Riki's Random Remarks

Roller Skating Competition in Boardman

2011-01-17T07:49:00.000-05:00

Has it been that long?

2011-01-04T13:56:00.000-05:00

Well, I know that it's been nearly a year since I posted here, and so much has happened. I decided that I would take our "Christmas Letter" that we send to many of our family members and friends and post it here. (We didn't send to everyone this year, due to our income situation, which is explained in the Christmas letter.) So, here it is:

Well, another year has passed, and what a crazy one it has been! We almost didn’t write a letter this year, but changed our minds at the last minute. It just wouldn’t feel right not sharing what’s going on with all of our family and friends.

First, for those of you who don’t know, last year, Curt started working only four days per week. He has continued working only four days through 2010, unless he had a big project to complete. In addition, Erica lost her job in February. She really never thought that it could happen, but it did...after 13 years of working with the same people. Anyway, as they always say, every cloud has a silver lining. Since Erica lost her job, she was able to spend nearly two weeks in Myrtle Beach and was there for the birth of our granddaughter, Gracelynne Elizabeth, on February 28. What a blessing to be able to share such a special time with Scott, Jessica, and the boys! We don’t know that they’ll ever know how much Erica appreciated their putting up with her during such a tough time in her life and such a hectic time in theirs!!!

In April, we had the chance to visit Myrtle Beach together. It was the first time Curt got to meet Gracelynne (aka Gracie). We had a wonderful long weekend visiting with everyone. At home in Youngstown, we also celebrated Matthew’s third birthday, and Cari was home to visit for a few days.

In May, Erica had a rather exciting experience. Elton John (one of Erica’s favorites) actually played a concert right here in Youngstown! Although we were not thrilled with our seats, it was such a fun day...especially since we didn’t have to travel to Cleveland or Pittsburgh to see him.

June brought along Regionals, as usual. Although Curt’s skaters skated well, none of them went to Nationals, which is the first time since Curt became a coach that he did not have to travel to Nationals. It was a nice change of pace.

In August, Erica had her first overnight stay in the hospital (since she was a toddler). She went to the doctor with a pain in her side and a fever. When the doc saw her temp of 103, he sent her straight to St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Although they never figured out the problem, the fever was down, so she went home the next afternoon. On a brighter note, Cari and her boyfriend, Jeff, came to visit later in the month. We got to spend a great weekend with Bill, Amy, and Matthew at “camp,” while Cari and Jeff were here. We also went with Cari and Jeff to Cedar Point, where Erica realized that she’s really too old for that stuff! We also spent a day at the Canfield Fair with Cari, Jeff, Bill, and Matthew.

Then, in September, we took our annual week-long trip to Myrtle Beach for Ethan’s and Logan’s birthdays. We had a great condo, and the weather was perfect! Our September trip is always so much fun, whether we’re just sitting around, playing with the grandkids, or sight-seeing. It’s always so difficult to leave!

October and November were filled with the normal Autumn fun. We got to take a trip to Pittsburgh to see Jake play in a shoot-out tournament at the new Consol Energy Center. He did great, and we even got a behind-the-scenes tour of the Center. What fun! We went all-out for the Halloween decorations, as we usually do, and we had our annual Three-Dinner Thanksgiving. (For those of you who don’t know, we have our own turkey dinner for breakfast. Then we go to Curt’s family’s for another meal at 1:00 PM, and then we go to Erica’s family’s for another dinner at 4:00 PM.)

We’ve had so many fun and exciting things happen this year, that we almost forgot one important “little” piece of info. We forgot to mention that little Gracie is going to be a big sister sometime in the beginning for 2011. That’s right! Scott and Jessica are expecting another baby—a boy—on April 2, 2011. This will make baby #4 for them and grandchild #5 for us. (It seems like we are announcing a new addition to the family every year, doesn’t it?)

As of right now, we are preparing to have a great Christmas. Although Erica is still looking for a job, she has a possible opportunity that we hope to confirm over the next couple of weeks. Cari is coming for another visit during the week of Christmas, which is going to really brighten things around here. We are just so blessed! We wish we could share more, but we’re quickly running out of room again. So, we’ll close and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. God Bless!

Much Love,
Curt and Erica

Reclaim the Passion? Is it possible?

2010-01-26T08:42:00.001-05:00

Have you ever lost passion for something? I guess I should ask first if you’ve ever been passionate about something. I guess it’s hard to lose passion if you never had it in the first place. Anyway, as you may or may not know, I was a competitive roller skater. Although I am no longer a competitive skater, I am currently a certified skating coach (who has no students).

Recently, I’ve realized that I don’t like skating very much. I sometimes cringe when I think that I have to go to the rink. At first, I thought that it was just burnout. We were always at the rink, going to a competition, spending our vacation time on skating events. It was as if our whole life revolved around skating, and that was fine…for a while. So, I took a bit of time off.

After a few years of only going to the rink a few times a month, I thought that I’d be ready to get back into it. Curt kept up with it by coaching, and I would still go to competitions with him, including Regionals and Nationals. There were a few times that I thought, “Wow, I miss this.” But the thought would leave as quickly as it came.

Recently, Curt has decided that he wants to skate again. So, he’s been going to the rink on Saturday mornings (which is not normally in our schedule), and I, of course, have been going with him. However, I just can’t seem to get it back. It makes me sad to know that I once loved doing this so much, but now…it’s just not the same. I have so many people encouraging me to come back. I even have some who are challenging me to come back, but I’m still not sure that I want to.

I think much of my problem is that I’ve gained a lot of weight since I quit skating. Because of that, I’ve lost a lot of the skill that I once had. I’m afraid of embarrassing Curt (not to mention myself) by not being able to perform as well as I once did. Second, the sport seems to be dying a slow death. The national governing body doesn’t seem to be doing much to help things out (other than adding new events and sliding scales so that everyone can go to Nationals, if you consider that helping). Finally, I can’t get any students who are interested and willing to work. I can sometimes get them interested, but then they don’t want to stick with it. I end up spending most of my time poking my nose into Curt’s lessons, which makes him crazy, I’m sure.

If there is anything I miss about skating, it is skating with Curt. It was something that the two of us did together. Some couples bowl, some dance; Curt and I skated…and it was fun.

I just wonder if there is any way to get the passion back. I’m going to keep trying; I won’t give up. I just wonder if I will ever have the same passion for it that I did before.

When the Police Knock on Your Door...

2009-12-02T12:53:00.002-05:00

Okay, so here’s the deal. I got tickets (through work) to go to a Lake Erie Monsters’ hockey game in Cleveland on Tuesday night. So, we invited our friends, Tom and Crystal, to join us. The plan was to meet at our house, grab a quick bite to eat, and head to Cleveland.

So, I get home from work Tuesday to find Curt and Tom chatting in the kitchen. Crystal was expected to meet us about 15 minutes later. Curt explained that he had backed his car into the driveway and had Tom help him unload a large box and put it on the back porch. (Curt and I had picked up a rather large Christmas gift the day before, and we had left it in Curt's car.)

I went back to the bedroom to change clothes, and as I was coming back out, I saw Crystal pulling up, parking on the street with Tom’s vehicle. I let Crystal in, and we met the guys in the kitchen. After a few minutes of chatting, we decided to get on the road.

Crystal and I headed into the living room, only to find a police officer standing at the door, getting ready to knock! Before he could knock, I opened the door. He asked if I was the “homeowner,” so I said, “Yes.” (The first thing I thought was that, for some odd reason, he was going to tell us to move the cars that Tom and Crystal had parked on the street.) However, he said, “Your neighbor called and said that someone was breaking into your house. Can I come in and have a look around?” As I stepped back to let him in, I looked outside and saw 2 or 3 other officers in the front yard and 3 police cars on the street in front of the house.

As this was going on in the living room, Curt and Tom were still in the kitchen. Tom went to lock our back door and said to Curt, “Hey, there’s someone walking across your back yard.” When they went to look, there was a strong knock at the back door, which is when Crystal, the officer, and I walked into the kitchen. There was another officer (hand on his weapon) knocking at the back door. Tom unlocked the door to let him in...so, now we have two officers (not counting the ones still outside). Freaky!

We weren’t sure what was going on at this point. We headed back to the living room, and the first officer explained that a female neighbor “directly across the street” had called in that she saw someone trying to break into our house. He also said, “Although, we have reason to believe that she’s losing her mind.” We explained to him that our neighbor across the street wasn’t even home, so it couldn’t have been her calling. We thought that it must have been the elderly lady in the house diagonally across the street from us. He checked the address, and said, “Yep. That’s the house.”

By that time, the neighbors from two doors down were walking over to see if everything was okay, and I was nervous about leaving the house. Remember - We were about to leave for Cleveland and probably wouldn’t get home until after 11:00 PM. Did she simply mistake Curt and Tom for two people trying to break in or did she really see someone trying to break in? Who knows how long it was between the time she called and the time the police arrived? Maybe Curt and Tom has scared away whoever it was - if there was someone. It was nice to know, however, that the members of the neighborhood are watching out for each other! With this in mind, we went on our way, with our other neighbor promising to keep an eye on things.

Despite the rough start to our evening, we had a good time, and the Lake Erie Monsters won the game, beating the Grand Rapids Griffins (the Detroit Red Wings affiliate team) by a score of 6 to 2. What an evening!

"Scripture Memory made easy" - HA!

2009-11-18T16:06:00.002-05:00

A few months back, I started a booklet called “Scripture Memory made easy,” which is supposed to be “an easy-to-understand pocket reference guide.” When you read the first few pages, it sounds so easy. You just write the theme, the subject, and the verse on a card, and you memorize 2 verses each week. As you go, you just keep adding verses each week, 2 per week, until you’ve learned 100 in a year. Sure, sounds easy, doesn’t it. Well, it’s not! The guide is easy to understand - absolutely - but that doesn’t make the memorization part any easier.

I was motivated to memorize scripture for several reasons. First, I could recall a verse that said something about hiding the word in my heart. After some research, I found it, and it actually reads, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 NIV) I also wanted to have scripture easily accessible to share Jesus with others.

So, I started out with the recommended two verses a week. I found that I could usually learn the verse pretty easily, but the reference (book, chapter, and verse) was throwing me off. Then, the more I added on, the harder it got.

A couple of weeks ago (week 20 in the plan), I made a decision. I am not going to worry about memorizing 100 verses in a year. Instead, my plan is to learn each verse instead. I felt that it would be better for me to read the surrounding verses - sometimes even the whole chapter - to determine what that verse actually meant and how it should be used. So, I am now not only using note cards (as the guide has me doing), but I am also keeping a notebook that shows the verse, the context of the chapter, any special notes (from my study Bible), and my own observations, such as how I can apply that principle, subject, topic, etc. to my own way of living. After starting the more in-depth learning of the verses, I found that I really only knew about half of them.

Now, I am spending more time in the Word nearly every day, whether it’s studying my note cards, reading the surrounding verses, or reading the study notes. I am also able to see more clearly how I can apply the Word to my life - and hopefully share it with others!

Need Some Input!

2009-10-07T11:43:00.002-04:00

Okay...I've never been good at math or word problems, but I came across a situation today that is really bugging me. Can anyone help? Here's the situation:

Lunch costs $5. Steve, Dave, and John are all having lunch from the same place. So, Dave borrows $10 from his office's petty cash for lunch. Steve puts in another $10 to cover his lunch, and Jack puts in $5 for himself. (Jack now has $25 for 3 lunches, which total $15.) Dave replaces the $10 that he borrowed petty cash. Dave got no change back, so is he getting ripped off? Dave is told that he gets no change because he started out with nothing anyway.

I say that he is, but I could be totally off base. I'm so confused!!!!!!!!!

For those who have asked about my job...

2009-10-02T11:31:00.003-04:00

Since so many people have been asking, I thought that I’d just write a blog to explain about my job situation. First, let me stress that I have not lost my job. Second, I have to say that at least once a year, our office goes through this...wondering if we’ll have jobs next year.

I should probably provide a little bit of background information. I work for an insurance brokerage office, which specializes in commercial insurance for one major client. (We actually have two clients in our office, but one is really, really small compared to the other one.) There are 12 full-time and 2 part-time people in our office, all of us serving the one major client.

Earlier in the year, we started having problems with the smaller client. I won’t go into details, but I will say that there is the possibility that we will not have this client much longer (after December 1). Just recently, issues have surfaced with the "major" client, and we are not sure where we stand with them, either. (They are to renew on November 1.) Of course, all of this is "rumor."

My immediate supervisor is concerned, which makes me concerned. She even went so far as to tell me to update my resume. Scary!

I’m not really concerned about my job, but I am concerned about our healthcare benefits (which I carry for us). As a secretary, I shouldn’t have much trouble finding a job. (I’ve looked, and there are several out there right now.) The only problem could be the fact that I am an experienced secretary (with 20 years experience, 13 with the same boss), and many employers would rather hire someone with less experience to avoid paying higher salaries. Plus, I have accumulated 3 weeks vacation time, and lots of sick and personal time, which I would not be able to take with me. Oh, and there’s the wardrobe factor. I have worked in a casual atmosphere for so long that I don’t have the clothes required to work in a regular business setting!

Anyway, I am not going to let this bother me right now. I have too much fun stuff coming up in the next couple of weeks. Just keep me in mind if you hear of any openings for an experienced secretary with a strong marketing background.

To Go or Not To Go

2009-09-23T15:44:00.002-04:00

I know that it’s been a while since I’ve written anything. I have been very busy, and it seems that every time I want to write something, I sit down, but nothing seems to sound right...until today.

There has been a lot of talk on Facebook lately about my high school reunion that’s coming up later this year. I have bounced back and forth about whether or not I should go. I’ve caught up with many classmates on Facebook, and there are some that I look forward to seeing again. However, there are a few that I’m not as excited about seeing...one in particular who I think could make the whole evening very emotional for me.

I don’t know if Eric will be there or not, but after all of my attempts to contact him (see my previous blogs on the subject here and here), it may be very difficult for me if he is there. I’m not going to worry about it too much, since I don’t even know if he’ll be there. In addition, I think that getting together with the few friends I really want to see outweighs seeing Eric.

So, I still sit here debating - to go or not to go to my 20th high school reunion.

Skating again...hesitantly

2009-08-17T13:30:00.001-04:00

Okay, as you may have seen on my Facebook status, I have been trying to get myself back on skates. Why? Well, first, I need to do something more to get some of this weight off. Second, I really miss skating with my hubby. Third, I don’t think that I can teach skating effectively if I don’t have my skates on.

So, I took the skates out of the bag and tried them again, hoping that it was just a break-in issue. Unfortunately, the more I worked with them, the worse they hurt my feet. I figured that since I gained so much weight, my feet spread, and maybe I should just go have the boots stretched from a regular width to a wide width. So, I called the local boot and leather shop, and they assured me that it would be no problem, and it would only cost me $4.80. Wow! That’s a lot cheaper than buying new boots for my skates! So, right before we left for Nationals, I dropped off my skates to be stretched.

After we returned, I picked up my boots and headed to the rink with excitement that I haven’t felt in quite a while. I put the boots on and was quite disappointed - they didn’t feel any different than they had before. That was it! I was done! I’m giving it up. Who needs skating anyway?

Then, Curt mentioned a friend that had a size 6 for sale. He suggested that I contact her, but I protested saying that a 6 would be way too big, since my boots were only a 5. Well, I finally broke down and emailed her about the skates. (I had talked to her about buying them before, but I backed out, since I thought the boot stretching would work.)

On Saturday morning, I went to the rink to try the skates. It was strange wearing someone else’s skates, but overall, they fit better than mine did. I skated for a while - with Curt close by if not attached to my hip because I was quite nervous. To make a long story short, Curt and I talked, and we decided that I should buy them.

I wore them again yesterday for a while, and I’ll wear them again tonight. The only thing that needs done to them is cutting the boot down, but I’ll have that done while the rink is closed down next month. This may be another small step to help me get myself back into shape! Hey, maybe we’ll even skate competitively again in the future...the very distant future (so don’t get your hopes up). Right now it’s just one little step at a time...with skates on!

Forget the Olympics, Let's Just Get Ourselves Together!

2009-08-13T13:27:00.002-04:00

With the recent news about the newly appointed sports for the 2016 Olympics, I felt that I needed to get a few things off my chest and out into the open. No one will probably even see it here, but I have to give it a try. Please keep in mind that I did not have any skaters skating in these events, nor was I skating in any of these events.

I just recently returned from the National Championships, and I have to say that I was really disappointed. Now, I first have to say that we were there for the “Adult” portion of the championships. (The “Youth” and “Elite” were held the previous week and a half.) Now, let me explain what disappointed me.

First, were the “ringers.” Do you know what a ringer is? The “informal” definition is “somebody or something fraudulently substituted in a competition.” The adult divisions include “B” events, which were originally supposed to be for beginners or skaters who are new to the sport. This year, the rules were changed by the powers that be, and skaters who had never placed at Nationals were allowed to return to the “B” events - despite Regional placements or years in competition. Therefore, you had teams/skaters who have been skating for years in the upper divisions returning to the lower divisions and blowing the new skaters away. So then, when you go to Nationals, you see all the same skaters that you saw before...because all of the new skaters were left in the dust, back home. If you didn’t have a ringer leaving people at home, it was probably because the events were too small, and they had to send everyone who skated to Nationals.

Okay, so now, we’re at Nationals. We’re watching a “B” division elimination in “prime time,” while some of the “A” division final events are being held at 6:00 in the morning. What’s up with that? And figures in the afternoon? Who has ever wanted to watch figures at 2:00 in the afternoon? Figures have always been first thing in the morning, except at Nationals.

Then, there has been a tradition (at least, since I’ve been going Nationals) that for finals during dance events (which, in case you don’t know, usually consists of 6 or 8 skaters/teams performing three dances), the crowd stands during the last dance to cheer for all of the competitors. It’s always been fun and exciting - especially when you’re skating in that event. You’re usually so tired, but the crowd always pumps you up on that last dance. When the announcer announced it, so many people in the crowd (if you could call it a crowd) ignored it. In fact, I even heard someone behind me say, “Why don’t these people just sit down? It’s not like the event is that good.”

Finally, there were the attitude issues. Some examples I witnessed included a coach telling a skater, “Now, don’t you dare take off that medal before you come off the floor.” (Skaters are awarded medals for first through fourth place, and they have to skate the entire length of the floor to the podium and then skate back.) The skater was (apparently) disappointed with the placement awarded! I skated Nationals several times, and I would have been happy with any medal! Another incident was when I heard one coach say, “Well, the judges just don’t know what they’re looking at.” Now, I may disagree with the judges, but I don’t ever tell a skater that the judges don’t know what they’re doing. (I have to say that the judging this year at both Regionals and Nationals, in my opinion, was a bit off, but then again, I’m not a judge.)

I think that many of our skaters and coaches have become spoiled. Instead of working to improve, let’s just fight to add another event...or let’s implement a sliding scale. (For those who don’t know, skaters/teams used to need a placement of first, second, or third to go to Nationals. That wasn’t enough, so they added fourth to the list. That still wasn’t quite enough, so now it depends on the number of people skating the event. The more skaters skating, the more skaters qualify for Nationals. Skaters have become accustomed to winning their local meets/competitions, so they think that they should automatically get a placement at Nationals. At least, that how it seems to me.

My whole point is that we need to start concentrating on building the sport, not getting into the Olympics. We need to concentrate on making our sport better, more entertaining, highlighting the best of the best, not just making new events or implementing sliding scales so more people can go to Nationals. Nationals has become a joke - it seems - to many skaters (and coaches). They no longer appreciate what the National Championships are all about! Maybe they should have skated “back in the day” when there were only 12 events to choose from, and you were either good enough or you weren’t - you either skated what was available or you didn't skate. Maybe they should have skated when I started...you could only skate the beginner levels for three years, and then you had to move - regardless of placement. You either worked your butt off to get better, or you were left in the dust.

Wow, this has really gotten loooooooong! I guess I’m getting frustrated because I’m actually trying to get back into things. I’m getting my skates back tonight, and I’m hoping to get some students going for next season. Okay...I’m going to shut up now! Until next time...

June 2009 Update

2009-06-29T11:40:00.001-04:00

It’s been nearly a month since my last blog (other than the poem, which doesn’t count since I didn’t write it), and I thought it was about time to tell everyone what’s been going on with us.

It has been crazy around the Baun residence lately!

As usual, this time of year, things have been really busy. First, there was all the time spent watching the Stanley Cup Finals at the beginning of the month. Then, Curt and I have season tickets to the Mahoning Valley Thunder (AF2 Football), and we had two games in two weeks. Usually they are spaced out a little more than that. On June 19, we took a friend and her son (who I think is now 7 years old) to see one of the games. It was actually the best game of the year! The game on the 27th was Fireworks Night, so we got home a little later than usual.

Then, between the two Thunder games, we had the Great Lakes Regional Roller Skating Championships in Romeoville, Illinois. Obviously, Curt and I were not skating, but Curt had students that were. Out of the three entries (four students skating - two solo and one team), one solo skater qualified for the National Championships in August. So, on August 7, we will be heading to Peoria, Illinois for the National Championships.

Then yesterday, Sunday, June 28, was a big day for me. I was baptized. It was such an amazing experience, and I don’t even know how to begin to describe it…so I won’t. (LOL) I’ll just say that it was so great to have Curt there, in the water with me (pictures on FB), and to have my parents there, as well as Bill, Amy, and Matthew. After church, we went to eat with my parents. We got to spend a little time with Matthew later in the afternoon, and we visited with long-time family friends at Curt’s parents’ house. It was such an awesome day that I didn’t want it to end!

However, here it is…Monday…and I’m back at work. I’m so glad to have a long weekend coming up. Of course, as usual, we have a full, busy weekend planned. I think we’ll have a free weekend in the middle of August! So, until I have some free time again…

Ain't

2009-06-15T18:23:00.002-04:00

This was sent to me by a dear friend of our family. I thought that it was just too cute not to share!

He was just a little boy,
On a week's first day.
Wandering home from Bible school,
And dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass;
He even found a caterpillar.
He found a fluffy milkweed pod,
And blew out all the 'filler.'

A bird's nest in a tree overhead,
So wisely placed up so high.
Was just another wonder,
That caught his eager eye.

A neighbour watched his zig zag course,
And hailed him from the lawn;
Asked him where he'd been that day
And what was going on.

'I've been to Bible School ,'
He said and turned a piece of sod.
He picked up a wiggly worm replying,
'I've learned a lot about God.'

'M'm very fine way,' the neighbour said,
'for a boy to spend his time.'
'If you'll tell me where God is,
I'll give you a brand new dime.'

Quick as a flash the answer came!
Nor were his accents faint.
'I'll give you a dollar, Mister,
If you can tell me where God ain't.'

Have a great week!

I can feel the Lord working…

2009-06-04T11:50:00.003-04:00

I can feel the Lord working in my life…Really, I can! I know that may sound crazy to some of you, while other know exactly what I am talking about. Some may say that it’s just a change in my attitude, while others would say that because of the Lord working in my life, my attitude has changed.

Now, I’m not saying that every day I wake up feeling good and ready to jump feet first into whatever I encounter. No…that’s not it at all. There are just things that I cannot explain away with “simple” logic. Let me give you a huge example, one that has really just hit home with me today.

Recently at New Hope, we were going through a series on recovery from our addictions, hang-ups, etc. I kept trying to figure out what my hang-up was. I conquered my smoking addiction a while ago, so that couldn’t be it. Could it? No, because when I say I conquered it is because I finally had no more temptation to pick up a cigarette. Could my hang-up be overeating or eating too much junk. Yeah, that could be it, but I like just as many healthy foods as I do junk foods, and I’ve really been doing well at controlling the junk-food cravings and eating healthier foods. Could it be laziness? I don’t do nearly enough physical activity, and it is causing me some health issues. Yeah, I suppose that could be it, too.

There were so many things that I thought could be a hang-up, but I felt that it was a hopeless situation to try to pinpoint just one on which to focus my efforts. I kept asking the question: Why is it so easy to get addicted to bad things, like smoking or drugs, yet it is so difficult to get addicted to things that are good for you, like eating right and exercising? What’s up with that?

How quickly things have changed for me! I prayed about these things during the recovery teaching series at New Hope, and I was getting frustrated that I couldn’t find my answer. Then, about a week after the series ended, it hit me! I finally pinpointed one thing that could really improve my life and the lives of those around me. I realized that my biggest hang-up (right now, anyway) is being lazy. Now, that may not sound like a major thing to most people, but it is a major thing with me. I don’t want to do anything. I go home, eat dinner, and sit around doing nothing. Sure, once in a while I clean a little, do dishes, work outside, but not nearly like I should…and my health is seriously paying the price. I have gained a lot of weight, which is causing problems with my breathing and my blood pressure, not to mention my sore feet from carrying all this extra weight. My doctor actually told me last year that if I don’t lose some weight and bring down my BP, it will kill me. It's also keeping me from skating with Curt, from getting more involved in teaching skating, and from playing with the kids in our lives.

Okay…so I found my hang-up. Now, what do I do about it? I still was not motivated. Instead of actually doing something, I would sit and think, “I should be…”

One morning, I said to Curt as he was leaving for work, “I found my hang-up, and it’s laziness. Have to stop being lazy, get off my butt, and do things. I’ll start by moving the Wii so I can do the Wii Fit more often.” He leaned over, kissed me, and said, “Well then, do it!”

That’s all it took! It seems like I actually had to tell someone about my hang-up before anything started working. I moved the Wii, and I’ve been doing some Wii Fit Yoga, aerobics, and balance games every day. I started about two weeks ago now, and I could only do two Yoga poses, one or two balance games, and about 10 minutes of aerobics (about 15 minutes total). I didn’t even think about the strength training exercises! Now, I’m up to 4 Yoga poses, 20 minutes of aerobics, and three balance games, about 30 minutes total. (I’m still not even thinking about the strength training. I’ll save that until next month since my muscles are sore enough as it is!)

I’m feeling motivated like I never have before. I no longer feel like I have to do this; I want to do this. I feel that the Lord has some plans for me, and this was another step…getting my body back into shape. (The first step was the conquering of the smoking habit…not the quitting part, the conquering part! Maybe sometime, I’ll explain that better, but this is already getting really long!)

I realize that I have other hang-ups, faults, addictions, etc., but I just keep thinking about the saying I’ve seen many times and in many places over the years, “Please be patient. God isn’t finished with me yet.” I truly feel Him working in my life right now, and I can’t wait to see where He leads me next!

FINAL Follow-Up to "I Did Something Crazy!"

2009-04-30T11:30:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been a month since I sent the letter to my former best friend, Eric (aka Carlos). I was really hoping that I would hear something…anything…from him…even if it was just to say, “Leave me alone.” However, I have heard nothing…absolutely nothing.

I am quite disappointed. I have had three dear friends in this life…I have re-established relationships with two of them (Matt and Laura), but apparently, re-establishing a relationship with Eric is not meant to be.

Matt and I have known each other for nearly 20 years. We went through a few years of not talking to each other at all (long story), but we put all that behind us, and we’ve been friends now for many years. I’m confident that we will remain friends for many more years to come. As for Laura, it’s great to have her around again. We were never the best at keeping in touch, but we’ve now established the understanding that we may not always communicate, but we are always there if needed. She’s truly one of my dearest friends, and it really helps that she lives so close to me now!

I am hoping that these friendships will continue to change and grow. Nevertheless, I have to say that I am saddened by not hearing from Eric. I just have to resign myself to the fact that I have done my part. I have tried, but it just did not work out as I had hoped. I don’t know what mistakes I made with Eric, but I will try my best to never let anything like this happen with any of my other friends.

I was really hoping that I would hear something…anything…from him…

Our Wonderful Weekend

2009-04-21T14:15:00.006-04:00

What a great weekend we had this past weekend! Although it was extremely busy, it was extremely fun, and I’m extremely disappointed that it’s over. Oh, well…all good things…blah, blah, blah!

What made the weekend so wonderful, you might ask. Well, in case you didn’t already know it, Scott (Curt’s son), Jessie (Scott’s wife), Ethan (our grandson), and Logan (our grandson, Ethan’s brother) drove from their home in Myrtle Beach to visit the family here in Ohio. It was the weekend of Matthew’s second birthday party. (Matthew is our grandson who lives locally.) For the first time, the gang stayed with us at our house. (We finally had a bedroom for them to stay in, thanks to all the remodeling we’ve done!)

It was so much fun!

We did lots of things in the few days we had together. We (Curt and I) visited with them ourselves. On Friday, we took them to visit with Curt’s parents, which was the first time Curt’s parents got to see their newest great-grandchild, Logan. We stopped by my office so the girls at work could see the kids in person, instead of just photos. Then, on Saturday, after a lovely morning together, we met up again at Matthew’s birthday party. It was so much fun to see all the kids playing together and watching Ethan flirt with the adorable little girls (all sisters) at the party. On Sunday, we had the Bauns and the Ottersons/Currys over to our house to spend some time with everyone. My mom even came into town early to go to church with me at New Hope. (She really enjoyed it, which also made me very happy.) Since we didn’t get to spend Easter with Ethan and Logan, we did an Easter-egg hunt for Ethan on Sunday. Jake (our nephew) and Megan (our niece) helped him hunt for his eggs and open them all when he was finished. We played outside, playing hockey (the older “kids”), swinging on the swing, and blowing bubbles. After the Otterson/Curry crew headed back to PA, we took everyone over to see “Aunt Jennifer’s” new house. After the tour of the new house, it was a quick stop at the store and then home to crash.

On Monday morning, the fun ended when they packed up to go back to Myrtle Beach. They left early in the morning, before Curt and I had to go to work. It was fun while it lasted, and I can’t wait to do it again.

I told Curt that I think it’s our turn to go there…to the sunny south…but I don’t know if I can talk him into it or not. All I can do is try.

I’d love to write out everything that went on, just so I can look back on it one day and remember. I just don’t have the time, right now. Maybe I will be able to do it over the next few days and/or weeks. It was just such a wonderful time, and I wanted to share it with everyone!

STAR TREK WIDGET

2009-04-13T13:09:00.001-04:00

Follow-Up to "I did something crazy!"

2009-04-08T11:53:00.001-04:00

It’s been a week since I mailed the letter to Eric. Since he only lives an hour from me, I’m assuming that he would have received it on Friday or Saturday (at the latest). I have not heard anything yet. Should I be disappointed? Should I just give it up? I’m not quite sure what to think. I provided him with everything he needed to contact me; I even gave him my schedule.

I think I’ll give it a few more days - maybe a week - before I give up completely.

I did something crazy!

2009-04-02T08:33:00.002-04:00

I know, that may be hard to believe (not), but I did. To make a long story short, I wrote a letter to someone with whom I have not communicated in over a year. Now, let me explain a little bit more, and you may see why I think it’s crazy.

I wrote a letter to Eric (aka Carlos). Carlos was my best friend from sixth grade all the way through college and beyond. He stuck by me through some really tough stuff; we were always together. When we started college (at BC3), I used to give him a ride every day. Then, when he transferred to Slippery Rock, I would pick him up on Fridays to bring him home. When I started skating in 1993, he would go with me just so I didn’t have to go alone. He’d sit in the snack bar or a corner somewhere and read.

Now, I’m not really sure what happened, but as sometimes happens with friends, we grew apart. I moved to Boardman and eventually got married. He is still in Butler, and that’s about all I know anymore.

The last communication (email) I can find from him was in December 2007. I’ve tried emailing several times, but I haven’t had a response since that one in 2007. (In that last email, he mentioned that he was having trouble with his email, so he may have a new email address.) I tried sending a text message to his cell phone, but I never got a response either. (Just so you know, I hesitate to call since I do not know what kind of schedule he keeps.) I finally decided that, as my last attempt, I would write him a letter and mail it to the last known address that I have.

I first got the urge to contact him around the Holidays. In addition, some of the messages at New Hope over the past months have been about relationships and fixing broken ones. This is one relationship that I would really like to fix. Plus, as some of you may know, Carlos and I were both really into Star Trek, and with the new Trek movie coming out, I think about him even more often. I have never had another friend like him, and I don’t know that I ever will.

We’ll just wait and see what happens if/when he receives the letter. What a crazy move, huh?

General Life Update

2009-03-31T11:42:00.001-04:00

Well, after that crazy post from yesterday (and the follow-up this morning), I thought that I should write about something a little more cheery! So, this is just a general life update as of the end of March.

Curt and I are still remodeling. We started with the bathroom (about 2 years ago). We have four bedrooms in our house, but only one of them had a bed in it! So, we started with the smallest room, which we made into an office (with the computers and digital piano). Then, we moved on to the guest bedroom, which we finished a few weeks ago. We then moved all of the stuff from the master bedroom into the guest bedroom, and we are now finishing the painting in the master bedroom. I am so tired of the smell of paint! I really hope to be done with the painting within the next 36-48 hours. I can’t take it any more! LOL

We found out last week that Scott, Jessica, Ethan, and Logan will be coming to visit in April, for Matthew’s second birthday! We are so excited, and we are counting down the days! They should be arriving sometime on Friday, April 17 and heading home on Monday, April 20. Matthew’s birthday party is on Saturday, April 18, so we’re planning to spend all day on Sunday with Scott, Jessica, and the boys. This will be the first time that most of the family will get to meet Logan. Bill, Amy, Matthew, Curt, and I are the only ones who have met Logan. I just can’t wait for Curt’s family and my family to meet him, too.

I had a friend who is experienced with eBay sell my old synthesizer for me. I never thought that I would part with my old Roland Juno-106, but I finally did it. It wasn’t easy, but my new digital piano is so cool, and my old Roland just sat in the closet. Out with the old…

I have decided that I’m sick of being fat and out of shape. However, with every evening being spent painting, it’s been tough to do much about it, other than watching what I eat. That doesn’t seem to be doing much, so I decided that I wanted to start walking again. I love walking! It gives me time to think, pray, and spend time outside. The problem is that no one wants me to walk by myself (for safety reasons). So, I found a partner to walk with me. Unfortunately, she was only able to go with me once last week – which I guess is better than nothing – and with our painting and remodeling going on, I don’t have much time to do it either. I’ll keep you posted on this whole situation as it progresses (or doesn't progress – lol)!

Finally, the Mahoning Valley Thunder games started again last Friday. (In case you didn’t know, that is the local Arena 2 Football team.) We got our season tickets again, although we changed from where we were last year. The first game was great, and I can’t wait to go to the next one!

I would really enjoy hearing what’s going on with all of you. Please drop me a note, even if it’s just to say, “HI.”

Until next time...Take care!

Another Example (Follow-up from Yesterday)

2009-03-31T11:29:00.003-04:00

Just as a follow-up to yesterday's post, I need to vent again. I cannot believe that people can put up with this!

In my post yesterday, I made a comment about someone in our office making fun of another "for fun." Well, here is an example of what goes on:

The abuser walked in the door this morning and looked at his favorite target. He told her, "...for the next ten minutes, I won't even tease you about your stupid hair or about being fat. I'll give you ten minutes." (No, this is NOT an exaggeration!)

When she was pregnant, the abuser would call her fat, fatso, chubbo, etc. I finally said to him one day, "You know...that baby can hear everything you say." He apologized but continued to do it, adding in a nice tone of voice, "I don't mean you, baby; I mean your mother."

Why does she put up with it? I asked her about it yesterday, and she just shrugged and said, "He'll see, someday, when I lose the baby weight...then he can kiss my non-fat butt."

If that stuff was directed at me, I'd be a total basket case (instead of just a semi-basket case).

Stuff Really Does Flow Down Hill!

2009-03-30T15:33:00.002-04:00

It’s been a really long time since I wrote anything in this blog. I can’t believe it has been so long. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything really good to write…but I am extremely frustrated about something and really need to vent.

First of all, there are two sayings that I have heard most of my life, and I’m finding out that they are both completely true! The first saying is “Stuff Flows Down Hill.” (Of course, I substituted the word “Stuff.”) There are two of us at the bottom of the hill in our office, and it seems like we are the two that have to put up with the most crap! It feels like when anyone needs to take out their frustrations, needs someone to blame for something, or has a job that they don’t want to do, these duties are always passed off to us. It doesn't seem to matter if we are qualified to do it or not.

For example, I was given my employee evaluation a short time ago. I was told that I have a tendency to “give people attitude” when they bring me work to complete. So, when I asked for an example, I was given one. Basically, what happened was someone asked me to train a new employee on a task that I do not regularly perform. I said that I would train the new employee, but that there was someone better qualified to train the new employee if they were willing to wait 15 to 20 minutes until she returned to the office. Waiting was, apparently, unacceptable, so I ended up trying to train the new employee. Over the course of my attempt to train, I screwed up three times and had to explain to her to “scratch that” and “do it this way instead.” Now, if they had just waited a few more minutes, the other person (who does this all the time) could have trained the new employee…and probably been far less confusing than I was!

However, because I simply suggested that someone else was better qualified to train a new employee, I was “giving attitude.” Well, if that is giving attitude, I guess I’m guilty.

What bothers me is that, apparently, it is okay for co-workers and associates to treat the peons (my one co-worker and me who share the bottom of the hill) with disrespect and give us attitude, but we are expected to just sit back and take it. I work in, what I consider, a rather hostile environment. Yet I am expected to deal with people using foul language (and I’m talking seriously offensive stuff), people insulting co-workers because they think it’s funny (really mean stuff about hair, weight, appearances), people slamming doors, people throwing things (telephone, staplers, etc.)…and that's only part of it! It doesn't seem to matter that we can be insulted or offended, and we have to deal with it, while if we inadvertently offend someone or don't react in a way that they deem appropriate, we have to pay the consequences (in our yearly evaluations).

Those of us at the bottom really do seem to catch all the "stuff!"

As for the second saying, that would be: “The rich get richer, while the poor get poorer.” Now, I’m not saying that I’m poor, but we are definitely on the lower end of the income scale. Our company advised that corporately, no one would be given raises this year – which is totally understandable in this economy!

A few weeks later, we were advised that our division was awarded some extra money – due to our divisions exceptional performance in 2008 – and discretionary bonuses would be awarded to employees. After getting everyone all excited, we were then told that not everyone would get the bonuses and they would be based on our performance reviews.

After being told about the bonuses, my evaluation was reopened and adjusted to give me a 2.5 because of my attitude issues (see above). (Unfortunately, I don’t know what I was ranked before it was re-opened, since it had not yet been discussed with me.) I also found out that my co-worker who shares the bottom of the heap with me also scored “below 3” on her evaluation. Of course, bonuses were only awarded to those who scored 3 or higher on their evaluations…imagine that.

Now, I have been with this company for nearly five years and I have always scored 3 or higher on my evaluation (5 = superhero, 4 = hero, 3 = you do your job and do it well, 2 = you don’t do your job well, 1 = why are you even here?). Funny that it changed this year, huh?

I'm not angry or upset that I did not get a bonus or a raise. I am angry and upset that my evaluation was changed, which is now part of my permanent employment record. In addition, I am really upset because some of those in this office that deserved the bonuses did not get them - such as my co-worker who shares the bottom with me. If anyone deserves a bonus, she does!

Is corporate America screwed up, or is it just my perception looking up from the bottom?

Roller Proposal for the Olympic Games

2009-02-10T15:11:00.002-05:00

As you may or may not know, I'm crazy about roller skating. I skated for fun during my childhood. As an adult, I competed in solo dance, figures, and team dance. I also became a coach - a coach who has no students right now because of the decline of the sport in our area.

However, there is currently a proposal on the table to get Roller Skating into the Olympics - AGAIN. (You can see the video proposals here.) These proposal videos are mostly geared toward the speed skating discipline, although there are some shots of the other aspects of skating - which are really cool shots! It really is a great, inexpensive, unique, safe sport to participate in - no matter what your age. In fact, Curt and I have even talked about getting back into competition (after I get my butt back into shape - if that's even possible).

Anyway, I doubt that roller skating will EVER get into the Olympics, but I will still do what I can to raise awareness of the sport, which is why I'm posting this here! Thanks for taking a moment to check it out.

I should just keep my mouth shut, but...

2009-01-14T10:05:00.003-05:00

I read a news story today that really upset me. I don’t usually get into debating governmental or political stuff, but this one really made me wonder where this country is headed. (Read the story here.)

Apparently, our President has declared a state of emergency in Washington DC for the President-Elect’s inauguration! Why does this bother me? It bothers me because this event is already costing $15,000,000 in federal funds, and declaring a state of emergency allows the District to tap into FEMA funds, if needed. Apparently, they want to have the funds available in case they need assistance protecting the public, since their current resources could be expended due to the large crowds expected.

I realize that this is a historic event, and I realize that there is much excitement, high energy, and many expectations surrounding it. However, does the government really need to spend that much money (with the option of tapping into more) when so many people all over the nation are losing homes, jobs, etc. due to our economy’s downslide? With the state of our economy, I don’t see how anyone can justify spending that much money on a party...and that’s really what it is.

Whatever the reasoning behind it, I still think it's crazy. Not that I think $15,000,000 would really change our economy, but it would sure buy a lot of food!

Changing my Thinking

2009-01-07T16:11:00.002-05:00

Curt bought me a book for Christmas, one that I have wanted to read: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Then, a friend bought me a companion book: Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life. (Do you think they’re trying to tell me something?)

Now, for those of you who know me, you know that I love to read. Those of you who don’t know me now know that I love to read. However, I’ve recently been having trouble finding the time to read as much as I would like. For example, a few weeks ago, some members of our church started daily lectionary readings. I started out doing well, but then soon fell behind in the readings.

Now, after receiving these two books for Christmas, I have more reading to do. The Purpose Driven Life is meant to be read over a period of 40 days - one chapter per day. Then I have the daily lectionary readings - approximately five separate but short reading per day.

I talked to Curt last night and told him that I have made up my mind that I am going to do this. I need to take time each day to read and then reflect on what I have read. Although Curt isn’t a reader, he agreed to discuss what I read each day, if I want to. It always helps me to have someone to discuss these things - a partner, so to speak. I started The Purpose Driven Life on Monday, and I gave Curt a bit of a run-down last night of what the first two chapters were about. I plan to re-start the lectionary readings on Sunday (since the church bulletin lists the readings for the week on the back, and I missed church last week since we were on our way home from Myrtle Beach).

After my first three days of The Purpose Drive Life, I am finding that I’m already starting to ask myself some serious questions. There is a “Question to Consider” for day one that asks, “In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?” This question has been on my mind since I read it three days ago. I’m not even looking at it regarding “advertising.” This seems to be an “everything” deal. In everything…how do I remind myself that it’s about God and his plan, not me and mine? I’ve been told most of my life that I can do whatever I want to do, whatever I set my mind to…that kind of thing. Now I have to start retraining myself.

So, I’ve been thinking now for three days. How do I remind myself to put God first? What do I need to do to adjust my thinking? I am reminded of a line in a movie where the character talks about having to remind himself every day to get out of bed, breathe in and out, etc., but then he says that eventually, he will no longer have to remind himself to do these basic things.

Will it be the same way with this? After so much time spent trying to put God and His plan first, will it eventually become automatic? This is a whole new way of thinking for me!

I will probably be posting many questions like this as I go through these readings. Sometimes it helps me to type it all out and read through what I have written. Other times, it just makes me more confused. Feel free to add your input; I’m always open to suggestions!

Chaos Takes Over

2009-01-07T14:10:00.003-05:00

"The Baun Boys"

(ha ha ha)

Wow. It seems like forever since I last posted. You know how it goes…our holidays got chaotic, and then, we decided to go to Myrtle Beach for New Year’s, to meet our new grandson, Logan, and to spend holiday with Curt’s kids…all three of them.

In all the years that Curt and I have been a couple, I don’t remember any holiday where he has had all three of his kids together – and we’ve been together nearly 14 years. In fact, the last time we had them all together was for Scott and Jessica’s wedding several years ago.

We arrived in Myrtle Beach around 1:30 on New Year’s Eve. Ethan was napping, but we finally met Logan. I was so happy to finally rub his little head full of wild, dark hair. (Most of you know that since I first saw Logan’s picture, all I’ve wanted to do was rub that little head!) Even though we were tired from our trip, we stayed awake and celebrated the arrival of 2009 with Scott and Jessica.

The next day, New Year’s Day 2009, Curt enjoyed a poker game with Bill, Scott, and Cari. (Cari’s boyfriend, Victor, joined in later.) I was so happy for Curt to have this time with them. I don’t know if they realize what it meant to Curt for them to spend this time with him, even if it was only a couple of hours.

We spent the next couple of days just hanging out with Scott, Jessica, Ethan, Logan, and Cari (whenever she wasn’t working or sleeping, since she works nights). We even made it down to the beach for a short walk. You know me: I couldn’t be that close to the beach and not go for a walk, and I had never been to the beach in the winter.

Ethan warmed up to us a little more quickly this time. We were only there for 3 1/2 days (as opposed to 7 days last time), and Ethan was talking to us and even giving us hugs and kisses. Logan seemed to think that Grandpa was really funny. Curt seemed to be able to make Logan smile more than anyone!

We left on Sunday morning, before anyone else was even out of bed. We got home and spent the evening relaxing and reflecting on the wonderful time we had (despite the nasty wind during the drive down and the yucky weather driving home). Between Monday and Tuesday, we finally got our Christmas decorations down and put away.

There’s just so much more I could add, but I just realized that this is getting to be a long post. So, I’ll sign off by wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2009.

Advent Post from New Hope

2008-12-12T12:16:00.003-05:00

I have been reading the daily Advent posts on the New Hope Community blog, and today's post really hit me. (You can read it here.) It talked about "...'old tapes' running through our heads..." which is something I find myself struggling with very often. However, I am (slowly) learning how to put those resentments, belittlements, and/or losses behind me.

I found this post very encouraging to me because it reminded me that I am NOT the only person who goes through this!

Roller Skating News Coverage

2008-11-26T08:41:00.002-05:00

Check out some of our skaters who were featured on the news on Tuesday, November 25. You can find the story here:

http://www.myvalleysports.com/

Let me know what you think!

Changing Lives

2008-11-20T11:58:00.002-05:00

I read a blog post yesterday that really made me think. You can read it here. This post discussed how commenting on a child’s simple, homemade costume did so much to raise that child’s self-esteem, and how moved she and her mother were by this small gesture.

I often wonder what I (as one person) can do to change the world. I hear people talking all the time about making the world a better place, but after reading this blog post, I see how simple it really can be. It made me wonder how many lives I have changed, simply by smiling at someone at the right moment or by commenting on an outfit, a costume, a hairstyle, or something...something that was, in my mind, a simple act of common courtesy.

Amazing what a little courtesy can do!

Making Memories with Family

2008-11-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share this photo, because simply looking at it makes me feel good. It’s a photo of our grandson, Matthew, and his great-grandparents (Curt’s parents). We were lucky enough to spend a few hours yesterday at my in-laws’ house while Bill and Matthew visited, too.

I never really knew my great-grandparents. In fact, I only ever met one of them, and she passed away when I was rather young. Even though I was young, I can still (slightly) remember her. I look at this picture and hope that our little ones will someday realize how blessed they are. I pray that the boys all have the chance to grow up knowing and remembering how many people love them.

Friends

2008-11-11T14:31:00.001-05:00

Have you ever lost touch with a friend? I don’t mean someone that you knew in school or a casual acquaintance, but a real friend? Some may say that if the person was a real friend, we wouldn’t have lost touch. I don’t think that is true.

I have three friends in my life that I miss, friends that I simply grew apart from. There was no fight, no falling out, nothing that I can pinpoint as “this is what happened between us.” First is a dear friend who I’ve known since the day I was born…I think. We have always been rather close, but due to his being on crutches or in a wheelchair most of his life, we didn’t really “hang out” together much. We try to keep in touch, but it doesn’t always work out that way. I try to arrange at least one day a year where I spend the whole day in Butler, and I try to spend a few hours with him. Again, that doesn’t always work out, either.

The second is a friend from school - all the way back to elementary school. He and I were constant companions. Even when I wasn’t the easiest person to be around, he was always there in some way. All the way up through college and slightly beyond, we were almost always together. Then it happened. We went out together less often. The phone rang less often. I moved to Ohio. Despite the fact that I keep trying through email to hook up with him, it just never seems to happen. Again, when I arrange my day trips to Butler, I try to let him know, but he very rarely has time to see me. I can’t remember the last time I even saw him.

The third is the first friend I made when I moved to Ohio (other than people I knew through skating). We met at work, and we found out that we had much in common. I even asked her to be in my wedding, which is something I would NEVER have done if I hadn’t thought we’d be friends for life. She lived in Salem, while I live in Boardman, which made it tough to get together after we both moved on to other employment. I tried to be there for her when her marriage was in trouble, just being around to listen if nothing else. Yet again, things happened, we called each other less often. We didn’t get together as often.

However, today I decided to stop this in its tracks. I found out that she had recently been going through a lot of crap (for lack of a better word), but I hadn’t heard anything about it until now - after it was all done and over. I told her that we needed to fix this. We are supposed to be friends - there for each other no matter what, but we both had to be interested in making the effort to keep this friendship going. Thankfully she feels the same way, and I am hoping that today marks a new start for us!

(Wow, this one got rather long, didn’t it?)

Veterans' Day

2008-11-11T14:27:00.002-05:00

On days like today, I cannot help but think about my Grandpa Otterson - "the Commander." I am so thankful for all the Veterans of the US Military who fought to give us the rights and privileges that we sometimes take for granted.

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served in our Armed Forces!

We wouldn’t be here without them.

Make a FAMILY TREE for Christmas

2008-11-10T16:08:00.004-05:00

For those of you who are interested in reminiscing about the past year and who like to do something a little different, consider this. Last year, Curt and I started making our own Christmas tree ornaments. Since last year was the first year, we took pictures from whenever…years ago through mid-November 2007 and made them into nice, little ornaments to hang on the tree. The plan is to take new pictures throughout the year and make new ornaments every year. We cut them into different shapes, glue them onto “fun foam,” hole punch them, and tie a ribbon. It would be something really fun to do as a family, letting the kids choose the pictures and glue the pictures to the foam shapes.

Our Tree from 2007

It is a really fun way to remember how blessed we were throughout the year. Let me know what you think and if you try it.

Happy Birthday Logan...

2008-11-06T14:48:00.003-05:00

Well, not exactly. Logan is one month old today, and what a month it has been! Unfortunately, we still have not made it down to South Carolina to meet the little guy, but we get regular reports from his parents and his aunt. We are hoping that sometime over the holidays, we will get to visit with them.

We talked to Scott on Saturday. Ethan wasn't really in the mood to talk, but we got at least a "Hi," a "bye," and a "love you" that were clearly audible (which is sometimes tough when you get a two-year-old on speakerphone). We even got to hear Logan for the first time, which made me all the more excited to get down there!

I was also excited to get a note from Jessica yesterday in the mail. It was a thank-you for the gift card we sent for Logan's "diaper shower" and a "PS" thank-you for the Halloween goodies we sent to the boys. (That sounds so cool..."the boys...") Anyway, I was so excited to learn that Ethan really likes the sticker/coloring books - they are "his favorite" according to Jessica.

That's all for now.

Getting to Know Me

2008-11-06T07:02:00.003-05:00

This was a really interesting email that a friend sent me the other day. I really enjoy stuff like this because I think it gives me a little more insight to my friends. Some of these are things we never really talk about, but they are interesting little tidbits of info.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:00

2 . Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I don't remember...it was this year, though.

4. What is your favorite TV show? House

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Something different every day...mostly.

6. What is your middle name? Otterson (Lee was my given middle name, but I changed it when I got married)

7. What food do you dislike? Tripe - if you can call that food.

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Elton John - The Captain and the Kid

9. What kind of car do you drive? Ford Escape HYBRID

10. Favorite sandwich? Grilled Cheese or Tuna salad

11. What characteristic do you despise? Hypocrite

12. Favorite item of clothing? My huge, oversized, Steelers hoodie sweatshirt that someone gave me.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Myrtle Beach

14. Are you an organized person? Sometimes.

15. Where would you retire to? Myrtle Beach.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? ???

17. What are you going to do when you finish? Go to work.

18. Furthest place you are sending this? PA

19. Person you expect to send it back first? Probably no one

20. When is your birthday?? December 3

21. Morning person or a night person? Neither

22. What is your shoe size? 6 1/2 wide

23. Pets? All in pet heaven

24. Any new and exciting news? Not really - not since Logan.

25. What did you want to be when you were little? A Pianist

26. How are you today? BLAH

27. What is your favorite flower? Pansy

28. What are you listening to right now? Nothing

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Whenever we can go to Myrtle Beach to see Logan (and everyone else)

31. Do you wish on stars? No, I pray to God

32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple

33. How is the weather right now? Beautiful!

34. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Mom

35. Favorite soft drink? Squirt (Ruby Red, especially)

36. Favorite restaurant? Probably Red Lobster or Longhorn

37. Hair color? Brown

38. What was your favorite toy as a child? Don't remember.

39. Summer or Winter? Summer

40. Spring or Fall? Spring

41. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

42. coffee or tea? Tea - iced!

43. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes

44. When was the last time you cried? A couple weeks ago.

45. What is under your bed? Some under-bed storage boxes and I'm sure a few dust bunnies

46. What did you do last night? Watched Ghost Hunters

47. How many keys on your key ring? A BUNCH!

48. How many years at your current job? Depends on what you mean by that.

49. Favorite day of the week? Friday nights and Saturdays

50. Do you make friends easily? I don't think so.

51. How many people will you send this to? A few, but not many. May post it on my blog.

52. How many will respond? Probably none of them.

53. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? Absolutely :)

Letter from 2012

2008-10-30T09:52:00.005-04:00

I usually try to stay out of political discussions, but I have been having a tough time making my decision this year. I have been bouncing back and forth, but this is an interesting article that seems to be making a big impact on things.

A Chilling Look at an Obama Presidency
Focus on the Family Action
Click Here for the article

The letter is entitled "Letter from 2012 in Obama’s America" and is posted on the CitizenLink/Focus on the Family Action, Inc. website.

It hasn't really helped me finalize my decision, but maybe it will help someone else out there.

A Huge Thank-You to Everyone

2008-10-28T15:08:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to thank all of you who kept our family in your prayers for the past week or so. In case you have not heard, Baby Logan’s test results came back, and he is perfectly healthy! It was a very strange time for us - up and down like a roller coaster…so glad to have a new baby in the family, and then 10 days later to be worried that he could have a terrible affliction, finally to find out on Friday (a little over a week later) that he is healthy. What a strange time for us all. I can only imagine what Scott and Jessica (Logan’s parents) were going through. And again, Curt and I were reminded how difficult it is living far away from family members. We were also reminded that God hears prayers…He hears us when we cry out (just like we have been learning at New Hope the last two weeks)!

Roller Sports Links

2008-10-22T16:23:00.001-04:00

Toward the bottom of this page, I have posted several roller skating-related links for anyone who would like to learn more about the sport that I am so into.

Why is picking a costume so difficult?

2008-10-21T16:10:00.003-04:00

Last Year's Haunted Castle Set-Up at the Baun Residence

I can’t understand why, every year, I seem to have the most difficult time coming up with a Halloween costume for myself. Curt and I have a reputation in our neighborhood of being one of the scariest houses on the street. We had a new neighbor move in two houses down last year, who gave us a run for our money, and now we even have the house in between getting into the game (although on a much smaller scale). So, because of the “scariest houses” reputation, I feel that I have to do this every year for fear of letting the neighborhood kids down.

This year, we have put up the haunted castle - shown in the photos above (although it’s in a different spot this year). I’d also like to get the cemetery set up on the other side of the castle, since we moved it this year. We’ll have the fog going, scary music playing, and caution tape everywhere the night of trick-or-treat…but I still have no clue what to do for my costume.

If anyone has any suggestions, I’ll take anything into consideration…time is really getting short.If you're in the neighborhood, feel free to drive by and check out the haunted castle. It wouldn't be the first time we had people just walking into our front yard to check it out! :) (Don't ask!!)

How Do You Save a Dying Sport?

2008-10-16T08:31:00.006-04:00

Those of you reading this may or may not know that Curt and I are figure skating coaches, although it’s probably not the type of figure skating you are used to seeing. Our figure skaters are on roller skates, not ice skates. Yes, roller skates...and not inline skates, the “old fashioned” quad skates.
(In fact, we are former competitors, ourselves.) Curt and I mostly specialize in Dance and Figures, but Curt is also skilled in Freestyle.

It is probably one of the most frustrating sports in which we could participate, simply because no one really knows that it even exists! Did you know that roller figure skating (formerly called “artistic” skating) has regional and national championships every year? We even have world championships every year and have skaters that participates in the PanAm Games. (In case you didn't notice, the one major event missing is the Olympics, which I have given up on, personally.) Roller Skating is huge in many other countries. In fact, roller skaters in many South American countries are considered celebrities! They are actually mobbed for photos and autographs when entering arenas for competitions. (Can you believe it?)

Last season (earlier this year), I had my first competitive skater go to the Regional Championships in Michigan. Unfortunately, she has since given up skating (which happens quite often when kids reach their teenage years). So, I am currently down to one skater, who is an adult beginner. My husband is down to the fewest number of skaters he has ever coached, and he is considering dropping it altogether. We've tried blaming the economy for the declining numbers, but since roller skating is one of the least expensive sports to participate in, we can’t really use that as an excuse (except for those students who would drive hours - yes, hours - for lessons and practice).

Instead of dropping it, I am wondering how we can get it to pick up a little again. I've tried the usual routes of advertising (posters/hand-outs in the rink, contacting newspapers and TV stations), but nothing seems to be helping at this point. I’m also trying to find a way to make the sport appeal to kids. We have coached all age groups - from age 8 to age 78 (and that’s not an exaggeration!) - but without bringing in some “new blood,” the sport will be non-existent in our area in 10 years. (I actually only give it 5 years.)

The worst part about it is that Ohio is one of the biggest states for roller skating. Our state has some of the largest skate clubs in the country. So, why can’t we find any skaters? Any ideas, suggestions, questions, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

(For more information on competitive, artistic/figure skating, check out http://rollersports.usoc.org/, and under "Disciplines," click on "Figure.")

Roller Skating Association International Celebrates National Roller Skating Month

2008-10-15T11:37:00.001-04:00

In October of 2008, the Roller Skating Association International (RSA), along with skating center owners across the country and worldwide, will celebrate National Roller Skating Month. Their objective is to promote the health, fitness, and fun benefits of roller skating.

Roller skating has been known for decades as a safe, fun activity for children, teens and families, and now those same people are recognizing that roller skating provides a major means of physical fitness and a fun addition to leading a healthy lifestyle. Roller skating provides a complete aerobic workout and involves using all of the body’s muscles, especially the heart, and is a great activity to help fight the growing problem of childhood obesity. In conjunction with the President’s Challenge, a program of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the RSA introduced a national fitness program called Skate A Million Miles that targeted children and reminded parents and other consumers that roller skating is a fun and healthy activity for everyone, especially young people.

Skating continues to be an economical, fun and safe source of family entertainment in an increasingly challenging economy and is a great opportunity for children and teens to develop new friendships in their community. In addition to skating, some roller skating centers now offer other activity-oriented entertainment options, such as climbing walls, soft play climbing areas or laser tag.

Roller Skating Association International, is a not-for-profit trade association representing skating center owners and operators; teachers, coaches and judges of roller skating. The association is the leading advocate for one of America’s most traditional and popular recreational sports. For more information on roller skating, or to locate a center near you, visit the RSA’s website at www.rollerskating.org or contact the RSA office at 317-347-2626.

Media Contact:
John Purcell
317-347-2626
jpurcell@rollerskating.com
Roller Skating Association Intl.
(317) 347-2626
rsa@rollerskating.com

Here's Logan

2008-10-08T10:13:00.002-04:00

Well, here he is!

Scott, Ethan, and Logan.

Awaiting Logan's Arrival - UPDATE

2008-10-06T08:26:00.003-04:00

Logan Alexander Baun (our third grandson) arrived at 1:25 this morning. He was 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and 19 inches long. According to his daddy, he has a full head of dark hair, and Mama and Baby are both doing well. As soon as I have pictures, I'll share!

Awaiting Logan’s Arrival

2008-10-03T08:20:00.001-04:00

How exciting is this? Logan (our third grandson) may be coming any day now, instead of at the end of the month, and we are so excited while awaiting his arrival! For those of you who may not know, Curt’s son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Jessica, are expecting the arrival of their second son, Logan, any day now. Logan will be Ethan’s little brother, who I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about (especially since we just visited them in Myrtle Beach, SC). Our other grandson, Matthew, lives here in Youngstown with his parents, Bill (Curt’s oldest) and Amy.

Logan was supposed to be due on Halloween. However, after Jessica’s doctor appointment last week, they moved up his due date to October 10-17. Then, after her appointment yesterday, they adjusted again to be this weekend! We’re really hoping he comes today, since that would give us a birthday on October 3 (Logan), November 3 (Curt/Grandpa), and December 3 (Me/Grandma)! So, we are armed with our cell phones, and I’m sure I’ll jump every time mine rings today!

Anyway, I just love this part of things - the speculating…what will he look like? What color hair will he have? How big will he be? I’m sure all parents/grandparents go through it, but since I’ve never had children, I don’t really know. I’ve only been through it with Jacob (my nephew), Megan (my niece), Ethan, Matthew, and now Logan (our grandsons). The thing that I find funny is the fact that it is no less exciting no matter how many times I go through it! ;)

When Ethan was born, I celebrated (in Las Vegas) with a mini-bottle of champagne. I think that I’d better go get another one!

Closed-Mindedness

2008-09-30T08:46:00.002-04:00

I have been struggling with something over the past few days - I don’t understand how people can be completely closed-minded. I am currently reading and studying some books (thanks, Paul) that are…broadening my horizons, so to speak. My whole point in doing this is to make me more understanding of other people’s views. However, I have had comments made to me such as, “You’re being deceived.” I’ve even had offers from one who said that she would pray for me so that I’m not “led astray” by these views, which happen to differ from “the norm.”

Now, why would someone think that I’m being deceived or led astray just because I’m learning others’ points of view? Could it be because they are closed-minded? I don't really know.

Keep in mind that I never said that my reading/studying was changing my opinions and/or feelings on the particular subject. (Maybe when I’ve become more knowledgeable about the subject, I can feel confident to share it with you.)

I just feel that if I don’t understand where others are “coming from,” I cannot know where they are "going to." Does that make any sense?

General Update

2008-09-25T08:31:00.000-04:00

I know that it’s been a while since I wrote anything, but as some of you know, we were away for a week, visiting family in Myrtle Beach. We had a wonderful trip, and it was so amazing to see how much our grandson, Ethan, has grown. He seems to be a happy little guy, and he now talks like crazy! I was just a bit disappointed that he took so long to warm up to us. He hasn’t seen us since October 2007, and he didn’t even let Grandpa Curt pick him up until the last night we were there. I guess that’s the downfall to being a long-distance grandparent. Now that Ethan talks so well, we’re hoping that telephone calls will help him remain familiar with us. We’re also trying to come up with other ways to make ourselves more familiar to Ethan, so we’ll see how that all works out. (Any ideas are welcome!)

On Tuesday evening, Scott (Curt’s son) called us to see how things were going since we got home. He also wanted to tell us that the due date for their second son, Logan, has been moved up. Logan was originally due on October 31 – a Halloween baby! However, after Jessica’s doctor appointment on Monday, they adjusted the due date to October 10. So, we are officially on “baby watch!” We have cell phones with us all the time – even Curt, who only takes his phone if he “needs it.” Every time the phone rings, we jump up to see who it is calling. It’s so exciting!

Even though we can’t get back to Myrtle Beach for the “Diaper Shower,” I’m hoping to talk Curt into going back to Myrtle Beach after Logan arrives. I really don’t think that it will take much, but we’ll see!

September 11

2008-09-11T10:40:00.001-04:00

You know, I always thought people were crazy when they would tell me things like, "I remember exactly where I was when JFK was shot..." or "I remember exactly what I was doing when I heard about…" I always thought, "Oh, yeah, right. How could you remember exactly?"

Then came September 11, 2001. I remember exactly where I was, what I was doing, and it is honestly a time in my life that I will never forget.

I hope that everyone takes a moment today to remember what they were doing and where they were when they saw (or heard, as in my case) the news. I also hope that everyone takes a moment to pray for all of the people who were victimized (in one way or another) on that day 7 years ago.

My Crazy Day

2008-09-09T14:54:00.002-04:00

I'm a little bit bored at work, so I thought that I'd share what's happened during this - my crazy day, which isn't over yet.

First, I did something this morning that I can hardly believe. We gave away our piano! My nephew and niece started piano lessons, and we had wanted to get rid of the piano because our living room just isn't big enough for a baby grand. My mom decided that she would pay to have it moved, so as of this morning, it's gone!

We still have an old Yamaha electric piano in our "home office," but that thing hasn't been used in years. Curt's going to move it out into the living room, so he says. I don't know if I'll be able to adjust to it, since it doesn't have a full keyboard. However, Curt said that we'll shop for a new digital piano in the spring.

Then, tonight after work, I have to meet my dad in New Castle. My mom had to go out of town to be with her sister who is in the hospital, and I never got over to pick up Ethan's birthday gift. So, Dad is going to meet me - on the condition that I take him out to dinner! I jumped at the chance. I can't remember the last time that I went to dinner with my dad - just the two of us.

I'm hoping to be home sometime before 9:00 PM. (For those of you who don't know, I am usually asleep in the recliner by 9:30 PM, which is probably because we get up at 5:00 AM.) That also means that Curt will be stuck at home, rearranging the living room and getting stuff ready for the trip. That could be bad...

Bible Study - Update - Myrtle Beach Trip

2008-09-05T06:42:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to the Bible study last night. Things really blew up with our upcoming trip to Myrtle Beach. First, we found out that our friend, Betty, couldn't go with us, due to her husband being in the hospital. This may not sound like a big issue to some, but we use Betty's timeshare when we go, so this was a bigger deal than one may think.

So, we got a "guest certificate" (for an additional fee), which would allow the remainder of the party to go without Betty. However, we then noticed that the reservation was for a one-bedroom unit, when it was supposed to be for a two-bedroom unit. (It's hard to sleep 5 people in one bedroom.) The company assured us that the one-bedroom could accommodate our party, but then they said that two of the beds were bunk beds! Well, Curt and I really aren't into the bunk-bed thing, and I don't think my parents (both between 65 and 70 years old) are up for getting into bunk beds! So after some arguing with them for screwing up the reservation, we ended up with NO PLACE TO STAY.

Talk about panic!!

So, we called my mom and kept getting her voicemail all evening. She finally called me back to say that they may not be going with us, since her sister (in New Jersey) was in the hospital. My mom and her other sisters are probably heading to Jersey this weekend or early next week.

Curt and I made arrangements to stay with his son, but then Curt decided that he wanted to stay on the beach or no where. So, we spent about 20 minutes looking online, and we found what looks to be a GREAT place to stay!

So, what ended up not being a great way to spend an evening didn't turn out too bad. We're still waiting to hear about Betty's husband and my aunt, who are both in the hospital (one in Cleveland, and one in Jersey). Nevertheless, we have a place to stay, and the trip is still on...thankfully!

Bible Study

2008-09-04T15:40:00.002-04:00

I have really been looking for some good sources of Bible studies, and I found one that sounds interesting. On Thursday nights, there is a non-denominational Bible study held at a church not far from my house, and I think I’m going to try it out and see what happens. (I wasn't real impressed by my initial contact with this group, but I'm all for second chances!)

They are starting tonight with a 30-week course in the book of Revelation. It sounds exciting to me, but 30 weeks is a LONG time. I would have to miss the third week right off the bat, since we’ll be going to Myrtle Beach that week.

In addition, there is a small group from New Hope (my new church) that will be “Blogging” through Revelation” (as they call it) over the next few months.

If it works out that I can attend this Bible study, it may be interesting to see what differences and/or similarities are shared between the two groups. This could be fun!

Just a bit of Venting...

2008-09-02T20:01:00.002-04:00

This is one of those times where blogging my be therapeutic for me, allowing me to get out one of my frustrations. So, here goes…

Why is it that there are so many charitable organizations to aid in the relief of world hunger, world poverty, and world disease? In addition, we see so much of our government’s money being sent overseas as “aid” to other countries. What’s wrong with keeping that money here – in the USA – and using it here – in the USA – to combat poverty, hunger, disease, or whatever here – in the USA? I know that may sound a little selfish to some, but I'm just a little confused.

The United States is supposed to be soooo powerful – a “superpower” – yet we can’t even take care of our own citizens. What is that all about?

Is there really anything that we, as individuals, can do to improve these situations? We could, obviously, start right here in our own town, in our own state. Just see some of the interesting things I’ve read about over the last few days.

Doesn’t anyone realize that Cleveland, Ohio is considered the poorest city in our country? Cleveland also tops the list for having the most children living in poverty in the United States. The “poverty threshold” as stated by our government is $10,590 for one person, $13,540 for two people, or $21,027 for two adults and two children. Have you ever lived on that amount of money? When I was single, I tried to live on approximately $19,000 a year, while having a decent home and decent transportation. There were times when I lived on mac and cheese or PB&J for 3 days before payday because I didn’t have the money for anything else, and I was at nearly double the poverty level.

Then there is crime. I don’t understand how our government can spend billions of dollars overseas to “make the world safer” when they can’t even make our own country safe. In the top 20 most dangerous cities in the US, Cleveland, Youngstown, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio are ranked 10th, 15th, 16th, and 19th respectively. No other state in the country had more cities on the “dangerous” list than Ohio. (On the bright side, Parma, Ohio was ranked 23 as the safest cities in the country.)

I just don’t understand, I guess.

Photo Contest Follow-Up

2008-09-02T10:45:00.003-04:00

Although my photo did not get a ribbon or award of any kind (and it was displayed in a really crappy spot), it was really cool to see it hanging there with other photos. I studied the winners and thought that mine could've been right up there - really. I did notice, specifically, that four of the five or six ribbons awarded were "beach-related" sunrise/sunset pictures. Although mine had water in the picture, it just wasn't "beachy" enough! ;)

Now I have something to "shoot" for...

Photo Contest

2008-08-28T08:40:00.003-04:00

After six years of saying, “I should enter this picture in a contest...” I finally did it. I entered a picture in the photography exhibit in the Canfield Fair. It's a great shot of a sunset behind a palm tree leaf. It was taken on our honeymoon at Disney, which was before digital cameras were real popular - only six years ago, if you can believe that!

The photo contest judging was on Tuesday, but I haven’t found out if I won anything or not. I am very curious, but considering that it has been raining, we have yet to get to the fair. I’d like to go tonight, but Curt will be stuck at the rink until who knows when. If he gets out early, we may go tonight. If not, we’ll definitely go this weekend. I’ll let everyone know when I find out.

First Blog

2008-08-27T15:44:00.001-04:00

Okay, first of all, I really know nothing about this whole “blog” thing; I just know that everyone seems to keep in touch through “blogging.” So, I thought that it might be a fun way for me to get these crazy, random thoughts out of my head. Maybe, if I type them out, I can get rid of them…or make better sense of them! Maybe I can get some of my ideas moving (when it comes to skating) or get my head in tune with my heart, simply by typing out these little messages every now and then. Heck…maybe blogging can be therapeutic! I guess it doesn’t hurt to try, right?