Some girls get new Easter dresses

I get Easter shoes.

They were a bargain too. I love loafers! I was admiring these at a store at The Legends Outlet Mall in Kansas City a couple weekends ago when a couple women gazed upon them longingly, sealing the deal. I had to have them. On Sale $, yeah baby.

It's been a busy weekend. Chiya and I went to Oz and Great and Powerful yesterday. We hit Sub City first, where we each got a toasted sub. She likes meatball. I had purchased candy ahead of the movie - to be thrifty. The movie was good - not great. Chiya seemed to like it, and I liked being with her. Paul took the opportunity to head down to South Central Iowa to hunt for shed antlers.

I loved the noise the Little China Girl's feet made when she walked. The characters are the best part of all Oz books - people know the most famous characters: Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and of course Dorothy. Most haven't heard of Tik Tok, the Woozy, Shaggy Man (and his brother) and Button Bright. L Frank Baum, the author of the books, did such a fantastic job of describing his characters - both reoccurring and one-time. He put the reader right in the story.

Speaking of characters. My lil sis Chiya is a great kid. She texted me yesterday a.m. to ask what time I'd pick her up? (I had talked to her grandmother the day before to make arrangements) Then right away she texted again and said sorry - I forgot to say good morning. How cute is that? I will be going on vaca next Saturday so I won't be able to hang out with her for a while. I told her I'd text her some pics. I'm glad she has a cell phone. I'm looking forward to nicer weather so we can do some outside stuff!

Paul and I went to sunrise Mass at 7 a.m. We were surprised that our former priest in Creston - Father Pins was the celebrant. Small world! He is now in charge of recruiting new priests and religious. His sermon was good and he was very gracious when we said hello after mass. A mob of people were already waiting for the 8:30 a.m. mass as we left - there are 9,000 people in our parish.

Mom would have been proud that I used my China and Crystal

Later, we entertained family (not county the kids and Kara) for the holiday - a first in our new home. Paul cooked his famous prime rib and I did party potatoes in the crock pot. I got a couple desserts at Whole Foods. Paul's sis Carol brought the makings of stuffed mushrooms - they were very rich and yummy. Jean and Dave brought 7 layer salad and Barb brought a delish spiral ham along with her husband Mike and daughter Mandy. There was wine. Everything was good.

Mike and Mandy

Mandy, Jean and Carol

Barb trims the ham. Mandy is a ham.

Card sharks showed up after the meal

It was nice to get together with the fam after a long winter. (Let's hope winter is over!) Jean and Dave just found out that their granddaughter Ellie broke her leg skateboarding - the same type of break her dad had in 1979 (Steve was 13 and a headstone fell on him) when Paul and I first started dating. That was when I met Jean and Dave for the first time. They were in Ames visiting Steve in the hospital. I met Carol the next year. Wow...I've known them 30+ years. Goldsmiths are good Peeps - and not the marshmallow kind. Heal quickly Ellie.

The Happy Place Countdown is ON!

1 Week to my flight to happiness - Marco Island. Paul and I will meet Cindo and Colby there next Saturday. The way this winter has gone...for once it's not just about as warm here as it is there. I have been working at warp speed lately it seems. I love my job, but need a total break tree-hugging and from cubicle land.

I did enjoy a break from my cubicle yesterday as I worked with partner in crime Scott Flagg at a conference for landfill people and public works folks at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. Our bosses decided to invest some time and $ into a booth this year. Alex is a carpentry whiz. He whipped up an official Cornhole game. Yes folks that is what it's called - because Angie Googled it and found an actual association - Cornhole!

Scott Flagg with game - note skin with logo

Cornhole is a great tailgating activity! It was good for conferencing too. Alex built an "official" set and Jen had our communications department design a "skin" for it with our section's logo on it, made from sturdy Tyvec material. Angie ordered 4 bags - and yes, they're filled with - corn. It holds up better than beans.

LF Engineer Mike Smith blamed lack of beer for lack of prowess

We also decided to raffle a 4 seater park bench made from recycled milk jugs and plastic bags. This combination made our corner of the packed full exhibit room the "place to be" during session breaks! The sign up for the park bench was a good conversation starter. Those who chose to play the bag toss were eligible for several prizes - left over from last year's State Fair. People had fun with it. New employee Amy B. kept saying - "try the games - all the cool kids are playing!"

Landfill engineer Matt Phoenix, Scott and new girl, Amy Buckendahl(sp?)

Photo looking away from our booth - over 200 attended

Alex - at left is the supervisor of the Solid Waste Section.

I found out this afternoon that the landfill staff at the Iowa County Landfill won the bench and the director, Rick was thrilled! They have a beautiful facility, right by the Amana Colony and are certain to find a great spot to set the bench.

The other nice thing about this conference? Several people told me how they appreciate the attitude at DNR these days - how they feel staff is more committed to working with them. That comes from the top - Director Chuck Gipp was the keynote speaker yesterday and they liked what he had to say. I didn't get to hear it, but he talks at our periodic staff meetings. He gets it.

Enough about work.

We're entertaining for Easter! Paul's sis Carol, her daughter Barb with fam - husband Mike and daughter Mandy and Paul's sis Jean and husband Dave are coming. Paul will be making his standing rib. I'll whip up Mom's party potatoes in the crock pot. I stopped at Whole Foods today and got some yummy bread, and some desserts. Plus these beautiful flowers.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

Tomorrow, Lil Sis Chiya and I are going to the new Oz movie. I'm nervous, because I grew up on Oz - as did my Mom before me. The books are displayed proudly in my room - much beloved. I'm skeptical - but my supe, Jen said she took her 10 year old daughter who loved it. So I'm willing to give it a shot, for Chiya's sake - no 3-D though...that would mess with my head. Even more than I'm messed up already!

Hangin' with my Sis

With Chiya 3/24/13

I picked up Chiya, my Little Sis, at 1 p.m. Sunday. Yep...right during the ISU/OSU basketball game. I had set the time up with her on Friday, before we knew the game time, and I didn't want to change it once I knew. So I listened to the radio on the way there - we were falling behind. 

In the car on the way to our place - we had plans to come here and meet Odie and Paul, bake cookies (the easy out of the package kind) and check out Jordan Creek Mall - we chatted. We got home in time to watch ISU lose a close one. Again - sigh. It's our lot in life. Not surprisingly, having Chiya here allowed me to be a much better sport about the whole thing. See - she's making me a better person already! I have a feeling that's the way it's going to be. It's typical of anytime I volunteer or donate my time - I garner much more than I give...

Father George talked about giving at Mass yesterday evening. We celebrated Palm Sunday, though it was Friday afternoon. In one of the readings, a man asks another for his unridden donkey (a real prize in those days) for Jesus to ride. That was something very big to give up said Father George - who knows of what he speaks. George is from Kenya, where they use donkeys for transportation, shopping and farming even today. He asked us each to think of what donkeys we could give in the coming days and months. But he didn't mention - giving away your donkey can get you better stuff in return.

When people aren't used to giving their time in volunteer activities, they don't have the experience to know volunteering can be enjoyable. That's why I like service learning programs in schools today. Creston's FFA program always did a fantastic job of providing volunteer opportunities for kids. Okay they were mandatory, but they had fun because they were with their pals. Our kids had to do so many volunteer hours for confirmation in 8th grade. I was kinda sad when it was over! I hope these types of programs teach young people that volunteering is good, not a burden. It should be something given from your heart though. I'm finally at a place in my life that I can volunteer like I want to.

Chiya is a quiet young person, a so grown up for a 12 year old. At that age I was a lot younger! When we walked in our door, she met Paul and shook his hand. I don't think she knew what to think of Ms. Odie - who wasn't sure what to think of her, until she decided she'd like to lick her. Chiya politely agreed to pose for the fireplace photo. We (mostly me) baked a batch of ready to bake cookies. Chiya helped me eat some of the ugly ones.

We headed to Jordan Creek to walk around a bit. Since they moved to town in the fall Chiya and her grandma have been to the other malls but hadn't checked out this one. We went into a couple stores I hadn't shopped before - young girl stuff. I even got her to pose for one more photo. She's a pretty girl - her grandma said her father's background is Trinidad. We laughed at the high heels in Dillards - 6 inchers. Then it was time to drop her off at home.

I have to hold myself back from trying to tell her too much all at one....you know - "and another thing Little Sis - you must go college." That kind of stuff. There's time to let the friendship come to us. I don't need to force it. It's hard though...I have so much wisdom and knowledge you know. haha

As I said - this is a great experience for me. It's been 15 years since I hung out with a 12 year old girl. Chiya is a cool kid - she's gonna teach me a lot! One get-together at a time.

Shades...

Finally - the new shades are here for our bedroom. Just in time for daylight savings time. We have nice plantation shutters throughout the upstairs of our new home. They're great, but they don't cover the top 12 inches of the windows, which is just fine everywhere except our room. You see...there is a street light not too far from our room - and when there is a full moon, or it's snow...it's like daylight in there! Paul's putting them up tomorrow. After the ISU game.

Speaking of...after we picked up the shades up at Lowe's yesterday evening, we went to the original Legends Sports Bar for a beverage and a bite before tucking in to watch the Cyclones.

The crowd was mixed - Cyclone and Hawks - who had an NIT game that same night. Plus the national wrestling tourney was going on in downtown DSM. I had a toasted Cajun tuna sannie on rye - very tastie!

My Cyclones - they were on fire. We watched them at home Nicely done - I didn't even have a pounding heart at the end of the game. That's what momma likes! I thought about my Uncle Bill during the game as they were playing his Notre Dame Fighting Irish...Aunt Marty texted today to say that now Bill won't win the family NCAA pool. Oops!

Today the ISU Women beat Gonzaga on their home court. My nephew Eric Kohan attends that shool and is on their debate team - so he's in Memphis at Mock Trial Nationals. I hope he's not hanging out at Silky O'Sullivan's - where we hung out at the bowl game when were in Memphis. Crazy place! I think E is more concerned with the Zag's mens teams...

A good weekend to be a Clone fan.

This morning Paul drove south to scout for deer anter sheds. Odie and I went to PetSmart to get her nails trimmed. She loves that. NOT. They used some type of grinder tool that made them smooth - very nice and only $11. I'll go back there - drop in only, they don't take appointments.

My bestie came for a lunch date! Deb and Larry went on a dream vacation to Hawaii last week. They got back Wednesday morning. Deb was coming up to DSM to see her sisters and gave me a call for a lunch date. We went to Maverick's for yummy roast beef sannies and came back to look at her trip photos which were fab. I'd love to go there some day - it looks like paradise. I miss my weekend conversation with Debbie.

Once she took off, Paul and I headed to the Fireplace store to order deck furniture. We sold our old stuff with our house. We had spied some recycled plastic stuff we liked a couple weeks ago - so we went back to order it. Surprisingly...we didn't get this Cyclone stuff...we did get bar height - 4 chairs and a table. It should come in 2 or 3 weeks.

Let's hope the snow is off the deck by then...here's what it looked like this evening...it's supposed to snow all night. Puxatawny Phil...you should be made into a coat.

Today is March 23...my pal Robbie Dob Bredensteiner's 55th birthday. Love that girl - we've been friends for over 50 years now. Geez that sounds so loooong. Here's to you my friend!

I'm a Big Sis! (again)

My commuting lifestyle the past 4 years has not lent itself to volunteering. So, after our BM (no...not THAT - our big move) my Lenten goal this year was to volunteer. I have always wanted to be a mentor for girls. I believe I got lucky in that department - I was surrounded by strong and smart mentoring women as I was growing up. I can't pick out just one saw say "she was my mentor." There were many - but mostly there was one.

My mom, Patricia Morehead Bullock. Smart - (and she didn't mind telling you), she raised four strong smart daughters - for the most part on her own, since Dad traveled each week. Mom made sure we each knew we WERE going to college and even figured out what our strengths were and nudged us in that direction. Mentor-o-rama.

When I was in high school - there were a few teachers and coaches I looked up to, and even though I wouldn't admit it then, I also looked up to my big sisters. They were so beautiful and sophisticated and collegiate - I knew that is what I wanted to be like. I realize now how fortunate I was to have the support from my family that I did. I was set up for success - 3rd generation, maybe even 4th on Momo's (my grandma - Zora Stewart Bullock) side to attend college.

Mom and Dad's wedding with Momo and Bubba

For the past few years, I've had a desire to help inspire girls on to bigger and better things, but I couldn't come up with a way to do it. When Lent approached I started scouring the Internet for volunteer opportunities that involved mentoring. It was confusing! So imagine my delight when at an ISU/KSU Men's Basketball game they announced that I would receive a free t-shirt if I signed up to get information about a mentoring opportunity. They contacted me the next week - it was the "Big Brothers/Sisters" program.

I attended the program orientation in mid February. Me...and about 10 other "kids" all under age 28. It was then that I questioned the program people...would a girl want a "Big" of 55 years of age? Would they be unaware how old I am and freak out when they met me the first time. I was reassured that wasn't the case.

I was impressed with the whole Big/Little match process. I was asked to fill out paperwork for a background check at the orientation. I donated $15 towards the fee then too. A week later I met with a program rep who quizzed me about my background. When they found out we have guns in the house, they scheduled a the next meeting here a couple weeks ago, after Rose, the rep got back from a cruise.

She was satisfied that Paul's guns (no...not his biceps - real shotguns) were properly secured. We made sure they had locking trigger guards on them when the kids were young. Guns are nothing to mess around with. Rose was very impressed with Paul's deer heads, and could not have cared less that Paul had another lethal weapon - his bow - in plain sight. That same night we talked about what type of Little Sis I was interested in...age, interests, and tougher things like - what would I be comfortable talking to her about?

I was thrilled on Wednesday when Rose called me while I was eating lunch in my cubicle to say she thought she had a possible match for me. Her name is Chiya and she's 12. She lives with her Grandma in the Drake Area. They relocated here from Boston last fall. We set today at 2 p.m. as our meet date. I was excited like it was a blind date!

The meeting went very well. I met Rose at Chiya's grandma's house at the appointed time. The whole family was very polite - they all met us and shook our hands. My father would have been very impressed! We talked about some topics that Rose had to bring up - what are our expectations? What kinds of things would we like to do together? How would we arrange get-togethers? All good to talk about. Chiya was fairly quiet during most of the conversation. I tried to draw her out a bit - but it was probably a bit intimidating - being 12 talking to 3 adults. In the end we all decided we'd commit to this match for a year - that's what the organization requires. I'm thrilled.

Chiya and I are getting together this weekend. I am looking forward to hanging out with just her alone. She's kinda shy - maybe she'll open up a little one-on-one. Or maybe we'll just be quiet together. Me and my lil sis.

DSM Spine and Sport

I vowed to get in shape after the first of the year - and signed up to be on our department's Live Healthy Iowa team, and started working out. I considered joining a YMCA...I even had a card for a free trial week. But I just couldn't make myself do it! I'm just not a solo, at the gym workout kinda gal. It makes me feel lonely.

I started my "at home" workouts, mixing walks at the mall. And my darn shoulder began to hurt...just like last year about this time of year. You might recall the trauma I went through last year. Or maybe not - you have your own trials and tribulations going on. Believe me - frozen shoulder, beyond childbirth was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. And it lasted much longer. (of course I didn't have to raise it to adulthood...) Homie does not want to play that game again! Painkillers, sleep loss - and eventual manipulation surgery and physical therapy. It was not fun.

As soon as I began experiencing that same kind of pain, I made up my mind I would seek out help sooner rather than later this time. I made an appointment for a massage and asked Chris - she of magic hands - what she would suggest. I refuse to give up and be someone who sits passively instead of working out. I want to kayak again - I missed all of last year, dammit!

I met Chris when I resorted to going to a chiropractor for the first time in my life - some 4 years ago. I had suffered from shoulder/neck spasms due to stress when I first started working at DNR in cubicle-land. I picked a chiro off the Internet in Waukee, Dr. Wes at Waukee Wellness. I had lots of treatments, but I really didn't get better until I saw Chris - who used to do massages at Dr. Wes's office. She now works in her home.

Chris does lots of continuing education and she works with her clients to help them recover from injuries or illness. When I told her about my pain, she suggested I see I chiro - but I was hesitant. She had a suggestion for me. I should see the new kind of chiropractors that are into muscles at DSM Spine and Sport - Doctors Brooks and Jon.

I made an appointment and saw Dr. Brooks the first time, but he was leaving the next day for China - to work with Olympic athletes there. So I began seeing Dr. Jon. These guys aren't like what I have perceived chiropractors to be like. They don't just pop ya! (Plus they're really young - and cute) They are kinda shy about prying me around. I want to say - "I have babies your age - just get to it!"

Dr. Brooks

Dr. Jon

They wanted to know my goals - which are to be able to be active and do things like kayak. They were able to isolate the sore areas in my shoulder and back just by feeling the muscle groups. Jon said it felt "ropey" in the sore area. To help my shoulder I had to do a few things that hurt - like extend my shoulder while Jon poked his finger into the joint. But when I was done with several repetitions - it was looser. He did pop my back too. Yes! I've been there only 4 times in 6 weeks, so they don't just rack up a bunch of appointments to get your $. One bad thing is they aren't in my HMO network, but they are covered under Paul's insurance. Phew!  

 

I'd like to say my shoulder got instantly better - but it didn't. I have been okay at doing the exercises they prescribed - not great. But I've kept at it and I've kept working out. I just added a new Wii Zumba disc to my routine - I needed to add something at this point in the winter - since it's so freakin' cold out. Just this week the shoulder is feeling better. Something else...I have had very few migraines since I had my first appointment. Coincidence? I'm not sure - but I like it. I go back Monday to see Jon. These guys are making this chiro skeptic a believer! 

 

 

 

 

The secret sauce

I've been pondering. In my last blog I talked about evidence that children do better when they feel connected to their families through their stories. I started thinking about all the stories I know about other families. Those have also had an impact upon my life.


A photo Fritz had of Dad from a JayCees event in Atlantic?

Growing up in a small town like Atlantic, we became part of each other's stories. Even now, when one of my father's best friends struggles with heath problems, I continue to think about the ways our families have intertwined through the years. My grandparents knew the Simpsons, who published the newspaper in Atlantic News Telegraph. Their son Frederick - called Fritz - was a couple years older than Dad. I don't know if they were pals in their younger years, but they sure were later in life. I can still hear Fritz calling Dad, "Bullock."

Fritz - in red with Ted and Mary Sue. Perhaps MS's daughter? One bad thing...they're Nebraska fans!

Fritz was married to Sue and they had two children, Ted - who is my age and Mary Sue who is a couple years younger. Sadly, Sue passed away much too young - even before my mom. I'm Facebook friends now with Ted (who is really also a Frederick) and keep up with the fam. Ted reports that Fritz, who lives in Omaha with his 2nd wife Dolly, is recuperating from having his leg amputated - the result of another medical issue. His attitude is good. Fritz is a fighter!

I believe the Bruce Feilor article about family stories could very well extend to those types of stories too - beyond immediate family. How well do we know those we live and work around?

In college, my roomies became like sisters. My college sisters' stories became my own. Vicki's father died tragically, drowning while canoeing in Alaska when she was only 3. Her mother, a young widow, had to make a living. She worked for a time as a secretary for a rich guy in California - Vic has some vivid memories from that time. Eventually Barb, Vicki's Mom, moved back to Iowa and met her 2nd husband, Jon. When Vic was 10, then had Krista, Vicki's little sis who invited me to her 10th birthday when we were in college - so cute. Jane's parent's made the kids ride in the car with their arms around each other if they were fighting - and her dad kept his eye on the rear-view mirror!

I already knew lots of Sal's fam stories as she was an Atlantic gal - I'd spent lots of time with 2 of my favorite people, Wayne and Anna Day Rodgers. One day Sally's sister's first husband up and left her - saying "I never did love you." Marcie survied and met Steve who was a much better guy. Wayne never liked that first husband anyway...he sucked with the horses...

After our time bonding with our pals in Creston, we laugh that we must end up in the same nursing home with them. That way we can finish each other's stories. Through the years we've enjoyed hearing about Jeff McFee's antics with (now Sheriff) Rick Piel, and his time as a cowboy in Wyoming. Jeff has shared many tales of brother Craig that are always entertaining as well. Phyllis and Willie had their hands full with that gang! Joan said kids used to pick on Craig because - his speech wasn't the clearest when he was little - so Carol would beat those bullies up! And who can forget Don McKim's stories about his cousins and the bb guns - it's amazing they didn't put an eye out! Perhaps that's why Donnie decided to be an eye doc.

So...the point of this blog is...if it's not family, it's your friends. Get to know people. Find out their stories.