Well, I was able to borrow a charger from work so am able to use my laptop again. My charger is enroute from Oswego on a CCI truck.
Tonight, I drove through snow showers on the way home from Bethel. That was kind of shock to the system!
Okay, this may come as a shock to those of you who know me best. This past weekend, I commenced on a house cleaning journey. Yes, after closing on the house, reality hit and I now have this desire to start over with a clean slate. The first step in this process is the elimination of "low hanging fruit." This is stuff that does not require much thought. Examples include old magazines, broken items, old notes and papers from work that somehow found their way into the house, and tattered clothes. The second step has been cleaning out closets and drawers in order to put in the stuff that does not currently have a home. Honestly, I kind of hover back and forth between these two steps because I have cleaning ADD. I bounce around from cleaning project to cleaning project.
The weekend ended with 4 larger trash bags out on the curb. On one hand, it was kind of embarrassing to have this much rubbish to purge. On the other hand, it was such an amazing feeling to let the bags drop... let go of all that junk. I kind of felt lighter, less burdened. This cleaning process will continue on for probably a few more weeks. Not sure what will happen after that.
Later!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Home Again
On Tuesday, I left work in Bremen and headed out to our sister facility in Oswego, New York. The journey started with a drive to O'hare and continued with a flight to Syracuse. This trip included a "first" for me. Until this point, I have always traveled with others who rented the car or had ground transportation provided upon arrival. This time, I actually rented a car and ended with this Subaru. Honestly, I actually really liked driving the car. It was quite spacious and had a lot of features not included in the Cavalier. Oh well, I think that I'll stick with the Cavalier!
I stayed at the Best Western in Oswego. It had a fitness club in the basement that was open to hotel guests so it was nice to be able to continue with some of the routine from back home in Bremen. The work at the Oswego facility included broad topics and will take extensive effort in the weeks and months to come. However, I really enjoyed spending time with several of the employees. It is not often that one has the opportunity to work with individuals so excited about change and continuous improvement. This has been a bittersweet week, though. Folks, we are in some extremely tough economic times (as if anyone needed this pointed out). Our company is not immune to this reality and the difficult decisions required in these troubled times. In the midst of these struggles, we need amabassadors of hope.
Friday night, I flew back into O'hare and headed down-town (in the dark and rain) to meet up with John, David, and Megan. I went to school with John and we shared a wall for three years. We ate at great little Italian restaurant and shared many stories and laughs. Needless to say, it ended being a late night and I rolled back into Bremen at 3:30 AM this morning.
Because I left my computer cord out in New York, I'm writing this at the farm after partaking of some phenomenal chocalate chip pancakes!
Out!
I stayed at the Best Western in Oswego. It had a fitness club in the basement that was open to hotel guests so it was nice to be able to continue with some of the routine from back home in Bremen. The work at the Oswego facility included broad topics and will take extensive effort in the weeks and months to come. However, I really enjoyed spending time with several of the employees. It is not often that one has the opportunity to work with individuals so excited about change and continuous improvement. This has been a bittersweet week, though. Folks, we are in some extremely tough economic times (as if anyone needed this pointed out). Our company is not immune to this reality and the difficult decisions required in these troubled times. In the midst of these struggles, we need amabassadors of hope.
Friday night, I flew back into O'hare and headed down-town (in the dark and rain) to meet up with John, David, and Megan. I went to school with John and we shared a wall for three years. We ate at great little Italian restaurant and shared many stories and laughs. Needless to say, it ended being a late night and I rolled back into Bremen at 3:30 AM this morning.
Because I left my computer cord out in New York, I'm writing this at the farm after partaking of some phenomenal chocalate chip pancakes!
Out!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Further Reflection on the Gym Bag
I've been thinking about the whole back-pack and gym shorts thing some more since Tuesday. Okay, that may sound a bit weird, but bear with me or move onto another blog.
My back-pack is actually a decent looking back-pack. I mean it is not all torn up or soiled or anything. Just looking at it, you would never expect anything unusual about. Yet, within the back-pack was this bundle of nastiness that had fermented for awhile. Unzipping the back-pack led to the release of this odor and I had to pull out the shorts and deposit them directly into the washing machine. Things are not always the way they appear on the outside. I have been learning that first hand over the last couple days. Sometimes it is necessary to unzip or peal back a few layers to see what is really on the inside. The inside is not always very appealing. However, I have also been constantly reminded of this passage from Romans (I still haven't read past Chapter 3):
Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn't so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you've done. (2:1-2, MSG)
Out!
My back-pack is actually a decent looking back-pack. I mean it is not all torn up or soiled or anything. Just looking at it, you would never expect anything unusual about. Yet, within the back-pack was this bundle of nastiness that had fermented for awhile. Unzipping the back-pack led to the release of this odor and I had to pull out the shorts and deposit them directly into the washing machine. Things are not always the way they appear on the outside. I have been learning that first hand over the last couple days. Sometimes it is necessary to unzip or peal back a few layers to see what is really on the inside. The inside is not always very appealing. However, I have also been constantly reminded of this passage from Romans (I still haven't read past Chapter 3):
Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn't so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you've done. (2:1-2, MSG)
Out!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
It Stinketh
Last night, I was trying to find a pair of clean gym shorts. I have several shorts but was unable to locate any clean shorts - even after rummaging through the futon supporting the clean clothes pile. Flustered, I started checking around the house. As JDM has noted, clothes have a tendency of finding rather random locations in my house. Still no shorts. Finally, I opened up my gym bag. Wow, the odor emanating forth from that bag about knocked me to the ground. It stanketh big time. That's the way it is sometimes.
Yesterday, stunketh.
Yesterday, stunketh.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The House
After 4 years, 10 mos, I closed on the house. The closing was this past Friday. Why has it taken me so long to pull the trigger and get this done? Well, basically there are two reasons.
First, I never expected to be here in Bremen at this stage in my life. Honestly, I worried for a long time what people must think of me still living here in this town - that I must be some kind of failure or bum or something.
Second, in my mind, somehow by not owning a house, I always had a quick way out. Granted, it is not like a house ties a person down permanently. However, there is just something about owning a home that seems to convey a sense of commitment. Me, I wanted to have quick way out - didn't want to have any obligations.
Well, after some serious reflection both of these points dissipated and now almost seem absurd. This lack of commitment, though, reminded me of these words from Revelation 3:16:
First, I never expected to be here in Bremen at this stage in my life. Honestly, I worried for a long time what people must think of me still living here in this town - that I must be some kind of failure or bum or something.
Second, in my mind, somehow by not owning a house, I always had a quick way out. Granted, it is not like a house ties a person down permanently. However, there is just something about owning a home that seems to convey a sense of commitment. Me, I wanted to have quick way out - didn't want to have any obligations.
Well, after some serious reflection both of these points dissipated and now almost seem absurd. This lack of commitment, though, reminded me of these words from Revelation 3:16:
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Some Loose Ends
JDM asked me to follow-up a bit more on loyalties and familial relationships from Econ Recap.
Some stories from Martin's supermarket...
In our class, we actually had a Coke vendor who supplies many stores including Martin's. He poignantly (this might seem like an odd word choice but it really fits) described what it feels like to him as vendor entering Martin's. The employees say hi and ask about his family. They even have vendor appreciation day when they provide donuts and coffee or even a lunch. Get this. Some other stores only allow one vendor in at a time - so any other vendors need to wait before they can stock their shelves!
Another person shared that his kids actually make a point of visiting Martin's when they are in town. Why? Because they want their kids to experience real customer service. The person shared that one time one of the kids was in town and in a hurry. He was met at the door by the hostess and inquired about the item. The hostess actually took him to the shelf, picked up the item, and handed it to him! Now that is service.
Contrast that with a story from a competitor. A couple went to a competing store and couldn't find an item. They asked an employee. The employee curtly replied that the item was in a different department and the stocker for that area would not be in for an hour. She then proceeded to inform them that they could come back in an hour for help.
At first, this whole things really perplexed me because I am so used to having one, local grocery store. However, after hearing these stories, I began to understand the importance of customer service and why Martin's has succeeded despite fierce competition from much larger stores. Good old customer service and relationships really do matter. (Did you know that Martin's has never marketed the phrase "My Martin's?" This developed from public sentiment.)
My group studied the hospitals in St. Joe County. Based on our research, Memorial clearly has more economic impact in the county. Actually, it seemed pretty apparent to me that they have quite a bit more positives going for them then their competitor, SJRMC, does - on paper. I'm not going to go into the details other than to share a story from a group member. She had taken one of her children to SJRMC for a scheduled procedure. She had difficulty find a parking lot. The registration was delayed. The procedure was delayed. She ended up leaving about 6:00 PM - hours later than expected. She also had many experiences at Memorial so knew both hospitals and actually had a positive story to share about getting in and out of Memorial right on time. Yet, the bottom-line for her was that she felt that the employees at SJRMC really cared about her and her child. This sense of family prevailed over any other deficiencies at the organization. That is pretty crazy to think about. In her mind, the family environment won - not the more convenient experience, not the hospital with better financial data.
Well, I had another loose end to write about but had a wonderful walk with Aunt Lois partially through this. So some other thoughts will come at another time.
Later!
Some stories from Martin's supermarket...
In our class, we actually had a Coke vendor who supplies many stores including Martin's. He poignantly (this might seem like an odd word choice but it really fits) described what it feels like to him as vendor entering Martin's. The employees say hi and ask about his family. They even have vendor appreciation day when they provide donuts and coffee or even a lunch. Get this. Some other stores only allow one vendor in at a time - so any other vendors need to wait before they can stock their shelves!
Another person shared that his kids actually make a point of visiting Martin's when they are in town. Why? Because they want their kids to experience real customer service. The person shared that one time one of the kids was in town and in a hurry. He was met at the door by the hostess and inquired about the item. The hostess actually took him to the shelf, picked up the item, and handed it to him! Now that is service.
Contrast that with a story from a competitor. A couple went to a competing store and couldn't find an item. They asked an employee. The employee curtly replied that the item was in a different department and the stocker for that area would not be in for an hour. She then proceeded to inform them that they could come back in an hour for help.
At first, this whole things really perplexed me because I am so used to having one, local grocery store. However, after hearing these stories, I began to understand the importance of customer service and why Martin's has succeeded despite fierce competition from much larger stores. Good old customer service and relationships really do matter. (Did you know that Martin's has never marketed the phrase "My Martin's?" This developed from public sentiment.)
My group studied the hospitals in St. Joe County. Based on our research, Memorial clearly has more economic impact in the county. Actually, it seemed pretty apparent to me that they have quite a bit more positives going for them then their competitor, SJRMC, does - on paper. I'm not going to go into the details other than to share a story from a group member. She had taken one of her children to SJRMC for a scheduled procedure. She had difficulty find a parking lot. The registration was delayed. The procedure was delayed. She ended up leaving about 6:00 PM - hours later than expected. She also had many experiences at Memorial so knew both hospitals and actually had a positive story to share about getting in and out of Memorial right on time. Yet, the bottom-line for her was that she felt that the employees at SJRMC really cared about her and her child. This sense of family prevailed over any other deficiencies at the organization. That is pretty crazy to think about. In her mind, the family environment won - not the more convenient experience, not the hospital with better financial data.
Well, I had another loose end to write about but had a wonderful walk with Aunt Lois partially through this. So some other thoughts will come at another time.
Later!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A New Pace
A few posts ago, I wrote about spending time reading Romans. Well, I still haven't progressed much past Chapter 3. This is due in part to how loaded these chapters seem to be and also to taking a serious detour this week to Matthew 13.
This morning, I had the opportunity to meet up with Justin and some other great people at the Fall Frolic in Mishawaka. Let me tell you, it was a little difficult crawling out of bed this morning and then being met by a blast of chilly air upon opening the door. Honestly, the thought crossed my mind to just call it a day and head back to the hay. However, Justin had planted a seed in my mind with a comment to a post awhile back and it was time for the seed to sprout.
I entered the address into the GPS and set forth in the Cavalier. Of course, I didn't think about the road construction on Main (you would think one of these days I would remember), so I ended up a bit behind schedule. However, I arrived at the race site, registered, and waited for the race to commence. The area was charged with energy from runners eagerly anticipating the start of the race. Actually, these things are kind of strange. People actually PAY to participate in these runs. Yet, everyone is out having a good time.
Justin showed up shortly thereafter and it was great meeting several of his friends. As race-time approached, everyone headed over to the starting line. The announcer hoped that everyone would set a new PR. Of course, I had no idea what this meant. All I could think of was public relations. A "What?" slipped out and I was promptly informed that PR is personal record. (Duh!)
Anyway, after a few moments, the race commenced. The chilliness of the morning began to wane and the sun began to rise further into the sky. Its radiant beams and the exertion of running warmed the body (and the soul).
As I was running, these words from Romans kept going through my mind.
[let] him set the pace
[let] him set the pace
[let] him set the pace
I have this open right now and the passage reads:
What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade. (MSG 3:27-28)
Wow! What does it look like to proudly or anxiouly trying to run the parade? For me, it has typically meant having expections so high that they are attainable by me and others. Until recently, this was the foundation of my academic career. I found personal self-worth in grades and being the best (whatever that means). At work, I have been quick to judge others, quick to criticize. Yet, all of this only leads down a path of frustration, anger, sadness, and loneliness.
However, I think back to a night in June when God set the pace.
Justin commented that the cool thing about running/walking/jogging is that anyone can do it. There is a pace for everyone! I guess that is kind of the way it is with Jesus. We can come running, jogging, walking even crawling to Jesus. There is no one pace - the key is that he sets the pace.
After the race, there is an awards ceremony. As the announcer entered into the category winners of the 10K, several people from Justin's group of friends were called in close succession. Everyone within this group cheered to support their friends. Even the announcer commented that she hoped the group stuck around until all awards were given because they were so animated. Encouragement. It sure seemed like they were getting "in step" with each other. It was so cool!
Justin, thanks for the opportunity to meet up with you folks today.
It was a great change of pace!
Out!
This morning, I had the opportunity to meet up with Justin and some other great people at the Fall Frolic in Mishawaka. Let me tell you, it was a little difficult crawling out of bed this morning and then being met by a blast of chilly air upon opening the door. Honestly, the thought crossed my mind to just call it a day and head back to the hay. However, Justin had planted a seed in my mind with a comment to a post awhile back and it was time for the seed to sprout.
I entered the address into the GPS and set forth in the Cavalier. Of course, I didn't think about the road construction on Main (you would think one of these days I would remember), so I ended up a bit behind schedule. However, I arrived at the race site, registered, and waited for the race to commence. The area was charged with energy from runners eagerly anticipating the start of the race. Actually, these things are kind of strange. People actually PAY to participate in these runs. Yet, everyone is out having a good time.
Justin showed up shortly thereafter and it was great meeting several of his friends. As race-time approached, everyone headed over to the starting line. The announcer hoped that everyone would set a new PR. Of course, I had no idea what this meant. All I could think of was public relations. A "What?" slipped out and I was promptly informed that PR is personal record. (Duh!)
Anyway, after a few moments, the race commenced. The chilliness of the morning began to wane and the sun began to rise further into the sky. Its radiant beams and the exertion of running warmed the body (and the soul).
As I was running, these words from Romans kept going through my mind.
[let] him set the pace
[let] him set the pace
[let] him set the pace
I have this open right now and the passage reads:
What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade. (MSG 3:27-28)
Wow! What does it look like to proudly or anxiouly trying to run the parade? For me, it has typically meant having expections so high that they are attainable by me and others. Until recently, this was the foundation of my academic career. I found personal self-worth in grades and being the best (whatever that means). At work, I have been quick to judge others, quick to criticize. Yet, all of this only leads down a path of frustration, anger, sadness, and loneliness.
However, I think back to a night in June when God set the pace.
Justin commented that the cool thing about running/walking/jogging is that anyone can do it. There is a pace for everyone! I guess that is kind of the way it is with Jesus. We can come running, jogging, walking even crawling to Jesus. There is no one pace - the key is that he sets the pace.
After the race, there is an awards ceremony. As the announcer entered into the category winners of the 10K, several people from Justin's group of friends were called in close succession. Everyone within this group cheered to support their friends. Even the announcer commented that she hoped the group stuck around until all awards were given because they were so animated. Encouragement. It sure seemed like they were getting "in step" with each other. It was so cool!
Justin, thanks for the opportunity to meet up with you folks today.
It was a great change of pace!
Out!
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