If you remember back in my blog last year, I spent quite a bit of time viewing Grand Rapid's Art Prize competition last year. It's back. Unfortunately it started on Wednesday night, then Thursday morning I left for Mackinac. So missed out on the first round voting all together between the trip and my work schedule. Last Friday afternoon I set out to see what I could. Hit most of the main downtown venues. I know I missed out on quite a bit but time was not my friend this year.
Lots of favorites even from what I did see. My vote went to Mantis dreaming, a huge metal sculpture of a praying mantis with a butterfly perched on his claws. There were some other great ones, too.
Might get to see a bit more tomorrow but voting is done now. They announce the winner tonight.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Mackinac Rendezvous 2011
A belated post to share my great weekend at Mackinac Rendezvous 2011...
Left on the drive north on Thursday morning (the 22nd of September.) Of course, my plan was to cache along the way. Hence, leaving on Thursday morning when I didn't have to be there until Thursday evening...
44 caches along the way. Some of those were part of a power trail just south of Petoskey that I wanted to try to do. 100 + caches, all about a tenth of a mile apart. After doing some, I realized that it wasn't much fun to pull off to the side of the road, turn off the car, get out of the car, go find a film canister or similar sized container, sign the log, go back to the car, start it up, and move a tenth of a mile down the road and repeat. So decided to go back to regular caching. Got to Mackinaw City, ate dinner at Burger King so I could use the wifi, then arrived at the campground about 8 p.m.
Friday morning, we got things ready for the scouts to check in starting at noon. I was in charge of the blue area, with a staff of three others. We had a little shelter, and as the units came in, one of us showed them where to go and made sure they got their vehicles unloaded and removed to the parking area. A lot of waiting time between units so we had time to talk and such. Cool but no rain until that evening. We had the last units checked in at about 10:30 p.m. then went back to our cabin and hit the sack.
Saturday was the reward for working check in/out. Took the boat to the island and had the day to myself. Rented a bicycle and rode the 8 miles around the perimeter of the island. A bit misty at first but turned out to be nice enough weather considering it's late September. And caching, of course. 21 caches while riding around the island, then 4 more after I returned the bike and did a little hiking. The obligatory fudge stop and then back to the boat and return to the campground. Dinner and a show completed our evening.
Sunday morning was check out - we were done by 11 a.m. Then off to the bike trail across the highway from the campground. There were about a dozen challenge caches there and I qualified for most of them. So another three miles on the bike to get those. Unfortunately, I think the riding was offset by the fudge...
More caching on the way home and I made it home at about 8:45 p.m. If I'd have written on this right after, probably would have had more detail. Oh well.
Left on the drive north on Thursday morning (the 22nd of September.) Of course, my plan was to cache along the way. Hence, leaving on Thursday morning when I didn't have to be there until Thursday evening...
44 caches along the way. Some of those were part of a power trail just south of Petoskey that I wanted to try to do. 100 + caches, all about a tenth of a mile apart. After doing some, I realized that it wasn't much fun to pull off to the side of the road, turn off the car, get out of the car, go find a film canister or similar sized container, sign the log, go back to the car, start it up, and move a tenth of a mile down the road and repeat. So decided to go back to regular caching. Got to Mackinaw City, ate dinner at Burger King so I could use the wifi, then arrived at the campground about 8 p.m.
Friday morning, we got things ready for the scouts to check in starting at noon. I was in charge of the blue area, with a staff of three others. We had a little shelter, and as the units came in, one of us showed them where to go and made sure they got their vehicles unloaded and removed to the parking area. A lot of waiting time between units so we had time to talk and such. Cool but no rain until that evening. We had the last units checked in at about 10:30 p.m. then went back to our cabin and hit the sack.
Saturday was the reward for working check in/out. Took the boat to the island and had the day to myself. Rented a bicycle and rode the 8 miles around the perimeter of the island. A bit misty at first but turned out to be nice enough weather considering it's late September. And caching, of course. 21 caches while riding around the island, then 4 more after I returned the bike and did a little hiking. The obligatory fudge stop and then back to the boat and return to the campground. Dinner and a show completed our evening.
Sunday morning was check out - we were done by 11 a.m. Then off to the bike trail across the highway from the campground. There were about a dozen challenge caches there and I qualified for most of them. So another three miles on the bike to get those. Unfortunately, I think the riding was offset by the fudge...
More caching on the way home and I made it home at about 8:45 p.m. If I'd have written on this right after, probably would have had more detail. Oh well.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Back to Gilwell, part 2
I've been back to Gilwell and now am back in the real world. Left straight from work on Thursday, and arrived at Gerber about 7:15 p.m. after two short stops for geocaches/dinner. Most everyone else had arrived, and our staff meeting started shortly thereafter. After the meeting, we walked to Gilwell field and ran through some things, then back to Chaffee to get anything done we needed to. Most were in bed by midnight or so.
Friday morning dawned bright and early...after a breakfast burrito we proceeded to the pavilion together, where several patrols were already waiting to be checked in. As health officer, I needed to do a health recheck. Unbeknownst to me (at least at first) one of my troop guides was telling people in line to answer my question "how are you feeling today?" with various assorted ailments, ranging from cramps, bloating, and even hemorrhoids. One even asked if he needed to drop his pants...I caught on fast and laughed like the rest of them. Gilwell Field was at 9:30 - so nice to be singing "Back to Gilwell" again with so many of my scouting friends. Presentations followed - since mine was last weekend, I didn't have a lot of important tasks. I mainly just helped make sure everything was running smoothly. Lunch with a patrol, then dinner with another patrol, were both great. Friday evening was the participant's campfire - great to just sit back and watch that play out! Had hoped to get a little more sleep that night but my allergies disagreed and it was a restless night. Finally turned on my iPod and read one of my library e-books for a while until I got to sleep.
Saturday dawned bright and early (too early...)and I headed to breakfast with the Fox patrol. Good food and even Amish cinnamon rolls to accompany. Much of Saturday was taken up with reviewing tickets for the two patrols I was assigned to review. While reviewing tickets, I missed the conservation project, which was waterway cleanup. My heart wasn't broken. Ate lunch with the Eagles. The afternoon was more ticket review and watching the patrol presentations. They were great. We had a staff dinner while the patrols had dinner by themselves. Then the final ticket work began. Many of the tickets were already done by then; the hope was to have everyone done by early evening. Well, define early - is it midnightish? That's when we were done. That IS earlier than 2007 when my last participant finished at 3 a.m! Senior staff hung out at the pavilion - and we were joined by many of the patrols at one point or another. Lots of camaraderie in each patrol as they helped their patrol mates finish up.
Had just returned to Chaffee when I was notified that a participant who hadn't been feeling well earlier (I'd already visited him twice) was really not feeling well so I drove out to the site (to get there faster) and checked on him. He had been vomiting. Though he was feeling better, a camp resident staffer had already been by and offered to let him stay in his trailer that night, much closer to Chaffee in case he felt any worse through the night. That offer was accepted and I transported him (with puke bucket) to the trailer. He felt much better in the morning! Finally got to bed sometime after 1 a.m.
Sunday - way too little in the cumulative sleep department by now! Breakfast with the Owls then back to pack up at Chaffee while the participants had a chance to break down their camp. Gilwell at 9:30 where we were honored to have our council executive speak about 9-11 as yesterday was the 10th anniversary of those attacks. We also were able to do a Scout salute, the first in our council outside of the main salute that has been going on every 9-11 since 2002 at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. We are the only Boy Scout council in the country that has been doing that all along. Chapel followed then a presentation.
Closing luncheon was pretty special. Before the luncheon, I had been given a card that told me to find a cache (without my GPSr) I had to follow these clues. First was to find the "Kung Fu Panda." Each clue directed me to a staffer, who gave me the next card. The final clue directed me to the "Kahuna" who turned out to be our course Scoutmaster. He said he couldn't find it so would get back to me. Ok. After lunch came presentations, and he directed me to his special chair where the cache turned out to be. It was a beautiful clear acrylic keepsake box, laser engraved with my name and patrol totem, from my troop guides as a thank you. I noticed beads inside but it didn't click then to look at them. After thanking them, I presented each of them with a lapel pin with the critter they had been troop guide for, along with a note of thanks for all they'd done. Other patrols then did presentations. I took a closer look at the box while these presentations were going on, and discovered that the beads inside were engraved with my course number & critter (Bobwhite) for my course, then a third bead engraved with my course that I earned the third bead for and the critter I was troop guide for. Wow. I will cherish them. And though my original beads will always be special, if Scott ever takes Wood Badge I plan to give him my original beads when he earns them.
One other special part of the luncheon. One of the patrols (Eagles) that I had ticket counseled for called me up and presented me with one of their patrol patches in thanks and recognition for my work with them. The presenter asked those who had been helped in Scouting by me to raise their hands. I was speechless and humbled by the large number of people that raised their hands. Another wow.
After lunch there were several closing presentations, including showing clips from the movie "Mr. Holland's Opus." The end of that movie always makes me cry, and I'm not alone in that, even many of the guys were crying. Closing Gilwell Field, then forming a congratulations line down the path as the participants left for home.
We had plenty of tear-down to accomplish but I managed to get out of Gerber about 6ish I think. Stopped for two caches on the way home but was home by 8 or so. Scott called shortly after I got home so I didn't miss his Sunday call after all. In bed by 10 (early for me) and still quite tired today.
I'll be working with several participants as their permanent ticket counselor, and I'm sure starting in six months or so attending quite a few if not all of their beading ceremonies. Sad that this part of the process is over but looking forward to things to come. It's been an interesting ride, starting last fall when I was asked to be on staff.
Friday morning dawned bright and early...after a breakfast burrito we proceeded to the pavilion together, where several patrols were already waiting to be checked in. As health officer, I needed to do a health recheck. Unbeknownst to me (at least at first) one of my troop guides was telling people in line to answer my question "how are you feeling today?" with various assorted ailments, ranging from cramps, bloating, and even hemorrhoids. One even asked if he needed to drop his pants...I caught on fast and laughed like the rest of them. Gilwell Field was at 9:30 - so nice to be singing "Back to Gilwell" again with so many of my scouting friends. Presentations followed - since mine was last weekend, I didn't have a lot of important tasks. I mainly just helped make sure everything was running smoothly. Lunch with a patrol, then dinner with another patrol, were both great. Friday evening was the participant's campfire - great to just sit back and watch that play out! Had hoped to get a little more sleep that night but my allergies disagreed and it was a restless night. Finally turned on my iPod and read one of my library e-books for a while until I got to sleep.
Saturday dawned bright and early (too early...)and I headed to breakfast with the Fox patrol. Good food and even Amish cinnamon rolls to accompany. Much of Saturday was taken up with reviewing tickets for the two patrols I was assigned to review. While reviewing tickets, I missed the conservation project, which was waterway cleanup. My heart wasn't broken. Ate lunch with the Eagles. The afternoon was more ticket review and watching the patrol presentations. They were great. We had a staff dinner while the patrols had dinner by themselves. Then the final ticket work began. Many of the tickets were already done by then; the hope was to have everyone done by early evening. Well, define early - is it midnightish? That's when we were done. That IS earlier than 2007 when my last participant finished at 3 a.m! Senior staff hung out at the pavilion - and we were joined by many of the patrols at one point or another. Lots of camaraderie in each patrol as they helped their patrol mates finish up.
Had just returned to Chaffee when I was notified that a participant who hadn't been feeling well earlier (I'd already visited him twice) was really not feeling well so I drove out to the site (to get there faster) and checked on him. He had been vomiting. Though he was feeling better, a camp resident staffer had already been by and offered to let him stay in his trailer that night, much closer to Chaffee in case he felt any worse through the night. That offer was accepted and I transported him (with puke bucket) to the trailer. He felt much better in the morning! Finally got to bed sometime after 1 a.m.
Sunday - way too little in the cumulative sleep department by now! Breakfast with the Owls then back to pack up at Chaffee while the participants had a chance to break down their camp. Gilwell at 9:30 where we were honored to have our council executive speak about 9-11 as yesterday was the 10th anniversary of those attacks. We also were able to do a Scout salute, the first in our council outside of the main salute that has been going on every 9-11 since 2002 at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. We are the only Boy Scout council in the country that has been doing that all along. Chapel followed then a presentation.
Closing luncheon was pretty special. Before the luncheon, I had been given a card that told me to find a cache (without my GPSr) I had to follow these clues. First was to find the "Kung Fu Panda." Each clue directed me to a staffer, who gave me the next card. The final clue directed me to the "Kahuna" who turned out to be our course Scoutmaster. He said he couldn't find it so would get back to me. Ok. After lunch came presentations, and he directed me to his special chair where the cache turned out to be. It was a beautiful clear acrylic keepsake box, laser engraved with my name and patrol totem, from my troop guides as a thank you. I noticed beads inside but it didn't click then to look at them. After thanking them, I presented each of them with a lapel pin with the critter they had been troop guide for, along with a note of thanks for all they'd done. Other patrols then did presentations. I took a closer look at the box while these presentations were going on, and discovered that the beads inside were engraved with my course number & critter (Bobwhite) for my course, then a third bead engraved with my course that I earned the third bead for and the critter I was troop guide for. Wow. I will cherish them. And though my original beads will always be special, if Scott ever takes Wood Badge I plan to give him my original beads when he earns them.
One other special part of the luncheon. One of the patrols (Eagles) that I had ticket counseled for called me up and presented me with one of their patrol patches in thanks and recognition for my work with them. The presenter asked those who had been helped in Scouting by me to raise their hands. I was speechless and humbled by the large number of people that raised their hands. Another wow.
After lunch there were several closing presentations, including showing clips from the movie "Mr. Holland's Opus." The end of that movie always makes me cry, and I'm not alone in that, even many of the guys were crying. Closing Gilwell Field, then forming a congratulations line down the path as the participants left for home.
We had plenty of tear-down to accomplish but I managed to get out of Gerber about 6ish I think. Stopped for two caches on the way home but was home by 8 or so. Scott called shortly after I got home so I didn't miss his Sunday call after all. In bed by 10 (early for me) and still quite tired today.
I'll be working with several participants as their permanent ticket counselor, and I'm sure starting in six months or so attending quite a few if not all of their beading ceremonies. Sad that this part of the process is over but looking forward to things to come. It's been an interesting ride, starting last fall when I was asked to be on staff.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Lotsa changes
Came home from Wood Badge on Sunday night to find something I'd never considered would ever be there. A new computer! The old one, which I'd been trying to convince Steve needed replacing, finally died and Steve decided that since he was trying to find work it would be a good idea to replace it. Ya think? Anyway, new computer was a very nice surprise when I got home. Eric had helped him set it up, all but a modem which had to be ordered since they don't come standard anymore.
Then the second surprise. A message to call my boss. The person in charge of Noogieland (and the mom of the child I've had there since I started, 3 1/2 years now, plus his sister) took a new job and will be leaving. Now this is the only job I'm qualified for at Gilda's so it holds the possibility of change for me.
As of now they're only going to give me one of the evening groups on a trial basis. They are looking at how they want to structure her responsibilities so I probably just wouldn't step into her role. I'm thinking they want to preserve me with the kids. Down to one though when the other two leave. So mixed feelings for me there. Plus the night they want me to cover is Wednesday so I have to give up Awana. That makes me feel bad as they are pretty short staffed this year.
So the next day brought the third surprise, best of all. Steve was hired by AeroTek to work at ADAC Automotive as a designer. He started yesterday and so far so good. He says its a nice "normal" place as opposed to where he came from and he thinks he'll get along great. I'm so glad for him. And realize that we have been so blessed in this, for him to only be out of work three weeks. This is contract work for now but pretty much guaranteed to turn into direct employment in about six months or so. Doing the happy dance!
So this has been a week of surprises. Looking forward to a relatively quiet Labor Day weekend. Just a few ticket counseling sessions over the weekend with Wood Badge participants, then heading back up to camp next Thursday night.
Then the second surprise. A message to call my boss. The person in charge of Noogieland (and the mom of the child I've had there since I started, 3 1/2 years now, plus his sister) took a new job and will be leaving. Now this is the only job I'm qualified for at Gilda's so it holds the possibility of change for me.
As of now they're only going to give me one of the evening groups on a trial basis. They are looking at how they want to structure her responsibilities so I probably just wouldn't step into her role. I'm thinking they want to preserve me with the kids. Down to one though when the other two leave. So mixed feelings for me there. Plus the night they want me to cover is Wednesday so I have to give up Awana. That makes me feel bad as they are pretty short staffed this year.
So the next day brought the third surprise, best of all. Steve was hired by AeroTek to work at ADAC Automotive as a designer. He started yesterday and so far so good. He says its a nice "normal" place as opposed to where he came from and he thinks he'll get along great. I'm so glad for him. And realize that we have been so blessed in this, for him to only be out of work three weeks. This is contract work for now but pretty much guaranteed to turn into direct employment in about six months or so. Doing the happy dance!
So this has been a week of surprises. Looking forward to a relatively quiet Labor Day weekend. Just a few ticket counseling sessions over the weekend with Wood Badge participants, then heading back up to camp next Thursday night.
C2-266-11-1 Part 1
We are officially finished with the first of two weekends of Wood Badge. This is the scouting course that I've been preparing to staff since the end of last year. C2 is central region, 266 is our council number, 11 for the year, and 1 for the first course of the year.
After picking Eric up at the airport on Wednesday night (his plane didn't come in until 12:30 a.m....)we were up until about 2 a.m. getting a brief description of the trip. Woke up around 7 ish and decided that since I was packed I might as well get going. Stopped at McDonald's to check email one last time then headed to Gerber. Believe it or not, NO geocaching along the way.
Arrived around 11, helped set things up around camp, especially for the Blue & Gold which was circus themed. We had dinner together (pizza) as a staff then did some practicing of campfire skits and other things for the next morning, then got to bed. Bed did not equal sleep for many of us, though, including myself. I think I might have slept for an hour or so. Just could not shut off the thinker, too much to do the next day.
Friday morning bright and early we were awake. Eggs Benedict for breakfast (they feed us well...)then down to the pavilion to greet the arriving participants. As health officer, I had two questions for each one: "Have there been any changes to your health form since you turned it in?" and "Are you feeling well today?" Some still needed to turn in their forms as well. Then off to drop their stuff and then a hike to cub side to start the day. I was pleasantly surprised by being handed a set of car keys and asked to drive several participants over to cub side that had some mobility issues. Ah, the perks of being the health officer! It was my DE's car, too.
Started the day with a couple of presentations, then the troop guides had their first presentation. Meanwhile the rest of us were getting the finishing touches put on the Blue & Gold banquet. My role was that of a clown. I have my own clown outfit but it's been many years since I wore it. As I was putting on my makeup, I thought to myself, "I sure have a lot more wrinkles than the last time I did this!"
The B&G was a big success, with everything from a gorilla to a dancing bear to a unicycle rider. They had peanuts and popcorn as well. Afternoon brought crossover and their first Gilwell Field where they learned what their critter would be. More presentations then time for dinner.
Dinner was a voyageur theme, presented at Fort Clatsop. A real replica of the real thing from the Oregon Trail. We had reenactors in the fort, and cooking via dutch ovens outside. Elk and Buffalo - it was good! Campfire afterwards. I had three roles: A skit starring fleas (costumed with a large magnifying glass) a ghost chicken (you'd have to see it...) and Maw, in pioneer garb.
As the patrols came back and started playing a get to know you game, I had my first real health officer challenge. Got to treat a case of heat illness. The victim felt very nauseous (eventually threw up) and hadn't been drinking enough. So pushed fluids and cooled her down with ice and cold cloths. Eventually had her take a cool shower. She felt better then and was ok the next day.
Staff meeting ended the day and we all slept much better Friday night!
Saturday brought Gilwell Field first thing, more presentations in the morning and a rocket building competition in the afternoon. Saturday evening brought the Wood Badge game show and the Win All You Can show. Both games with a purpose. Then we had a medieval cracker barrel to honor Rich, one of the quartermasters, who was entering the 50 plus club the next day.
Sunday brought Gilwell Field, chapel (I gave the benediction) and then my presentation. I had a good case of nerves but everyone said I did a great job. That's what friends are for...I can now tell you all about stages of team development and how to use the Leading EDGE and the Teaching EDGE. Then a trip to the Venture base and some outdoor experiences. I think I've blogged about a Leave No Trace presentation that is very popular during our COAST trainings. Well, the same guy was here with the added bonus of doing his presentation (in abbreviated form) in a kilt. You had to see it to believe it. The kilt was MacLaren tartan (Wood Badge appropriate.)
Back to the main area to watch the movie October Sky (again, had purposes) and have some more presentations. Then one last trip to Gilwell Field and the participants were on their way home, new friendships gained and knowledge learned. Can't wait for the next weekend! (Sept 9-11)
After picking Eric up at the airport on Wednesday night (his plane didn't come in until 12:30 a.m....)we were up until about 2 a.m. getting a brief description of the trip. Woke up around 7 ish and decided that since I was packed I might as well get going. Stopped at McDonald's to check email one last time then headed to Gerber. Believe it or not, NO geocaching along the way.
Arrived around 11, helped set things up around camp, especially for the Blue & Gold which was circus themed. We had dinner together (pizza) as a staff then did some practicing of campfire skits and other things for the next morning, then got to bed. Bed did not equal sleep for many of us, though, including myself. I think I might have slept for an hour or so. Just could not shut off the thinker, too much to do the next day.
Friday morning bright and early we were awake. Eggs Benedict for breakfast (they feed us well...)then down to the pavilion to greet the arriving participants. As health officer, I had two questions for each one: "Have there been any changes to your health form since you turned it in?" and "Are you feeling well today?" Some still needed to turn in their forms as well. Then off to drop their stuff and then a hike to cub side to start the day. I was pleasantly surprised by being handed a set of car keys and asked to drive several participants over to cub side that had some mobility issues. Ah, the perks of being the health officer! It was my DE's car, too.
Started the day with a couple of presentations, then the troop guides had their first presentation. Meanwhile the rest of us were getting the finishing touches put on the Blue & Gold banquet. My role was that of a clown. I have my own clown outfit but it's been many years since I wore it. As I was putting on my makeup, I thought to myself, "I sure have a lot more wrinkles than the last time I did this!"
The B&G was a big success, with everything from a gorilla to a dancing bear to a unicycle rider. They had peanuts and popcorn as well. Afternoon brought crossover and their first Gilwell Field where they learned what their critter would be. More presentations then time for dinner.
Dinner was a voyageur theme, presented at Fort Clatsop. A real replica of the real thing from the Oregon Trail. We had reenactors in the fort, and cooking via dutch ovens outside. Elk and Buffalo - it was good! Campfire afterwards. I had three roles: A skit starring fleas (costumed with a large magnifying glass) a ghost chicken (you'd have to see it...) and Maw, in pioneer garb.
As the patrols came back and started playing a get to know you game, I had my first real health officer challenge. Got to treat a case of heat illness. The victim felt very nauseous (eventually threw up) and hadn't been drinking enough. So pushed fluids and cooled her down with ice and cold cloths. Eventually had her take a cool shower. She felt better then and was ok the next day.
Staff meeting ended the day and we all slept much better Friday night!
Saturday brought Gilwell Field first thing, more presentations in the morning and a rocket building competition in the afternoon. Saturday evening brought the Wood Badge game show and the Win All You Can show. Both games with a purpose. Then we had a medieval cracker barrel to honor Rich, one of the quartermasters, who was entering the 50 plus club the next day.
Sunday brought Gilwell Field, chapel (I gave the benediction) and then my presentation. I had a good case of nerves but everyone said I did a great job. That's what friends are for...I can now tell you all about stages of team development and how to use the Leading EDGE and the Teaching EDGE. Then a trip to the Venture base and some outdoor experiences. I think I've blogged about a Leave No Trace presentation that is very popular during our COAST trainings. Well, the same guy was here with the added bonus of doing his presentation (in abbreviated form) in a kilt. You had to see it to believe it. The kilt was MacLaren tartan (Wood Badge appropriate.)
Back to the main area to watch the movie October Sky (again, had purposes) and have some more presentations. Then one last trip to Gilwell Field and the participants were on their way home, new friendships gained and knowledge learned. Can't wait for the next weekend! (Sept 9-11)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Happy Birthday to me...
Yesterday could have been a downright rotten day, given the recent circumstances that I just blogged about in my prior post. It turned out great!
Started the day with a phone call from my mom just after I got up. I probably wasn't too coherent yet but it was still nice to hear from her.
Then on to work. Greeted by my 2 year old, who when prompted told me, "Happy Birthday Natalie!" (her name.) That is so typical of her and gave me a big smile. She also brought me a vase of flowers. Later my 4 month old came in with nice birthday greetings as well. Then at lunchtime, my 3 1/2 year old and 15 month old came in, also with flowers as well as a gift card to go out to eat (from all three families.) That was nice! I also had a card signed from all my co-workers and another from a member that I've gotten to know quite well over these last few years.
Checked my Facebook during lunch break. I couldn't believe the number of people who had posted birthday greetings. The final count, including the one just before midnight and the one just after midnight, was over a hundred. That was undescribably cool. A nice cross section, too, of all the different ways I know people. Family, co-workers, church friends, scouting friends, geocaching friends. And quite a few notes that were more than a simple "Happy Birthday." Didn't hear from my boys but know they are busy in Egypt. They called and left early birthday wishes on the answering machine last Friday night.
Our plans for my birthday were to go to the Melting Pot, a local fondue restaurant. It can be a bit pricey, so since it would just be Steve and I, I decided this would be the year. I raised the question, after Wednesday, whether we should still go. Steve was ok with still going. So we did.
We arrived and found a birthday card from the restaurant at the table, nice touch! First course was a traditional Swiss cheese fondue, made at the table. Especially nice since we never did end up having fondue in Switzerland! Dipping bread, apples, and veggies into the cheese tasted good. Second course - an assortment of main dish items with hot broth to cook them in, plus a variety of dipping sauces. We had chicken, shrimp, steak, potstickers, as well as potatoes, broccoli, & mushrooms to cook. Umm, good. But the best was yet to come. Yes, chocolate! Glad I forgoed a birthday cake as this was just as good if not better! Called Yin and Yang chocolate, it was dark chocolate swirled with white chocolate. They brought an assortment of goodies to dip into it, centered was a slice of cheesecake with a birthday candle in it. Also was brownies, rice krispy treats, marshmallows, bananas, strawberries, and pound cake. If I could have licked the pot I would have...end of the night brought two movie tickets, part of the package. We are saving them for another time.
After we got home, my sister Debbie called and we had a nice talk. I had talked to Judy via FB on Sunday so didn't expect a call from her. Then worked on some scouting stuff for our Wood Badge orientation meeting which is tonight, and went to bed. Too much diet coke didn't allow for a restful sleep, it definitely affects me more since I don't drink it all the time.
I started off my 51st year quite nicely, I think!
Started the day with a phone call from my mom just after I got up. I probably wasn't too coherent yet but it was still nice to hear from her.
Then on to work. Greeted by my 2 year old, who when prompted told me, "Happy Birthday Natalie!" (her name.) That is so typical of her and gave me a big smile. She also brought me a vase of flowers. Later my 4 month old came in with nice birthday greetings as well. Then at lunchtime, my 3 1/2 year old and 15 month old came in, also with flowers as well as a gift card to go out to eat (from all three families.) That was nice! I also had a card signed from all my co-workers and another from a member that I've gotten to know quite well over these last few years.
Checked my Facebook during lunch break. I couldn't believe the number of people who had posted birthday greetings. The final count, including the one just before midnight and the one just after midnight, was over a hundred. That was undescribably cool. A nice cross section, too, of all the different ways I know people. Family, co-workers, church friends, scouting friends, geocaching friends. And quite a few notes that were more than a simple "Happy Birthday." Didn't hear from my boys but know they are busy in Egypt. They called and left early birthday wishes on the answering machine last Friday night.
Our plans for my birthday were to go to the Melting Pot, a local fondue restaurant. It can be a bit pricey, so since it would just be Steve and I, I decided this would be the year. I raised the question, after Wednesday, whether we should still go. Steve was ok with still going. So we did.
We arrived and found a birthday card from the restaurant at the table, nice touch! First course was a traditional Swiss cheese fondue, made at the table. Especially nice since we never did end up having fondue in Switzerland! Dipping bread, apples, and veggies into the cheese tasted good. Second course - an assortment of main dish items with hot broth to cook them in, plus a variety of dipping sauces. We had chicken, shrimp, steak, potstickers, as well as potatoes, broccoli, & mushrooms to cook. Umm, good. But the best was yet to come. Yes, chocolate! Glad I forgoed a birthday cake as this was just as good if not better! Called Yin and Yang chocolate, it was dark chocolate swirled with white chocolate. They brought an assortment of goodies to dip into it, centered was a slice of cheesecake with a birthday candle in it. Also was brownies, rice krispy treats, marshmallows, bananas, strawberries, and pound cake. If I could have licked the pot I would have...end of the night brought two movie tickets, part of the package. We are saving them for another time.
After we got home, my sister Debbie called and we had a nice talk. I had talked to Judy via FB on Sunday so didn't expect a call from her. Then worked on some scouting stuff for our Wood Badge orientation meeting which is tonight, and went to bed. Too much diet coke didn't allow for a restful sleep, it definitely affects me more since I don't drink it all the time.
I started off my 51st year quite nicely, I think!
Worst Case Scenario
Yep. The worst case scenario happened. Last Wednesday, Steve lost his job. This was unexpected as he had been receiving excellent performance reviews and work was steadily coming in.
The part that is the worst is that they won't tell him why. They did say it was not his job performance or quality of work. But still no other reason. That's hard to take. Plus, at age 58, a job search will be even more challenging in this area.
We are luckier than most in this position. We own our home and our vehicles outright. No debts. Our only worry is health insurance. Looking into the options there - COBRA, trying somehow to get on Gilda's insurance even though I'm only part time and technically not eligible, or some other program. God IS in control and I have to keep reminding myself of that. He brought us to this, he will bring us through this. Wish Steve shared that same belief.
We're still going to be more careful with our finances for the time being. Unemployment will help. I'm glad that we have our trip done and in the memories already. Going ahead with it this fall (as was one of our original plans) would have been tough to justify. I'm also glad that I've paid my expenses for scout events this fall such as Wood Badge and Mackinac Rendezvous.
The part that is the worst is that they won't tell him why. They did say it was not his job performance or quality of work. But still no other reason. That's hard to take. Plus, at age 58, a job search will be even more challenging in this area.
We are luckier than most in this position. We own our home and our vehicles outright. No debts. Our only worry is health insurance. Looking into the options there - COBRA, trying somehow to get on Gilda's insurance even though I'm only part time and technically not eligible, or some other program. God IS in control and I have to keep reminding myself of that. He brought us to this, he will bring us through this. Wish Steve shared that same belief.
We're still going to be more careful with our finances for the time being. Unemployment will help. I'm glad that we have our trip done and in the memories already. Going ahead with it this fall (as was one of our original plans) would have been tough to justify. I'm also glad that I've paid my expenses for scout events this fall such as Wood Badge and Mackinac Rendezvous.
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