Geocaching As Life

Cache of the Day - Getting Away

2012-01-14T21:59:00.000-05:00

We decided to get away for the holidays and actually left on Christmas Eve and headed for the Bahamas. Stacy had never seen a beach before or been to a tropical ocean, so this was especially fun! We stayed at a Sandals resort.

We hung out at the hot tub a lot, went sailing and rode waverunners, and took a course on scuba diving (the next day we were drop unceremoniously and somewhat unprepared in 60 feet of roiling seas for our first dive....I went back to the boat before I even went down a few feet.). We also had lovely evenings sitting on the beach by the firepits, sharing wine with friends.

The weather was gorgeous, we had a chance to see Junkanoo, and we ate lots (it was an all-inclusive, including drinks). We weren't there very long but we had a great chance while we were there.

It felt REALLY GOOD to get away for the holidays.

Cache of the Day - Germanfest

2011-10-23T14:58:00.004-04:00

There is so better way to celebrate my heritage than at Germanfest. They've got a pretty good celebration here in Indianapolis.

In addition to participating in the beer and pretzels, I also participated in the Leiderhosen Lauf 5k, where I came in second (for my age group). I had to come from behind to make it happen, but there is nothing more exciting than a home stretch run!

We celebrated later in the day with polka dancing, weiner dog races (how cute!) and the aforementioned beer. Ein Prosit!

Cache of the Day - Hookah

2011-05-30T18:50:00.001-04:00

Living in Indianapolis has been great...no real adjustment to city life, other than figuring out what to do when! I especially love the culture, such as the Broad Ripple Art Fair, which we experienced last weekend.

eating fish tacos

artist booths at Broad Ripple Art Fair

eating crepes

Here are some shots of the artists' booths and us eating what comes down to "fair food". The weather held up for the most part, and we really enjoyed the day, but we were disappointed that we missed the flash mob that the ISO had at noon (we were on the other side of the fair. :(

coconut drinks

hookah puff

another puff

Broad Ripple is an eclectic suburb of Indianapolis and is very artsy, with lots of quirky stores and good eats. We found an Egyptian Cafe, which served well, Egyptian food and Moroccan tea. And not only that....they had HOOKAH, a wonderful aromatic concoction that you smoked through these ornate, elaborate waterpipes, all the while some sort of snake charmer music was going in the back ground. We shared a "King Tut" blend (although Stacy refused to be shown in a picture with the thing in his mouth).

Moroccan Tea

Apparently this is all quite legal, but it does smack of those beatnik clubs of the 60's where all sorts of aromas filtered through the smoked-filled, poetry-laden environs. (Of course I was barely a baby then and have no real recollection). But it was quite fun, even though we had a hard time smoking our complete pipe and left about half of the hookah still in the narghile.

Has anyone else tried hookah or something similar?

Cache of the Day - New digs

2011-03-24T21:06:00.000-04:00

After having lived in the really cool town of Bloomington for the past four years, I'm headed north to Indianapolis, the Big City, and the location of my new job at FlashPoint.

I never thought I'd live in a downtown area, always enjoyed more rural locations, but this is a rather exciting turn of events. I love the energy of the city, the diversity of the people, the culture, the history, the renewal that the city has experienced.

FlashPoint sits above Georgia Street, which is in the process of being redesigned as a pedestrian entertainment area. I have been catalogging the transformation of the street and have provided a couple of pictures here.

I've also signed the lease on a loft as of today. Here are some pics of the new location, which I'll move into next month.

I'm looking forward to this new adventure!

Cache of the Day - World Equestrian Games

2010-10-10T14:31:00.002-04:00

Like the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games showcases horse athletes from throughout the world, and we had a chance to experience them on Saturday, October 2 in Lexington, Kentucky.

I've been waiting for this event for years and they finally arrived! I purchased my tickets for the Cross Country segment of the "Eventing" event six months ago, and the day finally arrived!

The horses were MAGNIFICENT and the jumps were spectacular, like nothing I've ever seen before. And there was much more to do - visiting exhibits and seeing the Hall of Champions and browsing through the museums.

I wish I could have seen all the games, but this small taste was well worth it.

Cache of the Day - Horse Mania

2010-09-26T20:24:00.002-04:00

I LOVE Lexington, Kentucky. I love it because it is The Horse Capital of the World and I LOVE horses.

My trip to Lexington was for business - I was conducting a Leadership training course for a client nearby - but I made sure we got some time to enjoy,well, horses.

Next weekend we'll be going to the World Equestrian Games, something I have been waiting for for YEARS! More on that to come soon. In the meantime, the city is preparing with Horse Mania, a public art project that decorates the streets of Lexington. Throughout the city are life-size fiberglass horses, decorated by artists. There are nearly 100 throughout the city, and we got to see a small portion of them.

So exciting and a great preview to the Games next weekend!

Cache of the Day - Trail Run

2010-09-05T16:18:00.004-04:00

I've never shied away from a good 5k, so when I saw the advertisement for the first run of the "Vines, Pines, and Inclines" event, held at the Creekbend Vineyards and sponsored by Oliver Winery, I eagerly got to the page to register.

The "Inclines" moniker did give me cause to pause, but I've done other hills in other runs, including "Dead Man's Hill" through the cemetery on the Catfish Run. How bad could it be?

And then I realized that this was NOT a 5k, but rather a 4.3 mile trail run. Another cause to pause. But the idea of running through vineyards was too appealing and I knew the weather would be gorgeous. So I signed up.

I usually set 3 goals for each run: (1) do not finish last, (2) do not get beat by a walker (or a dog - both of which have happened), and (3) do not stop running.

Because of the length - and the fact that the race was for runners only - I only set one goal: not to finish last. I was determined to enjoy the run - which did sound absolutely lovely - and not stress about the competitive standing.

I didn't finish last. But let's just say it was a good thing that in fact there were no walkers. I clearly would have been among them. There were in fact inclines - plural - including the "Hill of Death", a 23% grade. Just about killed me. Not only did I walk, I also had several moments during the climb of just...standing.

But, all in all, it was a great run. I loved the course. The grapes on the vines looked just about ready to harvest. I loved the "bird deflectors", which included electronic bird-in-distress sounds, as well as a real-life "guard hawk" that showed his feathers at the sign of any potential grape-aviators. The forest was lush and green, and very cool, and this made for good running indeed. Stacy ran with me and offered encouragement and competitive demands ("The walkers behind you are catching up." "Kick it!" "Make it a strong finish!"). And the after-party, complete with a great band and wine-tasting, made it feel good everywhere.

Will I do this next year? Or will this event have the same demise as one of my previous adventures when I said, "I will never go sky-diving again". Too soon to tell. But the 5k I'm running next week - the Bloomington 5k Breakaway - looks so tame compared to this, I know I won't have any problem reaching my goals.

As long as my body recovers before then.

SCIHRA Wins the Chapter of the Year Award at the Indiana State SHRM Conference

2010-08-22T16:53:00.000-04:00

There's no place like first place! And it's even sweeter when it's your first win!

The South Central Indiana Human Resource Association, where as serve as a member and the president of the Board, was recently awarded the Chapter of the Year award at the Indiana State SHRM Conference.

This is the first time we have won in our history. We submitted the nomination based on the work we have been doing to advance the profession of human resources, and to serve the human resource professional in our community. Our vision is to be the recognized authority on HR in the south central Indiana community...and this award goes a LONG way to help us achieve that vision.

Of course none of this happens without the dedication, creativity, persistence, and talent of an AMAZING Board of Directors, the support and resources that the Indiana State Council provides to us, and the amazing organization SHRM, which we are affiliated with.

We were awarded this great honor at an Awards banquet during the Indiana State SHRM Conference, and then our video submission (which had nothing to do with our winning the award) was played for 1100 participants at the Wednesday luncheon.

What a whirlwind we've been through this past year and it is great to recognized for this achievement!

Cache of the Day: The Best Seat in the House

2010-05-30T17:10:00.000-04:00

We all want the best seat in the house when we go to an orchestra concert. Front row of the balcony. Center of the orchestra section. The box seats. We assess the acoustics. We look for the “stereo sound” that can be created by sitting in just the right spot where we get the bass of the cellos and lower brass and the highs of the violins. We want the ultimate experience when we listen to that grand symphony.

But sitting in the audience – I don’t care what seat you’re talking about – can in no way compare to sitting directly in the center of a symphony orchestra. And that’s where I sit.

I play flute and all you orchestra aficionados will know that the upper woodwinds sit just about directly in the middle of the orchestral seating chart. Directly behind the strings, we sit just in front of the clarinets as the “bridge” to the brass.

I’d always played in bands during my formative years, not having the benefit of attending a school district with a strings program. Not until I attended college did I even have an opportunity to audition for an orchestra, but I did so at the first chance I had, and I was asked to sit second flute with the Phoenix College Orchestra, a community orchestra not unlike the BSO.

First rehearsal I was seated in The Best Seat in the House, but I didn’t even realize it until…..the downbeat. I heard the clarinets directly behind me. The trumpets just in the center at the back. And, for the first time, I heard…..strings. I had never experienced that sound so close and it caught me off guard. I had to fight the urge to put down my flute and just….experience. There was no going back. I staked my claim to that seat and I wasn’t leaving. I couldn’t believe how this surround-sound touched my soul.

That feeling has never let up. Sure, I can listen to an orchestra and have heard some of the best, live and in person. I still play in the occasional concert band or the pit for a musical. I’ll even do flute solos when asked, or play as part of a chamber ensemble. But nothing – NOTHING – will ever compare to that sound of sitting where I sit.

One time – and this is a true story – I was engrossed in the amazing music that I was hearing during a concert. I seemed to forget that I actually had a part to play. I think I was supposed to be counting rests but instead I just listened. ….until I was jolted from my reverie when I saw the conductor cueing me – several times - for what might have been five or six measures. I realized that I had missed my entrance (which was a piccolo solo) when I saw my conductor mouth the words “Yes, I’m pointing at YOU”. He didn’t seem to appreciate my enjoyment of the musical interpretation.

Of course I don’t blame my conductor for being mad and disappointed and I was really upset that I let him and the rest of the players down. As much as sitting in the Best Seat is enjoyment beyond compare, playing in an orchestra can’t be about me. It’s about the glorious sound we make when we are all committed to creating the music that the composer created with their talent and their gift. It’s about the contrast between what the audience hears as the orchestra is warming up – an interfusion of seemingly random sounds that become a focused driving force once that first downbeat is conducted. It’s about a group of talented, well-trained musicians who have come together, from a variety of experiences, and have chosen to play together because they love it. It’s about transmitting that feeling , by the way that we play together and the way we interpret the music with the unparalleled guidance and direction of our conductor, so that our audience can feel what we feel, in some small way. It’s what we create together.

But every time we play, I still feel I’m a little bit more privileged than any other member of the orchestra.

Because I’ve got the Best Seat in the House.

Cache of the Day - Woman of Promise

2010-05-17T21:32:00.002-04:00

Taylor adds another honor to her list as she was nominated and won the "Woman of Promise"award for Lawrence County. Here are some pictures of her award. The event was held on May 4.

The Walk With Excellence Program helps recognize deserving Lawrence County women, raises scholarship funds for returning women students and grows the Walk with Excellence Scholarship Endowment for future scholarships.

She gave a great acceptance speech as well, recognizing all the nominees and the future that each of them as.

Momma's proud again!

Cache of the Day - College-bound

2010-04-10T18:04:00.004-04:00

Well, she did it. Taylor won the Lilly Scholarship, something she has worked her "whole life for" (her words).

And she really did kinda work her whole life for this. She has worked to keep her grades up throughout her entire schooling (her GPA is above 4.0 at Mitchell High School). She is the Salutatorian for her class. She has been actively involved in her school, from Spanish Club to Student Council to band. And actively involved in her community, including the Ambassadors program.

Begun in 1998, the Lilly Scholarship program offers four-year, full-tuition scholarships to Indiana students who intend to work toward a baccalaureate degree at any accredited public or private college or university in Indiana. The scholarship also provides $800 per year for required books and equipment.

Prior to winning the Lilly, Taylor has methodically considered a variety of schools to further her education and, after visiting Hanover College, Indiana University, Franklin College, and DePauw University, she has decided on University of Evansville. The Business School there has an awesome entrepreneurial program, and will be a great place for her to pursue her under-graduate degree in Accounting.

The announcement was quite dramatic, as Taylor was surrounded by her grandparents and her dad and, although I was a couple of hours away in Indianapolis, I had a chance to share in the excitement via speakerphone.

Here's an article from the local paper, in which Taylor graced the front page.

I hope you can join us at her graduation and celebration weekend, beginning on June 4.

And then....she's college bound!

Cache of the Day - March Madness

2010-03-29T06:14:00.008-04:00

I can't let March get by without an homage to one of the bastions of Indiana's culture and heritage - basketball.

Although Indiana University is not in the Final Four (nor did they make the finals), we cannot live in Bloomington without always cheering the local boys on.

I can't believe I've lived here almost 12 years and had not attended an IU basketball game until this year. Getting absolutely BLASTED by Wisconsin (we decided to leave once WI doubled the IU score, which was early in the second period), we still enjoyed the experience nonetheless.

Here are some shots of the game and Assembly Hall....and the rabid fans that I am sure will never stop rooting for the home town team.

Cache of the Day - SHRM Leadership Conference

2009-12-06T13:43:00.005-05:00

As the incoming President for the local Bloomington chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), I was invited to attend the annual Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. this past month. I had a chance to go last year as well, but this time I was the only one representing the chapter.

With SHRM leaders throughout the country and as far away as Egypt, we had a great opportunity to maximize our effectiveness as leaders by learning of best practices and by learning of the SHRM mission and objectives. We spent three days strategizing ideas to implement once we got back to our chapters. We had great speakers that framed our perspectives on how to maximize our potential, and how to create a sense of ownership, commitment, and accountability with our volunteer teams back home.

Here is (left to right) Aaron Garofola(President-Elect/ WVHRA), Angela Acrey (President/HRPDA), Lawrence O-Neill (CEO and President of SHRM) and his wife, me, and Chuck Gillespie (President-Elect/HRPDA).

Although the meetings were held adjacent to SHRM headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, we were able to get some time to visit D.C. I had never visited the Capitol before, other than from the outside, but I joined a tour that took us through the dome, the artwork, and the history. My biggest regret was having to catch a flight back to Indiana. The Senate was in session, and if I didn't have to get back to the airport, I may have had a chance to see the debate begin on health care reform.

The experience was a great one and I have started to out together our strategic plan for SCIHRA, our local chapter. Looking forward to a great year!

Cache of the Day - A Pageant That's Not a Pageant

2009-11-09T22:32:00.009-05:00

Taylor was not a fan. Never has been. Doesn't "do" pageants.

Yet she decided to participate in the Junior Miss pageant so she could (1) have the possibility of winning scholarship money for college and (2) increase her involvement in activities that could support her opportunity to win the Lilly Scholarship.

After several weeks of preparation, including rehearsals for fitness routines, getting the right dress and getting it altered, preparing for a talent event, and researching and understanding current events, Taylor was able to showcase the total "her" in the actual event this past Saturday night.

She did great. She was poised, she was confident, she was everything that creates an impressive young gal. Nothing could make her momma prouder, or anyone else that knows her and has loved her.

Although she didn't win any of the scholarship awards, she did win the scholastic achievement recognition....and she was just great.

Makes me cry.

Cache of the Day - Louisville Weekend

2009-11-01T20:29:00.009-05:00

Deb and I decided we just HAD to go see Ing rid Michaelson in concert, but the closet venue on her tour was in Louisville, Kentucky. So, rather than drive back to Indiana late on a Friday night, and in the rain, we decided to stay overnight in the city.

Here we are hanging out at a cool Irish Pub before the show.

Here is Ingrid Michaelson and her amazing band. The music was great, she had a very nice opening act, and the show was fun.

We stayed in downtown so we went to Fourth Street Live after the concert. The next day, after morning bagels and coffee, we went to the riverfront and walked a bit.

On the way back, we stopped at the Huber Winery in Starlight, Indiana, for a little tasting.

And, being Halloween, we got into our costumes and enjoyed the Rocky Horror Picture Show in downtown Bloomington.

Fun weekend!

Cache of the Day - Overwhelmed with Learning!

2009-10-24T12:15:00.003-04:00

I think of myself as fairly tech-savvy. I have a blog (such that it is), I'm on Facebook, twitter, etc. But I was OVERWHELMED while at my CIASTD Meeting this past week. We had a great presenter who shared a TON of opportunities for learning solutions - many of them FREE - that are on the internet.

I wasn't aware of all the options in the "wiki space", or all that Web 2.o can do, or "TVlesson" or "Ustream" or "moodle" or....I could just go on and on.

My plans are to dig in and figure out what is best for my business and start to adopt these technologies to a blended learning model.

Should be fun!

Cache of the Day - Upcoming BSO Concert

2009-09-25T19:15:00.003-04:00

“Global Romance”October 3, 2009, at 7:30 PM

Bloomington High School North Auditorium

Capture the energy and fun of Fall as the Bloomington SymphonyOrchestra begins its 40th Anniversary Season, 1969-2009, by performing therollicking number, Four Dances from “Estancia” by Alberto Ginastera, underthe direction of the youthful Charles Latshaw, conductor. Also on theprogram for the evening will be Alexander Borodin’s Polovetsian Dances from“Prince Igor.”

Internationally renowned pianist, Maxim Bernard will be the featured soloist on Robert Schumann’s Concerto in A minor. The concert begins a 7:30 P.M. at the Bloomington High School NorthAuditorium, 3901 N. Kinser Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404. General Admissiontickets are available at the door for $10.00Children 18 and under are admitted free. The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra is a 70 member all-volunteer orchestrawhose mission is to provide great orchestral music to the Bloomingtoncommunity, as well as audience members from around south central Indiana.Of Maxim Bernard, Menahem Pressler’s official website states: It is hisscope and range as a pianist that set him apart. He can play with greatpower, and still maintain intimate sensitivity in his music.” –MenahemPresslerBorn in Québec City, Maxim Bernard is one of the most promising pianists ofhis generation. He only started studying piano at the age of 13 years oldbut his outstanding talent was soon recognized in various national andinternational competitions. Music critics praised his commendable technique,his surprising maturity and his rare musical sensitivity.

The Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera is widely regarded as one of themost important and original South American composers of the 20th century.His attractive output for piano skillfully combines folk Argentine rhythmsand colors with modern composing techniques. He was influenced by a visitto the United States in 1945.

Cache of the Day - A City

2009-08-05T20:08:00.010-04:00

Gotta love a city! We try to get to one as often as possible, and have explored all those within driving distance from Indiana.

We recently visited Cincinnati and had a great time! Here's a shot of the square in downtown, where something was ALWAYS going on (and they had great ice cream too).

We also headed over the Ohio River to Newport in Kentucky, where we visited the Newport Aquarium and had great German beer and food at the Hofbrauhaus.

Lots of energy, lots to do, lots of fun, lots of great fun is what we find in big cities...and Cincinnati was no exception!

Cache of the Day - Wine Festival

2009-06-28T22:45:00.007-04:00

Earlier this month, we went to Vintage Indiana, a wine festival held every year in Indianapolis and featuring the wineries from the state.

We had a chance to taste wines from several wineries and we were definitely enjoying the way that felt! We also had time to relax and enjoy the wonderful weather, and we had a chance to enjoy some of the food vendors as well.

In addition, Deb Owen (seen on the right) was able to have her palm read. THAT was a waste of 20 bucks! ("You will have a visitor. Maybe by mail, maybe in person, maybe on the phone. Maybe tomorrow, maybe 20 years from now." But fun, all the same.

Bands were playing all day on the stage, headlined by the Gin Blossoms, seen here.

All in all, we had a GREAT time and will definitely be back!

Cache of the Day - Starting Up New Businesses

2009-05-15T18:21:00.004-04:00

Check out the video here to see some of the leaders at BizWorks Network. We were preparing for a presentation at Honda and quickly put together this video on what we do to support businesses (in this case, Employment Plus).

Contact By Design is my new gig. Go here to learn more about what we do:

http://www.contactbydesign.com/welcome.html

Cache of the Day - Prom

2009-04-29T21:56:00.011-04:00

Taylor went to her prom this past Saturday - her second prom at Mitchell High School. Once again her date was Davie.

This is a full-day event. Of course we had the day, several weeks ago, when we went shopping for a prom dress - and shoes, and earrings, and a necklace, and of course, hair jewelry.

On Saturday we went to the hair salon, did up the hair and added glitter.

Then the makeup, which I had the pleasure of applying.

Then pictures at the boyfriend's house.

Picture at the friends house, including the requisite "shoe shot".

Then off to dinner (they went to Salem, Indiana, to a place called Christie's).

Then back to the high school for the Grand March.

After that, I was shut out. I don't get it. Why can't I go to the actual dance?

I'll work on that. Maybe next year I'll go to her senior prom.

Cache of the Day - Smart Kid

2009-04-19T14:29:00.014-04:00

Taylor is a smart kid - second in her class and involved in lots of activities. Her GPA granted her a visit to a private college here in Indiana - the University of Evansville.

Taylor and I and Joe spent the day in the southeastern part of the state and learned a lot about the advantages of going this college. Here is a shot of her in the front yard of the University, learning from a tour guide that she took the day off of classes on Friday and laid out in the sun all day on this lawn!

To the left is a shot of a dorm room - just right for two.....two MICE, that is!!!!

This is a shot of the lobby of the business school, here on the right.

And the shot here on the right is one of the new classrooms in the business school. Taylor is considering Accounting as a major, so this may be a place she inhabits in the future.

And then we topped the day off buying Taylor a new car! Here she is in her 2005 Scion XA with 30,000 miles. She drove the card back from Evansville, a good two-hour drive. Look how happy she is (and the sales guy looks pretty happy too!).

Cache of the Day - Murder

2009-03-29T20:19:00.000-04:00

Turns out the lawyer did it. Figures.

Here are some pictures from our Murder Mystery dinner party this past weekend. We had eight "suspects" - that all came in costume - so that we could figure out who killed Pierre DuPre during Mardis Gras in New Orleans.

I was Michelle DuPre, the deposed's wife. But I loved him dearly. Of COURSE I didn't do it.

We had great fun and shared some Louisiana grub - jambalaya, french bread, creme brulee....and lots of hurricane punch. We had a version of Zydeco music and, mostly, we had lots of fun. Took us a few hours to figure it out, but several players did guess that the J. Stephen Peek - the lawyer (also known as Stacy) - did it in the billiard room with the Mardis Gras beads.

We had a great time and really appreciated everyone's participation!

Cache of the Day - Being in the Pit

2009-03-14T15:27:00.000-04:00

Here's my view from the orchestra pit at Bedford North Lawrence High School where, for the last two weekends (and many rehearsal days before that) I've been buried in the pit for the production of "Fiddler On the Roof". I am playing flute and piccolo of a challenging score, but so much fun to play! In this shot you can see a glimpse of my music and that's our conductor, Brian Samarzea.

Brian and I met about 10 years ago when he just started the local musical theatre group, Bloomington Music Works, and he cast me in several productions, included several Gilbert & Sullivan's, "A Little Night Music" (our favorite), "Gypsy", "Once Upon a Mattress", and "Into the Woods". And although I was on the stage then, I continue to participate in musical theatre productions and I don't mind being in the pit. I LOVE putting on a show!

Brian asked to me to help out "Fiddler" and I love it!

Cache of the Day - Mardis Gras fun

2009-02-28T16:02:00.000-05:00

My friend Jackie and I got a chance for a brief Mardis Gras celebration on Tuesday - I had one hous between work and symphony rehearsal - but we made it fun in even the limited time.

We met a few people at Crazy Horse. Jackie brought her beads and masks that her son Zach had acquired recently in New Orleans. I brought my headdress from my fiftieth birthday party.

Fortunately for everyone, I chose not to dress in the entire outfit (seen below).

Cache of the Day - Exotic Felines

2009-01-18T17:49:00.000-05:00

Check out the beautiful felines that are being protected and cared for, right here in Indiana (and as you can see, even in the dead of winter). Learn more about them at http://www.exoticfelinerescuecenter.org/home.html.

They provide permanent homes for exotic felines that have been abused, abandoned or for some reason have nowhere to live out their lives, and they also educate the public about these beautiful cats.

My friend Kyle and I made a day of it. She's been there several times before, and I'm glad she took me a long this time. What a wonderful experience!

When we first arrived, we were witness to a trio of male lions in a fight - obviously agitated when a new male was introduced recently to the center.

We spent quite a bit of time, getting personal and as up close as we dared. We saw the animals being fed (poor horses - all that was left were their hooves), and we saw them interact. They stalked us, tried to pee on us (marking territory), and several were very happy to see us.

What a great time seeing lions and tigers and cougars and panthers and bobcats. Oh my!

Cache of the Day - Award Recipient

2009-01-13T22:15:00.000-05:00

SCIHRA Board Members of the Year
– Linda Dausend
– Amanda Abrell

SCIHRA Chapter Volunteers of the Year
- Sandy Garrett
- Kara Zemlyak

Student Chapter Member of the Year
- Wendy Wlodychak, President of IUHRA

Bloomington Employers of Choice 2008
– City of Bloomington
– Employment Plus

SCIHRA Chapter Volunteer of the Year
This category honors a person who must be a member of the SCIHRA Chapter. The award is presented to someone who is an example of a dedicated leader, contributor and caretaker of the spirit of the Human Resources profession while serving as a volunteer in the SCIHRA community. The conduct of the recipient must be such that they are considered above reproach with regard to ethics, quality, service and by projecting a positive chapter image.

Student Chapter Member of the Year
This is awarded to the Student Chapter Member who holds a leadership position and has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills. The recipient exhibits the ability to successfully work with the organization, leads the organization with innovative ideas, delegates responsibilities, and provides direction to members.

SCIHRA Board Member of the Year
The Board Member must be a member in good standing with the SCIHRA chapter. The Board Member must have demonstrated continuing interest in and support of SCIHRA through contribution of time, talent or resources to the purpose and objectives of the association. The Board Member must have a record of good attendance at all scheduled board meetings. The Board Member must have a record of attending various Chapter-related activities. The Board Member must have a record of serving or personally contributing to committees established by the SCIHRA board.

Bloomington Employer of Choice
The Employer of Choice goes beyond the traditional view of high salaries and great benefits. The Employer of Choice makes an organization’s employees their most competitive advantage. Employers of Choice are companies that place a high value on human assets and set the benchmark for everyone else in how they recruit, protect, develop, lead and retain their employees.

Cache of the Day - The 70s

2009-01-10T23:57:00.000-05:00

Why are all these people so OBSESSED with the 7os and they were just BABIES during the decade??? I was in high school (graduated in '74) and wasn't that crazy about the music or the styles. But it was kinda fun to flashback tonight.

I was invited to a 7os party and - wow - people went all out - renting costumes and buying afro wigs and lots-o-chains.

My friends Ashley and Norm hosted the event and did it up right. They had 70s food (Bugles, CheezWiz, french onion dip, and "Tang-tinis"), as well as the requisite 70s music (gotta LOVE "Y.M.C.A." and the Bee Gees), and most everyone came decked out in bell bottoms and go-go boots.

Check out these pix and here's a link to some more.

Cache of the Day - Getting through 2008

2008-12-21T16:12:00.001-05:00

Two thousand eight had a lot of great highlights, many of which are included in this blog. Greatest things that happened this year:

New Year's Masquerade Ball in Indianapolis

Skiing in Wisconsin

Baking in the sun in Phoenix

Feeling the vortexes in Sedona

A retreat from the desert while visiting Flagstaff

Carefree exhiliration on the roller coasters at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio

Big-city fun in Chicago

The awesomeness of Washington D.C.

And then, fun musical stuff

Night in Old Vienna with the BSO in February

Tap dance recital in May

Picnic with the Pops in July

Cowboy concert at the mall with the BSO

Holiday with the POPs Thanksgiving weekend

Christmas musical at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church

Messiah Sing with Bloomington Chamber Singers

Of course, there was the whole thing with Taylor getting appendicitis (see left).

Looking forward to another great year! Merry Christmas to all!

Cache of the Day - Kentucky Conference

2008-10-19T19:10:00.000-04:00

We have branches in both Indiana and Kentucky (among other states), so we have a very strong presence at the state SHRM conferences. While we do a have lot of same foundational preparation for conferences in both states, our Employment Plus participants are delightfully different, the "souther" we go.

Here are some shots of our booth, as well as a picture me and our Area Managers (Chrissy Bowman from Lexington and Richmond, and Crystal Meredith from Louisville and New Albany), and a shot of some of our evening activities. Most notable, was our night at a place at Fourth Street Live, in Louisville, called The Rock Bar. They have the COOLEST karaoke ever, called Full Contact Karaoke, where you sing with an actual ROCK BAND!!!! I was in heaven! Here I am singing a John Mellencamp song with my rock band.

Once they figure out how to do Full Contact Broadway my life will be complete.

Cache of the Day - Going to a Professional Football Game

2008-10-12T10:06:00.000-04:00

Joe and I used to have season tickets to the San Diego Chargers and we LOVED it! We had them during the era of "Air Coryell", so there was lots of offensive action on the field.

Of course, most of the fun comes from actually BEING at a NFL game. The tailgating, the food, the awesomeness of the stadium. Being within the crowd is always an experience, and The Wave was a big trend during the 80's when we had these tickets.

Time haven't changed much. We went to an Indianapolis Colts game last month, in their new stadium. Tailgating was at the downtown bars, but we still had fun stadium food and the crazy crowd. And, although The Wave was pitifully weak, we did get to experience the new Colts stadium.

Sadly, the Colts lost, but you still can't change that excitement for anything.

Cache of the Day - Running in a 5k

2008-09-28T15:32:00.000-04:00

I like to run two or three times a week, and occasionally one of those days that I run will in an actual competitive event. I had a chance recently to run in the Bloomingfoods 5k Breakaway, a beautiful run through downtown Bloomington, through the Sample Gates at Indiana University, and then through the campus.

When I run in these events, I typically have three goals:

1. to finish the race without stopping to walk

2. to not be last

3. to not be beaten by any walkers

I am happy to say that I was able to accomplish all of these in this race. It felt GOOD!!!!

Cache of the Day - A Cowboy Concert

2008-09-14T17:51:00.000-04:00

The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra played the first concert of the year at the College Mall and, to appeal to our future concertgoers (aka "little kids") we created a concert that was casual and fun....and cowboy! Check out our web site for a VIDEO and STORY on this concert.

All of the music was western, or western-related, such as "The Magnificent Seven", Aaron Copland's "Rodeo" selections, and a really fun-to-play "Pops Hoedown".

My favorite selection, however, was written by Gerry Amato, a talented musician and composer/arranger who has been at Indiana University and has arranged and played with us at the BSO. Gerry composed a "Cowboy Sing-along" (the audience LOVED it!), and I got to play a Sousa-like piccolo solo on the "Yellow Rose of Texas". It was SO fun to play! Gerry says he wrote it for me, and I am going with that! I will need to get his autograph on my picc part, with a special dedication from Gerry. Gerry's in Colorado now, but I know everyone in the BSO would like to see Gerry again. Hopefully it will be soon!

Most importantly, the crowd LOVED the concert and we expect they are now SO HOOKED on the BSO that we will see them again soon!

Yee-haw!!!!

Cache of the Day - Wine Tasting

2008-09-04T17:44:00.000-04:00

I just can't think of anything that is as fun, romantic, relaxing, and self-indulging as spending a day on the wine trail.

Indiana has several of them, and Stacy and I spent a good part of the weekend visiting the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail. The only wineries we didn't hit were in French Lick, Bedford, and Bristow, but we'll catch those in a few weeks.

Tasting the wines, discussing their various characteristics and personalities is so educational, and comparing tastes with another is enlightening as well.

Stacy and I both prefer the drys, and stick to those primarily, but occasionally we'll try a "weird one", like the Black Currant at Butler Winery. The wine was so tart and sweet at the same time, that drinking even one glass was tough!

I wish every weekend could be as beautiful as this last weekend was. I'd be spending all my time exploring new wines on new trails!

Cache of the Day - Attending a National Conference

2008-07-22T21:09:00.000-04:00

I recently had an opportunity to attend the National Conference of SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management. It was held in Chicago and it was such a great opportunity to network with other HR professionalisms and to advance my skills and knowledge in the profession.

The four days were jam-packed with sessions and workshops as well as key note speakers. Sydney Poitier opened up the conference on Sunday. We were able to see a Lionel Richie concert on Tuesday night. And I was most impressed with our speaker Doris Kearns Goodwin, presidential historian, who spoke on the qualities we look for in a president and in particular to the qualities of Abraham Lincoln.

We had an intense schedule but we still made some time for Chicago-play, which included awesome restaurants, a boat ride on Lake Michigan and the Chicago river, and a much anticipated trip to Greektown.

The week was intense but worthwhile, and I felt like I gained such knowledge and can bring that information back to our local chapter of SHRM.

Cache of the Day - Roller Derby

2008-06-26T17:25:00.000-04:00

I guess I always thought the roller derby was for big, bold, brazen women who were just looking to get into a fight with other big, bold, brazen women....and I was right!

We recently went to a roller derby meet and witnessed - right there in the "Suicide Zone" how the roller derby works. Actually, the "jags" were quite exciting and it was amazing to see how competitive these women are.

Check out these pics of the Bleeding Heartland Rollergirls out of Bloomington, Indiana!

The Bloomington team won and I'm glad because I would not have wanted to mess with them if they didn't!

Cache of the Day - Summer Fun

2008-06-05T11:47:00.000-04:00

Check out these photos of Stacy and I and Taylor and Davie at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio last week - home of the world's most horrifying roller coasters.

They weren't so bad, really, and actually lots of fun. I liked the Maverick the best (see below).

Taylor and I still prefer Space Mountain in Disneyland as our favorite roller coaster of all time.

Let me know about your most exciting roller coaster experience.

Cache of the Day - Brain Games

2008-05-11T12:13:00.000-04:00

Once a year, the Lawrence County History Museum hosts a fundraiser called "Brain Games", and corporate teams throughout the area compete - in a Jeopardy style competition - for the opportunity to claim themselves The Brainiest.

There was a spot opened up on a realtor team and they needed an extra contestant, so Joe arranged that I fill out the team of 5. Although we didn't win, we did pretty darn good.
I've also mused that I would enjoy being a contestant on Jeopardy, but this is probably the closest I would come. What is "she's just not fast enough on the buzzer"?

Cache of the Day - Derby Madness (and Sadness)

2008-05-05T13:55:00.000-04:00

I don't know what it is about horses, but I have loved them my whole life. I love the power, the grace, the spirit. And when the Kentucky Derby rolls around, I celebrate like it's a national holiday.

This "first Saturday in May" was this past Saturday and Eagle Pointe (where I live) had a Derby Party at the Eagle's Nest. In addition to the comfort food (lots of potatoes and ham and barbequed green beans), we had an open bar with - of course - Mint Juleps (among other libations, since Mint Juleps taste TERRIBLE!!!!).

They also had a Derby hat contest (which I didn't win...but I was close!), and a great auction for the horses that were running.

We watched the race, where I was cheering on Eight Belles, because of her stats and, yes, because she was a girl out to beat the boys. And she beat 18 of them by coming in second! That was so cool. Until they discovered that she had broke her two front ankles and they had to euthanize her (thus the "sadness" in this cache). Of course, I cried uncontrollably.

I actually had a chance to go to the Kentucky Derby in 1992 and it was one of the most memorable days of my life. I can't wait to go again!

Cache of the Day - Birthday Fun

2008-04-27T19:56:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all of you who joined me for the "birthday crawl'! Despite a couple of setbacks (Trulli Flatbread - our first location - decided they needed to close for two weeks and THEN I had the date for Dot Dot Dot wrong and we ended hanging out at the Bluebird for a random band and then onto Sports with no band) we still had a good turnout and I LOVED hanging out with a wide diversity of friends.

Here are some shots from the night:

Shannon and Lara on the left and Ryan and Gretchen Bass on the right, with Stacy (aka "Bono") at tutto bene.

Also at tutto bene was Sharon and Michael (left) and Brandon and my nephew Eric on the right.

Jeff, my buddy from Sunrise (and mountain bike riding pal) joined the group at The Irish Lion (see below). To the right is Travis, who brought along his friend Brian (left), and my good friend James is on the right. Travis said he would bring along Bill Clinton, but Travis is a liar.

Yes, everyone is wearing crazy glasses, which they found in their "party box". If you wore the glasses, the party seemed funner.

I enjoyed the whole evening! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate!

Cache of the Day - Bloomington Business Expo

2008-04-22T08:29:00.000-04:00

The Bloomington Business Expo is sponsored by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and features over 170 exhibitors and is attended by over 3,000 visitors. Employment Plus had a booth this year and here are the girls ("assume fighting position") that were partially responsible for greeting attendees and letting them know of our products and services. Here is Sarah, Elizabeth, me, and Gahimer.

It's also fun to see what other businesses have got going on. I really enjoyed the "hook" that this local financial institution had to draw people in. I had 15 seconds to gather all the "cash" I could while it blowed around the booth. I was able to stuff something like $473 into my fanny pack, which wasn't enough to win "real" cash, but it was still lots of fun.

Thanks to Deb Owen for snapping the money booth pics. Visit her other great shots by going to her site http://debowen.typepad.com/photoblog/

Cache of the Day - Getting Coined

2008-04-13T18:21:00.000-04:00

After a recent presentation on Leadership that I provided to the Indiana National Guard, I was pleasantly surprised when the General "coined" me. I had heard of the military tradition, and I knew it was some sort of an honor, and I took it as such. Check out my picture of my coin.

The General - before presenting the coin to me - told me that he awarded this for exemplary performance and he felt that my presentation had a profound impact on his people (I had about 70 in the audience) and that I probably didn't even realize the extent of the impact since I wasn't familiar with the individuals. He said the activities I provided and the course of the topic was perfect for creating a sense of leadership amongst the individuals and set the teams up for a greater understanding of how to create a synergy of leadership, regardless of their "rank".

He then displayed his open palm with the coin you see here, and then shook my hand, thereby placing the coin into my palm.

I was flattered and honored and my half day with the Indiana National Guard created in me an even greater awe of the strength and conviction of our armed forces.

Click here to learn more about the coining tradition in the military.

Cache of the Day - Young Talent

2008-03-21T08:19:00.001-04:00

I've been involved in several recent classical music events that have involved incredibly talented high school kids.

Here's some shots from the BSO's "Young People's Concert" where, in addition to the BSO musicians sitting side-by-side with high school students from Bedford and Bloomington, selected soloists also play concerto selections to highlight their talents.

A similar concert was held in Indianapolis where the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra held their Side-by-Side concert and also featured selected soloists. Our conductor of the BSO was guest conductor, so of course we had to see and support this concert, and we celebrated afterwards with a reception.

But nothing is as outstanding as seeing my daughter Taylor play her clarinet in the Mitchell High School band, which had its "Winter Into Spring" concert this past Monday. The best concert of all!

Cache of the Day - Getting Snowed In

2008-03-08T17:08:00.000-05:00

Okay, I didn't actually get snowed in - the storm wasn't THAT bad - but it sure was nice to wake up and be surrounded by a snowy blanket and not have to GO anywhere.

I did get out and about and had a run around Eagle Pointe. Here are some shots.

This is my condo.

Here is a path that I run on.

Here's the clubhouse.

My steps through the virgin snow.

Just a great view.

Cache of the Day - My Pal

2008-03-05T21:23:00.000-05:00

After being the best pals in college, my friend Andy Anderson met up again in Phoenix last year. Andy - being the tech-wiz he is - found me by googling the Internet and then sent me an email. Taylor and I went to Phoenix last year for Danny and Ally's wedding, and Andy and I had a chance to get together.

And this year, Andy came to Indiana. Being the world traveler that he is, he knew that he just couldn't pass up Bloomington.

Although I was working while Andy was here, and then got SICK, we still had a chance to explore Bloomington. Andy went off to Louisville by himself, as well as French Lick, and then we had a chance to visit Indianapolis together, and got to see the U23D show at the IMAX.

Here we are at Spring Mill State Park near Mitchell.

Best of all, we had some great "catch up" time. We're not planning to wait 30 years before we see each other again!

Cache of the Day - A HOT Night in Old Vienna

2008-02-11T17:07:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a great event, with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra playing throughout the night during our annual fundraiser "A HOT Night in Old Vienna". We played three sets of music, including Viennese waltzes, rhumbas, tangos, foxtrots, and cha-chas. I mostly played flute and piccolo, but I did get to sing a tango called "Hernando's Hideaway", and I did get to dance a bit as well.

The food was very much comfort food (a Viennese-style buffet) and a cash bar was available as well. Taylor and Davie came but I don't think they danced much. I think they (well, Taylor) just enjoyed getting dressed up.

Which of course, is always fun.

Cache of the Day - Real Snow for Skiing

2008-02-09T10:53:00.000-05:00

Last week I had a chance to get some Real Snow Skiing at Powderhorn in upper Wisconsin by the U.P. of Michigan. Having most recently - and for the last several years - been resigned to skiing on a pseudo-hill with fake snow in southern Indiana, this was a real treat!
Although Paoli Peaks (the pic of Taylor is at that resort) has its advantages (close to home, easy runs), it doesn't provide nearly the thrill of higher elevations, fresh snow, and a great variety of runs.

The weather was perfect for skiing as well! What a fun day!

Cache of the Day - dot dot dot

2008-01-20T19:38:00.000-05:00

I must admit. I'm a bit limited in my music preferences. I've had friends educate me and I am generally open to listening to something not in my preferred genre (Broadway show tunes - that's about it, and the occasional classical composer and Christian songs). I've discovered Chris Botti and Jamie Cullum and Straight No Chaser and Jon McLaughlin and like them all. But nothing prepared me for dot dot dot.
My co-worker and good friend, Erin Waltz and I, were "exploring" Bloomington after a Chamber After Hours this past summer and we ended up at Jake's, a club catering to the Indiana University crowd. If I'm out with Erin, I'm usually just along for the ride, and honestly not too crazy about these places. The band is too loud, the floor is too sticky, and the patrons are generally obnoxious.

But when we got in the general vicinity of the stage, something happened. I think it was the music first (80's and 90's cover), and then the general look of the band (an awesome Asian girl on lead guitar, a buff mountain-biking female bass player, and a crazy looking drummer). But then I saw Adam, the lead singer, and was entranced. I walked to the stage like I was a zombie possessed. I loved Adam's voice and his smile. I was pretty sure he was a guy, but that was questionable. That didn't matter. There was no guy-gal attraction for me. It was all about how Adam was drawing in the crowd, the physical-ness of the performance, the obvious enjoyment he got from entertaining, and how he loved the audience. I was hooked.

Erin and I kept track of their visits to Bloomington (the band is from Chicago) and didn't miss any of their subsequents gigs. We started to get quite a following of others we would invite to the shows, and now there is quite a slew of us that open up our calendar to make sure we see them when they're here. We are the most faithful fans!

During one of their visits this past Fall we had a chance to meet them after that show and they told us they wouldn't be able to come back for awhile because they were going to Los Angeles. They were fairly evasive about the trip, but next thing we know, they're a finalist on The Next Great American Band! We kept up with their weekly performance and were quite impressed with that they were one of the last four (although CLEARLY they should have placed FIRST!).

Adam promised, when we saw him last, that they would be back to Bloomington as soon as they were done, and Adam has kept his promise! We are looking forward to seeing the show on January 25 at The Blue Bird. Join us if you can!

Cache of the Day - Christmas Festivities

2008-01-06T17:46:00.000-05:00

Yes, I had two weeks off from work for Christmas, but somehow I was busier than ever. Sharing the holidays with friends and family are of course what is most enjoyable, so I've been a little neglectful of my blog.

I do have some pix of New Year's Eve - a lush evening at a Masquerade Ball in Indianapolis - but, until then, here are some memories of Christmas 2007.

I hope your holidays were as enjoyable!

Here's a shot of the luminaries along the path leading to my front door.

Santa was generous in his giving but he also received his share of gifts.

Taylor surrounded by Christmas cheer.

Cache of the Day - The Ornament Exchange

2007-12-12T08:17:00.000-05:00

One of our holiday traditions is around Taylor's birthday, which was this past Monday. After her 25 minute band concert at the high school, we went to the house and every family member brought a wrapped ornament. We drew numbers and each participant got to pick out an ornament in the order of the number that they drew. A certain amount of stealing went on as well. If it was your turn to draw and you liked a previously drawn ornament, you could steal that ornament in lieu of choosing a wrapped one.

Of course everyone tries to be clever with their ornament contribution, and there was a wide range of ornaments - ugly ones, beautiful ones, unusual ones, and ones that you just said "What IS that?".

I actually ended up with the ornament I brought - a delicate turtle dove that I wear in my hair. Here are some of the other ornaments as well.

Happy Birthday Taylor! I'm glad you were born!

Cache of the Day - Finding Lost Things

2007-12-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

Everyone loses things, but I seem to be the biggest loser of all. Everyday - no kidding - I seem to lose something. Yesterday I lost my wallet while out to dinner, and some kind person found it and - identifying that I am a customer of Monroe Bank by my credit cards - put my wallet in the night deposit box of my bank. My bank called me today and let me know that they had it.

I had to laugh, because this is nothing unusual.

To show you how unusual this is not, I am starting a new side post, of everything that I have lost. I just need to keep track of these things.

Most of the things I lose I find, and that is the funnest part! Someone is watching out for me. And thank you to whoever found my wallet last night and rescued it!

Cache of the Day - A White Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T23:58:00.000-05:00

Check out these photos of Thanksgiving in Wisconsin. I especially love the way the snow stays on the branches.

We even got out to do a geocache, which isn't the easiest thing to find in the snow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cache of the Day - Meet The Instruments

2007-11-16T12:18:00.001-05:00

Face the music at WonderLab this weekend
Meet the Instruments a two-day affair this year

By Andy Graham 331-4346 | agraham@heraldt.com
November 16, 2007
Watch a kid pick up a musical instrument for the first time and make a sound with it, then watch their eyes grow wide.
Everybody can see a whole lot of that this weekend as Bloomington’s WonderLab museum hosts the annual Meet the Instruments event.
For the first time, it’s a two-day affair. Saturday’s programming will focus on symphonic and jazz music, while Sunday will feature world and old-time music.
“This is our third year we’ve been privileged to host the event, and each year we’ve expanded the program,” WonderLab marketing director Louise Schlesinger said. “It started out with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, then we added other groups and, now, it’s a two-day festival. We have so much musical talent in so many genres in this town, and it’s wonderful to be able to draw on that.”

Bloomington Symphony personnel will have their instruments on hand as Saturday’s schedule kicks off with a 10 a.m.-till-noon session. Josh Grekin’s Little Bands School program will showcase young jazz musicians in the afternoon.
Traditional American tunes will hold sway Sunday as the Hoosier Hotcakes play from 1 to 2 p.m. Dmitri Vietze of Bloomington’s Rock Paper Scissors world music agency will follow by showcasing world music forms and their wide array of instruments.
Both days, attendees will be able to take advantage of interactive music/science activity stations, create their own instruments, try out some unusual soundmakers and explore WonderLab’s “Science of Sound” exhibits.

Regular museum admission serves as admission to all this weekend’s events. WonderLab’s general admission is $5.50 for children, $6.50 for adults and $6 for seniors. Museum members and children younger than 1 are free. WonderLab is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
WHAT: Meet the Instruments, the annual event helping young people experience a wide variety of musical instruments, up close and personal, including the classical instruments of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.

WHERE: WonderLab, 308 W. Fourth St., Bloomington.

Cache of the Day - Fall Activities

2007-11-11T20:28:00.000-05:00

Never really knew what Fall was before I moved to Indiana....but it's not so bad. Here are some shots of some of the activities we've had going on.

Tailgating at an Indiana University football game and playing the Midwest favorite game called (don't laugh) "Cornhole".

Here we are at the Rocky Horror Picture Show on Halloween.

My condo is a great place to be surrounded by fall, from the fireplace, to the patio with a carved pumpkin, to the table decorations.

My friend Kevin came to visit in Indianapolis, just so we could go on the Ghost Walk through downtown.

And here is the crew at Employment Plus in our Halloween costumes.

Cache of the Day - New Season for the Symphony

2007-10-07T21:25:00.000-04:00

The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra began its 38th season this past month, and I am enjoying my ninth year playing flute with the BSO.

We started our season this year by playing at the local mall. As part of our community outreach, we look to playing in venues that will allow us to reach potential audience by going to places our audience goes ("If Muhammad won't come to the mountain....").

Not only was our audience fairly large and diverse, we were also able to show them that we are not a "stuffy" symphony. Our program was all about PIRATES (notice my tattoo on my arm - aarhh!!), and we played music from "Pirates of the Caribbean", "Pirates of Penzance" and many more seafaring ditties.

Before the concert, we introduced young audience members to the instruments of the orchestra. I had my flute and piccolo, and several children had the opportunity to blow (or they tried to - no one actually made a sound). Taylor participated by showing off her pirates beard.

It was a great start to the season. Check out the BSO site for upcoming concerts. Would love to see you there!

Cache of the Day - The Best Place to Live

2007-10-03T23:30:00.000-04:00

I guess I left my heart in San Francisco and I didn't even know it. Seems the Trolley City is the best match for me in terms of places to live, followed by Boston, DC, New York, and Los Angeles. I must be a "city girl".

Austin was #86 (that would have TOO freaky if it made the top!).

Where should YOU be? Take this quiz to find YOUR list of "Best Places to Live".

Cache of the Day - Festival Fun

2007-10-01T23:15:00.000-04:00

Saturday was a full day of festivals and the difference between them was radical!

Taylor marched in the Persimmon Festival parade. The Persimmon Festival lasts all week in Mitchell, Indiana, and is quite the event for the small town of 4,500. This was the last day of the event, which includes midway rides, arcade games, and lots of "fair food". Persimmon pudding and ice cream - and anything else you can think of that you can create with this fruit - is everywhere. The competition is fierce for the best pudding.

The first year I experienced the parade was right after we had lived in California and we had just gone to the Rose Parade in Pasadena. As I stood on the streets of this small town, watching the firetrucks and tractors drive by, sirens and horns a-honking, I had to laugh to myself. But I have since appreciated the charm and the small-town atmosphere. Here are some shots of Mitchell friends on the street, as well as some shots of the parade. Taylor is the clarinet-player.

Later that night, we headed into Bloomington for the Lotus Festival. This is a VERY different event. Going into its thirteenth year, the Lotus Festival brings the world to Bloomington by booking musicians - bands, vocalists, unusual instruments - from countries everywhere. The diversity of the musicians and the diversity of the crowd add to the energy of this event. We saw just about every group (albeit sometime for only one or two songs). My favorite was the a capella group Chic Gamine and the improvisational oud and vocals of Dhafer Youssef. The Tuvan throat singing of Chirgikhin was also pretty cool.

A perfect day for a festival!

Cache of the Day - Shakespeare in the Park

2007-09-16T22:11:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful evening to bring a lawn chair and a picnic and to enjoy some theatre in the round. Taylor and I, and Taylor's boyfriend Tyler, had a chance to see a modern-day version of "Romeo and Juliet", performed by the Monroe County Civic Theatre on Saturday night. It was staged in a local park and was performed by Bloomington-area community members.

The play was updated for a modern audience, and actually adopted a sports theme by creating rivalries between Bloomington High School South and Bloomington High School North (two real rivals!).

Here are some shots of the actors, who relied on the setting sun for their stage lighting. There are shots here of the rumble and the [homecoming] dance.

Check out the pic of Taylor, Tyler, and I enjoying the show. You can also see a very disinterested Gracie!

Cache of the Day - High School Football Games

2007-09-09T21:07:00.000-04:00

I'm actually not talking about high school football games. The football game is just the opening and closing to the marching band.

I heard that statement once before, but OF COURSE I never believed it! Football is king, as is any sport when you're in high school. But - being a former "band nerd" myself - I couldn't wait for football season to begin. There is nothing like having the best seats in the house (our band at Cortez High School in Phoenix always sat on the 50-yard line on the "Home" side). And the antics in the stands! Having an instrument close by, while viewing a football game, always carries a potential for mischief.

One of my favorite times was when I first started going to college and, as a "prequel" to going to Arizona State University, I enrolled at Phoenix College. Of course I was in the marching band, and that is where I met My Pal, Andy. Andy always was the Master of Mischief and he (percussion), along with buddy Dave Hoops (trumpet), would make me laugh hysterically. I remember a particular game where Andy would put a trumpet to his chest and someone would yell out, "Hey Andy, play it with HEART!!!". And Dave - unseen of course - would play the "CHAAAAARGE" fanfare, while Andy would act like he was "playing" that fanfare with his heart. And then someone would yell out, "Hey Andy, play it by EAR!!!!" and Andy would put the trumpet to his ear and, well....you get the picture.

Of course, all the other non-band fans were actually WATCHING the game, so they paid no attention to these antics whatsoever.

I learned practically everything I know about football - and developed a true appreciation for it as my favorite sport - as a result of going to every Home game and 90% of Away games. And I developed a true appreciation for the unique bond that musicians have for each other through the closeness and camaraderie that we shared in these tight quarters.

So, much to my delight, my daughter Taylor is now in marching band at Mitchell High School, where she plays the clarinet. I can see that she enjoys the band very much. I'm pretty sure that is because of the people she plays with and shares the stands with. Here are a few shots of her in her band uniform.

So, football season has begun and going to Taylor's games has brought back some great memories, and just one of the reminders of why music means so much to me today.

Cache of the Day - Theme Parks

2007-09-03T20:57:00.000-04:00

Everyone's got to do at least one theme park over the summer, and we've had a chance to hang out at a couple this summer.

Here's Tyler and Taylor at Kings Island, north of Cincinnati, getting ready to ride The Italian Job. Even though we were waiting in lines the majority of the time, and spent lots of money on food and drink, we had lots of fun.

The best value around is a Holiday World, where they've got great wooden roller coasters. The best part, however, is that all the fountain drinks are FREE!!!! And sunscreen - if you're in the water park - is FREE!!!! And parking is FREE!!!! We like FREE!

While nothing compares to Disney, these local theme park are loads of fun.

Cache of the Day - Biking

2007-07-29T19:59:00.000-04:00

In honor of the final day of the Tour de France, Taylor and I got out our bikes and went for an extended visit along the bike trails in Bloomington. What a great workout, especially since the brake on my mountain bike was rubbing the entire time, causing better resistance than could be artificially simulated in any gym. I hated it. But Taylor sailed along on her road bike and laughed at me a lot.

The weather was perfect - warm and breezy, and we encountered many interesting characters in our travels.

We enjoyed the rest of our Sunday evening eating Mexican food on the patio, and Taylor here is still reading Harry Potter. (Don't tell her the ending yet....there are spoilers everywhere!).

Cache of the Day - Loving Summer!

2007-07-22T18:18:00.000-04:00

After having lived in Phoenix for 20 years of my youth, I had a rather cynical view of summers. The year my high heels melted while I was walking on the sidewalk put it all in perspective and I knew I couldn't stand the heat any longer. While I miss my mother (hi Mommy!)and my brothers Stephen and Charlie and my sister Lisa (who I know never read my blog so I am not going to say hi), I don't miss the scorching heat of an Arizona desert summer. I sympathize with My Pal Andy, who just had to have a "snow day" in Phoenix because it was TOO hot!. (Actually, I don't really sympathize with him - seems he made out pretty good!). Read his post here to find out more.

I can get why people ("snowbirds") migrate to Phoenix in the winter, because that is when the weather is just about right. And the fall and spring is even perfect. Here's a shot of Taylor and I when we visited in March (out in Carolyn's back yard), and we could still be outside without collapsing from heat prostration. (And I don't want to hear any of that, "But it's a DRY heat!". It's still hot. I don't care how dry it is....115 is still quite unbearable. Especially when walking on the sidewalk.)

But of course the main reason for the migration is that the snowbirds get away from Midwest winters.

But I don't need to think about Midwest winters now. It is a glorious summer day here in southcentral Indiana. It is about 75 degrees, a clear, blue sky, and a gentle breeze is wisping along my back porch, where I have a view of a lush, green mini-forest and, if I look really hard, I can see the edges of the lake (I can totally see it in the winter, when the trees have no leaves).

And along with this glorious weather, comes fun outdoor activities, preferably involving water! I have had a chance to get out to the lake, where Stacy and I rented a boat for a whirlwind hour of water activity.

We also had a chance to visit Put-in-Bay, an island just off the coast of Ohio in Lake Erie. We had met some people in Chicago who invited us there...and we took them up on it. (Be careful what you invite us to!). They had a 35' boat that took us there (see the pics of Terry, Debbie, and daughter Brooke), and we had a WILD time.

And what a stellar way to celebrate summer. Beautiful weather, water, fun times with friends, good food and drink, lots of sunshine, great conversation....and relaxing!

I'd love to hear ways that everyone else is celebrating these beautiful warm summer days.

Cache of the Day - Guest Posting on Thursday Quote Day

2007-07-19T21:01:00.000-04:00

Deb gently reminded me that Thursday is "quote day" on her blog so I've accomodated. Check out the latest at 8 Hours and a Lunch.

Cache of the Day - More Guest Posting

2007-07-17T20:55:00.000-04:00

See me at Deb's blog today! Click on this link to access the post "Do you have a WIG...or a PIG?". I'll be back here soon!

Cache of the Day - Guest Posting!

2007-07-16T21:49:00.001-04:00

I am a "Guest Post" on my friend Deb Owen's blog, so I'll just refer to her site this week. Click on the link to access her blog.

Cache of the Day - A Girl's Weekend

2007-06-27T18:19:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Dawn! Today is Dawn's actual birthday, but we celebrated all weekend in Chicago this past weekend. Of course, Dawn LOVED it when I would ask the waiter to PLEASE have everyone come over and SING to Dawn! You should have seen her face! She was SO happy!

Somehow - whenever I'm with Dawn - my sarcasm skyrockets. I can't say why. It just does.

We did have a great time, dining in wonderful restaurants (I especially enjoyed our dinner at Lawry's Prime Rib), and we also had our share of imbibing.

Check this out: we even discovered a wine/cheese/chocolate bar, with flights of each available for astronomical prices. It was all worth it, however, just to have the opportunity to sing - once again - to Dawn.

We also caught a show at the Second City. Very fun and very well done. Improv is SUCH an art! Such talent!

The weekend was great fun and I can say this with all sincerity - Happy Birthday, Dawn!

Cache of the Day - Changing Perceptions

2007-06-21T23:02:00.000-04:00

I love love LOVE my job, especially when I have the rare opportunity to actually work with a group to facilitate learning. Today, I facilitated a group of leaders from various organizations throughout the Bloomington area. This was session 5 in a series of nine sessions designed to increase the skills of leaders so that they can more effectively create RESULTS for their companies.

Oftentimes, leaders will think they are on the right track but - if they are open to new ideas - a "shift" in their perception can take them to a more impactful place. A shift that will provide a clearer identification of what needs to be different. A shift that creates a path to a different future. I love the way that training can shift the thought process in an individual so that they can more clearly see where they need to go.

Our class today focused on COMMUNICATION (ALWAYS a great topic) and the necessity for leaders to adapt their styles to create a more effective relationship at work. We did some "skill practice" exercises (we NEVER do role-playing, by the way. NO one likes to do ROLE-PLAYING!), and we had some discussions on challenges and limitations that we have in our current relationships.

Everyone had a chance to adapt their own style to meet the needs of others. Not easy, but changing perceptions isn't an easy thing to do.

Our participants had a great time, learned a lot, and changed their perceptions on how to more effectively communicate with others.

Cache of the Day - Facing Fears

2007-06-16T17:07:00.000-04:00

I'm assuming that most of us fear something - heights, snakes, death, or neck-biting deers (my nephew Eric's greatest fear!). Oftentimes we try to avoid them, but one of the best ways to overcome fears is by actually facing them. I have read that, if you are afraid of spiders, for example, that you should imagine the worst scenario that can happen, such as having spiders crawling all over you. This is supposed to calm you. I find this very hard to believe, but then again, I don't have a PhD in Psychology, so I will assume that this theory is a result of a study that was conducted that revealed these results.

I have typical fears - related to heights, mostly. I experienced vertigo on the top of the World Trade Center and the Empire State Building. I am a "freaky flyer" in an airliner and I can feel my heart rate skyrocketing, particularly on takeoff and landing. For some reason, I have a crazy fear of bridges, known as gephyrophobia. I experienced this quite a bit when I lived in Los Angeles, particularly driving over freeway overpasses. I realized how intense it was the first time I drove over the Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco.

Speaking of San Francisco, I had the unique opportunity of experiencing the triumvirate - my fear of heights, flying, and bridges - during a trip to San Francisco when the tour helicopter we were flying in actually went UNDER the Golden Gate Bridge. Here's the shot.

My most recent fear has nothing to do with heights. Taylor has started driving. I don't think I need to say anything else. You can bet I am not imagining the worst that can happen to face this fear. Fortunately, she seems to be a very cautious and aware driver so, while I will always have a fear for my child, I know that she will be careful and will drive safe. Right, Taylor?

Cache of the Day - A Daughter Who Gives

2007-05-28T07:42:00.001-04:00

BEFORE

My daughter Taylor has been growing her hair out for over a year so that she could donate her locks to "Locks for Love". This past Saturday was her day to get her tresses chopped off. Check out these pics to see the progression.
THE FIRST SLICE

HALF AND HALF

Taylor loves her new look and I am proud to have a daughter who gives.

A HUG FOR DAD

AFTER

Cache of the Day - Dance Recital

2007-05-20T21:23:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that we work an entire year (we started last August) to perform for less than 10 minutes on stage, but it's true! Of course, the real fun is practicing every week, learning new dance steps, selecting our dance music and costumes, and other such preparatory events.

Okay, those of you who know me know that the REAL fun is the performance. The ideal situation would be to instantly know the dance and be able to PERFORM every week instead of PRACTICE. Unfortunately, you can't have a great performance without the practice, as I've found out. And given my decided lack of talent when it comes to dancing, I really need to practice more than those who are naturally gifted.

Taylor is just the opposite and would rather practice and NEVER perform. She has proclaimed herself to have Social Anxiety Disorder and thus doesn't like to even SPEAK to people much less PERFORM for them. Despite this, she had a FABULOUS performance, and felt that she did her personal best on each of her dances.

It was a long year and a long evening, but we had a great time.

Cache of the Day - In Search of Artsy Stuff

2007-05-13T23:12:00.000-04:00

I don't think I'm all that snobbish or cultured, but I do like to pretend like I am! Thus, attending an opening reception for a photo exhibition and then viewing a film (which is VERY different from "seeing a movie") was quite an event this weekend.

This past Friday night my friend Deb and I attended the reception for this photo exhibition. Deb, an aspiring and very talented photographer (check her out at 8 Hours and a Lunch) knew some of the entries into this event, so we checked it out. While I don't know that much about photography, I was touched and amazed by the interpretation that the photographers - many of them classified as amateur - exhibited at the SOFA gallery on the Indiana University campus. What talent and creativity!

I especially liked the peanut butter blossoms, one of my favorite cookies, which they served, along with many cheeses, pita bread, and humus, and of course, fine wines. Very snobbish indeed!

Afterwards we attended - in the same building - a film ("In Search of Mozart")that I had wanted to see for some time. I discovered that it was playing throughout the U.S. while on a trip to Chicago and, upon further research, found out that this film - along the genre of a documentary - was developed as part of a celebration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 250th birthday. Deb and I "viewed" the film in this - shall I say "rustic" - auditorium. And yes, the film was LONG (Deb and I kept asking, hoping, praying for the "Requiem" to be featured, as we knew this film was staged in chronological order and the Requiem was Mozart's last work). But the INSIGHTS into Mozart's compositions were so compelling. Many experts - composers, conductors, historians, performers - provided interpretations on Mozart's works that I had never understood, or thought about, or explored. And these interpretations made the film incredibly worthwhile. Not to mention that it only cost $4 a person.

So we had a great night and had fun acting like cultural snobs. And we learned a bit too ("brain food" as a friend of mine describes it).

Cache of the Day - Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

2007-05-06T19:24:00.000-04:00

Although the celebration of Cinco de Mayo was HUGE when I lived in Southern California and Phoenix, and not so much here in Indiana ("What is this holiday again?", "What's it about?"), I've always appreciated the color of the celebration, with great music and wonderful food. And what a great excuse to get people together!

I must commend the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra for its focus on the celebration, which culminated in a concert of Latin and Latin-inspired music. Our featured soloist was Emilio Colon, who played, certainly with technical skill, but more importantly with a passion that only Latin lovers can display! I loved to watch him and often became entranced during his performance. Even more impressive was the fact that he wrote the music, a reflection of his escapades and memories of his youth.

I had a little celebration at the condo on Saturday night, complete with a full array of Mexican food and drink. Here is my friend Jackie with a margarita and me with a sangria. You should have seen our rendition of the Macarena after a few of these!

Cache of the Day - Working at a "Best Place to Work"

2007-05-03T13:08:00.000-04:00

Last week Employment Plus received an award as one of the best places to work in the state of Kentucky (we placed 10th there for our size company), and yesterday I attended a banquet in Indianapolis where we received a Best Places to Work award for the state of Indiana (we placed 21 out of 30 companies there).

A lot goes into winning an award like this, but the primary criteria comes from a survey that our employees fill out about our company. Included in the survey are questions around benefits, recognition, opportunity, community involvement, and training.

Both events were great fun and we were very pleased with the honor!

Cache of the Day - Mixing Music and Movies

2007-05-01T17:52:00.000-04:00

>

The Bloomington Pops held an "Oscar Party" this past Friday night, and created a concert-going experience that touched all the senses. This is the way classical concerts should be presented! Listeners today will not tolerate sitting in an uncomfortable auditorium chair watching a conductor wave his or her arms for two arms, regardless of how beautiful the music may be.

Before the concert, the Pops held an invitation-only welcome reception at a different location. We walked in on the red carpet, and we were greeted by a starlet in the requisite gold lame ball gown. How fun!

The room was filled with music and movie lovers, so we had good conversation, plenty of wonderful appetizers, and bubbly cocktails. The reception was held in the History Museum, and it showcased movies of the past, as well as our claim-to-fame actors, such as Kevin Kline. The movie "Breaking Away" was of course featured, as it was filmed in Bloomington around the Little 500 Race.

The reception also had quizzes and other activities to participate in, such as "guess the starlet". A photographer was on hand to snap our shots in the director's chair.

The highlight for me was when a piano player sat down and started playing music from movies. I couldn't resist, and I stood behind her and started singing along. She invited me to sit down on the piano bench with her and we just performed song after song. My mommy and I used to always do this when I was growing up. We could do it for hours! Of course my friend Deb and my daughter Taylor and her friend quickly exited stage left. Might they have been embarrassed?

The concert itself was glorious, and included selections from "Pirates of the Carribean", "Breakfast at Tiffanys". and "Star Wars" (what a GREAT way to end the concert!!!). Imagine listening to a LIVE orchestra playing the score while you view one of these movies! This was the closest thing!
What a great evening and truly the future for classical concerts. More of this type of event will create a younger and more faithful audience (and more support and resources to keep the arts alive).

Cache of the Day - Cache of the Day!

2007-04-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

The weather was perfect for geocaching today! Deb and Abbey came along, and Deb was the photographer for what was to be her first time geocaching.

Taylor and I had tried to find this hide before, but it eluded us. This time, with the help of some previous loggers, we discovered its whereabouts fairly quickly. The cache itself was loaded with goodies, and we left behind a Travel Bug, although Wasabi Warrior is going to have to help us on how to log that.

Gracie and Abbey had a great time. Although they weren't particularly helpful, they seemed excited nonetheless. Gracie celebrated with a dip in the creek!

Cache of the Day - Business Connections

2007-04-21T16:06:00.000-04:00

The Bloomington Chamber of Commerce had its annual Business Expo this past Thursday, and of course Employment Plus had a booth.

This event is like a reunion of everyone we do business with in the Bloomington area. It's fun to catch up with the people from these businesses, and it also interesting to see what their business is up to.

I know that our goal is to make contacts for new business, but I often wonder how productive this is, as we only seem to connect with those we already know. I would love to hear some ideas on how to keep the focus.

Yes, I was one of the worst offenders this time, probably because this was local, and there were SO MANY people I know personally. And here some of the people there(from top to bottom):

Ryan Bass, in charge of Marketing for new spring water company, Walnut Grove (notice the cool bottles).

Dena Marietta, Director of Marketing for the College Mall, a Simon property (don't ask me why we're both leaning into each other).

Jean and Jackie, friends from SOCC

The Employment Plus crew from the Bloomington branch office - Erin, Heather, Rebecca, Katelyn, and me!

Cache of the Day - Musical Theatre

2007-04-15T20:07:00.000-04:00

I have decided that heaven must truly be a Broadway musical. Nothing can be better!

Having just gotten back from seeing - for the second time - the touring company of "Wicked" perform in Chicago, I was reminded how much of a treasure these kinds of experiences really are. The show was even better than I had remembered it - great acting and wonderful sets and incredible costumes. And the music - oh the music! - was so awesome, and the voices made the story come alive.

"Wicked" has to be just about the best musical I've ever seen. I had season tickets to the theatre in LA when I lived there, and I had an opportunity to see great shows AND great stars of the theatre perform - Angela Lansbury in "Sweeney Todd", Jim Dale in "Barnum", Michael Crawford in "Phantom of the Opera", Lauren Bacall in "Woman of the Year", and Mickey Rooney in "Damn Yankees".

Of course, there is nothing like actually performing in musicals. My favorite roles include Petra in "A Little Night Music", The Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods", and Miss Electra, one of the strippers-with-a gimmick in "Gypsy" (my entire costume consisted primarily of light bulbs). I also enjoyed many different Gilbert and Sullivan musicals, as well as quite a bit of time spent in the pit with my flute an piccolo.

I'm excited that I've got a couple of other shows to see in the next couple of weeks, including "Nine" and "Aida". I can't wait. Going to see these shows MUST be what heaven is.

Cache of the Day - Favorite Holiday!

2007-04-08T21:06:00.000-04:00

Having worked over 20 years in retail, I don't share the same "favorite holiday" as most and in fact prefer Easter. The holiday is more relaxed and generally the weather is warm (although not this year!).

Here are some Easter cookies that Taylor and I decorated. Much easier than decorating eggs (and much tastier!).

Cache of the Day - Beautiful Day!

2007-04-01T17:43:00.000-04:00

I've always admonished people for taking pictures of scenery. If you want scenery you can buy a post card. Include people in your pictures!

Today, however, I could not help taking pictures of scenery as it was such a beautiful day in Bloomington, Indiana.

Having grown up in the desert, I never understood the concept of "bulb" plants, but here they are! Planted in the fall and patiently waiting to appear to signal the new season.

I also never understood "blooming". Yes, the cacti occasionally display their flora in the Spring, but it is not as spectacular as these blooming Red Bud trees (my favorite - and they only bloom for about three weeks.)

What a perfect day to sit and read and relax, and here's the place to do it. Of course, I never seem to be able to relax, so I didn't actually sit here, but it WOULD be a nice spot to catch a view of the lake, just a little ways away from my condo.

Days like these are meant to be spent outdoors!

Cache of the Day - Wedding Fun

2007-03-22T22:52:00.000-04:00

Dancing at the reception

Let's face it. The best part of the wedding is the reception. Nephew Dan and new bride Ali got married this past Saturday in the warm afternoon sun at a beautiful resort in Phoenix. The reception was great - excellent DJ, nice toasts from the best man and maid of honor, and yummy wedding cake and sparkling champagne.

Father-of-the-groom Steve and Mommy

Taylor and me at mother-of-the-groom's house (Rehearsal Dinner)

The bride and groom experienced their honeymoon at my old stomping grounds - the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. Maybe the honeymoon is the best part about the wedding!

Dan and my mommy

Cache of the Day - Phoenix Activities

2007-03-21T01:08:00.000-04:00

I'm just going to lump a bunch into one post, since so much has been going on.

Activities the last couple of days have been:

Seeing a band called Mogollon.

They played a mix of rock and country and were very good. I especially liked their "FiddleStix" number where the guitar player and the fiddle player each played one-HALF of the other's instrument. At the same time. Fast. It was amazing. My sister-in-law Kristi knows the band members so they took our requests. We invited them over afterwards but I think they were looking for a REAL bar. Good luck in Buckeye, Arizona!

Hanging out with bikers.

Here I am on my brother Steve's Harley. This was a lot of machine for me. Here are some of his biker buddies.

Eating at regional fast food places.

Can't find Jack-in-the-Box or In-n-Out Burger in Indiana, so I had to schedule these feeding activities into my time here.

Arizona sunsets.

Nothing more beautiful!

Cache of the Day - Offroading

2007-03-18T15:35:00.000-04:00

Always wanted to do this, and we had the opportunity this week during my visit to Phoenix. The temperature got up to 105 degrees, but with the wind and dust blowing across your body, you hardly feel it. I also did my share of screaming. Daughter Taylor was perfectly fine going up 45 degree angles (and down!), even with boulders, cacti, and soft sand in our path.

My brother Jack (the brother formerly known as "Charlie") brought his Pinzgauer, an old Swedish army vehicle, down with him from Flagstaff. Brother Stephen (always known as "Stephen") brought his Jeep and two stepkids.

I loved taking a shower that night.

Cache of the Day - Karaoke

2007-03-16T03:26:00.000-04:00

I've traveled to Phoenix to attend my nephew Dan's wedding, and my time here has been delightfully monopolized by friends and family. Having grown up here, and only getting back every few years, the limited amount of time is jam-packed catching up with everyone. But somehow it feels like I have never left.

I'll keep updating on activities here, as well as the emotional connections I have with Phoenix and the people I know, but for now I will report on what truly is a "cache", in whatever city it can be found. And that is one of my all-time favorite activities - alone or in groups. Karaoke.

My ex-sister-in-law, Carolyn Dausend, has a beautiful home, equipped with a complete karaoke set up, better than you would see in most bars. Many, MANY song titles to choose from. And lots of audience (she must have had 20 people in her house tonight). She knows my enthusiasm for karaoke, so she plans complete events around it. Although this was a "casual" evening (Karaoke Night is officially scheduled for this Monday), we did get a few songs in tonight.

Dan and bride-to-be Allie are performing a selection from "Grease" here, and friend Jeremy is outstanding with a Lighthouse number. I sang a Whitney Houston number and several selections from Broadway (most people didn't "get" that and, quite frankly, hadn't heard of most of the pieces). Carolyn ended the evening with her signature song "These Boots Are Made for Walking".

For those of us who love to perform, and especially for those who love to do it while singing, this was truly a "cache" of the day!

Cache of the Day - Identifying Career Opportunities

2007-03-11T23:00:00.000-04:00

I stole this from Deb's blog. Part of my work is in helping individuals to transition between jobs, and one of the greatest treasures is helping them see that they need to focus on not just a job, but a PASSION.

Although this quiz is a very oversimplified and a small component of identifying the paths to take for the journey, it is kind of fun! Thank you Evil HR Lady!

Here's my results:

Your Career Personality: Capable, Friendly, and Energetic

Your Ideal Careers:

Actor
Advertising Executive
Artist
Counselor
Entrepreneur
Musician
Politician
Psychologist
Teacher
Television Reporter

The Quick and Dirty Career Test

Cache of the Day - Music Education

2007-02-24T21:33:00.000-05:00

Music in schools often seems such an afterthought, so it is especially exciting to have the opportunity to enhance the educational experience. The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra has always had educational outreach as part of its mission, and our recent weekend of Young People's Concerts is an important component to achieve that mission.

In addition to having high school music students from both Bedford and Bloomington sit side-by-side with BSO players, the BSO also holds a Concerto Competition for regional high school students. The winner plays their concerto at a BSO concert in front of a live and very appreciative audience. Our Concerto Competition winner here, violinist Zoe Martin-Doike, played a Sibelius concerto and was simply amazing!

For high school students to say, after the concert, "That was really neat" is a testament to how neat it really is!

Cache of the Day - Tapping into Untapped Potential

2007-02-21T20:04:00.000-05:00

I'm a pretty good singer, and quite an accomplished flute player. My acting skills can pass, although I won't win any awards. But for all these dramatic talents, I never could get the hang of dancing. Coordinating legs and arms and torso and feet and hands and head with any sort of a beat is not a natural ability. So, I decided to do something about it. I joined a tap class.

This is my third year and, while I have not improved my skills all that much, I do have a ton of fun. Our group is called "The Klassy Kats" and we are, as you can see from these pictures, not exactly young kids.

We are preparing for our recital in May (I've included some shots from last year's recital) and, for the first time (at least for me), we are doing a kick line.

Watch out Rockettes!

Cache of the Day - Appreciating the Unappreciated

2007-02-18T19:18:00.000-05:00

Having grown up in Phoenix and subsequently moving to the temperate climate of southern California, I have had a hard time adjusting to the "seasons" of the Midwest.

Just today I had several "near misses" while driving on icy city streets. I couldn't find a parking space in a lot that usually has plenty of spaces - unless there are snow piles in them. I even got stuck going up a hill. A friendly neighbor tried to help by pushing my car, but to no avail. I used about half a tank of gas to finally force my way out.

And then there's the cold. My run was cut short today by freezing temperatures and snowy paths that I could only walk on. I've not done a good job of acquiring proper gear for the winter, so my thin bikers pants quickly became merely a sheet against the biting wind.

But despite all the inconveniences, nothing can compare to the beauty that has been provided. I snapped these shots outside my workplace. I actually walked outside - once again without the proper attire - and wobbled in my stilettos through the snow to capture these images.

While these pictures don't do any justice to what I saw, know that the branches of these trees reminded me of Christmas. The grove was filled with twinkling icicles that glittered in the sun like thousands of tiny lights.

And I just snapped this sunset shot from my front door.

And I did startle a herd of white tail deer on my run today. They scampered away at first, but then stopped and watched me carefully as I passed on the path.

Topping off the day: this crackling fire and a glass of chardonnay.

There may be a lot I don't appreciate about Midwest winters, but I do appreciate the beauty that surrounds them!

Cache of the Day - Professional Networking

2007-02-17T21:03:00.000-05:00

I used to not see the value of it, but I now know that contacts with professionals, in various types of industries and roles, is an invaluable way to plug into people that can add value to your career and your future opportunities.

Yesterday I participated in the Indiana State SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) Leadership Conference. As a member of the Board for our local chapter, SCIHRA (see the link to the left), I was invited to attend and to network with members of other chapters. Not only did I pick up some great ideas from other chapters from the state (I'm the VP of Membership for SCIHRA, so I focused on my counterparts from other chapters), but I also had the opportunity to connect with others that may at some point have a need for the services I provide through Employment Plus.

In addition to quite an extensive involvement in this organization, I also attend Chamber of Commerce functions for the Bloomington area, as well as Chambers in some of the other markets that Employment Plus is in. I have had several leads from my connections to these organizations and we've actually closed quite a bit of business, simply as a result of the people who I have met.

I'd like to hear of ways that others have made successful connections through networking. What has worked for you and what kinds of results have you seen?

Here are some photos of people I otherwise wouldn't have met, and who have sent business my way:

(TOP) Me with Chris Schrader, the current President of SCIHRA, and the VP-HR for AuthorHouse. I am in fact getting "schradered" in this picture.

(NEXT) My friend and co-trainer Sharon McGuire. She assists GREATLY with the membership committee at SCIHRA, and we also are both members of CIASTD (see link to left). Sharon has her own training company "Above and Beyond Workplace Training"

(NEXT) My friend Kyle hosting the HR Games at Indiana University - she's actually the "Alex Trebeck" for the games that were held yesterday. Kyle used me a lot in her role as HR Manager for NextWave Management Group.

(BOTTOM) I met Ryan Bass when I worked at Sunrise, and we still catch up at local events, such as this recent Chamber After Hours. Ryan now heads up Marketing for Walnut Grove Spring Water.

Cache of the Day - Running with Gracie

2007-02-11T21:18:00.000-05:00

Just ask Gracie, "Wanna go for a run?" and you will see the most excited, jumbly, happy, vocal dog I know. She loves it. It makes me happy to make her happy. I don't know if it's the actual running, the fact that I'm excited, getting in the car, going to a new place, the exploration, or the actual run, but I know she likes it when I ask her that question.

I wish I could get inside a dog's head and know.

Here I am with Gracie (above) and here's a picture of my friend Deb with her dog Abbey (left).

I did learn a little dog/cat theology at church today.

A dog says: "You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, You must be God".

A cat says: "You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, I must be God".

I swear, Gracie does think I am God. Kinda cool.

Cache of the Day - Super Colts!

2007-02-07T22:26:00.000-05:00

I've seen it posted everywhere. Colts won the Super Bowl, and of course this was exciting news to most who live in the environs of Indianapolis.

We had a fun time at the SuperBowl party. Here's a shot of the screen we got to see the game on at the Clubhouse.

And here's my favorite picture of the Colts, taken after the game. Puts priorities in perspective.

Cache of the Day - Friends Who Call You Out

2007-02-07T22:18:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen! Let me introduce to you Mr. R. Dale Preston! Blog Critic and Monitor! Yes, he may look like a nice guy, especially as he assumes his ruse by posing with a couple of man's best friends, but don't let this "canine closeness" fool you! He will indeed be monitoring your blog and calling out your inconsistencies in postings!

So, with this pressure in mind, I have in fact succumbed and am posting today, if only to appease RDP.

Seriously, I LIKE people to hold me accountable, and here is one thing I can say about Dale: You can ALWAYS depend on him to say exactly what is on his mind. You know EXACTLY how he feels about you. And he will call it out as he sees it.

Oh, and I also know he LOVES dogs. For real.

Dale is my kind of guy. Loud, obnoxious, and incredibly lovable. He makes me laugh. Even when he calls me out for missing a few days on my blog. I love this guy!

Cache of the Day - Solo & Ensemble Competition

2007-01-28T17:41:00.000-05:00

This weekend my daughter Taylor competed in the District Solo & Ensemble competition in Bloomington, Indiana. She played a woodwind trio piece with another clarinet and a flute.

Taylor suffers from self-proclaimed "social anxiety disorder" and therefore she was unwilling to play a solo as she did last year (which she won a Gold Medal for). Fortunately the presence of the other two woodwind players calmed her enough so that we could actually watch her perform for the judge.

Even though the other clarinet player got called out by the judge for improper fingering, the trio ended up with a Gold Medal. You can see how excited they were by this shot taken shortly after their score was presented.

As much as she fretted about the performance, Taylor said she really enjoyed the day, and I know I really enjoyed spending time with two things I really love - music and Taylor!

Cache of the Day - Snow Skiing!!!

2007-01-21T21:01:00.000-05:00

Our first snow of the year, and of course that means time to hit the slopes! These are pictures of the snow and trees surrounding the house in Bedford - so beautiful to wake up to!

Paoli Peaks is about 1/2 hour south of Bedford and has struggled all season to keep snow on the ground. The last time Taylor and I went was on "fake" snow. Today was a nice mixture although it was a little misty and wet.

Cache of the Day - Another Treasure!

2007-01-17T22:27:00.000-05:00

I LOVE this! I LOVE playing with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, an organization I have been participating in for the past eight years.

I play flute and piccolo and we just had our rehearsal last night for the upcoming "Night in Old Vienna", a GLORIOUS evening of food and dancing held in an opulent venue. More info on that can be found on our web site http://www.bloomingtonsymphony.us/.

How did I get so lucky? How did I know, when I decided to play the flute a gazillion years ago, that I would end up in the best place in the orchestra? Not only do I get to play an instrument that can be coerced to express the innermost feelings of the player, but this instrument is positioned in the MIDDLE of the orchestra. Talk about surround-sound!

I can barely concentrate on my playing when I'm surrounded by the strings in front of me, the rest of the winds behind me, and the composition of Strauss, "The Waltz King". I get made fun of a lot because I can't sit still when I play. It's not good to be so "distracting", but the music touches me to the point where I can't help myself. The music for NIOV is particularly this way....I just want to get up and dance!

Playing with a symphony orchestra is truly a treasure in my life and one that I discovered early in life. This is a cache I love finding over and over!

Cache of the Day - Weekend in Brown County

2007-01-15T08:51:00.000-05:00

Family and friends gathered together this weekend to relax, have fun, and to celebrate a 50th Wedding Anniversary. Our retreat was scheduled in a large cabin in Brown County, Indiana, where all 16 of us piled in on Saturday and went back to our respective homes this morning.

Food and conversation was plentiful, and there was never a lack of activities. Here are just some of the things we did:

Games – the group played cards, train dominoes, and a game called “Apples to Apples” (see the picture of Bridget and Lindsay playing). We had great fun finding out about each other with the game “Loaded Questions” which asked the group their answers to such queries as “What three species should be eliminated from the earth?” (I listed George Bush as my first choice). We also had a ping-pong championship that Tom won (see Jill in the tournament at the left).

Geocaching – of course, this needs to be part of a weekend in Brown County, and the following pictures show some of the treasures that were found on this visit (the “treasures” that you see are actually some caches, as well as the scenic treasures that Brown County always provides).

Running – we all got our share of running in. My longest run of the day was when my car had sunk in the mud at a campsite and I had to run quite a ways to the Park Office to find help. Unfortunately, the Park Office was closed. Fortunately, I found four burly good-looking guys to help me push the car out of the mud! I like how things work out!

Football – the Chargers lost and that is all I am going to say about football (this smiley face was taken before the game). Well, I guess I will also say that there is always a silver lining because, since New England won, the Colts will be hosting the Patriots in Indianapolis. But that is a small consolation.

All in all, this was a great way to spend a weekend. Well, except the Chargers lost. And that's the last I am going to say about that.

Cache of the Day - Jazz

2007-01-11T22:07:00.000-05:00

Pockets of treasures can be found everywhere, and tonight we came across a small jazz ensemble in an Italian restaurant on the square in Bloomington. Here is a picture of Cathi Canfield - the VP of Performance Development at Employment Plus - and I enjoying dinner together, listening to smooth jazz sounds in the background.

Jazz is such a free form of expression, and I so admire musicians that play in this genre. They can translate their feelings to their instrument, and the connection that occurs in a small group is just amazing. It's more than talent - it's a window into the heart of the player, and this is often how they best express their feelings.

The group was intimate and tight, and so soothing to listen to. Here they are playing a request, "The Way You Look Tonight". They were expressing it the way I was feeling it, and there is no better way for people to connect their souls than through music that is played from the heart.

Cache of the Day - Treasure Found!

2007-01-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is one of the treasures of life! Found!

The last two days I have been facilitating the Coaching Clinic, a training workshop designed to help leaders to develop skills that will allow them to create an environment of coaching in their organizations. I was authorized to facilitate this a little over two years ago, and recently I have been conducting clinics for our internal Employment Plus leaders. The clinic was conducted in the beautiful city of Lexington, Kentucky.

The wonder of this is the transformation that occurs with the participants. How their perceptions on leadership change during the course of the clinic. How they walk out with obvious shifts to how they view their role. It is SO cool to see them leave on the last day, and to know that - because of their changed viewpoint - they will adapt their style and become even more effective. And even if it is in a small way, I know that they are taking a path to more effective leadership. I'm excited of course on how this will impact Employment Plus, but I think I'm most excited to see the individual transformation. I've shared some photos of some of our participants at work!

I also really enjoyed spending some down time with the group. A group of us went out to a Japanese steakhouse in Lexington, complete with hibachi grill, sushi, and sake (see a picture of Natalie McMahan from Terre Haute, IN and Trish Thompson from Greenwood, IN). We also had wasabi. Although some people love this fiery condiment, I have a difficult time eating food that causes pain. I passed on it, and simply focused on my fillet and lobster. Good food and good company!

These last two days have been quite a find! I'd like more treasure like this!

Cache of the Day - Intense Work

2007-01-08T22:41:00.000-05:00

This is a treasure that is SO difficult to find....to get EVERYTHING done at work! Mondays are particularly crazy since they are PACKED with meetings.

I head up the Professional Training and Coaching division at Employment Plus (www.employmentplus.com). My responsibilities include developing effective performance change solutions to businesses, as well as the internal training needs of Employment Plus.

Mondays are focused on internal needs. To make sure we are serving all our "customers" at Employment Plus we (our internal training team) schedule meetings with each of the functional areas, to ensure we are focusing on the right training solutions. Typically, we will discuss needs with Human Resources, Safety, Partnership Delivery, and Sales. We also have a weekly meeting with our President, Mike Ross, to make sure we are focused on his priorities. (See a picture of Mike above facilitating a session at a recent Leadership Conference we held).

While Mondays are crazy, they are loaded with great interaction and wonderful ideas. I wish we could implement everything we talk about immediately! But that's where the "treasure hunt" becomes so exciting - figuring out the right path to take, how to overcome obstacles, recognizing the sites along the way (and not getting distracted by them!).

This Monday was truly an intense work day, but it feels so good to make progress and to see that the treasure could just be ready to be found!

Cache of the Day - "All the Earth"

2007-01-07T21:36:00.001-05:00

My journey today was more of a spiritual one. I haven't quite found this "cache" yet, but I haven't given up the search. I think I need better coordinates. I'm working on it.

I sing on the worship team at the largest Christian church in Bloomington, Sherwood Oaks. I have been involved in the worship ministry for 6 years, and I thoroughly enjoy the people I am connected in with. I especially admire their faith.

We sang a beautiful new song today "All the Earth" by Jack Hayford, Wayne Huirua, and Andrew Ulugia. It really talks to the wondrous creations that have been bestowed on us and how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such beauty.

After church I went for my Sunday run at Clear Creek Trail in Bloomington (I like it because it is FLAT!) and got in a 2.5 mile run. The rain was freezing and the ground was hard beneath my feet, but I still glimpsed the life that surrounds this creek and this sanctuary. My clothes were soaked by the time I got done, but I noticed the wildlife didn't seem to mind the weather.

I really wanted to be home and to snuggle up under a big comforter and get warm, but I never would have experienced what turned out to be a glorious day. (I did do that later!).

Geocaching as Life

2007-01-06T23:01:00.000-05:00

As this is my first post, I thought it best to provide some initial thoughts on living life and expectations for the future. You can read my profile, of course, but we all know there is more to a person than where they live and how old they are and what their interests are.

The new year typically brings thoughts of renewal and growth for most people, and my thoughts are in that direction as well. This blog is part of "change" for me. It's something I haven't done, but I sense it will bring some structure to a year destined to be rife with transition.

I won't go into all the transitions now, but I will say that I am looking forward to creating a new and better me (which is also one of the points of my mission - "continuous improvement").

A new hobby I've discovered this past year is geocaching. Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Treasures, or "caches" are set up throughout the world. Those coordinates are provided, and individuals (such as me!) can find them.

My intent is not to talk about geocaching here, however, but rather to talk to the analogy of how I view the opportunities in 2007. Just as "caches" are available everywhere, I believe I have a world of treasures to discover myself this year. Some will be difficult, some will be easy. Sometimes the terrain will be treacherous. I will need guidance to capture these treasures, whether internal or from other resources.

Whatever the path I take in 2007, I view it with the same excitement and adventure that can be experienced through gecaching. I've got a world of treasures to discover in 2007 and I'm just getting started!