Is it really Spring????

Well, what a wacky first week of Spring. It snowed, rained, hailed, snowed, rained, snow. I can't believe it is going to be April tomorrow. The kids went back to school this morning and it was snowing. They just finished SPRING Break not Winter Break.

On a geeky tech cool note. The main text of this blog entry was dictated You too can get a free Jott account. It allowed me to speak my message and it types it into a blog for me. Yes Mom that means I might post more often.

Okay I must comment on our Sunday dinner. One of the benefits of the move back to a house is that I can bring out my smoker. I bought a pork shoulder (commonly called a Boston Butt, why?) and knew exactly what to do with it. A couple hours with some apple wood smoke and it was ready for a wet rub of mustard, garlic, coriander, salt, and pepper. While that was finishing in the oven, I rounded up the greens and bacon we scored at the Hillsdale Farmers Market (while it hailed on us). Finally some sun dried tomatoes orzo with pine nuts rounded out our dinner. It must have been good, Calvin wanted it for his lunch today.

Spring is finally here.

Lewis and Clark were excited to see spring arrive in the winter of 1806. It had rained for all but 6 days of their 100 day stay in Oregon. I was beginning to know what they felt like. Today however the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and flowers are popping up all over the place.

It is our first spring in this house. We have no idea where a daffodil will poke its head out. I noticed some tulips coming up in the middle of the front lawn. Hmmm, what is that all about. I think they will be relocated to a secure undisclosed location very soon. If you are a weed, however Holly has you in her sights and your days are numbered.

My trip to Chicago and Indianapolis was great. Chicago was intense. My ITIL training was very interesting. I really enjoyed the material and delivery. The concepts make complete sense to me, which is scary in some ways. The certification test at the end was another story. When the class was finished the instructor had to leave the facility when the proctor arrived. After clearing our desks of any and all objects, we carefully proceed to the front of the room one by one with a photo ID in hand. The proctor, who I am sure is the head of her church's ladies auxiliary, then hands us a sealed envelope, pencil, and form. We had to sit in carefully selected seats in full view of her watchful eye. I think this process immediately reduces your score by 10 points. Upon turning in your test, she seals the envelope again then we both sign the seal. I am happy to report I passed.

I gathered my stuff from the back of the room left the facility myself. As I exited the front doors, I realized that I hadn't been outside the facility since I arrived from the airport on Monday night. Very unlike me! On the very bright side, I was greeted outside by my Parents. They had drove up from Indianapolis to pick me up. As we fled the city, we made the ceremonial stop at White Castle.

I really enjoyed spending a few days with my family. Andrew and Caitlin (my nephew and niece) are growing up. Andrew is driving! Very disturbing. I am happy to see Andrew is surrounded by good friends. Caitlin is in 4th grade but is wise beyond her years.

One highlight I am still smiling about is lunch with my immediate family. Mom and Dad, my sister Angel, and I went out for lunch on Saturday. I cannot recall the last time the four of us actually ate together. No grandkids or spouse, just parents and children. I will treasure that moment for a long time.

Okay I have rambled on for to long - thanks for reading along.

Its a crazy world!

Greeting dear readers. Yes I used the plural form of reader. Mom has noted I didn't update the blog last week - so thats one! Rose sent me an email - thats two. MJ and JV commented - thats 4! Wow - I am humbled.

This week has been full of ups and downs. Great basketballs games, some personal revelations with positive attitude adjustments, and the start of my pre-work for my upcoming program at the Center for Creative Leadership (very excited about that!)

On the down side, we started staff reductions at work with all its emotional baggage. It is budget season as well. Here is how that goes - do more than you did last year, but spend 20% less. Have a nice day.

Last night, was a good news/bad news moment. A dear friend, Lary fought the good fight with pancreatic cancer but alas it finally won. Lary lived longer than his doctors originally predicted. And a good thing too. In the end he only wanted to see his new and only grandson. His son traveled all night to bring the beautiful week-old boy to see Grandpa. After spending what must have been a glorious day together, Lary silently slipped away. Rumor has it, the newest family member slumbered in his arms at the time. Lary was one of those people you meet in life that you felt you have known forever. His knowledge, style, and presence will be missed. I wish him well in his new journey beyond here. Lary's website kept everyone informed in his usual factual, summary style.

Speaking of family - my next blog post will be from the Great State of Indiana! I have to be in Chicago next week so I am sneaking home for the weekend to see my parents and family. More then.