Labor Day

Well, this holiday signals the end of the summer season doesn't it? It has been a good weekend - spent some time with friends, ate out, went shopping and hit a big Flea Market in town.

It cracks me up that it is called Labor Day and yet it is a time when most folks don't work. I am happy for the day off but I will probably be confused the rest of the week at work.

Planning for travel this week. Will be in Dallas and Louisiana next week and then travel for several weeks in Phoenix. I am happy to get on the road and get out of the office.

Labor is a good thing. I am not sure what I would do about retiring. Just being at home is not the thing for me. Laboring gives me a focus and helps to keep me on track.

Birthday

It's about 3 weeks until my birthday. Last year was a biggie for me so this year is somewhat anti-climatic. I spent the better part of last year reading and planning for a trip to Paris with my friends to celebrate the birthday.

No trip this year and no focus it seems. When I have bigger trips coming up I read and study about the location, getting around, pricing etc. I do better when I have a big focus like that to occupy idle hours.

My life is good don't get me wrong ... I am fortunate to have a job I enjoy (not always the people but most always the job), good casual friends close by, great friends in far away places, two nephews doing well and good health. I have much to be thankful for actually. But sometimes the inner beast rears it's ugly head and says "Aren't you missing something?"

To be satisfied with our station in life .... that is a hard task for us all. We tend to want what we don't have or to have things and not want them. Grace gets us through the tough days and prayers from family and friends prop us up when we are weary.

I need to be more thankful tomorrow. Today I am just a bit tired and sad. To say nothing of nearing another year older ... yikes.

Windy City

In Chicago this past week for work. It is a city that I like very much actually. So much to see and do downtown. Many buildings are old and very ornate. It is a downtown that a person can walk in with no trouble at all. I found myself walking many miles in the evenings.

Stayed at the Hilton on Michigan .... a grand, old hotel it is. The TV has a show about the history of the place - very impressive. The Grand Ballroom is beautiful and patterned after Versailles. My room was very nice - with two bathrooms. That was a first for me. I looked out on lake Michigan and Grant Park.

The city had lots of rain this past week - something I have been missing where I live. There was a terrible storm on Thursday evening. It forced me to seek out the Athletic club which was fabulous .... track, machines, pool, hot tub and a balcony to sit outside on.

My friend Alicia and I think this is a place to come visit as she has never been. Curiously enough J does not seem impressed with the town and it is way down on her list. I wish she liked it more and we could all see it together. Guess that is why there are so many places in the world for folks to spend time.

Tired and Busy

It has been a week since I posted last. This week at work wore me out. I had to be up at 5 or so each day. My training group was 38 people and that is alot. They don't ever think the trainer needs a break, to go the restroom or just to sit for a minute. They were a good group though and I enjoyed them. Had post work meetings 3 nites and got home late. I wish my boss would let me stay in town when there is training - it would make my life so much better.

Off to Chicago this week. Was looking forward to walking around the city and it seems like it will be raining most of the time - wohoo. Oh well, it is a city with lots of cabs and I have an umbrella. I enjoy Chicago when it is not the winter.

Must go pack and get ready. Won't blog again until Friday as I won't have my laptop with me.

Matthew

My oldest nephew, Matt called me last nite. We talked for almost half an hour. He was in a hotel with his younger brother Kyle. Kyle's "birth Mom" was getting married today in Wisconsin and they were there to attend. He said there were no kids at the wedding though - meaning Kyle did not get to see it - which seemed odd to me.

Matt and I chatted about his swimming, school starting (he will be a frosh), his classes (several honors ones) and sports. We have much in common.

I was totally smitten with Matt since the day I saw him at 3 weeks old. He was three days old when the attorney brought him to my brothers house. My Mom and I waited till they got in a rhythm so to speak before we went to visit them in Illinois.

I worked hard to see him almost every month till he was 6. My Mom got very sick then and for about 7 months all I did was work some and then be at the hospital. It was a very stressful time for me and my brother was little or no help. I didn't get to see Matt then as I couldn't get away. That is when Kyle was born.

It is hard for me to believe that he is 14 and over 6 feet tall. I still remember this curly, red haired baby that loved his aunt "blue". Where that name came from I will never know. He would just cry each time they left or I left. He was my little buddy.

He seems to be doing well. He is very busy with his swimming and that is good. He's too tired to get into much trouble. He does well in school and is not taken over by girls. I asked him if he had a girl he liked yet and he said "no, they are too much trouble". I told him he was right and they also made him spend his money. He just laughed.

We argued about sports a bit. He said that most aunts can't do that. That made me proud. My sports knowledge does come in any.

I miss my boy. I wish I lived closer so I could see his activities at school and such. I don't have much of a relationship with my brother now and none with my sister-in-law. I do better just to stay away from them. That keeps me from the boys which is sad but it is all I know to do with the situation.

I hope Matt knows how much I love him. I wish all adopted kids had it as good as he and Kyle.

Lending a Helping Hand

Can you imagine peeling 40 pounds of potatoes? That's what I helped to do this morning. My friend Jane had to make a huge amount of mashed potatoes for a pitch in dinner this evening. I peeled my 10 pounds, helped slice others up. I am not a good person in the kitchen so I was glad to be able to help.

A chore or trouble is less so if you have friends in your corner. An ordinary day can become special if shared with a friend. A special event can become extraordinary when shared with friends.

The expression, "Friends are the family we choose for ourself" is so true. A person has lots of friends in their life .... situational, work, church, school. The friends that stick around for the long haul - they are the forever friends. There is something comforting know a person is going to love you no matter what.

Call a friend today and let them know what they mean to you.

Stroll Down Memory Lane

Tonite I went to see a high school volleyball game. I haven't been to one in a while. It took me back in time a bit. I used to coach volleyball and played in leagues. Volleyball is a sport that I really enjoy. It takes a mixture of finesse and power. It is totally a team game. One individual can't win a volleyball game by themselves.

I haven't coached for a long time and when I watch games it makes me miss it. If I was given a "do over" I would go about coaching in a much different way than I did before. I had a bad temper and the desire I had to win lead me to get out of control too many times. That was not a very good example for the girls. I wanted them to work as hard and care as much as I did. That isn't always easy to do with teen age girls.

Thinking about coaching makes me think about teaching ... I used to do that too. I am a trainer in my current job and that still allows me to feel like I am helping folks to learn. The big difference with adults is that they are already formed.

A good teacher can have a life long impact on the kids that pass their way. I often wonder about the students I taught....how are they doing, did they reach their potential, did I help them become a better person.

Do you ever wish you got "do overs"? What would you do differently? Would you change things about your educationl? Who you dated or married? Where you lived? What career path you chose? We don't get a do over but we can go forward and do better with the right now.

Back on the Road Again

A part of my job that I enjoy is the travel. I have been working on a project for several months and it has kept me in the office. I don't enjoy being in the office all the time. The politics of it all wears me down.

Finally my project is done and I am getting back on the road again. I went to Birmingham this week and really enjoyed it so much. The hotel there was built in 1902 and was renovated this spring. It had a nice old, southern feel.

Had a first for rental cars ... a new, black Mercedes C300. I thought the guy was joking when he said he had one for me. The car was sweet!! I can see why folks like to have them.

I enjoy working with associates in the south - they "get me". My accent does not bother them and phrases I use they understand. Folks in the south are so open and hospitable. They are usually late for most things though. I remember that from living there years ago. They just kind of move to a slower pace than the rest of us.

More traveling coming up in the next few months and I can't wait. I need to start getting hotel points and airline miles. A person has places to go.

"Life in the Slow Lane"

A typical summer day in the Midwest. Hazy, hot and very humid. I went to a friends pool and just laid on a raft for about 2 hours. Picture a big yard in the country, corn field behind you and trees off to another side. Not really much noise - the occasional car going by. Floating on water makes even bad humidity not so bad.

I thought of this picture taken in June at a birthday party. They had a cotton candy machine. Not sure who enjoyed it more - adults or kids. As you can see, some kids really got into the eating. And got it all over them in the process. Adults manning the machine had it all over their hands, body and in their hair. It was hilarious to see. Just good ole fashioned American fun.

We might not all "live in the fast lane" but sometimes those of us that go slower get to observe more along the way. The Bible encourages us to "be still" and there's alot of merit to that. Floating on a raft, reading a book, laying in a hammock - just giving our minds a chance to rest and relax. That makes the "cotton candy" times all the more enjoyable.

More Friends

This is my friend Jamie and her kids....Seth, Gracie, Analise and Avery. We have been friends for well over 20 years. She and Alicia and I have gone through births, deaths, weddings. Not a lot of people can say they have such life long friends anymore.

J is my deep thinking, creative and literary friend. She creates the most wonderful scrapbooks, cards etc. I have so many up at my house and my office. She writes me the old fashioned notes and letters - and I love that. Technology is good but nothing is better than getting a handwritten note from someone.

J and I have our squabbles every so often...as most folks that are close do. But I know that she loves me in spite of me and will still always be my friend. I talk to her and share things that burden my heart and mind.

My dearest memory to date is a true reflection of her spirit ... several years ago my Mom was very sick and in the hospital. It was the beginning of a 6 month seige. She traveled with a young son to visit her sister in MIchigan and then flew down to surprise me at my home. It was Feb and cold. I got home very discouraged from the hospital and found her and a sick Seth at my house. It was the happiest I had ever been to see a person. I was at one of my lowest points ever and did not know what to do for my Mom. Having her and the baby at the house for a few days was the greatest medicine for me. I will never forget that surprise and sacrifice on her part.

Oh heck, now can't leave out about Alicia flying in to surprise me when my Mom passed away. She was a rock. She supported me, helped me go through my Mom's things. That touched me a such a way too. She puts other people first so often.

See what I mean about awesome people in your life. We have had our share of crazy times too but I will save those for another post.

You Gotta Have Friends

How true the above saying is ... especially for me. My friends are my family. There is an old saying.......

"Friends are the family you choose for yourself" and that is very true.

I am an extremely lucky person to have had 3 wonderful friends in my life. One passed away several years ago now. She was 7 years older than I and was one of the most Christian women I have ever known. God was as real to her as the sun is to most. I was not always what she wanted or expected me to be but she loved me with all my flaws. I miss her often ... her name was Donna.

The picture above is my good friend Alicia. Actually she is really more like a sister than a friend. She is one of the nicest people I have ever known. The kind of person that is naturally good and does not struggle and work at it as hard as I have to. She is loyal and would do anything to help another person. She is not a writer but is a very faithful caller. Her name is Alicia and she is a great friend.

I want to post a pic of my 3rd bestest friend but can't get it to post properly. It keeps showing in the wrong spot. Will just have to make a separate post for her then.

I wish all of you were to be as lucky as I in the friend department. It is true, "A friend that sticketh closer than a brother".

"Hot, Hot, Hot"

Did I mention it is hot? Not sure where the phrase "dog days of summer" came from but they are here. In the mid 90's all week for temps, high humidity and no rain in sight. It makes one sweat when you just step out the door. Walking has been a chore this week but am making myself do it anyway.

The walking lets me clear my head at the end of the day. Just put on the headphones and go. Training isn't allowing me to walk at lunch so I have to do it when it is hotter in the evening. I think I prefer it during lunch - breaks up the day and gives me a bit of energy for the afternoon.

My only consolation in the heat .... thank God for AC. Nothing worse than heat and humidity and no AC. For this I am thankful.

"Back in the Real World"

No picture today...don't think one is available to show "person dropping back into life after vacation". Got home after 2:30 so did not get up until almost 10. The day was all about catching up: mail, unpacking, putting away, mowing the lawn.

Vacation is fun but the "landing" is always a let down. A person goes from friends and fun back to work and the everyday. Some people might have "extraordinary everyday's" but mine seem to just be "ordinary".

I know work will be the pitts tomorrow. I checked email on Thursday for a few minutes and saw so many things saying "________ will take care of it on Monday". That would be me so I know I have lots waiting for me.

"Life is good .... even when it's not it beats the alternative".

"Dirty Harriett"

Now Client Eastwood has nothing on me. I have offically shot a "Glock" and did OK. Especially for a person with limited vision sans glasses. My first round of 10 I hit the black section of the target 6 times and even got in the "bulls eye with a 10". The farther back the target went the lower my score.

It was very fun - more so than I had expected. It was loud, even with the headphones on. The bullet casings flying around through me off at first but then it was OK.

Don't think it is a hobby I will take up but at least I have done it now and know more than I did before. Probably a good thing that police or secret agent work was not part of my life goals.

Like the sign at the range said, "If guns kill people then pencils misspell words". There's alot of truth in that.

Sun and Shopping

Here I am in all my glory .... sitting on Newport Beach. Nothing better than a couple of hours by the water....ahhhh.

There were 100's of kids in Lifeguard Camp that had to run a mile down the beach and back. They just kept coming and coming. That is part of them in the background on the return. Some big and some little. Quite a workout for the smaller ones.

A seal came very close to the beach and was watching the kids run by. The lifeguards waved at him and he just bobbed his head - very cute.

My friend managed to get me in the water for a bit. Cold at first but then refreshing. Since getting creamed in Hawaii in 03 I have not been in the water - very scared of it. I did not go very far - up to my neck but it is a step in the right direction.

Funny thing about fear ... used to have none with the water and probably needed to as I am not a great swimmer. Now one incident later and I am very leary. I can see how tramatic events can shape a person.

After sunning we went shopping - just strolling through stores is OK but to have a goal and focus....now that is when the case begins. Hunting a striped comforter for a twin, boys bed .... hummm, after about 5 Marshalls we found it! I bet you had no doubts.

Today was doctor appt day, working and packing. Soon we are going to a shooting range. If I don't hurt myself or anyone else it will be a success. More on that tomorrow.

"Diddy Riese"

After watching the seals in the freezing cold breeze - temp about 60 - we began the long drive home. Stopped at Morro Bay and laid out for about an hour. The temp there was about 72 so it was much better. Ate in Cambria at a little place ..... A said their fish was amazing and very fresh.

We got off the 405 and went to Westwood to a place that A had found when they went to the play last week. It's on Broxton across from the Fox Theatre. It is listed on the 20 things to see in LA when you go .... and the list writer is correct. You get 2 homemade cookies with Dreyers Ice Cream in between - an ice cream sandwich to die for. The kicker is the cost .... only $1.25. Yeap, that includes a quarter price increase a couple of months ago.

What made it all the better .... they were having the premiere of the Simpsons Movie right across the street at the Fox. So the street was blocked off, limos, lights, security... and teens everywhere. We tried to see someone famous but it did not happen.

We arrived back home about 11 after a very full day. Thought of our friend often and how much she would have enjoyed it all. Plus, we would have enjoyed having her there.

Logs on the Beach

After leaving the Castle we drove up the coast about 8 miles to a beach that had lots of elephant seals....probably 50 or more. These things were huge and did look like big logs on the beach. They just lumbered up from the beach, covered themselves with sand and rested. Their nose did look like an elephants trunk .... and they made a noise that sounded like one too. Very interesting. Thought the kids would like to see this.

Livin Large in the Day

The 19 hour day began at 3:30 a.m. for me - got up, showered and got ready. Left the house at 4:15 to beat LA traffic. We succeeded - were by Oxnard in 1 1/2 hours. Ate breakfast in Santa Barbara and made our way up the 101. Not really much to see except for the glimpses of the ocean. Did see lots of grapes growing in the fields though. Arrived at San Simeon about 10:10.

We watched a 40 minute video about WR Hearst and the Castle etc and then took our tour. We did the beginner Experience tour. I would like to see the one with the whole grounds etc.

The outdoor pool area is fabulous...we could imagine spending lots of time there. The inside was a bit dark as they keep the lights low to protect the furniture, pictures etc. The stories the guide told were interesting. The rules WRH had for staying there, the activities. The theatre was pretty spectacular .... women got fur coats to lay over them if they were cold. The indoor pool is the one laid with gold all around - I can't believe that folks did not like it very much.

WRH really knew how to put a place together - even if it did take him 28 years to get it all done.

More on the drive back in another post.

Technology .... argh

Was not able to get onto the internet until today. Mike had to reset something on the network. Let me detail how I would have posted though.....

Sat - Journey to a Foreign Land
Got up early and headed north to lower LA county to Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet. The OC one was closed for the fair. Picture it.....2 pure bread, white homegirls walking through rows and rows of an old drive in....filled with pull open type garage fronts. Part of our journey was through "Little Thailand" and the other part "TJ". We saw what looked like guns sales, 2 beers for one at 9:30 a.m., snake vendors and virturally no one that looked like us. We walked fast, looked quick and then got out of dodge. I told A that "we're not in the OC anymore". Came back to the land of milk and plenty and ran errands and were happy we did not have any encounters. Did go to the pool - ahhhh

Sun - Church and Games
Went to church ... Doug Fields is so funny and he was the speaker. I enjoy him very much. Ran a couple of short errands as A wanted to get school supplies. I got P's Xmas gift .... USC large wipe off monthly calendar and USC memo cube - happy about that and think he will be able to use and enjoy.

Played Triominoes and Rummicube ...A won all the times. You know how much I loved that.

Mon - Raindrops keep Falling on My Head
Up early and walked. We / I have walked at least once each day. I did some arm things on Mike's machine yesterday. Today was to be a beach day but the weather is not cooperating so we go to Plan B - a movie. Seeing it soon and then coming back to work a bit. Hope to play tennis this afternoon maybe. Tomorrow is Hearst Castle. We are getting up at 4 and making the drive. Will eat after we get past LA. Going to Half Moon Bay beach after the tour. Will take pics and send.

More blogging later in the day. Now you are all caught up.

Just IMing

Instant Messanging is the greatest thing - except for at work. Mine goes off all the time making it hard to actually do work. But with friends .... it is great. Now if all of my friends would get it setup on their PCs it would be so good. It's like the old phone version of the "party line" without any sound. Actually you can have sound if you have a microphone setup on your PC.

Rain at last

We had a big storm on my way home from work - got about 1 1/2" of rain all total in about 2 hours. It has been so dry here we really needed the rain. When the yard feels like a Brillo pad it needs rain.

I love how it smells after a hard summer rain. It clears the air and things seem fresh again. It's kind of like God's way of giving the earth a scrubbing I think. Too bad it is not to easy to just wash thoughts and hurts from people. (Where did that come from?)

All packed and ready for vaca....woohoo.

Will try and keep you posted and include a pic of the day.

Going on Vacation

Spent the evening packing for vacation. Am heading out to the west coast in 2 days. Taking my yearly summer visit to So Cal. It helps me relax...lounging by the pool or the beach. Taking time to head up to Hearst Castle - never saw it before and am looking forward to the ride up the coast. Going all out with new things - visiting a shooting range. I have never even been next to someone shooting a gun. I got new glasses so I might even be able to see the target now. Vacation's help make "it all good".

My First Post

Using a blog is my friends idea. She thinks we will be able to have a 3 way type of sharing. The 3 of us have been friends for over 20 years....rare these days. My blogger friend and I enjoy writing - our buddy not as much but she might give it a try. Putting your thoughts down is a good way to clear the mind. We'll see how this goes.