Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
De Book
As I am sure you suspected, the book will take place at Higgins Lake. The main theme will be spending summers growing up there. The main character will be loosely based on me. :) But I would like there to be a secondary male character. The timeline will be from age 8 to about 16. I think the voice or "narrator" will be an adult telling the story.
I am hoping that some of the one million annual visitors will be able to relate or be interested in the topic. If not, I will be happy to have something to share with my family and friends that will compile many experiences, good and bad, of the lake we all have in our "land memory". Does everyone cherish that first deep inhalation after the long drive "up north"? These are the moments I want to convey.
So my request to all of my friends and family that read and don't read my blog. Share your stories, memories, and recollections with me. I promise to twist it and change the names to protect the innocent. I will take poetic license too.
I know of one reader who met their spouse vacationing at HL. Others caused some trouble, went skinny dipping, was embarrassed, made sand castles, caught minnows with your bare hands, met boys, made friends and memories.....share them with me. Think about it, write it down, or save it for this summer when we are all together. How old were you? How did you feel? We can all be kids again by sharing the stories. :)
I am hoping that some of the one million annual visitors will be able to relate or be interested in the topic. If not, I will be happy to have something to share with my family and friends that will compile many experiences, good and bad, of the lake we all have in our "land memory". Does everyone cherish that first deep inhalation after the long drive "up north"? These are the moments I want to convey.
So my request to all of my friends and family that read and don't read my blog. Share your stories, memories, and recollections with me. I promise to twist it and change the names to protect the innocent. I will take poetic license too.
I know of one reader who met their spouse vacationing at HL. Others caused some trouble, went skinny dipping, was embarrassed, made sand castles, caught minnows with your bare hands, met boys, made friends and memories.....share them with me. Think about it, write it down, or save it for this summer when we are all together. How old were you? How did you feel? We can all be kids again by sharing the stories. :)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Doctor, doctor?
I can't remember if I told you about my doctor retiring or not, but she did retire and without my permission.
This was about a month ago. Of course, I immediately needed her, and of course, so did all her other patients. There was a waiting list to get in to see her. I don't think I was actually sick, perhaps I just needed to wrap some things up before she left me. Notice how personally I took her retirement? I realize how unreasonable this is sounding. But this is a testament to our doctor/patient relationship. I am fortunate to have found a practitioner I can trust and relate to. Especially here. Yes, "up north" it is almost impossible to find a practitioner that will even stick around. This is hardly Houston, Washington, or Traverse City where there are cutting edge hospitals, specialists, technologies, and rich patients. This is one of the downsides of living up north.
Fortunately, there was a doctor that made an impression on me many years ago. She took time with me, listened, and helped me any way she could. She took a lot of flack for it too. The buracracy wanted numbers not good care. She didn't last long.
Yesterday, I found her again and I couldn't be more optimistic. She is post gastric bypass, like me, so I don't have to train her. Completely the opposite, she is more "up" on the research than I am and had several suggestions and ideas to improve my current health. So last night I found myself giving myself a shot in the leg - vitamin B-12. What a trip! That's 70's talk for exciting and freaky at the same time. In two weeks I will be trying a new iron supplement...hopefully not a shot. After that, more lab tests and a complete physical. Also, way overdue.
Okay, enough of that for now. I promise I will outline my idea for a book this weekend. Please check back because I definately need your input to pull it off.
This was about a month ago. Of course, I immediately needed her, and of course, so did all her other patients. There was a waiting list to get in to see her. I don't think I was actually sick, perhaps I just needed to wrap some things up before she left me. Notice how personally I took her retirement? I realize how unreasonable this is sounding. But this is a testament to our doctor/patient relationship. I am fortunate to have found a practitioner I can trust and relate to. Especially here. Yes, "up north" it is almost impossible to find a practitioner that will even stick around. This is hardly Houston, Washington, or Traverse City where there are cutting edge hospitals, specialists, technologies, and rich patients. This is one of the downsides of living up north.
Fortunately, there was a doctor that made an impression on me many years ago. She took time with me, listened, and helped me any way she could. She took a lot of flack for it too. The buracracy wanted numbers not good care. She didn't last long.
Yesterday, I found her again and I couldn't be more optimistic. She is post gastric bypass, like me, so I don't have to train her. Completely the opposite, she is more "up" on the research than I am and had several suggestions and ideas to improve my current health. So last night I found myself giving myself a shot in the leg - vitamin B-12. What a trip! That's 70's talk for exciting and freaky at the same time. In two weeks I will be trying a new iron supplement...hopefully not a shot. After that, more lab tests and a complete physical. Also, way overdue.
Okay, enough of that for now. I promise I will outline my idea for a book this weekend. Please check back because I definately need your input to pull it off.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Beautiful sunny day. Sadie is sacked out in her bed under the table. She had fun. So did I, it was an eventful but relaxing day.
I had a scare when she tried to back out of her harness while the other dog took off and she became hopelessly tangled. That was enough dog sledding for me for the day. I realized later that it never would have happened if we had a neck line at the time. Sadie was just happy to play with all the other dogs. So maybe tomorrow...
There were plenty of other things to do. We took a couple hikes and helped with the other dogs. And of course there was plenty of eating. We have so much food we had trouble putting together a menu to use it all. 3 lasagnas for 14 people? Those, breadsticks and a salad, was dinner. :) Lots of letovers, but not for lack of trying.
This is Sadie and her new pal, Jessie. Jessie would run and then drop suddenly and chew at her feet. The snow was getting packed between her paws, despite being trimmed earlier.
I watched another dog get it on the third try. You could see it in his body language. His head, tail, and ears all come up. It was exciting to watch. We had paired him with an experienced dog. They disappeared long enough for everyone to start to become concerned, but they showed up, still pulling a few minutes later. The dog's owner was exhilated! She was laughing and thanking the girl that was helping everyone.
Tomorrow I want to try ski-joring. I am not optimistic that Sadie will pull me. The light bulb hasn't clicked in her Husky head yet.
I had a long talk before dinner with a girl that is on an interesting "diet". When she started the Paleo Diet, she noticed a drastic change. No joint pain! After being in pain her whole life and thinking it was normal! I will research this more when I have more time.
Sorry, I am rambling, aren't I? I am tired and achy and need to get to bed so I can do it all again in the morning. The sunshine has done wonders for my attitude. :)
I had a scare when she tried to back out of her harness while the other dog took off and she became hopelessly tangled. That was enough dog sledding for me for the day. I realized later that it never would have happened if we had a neck line at the time. Sadie was just happy to play with all the other dogs. So maybe tomorrow...
There were plenty of other things to do. We took a couple hikes and helped with the other dogs. And of course there was plenty of eating. We have so much food we had trouble putting together a menu to use it all. 3 lasagnas for 14 people? Those, breadsticks and a salad, was dinner. :) Lots of letovers, but not for lack of trying.
This is Sadie and her new pal, Jessie. Jessie would run and then drop suddenly and chew at her feet. The snow was getting packed between her paws, despite being trimmed earlier.
I watched another dog get it on the third try. You could see it in his body language. His head, tail, and ears all come up. It was exciting to watch. We had paired him with an experienced dog. They disappeared long enough for everyone to start to become concerned, but they showed up, still pulling a few minutes later. The dog's owner was exhilated! She was laughing and thanking the girl that was helping everyone.
Tomorrow I want to try ski-joring. I am not optimistic that Sadie will pull me. The light bulb hasn't clicked in her Husky head yet.
I had a long talk before dinner with a girl that is on an interesting "diet". When she started the Paleo Diet, she noticed a drastic change. No joint pain! After being in pain her whole life and thinking it was normal! I will research this more when I have more time.
Sorry, I am rambling, aren't I? I am tired and achy and need to get to bed so I can do it all again in the morning. The sunshine has done wonders for my attitude. :)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Winter Outing
Sorry, they have changed the comment options. Now you can leave your name if you click the radio button for Name/URL. I noticed some of you have put your name in the text of the comment and that works great also. :)
As always, I appreciate your visits, comments and feedback.
What a long week! I am so glad it is Friday. I have been working in the kitchen making Chinese Salad for the Winter Outing. What is the Winter Outing? You may be sorry "I" asked.
It is a winter weekend for dogs and owners held every year on President's Day weekend at the Dog Scout Camp in St. Helen's Maple Valley. They come from all over; Canada, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, etc, to have fun. In the past we have done weight pulling and dog sledding. Also have opportunities for ski-joring, eating, hiking, geocaching, or letterboxing and eating.
For those of you who don't know, Sadie is part Huskie. But the sled pulling gene skipped her generation. She was slacking off in the traces the first time she tried it. The other dog just pulled her and the sled. Poor little retriever was pulling a sled, a person, and Sadie. It was funny. Hopefully she will do better this year and I will have lots of photos to share with you each day. The camera is charging right now. On Sunday, we will be accompanied by Stella and her owner. This will be their first DSA event. Stella is the collie from previous play dates posted in this blog. post 1 & post 2
Oh, I finished the red sweater...kinda. It is too short! It is fixable, but it involves the word "snip". Basically cut off the bottom, pick up your stitches, and start knitting. My knitting group will need to be consulted, in total agreement and holding my hand before it is going to happen. In the meantime, I started another sweater. :)
As always, I appreciate your visits, comments and feedback.
What a long week! I am so glad it is Friday. I have been working in the kitchen making Chinese Salad for the Winter Outing. What is the Winter Outing? You may be sorry "I" asked.
It is a winter weekend for dogs and owners held every year on President's Day weekend at the Dog Scout Camp in St. Helen's Maple Valley. They come from all over; Canada, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, etc, to have fun. In the past we have done weight pulling and dog sledding. Also have opportunities for ski-joring, eating, hiking, geocaching, or letterboxing and eating.
For those of you who don't know, Sadie is part Huskie. But the sled pulling gene skipped her generation. She was slacking off in the traces the first time she tried it. The other dog just pulled her and the sled. Poor little retriever was pulling a sled, a person, and Sadie. It was funny. Hopefully she will do better this year and I will have lots of photos to share with you each day. The camera is charging right now. On Sunday, we will be accompanied by Stella and her owner. This will be their first DSA event. Stella is the collie from previous play dates posted in this blog. post 1 & post 2
Oh, I finished the red sweater...kinda. It is too short! It is fixable, but it involves the word "snip". Basically cut off the bottom, pick up your stitches, and start knitting. My knitting group will need to be consulted, in total agreement and holding my hand before it is going to happen. In the meantime, I started another sweater. :)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
My idea
This just in....it's still winter! Still cold, still snowing, and still no sunshine. Now that the weather is out of the way...
I have been super busy at work. A very good thing, but I am tired and sore. I spent yesterday from 7am to 3:30 crawling around on the floor and under cabinets, cleaning and reorganizing our boardroom presentation and videoconferencing station. By 3:30 everything was sparkling, organized and streamlined....however, I was dusty, dirty, and done! Then made some calls, and ran home, showered, and had to catch a 4pm webinar for a software program we currently use. That was good, but ran until 4:45. Long day. I was in bed by 9pm.
My phone rang all day today and that is unusual. Lots of loose ends to follow up on and I have a videoconference demonstration in Mio on Friday to prep for...never had a chance to get to it today.
Anyway, several whiny posts ago, I mentioned an idea I want to start working on and I need your help. *Trumpets and fanfare noise* I want to write a book.
This idea suddenly occurred to me in January out of the blue. I have been fighting it. Where will I find the time? Jennifer already calls me the project queen, I have a lot of projects lined up. Granted, I will never get to all of them even if I live to be 100. I just have lots of ideas in my head and they have to come out somehow. It's a form of creative expression. Yea, that's it.
Anyway, I have been hoping the urge to write a book will go away. It hasn't. It is growing on me instead. The topic should be obvious to anyone that knows me. Perhaps that is why it isn't going away. I even have a rough outline in my head. The goal is to get it started, get it down in print. Not a lofty goal, but I can't wrap my head around finishing a book, before I even get it started!
What are your thoughts? Am I being too industrious? Do you think I will be a millionaire overnight phenomenon? (if I am, the nieces get a college fund) Are you willing to share your memories and experiences and allow me poetic license in order to be true to the characters and storyline? Has living up north finally broke me? Wanna guess about the subject matter? Or is not a challenge? LOL
Tell me in a comment what you think. (yep, there is the obligatory comment nag)
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Checks, Blogging and Finance Oh My
It has been approved. Here is a new article about the "tax rebate" giving specific information. Who, when, and why.
CNNMoney.com
Rebates: What you need to know
Friday February 8, 5:33 pm ET
By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer
Why am I so interested? Michigan's ecconomy is in the toilet. Obviously, I want the money for this summer's unemployment survival. But, I have also resolved to be more active about managing my money. I have subscribed to several personal finance blogs and joined Wesabe.com (see a previous post). I am gathering information and analyzing my bills. What can I do without? I think TV/satellite is going to be the first to go in June.
I had considered investing in some certificates of deposits (CDs of the non-music type) but interest rates for them are dropping so low it hardly seems worth it.
NOTE: If you are into watching different blogs, I highly recommend Bloglines.com. I am using it to track about 30 different blogs. There are work, personal, finance, and knitting blogs in that list. I am going start posting websites that I mention and use on the right side. In case my vast readership is interested in additional information. :)
Did you go to the article and find out what your rebate amount will be? If so, you still have time to answer the poll as to what you are going to do with your "free" money.
CNNMoney.com
Rebates: What you need to know
Friday February 8, 5:33 pm ET
By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer
Why am I so interested? Michigan's ecconomy is in the toilet. Obviously, I want the money for this summer's unemployment survival. But, I have also resolved to be more active about managing my money. I have subscribed to several personal finance blogs and joined Wesabe.com (see a previous post). I am gathering information and analyzing my bills. What can I do without? I think TV/satellite is going to be the first to go in June.
I had considered investing in some certificates of deposits (CDs of the non-music type) but interest rates for them are dropping so low it hardly seems worth it.
NOTE: If you are into watching different blogs, I highly recommend Bloglines.com. I am using it to track about 30 different blogs. There are work, personal, finance, and knitting blogs in that list. I am going start posting websites that I mention and use on the right side. In case my vast readership is interested in additional information. :)
Did you go to the article and find out what your rebate amount will be? If so, you still have time to answer the poll as to what you are going to do with your "free" money.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Friday
My Dad has decided not to have knee replacement surgery after all. It was scheduled for Monday.
My brain has been working overtime this week. I have been doing research for some of my money / income flow problems for this summer. I am thinking of printing Higgins Lake postcards and notecards from my photos. I may use Ebay or area shops. I have a ton of stuff (junk) laying around that someone might "shop victoriously" for out there and I could sell that as well.
I'm also looking into drawing unemployment. And I have arranged to "check out" a laptop for the summer and doing independent study for a couple software programs that we use at work. It has been a long time since I have had the time and energy to "play" with software and my skills are rusty.
I am almost finished with a red sweater I have been working on forever.
My brain has been working overtime this week. I have been doing research for some of my money / income flow problems for this summer. I am thinking of printing Higgins Lake postcards and notecards from my photos. I may use Ebay or area shops. I have a ton of stuff (junk) laying around that someone might "shop victoriously" for out there and I could sell that as well.
I'm also looking into drawing unemployment. And I have arranged to "check out" a laptop for the summer and doing independent study for a couple software programs that we use at work. It has been a long time since I have had the time and energy to "play" with software and my skills are rusty.
I am almost finished with a red sweater I have been working on forever.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
New addition to the blog - slideshow
I have added a slide show to replace the non-working weather link. You don't need no stink'n weather link, I provide the weather reports. Cold, snow or not as cold, freezing rain. It's Michigan folks, not brain surgery.
Anyway, now you can see all my photos from my Flickr.com account that I have marked for public consumption. Yes, Chris, this means LOTS of Higgins Lake photos. :)
You will see some repeats from the blog and some yarn photos too.
Okay, tonight's posting frenzy is over, I have work to do on Higgins Lake Info's website.
Enjoy!
Anyway, now you can see all my photos from my Flickr.com account that I have marked for public consumption. Yes, Chris, this means LOTS of Higgins Lake photos. :)
You will see some repeats from the blog and some yarn photos too.
Okay, tonight's posting frenzy is over, I have work to do on Higgins Lake Info's website.
Enjoy!
Comments please!
I know it is hard to believe, but I don't do this blog just for something to do, I want some interaction!
That means I want to hear what you have to say. I want to know your opinions. I want your support and feedback. You guessed it, I want your comments! Subtle, aren't I?
How do you do that? Well, I am glad you asked. You don't have to become a member of anything or sign in. Just type your comment in the box, click on the dot for Nickname and type your name or a fake name. If you are shy, use anonymous.
Then click Publish Your Comment.
Then, you have officially "interacted" with me!
You can even interact with other commenters by commenting on their comments! Heck, you may forget all about me in your commenting frenzy. :)
So share with me, I get tired of standing up there on my soapbox by myself....in the snow, and freezing rain.
Yeah, NC is sounding really good right now, but maybe someplace even warmer...any suggestions? Or comments?
Poll Clarification
The poll is for the economic recovery check the government has been discussing. When I posted the poll, it was a hot topic. Now it is "semi-shelved"; i.e. stuck in the red tape. Remember when Lil' Bush first took over, I mean, was elected and he gave everyone a check? Mine was $300 and lasted 2.2 seconds. I poured it right back into the economy. Yep, I did my part! This check is supposed to stimulate our flagging economy. Click here to read more about it from an article from the Free Press
The plan is to stimulate the economy. I plan to save it for summer when I have no income. What do you plan to do with the $300 + you will receive? Now the question is when? Last I heard it was May of this year.
Now, will you vote? Practice, I plan to have more of them in the future. :)
The plan is to stimulate the economy. I plan to save it for summer when I have no income. What do you plan to do with the $300 + you will receive? Now the question is when? Last I heard it was May of this year.
Now, will you vote? Practice, I plan to have more of them in the future. :)
Monday, February 4, 2008
freezing rain
Okay people, show me your votes for the poll.
It has been there for over a week and no one has voted and I know you've been here!
I am so tired of winter. I am really stuck in the blahs. Snow and more snow. Now it is freezing rain. Jimmy Buffett shot 6 holes in the freezer. If I still drank, I probably would too. Definitely have Cabin Fever.
My co-workers give me weather reports like this, "wow, look at that snow come down!" or "wow, it's snowing". My response from my windowless cubicle is a deadpan "it IS winter". And they just laugh at me. Yeah, this winter is real tiring. On the bright side, it is above zero this week.
I do have some good news. There is a job for me with the same organization next fall. There are some downers. That means I will be unemployed for about 6-7 weeks this summer. (oh, darn) When I start again in the fall it will be part-time but that is not written in stone and it may very well become full time before or shortly thereafter. In this economy and in this field, believe me, I am just happy to have a job.
However, as I was telling a fellow single, professional, woman (not that kind of pro) friend; what bothers me is all the ups and downs in my life. And this includes income. This was amplified when I received my yearly statement from social security. Up and down, highs and lows, it is cyclic and I can track my life story by it. Last year I made more than I ever have before. Ten years ago, I was at rock bottom. When will it stop? I want some security. I know, we all do, and security is relative. I worry too much.
Thank you for coming to today's pity party! Feel free to commiserate, offer advice, or kick me in the butt (nicely).
Do some voting and I will consider revealing my previously mentioned idea that requires your assistance. Sorry Sister, it's not a college fund for the much loved, greatly missed, and very treasured nieces. Unless....
It has been there for over a week and no one has voted and I know you've been here!
I am so tired of winter. I am really stuck in the blahs. Snow and more snow. Now it is freezing rain. Jimmy Buffett shot 6 holes in the freezer. If I still drank, I probably would too. Definitely have Cabin Fever.
My co-workers give me weather reports like this, "wow, look at that snow come down!" or "wow, it's snowing". My response from my windowless cubicle is a deadpan "it IS winter". And they just laugh at me. Yeah, this winter is real tiring. On the bright side, it is above zero this week.
I do have some good news. There is a job for me with the same organization next fall. There are some downers. That means I will be unemployed for about 6-7 weeks this summer. (oh, darn) When I start again in the fall it will be part-time but that is not written in stone and it may very well become full time before or shortly thereafter. In this economy and in this field, believe me, I am just happy to have a job.
However, as I was telling a fellow single, professional, woman (not that kind of pro) friend; what bothers me is all the ups and downs in my life. And this includes income. This was amplified when I received my yearly statement from social security. Up and down, highs and lows, it is cyclic and I can track my life story by it. Last year I made more than I ever have before. Ten years ago, I was at rock bottom. When will it stop? I want some security. I know, we all do, and security is relative. I worry too much.
Thank you for coming to today's pity party! Feel free to commiserate, offer advice, or kick me in the butt (nicely).
Do some voting and I will consider revealing my previously mentioned idea that requires your assistance. Sorry Sister, it's not a college fund for the much loved, greatly missed, and very treasured nieces. Unless....
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