It has been a good year for me as I experienced the natural ups and downs of life.... I completed more of my education and even took two religion courses. Eastern and western religions...I found these to be very interesting and I was not certain if enlightening myself more would change my personal or world views....well it did not on a personal level but it was helpful for my world view understanding. I found that it could take a lifetime to be fully versed in world religions and I believe I will leave that to the Theologians. I made some new friends this year that have challenged some of my thinking...I like that aspect. My son continues to challenge me as well...very mildly compared to how I was as a teenager. I am anxious to see him find his niche in life....he loves his gaming and perhaps that will take him through his career life. He mentioned he would like to travel...I hope I can help him out there and who knows...maybe he will take flight one day and send me news from some travels he decides to take. I lost a couple of friends this year but I am happy that they left me with thoughts I can laugh about. I hope that their families continue to move through and forward. The economy has taken its toll on family, friends, and acqauintances alike...it was inevitable if you really stopped to take a look at things and the spending behaviors that have been cultivated by corporate americas lending industry. Let alone...the American public needs to wake up and accept the consequences of their own misbehaviors and act accordingly. The old saying comes to mind...If it seems to good to be true then it probably is!  Well I will get off that soap box and wish everyone a great time in 2009!

 

 

 

 

For French Lake Township Demographics visit the site below:

I am not really sure why I am here tonight. There is not too much going on. I am almost done with my most recent class...one more paper to post by Monday & then a month break before the next class. Brandon is busy with his computer stuff & I guess I am busy with mine. Char is heading for Arizona soon and will be gone for 10 days. Good for her...she is getting away at the right time. I am dreaming of walking a white sand beach. I think that I would love to be able to have a morning walk on a warm beach every day for the rest of my life. What a beautiful thing to walk while the tide is out and you can see all the interesting creatures that are often unseen. The patterns in the sand are not unlike a fresh wind drifted snow on the planes. One exception...big temperature difference.

 

The first time I walked a florida beach when the tide was out....I made a note to self to always have some type of foot protection while in the water. Just trust me on that one. I need to visit the ocean again so I can renew the sound of the rolling surf and that unique smell. Having grown up around many lakes and streams...I have found that I tend not to stray too far from a scenic waterway. Maybe it is just not that easy to get away from in the land of 10,000 lakes. I have not been fishing in what seems like forever either...counting down to spring...green...flowers & fresh mown grass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So I learned a couple of weeks or so ago that the work project I am on was cut and shelved due to financial hard times. What does this mean you ask? It means that I have six weeks to document where the project was at in its development and that I can look forward to being placed in a pool of candidates for remaining jobs.  It is a harsh reality that some people will be left to look outside of the company for a new  career. There are many people who have been through this sort of shake up before and are probably better prepared mentally for it than I. I have been with this company for 11 years now and I have made some great friends, best friends. It is amazing the strong ties that can be formed when people have a common goal to achieve. Although I am deeply saddened by this change right now....I am above all a survivor and don't tend to mourn for too long. This time around in my life I feel better prepared because I have learned how to better reach out to others to keep in touch. I know I have a way to go yet on being able to really open up but I am working on it.

 

At any rate...I did get together with a couple of high school friends last weekend and had a great time re-hashing old times and looking at old photos! Yikes. I will have to add a photo to my friends folder or why not add it here?

 Absolutely unbelievable! Watching the news and speaking with Michele this evening when shortly after 6:00 PM they announced the collapse of the 35W river bridge over the Mississippi River. Tail end of rush hour & a twins game to get to...construction workers...there may be unknown boaters that had been below. Some vehicles were on fire. I am feeling dumfounded...I can not imagine how the people present or involved must be feeling.

Sadly it is so unreal and catastrophic that even  the FBI is arriving to investigate the scene. What a tragedy that we are in such a state that we would have to even think about  possible foul play.

Surely there will be many stories of triumph and many stories of tragedy. This will surely be a story of how a community can come together.  Hospitals and rescue workers from all over the State will be on on alert and on hand to help.

Cell phone companies have asked people to stay off their lines so only important calls can get through....I wonder how busy Charlie may be because of this? The Bridge is unique in that it was suspended mostly by a single steele suspension span...the drop is estimated to be about 64 feet to the water. The effects from this will last a very long time.

Well I thought since I list that I enjoy writing...perhaps I should start. It seems that someone named Tori finds my Blog confusing. Well life is confusing most of the time. I am sorry Tori that I have added to that confusion for you.

I recently went on a family vacation to Washington State. Yes there are plenty of pictures to view and a bunch more to add yet. I still can not clear my ears from the plane flight. I can not imagine they will stay like this forever though.

I had not flown in over twelve years but still found it enjoyable. I must add however that the post 911 effects at the airport deeply sadden me and anger me as well. Nuff said.

I had the chance to stay with my Sister Carol, Brother In-law Paul and sons Garret & Andrew while out there. They are the most gracious of hosts and I felt proud and fortunate that they are my family. I also had time with my Son Brandon, my sister Sue as well as neices Merete and Taylor. Nicolos was back in Minnesota with his Dad Tom & I got to take his room for the visit...next time I am going to steal his comforter.

We had the chance to visit many new places including Victoria B.C. where I had the fortune of meeting up with my friend and former co-worker Chris. Her and her stepdaughters were our tour guides on day one and Chris was our tour guide on day two. Chris's husband Dave even made us lunch on day two...it was fantastic & I must remember to get their cucumber recipe. Unfortunately we had to eat and run.

I learned more about my sister Sue and found that she can sure pick up where I chicken out... Thank God for that because those flippin cliffs just freak me out! I believe that my son Brandon had a great time and that this vacation was one of the best things ever for him. I hope that this trip was one to open his mind to possibilities. He sure made me proud to be his Mom. Neices and nephews? I was able to get to know them better as well and what a bunch of great young minds. I wish I could of let Merete drive that van.