Choices

2011 3/4 of the way done!

2011-09-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted.
I returned from my Italian Adventure in October and spent last winter catching up with friends and family. Having spent two years so focused on school had left little time for the other important areas of my life.
Loved coming home to having Heather's family living here. Even if we were a bit crowded in the house for a couple of months, it was really great having the kids here.

I spent my vacation this year in Hawaii on Kaui. I'd never been to that island and loved the peaceful serenity of it. Both of my sisters couldn't make it as we had planned, so I ventured into the unknown on my own (I should get some kind of cool adventure nickname- Indiana Grandma~~ no, not that, but something cool). I loved the people the water and even the roosters roaming freely about the island.

I was also accepted to Pepperdine University in California. I will be receiving my Master's in Organizational Development from one of the schools that pioneered the field. Classes have started and I am really looking forward to the learning. There are three international practicums where we will be able to apply what we are learning. Costa Rica, China and France; can't wait to explore some more of this glorious world and the people in it.
Well, those are the highlights. I'll get back in the swing of posting again. Cheers and have an amazing day!

Victoria's Villa

2010-08-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

The name that my co-workers have renamed Villa Basso to...Victoria's Villa.
I love coming home to this place of peace and quiet each night. It sits on a hillside overlooking olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. The town on the hill above is Mt. St. Angelo and is a beautiful little traditional Italian town. Families and friends stroll through the pedestrian streets, arm in arm and just visit and enjoy the evening before heading off to their evening meal. I love the atmosphere and sense of community and family that I experience,,,even as an outsider, I feel welcome and a part of it. I will miss this Villa and the small town that I have come to love.

Bman is now a married man!!

2010-08-13T22:01:00.001-07:00

I can't believe he's married! Seems like just yesterday I was driving him to school and yelling at him to pick up his room.
It was a great family day. Heather and the kids were able to attend and Heather made sure that it was a great day for them by helping with many of the details.
Kelly and Brandon are made for each other and I believe will have a very happy marriage. I am so thankful that they have found each other.
I did not cry until we did the mother/son dance and he played "Wind beneath my wings." and told me I was his hero....I couldn't quite finish the dance.
I love you Bman!! Congratulations!

Mission Accomplished!

2010-07-11T11:13:00.001-07:00

Well, I did it!! Graduated from College with my Bachelors!

Lots of evenings and weekends away from family, friends and my neglected yard in order for me to reach my goal, but I did it.

I could not have done it without the on-going support of several people.

Christi and Brenda who paved the way before me….the hours of conversation that Christi and I had about street smarts vs. book smarts and the differences and similarities.

My sister Kelly who supported me when I called to say I just couldn’t get together, or that I needed peace and quiet. She often called to check and see if I had done my homework.

I have to say I did not enjoy sitting at home most weekends, while family and friends enjoyed each other…but the work was so worth it in the end.

I don’t know how to thank Heather…my sounding board, my conscious and my constant encourager. I would call when I thought I had reached my limit and she would listen to me and then help support me in getting re-focused…thank you so much for being my cheerleader!

It was a tough journey, with 12-18 credits per term average...usually closer to 18...But it was worth every step of the way...

What's Next? - Probably an MBA with a focus on Organizational Development....maybe starting as soon as January...but at a little more reasonable pace. Feels so good have achieved another lifetime goal.

More to follow over the next few days on my life in Italy!

International Lunch...

2010-05-15T05:21:00.000-07:00

It is just after 2 pm on a Saturday in Foggia, Italy. I have been doing a little homework, surfing the net, and resting most of the day. I just came back from the commerciale (grocery store). I was hungry for lunch and decided to make it with what I had.
A large Italian roll (I ate about 1/2 of it), sliced open and spread with our US Philly Cream Cheese, then a slice of freshly made chicken lunch meat. I had a side dish of fresh Gigante Green Olives dripping in olive oil and light spices. Washed it all down with a Corona. ... yep, the best of 3 countries, right there in front of me!

Eating in Italy is different from what I am used to. Breakfast is mainly fresh meats, cheeses and bread, with a various assortment of cakes and pastries. You can find fruit on a side table, but it's not one of the main selections. I asked every 2 or 3 days for some scrambled eggs and if I'm lucky they have cooked them thoroughly with no runny parts. Breakfast at the hotel is ok, but I am really glad I brought my instant organic oatmeal, and found some local fresh almonds to sprinkle on top.
I am also grateful for the coffee pot I purchased and have in my room. Enjoying the smell of fresh brewed Starbucks in my room in the morning is like a slice of home for me. (no, I can't buy Starbucks here, but a friend brought some back on his last trip to the US...YEAH for friends!)
The restaurants do not open until 7:30 or 8 pm for dinner. I kind of like that, except that I need to get up early in the morning. Nonetheless it is great to see families showing up to begin dinner about 9:30 or so when I am ready to leave for a good nights rest.
It's interesting too, that all dishes are served in succession. Antipasta (appetizers), then typcially a first and then second course (one is always some sort of pasta), then dessert. At the slow lunches it can be up to 5 or 6 courses. (Takes 3 hours as you can imagine)....The good thing for me is that it is an al carte approach and I don't have to order more than I want to eat. In the US we are used to the meat, starch and veggie all coming on the same plate...not necessarily the way it happens here. Sometimes there are meat and potatoes on the same plate, but I haven't seen pasta on the same plate with meat.
I am learning to pace myself or I would have gained a bit of weight by now. Fortunately my clothes are starting to get a little baggy...not much, but a little.....That is encouragement enough for me to continue to be aware of what I consume.
I love the fresh olives of every sort and am excited to bring some facoccia/pizza flour home for my friend Christi to try. I hear the flour makes all the difference. I will never be able to eat US pizza without wishing for an Ortalano Pizza from my favorite local restaurant.
Ciao' , time for homework...can't drop the ball after this long....

It's May already

2010-05-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

I committed to updating my 2010 goals in January and haven't even posted anything since then. I'm in a unique place in my life. I have always had goals and achieved them as soon as I committed to them.
The latest of which is to live and work in a foreign country.
Italy was my first choice and that is what I have been afforded the opportunity to do, live and work in Italy for 6 months. I'm here in near Foggia, Italy until the end of September.

School update - I am just starting week 7 of my final 10 week term before graduation on June 19th. I cannot believe it is soooo close! Super excited to have a bit of a life and be able to explore Italy.

What's next? Not really sure....I've looked at graduate school, but it doesn't feel like the right time.
Go back into management (ok, besides this senior manager job I'm doing on a temp basis in Italy)...not sure it's the right time for that either.

For now I am going to focus on finishing up school, doing a great job while I'm here in Italy and let my next dream, vision and goals come to me as God deems it is time for me to hear them.

I'll begin to post some of my Italian observations, learnings and adventures as they happen; Look for Roma weekend, the ladies on the side of the country road, wines, driving Italian style, and dining experiences.
Ciao for now!

2009 comes to a slow and peaceful end

2010-01-01T15:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy and rewarding year. As always about this time of year, I reflect on the past year and what's ahead of me, usually setting my new year's goals by my birthday on the 20th.
So, how did I do in 2009 against the goals I established?? Let's see........

* Practice BALANCE - Didn't really do all that well with this one, but tried really hard.
* Master Financial Abundance Principles - ok, about a 50% on this one, at least I'm no worse off !
* Keep Drinking my 'Wake Up Water" - Yep, most days!! yeah!
* Live every day to the fullest - YEAH! - Without a doubt !
* Move More, Get to the Gym - Didn't event get close here. (I think a total of 20 times)
* Get my children's book published - Did get some more info and worked on it a bit.
* Relax on a sunny warm beach for a week - Nope, but snuck in an extra day in Clearwater Beach, Florida. (happened have a great view! - the Ironman competition was in town that weekend--big sigh!)
XX Complete more than 1/2 of my Bachelor's Degree credits - Oh yeah! And beyond! only 24 credits to go (ok, now you know where my time was spent this year.)
So, out of all of these, I really focused on the degree and by not ensuring balance I over achieved in the school department and only 'kinda' reached some other ones.
When it comes to establishing my 2010 Goals I am going to keep that in mind and be a little more realistic with what I can achieve.
No, I will not be compromising on what I want ! However, as a grandmother and someone who will be turning 48 this year, I have realized how important it is to live a healthy & happy life. Health will be a core part of my focus for the year, physical, mental and spiritual.
Thanks to you my family and friends who have supported my crazy year of people living with me, business travel and mostly the time I've dedicated to school rather than time with you. I love you and am looking forward to taking a year off before grad school. Check back in a couple weeks as the magic Birthday week arrives and I finalize my 2010 goals.

Breathe, remember to breathe!!

2009-11-11T21:24:00.001-08:00

As much as I love the learning I'm getting at school, I am struggling to keep up.
Work has kicked into high gear too...Mesa last week, this week I'm evaluating another group and how they are doing.
I feel a bit bad but am glad to be taking off from Friday thru Tues...(wink, wink)
Class at Mhurst Frid-Sund in Advanced Intercultural Communications....
I'm going to be able to stay at my good friend Chelle's house and study until the wee hours.

Then Sund - Tues hangin with Jackson and Abagayle at thier house.
Head home and go to work for a couple of days and then back to Oregon for another class...
Then a week off!!! Yeah!!
I fully intend to work on school work and rest as I near the end of this tough term on Dec 11th.
then back for more travel and work......
I'm planning a trip to a beach for my celebratory trip in June /July.....

Speaking of celebrations....my son-in-law is graduating on Dec 12th and I am so excited for him!! After 9 years of going to school, while working, he is going to be a Chiropractor. Heather and Brandon have made a lot of sacrifices to achieve their goal and I am so proud of both of them...
Keep Heather and Brandon in your thoughts as they start the interview process next week.
Time to crash....zzzzzz

Back at it....hmm what was my first Goal?

2009-10-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

Balance - such an interesting word.
What does that look like for me? I've recently discovered that I juggle more than balance....While I tend to think that I am balancing the different areas of my life, the truth is that I am juggling several things at once and then take on more because "I can do it! No Problem!"
Really? Well I can and have done that for years, and years. The time has come to take a hard look at what I CAN take on and what I WANT to take on.
Somehow provide a better balance and free up the time and space to RELAX,,,,
I'm heading for a weekend class tomorrow after work and the title is "Health and Healing". I've been following Dr. Weil's '8 weeks to Optimum health' this last 3 weeks and am looking forward to what else I can do, or NOT do to support me in achieving my goals.
I have another Saturday class coming up on Life from the Inside Out...the books are; Cheryl Richardson's "Art of Extreme Self Care" and Rosenburg's "Nonviolent Communication".
The timing is right for me to really get the learning from these two courses and quit trying to
DO IT ALL........"I'm not Superwoman, ADJUST!" (smile)

Wow...and Transitions

2009-09-26T23:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, I cannot believe that summer is gone already. This summer just flew by. I am amazed when I look a the calendar. Then just yesterday, driving to work there was a fog that covered half of the valley, it was confirmed -- fall has arrived. I am so grateful that I got the house painted today. Wahoo!!!!

We will be doing the trim work tomorrow.

And ignore the OOOLLLDDD deck to the right, going to be replaced in the spring to match the front deck above. But you get the idea...so much better than that light gray color (see blog post on transformations and dozers)

I started Fall term Thursday and I thought it would be a fairly light term due to the number of credits I am taking, but now I'm not so sure. With 8 text books to read and some weekends, and a large research project to do...I'm a bit concerned but know that I will pull it off.
I have got to remain balanced and only take one day and one project at a time or I will not be able to enjoy the journey....TTFN.

It's been a sad couple of weeks...

2009-09-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

About 3 weeks ago my beloved grandmother, aka GG fell and broke her hip. I was in a weekend class in Oregon and my sister said she would be fine until I got back Sunday night and not to worry about her, just finish my class. While I couldn't stop worrying - I know GG would have said, "oh Vicky, just get your stuff done, and don't worry about me."...in her loving slightly impatient Germanish tone...so, I stayed.

By Monday it was determined that she would not be having surgery to correct the her broken leg, due to her strong objections and the high risk of losing her during surgery. So, on Monday, the hospital discharged her and we needed to move her to a full time care facility that day.....argh...and my sister and I drove all around checking out the best options and found a great spot for her Martha and Mary's in Poulsbo overlooking the water.

I slept next to her all night that night, in the recliner in her private room. She did not want to be left alone. She had been given just 2-4 weeks to live, based on her advanced lung disease.

I still had a little over a week of school left before semester break and needed to finish up a couple of papers, talk about a tough balance. It was really hard to focus.
My boss at work was very understanding and said, take as much time as you need "Family First". So I did.

I spent many hours with GG at Martha and Mary's reading the bible and even from a Danielle Steele novel. I gave her at least a couple of foot massages each time I went there. She fell asleep almost every time I did. We spent time talking about funny memories. She remembered when I hurt her thumb while I was in labor with Heather. And while Heather was crowning she went to look and said "Well, don't know if it's a boy or girl, but it's blonde!" Then when Heather came to visit her at Martha and Mary's, they both spent time joking and laughing. Her sense of humor never wained, and she was making jokes up until her last day with us, Sunday, September 6th,,,,just 13 days after we moved her there.
She was one of my best friends on the planet and I would often go to her for advise. I will miss her so much. I am thankful that she did not suffer. I am thankful that she went peacefully and that she is with our Father in Heaven.
We are holding two memorial services this weekend to honor her and celebrate her amazing life, and I'm going to take Monday to myself to get ready for my upcoming weeks and months---just as she would have expected me to do.

Break....much needed

2009-09-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

So glad to be on break, after 6 months of writing PLA papers, I was able to finish my planned PLA essays. I received 27 credits and they have posted to my transcript for the summer term. So excited. Plus I took 12 credits, so it has 39 for this term....geez!!
I really needed the mental break from school and have scaled back to 13 credits this next term, so I can have a more balanced life until I graduate in June.
more later....

Numbers are NOT my thing.....

2009-08-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

I was able to meet with my adviser on Friday to review my degree plan. While adding the number of credits left to go, I was still off by 4 credits each time I added it up, but he wasn't....so I am all set.
The good news is, after this summer term I will have 42 credits left to go! Wahoo! I had signed up for 19 this next term, but after his gentle nudging about stress levels, I decided to take it back to 16 credits. (I've been taking care of 18-21 each term already, so it will be a nice pace.)
I do have the opportunity to still test out of 2 of the classes,,,which I may do on my one month break from classes.
I cannot believe that I am only 3 terms away from graduating! Life is good!

I do plan to go on to my MBA right after this....my focus will be in Organizational Behavior. Guess I'll have to brush up on my numbers before I take the Stats class.
Ciao' for now.....

Dreams do come true....

2009-08-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

I had just come away from a few days of camping on the Oregon Coast with my family. (Had a great time) I had a weekend class coming up and some homework to do and decided to take advantage of the University campus. One of my lifelong dreams has been to be a full time college student. I've pictured myself walking across campus in cutoffs and a backpack, on a sunny afternoon.

Well, on Thursday, August 6th, it hit me -- I am living my dream.
I hung out on campus all day, in my most comfortable worn jeans, picked a cozy spot at the library to hook up my laptop and did homework all day. At lunch, I sat in a great chair under a large shade tree just outside the library and ate the lunch I had packed that morning. I did a couple of walks around the main buildings, across the grass and realized that I was living what I had been dreaming about. (less the cutoffs!)

Someday perhaps I will live on a college campus for a short while, just for the experience of it...but for now I am happy and grateful that I am living one of my dreams.

hmmmmm...interesting perspectives

2009-07-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

I attended a one day seminar on Servant Leadership, as a part of my degree plan. As I listened to my fellow classmates, I found it interesting to hear the capacity variance that they all discussed.
For example, one discussed how taking 6 credits, plus a PLA class (9) credits would have been too much so she had to drop PLA. Another talked about working full time and only being able to take 9 credits. The other extreme described was a student who works and took "an insane" amount of credits last term, 18......hmm...am I in that category? I started taking classes toward my BA last fall and have taken at least 18-21 credits each term. Perhaps I am, but I am enjoying the journey as well.
I did try to take some time this summer and only took 12 credits.
I guess I never realized how nuts this schedule is or how much of myself I am committing to reaching this important goal until I heard it from strangers today. But I still know that I'm on the right path and carrying the right load for now.

PS. >>>>Update on my goal - I did it! over half way to my degree!! Wahoo!
>>>>>>>> Update on other goal - Children's book - currently seeking an agent and am attending a Children's author bootcamp in October...

PSSS...one of my Profs is taking a group of students to Greece, Turkey etc...next spring and will be visiting the last known site of Mary and other biblical sites...I'm thinking I may need to go???

Time to crash...to awake to homework in the morning....I am loving being a college student,,,that in itself achieves one of my dreams.

Hangin' with my grandkids

2009-07-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend with Heather and the three kids. Jackson is becoming such a great young man. I can't believe he's 5 1/2 already...holy cow! Where did the time go? He is a great brother to his little sisters. They are lucky to have him. Just wait until they get to be teenagers...
Abagayle is still as cute as ever, and still loves the whole sit on my lap and do the cuddle thing...ahh,,,love the relaxing times with her.
Lorelei is going to be 1 in September, and she finally isn't shying away from me. She had so much fun getting into the drawer of plastic dishes, and playing with the flash cards.
We had an evening of Disney Scene it, Uncle Brandon and Jackson gave it a good attempt, but the girls beat them in the end.
Playing in the lake most of the day Saturday was just what we all needed. This home is a real blessing for me and being able to spend time with family in such a great space. Lorelei fell asleep in the shade of a big tree, while the rest of us played in the water. (Thanks Letitia for giving me a break from shading her when the sun moved around.)
Thanks for coming to visit Heather!

4th of July Party

2009-07-05T12:22:00.001-07:00

We had a smaller party than normal this year, only about 30,
but it was great to see family and friends.
The kids are all getting so BIG , when did that happen?
I got a few vegetable plants in the ground on the 3rd. We'll see if they produce zucchini, watermelon and green beans. Oh yeah, and several herbs as well.
Great time was had by all and we are already done with clean up, which is going to make for a very nice day of rest and fun.

What I've learned lately

2009-06-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

That god and family are most important to me.
That I am a great creative writer.
That I can accomplish goals I set.
That I am my mother's daughter in my generousity.
That I am smarter than I thought, and have much more to learn.
That I have great friends that support my dreams and pursuits.
Sometimes I just need to rest and take in the moment.

I am truly blessed.

On the move......

2009-06-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy 3 days of moving...ready? Hold on.....

Moved my sister Kelly and her girls into there own home, stuff from my house and her old house. (Sister Susan is here from Montana for a couple of days to help get them settled.)
Moved my son into a bedroom downstairs.
Moved my home office into my room.
Moved Letitia into the 3rd bedroom.
Moved the family room around, back into a family room.

Then we had a great 4th Birthday party and family BBQ for my grand daughter on Saturday night in the middle of it all! Can you say FUN? Actually all moves went great ...
Whew...I think I'll go to work to rest up :>)))

Transformations and dozers.....

2009-06-08T19:41:00.001-07:00

I started my Saturday morning at 6 am, with coffee, knowing that the backhoe/bulldozer would be here about 7:30 am. Sure enough, they showed up. Ken, his son and nephew...all ready to jump in and get to work!

The lady that built this home loved rhodies and roses, and all other sorts of large plants. After 35 years, the place needed some thinning out. I had 7 trees removed last year and two large ones about a month ago.
This is the stump to one of the trees at the back left of the house...the other was just as large. about 3 feet across the base. Although we didn't remove these stumps, Ken did remove the other 7 from the other areas.

My dream is to create a peaceful space, install my pond (that I bought several years ago), install my fountain (that I bought several years ago) and get my vegetable garden started. I miss my old one.

The back of the house...before....

As you can see I started cutting down the 10 foot tall Rhodie earlier, and the tall european alderberries.

and after,,,, ahh, plenty of space for a stone patio and ....with the pond in place, ready to install.

The mound of dirt behind the pond is where the top level pond will go, to run water into the other.

Kelly bought me a beautiful red japanese maple for mother's day which I am going to plant next to the pond, to divide the upper area and lower patio a bit....it will look great next to the pond.

The side yard, before.....

and now where the vegies will grow in the same space,,,with my fountain placed at the rear of the section, overlooking the garden.

I was able to save one unique rhodie and place it where I removed two small birch trees that morning. you can see it next to the purple rhodie, in the 'before' side yard photo,,,,I had to trim it back a bit...but I think it will make it.

It is a beautiful light peach color. this is near the back corner of the property and will fill in nicely when I get the back fence installed.

Yes, lots of work,,,Brandon, Kelly and her girls all helped haul brush, load the trailer, pick through and get out the roots....we crashed hard that night. Thank you!!!!!

Now that the space is cleared out, I'll start adding to my dream throughout the next year...stay tuned.....oh, and look for the house to be painted....I think I've settled on a medium tan color, the trex deck has a red tint,,,I'm going to invest in one of those paint programs to play with the color scheme....anyone up for a painting party??

Rocks in my head....

2009-06-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

So apparently there are little rocks in our inner ears...who knew?
My doc did a procedure to get them back into alignment and my vertigo is all healed.
Whew!

Feeling like a kid again....

2009-05-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

So last Thursday morning when I woke up I had vertigo really bad, and it is still there. Everytime I turn my head too quickly or lay down or even roll over...ok, go ahead, make the dizzy blonde comment.
As the weekend progressed I was working in the yard, etc. I had to climb onto my roof, from my bedroom balcony. Did I mention that there is a railing in the way? about 3 1/2 feet tall? and about a 2 foot gap between there and the roof of the garage? and oh, BTW I have a serious fear of heights. As I 'gracefully' make my way to the roof, I land on my left leg giving the outside of my shin a great scrubbing from the roof tile...ok, ok, not so bad.
Later that day I dropped my keys on my right foot, poking a hole in the toe next to my 'pinkie', it's only slightly purple and still swollen....
The next day I start to reach into my car door and the top corner of the window stopped me with my left bicep~~~ Oh, I'm not done yet!
Still enjoying my naturally induced 'buzz' I am walking into a work site Tuesday morning and my heel gets caught in a 2" break in the sidewalk, and yep, down I go....witnesses and all.
So, the right ankle is swollen and bruised, my left knee lost only a top layer of skin and is only swollen a bit with a nice shade of purple......The ankle felt especially good when my chiropractor used the activator on the bruise to get in back in place. At least it moves better now...but MAN! did that smart!
And did I mention the carpel tunnel thing happening in my right wrist? A bit of typing lately.

I started thinking about this last night......this kind of thing happens to kids all the time, they end up bumped and bruised and scraped, whine about it a little, and then still have the moxy to go and play all day.......
I'm going to do the same. Just got done whining here, Heading in to work for a busy full day workshop and then one more day of work before I take the better part of next week off. (guess I'll see a doc about the dizzy thing while I'm off work.)
Enjoy your day ! and Be Safe!

Life at the Lake

2009-05-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Lake Meridian comes alive this time of year.
This weekend the waterskiers were out, the float plane took off and a ton of teenagers in cutoffs are running around. The kayaks were in the water in the morning.....
The police boat that docks across the street has started making it's daily rounds.
The sand is ready for toes to sink into, and ready to be shaped into sand castles.
I took the sunny Sunday opportunity to study outside....yep, you guessed it. Only about 1/2 the time, the rest was a great nap in the sun! (without the benefit of sunscreen,,,,not so great) The sound of the birds, and lapping of the water on the shoreline, warm sun was just too much to resist.
I'm going to fire up the barbeque for the first seasonal BBQ this weekend...should be fun.

Be careful what you ask for

2009-05-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

I asked for balance and got the opportunity to practice it.

I attracted a little drama this week. My new neighbors are building a giant house and have kind of elbowed their way onto my property with an elevated driveway, saying it's their property.
Oh My, time for a surveyor.

Work is picking up the pace, more improvement workshops to lead, classes to teach and meetings to run....glad to have the job~ I'm lovin' it.

The house is empty for about 4 days, allowing me time to do homework. I got a nice visit from my dad and Terry, they came up from Oregon City for a couple of hours and got quite a few roses that I was getting rid of. Also helped me gather up old hoses and rope lights from the back yard. yes, rope lights...apparently the lady that lived here before loved them in trees. The bulldozer is coming in next Saturday to take out stumps, rhodies and a few other things to make way for the vegie garden and the brick patio. I'll post some before and after pics.

I finished up the PLA paper on Conflict Management....good reminders while I continue to work through the whole boundary issue.

I also got some time in the sun and took the convertible out for a spin, grabbed a chocolate shake and visited my aunt for few minutes.

Now, back home ready to dive into my Writing class homework and start my next paper on Listening.shhhhh.

Practicing Balance......

2009-05-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

I did say that was one of my goals this year...well, be careful what you ask for!

I am looking forward to how I practice Balance over the next three or four months:

Still have a full time+ load at school through June 12th

Traveling a bit this month for work

My sister and nieces moved in about a month ago...so far, so good

Stir in a couple more things...

Moving my office space back into my bedroom, my niece is moving in from Montana to what was my office room the first week of June. My sister may come along for a visit at the same time,,,

The first week of June will be interesting and a definite opportunity to practice balance as I finish up the term, move some things around and a niece in. I am really excited about her arrival. I have been telling her for a few years that she was more than welcome to move out here and in with me, when she finished her teaching degree. I can't believe it's here already: excited!

It will be fun having the three nieces here this summer to enjoy the lake and each other.

Time to practice balancing my day....

I am going to keep this trip in mind...I walked a lot, saw a lot of history in both England and Greece. I had time on the beaches, in the museums, enjoyed the Mykonos night life, some quiet time by the pool and great exercise....all balanced...

Happy Mother's Day to those of you who have been blessed with that role.

Travel, homework, travel, zzzz

2009-05-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what I was thinking! Yes I do~ I was convinced that my 75% travel job would allow me time to go to my hotel room in the evening and do homework without the distractions of home; no lawn waiting to be mowed, house waiting to be cleaned, ,,,you get the idea.
I am taking two on line classes this term plus committed to completing 5 essays for PLA.
My travel was a little less at the beginning of the year, but has picked up. So last week I was in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Beautiful sunny weather, the softest sand I have ever felt; like baby powder. But being committed to school I trudged up to my hotel room only to find the 'free wireless', less than cooperative.
Working at a supplier's site this last week was exhausting and very rewarding. Working with them we were about to help them find a way to improve thier specific process by about 350%. Halfway through the week, both my co-worker and I decided that walking two blocks to dinner was too far, so we drove. Needless to say I then needed some serious zzzzz's which I got a few of, but not much.
To add to all of this, I had the 'pleasure' of seeing television this week and watching all the warnings about swine flu and how I shouldn't be traveling in an airplane...what? great! I still needed to get home, do laundry, homework and pack for another flight out Monday. This time it's to Nashville. As much as I have always wanted to go there, I will not be doing any sight seeing.
I am going to push through this 20 credit term, and then go back to a normal full time schedule of about 12. I will still be able to reach my goal of Graduation by June 2010, but have a little more balance. Ok, enough bloggin' time to get after my next essay....ciao' for now

Sunday dinners

2009-04-20T07:07:00.001-07:00

I remember when we would go to Hood Canal with my family and spend the weekend with my Grandma GG. We would get clams, crab, oysters and goeduck. We would spend the day at the beach and the evenings laying around their living room floor watching TV or just visiting. I loved the afternoons when we would sit around and shell crab into a large yellow tupperware bowl at the center of the round oak table. ~ One bite for me, One bite for the bowl.~
I want to create that sort of environment with my family and have started having Sunday dinners a couple of months ago. It started out as an every other week event, but is growing into weekly. My son and his fiancee' come over, and Kelly and her girls, my mom came over last week. I can't wait for Heather's family to move closer and start joining in.
It has been a great way for everyone to catch up on each other's lives and spend time just being with each other. We spent yesterday afternoon outside helping to clear away the leaves of a former rhodie and cooking together, each of us doing what we wanted to.

During this time in my life and in the time of the world craziness, it is more important to me than ever that I spend time with my family.

Spring Fever

2009-04-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

I think I've caught a bad case of it. The weather started turning nice and I've just wanted to be outside working in the yard. I've cut back three rhodie bushes/trees, each over 6 feet tall and two to go before the small bobcat comes in to dig up the roots. I removed the rest of the brick patio from the back 40. I even went and bought a new mower since my other one died. And while I was at it, the weedeater died too....so another new tool came home with me. My lawn looks great now.

As for school, well I am keeping up on my weekly classes, but have fallen behind on my PLA papers so I need to hit it double time to make sure I complete all five by mid-June. ARGH!

Work is good, a little crazy right now, but good. I am so thankful to have the job that I do.

Easter

2009-04-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to you!
I am spending it at home with my sister and two nieces. My son and his fiancee' are coming over for dinner, along with my mom.
I've spent most of the morning reflecting on how important Christ is in my life and what a difference he has made.
I am, and will be forever, grateful for my family and friends.
Have a truly blessed day.....

Earth Mother??

2009-04-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today I got up early, scraped the thin layer of ice off of the Suburban and headed to our town's recycling sales day. I got in line with all the other anxious people ready to make a difference...but mostly we just wanted to save $$$$ on our 'earth friendly' items. I got two 90 Gallon rain barrels for watering the plants & lawn this summer ($35 ea. instead of $179), then a couple of "Earth Machine" composts, one for me and one for my son-in-law. I felt great about beating the crowd and saving $$, I enjoyed some dried organic apples for a snack and started homework and decided it was too nice for me to be inside all day. After all it was a day to focus on health and our natural resources.
I began to unload the rain barrels and discovered they came up to my shoulder when they slid out of the back of the truck! ~Strange, I didn't notice them being that tall when the handsome man was loading them for me.~ None the less, I proceed. What happens next is almost~almost~ funny...I try to figure out how to man handle this thing and discover that there is not only no place to hold it, but it's HEAVY!
So, I decided to maybe move it end over end....but not so easy when it's flat on one side and round on the other....that's when I got the first bruise! right on my shin...#$@#$%$^$, yes, it hurt!
I wrangle the thing into a position to try and pull it along....not a great idea with the pine needles, garbage cans and assorted yard care items in my path. That's when all goes into slow motion and I see myself falling over the barrel and the same shin is now hurting again. ~

I decide not to look under my jeans until I've figured out a way to master this beast. I just don't want to know...After a few more minutes of wrestling I found my arms in a position that worked! I could easily pick it up....and do.
Having placed both barrels into a temporary storage spot until I decide to hook them up to my gutters and drainage system, I retreat back into the house.
Earth Mother time is finished , now sporting a 4 inch long scrape and bruise on my shin for my efforts.
Homework and something really UNhealthy is calling my name....ok, I guess its a little funny :>)

Spring Break was great!

2009-03-31T16:54:00.000-07:00

So, I got all of my PLA (prior learning) papers reviewed and all were recommended for credit!
Yeah! last term knocked out 18 credits toward my degree!
Last week was Spring Break and I enjoyed it! I started out by having dinner with a great friend- Christi and some great wine.
I read 3 novels and watched about 6 movies! Now I can't wait for Angels and Demons to come to the big screen. Fell in love with "The Last Holiday" movie all over again.
My sister and her two teenage daughters moved in a little over a week ago and we are adjusting rather well to a house full of FOUR women...
I topped off the week with a weekend downtown Seattle with the same two nieces. We attended the Northwest Women's show, stayed in the downtown Hilton, did some shopping and then Sunday did the Underground Tour of Seattle. Did you know that one of the largest contributors to our early city budget was the taxation on our "seamstresses?" http://www.undergroundtour.com/ Of course the girls loved the associated ghost stories.
(I'll post some pics soon)
I definitely took advantage of the week off and started another term of school yesterday.
This is another busy term with 21 credits on my plan.....then taking it easy with 9-12 for the summer!

We had so much fun!!

2009-03-03T20:05:00.001-08:00

Just a short note, I'm still seeing a bit blurry...you'll see why.....
My grand kids and I had a great time this weekend.
Jackson, Abagayle and I dug up an old brick patio and removed the bricks to prepare for the fence coming in. They were soooo cute trying to drive/move the wheelbarrow...I needed to lend a little help.
We played games, went to the library and make cookies on a stick, which they decorated with sprinkles, even had lunch at their favorite spot - Costco!

I had a great visit with my daughter as well. She brought me a thoughtful gift and as always I enjoyed just spending time talking with her.
Monday morning I ended up with a gift from Lorelei,,,pink eye - oh boy!
Got on the drops yesterday, but the eye was even more swollen this morning.
(hence the blurriness)
I have soooo much more sympathy for babies now that have this...
Forgot to get pics, but please know that we had a great time and I can't wait to see them again.
Time to go put warm, wet washcloth on my eye....looks like I got punched!!

Ciao' for now, V-

Relaxing with my family

2009-02-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was Valentine's day and I spent it with one of my best friends, Kelly and my niece Letitia.
Kelly and I flew to Spokane in the morning after a great breakfast at Anthony's at the airport. mm,mmm, mmm. We shopped around a bit at a couple of stores in Spokane and both found fun rings at a local christian book store. We went to our tax appointment and then met with Letitia.
Letitia had driven from Missoula, Montana.
We found this great Italian resteraunt and got one of the last parking places in the lot. The food was great. We went clothes shopping on the way back to the hotel.
Spending the rest of the weekend visiting and catching up was a great way to spend my weekend.

How did I do it then???

2009-02-11T17:29:00.001-08:00

This is my friend Leann and I when I was about 20 years old....wow!
I think this should be my goal picture....what I aspire to be again!
(ok, so the hair hasn't changed a whole lot!)
So besides the waistline changes I also am noticing that I'm doing pretty well with balancing a large load on my plate/platter....as well or better than I did then.

Here's the short version update on my goals:
Children's story - In the process of receiving feedback, have receive quite a few...thank you! I will be working on it after mid-March
School - I have 1.8 papers done and 3.2 to go and about 4 weeks left - YIKES!
Work - Ramping up on two key projects with slow down in sight around end of March...
Family - all good on the home front :>)))
I'm enjoying the process and am looking forward to relaxing this summer and enjoying the lake.

The dream is not lost.....

2009-01-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

I am taking a PLA (prior learning assessment) course at Marylhurst University this term and am writing 25-30 page papers on topics where I have college level learning through training and experience. One of the topics I am writing a paper about is Real Estate 100, basics of real estate. I realized as I started to write the section on investing , how very much that dream is still alive. I can see the time when I own several properties and am enjoying the benefits of positive cash flow. Looking forward to when that becomes my reality. ciao' for now!!

The "AFTER"....Love my new office space

2009-01-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

We started "Operation Office Clean out" after breakfast this morning....

Yep,,,,I did it, I'm getting rid of 3 boxes of books.....for those who know me, I love LOVE books..

I had to empty the shredder 3 times because of all the oooolllldd paper work..

This went off to the Thrift Store today for some other souls to enjoy. (Plus I get a write-off!!)

Thank you so much Brenda for all your help today. Your friendship is a gift that I will always treasure.

Ok,,,so I didn't get rid of all the books....The good news about this photo is that I now have a designated spot for homework ...lower right...I had it all scattered before, it's my favorite result of the day...thanks for asking the great questions Brenda.

I was so glad to be done, it took us just about 3 hours...what a fantastic gift.

That's it, birtWEEK is officially over. I am so blessed to have shared it with my family and friends.

What a great birthday week!!!

2009-01-21T21:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my official Bday, but as you saw in the other entries, the celebrations started last Thursday.
First thing yesterday morning, one of my best friends and sister Kelly, came over and gave me the gift of time and help yesterday. Look!!!

We got new pendant lights and light switch installed in my living room. It made a huge difference in the lighting in that space.

We even got my toilet fixed using some new "Gloveables"!!

Then she and I met a couple of friends Christi and my Aunt Chris at...
We had a great lunch and some amazing wines....

A little snooze on the couch and I was off to celebrate and eat more!!!!

I met my friend from high school, Leann for dinner at Engs Chinese for dinner....

Talk about calorie overload!!!!

zzzzzzzzzzzzz for me.

My next Birthday wish and gift....

My other great friend Brenda has offered to help me with any project I chose....so, putting her great organizational skills to work, we'll be organizing my office Saturday morning...after an evening of fun catching up visiting of course!!....I've sort of started....kinda.

Well at least the piles on the bed are sorted by work, school, personal, etc.

Come back this weekend to see the 'after' pictures....

I love turning my BirthDAY into a BirthWEEK!!!

Spoiled Rotten

2009-01-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

My daughter and all three grandchildren (see Heather's blog to the left), were up here since Thursday to visit. Heather fixed me a birthday dinner Friday night and we invited my aunt Chris and uncle Roy over. We had a great dinner.
The kids and I picked up branches in the front yard and then headed across the street to the park.
They swung on swings, the teeter-totter and then we dug in the sand. It was then that I spotted it,,,someone's empty potato chip bag in the lake. Thank goodness I had my rubber boots on. I tried to reach it and couldn't , so I got a long stick and still couldn't. Well, looks like I'm getting wet. I went for it....OMG!!! talk about cold water. I got the garbage and the water suctioned the boots right to my FREEZING feet. But I got them off,,,water pouring from my boots and my pant legs wet to my knees. Abagayle and Jackson were giggling the entire time at how cold I was.
I made a beeline for the house!!
We played 'tennis' (badmitten sp?), laid on top of the guest room bed and visited about school, listened to a christian lullaby CD I had gotten them for Christmas and really had time to connect and lots of snuggle time.....I truly miss them!
I am blessed to have such an amazing daughter and the best grandchildren on the planet. I love this life.

It's a New Year!!

2009-01-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

This year started out a little quicker than most that I remember.
I left on Jan 5th for my first work trip of the year, but like all good companies during this time of recession, mine is cutting back on travel this year....which is totally ok with me.
I started back to school at Marylhurst University on January 2nd. Although I am only taking one class, it is a 6 credit class and I'll be writing Prior Learning Papers to challenge 5 three credit classes, for a total of 21 credits this term. I'm also taking a Dantes' challenge exam for another 4+ credits....It is a lot, 25+ credits....
But not when I think about people like my son in-law who takes well over 30 credits each term, works 25 hours a week and studies for national board exams...oh yeah, and has a wife and 3 young children at home.
I am totally expecting to be busy, but it is completely doable given that I only work about 40 -45 hours a week and have no children to care for.
I am excited about my book, and have been in contact with a publisher!!! can you say HOORAYY!!?
I've also committed to Financial Abundance for the year and have taken some 'active' steps to reach my goals.
My birthday is coming up on January 20th and although some will be celebrating the inaguration....I'll be celebrating 47 wonderful years on this planet and spending time with family and friends.

Baby it's cold outside

2008-12-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas week.
I've recovered from whatever bug had a hold of me....yeah!!
I haven't left the house though...take a look at the snow....the roads are crazy.
Thanks for your patience, I am learning how to post photos....enjoy.
Have a very Merry Christmas.

This is the most snow I've gotten at this house.

It's kind of hard to see, but there are some local deer who have been walking through the yard. They left a trail. The prints are all around my lower patio and they lead into the rhodies under the kitchen window...looks like they needed a warm place to sleep

I'm not sure if the drought resistant plants are going to survive this much snow.

my front steps are a bit buried.

This bbq won't be cookin' for a while.

Year End 2008

2008-12-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had an amazing 2008 and are planning for an even better 2009.
I know I am. It's been a bit since I've written so I'll try to catch up up in a few lines.
2008 Goals
Love More, Live everyday to the fullest, Move more, Date more, Finish authoring a children's book, visit at least one foreign country, Complete Associates Degree.

I met a few of my goals, visited Mexico in March,
Completed my AS degree in September,
Finished my first children's book (looking for an illustrator), and have really tried to Love more.
I started at Marylhurst in September and will be attending full time to complete my BA in Communications.
I also got to greet my newest grandchild into this world (see Heather's blog link).
I'll be developing my 2009 Goal List and posting it before the New Year is upon us.
Keep checkin' in and I am committing to update this more often in 2009.

Learning Journey

2008-05-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

So, I am half way through my first quarter back in college. So far things are going well. It's been a stretch to pace myself and be able to balance the transition of a new job and school at the same time, but it's been a great transition.
I am thankful everyday for the opportunities that I have before me.
I've learned that I know more about nutrition than my actions show.
I've learned that I don't know as much as I thought I did, especially when it comes to whether butter is better for you than margarine. (a long story- but I still choose butter)
I've learned that I can write essays that are within my professor's expectations, as long as I like the topic.
I've learned that I do not like APA format, but like many things in life, it's something that I need to do as a part of the outcome I want to have.
I've learned that I have more time for a balanced life once I disconnected my television cable.
I've learned to love my yardwork again.
I've learned to give thanks more frequently.
I've learned how fortunate I am, after reading about the natural disasters in other parts of the world. And no longer take even a glass of water for granted.
I've learned how I want to be a leader in my community and how I want to give back.
I've learned ways I can reduce my 'carbon footprint', and what it really means if I don't
I've remembered that life is short and I will continue to pursue my hopes and dreams, no matter what.
Just think, it's only May...can't wait to see what the rest of the year's learnings will bring.
Enjoy your late spring and get ready for a great summer.

No matter What

2008-05-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'm in Philadelphia, this week on business.
We finished early today so I went to see the Liberty Bell. I drove to the 'historical' district. I quickly found out that Independence Hall was no longer open to wander through, (new security),,but you needed a guided tour.
The next of which would be at 2:45, so I grabbed a ticket. (the tickets are free too!)
I had some time to kill and wandered around to look at the liberty bell, constitution hall, several statues, couple of parks.

Bought one souvenir, a book that defines and explains our constitution.

At 2:45 I started the tour.We walked into a small waiting area, where a National Park Ranger began to tell us some of the history of the building.
Then as I walked into the original courtroom built over 270 years ago, I had this immense sense of peace come over me. I wish I could explain it without sounding weird, but it's true, a physical sense of peace.I looked at the barrister's round table in the center of the room, the grand jury boxes, and the jury box.......wow, this is where some of our first laws were upheld.
Where we began to do, what we said we would do, if people broke the laws. Our laws.

Then we walked across an entry hall to Independence Hall, the room/hall where the Declaration of Independence was written.
Where, at the risk of death, men signed their names to a document that declared, that we would be a free and United Nation under God.I cannot help it, I had tears flowing down my face, as I do now writing this to you.
There was no way that any one of the territories/states could have done it alone, but together, we were strong.
Our first form of Government was formed.....They studied all different forms of government, debated the merits and drawbacks of each...and About four months after the Declaration was written, our Constitution was penned, by this same amazing group of men, with George Washington leading the conversations.
His original chair is still sitting there, at the head of the room, displaying one half of a sun.....Not being sure whether it was a rising or setting sun, the founding fathers of our nation decided that it would represent the rising sun, as the rising of this nation.

The branches of our government were decided upon.I couldn't believe I was in the same room where 'The great comprise' was accepted, where men decided that standing United together was the choice - rather than to divide and fall. Even with differing opinions and backgrounds, they opted to stand strong together.

I have always been proud to be an American, to know that we are the luckiest people on this planet, but I feel it even more today.
No matter your political beliefs, we are all still United! and need to stay that way!
No matter your religious beliefs, we are all still United! and need to stay that way!
No matter what decisions our leaders make, even if we don't agree, we are still and need to stay United!
No matter what, we need to protect our nation and the ideals that were set forth so many years ago, for generations to come.
No matter what.

My dream is to someday to see our Pledge of Allegiance back in our schools,,,as written...
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

How about you?

Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings, I've never written a message like this to you all (or anyone for that matter).I felt a huge compelling need to pass on the awe and wonder I felt today.
as I stood in that very same room and looked at the chairs of our founding fathers....and the image of the rising sun...I am Proud to be an American, no matter what.

Victoria
'We all have choices in life, everyday. Are yours in alignment with who you are? With who you want to be?'

I'm back....

2008-04-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

Got back from 12 restful, fantastic days in Ixtapa/Zihuateano. Loved it! I read 3 novels in 3 days and had a great time getting to know Gabriel better. He's Mark and Shellie's son...
I got a chance to reconnect with Mark and get some great conversations in, between the beach and the cook calling to tell us our next FABULOUS meal was ready.
Started my new job this week and school starts next week.
I'm thankful everyday for the life I have.

Heading for warmer climates

2008-03-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

I'm heading out tomorrow to spend some time on the beach in Mexico. I can't think of a better way to start so many life changes.
I start my new job on March 28. I'll be either traveling or working virtual.....cannot see the down side to this. When traveling, I'll be helping people learn to improve their business....YEAH!
My college kicks into higher gear on April 17th, I will be taking two 10 week classes. I kind of warmed up with the one 5 week class this term.
After some soul searching, I decided to do everything necessary to support my success in both the virtual job and college endeavours...So, I cancelled my cable TV today. I know it's not a big deal for many of you, but for me, it will be.
I'll drop you a photo and note from the beaches of MX, I'll also have a cold one in your honor.
Go for what you want!!!

Catchin' Up

2008-02-24T20:27:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a great weekend with my nieces Amanda and Emily. We went to visit my daughter and grandkids. We gave my daughter a surprise 'mini' baby shower and decorated her bathroom. It was great to see them and bring a little joy into their weekend.
I also had a chance to check out the campus where I'll be spending some time for weekend classes over the next couple of years.
I did get the new job and start on March 25...I am really excited about the opportunity to grow and learn. My new University and Job will both allow for plenty of both.
Hope all is well in your world.
Blessed every day,
V-

Wow....

2008-02-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

What a roller coaster week...loved it, hated it, sat with it, deep breath.
My biggest learning from the week, was a reminder how we are all created 'equal', yet all so unique in who we are.
The richness of each human on this planet has truly led us to where we are today.
There are choices in front of us every day about how we view others and what we do with that view. We can choose to hold onto the view as we first saw it, or we can explore it to discover the other facets of the person or situation.
We may just discover more about ourselves in the pursuit of either path.
Enjoy every day to the fullest!

Plan in place...Rock 'n' Roll

2008-01-31T17:52:00.000-08:00

I've just received my final plan to complete my AA. I will be able to complete by December...no problem! I cannot wait to take the next steps forward.

The next couple of weeks are going to be a blast!
Heather and her family are coming up from Portland for the weekend.
The following weekend I'm going to a Girls Night sleep over at a friends' house,
and I'm attending the final two day retreat for my Leadership Tomorrow Program.
(I graduate in June) The two day Program should be interesting.
It's title "Racism"...I'm curious to see how we'll be exploring the topic.

Life if Good.....countdown to sittin' on a beach in Zihu....33 days and counting....I better get after those 'commercial crunches'. I'll post pictures upon my return.

Yes!

2008-01-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, so today's college placement didn't go as well as I hoped in the math department. The good news is that the computer tells me I am at college level writing skills! good thing since I will doing a lot of it over the next couple of years.
I am taming the technology beast one step at a time (with the help of my techno-coach Heather!)
As you can see, I've got a playlist added to the blog, today the playlist tomorrow maybe a slide show...look out!
I'm off to finish a good book....have an amazing day/evening!

About me

2008-01-22T14:37:00.000-08:00

As I was doing an assignment, I came across some of the personality type assessments I had completed. I took this Meyers-Briggs about 15 years ago, the first time....it's still true today.
http://www.personalitypage.com/ENFP.html

New Beginnings

2008-01-21T15:56:00.000-08:00

I'm trying this new method of 'journaling' as it's now called to keep track of what's happening in my life. It will be an easy way for me to check in with others and share with you what's up.
It's the beginning of 2008 and just yesterday was my 46th birthday. yeah!
I can hardly believe that I can see the light of 50...what an incredible journey it's been so far.
Last year was a year of rest, relaxation and regrouping to see where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do.
This will be a year of growth and change for me.
School, work and maybe even locale.....
I just started school again, with a goal of reaching my Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Communication.
I'm attending Marylhurst in Oregon (virtually).
I'm getting ready to change jobs and can't wait to see what that brings.