08/24/2006 06:53 pm
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(and their human parents)
This blog started as The adventures of a D.I.N.K. family where the two "kids" are four legged and how we are going to retire early. Now it's a 1 income, 1 entrepreneur, and 1 pup getting closer and closer to retirement.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Entry for August 23, 2006
Entry for August 23, 2006
08/24/2006 06:53 pm
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Look who turns 18 today! That's 85 years old in human years.
08/24/2006 06:53 pm
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Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Entry for August 22, 2006
Entry for August 22, 2006
08/22/2006 02:02 pm
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Taking a break from work - This morning things keep coming in and NOTHING has gone out.
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25 years ago today, Vincent and Joanne got married! Doesn't seem that long! The first wedding I was in. I was always so jealous of my friend Pamela because she was ALWAYS the flowergirl in someone's wedding.
I forgot to mention that last week I went to the chiropractor - it's been like 8 years. Last night, I went again. What a feeling after I get "aligned". I feel so loose and almost faintlike. I REALLY crack too.
08/22/2006 02:02 pm
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Taking a break from work - This morning things keep coming in and NOTHING has gone out.
25 years ago today, Vincent and Joanne got married! Doesn't seem that long! The first wedding I was in. I was always so jealous of my friend Pamela because she was ALWAYS the flowergirl in someone's wedding.
I forgot to mention that last week I went to the chiropractor - it's been like 8 years. Last night, I went again. What a feeling after I get "aligned". I feel so loose and almost faintlike. I REALLY crack too.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Making the 'A' list - Forget resolutions, write what you want to accomplish in life
Making the 'A' list - Forget resolutions, write what you want to accomplish in life
08/20/2006 08:46 pm
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There's a list people keep folded in some corner of their minds or tucked in a nearby drawer. It enumerates things they want to see, experience or accomplish before some personal deadline or their death.
Different from the obligatory string of resolutions people dutifully make this time of year, "the list" involves more soul-fueling pursuits than losing weight, flossing or spending less time at work.
There's the 127-item "Life List" that author and adventurer John Goddard is said to have written when he was 15. It included exploring eight rivers, climbing 16 mountains, flying a plane, becoming an Eagle Scout, performing 200 sit-ups and learning French, Spanish and Arabic. Nearly 60 years later, Goddard has checked off more than 100 items on the list and has written about his experiences in The Survivor (HCI, 2001, $12.95 paperback). Stephen Lankton, a Phoenix psychotherapist, trainer, teacher and author of 17 books, began his list when he was 10, taking inspiration from his grandmother's short-wave radio and the lyrics from the song You Belong to Me.
He heard the words, "See the pyramids along the Nile / Watch the sunrise on a tropic isle / . . . See the market place in old Algiers," and it occurred to him that there was a world beyond his hometown.
"There is an El Paso, pyramids, Cape Cod. All those things went on my list when I was 10," Lankton says. "I have flown a silver plane and the only thing I haven't done is the pyramids," he says. "It's always been a dream. It's on my list."
This June, he'll check it off when he visits Cairo, the last on his itinerary created from song lyrics.
Arizona author Stella Pope Duarte keeps her list in the form of notes she scrawls and sticks on pages of her journals. They're not places to travel, but pathways to her soul. They goad her to remain true to the best of herself.
Phoenix life coach Marcia Reynolds says that creating lists like these help people tap into what makes their lives rich. In her workshops, Reynolds asks participants to come up with a list of what they'd do if they were given $5 million tax free. The first list usually includes paying off credit cards and mortgages, and taking trips. She then asks them to write what they would do if given another $5 million.
"The next $5 million (list) is really what you want to do," she says. "It gets deeper into what would make your heart sing rather than fill in what's missing."
It's what Queen Latifah's character laments in her latest movie, Last Holiday, when she's told she has three weeks to live: She wishes she had laughed more and feared less.
But coming up with a list that includes running marathons, climbing mountains or traveling to foreign countries won't make your soul soar if it's just an item to cross off a list, Reynolds says.
"It's the pursuit, not the event," she says. "Once you run the marathon, that's done. It's important to focus on who you are being, not just what you are doing."
Psychotherapist Lankton finds that writing a list doesn't necessarily mean it will be any more than words on paper, just like a lot of New Year's resolutions. He points to two things that often keep people from turning words on a list into action: a lack of problem-solving skills and a learned helplessness when it comes to things like goals on a list.
He once planned a trip to Japan with his son to visit the birthplace of aikido and the son of the man who created this martial art. Others studying aikido were enthusiastic about going on the trip. Lankton offered ideas for how they could cobble together jobs, teaching opportunities and other resources to make the three-week trip happen. In the end, only he and his son went.
"It wasn't that they lacked a skill set. I gave them a bunch of ideas. These men aren't failures," he says. "But when it came time to go, they had done nothing to get themselves there."
Problem-solving skills help one figure out how to get to Paris by saving a little every month. Learned helplessness comes from rehashing past failures rather than successes. Change the retrieval system to focus on past successes, says Lankton. A list can be a good mechanism to reprogram that internal memory, he says.
"It can help you retrieve memories of success no matter how small," he says. "The list will be an anchor for these positive experiences."
Sonia Choquette is creating a lifetime of positive experiences. Every New Year's Eve for the past 30 years, she has written a list of what she wants to accomplish in the next 12 months.
Choquette, who lives in Chicago and is author of several books, including Your Heart's Desire (Three Rivers Press, 1997, $18 paperback), finds that this annual ritual keeps her living large and making sure she doesn't wind up at the end of her life having missed it.
Choquette began the ritual at age 16. Her parents introduced her to the value of writing down goals.
She brought the tradition to her own family. Every New Year's Eve, Choquette, her husband and their two teenage daughters take turns sharing their lists and reviewing those they made the year before. The exercise helps the family support and hold each other accountable, she says.
By Dec. 15, there was only one thing remaining on Choquette's 2005 list: creating more time for herself. She had cashed in her frequent-flier miles and taken the family to India. She had raised more than $100,000 from a charity event she'd planned. She had spent time helping a daughter choose potential colleges and she had arranged a couple of husband-and-wife retreats, accomplishing a goal to spend more quality time with him.
"There's one thing of value, and that's time, and it's something we all gamble (on)," Choquette says.
She related a story about a woman who was dying and had realized she'd frittered her life away doing what others wanted.
"She said, 'I forgot to live my life. Who knew I wouldn't have the time?' "
For Choquette, the deathbed epiphany reinforced the value of her family's year-end tradition.
"It's important to have a list of things that really do feed your spirit and transcend the mundane things." Susan Felt
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 31, 2005 12:00 AM
People's lists
Stella Pope Duarte
Duarte, 54, is an author, teacher and speaker.
Where she keeps her list: On post-a-notes and pages of numerous journals.
When she started: Duarte, author of Let Their Spirits Dance (Rayo, 2003, $12.95 paperback), has always written notes to herself. She can't pinpoint a date she started. She uses them to remind herself of what she wants to accomplish in arenas of her life: teaching, writing, health and being a mom.
Why she keeps it: I want to know deep inside of me what it is I want to accomplish. (The notes) are my measuring rods of how successful I have been in accomplishing the things that are my heart. Am I living out my heart? Am I being true to myself?
What's on her list: Like her post-a-note journals, Duarte's "list" isn't a neat 1-through-10 list of items. Much of her list is an internal accounting: Was she present to her students? Did she relinquish old hurts with family members? Is she maintaining her daily walking regimen? Is she letting the story she's writing take her where it's leading, not where she's directing? Is she letting each of her four children be their own person?
Why it's important: They (the notes) are the way I create little pathways to my souls. Words are only words until you live them out. (For instance,) working out daily all these years is a struggle. But you learn how to endure. I've learned how to pursue something to the end and not stop because I'm exhausted. You understand, "Oh, this is endurance."
Kathy Sacks
Sacks, 31, is married and owner of Kathy Sacks Group, a public relations and marketing firm.
Where she keeps her list: I have a piece of paper. It's a running list.
When she started: I started getting serious (about a list) in college. I wanted to tour Europe with friends, and that was a catalyst to write it down. By writing it down, it was something to work towards. I started it when I was 21 or 22, and I went to Europe when I was 23.
What's on her list: The list has expanded from backpacking through Europe to going on a yoga retreat; visiting Australia; touring Europe with my husband; traveling to some third-world country on some sort of aid mission; remastering Hungarian (her first language); write a book; start at least three businesses in my lifetime (she started her firm in March); run a marathon or a triathlon; raise a family of at least two children.
Why it's important: Life goals are important. If I don't write them down and revisit them, it doesn't work. I'm a big believer in checking things off, whether it's a daily list, yearly list or a lifelong list.
I put things on the list randomly when I feel real strongly about something. Once I get something in my head, I'm going to do it. I get restless fairly quickly if I'm not challenged.
Eric Caruth
Caruth, 37, is executive vice president sales and marketing for Primary Financial Services, a husband and father of two.
Where he keeps his list: I know it by heart.
When he started: I started it right before I was graduating (Arizona State University, 1993). I'm an athlete, and in order for you to achieve anything you have to set goals.
Why he keeps it: As a football player at ASU, Caruth was injured during his junior year. It ended his football career and any dream of playing professional ball. "I needed to figure out what I was going to do for the rest of my life," he says. He transformed his list from the number of tackles to graduating from college and getting a job with an annual income of at least $30,000.
What's on his list: He systematically adds goals: an MBA by 30; purchase a house; earn $125,000 a year by age 35; earn more than $150,000 by 38; be at executive level and earn more than $200,000 by 40; be a president or CEO by 43 and be a millionaire; give back to the community.
Why it's important: I don't know any other gauge as benchmarks for achieving goals. When I was done with football, I turned the list into challenging me on a business level.
08/20/2006 08:46 pm
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There's a list people keep folded in some corner of their minds or tucked in a nearby drawer. It enumerates things they want to see, experience or accomplish before some personal deadline or their death.
Different from the obligatory string of resolutions people dutifully make this time of year, "the list" involves more soul-fueling pursuits than losing weight, flossing or spending less time at work.
There's the 127-item "Life List" that author and adventurer John Goddard is said to have written when he was 15. It included exploring eight rivers, climbing 16 mountains, flying a plane, becoming an Eagle Scout, performing 200 sit-ups and learning French, Spanish and Arabic. Nearly 60 years later, Goddard has checked off more than 100 items on the list and has written about his experiences in The Survivor (HCI, 2001, $12.95 paperback). Stephen Lankton, a Phoenix psychotherapist, trainer, teacher and author of 17 books, began his list when he was 10, taking inspiration from his grandmother's short-wave radio and the lyrics from the song You Belong to Me.
He heard the words, "See the pyramids along the Nile / Watch the sunrise on a tropic isle / . . . See the market place in old Algiers," and it occurred to him that there was a world beyond his hometown.
"There is an El Paso, pyramids, Cape Cod. All those things went on my list when I was 10," Lankton says. "I have flown a silver plane and the only thing I haven't done is the pyramids," he says. "It's always been a dream. It's on my list."
This June, he'll check it off when he visits Cairo, the last on his itinerary created from song lyrics.
Arizona author Stella Pope Duarte keeps her list in the form of notes she scrawls and sticks on pages of her journals. They're not places to travel, but pathways to her soul. They goad her to remain true to the best of herself.
Phoenix life coach Marcia Reynolds says that creating lists like these help people tap into what makes their lives rich. In her workshops, Reynolds asks participants to come up with a list of what they'd do if they were given $5 million tax free. The first list usually includes paying off credit cards and mortgages, and taking trips. She then asks them to write what they would do if given another $5 million.
"The next $5 million (list) is really what you want to do," she says. "It gets deeper into what would make your heart sing rather than fill in what's missing."
It's what Queen Latifah's character laments in her latest movie, Last Holiday, when she's told she has three weeks to live: She wishes she had laughed more and feared less.
But coming up with a list that includes running marathons, climbing mountains or traveling to foreign countries won't make your soul soar if it's just an item to cross off a list, Reynolds says.
"It's the pursuit, not the event," she says. "Once you run the marathon, that's done. It's important to focus on who you are being, not just what you are doing."
Psychotherapist Lankton finds that writing a list doesn't necessarily mean it will be any more than words on paper, just like a lot of New Year's resolutions. He points to two things that often keep people from turning words on a list into action: a lack of problem-solving skills and a learned helplessness when it comes to things like goals on a list.
He once planned a trip to Japan with his son to visit the birthplace of aikido and the son of the man who created this martial art. Others studying aikido were enthusiastic about going on the trip. Lankton offered ideas for how they could cobble together jobs, teaching opportunities and other resources to make the three-week trip happen. In the end, only he and his son went.
"It wasn't that they lacked a skill set. I gave them a bunch of ideas. These men aren't failures," he says. "But when it came time to go, they had done nothing to get themselves there."
Problem-solving skills help one figure out how to get to Paris by saving a little every month. Learned helplessness comes from rehashing past failures rather than successes. Change the retrieval system to focus on past successes, says Lankton. A list can be a good mechanism to reprogram that internal memory, he says.
"It can help you retrieve memories of success no matter how small," he says. "The list will be an anchor for these positive experiences."
Sonia Choquette is creating a lifetime of positive experiences. Every New Year's Eve for the past 30 years, she has written a list of what she wants to accomplish in the next 12 months.
Choquette, who lives in Chicago and is author of several books, including Your Heart's Desire (Three Rivers Press, 1997, $18 paperback), finds that this annual ritual keeps her living large and making sure she doesn't wind up at the end of her life having missed it.
Choquette began the ritual at age 16. Her parents introduced her to the value of writing down goals.
She brought the tradition to her own family. Every New Year's Eve, Choquette, her husband and their two teenage daughters take turns sharing their lists and reviewing those they made the year before. The exercise helps the family support and hold each other accountable, she says.
By Dec. 15, there was only one thing remaining on Choquette's 2005 list: creating more time for herself. She had cashed in her frequent-flier miles and taken the family to India. She had raised more than $100,000 from a charity event she'd planned. She had spent time helping a daughter choose potential colleges and she had arranged a couple of husband-and-wife retreats, accomplishing a goal to spend more quality time with him.
"There's one thing of value, and that's time, and it's something we all gamble (on)," Choquette says.
She related a story about a woman who was dying and had realized she'd frittered her life away doing what others wanted.
"She said, 'I forgot to live my life. Who knew I wouldn't have the time?' "
For Choquette, the deathbed epiphany reinforced the value of her family's year-end tradition.
"It's important to have a list of things that really do feed your spirit and transcend the mundane things." Susan Felt
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 31, 2005 12:00 AM
People's lists
Stella Pope Duarte
Duarte, 54, is an author, teacher and speaker.
Where she keeps her list: On post-a-notes and pages of numerous journals.
When she started: Duarte, author of Let Their Spirits Dance (Rayo, 2003, $12.95 paperback), has always written notes to herself. She can't pinpoint a date she started. She uses them to remind herself of what she wants to accomplish in arenas of her life: teaching, writing, health and being a mom.
Why she keeps it: I want to know deep inside of me what it is I want to accomplish. (The notes) are my measuring rods of how successful I have been in accomplishing the things that are my heart. Am I living out my heart? Am I being true to myself?
What's on her list: Like her post-a-note journals, Duarte's "list" isn't a neat 1-through-10 list of items. Much of her list is an internal accounting: Was she present to her students? Did she relinquish old hurts with family members? Is she maintaining her daily walking regimen? Is she letting the story she's writing take her where it's leading, not where she's directing? Is she letting each of her four children be their own person?
Why it's important: They (the notes) are the way I create little pathways to my souls. Words are only words until you live them out. (For instance,) working out daily all these years is a struggle. But you learn how to endure. I've learned how to pursue something to the end and not stop because I'm exhausted. You understand, "Oh, this is endurance."
Kathy Sacks
Sacks, 31, is married and owner of Kathy Sacks Group, a public relations and marketing firm.
Where she keeps her list: I have a piece of paper. It's a running list.
When she started: I started getting serious (about a list) in college. I wanted to tour Europe with friends, and that was a catalyst to write it down. By writing it down, it was something to work towards. I started it when I was 21 or 22, and I went to Europe when I was 23.
What's on her list: The list has expanded from backpacking through Europe to going on a yoga retreat; visiting Australia; touring Europe with my husband; traveling to some third-world country on some sort of aid mission; remastering Hungarian (her first language); write a book; start at least three businesses in my lifetime (she started her firm in March); run a marathon or a triathlon; raise a family of at least two children.
Why it's important: Life goals are important. If I don't write them down and revisit them, it doesn't work. I'm a big believer in checking things off, whether it's a daily list, yearly list or a lifelong list.
I put things on the list randomly when I feel real strongly about something. Once I get something in my head, I'm going to do it. I get restless fairly quickly if I'm not challenged.
Eric Caruth
Caruth, 37, is executive vice president sales and marketing for Primary Financial Services, a husband and father of two.
Where he keeps his list: I know it by heart.
When he started: I started it right before I was graduating (Arizona State University, 1993). I'm an athlete, and in order for you to achieve anything you have to set goals.
Why he keeps it: As a football player at ASU, Caruth was injured during his junior year. It ended his football career and any dream of playing professional ball. "I needed to figure out what I was going to do for the rest of my life," he says. He transformed his list from the number of tackles to graduating from college and getting a job with an annual income of at least $30,000.
What's on his list: He systematically adds goals: an MBA by 30; purchase a house; earn $125,000 a year by age 35; earn more than $150,000 by 38; be at executive level and earn more than $200,000 by 40; be a president or CEO by 43 and be a millionaire; give back to the community.
Why it's important: I don't know any other gauge as benchmarks for achieving goals. When I was done with football, I turned the list into challenging me on a business level.
Entry for August 20, 2006
Entry for August 20, 2006
08/20/2006 08:53 pm
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I just read someone's "The Obligatory '100 Things' List" - what the heck is that - just a list of 100 facts about yourself. Then I did a search on The Obligatory '100 Things' List - somehow I got to the following article.
What a great article - I have heard of these "lists" before - I know Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Capitals, has one. Owning a hockey team was on the list. I bought Dan a book - 101 Things to Do Before You Die - as a neat little gift, but what a great idea.
Maybe I should start a list....I know the one thing I already started thinking about - retire by age 50 .
****
I just found this website of a guy who created a 100 things to do before you die quiz - I scored a 18!
08/20/2006 08:53 pm
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I just read someone's "The Obligatory '100 Things' List" - what the heck is that - just a list of 100 facts about yourself. Then I did a search on The Obligatory '100 Things' List - somehow I got to the following article.
What a great article - I have heard of these "lists" before - I know Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Capitals, has one. Owning a hockey team was on the list. I bought Dan a book - 101 Things to Do Before You Die - as a neat little gift, but what a great idea.
Maybe I should start a list....I know the one thing I already started thinking about - retire by age 50 .
****
I just found this website of a guy who created a 100 things to do before you die quiz - I scored a 18!
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Entry for August 19, 2006
Entry for August 19, 2006
08/19/2006 02:43 pm
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Wow - I'm getting ready to write this and then it hits me - 17 years ago today, my life totally changed. My mom passed away. It's amazing how time does ease the pain and you continue to live.
Where would I be if that life changing moment didn't happen?
Today, I'm spending the day with my hubby. We did some work errands already and then stopped at Dairy Queen to get Blizzards. YUMMY!
In a couple of hours, we'll be going out to dinner and then to the movies to FINALLY see Clerks 2. We really wanted to go see it the weekend it came out, but Mae was here and we know it's going to be a little raunchy.
This week has been crazy it seems at work - just more and more work to do. We had our monthly divisional conference call and it was announced that Susan (who I have been filling in forwhile she's been on maternity leave) will not be coming back. Her husband, who works for the NBA, is taking a job in Memphis. So - here's my opportunity to move ahead. I called Kelly and let her know that I'm interested and she said we would talk next week. We'll see what happens. Everyone asks me if I'm going to apply for it. I really enjoy dealing with the different people and I wish I could spend more time on it than I have since taking it over July 1. It would be nice to have a different position.
Last night I went through the last box from Helen's room. When I got to the calendar and Helen's purse, that's when I started to cry. The calendar was from 1992 - but it has all the doctor's appointments she had, every birthday (living and dead), anniversary, etc. that you could think of. I had to stop and I just put her purse away for now.
Who knew I would be at this point in my life today......
***
picture was taken at Aunt Nick's house - maybe 1987? Our hair isn't that big - there are shadows on the right hand side - I SWEAR!
08/19/2006 02:43 pm
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Wow - I'm getting ready to write this and then it hits me - 17 years ago today, my life totally changed. My mom passed away. It's amazing how time does ease the pain and you continue to live.
Where would I be if that life changing moment didn't happen?
Today, I'm spending the day with my hubby. We did some work errands already and then stopped at Dairy Queen to get Blizzards. YUMMY!
In a couple of hours, we'll be going out to dinner and then to the movies to FINALLY see Clerks 2. We really wanted to go see it the weekend it came out, but Mae was here and we know it's going to be a little raunchy.
This week has been crazy it seems at work - just more and more work to do. We had our monthly divisional conference call and it was announced that Susan (who I have been filling in forwhile she's been on maternity leave) will not be coming back. Her husband, who works for the NBA, is taking a job in Memphis. So - here's my opportunity to move ahead. I called Kelly and let her know that I'm interested and she said we would talk next week. We'll see what happens. Everyone asks me if I'm going to apply for it. I really enjoy dealing with the different people and I wish I could spend more time on it than I have since taking it over July 1. It would be nice to have a different position.
Last night I went through the last box from Helen's room. When I got to the calendar and Helen's purse, that's when I started to cry. The calendar was from 1992 - but it has all the doctor's appointments she had, every birthday (living and dead), anniversary, etc. that you could think of. I had to stop and I just put her purse away for now.
Who knew I would be at this point in my life today......
***
picture was taken at Aunt Nick's house - maybe 1987? Our hair isn't that big - there are shadows on the right hand side - I SWEAR!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
The first movie I remember watching is ...
The first movie I remember watching is ...
08/16/2006 03:34 pm
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That would be "Joni". I remember going to see it with the church youth group. Let see - 1980 - I would have been 11 years old.
I think the next movie I was able to see was "Hard To Hold" and that was with Richard, my neighbor and brother's best friend.
Wait though - I would have been 15 - I went on a movie date at 13 - what the heck did we see? I know who the guy was though - my first date!
08/16/2006 03:34 pm
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That would be "Joni". I remember going to see it with the church youth group. Let see - 1980 - I would have been 11 years old.
I think the next movie I was able to see was "Hard To Hold" and that was with Richard, my neighbor and brother's best friend.
Wait though - I would have been 15 - I went on a movie date at 13 - what the heck did we see? I know who the guy was though - my first date!
The one song that underscores the defining moment in my life is...
The one song that underscores the defining moment in my life is...
08/16/2006 03:39 pm
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0 Pageviews "Love of a Lifetime" by Firehouse.
I ALWAYS knew this was the song I wanted played at my wedding. Sure enough, it's what I walked down the aisle to and it was our first dance. Luckily, Dan likes Firehouse too!
I think the other song that underscores a defining moment in my life is
"Runaway" by Bon Jovi
I can remember this was the VERY first Bon Jovi song I ever heard and it was in Social Studies class. Thanks to Chris Carlson for introducing me to Bon Jovi. Who knows, I might have never become a hair band fan if it wasn't for him!
08/16/2006 03:39 pm
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0 Pageviews "Love of a Lifetime" by Firehouse.
I ALWAYS knew this was the song I wanted played at my wedding. Sure enough, it's what I walked down the aisle to and it was our first dance. Luckily, Dan likes Firehouse too!
I think the other song that underscores a defining moment in my life is
"Runaway" by Bon Jovi
I can remember this was the VERY first Bon Jovi song I ever heard and it was in Social Studies class. Thanks to Chris Carlson for introducing me to Bon Jovi. Who knows, I might have never become a hair band fan if it wasn't for him!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Entry for August 12, 2006
Entry for August 12, 2006
08/12/2006 11:01 am
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What a day yesterday!
The madness continued at work - just not as bad. Still, full of meetings, putting up signs and not getting much done.
Then about 4:30 p.m. I walk to the restroom and it was crowded so I cut through by the payphones, get behind a column and slip! I basically did a split with one knee down and one leg out in front with me grabbing the phones! This was with flats on that have traction too! Luckily, I was walking slower than usual. The ladies around me - heading in and out of the restroom were like - "you ok?" No real marks yet - I'm sure I'll be getting a bruise on my knee. It doesn't hurt.
Last night, it was Taco Bell with Suzanne and then watching Napolean Dynamite outside at the community park. We walked into Taco Bell and the guy behind the counter works for the cleaning company at the airport! I didn't expect this, but he gave us his employee discount- 50% off!
All night I was on the phone with either Chrissy or Dan. Dan decided to pick her up in Frederick, MD. The church group didn't want to make the detour to our house even though it really isn't a detour. Obviously, everything went well because Chrissy and Dan are here - still sleeping.
Vincent and Joanne are on their way - they left Canisteo at about 9:45 a.m. That means they should be here around 4 p.m. - but the way Vincent drives - probably 5 p.m. - plus they will probably stop a couple of times and for lunch - so 6 p.m.
08/12/2006 11:01 am
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What a day yesterday!
The madness continued at work - just not as bad. Still, full of meetings, putting up signs and not getting much done.
Then about 4:30 p.m. I walk to the restroom and it was crowded so I cut through by the payphones, get behind a column and slip! I basically did a split with one knee down and one leg out in front with me grabbing the phones! This was with flats on that have traction too! Luckily, I was walking slower than usual. The ladies around me - heading in and out of the restroom were like - "you ok?" No real marks yet - I'm sure I'll be getting a bruise on my knee. It doesn't hurt.
Last night, it was Taco Bell with Suzanne and then watching Napolean Dynamite outside at the community park. We walked into Taco Bell and the guy behind the counter works for the cleaning company at the airport! I didn't expect this, but he gave us his employee discount- 50% off!
All night I was on the phone with either Chrissy or Dan. Dan decided to pick her up in Frederick, MD. The church group didn't want to make the detour to our house even though it really isn't a detour. Obviously, everything went well because Chrissy and Dan are here - still sleeping.
Vincent and Joanne are on their way - they left Canisteo at about 9:45 a.m. That means they should be here around 4 p.m. - but the way Vincent drives - probably 5 p.m. - plus they will probably stop a couple of times and for lunch - so 6 p.m.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Entry for August 10, 2006
Entry for August 10, 2006
08/10/2006 10:40 am
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So - what is it like to work in the airport environment? How about putting out fire, after fire, dealing with crisis, after crisis.
Today is crisis day.
Due to the terrorist threat in London, we are affected here. All and any kind of liquid cannot go past the security checkpoint. Any liquid that is purchased past the checkpoint must not go onto the plane. Needless to say, I JUST opened up a skincare product line cart post security. There goes her concept!
At all the retail locations, we are probably going to the extreme and pulling EVERYTHING that is liquid (besides drinks).
More later - need to go meet with the team on this.
*******
1:30 p.m.
Just met with the newsstands - pull this, pull that. This afternoon, we'll all be posting signs reminding passengers what CANNOT go through security or on the plane. Along with checking to see that items have been pulled.
When we went up to the security checkpoint earlier, there were huge bins of items that were taken out of peoples carry-on. I mean HUGE bins.
*******
3 p.m.
I have just seen it all - as I was putting signs out (pre-security). I saw a guy in a Fairfax County Jail jumpsuit. Only carrying a baggy with papers in it. It kind caught me off guard and I kept walking - just as a police officer & a United employee was walking towards me - I just opened my mouth (no words even coming out) and the police officer finished my thought "guy in a jumpsuit?". I got out the yes as they were walking by.
08/10/2006 10:40 am
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So - what is it like to work in the airport environment? How about putting out fire, after fire, dealing with crisis, after crisis.
Today is crisis day.
Due to the terrorist threat in London, we are affected here. All and any kind of liquid cannot go past the security checkpoint. Any liquid that is purchased past the checkpoint must not go onto the plane. Needless to say, I JUST opened up a skincare product line cart post security. There goes her concept!
At all the retail locations, we are probably going to the extreme and pulling EVERYTHING that is liquid (besides drinks).
More later - need to go meet with the team on this.
*******
1:30 p.m.
Just met with the newsstands - pull this, pull that. This afternoon, we'll all be posting signs reminding passengers what CANNOT go through security or on the plane. Along with checking to see that items have been pulled.
When we went up to the security checkpoint earlier, there were huge bins of items that were taken out of peoples carry-on. I mean HUGE bins.
*******
3 p.m.
I have just seen it all - as I was putting signs out (pre-security). I saw a guy in a Fairfax County Jail jumpsuit. Only carrying a baggy with papers in it. It kind caught me off guard and I kept walking - just as a police officer & a United employee was walking towards me - I just opened my mouth (no words even coming out) and the police officer finished my thought "guy in a jumpsuit?". I got out the yes as they were walking by.
Sunday, August 6, 2006
Entry for August 06, 2006
Entry for August 06, 2006
08/06/2006 06:34 pm
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Mini golf today - along with Chipotle of course! Somehow, I won! Usually it's Dan that wins and I end up with like double the number of strokes than he did. It was a close game - Dan was 2 points behind me and Mae was 5 points behind Dan. We all had a good game.
Not doing anything else today I don't think - Dan mentioned about mowing and going to the grocery store and video store, but it's already 6:30 and I'm not feeling well.
My back has been hurting for the last couple of days. Wednesday, I bent down to move the litter box and BOOM! So needless to say, I've been sleeping and sitting with the heating pad. Last night, I took some pain reliever medicine I had left over, and that helped this morning, but the game got to me. The price I had to pay for a good game I guess!
We're skipping out on the neighborhood party. We went last night and stayed for about an hour or so. Not too many people showed up, but we did get to meet a couple of people - Dan more than me (which is good - he's not that big on socializing).
More pictures from today are posted.
08/06/2006 06:34 pm
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Mini golf today - along with Chipotle of course! Somehow, I won! Usually it's Dan that wins and I end up with like double the number of strokes than he did. It was a close game - Dan was 2 points behind me and Mae was 5 points behind Dan. We all had a good game.
Not doing anything else today I don't think - Dan mentioned about mowing and going to the grocery store and video store, but it's already 6:30 and I'm not feeling well.
My back has been hurting for the last couple of days. Wednesday, I bent down to move the litter box and BOOM! So needless to say, I've been sleeping and sitting with the heating pad. Last night, I took some pain reliever medicine I had left over, and that helped this morning, but the game got to me. The price I had to pay for a good game I guess!
We're skipping out on the neighborhood party. We went last night and stayed for about an hour or so. Not too many people showed up, but we did get to meet a couple of people - Dan more than me (which is good - he's not that big on socializing).
More pictures from today are posted.
Saturday, August 5, 2006
Entry for August 05, 2006
Entry for August 05, 2006
08/05/2006 05:53 pm
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Good weekend so far.
Last night when Stephanie & I were walking out to our cars, Stephanie saw money on the floor, I picked it up and we split it - $27! Woohoo! We got 2 tens at the newsstand and I got $12 and SP got $15 (finder's fee).
Mae and I hung out watching Degrassi last night - I saw a bunch of the episodes that I missed. I also taped them. Hopefully, I'll be able to crop them and get them on DVD via the computer. I have the software to do it, but I haven't quite mastered the copying to a blank DVD and having it work.
Today, we went to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch and to play games. It almost started bad - we sat there for 40 minutes for our pizza and then I sent Dan up to check on it - there's no way pizza takes that long. Come to find out, they messed our order up and the guy handed Dan a whole bunch of tokens (46 of them!) as a compensation. So - we ended up with 146 tokens to start with. Dan stayed at the skee ball while Mae and I walked around to other games. Dan ended up with the most tickets, then Mae and then me.
We got our pictures sketched - which is now a tradition - this is the third year going to Chuck's and having the computer sketch done. Pictures will be posted later.
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Dan and Mae are now making brownies for the neighborhood block party that starts in about 10 minutes. We'll probably hang out there for a few - we don't know too many of our neighbors - just the 4 on this side of the street.
******
Almost 11 p.m. - pictures are posted - along with a couple added to the bunnies & Babe albums.
08/05/2006 05:53 pm
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Good weekend so far.
Last night when Stephanie & I were walking out to our cars, Stephanie saw money on the floor, I picked it up and we split it - $27! Woohoo! We got 2 tens at the newsstand and I got $12 and SP got $15 (finder's fee).
Mae and I hung out watching Degrassi last night - I saw a bunch of the episodes that I missed. I also taped them. Hopefully, I'll be able to crop them and get them on DVD via the computer. I have the software to do it, but I haven't quite mastered the copying to a blank DVD and having it work.
Today, we went to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch and to play games. It almost started bad - we sat there for 40 minutes for our pizza and then I sent Dan up to check on it - there's no way pizza takes that long. Come to find out, they messed our order up and the guy handed Dan a whole bunch of tokens (46 of them!) as a compensation. So - we ended up with 146 tokens to start with. Dan stayed at the skee ball while Mae and I walked around to other games. Dan ended up with the most tickets, then Mae and then me.
We got our pictures sketched - which is now a tradition - this is the third year going to Chuck's and having the computer sketch done. Pictures will be posted later.
Dan and Mae are now making brownies for the neighborhood block party that starts in about 10 minutes. We'll probably hang out there for a few - we don't know too many of our neighbors - just the 4 on this side of the street.
******
Almost 11 p.m. - pictures are posted - along with a couple added to the bunnies & Babe albums.
Thursday, August 3, 2006
Entry for August 03, 2006
Entry for August 03, 2006
08/03/2006 08:52 am
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It's already Thursday? Mae has been with us for two weeks now and it's flown by! It feels like we haven't done anything.
This weekend there are two block parties - one Saturday, one Sunday - so that should be fun and get to meet some new neighbors. Friday, we'll be watching the Degrassi Marathon on the-n .
The week at work has been flying by. Now that I'm back to concentrating at work, I'm getting caught up on my paperwork. Yesterday, I spent almost the whole day doing price surveys online. At least I could do that online - it's WAY too hot to be outside.
Don't know what's on the agenda for tonight with Mae. I have 8 hours to figure it out!
08/03/2006 08:52 am
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It's already Thursday? Mae has been with us for two weeks now and it's flown by! It feels like we haven't done anything.
This weekend there are two block parties - one Saturday, one Sunday - so that should be fun and get to meet some new neighbors. Friday, we'll be watching the Degrassi Marathon on the-n .
The week at work has been flying by. Now that I'm back to concentrating at work, I'm getting caught up on my paperwork. Yesterday, I spent almost the whole day doing price surveys online. At least I could do that online - it's WAY too hot to be outside.
Don't know what's on the agenda for tonight with Mae. I have 8 hours to figure it out!
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Entry for August 01, 2006
Entry for August 01, 2006
08/01/2006 08:34 am
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It's supposed to get up to 101 degrees today! YIKES!
08/01/2006 08:34 am
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