Moving On--Just One Step or a Giant Leap

Wow! I can't believe it has been almost two months since my last posting. Well when I stop and think I have had a lot going on and my time flies at the blink of an eye. Actually rapid blinks as we age I think.

Actually the last six months have been unbelievable. It's so true what they say when you sit back and try and put perspective on what you have and haven't done separating those into two lists becomes difficult sometimes. At the beginning of the year I felt like most of what I wanted to accomplish was wasted on those who had desired to continue on the same path. Women are very funny creatures (myself included) there actions are usually opposite of what they do. When you find that you are not benefiting and those around you do not care to either you just stop and move on. And that is exactly what I have been doing the last several months. Moving on....

We added another granddaughter last month to our family Greenlee Fayeann is a tiny thing at the moment, but I know with her genes she will be a wonderful addition to the female world. I hope some day I will be able to show her a world where women are equal in everything they want to be and do in this world. I would like to tell her I helped in that endeavor along with countless other women from long ago. There should be no status quo in our world or to just "let other's do" what all women should find important. All of us need to make a stand, stick with it until it's done, hear both sides and in like Larry The Cable Guy "get er done". Along with our other granddaughter Hadleigh I know they will be fighters for the cause. Just the fact that both of them have names that are not the "norm" speaks volumes for their Mom's. I just hope that by the time they are old enough to form an opinion there will be less to get done.

I have been working more with David both away from home and also in regards to public relations. Getting the word out is always important no matter what your business is. I have found that out in volumes with both our main equipment relocation business and also my double duty in the home-based businesses. This past August I took on another title, Indepedent Chocolatier with Dove Chocolate Discoveries. They are a newer company and are growing every day and who doesn't like chocolate! I enjoy baking so what better than to have chocolate involved. I love new things so why not jump into it feet first. I still continue to do Beauticontrol a little but makeup and spa items seems to be a non-economy friendly luxury.

Turning 50 had a little bit of a reason for all this moving. After realizing that I have probably lived more than half my life already (sad but true) I am not one to let the grass grow under my feet or to just sit back and let other's do the work for me. I hope that never changes. I spoke with someone recently who has never flown on an airplane before and she is around my age. I just about fell out of my chair. "Are you kidding I said!" I have done many things in my life I never thought I would. I still enjoy throwing caution to the wind and have a few more things I would like to do before I can't. Life is too short. When I see other's who are stuck in a proverbial rut or are just satisfied with the same old thing I sometimes feel sorry for that person that if they would just take one step off that stopped world they are on they would be so surprised at what's actually out in the world.

So with only twenty-nine days left of this year. Go on take a step off and try something new. If not before the end of 2011, make sure 2012 is a year of wonderous possibilities--you will be so glad you do.

My Apple Moments

First how sad is it someone is taken so young and especially someone who today I heard called the Thomas Edison of our time. Steve Jobs was definitely a young pioneer of the computer evolution/revolution. Most people in fifty six years don't even come close to accomplishing what he did with his other Apple partners.

When I heard of his passing I like others really wasn't that surprised. After hearing his cancer tale I thought how not only was he a giant in the Apple world but also in his daily fight for life for the past several years.

Of course I had to think how Apple had touched my life for the past several decades. My first experience was back in the Apple hayday when they was just getting started. My early overall computer experience started in the early 1980's at work. Most of the programs were written in a language I had no clue about but when our employees in the department I was working in all got computers I think the majority of the people thought. Huh! this won't last.. Are we all getting a laugh now. The screen was green and hurt your eyes after a couple hours and every time we had a problem we went to our go to guy Ron who would get us out of a jam. To this day I am not a technical computer expert and will never be one. I think of myself as a self starter and still just through one in front of me and I can figure things out. But today it's much easier to figure things out than back then.

Forward to 1986 or 1987 when David came home with a surprise. He did that often when he was working for the moving companies. Be it a side-by-side refrigerator, a dinette set and two brand new mattress, he always came home with a treasure.

One of the early Apple computers appeared one night. Ok what am I suppose to do with it? There was no instructions and when you turned it on this is what you saw. >C. No pretty Apple logo, no type in your password. Needless to say, it pretty much sat there for several months, collecting dust and useless when we tried to locate directions we seemed at a loss. I think we eventually gave it to a relative to make better use of it. I saw the model we had when they were showing early pictures of Apple computers.

Move forward to about 5 years ago when our daughter went away to photography school. Our first conversation on her first days was how great the Apple computer system was. State of the art. The second comment out of her mouth was she would love to have one when she got home but they were really expensive. When I went for a visit I had a chance to use one at the school. It was a long way from the early 80's model we had. The screen was massive and the color graphics was amazing and are always getting better and faster.

Since that time the IPhone, IPad have graced our technological universe. What started off as a tiny little screen with a massive keyboard and drive in one, now is a world of you can do anything. What a man he was and he will be ever considered probably the pioneer of the computer world.

A Weekend Together-Corvette Funfest 2011

Being married for 27 years takes a lot of hard work. I always say David and I are ying and yang. We are about as different as you can get. I can't imagine being married to someone just like myself. We would literally kill each other. I always think difference make a better match than similarities in marriage.

With our work we spend more time on the phone than together sometimes. It was hard early in our marriage. Yes I cried alot and complained but after many years I have learned to except (as best I can) that his job puts him away from home usually 290-295 days a year. So the days he is home we try and take as much advantage together as we can.

Five years ago he came back from one of his trips out and showed interest in attending a Corvette event in Illinois. As long as I can remember he always wanted a Vet. One year for Christmas I bought him a Red model and said, "Honey this is probably as close to a Vet as you will get". Little did I realize that many years later we would be able to fulfill that dream.

So that first year we went just as observers. Some were for sell, but definitely out of our price range. That same year his good friend told him about a neighbor who had one just sitting in his garage that he might want to sell. It was in good running order but had been painted over and needed a little work. Of course David thought he would have time to "work on it" and five years later it still sits in our driveway.

When our 25Th Anniversary came up two years ago we found another Vet that was calling our name. This one was in much better shape.

Although we only get to drive it maybe 4-6 months out of the year. We both look forward to our time driving it. I guess we are living our second half life zipping around in a cool car. Nothing the matter with that!! It actually makes us both appreciate the time and work we have accomplished in being able to have such a special car.

We scheduled this year's trip and were glad when time came to attend the Funfest this year. It's a time we get to spend with each other and enjoy looking at the other Vet's and reconnect again. We were able to attend some seminars on troubleshooting, doing things that can make our vet continue to work better and look better too. The theme this year was Patriotic, so our red Vet fit in perfectly.

We are considering maybe joining a Corvette Car Club so we can better utilize the networking available through the clubs and also go on run's.

A dream was realized that we never thought would be and it also brings us something that we both enjoy. Looking forward to getting to the funfest next year if time permits.

It is wonderful to find something that gives us relaxation time and gets us away from the daily ratrace. I recommend everyone stop and smell the roses or the smell of exhaust from a beautiful car. The roses smell better but the cars sure look good too.

9/11/2011 Ten Years Later

I like millions of Americans turned the television on and couldn't believe my eyes. The first tower had already been hit and I was numb watching a second plane come what seemed like slow motion hurl into the second tower. Was this happening? My second thought took me immediately back to the late 1980's and a trip I made with a group. We had our pictures taken in front of the Tower #2 sign and also again on the 107th floor in front of a window. The view that day wasn't good, it was very foggy and cold and I remember how I felt like I was swaying side to side being up that high. I remember my friend saying it was like being up in heaven in the clouds. Little did I realize that thirteen years later those words would send a chill through me.

I also contributed to the 9/11 fund back in 2001 but the other thing that went over and over in my mind is what can I do and what should I be doing?

It had been several years since I had been to church to worship and that first Sunday after the attack I went to church with my mother-in-law. I felt I needed to have a little time with God and make my presence known or a sort of repentance that I was sorry that I had been away so long. My time had stood still that day and I was at a loss as to what I should be doing to make my life better and those around me. Over the past 10 years I went to adult confirmation (something I didn't do as a young adult) and have tried to do as much for myself religious feelings as well as helping others at my church.

Everyone has been touched by this tragedy in one way or the other. I believe it is our Pearl Harbor, our Kennedy Assassination. We will always remember where we were that day and how it touched our lives.

Today's television remembrances have left me with a Kleenex in hand and feeling for all those families who may have finally got a little closer. I was surprised to hear that 40% of those lost in 9/11 they never found any tokens or remains of them. Not that a name on a memorial will give them complete closure but at least there is a beautiful place with there name in bronze that can bring them a little closer to a form of peace. Sacred ground it is. May the lone surviving tree that has grown 30 inches since 9/11 reach a branch to the heavens above and touch each soul lost that day.

That days affect on the world will never be forgotten. Amen..

One Voice, Dressed in Purple-Alzheimer's Walk 2011

This Saturday was my fifth walk. Hard to believe. Each year it gets more and more important. My friend, Linda Fisher who has become the voice of Alzheimer's not only here in Sedalia but also I am sure if you mention her name anywhere in mid-Missouri or Washington D.C. they not only know her as an author of Alzheimer's stories but also as an advocate of getting Alzheimer's more and more in the spotlight and she has!

What used to have the tag of old-age, senile is now dementia/Alzheimer's. It was given a name. It is the #6 disease and quickly climbing to #1. Although it does not know color, it actually is more common in Hispanic and Afro-Americans. I believe it could out number cancer if more research and money contributed to finding a possible cure. If you don't have someone in your family who has it you know someone with early stages or full on Alzheimer's. Like cancer it's not just the individual who has it the family has it. Linda has an ongoing blog www.earlyonset.blogspot.com where she puts together everyday stories with memories of a time when her husband Jim was fading further and further away. He continues to give her strength today. Each year at the release of purple balloons in memory I look over at Linda and whether she is standing along or with other's the tears that flow are her connection to Jim and other's she has forged friendships or memories with.

Most recently in the news has been singer, Glenn Campbell and Tennessee Women's Basketball coach, Pat Summitt was recently in the news announcing her early onset. Ronald Reagan, Charlton Heston, Perry Como, Rita Hayworth, Peter Falk are just some of the famous who have succumbed in years past.

In Sedalia there were 354 walkers and Sedalia raised $22,860. Linda was there at the first walk. And I am sure she will walk until she can't. As I've heard her say many times. She will go to Washington D.C. every year even if her grand kids have to wheel her there. That's dedication!

Each year I see new people at the walk. Some with signs with pictures of there loved ones who have succumed to this unforgiving illness.

One Voice leads to another to another. When a choir of millions is heard it just might be possible people will say Alzheimer's? What is that..wouldn't that be wonderful.

A Labor Day of Love

I have always enjoyed working in the yard as long as I can remember. My grandpa introduced me to gardening when I was very young. It can be very relaxing and the accomplishments obtained from it can also be quiet rewarding. Today with a hint of fall in the air was a perfect day to hit the dirt and weed and prepare the yard for the seasons to come.

Growing up in the west we had a vast aray of plants at our fingertips. My grandpa had many fruit trees, a vegetable garden and many flowers in the front of his yard. I can't think of a carnation without thinking of him and also bird of paradise makes me think of my childhood. There wasn't a time of year that you wouldn't find him puttering in the yard.

My father also had a green thumb. He was very maticulous about his yard. He had every yard tool imaginable and many weekends he would be cutting and trimming. Sometimes I felt like we lived in a jungle-like atmosphere at home because many of the plants we had were large and leafy. We also had many varieties of rose bushes, ferns and ivy plants.

One of my most favorite places is Hawaii. I haven't seen a flower there that I don't love. The fragrances are just wonderful and the colors so vibrant. One of my favorites is the plumeria. In deep pinks, oranges and varigated colors they are simple yet beautiful. Three years ago while channel surfing I stopped on QVC because the segment was on plumeria plants you could purchase and plant. You received two stocks and were not told what colors you would receive, that was just one of the surprises when your plant did bloom in three to four years from planting. Each year I go up one pot size as instructed. Each year around early fall when the temperatures reach under 55 degrees I bring the plants inside for the winter season.

This being the third yard I repeated the process in hopes that my plants would bloom. I guess all my hard work and care paid off this year. How I could get so excited for a blooming plant sounds strange I am sure but just being able to know I had a little bit of Hawaii there with me this year was happiness that was unamazinable.

My front yard has only a few potted plants each season and several hedge plants. When you have dogs who like to navigate through the yard you have to work around them when putting in plants both that are safe and easier to maintain.

With fall just around the corner the weather will turn to leaf pick up and preparing for winter. I will sit back and look at my dorminate plumerias that in hope that next year will be another wonderful blossoming year.

Road Trip-Missouri Style

I am always up for new adventures. Sometimes as we mature in life adventures are few and far between, but I guess they are really whatever you make them into.

Recently I started another venture into the world of direct sales. A new hat I wear is Dove Discoveries Chocolatier. It's my second hat to wear in the direct sales world. For seven years I have struggled to sell Beauticontrol products (I still do that but with the economy makeup and spa products are a luxury) so when I was approached to do this I jumped at a new adventure. I debated on whether to travel outside my general area but when an acquaintance asked if I would drive 150+ miles one way to do a party for her I said I would.

So I put my road trip hat on and ventured south. I wasn't a virgin when it comes to packing up the car and going on a road trip. As a kid it wasn't strange for my Dad to decide we were going to drive down the Pacific Coast Hwy and find a place to stop for ice cream, get gas and then turn around and go home. The sites were indescribable sometimes but thank goodness I wasn't prone to car sickness.

This past Saturday, I packed my wares and started out. One major difference is no major freeway, mostly two lane highways to my destination,although they are widening to four lanes part of the way.

I passed towns with funny names like Rescue, Albatross and Plew which the last one looked like a word jumble that you thought wasn't even a real word.

Animals of every kind were not foreign; cows, and more cows, Texas Longhorns, llamas, emu and a camel of all things. I had to do a double take for that one. I was surprised and saddened how since the recent road improvements how some of the tiniest towns are more like ghost towns. Although the roads improved it didn't improve the populations or services if anything it probably made it worse.

As I got closer to my final destination I traveled the old "Route 66" and thought how wonderful it must have been back in the day to pass what now was just a memory. Old abandoned motor stops, run by families, old gasoline stations with old pumps, progress didn't up lift these home style amenities.

Of course this trip didn't come without getting a little misplaced. The google map was wrong, (NO GPS for me yet) so I basically crossed my fingers and stood at a crossroads much like Tom Hanks in the movie Castaway in the end, and had hope that I would be able to have enough signal on my phone to reach my party destination.

I mentioned on my Facebook that day if I did get lost at least I had chocolate to eat. Thankfully I didn't have to resort to eating my profits.

This city girl adapted as best she could to the real country. It was a Missouri Road Trip--what more could I have expected.

Once Upon a Time......Long, Long Ago....

This is the story of a shy, young girl. She worked eight hour days, five days a week. Went to college part-time three days a week and some Saturdays. She took time out for her hobby but this was the life of someone almost 21 years old. Sounds a little boring but she had just ventured out on her own and moved away from home into an apartment with a friend. Five months into this new and exciting life her office was moving to a new facility and she was asked to work extra days to help the move go smoothly over a weekend in November.

The moving company did a walk-through on Friday and she was introduced to a foreman who would be handling the move. Blonde hair, blue eyes with that little hint of devil in him and of course well-built in her eyes. This guy worked a fast pace. Directing the guys what to get and where to put it. Little did the young girl realize her life would be changed forever.

No this isn't a fairy tale, wait no maybe it is. But this is the beginning of my love story almost 29 years ago. David and I worked side by side that weekend and we haven't left each other's side since. It is hard to believe that tomorrow we will be married 27 years. Two children, 1 1/2 grandchildren later. Our lives have been filled with happy and sad stories, peaks and valleys, laughter and tears, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Although we don't get to spend our day together like I had wanted we did get to go out earlier in the week and have our date night. Sometimes we are like two ships that are passing in the night but, 29 years ago our ships bumped into each other head-on like the Titanic to the iceberg and I thank God for him everyday.

You really can't look for love, it hits you when you least expect it. The picture is on our honeymoon in my most favorite place Hawaii. I think one of the reasons it holds a special place in my heart. We were young, pounds lighter and not a care in the world and had no idea what was ahead of us. Little did we think that we would continue with the story this many years later.

Happy 27th Anniversary, may we have 27 more together.

The Written Word Changing How we Communicate?

I have always said that doing my blog was very similar to what my grandmother would consider her written diary post every day. It might be what she eat that day or writing that I had come over to spend the night with her. I really wish I would have been able to get a hold of her diaries to keep for myself to refer to for my pleasure or to be able to share with my children and grandchildren.

Today my blog, which hard to believe I have been doing for three years in September.It's hard to believe that I have managed to think of topics or just ramble on for this long. Who am I kidding, I admit I am never at a lose for words.

Even though a good percentage of my time is more on a technology item be it through e-mail, Facebook, texting and phone calls. But I still manage maybe not as much as I have in the past to take pen to paper and actually hand-write notes.

A few weeks ago I heard that a school district in another state is actually considering not teaching cursive handwriting. Even with my knowledge of technology I was truly appalled. How can we not teach our children to write? My first thought was how back in history people grew up never learning to know how to write. But to chose not to teach children to write because the statement made "with technology and computer age we don't necessarily need to have perfect penmanship".

I always admired those that had beautiful handwriting. Being a "lefty" I always thought I was fair in the writing department as far as cosmetic look. I am not your typical slanted left handed writer but I have had people who I have known for years say that it still looks the same. I admit I don't take the time and I sometimes have trouble reading my own writing but still I am thankful all those hours my teachers took to teach me.

We have stopped having physical education, and some music and arts programs have been cut back significantly. But don't make another mistake America and do away with the true written words on paper. In my personal opinion its just another thing you are taking away that makes people unique.

Just When I Think My Life May Be Boring, Then a Tornado Comes into My Life

Over the last several years I have thought that I lived a rather ho hum life. I work at home and get out of the house to do the basic everyday errands with a few little surprises thrown in for good measure. Although over the past almost six years I have made many a trip to hospitals, doctor appointments and other such trips with my mother-in-law these trips are usually pretty routine.

With the recent tornado activities all over the Midwest it makes you think a little bit more; what will I do and how will I react if when comes close? The Joplin tornado was such a horrendous one, words can not describe the pictures and stories that those poor people have been through. With the St. Johns Hospital taking a direct hit it would have been a usual first place to probably take cover for people.

I have to admit I usually take tornado warnings with a grain of salt. My first thought usually is: What would the chances be that an actual tornado would touch down in my area?

Wednesday, March 25 at 12:25 p.m. I got my answer. Although I didn't have any direct damage. I know several people who were hit extremely hard. An F2 can still do alot of damage.

My west coast friends took for granted that everyone has a basement. As I told one friend, I don't have one and where I was the basement wasn't the best place to be. Actually we had just returned to my mother-in-laws from the hospital and were home only ten minutes when we had our first warning. We actually had to drive half way across town to another family members basement something I probably wouldn't have done if I were by myself but since I had three elderly people to worry about, safer was getting them someplace else. I was amazed at my 5 '2 body could maneuver two men and a woman from a car, in the driving rain and wind to the safety of a dry basement. But I did!

This was my second close call in the 15 years I have lived here. My one friend who has lived here all her life has been through 3 tornadoes all of which she has had significant damage either to houses and/or businesses. This one hit extremely hard for her at a time when she was contemplating retirement in the near future. I know she will make the best choice for her. Personally, my choice would be to find a place to live where there is no tornadoes, no earthquakes, no hurricanes, no adverse weather of any kind but as I have been told time and time again--there is no such place. For now I guess I will make do where I am and consider myself lucky again and also consider my life not as boring as I thought, there is an adventure around the corner every day.

We Are What We Wear-Or Are We?

On a recent program feature about the type of clothes you wear and how they effect your life there was one statement that made me stop and think. We learn from an early age about the clothes we like and how they make us feel comfortable or how we want to be perceived. I do agree a little about this but it also made me think how times have changed drastically on clothing in general.

As a child most of my clothes were home-made. Both my mother and grandmother knew how to sew, so all of my clothes were not bought in a store. Sewing is a lost art in today's busy world. It also takes a lot of patience. Frankly, I have sewn very few items because my patience level is extremely low. At the time I disliked having clothes that were not bought in a store, because most of my friends didn't have home made clothes. Wow how many times have we not heard that saying today!

I also remember how excited I was to make my first purchase at age 12 of store bought pants. Dittos were the "in thing" in pants at a time. I had one pink and one blue pair. I remember being so excited going to school and feeling like I was just like everyone else. Times have not changed much in that respect that we want to fit in.

We usually are told to look for clothes that we like and sometimes that isn't always what we should be wearing. Years ago a co-worker and I were going shopping for a jumpsuit that I wanted to find for a very special date I was going on. I still remember her picking out a black stripped suit that at first I thought just looking at it wasn't for me, but once I put it on it was completely different on me than on the hanger. I still hear her voice in my ear sometimes when I pick out clothes. Unfortunately, now I am older but usually still gravitate to a younger look.

Climate and geography also has a big influence on what we wear. I used to wear light, clothing and only had a light jacket. Where I currently live it is sometimes very hard to find clothes that are fashionable. I also have several large, heavy coats due to the cold weather, My area is geared more to rural living and practicality more than fashion. If it's not jeans, boots and a tee shirt you probably won't find it at a local store. Driving one to two hours to a mall has become routine. Is it unfortunate to drive miles and sometimes states away just so you can have something different in your wardrobe.

Women are usually more fashion savvy than men. When I first met my husband his wardrobe was brown corduroy pants, brown boots and a brown shirt. He really had no color wheel when it came to clothing. Over the years, since I buy his clothes he has come to enjoy a new color and comment that he looks really good in that outfit. I like to say he cleans up well since he usually wears jeans and a polo shirt for his work dress.

I find that it becomes more and more difficult to find clothes that I enjoy. As I get older I want more comfort but still want something that makes me feel good, no matter my age. Not that I want to be that hot older lady, but I am sure I won't be too conservative either.

I like to think I enjoy fashion, I like color, variety and comfort like the next person but I also like to make a little of a fashion statement within reason.

As Mother's Day Approaches

Time certainly does fly. It doesn't seem possible that it is already May. I also have to admit that this is probably the first year in a very long time that Mother's Day has quickly approached for me without a second thought. Then the advertising and commercials for flowers, and other items comes on the radio or television and it makes me go back what seems like a lifetime ago.

It doesn't seem at all possible that 18 years has gone by since I found my birth mother and family. Although the process of searching has become more simplified with technology, now information can be but keystrokes away. Seven years of leads, letters, more research, false hopes and then a simple blind letter to an address changed my life forever. I'm not sure I was fully prepared for what was yet to come at the time, but everything since then has changed my perspective on a lot of issues on so many levels.

I have a binder marked Adoption that has every piece of information leading to a life that took me to many different places. Some pleasant, some not so pleasant. My search went from a bittersweet meeting to just being content knowing where I came from but that binder holds the keys to where I came from. A little bizarre when you really think that a binder can hold the key to a life.

I am asked frequently whether it was worth it all. In a word, Yes it was. I would rather live in truth then to live my life with lies and half truths. To coin a saying that my husbands absolutely hates, "It is what it is". Sometimes the truth hurts, I have found that out a lot too. I always love the part in "A Few Good Men". "The truth, you can't handle the truth". Many people can't handle what they perceive to be true. I will admit I haven't always handled all the information well but it is a part of my history and somethings you just can't change.

Sometimes I hate to admit that I am more like my family members than I care too. This is probably why our communications with each other is almost non-existent. Everybody handles there "truth" different. I also have to say because I was raised by another family I also picked up a lot of those family traits which sometimes helped me get through my process.

Today adoption is such an different and can be a more open process, much more than it was long ago. Probably for good reasons. Now the process usually takes more consideration of what the child may need in the present and later in their future.

I am a part of a time when adoption was a hush-hush, sweep under the rug event. Secrets don't always stay hidden and I don't believe it does anyone involved justice to be secretive. I found that be protective most of my early life probably did more harm than good.

I have never asked or wanted the pity some want to give me for having been adopted. I do admit I am lucky to have been born. I'm not sure I agree with some people who are adopted considering themselves special in being picked by their parents. It probably is true for some but sometimes I am not sure that all parents truly know what they are taking on adopting a child. Having a child and giving away or keeping to raise yourself always has its pitfalls. It's never easy, no book can tell you everything and all you can do is hope your decisions will be right for them.

Even in the 1960's women could decide to have a back room abortion. I am thankful my mother chose not too. Although debated, I am also glad today women have a choice, not always politically or morally correct, until you walk in a women's shoes and know what the situations are no woman should be told what they are to do. It's a personal decision.

Thank you Mom for having the strength to put me up for adoption, thank you to my Mom and Dad for raising me the best way they knew how, thank you to all my grandmother's for being special ladies in my life. Thank you to all Mom's everywhere. Mother's Day is not just one day a year, it is 365 days a year.

Lessons Learned

With less than a week left as President of our Business Women's Group I am reflecting on the year that I am leaving behind me. What a year it has been!

It wasn't enough that I was stepping way out of a comfort zone and taking on a task that I was not sure about. It has definitely been an experience of learned lessons. Some expected and some not expected or surprised at the outcome.

I think the biggest lesson I have learned is some people are just not comfortable moving forward. Technology, new ideas, and just changing what has been done for years hinders that process a lot. I am not a personality type that just goes with the flow. If I set my mind to doing a task I want to complete that task the best way I can. But, if you don't have an entire group behind you it is a far harder situation to complete.

I set some high goals and expectations at the beginning and I feel I definitely scared off a lot of people either due to my approach, some would call it western bias or just the fact that our group has taken a turn in another direction. I would have loved to been able to run with my ideas but it seems they were only my ideas and a few others. The majority of the women are happy just sticking to their current rulebook. Unfortunately, that limits our group and will eventually change in the wrong direction.

A big thank you to those who wanted changes and we did make a few. Some said little steps are better than no steps at all. This possibly is true but you have to listen and sometimes I felt I was talking on deaf ears. You can't please everyone, but its not about pleasing its about changing with results. At some point I realized your really not hurting me but hurting the group in general.

It was an experience and I hand things over to a very capable woman. I look forward to seeing what's on my horizon and I am enlightened by the experience.

The Best is Yet to Come

I seem to remember this statement in a song by Frank Sinatra but also this was a part of the Easter story at church today.

I find myself grappling frequently with my religious beliefs and it usually takes a anecdotal story to make me feel a little bit better and make me think a little harder about what I truly believe. With society and the world issues what they have been lately it sometimes makes you feel defeated. Every time the shoe drops you wonder what is going to happen next! Yes I know some of you will say this is just life, but we all have to admit life gets harder and harder to function through.

Today at church, pastor told a story about an elderly lady who loved Easter, spending time with family and having a wonderful meal on the big day. After everyone would finish eating the main meal she would never forget to tell them to keep there fork because "the best was yet to come". So it was rather fitting when this lady passed on to heaven she was buried not with a flower or religious symbol in her hand but a fork. Many at her funeral had a brief chuckle because they knew what that fork meant to her.

Easter was always enjoyable as a child. I always got dressed in my spring dress, with a hat, new shoes and knowing that after church I could hunt for easter eggs and hopefully receive a basket with some goodies inside. I passed on that tradition when my kids were little. Next year I am sure we will color eggs, hunt for them and continue that tradition with our grandchildren.

I guess it is true "the best is yet to come" both for future Easters and when we go to the next life. Happy Easter everyone!!

Earth Day-Green Day Go Hand in Hand

We have a lot of holidays and special days in a calendar year. Birthdays of Presidents, family members (of course they are only considered national holidays to those who have them) Thanksgiving, Christmas, St. Patrick's Day well you get the idea.

But one day that seems to get more and more attention with the popularity of recycling, being green or whatever term you choose to use is Earth Day. With the advent of technology; recycling, or being "green" has become second nature to many people around the country/world.

I can remember growing up that we experienced several water shortages in California. I guess to be fair my Dad was a early pioneer of our families recycling projects. We caught water when it did rain in barrels and recycled the water from the washing machine to flush our toilets. We also used our bathwater too. To some that sounds horrible but to him it was a way of life. When we weren't allowed to water our yards we used the water to rinse the dishes. We didn't use the clothes dryer very often but hung the clothes on the line in the yard.

My grandparents did a garden every year until my grandfather got sick and could no longer do so. Every summer from age 12-14 I walked around the neighborhood with a friend and collected aluminum cans, and that extra money paid for the extra school clothes that I wanted to buy on my own.

I was used to recycling cans and plastic regularly so when we moved to Missouri in 1997 and found that there wasn't a program in Sedalia I was shattered. I felt guilty every time I threw any recycled item into the trash and thought what a waste that they picked up trash two days a week. Up until they finally did start a program here in town recently I would recycle items an since I knew that they did recycle were my son lives (an hour away) I would cart items when I went to visit him. Too some that sounds stupid but it gave me the piece of mind that I was doing something.

Everyone needs to go to their local landfill and see what we throw away. It is sad. Call it western bias as an editorial in our local paper stated this week; people are just too lazy to take what becomes second nature to do. It is actually very simple.

When I wrote down all that I personally recycle I was pretty proud: tin cans, plastics, cardboard, cloth shopping bags (most of the time in lieu of plastic) I have several items that I take to a office they give to early childhood participants(oatmeal containers, papertowel/toilet paper holders, old frames,)all junk mail is shredded and all recycled, I am considering composting for my container garden, the list can go on and on.

Another goal this year is to replace a tree I had to get rid of with another. Whatever little amount adds up and for me it makes me feel like I am doing my part..Shouldn't you be part of Earth/Green Day too?

Every Book Can Still Tell a Story

It doesn't matter how long the information super highway grows, there will always be a need or yearning to hold a book of any kind in one's hands. At least there will be in mine. I haven't jumped to purchase a kindle, nook or whatever the new devise is called. I love to go and walk through bookstores and also through my local library. Aisle after aisle in total silence. Be it author, picture or by a recommendation there is something about turning each page and wondering what will come next, the smell of the paper and the feel between your fingers to me is relaxing.

So on tonight's news it touched my heart to see a story about a young man of eighty named Bill Strong.

Books who have been in families for generations and generations or not. He takes his variety of tools and supplies and revitalizes books for many more generations to come. Thank you Mr. Strong for the work you do. Go to www.strongbookrepair.com and read his interview that appeared in Princeton Town Topics.

Life back to the written word. Isn't it wonderful.

Cars-Young and Old

A slow television weekend. Unless you are a basketball lover, golf, car racing (I don't mind the car racing) but wasn't really in the mood to watch fast cars go round and round. While channel surfing I stopped at a program I hadn't seen before called Desert Car Kings on the Discovery Channel. The thing that caught my eye was that they were refurbishing a 1950 Cadillac 4-door. I grew up around alot of Cadillac's.

My dad would trade one of his in almost every year, and we usually piled into the caddy and I got to see him wheel and deal. Although we never had a 1950 the oldest one we did have was a 1961. It was a beautiful Ocean Blue metallic with slightly smaller "swim fins" much smaller than the earlier models had.

My first car was a 1964 Cadillac. I think now to that car only because I can't even imagine how much it would cost to fill that tank. with gas. I have to say it was a pretty reliable car and sometimes I wish I had been able to keep it.

Desert Car Kings is located in Phoenix, Arizona and is actually a family run auction house. The patriarch of the family wanted to refurbish his 1950's find and auction it for at least the cost of the refurbishment. It was interesting some of the little known facts to me that I learned.

The great lady hood ornament was later replaced with the Cadillac crest. Polished steel was later replaced with chrome. The final refurbished cost was a little over $10,000. Not bad since some of the parts were hard to find or replace and the engine had to replaced with a 1961 model.

In the end he couldn't bring himself to auction it off because his wife had a sentimental attachment to it because her Dad owned one. So they drove away in her
39Th Anniversary present.

They definitely don't build them like they used too. Today car's can park themselves, (who has to pay when you tell someone "I didn't hit your car, it was driving itself?"), we can now talk on the phone through our car speakers, we definitely can not fix them ourselves like we used to since they are all computerized.

Well times change, cars change. I do have to say I do like the new Cadillac in the local dealership, but wouldn't be able to come up with the $68,000 to buy it. I can't imagine my Dad would want to fork over that much either.

100th Anniversary of Tragedy-A Small Part of Women and Labor Movement

March 25, 1911 was probably like any other work day for many women in New York's Garment District in Greenwich Village. At that time immigrant women worked nine hour days plus seven hours on Saturdays. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory produced women's blouses. The factory was located in the Asch Building, now known as the Brown Building and is now designated a National Historic Monument. Prior to the World Trade Center attacks in 2011, the Triangle Factory Fire was the greatest workplace tragedy in New York and changed the course of history by shedding light on workplace injustices that occurred throughout the country.

The fire killed 146 primarily young, immigrant Jewish and Italian women ranging in age from 16-23. Many jumped to their death from the 8-10 floors. Unable to exit the building due to managers having locked the stairwell and exits.The cause of the fire was thought to have been a match or cigarette butt thrown in a scrap basket.Although smoking was banned in the factory some were thought to sneak cigarettes and exhaling smoke in their lapels to avoid detection.

Many of the laws, unions and also what worker's compensation we now have today were established because of this event.

Frances Perkins, who was the first woman to hold a U.S. cabinet post as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin Roosevelt was witness to this fire and said her commitment to reforming labor laws was a top priority.

I have always been a little bit on the fence about union representation. Although I feel it is important, I also feel that the original purpose of unions has been forgotten. While as a civil service employee, I had the opportunity to be on both sides represented and non-represented. I have always wanted the choice. No one likes to be forced to do anything. Times have changed and unfortunately alot of the benefits unions provided in the past are unattainable in the world economy of today. I think while it is important that we have them I also think that worker's will have to depend less on what their employer can provide for them and do more for themselves. Compromise is the key to unions success.

As a woman I still struggle for a choice in everything I do on a daily basis. I appreciate what those before me have done and hope to help continue the fight on issues that effect women today.

For 17 year old Tillie who's tombstone is pictured, her life was cut short by an event that shouldn't have happened but because of it millions of women after her will continue to forge ahead to make the workplace and the world a better place for many women to come.

Earthquake Disaster in Japan Brings Back Memories

Toppled buildings, fires, power outages, wide cracks in roads that can swallow anything and everything in its path, silence, broken glass, these are but a few of the first things that come to my mind when I hear the word earthquake.

When I first heard about the earthquake in Japan before I even saw any pictures and videos of the carnage my first thought was how big was it? To later found out that a tsunami had happened it was like a one-two punch to the stomach.

I couldn't even wrap my mind around the fact that it is now the 5Th worst earthquake in recorded history and there are probably 100,000+ people that are possibly missing and feared dead. Most will probably never be located.

One terrific difference between the quake of 1994 and today..the internet technology available. I thought back in time, we didn't have a cell phone in 1994 and the only way I was able to communicate was to call my mother-in-law in Missouri because I couldn't get through locally.

We ate by candlelight, boiled water for days and days and lived like pioneers. We at least had our home, even in the slightest damage we had, we did have our house. Most in the quake of 2011 no longer have a home to go too.

I am not sure Japan will ever be able to get back to normal but as one reporter said, "They said after the bombing that ended World War II that Japan would never been the same and look how far they have come".

May Japan make it through this disaster and may it also remind people to be prepared in case of any emergency.

Sleepy Tales

People who blog have various ways of coming up with a topic to write about. Sometimes the ideas come at strange times. Mine for this post came as I was trying to go to sleep last night. I know for me personally it wasn't the best time. It's always hard to sleep in different surroundings and that was my problem in this case.

How many people through there life have heard, "Don't sleep your life away?". I know I heard it. Probably not as frequently as most. My parents were very regimented about sleep. As a little girl I faithfully went to bed at 8:30p.m. until I was in high school and then it was 9:00p.m. It was never fun going to sleep when it was still light out. But in my parents defense it did teach me to keep things on track and without fail I got at least eight hours of sleep every night. As I got older I went through staying up later but rarely did any all nighters like some of my friends.

While I was skating it wasn't uncommon to have ice time at odd hours. Sometimes it was 11:00 p.m. sometimes it was 4:00 a.m. back then the time didn't really make a difference because the frigid temperature would keep you awake and to reach our goal we took what time was available.

It seems as I get older getting quality sleep becomes a job in itself. Recently I saw statistics that said you should get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. I try to get about 6-7 hours but lately that has even become more difficult. Also women have a much harder time falling asleep. That was really no surprise to me. Women have far too much on their minds and can't turn that brain machine off just too sleep. Also another telling factor is what I like to call the Goldilocks Syndrome. At a certain point in my life I was able to sleep in the bed that was nice and soft, sometimes I can sleep in a bed that is really hard, but right now I just want to be able to take a warm blanket and comfortable pillow and find a bed that is just right.

When my kids were babies I prided myself to be able to wake up at a moments notice, now I would rather just be given the opportunity to say ok mind, shut off, its time for bed now go to sleep!

We all know we are in a sleep deprived world. People are working longer hours because they have too, we schedule ourselves in all aspects of activities far too much and really don't get a chance to experience the pleasures of life. We can't try and make up for the sleep we are deprived of it just doesn't work that way.

Somehow I hear that little voice in my head saying to me, "there is too much going on, you can wait to sleep when you are dead". A sobering fact or sleepy tale, you be the judge.

1961 Plane Crash a Part of Skating History

Although it was before I was born, the 1961 Flight 548 Crash of the Boeing 707 that carried most of the United States figure skating team was always a part of my skating life. That one moment changed the course of figure skating for many figure skaters around the world.

All 18 athletes of the 1961 team including Maribel Owen (9-time U.S. Ladies Champion) and her two daughters were just one of the significant skating families of that era. It was one of only a few times that the World Championships was cancelled.

Many of the now legendary champions of my time probably would not have went up the ranks of the skating world when they did. Peggy Fleming, Tim Wood, and coaches John Nicks and Carlo Fassi were just a fraction of skaters and coaches who along with the crash changed the course of the skating world.

The USFSA Memorial Fund was established only a few months later. This fund was started in honor of those that perished but the fund has helped to support the training of some of the most promising young skaters of the last 50 years.

I hope I am able to see the film that was made to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary. RISE was commissioned by the U.S. Figure Skating Association and is scheduled to be in select theatres for today only, February 17th.

Valentine's Day Sparks a Multitude of Memories

Another Valentine's Day has come and gone. The day itself was quiet this year. David and I did our celebrating on the weekend since he was leaving the day before the big day. One thing is true it is just not that day that we celebrate our love for each other, it should be done every day. There should be no holiday or excuse to bring a flower, card or anything special that tells your someone you love them and are happy to be with the person.

Over the course of the week leading up to the big day, stories sparked some memories for me. One such story was "Do you remember your first kiss?" When I first thought of it I thought of the first kiss I had gotten from a boy in school. Jimmy Crabtree was a boy in second grade. I remember he sat next to me and would sometimes sneak holding my hand occasionally and one day during an earthquake drill he gave me a peck on the check while we were under our desks in the assumed position for these drills.

Fast forward many, many years to when I met David. We had met while working and eventually had a real date after he came to one of my skating competitions. I was a pretty cheap date, we went to a chain restaurant and I remember I ordered a cup of soup and a sandwich. We spent some time talking during dinner getting to know each other and when he walked me to my car he asked me if he could kiss me (yes even in the early 80's the guy asked and didn't take it for granted). I remember thinking it was the most wonderful long kiss I had received to date; ok I admit the one from Jimmy and one other was the only kisses I had to compare but believe me I was impressed and I don't think my feet touched the ground the whole drive home.

Not only can a holiday or a kiss spark memories which forever stay etched in the heart. I admit sometimes earthquakes can spark some childhood memories.

Missouri Blizzard of 2011

As I posted on Facebook earlier, I am all for being a part of history making events, but this isn't what I had in mind.

For the past 36 hours all we have heard on the weather reports is that this could be the storm of our century. If you chat with people who are from where I live here in Missouri, some say they haven't seen anything like this since 1940's, 1969, 1982. Well those of us who are not born and raised here this is our first blizzard.

As I am posting this the snow is almost to the valves on the fire hydrant outside my window. My poor dogs are not real thrilled on having to suit up (yes they have little snow coats) and venture out to do their business. Earlier this morning they ventured to the base of the house where there wasn't any snow, but now with the wind blowing the snow every which way they will be lucky to make it two steps out the door.

I am wagering that I will be snowed until possibly until Friday. I know to those who live on the sunny west coast, you haven't a clue, those who live on the east coast think "hey this happens all the time to us, especially this year". I spoke with a client today from Toronto, Canada who really had an "oh well" attitude. But to be honest I think we are all sick of the wacky weather we have all been experiencing around the country.

Another one of my first thoughts today was "this must be what it is like to live in a snow globe". I have several in my skating memorabilia and I have a whole different perspective on them now.

My poor doggies want nothing to do with the outside world at this point. For one reason they are too small and might get lost in it.

Well I am sure this will be the storm that we will be talking about for years to come. I am seriously thinking about flying south for the winter in the future.

Homeless in America Hits Any Age Group

It is always nice to get away from home for a day and just have a little fun with friends. Today was just that day. With all the snow we have had and being cooped up in the house for days at a time, the sun was bright, almost blinding so it was a perfect day for a road trip and lunch.

After the great day I came home to a little television. I had heard earlier in the week a report about the staggering numbers of teen homeless in our country. There are roughly 2 million homeless teens in America today. That's a number that for me no real parent can fathom.

The segment told the story of four teens, ranging in age from 13-18. Another sad statistic is the large amount in the state of Oregon. I always had the thought that Oregon was the carefree, hippie state. Lots of people move there either to retire, or raise children because of the peace and tranquility.

Each story of these teens in itself was extremely heartbreaking. One young man who was 17 was sent on a one-way trip to see a relative. Later his mother confessed there was no relative--she just couldn't handle him. There stories differed greatly but after living in a tree for a short time in San Francisco Golden Gate Park, he managed to get his life back on track, graduate and briefly re-connect with some of his family.

Another young lady was tossed out by her mother after most of her life living in cars and shelters. Again her mother told a different version of the truth and the girl was eventually emancipated by the State of Oregon. She later received over $16,000 in scholarship and is attending the college of her dreams.

The other staggering figure on this is alot of these young people are those who feel uncomfortable in their own skin due to transgender. Another high occurrence is drug and alcohol use.

Each of these stories brought a different aspect of how this homeless teen epidemic is a truly sad situation.

Although I have never been homeless and am a parent myself, I am unable to understand these parents. It is possible that the whole story is really not told, as in any situation but we as a society can only hope these kids can turn things around and be productive citizens because they are the future.

Everyone has a story some like fairy tales and others like horror stories. They can stop the cycle and get off, or chose to continue peddling down a road to nowhere. The chose is their's some are on the right road and others are lost. I thank God everyday my two children are doing well.

The other thought on this is I complain about being cooped up in my home during bad weather, next time I will be thinking about those kids or anyone who doesn't have a home at all.

The Snow--Better Memories

We have seen our fair share of snow this year. Maybe not as much as years past but I find as I am getting older my tolerance to the non-recreational snow is getting less and less.

Growing up in California, living on the coast the only time you saw snow was when you were driving north and could see the snow on the top of the local mountains. You went to the snow, it didn't come to you. Bundling up gloves, hats, extra socks, boots, jackets, scarves I have obviously spent more on seasonal clothes in the past 14 years than I care to admit.

I actually still have hanging in my closest my first pair of suspender ski pants I bought for my first ever ski trip. I am not even sure why I have kept them all this time, I haven't been skiing in 13 years.

My first experience skiing was at 21. David and I had been dating six months when he invited me to go skiing with a few of his friends. I thought that at least with my figure skating ability I might be able to get by a little. Boy, was I surprised. I spent more time down than up but after one full day of clearing the ski run for others I finally got the hang of it. Mammoth Mountain was one of the premier lodges in Northern California and a great place to learn.

Later on trips to Lake Tahoe, Big Bear helped to get my skating legs into skiing legs. On a trip to Alaska and Vancouver BC I had big hopes of getting to ski, but with the severe fog in both places we were unable to get the chance.

Our last ski trip was to the local ski area, Big Bear the Winter of 1996. It was bittersweet because by then snowboarding was in full swing and skiing had become more difficult to maneuver because of the snowboarders as they both "shared" the mountain.

One thing I know is true, its alot better to have fun in the snow then it is to be stuck in or shoveling it..

Playing Catch Up or Slowing Down A Big Part of Life

I catch myself already saying to my nine month old granddaughter "slow down". At some point in the not so distant future I will probably tell her to "come on lets go, hurry up". Somehow we are never satisfied with the speed in which we travel in life or how others do sometimes either.

When I was skating I was usually in time with the music. (Sometimes I would skate to fast and be ahead). Sometimes I would scramble to catch up if I had a fall. The coach would always tell you "if you fall get up, go on and finish the program, No matter what.. One such time when I was competing at a national competition with my group we literally had a trainwreck, one of the ladies fell, and cut her nose. But she got up and continued on to finish. The picture taken after she proudly showed her battle scar and with all that we managed to "Survive the Trainwreck" as it was proudly known for years after.

I still haven't caught up and it's only nine days into 2011. Now really should be the time in my life where I should be able to slow down a little. But like "retirement" its not a word in my vocabulary.

The old saying "Stop and smell the roses--or coffee" whatever the case maybe I am going to try my best but I won't make any promises. Who am I kidding, until the day I die I will probably be rushing on to the next event, or task but I will never be accused of never doing enough..