50 Adventures at 50

Final Weekend of the Adventure: Looking Ahead

2011-08-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

A year has nearly passed since I started this adventure of being 50. To anyone who has been or is 50, I think you will agree that it brings with it certain feelings. Half a century. Kinda neat.
Did I have 50 new adventures? Probably.
Can I name them all? Nope.
Here are some of the highlights:
1. Ended a five year run of a job
2. Learned the unemployment insurance process for the first time in 25+ years of working
3. Decided to go back to school...as a student
4. Decided to go back to school...as a teacher
5. Learned how to telecommute and work for people across the globe
6. Got back into tai chi
7. Learned Irish cooking...also learned that Irish cooking=weight gain...took away the lesson of Irish cooking in moderation is best
8. Decided that "healthy weight" is going to trump "ideal weight"
9. Minimized my clothes closet to about 1/4 its original stock=freedom!
10. Started a blog on sewing
11. Started a blog on spiritual thinking based on the liturgical calendar
12. Started a blog on digital photography
13. Saw the need for a website to keep all the crazy blogs
14. Created said website; it's appropriately named a nerd world country
15. Created a website for Otwell's 4th of July...a labor of love I'll do over and over again
16. Created a website for the Pike County Fair...hope I'll be invited back
17. In the midst of creating a website for Otwell...another labor of love...got reacquainted with the village
18. Planted a fall garden
19. Made a pledge to live more sustainably
20. Will launch a blog "circa1960" to replace the retired "50 adventures at 50"
21. Celebrated 27 years of blissful weddedness with my best friend (and apparently, according to spell check, just coined a new word)
22. Began a little start up with #1 son and Tom called the 3weismans
23. Started writing a book
24. Pretty much sworn off network news
25. Pretty much ditto for network tv
That's enough of a list to put anyone into a stupor...I won't make your eyes glaze over with more.
It's been a good year.
Despite yet another tanked economy and job loss.
It's allowed me to be more aggressive in looking into learning more about technology.
I like that very much.
Wednesday will begin year 51...I'll look back fondly on good 'ol 50, but 51, you know, in Roman numerals is a part of

LIving...

Count Down to 51 Begins Today

2011-07-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Today is July 17; one month until the one-year anniversary of my 50 Adventures at 50. Time to take a philosophical look back over the experiment and see if it was a success. Time to look at the present and take stock. Time to look forward and see if "all things 51" look promising and pleasing. At the top proverbial heap, I'm thinking, is the consideration of events to take place to make August 17, 2012, fit smoothly into the over-all adventure.

Of course, who are we to say? Some will never see August 17, 2012; I've learned over time to not get overly excited about all that. Nevertheless, it's a fun aspect of being human to look forward and to make plans, no matter how loosely developed they are.

A gift I gave to myself this year was to allow myself to think outside the box...any box...all boxes. Conventionality be damned. Oscar Wilde is credited with saying that life is too important to be taken too seriously. Indeed it is. Let's get out there and do some good just for the good of it. Not fret over the consequences, the outcomes, or what it will do for us down the road. Just see a need and fill it. It's a great way to re-establish old friendships and acquaintances as well as make new ones. I've found that out by creating websites for some really good groups of people just for the good of it these past few months. I like people around here--they're good-hearted and incredibly hard-working. They understand that new ways of doing things are necessary; they may not be up on the latest technology, but they're open and willing to let it help for the good of the cause. Good on them.

It's been a great year of the re-discovery of my old love of writing. It had been tucked away for so many, many years. Over the past year I've written more than I'd written in the past 20 years. The result? The same invigorating feeling as inhaling pure oxygen! And I'm very grateful to those who follow the blogs, check in on the Facebook links, read, and occasionally comment. Just as a cook watches closely for the slightest expression from the person tasting his/her creation, the writer anticipates and then reflects upon responses to the finished product.

The loss of my job of the past five years wasn't exactly anticipated, but if it had to happen, it seems now is a good time for it. It's fit into my frame of mind for the past year. It's timeliness has found a place in the whole philosophical landscape of this business of being 50. I am brought to the conclusion that with all the many things I love to dabble in, there is one over-lying pattern...I teach. I am a teacher through and through. I love to learn and then, in turn, love to share that learning with others. Does that mean I'd return to the conventional classroom? More than likely not for a number of reasons, one being that only in education can one be over-qualified for a teaching job. Too many years of experience...I know...crazy to the nth degree. The unconventional is capturing my attention for my next classroom--comfortable surroundings, with unconventional groups of people who just want to learn things in those surroundings. I think people in this area deserve a chance at having this option. It's been proven highly successful in more populated areas; what could be better than offering this in a more secluded area with less chance of learning new areas of interest and making friends with similar interests at the same time? Sounds like a natural.

So...countdown. Thirty-one days left until 50 gets the boot. What will the next 31 days bring? Be assured it will be a time of pondering, thinking out loud, writing down thoughts, and some good 'ol living. And, with any luck, a few more adventures.

Endings...and Beginnings

2011-06-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

At 4:31 pm this afternoon, I officially signed off as an employee of InSAI. I have been wiped from the system and my schools transferred over to my former work partner. I have removed my Digsby for im, and I've put an auto-reply on my email address.
The phone number and fax number will be disconnected by tomorrow morning; at that time, those two items which have been vital communication tools will once again return to the status of "stuff" that will return to its box, waiting to be transported back to the main office on a trip to Bloomington.Other items are in a box, awaiting the same trek.
My bulletin board now has an empty spot where all my lists of schools' progress lived throughout the seasons.
I can feel the closure.
It has a definite "ending" feel to it.
But...
there are also beginnings.
The website I designed to the 4th of July is nearing 1200 hits--something I never dreamed would happen. The app is in its final stages of being ready to go--Kurt and I are working on the final edits.
The website for the 4-H fair has been released and I'll be sending it out as well on July 5; that app is in mid-finish (If that's not a word, it really should be...that explains that app pretty well.)
Over the next few days I have a website to create for our new little venture "3weismans". Also in July I'll be setting up a schedule for a series of Tech Talks for the area.
The farmers market site is beginning to see some traffic. That will get more attention now.
And the list goes on...

Endings can be tough, but they are such a necessary part of life so that new beginnings can take place. Looking back, I'm beginning to realize just how good the timing was for this closure. Sure, the security of the every other week paycheck will be missing for awhile, but it's a sincere hope that this area in which I live will embrace the idea of allowing me the opportunity to return to teaching once again as a consultant in their quest to better understand how technology shapes and can be of positive use in their lives. I look forward to the unknown...it makes for great blog material and keeps us young(er).

All my best to the thousands of fine people I have met and worked with during my time with InSAI. My love and gratitude to my bosses and my workmates--what a fine bunch of folks. The memories will be held dearly; the opportunities presented for future growth are treasured.

So...farewell InSAI...it's been grand.

Hello, future...nice to meet you.

A Novel Idea

2011-05-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

When I started blogging last year as a segment of my 50 Adventures at 50, I started to realize just how much I love writing. During the many years I taught writing, I knew how much I appreciated the word put to print, but I never really allowed myself the time it takes to truly become immersed in the craft. The passion was just reposed in patience, waiting for its time to emerge into full-blown glory. Welcome, passion...glad you're here.

Not a day goes by that an idea for something enters my head as an idea for writing. Just as with photography where the eye becomes a trained scout for the next photo, the mind and all the senses train themselves to lend ideas. The ideas come from anywhere and anything at anytime. Sometimes they disappear as soon as they arrive. Sometimes they linger until I can try them out to see if the idea will develop. I've often been told and thought to myself that I could/should write a longer works--a novel. A daunting idea. Nevertheless, I've toyed with the idea for some time, getting immersed in one plot after another. However, earlier today I was on the treadmill, listening to my beloved geeky podcast and thinking how I'd move some furniture around in my little salon after finishing my workout, when something was said in regard to a tech person who wrote a dynamic work of science fiction. The simple words, "Write what you know" resonated with me. And the idea for a novel immediately came to me, strong and clear. It has stuck with me all day and developed itself as I've gone about my work and a million other thoughts. I think this one is the "keeper."

For several years, I've gone into hyper- thought as November drew near and NaNoWriMo approached. Writers will recognize this time at National November Writing Month; a month of madness where writers, artists, and hacks from all over the world write feverishly for 30 days with the goal of at least 10,000 words. Many achieve the feat; I'm one who never has. I've started many times, but the ideas wither time after time much like scenery during the month of November. The novel seemed out of reach. But no more.

It's funny, really..,How many bazillions of times have I heard that phrase and used it myself as advice to others? "Write what you know." I've pondered this thought over and over for many years. Why did the idea finally come to me today? Who knows...who cares...it came today. I have a novel idea...at last.

Peeking at a New World of Work

2011-05-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

The notice has officially gone out to the schools with whom I work--I'll not be an employee of ASAI next year. I've known about it for some time since schools' resources are drying up for the "extras" like the assistance our organization offers. So, I'm going to join the ranks of the unemployed--sort of. I've never been completely unemployed thanks to a license here and a hobby-turn-job there. But as far as a paycheck every other week job--yep, unemployed.

Slightly less than a year ago when launching my "50 Adventures at 50", I didn't really plan for this; I was looking for different adventures, but didn't really anticipate this being one of those adventures when I was beginning the trek last summer. I've had some time to think about the prospect of not being in this job, and although I'll miss the day-to-day visits with some interesting, fun, and generally nice people, I'm not sad. In fact, it's kind of fun to think of getting to re-invent what I'm going to do next. I've put my applications in at a few places, and if any of those pan out, that will be fine. However, after being in a virtual office for the past five years, the prospect of being in a virtual office with independent office hours is mighty appealing to me. I've kind of gotten into the habit of getting that second wind in the evening and working pretty well into the night. And even though for some 20 years I got up early to go to work, the idea of it now...wow. I guess 7:00 a.m. exists, but I couldn't guarantee it.

So...where to start? After conferring with husband, son, some friends, and sincerely believing that if I shut up and relax that God and His universe will take care of things and life will flow smoothly, I'm going to just see what happens. I've fallen deeply for writing once again after so many years of putting it on the back burner; I still need to have the camera at the ready, so those two things will always be a part of me. The cooking, the sewing...they all stay around as well and end up usually as a blog item or a photo op. In short...they make me happy...really happy. And that's what this short time on the good Earth is kind of about.

I have, recently, started an online job editing e-books and writing reviews for the books once I have them finished. I just put the final touches on one earlier last week. It doesn't matter when I work, so I can jump into the job when my concentration is in full-force. I contract for the hours, so I can look for other jobs that require other skills to fill the day. For a scanner personality that likes a bazillion different things, this is a breath of fresh air. Literally and figuratively...it's a new chapter. I'm also getting parts together to build a desktop computer for my workstation--Kurt and I ordered the stuff online Sunday afternoon--figure the skills I learn will be marketable. He's also consented to act as my teacher and/or train-wreck fixer on the project.

This turn-around in my work life, of course, gives me a new list of challenges...always welcomed and relished. The reality is that I'll need to do something (more than likely a combination of things) that are lucrative to the point of what I've earned in the current job. I don't doubt but what that can be done--it may look a little wonky to the untrained eye, but contracting out jobs is just a new way of work. If I end up in one place, so be it; if I don't, so be that, too...it's all good.

I guess my best attribute to come from this experience is that this is yet another life-changing event I've had while on this good Earth. And it's okay...really. Thirty years ago when I started my first teaching job, I saw only one job. You got a teaching job, you stuck with it until they handed you the clock at the retirement party. I should've known, even back then, that I wasn't wired for that. So then came the next job...the one where you for sure stay in until they give you the plaque. Nope...that trail didn't get followed for the long haul, either. So, by the time I'd come upon the current job, even though I joked that I would just retire in it, I had a sneaking suspicion that it wouldn't be hanging around come retirement time. And it's not going to be. Probably for the best.

I'm having to stretch my mind in the new area I'm headed; no retirement date needed. Tech and all its avenues will continue on for as long as we do...and it will constantly evolve. And writing? The spoken word, although altered as it may become in the future, will still be essential to our being. And photography? It may turn to holograms someday, but sign me up. I'm there.

So, to any of you who are facing that termination date of your current job, remember that it's just that...a job. A dear friend of mine once made the comment that his vocation supported his avocation. He said that casually, but those words have resonated with me for years. And, as time goes on, they make more and more sense. We're on this planet for a few years in this current body; thinking that a job/career is all there is to this marvelous experiment is futile...we're so much more. We're given the gifts of knowing love, laughter, and joy. I don't know about you, but I can't let my hours at a desk or in a building over-rule these treasures. Whatever I do next, I'll do well to "earn my keep"...however, it is the vacation to enjoy the avocation.

Cheers!

Finding Mushrooms: The Elusive Photo Shoot

2011-04-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

When I was a little kid, my mom and dad would take me mushroom hunting with them at my grandma's woods. This was a great woods because my grandpa was the immaculate outdoor type that kept the wild sticker bushes at bay along with numerous saplings. I was free to roam, play in the creek, and, if all else failed, look for mushrooms. My enthusiasm was strong for about the first 20 minutes; after that, I started picking wild flowers and giving my mom bouquets. Without a great deal of help, I don't remember finding the first mushroom. Nevertheless, it was a grand time.
Fast forward to 5o Adventures at 50...NOW it's time to find a mushroom on my own for purposes of one of those great photo ops in nature. Some folks head to the savannah for a shot of lions; some head to the mountains for a shot of a bear. For me--it was the mushroom. The elusive mushroom.
Tom and I started out on the trek; he with the mesh bag and me with the Nikon. He was much more successful out of the gate and found a couple right away. I was still getting acclimated, so I told myself. In my hunt I saw that it was going to be necessary to cross the creek and the sides are steep, so I was going to need to do a bit of scrambling up the other side. I fortunately wore my gum boots, so getting a little muddy was no big deal. I slid down the side easily, crossed the shallow creek bed, and started up the other side. At this point I was in the step/slide mode. One step, and a slide down down to the creek; repeat. Finally I was able to pretty much crawl up the hill and it was then that I found the elusive prey at eye-level. It was actually growing horizontally under several limbs. Had I not taken that route, there was no way I would've found it. So, camera ready, I started to take its picture before plucking it. I then realized that I had the lens that needed some distance to take super close-up pictures (don't ask), which required me to crawl to the other side of the bank adjacent to the prize. Which I did. Success.

Now it was time to continue to the search; I was hungry for the next find. This came much quicker--it was just kind of standing there in the middle of nowhere, not near anything. I grabbed the camera and, apparently, also the attention of the two dogs that came to "help" me. I've always heard that dogs can sense fear; now I know they also sense a rare photo op. Just as I was getting ready to take the picture, eight excited feet started dancing dangerously close to the subject. After scolding them both and slightly offending White Dog, I got them away from the mushroom and got the picture.

I was feeling pretty happy with the world at this point; from now on everything was going to be bonus. I continued on the trek. The next ones I found were just as elusive, and just as much fun to find. The shots continued...

Each mushroom in a different shape and size (and some very elusive)...

As I was spending the afternoon looking for those hidden wonders, my thoughts couldn't help but float back to those days back in the woods with Mom and Dad. Since Mom doesn't hunt them these days, I decided to take her some out this afternoon. She's having them with her supper. I also picked her some wild flowers of the digital kind. I'll add them to her pictures on the picture frame at her house along with the pictures of the mushrooms. Maybe she'll have those same fond memories of those days in that woods with Dad and me and those elusive mushrooms.

Half Way Through 50 Adventures at 50

2011-02-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

The 17th of February marked the half-way point of my year of recorded adventures during my 50th year on Earth. My half-birthday. So, thought it might be a good time to do a little reviewing and reminiscing.

I've quickly found out that actually "counting" adventures is not as easy as I thought it might be; in fact, it's virtually impossible. When I started this sojourn, I was thinking of a concrete list of adventures; now I see that concrete is more associated with events. I've had a few of those thus far that are easy to list. It seems, moreover, that I'm having more adventures of the fuzzy kind. Those that can't necessarily be listed--they insist upon some kind of consideration, thought, or meditation. I'm thinking that's a good deal--I'm enjoying it in most cases, and though I might not necessarily enjoy the "adventure" I'm handed, it does give me much "cause to pause."

I have accomplished some of my initial goals. I wanted to learn about blogging and although I have only skimmed the surface of "blogdom" I have enjoyed the experience. Soon I'm going to take this experience to the next level by working in conjunction with our 21st Century Scholars program for the five county area that our IU Alumni chapter serves. Annually, IU Alumni Association has an "IU Cares" project that challenges all chapters to get out and do some good in the community. Not being much of a single "event" person, I opted for some sustainability of a project and am in the midst of creating a networking (through blogging) opportunity where some 21st Century Scholars can enlighten their communities in the practice of sustainable, healthful living. That's in the works currently and is looking to be launched in April. In addition, my personal blogs have "blossomed" into, on any given day, around a dozen blogs on different subjects. Just as my mind tends to "scan" different ideas, the blogs are the perfect accompaniment to this...love the blogs.

I've learned that it's not only necessary sometime to say something just isn't going to happen...it's actually okay. Case in point? Learning Photoshop CS5. The more I delved into the jungle of all that is Photoshop the more I learned that it wasn't what I was looking for as far as working with photography in a way that I find pleasing. I'm far from a graphic artist; I'm a curious soul with a camera. I love angles and telling stories with pictures in a basic way. The CS5 is officially off the plate (unless I need it someday...LOL).

The website was constructed via a Google site. Tina's Busy Brain was put together in somewhat haphazard fashion (a reflection of the owner? :)) ) It hasn't received a great deal of time and attention. My original idea was that I wanted a "home base" of sorts to house all the links to the various blogs I keep. As time went on, I found this isn't necessary; blogs just don't need the tether. Blogs are blogs and can stand independently. Lesson learned.

Learning Irish cooking. Irish cooking is much like cooking in our neck of the woods...a compliment indeed. We KNOW food around here and what makes it tick. We season, we taste, we pay attention, we see our home-cooking as love in action to share with others. After doing some research, I see many similarities with true Irish cooking. I have discovered some excellent dishes, have developed a new love of corned beef, keep a supply of Guinness under roof at all possible times. Our dinner parties have been somewhat on hiatus this fall/winter due to our schedules, an extended fall that extended the bike season (no complaints there), and time just not allowing for those long, languid evenings that make up a good dinner in house. We have had a couple and they have been highly enjoyable. And one of those was a "pull out all the stops" Irish meal. (One thing I have found is that most Irish dishes pretty much center around white potatoes--we needed a bit more variety in our diet due to side effects of inflammation and the threat of our middles expanding a bit.) I did make a connection with a lovely lady in Ireland who is the food editor for the Irish Times. She was extremely helpful and supportive of my adventure. I now tend to lean toward a good Guinness stew when I think stew, and soda bread mix is normally in the pantry, so a good adventure this has been indeed!

That's enough for now; this is a blog, not a thesis. Just a review of some adventures up to this point. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts as well...life is indeed an adventure! Enjoy the journey!

That First Warm Day...

2011-02-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

Today, February 13, was one of those days that just makes a person smile...and yearn. Today the sun beamed, the sky was an azure blue, and there was enough warmth that I'm guessing more than one pair of flip-flops ventured out from the dark recesses of closets. In a word: BEAUTIFUL. Coats came off, gloves came off, woolen hats came off...and light-heartedness returned again.
We do have the forecast of varying degrees of warmth for the entire week; judging from the winter doldrums that this deceivingly long month of February has delivered to the masses, I'm guessing that moods across the area will improve exponentially.
And why wouldn't a mood improve with warmth? Science shows us that we desperately need certain amounts of vitamin D that the sun can best deliver to us. Science also shows that we gain energy when we have more daylight. And who can turn down the pleasure of waking up and putting on the "uniform" of the day that involves flip-flops, sunglasses, and a cozy t-shirt? Life just gets easier when there are less clothing layers involved.
So...this week we get a little glimpse--a little taste of the appetizer. We check the calendar, start counting down the days, and start looking for those first signs of spring. Hope "springs" eternal.
Enjoy this week and revel in our little glimpse of warmth and sunshine.

My Resolutions of "Not"

2011-01-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year--1-1-11--how neat!

During this year of being 50, I've learned quite a few lessons during the first 1/3 of the year. The information, observations, and knowledge gained thus far helps outline a modestly ambitious list of resolutions for 2011. Being a fairly optimistic person, I find it somewhat ironic that my resolutions for 2011 consist of a group of "nots". Help yourself to a share...I think if we follow these--at least in theory and at most in practice--we can have a smile of contentment on our faces come 1-1-12.

Here we go...

1) Not following any specific diet plan. There's absolutely nothing wrong with Weight Watchers or other well-known and trusted plans. They are highly successful. I've just found that eating lots of vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, and everything else very sparingly works pretty well. Lots of olive oil, some good crunchy nuts...I'm there!

2) Not eating things I can't pronounce. I'm following the KISS rule on food and drink. I'll shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Apple ingredient? Apple. Walnut ingredient? Walnut. Ah, simplicity!

3) Not judging others who choose to not follow 1 and 2...just not judging in general. Not my job...and I truly thank God for that every day.

4) Not getting in a hurry. I've never done well by hurrying--now that I'm 50 I can admit it freely :)).

5) Not forgetting to praise my Maker everyday for family, health, friends, and all I know and will know in the next life.

6) Not forgetting to keep the temple maintained. A daily walk, a nap when needed, a prayer instead of a worry.

7) Not ever giving up on the belief, the comfort, and the sheer joy I find by reading the word of God daily. Need a self-help book? A rule book? A meditation book? One word--Bible.

Blessings to all in this glorious year. Let's just keep it simple and slow down and smell those proverbial roses, shall we? Peace.

Let's Start a Positive Revolution

2010-12-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

I'm a pretty peaceful person--a "live and let live" type. However, it disturbs me greatly that we're in the midst of a serious health situation in this country that could easily be remedied. So...let's start a revolution of better eating. This doesn't mean eating cardboard or ugly over-processed and pre-packaged meal--just the opposite, as a matter of fact. We need to think locally--supporting our farmers' markets come spring. We also need to do some smart buying. People tend to think it's cheaper to buy fast food ala the dollar menu; it's not. Most of the cheap foods are pretty much devoid of vitamins, fiber, and protein. It's full of sugar, salt, and grease--all addicting tastes that people start craving on a regular basis. Vegetables and fruits, legumes, grains--all these items in their most basic form are quite reasonably priced. Put them altogether and you've got a great meal. Add in a bit of meat occasionally, some fish, or some poultry--fantastic!

Eating the Mediterranean food pyramid is an extremely healthy habit to get into; check this one out at the Mayo Clinic site--what better source, eh?

Ready to give it a try? Great! Be sure to share your success with those around you. And...here's the REALLY important part...make sure that KIDS start eating this way. Childhood obesity, childhood diabetes, food allergies, etc...we didn't used to see these illnesses in kids in these frightening numbers. Crazy to think that lousy food choices are a big part of this, isn't it?

So, pull out the pots and pans...make a simple vegetable soup and throw in some beans or barley for extra goodness. Re-learn how to enjoy the wonderful array of fruits, grains, and vegetables that our Creator gives us. Bake some whole wheat bread--need help? Drop me a message. I'll be more that happy to walk you through a recipe.

I'll continue to add recipes to All About the Food with Pictures; many of these will be of the Mediterranean pyramid type with the occasional little goody dropped in for a treat (stay tuned for baklava!).

Let's get involved with our farmers' market groups, our local meat growers, and our local extension service to learn how to grow some basic things ourselves. There's great community in this; people are yearning for this return to being neighbors once again. Have an idea to share? Go to the Healthy Neighborhood group on Facebook and join up.

Are we ready? Let's start shopping, cooking, and eating healthier...no time like the present. Pass the olive oil!

In Greater Perspective

2010-11-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit difficult to buy for--I'll admit it. Over the past few years, I've developed a strong aversion to clutter of all types. I've developed an equal love of all things simple and straightforward. So, as a result, I'm not much fun to buy for--just not a "stuff" person in general. However...

Last Friday I received my Christmas gift for this year. After shopping and comparing and researching for over two years, I now have a lovely 70-300 mm VR Nikkon lens. Photography nerds get that; to the rest of the normal population--an EXCELLENT telephoto lens. A lens that I would never haphazardly even consider unless I felt sure it was worthwhile. And it is. To use the cliche, "It was an offer I couldn't refuse." The quality was excellent and the price was astounding. So...all my family has my Christmas gift for this year covered. And, since I'm not 10, I won't be pining away come Christmas when my stocking is empty. (I'm planning on wrapping and re-wrapping for each place we visit to celebrate Christmas--that sounds good now, but come Christmas I have a feeling I'll dismiss this silly idea.)

The beauty of this lens is that it puts everything into greater perspective. I stood on the deck this morning and was able to zero in on my in-laws' back porch--they can now wave at me from there and I'll have a lovely picture of them. It brings our old barn and the grain bins from far across the field into a close range. It brings the various bushes, shrubs, and trees into unbelievable proximity. It brings cats, dogs, birds, and all other manner of creature that roams around here into remarkable range. It even makes my food blog pictures look completely different in the most pleasing way (see the pork and shrimp noodles blog for the first picture with the new lens--WOW).

Greater perspective--a new view of all things. What a great place to be. This hit home with me as I was marveling at the initial pictures I took. Oh so many ways we can put this analogy into perspective every day. Using greater perspective can only lead to great understanding and greater tolerance and, ultimately greater love for our neighbors and ourselves. It all simply comes down to that.

So, here's an example below of the ability of the new lens. I hope to share more such pictures with you throughout the future. I'm immensely thankful for this lens; I'm more thankful for the greater lesson it reminded me of this morning.

Cheers!

woodpecker atop an electrical pole

Come November--Come Fresh Challenges

2010-11-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome November--Happy All Saints' Day--Happy first day of NaNoRiMo (National Novel Writing Month)--Happy first day of the 30 Day Giving Challenge--sounds like a good month all-around.

We start off the month with a beautiful sunrise which will be featured in http://tsjourneys.wordpress.com later today. Looking at it first thing out of bed this morning certainly gave power to the blessed words, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

All Saints' Day, honored as a holy day by many denominations, gives us the chance to pause and think about the many saints that have come to us in our lives as well as those who passed before our existence.

NaNoRiMo is an excellent time for any frustrated author out there--particularly if you crave the tension of a deadline. The quest is that you write 10,000 words during the month of November--guessing that's the size of the basic novel. Of course, if your book is less wordy, that's perfectly fine as well; it's the challenge of starting and FINISHING a work that creates the excitement of the project. Interested? go to http://www.nanowrimo.org.
I've played around with this project a couple of times, and certainly intend to invest more time and energy into it this year--a fun place to visit--give it a try. (If you see thevillageblogger--say hello)

The 30 Days of Giving Challenge is something new to me; I've seen it, but not investigated it to much extent. However, if a project can put us in the frame of mind of giving over receiving, it's a good place to be. How desperately we need to want less and consume less. (http://30daygivingchallenge.com)

Ah...the freshness of a new month with its endless possibilities...hope you will find what keeps you in an adventurous spirit this month. Happy November!

This Wondrous Autumn

2010-10-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Amazing...absolutely amazing. The autumn of '10 had all the symptoms of the perfect storm. An unseasonably hot and humid September, little or no rain, little hope of a colorful foliage season.

And then along came October.

It has been atypical and totally beautiful. And 19 percent humidity in southern Indiana? Wow! So this is what California coastal weather feels like. Cool, dry mornings to sit out and have that first cup of coffee. Warm mid-day with a nice breeze for drying clothes on the line. Cool, dry evenings to sit out and enjoy the last light of the evening with a good glass of wine or a warm cup of tea.

I do have concerns about the pond as I see it getting more and more shallow. But I do know that the rains will come...it is Southern Indiana. And, when they do, we will welcome them.

But, in the meantime, take the time to walk, enjoy the foliage, crunch through the leaves...happy autumn.

My First Computer Repair Job--Kinda

2010-10-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

One of my 50 adventures at 50 involved learning enough about computers to be able to make simple repairs. My chance came the other day when my brother called with a virus that was a real doozy. I went over to his house, picked up the cpu and then, with #1 son's help and tutorial skills, I was able to learn how to seek out and kill the viruses that had taken over his hard drive, install some neat stuff and then make it pretty and usable for him once again. It was great fun! Working with Kurt and learning new skills (God bless his patience) was enlightening to say the least. Seeing the enjoyment from brother's reaction to having his computer back up and good as new was a delight.

Brother was extremely generous and paid me for my work, which wasn't at all necessary. As a result, we decided I would take it on the condition that it would become a donation to Heifer International, my most favorite charity. As a result of our deal, we purchased some chicks, geese, rabbits, and bees for people who will now have a better chance at a better life. I LOVE the common sense philosophy and the great work they do at Heifer.

Oh...and I did get the website started! It will be in constant change, so feel free to visit from time to time...I named it "Tina's Busy Brain"--surprised?

I'm going to count that as a check off my 50 adventures list--what's next? Stay tuned!

Happy October!

2010-10-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

Happy October to you! What a lovely time of year it is. There's still heat in the sun during the daytime hours so we can catch some warmth during lunchtime; there is a slight chill to the air in the morning and evening hours that allows us to turn off all heat/air conditioning and throw open the windows. Just as with the first warmth of the spring days when we start to see signs of green returning to our surroundings, we're very close to nature during these mild days. God blesses us well during this sapphire blue-skied and temperate season.

And today we had an additional blessing...rain. RAIN! Oh how that sound made us smile.

One month ago, I gave myself a month to figure out a website. Didn't make it completely, but I am getting close. Just a few more adjustments and it will be ready to go. So...maybe by MID October I'll have it finished. It's great fun trying and learning as I go along. For any of you wanting to explore in different arenas of technology or creativity in general, don't hesitate. You really can't tear it up, no matter what IT is. And if you do mess up a bit, so what...you're getting better!

New month...new adventures...have fun!

I Think I'll Just Write a Book

2010-09-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

I need to go back to school--within the next four years, that is. In continuing education speak, that means I need six hours of masters or higher credit to maintain my license in administration. I'm an old enough dog that my teaching license is a life license--as long as I have life, I have a license. Not so with administration--by the time I decided to go down that road, the rules had changed; actually, I think for the better. We need to keep pushing ourselves to learn new material in our chosen field. And even though my chosen field is no longer administration, I have an enormous soft spot for education. It's just pretty much who I am at heart. I learn--I teach. So, I think I'll just write a book. If I'm going to go back to school, I'm at the magical age that it's going to have to be worthwhile.

Writing the blogs has been a terrific exercise for me to get back into shape in playing with words and language. I've always enjoyed writing on different levels. At one time I even wrote a children's book and a very talented young man created some outstanding illustrations to further tell its story. And, as with most books, it was soundly rejected. I still have it; maybe someday I'll turn it into a virtual book. There are always options.

Ideas have been swimming about in my brain over the past couple of years in regard to the state of education. I don't want to research and write a book that complains and states the obvious. I want to research and write a book that will perhaps, in some small way, help change come about in a futuristic and positive way. More kids will be taught and taught well; more communities can claim their former life and vibrancy; teachers can get excited again about their craft. That's my hope.

So, tonight I started by scribbling some ideas down in my trusty tattered little book of thoughts. I think I have a plan. I also think I just gave myself a terrific challenge. That's what adventure is all about, right? Stay tuned...

The Last Pair of Hummingbirds

2010-09-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here on a picture-perfect September evening watching as the last pair of hummingbirds are doing their acrobatics for their pleasure and certainly mine. I've watched as the numbers have dwindled down from eight at our height of the season and entertainment to this single pair. They have the same sprightliness about them, but the whole atmosphere is somewhat subdued. They're not flying nearly as much or chirping nearly as much as they do when the gang is all in attendance. I figure it's just a matter of time--probably days--until I walk out onto the deck and it will be motionless around the feeder. Ah, change...not always what we like, but inevitable.

Nevertheless, the same forces that cause the hummingbirds to fly to different locales this time of year are mighty refreshing to the human species. Sitting here writing, I could almost use a long-sleeved shirt; just about time to get out my trusty denim and then flannel shirts. Ah, change.

The days are certainly growing shorter as well. The luxury of sitting on the deck in the dusky hours between eight and nine and writing are now nearly an impossibility. When the daylight hours go away so much more quickly and show up in the mornings so much more slowly, it's difficult to get that last cup of tea scheduled in while pondering the day's events. Ah, change.

But now, as I look back into the house, I see a coziness that is missing in the heat of the summer months. The pressed coffee I just brought out to the deck for Tom and me to enjoy just tastes better on a cooler evening. Seeing the slow, transitioning sunrises always brings a smile to the heart and to the eyes.

Ah, change.

One of THOSE Days

2010-09-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

I didn't think today was one of THOSE days until I started reviewing in my head all the events that transpired. When I woke up, all seemed quite normal. Then, around 9:45, I lost my internet connection. No big deal unless your office and work is dependent up those internets...as I am. I busied myself doing some other projects and then called the Internet provider. They agreed that I had no signal...always good to get validation. We discussed that it was probably time for an antenna upgrade. I'm officially on the list. Fortunately, around 12:45, the signal popped back up as if nothing had happened. So, I continued on.

During lunch, I decided to pressure some beef short ribs, since they are notoriously tough. All was well until it sounded as though a shotgun went off in the kitchen. When I raced in to see what caused the noise, I noticed that the little rubber pressure knob had shot straight up into the range hood and came back down on the hot burner, leaving only a trace of a perfect circle. When I found the little culprit, it looked as pristine as ever. Fortunately, no liquid or other oddities has escaped the pan. Crisis averted.

Once I got started back to work, I received a couple of phone calls that I thought later could've been answered by the machine--kind of time wasters. About a 7.5 on the annoyance scale.

My mom called and said she was unable to watch a dvd due to her dvd player not working. I suggested I go see about it once I did the weed trimming. When I got to her house, I tried the dvd player and the only thing I was able to get it to do was give me a mild shock. Not achieving any success on that project, back home I went. As I was pulling the car into the garage, I heard an awful noise, like a cat that had been hit. I got the car shut down, went through the house, and peeked around the wall to check the concrete and expect the worst. No cat. No blood...whew. I walked around the house and did a quick head count and that's when I saw poor little Thor...it was him that I heard. I had trouble with him earlier wanting to hang around the weed eater while I was using it. I know--unbelievable. In the words of Hank Hill, "The boy just ain't right." I patted his head and then said a little prayer over him asking God to let him die peacefully--and at the second he popped up and started walking around...pretty wobbly, but walking for a time. Last time I checked on him, he was still among the living. If he lives through the night, I guess we can add "unsteady gait" to his list of maladies.

Once Tom arrived home, it was time to share all the interesting items of the day. Once I started reliving the day, I realized just how full and somewhat crazed it was. We decided it was time for a quiet supper and a good drink...it has a way of curing even one of THOSE days.

Life IS Change...Listen to the Wisdom

2010-09-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today marks the anniversary of a day in our lives that turned everything we know and hold sacred wrong-side out. We have, over the years, grieved, feared, lashed out in anger, wept, and hopefully listened to the wisdom that any tragedy in our lives imparts. In listening to the wisdom, we have to move forward. Anger must cease; hatred must not take all our energies. We now realize that our country (nor we) are invincible; as a result, we can become wider in our scope of how to be a citizen of the world.

Most importantly, perhaps, is that we need to realize that there is good in all groups, creeds, religions. To mark this complicated time in history, I've started reading the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. This man chose to deal with the horrific events by building understanding as well as schools for the children of the Taliban, so they might have a life of pure learning, not patterned hatred.

Our greatest commandment is to "love one another"; we were never promised this would be easy. But then again, the easy road will never lead to wisdom.

Life IS change...listen to the wisdom.

An Evening of Firsts

2010-09-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight is certainly going to be interesting and hopefully successful on the 50 Adventures at 50 front. After some research, I put together the first of several Irish meals. It's been quite the adventure so far; I've been to both
Borders and Barnes and Noble to take a peek at their collection of Irish cookbooks. It didn't take long--there aren't any. All the bazillion of cookbooks at both places and when I look, they go from Indian to Italian...no Irish. And in our area where Scots, Irish, and English is a strong orientation, it seems very odd indeed. So, I went to my source--the Internet. As I cook I also hope to learn from Domini Kemp of the Irish Times who has kindly consented to be the occasional guide as I go through the process.

My second "quest" is to work remotely with #1 son to do data recovery on Tom's crashed laptop and my asthmatic, queasy work laptop. It's extremely interesting to see the inner workings
of those machines. One of the 50 Adventures is to learn simple repairs...SIMPLE?!? The good news...as I write this, the Spinrite is running along on Tom's computer and the 'ol codger (my work computer) is next on the list. The adventure continues at Weismanhaus.

And the Site Goes On...

2010-09-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

Say what you will about Google, but they do have some good stuff in their toy box for us to play with...and for free! I don't know about you, but free is the right price for me...especially when I'm practicing.

If any of you out there are feeling like you'd like to take on the challenge of creating your own simple website, just go to Google Sites and there you can find all kinds of great tools to help you along with some neat backgrounds, gadgets, and all kinds of easy steps to help you make something half way decent.

My main goal was to find something that would house all my various blogs. I'm kind of a compartmental freak and like things in neat piles where I don't have to think about continually looking for them. This does just that for me. It also gives me a place to keep attention drawn to Heifer, The Smile Train, and Jill's House--three important organizations in my life.

As I keep working along in developing the site, it's my hope to have all roads leading to my site, Tina's Busy Brain...appropriate, eh? LOL

If you'd like to play with a site of your own, just go to Google; from there, if you don't have a google account you'll need one. It will only take a few minutes and then feel free to play to your heart's content!

Keep us posted on the comments how you're doing.

I'll let you know when the unveiling of Tina's Busy Brain will be :).

Labor Day: New Beginnings...Again

2010-09-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

I just realized something...for the past two years on Labor Day, I have found my fall/winter hairstyle. Is that not the most random thing you've heard today? But then again, Labor Day is famous for marking changes...

I don't normally think of a warm day in the early part of September as a beginning, but in many ways I guess it truly is on our internal clocks. Schools (don't get us started) for many many years didn't begin until the day after Labor Day, so that hastened a new year; to the true traditionalists, the white purses, shoes, pants, and skirts were put away on Labor Day to hasten a new season of off-white and beige; before modern farming practices tied in with little global warming, farmers would start turning their thoughts to harvest, creating a new season. So, I guess we could almost say "Happy New Season" as much as "Happy Labor Day".

Of course, Labor Day itself is marked for bringing the American worker and working conditions into a more sane place. No more child labor, no more death-defying machinery, no more 12 hour work days...hhhmmm...I think we've come full circle on that one :).

I did read an interesting statistic from Valerie Strauss in the Washington Post. The fastest growing jobs in the future? Well, nursing of course (we babyboomers do have our needs) and network systems and data communication analysts. I find that exciting that as long as we have our minds and our gumption to learn, we can still be a valuable part of the workforce for years to come. I hope to find myself actively computing for many years to come...via la Labor force!

So, cheers to my fellow laborers, whatever your labor of choice may be and cheers to the changes this time of year brings.

Oh, and the hairstyle? A mid-century marvel to be sure. Hopefully I an talk this head of hair into becoming a smooth, longish 50s style I spotted this morning in. I consider myself especially fortunate to have a dear friend and very talented stylist in NY in whom I can ask "does this work?" Happy news...he said "Without a doubt." Thanks, Eddie :).

And the Web Site Build Begins...

2010-09-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

#1 son came to brunch this morning for a day visit to see us and his grandparents. It's always a pleasure to see that smiling face come through the door, and today was no exception. After omelets, bacon, sausage, potatoes, toast, juice, and a few cups of coffee, we all settled in as we normally do...with our laptops. This may sound odd, but this is pretty much how we share ideas, converse, and visit. It's really pretty neat; it is definitely a learning experience every time it happens here at Weismanhaus.

Today was no exception; by the end of our visit as we were saying our good-byes, I was convinced that I could start building a website, one of the top items on the list of 50 Adventures at 50. So, after a bit of cross-wording and a nap, I began. I've now gone through about 4 layers of "I'm stuck" and "No, there it is". Up to this point I have the basics at hand--a background, some font that satisfies, and an increased vocabulary of words that I didn't know existed when I woke up this morning. The plan is that by the end of this adventurous year I'll have a central location for all this discovery. I think I've aptly named it: Tina's Busy Mind. That seemed to fit the bill at the present time.

Have You Met My Personal Trainer TED?

2010-09-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

Heard of TED? It's my new personal trainer. As many of you know by now, I have given up being buff ever again for something of a bit more imaginative nature. Never let it be said that I have anything against good health habits; I still enjoy a refreshing round of yoga, a walk, or whatever wii game bids me to try it out. But when it comes to "working out" on a regular basis, I'm leaning more in favor of ideas over action.

And so here's where my favorite personal trainer comes into play: TED. As some of you caught in the first paragraph, TED is not a he--TED is an it. TED actually stands for Technology, Education, and Design. It started off as a conference, grew into a huge conference, and now, thankfully, the rest of us have the chance of being a part of this remarkable meeting of the minds through the Internets--hallelujah!

Google the letters TED, and you will be bombarded by a plethora of free and highly engaging 18 minute talks by some of the smartest and most insightful people you'll ever hear or see. These people come from every conceivable corner of the world and every conceivable background. Their talks are sensible, humorous, and most of the time, sublime. I can learn more from the "classroom" of TED in an hour on various topics than I could by reading 4 or 5 newspapers. And, even though 18 minutes certainly isn't going to cover any topic of value in such a short time, it will give you a catalyst to learn more and to start the search for more detail on a topic of interest.

There is an excellent article in the magazine Fast Company (http://fastcompany.com) entitled "How TED Became the New Harvard". It's definitely worth the read to get a good introduction to TED. If that doesn't seem pleasing to you, then just go to You Tube and, in the search, type in TED talks. You will be pleased with your results from which to choose.

How does this fit in with 50 Adventures at 50? Every time I tune in to a TED talk, I am transformed by the imaginative way that fellow humans can deliver information. I literally have an adventure with every TED talk I hear; it makes me want to be a more effective person in the world.

If that's not an adventure, I don't know what is...

Total Lack of Aspiration... 50 on the Job

2010-09-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

In the middle of the afternoon today, I found myself with my eyeballs beginning to itch...it seemed like in the back of my eyes...yikes! I was experiencing eye strain from looking back and forth at two different screens and dropping in tedious details. Fortunately, this doesn't happen often. In fact, after thinking that this wasn't how I wanted to spend too many more hours, I remembered why I was doing this work. I picked up the phone, called the client who this effort affected, and we had a nice chat. She trusts me; I want to be an anchor for her. That's the way it works. Then the job is no longer just a job--it's an opportunity to help someone--to put them more at ease.

When I started this new phase of my professional life, I decided that it was going to be on terms that I enjoyed what I did; that no matter what the vocation, it needed to be one that, at the end of the day as well as the start of the day, put a smile on my face. And so this is what I do. I wake up, I smile, and I start the day. And, even if it's been a tiring day, I smile. Life is indeed too short...it simply can't be wasted on jobs that have little meaning, do one no earthly good, or make us feel generally rotten.

Being 50 can be a scary age in the workplace with job cuts, etc. The good news, though, is that we can shamelessly have no aspirations of climbing any corporate ladders--yet the young dogs do that and Godspeed to them. We 50s will just keep the ship sailing smoothly along...and keep smiling.