head that "oh maybe I can skip today's workout or I can cheat on my new healthy eating", so I have started a new language for myself.

On the days that I do not feel like working out I tell myself that I will feel better after I do my workout and then have my peach and blueberry smoothie with rice milk. This is actually working for me. I have started a new program P90X and it is very intense but it is fun.

I took before pictures so I want to wait to show them for when I see results. I can not wait to compare the differences. I call myself a skinny fat person because this is a personal struggle for me. If I mention to anyone that I need to get in shape people get angry with me because they see a skinny person. I have made the decision to and as Tony Robbins says once you make a decision to make a difference that is the difference to making it happen. Check out this video with Anthony Robbins and maybe you will feel inspired too? Take Action to change your life for yourself.

Interview with Frank Kern and John Reese

Dilligad Nutritional Dogfood Products

2009-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

There are many things I am Passionate about and most of all I am extremely passionate about my animals, dogs and cats, I have always had and still have a great interest in Nutritional Dog food and Human Grade dog food in particular. I have tried and studied many brands of dog food and I have tried different theories such as Raw Diets and freeze dried, canned dog food, and of course the dry kibble. It is extremely scary to learn what actually goes into dog food and after the National recall of most dog foods because of the Melamine contamination, a synthetic chemical that mimics the protein molecule, was discovered only increased my concerns.

To my great fortune I came across Dilligad,Ltd. Steve Watson is a genuine and caring person who knows and understands dog nutrition and care. He owns and operates Dilligad,Ltd. and his mission statement is a Proverb "Eat to live and not live to eat." His philosophy is preventative care through nutrition and proper daily care as is my philosophy that is why I highly recommend and endorse his products.

I am the guardian of 10 dogs and one of them had developed Pancreatitis 5 years ago, which I attribute to my early discovery and learning of dog foods and not knowing what was healthy for my dogs to eat. I am extremely proud to say that Kumba is alive today and as stated by my Veterinarian, there are not many dogs that live more than a few months after finding out they have Pancreatitis. The symptoms of the disease are projectile vomiting and bloody stool and I have read during my research that it is one of the most painful diseases a dog can have.

Thanks to Dilligad,Ltd and Steve Watson my dog is as close to normal as to expected to be with having acute Pancreatitis and now I will not change his food again I use Steve's products he carries food specifically designed for dogs with health issues and for extra added protein Steve's carries many products of Raw Diet meats and my favorite for everyday or very convenient the Dilligad Moo Pies.

I add chicken and veggies everyday two times a day to the Holistique Blendz. The other dogs love the Moo Pies and raw meat so I mix it up for them.

All of my dogs have greatly benefited from my nutritional journey and I truly believe I have found the best overall nutrition for all of my dogs needs from Pancreatitis to old age and best of all good nutrition decreases costly Veterinarian bills. I endorse and admire Steve Watson's determination in the continued learning of the best products out on the market for the ultimate health of domestic animals everywhere.

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2009-08-13T12:28:00.001-07:00

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Val & Fred X10

2009-07-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have rescued dogs my whole life and even at 10 years old I was put in hand cuffs because I broke into a dogpound. I climbed over the indoor/outdoor kennel and crawled through the doggie door and let every animal out of their cages, but by time the police arrived all the animals were at my Mothers house and I did not tell the police where the animals were. I told the police the reason for my behavior was due to a pregnant Great Dane had been killed by pushing her face into a furnace and I was very angry. The police would not look in the back of the kennels to verify. Luckely for me my Mothers best friend was dating the Chief of Police and the cop who handcuffed me got a but chewing for putting handcuffs on a 10 year old girl. This little summary is a very small piece of why I have a passion for saving animals and it was only the begining.

New Puppy Blog

2009-07-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

This is my new puppy "Dude" and yes my husband named him Dude. New puppies are like children in the sense that they get into everything when you are not looking.

We have discovered that he loves water.

Valerie's Blog

2009-07-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

Well while I'm writing this I can't help to think about Austin Powers or Interview with a Vampire, because I think of the line "where do I begin?" "I was born, I grew up." Funny Anyway, I started my working career in dentistry, more specifically Dental Assisting, I did that for 11 yrs and as you may have guessed there is a very low glass ceiling so I went back to college and pursued the Dental Hygiene route and mind you I am a 4.0 student and I was not able to complete Hygiene after my first year because I did not know how to hold my tongue, little dental humor, therefore I returned to College that same semester and received my Bachelors in Health Science, Magna Cum Laude, from Campbell University.

I tell you this story because after all this money and time invested into education, as for my situation, was a waste of time and money. I have never worked in my Health Science background due to what I am told lack of work experience? I had to go back to my JOB as a dental assistant so I could pay my student loans because the bills won’t wait as we all know. But

I have found something that has given me hope!

I do not work for anyone anymore. There is no boss to make me feel worthless and belittle me on a daily basis. Let me first tell you about my mission before I get to my incredible discovery of freedom.

I also have a serious situation where I rescue dogs. I now have 10 dogs and 4 cats and I need an income to support my four legged children because I will not give them away, considering the situation I found them in.

I have had my first dog since I moved to NC 14 years ago and now that most of them are old and have health problems and lucky for me I have a health degree I have chosen to feed them real food, yes I do cook for them every day, Me and a Holistic Dr. have come up with a meal plan that helps all my aging dogs. I have one with Hypothyroid, one with Pancreatitis and one sadly died of Mega esophagus and he was the one who made me realize that something needed to be done. It was not to long after my decision to change their food when the nation had a real scare and a lot of animals were dying due to what was in dog food. I believe things happen for a reason and early in my dog guardianship I did give them one of the brands of dog food that was on the list of poisonous foods and it was one of the well known brands thought to be safe.
Today there is a complete transformation in their appearance, the dog with Pancreatitis has not thrown up in months and the dog with Hypothyroid is more active, she is also on synthyroid just like humans, I have the same thing as she does.

My Blog is under construction so I have to leave you all in suspense in the not so distant future I will refer you to my new Blog so you can get some tips on how to care for your animals very easily and how I am able to afford time over money and stay home with them. I wanted to get my story out and there is no better time like the present, until next time,