Fireworks (A poem by my daughter)

Were down by the lake watching fireworks go boom,

Watching them shoot up, watching them zoom.

Many different trails of glittering light,

How the lights look against the dark night.

So many different shapes of luster,

All up in a great big cluster.

Upon so many faces in raptures,

Many lives with great joy to capture.

This poem earned her an 'A' grade and some very nice comments from her teacher.

iPhone Telephoto Lense

 

What a fun little gadget!  And, of course, I want it.  Photojojo has several photo ideas and fun little photo related gadgets.  They also have a book with easy photo projects any novice can do.

Leadership Racine Article in the Racine Journal Times

In 2009, I graduated from a community leadership program -- Leadership Racine.  Since that time I continue to involve myself in some way with the program.  It is a phenomenal and motivating experience....and one which I feel inspired to assist wherever I can find time to do so.  Currently, I am involved with the marketing committee, and was recently asked to write an article regarding social media and how Leadership Racine is using social media tools. The article appeared in the Racine Journal Times a few weeks ago.  It was pretty cool to see my name in print, and the article I created, considering I was extremely nervous writing the article.  To my surprise -- not a word was changed or cut from the original submission! Read my article.

Happy Valentine's Day

After almost seventeen years of marriage, and our daughter's birthday the day before this day, my husband and I rarely celebrate Valentine's Day.  In fact, I generally don't even buy a gift for my husband for this day, and he is always rushing to Walgreen's to pick up a quick box of chocolate and a card.  Most of the time he is so late the choices are slim.

This year I actually ordered a couple things online thanks to the big Green Bay Packers Super Bowl win.  Men are just plain hard to buy for Valentine's Day.  My husband is talking about going out for dinner this evening at our favorite little tapas restaurant -- Olde Madrid.  Although, I have a feeling it will be closed considering most of our downtown restaurants are closed on Mondays.

Anyway, today is just like any other day.  Not much of a big deal made out of today even though we both probably would like to enjoy this day with each other.  My husband did ask me what I wanted for Valentine's Day (yes, this is how he thinks outside the box to get me gifts....he asks me the day before).  My reply was nothing.  Just a night out for dinner.  He knows that won't be good enough for me though.  I feel special when I get to open gifts.  You see, I am always the giver and many times not the receiver of gifts.  It is too late to order, but I have been wishing for a Lisa Leonard necklace for months now.  Generally, I am not a heart girl.  I just don't care for hearts as part of my jewelry accessory.  However, Lisa Leonard's  heart necklaces are almost whimsical.  Not only do I admire her creations, I really want to learn how to create stamped metal jewelry.

Life

There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore,
And who always will.

My Daughter

One day away from 14.

Two months away from 8th grade graduation.

Six months away from high school.

Two years away from driving.

Four years away from high school graduation.

Where has the time gone?

My little girl is gone.

New Year, New Me!

This year I had decided to make slow changes in my life for betterment.  I loaded myself up with organizational and self-improvement books before the new year.  Each day I read something from each.  The month of January my task was to start organizing, or simplifying, and drink water.  Of course, there were other things like exercise, diet, and meditation; however, I decided to take it slow this year.  Not over-burden myself with too many changes at once.  In the month of January, I made it a habit to fill a bottle of water every morning, and bring it to my desk while working.  My goal was to drink at least one bottle of water per day.  Something I NEVER do.  It is amazing how after one month of making a habit....actually has become a habit.  It is now automatic for me to fill the water bottle and bring it with me everywhere.  Just like making my morning coffee.

Results from my new habit -- better looking skin and finally feeling hydrated!  My nails are even starting to grow again.  Meditation is on the agenda for February, and sadly, I have not had one moment of silent time to begin making this a new habit.  Hopefully, I can sneak some time in later this afternoon.

Blizzard Bunny 2011

The Day After the Big Blizzard

Looking out our kitchen window at our son digging away at the snow in our yard.

There is life someplace out there.  This is out our family room window which is the lowest level of our tri-level.

The Blizzard of 2011

The weather man does tend to be wrong about winter storms here in Southeastern Wisconsin....or at least that seems to be the trend.  They were not wrong about this storm.  This picture was taken this morning from my living room window.  This was about the fifth plow to go down the street in 10 minutes.  Right after my husband had snow blown his way out to go to work.  He ended up having to turn around and come back home as the roads were impassable and his welcome home was a driveway plowed in completely with snow 6 feet high.

At 4:30 a.m., in the middle of the winter blast, we had a bunny visitor right at the front door, eating my rose bush.