I'm a HOG

When I first heard that my husband bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle he called me from the dealership and said "we" now own a Harley. I had no clue he was even thinking about buying one. Dollar signs flashed in front of my eyes along with the monthly mortgage payment, college tuition payment, college dorm payment, car payment. But let's be honest, what really stuck in my crawl was that he bought it without discussing it with me.

I decided if he's got this thing I might as well go on rides with him. We usually go with our local H.O.G. chapter. Every weekend they have a ride or two going on beautiful back roads with our destination usually being a restaurant for lunch.

The more I ride with him, the more I enjoy it. I like the fresh air and smelling the woods or flowers as we ride by. It's also a great way to spend time together. I can't believe I'm saying this but, I'd like it we moved up to a bigger bike (for a more cushiony ride.)

Yes, that's me with a doo rag. I can't believe I'm wearing one, but it makes the helmet more comfortable. You won't see me wearing a bikini top and tight leather pants (believe me, it's best for everyone involved.)

Technology VS Meat Sacks

My husband, Glenn Childress, recently encountered poor customer service with Enterprise Car Rental. Here is his account of the conversations (or lack thereof). 

Technology vs. meat sacks? Not a question obviously, but one human being trying to reach another human being that cares at Enterprise Car Rental. I have been a loyal "road warrior" renter for years and have relied on and been satisfied by Enterprise--until now. 

I left home for a 3 week business trip last week and lost my license at the airport while checking in at the ticket counter. I flew home this morning just to go to the Georgia Driver Services office to have my license replaced. I was issued a Georgia temporary license.  

I called Enterprise and after great difficulty trying to wade through the "customer service" automated prompts I was finally magically connected to the local Enterprise office near my home. Ryan at the Roswell, GA Enterprise office told me that he would accept my license but then provided me with the direct # to the Philadelphia Airport location. When I called the Philadelphia airport to confirm that my license would be accepted, I was told that Enterprise will NOT accept any state issued temporary license. 

I then contacted Hertz through their Executive office and actually spoke with a human being. She simply listened to my tale of frustration and said, "What can I do to help?" She confirmed that they will accept my temporary license and gave me her name and direct phone to use on the reservation in case I encountered any problems. That, my friends, is customer service!

I will now rent from Hertz exclusively. If you believe that I am just being an angry "hater" then you may want to look up the Enterprise Rental history for #57ZGQ3D in your business rental program. By the way, you should add a selection to the "Subject" list to at least include a dissatisfied customer, but then maybe I was the first. Goodbye.

Barney Fife Alive and Well

Do you remember your first experience being pulled over by a cop? You pass his car sitting off the side of the road. You look at the speedometer. Oh no, I'm speeding. Your stomach drops and a weird sick feeling follows. Your pulse quickens. Panic sets in. You check the rear view mirror. Yep, he's pulling out. Oh boy, there go the blue lights. You slow down to below the speed limit. What IS the speed limit? One last check in the rear view mirror. Wow, he's close to my bumper. You move to the shoulder of the road. Let's see if he's after me. Yep, he's pulling over with me. Sweat has formed on your brow. Your heart is pumping. You lower your window and sit as still as possible with your hands on the steering wheel. Don't want him thinking I'm going for a gun. He gets out of his cruiser and cautiously approaches the driver's side window with his hand hovering above his gun in case it's needed. Then you hear those words, "Mam, do you have any idea what speed you were going?" You reply no. "Driver's license and registration, please," he sternly says.

This recently happened to my daughter. She's 19 and never been pulled over before. In her case, the policeman was a city of Woodstock motorcycle cop. She doesn't get asked about her speed. Instead he says, "Mam, you failed to signal when changing lanes back there. License, registration and proof of insurance, please."

He went back to his motorcycle, did some paperwork, then returned to my daughter's car. He handed her a ticket for $154. 

She had the option to pay the ticket or go to traffic court on an appointed date. She opted for going to court. 

A few weeks later she showed up for court. There was a line out the door of other people checking in--there must have been 80 people there. She discovered that traffic court happens Monday through Friday, every week, at 5:30 PM.

She finally gets into the courtroom. The judge begins to call up groups of people with similar traffic violations. Her group is called. The judge tells them they can plead guilty, pay the fine and no points will appear on their record. Or, they could plead not guilty and return for another court date and face a possible fine of $1,000. Guess which option she chose? Yep, she paid the fine and got out of there.

Here's my beef, it was her first traffic violation and it was for NOT USING HER BLINKER. She wasn't speeding. She wasn't driving recklessly. I think a warning would have been sufficient. This guy decides he needs to teach her a lesson and give her a ticket.

Now, court is held everyday and there were at least 80 people there for one appearance. Most people were opting to pay the fine. Think about how much money the city of Woodstock is making on traffic violations! Granted, some of the offenses were serious traffic violations. But they just made $154 off of my daughter for NOT USING HER BLINKER. I didn't even realize this was a law--but I sure do now!

Yes, I'm venting. Yes, I'm angry. I'm writing all of this to warn anyone driving through Woodstock, Ga. to beware of over zealous policemen making money for the city and to watch your speed and make sure to USE YOUR BLINKER because Deputy Fife is on duty!

I'm not even going to get into the emotional trauma she experienced. Suffice it to say that she drives very cautiously through Woodstock and everywhere.

Laid Off -- Now What?

I was laid off from my job at the end of last year. I Googled "jobs for people over 50." (I'm over 50 if you haven't guessed.) Results came back with: crossing guard, private detective, senior living aide, operating room clean up person, x-ray technician, medical assistant, tour guide, ghost writer and the list goes on.

I couldn't be a private detective--might have to spy on people having affairs or maybe climb up a tree for a higher perch to spy from. The operating clean up person would be a stretch for me--I'd probably drop the surgical instruments. Being a tour guide has promise--I could use a microphone. Self-doubt set in. Thoughts went through my mind that maybe I'm too old to get another job--might as well put me out to pasture. The problem with this way of thinking is that if you dwell on it long enough, you start to really believe it and it couldn't be further from the truth.

In the article from Forbes, "How to Great a Job When You're Over 50," Renée Rosenberg, a career counselor who specializes in over-50 job seekers says, "The kiss of death is hunkering down behind your computer, reading job boards and sending your résumé into a black hole. ... It’s a matter of being open to change, being willing to change and looking at which of your skills are transferable.” (Full article).

That is so true! I was encouraged to attend job networking events in my area. Roswell United Methodist Church (RUMC) has a job ministry that has been around for 25+ years. They offer free workshops on resume writing, how to network, one-on-one LinkedIn profile reviews, how to find hidden jobs (and more). Experts in these areas volunteer their time to lead the workshops. Dinner is offered for a $3 donation. My mind has been opened to new ways of thinking. I've been encouraged. I've met super nice people who are in the same boat I am.

I could keep going, but I'll continue with what I'm learning in more blog posts.

If you live in the Atlanta area and are out of work and need help finding a job, check out these job networking groups:

RUMC
Crossroads Career Network
North Point Community Church Job Networking
Christ Centered Career Groups (C3G)

Something Stinks

A couple of years ago we bought a new, energy efficient washer and dryer. We opted for the front loading washer because it saved on water. Everything was great. The clothes would get so rung out in the spin cycle that it didn't take much time to dry them.

A few months later I kept smelling a bad odor coming from the laundry room. We quickly figured out that it was coming from the washer. How could this be? A new washer stinking? I googled the problem (I love the Internet!) and discovered that the water doesn't drain all the way out of the washer, so it sits in the bottom of the drum and mildews. It's a common problem with front loading washers. Wish we had known this before buying. I have tried several washing machine cleaners that you run through the washer, none of them worked.

Then I saw an ad on TV for Tide washing machine cleaner. I had to try it. It worked! It even cleaned the black mildew in the rubber door seal! It smells great! I wanted to share this with other unsuspecting front loading washer owners that there is hope and a great cleaner is on the market. Tide, please don't stop making it!

Help for the Homeless

Living on Skid Row, Ron Thomas' life was changed by a chance encounter with a little girl. He is now helping the people living on the street that he once called home. Watch his inspiring story.

This is a video that I adapted for a young audience. This required writing the script, new shot selection, editing & choosing voice over talent & music.

A New Attitude

The lyrics to Patti Labelle's "New Attitude" are running though my head. The beginning of the song goes like:

Runnin' hot, runnin' cold I was runnin' into overload,
it was extreme I took it so high, so low  
So low, there was nowhere to go like a bad dream
 
Somehow the wires uncrossed, 
my tables were turned  
Never knew I had such a lesson to learn
 
I'm feelin' good from my head to my shoes 
Know where I'm goin' and I know what to do 
I tied it up my point of view 
I got a new attitude!

I'm at a career crossroads right now and it's become clear that I need a new attitude. I "got the ax" from my job in September 2012. The signs were there that it was coming, but still when you walk into a conference room where your boss, your boss' boss, and the head of HR are at sitting at the table you know what's about to happen.

I had tried to prepare myself for this moment, but I still got that pit in the bottom of my stomach and had to fight back tears (my boss was crying, so that made it hard.) I was let go due to the company trimming back. No issues there, like I said, I kind of knew it was coming.

Even though I was laid off due to budget cuts, it still did a number on my confidence and self-esteem. During the month of October through December I took time to slow down and think about what I really wanted to do--work part-time, find a job close to home, find a job I would be passionate about, or not work? Not working was not an option. My husband and I have a daughter in college and we'd like to keep it that way until she graduates.

With encouragement from several people, I'm "networking." Sometimes when I'm in a large crowd of people, I clam up and the introvert in me comes out. So, I was tentative about mingling with a bunch of other people who also didn't have jobs. But you know, once I get myself out the door and to the job networking event, I usually come away with new insights, encouragement and having met some really nice people.

This is what finally hit home: my attitude in looking for a job plays a huge role in searching for a job. Today's speaker at C3G (Christ Centered Career Group) talked about helping others find a job and not focusing on myself and MY hunt for a job. He also talked about once you do get a job, to keep up the good attitude.

Although my attitude is a work in progress, I feel like "the tables have turned ... (I) know where I'm going and I know what to do ... I got a new attitude!"

Enjoy Patti's hit from the 80's

A Penny for Your Thoughts

I guess I've been living under a rock for the last couple of years because I just heard about the possibility of the government ceasing to make the penny. It seems the issue has been coming up for the last few years that it costs more to produce the penny then what it's worth--in 2012 it cost 2.41 cents to make. Some have estimated that we could save $75 million dollars a year if we do away with the penny. Another option is to change what the penny is made of--we've already altered it at least once. Before 1982 the penny was made of 95% copper and 5% zinc. To reduce the cost, the metal composition was changed to 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. In 2011 the government considered changing the metal composition to steel. But steel presents a problem where it can be magnetized. This past Thursday during an online chat with a random group of Americans, someone asked Obama why the US is still minting pennies when so many agree they are economically inefficient. "I gotta tell you ... I don't know," Obama said. "It's one of those things where I think people get attached emotionally to the way things have been ... We remember our piggy banks and counting up all our pennies and then taking them in and getting a dollar bill or a couple dollars from them, and maybe that's the reason why people haven't gotten around to it." Anyway, it's not a top priority for the President or Congress right now, so the debate will continue. If Congress does decide to take up the issue, they should also consider the nickel since it costs 11.18 cents to make.

The World's Smallest Cars

For car lovers, you'll like these micro cars.

I'm back

It's hard to believe it's been over two years since my last blog post. Sometimes life gets a little overwhelming and other things take priority. I'm unemployed right now so I have more time to reflect on life. Since my last post, my daughter has graduated from high school and is a freshman at Kennesaw State University. My husband's father passed away after several years of battling Alzheimer's. Our dog passed away from cancer and our cat left the house one morning and has not been seen since. I made it through one downsizing at work, but not the second. I've had two surgeries. We've not been on a vacation. And, we've adopted two dachshunds. Of course a lot more has happened but those are the things that came to my mind first. I'm a little rusty so bear with me as I take up blogging again.

Bye Bye Bad Baggie

Well it seems that Frito-Lay heard us--over the LOUD noise of their SunChip's biodegradable bag-- and are scrapping the idea. In an earlier post, I mentioned how loud their new bag was. Now they're pulling the bags off the shelf right away and replacing them with the bags they used before. They are going to continue to research the eco-friendly bags, but try for something a bit quieter. Here's the story in USAToday.

Waiting

We do a lot of waiting in life. Waiting for ...

... that check in the mail
... for your house to sell
... test results
... for a loved one dying from cancer to take their last breath
... in line at the post office, grocery store, fast food line, the DMV
... your spouse to get dressed so you can leave for church or an evening out
... an important phone call
... water to boil or roast to cook
... to be seated for dinner
... the right partner to marry
... your child to be born
... your loan to be approved
... the movie to start
... for a long, bad day to be over
... in a traffic jam
... for the economy to get better
... for your opponent to make their move on Words with Friends or Wordfeud

The list can go on and on. Bottom line: we don't always get what we want when we want it ... we have to wait. I'm waiting right now for direction from God. Big changes are coming to the North American Mission Board where I work. I've been waiting for these changes to start. They did on Thursday. Employees with five or more years of service and at least 55 years of age were offered a retirement package--the goal being to reduce the workforce in large numbers with the least amount of pain. Here's an article if you want to read more. But I can tell you, it's painful for those deciding whether to retire and those of us too young to retire. We know more staff reductions are coming ... we're waiting. Waiting is hard. We want the answers right now.

Why does God make us wait? Good question. Many would say that He will answer in His time when it's best for us. The waiting makes us stronger, more dependent on Him. Even though I know this, it's still hard.

I haven't been sitting around doing nothing ... like I said, it's hard for me to wait. I've anticipated the changes coming at work and have been looking for a job. I've been waiting for that phone call to get an interview. What does God have in mind for me; for my co-workers? I don't know, I, we have to wait. A Bible verse that I learned many years ago comes to mind, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31, KJV).

So I'm going to do the only thing I can do ... wait ... on the Lord.

What are You waiting for?

Teenage Dream

I love this guy! I'm not sure what it is about this video that makes me smile: is it the thick glasses, crooked teeth, head dancing, eyebrows, or just his guts to do it? Whatever it is, you go guy!

Social Media Revolution

If you haven't seen this, it's a fascinating video on the digital/social media revolution. Very cool video with interesting facts, especially for businesses thinking about getting into social media.

Dear SunChips

Dear SunChips,

I love your food and the fact that you're helping the environment, but please do something about noise pollution.

LifeWay Kids Ministry Conference

I've been asked to lead a workshop at the 2010 LifeWay Kids Ministry Conference in Birmingham, Ala. The conference is Oct. 11-13. LifeWay asked if I would record a short video to promote the event. Here's what I came up with.

Uh, Great Idea, Poor Execution

At first glance this looks like a really cool idea, right? But look closely ... isn't the umbrella angled a little funny? Like, if you hold the umbrella up straight to keep the "rains" off of you, your coffee will spill? That would be my luck!

I love their ad copy, here's how it reads:
Try carrying your tall café latté in the rains! One hand full of your stuff, the other has an umbrella….get the drift? The solution is to get a functional Umbrella, like the one designed by Jung-Woo Lee. A convenient coffee-cup rim integrated into the handle solves the issue. I say cheers to more coffee and bring on the rains!

Yeah, bring on the rains, cuz that's what's gonna happen.

Coke Goes Freestyle

I think this is so cool. When are these going to be in all restaurants? (Hang in there through the commercial at the beginning.)


Check out Fast Company's latest article on the Freestyle. Hey Coca-Cola, bring it on!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month I wanted to add my two cents worth, which happens to be near and dear to my skin. I'm going to get on my soap box and preach it loud. USE SUNSCREEN. I'm a living testimony to the damage the sun can cause to unprotected skin.

I sport several spots where my dermatologist has cut, scrapped, sliced, or frozen an area that was cancerous or precancerous. I have a six inch scare on my back where a chunk was cut out that was melanoma. I blogged about it in a previous post. Now, whenever I go to see the doctor, I know I'm going to walk out of her office with a fresh wound of some sort. In my most recent visit, she froze a couple of spots on my face. Let me tell you, I'm no sissy when it comes to pain, but man, did that hurt! Below is a picture of what the area looked like after freezing it with liquid nitrogen. Basically, she takes this can with a nozzle (it looks similar to the air cans used to blow dust off your keyboard) and squirts the spot several times.



A little over a week later, it looks like this--just a little pink spot where it's still healing.



If you want to read more about skin cancer, go to www.skincancer.org.

Post-it Notes Turn 30

April marks the 30th anniversary of the Post-it Note. Yep, these nifty, sticky note pads have hung around that long. If you're interested in the complete history, check out the 3-M website.

I've wondered if Post-its can be recycled. As I learned on their website, yes. As a fan of Ax Men and American Loggers, I was also glad to learn that the paper comes from forests that are "well managed and trees replanted." In fact these notes, made from 100 percent recycled paper, now come with a greener, plant-based adhesive, which is made from plants that are replenished after harvesting. Nice touch.

Check out this senior's project for Savannah College of Art and Design using Post-its.