Things are getting very exciting.....

Kalen pulled it from the box and slipped it on her left ring finger. “Kate Kennedy, when you graduate from med school, or any time before then if you become ready, will you marry me?”

The wait will soon be over, Everlasting Fate is almost ready for release! The final edit is now complete and ready for publishing.   

Love… Laughter… Family… Friends… Christmas Cookies

Happy holidays from the Finn Family.  It’s been a big year on the home front.  Here’s what we’ve been up to:

Shannon: This year Shannon spent hours searching for the perfect house in Florida to move the family.  We landed in the beautiful community of Haron Bay in Parkland Florida. He negotiated a great deal, lined up contractors and watched over the remodel.  At the same time he hired a wonderful Amish team to add a garage on at the lake house.  Now I have a warm, dry place to park my car when traveling north for work. 

On the work front, Shannon is still in the medical equipment business.  He opened a warehouse near the house and has been kept very busy.

As for fun, Shannon enjoys golfing with the boys and has started working out at the club house.  Every now and then, he amuses me and we go for a bike ride.  Taking full advantage of our new life, we all try to hit the beach once a week.

Wendi: I’m loving our new life and think I’m as “retired” as I will ever be.  I take advantage of my Florida days, enjoying lunch by the pool and getting in an outdoor workout every day.  Shannon got me a paddle board for my birthday, so I’m looking forward to getting in some miles on the ocean.  Every other week or so, I head north to my cozy lake house cabin in Ohio.  I love working with IS Security Solutions clients and catching up with friends and family.  I truly have the best of both worlds!

On the work front that I don’t really consider work, book #3 of the One Fatetful Night & Leap of Fate series is with my editor.  I’m planning on getting that out in time for Rio.  I still enjoy teaching on-line for Franklin and act as an Ambassador of Plexus products (because I use them, love them and get a great discount!)    

As for fun, I took an awesome trip to Glasgow with two wonderful life-long friends.  We had an amazing time touring the city, traveling to castles and watching Team USA win the gold at Worlds!

Kody:  Kody transitioned well. The boys love all the kids in the neighborhood that come outside to play. On any given evening or weekend, it’s not uncommon to see upwards of 10 boys playing in the neighborhood.

Kody joined a golf league and made some wonderful friends. Living in southern Florida, right on the course, he is able enjoy a lot of time on the greens.  He even took his mom once!  Next up, tennis lessons at the club!

Kody is doing very well in school. He is taking two high-school classes, so things have gotten much more interesting this year!  He’s handling it well and getting excellent grades.

Lucas:  Keep your eyes on the prize or it might disappear!  Lucas has taken up magic and loves it!  It is rare to find him without a deck of cards in his pocket or a trick literally up his sleeve.  It’s been a very fun hobby for all of us to enjoy.  Lucas is also playing soccer and has requested to take tennis lessons with Kody.  I love their interest in “lifelong” sports and activities.

Lucas has also made a number of great friends. His best buddy also moved here this summer from California. They met at soccer camp over the summer and are rarely separated on the weekends.

McKenzi: McKenzi is attending a military academy this year, and to our great relief, he loves it!  He enjoys the structure and loves the other boys.  The class sizes are very small, which has lead to him being successful in the classroom. Even in math!  He was reluctant to give the school a try, but after just three weeks he told us he would like to stay through middle school and maybe even high school.  He still loves his guitar and is looking forward to basketball season.  We are looking forward to having him home for the holidays.

Love to all,

The Finn Family

Great Customer Service!

Most of you know by now, each year I try something new.  This year, in addition to simplifying my life, I am supporting good customer service and not returning to companies that are rude, disrespectful or don't take the time to train their employees (@Starbucks, McDonalds and Lowes).

Today, I was so pleasantly shocked by the service at GFS (Gordon Foods).  The store doesn't currently carry a granola bar Kody requested.  The manager, who greeted me when I came into the store, said he would call his sales rep to see if he could help.  Less than five minutes later, the manager found me in the store. He had a print out of two flavors he could order and had an inquiry in regarding the oatmeal chocolate chip variety.


What a great employee....

Simplifying My Life

I became inspired while watching a very interesting news piece on some very successful individuals (Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, etc.) The news piece discussed the reason they always seem to be photographed in the same outfit is because they wear nearly the same outfit everyday. These individuals are brilliant enough to identify how taxed they are with important decisions all day long.

I thought about this news clip throughout the day and realized how much mindless energy I waste each day trying to decide what to wear to work, what to wear to the gym, what to eat for breakfast and what to eat for lunch.  So I've decided to simplify my life!

I spent an hour tonight cleaning out my closet. I reduced my wardrobe to 5 suits, 2 dresses and 2 business casual outfits. I also kept 2 "going out in the evening" outfits available and paired up 7 outfits for the gym.  I've decided breakfast is going to consist of an apple with PB, while lunch will be a protein bar and salad.

Other ideas of how I could simplify my life? I'm open to suggestions!

Motivation Monday

Let's get moving! In case your Mondays are crazy chaotic like mine, I'm going to share a quick and effective 20 minute workout you can do in your own home. This is a "kid friendly" workout if the kids want in on the action (or if you can't take your eyes off them!)

What you will need: Yourself, clothes you can move in, athletic shoes and a piece of cardio equipment (elliptical, treadmill, jump rope, stairs or even the side walk).

1. 2 minute cardio warm-up (if you are using the side walk, take a brisk walk out a minute and a half or so, then jog back).
2. 2 minute wall squat (keep you back flat against the wall and make sure your legs are a at a 90 degree angle (so you thighs are parallel with the floor and your knees are directly over your ankle bones.) Don't let your knees sneak over your toes!) 
3. 2 minute cardio kicking the pace up a notch or two. We are only doing a total of 10 minutes of cardio, so challenge yourself!
4. 2 minute plank (on your elbows and toes with a flat back.... suck in your tummy!)
5. 2 minutes cardio
6. 2 minutes of push-ups (on your knees or toes; again suck in your tummy and keep your back flat!)
7. 2 minutes of cardio
8. 2 minute boat pose with twists (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-T9CO-HWb4)
9. 2 minutes of cardio
10. 2 minutes of side plank with hip dips. 1 minute on each side. You can do this raised on your hand for a big challenge or on your elbow for a challenge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9X7owkYnag)

If you are working out with a buddy, which is a great way to workout, simply trade between the cardio machine and strength exercise. 

Thanks for reading!  I hope you will share my blog and post an inspirational workout of your own.  I love mixing it up!

Wendi Finn

http://www.issecuritysolutions.com/
http://wendifinn.myplexusproducts.com/testimonials

Let's Inspire

I love the feeling of inspiration, whether I have been inspired or have had the opportunity to be an inspiration. It's a feeling as if a step toward greatness has occurred. It's a feeling of happiness.

Each year I make a goal to try something new. This year's goal is to provide inspiration and to receive inspiration. Thus, I will need your help. With each posting, please share your thoughts, ideas and own inspirations.

I will start off with sharing the various "new" activities I have experienced over the years. In turn, please share some activities you recommend I try.

1. I trained for a triathlon and ended up participating in two. The training was a great way to stay in shape but does require a lot of time.  Once the boys are old enough to participate, I will probably try another. ("Thank you!" Kelly Widder Sussey for being such a fun partner in training!)
2. I ran a 15k with one of my best friends, Carrie Appell. I would do this again with a friend or one of the boys in a heartbeat. Working out is so much better with a bud.
3. I took snowboarding lessons with the boys. Again, it's fun to spend time with the kids, but I did break my tailbone... so jury is still out on this one!
4. I have tried a number of exercise classes:step, boxing, TRX, Spin, Body Pump, yoga, hot yoga (love it), extremely hot yoga (hated it) and boot camp. It's fun to mix it up. 
5. I took guitar lessons with my littlest buddy. Very fun and I can now play Wild Thing with the best of 'em.
6. I coached all my kids soccer teams (when they were 7 and really just needed disciplined fun).
7. I've published three books (One Fateful Night, A Leap of Fate and A Beginner's Guide to On-line Security). I can't begin to tell you how much I have learned about writing, publishing, marketing and social media!
8. Career wise, I took my own Leap of Fate in 2004 and started a company, IS Security Solutions, LLC. Ten years later, the company is still going strong.
9. This year I joined the State of Ohio Audit Committee. It is a goal and ambition to join the audit committee of at least one publicly traded company. 
10. Just recently, in a commitment to stay fit and healthy for my boys, I have joined the Plexus family.  I just joined last week, so I will have to keep you posted!

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by a husband, kids, family and friends who support and encourage my "Leaps of Fate." I am so thankful for their positive energy and willingness to get on board with my crazy adventures. Just last weekend, my mom placated my wishes by going parasailing on my birthday... another cherished memory!

Thanks for reading!  I hope you will share my blog and post more inspirational ideas... What should I try next???

Wendi Finn

http://www.issecuritysolutions.com/
http://wendifinn.myplexusproducts.com/testimonials

Are you prepared?

Are you prepared for an emergency or a disaster? As I was being prepped for an emergency surgery, my husband and I quickly learned, we were not!  In this day and age, disaster recovery and business continuity don't only apply to the workplace. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Keep documentation in a secured location (such as a lock-box). Include:
1. A list of bank accounts,
2. A list of investment organizations (personal investments, 401k, etc.)
3. Passwords to computers and important accounts
4. A current copy of trusts, wills, living wills, etc.
2. At least twice a year, ensure the information above is current.
3. Make sure you have an emergency contact who can access your secure location (and make sure they know!)
4. Kids schedules and contacts (sitters, teachers, coaches, team managers, etc.).  While not critical, I would have gotten a lot more rest if my husband was able to figure soccer out on his own!

Just a few "lessons learned".  Enjoy!

Be Inspired

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.Dolly Parton

Wendy's Wonderful Kids

Tell your friends, One Fateful Night is currently running a Kindle promotion to earn funds for Wendy's Wonderful Kids!

For the last few hours of February you can download One Fateful Night on Kindle for only $1.99!  Every 40 hours the price will increase by $1 until it reaches the daily price of $5.99.

http://www.amazon.com/One-Fateful-Night-Wendi-Finn-ebook/dp/B00757TN18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393641683&sr=8-1&keywords=one+fateful+night

Communicating with Tact, Professionalism & Diplomacy

I attended a fantastic training on effective communications last week.  Below are the Top 3 Take-Aways from that session:

1. It takes 20 minutes to get back "in the zone" after an interruption.  Those of you looking for an excuse to work from home, this fact is a good one!  I truly believe there are a number of positions where folks could work more effectively from home a couple days a week.  Programmers, for instance, could go to the office M/W/F to attend meetings, obtain requirements, perform testing, collaborate with the system users, etc.  Then on T/Th they could find a private closet in the house where phones don't ring, cell phones don't work and co-workers don't interrupt their creative flow and simply code. The speaker shared a story of a new CEO coming in to a company that was floundering. While a number of changes were made to save the organization, the change with the most profound effect was this, "Across the organization employees were not able to access their e-mail until 3 pm.  From 3:00 - 5:00 e-mails could be received and responded to. E-mails could be drafted and sent prior to that point, but with the exception of Customer Service, IT had configured the e-mail system to not receive until 3:00 pm."   I think this is a great idea. 

2. It is impossible for your brain to focus on two tasks simultaneously. When you are talking to somebody or in a meeting, put the phone down!  If the person you are attempting to communicate with is focused on something else, as for their attention or schedule a better time to talk.  

1. "Your brain just can’t take in and process two simultaneous, separate streams of information and encode them fully into short-term memory."  www.Forbes.com

3.      Treat communication as a two-way street.  If somebody is talking to you, acknowledge their statements. "Yes, I can do that," or even, "Duly noted," works.  Likewise, be sure to obtain an acknowledgement.  If you ask your son to take out the garbage while he's engrossed in a video game, be sure he at least gives you a thumbs up in acknowledgement of the chore.  Since the brain can't focus simultaneously on you and the game, odds are he just wrecked and can now take out the garbage!

Launch Pictures Are Now Available!

Thank you for all your support during the launch of A Leap of Fate. Pictures taken by my great friend, Catie Christensen, have been uploaded to www.OneFatefulNight.com.  I hope you will take a few minutes and check those out!

Lucky winners from the raffle include:

Colin Appell - Rocky Boots Gift Certificate
Jennifer Clark - DK Fitness (Update: Jen completed her first spin class yesterday.  She is getting Pelotonia ready. Go Jen!
Catie Christensen - A Twist on Olives sampler
Jessica Roseman - Bob Evans Gift Card
Tony Poggiali - Bob Evans Gift Card
Tammy Clark - 31 Gifts Cooler
Jenni Hunter - Body by Juana Unlimited Fitness Pass
Katie Fell - Rodan & Fields Beauty Pack
Ellen Farquharson - Marzetti's Gift Basket


Enjoy!

Thank You!!!

I can't thank my friends and family enough for all their support and assistance yesterday. To those who came out or downloaded One Fateful Night and A Leap of Fate, "Thank you for supporting The James and The Ronald McDonald House!" 

Proceeds will continue to be donated throughout the summer.

Happy Reading and Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Wendi

A Leap of Fate is Now Available!!!

Order your copy or download A Leap of Fate today!

http://www.amazon.com/Leap-Fate-Fateful-Night-ebook/dp/B00DINE1HO/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1371901220&sr=8-10&keywords=a+leap+of+fate


Hope to see you at Java Central between 9:00 and 11:00 this morning or at Easton's Celebrate Local from 4:00-6:00.

Thank you for all your support!

Java Central June 22nd 9:00 am LOTS OF FREE PRIZES!!!!

So many friends and businesses around central Ohio have really stepped up to support the launch of A Leap of Fate.  Check out the great raffle prizes that have been donated thus far:

·         Buckeye Gymnastics - A FREE 4-week session of gymnastics!

·         Rocky Brands - A FREE pair of Rocky Boots!

·         31 Gifts - Party Thermal typically reserved for the hostess!

·         BodybyJuana Studio - A Free Month of Fitness. An Unlimited All Access Pass!

100% of the proceeds from One Fateful Night will continue to be donated to The James Cancer Hospital!

100% of the proceeds from A Leap of Fate will be donated to The Ronald McDonald House!

A Leap of Fate book launch

A Leap of Fate, the second book in the One Fateful Night series, is scheduled for release June 22nd.

I'm writing to let you know about a book scheduled for release June 22, 2013. For each book sold through this campaign, the author will be donating 100% of the proceeds to The Ronald McDonald House. Please note, if you haven't read One Fateful Night, 100% of those proceeds are still going to The James Cancer Research Hospital!

To participate in this fund-raising event, join us at Java Central between 9:00 and 11:00 am or simply purchase the paperback or e-book through www.OneFatefulNight.com.  Both books will be available in paperback through CreateSpace, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble or electronically in Kindle, Nook and iBook formats.

GREAT DOOR PRIZES!!! Visit Java Central Saturday June 22nd between 9:00 and 11:00. For each book purchased or downloaded you will receive a raffle ticket to win prizes from one of our many great vendors including:

L2R

Buckeye Gymnastics

IS Security Solutions, LLC

31 Gifts

DK Fitness

Stella & Dot

Rodan & Fields

BodybyJuana Studio

Columbus Running Company

...and more!

Product Description:

 A Leap of Fate is the second book in the One Fateful Night series. Both novels are fun reads with a bit of romance and a touch of drama.   

As a six-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Kate Kennedy finds herself living in a world of opportunity. She is the cover girl for Go Gear, JZ Jeans and Sexy Secrets, University of Alabama’s top recruit and the stunt double for Hollywood’s leading actress. The fame, fortune and constant attention leave analysts questioning whether America’s Little Darling will be able to endure the continual expectation of perfection.

When tragedy strikes on set, it is Hollywood’s hottest hunk, Kalen Keating, who comes to Kate’s rescue. Kalen is a flirt, jokester and a hopeless skirt-chaser.

When Kate catches a glimpse of the raw and compassionate side he hides behind those caribbean eyes, will it be the end of her relationship with Troy? Will she stay true to the boy next door, or will she give in to the temptation of a steamy new romance?

A Leap of Fate has been published and is available for sale through CreateSpace, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble in paperback and through Kindle, Nook and iBooks.

• Java Central Book Signing and Meet the Author: 9am-11am on June 22. The book will be available to purchase or download.
• The book is released for sale through www.OneFatefulNight.com, www.Amazon.com or is available for purchase at Java Central in Uptown Westerville.
• Book Cost: Amazon.com $15.99+shipping, Kindle $7.99.
• Proceeds will benefit The Ronald McDonald House.
• Website: www.OneFatefulNight.com

Author Biography:

Wendi Farquharson Finn is the author of Amazon’s #1 Hot New Release, One Fateful Night. She is an alumnus of Buckeye Gymnastics and a graduate of The University of Illinois Chicago where she competed as a member of the Women’s Gymnastics Team from 1992 – 1996. In 1995 she was named Academic All American and in 1996 she broke the school’s record by scoring a 9.90 on balance beam.

Wendi is currently the owner of IS Security Solutions, LLC. As a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Information Systems Auditor, she assists organizations in control consciousness, security awareness and process improvement.  Her experiences include Performing end-to-end process reviews to identify opportunities for operational and security enhancements, Security Assessments, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan development, Information Security Policy Development and Review, and Sarbanes Oxley compliance. Wendi is also a professor at Franklin University.

Have you read it?

       

One Fateful Night #1: Amazon Hot New Release (February 18, 2012)

Inspired

I had the honor and privilege to attend the National Association of Professional Women’s Annual Conference in New York on Friday. It was by far, the best training event I have ever attended. The keynote speakers and panelists were not only successful, intelligent and inspiring, but also down to earth. Arianna Huffington, Martha Stewart, Star Jones, Desirée Rogers, Sara Blakely, along with others gave it to us straight.

Here are just a few of the fabulous take-aways:

1. Arianna Huffington shared how important it is for Corporate America to take care of their employees. Individuals will actually produce higher quality work, generate better ideas and be more efficient if they are happy, healthy and well rested. It is for this reason Arianna had two nap rooms built for her employees, a place for “siesta” and she is in the process of adding a third nap room. Just twenty minutes of rest can rejuvenate the body and mind.
2. I was most impacted by Lesley Jane Seymour’s admission, “Ladies, we can’t have it all.” Star added to that by sharing the concept of juggling, at least one ball is always in the air! We can only divide our attention in so many pieces, so choose your priorities, focus and manage your priorities and let the others go. Don’t apologize, simply explain. Somebody brought up cookies for her child’s school project. She didn’t have time to bake dozens because she has chosen to have a career, but she bought 15 varieties of the bakery’s finest!  I loved Lesley’s point, “Children just want a happy mom.”
3. Ladies, stop beating around the bush and just straight out ask! I am so guilty of this one. As women we tend to open with, “If you have time, If you don’t mind, Could you perhaps—and so on.” A studied was shared where a man got on the subway and asked for somebody’s seat. 70% of the time he got the seat without a single question. Amazing! If you need somebody’s time, support or opinion, simply ask. You have nothing to lose and it’s okay to hear, “no.” Don’t take “no” personally!  Odds are the other person feels bad for having to say no! I love this one!
4. Take care of your body through exercise and healthy eating. I was shocked to learn one in every three women die of heart disease. Star Jones is an open-heart surgery survivor now advocating for the cause. One of the panelists mentioned how important it is for women to change the ways of Corporate America as we climb the ladder, rather than adapting to the broken ways that honestly don’t work for men either. Supporting Arianna’s point, the human body and mind need to be well rested, appropriately fueled and maintained to work at maximum capacity. I think it’s important to encourage a healthier life style and what better quality time with your children than a game of soccer, a jog through the woods or mountain biking?

In Arianna’s words, “Success is balance.”

Why write a novel?

During an interview I was recently asked why I wrote One Fateful Night. The answer to that question is three-fold, yet stems back to the same concept--gymnastics. Growing up in the sport I read anything gymnastics related I could get my hands upon. In the days prior to the internet, that wasn't much! I was basically limited to my monthly addition of International Gymnast and USA Gymnastics (where content was sparse and advertisement was plentiful.) Books with gymnasts as characters were even more pathetic. They might mention turning a cartwheel or two, but never got into details about the grueling workouts, strict diets or drive and determination required of a high level gymnast. Thus, most importantly, I felt there was an opportunity for a new story to be told. A story with a primary character who was a hard-core elite level gymnast.

Next, I wanted to share some concepts that hopefully will one day become a reality. For instance, in One Fateful Night, elite gymnast Kate is able to accept sponsors and endorse products while maintaining collegiate eligibility by putting the money in a trust. Unlike football, basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey, gymnastics is a sport where the opportunity to turn professional is before or during the college years. It saddens me to know these kids who dedicate there life and childhood are forced to choose between one experience or the other.

Last, I needed a new identity.  Gymnastics unfortunately is not a sport you can participate in "here and there." Firms don't have gymnastics leagues where colleges get together for a competition and then go drink some beers like they do for say softball. So after living 18 years of my life as a gymnast, I needed something else fun in my life. I am blessed to have such supportive neighbors, friends and a great family. They encouraged me to put myself out there and take A Leap of Fate (which happens to be the title of my second book, coming out soon!)

One Fateful Night - Nook

Good news friends, One Fateful Night has been submitted for publication on Nook!  It should be a Nook book by the end of the day.

Enjoy!

This year's "Green Goal"

Those of you who know me well are aware that each year I challenge myself to become a bit more green.  Past endeavors have included:

• Driving a hybrid
• Converting to cloth napkins
• Converting to cloth rags and sponges for cleaning
• Frequenting more Farmer's Markets
• Growing my own veggies (FAILED BIG TIME!!!!)
• 1 "no gas" day each week

This year's Green Goal is to "shop local".  There are so many fantastic companies right here in Columbus Ohio. By supporting those companies we are supporting local families, the local economy and even the environment (by reducing shipping).  Here are just a few of my ideas:

• Dining Out? Consider North Star Cafe, Monte Carlos, Bob Evans, Brio, Bravo, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Wendy's or White Castle.  Don't forget all the wonderful family owned restaurants as well!
• Clothing Options: The Limited, Express, Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria Secrets.
• Food Choices: I will definately stick with the Farmer's Markets, but there are also great options at the store. Marzetti's salad dressings, Inn Maid Noodles and Sister Schubert's rolls are just a few!
• Banking: There's an easy one! Chase, Huntington
• Other: 31 Gifts and Cheryl's Cookies

Please share your favorite Central Ohio based companies!