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!
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
For those who have asked about my job...
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.
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
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.
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.
I can feel the Lord working…
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!
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!
Follow-Up to "I did something crazy!"
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 think I’ll give it a few more days - maybe a week - before I give up completely.
General Life Update
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!
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!
I should just keep my mouth shut, but...
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 Lives
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!
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!
Happy Birthday Logan...
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.
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.
Roller Sports Links
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?
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!!)
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?
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.")
(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.")
Closed-Mindedness
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?
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
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!
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!
Just a bit of Venting...
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.
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
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...
Now I have something to "shoot" for...
Photo Contest
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.
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.
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