Continuous Improvement, Lady Bird

Do you remember when you learned how to line up? I mean form a line with other people. If you're like me, it seems like I always knew. My first memory was of standing in line after recess at Washington Elementary School, waiting to go back into the school. Everyone would wiggle around and be loud. You know who you are Robyn, Paula, and Sally. Then the teacher would blow the whistle, indicating we should straighten up.

I'd never thought about lining up as a skill. Then one of my friends became a Kindergarten teacher. She explained that she had to teach the students how to line up. I think me and my pals were precocious learners - but we did have the benefit of Mrs. Luin's awesome Nursery School, when I learned to sing "Way Down Yonder in the Paw Paw Patch" and ate sugar cubes and graham crackers with Kool-Aid.

When I attended LSI Refugee Community Services (LSI) training last Saturday, the instructor explained the literacy challenges refugees face. We learned about the "intake" process when refugees visit LSI Community Services.

Volunteers were told there are different learning styles for literate and non-literate students. Just because a person has not attended organized school or a certain level of school, that doesn't mean they lack intelligence - just opportunity. Refugees from countries with different types of alphabets and pronunciations have a variety of challenges when learning English - from making rounded letters to how they hold their mouth and tongue when speaking. Some students don't understand that when given a worksheet, you write on the lines provided. They must be taught all of these things. The adult brain does not learn as quickly as the child's, providing additional barriers. Despite all these things, LSI does this training and many other great things in our community.

I volunteer as a classroom assistant with an Intermediate group. Most likely the students I work with have had the opportunity to go to school in their country of origin, as they have met a certain testing level to attend this class. We started a new semester after Christmas and have seen an influx of students.

Sue, our instructor, amazes me with her kindness and flexibility as she works the new people into the classroom. They appear at any time, while the class is in the midst of an activity. Sue brings the new students up to speed as much as she can, making them feel welcome, at the same time, assessing their skill level.

By the end of class Tuesday, there were eighteen students. Thankfully, we also had five volunteers, unlike the week before when I was the only one. We worked on describing people - hair, height, weight, age. It was a cold-hard reality to see that my age group is "old'. They needed to figure out when to use a or an or nothing.

List of words students practice

For example: Leslie has a blondish (or is it gray? only my hairdresser knows) hair. Sue would ask them if that sentence is proper. Most would say NO! (Some can be very dramatic) There is no a. Then when they do worksheets, some get it wrong, and I ask them to say the sentence out loud - would you say "He has a brown hair"? No, they agree. They erase the a.

On Tuesday, the students had a worksheet with adjectives and their assignment was to identify those types of words in a short story. I find that at times, I'm unsure what the right answer is. Did you know that when saying "football player", even though football is usually a noun, together with player it becomes an adjective? It is good to show students that we make mistakes too.

Many times the volunteers look for examples on our phones to show students, as even simple things we understand, they may not. For example the word "unusual". Sue is good at coming up with ways to describe words like that. She said our usual days for class our Tuesday and Thursday. If we came on Wednesday, it would be unusual.

I continue to struggle with ways to assist students with the worksheets without blurting out answers! I feel I'm making progress, but it's so much harder than I ever thought this would be. Add in my lack of knowledge of each student's culture. Sue has been very encouraging after my individual/small group work with students during the second hour of class. I tell her what happened and how I reacted. Last week she told me I have good instincts. That made me feel really good.

Just like the program I oversee at DNR, Environmental Management Systems, I'm striving for continuous improvement in this volunteer role. Wish me luck!

 I've seen so much about the movie Lady Bird and wanted to see it before it disappeared from area theaters. I knew it wasn't likely one Paul would want to see - so decided to go by myself. That was probably only the second time I've gone to a movie alone, and I enjoyed my company.

The movie was super! I laughed out loud, chuckled, teared up and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The movie is about a high school girl in 2003 in Sacramento, California coming of age. She goes to a Catholic school, so those scenes brought back childhood memories. Though Atlantic didn't have parochial school, the mass scenes were great. Lady Bird's angst to "get away" was not something I could identify with, but I knew kids who felt that way. Actress Saoirse Ronan was cast perfectly as Lady Bird, as was Laurie Metcalf as her unique "good mom/bad mom" mother. I loved the movie.

Talking 'Bout My Generation

Generational diversity. It's a thing. Or lots of things, actually. Around twenty of my statie peers and I took training called "Generational Differences". One great thing about being a state employee is that we are afforded opportunities for training like this. Good stuff.

The reasoning behind the training is that generational conflicts may impede work. I hoped the training would assist in my ability to understand other generations, but I also wanted to take the course to understand how I can assist stakeholders I work with. They too need to deal with this issue - getting their messages out to four generations. Soon 5!

I left the training with the idea that I need to get a workshop speaker on this fascinating topic. It's important to know who you are talking to!

Why is generational diversity important to understand in the workplace - and throughout our lives? Haven't you wondered - why do my kids or grandkids think or act like that? This information can help provide answers. Credit to PDA (who the state uses for training) class materials for most of this information.

Of course, like everything, this examination isn't perfect. In some ways, I feel more like a GenXer (young at heart?). One person in my class said she felt more like a Baby Boomer, though she is younger. She revealed she was raised with much older siblings.

Paul's traditionalist sisters Carol and Jean

Generations:
Traditionalists - 1925 to 1945ish
Values: loyal, duty, honor, formal, respect, rule-follower, family values/religious, structured

What happened during their formative years? (ages 10-20)
WW2, Depression, prohibition, economic development, television from radio

How to work with this generation:

• acknowledge their contributions - who doesn't like to hear that they have made a difference?
• provide genuine positive feedback (don't fake it - "good job Gran, way to chew your food!")
• be patient when heading through change - no swearing... 
• provide tools and time to learn new things
• ask them to mentor others - I love this one! They can tell us "Here's how you deal with those young idiots" 

Baby Boomers all 

Baby Boomers - 1946 to 1964ish *this is my generation (some use 1960 as an end)
Values: Yeah, we're kind of a big deal, but we're on our way out of the workplace. Who knew it would happen so soon! One day you're growing up on a hill in smalltown Iowa with all your fellow Boomers in "Fairlawns" and other cool neighborhoods available to play with. Next thing you know, you are grown up and nearly ready to exit the workplace. Others look at you like you are elderly and out of it. Maybe you are.
Values: Personal growth, career, achievement, home, voice, solve problems, team-oriented. We are all about use and $$

Formative years: what they said - Korea, Vietnam, JFK and assassinations, drugs, birth control, Cold War, space race
What I think: all those TV shows that made us think that's what our lives should be like. Our trainer, Carol, had us watch this youtube video "A Tribute to Baby Boomers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5IJexTaLfg  

How to work with my generation: Give us beer - it can be cheap or good stuff. But that's just me representing. The training said: give recognition for good work, $, give problems to solve, provide flexibility, provide training opportunities to learn about other generations (I think they are saying we are self-centered).

Our GenX niece Barb and husband Mike

Gen X 1965-1980ish
Values: Autonomy, independence, self-reliance, "latch key kids", Work Life balance, work to live

Formative years: Working mothers - came home to empty houses - learned to entertain themselves, beginning of video, cell phone, computers, MTV, Berlin Wall, drugs, parents getting laid off, divorce, AIDS

Values: Independence, tech-savvy, not being micro-managed, values time overpay, autonomy, work/life balance

How to work with GXers: allow them flexibility, provide "hands-on" learning opportunities, be straight-forward and authentic, they may not be loyal to 1 company (as Baby Boomer are/were) but they are loyal to people.

With our fave Millennials! 

Generation Y (or Millennials)1981-2000 There are some 80 million
Values: Collaboration, innovation, teamwork, flexibility, positive feedback, communications, available information

How we formed these peeps: I admit it, Paul and I developed a couple. 9/11, Social Media, better cell phones, LGBTQ, Reality TV, conscience commerce. Think about it. The younger of this gen don't recall life without cell phones.

How to work with Gen Y: Set expectations regarding feedback - frequency, avenues, provide positive constructive feedback, Listen, be flexible, take advantage of their multitasking skills, keep things new.

Generation Z - Those born after 2000. They are hitting the workforce now. To be continued. 

The Puppy with a Huge Heart

Odie is a dog with huge heart. Seriously. It's supposed to take up space through three ribs, and now, according to X-rays, her heart is around six ribs. Wow!

Odie the puppy - 2005

Our veterinarian had told me she had a heart murmur at an appointment last year, and Paul and I have noticed the old girl (13 this month) slowing down lately. She's very hard of hearing - no longer greeting us at the door when we come home. We've never taken her on long walks, but exercise is curtailed. Odie is a yard girl - she doesn't like to stray from where her next meal with come from.

We took Odie to Colorado over Christmas, where I noticed the toll the altitude took on her breathing, especially at night. I assumed that she'd be better when she came home, but that wasn't the case. Last weekend I listened to her gasping at night and feared she wouldn't make it until morning Sunday. We visited the emergency clinic where they diagnosed her heart issues.

The young doc put her on meds to help her heart pump more efficiently and to clear some fluid from her lungs. He kept calling her Little Pumpkin. I had booked an appointment to see her regular doc at Ashworth Road Vet Clinic, Dr. Merk, for Friday. Subsequent X-rays from that appointment showed the heart still enlarged, so she bumped up the diuretic and will see the doc again in a couple weeks.In the meantime, Odie seems more comfortable, not gasping and has even been playful.

This stage of a pet's life is so difficult. I want her with me. I don't want her to suffer. If nature doesn't take her, what is the perfect intersection of those two things?

Three times I've had to make the most difficult decision - with my beloved cat Bucko. He pretty much hated everyone but me in our family. And he didn't always like me. He'd lay on my belly while I read, then out of the blue, bite my chin and run!

Bucko

Then, the best white dog in the whole world (not to compete with Odie). Moki the Wonderdog - raised as the kids' bro. If Amy went down a slide, Moki would slide. When the fam went sledding, Moki ran along. We dealt with his diabetes for seven years - shots twice a day. He lived to be 13, seven years after diagnosis. Amy and Jud learned how to give the shots.

Fall Slide with Amy

Balloon Days dog show

Amy's cat Samantha, always just called Kitty, did not like the vet. She rarely saw them. In the end - at age 17 years, she was mostly blind. A stray early in life, she became more affectionate as she aged. I miss having a cat around.

Samantha liked my water best

For now, I'm enjoying each day with Odie, happy that she's my good girl. I have been so blessed with the animals in my life. They enrich life. I donate to the Animal Rescue League through One Gift at work. They do great work. I believe those who abuse and abandon animals are the lowest of low.

Hug your pets, think back on the "good boys and girls" you have been blessed with. Stay tuned - we'll be back at the vet in a couple weeks. I guess that new stove can wait.

Lucky Boots

Have you ever had something start out bad and turn out to be lucky? That's the story of my lucky bowl game boots.

I was nervous I'd be walking in socks by the end of the day

Our trip to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl was such fun! Mother nature didn't cooperate the best - providing chilly weather for the 25K Cyclone fans decked out in cardinal and gold. Our friends Kevin and Kari picked us up about noon on Thursday for the seven-hour trip to Cape Girardeau, MO. The trip to Memphis was a short drive on Friday, with a brief jaunt through Arkansas.

At our hotel, we joined the McKims, who checked in the night before. We headed out to a Cyclone spirit session at the local minor league ballpark. The crowd wowed to the tune of 10,000 people. We do love our team. That afternoon we parked ourselves in a divey bar on the Beale Street parade route. Somebody should have sent Iowa's RAGBRAI committee into Memphis prior to the onslaught of Cyclone fans. That group knows how to get set up for a crowd! Memphis...not so much. Short on staff, certain beer, and toilet paper. Still, we made due! #cyclonescouts

That night we went into a crowded barbecue restaurant, Rendezvous, and were told there was a 45-minute wait. Our neighbors the Stofferahns had been there a while. We were prepared to drink beer and wait. But no, they called us in 5 minutes. Hmm, I didn't even know it yet, but the lucky boots were in action! The ribs were good, but I still choose Jethro's in DSM.

After the meal, we went back to famous Beale Street to an ISU basketball game watch. We met up with our fam. Jud and Kara were there along with our nephew Steve Fox and niece Barb and husband Mike Archer. It was great to see everyone and Kara snagged a pic. Somewhere George and Laura Goldsmith are proud that the fam grouped up!

Goldsmiths fam plus Jud and Kara's friend Jen

Saturday was game day baby! I had decided to pack my warm clothes because the forecast was chilly and I don't handle cold well. I even dug out my warm landfill era boots - Columbia Bugaboos. I was a little worried because they have a little age on them, but decided they'd do. WRONG. As I climbed out of the back of the SUV at the stadium, Kevin noticed the first cracks. Oops. But here is the magic:

• Don and Paul each found a dollar on the ground that day
• We seemed to have found a giant FREE parking lot - though we tried to find someone to pay. Thanks Tom O'Neill (sp) formerly of Creston for flagging us down there. 
• While the line for the restroom at the tailgate/barbeque was long, the live music in the giant room was fabulous. Everything from Footloose to Brickhouse - and really, who needs light in a bathroom? I know where everything is...
• My crumbling boots held together long enough to get seated in the stadium
• My true, loyal and very well prepared friend Donnie went back to his SUV and got his roll of duct tape. Of course, he had one. Paul fixed my boots up after I inserted "hot feet" in each one. 
• My feet were toasty the whole game, though I did look like a homeless person
• Paul brought Hot Hands and when I shivered I even inserted one of the things into my waistband. Okay, the shivering might have been nerves. #toocloseforcomfort
• I missed watching the last 3+ minutes of the game because I couldn't look. Yep, I'm one of those people who travels 450 miles not to watch a game. In the end it was all good though! Way to go BOOTS!
• After the game, Donnie drove us right out of the parking lot - though I heard of others who had to wait an hour #magicalboottrip
• Our Jack Trice football stadium friends from Carroll, Pam and Randy secured a table at the Rum Boogie Cafe on Beale Street. We got one nearby and listened to some excellent music that night - two different groups. The PBR was cold. Jud and Kara got to see football players at the place across the street and Kara even took a pic with our star receiver - even though I'd slipped out of the lucky boots earlier in the evening.

   

I'd like to go back to Memphis in quieter times - fun place! 

What a fun weekend with good friends and family. Would it be nice to play for a national championship? Sure. For now, we'll enjoy these baby steps. This year, the Liberty Bowl was damn fun. The ISU football season was full of more ups than downs - and I must say I've not often been able to say that. Without the ref errors, we'd have won 10 games. Haha - just messing with you. Hope to have a team that can overcome bad reffing better in the future. 

We've always enjoyed our time tailgating at Jack Trice Stadium. The people make it the best! This year the weather was more challenging than watching our team - rain and cold. Our young coach has brought new energy to the program. I'm looking forward to the 2018 season already!

I did leave the lucky boots in the hotel room....maybe the staff there needs the karma for 2018. I don't think our team does. Best wishes and good luck to your family in 2018. 

 

Colorado Christmas

Seven states in a week - celebrating Christmas and an ISU bowl game win. Jet-lagged with no jet. 100% worth it. Car time gave Paul and me time to discuss our plans for 2018. I'm not big on resolutions but do like to think about how I can be a better person in the coming year.

What a whirlwind of family love and Cyclone family (with family) love. As we sing when Neil Diamond sings Sweet Caroline - "So Good, So Good, So Good". We too off the Thursday before Christmas with Odie - heading south to Kansas City to avoid the icy rain and snow heading this way.

We arrived in Denver late Friday afternoon. My cousin, Amy Brownlee had us all over for a wonderful family meal including our Amy (Corey was picking his fam up at the airport), our niece Jordan and wife Jill, Aunt Marty and cousin Richard Lamm. Plus the hosts the Brownlee family - Tom, Amy and their children Kate and Matt. We had such a great time sharing a meal and chatting into the evening. 

New Address - coming up!

Saturday morning we got to see Amy and Corey's future home, a townhome they purchased in LoHi with a view of downtown. They will start moving in later this week - so exciting! Amy can't wait to begin decorating her first home. Corey's folks Jeff and Shirl were there too - as it was there turn to be with the kids for this holiday.

After the townhouse viewing, Paul and I took off for Vail. The mountain drive didn't disappoint. Vail Pass was closed not long after we drove through, as snow fell and driving conditions deteriorated. Paul was wise to deny my request to stop at the outlet mall along the route.

Our time at Cindy's was great as usual. It was our tenth Christmas in Colorado - we've been going since Amy moved there after graduating from college. We take our jobs as Kitchenettes at the annual Lefebvre Christmas Eve Party very seriously. We bake the wiener wraps, and sing Christmas Carols. Each year at the party, Bolder Lefebvre's memory and absence are so apparent. He used to do such a good Lawrence Welk show impersonation, MCing the party. In his honor, the next generation does a good job of leading the singing. Boldie taught them well! Somewhere he is proud.

On Christmas Day, we were joined by Colby's girlfriend Gretchen. The five enjoyed a wonderful morning of gift sharing. Beaver Creek and Vail depend on snow for their livelihoods. They were glad to get several inches of the white stuff while we were there. Even so, the valley needs lots more to get all the workers fully employed - running lifts and working at sites on the mountain. Paul usually skis, but opted not to this year. Gretchen and Colby went out for a few hours. Cindy and I worked on our annual jigsaw puzzle while watching Christmas movies. Perfect. Peace on Earth and family. 

That night we shared a delicious meal with our friends the Pottorffs, the Sanders and their children. It's been such fun to watch the young people grow up over the last ten years. Fine people. Our friend Frank was there. He's battling oral cancer - and as a wine rep, can't even drink wine. We were glad he could join us! Thinking of him as he continues his fight.

Our drive home through eastern Colorado and Nebraska was long, cold and fairly uneventful. One and a half days of work - and we were off again! 

  

Head Smack and Deep Thoughts

I admit it. I'm becoming even stranger as I age. I should have planned ahead like the guy I read about recently in the New York Times. He started making a list of things he wasn't going to do when he aged. He was age 50 at the time (now he's 60), and he was observing his own parents. Some of the things were:

• Driving too long - his mother had been in several fender-benders
• Refusing medical assistance - such as a walker after a fall
• Upkeep of the house

There was more, but I'm old, and I can't remember what I read....I can remember my own mother verbalizing similar thoughts about her mother and my dad's folks. She swore she'd happily accept Meals On Wheels when the time came. Of course, she passed away at age 68, so we never got to experience her obstinacy at such milestones. And thank goodness for Kay Harris who helped make sure Dad didn't drive. I'd better start making my list now, so my own kids don't have as much to deal with.  

Anyway, back to me. I'm already weird. I don't move into new things quickly. My behavior is more like a feral cat, where I must observe, and gradually accept that it's okay before moving in. So keep that in mind kids. When you put me into the "home", let me warm up to it. 

I joined a new gym a few weeks ago, Prairie Life Fitness. So far I really like it as it's laid back and not overly crowded. I have walked on the track while scoping out the pool to see just when lanes are available. I dislike sharing lanes. Those of you who have known me since childhood know I've enjoyed swimming all my life. I am the reigning 40-yard 13/14-year-old breaststroke record-holder at Sunnyside Pool. (Last I checked - which was in the 1970's).  

Finally, on Friday I was ready to take the plunge. One other swimmer was in the eight-lane pool when I finally figured out there was no entrance directly from the Women's Locker Room. The door into the pool also flummoxed me. See how hard it is for me? Did I mention that I dislike asking for help? Yes, it's a weakness. A nice lady did notice my perplexed look and explained the door directions. See, that wasn't so bad Leslie. 

The water was just the right temp, and I paddled away for a half hour or so. During one stretch of backstroke, I started to drift (mentally not in the water), thinking about Net Neutrality and its possible effect on rural Iowa. Bam, my head smacked the end of the pool. Lucky they have a plastic edge, much kinder than concrete. Course correction. No deep thoughts whilst swimming. 

Ultimately, I do recognize that I am not the same person that I once was. I can be a weird introvert at times, which makes it difficult to do new things. I feel good about conquering the pool yesterday! As Arnold said in Terminator, "I'll be back!". 

December Not Chillin'

Last week was a busy chilly week. I didn't get to snuggle with Odie in my comfy chair in the evenings. Instead on Monday, we went to Bravo at Jordan Creek for the Diamond Brooke Christmas party. We enjoy hanging out with our neighbors who we have gotten to know during the five years we've lived here. Bravo seemed to struggle with new wait-staff that night. Then, when it came time to settle up, some of our single women friends had to endure several references of "being alone". Like - "are you here ALONE?" As if that is forbidden. Sue laughed it off, but I thought it was quite tone-deaf. Overall, a nice evening, despite the waitresses. Plus, leftovers!

Tuesday was my volunteer night at LSI. I'm a classroom assistant in an English as a Second Language class. The class was smaller than usual - about eight that night. The students are still working on short and long vowels. In addition, this week plurals were a topic. There's so much that I don't remember learning - it just seems I always knew how to make things plural. The teacher, Sue, goes over rules - for example, when a word ends in ch, to make it plural you need to add es - such as church, churches. If a word ends in a consonant, you just add s. Seems so easy, right? Not when English isn't your native tongue! Class goes by quickly.

Our pal Krissy gave us tickets to the ISU vs. Iowa women's basketball game in Ames on Wednesday night. We asked our friends Kevin and Kari to meet us at Whiskey River before the game for supper and a beer. It was good to see them and begin making Liberty Bowl plans. The Cyclones played hard but came out on the short end. We trust the coaching staff will have them playing better later in the year.

Cheering at the game

Thursday meant another trek to Ames - this time for the ISU vs Iowa's men's game. It was an early game so we tucked into walking tacos for supper. The crowd was rocking and the game was close until the end when the good guys pulled ahead. We met Kevin and Kari for a beer after the game. Cyclone fans were cheerful as always after a win against the Hawkeyes.

Did I mention we worked all those days too? Paul happened to take Friday off. I work four hours on Fridays after working 36 hours Monday through Thursday. It can be somewhat wearing though - especially after late night Thursdays! Once my work shift was over, I watched Netflix until my car appointment. Suby needed new oil.
That night, thanks to my sisters (a birthday gift - aren't my sissies awesome), we had tickets to the musical Waitress. First, we visited our "go to" when we have show tickets, The Stuffed Olive. Good food and martinis. Loved the show! If you haven't seen it - go! 

Pre-show martini

Saturday was "Tour Des Moines", a walking/food tour of the Court Avenue area - another big birthday gift. This one courtesy of our children/spouses. Kara and Jud have done these types of tours in many cities they've visited along with St. Louis where they live. Des Moines finally caught on, thanks to Angie our tour guide who is super knowledgeable about the city. The website  tourdesmoines.com doesn't seem to be working today.

Our Wisconsin friends

We met at 1:30 PM at The Hub on the corner of Court Avenue and 1st. There were supposed to be 2 couples with us but one canceled, unfortunately. The other couple was from rural Wisconsin. They were fun - a farmer and his nurse wife. They love trips like this, having sampled food in a few other cities. It was their first time to DSM and they were hitting all the highlights! We tried pear, brie and honey flatbread at the Hub - delish!

RoCA

Next, we were off the Vivian's Diner for grilled cheese/beef sannies and grits. On the way, we walked along the river whilst Angie told us historical information about the city. I loved the grits! The diner is at the former Hotel Fort Des Moines which now is being switched over to condos - Angie actually lives there with her husband and college-aged sons in a two bedroom unit.

The last two stops included alcohol tastes, which was fun. We had fancy drinks at RoCA with skewers and roasted Brussel sprouts. Angie showed us a hidden bar - "Shorty's Somewhat Fancy Bar". I had no idea it was there with an alley entrance under RoCA. Dessert was at CABCO. Beer and chocolate. Yum! It was a delightful day. I would say you should not go to something like this for a filling meal - it's "tastes", which was fine with me.

Today was a day of rest! And we stayed home last night too. This week should not be as rigorous for this old girl. But it sure was fun while it lasted.