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.