I've been home from work using vacation time since Thursday last week to complete the final preparations for the wedding.
It is funny, how used to not going to work I can get.
I would love to retire and spend all of my time--doing what?
I guess I need work to give me something worthwhile to do.
So the whole idea of going to work is just a disguise, because if I didn't go to work, I'd work around the house. OK--maybe I'd watch World Cup Soccer all morning.
Then I actually need work to get me moving and out of the house and give me something productive to do.
So going to work is actually good for me!
Chris get the summer off, starting Thursday. And then the summer stress begins as she is alone all day and busy finding projects to keep her busy and gainfully employed.
I suppose I would be in the same situation if I didn't have work to keep me busy.
So as the day begins and the slug in me desires not to go to work, I guess I really need to head out for my own good.
That is a positive way of looking at it. Because if I didn't have to go to work, I'd be headed for a sunny beach in Florida--yeah, like in about three weeks from now!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday Musings - June 21, 2010
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| The Bride--Coordinating |
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| What can I say--Simply Beautiful! |
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| If Only it was as Easy at the real Ceremony |
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| Gary and Kay--Thanks for Coming |
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| P&T Enjoying a Toast |
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| Jeremy and Nicole-- |
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| Now You See It |
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| Happy Sisters |
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| Pennie and Scott enjoying a timeout |
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| On the dance floor |
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| Partying on by playing Angry Birds |
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| Looking for a Pirate ship during the reception |
Sunday, June 20, 2010
From the Honeymoon
This breaking news just in from Key West where the honeymooning couple
received an upgraded suite at the hotel.
Patrick and Tina Get Married
It should be the title for a movie--or at least a book.
The long awaited wedding finally happened and in a true-to-form manner--it was simply awesome.
There was drama, confusion, anxiety, changed plans, and perfect weather. There was something for everyone.
Most importantly, two people very much in love were married. After-all--isn't that what it is all about?
We each had our parts to play in the movie that is "Patrick and Tina Get Married" but the real stars were Patrick and Tina. Through it all, they each demonstrated a grand sense of humor and a knack for keeping their "eyes on the ball" rather than getting slogged down in the more mundane aspects of what was swirling around them.
I owe huge a thank-you to many people who worked really hard to make the day come together, and especially the rehearsal dinner, which we hosted at the house with the assistance of our best friends: Fran and Mary. I am always amazed how much work there is to do before hand to make something like a dinner come off and look so effortless.
I was reminded through the planning and execution of this wedding of how many people are involved--each with their part to play, to make the day a success.
I also want to thank the guests who traveled great distances to be part of the celebration. Each of them also played their part by attending and witnessing the event. Remember--not everyone got an invitation--so it certainly was an honor to receive one and then to follow through make the effort to actually attend was especially appreciated.
And then to the parents of the bride--thanks for raising such a special woman who can love and appreciate my son. They are perfect together. It always brings a smile to my face when I see or hear them coming through the door--together or separately.
So now, I'm already waiting for the sequel--as the marriage begins. Perhaps the first sequel will be titled something like "Hot Nights in Key West." I hope they are having fun in one of my favorite places in the world. It just occurred to me how much fun I have living vicariously though the experiences of my children and their families.
God bless you both--Tina and Patrick, today and always.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
After the Wedding
Pennie. A great way to chill after the pace of the last couple of days.
Even today we were busy cleaning up and retrieving the arch from the
hotel.
The memory of a great wedding and reception partying with family and
friends remains fresh and makes me smile.
There are so many people I need to thank for making the whole process
a success.
But my love and prayers go you out to Patrick and Tina.
Friday, June 18, 2010
From the Reception
party of the year is well underway after the long awaited wedding.
In a word. It was awesome.
Party on dudes.
Wedding Day 2010: Patrick and Tina
And today is the day.
The timing is set--the plans are made and mostly set.
The guests are arriving and most of us survived the Rehearsal dinner without incident.
The rehearsal went off well and everything seems ready.
Panic is setting in--and things are falling into place--but we will all be ready this evening.
The rehearsal went off well and everything seems ready.
Panic is setting in--and things are falling into place--but we will all be ready this evening.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Family vs Work: And the Winner Is?
The situation:
A major presentation due at work or travel to attend a grandchild's wedding? What are you going to do?
For conflicts involving big family events: marriages, funerals, reunions, vacations, kid sporting events; the family should win out over work nearly every time!
I think it is important to understand that nearly everyone believes this to be true, so when people use the excuse that work won't allow you to attend--they all know that you don't want to attend and are too disingenuous just to say so! I mean, I have been in the rare situation where I've been called away to support some important operation--but those are generally pretty rare.
People know!
And it is important to have a healthy perspective of work requirements vs personal life situations.
To begin binning the demands on my life--I look at life and priorities as follows:
1, God (personal relationship, not duties associated with religious organizations)
2. Personal Health and Well Being
3. Family - spouse and kids (and grand kids)
4. Work (to include volunteer activities, like churches and fraternal organizations)
5. Extended Family and relatives
6. Friends
7. Home maintenance and repairs
8. Someone I just met
9. A stray animal
So by using the above order, I find I'm getting it right more than not!
So let me give you some examples.
Attending Ethan's Tee-ball games--priority 3
Mowing the lawn - Priority 7
Playing Racquetball - priority 2
Taking a nap - priority 2
Running out in the middle of dinner to view a house for Jeremy - priority 3
Enjoying Happy Hour with Friends on Friday night - priority 2
Helping Jeremy Move (OMG that is gonna be a priority 3, ugh!)
Helping a friend make a trip to the landfill - priority 6
So you kinda get it.
Now--to explain some of the weirdness in the priorities.
Mowing the lawn contributes to the upkeep of the home and is a priority 7 item--but if I don't get it done in a timely manner, it could become a priority 3 issue--where the spouse begins to need it accomplished for her well being.
Although taking a nap contributes to my personal well being, I don't have to take a nap to be happy so I generally do not take naps--but I dream about that afternoon siesta all the time!
So in answer to the question about attending the grandchild's wedding--the wedding wins! Hands down--even if the work conflict is church related and it's the senior pastor of the church. I've seen our pastor leave for these things. And see my blog on delegation to assist in resolving the problems associated with priority conflicts.
Finally, don't let priority 1 and 4 get fuzzy.
Many people do!
A major presentation due at work or travel to attend a grandchild's wedding? What are you going to do?
For conflicts involving big family events: marriages, funerals, reunions, vacations, kid sporting events; the family should win out over work nearly every time!
I think it is important to understand that nearly everyone believes this to be true, so when people use the excuse that work won't allow you to attend--they all know that you don't want to attend and are too disingenuous just to say so! I mean, I have been in the rare situation where I've been called away to support some important operation--but those are generally pretty rare.
People know!
And it is important to have a healthy perspective of work requirements vs personal life situations.
To begin binning the demands on my life--I look at life and priorities as follows:
1, God (personal relationship, not duties associated with religious organizations)
2. Personal Health and Well Being
3. Family - spouse and kids (and grand kids)
4. Work (to include volunteer activities, like churches and fraternal organizations)
5. Extended Family and relatives
6. Friends
7. Home maintenance and repairs
8. Someone I just met
9. A stray animal
So by using the above order, I find I'm getting it right more than not!
So let me give you some examples.
Attending Ethan's Tee-ball games--priority 3
Mowing the lawn - Priority 7
Playing Racquetball - priority 2
Taking a nap - priority 2
Running out in the middle of dinner to view a house for Jeremy - priority 3
Enjoying Happy Hour with Friends on Friday night - priority 2
Helping Jeremy Move (OMG that is gonna be a priority 3, ugh!)
Helping a friend make a trip to the landfill - priority 6
So you kinda get it.
Now--to explain some of the weirdness in the priorities.
Mowing the lawn contributes to the upkeep of the home and is a priority 7 item--but if I don't get it done in a timely manner, it could become a priority 3 issue--where the spouse begins to need it accomplished for her well being.
Although taking a nap contributes to my personal well being, I don't have to take a nap to be happy so I generally do not take naps--but I dream about that afternoon siesta all the time!
So in answer to the question about attending the grandchild's wedding--the wedding wins! Hands down--even if the work conflict is church related and it's the senior pastor of the church. I've seen our pastor leave for these things. And see my blog on delegation to assist in resolving the problems associated with priority conflicts.
Finally, don't let priority 1 and 4 get fuzzy.
Many people do!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Oil, Money and Frustration
It's the President's fault!
Which president?
Well, BP's of course?
Really, for the lack of effort on the clean up and the oil slick heading for the Florida coast?
Yeah--the President of the U.S. and BP and whomever else is involved.
Where is Congress???
Our representatives are asleep at the switch it seems. They are consumed by special interest items but are not mobilizing to put some sanity in the situation that has developed in the Gulf of Mexico.
And where are the movie stars who always seem to be campaigning for some crusade. Haven't heard a peep from them, either. Don't they care as much about the Gulf as they do polar bears in the Arctic?
And the thousands of barrels per day of oil keeps leaking and no one is doing anything except wringing their hands and watching the oil begin wash up on the beaches. We are looking at an environmental catastrophe greater than Chernobyl. And we laughed at the Russians when it happened.
Really? really!
From the Wall Street Journal here is a good explanation of the situation:
Mr. Obama's political challenges were evident in Alabama Monday, where leaders and residents said their state has been deprived of vital resources for fighting the spill. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has been vocal about his dismay with the federal effort to protect Perdido Pass, a waterway near the Florida border, and Perdido Bay, a scenic waterway central to the fishing and tourism industry in both Alabama and Northern Florida.
This is a political issue--and it should be an environmental issue.
And now for the rub, also from this article:
Mr. Obama said he has begun "constructive" talks with BP on the creation of an independently operated recovery fund to ensure "legitimate claims are dealt with fairly, justly, promptly." He said he and BP officials hoped to announce a deal on the issue Wednesday following a meeting at the White House.
As a sovereign country--there is no need for constructive talks. Give BP the bill for the clean up--and then maybe someone will get off their bloated bottoms and start fixing the damage and preventing more!
Nuff said!
Which president?
Well, BP's of course?
Really, for the lack of effort on the clean up and the oil slick heading for the Florida coast?
Yeah--the President of the U.S. and BP and whomever else is involved.
Where is Congress???
Our representatives are asleep at the switch it seems. They are consumed by special interest items but are not mobilizing to put some sanity in the situation that has developed in the Gulf of Mexico.
And where are the movie stars who always seem to be campaigning for some crusade. Haven't heard a peep from them, either. Don't they care as much about the Gulf as they do polar bears in the Arctic?
And the thousands of barrels per day of oil keeps leaking and no one is doing anything except wringing their hands and watching the oil begin wash up on the beaches. We are looking at an environmental catastrophe greater than Chernobyl. And we laughed at the Russians when it happened.
Really? really!
From the Wall Street Journal here is a good explanation of the situation:
Mr. Obama's political challenges were evident in Alabama Monday, where leaders and residents said their state has been deprived of vital resources for fighting the spill. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has been vocal about his dismay with the federal effort to protect Perdido Pass, a waterway near the Florida border, and Perdido Bay, a scenic waterway central to the fishing and tourism industry in both Alabama and Northern Florida.
This is a political issue--and it should be an environmental issue.
And now for the rub, also from this article:
Mr. Obama said he has begun "constructive" talks with BP on the creation of an independently operated recovery fund to ensure "legitimate claims are dealt with fairly, justly, promptly." He said he and BP officials hoped to announce a deal on the issue Wednesday following a meeting at the White House.
As a sovereign country--there is no need for constructive talks. Give BP the bill for the clean up--and then maybe someone will get off their bloated bottoms and start fixing the damage and preventing more!
Nuff said!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Delegation--The Secret to Success
We all intuitively know that if we can keep our priorities straight and work from the most important to the least, that life will be good and we will be fulfilled, right? And if we don't have enough time or energy to get something done--well as long as it's a low priority then "no harm, no foul."
Hold it right there.
We all also know this is so totally, not true!
All of our priorities need to be completed from the most important to the least. At least that's how we feel.
If it didn't need to be done, then it wouldn't have a priority. No matter where in the schema it falls out.
That then is the problem. It all needs to be done and we all know there is never enough time to get it all done.
And then there are those conflicting appointments--and problems trying to resolve which one to attend.
The secret to success? Delegation.
This is where the priority system really works. When there are truly competing priorities--then delegate someone else to attend in your place. That way, effectively, you can be in multiple places simultaneously.
Hold it right there.
We all also know this is so totally, not true!
All of our priorities need to be completed from the most important to the least. At least that's how we feel.
If it didn't need to be done, then it wouldn't have a priority. No matter where in the schema it falls out.
That then is the problem. It all needs to be done and we all know there is never enough time to get it all done.
And then there are those conflicting appointments--and problems trying to resolve which one to attend.
The secret to success? Delegation.
This is where the priority system really works. When there are truly competing priorities--then delegate someone else to attend in your place. That way, effectively, you can be in multiple places simultaneously.
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