I often look into the eyes of Seamus and Annie wondering what possibly could be going on in there. How do they regard me? Leader of the pack? Mommy? Perhaps a combination of a gentleman's gentleman and chauffeur? What makes their day a Saturday and a Monday?
This morning as I am lying in bed with Seamus occupying the spot left by my husband, Seamus is ready to go. Let's just say he is a "morning dog". Every morning, he greets the world with..
"Yippee, let's go, wow it is morning and I get to go outside, to go for a ride, eat, Whoopiee!, Come on mom get out of bed and play with me!" "Isn't life grand"
Annie on the other hand is more like me. I think she would drink coffee. She lays around in her bed. Watching Seamus jump all over the place and only gets up to go downstairs for two reasons:
1) Lunch is being made prior to work and oooh was that the pretzel bag I heard. (It is better than a whistle)
2) Time to go out for the morning constitutional walk.
They sit in my office most of the day. Total couch potatoes only to perk up when a squirrel comes up on the patio or other wildlife. We have had everything from landscaper to coyotes to bobcats and raccoons.
I think of my sliders as a big screen doggy tv.
So here is my definition of a good day (typically Saturday) for my furry kids.
Get up and go to the park prior to 7 Am for a 1-2 mile walk including off leash time. Perhaps meeting up with Ruger, Bosco, or Stella to play with, or for Annie, have a little kid pet her.
Come home to a wonderful breakfast with leftover steak chopped up with my dry food or some of that yummy canned food.
Be able to be the dog selected to go with mom for errands and be allowed to sit in the front seat.
Come home. Go for another quick walk around the neighborhood when we check for the mail and my pee mail.
Share lunch with mom and/ or dad. Chips, pretzels, cheese, etc.
Afternoon nap in a sunny spot. Only to be woken by a belly rub and a leash dangling in my face .. Back over to the park or a trail somewhere. Spot some deer and beg mom to let me chase them.
Home for the parental units to order in pizza and watch it in the family room where I am allowed to share the sofa... More food. A sneak out the back door for last call. Off to my beddie to chase squirrels or win the Crofts dog show in my dreams.
I hope that is a good day. We can always top that with a trip to Uncle Rob's and Aunt Jen's to play and splash in the pond. But all in all. I hope that is a good day in the life of any dog.. not just ours.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
New Wheels vs. New Appliances
We have been making improvements to the townhouse trying to keep the eye to the "flip" mentality in a couple of years when the real estate market comes back (and it will). Honestly, neither of us thinks that we are going to score the type of money that we have made in the past three transactions but, not losing any and making a fast sale is a key thing.
How do you set your townhouse apart from others in the community? (Back to that word community) You make improvements to the kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures, and in the case of a townhou
se storage. We have been making changes. Ripping out stuff that is less than five years old and putting in more social accepted and desired stuff. (The dining room fixture was formerly a shiny brass chandlier that was $40 at the Depot). Next on the hit parade, we are tackling the kitchen. The thought is to put in granite and stainless. We already have upgraded cabinets from others, tile floor, and new lighting fixtures (well they are still in the box as of this posting). Branny found a great deal on the web. This is an awesome deal for appliances!
His internal conflict is that it is going to be about the same cost as the new Cannondale bike he wants. For most people, spending close to 4K on a bicycle is stupid. Cough, choke and sputter. However, he puts thousands of miles on his bike a year. I think he actually rode more miles that I drove in the past six months. His LiteSpeed is now 6 years old. We haven't kept a car that long. (or a house but that is fully covered in other entries and rants) .
The argument most women would make is that appliances are used daily. So is th
e bike. Furthermore, appliances can lead to weigh gain and biking the reverse. In the end of the day, it is a question of ROI. I think the appliances may win. Stay tuned for a photo finish! (Voting is acceptable, but as with National Presidential elections, the electorial college has the final say)
How do you set your townhouse apart from others in the community? (Back to that word community) You make improvements to the kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures, and in the case of a townhou
se storage. We have been making changes. Ripping out stuff that is less than five years old and putting in more social accepted and desired stuff. (The dining room fixture was formerly a shiny brass chandlier that was $40 at the Depot). Next on the hit parade, we are tackling the kitchen. The thought is to put in granite and stainless. We already have upgraded cabinets from others, tile floor, and new lighting fixtures (well they are still in the box as of this posting). Branny found a great deal on the web. This is an awesome deal for appliances!His internal conflict is that it is going to be about the same cost as the new Cannondale bike he wants. For most people, spending close to 4K on a bicycle is stupid. Cough, choke and sputter. However, he puts thousands of miles on his bike a year. I think he actually rode more miles that I drove in the past six months. His LiteSpeed is now 6 years old. We haven't kept a car that long. (or a house but that is fully covered in other entries and rants) .
The argument most women would make is that appliances are used daily. So is th
e bike. Furthermore, appliances can lead to weigh gain and biking the reverse. In the end of the day, it is a question of ROI. I think the appliances may win. Stay tuned for a photo finish! (Voting is acceptable, but as with National Presidential elections, the electorial college has the final say)
Monday, October 16, 2006
What does the World need from Graduating College Students!
Pauline, this is great -- thanks for taking the time to write such a thoughtful response. I'm going to synopsize parts of this, and it will be printed in a "CLP 7" folder that I use to work with all students, freshmen through senior. In addition, I make take larger excerpts and put them in my annual "wake up and smell the coffee!" email to current seniors.
Thanks for all you do for us... this is very cool stuff... and I WILL refer recent grads and current seniors to the your career page.
Gene
-----Original Message-----Subject: RE: From NEC: Help Us Teach!
Gene -
This is a terrific undertaking by NEC! I am happy to share my thoughts on turning students into successful Alumni. I would prefer to speak about my own experiences both what I feel has contributed to my success and some of the short comings I see in the Generation Y employees I have hired and work with at clients.
One of the keys to success in my role in sales and marketing is communication. The ability to write, speak via the phone and in front of groups are important skills. Entry level business professionals need to be able to understand their audience quickly and adjust the message to fit. I need to find many different ways to communicate the same information regardless of the forum or audience. In the past 24 hours, I have sent an email blast to my current customers, conducted a WebEX demonstration for Oracle Corporation Marketing executives, sat in a frustrating internal weekly meeting, updated two different forecasting spreadsheets, continuing to train a new sales person, and completed a host of cold calls to new business opportunities(both in French and English). All of this was accomplished from my home office. However, communication is certainly a two way street. Listening and understanding the needs and desires of your customers whether they be patients, internal staff, or paying customers is essential as well.
I think another thing I have seen lacking in graduating students is the understanding they probably won't have a management position directly out of college. Their first position will involve a lot of clerical tasks. They need to be ready to ask how can I help at any time. To summarize, I feel is important is simple flexibility and common manners. Dr. Sayce had a large clip on his desk that read, "Rigid Flexibility". I have quoted that more times than I care to mention. I find it also very beneficial for the understanding of professionalism and manners. What "is and is not" appropriate behavior in a professional setting is a useful skill for new alumni.
It is also important to make sure each graduate has the ability to use the common software packages to office, adobe, etc. I also think that a standard understanding of accounting and entrepreneurship is important. Whether you are a freelance artist or biologist, most professionals must be able to put together a budget or work within one.
All this being said, Generation Y has an incredible grasp of cutting edge technology and will drive the future of business with bringing the Facebooks and Myspaces to the business community. On a separate topic that might be interesting to you, my company is working with the Wharton School of Business and MIT Sloan School on a project about the future of business education and how the knowledge and power of a community is greater. In some respects, you reaching out to Alumni about your own project is a perfect example of using a community of people and experience to learn from the shared knowledge. Check out http://www.wearesmarter.org/. Gene, you may want to share your findings of using the NEC Alumni community to help prepare graduates for the expectations of today's employers. This research project is a book wiki being written by the masses. Your findings would be an excellent case study and great publicity for the college!
If you have more questions, let me know. Best on your quest to prepare students to be my employees and fellow alumni!
Cheers!
Pauline '91
---------------------------------
From NEC: Help Us Teach!
Dear NEC Alum and Career Advisory Network Member:
Greetings from NEC. You'd like it up here at this time of year... BRIGHT fall colors, crisp air. This is the time of the semester when people are suddenly realizing that the honeymoon is over and the work (classwork and our own full-time jobs) isn't going away, so there are some tired faces; but all is very well. And we all wish YOU well.
I'm writing with an interesting request. At the CLP office, we're getting much more focused and intentional about teaching students what skills they'll need in the workforce when they graduate. So rather than guessing, I've decided to ask YOU.
Can you email me back and tell me: what skills are essential for the kind of work you do? I mean, the absolutes? What people skills? What skills with information or numbers or computers? What kind of awareness? To help you out with this, I'm attaching two lists of skills that you can use (if you need it) to remember what is most essential to you in your job. But be brief -- could you give me three essentials?
So, if you can, I'd like a short email or simple list. I'll collect this information, and make sure EVERY STUDENT I TALK TO is aware of what they're going to need. Believe me, we're getting very systematic about this -- we want NEC grads and current students to be aware of their goals.
Thanks. Again, greetings from ALL of us at NEC.
Gene edurkee@nec.edu
Thanks for all you do for us... this is very cool stuff... and I WILL refer recent grads and current seniors to the your career page.
Gene
-----Original Message-----Subject: RE: From NEC: Help Us Teach!
Gene -
This is a terrific undertaking by NEC! I am happy to share my thoughts on turning students into successful Alumni. I would prefer to speak about my own experiences both what I feel has contributed to my success and some of the short comings I see in the Generation Y employees I have hired and work with at clients.
One of the keys to success in my role in sales and marketing is communication. The ability to write, speak via the phone and in front of groups are important skills. Entry level business professionals need to be able to understand their audience quickly and adjust the message to fit. I need to find many different ways to communicate the same information regardless of the forum or audience. In the past 24 hours, I have sent an email blast to my current customers, conducted a WebEX demonstration for Oracle Corporation Marketing executives, sat in a frustrating internal weekly meeting, updated two different forecasting spreadsheets, continuing to train a new sales person, and completed a host of cold calls to new business opportunities(both in French and English). All of this was accomplished from my home office. However, communication is certainly a two way street. Listening and understanding the needs and desires of your customers whether they be patients, internal staff, or paying customers is essential as well.
I think another thing I have seen lacking in graduating students is the understanding they probably won't have a management position directly out of college. Their first position will involve a lot of clerical tasks. They need to be ready to ask how can I help at any time. To summarize, I feel is important is simple flexibility and common manners. Dr. Sayce had a large clip on his desk that read, "Rigid Flexibility". I have quoted that more times than I care to mention. I find it also very beneficial for the understanding of professionalism and manners. What "is and is not" appropriate behavior in a professional setting is a useful skill for new alumni.
It is also important to make sure each graduate has the ability to use the common software packages to office, adobe, etc. I also think that a standard understanding of accounting and entrepreneurship is important. Whether you are a freelance artist or biologist, most professionals must be able to put together a budget or work within one.
All this being said, Generation Y has an incredible grasp of cutting edge technology and will drive the future of business with bringing the Facebooks and Myspaces to the business community. On a separate topic that might be interesting to you, my company is working with the Wharton School of Business and MIT Sloan School on a project about the future of business education and how the knowledge and power of a community is greater. In some respects, you reaching out to Alumni about your own project is a perfect example of using a community of people and experience to learn from the shared knowledge. Check out http://www.wearesmarter.org/. Gene, you may want to share your findings of using the NEC Alumni community to help prepare graduates for the expectations of today's employers. This research project is a book wiki being written by the masses. Your findings would be an excellent case study and great publicity for the college!
If you have more questions, let me know. Best on your quest to prepare students to be my employees and fellow alumni!
Cheers!
Pauline '91
---------------------------------
From NEC: Help Us Teach!
Dear NEC Alum and Career Advisory Network Member:
Greetings from NEC. You'd like it up here at this time of year... BRIGHT fall colors, crisp air. This is the time of the semester when people are suddenly realizing that the honeymoon is over and the work (classwork and our own full-time jobs) isn't going away, so there are some tired faces; but all is very well. And we all wish YOU well.
I'm writing with an interesting request. At the CLP office, we're getting much more focused and intentional about teaching students what skills they'll need in the workforce when they graduate. So rather than guessing, I've decided to ask YOU.
Can you email me back and tell me: what skills are essential for the kind of work you do? I mean, the absolutes? What people skills? What skills with information or numbers or computers? What kind of awareness? To help you out with this, I'm attaching two lists of skills that you can use (if you need it) to remember what is most essential to you in your job. But be brief -- could you give me three essentials?
So, if you can, I'd like a short email or simple list. I'll collect this information, and make sure EVERY STUDENT I TALK TO is aware of what they're going to need. Believe me, we're getting very systematic about this -- we want NEC grads and current students to be aware of their goals.
Thanks. Again, greetings from ALL of us at NEC.
Gene edurkee@nec.edu
Cardinal Rule - Broken
The cardinal rule of blogging is "Thou Shall Update Often" even if it is garbage! It isn't that I haven't had a ton to say just that each of the 20 times I have come out to this site to write something... The phone has rung, my IM goes nuts or I just can't figure out how I can spend another minute staring at the lap top.
Work is very busy with the launch of our new Community 2.0 conference, the CMMC Council, and the We are Smarter than Me project with Sloan School at MIT and Wharton School of Business. The event is again going to be very different. Just when I get comfortable in my box of the format we have, I find myself standing in the box... kicking down the walls and trying to feel comfortable again.
I have been doing a lot of this in the past six years. Move to Massachusetts, find everything - mechanic, doctor, dentist, hair dresser, insurance guy... Then to Georgia. Find a job, bagel shop (not as easy as it sounds), nail salon, accent, house. Move back to Connecticut, place to walk the dogs, my sweaters, close toed shoes, dry cleaner, dog walker.... So I should be used to it. Change is what makes the world and life interesting.
So what has been going on in our lives? Since I last wrote, we went to Newport for our Anniversary - Great time!! Jim has organized the garage. Put up some new ceiling lights.. Organized the closets in the lower level so that the boxes are out of the middle of the floor.
We went to dinner with great friends in Westport. They have a new dog, Olive. We are looking forward to introducing our broods for a puppy play date. Anyone got dibs on how Seamus handles a 110 lb Mastiff puppy?
I am thinking about organizing a supper club. If you are interested, let me know. The rules are have the club to your house 3-4 times a year for dinner. Can either be a joint cook or a meal prepared by you.. Once a month, we go to another house. Goal is 3-4 couples. Pot luck is also acceptable. Bring the recipes.. Have an awesome time...
Work is very busy with the launch of our new Community 2.0 conference, the CMMC Council, and the We are Smarter than Me project with Sloan School at MIT and Wharton School of Business. The event is again going to be very different. Just when I get comfortable in my box of the format we have, I find myself standing in the box... kicking down the walls and trying to feel comfortable again.
I have been doing a lot of this in the past six years. Move to Massachusetts, find everything - mechanic, doctor, dentist, hair dresser, insurance guy... Then to Georgia. Find a job, bagel shop (not as easy as it sounds), nail salon, accent, house. Move back to Connecticut, place to walk the dogs, my sweaters, close toed shoes, dry cleaner, dog walker.... So I should be used to it. Change is what makes the world and life interesting.
So what has been going on in our lives? Since I last wrote, we went to Newport for our Anniversary - Great time!! Jim has organized the garage. Put up some new ceiling lights.. Organized the closets in the lower level so that the boxes are out of the middle of the floor.
We went to dinner with great friends in Westport. They have a new dog, Olive. We are looking forward to introducing our broods for a puppy play date. Anyone got dibs on how Seamus handles a 110 lb Mastiff puppy?
I am thinking about organizing a supper club. If you are interested, let me know. The rules are have the club to your house 3-4 times a year for dinner. Can either be a joint cook or a meal prepared by you.. Once a month, we go to another house. Goal is 3-4 couples. Pot luck is also acceptable. Bring the recipes.. Have an awesome time...
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Lunch time
Lunch is an interesting meal without definition. You can Lunch.. You can Brunch. Eat leftovers, Eat a sandwich. Drink a Slimfast. There are "Liquid lunches". Lunch meetings. You can eat someone's lunch. Personally, my lunch is spent most days having a sandwich away from this computer. I take in a few minutes of TV .. The news, Paula Deen, Millionaire game show or ER depending on the time. Walk the dogs or get the mail. Sometimes, it is when I finally break free from the computer to take a shower (most Fridays because of the early meetings).
I used to be the person that "didn't take lunch". I would eat at my desk. Answer email, do database management, answer the phone, and generally ignore the concept as something that non committed employees did daily unless it was attached to a business lunch. Bill and Steve will agree that this was me.
I find that having this rest bit. Even if it is 20 minutes recharges me. I can pay attention to what I am eating doing and then focus on my tasks for the afternoon. Hold on the phone is ringing .... oh it is Mark.. be right back!
Okay.... Sorry about that .. How do you prefer to lunch?
I used to be the person that "didn't take lunch". I would eat at my desk. Answer email, do database management, answer the phone, and generally ignore the concept as something that non committed employees did daily unless it was attached to a business lunch. Bill and Steve will agree that this was me.
I find that having this rest bit. Even if it is 20 minutes recharges me. I can pay attention to what I am eating doing and then focus on my tasks for the afternoon. Hold on the phone is ringing .... oh it is Mark.. be right back!
Okay.... Sorry about that .. How do you prefer to lunch?
Monday, September 25, 2006
Making Sour Grapes into a Fine Wine
This weekend we were invited to join our Great friends the Vara's to destroy a large gift certificate at a local bistro in Mahopac. We were all over it. Can't wait to meet up for a great night.
We had a great start to the evening with munchies (solid move by Madam Vara) and a drink at the Vara's and a death defying ride to the restaurant with Jim driving the G35 at a pace to terrify the ladies stuck in the back seat. There are times I am glad that my eyesight without my glasses is not the best at night. (Although, determined legal by the States of GA and CT)
The restaurant is very cute. It is one of those places you go to once or twice a year for a special occasion. It takes a while for the drink order to be taken and a while (30 minutes perhaps for the wine arrives- which in retro respect a good thing). About this time, a lady from a table in the corner stands up and loudly asks if she can have a ta-go box and the check. They have been finished for a 1/2 hour. Umm. hmm. There are about 5 empty tables.
Our reservations were for 8 PM. The waitress pours the wine and says she will be back to take our order. One delicious but slowly drank glass of wine later, we get an opportunity to place the order. Roughly 3o minutes later, a waiter comes out to apologize on the time the starters are taking. They burned ours. Starting over. Now, understand... in a professional oven the bay scallops (small ones) take under 10 minutes under the broiler.
Roll ahead to the second bottle of wine being finished and it is now somewhere between 10:15 and 10:30 PM (I think). The dinner hasn't arrived. The waitress comes over and says to Rob, "We are plating your dinners right now, we apologize for the delay.. we are just waiting for your steak to finish (medium well)" Rob replies, " Let me get this straight, we sat down at 8:15 Pm it is now 10:30 and you are waiting on me" - Classic!!! Darn that patron for wanting a medium well steak.. Wouldn't you put this on first and then put on the others?
I want to say the food was splendid, the service was pleasant and they made accommodations on the bill. Thank God the company was the exact right people we would both want to be eating a leisurely meal with at a great restaurant. If it was clients, I would have been pulling my hair out. We were all just starving. End result, after surviving the slow service and laughing about it. We are now trying to figure out someplace to vacation... Great Friends.. we turned potential sour grapes into fine wine and a wonderful memory. End Result - Fantastic weekend.. it gave me something to blog about. Thanks to the Vara's for a great time! (and birthday present)
We had a great start to the evening with munchies (solid move by Madam Vara) and a drink at the Vara's and a death defying ride to the restaurant with Jim driving the G35 at a pace to terrify the ladies stuck in the back seat. There are times I am glad that my eyesight without my glasses is not the best at night. (Although, determined legal by the States of GA and CT)
The restaurant is very cute. It is one of those places you go to once or twice a year for a special occasion. It takes a while for the drink order to be taken and a while (30 minutes perhaps for the wine arrives- which in retro respect a good thing). About this time, a lady from a table in the corner stands up and loudly asks if she can have a ta-go box and the check. They have been finished for a 1/2 hour. Umm. hmm. There are about 5 empty tables.
Our reservations were for 8 PM. The waitress pours the wine and says she will be back to take our order. One delicious but slowly drank glass of wine later, we get an opportunity to place the order. Roughly 3o minutes later, a waiter comes out to apologize on the time the starters are taking. They burned ours. Starting over. Now, understand... in a professional oven the bay scallops (small ones) take under 10 minutes under the broiler.
Roll ahead to the second bottle of wine being finished and it is now somewhere between 10:15 and 10:30 PM (I think). The dinner hasn't arrived. The waitress comes over and says to Rob, "We are plating your dinners right now, we apologize for the delay.. we are just waiting for your steak to finish (medium well)" Rob replies, " Let me get this straight, we sat down at 8:15 Pm it is now 10:30 and you are waiting on me" - Classic!!! Darn that patron for wanting a medium well steak.. Wouldn't you put this on first and then put on the others?
I want to say the food was splendid, the service was pleasant and they made accommodations on the bill. Thank God the company was the exact right people we would both want to be eating a leisurely meal with at a great restaurant. If it was clients, I would have been pulling my hair out. We were all just starving. End result, after surviving the slow service and laughing about it. We are now trying to figure out someplace to vacation... Great Friends.. we turned potential sour grapes into fine wine and a wonderful memory. End Result - Fantastic weekend.. it gave me something to blog about. Thanks to the Vara's for a great time! (and birthday present)
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Citgo Ban
Timing is always very amazing to me. As I have the UN press conference from the Iranian President on in the background on Fox News, I received an email from my best friend in College and fellow Harvard Model UN Delegate. Today, I want to call on everyone to join in the banning getting Citgo gas. It is a Venzulan government owned product. The station owners are good people. Want a diet coke or bag of chips.. go right ahead. Just don't fill up the tank. Jim and I have been avoiding them for the better part of a year after Chavez started his negative spewing about the United States. This is not a Republican or Democrat thing. Personally, he could offer to pay my mortgage and heating bills and I would tell him to keep his money.
This population boycotted Exxon for the supposed mistake of the crew of men. This is a much bigger reason. Find another station!
This population boycotted Exxon for the supposed mistake of the crew of men. This is a much bigger reason. Find another station!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Endless fur
Are there days in your life you want to declare that the fur covering every inch of the floors, carpets, and bedspreads in your home a new decorating technique? Ahh Fall, it seems that it is again time for my "kids" to rid themselves of the undercoats in clumps, tumbleweed and general hair loss on a moment by moment basis. I could brush Annie every day and come away with a bag o'fur. Seamus hates to be brushed and shakes like a leaf when I am brushing him or giving him a bath at the silcock.
We (notice the collective we) try to keep up with the vacuuming, dusting and floor washing... However, it never seems to be enough. When the headlights shine in from the garage door across the entry into the dining room and living room, you would swear no one had cleaned in months. Yet - it was probably done less than 48 hours ago.... It is enough to send Martha Stewart or any of the Regan family shrieking at the top of their lungs.
We have invested (notice the word) in an Oreck. It does do a pretty good job granted. I wonder when I will resort to vacuuming the dogs and then the house?
I guess you chock it up to the joys of being a fur baby parent. At least there isn't college, a wedding, drivers ed / insurance, and a host of lessons to pay for... Just an extra trip to the groomer and to Oreck for more bags. BTW... Annie just groaned. I think she senses it is time to go outside and be brushed again.
We (notice the collective we) try to keep up with the vacuuming, dusting and floor washing... However, it never seems to be enough. When the headlights shine in from the garage door across the entry into the dining room and living room, you would swear no one had cleaned in months. Yet - it was probably done less than 48 hours ago.... It is enough to send Martha Stewart or any of the Regan family shrieking at the top of their lungs.
We have invested (notice the word) in an Oreck. It does do a pretty good job granted. I wonder when I will resort to vacuuming the dogs and then the house?
I guess you chock it up to the joys of being a fur baby parent. At least there isn't college, a wedding, drivers ed / insurance, and a host of lessons to pay for... Just an extra trip to the groomer and to Oreck for more bags. BTW... Annie just groaned. I think she senses it is time to go outside and be brushed again.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Last Week - The Blur
I mentioned that I was flying on September 11th. I did! It was a bit stressful. The security was extra tight. The carry on bags searched twice. Once at Security and then again at the gate. This was fine in my opinnion. The flights were packed on all legs this trip. I wonder if they took flights off?
Seattle is a great city. I have to say, I have been there twice in the past two years. It hasn't rained at all while I have been there. It is a great walking city. They have a homeless problem but they are not aggressive like they are in San Francisco. The food is great. The traffic isn't a real problem in the city. People actually bike and take public transportation. The strangest thing is there is NO JAYWALKING. For those of you in Boston and New York.. read that again. People wait for the little white crossman. Even if there isn't a car anywhere in sight! I hear the cops hand out tickets. Interesting ...
Trip was good from the business perspective. I am a bit sorry this conference is going to San Diego next year. I like going to Seattle and it is the only one that has been there. I also have another event in San Diego. (I like San Diego too...)
Got back to Hartford sans my checked luggage. I understand this is happening more because of the number of bags being checked vs carry ons. They delivered it the next day to the house.
Friday was a quick trip to Boston to the office and to see a client. GREAT MEETING!!! Then to Melanie and Jim's for a wonderful birthday celebration with my parents. Woke up with a nasty cold and slight hangover. Some how drove home to Connecticut and went to bed for the next two days.
Annie had a medical issue on Sunday night and is recovering from an embarrassing reoccuring gland issue. Did I tell you I have been making what seems to be car payments to my vet in bills since July? Back to the grind this week. My company is on the verge of launching a huge new endeavor that is amazing and cutting edge. Check out www.wearesmarter.com ... This makes blogging seem sooo 2006.
Seattle is a great city. I have to say, I have been there twice in the past two years. It hasn't rained at all while I have been there. It is a great walking city. They have a homeless problem but they are not aggressive like they are in San Francisco. The food is great. The traffic isn't a real problem in the city. People actually bike and take public transportation. The strangest thing is there is NO JAYWALKING. For those of you in Boston and New York.. read that again. People wait for the little white crossman. Even if there isn't a car anywhere in sight! I hear the cops hand out tickets. Interesting ...
Trip was good from the business perspective. I am a bit sorry this conference is going to San Diego next year. I like going to Seattle and it is the only one that has been there. I also have another event in San Diego. (I like San Diego too...)
Got back to Hartford sans my checked luggage. I understand this is happening more because of the number of bags being checked vs carry ons. They delivered it the next day to the house.
Friday was a quick trip to Boston to the office and to see a client. GREAT MEETING!!! Then to Melanie and Jim's for a wonderful birthday celebration with my parents. Woke up with a nasty cold and slight hangover. Some how drove home to Connecticut and went to bed for the next two days.
Annie had a medical issue on Sunday night and is recovering from an embarrassing reoccuring gland issue. Did I tell you I have been making what seems to be car payments to my vet in bills since July? Back to the grind this week. My company is on the verge of launching a huge new endeavor that is amazing and cutting edge. Check out www.wearesmarter.com ... This makes blogging seem sooo 2006.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Why does everyone think there is a magic pill?
Okay, I realize there is no magic pill to get rich or lose weight. There are no prince charmings or Daddy Warbucks in 99.9% of people's future. Yes, people hit the lottery and yes people can find the strength within themselves to lose weigh (or some just have that killer metabolism).
Jim keeps sending me links to articles on the ARM crazy in mortgages. I think he is thanking his lucky stars I spent five years earning pennies in a mortgage company. If you haven't bought a house, you are thinking about it, or thinking about refinancing, read this article....
http://biz.yahoo.com/weekend/mortgagepain_1.html
ARM mortgages are like putting your home on red on the roulette wheel. If a broker talks to you about a 5/1, 3/1, 7/1 or any term that will adjust. RUN AWAY! If you can't afford the following, you can't afford the home:
Monthly PI &TI = $1966.66
Now take your Monthly Gross Income. For a couple or individual that grosses $95,000.00 a year, this would be: $7916.66
Take the Monthly PITI $1966.66 and divide it by the Gross Monthly income $7916.66
1966.66/7916.66 = .248 or 25%. If this number is higher than 28%, walk or run away(at least you will burn calories) . Personally, I like to have it less than 24%.
This means that 25% your gross income is going to pay for your home. Uncle Sam and Cousin State are going to take another 25% or more with income taxes. Hopefully, you are putting another at least 10% way into a 401K or similiar investment vehicle. So that is 60% of your gross income... with what is left ($38,000 or $3166 a month), please pay for:
Jim keeps sending me links to articles on the ARM crazy in mortgages. I think he is thanking his lucky stars I spent five years earning pennies in a mortgage company. If you haven't bought a house, you are thinking about it, or thinking about refinancing, read this article....
http://biz.yahoo.com/weekend/mortgagepain_1.html
ARM mortgages are like putting your home on red on the roulette wheel. If a broker talks to you about a 5/1, 3/1, 7/1 or any term that will adjust. RUN AWAY! If you can't afford the following, you can't afford the home:
- Mortgage payment (principal and interest) - $1500
- Property Taxes (annual amount divided by 12) - $5000 / 12 = $416.66
- Home Owners policy (annual divide by 12) - $600/ 12 = $50.00
- association fees if applicable
Monthly PI &TI = $1966.66
Now take your Monthly Gross Income. For a couple or individual that grosses $95,000.00 a year, this would be: $7916.66
Take the Monthly PITI $1966.66 and divide it by the Gross Monthly income $7916.66
1966.66/7916.66 = .248 or 25%. If this number is higher than 28%, walk or run away(at least you will burn calories) . Personally, I like to have it less than 24%.
This means that 25% your gross income is going to pay for your home. Uncle Sam and Cousin State are going to take another 25% or more with income taxes. Hopefully, you are putting another at least 10% way into a 401K or similiar investment vehicle. So that is 60% of your gross income... with what is left ($38,000 or $3166 a month), please pay for:
- Electricity
- Heat or A/C
- Water/Sewer
- Telephone, Cell Phone, Internet
- Cable TV
- Cars- Payment, Insurance, Gas, garage bills
- Food - Grocery Store and meals on wheels (eating out or delivery)
- Medical Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Credit Card Bills - Major and Store cards (more than just the monthly minimum payment)
- Student Loans
- Vet Bills/ Animal food
- Vacations
- Misc - hair cuts, manicures, clothes, shoes (we know my thoughts on this), computers
- Repairs and improvements to said home including landscaping and lawn cutting.
Are you depressed yet? So the next time the mortgage officer tells you what you can afford... come with your own knowledge in hand ... they are going to make money off you. Read the fine print and the article attached first ...
September 11th - 5 years later
This day brought the world closer, a nation, and families. People changed their lives afterwards. Some by choice .. Some by force. Many of our friends and family lost jobs (me included) because of the economic down turn that was coming prior to the attack but intensified afterwards. We very lucky not to have lost any directly. Most of you know how panicked I was that one of the co-pilots might have been my cousin Eric. The initial reports were the man flying for American was from the same town in New Hampshire and the same age.
Two people have opened businesses and went to work for themselves as a result. They are both highly successful with them. Others got out of bad marriages.. Moved across the country (us included). 5 years later.. It seems like a life time ago and just yesterday...
There is a question on Yahoo about how you will remember or plans for September 11th. I would have never thought in a million years about my activities for that day... I am flying to Seattle for a competitive conference. I thought about flying out on the 10th but there isn't a good reason.. and flying is the best way to thumb my nose at bin laden and his thugs.
What are your plans? Click the pencil below and list your comments!
Two people have opened businesses and went to work for themselves as a result. They are both highly successful with them. Others got out of bad marriages.. Moved across the country (us included). 5 years later.. It seems like a life time ago and just yesterday...
There is a question on Yahoo about how you will remember or plans for September 11th. I would have never thought in a million years about my activities for that day... I am flying to Seattle for a competitive conference. I thought about flying out on the 10th but there isn't a good reason.. and flying is the best way to thumb my nose at bin laden and his thugs.
What are your plans? Click the pencil below and list your comments!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Stop and Shop Scam
I think I have discovered a scam by the Cashiers at Stop and Shop. Make sure that if you get "cash back" that you not only get it but that it is the right denomination.
The last two times I have put into the machine to get a $20 back. I have either had to:
1) Ask for it after they have closed the drawer. (the look on the cashier's face was "damn" rather than apologetic.
2) A smaller bill ie. I got a ten back rather than a twenty last night. Only I discovered it this morning.
This same cashier.. Crushed my flowers/ packed raw pork with produce / and cleaning supplies with other food. I didn't notice because I was busy trying to save the rest of my food from being crushed and bagging as fast as I could.
These cashiers seem to be Generation Y. Look for the senior citizen. You have less of a chance to get ripped off!
They are not doing anything about the missing "$10" as her draw was only off by 20 cents.. go figure. I will shop somewhere else for 10 weeks... that is about $1200 in business going somewhere else. That should get my $10 out of them!
The last two times I have put into the machine to get a $20 back. I have either had to:
1) Ask for it after they have closed the drawer. (the look on the cashier's face was "damn" rather than apologetic.
2) A smaller bill ie. I got a ten back rather than a twenty last night. Only I discovered it this morning.
This same cashier.. Crushed my flowers/ packed raw pork with produce / and cleaning supplies with other food. I didn't notice because I was busy trying to save the rest of my food from being crushed and bagging as fast as I could.
These cashiers seem to be Generation Y. Look for the senior citizen. You have less of a chance to get ripped off!
They are not doing anything about the missing "$10" as her draw was only off by 20 cents.. go figure. I will shop somewhere else for 10 weeks... that is about $1200 in business going somewhere else. That should get my $10 out of them!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
One Step ahead and two behind - The Murphy Law dance
Between yesterday and today, I have had a conversation with a friend that once a week at least we commit to a diet and exercise plan and then on Monday/ Tuesday we are back having the same conversation. It flip flops on who is having the issue and bringing it to the surface. It goes something like this...
Okay.. I just don't see any movement. I walk, I try and eat right and then the weekend throws me off kilter. It was a bbq at a friend's pool or a couple of cocktails
I know ... We went out to dinner and I just couldn't get past the (fill in the blank).
Ya and then I didn't get the (walk/run/bike ride) in I promised myself.
Okay well you have to push me... don't let me falter. Okay if you do it for me.. yada yada yada...
This was the boiled down version of yesterday's conversation with me whining excuses on why it was a failing battle and why I couldn't do this or that. She is a no carb freak and I am a calorie counter. Calories are calories.. she is all about no carbs. Whatever - I need to grow up and just do it. I bet she would say the same thing.
This morning, I got up late but managed to get 3 laps in the park. Feeling good about doing extra, I came home to my email. My friend in Georgia was pleased about going over 1900 miles on his bike this summer. Steve - that is great. I haven't taken out the bike in a week with the rain. Thanks for extra push to get off my ... well you know.
So, I figured I could take a short lunch and do another 1.5 miles on the treadmill. IT DOESN'T WORK.... I HAVEN'T USED IT SINCE THE MOVE. Do you really think that Berger-Allied is going to 1) have a good laugh I haven't used the treadmill since April or 2) Believe me it hasn't worked? or 3) All of the above.
I thought I had checked them off the list.... ^*68^%%$#$^@#@@!
So I am now not only battling the extra pounds and the motivation but down one weapon going into the fall and have to go back to war with the moving company. That should take weeks to fix.
Yikes!
Okay.. I just don't see any movement. I walk, I try and eat right and then the weekend throws me off kilter. It was a bbq at a friend's pool or a couple of cocktails
I know ... We went out to dinner and I just couldn't get past the (fill in the blank).
Ya and then I didn't get the (walk/run/bike ride) in I promised myself.
Okay well you have to push me... don't let me falter. Okay if you do it for me.. yada yada yada...
This was the boiled down version of yesterday's conversation with me whining excuses on why it was a failing battle and why I couldn't do this or that. She is a no carb freak and I am a calorie counter. Calories are calories.. she is all about no carbs. Whatever - I need to grow up and just do it. I bet she would say the same thing.
This morning, I got up late but managed to get 3 laps in the park. Feeling good about doing extra, I came home to my email. My friend in Georgia was pleased about going over 1900 miles on his bike this summer. Steve - that is great. I haven't taken out the bike in a week with the rain. Thanks for extra push to get off my ... well you know.
So, I figured I could take a short lunch and do another 1.5 miles on the treadmill. IT DOESN'T WORK.... I HAVEN'T USED IT SINCE THE MOVE. Do you really think that Berger-Allied is going to 1) have a good laugh I haven't used the treadmill since April or 2) Believe me it hasn't worked? or 3) All of the above.
I thought I had checked them off the list.... ^*68^%%$#$^@#@@!
So I am now not only battling the extra pounds and the motivation but down one weapon going into the fall and have to go back to war with the moving company. That should take weeks to fix.
Yikes!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
What will the arrival of fall bring for you?
Today was the start of school for many schools here in the NorthEast. My nephew Jamie drove off in his car for the first time for the first day of his Senior year. I bet his mother after taking all the pictures including the one of him disappearing up the street wondered if this day would have been ever possible some 17 years ago. It seemed so far off in the future.
Fall is suppose to be a time of the dying of the light and all the spring growth. However, I find it is a time to refocus and perhaps a "new year" as our Jewish brethren do... See,I am Virgo baby. It is a new year for me every September.
What will this year bring me? Could I have predicted everything that happened this past year? Living for 4 months thru the holidays by myself? Dad's heart attack? The horrid unfriendliness of the community (okay well it is New England.. I shouldn't have been surprised)? The terrific success professionally? The friends we have found or rediscovered? I am not sure... Certainly couldn't in mid July last year!
I look forward to Fall ... New clothes. We already know about the new shoes. Hopefully, a new approach to nagging problems. I am cautiously optimistic about my 2006-2007. What is new for you? What do you want to lose yourself in next?
Fall is suppose to be a time of the dying of the light and all the spring growth. However, I find it is a time to refocus and perhaps a "new year" as our Jewish brethren do... See,I am Virgo baby. It is a new year for me every September.
What will this year bring me? Could I have predicted everything that happened this past year? Living for 4 months thru the holidays by myself? Dad's heart attack? The horrid unfriendliness of the community (okay well it is New England.. I shouldn't have been surprised)? The terrific success professionally? The friends we have found or rediscovered? I am not sure... Certainly couldn't in mid July last year!
I look forward to Fall ... New clothes. We already know about the new shoes. Hopefully, a new approach to nagging problems. I am cautiously optimistic about my 2006-2007. What is new for you? What do you want to lose yourself in next?
Monday, August 28, 2006
Shoe Safari Aug 2006
As mentioned, I had two goals for the weekend. Only one was possible due to the weather. Saturday morning with directions from the DSW website in hand and a quick conference from my husband about did these directions make sense. We made some changes and I set off alone with my trustee blackberry and a vision of what lay ahead. My first thought was that on this trip through yuppie CT I would be able to make a quick pitstop at a Starbucks to get my vision clearly focused.
That didn't happen as a result and several incorrect turns including missing the exit onto the Merritt. I found the "supposedly" closest DSW. About an hour away in Orange/Milford CT. The stars finally aligned and there was a Starbucks in the parking lot. However, I thought the coffee would only hamper my quest for shoes at that point. It would be a reward for good hunting!
When you approach a shoe store, you have to set your mind on the method. This was a bit screwed up since they had moved a set of the discount racks to the front of the store. My usual process is to wind my way back there. I like to give a once over on the regular stock prior to hitting the sale racks. It gives me a better appreciation of what is back there. I got delayed and dazzled by a cute pair of flip flops... hmm.. Not yet. We are here for fall and winter shoes. NO Sandals NO Flip Flops!
So I did a quick turn around the sale racks. I found a pair of sneakers 50% off. Sneakers check (they were on the list). Again not finding what I made my trip really for, I trucked my way out to the aisle of other shoes. I became depressed and snapped at a sales person. Did I come all that way to not find anything but a pair of sneakers? Nothing struck me as take me home!!!
Well, I come from a hearty line that never gives up on a shoe quest! Heck my great grandmother Parker had bushels of shoes (size 4 AAAA) removed from the house after she died. Shoes are in my blood!
Back to the sale racks and I hit pay dirt. I found 4 pairs of terrific flats including a pair of black flats made by Coach for only $62 and a comfy pair of Joan and David brown pumps. As I walked proudly up to the register, I had captured 7 pairs of shoes. I only spent $214 total. I had achieved victory! The receipt said I had saved over $397.
The conquering heroine proceeded to Starbucks for a Venti ice coffee and trekked home a different way that saved time (if she didn't go the wrong way on the Merritt again for 2 exits). Home in time to put a quick dinner together to take over to the Vara's. No Mars but great company and conversation as usual!
Sunday was a rainy blah day. Dogs out between the rain drops and old movies on TV.
That didn't happen as a result and several incorrect turns including missing the exit onto the Merritt. I found the "supposedly" closest DSW. About an hour away in Orange/Milford CT. The stars finally aligned and there was a Starbucks in the parking lot. However, I thought the coffee would only hamper my quest for shoes at that point. It would be a reward for good hunting!
When you approach a shoe store, you have to set your mind on the method. This was a bit screwed up since they had moved a set of the discount racks to the front of the store. My usual process is to wind my way back there. I like to give a once over on the regular stock prior to hitting the sale racks. It gives me a better appreciation of what is back there. I got delayed and dazzled by a cute pair of flip flops... hmm.. Not yet. We are here for fall and winter shoes. NO Sandals NO Flip Flops!
So I did a quick turn around the sale racks. I found a pair of sneakers 50% off. Sneakers check (they were on the list). Again not finding what I made my trip really for, I trucked my way out to the aisle of other shoes. I became depressed and snapped at a sales person. Did I come all that way to not find anything but a pair of sneakers? Nothing struck me as take me home!!!
Well, I come from a hearty line that never gives up on a shoe quest! Heck my great grandmother Parker had bushels of shoes (size 4 AAAA) removed from the house after she died. Shoes are in my blood!
Back to the sale racks and I hit pay dirt. I found 4 pairs of terrific flats including a pair of black flats made by Coach for only $62 and a comfy pair of Joan and David brown pumps. As I walked proudly up to the register, I had captured 7 pairs of shoes. I only spent $214 total. I had achieved victory! The receipt said I had saved over $397.
The conquering heroine proceeded to Starbucks for a Venti ice coffee and trekked home a different way that saved time (if she didn't go the wrong way on the Merritt again for 2 exits). Home in time to put a quick dinner together to take over to the Vara's. No Mars but great company and conversation as usual!
Sunday was a rainy blah day. Dogs out between the rain drops and old movies on TV.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Google and the Internet Delivered Me!!!
Many of you know my father had a relapse this week and found himself right back in the cardiac ward of CMC with Congestive Heart Failure. That is a pretty scary set of words to a family that has a lot of heart related problems. Never fear, I set about not to panic but to find out all I could on the web.
There are some great articles from the American Heart Association and in particular a great series from the University of Maryland's medical Center. They set a road map from describing the damage to the leftside and how that can progress / present CHF. The symptoms are very similar to a cold with congestion in the lungs and coughing. HMMM..
They suggested a recovery plan and a couple of diets that have shown good results and great things to watch out for. This was especially interesting describing the differences in relapse in women and men 6 months down the road. Women are more likely by 8 fold to have a hospitalization especially if they don't have a care giver or are living alone. Makes sense given the longevity of women to men and that most women marry older men than the other way around.
Google is my hero for this information. Fear of the unknown has always been a great motivator. It is what the entire insurance industry relies on daily! Google searched the web and delivered me from my fear with a matter of key strokes.
The internet also allowed me to notify the rest of my family and friends to what was going on quickly. This blog allows me to stay in touch with my readers. What is next in the wild world of the web? At my company, we are buiding hosted communities to enable the next generation of web usage called "Web 2.0". We offer ways for companies to let there customers engage and collaborate with each other. After reading an article on Generation Y and the IM language... Understanding the attractiveness and addicitiveness of blogging. Many blogs are the new Dickens. Many of his initial books were written as monthly or weekly installments in journals. I have read that he rarely missed a deadline!
The good news is Dad came home from the hospital last night. While Mom was out filling prescriptions, he decided to load the truck to take the garbage to the dump. I guess that means he feels better. The Captain certainly sounded 100% better than he did on Sunday!
Weekend Plans: Trying to figure out a good place to see Mars tomorrow night! Otherwise I am determined to have a restful weekend and go shoe shopping! I have seen some great new styles on the internet and need something besides my flip flops I have lived in Georgia for the past 4 years! Time to Google where the closest DSW is to me. Mecca is calling.........
There are some great articles from the American Heart Association and in particular a great series from the University of Maryland's medical Center. They set a road map from describing the damage to the leftside and how that can progress / present CHF. The symptoms are very similar to a cold with congestion in the lungs and coughing. HMMM..
They suggested a recovery plan and a couple of diets that have shown good results and great things to watch out for. This was especially interesting describing the differences in relapse in women and men 6 months down the road. Women are more likely by 8 fold to have a hospitalization especially if they don't have a care giver or are living alone. Makes sense given the longevity of women to men and that most women marry older men than the other way around.
Google is my hero for this information. Fear of the unknown has always been a great motivator. It is what the entire insurance industry relies on daily! Google searched the web and delivered me from my fear with a matter of key strokes.
The internet also allowed me to notify the rest of my family and friends to what was going on quickly. This blog allows me to stay in touch with my readers. What is next in the wild world of the web? At my company, we are buiding hosted communities to enable the next generation of web usage called "Web 2.0". We offer ways for companies to let there customers engage and collaborate with each other. After reading an article on Generation Y and the IM language... Understanding the attractiveness and addicitiveness of blogging. Many blogs are the new Dickens. Many of his initial books were written as monthly or weekly installments in journals. I have read that he rarely missed a deadline!
The good news is Dad came home from the hospital last night. While Mom was out filling prescriptions, he decided to load the truck to take the garbage to the dump. I guess that means he feels better. The Captain certainly sounded 100% better than he did on Sunday!
Weekend Plans: Trying to figure out a good place to see Mars tomorrow night! Otherwise I am determined to have a restful weekend and go shoe shopping! I have seen some great new styles on the internet and need something besides my flip flops I have lived in Georgia for the past 4 years! Time to Google where the closest DSW is to me. Mecca is calling.........
Monday, August 21, 2006
San Francisco and Back again
Last week's lack of blog activity was because I was in San Francisco on business. We had a launch conference on Self Service technology. My team on site was terrific! We are a great well oiled machine. Hopefully, it will translate into a stellar product and a great money maker in the future.
I got to see Stacy when I was out there. She was my airport shuttle both ways and we got dinner on Wednesday night. It was so good to see her. I cherish being able to travel and see friends like that on the company nickel!
Got home and had taken the day off because we had originally planned to go to Delaware and see Ivan and Nancy this weekend. Dad's heartattack put the stop to those plans and Jim's parents decided this was the weekend they were going to visit. We had them here for a lovely visit and went to a family birthday party on Saturday. Thanks to Michael and Dianna for a lovely gathering. Especially, since it was her birthday!!!
Many of you have been terrific asking about Dad's health. He is slowly getting used to the changes in his diet and medication. He seems to have a summer cold on top of everything which is causing some real trouble in being able to breath. Your best wishes and thoughts, offers for help with the dogs and everything are terrific. It means the world to them and Jim and I to know you are there.
I am sorry not to have profound thoughts on anything. I am just trying to keep my head above water with the daily chores.
I got to see Stacy when I was out there. She was my airport shuttle both ways and we got dinner on Wednesday night. It was so good to see her. I cherish being able to travel and see friends like that on the company nickel!
Got home and had taken the day off because we had originally planned to go to Delaware and see Ivan and Nancy this weekend. Dad's heartattack put the stop to those plans and Jim's parents decided this was the weekend they were going to visit. We had them here for a lovely visit and went to a family birthday party on Saturday. Thanks to Michael and Dianna for a lovely gathering. Especially, since it was her birthday!!!
Many of you have been terrific asking about Dad's health. He is slowly getting used to the changes in his diet and medication. He seems to have a summer cold on top of everything which is causing some real trouble in being able to breath. Your best wishes and thoughts, offers for help with the dogs and everything are terrific. It means the world to them and Jim and I to know you are there.
I am sorry not to have profound thoughts on anything. I am just trying to keep my head above water with the daily chores.
Friday, August 11, 2006
homestead bound
Well... I understand he is on his way home. Back to the homestead where he is the 4th generation to live there. I am sure he and the dog will be estatic! I am not so sure my mother will be after 24 hours.
I am off for our Customer Self Service Conference in San Francisco on Sunday. I can't wait to stand in line with out food or water ... or more importantly...lipstick. At least they are allowing me my trustie computer and blackberry.
I am hoping for a child free, terriorist free, and stinky overweight smelly shoe guy free flights. I have two lay overs in the ATL. Bets on whether I take the return flight to Westchester on Thursday night? I will....
Oh.. if a doctor's office doesn't confirm regular appointments... what do they confirm? Medical science... where all surly condescending waitresses find work after retiring from the airline industry. The receptionist at Jennifer Holloway, MD in Newtown CT needs a good ol' lesson in being polite and common sense. I am naming names! The heck with political correctness..
I am off for our Customer Self Service Conference in San Francisco on Sunday. I can't wait to stand in line with out food or water ... or more importantly...lipstick. At least they are allowing me my trustie computer and blackberry.
I am hoping for a child free, terriorist free, and stinky overweight smelly shoe guy free flights. I have two lay overs in the ATL. Bets on whether I take the return flight to Westchester on Thursday night? I will....
Oh.. if a doctor's office doesn't confirm regular appointments... what do they confirm? Medical science... where all surly condescending waitresses find work after retiring from the airline industry. The receptionist at Jennifer Holloway, MD in Newtown CT needs a good ol' lesson in being polite and common sense. I am naming names! The heck with political correctness..
Update
I want to thank everyone for the calls and emails. I brought them to the hospital and shared them with Dad aka the Captain. He wanted to make sure everyone knew he appreciated the thoughts of good will.
Status: Day 6 in the hospital. Concerns.. He is diabetic and medication they have him on for the heart issues has switched the other medications for the diabetes requiring more shots and less oral medication. They hope to spring him by tomorrow. He was thinking about stringing bed sheets together and scaling down the three stories for an escape last night.
His other concern is that he hadn't been able to show in now 6 days. Wants to get home and bath. I can't blame him!
Everyone has been great to ask what they can do... I am not sure at this point. If you are in the area... Visiting or spelling my mother so she can go to the grocery store and her exercise classes might be it. They have to watch everything he eats and know the carb/protein/fat content so.. food is not the best thing. Otherwise stay tuned for updates. I have been cleared to leave on Sunday for San Francisco.
-PB
Status: Day 6 in the hospital. Concerns.. He is diabetic and medication they have him on for the heart issues has switched the other medications for the diabetes requiring more shots and less oral medication. They hope to spring him by tomorrow. He was thinking about stringing bed sheets together and scaling down the three stories for an escape last night.
His other concern is that he hadn't been able to show in now 6 days. Wants to get home and bath. I can't blame him!
Everyone has been great to ask what they can do... I am not sure at this point. If you are in the area... Visiting or spelling my mother so she can go to the grocery store and her exercise classes might be it. They have to watch everything he eats and know the carb/protein/fat content so.. food is not the best thing. Otherwise stay tuned for updates. I have been cleared to leave on Sunday for San Francisco.
-PB
Monday, August 07, 2006
2 for 2
Back to the subject of being 20-30 lbs heavier than I want to be.. My father had a heart attack over the weekend. Mom had one at 49. My Grandmother had her first one at 36 and died at 72. If my father hasn't woken up, I have
They got him to CMC in time and we are waiting for him to be taken out of ICU.
They got him to CMC in time and we are waiting for him to be taken out of ICU.
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