2011 Business Goals Mid-Year Review

It's really been quite a fruitful first half of 2011.  Though there's still a lot of room for improvement, I'm feeling pretty good so far.   


But now, I have to revisit the goals I've set out for myself  at the beginning of the year.


My Business Goals
1.  Create a physical "work space" separate from my "chill space."
I've kind of had to put this on the back burner.  This is kind of dependent on getting a lot more space freed up in the living room or at least rearranging a bunch and getting rid of stuff.  And it's something I need to do with the boyfriend.

2.  Keep better track of my money and my time.
I've done a fairly good job at this so far.  I'm a bit behind on updating my budget spreadsheet, but I've done fairly well thus far.  Money is tight, so there isn't too much to really keep track of.  Otherwise, I've been pretty good about the use of my time when it comes to my business.  I've even been able to participate in a lot of the teleconference calls.

3.  Increase my average number of monthly parties to 5-6.
I've actually managed to get about 4 parties a month, with March and April having 4-5 parties.  I'm still working on getting those bookings, though I had to focus more on getting some consistent day work.  But I'm still going to push for 5-6 parties a month! Why the heck not???

4.  Sign Up for a Sex Education Certification from Planned Parenthood.
Before the goddamned year is over, I will definitely be doing this.  It's mainly been about having the money in time, which has not been easy.  But, hopefully, it will happen in September.

Team Goals
5.  Become a Demi Goddess (have 5 active recruits) by the end of 2011!
I'm still working on getting 3 more recruits.  I've had a couple of small bites, and I'm trying to stay consistent with all the recruit leads.  But, when they're ready, they're ready.

6.  Hold at least 1 Team Meeting via internet, phone, or in person every 3 months.
Okay, well, I need to do better about this.  I've had to do a lot of rethinking about other areas of my world, so unfortunately this hasn't been my priority.  But I will be on it in the upcoming months.

7.  Make it to Golden Circle 2011 in August!
I've made it to 26 points!  I've earned me a dinner and breakfast, and all I need to worry about is the hotel!  I'm not sure if I'll have enough time to earn another 24 points, but now I know that I will be ready for next year's Golden Circle!

8.  Host an event (Bingo, Athena's Cup..or both!) with my Team (recruits and sisters if possible)!
Oy, well, I did manage to host a Sex, Druggs, and Juggs Trivia last year.  Unfortunately, the Sex and Drugs Trivia and the Savant Project have had to close their doors.  But I'm not giving up!  Once I have a better idea about the time I and others have available, I'll be on it.


I know it sounds like a lot of promises.  But, I know I have a half year left.  I'm probably going to be extremely busy, working several jobs alongside my Athena's biz.  It'll be nice to be busy and making money again.

Siren Suggests - Is It Better Down Where It's Wetter?

Well, I would have to say that it really depends on the particular siren and the particular person who's caught the attention at the moment.

Now, natural lubrication is produced by the vagina.  The penis and the anus do not have any natural lubrication, so I would recommend a bottle of lubrication for use during masturbation or with a partner.

But let's set the record straight right here and now about vaginal lubrication:
Generally, the amount of natural lubrication a woman might have is not necessarily indicative of her arousal level.  Remember that every woman is a unique and individual snowflake, and thus their amount of lubrication will differ.

Other things that might affect a woman's natural lubrication are stress, medications, depression, drugs and alcohol, how hydrated she is, pregnancy, menopause, and every day life.

It is definitely better to be wet and to have lubricated sex rather than dry sex.  The lubricated vagina is not only protecting the membranes of the vagina wall, which can tear, but the lubrication actually slows the transmission of STI's.

Now, there's always the possibility of too much natural lubrication.  When there's too much lubrication, it might make a woman feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about her body.  Though, it is definitely something that many women *think* they want.  At times, some men prefer a moderate amount of lubrication since they need some of that friction.

While it is known that menopausal women to produce less estrogen, which can contribute to less natural lubrication, it seems that too much estrogen can also contribute to less lubrication.  Instead, it might actually be the presence of too much progesterone in your body (which can happen naturally or from taken certain birth control pills - ladies, make sure to ask your doctor about the levels of hormones in the birth control they're prescribing you).

Now, for those of you ladies who think you have enough lubrication or are wanting more lubrication, remember that levels of natural lubrication change even throughout the month.  It is definitely important to have some lubrication handy for use during intercourse, with sex toys, or during masturbation.

There are different types of lubrication, naturally, for different uses.

Oil-based - In general, I would not recommend using oil-based lube.  It can wear down the latex on the condom, and it takes a long time for your body to get rid of the substance.

Silicone-based - Silicone-based lube is the longest lasting, but it's also not going to be naturally absorbed by your body so it will take some time for your body to flush it out.  It is definitely recommended for use during any water play, anal play, or anal sex as it is also helps to prevent HIV transmission.  However, silicone-based lube should not be used in conjunction with silicone toys, as it will dissolve the toy's surface.  Silicone is quite a powerful substance.  When used correctly, it can help to provide a great experience.

Water-based - Most lubrication out in the market is water-based.  Because of the water base, the body will naturally absorb it or it will evaporate.  Depending on the amount of sex or the bodies involved, reapplication might be needed, but that isn't necessarily the worst thing.  Water-based lube is great for use with all types of toys as well as during masturbation.

Now, if you want the best of both silicone and water worlds, Athena's carries Wet's Synergy, which is a hybrid lube.  It's great for use with all toys (including silicone toys, since the levels of silicone in the lube are not enough to dissolve silicone toys), during sex, and for masturbation.

Wet Synergy

It's definitely one of those "a little goes a long way," since a little dollop covers so much ground and lasts for so long.  For $20, this 7 fl.oz. bottle really lasts quite a while for so many different uses.

So, I'm going to end this post reiterating what I started with:  the amount of lubrication during sex is definitely reliant on the person and/or their partner.

Depending on what type of sexual act one might be partaking in, no one should know their body better than they do.  And when engaging with others, sometimes there isn't room or time to talk about lube before getting into the act.

So, make sure your lube is right next to where you store your condoms.  Just in case the opportunity arises, you'll be prepared.

Product Highlight Tuesdays - Heavenly Hair Care Elixir

Since our Heavenly Hair Care has come out in January, I've been trying out the Heavenly Hair Care Elixir.

Heavenly Hair Care Elixir

Firstly, do you know about argan oil?  It's an oil from the argan tree in Morocco, and the indigenous Berber women of Morocco are the sole producers of this product.  Naturally rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids, it's a great product for any skin or hair care product.

This Hair Care Elixir has a mix of argan oil and hemp seed oil, which makes it an amazing for keeping your hair healthy.  It's non-greasy, protects your hair from blow-drying and styling, and prevents frizziness.  It even comes for thick hair or for fine hair.

This product comes in a 2 fl. oz. bottle with a pump that pumps out a dime sized amount of the elixir.  But a little bit really does go a long way.

I usually pump about 3 squeezes for my long and thick hair.  Granted, I don't wash my hair every day, usually about 3 times a week.  But, I kid you not, I still have half of the bottle left after the first pump back in February.  Four months of non-conservative usage, and it's still going strong.

At first, the smell of the argan oil was a bit strong and unfamiliar.  But I got a lot of complements on the scent. I immediately noticed how light it felt on my hair and how light my hair felt after it dried.

I don't often heat-dry my hair, since I'm a big fan of air- and sun-drying as a California girl.  But the times that I have, my hair still felt light as a feather and super smooth and shiny.

I'm hooked on the Hair Care Elixir!  Hooked!  I'm waiting for my shampoo and conditioner to run out before trying the other hair care products, but I am super excited about this product.

Whether your hair is short or long, fine or course, super curly or super straight, adding the Heavenly Hair Care Elixir to your regimen is highly recommended.