tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158883882024-03-07T21:45:32.695-05:00Working The RoomWandering around and around and aroundRitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.comBlogger395125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-77440398092096635952020-04-03T11:21:00.001-04:002020-04-03T11:27:27.394-04:00And many years later...<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm back! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I felt compelled to come back to my blog after a six year hiatus due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The world probably always knew that at some point we would have to face something so diabolical, but it appears that this has caught us by surprise. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is an unbelievable moment and a wake up call for the entire world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In January, shortly before I left for a work trip to India, the world found out that the Chinese government had been withholding information about a virus epidemic within their country. It was named the Corona virus. Shortly after their announcement, we learned that people who traveled to and from China had been infected with the virus because it was easily transferred between individuals via a handshake or simply breathing in the same space as an infected individual. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two months later, we have 1,039,166 confirmed cases and 55,092 deaths worldwide. This number is growing. In the United States, each state has taken its own steps to lessen the transfer of the virus. In Ohio, we have "stay at home" policy in place. This means WFH for all companies that can do it. Additional steps have been taken to require restaurants to carry out/delivery only practices and all schools have been closed. Certain jobs have been given the green light to continue as usual, but most have been forced to a WFH status or unemployment. Some states, like Kentucky, have taken it one step further and have eliminated all unnecessary travel outside of their state lines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Along with "stay in place" requirements, ventilators and N95 masks are the necessary means to treating and preventing the spread of this virus. Unfortunately, we have a shortage of both. Companies are scrambling to make more and hospitals have doubled up patients on ventilators to save as many lives as possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to the current U.S. President, Donald Trump, we were a bit behind in our response to the virus that was impacting so many of our allied countries. He even went so far to downplay this pandemic as something that would be over in a few weeks. Unfortunately, it cost us a couple of weeks of preparation. I think he knows now (I won't say that he understands because he doesn't appear to understand anything related to running a government ) the impact that it is truly having on all of us. We have 245,175 confirmed cases of the virus and 6,059 people have died. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been working from home three weeks today. I am not a stranger to full time work from home, but I am a stranger to be restricted only to my home and to the grocery store. My wife, too, is working from home and our nine year old daughter faces the prospects that the rest of the school year may may be spent at home with online learning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a foreign feeling to be restricted from our friends and family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most situations of worldwide or nationwide impact (like 9/11) have brought us all together to fight for a common goal or common enemy and in this case, the more we all stay home, the better our chances are of driving this virus into the ground and surviving. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have no doubt that some good will come of our pandemic response. We have all found that we can still communicate with each other (video conference is great!) and keep businesses running even if we are at home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have been forced to reckon with this pandemic and do everything we can to make the best of it. History is being written and this will be one moment in time no one will forget.</span><br />
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Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-53307442843815914152014-09-29T18:44:00.002-04:002014-09-29T18:44:59.100-04:00Whole 30So. Here I am......seven months since my last post. It has been a busy year. Lots of things coming and going. Why shouldn't a new eating plan be in the works for 2014 as well?<br />
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Fifteen days ago I started the <a href="http://whole30.com/pdf-downloads/">Whole 30 program</a>. I had a friend who was starting it and she challenged others to follow on Facebook so I said...why not? I am not an expert at this program by any means, but I must say I am beginning to adapt.<br />
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The Whole 30 program basically pushes the reset button on your daily eating habits. It strips out all of the unhealthy items so you can go back to the basics for 30 days to kick start your metabolism. I like the word "kick start" and "reset". This may be just a side effect of being in the IT profession for over 20 years. We use terms like that a lot.<br />
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But I digress, I am half way through this program and I must say that I am feeling pretty good! I am not as tired as I was before and I have more energy. Imagine that.....energy without slurping down ice cream, soda or cookies. This program strips all of that....and I mean ALL.....out. No sugar, dairy, legumes (beans, peanuts etc), grains or alcohol....yes....even booze......for 30 days. While I have been tempted to rob my local delicatessen of their largest wheel of cheddar, I have gradually lost that craving for everything cheesy. It was pretty bad there for awhile. Dairy is a huge part of my life and now not even a smidge of it for 30 days. Egads I thought.<br />
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Now I am finding myself not as hungry. Oh sure....I have hunger pangs just like everyone else, but I'm not as "ravenous". This whole thing has been quite interesting. It really has been a change to my system and I feel better for it.<br />
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To help the weight loss part of the program, it is really not specifically aimed at weight loss insomuch that it is a change in your foodie behaviors, I have started walking a lot more each week. I am hoping that as it kick starts my way of eating and thinking about food I drop some serious pounds too. I almost have to at this point. I have given up everything.....and I mean everything....that I loved to eat.<br />
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I am liking the way I feel and I look forward to the next 15 days with optimism and a change of heart about what I need to eat daily to make me feel happy and fulfilled.<br />
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<br />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-19807245055594068242014-02-03T14:58:00.000-05:002014-02-03T14:58:02.932-05:00It's Another New Year!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I almost feel compelled to write something in my blog at least several times a year if not once a month just for the pure joy of sharing my opinion to somebody or nobody. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, it is true that I have not been as faithful to this as I have in the past. What's changed? Well, lots of things, but perhaps I just haven't felt the compulsion to vent about anything. Today, I decided that perhaps a few words here and there to sum up the year would be a good way to reviving my blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazingly, one month is already gone for 2014. It is the most important month in the whole year actually because it is my birthday month. Those who know me know that my birthday is hugely important to me and should be a national holiday. Ok....I am not <em>that </em>important or egotistical, but I do love my birthday! I turned 48 this year. I have come to realize that I am edging closer to the 3rd quarter of my life. Fifty is right around the bend and I have come to appreciate how important being alive means to me. Death is so permanent and I am not ready to go anywhere and I can't hardly imagine the day when I would be ready to leave this world. However, until a magic serum appears that allows me to maintain my looks of today forever, I will plod ahead with everyone else, keep my nose to the grindstone and enjoy each and every day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love, Love, Love - not just a catchy Beatles tune, but something that is so wildly important to me these last seven months. I have found the love of my life and I can't imagine one day without her. With that though comes the fact that I have to wait and endure many days without her for the time being. You see everyone has some housecleaning in their life and my love has her own to contend with these days. In any case, our hearts beat in unison and that steady beat allows me to look forward to a future full of love, fun and prosperity in many, many ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Dad has settled in to the nursing home. Perhaps "settled" is not the word because he is a man of restless spirit. He likes to roam. Sunday drives on the weekend were something he adored while the rest of us bristled at the thought. He does realize that he is somewhere that is not his home and has difficulty understanding why this was necessary. Sharing this experience with my Dad has only called to mind my own mortality. Again....making this birthday and all future birthdays very important to me. Carpe Diem!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Football season is over. Now I know there are some that will say...."Yawn, what?"....or "I didn't notice", but it is one of my favorite sport seasons and I shall miss it. Onward and upward however to the next favorite - March Madness. What is not to like about this time of year? It ushers in Springtime - flowers, gardens, grass cutting - and renews our spirit! The "renewal of spirit" is much appreciated these days since we have had an abundance of snow in the Cincinnati area this season. I digress....March brings NCAA BB tourney time and it is a fun time indeed! No more sub-zero temperatures for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have frequent flyer miles - will travel - I am hell bent in taking a vacation away from here this year. I picture a week or multiple 5 day weekends. I think it is so healthy to see the city fading behind you as you travel to your destination. It just releases the stress of everyday living. We all need to take the time to "smell the roses". I've been dreaming of beach places lately, but I gather that is because of this year's Winter. Bah humbug.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a friend who will be married this year to her long time partner of 12 years. They live in New Hampshire - one of the 17 states (to date) that allow gay marriages. Last year, they made it official at the local courthouse and this year they intend to celebrate their union with a grand party near their home in the coastal town of Portsmouth. I couldn't be happier for them. We have moved into an era of tolerance to some extent, but have <strong>lots</strong> of work yet to do in regards to recognizing that all people have the legal right to marry the person that they love despite their sexual orientation. Hooray! It just boggles my mind that there are so many people in the U.S. who care about the humanity of people in other nations and just as soon trip me as I walk down the street for being gay. We should be ashamed of ourselves that it took this long for the rights of all individuals to be recognized. I had the joyous opportunity to attend my first lesbian marriage last year for a dear friend of mine and it was a powerful experience filled with love and sincerity. No different from any other wedding and that is the point now isn't it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what will the next 11 months hold? It is filled with promise, new beginnings, new adventures and reuniting with friends old and new and surrounded by loving family members. It will be a good year indeed!</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-64589011655502182842013-08-21T19:14:00.002-04:002013-08-21T19:14:22.979-04:00Gay Marriage<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night I took a few minutes to clean out a closet. I came across the front page section of the San Francisco Chronicle from May 2008. The front page was proclaiming victory in the initial Proposition 8 ballot item. Yes......all gay and lesbian couples could marry in the state of California! It was an exciting time and I was very happy to be in San Francisco the very day of that landmark vote.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we are five years later and we saw Prop 8 challenged and overturned just to be overturned again by the U.S. Supreme Court. We saw the Defense of Marriage Act - otherwise known as DOMA - crumble into a fine dust and scattered through the streets of Washington DC. We have even seen a few more states step forward and legalize marriage for all gays and lesbian couples. I think the total state count may be 12. Ok....that's not a lot, but it is 20%!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that the federal government will recognize those unions in those 12 states, I have two friends who will take the plunge themselves in the next year with their partners. In both cases, it was something that finally made sense in their 11+ year relationships. I look forward to seeing them both married and continuing their relationships as they have all of these years. It is truly a wonderful thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my tri-state area, Ohio, Kentucky nor Indiana allow for gay marriage. In Ohio, this ban on gay marriage is being challenged by two gentlemen who flew to Baltimore to be married. One of the gentlemen is terminally ill from ALS and his partner would like their life to be recognized as a married couple - with all of the federal benefits and protections that it allows every other married couple. </span><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ohio-gay-marriage-20130724,0,1167011.story"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read their story</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. If they are successful with their court battle (and I fully expect this to go up to the Ohio Supreme Court or higher) and Ohio ends their ban, there will be a lot of very happy gay and lesbians in the area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is my hope that I will be one of those happy souls as well.</span> :)Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-55405832474011902552013-07-18T08:23:00.000-04:002013-07-18T11:58:55.979-04:00Reflections<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I have posted several times before, my Dad is in a nursing home. He was diagnosed with early onset dementia last August. His dementia has been complicated by two surgeries since then which has re-baselined his condition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My visits to the nursing home occur about three times a week now. Each time I go I am struck by the fragile nature of the human experience. I don't know if I like being reminded that I too will become old and frail and quite possibly need the support that only a nursing home can provide. This is something I haven't had to think about prior to my father's experience. I guess like so many other people we prefer to live in the moment of today rather than think about 40 years ahead.<em> </em>I mean...why would we? We have so many things to preoccupy our life with at this moment and sometimes it is just enough to organize those thoughts and activities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yesterday, I couldn't help "thinking back" for these older folks. What was their life like? Do they have children? What kind of jobs did they have? Did they go to Florida on vacations? Did they know true love in their lifetime?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Their actions nor the expressions on their faces answer those questions for me. I am left wondering and that leaves me feeling lonely for them. How much they actually remember is beyond my scope of understanding at this point because they are all suffering from some form of dementia and their answers are not always a clear and accurate portrayal of their lives. Even for my Dad.....his answers to my questions - for which I know the answers - are not always correct. His state of mind has him clear one day and working a plumbing job the next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nevertheless, my heart goes out to these people. They have no control of the disintegration of their minds and the utter collapse of every memory they have ever created. My only hope is that all of them have someone who loves them and respects them for the lives they no longer remember. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-78396282287158743602013-06-24T10:11:00.002-04:002013-06-24T10:11:14.055-04:00Espionage Stuff<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even if you aren't a news junkie, it is likely that you are aware of the recent news story about the NSA whistle blower - Edward Snowden. The last couple of weeks the media has been covering his every move and comment after he decided to tell the world how our government handles spying and surveillance. Currently, he is seeking asylum in Ecuador to avoid being prosecuted by the United States. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I have commended the actions of whistle blowers from time to time, I just can't in this case. Anyone else remember this?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCMfd5PqF7zgEtt4TbQFGcNe3nhv_xOeK7Zzwe9xlpswtDjxgjR9kllhTSKTighju-ipjZE-uZfelxOYYWTJGAoBkuGQOJqr2Umlcw8Mkk-4uvYq8ocOekEwWqposSIp2at3Iqg/s1600/911-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCMfd5PqF7zgEtt4TbQFGcNe3nhv_xOeK7Zzwe9xlpswtDjxgjR9kllhTSKTighju-ipjZE-uZfelxOYYWTJGAoBkuGQOJqr2Umlcw8Mkk-4uvYq8ocOekEwWqposSIp2at3Iqg/s320/911-2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is why I stand in support of the government and their ways and means of reviewing phone records, emails, etc. of American citizens. As a result of 9/11, there were thousands of men and women who volunteered for the military to combat terrorism to allow us to continue to enjoy the level of freedom that we have been accustomed. Many of them died for that service to keep us free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I want the government to do whatever is necessary to keep us safe. Currently, they are pulling phone records to see who I have called. Heck, they may even be listening in on my conversations.....I don't know for sure. What I do know.....is this is the very least that I can do to support my freedom. I think as Americans we should all contribute to the well being of the nation. Why should our men and women in the military be the only ones to shoulder the brunt of the action for our security?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about right?</span><br />
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-6433419290026156802013-06-10T20:12:00.000-04:002013-06-11T10:47:15.563-04:00Music<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think music means a little something different to everyone. Some like to sing, write, play an instrument or listen to thousands of tunes on their iPhones/Droids. Music fills our lives and is used to "date' our lives as well. I have a friend who knows exactly what year a song was released based solely on what was going on in her life at the time. Music provides the soundtrack by which we look back and remember.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had my share of musical moments in my lifetime. I have made more "mix tapes" than I can count, sang in my high school chorus for all four years and even managed to pick up a guitar and play in our grade school church group. I can pound out some notes on a piano as well although even that is hit and miss. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my father spent a month at Good Samaritan Hospital this year, I would pass the same quiet Baby Grand in the lobby. No one ever played it. It sat there silently just begging someone to "tickle the ivory's". Now...I have always wanted to learn to play just one song really well on the piano. Just one.....I'm not greedy nor do I want to embark on a new musical adventure by building out a piano repertoire for myself. I just would like to learn one song and I have decided that the one song would be "Roll Out The Barrel". Yes.....that might bring you a chuckle but it is a lively song that generally brings a smile to someones face when they hear it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you can imagine my disappointment the day I looked at the hospital Baby Grand closely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Please refrain from playing any music other than that of a "soothing" nature." <strong>Really.</strong> No wonder the piano is quiet all of the time. I mean....what is more soothing than a fun-loving rendition of "Roll Out The Barrel"? The last thing that I would want to hear during my recuperation period is a classical number from Mozart. And besides that......you have to be a volunteer. Apparently the volunteers are struggling with the whole "soothing nature" idea as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my dream of filling up the lobby of GSH with the sounds of "Roll Out The Barrel" have been dashed for now. On my father's last day at the hospital, I was very very tempted to streak through the lobby and play "Chopsticks" just because it was so forbidden. However, I just couldn't bear being arrested by a hospital guard and having "Chopsticks" tainted in my memory for the rest of my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would have loved telling the story though...........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-10629758796233469182013-06-04T08:33:00.004-04:002013-06-11T10:44:33.678-04:00Jury Duty?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exactly what I said when I opened the envelope that contained those lucky words.....You have been chosen. It also came with a lengthy questionnaire that zeroed in on all those pitfall questions that may or may not qualify me to be a member of a jury.</span><br />
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So....at 47 I finally get chosen for jury duty. I must say that this may be infinitely more fun if it were in a major city and not Dearborn County Indiana. My mind automatically went to some of the major arrests that have occurred in the last year. There were some murders, money laundering and vehicular homicides. I figured it would have to be a crime of that magnitude to warrant a jury trial. We are not talking about chicken coop raiding or petty theft here. Still, this county is not a hotbed of interesting criminal activity and I am at least thankful for that! Oh yeah....and the letter said that I should consider this a privilege to be performing this civic duty.</span><br />
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I filled out the questionnaire and sent it back this past weekend. My jury term is set for July and August. I am a bit interested to see how this unfolds since I am "virgin" to this whole process. I don't expect this to be glamorous, but I am hoping that I get a trial that has a little meat to it. Something interesting but not so involved that it reminds me of "Twelve Angry Men".</span><br />
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No....no angry men.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-25443597615533742832013-05-31T08:02:00.003-04:002013-06-11T10:44:20.072-04:00Summer Fun<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes.....I said it. Summer! After a pretty chilly Spring.....I am already jumping into the next season which assures us of hot weather and fun activities!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't have a lot of firm plans for the Summer. I have several Indiana Fever games lined up and that's about it. I am more excited about taking advantage of what Cincinnati has to offer downtown. There are so many new things going on down there - Party's in the Park, events on Fountain Square, Pride Week, Red's baseball, brand spankin new restaurants and a lively Over the Rhine area - just to name a few.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have never been to Cincinnati and don't declare it as one of your tourist destinations, then why not try it the next time you have to take a training class somewhere? The city has been revitalized and you will be pleasantly surprised at what you will experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of those experiences is Over The Rhine. I gotta say.....ten years ago I would have steered you far and wide of that area if you were new here. Poverty and crime were rampant and it just wasn't somewhere you wanted to be if you got lost and had to ask for directions. These days though it is quite the opposite. One of the main draws is Findley Market. Now FM isn't new......it has been there for decades as the local farmers market. In fact I am quite sure that my great-great grandparents probably shopped there when they lived on Green Street. It is quite the market today - not only selling fresh fruits and vegetables (I don't buy Brussels Sprouts from anywhere else) but a wide selection of meats and fish, prepared foods, spices, honey and baked goods. Surrounding FM are some great restaurants and stores offering everything from cookies to beer/wine tastings. It is very easy to kill two hours down there with everything they have to offer! And it is easy to get to from the main city area.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what are your Summer plans? Hanging close to home? Taking that dream vacation? There are just so many days of Summer ahead - choose wisely and have fun!</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-77977538818509310062013-05-29T13:50:00.005-04:002013-05-29T13:55:25.658-04:00WTR Tips<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While my blog is not based on the "formalities" of the networking of rooms, this article is a good read for those of us who have networking opportunities as part of our jobs.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.theremsengroup.com/85"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">100 Tips for Working the Room</span></strong></a>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-10138277493482805402013-05-29T10:09:00.001-04:002013-06-11T10:42:04.901-04:00Forward Motion<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My life lately has been all about the motion of moving forward. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Keep moving....don't stop....can't stop....keep breathing....keep eating......try to sleep well.....eyes straight ahead.....move along little doggy.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is the approach that I have taken in my personal life. I don't have time to look back and reflect nor do I have the time to waste energy on things that are simply going nowhere. I am well aware of the type of people I need in my life and I want someone to be there full time to slow me down, assist with my breathing while I keep moving forward in this marathon that I am running. As I have said before, I am not a runner by nature so a good supporting cast is hugely important to my life. It takes commitment to run a marathon and a relationship is a marathon not a sprint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My father keeps my eyes looking forward. I have had to take control of all aspects of his life to ensure that things keep moving forward in his life. He is battling with his dementia meds at the moment and the doctors are switching out medicinal recipes to see what the best fit is for him. Once that is in check, he can go back to the nursing home. It's been about four weeks of "balancing" and I am eager for him to regain some normalcy to his life. The nursing home is the new normal and it is one that will support him until his final days on this earth. His struggle becomes my struggle. I have spent the last four weeks going through his house in clean up mode. Discarding years (and I mean years) of invoices and tax documents....cleaning out closets and making sense of his garage that contains a lifetime of plumbing tools. With a little help from some knowledgeable friends who know a few more things about tools, my garage sale was a success this past weekend. It was picked clean of things that any handy man or contractor would value. I had a twinge of sadness in regards to the sale - a lifetime of work all summed up in boxes laying out on sawhorses to be picked through by those who didn't know how hard my Dad worked over the years. "It has to be done" I told myself and I moved on from those feelings. The next leg in the race - the house will be put on the market.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Keep moving....don't stop....can't stop....keep breathing....one step in front of the other.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I keep pressing forward. Summer is right around the corner. I am going out with friends and making new friends. I am making plans for a nice "breakdown" vacation away at the end of Summer so I can just "be". This is what my life is about these days. I am caught up in each moment that comes my way and working with that moment when it arises. Don't get me wrong.....it has not been all gloomy moments. Some moments have been surprisingly sweet and fun and those are the moments that bring me back to the best part of myself and recharge me as I move forward.</span><br />
<br />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-49514581443886841002013-03-18T22:15:00.001-04:002013-06-11T10:43:54.052-04:00Milkshake<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last forty five days have been oddly problematic. My father's health continued to take a downward turn aggravated by the general anesthesia he received for prostate surgery. It appears that a big surgery can really do a number on older folks who have a start of dementia. I had to make the decision to place him in a nursing facility. This wasn't an easy decision mind you, but it was one based on the reality of the times. My father simply could not live alone and be in charge of his own well-being any longer. He believed that he could still do the things he always could do without any second thoughts about the ramifications of his actions. This is a dangerous mindset and it would only lead to more worry and "what ifs".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has had some ups and downs upon entering the nursing home. He has fallen a couple times during his "free spirit" periods and has shown his confused and agitated side to the nurses more than once. The surgery has taken him to a new baseline with his dementia and I notice it every evening I stop by to see him. He talks about his car.....that he doesn't have.....or worries about paying his property tax that I have already paid for him more than once since he has been at the home. However.....despite all of that....he has been eating three square meals and chugs down every chocolate milkshake I bring him on my nightly visits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight....I got a good progress report from the nurses. He was well behaved ALL day. Victory! It is always good when you are told that he was "best in class". Yes....it is like raising a child. The progress reports.....good or bad.....are very enlightening and it tells me that he is starting to settle in to his new home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He does not know that his home will be put up for sale in the Spring. I will tell him about that when I get to that point in time. I'd rather not have his progress disturbed or interrupted. Settling down is a good thing. Uproars....not so much. I like the congenial, joking Dad instead of the agitated, nasty guy who appears from time to time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have concluded that there are still life lessons that I am meant to learn. It is true that we never stop learning and I know that this too will teach me things that I will someday use later in my life. If someone brings me a milkshake every day when I am 80, I will be a happy girl.</span><br />
<br />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-38423425396804698172013-02-03T13:53:00.001-05:002013-02-03T13:53:16.298-05:00Super Bowl<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a bittersweet day for me today. Yes....the Super Bowl is today and it will be fun to watch but it also signals the final day of the NFL season. (sigh) The NFL season is my favorite season.....followed closely by Fall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There has been a lot of news lately about the dangers of playing football. The long term breakdown to the brain after years of concussions is not an old wives tale anymore. It is real and compelling evidence that as the sport gained in popularity the men who play it have grown as well. The players are bigger, stronger and healthier than those who played 20 years ago. Technology has grown with them with better helmets and body padding. It certainly can never be said that football is a gentleman's game. It is a physical game with a game impact that equals seven car accidents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can they make it safer while still allowing the players to tackle? I'm not sure. I certainly don't want to watch flag football on Sundays but I feel for the players and their families who have played the game for our entertainment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, we all know that these are not actors on the field. They are paid for what they do....and very nicely I might add. They know the risks and they may think that the doctors are going to act in their best interest. The dollar signs are hard to pass up. Many of these guys were raised in homes that were poorer than most and the expectation to be a success and support their families were great. Everyone knows that there is a lot of money to be made in professional sports if you have the talent to be on one of those teams. I have heard that only 1% of all college athletes will actually play in the NFL.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are children that pretend to be star players every day in their backyards. They emulate what they see as they play in pony leagues around the nation. Recent developments in brain injuries will cause some parents to pull their sons from football. Others will be hesitant relying on future technology or human intervention to make it safer. Still others will encourage their sons to play despite the known risks perhaps ignoring what the future holds. It is the future after all.</span> <br />
<br />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-6397007061904127182013-01-30T19:47:00.003-05:002013-01-30T19:47:53.679-05:00Forward Progress<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my theme of the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow, my father has a much needed Prostate surgery and I have my first weigh-in after starting the Hudson & Simpson (WW) diet. I am more positive about my activity tomorrow than my father. He is having a bit of confusion today and thinks that tomorrow will not be a "real" surgery. We had a brief argument over the definition of the term "surgery" and then I just gave up because it wasn't worth the energy. I wish I would take that approach most of the time. Some things aren't worth arguing about when you know you are right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continue to focus forward and keep walking. I have decided that things with my Dad will turn out the way the cosmic forces want them to turn out. Sometimes you just have to let go and let someone else take the wheel. It relieves some of the stress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The big thing for me.....now that I am on WW.....is that I don't let the stress break my progress with the diet. I can't give in and have a half of pizza or a platter of nachos. I keep thinking about my goal for a slimmer summer and that seems to help keep me focused.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have concluded that my Dad will be staying at my house over the weekend to recuperate. This isn't an easy sleepover either. My Dad complains that there isn't anything on TV if he can't find a western or a military movie with John Wayne. Ugh. He stayed with me for a week in December and I have to say I have seen enough Bonanza, Big Valley and High Chaparral episodes to last two lifetimes. My hope is that the cosmic forces see fit to throw a John Wayne Movie Marathon in this weekend. I will be able to get a lot done around the house and he will be as happy as a clam. I will be happy to watch the Super Bowl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Focus Focus Focus!</span><br />
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Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-12949422749735810322013-01-28T15:11:00.004-05:002013-01-28T15:11:31.369-05:00Ahhh Yes......A Diet<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So remember my last post? I went on and on about living life and being as healthy as you can be? (Sigh)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After my routine physical, I am now joining forces with Jennifer Hudson and Jessica Simpson. Well, not really, but kinda. I have started Weight Watchers. Again. I say "again" because about 12 years ago it was incredibly successful for me. Back then, they didn't give you extra points for exercise or all the fruits/veggies you could eat. Everything had a point value and when you were out....you were out. No lifelines.....no extra somethin-somethins. You made due until you woke up the next day. It was tough, but it worked. I exercised every day except Friday and in 6.5 months I lost 60 pounds. Seriously!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My doctor advised me that my cholesterol was a little high (226 - but my HDLs were fabulous!) and further advised that a low fat diet was in order. This is where Hudson & Simpson (WW) enter the picture. I am back at it with the support of my loved ones and friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to wonder, however, if my higher cholesterol numbers could be the result of the very small....ok....heaping tablespoon size.....piece of birthday cake I had four hours before the blood work. I know I know! I knew it was important to fast, but without testing it....."who really knows?", I thought. Kinda like using your cell phone on an airplane. We could have been using them for years because it wasn't going to bring a plane down. So this was my train of thought at the time. My cholesterol wasn't high in Spring 2011 when I had my last check up. Hmmmmm....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of that aside....I have decided to take it at face value and not ignore the test results because of my birthday "indiscretion". It will be good for me afterall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I found out about the test results late Thursday afternoon, I had time to polish off the extra cake in one last glorifying binge. I have been a good little WW soldier since and doing my thing. I forgot how easy the WW diet can be once you start. It really does work and it isn't just marketing hype that Hudson & Simpson are spewing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, will I look like either one of them after six months? Not hardly.....but I will feel better and turn some heads for just being me.</span> <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Ta Ta!</strong></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-81626472521791060482013-01-24T08:30:00.001-05:002013-01-24T08:37:06.317-05:00Birthdays<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday, I turned forty seven years old. I took the day off from work to take care of me. I had a couple doctors appointments to ensure I am healthy enough to see many many more birthdays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I have grown more aware of the importance of living the fullest life possible. Mainly it is because I am dealing with an aging parent who is growing weaker and will be ready for full time care in the next year or two. Death is inevitable for those who age and I wonder if it is easier to accept death at 80 than it is now? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thought of dying and losing the life I have now is a sad one. I have seen friends face and fight cancer - fighting for the right to continue to live a life they do not want to lose. It may be a thought we all have at some point I guess. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So is it just a wearing down of the bodies and faculties that cause seniors to have an inner peace and surrender to death? Or is it simply a willingness to accept that their life has run its fullest course?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I counteract all of these thoughts with regular check ups to make sure everything is running like clock work and according to my doctors everything looks good! Ok....well....I did get some grief about my weight. It is my only health flaw and struggle at the moment so I promised to do better! I mean....life isn't always easy but we have to do what we must to keep muddling through despite it all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today.....I will revisit WW and see if I can drop as much weight as Jennifer Hudson. I mean.....she makes it look easy so it will be easy.....right? Stay tuned........</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-45223517159311247622013-01-17T22:02:00.000-05:002013-01-17T22:03:25.427-05:00Doggy Dog Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dog Kip is a hot mess. He turns three next month and still has a mean puppy streak in him. You can't really tell by this picture, but he is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. An energetic Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Can you see it? Ha! This was taken on a snow day actually and he was enjoying it as much as I did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As any dog does....he loves his Mama. He is very loyal and a faithful companion. When I have to take him to the kennel, the house gets eerily quiet and it is a bit lonesome. The big guy has "presence" and a huge heart. Just ask those who he loves and adores. They've been tackled many times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to take him to the kennel tonight because I am heading out of town tomorrow. While he loves Pet Suites and they love him, he doesn't like for me to leave him. It made me a little sad this evening because he literally kept staring at the front door after I walk out of the kennel. How do I know? I peeked in a side window. He was standing there pulling on the leash looking at the door. Tugs on your heart strings....I have to say.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My big hearted guy will be just fine and I will see him on Monday. I am a lucky woman.</span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-45853812624923829412013-01-15T17:08:00.001-05:002013-01-15T17:09:23.490-05:00I Didn't Do It<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It wasn't me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would never do that in a million years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or so Lance Armstrong has tried to convince us or himself over the last decade. Kinda reminds me of Hamlet - Act III - "The lady doth protest too much, methinks". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As his world started to crumble around him several years ago, he kept protesting. He was defiant. He even sued people who attempted to blow his secret out of the water. Many other cyclists took the fall in outing themselves in regards to this doping scandal. Everyone else doped, but not Lance. Got it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some say this was much bigger than Lance Armstrong. Some say in his admission of guilt he should call out those above him who also knew of the regular doping cycles. Some say that this could also indite the International Cycling Union (UCI) because something this BIG - an American winning seven titles......worldwide publicity and huge corporate sponsors for the events.....brought a lot of new money to the sport than they ever dreamed possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is really a shame is that in his greed for success he brought along a charity with him. A charity that has done marvelous things for a lot of children and adults who suffer from cancer. His good fortune in the sport of cycling drew people to him. People donated freely -believing in him - "the miracle on wheels". The guy who fought cancer and then went on to win another Tour De France title. The charity did wonderful things for so many and hopefully will continue on after a little house cleaning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now Oprah gets her hands on him. In an interview today, she said she is satisfied with the answers to her questions during the interview. I hope we will get a chance to see the "insistent and persistent" Oprah. I don't think anyone expects to see a "snowball" interview. I believe she will ask the questions that if given the chance....we would all ask. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A cheater never wins. Haven't any of the sports figures learned that by now?</span><br />
<br />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-87595658019828464842013-01-14T19:23:00.003-05:002013-06-11T19:43:36.738-04:00Cocktail Monday<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I would start something different on Mondays. Yes I know......cocktail stuff on Monday? Why not Hump Day or Friday? Isn't it too early in the week? What's wrong with you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pffffft. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had a bit of an inventive streak lately with drink mixology so here is what is hopefully the first of many "Cocktail Monday" blogs - most of which will be original creations!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u><strong>Whipped Berry</strong></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2 ounces Whipped Cream Vodka</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4 ounces Cranberry Juice</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This drink is so blind of the alcohol it is dangerous. Reminds me of those fruity beverages that I loved to drink as a kid. You get a whiff of the whipped cream vodka as your lips approach the glass and it also cuts the bite of the cranberry juice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It is lovely.....just lovely.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>Cheers!</strong></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-36206339788812194442013-01-13T10:26:00.001-05:002013-06-11T19:43:20.801-04:00Guilty Pleasures<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday mornings are my favorite mornings. I have no errands to run, no appointments or meetings. It's just me, my dog, coffee and the newspaper. Yes...a newspaper. Oh don't get me wrong....I do my fair share of perusing the "web world" for interesting news, sports columns, etc., but on Sunday morning it's different. There is nothing better to me than sitting down with a sizable cup of coffee and reading the paper in the morning. Unfortunately....unless I am on vacation, I only get to do this on Sundays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I enjoy this so much, why do I call it a "guilty pleasure"? It certainly is an interesting choice of words that perhaps we all misuse. I enjoy my Sunday mornings. I don't feel guilty and I don't care what you think about it. So....maybe it is my "non-guilty pleasure". If this is true, then why do we even use the term "GP"? Do what you do and enjoy it when you do it. Right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the problem is that we really don't allow ourselves to do everything we enjoy without attaching some kind of guilt to it. There is a time and place for everything. We all have obligations that we need to fulfill - jobs, parents, children....and we set time aside to do those things that require our full participation or concentration. So why don't we say......STOP.....tomorrow I am taking 2 hours to give something back to myself and I am not going to allow it to become a guilty pleasure. I and everyone around me deserve to have a happier me and by taking these two hours for me.....I am serving all of mankind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coffee anyone? :)</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-30901007546486647622013-01-11T21:59:00.002-05:002013-01-11T22:00:18.040-05:00As Time Goes By<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So raise your hand if your parents are over 75. I know there are a few of you out there who are now in the position of "raising your parents".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never had children so I have no earthly clue how to raise them and keep them safe. With that said, I do see however, the comparison between raising a child and dealing with aging parents who are in "Winter Solstice". I still have to make sure they are safe, secure, medicinally sound and manage their finances to the extent that they aren't giving money away to every charity that calls them on the phone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am in the unique position of being the only child to raise my two aging parents who live in separate households. Mom is better off than Dad.....mentally, physically and financially. Dad doesn't like Mom for any of those positives. Dad is cantankerous and has early onset dementia. Mom can be cantankerous, but has come a long way since she came to the realization that I am all she has now. Dad would love to continue to live like he is working full time, but realizes that the social security check is the only thing he has coming in so he has to "fake" it. Mom is on zero medications and Dad takes meds for his heart and blood pressure. Both of them live alone and both hate the words "assisted living" and "nursing home". Mom is uber prepared for her old age - POA, will and funeral arrangements. Dad has not given me POA, wants to be cremated and can't remember where he put the copy of his will. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Cue the circus music)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize that I have spoken about aging parents before in an earlier </span><a href="http://workingroom.blogspot.com/2009/02/aging-parents.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">post</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. In 2009, my Dad's medical conditions were just starting. The only thing I knew at the time was that this was the first parental challenge I would face alone without my brother. Time has gone by....quickly yet slowly. It has me looking down the road and thinking about tough decisions and how I will make them for my Dad with the little authority that has been granted to me. I don't want to have to think about broken hips or car accidents. I don't want to think about the point of no return and how will I will I get him in a facility that will allow me to sleep soundly at night. He doesn't realize that some of the decisions he is making is because of the dementia. He thinks he is fine. He thinks he can still drive. Luckily, he doesn't have a car. He eats at Bob Evan's once or twice a day. The man could live on blueberry crepes for the rest of his life, however it isn't the most nutritious thing.......especially with the extra whipped cream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Look I can juggle too!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doctors appointments at the drop of a hat has kept me scrambling with my job. Luckily, I have a boss who is going through something similar with his parents so he is understanding. Since I work remotely (from home), I have been able to catch up with work early in the morning or late in the evening, but there are still too many days I have taken off to go somewhere or to meet with someone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So while my life is very much like a circus, I am learning the lessons of raising an elderly child. I am learning that it likely was not easy for my parents to raise me and my brother either. It had its ups and downs, trials and tribulations. I have to think that my parents also looked at child rearing as having a beginning and an end. I did leave home, go to college, got a real job, bought a house and lived on my own after all. I was not a child forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our roles as parent and child have switched. I never thought it would be like this. As they grow older and weaker, I grow stronger. My parents.....especially my Dad.....will not be elderly forever. While there will be more trials and tribulations ahead, I feel satisfied knowing that I will have seen both of them off to their next life after death.</span> Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-40536586958313968112013-01-10T10:40:00.001-05:002013-01-10T10:42:12.609-05:00Will I See Snow......<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...when I am 75?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a fair question to ask and ponder. Those of use who are lucky to live in the Midwest can recount many hair-raising winter weather stories from our youth. Yet these days.....and I would say in the last three years.....we have less stories to tell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Cincinnati area, 2012 was the warmest winter season ever. Temperatures below 20 were rare and we received a total of five inches of snow for the season. Our average is approximately 22 inches. Yes......22 inches. My usual 1976 winter storm story has only been bested once with a storm we had in 2005 or 2006 (keep me honest folks) where we received 16 inches of snow in 24 hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we are seeing another warming trend along with some rain. Temps are projected to be hovering in the 50's and reach a high of 60's on one or two days over the next five days. Yeah....I guess you could say...so why complain? Be thankful its not snowing buckets. Hmmm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess the whole global warming thing has been my concern. A recent news story showed a graphical display of how warm the earth is getting over the last several decades. Apparently there are sensors located around the world that are sending back data to one central source. The temperature increase is disturbing to witness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which leads me to my question......will I see a snowfall when I am 75? Will the Earth's temperature heat up so much that snowfalls will occur so randomly that the "winter season" will take on a completely different meaning?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We may have reached the point of no return in regards to global warming. We can't say we weren't warned.</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-63401539125914021612013-01-09T16:33:00.000-05:002013-01-09T16:33:02.908-05:00Stretch and Yawn<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a long - a very long - siesta away from blogging, I thought perhaps that I would just delete this blog since I had not written anything since July 2011, but after reading a few posts, I decided that I had an "investment" in this blog. It is an emotional, mental and almost spiritual investment that I don't want to lose by simply pressing the delete key.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So after a good stretch and a solid yawn.....I am back to use this forum as an outlet for my candid opinions and observations. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="huge bqQuoteLink">"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."</span><br /><span style="color: black;">Robert Frost</span></span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-19326494967879731542011-07-10T09:58:00.001-04:002011-07-10T09:58:59.008-04:00Time for a tax increase<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes.....that's what I said. Time to raise federal taxes on everyone. This morning I sat listening to the Sunday morning news talk shows and they talked about how the United States in the first time in its history may have to default on payments for its debts. This caused me to think about where that money was spent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let's begin by pushing the wars to the side of the table. We all know that because the U.S. can't stay out of everyone's strife and struggles.....we have been financially drained with no paybacks from the countries we have "saved". What does that leave us with? Well.....the other areas where we have spent money are for all the special requests that each state has for new parks, libraries, schools, museums, environment research, etc etc etc. Somebody had to request those things and it is my belief that if Congress can be blamed for pork barrel spending then we should also accept part of that blame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Look, we are not going to get out of this debt without adding more money out of our pocket. I agree that we have to pay more in gas and food so that pinches everyone's pocket already. Trust me....I know! However, if we do not bring more money in, we are never going to get out of mess we are currently facing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now there is one tax that I would like to see go away if income taxes are raised. Eliminating the Estate Tax - the taxes that you have to pay on monies that you inherit from parents, spouses etc - would bring more money into your pocket that is tax free. I know that those inheritance times may only happen one or two times in your lifetime, but why pay on that inheritance when that money was already taxed a lot during its own lifetime? Makes no sense. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So as the clocks ticks down and the IMF (the world) sits back and waits in anticipation on some kind of cataclysmic event, I have to wonder as Americans........can we do more?</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15888388.post-35206198830763853302011-07-05T19:00:00.001-04:002011-07-05T19:03:25.332-04:00Casey Anthony<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, how about that folks? She was found innocent of the three counts of murder and manslaughter. I have to say....part of me was shocked but the other half was not. I listened to closing arguments and without more evidence that showed that she put that duct tape on her child........it was going to be tough to get Murder 1. I thought that they would get her on a lesser count, but clearly.....she was smarter than any of else realized. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At this point, after spending three years in jail already........she will walk free on Thursday. Ahhhh....but where will she go? Do you think her family was really ok with being dragged through the mud during the trial? She has her freedom but at what cost? It is a bit bittersweet methinks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Her family will never get the answer on what happened to their granddaughter. Some may think that the parents would cover for her but how could they? The crime was heinous if it was committed by her. These folks seemed like stand-up folks. I don't buy the sexual abuse claims for a minute. All lies manufactured by the "lying Queen". Casey Anthony wanted attention and she got it for three long miserable years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And now.........she's free.</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15021410244877220513noreply@blogger.com3