the moose buyer

When you wish upon a star

2009-03-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

I am sorry I haven't posted in a long time but I could not get myself motivated. Now, however, things are looking up here at work. For one thing I have moved to a new neighborhood within the same company I have been working at the past 5 and a half years. If you have read past blogs, you know that one of my co-workers has treated me since day one with distain (to be nice) and sarcastic remarks. I have never complained about her (well this blog doesn't count) to management, but anyone could see what my life has been like.

About 6 months ago my company hired a woman to do contract negotiations and to look into consolidating stuff not related to production. She was given a manager title which made my co-buyer absolutely nuts when it was announced by our purchasing director. Needless to say, her discomfort absolutely made my day. I, of course, didn't care what title this person had. I only hoped she would be someone nice and a friendly face in my hostile environment.

"D" (I will call her this from now on) and I hit it off immediately (maybe the fact that we live in the same town about 20 miles from work had something to do with it). For a while we drove together, however she had kid obligations and my early hour was inconvenient for her but here at the office, we maintained a close friendly relationship.

Although business has been down, things are still good enough to keep all employees, so I was surprised when our Director called me into his office a month ago, and informed me that he was, with my permission, transferring me to work under the direction of "D" because she has too many projects and needs help. I managed to maintain a "cool" demeanor even though my mind was cheering madly, and informed him I would be happy to work anywhere in the company I was needed. He did inform me, however, that even though I would be working for "D", I would still be purchasing the products for the other departments as I had been doing the past three years. I love what I do, and this type of purchasing is what won me the "employee of the month award" in June (see Best Surprise in a long time 7/20/08), so I readily agreed to keep this assignment.

"D's" cubicle is on the other side of our building, away from the rest of us, so in my mind, I kept hoping that I, too would be transferred over there, away from my adversary. Later in the day, I went over to thank "D" for the opportunity, and she explained why I would still be purchasing for the other departments. It seems when the other managers were informed of the changes in my status, they agreed only if I be allowed to continue providing the excellent service they had become accustomed to. How is that for a major compliment??? When the word went out, people came over to congratulate me, BUT, needless to say my co-buyer wasn't one of them. It made no difference that my cubicle was still next to her's because I was no longer actually working with her and she could no longer have any opinions regarding my work or for that matter, anything else.

Last Monday, "D" came over to my side of the building to inform me that I needed to start packing because she had finally gotten permission from management to move me over to her side effective immediately. I could hear the happy band playing, see the fireworks and balloons in my mind. She and I walked over to the other side to scope out the empty cubicles, and I was given a choice. They are all larger for one thing (the cubicles purchasing is in now were in the building when we took over but these were added as the company moved in new people) and near the windows. I picked out one on the end of the row behind "D".

It's been almost a week since I moved. My cublicle neighbors (even though there are 6 cubicles in the row, there are only three of us so it's great) are wonderful. The entire admosphere on this side of the building is completely different from my former side. Everyone in the rows behind are warm and friendly, and obviously happy to finally have me here.

So, after 5 and a half years, even though the economy won't allow me to retire in July as planned, I have a new position I love, a new wonderful boss, a new cubicle in a new neighborhood. I can't ask for better while I wait for the recession to improve, no matter how long it takes.

Chatsworth sadness

2008-09-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

We had a horrible train accident in Chatsworth, California last Friday. The passenger train Amtrak carrying folks from Los Angeles to Ventura county where I live collided with a freight train going the opposite direction. I know exactly where it happened. For 6 years from 1972 to 1978 I lived less than 25 ft from the track carrying those trains and perhaps a half mile from the crash location.

My apartment was so close to the track behind us that when the freight trains like the one involved in the accident went by, the china in my kitchen would rattle. When I lived in the area (I was 29 when I moved there), it was still a ranch area and we would walk beside the track to exercise. Just beyond the accident point is Chatsworth park. Friends from the apartment building and I spent many Saturdays and Sundays there, having picnics, adventures climbing the hills to paint our initials on the rocks, sing alongs and just good old times. The entire area is still home to me. My first independence was in Chatworth and the memories of the area are still vivid in my mind. I can see the entire landscape, even though it's been 30 years. From the reporters' comments and the pictures of the site, I know exactly where the accident happened.

There is only one track. Near the park, there is a 200 ft siding along the track. When trains are running in both directions, one gets the red light just before the park to transfer onto the siding to let the oncoming train pass. The siding is just before a wide curve which leads into a long tunnel going under the mountains into the next valley. Supposedly the engineer of the passenger train missed the red light and kept going only to meet the oncoming freight train just leaving Chatsworth park head on. The results were horrific. Many people died and even more are severly injured. There have been close calls on this track before. There is no visibility coming out of the tunnel onto to the curve and the train going west towards the park can't see if anything is coming out of the tunnel because of the curve.

Having lived in Chatsworth when it was still a very small community, I share the sadness the local residents must be feeling. I pray for the survivors and the family and friends who lost loved ones. I also pray that somehow, something will be learned from this tragic incident to improve the safety. Surely in this day of electronics, there should be some way for the trains to communicate if not with each other then a central location which can inform each engineer what's oncoming. At least there should be some way to cause the engineer to pay better attention to the warning light Maybe it will be better late than never and something good will be gained to protect future train riders.

Best Surprise In a Long Time

2008-07-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

I have been a buyer for over 40 years. It's been a wonderful career, and I really couldn't have asked for a better one. The job I now have is for a super company and I will be celebrating my 5th anniversary in just a few weeks. The only drawback to this, has been my co-buyer whom I have mentioned a few times. From the very first day, she for some reason, decided not to like me, I have no reason why, except I believe she had someone else in mind for my position, but I was hired without consulting her. The way she treats (or doesn't treat) me, isn't much better with the rest of the company and she isn't friendly with too many co-workers either.

Over the years, I have pretty much ignored her snarky remarks, choosing instead to befriend co-workers in other departments. This has worked well for me (remember it was these friends who replaced my lost Ipod at Christmas).

Being one of the buyers means that it's my responsibility to purchase what our employees need to fulfil their jobs. Over the years (not just here at this company), I have always tried to provide a genial service to everyone, being as helpful as I can when they have a problem, or don't understand something. If I have a question regarding a buy, instead of returning the request, I call the person to ask for clarification and between us we get it fixed. My co-buyer doesn't do that and never has. Helpful is not her middle name, and never has been.

Now for my wonderful news. In January of this year, my company initiated a new employee reward program. Each month all the employees vote for the co-worker they feel offers the best they can not only to the company but to everyone. The reward is $500.00 and a plaque. On Thursday it was announced that I have received this great honor from my company's employees. I received the notice along with the rest of the employees in the E-mail issued to everyone. When I read it, I started to cry. What a wonderful tribute this is from my fellow co-workers. It affirms the service I have provided the past 5 years has been appreciated. People from all through the building sent me E-mails congratulating me, plus many came over personally to offer their hugs and congratulations as well as ask what I would do with the money. I told each one that it's not the money which is important but just knowing how people feel is the most treasured thing.

As grateful as I am for this honor, the best part is that my co-buyer was not happy one bit. She has not acknowledged this at all, never saying one word ot me, and I do believe I could see smoke rising from her cubicle all day. This alone makes the way she has treated me the past 5 years worth every day I have endured either the silence or the sarcastic remarks. I was the one chosen as the best buyer, not her. What a wonderful high!!!! I just can't ask for anything better. If there were no monitary reward, just having her see the plaque every day will be the most punishing to her. I know this is not what this is supposed to stand for but for now, I accept this honor with the conditions that for a while, this has given me a chance to just rub her face in my glory, and repay her for all the crap sdhe has put me through.

Tomorrow, I will go back to just being another buyer, but nothing will ever be the same again. Both of us know that something happened last week to change not only me but the way everyone looks at our purchasing department. Will it rub off on her?? I doubt it. She is what she is. Will it put a chip on my shoulder? I doubt that too, but what may change is the way I react the next time she issues one of her famous sarcastic remarks in my direction. Only time will tell, but for now, I will bathe in the light of receiving this wonderful surprise.

Happy Birthday to Canada and Me

2008-07-01T12:34:00.001-07:00

So here it is July 1 and both Canada and I are having another birthday. Fortunately I am a lot younger than Canada but still not a kid any longer, and to be honest, I can't believe I am 65 years old today. I have almost convinced myself that my parents lied about my age and I must be younger, but alas, it's true that I have reached the age which I have always considered old.

We had a company lunch today in honor of new successful products and our president took the opportunity to have everyone sing happy birthday to me which was wonderful.

My Canadian flag is hanging in front of my house as it always does on this day and tomorrow I will change it for the American Flag in celebration of July 4th.

So all in all, it's been another great birthday. I look forward to the next when I will actually be able to retire. Happy Birthday Canada. It's been great sharing this special day for the past 65 years and hope we have many more together.

Where Have The Years Gone

2008-06-28T07:56:00.001-07:00

I keep hearing that the older one gets, the worse the memory gets but this week for me it's absoutely not so.

In 1968 I was 25 years old and starting a new job. I remember distinctly that while I was filling out the new employment papers they said I would be eligible at 65 years of age for social security in the year 2008. To my 25 year old mind, 40 years seems so far away and I made a groaning noise and commented how long I would have to continue working before I would be able to retire. One of the other buyers, a woman named Althea was 63 years old and when I made that comment, she reached over the lunchroom table, took my hand, looked me straight in the eye and told me to appreciate the next 40 years, and savor each moment, because they would go past before I could blink more than a few times. She also told me that being forced to retire in two years (this particular company had a manditory 65 year age limit, something legal then) was not something she was looking forward to. I also stupidly remember thinking that she was nuts to want to continue working when she could retire and let the Government support her.

This week, I suddenly remembered every single word of that conversation 40 years ago. I also remember looking back at her 63 year old blue eyes with my extremely arrogant 25 year old green eyes thinking she was an old fogie who obviously somewhere down the line had lost it if she actually thought 40 years could flash quickly by.

Althea passed away in 1979 and I was lucky enough to attend her funeral. By then I was the ripe old age of 36. I have to admit that I was not quite so arrogent at 36 as I was at 25. I still had 29 years to 2008 and I was still not thinking that far ahead. All I could think was that Althea had only 11 years of retirement. It didn't occur to me that they were tough years for her financially. Being forced or retire after being a buyer in an office for so many years, she had to work as a clerk in a drug store, standing on her feet all day because no company would hire a 65 year old. I wish now, I could put my arms around her and tell her how brave she was and how much I now admire her.

You are probably wondering what triggered this long buried memory. On Tuesday, July 1, 2008, I will hit that horribly magical age of 65., which 40 years ago seemed so distant. Of course, Althea was right on the mark. The years have gone by so fast, I have hardly had time to blink more than a few times. I now know that social security is not that richest amount of money I thought it was all those years ago. Also, since then, the laws have changed and now I must work aother year to be eligible. Unlike Althea, I am looking forward to retirement. I have been a buyer for the past 42 years. It has been a wonderful career, but I am ready to pass the torch to some younger buyer who thinks 40 years is a very very long way off. Unfortunately, once I retire, I will no longer be able to remain in California where housing is expensive. My house payment is only $500.00 less than my social security, and one cannot live on $500.00 alone. Fortunately, I have some money put away in my 401K and very close friends who live in Iowa, where I will be able to live a very comfortable life, and not have to work in a drug store, standing on my feet all day.

So here's to all who will b eligible for retirement in the very near future. Those who want to continue working past 65 can now do so, but even though I could continue past next July, it's almost time for me to rest my now 65 year old weary green eyes and switch them from staring at a computer screen all day to black and white pages in good books, which have been waiting a long time to be read. I look forward to retirement, but also mourn the passing of the the many years, and regret that I didn't take Althea's suggestion to savor each and every moment. Fortunately for me, my mind has allowed me to return to that lunch room 40 years ago to give thanks to Althea who turned out to be a very wise woman after all.

Changes all around

2008-05-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

I have been in a very deep blue funk for the past 2 months, and haven't even had the urge not only to write in my blog but to even open mine or others. All around me there have been changes from my home to my job to the Moose and small changes in between.

I will start with my job. The company hired a new Vice President to replace my mentor, and the differences are night and day. Whereas "S" gave everyone free reign to do our jobs, trusting in his hiring faith, "R" doesn't trust anyone, and micro manages EVERYTHING. It's not as tough on us lowly buyers as it is on the managers but you know how crap filters down, and the reports we are required to do so that the managers can make their reports, fill the days. It makes time go by very fast, I must admit, but the feeling of mistrust is everywhere, and it's not a very comfortable feeling knowing the questions of why things were done can appear at any second. One of the casualties is internet time. I know I can still use my lunch hour to blog, but I just haven't felt the urge lately. Hopefully the urge will return and I have promised myself to try to blog at least once a month.

On top of this, there are 4 of us buyers. I have written about the one who doesn't like me before, but I haven't written about the one I not only get along with, but also commute with three times a week. It's been nice the past 6 months having someone talking to me in something other than a sarcastic manner. This week she gave notice that she will be leaving the company and I am heartbroken. It's a better opportunity for her where her work won't be challenged constantly, and much closer to home, which will save her gas money, but I will miss her terribly, not to mention I will again be spending $70.00 a week on gasoline - UGH.

At home, things are better. I wrote in March that the gentleman who had been rening a room, passed away. He was 81 so it wasn't unexpected. His passing has given me the chance to discard stuff which has been collecting for a very long time. I have been sorting things to move to Iowa when I retire and things I really don't want to move. Goodwill has been the beneficiary of bags and bags of clothes. Having to discard "C's" clothes made me pay more attention to mine and what I no longer wear, and so far 5 huge bags of clothes have been donated. I have also discarded papers I no longer need plus old pills, lotions and stuff like that and will continue to sort and toss. Someone once said that if you don't use something for a couple of year then toss it. I have more than enough stuff to toss in that case. I also moved the treadmill into the family room. I realize that in order to continue to lose weight, I must exercise so each night when I get home, I try to do at least a half hour of walking while watching T.V. Hopefully the last 40 lbs will disappear.

As far as the Moose goes, unfortunately, the funerals continue and we have lost three more very good friends. I have come to accept the fact that because of the Moose, I know a lot of people. Unfortunately, it's very hard to lose these friends, but I also realize that we are aging and this is part of life. All we can do is show our love and respect for those who have passed, and remember them with fond memories and a lot of smiles and a few tears.

We also have new officers at our Moose Family Center, and since I am hoping to leave in the next year or so, I have decided to spend less time as an advisor, giving others who will need to fill my place time to establish their own credentials. The Chapter must trust the word of these women, but if they are not given the chance to help the Chapter grow while I am still here, there could be resentment once I leave which would be wrong not only for these women but mostly for the Chapter. Spending less time at the Moose has been tough but fortunately I am using the time to work around the house, so in the end I truly believe both the Moose and house will benefit.

As I said, there have been changes all around. I have been having my nails done every two weeks for the past 15 years by the same woman. Last week when I walked into the shop, I was told that she had unexpectedly sold the shop (not because of health ) and I must admit, I was not pleased with the work done by the new owner. I have an appointment Tuesday, and will give him another try because I realize every new person should have an opportunity to prove himself. If I am still not happy, I will search for a shop closer to home and hope I have the same luck I had 15 years ago.

So here I am, trying to get my changing life in some sort of balance. What will happen at work is anyone's guess. I son't want to leave the company, having such a short time left to work. My 5th anniversary will be in August and with it comes an extra week's vacation, so I will hunker down and hope the buyer hired will also be a new friend.

So here I am, trying to catch up. I hope everything is well with our blog friends. Unfortunately I haven't checked on anyone's blog the past couple of months. I will try to be a better blog friend and after walking on the treadmill hope to fire up my home computer and pay you all visits more often. In the mean time, keep well and know you are all in my thoughts, even if you don't hear from me.

More Sadness to bear

2008-04-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

In Victorian times, strangers would be hired to attend funerals if the family felt there would not be enough mourners to impress other people. I am beginning to feel like one of those professional mourners.

Since my brother passed away December 1st, I have attended 4 funerals. First my brother's, then the two past Governors of our Moose family center. on March 20th someone very close to me passed away at the age of 81. He was the husband of a very close friend who passed away in 1993. I promised her on her deathbed that I would make sure "C" always had a place to live and for the past 15 years, he had a room wherever I lived. "C" was not in the best of health the past 5 years. He had spent too many years smoking and his lungs were in bad shape. He was having trouble adapting to this weakened state plus the loss of dignity in having to use a walker and I think he finally decided that this way of living, was just not worth it. He was taken to the hospital but refused any treatment, and within a few hours he passed away. His memorial service was at our Moose Family Center last Saturday.

This weekend, one of my co-workers passed away. "S" and I had worked at another company for 8 years before this company, and we had an excellent working relationship. He was not a well man, but still there is the shock of his passing. Arrangements are still being made even as I write this.

With each one the past 4 months, I keep hoping it will be the last for a very long time, but, unfortunately, the losses continue. I will again pray that this will be the last for a while.

DING DACK THE WITCH IS BACK

2008-03-24T18:29:00.002-07:00

Well my beloved co-buyer came back today!!! I have written how strong her personality is and now I can prove it. The doctor told her she should stay home another week and not drive for three more. She somehow convinced him (I have no idea how) not only to allow her to come back to work but she drove even though she was in pain. She refused to take any pain medicine because (I heard her tell our boss) it makes her tired, so I am assuming she was in pain all day.

The atmosphere of the office is back to it's usual. No laughter today at all and everyone is on edge because we have no idea how much she will tolerate.

So it's back to the usual. What a lovely 3 week work vacation I had.

Politics and people and other general gripes

2008-03-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a very interesting American political week and even though I have tried not to make comments, I just can't seem to help myself.

Coming from Canada where the Prime Minister announces when elections will be held without any fanfare or a year's notice, I just can't seem to grasp the American way of choosing a President. Everyone insults the competition for over a year and once the elections are over, they are expected to get along and work smoothly together.

This week alone, Geraldine Farraro - who was working with Hillary insulted Obama about having a chance to win because of his color and one of Obama's people called Hillary a monster. Both comments were complete uncessary and in very poor taste. Of course both Hillary and Obama denounced both these people and had them removed from their staff, but the damage is done and continues more of the insults and dirt which they have been slinging since Iowa voted in January. Do I have faith that between now and the November elections things will improve, heck no. It will only get worse as the counts of delegates are taken and by convention time this summer when it's realized that neither Hillary nor Obaba have a clear majority, it should really get very ugly. I can't wait to see which Democrat is the one the convention chooses and wonder what happens to the loser since both Hillary and Obama have very strong personalities and I don't see either losing with a lot of grace.

The other thing which blows me away is the downfall of Eliot Spitzer, the Governor of New York who was elected based on his cleaning up the corruption on Wall Street and the prostitute business. Turns out he is not as pure as we were lead to believe and now has become the brunt of late night jokes. I find it ironic that he was caught by the same IRS wiretap which he himself created to catch the ones he set out to catch while he was Attorney Gereral. Call me a simpleton but I absolutely cannot believe anyone can have such an inflated ego as to believe they are better than the American people they serve, but apparently such a person is Eliot and I have to admit I have enjoyed watching the bugger squirm all week. I sure hope he enjoyed his time with his high price hooker because it will be paying for his pleasure for a long time to come. I know we do end up forgiving our politicians (Teddy Kennedy, Gary hart and Bill Clinton come to mind immediately) but in the meantime, it gives me pleasure to watch the unravelling of such a man. The ones I feel sorry for are his wife and kids who must suffer in front of the media with a stiff upper lip. If I were a friend of his wife, I would suggest she give him a stiff upper lip and a black eye to go with it.

I am also confused as to why the Government is rightly going after banks to reduce their interest rates and refinance the home loans so that good folks won't lose them BUT the same Government NEVER goes after the OIL companies who make and announce $15 billion dollars profit every quarter to lower their prices. I just don't understand the difference.

Anyway, back to the national Election. We have almost 5 more months for the Democrats to insult each other before their convention, plus 3 months of both parties insulting their opponents then we will vote and whoever becomes President will come out and tell all of us how wonderful the opposing party is and well both parties will work together to give us Americans the great things we deserve because we are after all the greatest country in the world. Seems like we are set to hear a lot of nonsense for the next 9 months and probably longer when it would be so much wiser to take all the money spent this past year for the election and give it to schools and social programs across the country.

I am guessing that by March, of next year, we should start hearing names being brought up as possible candidates for the year 2012. Now how stupid is that??

I was too young to vote when I left Canada, but I have to believe that it's got to be much easier to choose the Canadian (and for that matter most other countries') leader than the way we do it here!!

I think I heard a laugh...

2008-03-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

It's been almost a week since my co-buyer went out for surgery. She will be out for 3 weeks. I wrote about her a couple of blogs ago and hoped that while she was out, the demeanor of the department would relax and it has quite a bit. There is more interaction between us buyers, more verbal discussions about work (usually we just e-mail so that we don't make any noise) and other co-workers who don't work in this department seem to be coming down more often to chat which absolutely facinates me since our boss is still here, within hearing range and one would think that if the department head were out people would be more relaxed but it seems to be our co-buyer being out which has made everyone more friendly.

This morning, for the first time in as long as I can remember, I actually heard laughter coming down the hall. I am not just talking a minor chuckle but a regular "I think this is funny" laughter from one of the guys. I am sure it probably really doesn't have anything to do with the fact that my co-buyer isn't here, but it also seems more than a co-incidence and it was really quite a refreshing sound. How sad that I even have to think this way.

We have two and a half more weeks. It will be interesting to see what the rest of her time out from the office brings and even more interesting to see if we revert back to our old stoic, silent, grumpy selves once she returns. Stay tuned for further reports!!!

A Very Sad Week for Our Moose Family Center

2008-03-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

Our Moose Family Center is relatively young compared to most of the others in the country. The lodge is 23 years old but actually we have only had a facility to meet, eat and spend time at for 17 years. When we moved into our first very small facility (850 sq ft) we lovingly called The Palace, all our members learned to work together in very close confines. We had only one 3 ft x 3 ft bathroom, and our kitchen was only 6 ft long by 4 ft wide yet we still served complete meals. Both the men and women who became officers of this tiny lodge had a goal to succeed (well maybe the word should be survive) and even though most of us didn't know each other before we joined the Moose, by working together that close in the tiny wooden building, we became more like brothers and sisters than Moose members.

Over the years, as our membrship has grown and we moved into a much larger facility (also more beautiful and plush), those of us who worked together the first 12 years building our fraternity from a Moose Lodge into a Moose Family Center, have remained very close.

This week, we lost two of our brothers. Both had been Past Governors. Jim, who passed away last Monday was Governor the year I was Senior Regent. We had a wonderful year and worked like partners the entire year. We continued to be close friends after our year was over. Mal who passed away Sunday was Governor the year after Jim and I. Both men passed away after being ill. Both were taken from us much too early.

These are the first two out of the 17 men and 17 women, who have been Governors and Senior Regents from the Palace forward, to be taken from us. The pictures of all the Past Governors and Senior Regents are up on a wall so members will always see them up there. What's unfortuate is that the essence of who they were and what they meant to the Moose can't be taken from the pictures and members who join from now on will never know how much these men contributed to our wonderful Family Center.

Those who had the opportunity to work with these men will have memories for a very long time. Sometimes we argued like siblings if we felt our ideals were being compromised but we always managed to work everything out. We will miss these brothers, but we will always be thankful for the opportunity to share the Moose experience with them.

Exactly how wicked am I??

2008-03-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

I have written about one of my co-buyers in the past. I have worked at my present job for almost 5 years. This co-buyer has not been the nicest person to work with every day. In fact she has never been nice to me and most often whatever she does say to me has been mostly sarcastic comments. I believe it stems from the fact that she had another person in mind for my job, and has never accepted the fact that I was the person hired without anyone else being interviewed. It's been difficult, but I have managed to ignore her, knowing that I have only a couple of years to retirement, and outside of this particular person, the comany is a wonderful place to work and the rest of my co-workers are super.

Starting yesterday, this person is out on medical leave for at least three weeks. She has to have some sort of surgery and to be honest, I have no idea what the surgery is for. As I said, we do not speak so she hasn't told me and I haven't bothered to ask anyone because if the truth be told, I really don't care.

What I feel kind of wicked about is instead of being concerned about her surgery, I am very pleased that she will be out of the office. When she is gone for any length of time, the entire demeanor of the office changes to a more relaxed atmosphere. This co-buyer has a very strong negative personality, and even though she speaks with the others, her negative personality still permeates the department with everyone wondering what will set her off next. I have to tell you, it's tough being good all the time. I think I can count on one hand the times anyone in our department has had a good belly laugh out loud.

So I plan on enjoying the next three weeks, almost free of the guilt I should be feeling. It will kind of be a vacation from stress even though I will be at work.

I really kind of wish her well and hope that her surgery is successful but in the meantime I plan on enjoying the freedom and maybe we can be relaxed enough to get some humor circulating.

What a swell time we had at convention

2008-02-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

Outside of the fact that we had rain most of the time, plus we were forced to smoke outside (it was a bit chilly here in southern California), I had a great time at convention.

The meeting session Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning were super with a lot of enthusiasm for the speakers. For the first time in quite a few years, I won one of the door prizes (sweet smelling liquid shower soaps). Unfortunately I didn't win any of the raffle cash prizes, nor any of the silent auction prizes, but it didn't make any difference since all the money went to the Moose causes, and that's what we are all about.

Had many opportunities to spend time with old friends, visiting and just enjoying ourselves.

All in all, it was one great, relaxing weekend. Mostly it was very nice having the chance to get away from the work stresses.

It's time for another Moose convention

2008-02-22T07:39:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much to blog about and hardly enough time to get everything done at work. I am taking 5 days off to attend one of my favorite Moose events. Each year there are two coventions. One is in September and the other in February. They alternate in the north (Reno Nevada) and south (this year it's in Irvine California). Since it's so close, many of our members are attending this one, including moi!!

Even though there are meetings to attend, what makes these events so much fun for me is getting the chance to visit with old friends I have met at these conventions over the past 20 years. The only chance most of us have to visit with each other is at conventions. Many come from all parts of California and Nevada, too far for us to visit their Moose Family Centers, so these conventions give us the chance to spend 3 or more days together catching up on what's happening at each other's Chapters, how the year is going, and with others, catching up on our families and what's been going on in our personal lives.

It's been a tough 12 months for me but with the support of my family and Moose friends, it's been easier to bear. Many have been supportive here at my own Moose Chapter but quite have only been able to support me in E-mails and this will give me a chance to thank them in person with huge hugs.

So I will be soon be off on another Moose adventure of fun and food. I am all packed (of course their are the obligitory Moose shirts in my suitcase). I will blog again once I return on Monday.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I know those of you in the mid west and Canada have had a very tough winter but here we are almost at the end of February and March will pass quickly. Soon my beloved lilacs will blossom, indicating that spring is finally spreading it's warmth and slush. If I remember correctly, there can't be a better word after a very long cold winter than the word slush because behind the slush comes dry sidewalks.

I will soon be back to report on a hopefully great Moose convention.

This and That

2008-02-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

I really haven't had a whole lot to blog about but it's been a week so I figure it's time to report in.

Sunday's game was quite profitable for me. I bet on the Giants and made a tidy bundle of cash. We also had some pools (49 to be exact - the Moose love pools) and I won a couple of those too. We had over 100 people at the lodge watching the game and since it was pot luck, we had more than enough food and snacks. Like my cousin Joan, I behaved pretty good food wise and only had a few chicken wings (the very mild ones), a couple of potato skins and veggies. I wasn't too hungry since I drank a full Snapple tea and it was quite filling. Since the football season is now officially over, I am in the blue stage but since it's only 7 months until the new season begins, it gives me something to look foward to.

Yesterday was voting day. I always file an absentee ballot so I actually voted over two weeks ago. When I moved here in 1964, I remained a Canadian for the first 20 years, which prevented me from voting. Lynn and Joan had this wonderful aunt (their father's sister) who was very conservative. When I would complain about the Government, she would remind me that I had no right as long as I refused to become an American. Finally in 1984 I worked for a company which required me to become an American citizen (they even had their attorney fill out the paperwork) so I agreed providing I could maintain dual citizenship. What this means is that while I am living in the USA I will have an American passport and can vote here but not in Canada. If I ever move back to Canada (don't think that will happen), I would have a Canadian passport and I could vote there but not here. I have always had a soft spot for my birth country (well soft in the summer, fall and spring - not so soft in the winter) and really wasn't ready to completely abandon my Canadian citizenship so this was the best of both worlds.

The part of the ballot which challenged me was not the presidential choices but the Indian Gaming measures. There were 4 which requested that the Reservations be allowed to increase the amount of slot machines in their casinos, thereby increasing the amount of money they give the State of California (desperately needed). They also claim they would share money with the other tribes which don't have casinos for hospitals and schools. The opposition claimed that only 4 tribes would be making a lot of money with the other 70 tribes being left out. The people for the increases claimed that Los Vegas was actually funding the oppoisition, not wanting to lose the money they are bringing in. There has been quite a lot of discussion in the lodge for and against. I finally decided to vote for the increase because any extra money coming into the State coffer is better than none at all. I figure that it would be impossible for all the new slot machines to be used at one time anyway so what difference would increasing the casino size make and hopefully the 4 big casinos will be honorable and the money will be shared with the other tribes. I guess most agreed with me because all 4 measures passed.

So there you have my week in a nutshell. Now that it's finished and I have read it over, it sounds pretty boring to me!! Hope you all had a great Mardi Gras Tuesday.

Two things

2008-01-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

I received this meme from Ralph (also known as daddums) so I will reveal more about myself also:

Two names I go by: Leslie (middle name) and "I"
Two think you are wearing right now: long sleeve shirt and uggs
two things you would want in a relationship: love and fun
Two of you favorite things to do: sleep and Moose functions.
Two things you want badly now: Retirement and Retirement
Two pets you have had: siamese cat 30 yrs ago and black lab 14 yrs ago.
Two people you hope will fill this out - anyone who wishes to reveal more about themselves.
Two things I did last night: bet on the Giants and watched some T.V.
Two things you ate today: Half a tuna sandwich and coleslaw
Two things you are doing tomorrow: driving to work and working
Two longest car rides: Montreal to New York with parents, St Louis to Minneapolis for work.
Two favorite holidays: any ones I have the day off.
two favorite beverages: Diet pepsi and tea
Two people no longer alive you would like to talk to: Brother Frank and both parents (ok 3)

A Monday Morning Laugh

2008-01-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

Usually when I am reading something, I picture in my mind what I am reading. This morning a good friend sent me this joke and the picure in my mind made this start a very good day for a Monday. So I ask you to join me in picturing these scenes........

Little Red Riding Hood is skipping thru the forest road when she sees the big bad wolf crouched down behind a log. "My, what big eyes you have, Mr. Wolf". The wolf jumps up and runs away.

Further down the road, Little Red Riding Hood see the wolf again. This time he is crouched behind a bush. "My, what big ears you have, Mr. Wolf". Again, the wolf jumps up and runs away.

About 1/4 mile down the road, Little Red Riding Hood see the wolf. This time he is crouched down behind a rock. "My, what big teeth you have, Mr. Wolf."

With that the wolf jumps up and SCREAMS... 'WILL YOU KNOCK IT OFF KID.....I'M TRYING TO POOP!!"

Hope your visual imagination worked like mine and gave you a wonderful laugh. You all have a great week!!!

Too much rain

2008-01-25T16:24:00.000-08:00

It's Friday afternoon at 4:30 and I am ready to go home. It's been a horrible week between having a cold plus being cold and wet. We have had more rain in the last two days than we have had the past 2 years and we still have three more days to go. It's also been cold (well for Southern California) and the snow level is down to 2000 feet causing problems for anyone trying to travel from So California to No. California. Wednesday night hundreds of cars got stuck on the 5 freeway at the infamous grapevine because the snow was too deep and there was no way to back up or go into the southbound lanes. One of our employees was stuck in his truck for 4 hours until the Highway Patrol bull dozer cut a path through the snow from the northbound lane to the southbound lane. He was lucky because he was in an area where he could follow the bull dozer. Any of the cars stuck on top of the pass were there until the next day because even the bull dozer couldn't get through there. All the motels in the area were full up because not even the 18 wheelers could get through the pass.

On my way home yesterday, there was one section of the freeway where it was raining so hard in a 20 minute span that all 4 lanes of the freeway were flooded so the Highway Patrol stopped all of us for a half hour until the rain let up and the freeway could drain. The rain was so heavy that I could not see the car stopped in front of me. My usual 45 minute drive took almost 2 hours.

Fortunately, it's Friday and I won't have to go anywhere for the next two rain days which are supposed to be worse than the last 2 days.

On top of everything, I still have the last gasp of the cold I had. Using fewer tissues but still a little clogged up.

As I write this, I can hear the rain on our company roof. Oh well, it's going to be a long long drive home tonight also.

one game away

2008-01-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

The pro footballl games yesterday were the most exciting ones I have seen in a very long time. Not having a team to root for or be heartbroken for is truly an advantage. All 4 teams suffered the horrible cold conditions like true troopers, and I really wish all could go to the super bowl but unfortunately only two teams can compete. Having lived in Quebec, I also know just how cold the players were, but watching both games, one could hardly tell how difficult it was for the players to do their jobs.

Even though I love the game, I have a hard time watching these types of games where it's that cold. I don't mind the mud games or even the games where it's snowing but I feel uncomfortable watching the games where the players are freezing, and that's why I feel real sympathy for the losing teams. Having only the super bowl to look foward to has now put me in stage 2 of football withdrawl depression.

To add to my misery, I have the worse cold. For the first time ever, I have Martin Luther King day off and not only do I have this miserable cold, but my Expedition failed the smog test Saturday, and it must be fixed before I can get my 2008 license plate tags which are due on March 16th, so at 8:30 this morning, I had some friends meet me at the repair shop. My mechanic isn't sure what caused the smog test failure but his wife also has an Expedition the same year as mine so I have confidence he will find the problem. While he has the SUV, I have also asked him to check the brakes because it's been a while and I drive each nite bumper to bumper down a three mile 850 foot grade into my town and I know the brakes take a beating, so I figure it's a good time to check the breaks. We expect 4 days of rain later in the week and I would hate to have the brakes fail while I am in the middle of the grade.

So here I am, stuck in the house without a vehicle. Fortunately, I have more than a few boxes of untra soft tissues and soup. Maybe if I am lucky, my mechanic will quickly find the source of the smog failure and I won't need new brakes.

Hey, I can wish, can't I???

UPDATE:

no luck on the Expedition. I needed a complete new smog whatever (I don't know crap about car wording) and new brakes. Final tally was almost $800.00. Happy I got new brakes though because we are going to have 4 days of rain and I now feel more confident driving down the grade and should have my new license registration before the due date.

Football season withdrawl stage one.

2008-01-14T15:35:00.000-08:00

it must be obvious by now that I am a big football fan. I happily cheered my beloved University of California Trojans to a win in the Rose bowl and I have been staying up nights (not) worrying that our wonderful coach Pete Carroll would bolt for one of the Pro teams next season. Fortunately for us, at this point, he has decided to stay with USC which is the best news.

While I love the game (High school, College, Pro) in general, outside of the Trojans, I don't have allegiance to any pro team because Los Angeles doesn't have one so I can enjoy any pro game on TV without the heartbreak of a loss. The past three weeks have been the most exciting. Yesterday there were a couple of defeats which suprised everyone. Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts both lost. The San Diego Chargers beat the Colts. That was a big big shocker. Since San Diego is really the closest team to us, many Angelenos are cheering for the first time in a very long time. My friend's son-in-law is probably on the biggest high. He loves the Chargers and has more collectibles than any one I have ever seen.

Me, I am just enjoying the games while they are being played, knowing that in three weeks the season will be over. I am already suffering the pangs of withdrawl and will soon start counting the months until August when they start over again. Meanwhile, I will continue to enjoy the playoffs and look forward to Super Bowl Sunday, our biggest Moose day of the year. Free food always brings out the crowd. This year should be no exception. As I do every year, I will miss football desperately. I am already in the first stage of depression!!!

A possible football tragedy ahead

2008-01-10T12:36:00.001-08:00

I know in the circle of world situations right now, ie war, global warming, poverty, famine and of course the inevitable U.S. presidential elections (one would think the entire world only cares about our election considering the media coverage), college football should be on the very bottom of the scale of worry, but for those of us University of Southern California football fans, there looms a very possible tragedy - the coach, Pete Carroll is considering offers from a couple of professional teams - Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins.

We, the loyal fans have become accustomed to winning big the past 7 years and we have won very very big. During this time, SC won 2 national titles and 4 Rose Bowl titles. A fan cannot wish for a lot more than that. Pete is the reason. His recruiting program for new students is obviously one of the best in the country. High school seniors from all over the country, pray that Pete or a Southern California representative will show up at their games and knock on their doors with scholarship offers. He is a true gentleman and one of the few college coaches who opens the teams practices to media and the public. Anyone can walk across campus to sit in the stands any time the team is practicing. After practice, while the team in standing on the sidelines, any reporter or fan can walk up to any player including the quarterback and just start a conversation. The media loves it, the fans love it and most important, Pete and the players love it.

Los Angeles doesn't have a professional football team. Right now the University of Southern California Trojans are the closest us football fans come to having a team to love and we know how much the success owes to Pete. He is the backbone of the team, and, most of us believe we need him to keep the program successful.

The media is reporting that Pete is considering offers from the two professional teams mentioned above. Pete has been a pro coach before, but not a very successful one. Now that he is tops in the college arena, he would have a great reason to accept a pro offer to see if he can win in the N.F.L. It's not so much the money offer as much as it would be proving his capabilities. Right now we don't know whether the offers are valid or if he will accept one.

What we the fans do know that if Pete leaves us for greener football arenas, we will be so much poorer for the loss and we will never be able to say thank you enough for everything he has given us the past 7 years. We have been a very lucky university and a very lucky city and if he chooses to leave, we will miss him more than he will ever know.

Gosh, I hope he stays!!!!

Life in the dark

2008-01-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

Last week when I was undecorating, I noticed some of my outside lights had gone out. I figured it was the string but I was wrong. When I pulled into my driveway last night, the security lights didn't come on either. I thought that it would be a quick fix. Just go into the breaker box and flip the switch, so I grabbed a flashlight from the car and looked into the breaker box. The previous owner of the house had conveniently listed what the switches covered, so I flipped the switch which said outside lights and bathrooms.

BIG BIG MISTAKE. The security lights came on, so I was sure everything was working, but I was so wrong. When I went into the bathroom and turned on the lights - NOTHING HAPPENED. I said a few not so nice words under my breath, again grabbed the flashlight and went back out to the box where I proceeded to flip the switch back and forth, hit the reset button as instructed in the notes and went back into the house to check on the bathroom lights (both bathroom are obviously on the same circuit because both are not working). Again NOTHING. I was in the dark both literally and figuratively in the bathroom, however, the security lights work perfectly. I have a small night light in the bathroom which comes on when the power is off so I was not completely in the dark but showering this morning was an interesting experience.

Fortunately, one of our Moose members is an electrician and I called him this morning to explain what happened. He has agreed to drop by the house on his way to the Lodge tonight to have a look see. I sure hope he can easily fix whatever is wrong. The thought of showering in the dark really doesn't appeal to me.

UPDATE:

all is well. Turns out this breaker is tough to work and my friend said he had to jiggle it a while but he got it fixed. Sometimes it's good to be a Moose member when something needs a quick fix.

New Years and undecorating comments.

2007-12-30T18:26:00.000-08:00

I don't mind decorating for the holidays, in fact I absolutely love it and start Thanksgiving weekend. The house looks great inside with my village in the front window (I leave the drapes open the entire month) and mini lit up trees, along with my Christmas mooses (I have about 10 of them including 4 which hang on the walls and play music when you squeeze them). My neighbors love the village and usually stop as they walk by to inspect and make wonderful comments. The outside is lit up with lights on the bushes and Christmas Moose wreaths all about. Even my SUV has a wreath on the front of it for the holidays.

Unfortunately in only a month, everything has to come down and that's what I absolutely hate to do. Boxing everything up for the shed is so depressing to me. I have decided to leave the village up for the winter at least. It's not exactly a Christmas village, merely a Victorian one. Some of the houses have decorations on them but from the outside, one can't tell. Everything else including the skating park, carousel, train station and City hall plus all the accessories are your run of the mill late 1800's little town so it won't look strange from the outside.

This New Years I have decided not to go to our Moose family Center. I am one of the few who doesn't drink and I always feel obgligated to be a designated driver. This means that at 2:30 AM, I am still driving around town. I am too old to be driving at that hour of the morning. I will be going to Lynn's and she lives close to the office (I have work tomorrow). I will let one of them explain their New Year's tradition. Suffice to say it will be nice for me to visit with my Aunt and I always enjoy spending time with the girls,their hubby's and kids.

So another year draws to a close. There have been some wonderful times (losing weight has been super) and some tough times this past month (losing my brother has been the pits) but we will move forward, and hope that next year will bring more weight loss (don't say it Joan and Carla, I know exercising will help), the chance to visit with my Iowa friends at our Moose Convention in Las Vegas in June and hopefully making some more great memories to last a lifetime.

I wish all of you a very wonderful New Year and hope that everything you wish for comes true.

Boy these are heavier than you think

2007-12-26T09:05:00.003-08:00

Each year I spend Christmas Eve with some very close friends (he is a buyer also, she is a nurse). Usually their son and daughter-in-law are also there but this year the kids were invited to visit family in Florida so it was just the three of us. We had a super time and of course great food.

This year was also a cause for celebration because their son won his 2nd Emmy in two years as one of the editors of a daytime T.V. show (can't remember which one). Last year he offered to let me have a picture holding the Emmy but we forgot to do it before I left, so this year we made sure to take the picture before dinner.

In 1969, the company I was working for, one an Academy Award for creative lighting of a movie set (The Molly MacGuires was about a mine strike and required special lighting for the mine scenes) but no pictures were taken of the employees holding it (maybe they didn't want it fingerprinted to death).

So here I am holding not one but two beautiful Emmys. They weigh about 10 lbs each. Seeing them on TV or in pictures doesn't do them justice. You cannot imagine how absolutely gorgeous they are, and I can understand why these and the Academy Awards are not only coveted to prove the quality of one's work but also for display.

I sure wish at least one was mine to take home but alas I have no creative talent whatsoever so I will just have to be happy for the chance just to hold them and be grateful for the picture to prove it.

2007-12-26T09:05:00.001-08:00

My wonderful co-workers

2007-12-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I teach purchasing classes, and one of the things I have always taught is respect for our co-workers for whom we do our buying. Since we spend most of our waking hours with these people, actually more than with our families, it seems important to me to always try to get along with them.

Some of you know that I have a very difficult co-buyer who has hardly spoken to me the 4 and a half years I have worked at the company. I believe she intended someone else for the position but the Vice President at the time of my hiring was someone I had worked for before and he made the decision to bring me into the company. The legacy of this is that she has never warmed up to me and sarcasm towards me has been evident since day one. I don't work for her so most of the time I just ignore her and try to stay out of her way.

About a year ago, our boss changed the products we buy, giving her mine and giving me what she had been purchasing, and apparently didn't want to do any more. I was more chagrined than unhappy because to me buying is buying. What it did though was allow me more interface with the other employees of the company since instead of purchasing for production, I am purchasing what our other employees need to do their jobs, ie, computers, stationery, marketing stuff plus the materials for our other offices in Europe and India. I also place the orders for our sales and marketing departments when they do conventions and shows. These are orders for the hotels, booths, food, lighting, signs etc. I try to place the orders quickly because I do know that time is a big factor. If there is an error in the requisitions, instead of returning them to the sender, I call the person and immediately fix the errors so that the orders can be placed. Apparently this is something my co-buyer refused to do. She would just return the requisition out of the system with notes indicating what was wrong. This would delay the orders being placed. I have never done this to gain anything but more to make it easier for my co-workers to do their jobs in an expedient manner.

Doing, this, I have gained more than I have expected. Once I lost the weight, the marketing department conveniently sent over more than a few company shirts for me to wear. They have also provided me with the promotional items they purchase which I share with the other buyers including my nemesis (doesn't improve her behavour towards me but I can't share with the other buyers without giving to her too) and the people who work in our customer service department next door. When my computer failed, it was only a half hour before I had a brand new computer with all the bells and whistles. Even my boss commented on the speed of the service I was given. When something breaks in our building, everyone comes to me. They know that if I ask, something, including a new coffee pot this week, will appear quickly.

When I was in Iowa in June, I took my Ipod with me and somewhere (I am assuming running through airports) I lost it. When we had our company Christmas party last week, I mentioned to the other people at the table (I sat with sales and customer service, not purchasing) that I was really hoping I would win a new Ipod because there were three amongst the 20 gifts they were drawing employee names for. I didn't win one of the prizes (3 people at our table did win prizes - no Ipods) and the rest of us at the table celebrated their wins with them.

Yesterday purchasing passed out the gifts we were given by suppliers to the people on the line (we do that every year instead of taking the stuff home). When I returned to my desk, there was a Christmas wrapped gift on my desk with a card indicating the gift was from our sales and customer service department. When I opened the package, there was a brand new state of the art Ipod. I was overwhelmed. The card was signed by all the people in the departments. I was so touched, I cried. The past three weeks have really drained me and I must admit my holiday spirit since I returned from Georgia is the lowest it's been in years. I immediately went next door to personally thank everyone for being so kind and generous. Everyone commented that what I do for them both service wise and making sure I share what I have with them gave them no choice but to show how much they appreciated everything I do for them.

This must be the true spirit which I try to carry all year. It proves to me that doing unto others all year not December is what it's all about I am very grateful for the co-workers who do appreciate the service I provide and have proven to me what the word "SHARING" is all about.

I wish all of you a very happy holiday and most important a VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR. I hope everything you wish for comes true and I thank you all for being my blog friends.

Temptation, thy name is Christmas Goodies

2007-12-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I am a buyer, and for the past week, our department has been given every kind of sugar something in the world by our suppliers. I promised myself that I wouldn't give in to temptation of any sort, during this holiday season, which could cause a weight gain since I still have 40 lbs to lose after my stomach bypass surgery, and can't seem to get myself motivated to exercise. Logic indicates if I am not moving around fast enough to lose more weight, I must keep focused on eating very small amounts of healthy food, a very difficult thing to do with all the goodies being passed around.

What I have done this week is share with the other employees in our building who aren't fortunate enough to have suppliers bring them great tasting sweets. Everyone thinks I am the most generous co-worker, and I almost feel a twinge of guilt when they heaping thanks on me. Little do they know, it's the sharing which is keeping me focused on my goal not to gain during these times. If they happen to love the glut of cookies, brownies, chocolates and whatever else I can unload, then so be it.

I am still very thankful I had the surgery in February 2006. If I can behave through New Years, I might even make a promise to start exercising or just walking around the building and, hopefully, lose the 40 lbs by next Christmas. Heck, by then, I might even be able to indulge in a brownie or two.

Not enough time for everything

2007-12-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

Here we are at not only the end of a quarter but also the end of the year. We are swamped here at the office, plus I was out the week I spend in Georgia so I have been playing catch up for the past week and a half. I wrote before that the end of the quarter is always busy since we are trying to ship as much out as we can. The end of the year increases the stress level by 25% because we really want to get everything out as we close the year.

On top of this, there has been distressing news regarding my brother's estate. 2nd son (you know the one who did nothing regarding the apartment and who made absolutely no arrangements at the mortuary leaving me with all the responsibilities and payments, then left the day before his father's memorial service) has applied to be the administrator of Frank's estate. The legal notice appeared in the town Newspaper. Fortunately my wise cousin Joan has been searching the web using Frank's name to see what's out there and has found some things on line issued from 2nd son which are extremely disturbing to me, the request to be named administrator of the estate being the highest item. While he has asked the courts to name him administrator, he has done absolutely nothing about Frank's apartment or car, leaving the responsibilities up to Frank's boss and his wife to clean out the apartment and store the car on their property.

It's obvious that 2nd son is only hoping to expedite the probate of the estate so that he can get his hands on the money faster. Since I have no doubt that 2nd son has no intention of repaying me, I have contacted an attorney in that area and asked him to file a claim against the estate on my behalf.

All this saddens me. This is not what I expected of my brother's legacy. It's shabby and goes against everything I believe in. This is how my nephew has dragged me into his low life world and it makes me very angry, but to allow him to keep my money when he has done absolutely nothing, makes me even angrier. How it will end, I have no idea. I just cannot give up the fight.

A Legacy Of Love

2007-12-10T15:20:00.000-08:00

I went into Frank's obituary page Saturday where friends and family can leave messages. There are 5 pages of messages and they made me cry. Most say how much he meant to these people and how much they will miss him. What better legacy is there for a person, but to be remembered by so many with love and respect. It's just too bad that his sons will never be able to appreciate who their father was and how much he meant to so many people. It's obvious his was not a wasted life. How can I not be proud to say I was Frank's sister?

There is a way to order a book which includes all the messages left, and I think I will do just that so our family will have a rememberance to keep. I will wait until just before the obituary expiration date so that as many are included as possible. I have asked family members to write messages as well as friends in Iowa who got to know him in June.

It's now time to move on with my life, return to work and get on with living. I can only hope when my time has come to be with Frank and my parents, I too will have touched people's lives in such a manner, and receive the same type of loving messages.

A family of love

2007-12-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

As Joan wrote in her blog, she and I returned from Georgia yesterday. It was a very difficult time for both of us but not for the right reasons. Joan and I have had this week to mourn the loss of Frank. Unfortunately we have also seen the good and terrible of the people in Frank's life. In Lynn's blog, she hinted at her disappointment and surprises. Since my brother can no longer be hurt, I will attempt to set down into words some of those things.

Last Saturday when Frank passed on, I knew it was my responsibility to accompany Frank's 27 year old son to Georgia . Fortunately for me, Joan understanding my pain decided to accompany us. Our goal was to help him handle the funeral arrangements, clear out Frank's apartment and do whatever else was necessary. Unfortunately, 2nd Son, apparently, did not see his responsibilities as son and heir in the same light as Joan and I saw them.

We were met at the airport by Frank's girlfriend A, who was obviously devistated by his passing. She was the person Frank called and it was A who along with a few of Frank's co-workers who received the news of his death from the Doctor. To be honest, I was surprised by the committment she indicated to Joan and I that she and Frank shared. To be honest, in all my conversations with Frank, and we spoke at least once a week, I never got the impression that Frank felt the same way about A. 2nd son decided to stay at Frank's apartment, while Joan and I decided to stay at the local Marriott. "A" told us that she had made an appointment with the mortuary at 11:00 the next morning, so we told 2nd son that we would call him at 8:00 and make arrangements for him to pick us up in Frank's car. After we dropped him off, and it was just Joan and I in the car, "A" completely fell apart. It was like she was mourning a husband, she was that devestated. She told us of the plans she and Frank had been making, including the move to Iowa. Joan and I told her nothing, we only listened and tried to console her.

When Joan and I were alone in the hotel, Joan who along with Lynn also spoke frequently on the phone with Frank asked me if she had missed something about Frank and A. I told her that in my mind, he was obviously leading her on. When we were in Iowa in June, Frank never mentioned bringing A. Although they had been together 7 years, they never lived together and Frank always told me he would never marry again. Frank and I were always honest enough to express what was in our hearts and if there was a thought of marriage and lifetime committment on his mind, he surely would have told me, yet he never gave me any indication he felt anything more than friendship for A. Joan and I decided that we would allow A to keep her memories and beliefs because Frank was gone, and there didn't seem any point now in taking her obviously cherished feelings about him. We have to let her keep whatever she believes Frank's intentions were.

The next morning, I called 2nd son at 8:00 but there was no answer. I kept calling every 15 minutes until it was 10:15 and I had to accept the fact that he was not going to meet us. His mother said he called her around 4:00 AM Georgia time, telling her he was driving around and was lost. Knowing his history, I figured he went to the Casino. I called A who came over to the hotel to pick Joan and I up and we went over to the Mortuary where we were met by Frank's boss S, his wife D and A's brother. I again called 2nd son but still received no answer. Arrangements had to be made at the Mortuary, so I decided that I would be the one to make them. Frank had wanted to be cremated. We were told that only Frank's heirs could sign the papers. My oldest nephew is in Federal prison (I am not going to even try to explain) and of course 2nd son wasn't with us. The funeral director told us he could contact the prison for 1st son's signature but had to have 2nd son's too. I told him I would find him and bring him down but in the meantime, I would accept the financial responsibility to the Mortuary for the funeral arrangements which was fine with him.

Fank's boss S told me that Frank's co-workers wanted to have a memorial service and that his company would probably shut down so that his co-workers could attend. We made arrangements for the services to be at 4:00 on Wednesday. Joan and I decided that no matter what, we would be there. After making the arrangements we could, we got the chance to spend a few moments with Frank. "A" went in alone first, then Joan, the rest of us. I had the chance to spend some time alone with him. I was both heartsick and angry and took the opportunity to tell him exactly what I was thinking, some of which wasn't very nice. It was a moment Frank would have loved, to be honest, and he would have put his arm around me and reminded me that nothing since we were kids had changed. He was exactly the same incorigable adult, he was as a child, and he still had the ability to make one forget how angry they were with him.

After we left the Mortunary, we headed over to the apartment only to find 2nd son asleep. When I woke him up, he was beligerant with us and could not understand why we were angry with him for missing the appointment. When I demanded that he come with us back to the Mortuary to sign the papers he reluctantly agreed. Apparently he was angry that he could not immediately get into Frank's bank account to remove money. It finally dawned on Joan and I that this was the ONLY reason he had come to Georgia. He didn't care about his father at all, only the money and once he found out he would have to wait for his inheritance, he was furious. After he signed the paper for the creamation, he was asked if he wanted to spend time with Frank. The look on his face showed that he really didn't but he was forced into a position to say yes, since Joan and I were with him. To say he spent a minute with Frank would be an overstatement.

When we left the Mortuary, I told 2nd son that there would be services for Frank on Wednesday. His response was the he would not attend. Joan and I didn't argue with him. We were both still angry with his attitude. My anger was not based on how he was treating his father, but how he was dishonoring my bother by his actions. We asked what he intented to do about the apartment and he mumbled something about not caring. All he complained about was not being able to get the money immediately.

Joan and I decided to rent a car so that we wouldn't have to depend on 2nd son for transportation with Frank's car. The next morning, Tuesday, 2nd son's mother called me to say that he had called her to say he wanted to go home immediately and that she had made airline reservations for him to do so. I was furious and told her exactly what her son was and told her what had occured the day before at the Mortuary. I asked her what they intended to do about the apartment and the car and she informed me that Frank's co-workers. I immediately called Frank's boss and told him that they were to do NOTHING and requested that he call her and tell her exactly that. Within a very short time, she called me and said that 2nd son had left the key to the apartment under the mat and was leaving immediately. Nothing about the apartment or car had been resolved.

Wednesday, we had Frank's memorial service. I was overwhelmed by the attendance. I think there had to be at least 200 people, maybe more , including the President of Frank's company and customers who had known Frank the 12 years he was with the company. there was a video of pictures plus Frank's favorite songs. Joan and I had written Frank's eulogy which I delivered, then of Frank's friends also spoke, then I delivered the closing prayer which was from the Moose Ritual. We asked if anyone wanted to speak and some did. Some also asked questions about Frank which I answered. After the services, many came up to me with hugs and encouranging words of love and friendship for both Frank and I. Some commented that my hand actions were so similar to Frank's that watching me talk about his life and telling naughty stories about him, was like watching him deliver his own eulogy. Everyone told me that Frank always spoke about his love for his family and that we would be surprised to learn how much they knew about us. I was not surprised. Frank loved to tell stories. That was one of his best attributes. Fortunately, none of these people knew the other side of Frank, especially A and that's the way it must remain.

I spoke with the funeral director, and asked him if I was authorized to make arrangements with him for Frank's ashes and he said that I could do that. I spoke with Joan and we decided that if I had them shipped to my home in California (2nd son never gave them his address), I could bury Frank but there seemed no point. A and Frank's friends and co-workers really wanted him to remain with them in Georgia. These people were not only his friends but by their obvious love for him, I understood, they would visit and maintain his grave site so I signed the papers to give his ashes to A who was so grateful.

After the services, Joan, Frank's boss, his wife and I went over to Frank's apartment. It was exactly as Frank left it Saturday. All 2nd son had taken was Frank's wallet (including the credit cards) and his important papers. The keys to the car were on the counter. The 4 of us looked through apartment. I found Frank's good watch in a closet, which I gave to Frank's boss to keep and his wife took some momentos of Frank. including some of his cooking utensils. I collected his work achievement certificates plus an award Frank had received (since there was no monitary value, 2nd son left those). I also found Frank's photo album which I claimed and a couple of Frank's shirts which I will wear and treasure. His boss agreed to send whatever I wanted to my house. Everything else we left exactly as we found it. I gave his boss the keys to the car and asked him to have the assistant manager of the apartment complex whose husband worked with Frank, move the car which is part of Frank's estate, to a secure place in the complex so that it won't be towed away when the managememt clears out the apartment. He called her and she agreed immediately. I told him to tell her to donate everything in the apartment to charity. There was nothing else I could do since it was obvious that 2nd son doesn't intend to handle anything.

Yesterday after we flew back, Joan and Rick dropped me off at 2nd son's mother's house to pick up my car . I met with her and let her have both barrels about my brother's greedy (plus a few other choice words) son, then I walked out of her house with the intention of never having anything to do with them again.

Joan and Lynn are furious and worried that I will be stuck with the bills incurred on my credit card, including the Mortuary, air fair, hotel and Car rental. A's brother who is an Attorney in Georgia suggested that I contact him if I needed help recouping my mortuary and other expenses.

I am so grateful to Joan for coming with me. She was my rock through this experience. She also help me write Frank's eulogy. Alone, everything would have been too overwelming to bear but having her with me made it so much easier.

I loved my brother so much. We shared a lifetime together. What I have seen this week is not important. What is important is to remember how much he loved us, something he reminded us every time we spoke. I am sorry we won't share Iowa together but knowing it was where he planned on retiring, is something I will have always.

A loving tribute to my brother Frank.

2007-12-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

The call we all dread came to me at 8:00 this morning, Saturday December 1, 2007. One of my brother's co-workers was on the phone telling me the most horrible thing one can hear. My beloved baby brother had a massive heart attack and passed away just a few minutes before. He was just 61 years old as of May 11th. He didn't suffer, he had mild ache and called a friend who took one look at him and immediately called 911. The paramedics realized immediately what was happening and gave him a dose of morphine to ease his discomfort. By the time they got to the hospital, it was too late. His heart had just given out. There was no previous warning. It was the first and only heart problem, and it just gave out too soon.

My brother lived life to the fullest. He loved good food and was a wonderful amature chef, specializing in Oriental cooking. Like me, he was severely overweight and diabetic, but unlike me, he absolutely refused to have the stomach bypass I had a year and a half ago. When we were together in Iowa in June, I discussed the surgery with him, encouraging him to considering having it, but when he saw the amount of food I could have, not to mention the type of food, he waved his hand at my plate and commented that he loved his good food too much to live with my diet. Just like my dad, Frank chose his favorite lifestyle which always included rich food. Also like my dad, Frank suffered the exact same fate. The only difference was 8 years. Dad was 70 when he passed on. I know Frank understood the consequences of his actions. I just think he figured he had the same amount of time and I will always be grateful he planned to spend that time with me.

Frank was an absolute joy to be around. He had a wonderful sense of humor and everyone loved to be around him, including my friend's grandkids. We were planning on retiring in Iowa together in the next couple of years. He was really looking forward to spending time with me and our friends. This will not be, but I take comfort in knowing he was as anxious as I was to just be together again.

Frank travelled a lot for his company. He returned Tuesday from his latest trip and, fortunately managed to call our Aunt ( Lynn and Joan's mom). He also spoke with both of them. He also called me, something he did before and after every trip. We chatted about the snow in Iowa and how we would both be housebound for 3 months a year once we moved there. It was a light and cheerful conversation. His last three words before we ended the conversations were "I love you".

Joan and I will be accompanying my newphew Brian to Georgia, where Frank lived, tomorrow morning. We will help Brian with the arrangements and try to ease his pain in losing his dad.

So goodby baby brother. Thanks for sharing my life. Thanks for taking the blame and the punishment for my childhood misdeeds and most important, thanks for loving me., and always making sure that I never could question your love for me right to the very end.

The sweet sound of rain

2007-11-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

It's 6:00 in the morning, I am dressed and ready to leave for work at 7:00. The reason I am so up and at 'em is because it's actually seriously raining, and the sound woke me up at 4:00. We in southern California haven't heard this sweet sound for about 2 years. We have had some rain but nothing like we have today, where the sound is strong.

Naturally, as desperately as we need the rain, it could bring problems for the areas so recently destroyed by those horrible fires. The ground has absolutely no cover to protect the earth and too much hard rain will cause floods down the hills, and on to the roads, so what we really need is something gentle but continuous. It's only going to last today and the weather people predict no more for at least 7 days.

So, I will leave this blog and go to my front window and just watch the drops hit the pavement. I will savor this picture for as long as it lasts, then get in my SUV, and thank God for the free car wash. Hopefully, this precious liquid will allow ground cover to grow on the fire damaged hills and bring some green to an otherwise brown and beige landscape. We have absolutely lived with these two colors for far too long.

My Dream Village

2007-11-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

Every year after Thanksgiving, I assemble my Christmas Village. It's not one of those name brand villages, it's just a jumble of ceramic and plastic things I have purchased over the years, and somehow it manages to become a perfect turn of the last century village. I start with my large coffee table (used to be big enough, but this year I had to add an extension table) which I place in front of my living room window, and put white stryofoam on the bottom, then add assorted white boxes and hard foam around the outside edge to create different levels for the Victorian houses (I think I have 8 or 9 at least). On the right hand side I place the skating pond (mirror with people on it) in front and carosel (musical 10 songs - lighted and the horses turn) behind the park. In the middle, I have the train station with the train in front, city hall with clock tower behind the train station then people and lights all around. I have a horse pulled carriage, a coffee vendor, benches, trees etc. On the left hand side (where you can't see in the picture) I have a band playing and above that a horse pulled sleigh with people. All the houses light up. The first picture was taken behind the table, the 2nd one from the left hand side.

It's very relaxing for me to put it together, moving pieces around to fit, making what I would consider the perfect place to live. When I get home at night, I turn on the lights so that people passing by can see it.

I was thinking this year that maybe after the holidays, I may leave it up all winter. It's so pretty and calming, I just like to stand there and imagine what it would be live to live in such a place. Pretty darn good I think.

WHAT A SWELL PARTY IT WAS

2007-11-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

What a super Thanksgiving we had yesterday at our Moose Family Center. We advertised on our local Government Channel and in our County Newspaper that our lodge would be open from 2:00 to 5:00 for a free Thanksgiving dinner to anyone who didn't have a place to go. Our lodge and social quarters were closed and no alcohol was served. We were lucky enough to have food donated by local stores. We had 12 turkeys, 5 hams, 16 pies, potatoes, stuffing, green beans, rolls and another of our district Moose family centers cooked and donated enough yams for 250 people. Boy did we luck out.

We had decided that rather than having people stand in line to be fed, we would personally serve each person, not only bringing their food to them,but also providing soda, coffee or tea which someone would deliver. We had about 20 of our members sacrificing their family Thanksgiving to show up and volunteer, so two were assigned to each table of 10, to provide the service then clean up and reset their table for the next people who showed up. The other volunteers would be the ones who keep the food coming.

First, Ventura County, where we are is under another fire alert this weekend so 30 Fire Fighters from around the state are camped out at one of our local parks, and of course, were invited to join and boy did they ever. Men and women showed up in full uniform, ate their fill along with the first batch of people. Then they did something spectacular. They took over serving, giving our members a chance to eat. It was the best of the Thanksgiving spirit.

The newspaper sent a photographer (we had seen him before when we donated stuffed Moose to our local search and rescue folks) plus a reporter who walked around talking to the firefighters and diners. Our local CountySupervisor also showed up to mingle with everyone.

There was no way to count how many people showed up to eat because we weren't giving out tickets, but there were a few families who filled an entire table. The folks ate and then the kids noticed our back yard playground and basket ball court and once they were done, they rushed outside to play. We also had quite of few senior members of our community who had no other place to eat show up. They kept shaking our hands, thanking us. We figured we serve at least 150 to 200 meals by the end of the day.

Needless to say, everyone decided this would be an annual event. The outpouring of gratitude towards us, completely filled our lodge. We have more than enough love to carry us through the next few months and the memories for those of us who participated will be something we will not soon forget. It was absolutely worth every minute spent, preparing and serving all those wonderful folks who showed up.

Oh, one more thing. In case you are wondering if I blew my diet - well actually, no I didn't. All I had were a few pieces of celery, a few olives and a lot of coffee. Nothing really appealed to me even though as you can see while I was dishing out the food. I am very grateful that the surgery I had a year ago really does work to keep the hunger away. Besides helping me, it saved at least one dinner for the people who were really worthy to share this wonderful feast.

Sometimes I envy Joan

2007-11-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

this will be quick because I am swamped here at the office.

I have been reading Joan's blog every day, and I really envy her the time to do one every single day besides having something to say every single day.

We are busy here at the office trying to get everything bought to ramp for year end shipments and I am not sure how long it will last. Besides, we only have 3 working days this week.

Until then, please know blogging friends I haven't forgotten that I promised to do a blog about my stomach bariatric surgery.

Tonight I promised to work our football mini-meal at the Moose.

Hope everyone is well and if I don't get back this week you all have a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Patti, I am praying your mom is handling her fire crisis. I can't imagine how tough it can be.

Sometimes the timing is wrong......

2007-11-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

I went on the interview yesterday. The company is very small, and their procurement department is somewhat still in the dark ages, and not a very good fit for someone with my experience.

I didn't think that any company was still entering purchase orders in DOS but this company still is. Not only that but their bill of materials system (lists all the part numbers required to complete a project) is manually entered on Excel. Very primitive and slow. They are in the process of updating their systems, but this could take 2 or 3 years, and at this time in my purchasing career, I am downsizing, and not looking to help a company begin their growing.

Most important though, they cannot afford to hire someone at this time with my salary requirement. Even though the company is a mile from my house, and there would be gasoline cost savings, the salary they are offering is not nearly enough to compensate.

If I am meant to stay with my present employer, so be it. The company is great, and the compensations are greater. I will just have to buck up and accept the situation I have with my co-buyer. It's been 4 and a half years. Another 2 years won't hurt me. After all, I do have something great in the future to look forward to....RETIREMENT!!!

Sometimes the timing might be right...

2007-11-13T09:03:00.000-08:00

I wrote a couple of weeks ago that our the Vice President of my company left here to go work for the management of our previous company, and how concerned I was what life would be like here after he was gone. So far, there has been no trauma and I am very grateful.

Last Friday, late in the afternoon, I went into Monster.com the job search web, which I do sometimes just to see what is out there. Something popped up a quarter of a mile from my house and although the job description fit, it seemed to me that the company was searching for someone less qualified than I am. After giving it 15 minutes of thought, mostly about the fact that it was so close to home, I decided it wouldn't do any harm to E-mail my resume over to them. In the E-mail I explained that I have been with this company 4 and a half years, but it's 25 miles from my house and with gasoline prices exceeding $3.50 for regular around here, it was time to consider changing to a company closer to home.

That was Friday afternoon at 4:30. Yesterday at 8:05 in the morning, the director of operations of the company was on the phone to me. He asked how soon I could come in for an interview. I explained to him that it might be tough but that I had an appointment scheduled in town on Wednesday and if he could wait the couple of days, I could be at his doorstop around 4:00. He said he would check with the others who would have also have to meet me. Within 15 minutes I received an E-mail from him confirming the 4:00 time as well as listing the names and positions of the people I would be meeting.

So there you have it. I don't know if a job change will happen. I don't know if they will accept my salary requirements, however, they should be aware approximately how much a senior buyer with my experience is worth, and if they weren't interested, I figure they wouldn't have contacted me. Stay tuned for another blog on Thursday after the interview and please start crossing those fingers and toes. Lighting a few candles wouldn't hurt either.

Charlotte's Birthday continued...

2007-11-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

As I wrote in my last blog, Charlotte turned 89 on Saturday. I drove up to her town and met one of the co-workers from her Chapter, and she and I drove up the mountain (when I say up the mountain, I mean that literally. Charlotte and her late first husband bought their house in 1958 and to get to it, one must drive past one of the very very old California Missions and up three miles of winding roads). This neighborhood as well as most of the town can now only be afforded by the very wealthy so Charlotte and her present husband of over 35 years are very lucky to live there.

At the house, we met Charlotte and her daughter and all four of us went back down the mountain to a local Chinese restaurant. The food was some of the best Chinese food I have eaten and the company I was with was pretty wonderful too. We had a marvelous time talking about the Moose Organization and, of course, Charlotte shared some very old memories with us. We spoke of members who have passed on and just shared some funny stories of the way things used to be. After lunch, we stopped at the local ice cream store and picked up a birthday cake which we took back up the mountain to share with Charlotte's husband, son-in-law and old friend who stayed up at the house while we had lunch. Charlotte opened her presents (what does one give to an 87 year old woman who has everything - her daughter gave her a brand new state of the art waffle machine, and I brought a dozen yellow roses which are her favorite).

It was an absolutely super day with a very super lady. I never get tired of listening to her stories or being around her. She is someone so very special, not only to the Moose members but to everyone who meets her. We Moose are just lucky that she belongs to us, and we all know it.

Lynn asked what keeps her so young. I will tell you, it's her joy of life and always being optomistic which keeps her young. It's also what keeps her so beautiful. This is a picture I took Saturday.

Happy Birthday Special Lady

2007-11-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

The reason I joined the Moose Family Center 20 years ago was because a friend needed two women to join so that she could receive her higher honors in the Moose Organization. My intention was to pay my dues and not go into the lodge because along with most people, I just figured it was a bar and all people did there was drink. I didn't drink because if my diabetes so why bother.

Well, needless to say, what happened isn't even close to my original intentions. Like most fraternal organizations, the Moose Family Centers do have social quarters where alcohol is served, but that's just a very small part of the whole Moose program. There are so many other things including dinners, kids activities, parties, sports functions - well something for everyone!

When I joined, someone convinced me to attend a session to learn about the Women of the Moose program (from here on known as WOTM). The session leader was someone special by the name of Charlotte. Her title is Past Grand Regent (in the entire WOTM program, out of all the members, one woman is chosen each year to be Grand Regent. She travels all over the United States and Canada meeting and greeting WOTM members and building up the Moose program. When her year is over, her permanent title is Past Grand Regent). Boy could this woman's enthusiasm for the WOTM convince one to do anything and by the time I left the meeting, I was not only committed to the Moose program but also to doing whatever I could to help my local Chapter build it's membership. I also promised to accept a Chapter higher office. That was in 1990. Charlotte and I just clicked that first day.

By 1998 with this special lady's help, I achieved all the local honors offered a WOTM co-worker by taking the offices necessary to achieve them (I wrote a blog in August about having my Moose College Regalia shortened because of my weight loss). While the rest of us wear black and red Regalia, you can see Charlotte wears the white of a Past Grand Regent. During the 17 years, along with a few other co-workers, I have helped my Chapter become one of the most successful in California. Everything I do is based on the golden rule "do unto others" which Charlotte continues to instill in all of us. If the members are treated with respect, they will want to help this wonderful organization. I have lived this rule for a very long time.

Over the past 17 years, Charlotte and I have maintened an adopted mother/daughter relationship. Her joy of life continues to amaze me each time I see her. She continues to have a memory as sharp as a tack and remembers what happened in a specific Chapter 25, 30 or 40 years ago. When the rest of us are wearing comfortable tennis shoes or clumsy clogs, Charlotte is still wearing heels and dresses most of the time. In short, she is a very classy lady with a great sense of humor, still teaching all of us the lessons of a great life.

Tomorrow is Charlotte's birthday and I want to take this time to let everyone know how much I apprecial all this special woman has taught me about human nature. We will be having lunch, sharing Women of the Moose memories and just enjoying the company.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention her age. Charlotte will be 89 tomorrow. The picture of her was taken this past September. Don't you think she looks pretty darn good???

So Far So Good Here at Work

2007-11-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Well it's been almost a week since my work mentor left and so far it's been a pretty good week. We had our first staff meeting Tuesday. Turns out my company is going "green" and our manager presented all the things management is going to do to change our way of thinking. The first thing we are giving up is the bottled water which has been provided and the styro cups we have been using for our hot drinks. The company has purchased special green water bottles and ceramic cups for each employee. Our tap water will be filtered so we will be reusing the new cups and bottles. We have also been given "recycle trash cans" to toss all paper into along with ones for cans. Together with those items, our company will be offering the chance to win gifts to those who carpool and names will be drawn every month. This company gives out pretty good gifts like I-Pods and other goodies so I for one am very happy that I car pool with one of our other buyers. There are other incentives to save the planet which will be announced in the future. It was a fun calm meeting with no work discussion.

As far as my co-buyer goes, so far so calm. Maybe she was intimidated by our V.P. but she seems a little less hostile, and I even got her to chuckle (very small one) this morning so maybe just maybe...... I can hope it will be better, but I can only wait and see what happens.

A very sad day

2007-11-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

Today is a very sad day for me. Our executive Vice-President left our company.

I have a couple of reasons for being sad. First, this is the 2nd company I have worked for this wonderful man. Before I came here, I worked for him 8 years at our last company which was acquired by a major corporation and closed. When he came here, he offered me a job which I immediately accepted.

Unfortunately, my co-buyer had someone else in mind for the job and over the past 4 and a half years has never gotten over my getting the job. I have written about her on this blog before. She has never been nice to me and the only time she has ever spoken to me since I started all those years ago has been to be sarcastic and critical. This past year it got worse and this wonderful man went to bat for me to our relatively new boss and the sarcasm and critical attitude disappeared.

Now he has gone to work with the management of our former company who have started a new company and I am alone with no protection here. What will happen, I have no idea. I know for sure that the new company will not have a place for me because it's a start up company with very little money for an experienced senior buyer. I must remain here and hope for the best. I love this company, except for my co-buyer, and I really plan on finishing out my purchasing career here. Whether or not I remain the next two years is to be seen.

In the meantime, I mourn the departure of my wonderful mentor and hope everything works out for the best for both of us.

America the best place for employment

2007-10-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have finally figured out why the rest of the world thinks America is the greatest. It's not because we are a democracy or that we are a very friendly country, or that we have more food than any other place.

No, it's because only in American can you get fired from your job and still walk away with a
$160 million dollar package. This is what happened today to Merrill Lynch Chairman, Stan O'Neal. While he was in charge of Merrill Lynch, the company lost $8 billion dollars and the board decided to fire him. So how does one fire a chief under whose watch the company lost so much money? Of course you punish him by giving him an exit package including unwarranted bonuses, stock, perks and whatever else you can find probably including free coffee for life, and I am willing to bet he still can use the company jet whenever he wants. All told, Stan's exit package totals $160 million dollars.

How monoric is this??? When the average person is relieved of their job, all they get is a boot in the butt but if you are an executive, you get this great package. Even the chairmen and presidents of other companies who have been found guilty of stealing company money and go to jail, still somehow end up with a ton of money so that after they get out of jail, they can live exactly the way they did before they were incarcerated.

This is wrong!!! I don't know who can get this corrected, but something has to be done pretty soon. Am I the only person who is irked by this legal thievery?

Holy Moose, I won at the Halloween party

2007-10-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

I am going to try and post a picture. Just as I promised Michele, I wore one of my Canadian shirts which is much too large for me and since I can't wear it any more, I spilled coffee on it to make it look more authentic. I won for the most original costume.

The party was absolutely fantastic. Lots of prizes for ticket drawings, games, pumpkin carving and of course lots of food. It was probably one of the most successful parties we have ever had, and I had the best time. Of course winning was an absolute bonus.

Now, we move on to the November and december holidays topping the year off with our grand New Year's eve party. Gosh, it's great to be a Moose member!!!

HOT TIME IN THE GOLDEN STATE

2007-10-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

I know all of you have been reading and watching California's fire woes all week. It's the worst fire week in the State's history. Needless to say the fire officers have gone above and beyond their call of duty, completely ignorning their own safety to save people, pets, houses etc. It's been absolutely amazing what these people have accomplished. Considering we have 14 separate fires in just southern California, only 1500 houses have been lost. Almost 500000 people have been displaced, most of them hanging out in the Stadium where the San Diego Chargers play. California learned quite a bit from the flood disaster in New Orleans where the people stayed in their stadium and suffered. The people staying at the San Diego stadium are not complaining at all. Rather they are giving thanks to the supermarkets and giant supply stores who have provided tents, food, water, clothes and anything else everyone needs, all without charge.

There was a famous castle owned by an Iranian princess on top of the Malibu hills. It burned to the ground. Fortunately the castle was highly insured. Unfortunately, the owner also had the largest collection of Elvis memoriabilia including costumes, one of his cars, movie scripts with notes hand written by Elvis himself and many of his old 45 records. Unfortunately, the only thing she was able to save was Elvis' army uniform. No insurance can possibly cover the lost legacy of all her Elvis treasures.

I live 15 miles from the Malibu fire. My town is not threatened but I wanted you to see what the sky has looked like all week over us. You can see the sky in the distance. The dark part over the sky is smoke from the Malibu fire and it has been with us all week along with soot. It's not pretty but it also not as dangerous as the actual fire has been.

Today the wind has died and the humidity has gone from 3 up to 20. It will give the fire officers a chance to work their miracles and, hopefully, by the weekend all the fires will be out and California can again become the Shangrila we are supposed to be.

We Californians thank everyone for your kind thoughts. It's been a very tough week but thank God the mortality rate has been exceptionally low (5 lives lost). Most will rebuilt their houses exactly where they were before the fire knowing that this can happen again at any time. These are the chances we take to live in the "Golden State".

this and that

2007-10-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

First, I would like to thank Ralph for bestowing on me the "Christmas Spirit Award" which of course I have no idea how to post. I have mastered pictures but obviously not awards and have asked my cousin Joan to post it for me when she has time. Anyway I thank you very much Ralph. It's very kind of you to think of me.

Second, as many of you know, I spent a few Saturday nights last summer celebrating parties in Hawaiian shirts, gritting my teeth each time and hoping it was the last for a very long time. Did I say hoping??? Praying is more like it. Unfortunately one of the Moose Family Centers in our district is celebrating their 50th anniversary on November 3rd, and I am sure you can already guess what kind of party they are having and you would be right. I get to wear one of my 2 Hawaiian shirts again. Hopefully this will really be the last one for a very long time. How can one wear a Hawaiian shirt so close to the winter season??

Now that I have my Halloween bag lady outfit ready to go, I was thinking I could have gone as a Hawaiian bag lady. Outside of the shirt, I am wondering what they wear over there (do they even have bag ladies?). They cannot wear the infamous plaid flannel jackets, scarves and boots. Do they wear flip flops and shorts and flowered leis?? Just curious!!

Nothing to blog about

2007-10-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have been getting E-mails from my friends asking why I haven't blogged for a while. Truth is nothing has been happening worth blogging about.

I figure to report on the Moose Family Center Kid's Halloween party which is on Saturday, Oct 20. We expect about 70 kids and it should be a blast.

My Bag Lady Halloween costume is done and ready to wear on the 27th, and hopefully win a prize. That would be a very nice bonus.

There is really nothing else going on. Unlike Ellen Degenerous, I haven't adopted a dog or given one away. What I cannot believe is that anyone would issue death threats because of a dog to the two women who manage the pet adoption center. Maybe calmer heads should prevail in this. Ellen may be famous but mob thinking shouldn't set off anyone and I really hope everyone involved works it out logically to everyone's best interest (well mostly the dog's best interest).

Lousy Sport Weekend for Los Angeles

2007-10-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the lowest for Los Angeles and for me. First my beloved USC Trojans were creamed by Stanford. We were pegged to be 40 point winners and obviously the Trojans might have let that go to their heads and played like a horrible high school team. The question now is whether they can overcome this terrible loss and forge on for the rest of the season. There are some very tough games coming which will tell what the team is made of.

UCLA were also beaten by Notre Dame. Granted Olsen, their quarterback was injured in the first quarter and having to depend on a freshman untried quarterback left them unprotected. Hopefully Olsen will be back very soon and UCLA can salvage part of their season too.

This leaves the Angels who were demolished by Boston in three straight games. This might be the time for the Angels to give that famous baseball cry "wait until next year". Barry Bonds has been dropped by San Francisco. I am hoping the Angels will pick him up and use him as their designated batter. Barry still wants a World Series Ring and the chance to hit 3000. The Angels could use a strong batter without sacrificing a spot in their outfield so it would seem to be a possible marriage.

Both our hockey teams were idle this weekend so there wasn't even something to cheer about.
Maybe it's a good thing we don't have a professional football team because losing across the sports board would have been really awful.

Hopefully next weekend will be better. There is no doubt, it can't be worse.

Marion Jones drug downfall

2007-10-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Marion Jones the Olympian today admitted what people in the sports business have been accusing her of doing the past 7 years. During all those years, she won every award available in track and field, which will probably all be taken away from her. She is also completely broke not only financially but I am guessing more important in spirit.

What breaks my heart most is the waste of it all. I knew her when she was a teen because for one year she went to high school with my daughter. She was a beautiful, sweet, extraordinary athletic child who celebrated her wins, along with the other kids in the school. She could not only run faster than any girl in the school but she could also beat every boy. Watching her the past 7 years, you would think she would have teased the other students, but the kid we knew is not the professional athlete who in hindsight was led down a very ugly path. The Marion we knew was still facinated by her own capabilities and shared her successes with us. She wasn't known in the outside world yet.
She was still enjoying the thrill of running.

You see this was before the media, managers, hangers on, lawyers and money grubbers and dope peddlers got ahold of her and convinced her to switch to another high school with more visibility. She moved on up to the big time to quote George Jefferson and with it lost everything she was.

The saddest thing is that I really believe she was good enough to win on her own. When competing with the kids, she was a blur as she ran past. It was so fast, one could barely tell the color of her school sports outfit. Her potential was unlimited, and maybe if she had stayed in our small town with the people who loved her giving her advice, it would have turned out better.

What I do hope for Marion Jones is an opportunity to fill her potential. Her sports career is obviously over but she is still an absolutely beautiful girl, she has admitted in tears in front of everyone how she messed up her life and I truly hope she has learned enough the past 7 years to understand that what made everyone love her in high school is still a part of her and if holds her head high and learns from her mistakes, she will always be welcomed home to become one of us again.

The Moose battle of the sexes continues

2007-10-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I reported on the goings on at our Moose Family Center because it's been a quiet month since the "keys" fiasco. I thought the battle was ended but apparently not.

Yesterday there was a pool tournament between our team and one from another lodge. It's customary to supply lunch to the participants and when it was time to serve lunch one of the players on our team, who also happens to be a past Senior Regent started to prepare lunch. When she went to use paper plates out of the pantry, she was told by the kitchen ChairMAN that the pool team should be supplying their own paper goods. This was the first time she was told this and it was a complete shock to her because the pool tournaments bring in quite a bit of money to the social quarters of the lodge. She tried to argue the point but the "man" became nit picky about it before he relented and allowed her to use the paper plates. Our past Regent was one very angry person.

This guy has no idea what a stupid mistake he made. Instead of trying to understand what was at stake, he angered one of the women who has for 14 years contributed food to EVERY lodge pot luck function. I am not talking a little food, I am talking potato salad, macaroni salad, cakes and much more. Now she is very upset with the attitude of the men and will probably discontinue bringing food to these functions.

So how stupid is that?? The battle of these new idiots continues and this time instead of keys to the freezer and fridge, it's about paper plates. Rather than learning how things have been done successfully for 18 years, these men are blindly going their own way. At some point, they will understand how much they are hurting the lodge by refusing to co-operate with the women because at some point, the women will start refusing to do what they have done for the lodge since the beginning, which is contributing food without charging the lodge. Unfortunately by then, these idiots will be long gone and our Moose Family Center will be the casualty. It makes me very sad to continue to watch without being able to help. As long as these men are officers, the decline will go on.

What to wear for Halloween

2007-09-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Now that I can finally fit into a store bought costume for the first time in 25 years, I have decided not to go that route but to make myself into a bag lady. There happens to be a Good Will shop in the same center as our Moose Lodge so I went in Monday night just to look around (never know if a treasure will pop up) and I saw a men's flannel jacket which reminded me of something a bag lady would wear, so I picked it up and decided to wander around the store and see what else I could find. I found an old hat, wig (I will wash it 10 times at least), apron, big ugly shirt and leather looking shopping bag with handles to carry whatever " bag lady valuables" I can come up with.

I already have a skirt which is two sizes two big and I will use a rope belt to hold it up. I have boots and bulky socks to fold over. I got a doll's dress which I will put on one of my stuffed mooses to carry around like a baby. I will put a bandaid on my glasses, wear a ton of red rouge and blue eye liner.

So I am asking everyone what else you might suggest to make me more authentic. I also need help deciding what to put in the bag which I will carry around like my life depends on it.Your suggestions will be appreciated. Our Halloween party is October 27th and I will have someone take a picture to post.

the way I used to be

2007-09-17T16:56:00.001-07:00

When Joan was teaching my blog things, we posted a picture of the way I looked at Valentines day this past February. Here is the way I looked before I had the stomach bypass surgery. This was taken in December 2005 and I had the surgery in February 2006. As you can see, I really did need to have it because I was pretty darn big. I have lost 144 lbs. I still have about 40 to go mostly stomach and I really should exercise but so far I just keep thinking about it.

Here I am with Joan

2007-09-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

So this is lesson day. Don't know what I will learn but we are going to try. So here goes nothing. Stay tuned for either strange or good things. Right now I am not sure.

The first thing Joan is going to try to teach me is how to do a link to something! I am going to create a link to Joan's blog (maybe). Here is the link.

The next thing I am going to learn is how to download pictures into the blog. Since I am using Joan's computer, Lord knows what picture will appear - SURPRISE!!

This is me at the Moose Valentine's party. One of these days I may show you a before my stomach bypass surgery picture.

Now we are playing with award insert so here goes nothing.... ok so I learned how to insert an award in my sidebar and since Joan doesn't have "you make me laugh" I now have "you make me smile".

So I have overloaded my brain with three new things. I will go home and try them one of these days. In the meantime, I am going to use the next few hours to visit with my only 2nd oldest cousin.

I know what mom and Fay are doing today

2007-09-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I paid respects to my mom's childhood friend, Fay, who passed away on Monday. In my blog, I mentioned that I could see mom and Auntie Fay on a cloud somewhere catching up on the past 26 years since mom passed away.

Today my sister and I realized exactly where the two of them are. They probably have cushy front row seats to the first Heaven performance by Luciano Pavarotti. Both were huge opera fans and I can guarantee they would never miss this opportunity to hear Pavarotti sing in Heaven.

I also know what my dad and Uncle Sammy are doing while their wives are at the opera. Just as they did in life, they are fishing in some icy lake, probably soaked and muddy up to their waists, having a great old time just as they did every chance they got.

Goodbye to a close family friend

2007-09-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

The obituary reads Fay Shuster passed away Monday. She was 87 years old and until my mom passed away 26 years ago, they were best friends from childhood. My siblings and I actually owed our lives to her because it was at a party in 1938 at Fay and her late husband Sam's house where my parents met. Dad was the date (casual) of Margie, a friend of mom and Fay. I never knew who mom's date was but apparently she and dad must have hit it off, because they married in April of 1940 and the rest as they say is history. Fay, Sam and my parents were as close as Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel.

Fay and Sam and their three children were always a part of our family. They lived within 3 blocks of our house and either they were at our house or we were at theirs. Sam passed away in 1966 after a very long illness and even though Fay was only in her mid forties, I don't think she ever got over losing him. She was one of the kindest, gentle people I have ever known. A true treasure to everyone who knew her.

I never remember a time when Fay and mom weren't friends. I don't think they ever had an argument where they didn't speak for a time. Every day until I moved to California, I remember my mom either talking with Fay on the phone or gossiping in our living room. Fortunately for me, one of Fay's daughters also moved to California 10 years later, so I still had the chance to spent time with her when she came from Montreal to visit Ellie and her grandchildren. Before mom passed away, I would drive her and my aunt down to see Fay. After mom passed away, my aunt and I would go down.

I am certain that mom has been waiting in Heaven 26 years for Fay and now they are together again. I can easily envision the two of them sitting on a cloud somewhere just gossiping and catching up.

Goodbye Auntie Fay. Thanks for being part of our lives. We will always miss you.

This and That

2007-08-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

First, I would like to thank Patti for the "Blogging Star" award. I am not sure I deserve it, since I can't seem to post the award on my blog, but I have asked Joan to do it for me, so hopefully, it will appear soon. Joan and I are meeting on Sept 13th for blogging classes. We will probably visit and do lunch too.

Last night Lynn and I had the chance to visit. I have been trying to convince her to take our grandmother's 1905 Singer sewing machine (with all the gold fru fru) before I move to Iowa. I really don't want it to go out of our family which it might if I take it with me. Lynn hasn't exactly said no but she hasn't agreed either. Last night while we were discussing it, my aunt who has very short term memory suddenly popped into the conversation with "I learned to sew on that machine". I looked at Lynn and asked how she could possibly turn it down. She agreed to think about it before I move. Lynn and I also discussed family members, namely our great aunts and uncles, plus other strange relatives. Fortunately my aunt does remember them so she could participate in that conversation also, which was very nice. I keep reminding both Lynn and Joan that I am the only cousin who actually old enough to remember these people and we have got to get the names and who they all were related to in writing so there is reference for future generations. I will also push Joan about this when I see her and maybe the three of us can get together and do this. My aunt also has very old pictures of all these people, but if I remember correctly, a few years ago, the three of us went through the pictures and put the names of the people on the backs. I must ask Lynn to check and see if we really did that or if it's wishful thinking on my part.

I didn't think it could get any hotter but it is. It may still be 109 outside but it's a little muggier (is this a real word) and seems much hotter than it did two days ago. I think I heard the plants sobbing when I went outside for lunch.

Big Moose weekend on tap. Tonight is our annual Hoe Down. Fortunately it's not as hot where I live as where I work and it will cool off to about 75 when the sun goes down, so it should be a fun evening.

Tomorrow morning it's off to another lodge for a Chapter meeting in full College Regalia. This is why I had to have my gown lengthened a few weeks ago. Most of us who wear the Regalia also have little battery operated fans, which we use if necessary. Maybe tomorrow it might just be necessary.

Outside of these functions, it's Labor Day weekend so there might even be a bar-b-que or two. Fortunately, with this heat, I am not really super tempted to eat heavily. Without exercising, I have still managed to lose a couple of pounds in August. As long as I am still losing weight, why strain myself with exercise???

Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend and the chance to visit with friends and family.

110 IN THE SHADE

2007-08-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's 110 here today. I was just outside and it's not quite as bad as it might have been if it was muggy out. It's actually quite dry but I am very happy that I don't work outside. There is a crew tearing up part of the parking lot. Unfortunately, they are completely in the sun, using a jackhammer. I cannot imagine how unconfortable it is for those guys, and I don't envy them one little bit.

My cousin Joan's home air conditioning is out, but fortunately she is at work today, and if I remember correctly, it's supposed to be repaired today. For her sake, I sure hope it is because I can't imagine how awful it is to come home to a very hot house. I am fortunate enough to live in a beach town where it's 15 degrees cooler and by the time I get home, the heat has started to deminish. It's been running about 75 at night. I do have air conditioning, but try not to run it during the day because of the expense. I turn it on auto pilot when I get home and set it for 78 degrees so by the time I am ready for bed, the house is quite bearable enough to turn off the air and run the overhead fan all night.

This part of California (southern) has been hit by drought for 2 years. We have had only 2 inches of rain during this time. Any moisture from Heaven would be truly welcome, but nothing is predicted any time in the near future. It's sad to look at the hills across the office parking lot and see only brown and beige and fire everywhere is a constant threat.

Still, I consider myself lucky to live where I do, and if I must spend the day in a place where it's 110 outside in the shade, at least I can spend it in a very comfortable air conditioned environment. Still, it would be nicer to spend my days at the beach!!!!!

Aloha to Hawaiian shirts and parties

2007-08-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was my last Hawaiian event for (I hope) a very long time. It was the third time in 6 weeks I wore a flower shirt and I really don't look very Hawaiian if you ask me.

This Moose party was about 75 miles south from our Moose Family Center but their members have been very supportive of our Chapter, and this is event signalled the opening of their new Lodge, so 4 of us decided it would be nice to show our support.

We had a wonderful time. The lodge building is small (two stores in a mini mall put together) but their members (about 70 of them) put on a super party with great Oriental food (I have always said the slogan of the Moose fraternity should be "it's all about food")wonderful music including a couple of Hawaiian dancers (1 from our group, which is one of the reasons we attended) and prizes raffled. I won a very nice pair of leather gloves which will be perfect for driving on those colder (it does get down to the 30's) winter mornings. This was the first time I had been in this particular town, but all southern California towns look pretty much the same if you ask me, and they all have the same MacDonalds, the Colonal, Burger Kings and pizza places, but we did notice that gasoline was about 10 cents lower.

The toughest part was leaving at 10:00 PM and getting home at midnight. I am just too old to be out partying until the middle of the night. I can't drink alcohol (diabetes) so I was in pretty good shape Sunday morning.

So now the Hawaiian craze is done!!! If you think I am finished with costume shirts, guess again. Friday night our lodge is having it's annual Hoe Down and the dress, of course, is Western. To be honest, I don't look any better in a western shirt than I look in a shirt covered in flowers and,I have never given in to the temptation to buy boots or a cowboy hat. Besides,I am so ungraceful, I can't even line dance, but I do enjoy watching the others and I plan to have a super time with my friends. Heck, maybe I will again win something terrific in our raffle. That would be a nice bonus.

Equality - aftermath

2007-08-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

It's absolutely amazing what a few days will do to change the attitude in a Moose Family Center. I was so upset on Tuesday that I decided to stay away for a couple of days.

The Chapter has their monthly business meeting the 4th Thursday of the month so I showed up at the lodge at 5:30. A few Moose Loyal Order brothers almost met me at the door (mostly the old timers) to explain their side of the key story. Some had excuses, others were determined to make sure I understood that the importance of the Chapter to the Lodge is very much appreciated.

Apparently at the men's meeting on Tuesday, the past Governor I had just spoken with went in with a determined attitude to correct any misconceseptions the Loyal Order officers might have as far as the position of the Chapter to the Lodge. He proceeded to remind everyone just how much our ladies do and listed some of the future fund raising plus holiday events we have coming up, providing the names of the women planning these events. He also reminded his lodge brothers that while some plans are in conjunction with the men, a few events are being planned souly by the Chapter. He also reminded everyone that all the children holiday parties (Halloween, Christmas) are the handled and paid for exclusively by the Chapter.

He must have been very eloquent because after the meeting, our Governor told our Senior Regent that he was not going to keep his appliance keys. Only the Kitchen Chairman and lodge administrator would have keys.

In my conversations with the men last night, I explained that it wasn't the locking which upset me (whoever is taking food has great taste because what's been missing are steaks and tri tip), it was the fact that it was perceived that only the men are responsible enough to have keys, which to me was insulting and degrading to the Chapter. Some of the men apologized while other put blame on others which I found very funny.

So where do we go from here? Hopefully some of the new Loyal Order men have learned exactly how valuable the Chapter is to the lodge. I sincerely hope they also understand how insensitive they appeared. The past Governors have promised they will present stronger Moose orientiation to the new members so that future officers will understand the necessity of responsibility sharing. As of now, life has returned to normal. Hopefully this short lesson will be remembered for a while and our lodge can continue growing and thriving.

What's the price of equality

2007-08-23T10:16:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite books has always been George Orwell's "Animal Farm". My favorite line from the book goes something like this "we are all created equal, but some of us are more equal than others".

I have spent my adult years refusing to be less than equal. This was one of my reasons for the stomach bypass surgery. Extremely obese people are treated less than equal when we are required to pay for two airline seats, when we don't fit in theatre seats, hospital equipment, most chairs, etc. The list goes on and on.

I have also refused to belong to any organization which believes it's female members are less equal than the men. Although the Moose fraternal organization was founded by men over 100 years ago, Moose International realized how much women contributed to it's cause, and over the past 25 years, they have changed the name from Moose lodges to Moose Family Centers to encourage the members to understand that EVERYONE is equal and must be treated with respect. Not every lodge has embraced this equality philosophy, and some women have been treated less than fairly over the years.

The Moose Family Center where I am a member was founded 20 years ago. From our inception in a very small 850 sqare foot building with 200 members, it was understood that ALL members are to be treated as equals, and whatever decisions are made for the good of the lodge, both the men and women would have a fair say. For all these years, we have been a shining example of how to keep a successful Family Center going by sharing responsibilities 100%. When I transferred into our Chapter 19 years ago, I immediately found myself anxious to be a part of this young vibrant lodge, and as I have said in past blogs, I achieved all the honors available to me within the first 7 years of my membership. What I have always loved most was the family love and respect our men and women share. I truly believed our officers, both men and women, shared not only the love of our lodge but the love for each other. We have since moved into much larger quarters (5 years) ago and our membership has increased to almost 1000 members. Still I believed that all our members, especially our officers, felt the way our founders did.

This week something VERY SMALL happened which could have festered into major proportions. Apparently food has been missing from the lodge refrigerator and freezer. Who is taking the food isn't the issue and the fact that the men have decided to lock the fridge and freezer isn't an issue either. What is a major issue, however, is that our lodge brother officers, without discussing anything with the women (who also use the kitchen)decided that only three men (the Governor of the lodge, the administrator and the Kitchen Chairman) should have keys. When the Chapter Senior Regent (equal to President) and Recorder (money person) asked the Governor if our Senior Regent would have a set of keys, they were told absolutely not, only the men would have keys. In this one short sentence, the women members were immediately dropped to second class citizens, whose Senior Regentcould not be trusted with a set of keys to the fridge and freezer. I must in all fairness add that these men are members who were not part of our original founding, but are members who have joined the past 5 years but saying this, I never thought any of our brothers, old or new would ever consider not sharing with the Chapter.

Within two (maybe even one) seconds, I was slapped in the face of reality by these men. I wondered if all the work by our women, which has always been appreciated by the men, has suddently become devalued by this group of men who so recently joined and obviously have no idea how much work and money this hard working Chapter actually contributes to the success of lodge. I found this not only unreasonable but extremely difficult to bear.

Our lodge brothers were set to have their general meeting so I approached one of our past Governors and expressed my view of the apparently new attitude of this men's board in a not so polite way. I also told him that if this new attitude was, in fact, real, I could not participate in any lodge where the officers believed the women should not be entitled refrigerator keys, but count of the exact same amount of work or more than the men do. I told him that if the Governor didn't give up his keys or make sure our Senior Regent was given a set of keys, I would walk out of this lodge after 19 years without a second backward glance.

Apparently I made my point. After the meeting, our Governor told our Senior Regent that neither he nor she would have keys. Only the lodge Administrator and Kitchen Chairmen would be responsible. Do I feel vindicated? Yes and no. I am relieved that logic prevailed and these men now understand the Chapter's importance? I am not sure. The fact that this happened at all is what upsets me most. How angry am I that these men are so inconsiderate to have even created the situation over two stupid little keys to appliances, and how am I supposed to respect this particular group of men in the future when it's now clear to me that they even considered the Moose to be a man's lodge and women inconsequential . The Chapter can only continue working and hopefully these men will understand what the founders of our lodge understood 20 years ago. Everyone must be treated with equal respect or failure is a guarantee.

Tagged by Patti

2007-08-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Patti tagged me with a 7 p"s meme so I will give it a try. I have no idea how to pass it on but at least my version is here:

Passion - I have lots of passion. I just have no idea what to do with it.
Purpose - The true purpose of playing the lottery is to win. Maybe one of these days
it will happen.
Persuit - I am in complete persuit of retirement in 2 years.
Position - Truly middle of the road, trying very hard not to get run over.
Pummeling - Sometimes I just feel like pummeling my co-worker.
Progress - Each day is a little more progress towards my retirement.
Personality - I do think I have a pretty easy going personality.

Dinner with the family

2007-08-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

I think you know that my cousin Lynn and family are on vacation in Northern California. Joan is house sitting, taking care of my Aunt as well as Amber the Lab. Last week, Joan and I made arrangements to go out to dinner while she was so close to my office.

After work yesterday, I drove up to Lynn's house. Lo and behold, Rick had decided to join us for dinner and they were all waiting for me when I arrived.

It was decided that we would eat at an Italian restaurant not too far from the house. The place was great and the food was wonderful. Just as I always do since having the stomach bypass, when I order my meal, I get a take out container at the same time then drop half of what's on my plate right into the container so that I am not even tempted to try and finish everything. It really works and saves a lot of overfull stomach pain plus I still have enough food for lunch today.

After dinner, we went back to the house. Rick left for home while Joan and I took Amber for a walk around the neighborhood. It gave us a chance to visit and it reminded me how much I miss the visits we shared while driving to the doctor, before and after my by-pass surgery last year. We are all so busy that making time to just visit in person, aside from family holiday gatherings seems so difficult. Last night was a wonderful catching up time with Joan and my Aunt.

In a couple of years I will be moving to Iowa. I must make more time, while I am still living within driving range of both cousins, for face to face visits, especially with my wonderful Aunt who still looks at me with the unconditional love I have seen all my life.

Yes, I absolutely have to make a lot more time!!!

100 Moose members can keep a secret.

2007-08-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night, our Moose Family Center helped one of our members celebrate his 60th birthday. The preparations for this party were tough on Bill's wife because she had to give invitations to 100 people in writing. Janice wanted it to be a surprise so not one word could be said in the lodge so that Bill wouldn't hear anything. Janice started giving out the invitations over a month ago, making everyone promise not to breath a word to Bill, asking everyone to be at the lodge no later that 6:15 PM. Everyone agreed to keep the secret and to show up on time.

Janice promised Bill that she would take him to dinner at his favorite Santa Barbara restaurant. She told him she made reservations at 8:00 so they had to leave about 6:30. On the way, she asked him to stop by the lodge because her camera was still there because she forgot it Friday night. Bill in his usual good natured mood agreed to the stop.

Saturday night was an absolutely perfect night for a party.The temperature was 76 outside and the hall was very comfortable. Just as we promised, everyone showed up at 6:15. We all herded to one side of the hall (good thing we weren't on a ship). No one made a sound. When Bill walked into the hall, everyone yelled the compulsory SURPRISE. Bill was shocked to say the least, and when he realized there were about 100 of us to share his birthday he started to cry.

After everyone was seated, Janice had Bill stand to receive his birthday present. She apologized to him for the cost and size of the gift, telling him that when she saw it, she knew it was something he would love. She had one of the men blindfold Bill then went into the kitchen and brought out their daughter, son-in-law and 4 grandchildren. They live on the other side of the country in Virginia and the last visit was Christmas when Bill and Janice were there.

The kids all lined up in a straight row in front of Bill. Not one of the little ones (5 up to 12) made a single sound. Then the blindfold was removed. It took a second for Bill's eyes to adjust to the light then he was staring right into the eyes of his beloved daughter (Bill and Janice only have two kids, their daughter Casey and son Todd,who lives in our town and has no children). He look down at his grandkids then fell to his knees hugging all of them at once and sobbing uncontrollably. It was the most beautiful sight we have all seen and there weren't many dry eyes in the room.

During the entire evening, all Bill could repeat was "I can't believe everyone kept the secret!". Janice showed a video of Bill's life from babyhood to the present including his years in Vietnam. It was a wonderful party. The food was super, the music was great, including the karioke (his grandkids sang to him),and dancing. Everyone had the best time teasing Bill about his crossing over the "60" mountain, but Bill didn't care. He was just so jazzed that we were all there sharing his birthday.

The fact that the secret of the party was kept by 100 people for over a month and a half was the best surprise of all. It goes to show that anything is possible. I have said before that our Moose Family Center is well named. Our family shared one very special evening which will be long remembered not only by Bill and Janice but by all of us who were given the chance to participate in this wonderful secret.

How do you say "Oh Heck" in Hawaiian

2007-08-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

When I bought my Hawaiian shirt, I just picked it off the rack and didn't try it on. Last night I don't know why but something made me decide to try it on. Good thing I did because along the right underarm seam there is about a 4" slash. It's not the seam, it's about a half an inch beside the seam, not repairable. I did save the receipt (had to search the bathroom trash bucket but I found it along with the store bag) so I will go back to the store Saturday morning as soon as it opens and, hopefully, find something else in my size.

Oh well, just one more thing to cram into Saturday along with picking up my Moose Regalia gown from the cleaners, and spending time with one of my Moose co-workers picking out pictures from our July 14th Moose weekend so that she can make a video. I think there has to be at least 200 pictures between her camera and mine for us to sort though. We already have 40 orders (mostly paid) for the videos, so it's got to be done soon. We also have a surprise birthday party Saturday night for one of our male friends, so I must stop somewhere and pick up a gift certificate. I am thinking one from a new steak house in town would be perfect. I will do that after the picture session, after I stop for gas.

Keeping busy is nice but I wish the weekends were just a little longer. Sure would be nice to switch to 2 working days with 5 days off. Oh well, two more years and I will be off 7 days a week. I just can't wait.

Finally, the famous home run and ball

2007-08-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

For the past month, we have been waiting for Barry Bonds to pass Hank Aaron's home run count. Last night he finally did it. I am not really a baseball fan but I happened to be channel surfing last night and caught the San Francisco Met game (about 10 minutes before Bonds got the home run) so I decided to watch at least until Bonds came to bat. Lo and behold, he hit a beaut into no man's land (the right field bleachers) instead of McCovey cove where all the boaters were waiting because that's usually where the Bond's home runs end.

Unless you have been living in a cave on a deserted island, you know that the sports writers are saying this achievement is probably tainted because of the steroid question. I don't know what the results of this will be. What I am commenting on today is not the value of the home run, but the value of the ball which was hit.

The kid who caught it is a 22 year old New Yorker who happened to stop in San Francisco yesterday on his way to Australia with a friend and they decided to see if they could get into the game, which obviously they could. The seats, however, are in a horrible part of the stands, far back of right field. Most players don't have the power to even get near the spot but Barry did last night. The sports writers are lamenting that because of the potential steroid scandal, the ball will ONLY be worth a fraction of what it should be, namely $500,000.00.

So in a nutshell, this 22 year old kid who was looking for something to do while he waited for a flight out the next day, happened to be able to get a ticket to a baseball game where he caught a world famous ball, devalued to $500,000.00. How jaded have become when such an amount is taken to be chump change by the media? The bottom line is that by a quirk of fate, this catch will probably give him more money in one lump, than he would normally see in a lifetime.

I would love such an opportunity to acquire an amount devalued to $500,000.00. Does anyone out there have anything worth this amount they would like to get rid of and pass on to me? I would be more than happy to take it off your hands. $500K might not be the 3 million other sports stuff is worth but to me and I am sure the kid who caught the ball last night, it sure sounds like a darn special amount.

New Meme

2007-08-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Patti tagged me with this Meme today. It's 10 lies my mother told me. I can't think of 10 but I can think of a few:

You will absolutely drown if you go swimming sooner than 2 hours after you eat.

Your eyes will cross if you sit too close to the Television.

Too much restaurant food is bad for you (my dad didn't make much as a fireman when I was little and eating out was a HUGE luxury).

and my favorite: There are fireworks every year on this date because it's your birthday and the whole country is celebrating (July 1 is mine and Canada's birthday).

I absolutely have no idea how to tag anyone else but if I could, I would tag my cousin Joan.

Monday morning musings...

2007-08-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well it's not the usual Monday morning here at the office because it's pretty quiet. No hot purchasing problems so I guess it will be a filing day. I hate filing and make it the last possible thing to do.

There are a couple of good things to report. First my beloved University of Southern California Trojan Football team has been named number 1 on the College Poll for the upcoming season. That's great news but, of course, it will also make them the number 1 target for everyone to beat but I have confidence that the team will give a good show for every game. We are lucky this year because most of the team are returning players which is why I guess we have been rated number 1. I just love Football. It's my favorite sport.

My other reason for celebrating is that finally in our town, regular Arco gasoline is selling for $2.75 per gallon. It was as high as $3.50 only 2 months ago. I have a Ford Expedition which was filling up every week for $60.00. Yesterday it only took $40.00 so I am very happy. I don't know how long it will stay under $3.00 at Arco (everyone else is still $3.09) so for now I will be very grateful.

I know it doesn't take much for me to cheer but a number 1 team, lower gasoline prices and nothing critical here at the office seem like pretty good reasons to me.

Things accomplished this Saturday.

2007-08-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

I love Saturdays because I can get things done because work really cuts into my usual days. Today I had a few things to do and I surprised myself by completing the list which was in my mind but not on paper.

First I went grocery shopping very early (8:30 AM). There were hardly any others and although I find it hard to believe the luck, 2 cashiers were just standing, waiting for me - not really waiting for me but it was nice just walking up and being the first in line. The box girl even helped unload my cart. This alone foretold how successful a day I would have.

After unloading my groceries (at our local market, they offer to help you load your car and each time I ask if they will come home and put my groceries away too, the kids just crack up when they have to refuse which, unfortunately, they do every time).

I had to return two outfits I bought at Ross then walked down the mall (this is California - this mall is an outside one) into one of the little womens' shops and immediately found a rack with Hawaiian shirts. What luck is that??? I found two I liked but, unfortunately, not needing two, I finally picked one which has both black and blue flowers so I decided on it because I can wear it with either color pants (or bright yellow pants if I had the guts which I don't).

I have to take a slight explanation Women of the Moose detour here. When one gets one's top honors called the College of Regents, one is entitled to wear the cap and gown to certain Moose functions. Receiving the College of Regents degree is difficult to achieve, and although the outfit is really, really hot, it a great honor to be able to wear it. The Women of the Moose rules state that the gown must be 10" from the floor (I have no idea why such a rule but it is meant to be followed). After I lost my 144 lbs, my old gown was much too big, so my mentor, gave me another gown which of course is too short. Fortunately there is a 4" hem to let out. The last thing on my list was a trip to the dry cleaners to have my gown altered, since I will be wearing it quite a few times in September.

I am very pleased to have accomplished all my Saturday goals (well dusting was also on my mental list but that part must have gotten lost) plus I still have one more weekend day to enjoy. I just love the weekends!!!!

Another Hawaiian function

2007-08-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

I have been invited by another Moose Family Center to their Hawaiian party on August 25th. This will be the third one in a very short time (our own special one on July 14th, plus some good friends' 50th wedding anniversary last weekend). Unfortunately I only have one Hawaiian shirt and obviously everyone has already seen it (why doesn't anyone have Canadian parties - I could go at least 8 times without wearing the same shirt twice) so I decided to bite the bullet and see if I can find something new to wear.

I live in a relatively small town (70,000)which has a Target, K-Mart and Ross Dress for less. I have tried all three without any luck at the Target or K-mart. I did find a very nice outfit at Ross yesterday but it's a long black skirt and dressy blazer to match, which fit perfectly but unless I paint flowers (even if it was possible, I draw like I do stuff on computers) on them, they aren't going to do me any good for this party, but absolutely super for parties in the winter.

There are a few specialty women's shops in town so tomorrow I will canvass them. I guess I was mistaken when I thought once the weight dropped it would be easier to shop for whatever clothes I need. Regular work clothes have been pretty easy to find but obviously the stores must think only very skinny civilians should be allowed to wear bright color Hawaiian outfits.

I guess if push comes to shove, I can once more drag out my favorite (and only) shirt or I can pin an orchid to the top of one of my Maple Leaf Canadian shirts and pretend that I was born in Montreal Hawaii.

New blog things and life in general

2007-07-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

Last night I finally had some time to visit with my cousin Lynn, my aunt and Lynn's kids (hubby wasn't home yet). I had Iowa shirts for the kids and a free evening.

Lynn, knew how unhappy I was about not being able to do the stuff on my blog which Joan and the rest of you can do so she offered to walk me through some of it. Unfortunately even though she is a teacher and explains stuff exceptionally well, it still seemed Greek to me, and she ended up doing all of the changes, including adding the award Patti graced me with plus adding some of my favorite blog reading lists.

Lynn also took every opportunity to tease me - her only oldest (by the way,the name comes from the fact that I am the oldest of Lynn and Joan's three cousins, and since there can be only one oldest, they have called me "only oldest" for many years)on my lack of computer abilities. My aunt and 12 really enjoyed the bantering between us but it made me think of times past when my aunt's memory was still very much intact and how when I was a child, every word she uttered to me was gold. Now, thankfully, unlike our grandmother, my aunt still has people recognition and past memories,although her present memory span is but a couple of minutes tops. It doesn't dimish my love and respect for her but it makes me sad that my same eyes which looked upon my aunt with wonder, now look upon her with compassion.

Watching Lynn play with me about my lack of computer skills last night while my aunt just enjoyed us being together,I was reminded of a time when I was the one Lynn and Joan looked at with hero worship in their eyes while they hung on every word I said. Those same wide eyes Lynn had as a child, now are teasing eyes when she talks to me all the while shaking her head at my lack of knowledge.

I am grateful that my cousins have these wonderful capabilities. I am very grateful that Joan was able to go to every doctor appointment with me when I had my stomach bypass surgery and ask important questions when I forgot to ask them. These two women are as important a part of me as my aunt has been all my life.

When I was 16, Joan was 6 and Lynn was 3, always tagging after me when our two families were together. I complained to my aunt as teens often do. She wisely told me that some day, the age bridge would close. I now know that it has closed completely. The only problem is that while the bridge Joan and Lynn have is sleek and ultramodern, made of stainless steel with innovative changes being learned daily, my bridge is still made of old wood with slats, and technology learned seem to keep falling through the empty spaces where the slats have fallen off.

I appreciate everything my cousins do for me and I am very grateful they encourage me to try to walk on their bridge. Unfortunately when it comes to technology (computers, digital cameras etc) my brain seems to be holding on to my old wooden bridge. I do know I can always count on both of them for whatever help I need even though there is teasing which accompanies the help. Without these two, I would probably be using paper cameras and the old 1905 Underwood typewriter which sits holding long past memories on my bookcase. These things always remind me that I am one very lucky "only oldest".

Looks like Lindsay will follow Paris - only more so!!

2007-07-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

I am sure everyone knows by now that Lindsay Lohan was arrested last night after the Santa Monica police stopped her chasing another car. Her blood alcohol was extremely high .21 (.08 is legal) plus there was something like cocaine found in her pocket. All this just 4 days after she was released from a 45 day rehab facility plus she was wearing an ankle bracelet which is supposed to notify the police when the wearer is drinking. I have no idea how one of those is supposed to work but apparently it doesn't work too well. Lindsay, like Paris, was driving with a suspended license, plus she is still waiting for sentencing for her last drunk altercation last June when she wrecked her car while drunk. Based on the noise about Paris when she was released early, then sent back to serve the rest of her time, I am guessing that these two incidents will garner Lindsay much more time in the pokey than Paris' 23 days.

So who is to blame for this 21 year old child (the Government may consider her an adult but it's obvious that mentally she is a child) being so out of control. I blame her mother (and to some extent her father who was a drug addict himself but has been drug free for over a year). Lindsay's mom Dina lived her dreams through her child. Most parents lead by example and Dina Lohan was the same. Unfortunately her example was taking her underage child into bars and clubs all around the world. Dina said it was because if they were together, she would know what Lindsay was doing. Bull Crap, now we all know what Lindsay was doing and none of it was anything good.

It's suspected that Lindsay might be incarcerated for at least 2 years, maybe more. I think Dina should be sent up the river with Lindsay. She shared the fun for the past 10 years, it's only fitting she should share the punishment.

Of course I too am reading Harry Potter

2007-07-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

I am up to page 126 having started the book yesterday afternoon My sister actually brought the book up Saturday morning but I had a ton of things to do plus even though I would have loved nothing more than just diving into the book Saturday night, I attended the 50 wedding aniversary of some Moose friends instead, and when I got home, I was too pooped to read. I started reading yesterday afternoon but decided to put the book down in time to watch 60 minutes. I never made it through the entire show and the next thing I knew it was 11:30. Too late to read, especially when I had to go to work this morning.

I read the first issue of Harry Potter and the Sourcerer Stone in the summer of 2000 having been introduced to Mr. Potter by my Godson Kyle age 13 who was visiting from Vermont. The third issue was due to be released while he was visiting and I promised his mom that Kyle and I would stand in line waiting at midnight for the release. When we got to our local Borders at 10:00 PM, I was shocked at the number of people, both kids and adults patiently waiting for the "magic" hour since up until Kyle arrived, I had never even heard of the Harry Potter books The store had a magic show and other entertainment scheduled to keep the kids occupied so while one hundred or so parents and I waited in line, I received my first lessons in the magic of Harry Potter and why so many were interested. Once Kyle and I got the chance to buy book 3, I bought a copy for him plus books 1 through 3 for me. Kyle and I both stayed up all night reading. I finished book one before morning and I have been hooked ever since.

So here we are at the end of this excellent series. I haven't seen Movies 4 or 5 yet. I actually enjoy reading more than seeing but sooner or later they will be on television and I will watch them just as I have watched the first 3.

Tonight I will go home and hopefully get the chance to do some reading before I fall asleep but no matter, there is plenty of time to read the last chapter of this wonderful series. I have not enjoyed reading as much as I would like and my thanks go to J.K. Rowling for allowing all us of to share her fantastic imagination. Good for you Joanne!!!

Things still to learn at my age

2007-07-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

I am honored to be nominated for an award by Patti. Unfortunately, I still have no idea how to post this award on my blog. I also have no idea how to post pictures, or other interesting do dads. In short, outside of writing, I don't know how to do diddily, and it's frustrating he heck out of me. Now my cousins Joan and Lynn on the other hand are quite adept at this. The only reason my moose picture is on my blog is because Joan put him there. She also found the wonderful picture on top. I am sure Joan is feeling sorry for me, and one of these days, she and I will get together (we do live a distance apart) so she can teach me how to do all these great things which all of you are able to create and I envy so. I ask all of you to be patient with me. One of these days my Canadian flag might appear, and I hope to be able to add some pictures taken at our Moose Family center's Hawaiian shinding last weekend.

The other thing I have always envied and wanted to learn is how to whistle so that it can be heard a distance away. A few of our Moose Chapter members can do this without any effort at all. Some use their fingers and some don't. On Saturday night, one of our state officers whistled loudly using her fingers. I told Carol that I always wanted to learn how and she showed me what, in her words, was a simple way to do it. I have been practicing for 4 days. Most of the time all I get is dribble down my chin, but once in a while a very shrill whistle will come out so it's obvious I am doing something right some of the time. I will continue to practice (in my home bathroom where I no one can see or hear) and, hopefully, I will be able to remove this item off my "wish to learn" list. When I next see Carol in February of next year, I hope to be an expert.

So stick with me folks. Sooner or later I will learn the tricks of blogging which you all have mastered and the way to whistle which Carol has perfected. It takes me a while to learn new things but I promise to make an effort. Hopefully one day soon I can show all of you the world as my camera sees it (after I learn how to download the camera)!!!

My Co-worker and his teen daughter

2007-07-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

One of my co-workers in a single dad whose 17 year old daughter is slowly driving him insane. Actually he has two children but apparently his 22 year old son was a breeze to raise, and I think he expected the same of his daughter, but alas as we moms know, he hasn't a prayer of an easy life. Actually until recently, she was no trouble, but the past year has been a living H_ll for him and he is in shock.

I have been trying to explain to him that teenage girls have something in their hormones which change them from loving little girls into the completely unrecognizable incredible hulk and that he is lucky it's taken her this long to convert. It doesn't make it any easier on him because now he is living in this time warp with sweetness one moment to a beastly unreasonable, hysterical stranger the next.

Maybe we women handle it differently because we all remember being this horrible person ourselves. My mom was pregnant when I was 15. Once I was an adult, I understood how miserable I was to live with for 7 months. I remember when she and my dad told my brother and I that she was pregnant, I went ballistic. I had no reason for that reaction but I guess my selfish genes took over and I was a beast to my mom until my sister was born. My selfishness wasn't much better after but I think I retreated into my bedroom right after school each day and stayed there for the next 3 years.

I feel so sorry for my co-worker. I tell him that she will outgrow this phase, probably by the time she is 20 but it's very difficult for him to address the daily changes in his beloved child, never quite knowing what to expect when he gets home from work. He is so frustrated it makes me sad. Maybe some of you former female teens might pass on some words of advice which he can cling to while he is waiting impatiently for his child to climb out of the teen years.

What a great Moose weekend it was!

2007-07-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I am still recovering since I was up very early three mornings in a row. It was my responsibility to bring bagels and cream cheese to the lodge so that everyone could have breakfast at 8:00 AM. Others brought muffins and fruit. We also had orange juice and the most important drink COFFEE!!! For lunch we had "make your own" sandwich, salad, chips and dessert. I couldn't eat so I walked around mingling, renewing friendships and confirming that everyone was having a good time.

Approximately 60 women attended the session. The Moose International organization just completed our International convention in Orlando and many changes were announced. Not all were well received so it was up to our California/Nevada officers to present the changes and explain why they were necessary. It took all Saturday morning, but once everyone understood the reasoning behind the changes and the idea of hoping to appeal to younger women so that we can keep increasing our membership, most agreed that the changes are necessary. Once the work part was out of the way, we were ready to party and just have fun. I think at least 15 prizes were given out, some were door prizes but others were won for winning games or for catching the officers if they made an error when providing information. All was done in good humor with everyone joining in the laughter.

Saturday night, we had our Hawaiian chicken and rice dinner which was very successful then we had some Hawaiian hula competition. One of our members was raised in Hawaii and knew how to hula. She agreed to perform then offered to teach it to the others. Talk about good sports!!! The 6 senior Officers in attendance performed their version in grass skirts. Professional dancers have nothing to fear from this competition. After they did their dance, everyone was invited to come up and give it a try and I think about 20 gave it a try. Very entertaining and very funny. There was a lot of good teasing and laughter. The members who prefered Country Western line dancing also had the opportunity to do their thing and we even had some great karioke. Everyone had a great time, no one wanted to leave, but we all knew that we had to be up bright and early Sunday morning, so we grugingly broke the party up near 11:00.

Sunday morning we finished up our Moose business then played games, gave out more prizes (about 30 in all for the weekend plus everyone got to take home a goody bag) and the meeting closed at 10:30. Some will see each other at convention in September but others like me (I used my vacation for Iowa) won't have to chance to meet until next February, so goodbyes were tough with many tears and hugs.

I love this organization and the women (and men) who belong. We are dedicated to the "Service to Children" concept which is what the Loyal order of Moose and Women of the Moose are all about. Our officers are super loving women who lead by example and having this opportunity to share the fun with them in an informal setting really keeps everyone reminded why we all volunteer so hard to keep our Moose family centers alive and thriving.

Big Moose weekend coming up

2007-07-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

Our Women of the Moose Chapter has been given the honor of hosting a California/Nevada function this weekend. All week while I should have been concentrating on my paying job being a buyer, my mind has mentally been at our Moose Family Center making plans to help carry it off, hopefully without a hitch.

In the Moose organization, there are honors which can be achieved by volunteering to accept positions within each Chapter. The Senior Regent (President) can achieve what's called the "College of Regents" degree if for two years, the Chapter accomplishes all the goals set by Mooseheart including all the reports done correctly, enrolling enough members plus community service. The highest degree of the Women of the Moose is called the "Star Recorder" degree. This means that the person has accepted the position of Recorder (basically the accountant of the Chapter" and all proper paperwork has been properly submitted, the monies received by the Chapter for all year balance to the penny and the Chapter has received the award of achievement signifying that EVERYTHING has been done correctly.

I am pleased to say that I am one of the members who has achieved all my honors and this weekend, only others from California and Nevada who have achieved the same honors have been invited to attend a very special weekend session at our Moose Family Center. We expect about 70 women to attend.

Our theme is going to be Hawaiian and today we will decorate with posters and signs. After the informative and fun day session tomorrow (9:00 to 3:00 including games and door prizes), we will be having a wonderful Hawaiian dinner (our lodge members, men and women have also been invited), after which we will have Hula lessons (with the necessary grass skirts) then a contest with prizes for the winners. It's going to be a blast (this is the 2nd time we have sponsered such an event - the last time 3 years ago had a marti gras theme). We had so much fun that when we were asked this year if we would be willing to do it again, everyone jumped at the chance.

There is so much to do for this weekend event. Hotels for those coming from distant locations had to be arranged, two breakfasts, Saturday lunch, door prizes were acquired, goodie bags for each woman who attends, plus all the dinner arrangements. As I said, I have been working with others not only in our Chapter but via E-mail with the other state planners to pull this off.

So we start tonight filling the goodie bags (note pads, pens, Hawaiian fans, candy plus other things being brought down by other ladies, then at 6:30 tomorrow morning we will get the continental breakfast ready for everyone and registration will start at 8:00. I am so excited I can barely stand it, mainly we will have a chance to visit with other members we really don't have too many opportunities to see (outside of the 2 conventions a year) because they live so far away.

So I am ready to go over to our local warehouse store to pick up plastic plates with matching napkins of course, and head over to our Moose family center to decorate the hall. The food has been gathered by others all week so we are almost ready for a super shinding.

Stay tuned for Monday's report!!!

Am I back on here???

2007-07-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

Since last Friday, I have been unable to creat anything on this blog. I never though I would admit this, but I have felt kind of lost. I had to be encouraged to do this by my cousin Joan (the Erstwhile Librarian) but now that I have been blogging for about 6 months and people have been responding to my blogs, it's been kind of exciting and I am really enjoying myself doing it.

I really don't have anything earth shattering to write today, except that I went back to the dentist last Thursday and had the two teeth the dentist worked on before my vacation permanently capped and also had a good cleaning. There wasn't any pain so I was a very brave soldier. Now comes the tough part. I still have to have a tooth pulled on the right side, an implant and cap completed for it. I must make an appointment with another dentist to pull the tooth, but still haven't gathered up the guts to do it. As I said in prior, I am not very brave when it comes to going to the dentist. One day soon, I will make the appoint since I plan to get everything done by the end of summer.

I am happy to be back on track (at least I think this will show up) and I thank everyone for your comments.

Thinking about Christmas......

2007-07-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

You are probably wondering why I am thinking about Christmas when it's only July. This morning on the radio, I heard that Hollywood is thinking about cancelling the annual Hollywood Christmas parade (held the Sunday after Thanksgiving) due to lack of funds.

Although the parade is not as famous as the Rose Parade January 1, it is a 50 year old tradition. I am not even sure it's televised nationally but many stars participate (riding on floats, on old convertibles), plus there are high school and college bands from all over the country. Thousand of people line the famous streets of Hollywood to say they were part of this wonderful event and if I am not mistaken, Lynn, Joan and I even went down to watch the parade one year a very long time ago.

Hollywood has hit on hard times lately. The famous Hollywood sign has just been rebuilt with donated money, since it was hanging precariously down the mountain and desperately needed a new paint job. The even more famous Hollywood Blvd and Vine corner is being rejuvinated by the city because lately it hasn't been the safest corner for the many tourists who visit the Grauman Chinese theatre to look at the movie star footprints and the mile walk of fame stars down the the sidewalks, and to be honest, the whole neighborhood was looking shabby. This is where the city is investing these days.

Bottom line, the city just doesn't have enough money to foot the bill for the parade, and they are desperately looking for corporate sponsers or wealthy members of the community to share the cost.

While I was listening this morning I had a brilliant idea. When Paris Hilton got out of jail last week, she promised to turn over a new leaf and contribute to charity. Wouldn't it be great if she supported something this special in her home town. How sad so many kids and adults will be if this parade is cancelled and how great would she come off making the parade happen just by contributing money.

I hope someone mentions the need to Paris and the rest of the Hilton family or some other corporate sponser comes up with the cash to fund this wonderful Hollywood tradition. It would truly be a loss to this famous city if the parade must be cancelled.

Is this really a Happy Birthday America???

2007-07-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Well, the Canadian flag I had up in front of my home is down and the American flag has taken it's place. Since it's not Flag day or Memorial Day and I am off work, it must be July 4th. Next to July 1st (for obvious reasons), July 4th is one of my favorite holidays and has been since I moved to this great country 43 years ago.

I may not agree with everything America does (both Joan and Lynn's husbands and I have had many conversations). Having been born in Canada which is a very peace loving country (I always joke that Canada has only 3 helicopters, maybe a boat or two, possibly 4 military airplaines and a lot of horses for the Mounties) I am not a big fan of the war. It upsets me that America and Britain's children are dying in Iraq, a country which doesn't seem to hold the value of life as we know it. I admit I will never understand the attitude of the suicide bombers. I don't care that they want to kill themselves for 72 virgins in Heaven they believe will be waiting for them, but taking all those innocent people with them is just not right.

My brother who actually is still a Canadian works for am American company which makes military hardware. He was in Vietnam through the 60's, Iran through the 70's, Afganistan and now finds himself spending too much time in Iraq. When the war began, Frank said that President Bush did not understand what we were committing to. He said then that Iraq was a war like Vietnam but without the trees and knowing the psychi of the Iraqui people, he described what would happen once Sadaam was gone and others would do horrible things to rid Iraq of those who try to bring peace. To the letter of his description almost 5 years ago, we are facing exactly what the told me. This is a tribal war which has been going on for 3000 years. Nothing will change their attitude and sooner or later our soldiers will leave Iraq having accomplished nothing and another dictator will come to power and life in Iraq will go on as it has for another 3000 years.

So I wish this wonderful country a happy birthday and pray that all our beloved soldiers are back here with their familities who love them to celebrate our next July 4th. Please God, let our children come home soon!!!

Thanks for Everything Beverly Sills

2007-07-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

Before I start, I have to say one thing. I really hate opera!!! When I was a kid, if my mom wasn't working, she would spend every Saturday afternoon listening to the Texaco Star Metropolitan Opera program. I didn't get opera then, I don't get it now. Maybe it was because even if they sang in English (which wasn't often) I couldn't understand either the words or the plot. Every once in a while an opera singer would appear in something which appealed to me. In the movie Going My Way, opera star Rise Stevens sings Ave Maria and that really touched my heart but all in all, most opera stars of the 60's and 70's stayed away from T.V and popular music.

Then along came Beverly Sills. She was one of us except she had the voice of an angel. When she and Carol Burnett did their T.V special, somehow she made Carol sing opera. She even help Miss Piggy sing opera and everyone loved it because it brought opera down to our level. I enjoyed watching her perform every chance I got. Her nickname "Bubbles" was most appropriate because it described her personality completely.

Beverly Sills passed away last night and I want to send my personal salute to this great person who gave us many hours of pure enjoyment and somehow gave us all more than a little bit of class!!!

Happy Birthday To Me......

2007-07-01T04:46:00.000-07:00

Today is my 64th birthday. I mention my age because for a lot of years, birthdays have filled me with sadness not joy. Until this year, the thought of getting older was not a pleasant thought because for 20 years, I was extremely overweight, never had enough energy to accomplish anything and looking back, even though I seemed to accept the weight and maybe even justify it, there was always a sadness in the back of my mind.

Last year I had my stomach bypass surgery. Even though I still have about 40 lbs to lose, I have lost 144 lbs. I was able to fly to Iowa, sit as comfortable as one can in a 15 inch seat, and for the first time in a VERY long time didn't have to suffer the embarrassment of asking the flight attendant for a seat belt extender which alone filled me with joy.

Over the past year, family and friends have commented on how great I look and while it's great receiving the compliments, it's not the most important result of this wonderful surgery. I now have a bounce to my step and having run through two airports last week without dying, I finally realize how much I have missed all those years, and I am very grateful for another chance.

When I was in Iowa, I was able to plan a future. When I carried all that weight and suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure, the future was uncertain. The diabetes is gone, my blood pressure is normal, and no longer are pills part of my daily routine. For the first time, shopping for clothes isn't a chore to dread but something to look forward to.

So this 64th birthday is the beginning of a new outlook for me. I can now plan a future including retirement, spending time with my family, especially my brother, good friends and just experiencing life at it's fullest.

Yes, I would definitely say life is good and this is indeed a very happy birthday.

End of quarter purchasing

2007-06-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

It's 4:45 Friday afternoon and I am just pooped. Tomorrow is "end of Quarter" which means the company must try to ship (and bill) everything which isn't tied down. Anyone who has ever been in Sales or purchasing knows exactly what I mean (right Ralph??). One would imagine that planning would know exactly what products are required months in advance so that purchasing could procure them in time to meet end of quarter but unfortunately this is not so.

Every end of quarter I find myself scrambling to place some outrageous requirement which can take 2 or more weeks to get, but we need it the next day and every effort must be made to locate said product before I have to convince management that I have made every effort. Very frustrating and this week was no different, except that I was gone last week on vacation, so EVERYTHING caught up with me this week. My last nerve is frazzled.

I have been a buyer for 40 years now. Considering 4 quarters to a year, I have survived 160 end of quarters. One would think it would get easier but it's just not so. The older I get, the tougher it is.

The bottom line is that even though I really have 2 more years to work, I actually only have 8 more quarters to suffer. The number 8 really sounds very good to this tired mind.

Happy Birthday Canada....and me!!

2007-06-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 1st is a very special day for both Canada and me. It's our birthdays - well Canada is a more than a few years older than I am but we both still celebrate the same date. I was born in Canada and until I was old enough to understand it was both our birthdays, my mother had me convinced the fireworks were in celebration of my birthday.

Since moving to the United States, I have made it a custom to fly the Canadian flag for 3 days in honor of our birthdays, then on July 2, I change to the American Flag to celebrate America's birthday.

I live in a senior park. Most of my neighbors are retired, and their prime occupation now seems to be minding the business of the other park residents. The first year I lived in the park and hung the Canadian flag, more than one neighbor casually saundered over for an explanation. They don't seem to mind the strange animal, holiday or seasonal flags our other neighbors fly all year, but another nation's flag drives them to total curiousity. Once I explained the reason to a few of them, the word spread through the park and now every year, it's become an anticipated tradition.

When I pulled into my driveway last night, my next door neighbor was working in his garden. I hadn't seen him since I got back from Iowa. Before I was out of the car, Wayne was in my driveway. He casually glanced over at the empty flag holder then said "not going to hang the Canadian Flag this year?". I smiled and said that I was going to do it Friday morning since the 1st is Saturday. He actually seemed disappointed, so I asked him to wait, went into the closet, pulled out the Canadian flag and popped it into the holder. I am sure he will check bright and early Monday morning to make sure the American flag has replaced the Canadian flag.

It truly warms my heart to give these seniors something to care about. Even more, looking at my beloved Canadian Maple Leaf hanging in the bright sunlight this morning reminds me how lucky I am to share an always special July 1st even though I have to wait until July 4th for the fireworks.

Do any planes take off on time?? Not Really!!!!

2007-06-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Now that I have been back for a day and settled down, it's time to comment on airports, airlines, surviving late flights, lost luggage and airplane seat neighbors.

First, Los Angeles International Airport is a ZOO and I give so much credit to the men and women who work there. It's an absolute madhouse day or middle of the night.

When I got to the airport last Saturday morning 6:00 past dark in the morning, the line to check in my luggage had to have 300 people. I decided to walk outside to see if the curb check in was any better. Fortunately, I chose the door where about 10 college guys were checking in to head on home for the summer. Behind them was a 10 foot space for people crossing the street and the check in line with about 50 people continued past the space. As I stood there in shock and commented mostly to myself how mad this turmoil was, a couple of the young men smiled at me and asked if I would like to be their luggage check in chaparone and join their group. I wondered for a second if they were serious but they were (plus no one in the line was paying any attention) so I accepted their generous offer and within 5 minutes of getting to the airport, my luggage was checked. I need not have worried about time being an issue because the leaving time was delayed 45 minutes giving me 3 hours to worry how I would make the next plane, since I only had scheduled an hour wait between planes in St. Louis.

Once I was squishly seated (even though I have lost 144 lbs, it was a tight fit but I no long require the seat belt extender which is nice)and the plane took off, my two seatmates brought out their breakfast (note to airport security - while checking for whatever you check for, lighters, any liquids etc, look for homemade food, especially cooked fish to confiscate). The smell about made me die, but I was next to the window, and trapped. They kindly offered to share with me but I politely told them I never eat breakfast so early in the morning (note to God - thanks for not allowing me to get sick). I wonder if this kind couple realized that my hand was over my face for most of the trip?

Once we got into St. Louis, I ran (amazing revelation since I hadn't been able to run for 20 years due to my weight) and got to the next gate to find out the takeoff was delayed about 10 minutes (thank God because I was having trouble catching my breath being completely bent over). Got into Des Moines only to find out my suitcase didn't make the same flight (even though the airport said it was still there at 10:00 PM and they would hold it for me, when Carla and I ran back to the airport, it was in transit to the house and beat us there by 15 minutes).

For the return trip home, we got to the airport to find out there was at least an hour delay in taking off to Dallas. The airline personnel weren't sure I would make the connecting flight so they booked the next flight to Los Angeles 3 hours later. When I got to Dallas, there was still 10 minutes to spare for my original ticket so again it was a race (this time on the tram and halls) to the gate only to find out that this flight too was an hour late leaving (again thanking God for letting me catch my breath and giving me time for a quick potty break). Instead of arriving at 10:00 PM Los Angeles time, we arrived at 11:00. Including the wait for the pick up service and trip home, the return trip home took 10 hours (1:00 AM Los Angeles time) but at least my suitcase was still with me. I was whipped!!

Along the way, I learned from fellow passengers that almost EVERY flight on EVERY airline is late. It didn't make any difference what Airline people were flying, we all had to sit an extra half an hour or more. Everyone is frustrated and I can almost understand people going ballistic with impatience. Those travelling with children must endure these lengthy delays while trying to corral the kids and keeping them occupied so they don't annoy anyone, which we all know if very difficult. The airline personnel do their best but there is no way they can deal with every unhappy customer and unfortunately most of us are very unhappy, and it's so easy to take the anger out on those who are the front guard while the airline CEO, vice Presidents and directors sit in their confortable huge office or fly on personal comfy jets.

So that's my travel experience. Fortunately the visit with my brother and friends made up for all the hassle. I loved Iowa and can't wait to return only maybe I will drive the next time!!!

ONE MORE DAY IN IOWA

2007-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Well, this vacation has gone by too darn fast. Yesterday we had tornado alerts (nearest small tornado - barn roof and tree damage I think 30 miles away), thunder storms (nothing major - sheet lightening and rolling thunder), and the most important thing for me RAIN. It's been so long since I have seen a full day of rain. Just sitting in Art and Carla's garage watching the rain coming down was a blessing. Everything is so green it's the most beatutiful sight to these eyes which have only seen brown and beige for almost two years. Needless to say, I have never seen so many fields of corn and soy beans in my life.

Frank left yesterday because he had to leave today on a business trip overseas, but he too is sure this will be his future home.

What I love the most about Bondurant is the leisure life. It's the calmest place. Even the people in the gambling casino are calm and friendly while they are either winning or losing which is completely different from either Vegas or Reno where there is always a frenzied atmosphere. We have only been to the casino twice, where I lost the the first time but won a little today on the crap table. There was just one man and me playing and once I was up $100.00, I decided to quit while I was ahead.

Yesterday, Carla and I went over to the local collectable shop. It's about the size of a football field. People pay to consign their stuff in a small 9 x 9 section. I have never seen so much stuff (also junk) in one place. Carla and I spent over an hour just walking up and down the rows of collectable stuff from bottles, old furniture, dolls, ceramic everythings, old kitchen stuff, Christmas stuff, old farm tools, old pictures. It was amazing how much stuff people had to sell. I loved the old baby carrages, old school desks (I almost forgot how small they really were), old sewing machine and clocks. Since I really didn't want to lug anything back to California, all I managed to pick up was an old silver bracelet for $2.00.

Tonight we are going to one of the closest Moose Family Centers (40 miles away) for dinner. There is talk of opening one closer (about 6 miles away) and there is a location of interest but that will take at least a couple of months of negotiation and if an agreement is reached, another 3 to 4 months of renovation before it will be fit to be a Moose Family Center.

I love this place and mentally I am ready to retire and move now but unfortunately the U.S. Government insists I put in another two years. In the meantime, I will keep thinking good thoughts and dreaming about a very happy retirement.

PLAY 18 RED

2007-06-19T08:20:00.001-07:00

So here I am in Bondurant Iowa, a very small town. I am more relaxed after two days than I have been the past two years.

Yesterday we went to the local casino and true to my form in Vegas or Reno, I lost on everything. My brother on the other hand, wins without trying. He won $345.00 playing poker and I lost $40.00 playing roulette. Art and Carla won a few dollars on the machines. While they were cashing in their receipts, Frank and I stood watching the roulette game close by. After a couple of minutes, Art came back to us and Frank looked at me and said, put $5.00 (the minimum bet on the table) on 18 red. Since I had only been losing, I just looked at him and said, heck no, you put $5.00 on 18. Frank shrugged his shoulder, shook his head,no, and started to walk towards Carla. The wheel started, Art and I watched as it slowed down and the ball dropped right into the #18 spot. Both Art and I just stood there absolutely shocked while Frank laughed.

So now I know why Frank always wins when he goes to the casinos. He must have some power which I obviously don't.

Losing aside, it's been a great time just visiting with Carla (even though I do talk to her almost every day)and her family. Tonight we are going to have a bar-b-que with all the kids. It's going to be tough leaving this tiny piece of heaven in Iowa.

hi ho..hi ho...it's off to Iowa I go

2007-06-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

I am so ready for this vacation, I am almost bursting with excitment. In only one day I will be sitting on the porch (probably rocking)visiting with best friends and best (only) brother. I just can't wait.

I haven't made lists like my cousin Joan but everything is close to the suitcase ready to be packed when I get home from work. I even remembered to toss my camera in this morning. I will live a week without whatever I forget. How much stuff does one need while one is spending a week rocking on the front porch.

If we have time, I will use Carla's computer but if not, I want to thank everyone for your good wishes.

Lynn, have a great week and keep reminding yourself that it's almost time for you vacation. Joan and I will be back before you can forget what we look like!!

Tatoos and other things

2007-06-14T13:22:00.001-07:00

I am just curious about something and wondering if others feel as I do.

I was outside and two young ladies from the company next door walked by. I am guessing they are somewhere in their 20's. Both were wearing sleeveless tank tops and both had a tattoo the full length of one arm from the shoulder to the wrist. I couldn't clearly see the little parts of the designs except they were scenes which included mountains, flowers, butterflies and on one, a 6" spider. As they passed closer to me, I could also see one had her eyebrow and nose pierced.

When I was their age, the only people who had tattos were sailors. Now, it seems that every 20 something and older has a tatoo on most visible parts of their bodies.

This makes me wonder. What happens when all these kids are 60 years of age and older. How cute will tatoos be from the shoulder to the wrist, around the legs, on the backside, on which all the colors are bleeding into one faded blob of blues, reds, greens, not to mention wrinkled lines which obscure anything which may once have been a work of art. How cute will the facial piercings look when the little bolt is hidden in the creases. Not too pretty I am guessing.

That's my observation for today. I am curious to see how others feel about tatoos and other body fixings.

CELEBRATING THE RETURN OF MY HAIR

2007-06-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Before I had my stomach bypass surgery on February 9, 2006, the doctor warned that after 6 months of eating much less than my system was used to, my hair would fall out. This is something every surgeon warns their patients because even with warning, it's still a shock when the hair falls out, especially during washing and big gobs of it are on the drain. It's not only the losing of the hair but the remaining hair lacks protein and really feels more like straw than hair and mine was horrible.

It started falling and changing last September. For 6 months it was the pits. Not only did it feel terrible but I couldn't have it dyed and the grey started really showing in December. I had my first major cut then, trying to get rid of the split ends. I was still afraid to have it dyed for fear of losing whatever was trying to grow back. For the past 2 months, there has been nothing on the shower drain and on my clothes.

Yesterday, I met with my beautician of 14 years. My hair is now back full and healthy. She dyed it my usual color, then cut it back to my old style, eliminating about 4 inches of growth so that it's about a half an inch above my collar. What a relief to return to normal after 9 very long months, and just in time for my trip.

I still have 40 lbs to lose but after losing 140 lbs. and enjoying the return of my hair, losing the last 40 doesn't seem as urgent as it did a year ago, plus I am still losing 3 to 4 lbs per month. With exercise and proper diet, sooner or later the rest will vanish, but for now, when I run my fingers through my hair, my rings don't get caught. That's a very comfortable feeling.

PARIS HILTON HAS FOUND GOD

2007-06-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

The title is a little comment I saw that Paris told Barbara Walters yesterday.

I didn't know God was lost because if He were, there would have been a lot of people searching for Him a long time before Paris realized He was missing.

If it's really true that she is turning over a new leaf as she indicated to Barbara, then best of luck to her. If on the other hand, she is inflicted with the remorse bug because she is incarcerated and once she gets out will revert to her former shallow life, then I pity her because I don't think God will be too happy to have His name taken for granted or used as a publicity stunt.

STARTING TO PACK

2007-06-12T12:03:00.001-07:00

It's only 4 days until I leave for Iowa and unlike my cousin Joan who makes lists way ahead, I am at the stage where my suitcase is cleaned out and placed in the family room to be packed. I don't make lists. Maybe if like Joan I was making a trip across the ocean, I would be more organized but I am only going to another state which has everything readily available I might forget to pack.

I actually have been piling stuff near near the suitcase. Some items I will take and some I will discard after they are in the suitcase, deciding it's really not something I need. What I have done is sent a box ahead to Iowa with some stuff which would have taken too much room. They are birthday gifts for Carla my best bud whose birthday was last week. On the top of the box, I put "do not open until I get there" and Art, the man of the house wisely put it in the front closet to wait for me. Out of sight, out of mind and Carla won't be tempted to peek and then apologise for her curiousity. Actually she wouldn't do that but I am the most curious person so I probably would.

I am mentally ready to be on my way. Art and Carla (fellow Moose members) moved to Iowa last October and although Carla and I speak via phone and E-mail almost every day, it will be wonderful to be able to just sit and visit in person. I have really missed them both very much, especially at our Moose Family Center where the three of us spent a lot of time. It's not quite the same for me since they left. I have many close friends there but Carla and Art are like my siblings, and being involved in the Moose with them was something I always loved because we not only share a love for the lodge but also a close "family" relationship. Carla's daughters and grandkids also live there. I am also anxious to spend time visiting with them.

Besides Art and Carla, my own brother Frank will also be there. When I decided to make this visit, Frank who lives in Georgia, decided to join me up there and should be arriving at the airport about a half hour before me. I just can't wait to hug the three of them.

The next 4 days will take forever. I will pack a little each night and count the hours until I leave Saturday morning. Boy am I ready for this trip!!!

My Daughter's Mother is in Town

2007-06-10T01:01:00.000-07:00

I know the title sounds complicated but here's the story.

A close friend had foster kids 30 years ago and teens being teens, one of them became pregnant with Stacy. Terry was in a bad place to begin with and having a child didn't help whatsoever. Her alcohol and drug habit consumed her entire being and my friend ended up raising Stacy until she was 7 when I took over Stacy's financial responsibilities, and although Terry wouldn't let me adopt her, I became her legal guardian. Terry continued to play VERY small parts in her life, mostly making and breaking promises but it was important to Stacy to try to keep her mother in her life. When Stacy was 16, she herself gave birth to a baby she named Cole but just as Terry wasn't a big part of Stacy's life, she wasn't much to Cole either.

When Stacy was 17, Terry stole quite a bit of valuable jewelery from her sister Kelly to support her drug habit. Of course a police report was filed by Kelly and Terry fled the state and has been gone the past 14 years. During this time, Stacy has married and has 2 more kids who obviously consider me their grandmother. They do have Terry's mom Pat in their lives also so they have never missed out on grandmother love.

Fast forward to this week. Cole is now 14 and graduated from Junior High Thursday. Terry came in for the graduation. My son-in-law and none of their friends have ever seen her. I am the only person they recognize as Stacy's mom and the kids' grandmother because I am the only one they have seen at family birthdays etc, so everyone was dying to see her. Tonight we celebrated Cole's graduation at a local restaurant and 20 people showed up as much to celebrate Cole as to see this woman they have only heard stories about. Stacy was really worried how her mother would look and act really fretted about it from the moment her grandmother informed her last week that Terry was coming to town. Stacy insisted that Terry not be present for the graduation but finally agreed that she could be at tonight's dinner.

Terry looks ok. She is off drugs (but still maybe drinking) but she is now 48 years old and the years of abuse have created a much older looking woman. It must have been tough for her to watch her grandkids' interactions with me, who in their eyes is their true grandmother, but she handled it extremely well I thought. She was very pleasant to all the friends who showed up, very warm to her sister (who was pretty surprised) and we had a super comfortable dinner.

Terry will be here a week but knows she can't stay because this is no longer home. She will spend time trying to get to know her grandchildren and maybe reconnect just a little with Stacy. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a mom and grandmom but just a little sad for Terry whose mistakes robbed her of the same opportunity all those years ago.

HILTON INCARCERATION 2

2007-06-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

I just read that the Judge has not only ordered Paris back to jail for 45 days and the picture of her being transported shows that she was handcuffed, without makeup, discheveled and crying. She just looks like crap.

I am a very sympathic person, but I just cannot find it in my heart to look upon this with mercy. Maybe it's because in the back of my mind, I might just envy her gazillion dollars and wish I just had a very small portion but I don't think that's the reason. Mainly I have a problem with people driving under the influence. As a matter of fact, I am one of the several designated drivers at our Moose Family Center so that people who are drinking are not forced to drive home. We never asked anyone for money because it's what we consider part of our community service. There have been times when we are still driving people home in the middle of the night.

I say this, not to take any credit for any good deeds but to question someone who has the means to hire drivers, yet selfishly or stupidly gets behind the wheel. Not once but even after being caught, doing it again.

For that alone, I sincerely feel her being returned to jail is more than fair. By the time she lives on bread and water for 45 days, maybe her taste for alcohol will have vanished along with her "better than thou" attitude.

I want to thank the Judge for teaching Paris what the majority of Americans understand about being conscientous, reliable citizens. Let's hear a hip hip hooray for him.

HILTON RELEASE PART 2

2007-06-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

I do believe we are witnessing a miracle in America. The majority of the people finally having one voice. I seldom agree with the Rev. Al Sharpton but yesterday he and I agreed on the sham of Paris' release and apparently most of the country agrees.

The outcry of this release has created so much noise that the Los Angeles City Attorney has requested the Judge who sentenced her review the reason for the release and Miss Hilton must go back to court today for that hearing. Will justice prevail and will she be returned to jail. I sure hope so. I absolutely cannot imagine what sort of medical problem arose which caused the lead Sheriff of Los Angeles to release her after only 3 days. Los Angeles has three of the best medical facilities available. USC Medical, UCLA Medical and Cedar Sinai Hospital are all within a very short trip to the Jail and I am sure any of the doctors would have been very happy to make a house call to this particular patient.

So we will see this morning if there really is true justice in America for all, or just for the rich. Sad to say, the world is watching this small picky commentary on our judicial system. America is fighting in Iraq so that every person living there has the same rights. The question now for the world to find out is if we here in America really have equial rights for every citizen no matter, race, color or wealth.

I do hope this particular Judge understands the consequences of his decision today. It's a very stupid petty case, but unfortunately the eyes and ears of the world and how they view American justice hangs in the balance.

Put her back in her cell where she should have remained your Honor and show everyone that "We the People" still means what the words imply!!

PARIS HILTON'S HOUSE ARREST

2007-06-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

When Paris was sentenced to jail, her original time was about 45 days. Even before she served one day, it was reduced to 23 days. Now after serving only 3 days, she has been released due to "the jail being overcrowded" and is under house arrest with ankle bracelet for 40 days.

I have a really big problem with all of this garbage. First, her cell belonged to her alone so how overcrowded could it be? Talk about favoritism. She not only gets to avoid the mandatory body search, she gets her own cell then she is released to house confinement. I can't imagine how confining her house really is. I can only imagine the size of a Hilton heress' mansion. So what if she is confined to the house? What can't she do?? Shopping, heck have any store send over some people with whatever stuff she wants to buy. Dancing, heck she can afford to pay any live band show up. She can probably entertain a couple of hundred of her closest friends in the basement. Food, heck she can have any restaurant in Los Angeles send their best chef to make whatever poor Paris desires. There is nothing outside of getting in her car (after all this why would she want to drive again anyway) and actually going somewhere. Ah geez it breaks my poor heart.

I can only hope that the next person who is sentenced to time for doing exactly what Paris was charged and indicted with, demands the exact same treatment as she received plus also demands to be sent to Paris' home to serve out their sentence.

Almost makes me want to get drunk and test it out!!!!

APPOINTMENT #2 WITH DENTAL DRAGON

2007-06-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

As I am sitting here at home, having half my face just beginning to thaw out, I figure it's a good time to make dental observances which one has time to do when one is sitting in the dentist's chair being worked on for 4 hours.

First, no matter how high tech the sonic drill is, it still makes that horrible sound and one still smells the burning teeth!! Second, even when the dentist puts some anesthetic cream on before inserting the needle to freeze the area, it still hurts (well I did say I was a baby about this whole thing). Third, once the dentist starts using the drill, the water starts with it. No matter how big the suction thing the assistant uses, even when the suction thing is strong enough to swallow the inside of your cheeks, it still doesn't pick up enough liquid, and there is a fountain of water spurting all over the face and glasses. Oh I forgot to mention that before she started, the dentist handed me some designer, wrap around sunglasses to wear so that the light she uses while she in buried in my mouth wouldn't blind me. She didn't have to worry about my being blinded. With all that water spurting over my face, I couldn't have kept my eyes open anyway.

Where was I, oh yes item four. The rubber thingy the dentist puts in your mouth to keep it open, doesn't stay in place and is soon sliding forward forcing you try to push it back with your tongue, a very difficult maneuver considering half your mouth and face is frozen. Fifth, I can't for the life of my figure out why someone can't invent some tooth cleaning stuff which doesn't taste bitter. I guess the bitter scares the bacteria, but if you swallow just a bit, it's awful and the taste lingers much too long.

Anyway, I survived the appointment and the work on the two broken teeth (at least she did both at one time for which I am very grateful) and a very severe cleaning. I have temporary caps which will last until I get back from Iowa. Right now like I said when I started, the freezing is disappearing and there is some pounding ache (feels like I have been socked in the jaw) which I hope will be gone by the time I have to go to work in the morning. I have some Tylenol if I need it in order to sleep.

When I get back, we will start on phase two, the permanent caps for the two teeth she fixed today, and the root canal on other side of my mouth plus having one tooth which is beyond repair pulled.

This appointment wasn't terribly horrible but not a fun day in the park either, but I am determined to see the entire job through and hopefully, won't have to do this for another 4 years...well maybe 5 or 6 years!!

THE STANLEY CUP IS WHERE???

2007-06-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

I just watched something on the CBS channel Sunday Morning program on the Stanley Cup which triggered a long past forgotten memory.

For those not in the know, the Stanley Cup is professional hockey's ultimate trophy. This week it's up for grabs between the Anaheim Ducks and the Ottawa Senators. The Sunday morning show featured this very old and famous cup.

I grew up in Montreal with the Canadians hocky team, who have won the trophy more than any other team in hockey history. From 1955 to 1959, we were lucky enough to have the trophy live in Montreal. It's a huge trophy and one which has an interesting history. It's the only professional trophy which each championship team player can take home for 24 hours to do whatever they want and because of this, there are pictures of the Stanley cup on mountains, at Graceland, in Russia (since the fall of Communism, hockey players hail from Russia too). Many players take it to hospitals to that kids can touch the cup and have their pictures taken. All in all, this professional trophy has probably been to more interesting places than most of us.

This brings me to my memory. My dad was a Leutenant (pronounced Leftenant in Canada) in the Montreal Fire Department. His fire station was less than a mile from the Montreal Forum where the Canadians played hockey in those days.

The morning after they won the Stanley Cup at the end of the 1958-1959 season, just as I was getting ready for school, the phone rang. I remember my mom saying into the phone "The Stanley Cup is Where??" It was sitting on my dad's desk at the station.

Apparently, after the game and the award presentation, some of the players decided to take the Stanley Cup out to meet it's most loyal fans. Of course, the nearest place was the tavern (Montreal word for bar) closest to the Forum where the hardiest fans celebrated after the winning game. Of course, it's assumed that the players received the gratitude of the fans with free drinks and when the tavern closed down, everyone walked outside to parade the cup down St. Catherine Street (most famous street in Montreal)in the direction of Dad's station.

In the morning, two of Montreal's finest policemen found the cup sitting on the corner of St. Catherine and Guy Street. Apparently in their enthusiasm (Montreal word for drunkeness) the trophy was put down while everyone hugged and celebrated, then everyone went their own way and left the trophy on the corner. Fortunately while it was still a little dark out, the two officers patrolling spotted it before someone decided to keep the trophy as a souveneer, and realized the safest place to protect it until the team could be notified was the fire station down a half block.

My dad called my mom as soon as the celebration of actually having the Stanley Cup in the fire station died down. At 10:00 the team managers were notified and rushed over to reclaim it. It didn't make the papers because the year before the cup was left at a photographer's studio for 4 weeks until someone remembered and picked it up. I am guessing the hockey team didn't want any more publicity on how the Canadians misplace the cup.

On this Sunday morning show, Bill Geist one of the reporters was given the opportunity to spend time with the trophy. He decided to travel around New York city with it, along with the bodyguard which now accompanies it since that famous day in 1959). Watching ordinary New Yorkers clustered around the cup just to touch it, triggered this long forgotten memory of my childhood. Sometimes just watching TV brings back the fondest memories.

MY 12 YEAR OLD DENTIST

2007-06-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well, she isn't actually 12, although she does have a pony tail. I figure she is probably somewhere in her very early 30's, a nice warm confident person who is super comfortable to talk to. The office as I said in my last blog has only been open a few months. It's a beautiful, comfortable office with all the newest equipment including an x-ray machine which not only takes x-rays but also has a miniature camera. The technician took pictures of all my teeth for the dentist to see. Even the drill looks high tech, intimidating but high tech nonetheless.

Needless to say, because I have ignored my teeth forever, there is a lot of work to be done. One tooth must be pulled, two teeth required root canals, then caps, and two more have cavities. As I promised on my last blog, I have committed to having all the work required done. I start the first 4 hours of treatment on June 5. I also plan on having the whitening procedure after my teeth have been fixed. I should end up with a brilliant smile, even as my face is deteriorating with age.

I think I have known this would happen because fortunately I have been saving money all this time. I really wasn't surprised,and didn't faint or cry when the office manager told me how much all this would cost. Even with my dental insurance, the amount is in the 4 figures but I feel all this work is necessary to save whatever teeth I have left. It's something I have to do, no matter how much fear is involved.

So we will start next week and continue until the job is done. The dental dragon is not as intimidating as I thought it would be, but then, the work hasn't been started yet. Stay turned for dental bulletins as we proceed.

TO THE DENTIST I MUST GO!!

2007-05-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have a dentist appointment this afternoon and my stomach has butterflies the size of bats. I hate going to the dentist more than almost anything and for this reason, I have allowed my teeth to fall into ruin. I absolutely cannot postpone this visit any longer as a back tooth has broken in half. It doesn't hurt but if I ignore it, sooner or later it will begin so I have to bite the bullet (with my remaining teeth) and pay the piper (or in this case the dentist).

This dentist I am going to see is not only a new dentist for me (the office just opened about 2 months ago within a mile of my house) but also a woman. I have never been to a woman dentist before. I don't know her age,or how long she has been a dentist, so I don't know if she has ever faced a patient with the horrible fears like mine. Even taking X-rays scare me. I don't know why I feel this way. I don't remember a particularly terrible experience as a child. I even suffered through braces and having my wisdom teeth pulled so there really is no logical reason, but it does exist and I can't deny the fear.

So I will be as brave as I can be, take a box of kleenix in case of tears,plus my insurance and credit cards. I know there is more than one tooth which requires attention and I think I will have her do whatever it takes (including whatever extractions and bridges are required), with as many appointments it takes to bring all my teeth up to par (I can't believe I just wrote that line).

Please wish me luck as I go face my personal dragon!!!

SOMETIMES I UNDERESTIMATE MY MOOSE SISTERS

2007-05-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Last night our Senior Regent (Women of the Moose name for Chapter president) called a special orientation meeting for as many officers and chairpersons who could attend. 20 women showed up including a couple of past Senior Regents like myself who no longer hold any board position but act as advisors to the Chapter.

Our Senior Regent and Recorder (treasurer who has been a Senior Regent) presented to everyone, member committee lists so that they can contact members and encourage them to visit the lodge. They also encouraged everyone to ask any questions and to give opinions. Boy stuff just spurted out like a water fountain.

So what did we learn. Well first we learned that almost all are as unhappy as I with the direction the Chapter is going. They too are not happy with the gossip, backstabbing and the constant competing. To a women, each new member asked why we can't be more like a family. One of our younger past Senior Regents took the bull by the horns and spoke about the goals of the Chapter, membership (new and retention). She spoke on how the Chapter and each member qualifies for honors and explained to the new members which honors all of us have and what we did to receive them. The entire evening was beyond my belief and I was so excited to be part of it.

The group made plans for future activities, making sure that family activities are covered as well as line dancing, horshoes, cards. They want to do surveys to find out what our members want. We want to have something which appeals to as many members who want to be part of the lodge and chapter. They plan on working with the officers of the men to plan parties and weekend activities.

My energy is renewed and so is my confidence in the future of the Chapter and the lodge. The women I watched last night are energetic and enthusiastic. More important, they love the Chapter and that's what counts the most.

My Moose Family Center (lodge)

2007-05-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

I originally joined the Moose organization because a friend belonged and asked me to. It was close to my town so I joined. I had no aspirations on being involved in holding office for the first year.

The lodge I originally joined eventually closed so I transferred to a very new 1 year old and very small lodge in my town. The women's Chapter was even smaller than the lodge and most of the women were involved either as an officer and volunteer. The members who weren't officers were also involved, cooking, serving the dinners and participating in lodge activities. This group of women had the nack of bringing out the best in everyone and within a year I found myself wanting to climb the ladder and contribute more to the women's chapter. I enjoyed this Lodge and Chapter, as well as the Moose Fraternal program concept so much that I achieved all the honors available to a Woman of the Moose member within 7 years. All that time, we were in a 850 sq foot building and if three of us were in the kitchen at the same time, it was too much. If the refrigerator door had to be opened, there was only room for two people. Everyone worked together as a team and more importantly as a family and I found myself having many brothers and sisters. We all shared a common goal to increase the membership and move to larger quarters.

When the lodge was 15 years old (5 years ago) our goal of larger quarters was finally achieved. Our new Moose Family Center (we can now be called a family center because we have a kid's room and playground out back)is beautiful. More than we ever envisioned. Our membership (both the men and women) has increased to around 400 for each.

Gaining so much, we were bound to lose something!! What we have lost is our family closeness. There are 31 flavors of ice cream for a very good reason. Everyone is different. The majority of the new members are not interested in being officers and leading the Chapter into the future. Many do volunteer to work in the kitchen and serve meals - something every lodge needs desperately, but most do not have an interest in the actual Moose program (Mooseheart, our child city in Illinois) or being an officer and without leadership, any Chapter ultimately fails. These new members are also very competetive and rather than acting like a family, they try to outdo each other regarding work in the kitchen, fund raising etc. There are more arguments than there used to be which makes life uncomfortable for the rest of us.

The bottom line - it's just not as much fun as it was. I love my Moose Lodge and Chapter and more than ever, I sure do miss our old 850 sq ft palace.