Rabu, 19 Maret 2008
New Little Guy Photos!
Here's a couple of updated photos. We've been sick for about a week (can you believe that? Right after Asher was born!), but we're all starting to feel really good and happy now. The sun has been out the last few days and it has been very uplifting. I'm getting excited for Easter- It's going to be Eli's first Easter really because we didn't do anything last year. I made him a giant basket and we have dye for eggs! Woohoo! I'll have to get some photos of that because it's sure to be messy fun ;)
Minggu, 16 Maret 2008
The Candles Burn On
Life is now. Live in the past and you loose it, live too far in the future and it's gone, too. No, It's not an excuse
for complete Epicureanism, "Eat, Drink and be Merry for Tomorrow We Die!", but a reminder to find joy, satisfaction - and perhaps even fun - in every day.
“The longest distance in the world is the 18 inches between your head and your heart.”
for complete Epicureanism, "Eat, Drink and be Merry for Tomorrow We Die!", but a reminder to find joy, satisfaction - and perhaps even fun - in every day.
“The longest distance in the world is the 18 inches between your head and your heart.”
A sense of humor is a way of looking at life. It’s all about perspective. There are multitudes of challenges that we must face in our daily interactions and throughout life. Looking for the humor in daily living can provide the avenue to maintaining a positive outlook and even our sanity. Not everything in life is funny; many events we must deal with are tragic. But if we can remember to look for the humor in situations, it makes it much easier to cope. I often try to inject a bit of humor whenever I meet with friends/relatives/strangers/other. If I can bring a smile to their face, my day's work is done. So, in the immortal words of George Washington or was it Ben Franklin who first said, "When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you", keep on smiling Kate. Your smile warms my heart and brings joy to my being!”
I used to think that the point of life was to find the "calm" spots...and that if I could just get through this one relationship problem, or this illness, or this financial strain....then I would finally be happy. God has been teaching me that the goal isn't to get through life without difficulty. The goal is to be transformed by the difficulties instead of just suffering through them.
Brain tumors, little paychecks, scary adoptions, new puppies eating my sunglasses and pooping on my carpet....they are all stretching my faith and transforming me into who God wants me to be!
Thank goodness, there IS a God.
Today, I struggled, not wanting to go to church. Not because of yesterday's rants and raves - those are minor frustrations in the Long Haul. I hesitated because other hopes hiccuped and that feeling of helplessness set in fast. A former foster dog is on the run. We can see her but not get her to come to us and that's disappointing for her, her family, and us. God willing, she'll return or come to one of us soon.
But, just when I think God's not paying attention, I've accepted my own personal invitation to a pity party, knocked on the door, and He opens it with a "Surprise"! Today I heard what we all should realize is so very, very true:
Mercy is that God does not give us what we deserve. Grace is that God gives us what we do not deserve.
Re-read those two sentences until they truly sink in and you are amazed at the stunning clarity. Be humble. And so it is, I know God has every right to throw the book of criticism at me as He gives me a good scolding for my lack of appreciation. I know He has His hand out and is not sprinkling me with grace. He is dousing me with it. While I have been poo-pooing what goes on He has allowed it and continued to take care of me. My travels have been safe. My searches have been safe and even promising. My heart has been filled with encouragement to continue.
Some would say that asking for prayer for bringing home a lost pet is mis-use of time and prayer. But God doesn't think so. By my going to church today I found the time I needed to have that message reinforced and to boldly ask others for their prayers about this. God's work is always amazing. It's difficult to grasp His direction because we are so "in the now". But, He is at work. Maybe someone I asked to pray for little Sally will do it and be changed. Maybe Sally is out there for reasons we do not comprehend. Maybe she is His message this week.
Look for the lost in your life. Do something so they are found. May your actions roar!
As you do for the least of these, so you do to our Lord.
But, just when I think God's not paying attention, I've accepted my own personal invitation to a pity party, knocked on the door, and He opens it with a "Surprise"! Today I heard what we all should realize is so very, very true:
Mercy is that God does not give us what we deserve. Grace is that God gives us what we do not deserve.
Re-read those two sentences until they truly sink in and you are amazed at the stunning clarity. Be humble. And so it is, I know God has every right to throw the book of criticism at me as He gives me a good scolding for my lack of appreciation. I know He has His hand out and is not sprinkling me with grace. He is dousing me with it. While I have been poo-pooing what goes on He has allowed it and continued to take care of me. My travels have been safe. My searches have been safe and even promising. My heart has been filled with encouragement to continue.
Some would say that asking for prayer for bringing home a lost pet is mis-use of time and prayer. But God doesn't think so. By my going to church today I found the time I needed to have that message reinforced and to boldly ask others for their prayers about this. God's work is always amazing. It's difficult to grasp His direction because we are so "in the now". But, He is at work. Maybe someone I asked to pray for little Sally will do it and be changed. Maybe Sally is out there for reasons we do not comprehend. Maybe she is His message this week.
Look for the lost in your life. Do something so they are found. May your actions roar!
As you do for the least of these, so you do to our Lord.
Sabtu, 15 Maret 2008
Customer Service? Say wha?
Read this at the risk of becoming a ranting maniac yourself. If you choose to stop now, please return another day for a glimpse of a more cheerful me. I'm not always like this.
Today we ventured out into the world. I mean, we went shopping. Or, better, we tried to go shopping. It seems some things are clearly missing in the "experience" these days, most notably one thing known in years gone by as customer service.
It's not that the economy is so bad, I observe. There are new cars flooding the highways and bi-ways so there is money. I even see "sold" signs replacing some "for sale" signs. I don't know about anyplace else but in Springfield, our nearest city, shopping as a upbeat activity has died. And, it didn't go easily. It has suffered and now, with its final gasp, we all are quietly nodding, knowing that we saw the death of a good thing approaching.
For us, it started with trying to get our printer fixed. I know, I know. It's a disposable world. BUT IT IS A GOOD PRINTER and all it needs is a $15 part which we have already. It was sold to us by the manufacturer (Canon), which failed to enlightened us with a chuckle and a "Good luck with that." in terms of finding someone to put the part IN.
Hubby thought he'd struck gold when the Geek Squad which works out of Best Buys stores said they'd do it for $39. Take it on in. Well, too good to be true? Yup. You bet. They want $35 to send it away to see what needs to be done and to get an estimate. They don't understand the English we speak which began with, "Here's the printer. Here's the part. We were quoted $39. Please replace the old part in the printer with the new one." Later telephone conversations held between hubby and the Geek Squad HQ yielded a) no supervisors b) no service c) no association with Best Buy and d) an inordinate requirement to repeat the sordid and sorted details 5 times. At best he got, "I'm sorry you feel that way." See page 6 of canned scripts for answering geeks.
Moving on, our next stop was at a place that had COMPUTER in its name and then a "location" word. It did not have PRINTER in the name and alas, they don't work on them, don't know who does. CRAP. It's a good printer! He was nice about it but when we weren't buying anything and he couldn't fix it, it was "Next" and we were looking at the door.
How about a little mid-afternoon wine tasting. Alrighty then. Luck had it we were next to the store hosting such an event. But, turns out it was ales, whiskeys, and other St. Patty's Day stuff being poured early. That was OK, just not what we wanted. I put this in only so you'd be able to see that both entries for today refer to "Patty/Patti". There's gotta be a connection.
We moved on to a famous wool brand that used to make blankets and now makes clothes as well. I had a new suit in mind, for Easter and such. Saw it in their catalog; it was just what I wanted. There were no other customers in the store. My "attendant" rotated up and asked if she could help. I told her what I wanted. They don't have it. Pretty much that was the end of the discussion. The three employees then were on the verge of linking arms to keep me from looking at anything else. It was offered that I could order it and they'd waive the shipping. Nice thought but what if it doesn't fit. I was hoping, ready for this?, to try it on. I know returning it and getting another size probably would not be waived. We'll never know. See, a savvy sales person would have shown me around, even had me try on something else for possible purchase or even sizing. Not these ladies, they'd probably just straightened the shelves and racks. How dare I touch anything. I found yet another door waiting for me to open it.
We did visit two other stores and both were stocked with pleasant employees but nothing appealing as far as merchandise. Perhaps they have had their customer service classes but only after having to trim the inventory to what appears to be Rachel Ray's wardrobe extras and a bunch of filmy, stretchy, sequined items with martini, wine, highball images printed on them. Probably not the right touch for Easter Sunday choir, ya think? Besides, all items were of unfamiliarly low quality and made in China. What is with that?
At this point we have spent $0 other than the gas and stopping for coffee. My guess is we would have spent the $39 for the labor to put the part in the printer and then bought ink, say another $50. A reasonable wine would have allowed us to drop $15 - $50, depending upon our tasting habits. A new outfit for this sweetie, upwards of $150 including the trimmings.
I think that people are being more careful with the money they have to spend. We're on a fixed income (How I've waited to use that!) like many people. But, we're able to provide for ourselves and were willing to spend what we needed to spend to get what we wanted. It's not about the money. It's not even about the merchandise, available or not. It's about the way first line of contact with the customers - that's the sales people - treat those who make it possible for them to be there - that's the customers. We who are willing to spend money, given a few options, a few questions and answers exchanged, a few minutes of time and a little willingness of spirit, are now mere inconveniences.
With few exceptions (Isringhausen Imports being most notable) I'm beginning to understand, more and more, the beauty of shopping on line. Click.
Today we ventured out into the world. I mean, we went shopping. Or, better, we tried to go shopping. It seems some things are clearly missing in the "experience" these days, most notably one thing known in years gone by as customer service.
It's not that the economy is so bad, I observe. There are new cars flooding the highways and bi-ways so there is money. I even see "sold" signs replacing some "for sale" signs. I don't know about anyplace else but in Springfield, our nearest city, shopping as a upbeat activity has died. And, it didn't go easily. It has suffered and now, with its final gasp, we all are quietly nodding, knowing that we saw the death of a good thing approaching.
For us, it started with trying to get our printer fixed. I know, I know. It's a disposable world. BUT IT IS A GOOD PRINTER and all it needs is a $15 part which we have already. It was sold to us by the manufacturer (Canon), which failed to enlightened us with a chuckle and a "Good luck with that." in terms of finding someone to put the part IN.
Hubby thought he'd struck gold when the Geek Squad which works out of Best Buys stores said they'd do it for $39. Take it on in. Well, too good to be true? Yup. You bet. They want $35 to send it away to see what needs to be done and to get an estimate. They don't understand the English we speak which began with, "Here's the printer. Here's the part. We were quoted $39. Please replace the old part in the printer with the new one." Later telephone conversations held between hubby and the Geek Squad HQ yielded a) no supervisors b) no service c) no association with Best Buy and d) an inordinate requirement to repeat the sordid and sorted details 5 times. At best he got, "I'm sorry you feel that way." See page 6 of canned scripts for answering geeks.
Moving on, our next stop was at a place that had COMPUTER in its name and then a "location" word. It did not have PRINTER in the name and alas, they don't work on them, don't know who does. CRAP. It's a good printer! He was nice about it but when we weren't buying anything and he couldn't fix it, it was "Next" and we were looking at the door.
How about a little mid-afternoon wine tasting. Alrighty then. Luck had it we were next to the store hosting such an event. But, turns out it was ales, whiskeys, and other St. Patty's Day stuff being poured early. That was OK, just not what we wanted. I put this in only so you'd be able to see that both entries for today refer to "Patty/Patti". There's gotta be a connection.
We moved on to a famous wool brand that used to make blankets and now makes clothes as well. I had a new suit in mind, for Easter and such. Saw it in their catalog; it was just what I wanted. There were no other customers in the store. My "attendant" rotated up and asked if she could help. I told her what I wanted. They don't have it. Pretty much that was the end of the discussion. The three employees then were on the verge of linking arms to keep me from looking at anything else. It was offered that I could order it and they'd waive the shipping. Nice thought but what if it doesn't fit. I was hoping, ready for this?, to try it on. I know returning it and getting another size probably would not be waived. We'll never know. See, a savvy sales person would have shown me around, even had me try on something else for possible purchase or even sizing. Not these ladies, they'd probably just straightened the shelves and racks. How dare I touch anything. I found yet another door waiting for me to open it.
We did visit two other stores and both were stocked with pleasant employees but nothing appealing as far as merchandise. Perhaps they have had their customer service classes but only after having to trim the inventory to what appears to be Rachel Ray's wardrobe extras and a bunch of filmy, stretchy, sequined items with martini, wine, highball images printed on them. Probably not the right touch for Easter Sunday choir, ya think? Besides, all items were of unfamiliarly low quality and made in China. What is with that?
At this point we have spent $0 other than the gas and stopping for coffee. My guess is we would have spent the $39 for the labor to put the part in the printer and then bought ink, say another $50. A reasonable wine would have allowed us to drop $15 - $50, depending upon our tasting habits. A new outfit for this sweetie, upwards of $150 including the trimmings.
I think that people are being more careful with the money they have to spend. We're on a fixed income (How I've waited to use that!) like many people. But, we're able to provide for ourselves and were willing to spend what we needed to spend to get what we wanted. It's not about the money. It's not even about the merchandise, available or not. It's about the way first line of contact with the customers - that's the sales people - treat those who make it possible for them to be there - that's the customers. We who are willing to spend money, given a few options, a few questions and answers exchanged, a few minutes of time and a little willingness of spirit, are now mere inconveniences.
With few exceptions (Isringhausen Imports being most notable) I'm beginning to understand, more and more, the beauty of shopping on line. Click.
HOT FLASH - GET YOUR HOT FLASH
Well, kids, it turns out I may have hit accurately for once. The NY gov and IL gov apparently were/are close friends and Blaggo has visited Spitzer on many an occasion. It is pure speculation from inside sources that Blaggo was treated by Spitzer to the amenities that come with knowing the in's and out's (oh, that was bad) of the prostitution industry. I'm not saying he did but I'm not saying he didn't.
Maybe
wife Patti B. will be the one who turns out to do what the other wives have not been able to do or have been advised it is not in their best interest to do: THROW IN THE TOWEL. Slap the guy and say you're keeping the house. Get the banana creme pie good and cold then put it square in his face. (This is an older photo of her but the one being used on the bio on www.illinois.gov)Of course Oprah has picked up on this. I was glad to see she found someone who had sued the husband's mistress and was initially awarded $500,000. It was her own doing that she decided to get away from the whole thing when it was appealed and she settled for $50,000.
HOT FLASH: She who laughs last, laughs best, all the way to the bank.
Rabu, 12 Maret 2008
Power-Filled Men
DISCLAIMER: There's plenty of room in my life for improvement.
Having said that I cannot ignore the similarities between the New York (former) governor and the Illinois governor.
Both are married men with daughters.
Both have been severely and rightfully criticized for their public decisions.
Both cheat/cheated on wives.
Both know how to spend money they don't have.
Both have qualified Lt. Governors.
Undoubtedly there are more...
Both have wives who either don't care about themselves or are way more understanding than I can fathom. Bless them!
Both must think they are the exception to rules.
Both kept their city homes, not located in the state capitol.
The big thing I see is that one paid for it financially and now professionally and personally. The other, still in office, didn't pay financially so hasn't paid professionally. Who knows about personally.
But, before you get up in arms, read me out, here...my issue is with all of us who jump on one guy's case and not on the other. As an Illinoisan I am glad to see New Yorkers hold this guy's feed to the fire and I wish our law makers had the same level of gumption. Our state is the laughing stock of the Union. Our Blaggo's tumbles extend way beyond a local lawyer's ex-wife and daughter and a state employee, who knows who else. He's shredding our state. Soon there will be nothing left.
His latest ordeal with the fairgrounds and allowing it to be shutdown, thereby crippling much of the area tourism, is just another of the unbelievable destruction he has been orchestrating. Check the sequence of events for just this one situation. The State of the State address is given, albeit thankfully short. His Nims announces that there needs to be cutbacks in spending. Voila, soon after the fairgrounds experiences minor electrical explosions and the gates are closed. Events planned through May are canceled.
We all know he works out of his home, thereby making it the capitol. That's why it never occurred to him to tell his employees that they should shut and check the doors at his real office when they step out to smoke on the balcony. More structural damage we are paying for due to their carelessness and his absentee management is just what we needed. Anyway, given that he is up north (and I do like it up there too), reportedly working and kissing the girls goodnight, we all also know he and Patti hate coming here, especially for the fair. First, she never smiles and never puts the youngest (and growing) daughter down on the ground to walk in the fairgrounds. Next, he is always late and late without apology.
I guess our governor has some characteristics I cannot ID in the former NY governor: arrogance and rudeness to name two.
If he were a puppy you wouldn't take him home.
Having said that I cannot ignore the similarities between the New York (former) governor and the Illinois governor.
Both are married men with daughters.
Both have been severely and rightfully criticized for their public decisions.
Both cheat/cheated on wives.
Both know how to spend money they don't have.
Both have qualified Lt. Governors.
Undoubtedly there are more...
Both have wives who either don't care about themselves or are way more understanding than I can fathom. Bless them!
Both must think they are the exception to rules.
Both kept their city homes, not located in the state capitol.
The big thing I see is that one paid for it financially and now professionally and personally. The other, still in office, didn't pay financially so hasn't paid professionally. Who knows about personally.
But, before you get up in arms, read me out, here...my issue is with all of us who jump on one guy's case and not on the other. As an Illinoisan I am glad to see New Yorkers hold this guy's feed to the fire and I wish our law makers had the same level of gumption. Our state is the laughing stock of the Union. Our Blaggo's tumbles extend way beyond a local lawyer's ex-wife and daughter and a state employee, who knows who else. He's shredding our state. Soon there will be nothing left.
His latest ordeal with the fairgrounds and allowing it to be shutdown, thereby crippling much of the area tourism, is just another of the unbelievable destruction he has been orchestrating. Check the sequence of events for just this one situation. The State of the State address is given, albeit thankfully short. His Nims announces that there needs to be cutbacks in spending. Voila, soon after the fairgrounds experiences minor electrical explosions and the gates are closed. Events planned through May are canceled.
We all know he works out of his home, thereby making it the capitol. That's why it never occurred to him to tell his employees that they should shut and check the doors at his real office when they step out to smoke on the balcony. More structural damage we are paying for due to their carelessness and his absentee management is just what we needed. Anyway, given that he is up north (and I do like it up there too), reportedly working and kissing the girls goodnight, we all also know he and Patti hate coming here, especially for the fair. First, she never smiles and never puts the youngest (and growing) daughter down on the ground to walk in the fairgrounds. Next, he is always late and late without apology.
I guess our governor has some characteristics I cannot ID in the former NY governor: arrogance and rudeness to name two.
If he were a puppy you wouldn't take him home.
Selasa, 11 Maret 2008
Headline: Link Stolen From Friend's Blog
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/smiles/
Check this out. The judge and jury holding court in my mind has yet to decide if there is a relationship between success at this quiz and any of the following: intelligence, gullibility, outlook on life, a preference for beef or chicken, hobbies, number of pets, or anything relevant to life itself.
It's fun, perhaps humbling or enlightening. I took it from a posting on Anne's site.
Check this out. The judge and jury holding court in my mind has yet to decide if there is a relationship between success at this quiz and any of the following: intelligence, gullibility, outlook on life, a preference for beef or chicken, hobbies, number of pets, or anything relevant to life itself.
It's fun, perhaps humbling or enlightening. I took it from a posting on Anne's site.
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