Out with Old -- In with the New!

Whew! what a year this has been! I'm guessing that many people are thinking the same. What will we remember of 2009? Record unemployment, foreclosures, new terrorist threats, bailouts, Michael Jackson . . . ? If someone had told me that our family would be touched by this recession I would have argued with them wholeheartedly otherwise. At the beginning of the year Gregg and I had great jobs and our companies relied heavily on us. However, the recession trumped loyalty and we quickly learned how to get by on much (much) less out of shear necessity. It's crazy, and almost embarassing, when we look at our savings account and see it larger than when my unemployment began! Were we really spending like there was no tomorrow? Evidentally, yes. Inspite of all the tears I shed, I look upon 2009 as being a year of extreme learning that I would not have submitted to, if not out of necessity. What did I learn?

- Living with less isn't all that bad
- Homecooked meals are best
- I CAN cook
- Thrift shops making shopping a fun experience
- I want to become more involved in ministry
- Two cats are better than one
- I can quilt!
- Journaling keeps one's mind focused
- Social networking is here to stay
- One is never too old to learn new stuff, or old stuff in the case of my Eng Comp class!
- I missed singing in choir and performing in the choir dinner show
- God is continuing to place people in my path that are to help me along in my journey
- Live in the moment
- It's not a contest
- Caffeinated coffee gives me the shakes
- I have alot to be proud of
- KLOVE radio station
- My family is the most loving and supportive one could ask for
- I'm ready for 2010!!

FRAUD ALERT - Phishing Scam Alert!

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has received reports of fraudulent emails (phishing) referencing a CDC sponsored State Vaccination Program for H1N1. The messages request that users create a personal H1N1 (swine flu) Vaccination Profile on the CDC.gov website.

Users that click on the embedded link in the email are at risk of having malicious code installed on their system. CDC reminds users to take the following steps to reduce the risk of being a victim of a phishing attack:

* Do not open or respond to unsolicited email messages.
* Do not click links embedded in emails from unknown senders.
* Use caution when entering personal information online.
* Regularly update anti-virus, spyware, firewall, and anti-spam software

Despite recirculating email, it is still not necessary to Register Cell Phones to avoid annoying telemarketing calls

As the number of phone numbers on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry surpassed 139 million, the Federal Trade Commission has reiterated that despite the claims made in emails circulating on the internet, consumers should not be concerned that their cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketers at any time in the near future. In addition, according to the agency, it is not necessary to register cell phone numbers on the DNC Registry to be protected from most telemarketing calls to cell phones.

Victim Hotline Available to File Claims

FTC has announced the MoneyGram International has agreed to pay $18 million to the Federal Trade Commission to settle charges that it knowingly allowed con artists to use its operation to swindle consumers out of millions of dollars. The money will go directly provide relief to victims. If you were a victum, call 202-326-3755 for information on how to submit a claim.

For more information on frauds and scams, go to www.aarpfraudfighters.org

Dependent on the Grid

Yesterday morning I awoke to a gorgeous snowfall -- it was one of those Currier & Ives paintings kind of one. My camera was at Carrie's house so unfortunately you'll just have to believe me. Gregg was eager to try out his new snowblower so he bundled up and himself aligned with the other snowblowing men. The snow was so deep that his cute John Deere had a real hard time chugging through it. Within minutes of him leaving the garage the electricity went out. I crawled back into bed and thought I'd tackle some of my homework that could be handwritten; I was just a little concerned that I hadn't finished my paper that's due on this evening but felt that the power would come back in time.

Gregg finished the snow blowing took a shower and decided to take a nap thinking that the power would be back on soon. I tried to think of everything I could do 'unplugged' . . . addressed my Christmas cards (no letter yet), folded my FOPPI newsletters (no labels yet), and wrapped the Christmas gifts. That filled a couple of hours and still no electricity. Now I was starting to get concerned. I knew I should have backed my report to my flash drive!!!

Gregg always says to have a backup plan . . . I could haul my desktop over to Carrie's (which is 10 minutes away WITH power) and at least get it on my flash drive so I could use the laptop's two hours of power. So I disconnected everything bundled up and got ready to go and as we were pulling out of the driveway the porch light went on. Hooray!! We have power!!

I gathered all the missing connections and plugged them in but the keyboard's end wouldn't stay in place. Geez, I must have twisted it when I disconnected it. I tried every which way to get that thing to stay put and connect with no luck. After a frustrated half an hour Gregg decided that we should go out and get another one so I could get my report done.

We bundled back up again and grabbed the faulty keyboard and when we pulled out of the driveway we saw a flash and all the lights on our block went out! We decided to continue our quest for a keyboard once we were sure that Don would be OK (he insisted that he didn't want to go to anyone else's house, that he'd be fine). Evidentally my three-year-old keyboard is obsolete but they had these wonderful wireless ones on sale which came with a wireless mouse (bonus)! Got that all taken care of an hurried home hoping the electricity was back on.

No power. We grabbed all the blankets in and snuggled in . . . at 6:00 pm!! I tried to pretend I was camping and tried reading by the flashlight but it just didn't cut it. I feel asleep too.

I awoke to hearing the furnace kick in -- hooray!! I connected my new wireless devices and am feeling much more connected. Just gotta get that paper done!!

Yes, I did back it up to my flash drive!

Am I really that smart?

In Thursday's class we had to make appointments for our 'fifteen minutes of fame' with our instructor to go over our term paper (which I can't figure out what to write about). He thought that the only 'fair' way to choose was to have the student with the highest grade get first pick. Guess who was first? ME!! No, way -- how could I be the SMARTEST in the class? I've read the papers of my fellow classmates and don't feel that my writing is any bit better than there's. My teacher thinks so . . .

I'm enjoying this class immensely and realize how much I really do like to write and evidentally I'm kind of good at it. I need to find a way to clear up all the excess clutter in my life so that I can focus on writing. Lofty goal. But doable.

I registered for my next class: African American Literature. Sounds interesting. Stay tuned.

Tons of Thanks

Yes, I know -- it's been a long time since I've updated my blog. We're still working to adjust to the change in our lives due to Gregg's position being eliminated. No need to worry though; we're doing great, just working on making yet more changes in our lives.

Yesterday's Thanksgiving dinner hit both of us -- in the past we hosted the entire meal but this year we found it necessary to ask everyone to bring something. It felt weird, like we were giving up. Strange thing though, we noticed that everyone ENJOYED bringing a dish to pass -- even Manny and CeCe. So perhaps all along we were taking the joy way from our guests by doing it all. At times I can be my own worst enemy. Thanksgiving is a time for sharing and that's exactly what we did yesterday; shared the preparation, the meal, our lives. I had time to visit with my guests and learn what's been happening in their lives. My older niece and nephew are both back in college and doing quite well. My younger niece and nephew joined us for the first time this year; it was wonderful to recall memories of when Manny & CeCe were that young and to look forward to LP (Christie's baby's nickname) next year. My daughters are a constant source of pride and Kent challenged Manny & CeCe to some tough chess matches. He was quite surprised how much they have learned from his coaching. It was a different kind of Thanksgiving but I think I like this model.

Sometimes we're running so fast that we miss all the great stuff happening right in front of us.

So, we're clipping coupons and experimenting with different foods than we would have in the past. We're eating at home more and enjoying great conversation amongst the three of us (Gregg, Don, and myself). I borrow movies from the library and am working on reading all those books in my library that I've collected throughout the years. We're watching sales and even braved Black Friday and saved almost twice as much as we spent.

Sometimes we're running so fast that we can't slow down enough to think of a better way.

Christmas will be different too and I think it's going to be OK, just different.

No, This Can't Be Happening

Gregg came home today around noon, I thought he was stopping in to see how CeCe was feeling. But then he delivered the awful news that he'd been let go; his position as dispatcher was eliminated. At first I thought he was kidding, but no -- it's real -- after 34 years with the same company he's out the door. Those that know us know the name of the company and those that don't -- sorry, I'm not going to foreclose as I don't want any hard feelings between us and the company -- I know that it wasn't an easy or personal decision.

The company has been a big part of Gregg's life; he'd wake up in the middle of the night after figuring out a problem, shower and head on out regardless of the time. He was devoted to a fault. Being the great guy that he is, felt that he was responsible for making sure the customer received the best service possible and that his drivers were taken care of. Sometimes I felt as though his job was much like his mistress, as often 'she' did came first and I was a close second.

That was then, this is now -- life as we knew it has suddenly changed. The conversation at the dinner table won't start out with work stories; he and won't be telling Don about the people that he ran into that remembered Don over the years; no stopping in to make sure everything's OK while we're in the neighborhood; no calls at all hours of the night from his drivers . . . he's even going to have to change his wardrobe! No company tshirts, wow!

Gregg started working with his Dad before he got out of high school. He bought his first semi before he was old enough to have a CDL license and for a year paid a driver to drive for him. He drove both short haul and long haul; owned a small fleet of trucks; was a contract packer and dispatcher. He made some wonderful friends along the way that were shocked to hear the news. We're still receiving emails from co-workers across the country expressing their dismay at the decision.

How does someone who's spent more years working at the same company than anyone else I know (except my father) suddenly adapt to working someplace else? I'm not sure how this is all going to shake out but I am sure of one thing -- it happened for a reason. As I found out with my job elimination, he'll more than likely go through some serious soul searching and realize what he's really good at and find a position where he feels he fits. When that might be is anyone's guess.

Stay tuned -- this is going to be one interesting ride!

Beginnings

This afternoon I was invited to hear the heartbeat of Christie & Kent's baby. I tried real hard to hold back the tears. My baby's having a baby!! The heartbeat was real strong and the look in Kent's eyes was shear amazement -- there's a living being in there!

Christie is doing well and being the methodical person she is, brought along a list of questions. Geez, how did she get to be so smart?? Both of my pregnancies were so different, as I wasn't married for either of them, and I couldn't enjoy those precious moments in the same way that she and Kent are.

Afterward I stopped at the library for their annual book sale -- 5 books for $1.00! Now, that's the kind of shopping I can afford. I got a couple of books and some lullaby CD's for the baby. I'm already feeling all grandmotherly and gooshy. Will this chapter of grandparenting be different than with Manny & CeCe? I certainly learned alot about love by being involved in their lives. Not having a grandparent to pattern after I just cared for Manny & CeCe as though they were my own; Carrie didn't seem to mind, and perhaps was relieved at times to have another 'parent' to assist her. This child's circumstances are different -- what will my place be? Will I measure up to it? One thing's for sure, Christie will let me know.

SCAM ALERT - FDIC Email

We have been alerted by the U.S Treasury that there are significant numbers of fraudulent email claiming to be from the FDIC. Please consider forwarding this alert to employees of your organization. The email asks you to down load a file to verify FDIC insurance. The unsuspecting recipient will in fact be downloading malicious software. As always you should never click on links or download software from unsolicited email. If you do receive email as described above it should be forwarded to:

FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section alert@fdic.gov.

To learn more about the alert please read below. Thanks all.

The FDIC issued Special Alert (SA-183-2009 <http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2009/sa09183.html> ) today regarding a fraudulent e-mail claiming to be from the FDIC.

The Giving Cure

This is the first weekend that I haven't spent with my face stuck in my International Economics textbook -- Thursday is my final exam, whew! This class was a tough one but I certainly learned alot and know what the NPR guy is talking about when he mentions the IMF. So, I'm spending the weekend refreshing my soul, reading, journaling, enjoying the peace of my home and a couple of cats. I read the most interesting article in November edition of Body & Soul, The Giving Soul.

The story is about a woman who learned soon after she married her dream guy that she was suffering from MS; she sunk into depression (understandably so) and didn't know how to get out of it. For some reason she reached out to a neighbor who suggested that she spend 29 days giving away 29 things. Kind of a 'pay it forward' thing . . . she did, and felt stronger -- from the inside. Her illness still has a hold on her but she is now able to compensate for what the illness is doing to her body much better by being inwardly stronger. I often wonder if that's what my father did to keep going after receiving his Parkinson's diagnoses.

I don't have MS or Parkinson's or any dibilatating illness, but I do believe that I need some inner strength to help move me along this journey that God has placed me on. So, I'm going to take the 29 day challenge, want to come along?

From the magazine, here's 6 secrets to giving:

1. Start with gratitude
Write down what you're most thankful for and make a point to share at least one item from your list.

2. Keep it simple
Small gestures often make the biggest impact. Smile at a stranger, offer a coworker a sincere compliment, or buy someone lunch for no reason.

3. Give up expectations
Let go of judgments about how your gift will be put to use. Once you've given it, your gift will take care of itself.

4. Receive graciously
Giving without receiving will deplete your energy. Remember to be receptive to what others are eager to share.

5. Wing it
Resist the urge to plan all 29 gifts in one sitting. Stay open to the gift-giving opportunities that occur naturally throughout any given day.

6. Challenge yourself
What are you hesitant to give? Your time? Unconditional love? Ask yourself why and try to let those hang-ups go.

So, here I go ------------------

Angels in Passing

Today we went to a heart-warming and tearful funeral for my Uncle David's mother-in-law who lived a full life of 94 years. Her grandson gave the most wonderful eulogy; even if you didn't know Miriam very well when you walked into the church you did once you left. She left quite a legacy of love and commitment for her family and her faith.

We ran home, switched a load of laundry, finished my homework and then ran off to Christie and Kent's house for a thank you dinner with his parents for helping them move into their new house. Jane (Kent's mom) and I were given a scroll tied with a pink and blue ribbon . . . I started reading it and then looked at Jane and knew that what we've been thinking and hoping is true! Christie and Kent are expecting their first child in April!! Jane cried, I cried, Christie cried. Oh, so wonderful. Here's what she had printed for us:

I do not have a face to see, or put inside a frame.

I do not have soft cheeks to kiss, I don't yet have a name.

You can't yet hold my tiny hands, nor whisper in my ear.

It's still too soon to sing a song, or cuddle me so near.

But all will change come April 25th, 2010 it's true.

That's when they say I'm due.

I'm your new grandson or granddaughter, I can't wait to meet you.

All I ask between now and then, is your patience while I grow.

I promise I'll be worth the wait, because of all the love we'll know.

So what I have to give you now, is a wish to you from me.

I cannot wait to be part of this wonderful family.

Love, Baby K.

They've told us that they want to be surprised by the sex of the baby but they do have names chosen and will share them with us when the baby comes. Grrrrr, patience, patience, patience.

Birthday Celebration

Gregg feels that I'm getting to the point where surprising me with a birthday gift is getting too tough -- am I really that picky, or is it just that he doesn't know where to find that perfect gift? So, this year he decided to take me on a roadtrip to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan (along with Uncle David) -- this WAS the perfect gift!! The scenery was gorgeous as the asters by the side of the road are a brilliant purple in color and the trees are beginning to turn; soon our countryside will be a quilt of red, orange, yellow, and brown.


The Kohler Arts Center is currently hosting a tramp art exhibit created by Adolph Vandertie. Vandertie was born in 1911 near Lena WI. As a boy, Vandertie learned the intricate carving and whittling skills associated with the hobos from his grandfather, who had learned many of the techniques while a prisoner of war during the Civil War.


I learned from Vandertie that there's a difference between a hobo and a tramp . . . 'Like the hobo, the tramp was a wanderer, but unlike the hobo he was not a worker. Most tramps lived by their wits, some by petty thievery and begging, some by robbery and murder. The hobo feared the tramp and was contemptuous of him as a loafer, while the tramp despised the hobo as a sucker for working.' The caste was not clearly drawn and many hobos met up with tramps in the same camp where they told stories around the campfire, sang, and carved or whittled in the distinct styles associated with their respective groups. See, one can learn something new at an Art Museum!


Hobo art was traded for food, shelter, or as an exchange between fellow hobos; tramp art was made by chip carving thin strips of wood from cigar boxes to form boxes, pictures frames, and furniture. Vandertie practiced both hobo and tramp styles of woodworking. One of his personal masterpieces is a 217-foot-long carved chain that looks to be made of a single piece of wood. My Uncle Harold has one that my great-grandfather (his grandfather) carved, oh how I wish I knew the story behind that! Perhaps hobos or tramps visited the farm looking for work and taught him a bit of their craft??

Hobo Art

Tramp Art

I've always been fascinated by tramp / hobo art and have purchased a few pieces online but nothing I own is as beautiful as those Vandertie created -- one really needs to see them! The primary body of Vandertie's work is at the Kohler Art Museum and additional works are housed at the Ashwaubenenon County Historical Society in Green Bay.

When you go to the Art Museum you MUST stop in and view the restrooms (these are the only rooms where you can take pictures) -- remember, this is an ART museum and is sponsored by Kohler . . .

On our way home we stopped at the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden in Wilson. This was an amazing place! Tellen created multiple statues and vinettes from concrete -- after he turned 60!! The property is maintained and conserved by the Kohler Foundation also.

The Native Americans meet you at the road and as you enter the property you're met by a life-size sculpture of an American Cowboy, Abraham Lincoln, and religious sculptures to name a few.

This place and the art museum are free -- but the memories are priceless.

Today - Women's Day

I read this in one of my LinkedIn group pages and wanted to share it with you . . .

Women of Strength

This is an email from a friend in South Africa. She is preparing a talk to some ladies in Somerset West tomorrow (in celebration for Women's Day today), and she will be sharing this with them.

A Strong Woman vs. A Woman Of Strength

A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape…
But a woman of strength builds relationships to keep her soul in shape

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything…
But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the better of her…
But a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future…
A woman of strength realises life's mistakes can also be unexpected blessings, and capitalises on them.

A strong woman wears a look of confidence on her face…
But a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey…
But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

Caroline -Ireland Celebrating all you women of strength! Love Doreen

FRAUD ALERT

I received this disturbing email from a friend of mine:

I believe you said you were working with senior fraud for AARP? Well, let me tell you what happened to my father-in-law yesterday. He's home minding his own business when a man knocks on the door and says he's from James Joels Asphalt and they were working in the neighborhood and had some leftover product and would do his driveway for $26 !!! That price is crazy. I wonder if he misheard $2600??? Anyway, he agrees. They show up with the big machine and a bunch of guys and proceed to do the back half of his driveway and then they stop. A young kid (claiming to be the son of the owner or the guy who knocked on the door originally) comes to the door and says he needs Leroy to sign a contract, but the price on the contract is $4,400! Leroy says "What kind of scam are you trying to run here?" The kid claims its not a scam and asks Leroy how much he thinks the job would be worth. Leroy says $200 (which is totally unrealistic), but the kids says the best he can do is $2,600 or he offered to leave with half the job done. I have no idea how much he would have asked for half the job, because my father-in-law agreed to pay $2,600. Now, it seems he probably paid a pretty fair price for what he got (we haven't gone over to see it yet, but Leroy is happy.) What we object to is the strong arm approach they used, in this case on an 87 year old man. I don't know what you can do and we should probably also call the better business bureau, but I hate to think of how many other old people they will hit with this scam. My father-in-law was not in the market for a driveway when he woke up that day and was totally befuddled by the outlandishly great deal he thought he was going to get. He's pretty defensive right now because both his sones got on his case pretty hard.

Name of the company:
James Joel's Asphalt
6508 S 27th St, Suite 916
Oak Creek WI
414-688-6865 866-577-3568

I reported this to my connections at AARP and yes, (unfortunately) they have heard of this ploy before. We contacted the WI Office Of Privacy Protection (OPP); OPP is a part of the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. They have filed a report and will proceed with an investigation. Stay tuned . . .

Thought you all should know about this -- there's some shady people lurking behind the bushes out there, be careful.

Learn to Recognize, Resist, and Report fraud.

New Beginnings

Today is the last day of my unemployment sabbatical; tomorrow I'll once again be gainfully employed, contributing to the economy, packing my lunch, feeling whole once more.

My sabbatical was quite the learning experience -- I revisited the grief process and although I didn't have anyone to plan a funeral for, I felt as though I went through the same stages as in losing a loved one. There was the denial and isolation emotion (this really isn't happening), anger (how could they do this to me), bargaining (what if I offered them a 50% salary decrease), depression (boo hoo), and then finally the acceptance (it's done). Like the loss of my parents, I was surrounded by a caring network of family and friends who made sure that I didn't spend too much time grieving over that which was gone.

I learned alot about myself during this time and know that I wouldn't have been able to get in touch with my soul had this not happened. I discovered new talents, stepped out of my comfort zone, got involved in some great projects, met some new wonderful people, read, sewed, gardened, got creative, cooked, spent time with my family, and generally kept busy while at the same time searching out that 'perfect' job -- which finally found me.

Not that I'd EVER want to go through this again, but perhaps this is the reason why European countries offer 40 days of 'holiday'. The AARP organization requires employees who have been with them for seven years to take three months off -- unplugged. They actually request their electronic equipment and deactivate email accounts for that period. This way they come back to their jobs refreshed and filled with new exciting ideas to present.

I'm ready to hit the work force again . . . world . . . watch out!

Quilting, Gee's Bend, Friends & Fiber, and Me

The quilt pictured above is from a group of women down in Gee's Bend, AL who have created what the New York Times has called “some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced.” Before these women were 'discovered' they were working on a plantation, raising their children, and trying to keep warm by making quilts from scraps of material and worn clothing -- living the simple life. The local tradition of quilting was taught to young girls who then would pass it on to their daughters, through four generations. The practice of quilt making in the area has begun to slow down and there are no longer any quilt makers working on a regular basis. What a shame but also, what a legacy they left us!

My Aunt Lil is a quilter and made my mother a gorgeous quilt before she passed away. The quilt will always be a memory to me of the love between sisters. I made CeCe's 'double love' quilt for her all important 'two-digit' birthday and I hope that she treasures it as I do the sister-love one that Aunt Lil made. I'm in the process of making another quilt and it too will have stories (and cat hair) attached to it . . . stories of where I found the fabric, the friends I met along the way and the new 'me' that's emerging out of this forced sabbatical I've been on.

Mensie Lee Pettway, one of the Gee's Bend quilters said: 'A lot of people make quilts just for your bed for to keep you warm. But a quilt is more. It represents safekeeping, it represents beauty, and you could say it represents family history.' So true!

Tonight I met a group of wonderful women at the library for our first meeting of 'Friends & Fiber'. Realize that 'fiber' can mean anything from cross stitching to crocheting to knitting to quilting; of the 15 women present, two of us are quilters (as I now consider myself). Many of the women brought their projects along with them and quietly knitted while we discussed our joy of working with 'fiber.' They commented how therapeutic it is; one woman told of how knitting and crocheting helped her regain her health and stamina; another told of a project where they are teaching incarcerated men to knit baby booties for the relaxation and sense of giving back to the community. I also learned of a movement called 'Knitting for Peace' where knitters across the country concentrate on peace while clicking their needles. At church we have a group that is cleverly called 'KNITWITS' which is an acronym for 'Knit with Intention to Serve'; this group makes combines prayer and fiber to create blankets that are gifted to newly baptized babies and prayer shawls for those in need. I gave a prayer shawl to my friend, Deb, who is battling cancer and she feels that it has some magic calming effect for her. I tried knitting and crocheting in high school and it just didn't grab me; my sister is an awesome crocheter so I'll let her carry that craft throughout our genes. I'm going to quilt.

At the meeting I met a wonderful woman, Julia, who has made quilts for her sons out of old blue jeans that she's saved throughout the years. She asked what type of quilting I'm interested in and I told her the story of CeCe's double-love quilt; she was delighted that I'm a folk art quilter too. I am? Yes, I guess so. I don't have a fancy sewing machine, just the one that I bought with the first tax return I received when I was 16. I don't have a fancy cutter; I use a 4x4 square that my Uncle Harold made me and a pair of scissors. Yes, my squares aren't perfect but neither is life. But like life, it's the color that is sewn into the quilt that matters.

Visit to Green Gables

Saturday morning I picked up Uncle David and headed over to 'Green Gables' in Whitewater for a 'Wild Ones' guest tour of Richard Ehrenberg's gorgeous (8/10 of an acre) garden. Ehrenberg's abode is within the city limits but is disguised by a landscape designed with nature in mind. Natural landscaping leaves room for surprises; Ehrenberg commented to us how each trip along the path is met with something he hadn't seen on his previous trip. This type of gardening leaves room for volunteer plantings and allows itself to mature and reinvent itself year after year. The front of his yard is planted in a deciduous forest to provide a vegetative screen between the house and the city street.

The above picture is of a 'prairie rose'. The size of the rose is eight feet tall by eithteen feet wide. Its hundreds of blooms with single pink petals and yellow centers are at their peak on July 4th; quite appropriate for a Midwestern native. I've put this one on my Christmas list (hint, hint).

This type of landscaping feels like, evolves like, and smells like nature. It's alive with the seasonal changes and the activity of its wild creatures.

The back yard is a prairie-plant community of species adapted to well-drained, fertile soil. He mentioned that in the beginning he fought the invasive plants that ventured in but once the natives took hold they out ranked the invasives.

The gardens provide nectar for honeybees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

Ehrenberg put ALOT of planning and thought into his landscape. He designed multiple activity zones for viewing and experiencing nature, visiting with family and friends by the lake, bird and bat houses, a tree swing, a vegetable / flower garden, fruit trees, and multiple inter-locking paths. He made sure that both humans and nature could co-exist in this space.

Think Gregg will go for this? Sure, Richard has 29 years of professional landscaping in his credentials but I've got at least 29 more years to enhance my garden . . . it's doable :-)

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

This month's book club selection was The Story of Edgar Sawtelle; the group had mixed emotions about the book but the majority of readers gave it a 5 (I gave it a 2). Following are the questions that I used that created quite a lively discussion:

1. The author had a way of putting you into the characters’ skin; how did you feel about that?

2. Which character’s skin did you feel most comfortable in? Edgar, Gar, Trudy, Claude, Page, Glen, Henry, the dogs?

3. While you were in your character’s skin, how did you feel when Gar died?

4. Do you think it was necessary for the author to make Edgar mute? How did this add to the storyline?

5. Edgar was considered ‘less than perfect’ but his mother didn’t coddle or expect anything less of him. She mentioned that we all have those flaws, just like everyone else, but they aren’t in important places . . . do you think Edgar’s flaw could have been considered a gift?

6. What did you think about the hauntings? Were they necessary to the storyline? For example: the vision of Edgar’s father and the old farmer in the barn? What other types of hauntings did the characters endure?

7. What about the other strange characters like Ida Paine and the woman who mysteriously arrived to teach Trudy to sign?

8. What did you think the problem was between Claude and Gar?

9. Do you think it was Claude in the Prologue?

10. Was it clear to you right away that Claude killed Gar?

11. What did you think of the quick courtship between Trudy and Claude?

12. What was significant about the letters between Edgar’s grandfather and Alvin Brooks? What do you think the grandfather’s experiment was? Complex choices?

13. What lessons did Edgar learn while on the run?

14. The ending was drawn out and then ran out of pages; what do you think happened after Essay sent all the dogs to Forte?

15. What did you think of Wroblewski’s imagery; was he able to transport you to Mellen and the areas near Ashland?

16. What did you learn from reading the book?

17. The book is said to be a retelling of Hamlet – do you agree?

18. Rate the book on a scale of 1 to 5.

19. Would you read another book by this author?

20. Did the book merit the praise that Oprah reaped on it?

Ministry Partnership - The Church has left the building!

On Saturday our Ministry Partnership Program participated in the Upsilon M Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc's 12th Annual Family Fun Day at Albright United Methodist Church in Milwaukee. We (Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church, Menomonee Falls) set up an arts and crafts table and offered computer workshops throughout the day.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is a 120-year-old national sorority that empowers communities through exemplary service initiatives and progressive programs. The fair hosted vendors from the community, the US Army, the public library, Milwaukee Sheriff's and Fire Departments for the sorority alumni and surrounding community. I'd say that at any given time there must have been well over 100 people in attendance.

I'm working with the TechConnect branch of this partnership program . . . our mission is to share the gifts of education and technology literacy with others. We began this program about a year ago and have since taught technology-related workshops in basic computer skills, setting up an email account, basic word processing, Ebay, and online game playing to members of Albright and the community. We've seen great successes in the students who have returned week after week to learn technology skills to impress their friends and family with.

We were invited to present job-related workshops such as how to answer an online application and build an effective resume. We also offered to assist with setting up an email account and asked each participant to answer a couple of questions in the form of an online survey. After no one came to our first (and second) workshop we decided to bring the workshops to the public. We set up a table outside (in the shade), connected to the WIFI and started to get some traffic . . . from the kids. We then decided to hand out our business cards to trigger some interest and WALA -- we were able to connect with a quite a few people who are interested in enhancing their computer skills. Aha -- TAKE THE MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE -- isn't that what God wants us to do everyday? How often do we miss an opportunity because we're caught up in the traditional way of doing stuff?

So, stop on by or tell a friend about our Fall Classes (held at Albright Church):

Call (414) 442-8540 to register

Class 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Open Computer lab 7:30 p.m.

September 9th - Email Basics
September 16 - Surfing the Net

September 23 - Word Processing Skills

IndependenceFirst

Today I gathered up a bunch old computers from church and dropped them off at IndependenceFirst; they'll clean them up and find new owners (with disabilities) for them. Individuals receiving computers are offered basic computer training as well as instruction on accessing and using the Internet. I'm feeling real, real good about this.

IndependenceFirst's is a non-profit 501(c)3 Independent Living Center (ILC) directed and controlled by persons with disabilities, primarily serving the four county metropolitan Milwaukee area. Their mission is to effectively facilitate empowerment of individuals with disabilities through:

• Education
• Advocacy
• Independent Living Services
• Coalition Building

I am immensely impressed with their facilities, their program, and their vision. Check them out for yourself: http://www.independencefirst.org/home/

What can we do for them? Volunteer!! If you're a reader of my blogs you may have recognized that I'm a bit tapped out right now but think about it -- you could be just what they need to continue or enhance their programs!

Volunteering is a healthy habit because it:

Brings satisfaction in helping others
Stimulates the mind and moves the heart
Promotes camaraderie
Imparts knowledge
Is self-rewarding
Encourages teamwork
Helps the community
Allows one to serve others
Develops new friendships
Broadens experience
Utilizes skills and talents
Creates a sense of well-being
Is stress relieving
Keeps one active and involved
Brings joy to others
Gives one purpose
Keeps you young
Gets you out and in the thick of life
And so very much more!
Celebrate by volunteering! It's easy and fun

From the IndependenceFirst's website.

Dr. Barwig's Three Rules to Success

1. What is your greatest fear?

2. Where is your greatest joy?

3. How much time to you want to put forth?

These are the three rules to success that my doctor has followed to bring her immense joy and happiness in her career. Dr. Barwig is the most compassionate, emphathetic, knowledgeable doctor and leader that I know. She told me that before she decided to become a doctor she was in a very bad point in her life and knew that she needed to make some drastic changes in order to provide for her daughters the education and future they deserved. I'm not sure of the middle part of the story but she did go to France to study medicine and is now an esteemed professional in her field of gynecology (yes, there's more that goes on during a yearly visit than the obvious).

She cited a examples of friends of hers that have followed THE THREE and have become very successful and happy. That's the main point -- you need to answer and follow all three of them otherwise you won't find true happiness.

OK, so here it goes:
1. What is my greatest fear? Being broke and lonely.
2. What is my greatest joy? Seeing the eyes of someone after I've enlightened their life.
3. How much time? Oh, tough one . . . while I've been off I've had the grand opportunity to expand my horizons ten-fold . . . I've met the most wonderful people on my journey and have been involved in projects that I could never do otherwise . . . do I want to give this up? . . . can I still continue on this adventure while working? . . . Perhaps that's the key -- can I work at a job that fulfills me and continue my exploration into the unknown??

So my friends, stay tuned -- the adventure continues . . .

Academy Awards -- Here we come!!

On Friday night and Saturday afternoon our CeCe (first one on the left, in red) performed on stage before a packed audience. The production, 'Alice in Wonderland', with the Missoula Childrens' Theatre was an uber awesome performance, and not just because CeCe was in it, but because it was professionally directed, choreographed, and written. And it was cute! CeCe played a rapping daisy who Alice meets along the way. She played the keyboard, sang a cute little song, and danced her way through the set.

Of course, Carrie cried with pride throughout the show and when the lights went up she had frog eyes and no more makeup. I'm thinking that Ben got a little choked up too as they watched their little girl up there. They both beamed with such pride and rightfully so, they're raising a strong, gifted child in a world that's a mess. She has such a bright future ahead of her and I promise to see to it that she has all the opportunities to use her gifts. Who knows how far she might go? Community Theatre, Hollywood, New York, Chicago, or just stay right here with her Gee?? Regardless, Hooray for CeCe!!

The photographer from AARP came today . . . evidentally I'm going to be the ON THE FRONT PAGE of the AARP Foundation magazine!! I'm not sure how this one differs from the regular AARP one but will soon find out. Here's the address:

http://aarp1.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=4701.0&dlv_id=9361

He took a couple of shots but due to the rain he felt it would be best to come back tomorrow. Sure, just when I had a good hair day! Stay tuned . . .

AARP -- Health Care Reform

I recently finished up an interview with AARP regarding how their awesome program 'Prepare to Care' assisted me when I was tasked with taking care of my mother once my father was once again placed in the nursing home. I thought it was just going to be a true / false answer-thing but when I received the list of questions I realized that I'd signed onto a much larger mission; one that I couldn't easily slip out of. Soon I found out that they're sending over a PHOTOGRAPHER! I promise to sign copies for all my fans (LOL).

So, now that I'm in the AARP loop I'm privy to other kinds of stuff that I want to share with my fan base such as where they (we?) fall in supporting the health care reform issues. I received this email that helps debunk many of the myths that are flying around:

FACT #1: Medicare will not be ended, and no benefits or services will be cut.

Your services will not be ended, nor will your benefits be cut. AARP's position on this could not be clearer. And we have sent this message loud and clear to Congress. While the current proposals include savings in Medicare by cutting out fraud, abuse, waste, and inefficiency, we're standing up and making sure benefits for Medicare recipients are not only fully protected, but are improved.1

FACT #2: No legislation currently in Congress would mandate the rationing of care. Period.

Our staff has read all of the legislation circulating in Congress and there are no provisions in these bills that would ration care for our members. None. If any ever did, we would vigorously fight to stop that legislation.2

FACT #3: There is no provision of any piece of legislation that would promote euthanasia of any kind.

The rumors out there are flat out lies. Right now Medicare does not cover counseling for end-of-life care. The portion of the bill in question would simply provide coverage for optional end-of-life consultations with doctors, so that the patient can be aware of all of the treatment options on the table. It is not mandatory and it has nothing to do with euthanasia.3

FACT #4: We have not endorsed President Obama's plan.

In fact, we haven't endorsed any plan. We are supporting reform of our health care system, something that AARP has pushed for many years. We're working closely with Republican and Democratic members of Congress to lower health care costs and to ensure quality affordable coverage for older Americans – and we want reform legislation passed and signed by the president this year.4

So what is AARP fighting for in health reform?

* Stopping insurance companies from charging older Americans unaffordable premiums because of their age.
* Ending the practice of excluding people from insurance because of pre-existing conditions.
* Holding down health costs and making insurance coverage more affordable for all Americans.
* Making prescription drugs more affordable by narrowing the Medicare doughnut hole, bringing generics to market faster, and allowing Medicare to negotiate better drug prices.

Aren't these great objectives? I completely support AARP and hope you do too. You can find out more and take action at HealthActionNow.org.

CeCe in Wonderland -- with Alice

Today I took Manny & CeCe to the Schauer Arts and Activities Center in Hartford (WI) to audition for a role in the Missoula Children's Theatre production of Alice in Wonderland. There were one of 99 kids auditioning!! They ranged in grades 1st through 12th and competed for roles of Alice (at three sizes), the Cheshire Cat, flowers, lobsters, the Queen, etc. I had never been to an audition and was immensely impressed with the courage all of these kids mustered up to do this! The selection process was really difficult as each of the kids were quite talented and I'm not just bragging about my grandchildren, although I have been known to do that from time to time.

One of the lines that CeCe's age group had to recite was 'Ladies and Gentlemen . . . The Queen' as though she were underwater! Manny's age group had to say 'What are you looking at, girl?' with conviction and drama. Then they sang a couple of choruses of 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat.' The younger kids just had to be cute. From this the two 'veteran' actors from MCT chose each role quite carefully -- what a task for them!

CeCe was awarded the role as a flower!! Wow, was she excited! She held it back pretty well (although she was just about jumping out of her skin), as there weren't that many roles in Manny's age group and he wasn't selected. He handled it remarkably well and I am so proud of both of them!!

You can catch CeCe's performance this Friday night at 7:00 and Saturday at 2:00. The address is 147 Rural Street; it's right off of highway 60 in Hartford. You can get your tickets at the door or buy them online at schauercenter.org.

Hope to see you there!

Thursday Gee Time - Part III

The word has gotten out that I'm great at fixing things on computers -- not sure where that came from but I welcome the challenge! So today I met with a wonderful friend of mine (who hosted last month's book club), to work on her computer. I fixed the easy stuff but am getting an odd message from her virus protection software (Trend Micro Internet Security) that I can't quite figure out but will tackle next week. Anyway, she made a point of telling me that she received several calls from the book club women thanking her for such a great time and raving about the enlightening discussion that pursued from my book review questions. She said that I should work for a book store or book seller . . . BARNES & NOBLE ARE YOU LISTENING??

Afterward I picked up the kids and took them over to the Jackson Historical Society. We toured this with the Zarlings after the reunion and I wanted to show the kids some of their heritage. It looks like the Zarlings weren't members here but they may have attended services as it was nearby the homestead and relatives were married (and buried) here. JHS is a wonderful grassroots historical society that is only open during their Raspberry Festival (in September) and by appointment. They consist of the historic church, schoolhouse, and a log home. The cemetery is still in operation and not owned by the historical society. The church is a wonderful cream city brick building with wonderful acoustics; they're thinking of having some type of a chamber music festival in the fall. I tried to convince them to have an old German Christmas program but I'm not sure I was persuasive enough (yet).


The one-room schoolhouse taught grades 1st through 6th. It was neat to see the old books and maps. Russ (the docent) and I tried to figure out what the new names of the Middle Eastern countries are; he was much better at it than I. By this time Manny & CeCe were time-traveled out and were ready to leave but I had so many more questions to ask and kept trying to peak their interests (which I wasn't too successful at). Russ was wonderful, supportive and patient!

Finally Manny couldn't wait any longer and made it imperative that he had to GO. Unfortunately it was raining real hard and standing in the woods just wasn't all that appealing to him. Russ then showed him the last part of the tour -- Manny was desparate enough to give it a go but let us know that he's so glad that he's born in a time with a handle and sink to wash his hands! Russ later told him that was the girls' outhouse and that was it -- no more time traveling for him! From now on he wants to know EXACTLY what we're doing on our Gee Time adventures and then he'll make the decision to join CeCe and me. Russ reminded him that he's made history and he exclaimed that it's history he won't soon forget!

Can it get any better than this?

The time always seems to stand still up in Door County . . . I remember having dinner at Fred & Fuzzy's, going to the American Folklore Theatre to see 'Cheeseheads the Musical', hitting a couple of bookstores and parks but the highlight of the weekend was the FOPPI Annual Meeting. I was unanimously elected to a three-year term on the Friends of Plum and Pilot Board of Directors!! My newsletter is beginning to get a following and will soon be plastered about DC as my friends Karen Tews and Cindy Schmidt begin marketing FOPPI to the masses.

After the annual meeting a group of us headed out to Plum Island to see if we could find the remains of the 1848 lighthouse. Dick Purinton (with me in the picture), the author of 'Words on Water', joined us and shared his love of history while we trudged through the rain-soaked wildflowers, weeds, and poison ivy. He brought his grandson, Atlas, along and he became my little buddy. He reminded me so much of Manny at that age; so curious and a collector of unique objects like clam shells, rocks, birch bark, a stag horn, old piece of fishing rope, etc. Being braver than the adults he wanted to climb the front range light but needed an adult to accompany him -- believe me, I wouldn't have gotten up there had he not needed a chaperone! But once I did the view was amazing. (If you look closely at the picture you can see the rear range light in the distance.)

Mine and Dick's main objective was to locate the remains of the 1848 lighthouse and we believe that we've found it; we'll need to do some more research before we place a commemorative plaque but I'm certain that's it.

I also found remains of an old shipwreck and am hoping my relative from Michigan, Dave Zarling, will come out this way and dive on the wrecks for a future FOPPI Forum article.

The team of folk that I'm working with on this project are simply amazing; they are all so dedicated and are willing to go the extra mile to see to it that the historic buildings on Plum and Pilot are preserved and restored for future generations. Someday my great grandchildren will set forth on the island with pride knowing that their Gee was instrumental in saving these historical monuments for those who ventured out in icy waters to rescue the crew from shipwrecks, trim the wicks, and sound the fog horns.

What's next?

I thought that I would start adding some thoughts daily to this blog and that just didn't happen, sorry. My week just seemed to be filled with too much to do and not enough time. I'll give you snapshot of what's been going on though and let you fill in the blanks.

Saturday -- Family reunion was a major success. Still getting calls and receiving notes from folk telling me what a wonderful time that they had. Check out the Zarling Heritage Facebook page (see link on the right side) to view all the wonderful pictures. Theres still more coming so check in from time to time.

Sunday -- Met Christie & Kent and Kent's folks at Maxwell Street Days in Cedarburg. Oh how I love browsing through the booths and purchasing needless necessities at a bargain price. We hit our regular antique shops in Cedarburg and then headed home for a nap . . . for Gregg of course, I had a zillion boxes to unpack from the reunion.

Monday -- Had an informational interview with a wonderful company, 'Energy Doctor'. The company's product line and Christian approach make this quite the intriguing proposition. However, it's 100% commission and their marketing model is not one that I'm comfortable with so I've decided to file it away. Met with a great friend and former employer of mine, Bridget Lazlow, for lunch. We've kept in touch since we both left Pilot and she now owns her own business with a couple of partners -- we talked and I'm thinking this might be that magic job offer that I've been searching for. Right now it's just part time but I can concentrate on school and my non profit work and still earn a descent living doing what I'm really good at -- consulting.

Tuesday -- Dug through the mess of unfinished projects that is crying for my attention and got a pretty good handle on them. Finished my homework and started to prepare for my mid term exam. This eight-week class schedule rocks.

Wednesday -- Registered for next term (Internal Economics -- yikes), ran various errands, listened to Dick Purinton's radio interview, took the kids to Lime Kiln Park, met up with Carrie, dropped off kids, packed for DC (Door County) and was in bed by 8:30! I wonder if Dick 'recognized' my voice when I called into the radio show to ask him to relate the Robert Nobel story --- mmm, how many 'Mary of Menomonee Falls' could there possibly be?

Today -- As soon as my laundry is done I'm heading up to the Door for some R&R, great friends, FOPPI picnic, and FOPPI annual meeting. I've learned of a real cool quilt shop in Sturgeon Bay and want to stop at the Flying Pig in Algoma -- perhaps I'll get there before Karen falls asleep?

Next Adventure

I've got all the reunion boxes packed away but the memories will stay alive for quite a long time. It was so wonderful to meet some family members that Dad talked about; I need to find the Heckendorf family -- Dad had such fond memories of Anna and I want them to know that. He didn't talk much about his life, and I'm not exactly sure why, but I learn something new about him each time I visit with my uncles and other relation. In the long run I learn more about myself and hopefully who Dad would have wanted me to be had he not gotten sick.

Tomorrow I have an informational interview with a company called 'Energy Doctors'. The company sounds interesting (it's energy-saving add-ons for homeowners) but I'm not so sure of their business model . . . from the discussion with John, the man I'm meeting tomorrow, they gather leads at the State Fair and are mainly franchised. Not sure about this one right now . . .

I certainly don't have to worry about not being busy if this opportunity doesn't pan out though! Here's a sample of the projects that I've got going on right now:

- Friends of Lime Kiln Park: I'm writing their newsletter and assisting with community outreach
- AARP Fraud Fighters: I need to begin marketing myself and then I think this program will really take off. I've prepared a wonderful presentation and just need the audience to deliver my message to . . . interested?
- Church Ministry Partnership: We're working on ways to bring technology to the folks that reside in the area of Albright Church; we have a huge program scheduled for August 15th in which I'll be teaching a class on how to create an effective resume (yikes!)
- Emmanuel: Pastor Claudia asked me if I'd set up a church Facebook page and help members set up their FB profile.
- Book Club: The women asked if I'd coordinate a trip to Chicago to visit the sites mentioned in the 'Devil in the White City' book that we read. Karen, Sue, and I did that last year and it was VERY cool (and creepy)
- Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands: I'm working on an article on Robert Noble along with my friend, Dick Purinton of the Washington Island Ferry. The fall edition should be out some time in September.

So, add school to this mix and you wonder when I'll find time to work?? NO PROBLEM!!

Zarling Heritage Family Reunion

What a wonderful event!! I learned this year to delegate and am doubly blessed to have Judy Ish, Rhonda DeFord, Ardie Zarling, and my gorgeous daughter Carrie to assist me. I learned an enormous amount just watching them do their thing; it gave me a chance to mingle and connect with people I have only 'met' in cyberspace. However I need to figure out how to be in two places at one time as there were so many conversations that I started and didn't get a chance to finish before being requested by another.

I find it interesting that the reunion format is a moving target. I started with pure genealogy and live music then starting adding some flair like the silent auction. Others mentioned that they weren't so interested in the genealogy so I found a venue that allowed me to separate the two and that seemed to work. Then I added workshops and that seemed to go over quite well. This year I skipped the music in lieu of workshops but found that the family really was more interested in the genealogy and sitting and chatting with each other! I added a book exchange and toys from our youth -- perhaps because there were only four kids (Manny & CeCe being two of them) the toy idea went bust but some people did bring and exchange a book with another so I think that idea might be included in the next reunion's agenda. Not sure of the workshops though . . . gotta ponder on that one a bit more. Got three years to toss it around.

Book Club - Between Sundays

THREE months ago the retired women from church asked me to join them at their book club; I told them that I'd tentatively attend as I was sure I'd have a job by then . . . so here I am, getting ready to read BOOK #4!! I'm no longer putting off opportunities with hopes that I'll find a job. Not that I've given up on my job search mind you, just that I need to work on my faith and trust issues and develop a stronger tolerance to patience. All assure me that the job is out there for me, I'm just not ready for it yet.

I've certainly been blessed being in the presence of these wonderful, worldly women -- they are quite the inspiration to me. Others have told me that I need to learn to live in the moment more, and these women are my teachers. Each brings a unique perspective to the table gained by their life experiences; they respect others' opinions and encourage debate. I'm learning the sense of community that these women offer and am taking this lesson with me on my journey.

This month's book was 'Between Sundays' by Karen Kingsbury -- it wasn't my favorite; however others in the group pulled inspiration from Kingsbury's characters. I was asked to create the discussion questions once again and forgot that I had leant the book out. I searched for the book at the library and they were out also, so I scanned the internet and created the questions from memory. This worked out quite well as our discussion was quite lively. Here's what I came up with:

1. On a scale of 1 to 5 where would you rate this book?
2. What is the book’s theme? Was it carried throughout the book? How important was it?
3. What stood out about the plot? Did it keep your attention?
4. What about the subplots? Were they necessary?
· Megan’s history
· Derrick’s son’s accident
· Amy’s rape
5. Could you relate to the characters? What were their stories? Did they come to life? Do they remind you of anyone you know? Would you want to meet any of them?
· Aaron Hill, Pro 49ers quarterback
· Megan Gunn, Foster mom
· Amy, Corey’s mother
· Corey
· Derrick Anderson
· Minor characters: Coach, other players, Derrick’s family
6. Were the actions / decisions / struggles of the characters realistic? If the characters’ decisions were different how would this have affected the outcome?
· Aaron – paternity test results
· Derrick’s promise
7. How did the characters grow throughout the book? Were you surprised in the direction the author took them?
8. Did you learn anything new by reading this book? Football? Foster care?
9. Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?
10. Did the book end the way you thought it would?
11. If you were writing the story how would you have changed it?
12. If there were a sequel, what would happen?
13. In what ways do the events in the book reveal evidence of the author's world view?
14. If you were to have Kingsbury over for coffee what would you ask her?
15. Would you like to read any more books by this author?

Thinking in retrospect, I wish I would have engaged the people that enjoyed the book to encourage them to bring us naysayers over to their side; given the chance again I certainly will do this! However, next month's book is The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and from what I hear from others there will be a good chance we'll all enjoy it.

Thursday Gee Time - Part II

Today we renewed our scavenger hunt for lighthouses and ventured south to Kenosha. The first light that we saw was the 1866 Southport lighthouse. It is located on Simmons Island overlooking the shore of Lake Michigan. At the time the lighthouse was built, the island was known as Washington Island.

The light was originally designed as a coast and harbor light; it provided the first navigational light a mariner would see upon entering Wisconsin from the south. On a clear day one can see the Chicago Sears (now Willis) tower from the light and vice versa.

There were 73 steps to get to the top and the view was certainly well worth the climb. CeCe was a bit scared at first to go all the way up into the tower but Manny reminded her how proud he felt when he climbed the light in Racine. She did make it to the top and had all kinds of questions for the guide. She was a proud as a peacock when we were finished with our tour.

Afterward we walked over to the FREE Kenosha Historical Museum and saw a wonderful display of old Nash cars and vignettes of old Kenosha. Manny was intrigued by the wire rope exhibit and made a point of asking the woman at the front desk whether the display was real or just a prop. She explained how wire rope is actually made and where he could see an example of it -- sure wish she would have thought of a closer place than the Golden Gate Bridge because now Manny's sure he has to see a real one!

We then walked on down to the Pierhead light and watched the young fearless kids jump from the pier into the frigid Lake Michigan water. CeCe had asked if I ever did stuff like that as a kid -- seeing as a grandmother cannot lie to her grandchild I had to tell her the truth -- yes, I did WATCH my friends do stupid things like that (well . . . that was part of the truth)!

I gave them an option -- either we could go out for ice cream or go to the museum that we saw across the harbor; they chose the museum!! I was kind of hoping to get by cheaper by going to Culvers than the cost of admission to the museum but when we found out it was FREE that made the excursion even better. The Kenosha Public Museum has wonderful exhibits from the time of the dinosaurs to the explorers and an art museum on the upper floor. And it was FREE. We spent quite a bit of time here with plans to return and also take in the FREE Civil War Museum next time.

I learned how genetically ingrained our Zarling curiosity gene is in these kids -- Manny stopped at the brochure display and brought back at least one of every place that he'd like to go to. My Dad would have been proud.

Milwaukee JobCamp2

The Byrds sang it best: 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.' I only wish I knew how to interpret the purpose of my exhaustive job search!

Today I went to the simply amazing program, JobCamp2 -- there were at least 1,000 people in attendance! This may seem like a success to the planners; but to me and my fellow job seekers, it was rather daunting -- these are the folks that are competing alongside of (and perhaps with) me for a job. However, I felt a tremendous level of excitement from the group. All were quite friendly; afterall we were here to network. It took me a bit to get into the swing of things but a simple question like 'how long have you been out?' served as the icebreaker. I was surprised to meet people from all different career paths from healthcare finance managers to mechanical and electrical engineers. This recession left nothing sacred.

The program was wonderfully planned and organized. It was held at the Potawatami Casino so one could sit in on the workshops or try their luck at bingo or the tables. I chose the workshops and wish I would have arrived earlier! The first one that I attended was 'Conquering the Personal Side of Job Transition' by Christine McMahon. Christine is the host of ASK CHRISTINE, a weekly free tele-seminar series designed to help people in job transition understand and manage the human side of what it means to lose a job. She helped me realize that there's something along this continuum that is just meant to be; she's a firm believer in purpose and also feels that each one of us is in this place to give insight to someone else. Imagine that -- it's not just about me!! This is all happening for a reason and that reason won't be revealed until long after the purpose has been realized. She also mentioned that the greatest lessons are those that are learned with conviction. Oh so true!

I met with master LinkedIn guru, Wayne Breitbarth, and he critqued my LinkedIn profile. He thought it was pretty good and only suggested some minor tweaks. He's hosting additional seminars to teach more about social networking that I definitely plan to attend.

My second workshop happened to be hosted by a former colleague of mine, Jim Trainor. Jim used to be an owner in Trainor / Salick & Associates where I first got involved in technology. He recently resurfaced onto my radar as a member of Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands. Jim gave an awesome program on the truth about the job search. He was the second one to tell me not to waste my time on with the job boards -- I've been applying to between four and ten jobs a week and haven't been getting anywhere; now I know why -- the employers are passing the resume through a program to scan for certain keywords and whoever gets the most hits get the interview. I don't want to exaggerate my skillset just to get an interview; that just wouldn't be fair. Jim said that the job we're going to get is the one that we find through networking. Yes, I've heard that before also. Sometimes it just takes awhile for things to sink into this hard head of mine.

So new approach:

1. Concentrate on my network
2. Do one thing every day to nurture my soul
3. Spend time with nature
4. Be kind to myself and others
5. Resist the urge to play the victim

There is a purpose, I'll find it.

Assembly Bill 261 -- ready for Congress?

What an experience! Today I testified before State Representatives Meyer, Lothian, Roys, Spanbauer, Hixon, Pope-Richards, and Soletski; the Committee Clerk, Chairman Hintz, and the Legislative Council in favor of Assembly Bill 261 on behalf of AARP (the reason for the red shirts) at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Surprisingly I wasn't nervous (much) and considered this to be less daunting than reading the liturgy in church -- at least there weren't any funky names of people or towns!

Assembly Bill 261 relates to soliciting purchases of goods or services using unsolicited checks or money orders. You may have received one of these in the mail. At first glance, the check looks like a good deal -- might even say that it's a REAL check but in a smaller font it instructs you to turn the paper over to read the fine print. What many people don't realize is that by endorsing the check, you are also agreeing to purchase a particular product or sign up for some kind of service. AARP (and myself) believe that this is a blatantly misleading business practice that is meant to confuse consumers.

The Assembly agreed with my statement and conviction; or at least they understood it, as there were no questions from the floor. I was followed by members of the banking industry who spoke against the bill. They felt that there is ample text describing this as a loan . . . on the back of the 'check'. The problem is that too many people get the 'check' in their hands and don't bother to read the small print on the back, cash the check, and may be too embarassed to admit that they made a mistake.

I showed an example of the check to my father-in-law and he agreed that if he hadn't heard my testimony beforehand he may have thought the check was real. This is Don, the man that doubts everything! How easy it must be for others that are desparate for cash or aren't able to read the small print? I could certainly use $1,519.89 (the amount the check was made out for), couldn't you? But certainly not at 33.16% interest!! Yikes!

So, if I was convincing enough we just might see this bill go to Congress -- hooray!! We can follow the progress by clicking on this link:

http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/AB261hst.html

What a day to sport a stress zit :-(

Thursday Gee Time

When I told CeCe that I lost my job she thought that was pretty cool because now we could spend some more time together. Yes, I suppose that's one way of looking at the bright side of it. So today was our first day to spend some quality time together with the stipulation that it didn't involve money. Manny called it a scavenger hunt for lighthouses. The first one that we visited was Wind Point in Racine. This one is pretty cool as it's 108 feet tall and is the tallest and oldest lighthouse still operating on the Great Lakes. We weren't able to climb the tower (it's only open on Sundays) but the kids still found the history quite interesting and got to blow the flog horn. They ventured into the lake and decided that it would be best to keep their flip flops on but soon learned how difficult it was to walk in them.

The next one that we visited was the Racine North Breakwater. It took a bit of navigating to figure out how to get to this one but once we did it was sure worth it. This one is no longer active but the locals consider it a landmark. We didn't see any 'no tresspassing' signs so Manny decided to figure out how to climb it. I didn't want to do my freakoid Grandma thing so I just said a couple of prayers that he'd be safe and watched him figure out the best way to straddle the beams and inch his way over to the staircase which was about 6 feet from the ground, surrounded by a prickly bush.

He felt so proud of himself for combating his fears and walked with a bit more confidence after that. He's decided that he'll wear tennies next time as flip flops just aren't the best for boy stuff.

The kids spent the rest of the afternoon at the sandy beach near this light so no more worries about floating flip flops. One could build a sand castle in the back seat of my car now and I think I'll leave it that way for a bit to relish the memory of a wonderful afternoon with the kids.

Afterward we met up with Christie and went to a performance of the ACROCATS -- it was a hilarious show put on by trained cats. Yes, TRAINED cats!! The performer has trained these cats using a clicker and whistle - of course the kids are now going to try and train their cat, Tansy as they're sure that my cats are beyond hope. The cats even played in a band!

Next week we're going to try and see the other two lights in Racine and I promised Carrie not to subject her children to danger again. Freakoid mom!