2012 Wrap-up

Saving quite a few stamps . . .

We’re certainly glad to close the door on this year.  There are a few weeks that we’d like to erase completely, a patch that we don’t even remember, and some we’d like to declare a “do over”.  We aren’t skinnier, wealthier, fitter or more beautiful at the end of this year, but we’ve weathered many storms together, so I suppose we are “richer” for those experiences.

It became obvious at the first of the year, that Advanced Waste Automation was not going to be a long term option.  We were a dealership and service center for a company that was sold.  The new company (Labrie), had an existing service and sales relationship in Oregon that they chose to continue instead of including AWA.  Scott’s customers were beyond disappointed and we were devastated (irate, miffed and betrayed), but we were powerless in the situation.  

“Knock Knock”, another door opened.  In April, we bought Buck’s Sanitary Service—a business we previously owned.  Summer is the busiest season for Buck’s and we went from a mellow, halfway predictable life to chaos.  Add a 2 hour commute each day and there wasn’t much time for sleeping or laundry.  We were in a primal existence mode for most of the summer and are finally able to catch our breath and dust some cobwebs (who am I kidding?).  Sten was terrific help, and the girls did their part, holding the outhouse doors open or restocking toilet paper and soap. Strange that none of these people can change an empty roll of toilet paper at home, but they have no problem changing hundreds of rolls for Bucks! Huh?!

Sten is a senior in High School.  Not a fan of academics, Sten has been resistant to higher education.  However, he is entertaining the idea of College, possibly an agri-business degree through Oregon State at their LaGrande campus. His passion is farming.  He excels at mechanics, welding, and an industrial common sense.  He increased his hay production by 150% this year.  After spotting a John Deere cutter (mower) discarded next to a barn this Spring, he tracked down the owners who were uncertain of its mechanical status.  Sten purchased it dirt cheap, fixed the minor issues and it has been an incredible addition to his hay operation. 

Milah entered Junior High this year and is thriving.  She loves the options and the freedom, the challenges and the larger choice of friends.  Milah is a dedicated student and is intent on maintaining a 4.0, which she has achieved.  She checks her grades multiple times/week to make certain that she is on track.  She continues to be a soccer fanatic and participated on a few teams this year, typically playing in the forward or midfield position.  She desperately wishes for a growth spurt and complains about the “short” genes she’s been dealt.  Milah is the quietest one of the bunch.  She is helpful, sensitive, organized, responsible, and conscientious.   

 

Maren is in the 4th grade and isn’t inhibited by a single thing.  She throws her soul into whatever she’s doing and she loves to be with people.  She’s a multi—talented creature.  She’s a competitive soccer player and has recently taken up piano and gymnastics.  She is going to wear out the edge of our coffee table as she uses it for her constant “beam” routines.  Reading is her favorite school subject and she is known for her “off the wall” comments and insights.  A teacher recently stated, “You never know just what Maren is going to say”.  Uh Huh!  Entertaining for others, at times a cringe factor for the parents.
 

I found myself working nearly full time at Bucks this spring/summer—answering phones, selling toilets, and interjecting my creative 2 cents whenever I could:)  Scott and I work well together—I never once slammed a door or threw a shoe at him.  Ok, I wanted to (sure it crossed his mind too).  Our working relationship works best when we stay out of the other’s area of expertise.  I don’t tell him what to do with the employees/equipment (except when he’s wrong) and he doesn’t tell me what to do with company branding/design. 

Scott has worked physically harder than he has in years, and he’s wished his body was a bit younger. As the owner/operator, the loose ends and extra work get thrown in his basket.  He is the CEO, the mechanic, the public relations persona, the human resources department, and the grunt.   It’s impossible to close the door at 5pm and hope everything gets accomplished—this business is extremely competitive and if we don’t meet expectations, the customer has other options.   Our goal is to hire a few more employees so Scott doesn’t have to work as much, but it’s difficult to find the right people for the job.

This summer, Heidi and crew came to the States for a month.  The cousins were together everyday and it was hard to see them go.  In the past, intense fights have broke out, complete with hair pulling and lots of tears—but they were a rambunctious, loud, hungry, loving group this time.  Puts a little ache in your heart that there are so many miles and an ocean between us. 

Scott’s Grandma Patty (Leslie’s mom) passed away in October.  We will miss her pleasant, cheerful spirit, but know that she has gone onto her reward. 

As always, we look forward to hearing from each of you.  Happy Holidays . . . until we meet again. 

 

Weirdo

Maybe you're a weirdo like me.  Maybe not. 

Yesterday I finally spotted the end of a rainbow on the road just ahead.  I checked several times, expecting a pot of gold.  What?  No pot, no gold, nada. I was bummed.  Sorry to blow it for you.

Once again - in the car.  I battled to get a fly out for several miles.  15 miles from home - it finally escaped.  At which point, I was overcome with guilt.  I had broken up a fly family and they will never be reunited.  W-E-I-R-D-O

Hooray for 24 hour service (NOT!).  We forward the Buck's phones to Scott's cell phone when we leave for the night.  I'm not certain why some folks choose 3 am to chat about their toilet service, but it is not conducive to a full night's rest.  Do they really expect to pay their bill in the wee hours of the morning or is a broken toilet seat an emergency that needs to be discussed at 2am??  For pete's sake people, have you not heard of 8 in the morning??!! 

Ding Dong Ditched!

Ok, so they have zilch nutricious value and supposedly can survive a decade due to their unhealthy chemical components, but our road trips will never be the same.  It is tradition.  Stop at the same store - grab a bag of donuts and a quart of milk a few miles from the house.

Frozen ding dongs in their little foil wrappers?  Hard to beat.  Hostess products were an iconic sack lunch snack in my grade school years. 

I ran to the corner store with anticipation today - expecting the Hostess section to be wiped out . . .  and it was . . . after I left.  We all took one last "drag" on their whipped fillings and chocolatey shells.  So long Twinkies - we'll see you in your "next" life.

Psychology 101

At a recent stop at the Goodwill, I discovered they had lowered the price of every book to $.49.  2 books for a buck - no way!  I spent a few minutes hours in the stacks and grabbed some that intrigued me.  I'm not an avid reader, but I like to have books on hand for the very occasional quiet evening or boring wait in the car.  I spotted this book in a retail store earlier and it caught my eye.  Ok, it was probably just the red/white cover, but I couldn't resist when the price was only 49cents. 



A great concept - instead of being miserable that you don't excel in certain areas - use your strengths or natural talents to succeed.  A key part of this book is an online test that the reader takes to identify their strengths.  There is a one-time code that accesses the test and my bargain book's code had already been used.  However I found a similar test here.  Interesting results.

Milah and I are similar in strengths, with our greatest weakness being salesmanship (big surprise).  Maren's top strength was salesmanship (go figure) and it was close to the top of Sten's list as well. Scott has blown off the exercise entirely - sure that's gotta mean something.  Try it out - it's kind-a fun.

While you're at it - take the Jung Personality test too - you will be shocked at how "right on" the descriptions are.

Milah is a duty fulfiller: capable, logical, reasonable and an effective individual with a deeply driven desire to promote security and peaceful living.  Maren is an inspirer: charming, ingenuous, risktaking, sensitive, people oriented individual with capabilities ranging a broad spectrum.  Sten is the doer: practical, observant, fun loving, spontaneous risk taker with an excellent ability to quickly improvise an innovative solution to a problem.  Scott is a mechanic and I am an idealist.  All these misfits under one roof.  I think they call that a "family". 

Straight Jacket Sunday

I'm not fond of mice.  We've covered that already. 

Yesterday, we rode in Katrina (the ghost riddled Mercedes wagon) to Milah's soccer game.  Upon exiting the vehicle - Scott spotted a small mouse on the passenger floorboard.  He quickly escorted it from the car, while I shivered and screached.

On the way home, I heard a small squeak - glanced at my feet and spotted another mouse.  The screaming escaped my terrified lips and somehow I levitated my person so I was nearly parallel with the ceiling - demanding the car be stopped immediately.  Unreasonable reaction?  Uhhh, I don't think so.

This afternoon, we spotted another mouse - this time on the driver's side. 

Three meeces?  I'm so over that car. 

I'm gonna fill it with traps and poison cuz if one of those little creatures drops on my foot while I'm driving, there will be carnage on the freeway. 

Sten has fittingly renamed the car - the "Mousedes". It's going cheap folks, any takers?  

Grandma Patty

Grandma Patty is failing rapidly. We often marvel at the vast changes in a newborn within the first months of life - but it seems that the elderly are on the same accelerated schedule - just in reverse. In a few short weeks, she has turned into an old lady, still sweet as ever - but an old old lady.

I picture a long road (90 + years worth), and I can see her in the distance. As she nears the destination, she is barely shuffling, and is carrying a small bag. Behind her on the path, you can see her footsteps (she leaves long narrow footprints).  You can see where she has gone out of her way to help another, and you can see the treasures that she has set aside along her journey. Her parents, sister, and dear husband have passed away, the big house has been sold, she's said her final goodbyes to many friends and her beloved California. Her driver's license has expired, the small house has been emptied, the well used mixing bowls and measuring spoons are in someone else's cupboard, and her mind is oftimes fuzzy.

She hears a voice - very faint at first. It is a familiar tone and it seems to be whispering "come home". She continues, taking one feeble step at a time, and the welcoming voice grows a bit stronger. She sees familiar faces gathered round. Although it is too much to talk, she can feel their love. The calling grows gently louder and she understands that what she is leaving behind, although precious to her, is insignificant. She recognizes the insistent voice as an old friend, one whom she can't wait to meet. Her body takes a last labored breath. She releases the small bag, letting it slip to the side of the road and with joy steps into eternity.

I love you Grandma Patty. I'm thankful that our paths crossed 23 years ago.

Grandma Patty passed away peacefully on September 20, 2012. 

Grrrrr.

I'm peeved. One of my favorite things to do when I fired up the internet was do me some blog surfing. I am disgusted that commercialism has ruined blogging. In an attempt to make a buck, these amazingly creative women clog their blog with so many ads that it takes forever for them to load and there are even annoying popups! I certainly don't begrudge them success, but can't we just look at the perfectly staged photos and the before & afters without being pestered to purchase dog sweaters and video games?

Road Rage

In Hippietown USA (Eugene), it is not uncommon to see cars plastered with bumper stickers citing their "peaceful" views. I was driving behind one such creature yesterday, when we suddenly came upon an extremely slow moving vehicle. This peace loving gentlemen went beserk - waving his hands in the air and impatiently manuevering to get around the snail's pace truck, complete with crude hand gestures. Ok, there was a small part of me that wanted to run him off the road, jerk him out by the scruff of his embroidered collar, and rub his nose on his back bumper. Peace dude.

Remember when . . .

In the early 90s, we were the (extremely) proud owners of one of these monstrous cell phones - cutting edge technology. Having one of these dudes on your shoulder, tucked under your chin was a real statement. In a frustrated challenge- one of our kids once heatedly asked me (campaigning for their own phone) "How old were you when you got your first cell phone?" Uhhh, 22. LOL kiddo.

Our parents weren't quite as cool. They sported one of these bag phones and the little curly antenna on their back window. Sheesh - they are cooler than us now. Iphones and Kindles.

I suppose our great grandchildren will have barcoded tattoos for identification and credit purposes and have communication devices implanted at birth.

Pillow Talk . . .

Here's how it goes . . . goodnight *smack* love you, love you too. A few minutes later . . . Hey, did you call that guy back about the toilet in Harrisburg? What did we decide about donating units to that event? Are the stickers gonna make it in time? You get the picture.

Next week, we are setting toilets at the Olympic Trials in Eugene. We are servicing these toilets every night from 11pm-2am. I am quickly trying to locate a summer rental in Eugene - an attempt to get a little more sleep and save gas $.

Grrrr

I've had it with politcal correctness.

We live in a vanilla world.  If you happen to be chocolate chip mint or peanut butter brittle - you are gonna have a rocky road.   In the name of tolerance, we are forced to accept behaviors that are borderline evil.  However, we cannot, under any circumstances make someone feel uncomfortable.  If we do, we will be fired - written up - sent to the principal - or passed up for promotions. We are more than 31 flavors people - all this tiptoeing and posturing is giving me blisters and making me nauseous. Get over it -quit taking things so personal and have a sense of humor for Pete's sake.   

Real Emotion

A friend of mine refers to the word, "fine", as a 4 letter word - one of the bad ones.  So often we utter that word, when asked the familiar question - how are you?  We've all responded with that term when our hearts were screaming - LIAR!  It's not appropriate to dump your cares and fears on everyone you meet - but it's okay to admit that things are not perfect.  Regardless of how it may look, nobody has a perfect life.  That's real stuff - like it or not. 

How is it when things don't go as expected or a person might not be their usual self, we often think - what in the world is wrong with them?  We may even be tempted to call another to inform them of the odd exchange. BUT . . . we have no idea what is going on behind the scenes.  Have you ever found out (after the fact) that someone's difficult behavior was the result of hidden turmoil and instead of being kind in the situation, you had been critical? (my head is bowed in shame). 

We're all in this together.  We'll never regret being kind - cause one day we're going to need heaps of it ourselves.

Disclaimer!  If you are unnecessarily mean to my children - the above message is not for you.  I will come at you with claws sharpened and teeth bared.  To borrow a phrase from a relative - I will come down on you like a thousand pound rock!  Sincerely, mother of three cubs

Would you like FRIES with that?

So, I'm wonderin - how can 1 tsp worth of ketchup (in a packet) rolled and squeezed in a child's hand suddenly explode into a 2-3 cup coverage area?

Ask Maren who succeeded in making a gigantic mess in the pickup.  Ask Milah who got an ear full of ketchup.  Ask Scott who ran into the house fetching a rag to clean up the mess -sternly informing Maren - DO NOT MOVE!

Shopping Alert

Ever been to a United Grocers, Cash & Carry?  They are a kick - gotta find one near you - gotta go.  The adventure begins as you enter the store with the monstrous flat carts they provide.  Take it from me, don't try to push these dudes - pull them.  Don't expect catchy displays - this store caters to those in the food industry who are getting things done.  The small restaurants, the coffee stands, the weekend caterers, the wanna be's and the (dreamers) like me. They have huge walk-in coolers that feel durn good on a hot day and it's fun just to cruise the aisles.  Bet you'll think to yourself - "oh, that's where they get this stuff".  It's difficult to escape without dropping a Benjamin Franklin or two.  I ran in for a few items yesterday and dearly wanted to throw in the red/white waxed paper liners shown above (perfect for summer barbeques).  Instead I spent a few quiet moments in the freezer, mowed over several small children with my massive cart and left the store for under 50 bucks.

Real Kids

Yes - we grow real kids here too.  They aren't perfect (they get that from us).  They fight, they argue, they occasionally complain, they aren't perfectly coifed, they don't (all)get straight A's and they make poor decisions at times.   Real life folks - it's not a neatly posed picture in a perfect field of mustard.  It is tears and hugs mixed with joy and gutwrenching sorrow.  

I had a recent revelation.  It told me that I signed up for a lifetime of concern. Just because these tender creatures leave the nest, doesn't mean the mommy in me flutters away.  I get to be concerned for the REST OF MY LIFE.  At some point it will get more complicated, adding their spouses and their kids.  ACK - what were we thinking???!   

Happy Mother's Day to those of you that are walking this journey and to those that have survived! 

The Other Side . . .

Welcome to real life . . .   I love pinterest and bloghopping, but sometimes you wonder - does anyone actually LIVE in those spaces??  Everything is perfectly perfect.  This is not one of those posts, this is my moment of getting real -

I have a dirty little secret . . . this is my side of the closet.  Stop searching for the "after" pictures - there are none.  There was a point when this space was neatly arranged and garments were folded precisely and hung on coordinated hangers but that was a few (ok, quite a few) months back.  Scott's side of the closet is neat and orderly and I'm shocked that he hasn't evicted me.

This is the open dishwasher and the heaping recycling that needs to be taken out to the container.  Oh yes - that is the box from the meal that I fed my family last night. Guaranteed high in sodium and fat -  loaded with known carcinogens.  Did we dine with cloth napkins and a fresh salad - No.  We were all starving and stood over the skillet, scooping the food onto our paper plates.  Maren took one look at the picture on the box, and informed me that the food on her plate was not the same thing as the photograph.

The rest of the house doesn't look like the closet and I do cook from scratch - but things are definitely not magazine perfect.

Kudos to those women who can keep a perfect house (I know several of them).  For the rest of us - I have come "out of the closet" and given you a glimpse of the real me.  Whew!  I feel better.

Sunny Saturday

Sniff Sniff. What is it about that first mowing of the season? It smells yummy and triggers visions of sunshine, flowers, picnics, swimming and mosquito bites. The girls couldn't resist the urge to play barefoot in the freshly mowed grass.

Don't know if you are familiar with Real Deals, but it is an inexpensive and unique source for home decor. They are only open 2 days/week and if your frivolous spending envelope is empty for the month - you'd better stay in the car. I couldn't resist this metal tin with scalloped lid, chalkboard surface and distressed wooden knob - it was an absolutely essential purchase (home decor is essential - correct?!).

I am helping "stage" a wedding in June. We (the Mr. &I) - plan to build a lemonade stand (he is so excited - errr, maybe not). I am beginning the "collection of items" process and made this sign the other day. There are a bazillion wedding ideas on Pinterest - crazy creative ideas.

The Mr. whacked himself with a hammer today (no- it wasn't while constructing the lemonade stand). He nailed his index finger good (I mean bad). Yowza! His method of relief - heat up a sharp object til red hot . . .

. . . and quickly plunge it through the fingernail to relieve pressure. I cannot watch this procedure. He hollered some and jumped around the room. I closed my eyes and covered my ears. YUCK!

Oh yeah - while he's in the house, he has been rockin' my reading glasses. They are zebra print with rhinestones. He has been known to wear them in public - just saying.

Reflection

I had an occasion to write a resume this week. It is not impressive. A short list of the jobs I have held and my accomplishments is not lengthy and would not stand out in a stack of prospective employees. But, "between the lines", there is so much more.

Years ago I read an article on obituaries - a brief biography of one's life summed up in a few paragraphs is utterly inadequate. It is difficult to truly know someone from those words. In the day to day, quiet moments - did they make their loved ones feel special? Did they stand for what they believed? Did they take time to enjoy the simple things? Did they "pay it forward" with unselfish motives? Or did they have a spirit of bitterness, envy and strife (I have, sadly, read some of those obituaries). These are the things that matter most.

My initial reaction to my disappointing and drab resume, was that I needed to get busy adding value to my "name". It was followed by a wiser and kinder voice - "those words don't tell the story". My role, it seems, is to support, encourage, and listen. I am beyond fortunate.

I smell a RACKET!

We are new to the world of eyeglasses. Just last year, we discovered that Maren needed glasses and we went to a warehouse style store (yeah- you know the one - famous for their (icky nasty) hotdogs) for a test and glasses. They did not accept insurance - price for the glasses was appx 100 bucks. We also grabbed 2 pairs at Wallies when the others were lost - appx 70 bucks/pair.

This year, I decided to support the local dude. I regretted that decision when they tallied the bill and it has continued to burn my conscience. Today I was informed that they undercharged us, by 76$. We are going to get 1 pair of glasses for $344.00! What!!?? I feel like I've been robbed! I'm all for supporting the "little guy", but this is foolishness.

What's your experience? What's the best deal?

Swimming, Swiss Style

Aaaah, bliss. Dad & Mom are enjoying a few days in Leukerbad Switzerland. This hot springs is nestled high in the alps - once you survive the death defying bus ride up the mountain, you never want to leave. You feel like you are "in" a postcard. There is a large pool indoors, connected to the outside lower one - you just swim thru a vinyl strip curtain and you are outside! We were in the upper pool one evening, the silhouetted snow covered Alps surrounding us, and a group of men began yodeling under the fountain. Goosebumps I tell you - it was incredible. One of those moments that are seared in the memory.

Another unique experience . . . one portion of a route to/from this area is only accessible by train. So, you drive your car onto the train and sit in darkness as it takes you through a gigantic tunnel (think it takes about 15 minutes). Underneath the Alps? No way? Yeah Yeah, Oiu Oiu, Ja! Ja!