Almost Showtime

This morning I joined a few of my fellow cast mates from the upcoming Listen to Your Mother show and we taped (is that even the right word? I’m pretty sure they captured us in some sort of digital format that did NOT involve tape of any sort) a segment which will air at 7 a.m. Thursday on the Fox News Edge.

Me, Courtney, Sarah & Rhonda on the Fox News Edge set.

I’m really looking forward to the “showtime” aspect, but I have a feeling that what I will treasure most is the friendships that will develop through this shared experience. I am already in awe of these mothers (and the one token DUDE!) for their willingness to share their stories; their touching, poignant, often hilarious, honest, and heart wrenching stories.

We’ve all got something in common (besides choosing variant of some shade of purple to wear on television) Of course, there is the obvious: motherhood. But deep down, we must all be craving a little bit of attention, or affirmation, or heck – maybe we are all just a bunch of show-offs! (Except Rhonda. Never in a million years would I call Rhonda Fincher a show-off!Over the next several years I imagine we will discover many more traits in common, and huge differences as well.

Today, Sarah Hood told me that her parents are from South Dakota. (I KNEW their was something irresistible about that girl!) Courtney wowed me again with the poised, polished delivery of her brutally honest story. And the only thing I can add about my dear friend  Rhonda is that I am incredibly PROUD to call her friend. Sharing this experience with her is so, so sweet.

I look forward to getting to know this little posse more and more in the days ahead, and at our annual reunions at Listen to Your Mother NWA!

PS- the blurry iPhone pic is courtesy of, ironically, the shows producer who was critiquing OUR takes!

Anticipating the Annivesary Trip

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of our 1st anniversary.  (And for those of you who were word problem challenged, that means we celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary.)

We spent our first wedding anniversary in a great B & B in Eureka Springs.  I remember vividly that Parmesan broiled tomatoes were served with breakfast and that was just TOO COOL!  One of the other couples at the B & B was also celebrating their anniversary and we ended up spending a good part of the day with them browsing all of the quaint shops in town and lunching at Doolin’s on the Corner.  Of course, if that had happened in 2013 we would instantly become Facebook friends and we would keep up with one another for the remainder of time.  But alas, I don’t remember their names so I’ll just wish Whats-their-names a happy anniversary from us!

When we got back into town, Mom and Dad met us at the church for the first of our annual anniversary day snapshots at “the wedding tree.”

This afternoon I’m sitting here watching the clock and waiting to hear from Mark who promised to do his best to leave the job site at a reasonable hour.  We’re heading BACK to Eureka for this anniversary.  This time, we are staying in a resort on the lake just 12 miles outside of town.  I’ve got our clothes and the cooler packed and I’m ready to BE THERE ALREADY!

If “feeding” were a love language (and I would argue that it SHOULD be) then Mark will know how loved he is this weekend.  Our little spot has a full kitchen and a grill and I’m surprising him with a little surf ‘n turf tonight – ribeye steaks, grilled shrimp,  baked potatoes and veggie skewers.  Tomorrow’s breakfast will be bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon wedges, capers and minced red onion and strong, fresh ground coffee.  I imagine we will lunch in Eureka and I’d bet money we’ll have dinner at Ermelio’s.

Hurry up Dilday!  I think I hear Eureka calling our name! (But maybe it’s just my stomach that’s growling?!?)

 

Traditions

I love a good tradition.  And May is full of them.

The neighborhood elementary school held their “Root Rocket Run” this morning and I, as always, lazily watched them race by from my front porch/window while sipping coffee and lounging in my pajamas.  You can bet that running will never be my thing. But my hat is off to those who do!

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.  We’ll go to church then spend the day around my mom and dad’s pool and share a meal.  A new tradition started last year, is to have a shrimp boil for Father’s Day.  However, since my folks will be traveling that weekend, we’re doing the shrimp boil for Mother’s Day.  Who says you can’t be flexible with traditions?

Speaking of Mother’s Day, we’re having our 3rd annual NWA Mother’s Day Tribute campaign at SPSF NWA.  Check it out.

I even wrote a tribute to MY MOM.

Next week Mark and I will celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary.  Our tradition is to take a photo at our “wedding tree.”  We planted a small flowering crabapple tree on the grounds of our church — Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville – on our wedding day, and each year we take a photo there.

I’m hoping to resurrect an old tradition of a weekend getaway to Eureka Springs for our anniversary.  We shall see if the stars and the moons and the planets align for that one.

Last year I started what I hope will be an annual tradition.  After having lunch with friends, we went to the local production of “Listen to Your Mother.”  This year, I am IN the production.  Couldn’t be more excited about this adventure and sharing it with some remarkable mamas (and a guy too!)

#LexusbyTexas #Nerium

A month ago I jumped into a direct sales/relationship marketing business.  I come by this naturally, because my mom was a Home Interior displayer for 19 years and I had a Pampered Chef business for 6 years.

Why?

Here’s my why:  In the last two years both of my girls have been invited to go to the beach with their friends for Spring Break.  While I am SO GRATEFUL for those friendships and those loving families that invited my daughters to join them, my heart hurt.  I wanted to give them those experiences.

http://www.jodydilday.nerium.com

Nerium International is a brand new company with a GROUND FLOOR opportunity.  There’s hardly anyone doing it in Northwest Arkansas.  I tell my friends it’s like buying Walmart stock from Mr. Sam in the early days.

In my first month I’ve earned my $499 investment back AND made a profit.  In fact, I’ve been paid EVERY WEEK since I joined.

I’m just wrapping up a conference call where the company is telling us about a promotion that will run from May 1st – July 10th.  Bonuses from $500 to $5,000 will be awarded to EVERYONE who qualifies.  Not only do I plan to earn a cash bonus, I want to make this happen for others.

Who’s with me??!?

My New Adventure

I’m excited to share that I have joined an incredible company that is breaking records and offering REAL results and REAL opportunities for anyone who wants to look better and live better.
In fact, we’ve just issued a press release about our latest achievement.
If you’re interested in learning more, I invite you to call me/text me (479-601-3647), tweet me (@jdilday) or simply join me at www.jodydilday.nerium.com.

Nerium International Receives the 2012 Global 100 Bravo Award for Growth
Nerium receives the 2012 Global 100 Bravo Award for growth in business. With the astounding amount of sale growth in the first year of business the Bravo Award was an honor to receive for the success.

Addison, Texas (PRWEB) April 04, 2013

The Global 100 Awards were initiated in 2010, honoring the top 100 direct selling companies in the world. In the same year, the Bravo Award for Growth was introduced. The Bravo Award is granted to the company with the greatest percentage of certified revenue increase over the prior year.
Nerium International, a company that markets breakthrough skin care products validated by science, is pleased to receive the 2012 Global 100 Bravo Award for Growth.
John Fleming, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Direct Selling News, which publishes the Global 100 list, says, “In my many years in the industry, I do not think we have ever experienced a brand new company achieving $100 million in revenue in its first year of business. This achievement is a testimony to the leadership team, quality of product, service and support but also a tribute to the thousands of people who have chosen Nerium as customers and brand partners. This is really a remarkable accomplishment!”
Nerium International, which launched in 2011, did not launch in a rush. In fact, one of the company’s core values is to “slow down to go fast,” a concept that laid the foundation for the company’s phenomenal public reception.
Still, Nerium International’s CEO and Founder, Jeff Olson, was only willing to put his confidence in a product with more than a decade of research behind it. “My dream was to create the perfect direct sales company,” says Olson. “The combination of a long-range company mission, a well-planned business opportunity and a scientifically proven product allowed Nerium International to achieve the coveted Global Bravo Award for Growth.”
“Receiving this award really further validates the breakthrough product that NeriumAD is!” says co-Founder and Vice President of Marketing and Culture Amber Olson. “It is exciting for us to see the growth that comes from truly satisfied consumers, which in turn creates a fast-growing business for our brand partners.”
Brand partners, or those who sell the company’s flagship product, NeriumAD, are the primary focus of Nerium International. In fact, as President and co-Founder Dennis Windsor says, “Our management team is totally synched with the field. We listen, trust, empower and truly love our brand partners.”
While every successful business keeps a keen eye on its sales, Nerium International is about more than just the money. With programs such as Nerium Gives Back (to help boost brand partners’ financial success) and the Nerium Ripple (to make an active difference in others’ lives), along with the company’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, it’s clear that Nerium International has sought to offer authenticity and value from day one.
For more information about Nerium International, please visit Nerium.
About Nerium International:
Nerium™ International, LLC, headquartered in Addison, Texas, markets breakthrough products validated by science. In 2011, the relationship marketing company partnered with Nerium SkinCare™ Inc. (a subsidiary of Nerium Biotechnology, Inc.®), to deliver the NeriumAD™ skincare line. These first-of-their-kind products – clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles – are the result of leading-edge research into the Nerium oleander plant and its age-defying results when applied to the skin. Led by an executive team with more than 150 years of collective experience, Nerium International is committed to developing and distributing skincare products that are rooted in real science and produce real results that improve consumers’ lives. For more information, please see our Nerium site.

Mr. Hart Would be so Proud

Last year when Lela and Stephanie were pulling together the inaugural Listen to Your Mother show in NWA, I wanted to be a part of it. But something deep down told me not to try out.

1. It was a very busy time in my life with work, church and family (isn’t it always) and
2. I’m sure I was afraid of rejection.

   So I decided to sit it out.

   It was a difficult choice, because I’m very much a “joiner.”

But things just have a way of working out, don’t, ya know? Last year, I sat in the audience with my friends Mike and Erin, while we cheered for OUR friends Angie, Kelly, Jasmine, Lela and Stephanie. It was an incredible afternoon. I laughed and cried and cheered for my friends, and a few months later I had the privilege of also making NEW friends when I met Shannon and Heather who gave, in my opinion, the two standout performances in the show.

So why am I reflecting on all of this now, you ask? Because THIS year I decided to go for it. The submission deadline and the show itself worked in my calendar. I had seen and experienced last year’s LTYM show and I felt like I knew what type of story would be appropriate. I took the time to write out one of the most often told family stories and submitted it for consideration.

A few weeks later, I went in for the “live read” audition, a week after that I received the news: I’ve been cast in the Listen to Your Mother NWA 2013!

Better yet, my friend Rhonda is cast in the show as well friends from ARWB and proceeds benefit one of Arkansas’s MOST IMPORTANT groups – Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

Yes, I’m really glad that things worked out this way.

Stay tuned for updates along the road. I know this will be quite an adventure!

I Can’t Help Myself

Every year I have to go out an limb and make public my prediction for American Idol.

Here’s who I predict will be in the top 3:
(Click on their name to watch their standout performance)

Angela Miller

Curtis Finch Jr.

Kree Harrison