newbuzz...One of the best things about working in an office is the inevitable "food day". While the events that inspire a food day are as vast as the potluck menus that appear on them, my personal favorite is the "sad you are leaving" food day such as the one held in our office today. Having it on Friday is an added bonus as there are no calories in the food when the weekend is so close at hand. People pull out all the stops on a farewell food day. You should expect bad karma if you to cheap out on this one. You will find sweet and salty treats as well as seasonal fare and decadent desserts. In the upper mid-west, there is no greater send off than a really good food day. The amount and variety of dishes are directly related to the love and well wishes bestowed on the one who is leaving. I hate to see a good colleague go, but if she must, then bring on the food. There is sure to be a week of excited chatter in the planning, with a carefully monitored sign up sheet to make sure there are no duplicate dishes served. While the anticipation builds, there are many discussions among neighbors to make sure the food will be plenty and the plates, napkins, and utensils will appear without a hitch. At last it is time to eat and the conversation is truly en captivating: "Did you make this?" "Yes, I got the recipe online and then I added some fresh basil", or, "No, I always stop at the little deli near my house on the way to work, they have the best salads". After everyone is full and groggy from the sugar and salt, the focus returns to the one who is leaving. There will be jokes and funny stories, but in the end, it is a sad occasion and she will be missed. And this is why we need the food.

newbuzz..."That is quite a fashion statement," exclaimed my boss. She was referring to the multicolored, granny square afghan that was draped around my shoulders and clipped together with a large paper clip. This is my favorite way to keep warm at work, whether I am cold from the winter wind, or the summer air conditioning. I keep my lap sized afghan slung over the back of my chair. I brought it with me from my last job of 14 years, and it is my favorite work accessory. I love it for the snugly, home-style warmth it brings when I am at work and away from the comforts of home. Just looking at the colors and the texture of the yarn sparks memories of grandmothers, old friends, and smiles. My own grandmother was a crafter. In addition to sewing, she made knitted and crocheted items. In her last years, she spent many hours making personalized afghans for each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. When she died, she left a large bag of her extra yarn. Though they were just scraps, and not enough of each color to make a large item, I thought I could make slippers or mittens with the yarn, and I could not part with it. At that time, I had two young daughters and I was new in my position at a local company. I did not have the time or energy for knitting. A co-worker suggested I donate the yarn to the nursing home where his grandmother lived. He said the ladies there enjoyed making lap quilts for other residents and would gladly use the yarn for their projects. He explained that while the finished products were useful to the residents, the making of them was far more valuable to those who were able to crochet as it gave them a purpose and a mission. I gladly donated the yarn, and he delivered it to his grandmother's nursing home. Several months later, he presented me with the afghan I have today. Made with love for me, from my grandmother's own yarn, by another grandmother in her end days, I will always cherish this gift. It is a reminder of the connectedness of all human beings. I keep it at work to remember that while we work for our living, we live for our families and friends, and both can be found in the workplace as well as in our hearts and homes.

newbuzz...It is hot out there. The sun is shining and the humidity is high. I am inside in the air conditioning, and thankful for it. In addition to the heat and humidity, there are allergens out there that wreak havoc in my sinuses. The television news program is reporting expected record heat in New York for the next several days as well as many power blackouts due to the increased demand for cooling. Yet we continue to waste our resources. All of our homes are cooling while we are away at work, kids at daycare. Then when we are home, our workplaces are empty, still drawing energy for cooling. In order to reduce consumption, we will have to go back to the ways of yesterday when people lived and worked in or near their homes. Families and neighbors will need to come together to share public spaces for the common good and find ways to preserve our natural resources. We need to think outside the box for energy preservation and renewal. People must realize that every effort to create electricity to power our homes and workplaces includes aspects that are detrimental to our environment. Even wind turbines create pollution-they are made of metal, use oil and grease to turn and reduce habitat for migratory birds. Today I will be mindful of ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle the precious resources at hand that make my life enjoyable.

newbuzz...My work group had a lunchtime barbecue yesterday. We had ribs, coleslaw, potato salad, watermelon, homemade desserts and party drinks with little umbrellas. The food was delicious and the opportunity to mingle and visit with our co-workers was delightful. Though I was in a downtown city setting, with an employer of more than two thousand workers, I was struck with how much this event felt like picnics with my former employer of two hundred workers in a small town of less than five thousand. People are the same everywhere. We like to eat, we like to visit, we like to feel we are a part of something. When these components are combined in the workplace, it is a win, win situation for employer and employee. Never underestimate the power of the simple pleasures. Good food and good conversation build good will and strengthen friendship bonds.

newbuzz...I had a day off work yesterday and I just stayed home all day. I did not even start the car. It was a lovely day of peace and quiet. I did some cleaning of remote and scary storage places. Decided I do not have to keep things just because someone somewhere sometime gave them to me. I am not the keeper of the universe. If it does not add value to my life, it has to go. To that end, I got rid of some old cookbooks, clothing , pencils, pens, markers and broken hardware. I made a delicious noodle salad for lunch complete with fresh veggies from the Farmer's Market. From there, I went outside and weeded three of my gardens. I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies, mowed the lawn and made a chicken stir fry for dinner. After that I was tired and retired to the couch for the evening. I watched "The Last Comic Standing" and had a few laughs before bedtime. It is amazing what a person can get done in one day when not commuting to work. As I get ready for work this morning, I am feeling satisfied and relaxed. This is the peace of middle age when you know that time spent thoughtfully is more valuable than anxiously rushing to the prize. In our forties, we learn that time is the prize and how we use it will be our glory.

newbuzz...In a few short minutes I will be heading to work in my blue jeans. This is because I purchased the option from my employer in April. In an effort to send money to Haiti to help with the disaster of nature there, we had a chance to donate $5 for each "Jeans Day for Haiti" sticker, to be used on subsequent Fridays through the end of June. I used my two stickers immediately, but my co-worker graciously gave me her last one to use today. I confess that I have given more thought about wearing the jeans than I have about the money donated. Upon reflection, I am hopeful that the money raised has been put to good use helping those who have suffered hardship and been displaced. I am thankful today for all of my blessings and I promise not to gripe, complain or encourage bad attitudes. At least for today, I will be positive, kind, and helpful. Next time I am faced with an opportunity to donate money to a worthy cause, I will give more generously.

newbuzz...Downtown St. Paul has a wonderful sky way system that connects virtually all of her buildings together in a climate controlled walkway that is both convenient and conducive to year round exercise. I have been using them for 30 minutes of power walking over my lunch hour for the past four weeks. To date, I have lost six pounds of unwanted fat, gotten rid of some daytime tension, and begun to wake up more rested after a full night of deep sleep. Each workday at lunch time I put on my walking shoes, ankle weights, and grab my hand weights before heading down the elevator for my workout. At first I may have looked a little crazed with the effort of the power walking, but now I am sure my face reflects the exhilaration and peace I feel while walking. (Or at least people have stopped staring at me). It is fun to see the same people on their walks too as we pass each other in different buildings on different days. Recently, I have noticed a couple of women who have picked up their hand weights and increased their pace just like me. I realize that this is a small victory, but I am struck with the notion that leadership comes in all shapes and sizes. If I can be the example that gets others out there and moving, then I am satisfied that I am helping others and living up to my potential.

newbuzz...My former work group is meeting tonight to celebrate and commiserate the changes we have come through since our jobs were moved out of state a year ago. Two have sold their homes and bought new ones. Several have new jobs. Two are on unemployment. New babies and grand babies have been born. Life goes on and so does our friendship. We made the mistake of comparing our work lives to our family lives. Though we spent forty hours a week with our co-workers, they were not our families. We were there to do a job and when the job was over, we could not stay. This is the nature of earning a living in modern society. We were there for a paycheck to support our real families. But this does not diminish the value and the richness of the relationships that were made while we were "on the clock". We remain connected by common experience and our community is intact in our hearts and minds. Though we all miss the old days when we were together, it is the knowledge of what we had and the support of our own families that will propel each of us forward to form new work groups to walk us through the next phase in our lives.

newbuzz...The first day of summer in Minnesota reminded me why we put up with the cold and snow of October through April. It began with a clear dawn that commenced with sunshine, complete with humidity, a brief rain storm, and finished with warm sunshine again just before dark. A whole season of weather was borne in one day. In Minnesota, we are hearty, flexible changelings who are not deterred by these mood swings of mother nature. Our goodbyes to spring and her delicate blossoms were quickly replaced with greetings to the hot days of summer and bug spray, sunscreen, beaches and farmer's markets. We relish in the changes and happily switch gears as we enjoy the mortal days of summer. Though we know there will be cold days ahead, there is no reason to dwell on this or to ration our pleasure today. Just as we experience the seasons of nature, so too will we experience the change of seasons in the years of our lives. As one season ends so another begins. As we embrace each new beginning, we must carefully, lovingly say goodbye to the past, knowing that with the change comes new strength to help us weather any storm.

newbuzz...Today I enjoyed a lovely outdoor wedding shower. The sun was shining, there was a light breeze on the air, and the future bride was glowing. It was an old fashioned kitchen shower with three generations of women gathered together to share gifts and good wishes with the soon to be newly wed. We laughed over stories of our own cooking fiascoes while we admired the kitchen gadgets and accessories that she will use to set up her kitchen. We talked about the division of labor in each of our homes as well as which men are willing to go shopping and which ones leave it to their wives. Our new young bride confidently stated that she will not shop for her husband's clothes, although she is trying to get him to incorporate some of her taste into his wardrobe. The older women among us nodded and smiled. We think she will learn that if she wants it her way, she will have to do it herself. And if she insists he do it, she will have to adjust her standards. This is the way it is between men and women. It is the stuff that makes life interesting and challenging at the same time. The way that we manage our differences is the main ingredient in marriage. If we do it well, our love will stay strong and bind us together for a lifetime.

newbuzz...In response to numerous requests, I have once again committed to buzz on a daily basis. Now that I have come out on the other side of the "laid off, job search, job found, new routine" drama, I am ready to begin spewing my thoughts and observations for the reading enjoyment of my fans and (Farmville) neighbors. It seems appropriate that I explain my absence from the blog screen. At first I was just tired with all the changes going on. Later, I was overwhelmed with trying to fit in with a new work team and learn all the details of a new job. Then, I wondered how much and what kind of my personal musings could go into the blog before it they might actually affect my job and my privacy. Now, with nearly six months on the new job and a new routine fairly in place, I am ready to tackle the balancing act of truth and temperament. I have certainly had many new experiences and interesting insights along my journey to re-employment. Watch for upcoming rants and raves as well as some humorous stories and revelations in future buzz entries.

newbuzz...Animals are funny. I know, because I observe them often. Sometimes I wonder what they must be thinking. Other times I just look and laugh. One day as I was driving by a small beef cattle feedlot, I noticed one young steer standing on the top of a snow pile. It could not have been easy getting up there, because it was not a gradual climb. It was just a six foot peak of snow with about a six foot base. How did the snow pile get there? Was there something under that snow? Why was he standing there like that? All the other cattle were milling around, chewing their cud, just like there was no steer on top of a snow pile. He looked content. They looked content. But what was the story? What makes a steer climb to the top of a snow pile? Then I remembered a game we used to play in childhood; King of the hill. When it used to snow in our neighborhood and the snowplow piled up heaping mounds on front lawn curbs, we put on our bulky snowsuits and headed outside to play. The first one to the top of the biggest hill was King. The King was at the top, higher than everyone else, looking down at everyone else. The King held his or her place until he or she got tired of it. Then, the King stepped down to play, and someone else took the place. Sometimes there was a scuffle to get to the top. Other times, no one wanted the position, and at these times, the little kid got to make it to the top. Standing there in all his glory, no one else noticed the little kid. But it was his Kingship nonetheless. Why did he do it? Because he could, and it felt good to be at the top.

newbuzz...Now that I commute to work (40 miles each way), I really miss my local community. As a longtime resident of my small hometown, I never realized how much I am identified with its culture. Not only have I lived in Cannon Falls and raised my children here, but all of my jobs over the last twenty years have been within city limits as well. For twenty years I have been able to walk or ride bike to work and home again for lunch. When I took my car, the maximum drive time was eight minutes (and that was if I hit the stoplight on a red). I was able to run errands on my coffee breaks and let my dogs out at noon. I knew that these were conveniences. But I have learned recently that these are the experiences that have made up my world view as follows: I know people, people know me, everyone is friendly, there is always enough time, things change slowly, people are the same, and I know what to expect. As I begin to adjust to my new schedule and my new digs, I cannot help but feel alone and isolated. I miss the comforts of home. By venturing outside of my comfort zone, I will expand my view while bringing my own to share with others. The mixing of cultures that occurs in the workplace is facilitated by etiquette and subtle mores that make it easy for everyone to benefit from differences.

newbuzz...I have not made a donation via cell phone to Haiti yet. Though this is an amazing way to fund a truly worthy cause, I cannot jump on the bandwagon. I have already made a commitment to help those in need whom I encounter on a daily basis. Often, this includes my family members. Sometimes it is a friend. More and more often, it is just me, and managing my own needs and finances. Hard times have surely changed my financial behavior. Now I must think about every penny that leaves my purse. I cannot spend much on entertainment or going out, and I cannot donate to every cause that pops up. But, this does not mean that I cannot make a contribution. My efforts at putting my own finances to rights as well as the help I can give to family and friends makes a mark on this earth as surely as the medical personnel who are helping earth quake survivors in Haiti. I agree with Theodore Roosevelt who said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." If I keep this in mind, and act on it accordingly, there is no reason to feel that I am not doing my share, and no reason to doubt the power of my contributions.

newbuzz...I was reluctant to get up at 5:30 this morning, but then my husband arrived and placed a steaming, aromatic cup of coffee on my bedside table. Who could resist? Not me. I sat up and sipped my coffee in bed, watching the traffic update on the morning news. No slow downs, no crashes reported. Great. Now I could take my time and leave for work at 6:50. I dressed in leisure and headed downstairs where my husband met me bearing a bowl of hot oatmeal. I checked my email and my Farmville, packed my lunch, poured a second cup of coffee, and headed out the door for work. Then I realized I did not have my cell phone. I searched the house in a frenzy that can only be understood by fellow commuters who know that leaving one minute too late can result in several minutes late to work. I had to leave without the phone and this had me wracking my brain all the way in hopes of remembering where I might have laid it. I forgot my coffee in the car, but I made it to work in my high heels and a big hurry. Stepping off the carpet, my heel hit the slippery floor tile and I fell down in the lobby. I landed on both knees and only missed going face forward by bracing myself with the palm of my right hand. It hurt and it was embarrassing, until I realized that no one was watching. With more than ten people in close proximity, not one of them gave a second glance or asked if I was okay. That was weird. I thought that this was Minnesota, home of "Nice". I survived the morning and had a good day at work. I found my phone when I got home. My knees kind of hurt and my arm is sore, but I guess I will make it another day. Today I was reminded that while my actions can control many things, my reactions control my destiny.

newbuzz...With less than two weeks of commuting under my belt, I am ready to vote for mass transit. I would like to have a train from Rochester to St. Paul, (Minnesota, that is). I am prepared to pay taxes for this service. Whatever must be spent on the front end will save money and hassle on the back end. I do not like quick-stopping drivers on snowy days. I do not like fast drivers on foggy days. I do not like crazy, careless drivers on clear, dry, sunny days. I do not like to wait while the quick-stopping, fast, crazy, careless drivers are scraped from the road after they have an accident during rush hour. But, I would certainly like to sit on a heated or air conditioned train seat and check my email over the wireless internet on my laptop. I would like knowing that I was not responsible to drive or park the train. I would like to watch people and just zone out. I would like being part of a communal carbon foot print that would help preserve our healthy environment and natural resources. Jesse Ventura began a great work in our state with the Light Rail transit system. We just did not let him go far enough. I want mass transit, and I want it in my lifetime.

newbuzz...I have joined the ranks of the 90% of Americans who are employed. After three months of uncertainty and leisure, I am glad to be back on a schedule. Although I will never forget the brief interlude I had from the rat race and the world of the super busy, it is good to know where my meal ticket is coming from. Along with the experiences of having a job, losing a job, and getting a new job, I have learned to relax more and worry less. My new peace of mind does not protect me from the various calamities that may be just around the corner, but it does allow me to really enjoy what I am doing now and the things that I have today. Now I have a new schedule and a new routine. (Well, I am waiting for it to become a routine, so far, it is just all new). My dogs miss me during the day, and my husband beats me to the mailbox, but these are things that I can make up for on the weekend. I can no longer watch endless hours of daytime television or play on Facebook at will. But, my morning coffee is there for me and I know where to find my old friends. I think I am ready to just get on with it. Now, if all the other 10% of the unemployed could find jobs, I would be satisfied.

newbuzz...I know that the real reason Farmville is so popular is not because it is a great application, or a fun social outlet, or even an addictive past-time. It is because the unemployment rate is through the roof. That's it. Plain and simple. Displaced workers need something to do. The middle aged unemployed gravitate to the easily understood, wholesome apps like Farmville or Happy Aquarium. Here we showcase our work ethic on the farm, and then go to the ocean to daydream of happier times. The younger set go for Yo Ville and Sorority Life where they can keep busy with the things they understand and like to do in real life. The angry unemployed and underemployed go for apps like Mafia Wars where they can have fun pretending to be bad. Now I know that people with jobs actually find time to play on Facebook apps, but really, they did not become so popular in the mainstream until the bottom fell out of the economy. Unemployed people cannot spend money. They cannot go anywhere and they cannot buy anything. But, in the interest of finding a job, they must have the internet. They must search for and apply for jobs online. To that end, they spend many an hour on the world wide web. In order to keep their spirits up, they have to keep in touch with friends. Hence, social outlets like Facebook have become popular. Once logged in, there is a short path from checking on friends, to checking on the farm, or the fish, and so on. I think we will know that the economy has turned around when there is a downtick in the number of players on Facebook apps.

newbuzz...As I ponder the upcoming first day on my new job, I cannot help but reflect on the last twelve weeks of unemployment. At first, I was busy catching up on rest from the last six years of working full time and attending weekend college. Then, I spent a few weeks in a frenzy of activity around the house and yard. I did all the cleaning and organizing that had gone by the wayside far too long. I completed half finished craft projects and made new items for Christmas gifts. All the while, I was intently looking for jobs. I scanned the internet job boards and sent out resume after resume. I read rejection emails, and went on interviews. Finally, I began to relax. I slept soundly through the night. I woke up when I was rested. I got dressed when I felt like it, and left the house on my own schedule. I realize now that what I gained from losing my job was my own locomotion. I truly had control of my day in a way that I had not had in a long time. So, for a few short weeks, my economic security was traded for the personal freedom of my own time management. I did not have to worry because I was not rushed into anything and therefore I did not have the tendency to forget. There was plenty of time to get things done and to rest and relax. As I prepare for reentry into the work world, I want to remember how restorative it has been to stop swimming upstream, and just go with the flow.