One of the beautiful things about Blogger is that I can back-date posts. My little sister says we should only blog in "real time," but "real time" is not the reality of my life.
Big sister's theory is that as the twins grow, Faith gets more involved in extracurricular activities, and her veterinary practice expands, my dear sister will realize that "real time blogging" is a great concept but not very practical. So, please forgive me Cathy and others as I journal backwards...
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
St Louis and beyond
Successful completion of week one on the job. Next stop, St. Louis for orientation and meeting with Johnathan and my partner Maury. See Johnathan had a vision last fall. He wanted to hire four regional Logistics Managers. He was able to get approval for two. Maury has worked for Spartech for 18 month and his office is in Wichita, KS. We are partners. Johnathan is our fearless leader.
Since I'm home and reflecting on the past week, I can say that without a doubt there is absolutely nothing glamorous about traveling for work. My work week started on Sunday the 22nd because my orientation was set for 8:15 am on Monday the 23rd. Off to the airport to catch my 5:15 pm flight. The weather was perfect in Fort Wayne, so it never crossed my mind to check the status of my flight. Upon arriving at the airport, I found out that my flight to Chicago was cancelled due to fog at O'Hare. The American Airlines agent immediately found me a seat on another flight, departing an hour later, heading to Dallas/Ft. Worth. Really, flying OVER St. Louis (my utlimate destination) in order to catch a connecting flight. My arrival time in St. Louis was pushed from 7:30 to 11:30. Todd watched my delays and flights on the Internet and knew I was not a happy traveller.
Sitting at the gate in Fort Wayne, my new flight was delayed due to high winds in Dallas. Flight delayed by an hour and seven minutes. Wait. Wait. Wait. Board plane, fly to Dallas/Ft. Worth. Wait in Dallas for flight to St. Louis. End up landing in St. Louis around 12:30 am. Cab to hotel. Settled into room around 1:15 am. In orientation at 8:15 am and not so bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Exhausted to say the least.
Great week working in St Louis. Parameters laid out for Maury and I. The job description that we received will be a live and evolving description that will be subject to change as we need it to change. In other words, we will learn what we need to do as we do it. We will learn by accomplishment and error.
Out to eat for lunches and dinners. When I got home Todd asked what and where we ate. I truly don't remember the restaurants. They were walking distance to the office and the hotel (which are walking distance to each other). I know I had an excellent salad, but I don't remember what was on it. I know I had fabulous Rainbow Trout, but I don't remember what I had as sides. A risotto, mushroom, and shrimp dish was in there somewhere too. It's a blur. All I really wanted to do when I was done working was go to bed.
I am being challenged to think in ways I've never had to think before. I am professionally respected in ways I've never been respected before. This whole "corporate" gig is new, and challenging, and exhausting, and it will be so rewarding. OH... I am also the new Spartech "go to" person for international shipments. My close to 6 years at Terex I've missed international logistics. Now I will be right in the middle of it for 34 (I believe) manufacturing facilities and warehouses. A dream come true!
Since I'm home and reflecting on the past week, I can say that without a doubt there is absolutely nothing glamorous about traveling for work. My work week started on Sunday the 22nd because my orientation was set for 8:15 am on Monday the 23rd. Off to the airport to catch my 5:15 pm flight. The weather was perfect in Fort Wayne, so it never crossed my mind to check the status of my flight. Upon arriving at the airport, I found out that my flight to Chicago was cancelled due to fog at O'Hare. The American Airlines agent immediately found me a seat on another flight, departing an hour later, heading to Dallas/Ft. Worth. Really, flying OVER St. Louis (my utlimate destination) in order to catch a connecting flight. My arrival time in St. Louis was pushed from 7:30 to 11:30. Todd watched my delays and flights on the Internet and knew I was not a happy traveller.
Sitting at the gate in Fort Wayne, my new flight was delayed due to high winds in Dallas. Flight delayed by an hour and seven minutes. Wait. Wait. Wait. Board plane, fly to Dallas/Ft. Worth. Wait in Dallas for flight to St. Louis. End up landing in St. Louis around 12:30 am. Cab to hotel. Settled into room around 1:15 am. In orientation at 8:15 am and not so bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Exhausted to say the least.
Great week working in St Louis. Parameters laid out for Maury and I. The job description that we received will be a live and evolving description that will be subject to change as we need it to change. In other words, we will learn what we need to do as we do it. We will learn by accomplishment and error.
Out to eat for lunches and dinners. When I got home Todd asked what and where we ate. I truly don't remember the restaurants. They were walking distance to the office and the hotel (which are walking distance to each other). I know I had an excellent salad, but I don't remember what was on it. I know I had fabulous Rainbow Trout, but I don't remember what I had as sides. A risotto, mushroom, and shrimp dish was in there somewhere too. It's a blur. All I really wanted to do when I was done working was go to bed.
I am being challenged to think in ways I've never had to think before. I am professionally respected in ways I've never been respected before. This whole "corporate" gig is new, and challenging, and exhausting, and it will be so rewarding. OH... I am also the new Spartech "go to" person for international shipments. My close to 6 years at Terex I've missed international logistics. Now I will be right in the middle of it for 34 (I believe) manufacturing facilities and warehouses. A dream come true!
Monday, January 16, 2012
First days
January 16 is the first day on the new job. I'm officially a Spartech employee and a Corporate Regional Logistics Manager. My office is in Paulding, OH. My fist day on the job is in Chicago. My boss (remember Johnathan) and I met at O'Hare airport and headed off to the office of our freight management partner.
Yes, from Fort Wayne, IN (only a three hour drive from Chicago) I flew into O'Hare. Johnathan asked if I would be comfortable driving to Chicago and into downtown-downtown, in the heart of the city downtown Chicago. I told him that I would not be comfortable, but I have done it before and I would do it again.
His reply? "No you won't. It's your first day on the job. You're going to be anxious enough. I'm not adding to your anxiety by making you drive into the city. You will fly and we will meet at the airport and take a cab in."
His sincere respect for and caring about other's is only one reason I accepted this job. Me flaying versus driving also made Todd more comfortable. He knows how I get driving in unfamiliar territory.
So, my first three days on the job were spent in Chicago. Days four and five were spent at my office in Paulding. I was welcomed with open arms. The employees are a great big happy family. The spirit of the facility is much like we had at Terex. I think I'm going to like it there.
Yes, from Fort Wayne, IN (only a three hour drive from Chicago) I flew into O'Hare. Johnathan asked if I would be comfortable driving to Chicago and into downtown-downtown, in the heart of the city downtown Chicago. I told him that I would not be comfortable, but I have done it before and I would do it again.
His reply? "No you won't. It's your first day on the job. You're going to be anxious enough. I'm not adding to your anxiety by making you drive into the city. You will fly and we will meet at the airport and take a cab in."
His sincere respect for and caring about other's is only one reason I accepted this job. Me flaying versus driving also made Todd more comfortable. He knows how I get driving in unfamiliar territory.
So, my first three days on the job were spent in Chicago. Days four and five were spent at my office in Paulding. I was welcomed with open arms. The employees are a great big happy family. The spirit of the facility is much like we had at Terex. I think I'm going to like it there.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
On the road again...
Facebook message to me from Aunt Jeannie on 1/15:
"Hi Barb and Todd. Well, the boys left this afternoon. Heading toward Savannah, Georgia. It's just a few hours from here. I sent them on their way with full belly's, and well rested. I don't think they ever stopped eating. And believe it or not, they were in bed asleep by 9:30 every nite. Up early the next morning , ready to eat again. Ha ha They were very respectful , talked about their travels. Pher enjoyed watching the tape of you folks Zip lining and got a kick out of how young he was when we had Grandma Hornes 85th Birthday and you all met our son. Anthony also is a sweetie. SO, we wished them a safe journey, and a good adventure. I'm sure he will keep in touch with you. Love ya, Aunt Jeannie"
So now I'm a little fuzzy and this is where "real time" blogging would have been useful. After Atlanta, Pher and Anthony got on the MegaBus and headed to Orlando. Gypsy headed to Savannah on a train. The "bus boys" met a couple of young ladies on the bus who talked them into getting off in Gainesville and going to an open mic night with them. So, they did.
After they played music in Gainesville, they took a bus to St. Augustine. Christopher called from St. Augustine to let us know all was well. I asked if he remembered visiting the town when he was 10. "Yes, I remember, but then I was into the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. This time I'm into the history and architecture of the city." He was enjoying the country's oldest city and the beach.
Todd and I believe that he is going to find his place to settle through experiencing it. He will not be moved to a city for a job or for a person. He will be moved by emotion and fulfillment. This super intelligent son of ours has an old and romantic (Definition: imbued with or dominated by idealism, a desire for adventure, chivalry, etc.) soul.
"Hi Barb and Todd. Well, the boys left this afternoon. Heading toward Savannah, Georgia. It's just a few hours from here. I sent them on their way with full belly's, and well rested. I don't think they ever stopped eating. And believe it or not, they were in bed asleep by 9:30 every nite. Up early the next morning , ready to eat again. Ha ha They were very respectful , talked about their travels. Pher enjoyed watching the tape of you folks Zip lining and got a kick out of how young he was when we had Grandma Hornes 85th Birthday and you all met our son. Anthony also is a sweetie. SO, we wished them a safe journey, and a good adventure. I'm sure he will keep in touch with you. Love ya, Aunt Jeannie"
So now I'm a little fuzzy and this is where "real time" blogging would have been useful. After Atlanta, Pher and Anthony got on the MegaBus and headed to Orlando. Gypsy headed to Savannah on a train. The "bus boys" met a couple of young ladies on the bus who talked them into getting off in Gainesville and going to an open mic night with them. So, they did.
After they played music in Gainesville, they took a bus to St. Augustine. Christopher called from St. Augustine to let us know all was well. I asked if he remembered visiting the town when he was 10. "Yes, I remember, but then I was into the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. This time I'm into the history and architecture of the city." He was enjoying the country's oldest city and the beach.
Todd and I believe that he is going to find his place to settle through experiencing it. He will not be moved to a city for a job or for a person. He will be moved by emotion and fulfillment. This super intelligent son of ours has an old and romantic (Definition: imbued with or dominated by idealism, a desire for adventure, chivalry, etc.) soul.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday the 13th
I received this Facebook inbox (posted somewhere between 5 & 6 pm) from Aunt Jeannie in Jacksonville, FL:
"Just letting you know, We picked up the boys at 10:30 A.M. And they are all showered, fed, and now sound asleep in my family room! I may try to take photos."
"Just letting you know, We picked up the boys at 10:30 A.M. And they are all showered, fed, and now sound asleep in my family room! I may try to take photos."
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Show Choir will be our life
The first of many Parent Previews was tonight. The electricity in the air was amazing. This group of kids loves what they do. Select Sound was the first choir to perform. This is the All Girl choir. Cameron plays guitar in the band. He even has a solo at one point. The band is well hidden, so I was unable to sneack a picture of the boy and his guitar. I did get many pictures of the choirs though!
The young lady on the right is Sarah. She is one of Cameron's very good friends and an absolute sweetheart. The pictures above are all Select Sound.
Pictures below are Minstrel Magic:
First competition is Saturday January 14th at Twin Lakes Hich School in Monticello, IN. I posted pictures of all costumes and songs for both choirs. Unless I capture something spectaular, this will be it. I will post competition standings for those of you who want to know how the competition season is going. This is taken as seriously as football, soccer, and basketball. These kids are in top shape in order to be able to dance as hard as they dance and continue to sing sounding like they are standing still. Simply amazing!
Pictures below are Minstrel Magic:
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Back to the bus
Todd received an accidental call from Gypsy. He meant to call someone else on Christopher's phone. They had a nice chat and Todd got to know the guy that's assisting Pher. It was then that we learned that Pher did not go to Birmingham because his friend (Anthony from Fort Wayne) caught a ride to Atlanta instead. Gypsy did head a different direction, and then he headed back to the rail yard and they reunited.
The MegaBus tickets were discussed and it was decided that they could indeed utilize the tickets. Now there was a problem. There were three of them and two tickets. Gypsy went his own way. Christopher and Anthony headed to Orlando.
The last we heard was from Christopher while he was on the bus. He asked for Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Berto's number. Todd gave the house and cell numbers to Pher. As of 10 minutes ago, Aunt Jeannie hadn't heard from them.
The MegaBus tickets were discussed and it was decided that they could indeed utilize the tickets. Now there was a problem. There were three of them and two tickets. Gypsy went his own way. Christopher and Anthony headed to Orlando.
The last we heard was from Christopher while he was on the bus. He asked for Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Berto's number. Todd gave the house and cell numbers to Pher. As of 10 minutes ago, Aunt Jeannie hadn't heard from them.
And then Spartech found me!
On October 3, 2011 Terex issued WARN notices to 65% of our workforce. A week or two later I called a gentleman I worked with at Terex (in a Traffic/Logistics capacity). He left the company 18 months ago. I asked if I could use him as a job reference. In turn he told me that he had me in mind for a position he was hoping to create. He filled me in on his plan and asked if I'd be interested. Yes, I was very interested. First of all, the job would be negotiating freight rates and assisting business units from a corporate level. Promotion for Barbara! Secondly, since I worked with Johnathan before I already know him and the uncomfortable phase of boss/employee relationship building is over. I know that he has adult ADD or ADHD. I know that he gets excited very easily when it comes to trucks, trains, planes, and cargo vessels. I know that his family is his number one priority and he wants nothing less than the same for his employees. I also know that he is demanding, precise, loves statistics & spreadsheets, and likes to have fun at work.
I received a call from him the week before Christmas asking if I'd be interested in a phone interview. Within an hour I was having an interview with he and his HR Manager. I received a call between Christmas and New Year asking if I'd be interested in flying to the corporate headquarters in St. Louis the following week. On Tuesday 1/3 I flew to St. Louis. On Wednesday 1/4 I had three face-to-face and two telephone interviews at corporate. (At this point I actually received the job description for the job I flew in to interview for. I only had Johnathan's word up to this point. I could not have composed a more perfect job description for myself!) On Thursday 1/5 I received a phone call from Johnathan offering me the job and en e-mail from HR with an official job offer letter. I signed and returned the acceptance letter on the 6th and on the 9th I received a packet from them via Federal Express. In the packet was a job application. It was then that it hit me.
I was offered and accepted a job for which I never applied.
I received a call from him the week before Christmas asking if I'd be interested in a phone interview. Within an hour I was having an interview with he and his HR Manager. I received a call between Christmas and New Year asking if I'd be interested in flying to the corporate headquarters in St. Louis the following week. On Tuesday 1/3 I flew to St. Louis. On Wednesday 1/4 I had three face-to-face and two telephone interviews at corporate. (At this point I actually received the job description for the job I flew in to interview for. I only had Johnathan's word up to this point. I could not have composed a more perfect job description for myself!) On Thursday 1/5 I received a phone call from Johnathan offering me the job and en e-mail from HR with an official job offer letter. I signed and returned the acceptance letter on the 6th and on the 9th I received a packet from them via Federal Express. In the packet was a job application. It was then that it hit me.
I was offered and accepted a job for which I never applied.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Wrong direction
My sister (Cathy) has been keeping in close contact with Christopher via text messaging. When she hears from him she forwards the texts to me: This is how I woke up at 6:34 the morning of the 5th:
Cathy (to Pher): "How's it going?"
Pher: "Great now that its warmed up from the last few days. Still in Atlanta and probably riding to Birmingham tomorrow to meet a friend."
Cathy: "I thought your mom said you were going to Orlando?"
Pher: "I was. Then I decided to split earlier cause stuff and I don't like being stagnant. And it still a bit early for Florida."
Cathy: "Still with Gypsy?"
Pher: "No. He's heading South and I West. I'll see him in Ocala though."
Me to Cathy: "There goes 50 cents."
Cathy to me: "I was thinking the same thing."
Cathy (to Pher): "How's it going?"
Pher: "Great now that its warmed up from the last few days. Still in Atlanta and probably riding to Birmingham tomorrow to meet a friend."
Cathy: "I thought your mom said you were going to Orlando?"
Pher: "I was. Then I decided to split earlier cause stuff and I don't like being stagnant. And it still a bit early for Florida."
Cathy: "Still with Gypsy?"
Pher: "No. He's heading South and I West. I'll see him in Ocala though."
Me to Cathy: "There goes 50 cents."
Cathy to me: "I was thinking the same thing."
Monday, January 2, 2012
MegaBus
Apparently there is a bus system called MegaBus that travels the East coast (and midwest) for dirt cheap. Pher sent a text today wondering if we (MOM) would get on the computer and investigate this transportation system. So... Mom got online (love how this hobo of ours relies on technology) and researched the system. I found a promo code for FREE tickets (so I ordered 2). They are departing Atlanta on 1/9 for Orlando. FREE wasn't "free." It cost me a $0.50 transaction fee.
So it cost Momma a quarter each for Pher and "Gypsy" to travel from Atlanta to Orlando. And... Momma is sneaky. Since I did not know what the booking requirements would be, I told Pher that I'd need "Gypsy's" name and birthdate. He understood, and I now have both.
I thank you "Mr. Gypsy" for keeping my son safe and free from harm. I thank you for teaching him the ways of the road. If you ever want to travel North with him, you have a soft bed and a hot meal.
So it cost Momma a quarter each for Pher and "Gypsy" to travel from Atlanta to Orlando. And... Momma is sneaky. Since I did not know what the booking requirements would be, I told Pher that I'd need "Gypsy's" name and birthdate. He understood, and I now have both.
I thank you "Mr. Gypsy" for keeping my son safe and free from harm. I thank you for teaching him the ways of the road. If you ever want to travel North with him, you have a soft bed and a hot meal.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Terex left me
You remember those super cool pictures I posted of our super cool concrete mixers? Well, on October 3 I was told (along with 60 co-workers) that my job with Terex would be ending on December 2. Sad? You bet. Mad? Not at Terex. Mad at Obama for his "shovel ready" job plan and job creation stimulus package(s) that didn't work. Hell yes, I'm pissed off at this administration. Our country needs infrastructure development. We need to re-build our highways and bridges. Our rail system is embarassing and we need high speed rail. How many jobs do you think this would produce? These few development projects that Barbara J Nobody from Fort Wayne, IN realizes we need would produce a shit-ton (one of Pher's favorite phrases) of jobs.
But I digress, December 2, 2011 was one of the saddest days of my life. I loved my job. I loved those crazy people I worked with. I told Todd that it's like having family in the office and 60 big brothers on the production floor. The first two weeks I cried every day. Every. Day. I'm crying as I type this. I miss those guys. I miss our big beautiful front discharge mixer trucks. I don't miss the corporate shennanigans and misrepresentations.
So, I've been unemployed since December 2nd. My resume is on so many job boards and corporate websites that I may as well travel from bar to bar and hang it on the walls and restroom stalls. 2012 will be the year for me. I will find another job. I will find a company that respects me as much as I respect them.
I have several job opportunities that have presented themselves lately (at year end). I fly to St Louis on 1/3 and have a full day's worth of interviews on 1/4. I have several other opportunities for phone and "in person" interviews. Something is going to come my way. I worked too hard for my degree. I've worked too hard to establish my core of values and integrity in transportation and supply chain. I'm well-known in this area as being a reasonable and fair freight manager with priorities for bottom line, relationship building, and integrity.
I will be OK, but your prayers are still certainly welcome and appreciated.
But I digress, December 2, 2011 was one of the saddest days of my life. I loved my job. I loved those crazy people I worked with. I told Todd that it's like having family in the office and 60 big brothers on the production floor. The first two weeks I cried every day. Every. Day. I'm crying as I type this. I miss those guys. I miss our big beautiful front discharge mixer trucks. I don't miss the corporate shennanigans and misrepresentations.
So, I've been unemployed since December 2nd. My resume is on so many job boards and corporate websites that I may as well travel from bar to bar and hang it on the walls and restroom stalls. 2012 will be the year for me. I will find another job. I will find a company that respects me as much as I respect them.
I have several job opportunities that have presented themselves lately (at year end). I fly to St Louis on 1/3 and have a full day's worth of interviews on 1/4. I have several other opportunities for phone and "in person" interviews. Something is going to come my way. I worked too hard for my degree. I've worked too hard to establish my core of values and integrity in transportation and supply chain. I'm well-known in this area as being a reasonable and fair freight manager with priorities for bottom line, relationship building, and integrity.
I will be OK, but your prayers are still certainly welcome and appreciated.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Deer Meat and Freight Trains
"Sun's shining. Clouds breakin'. I got meat in my belly and my ass on a train."
Text from Pher to Dad (with a picture of the countryside from a freight car) somewhere between Chattanooga, TN & Atlanta, GA.
PS... They (yes, "they", remember he's traveling with 'Gyspy') got off train in Smryna, GA
Text from Pher to Dad (with a picture of the countryside from a freight car) somewhere between Chattanooga, TN & Atlanta, GA.
PS... They (yes, "they", remember he's traveling with 'Gyspy') got off train in Smryna, GA
On Emma
Little Miss Emma Carole Meyers turned 10 (Extend left hand and open fingers... bam; extend right hand and open fingers... BAM. Now do it really fast... BAM, BAM!!!) Ten whole fingers is how old that little girl is now. She is quite an amazing young lady.
She's now in fourth grade. She has the BEST TEACHER EVER... I mean EVER! Miss Molinari has adult onset ADD or ADHD (Mom's personal observation). However, she is completely focused as she randomly changes avenues of thought and story progression all while telling kids what to and not to do. She comes full circle in everything and wraps it all up beautifully.
In the classroon they have two geckos, turtles, cockroaches, fish, and other critters. One of the class positions of the week (lunch counter, door holder, caboose, telephone operator, etc) is veterinarian. This is Emma's all-time favorite position. (Aunt Cathy better watch out. She may end up with a fully staffed office with just her own kids and her niece.) She wants a gecko. I think it's specifically a tiger gecko. Whatever it is, she isn't getting it... yet. She has to keep her room clean. We need to keep a classroom gecko over Spring Break (So she can show responsibility and so Mommy can see how much urine and fecal matter these things produce.).
Emma has kept her old friends from K-3rd grade, and she has made several new friends this year. I don't know if anyone can relate to this, but for me this is amazing. I love that she is building friendships and expanding on friendships. So many girls stick with a small circle of friends. This 4th grade group is pretty much all friends. Some are closer than others, but they all (for the most part) seem to accept each other. The mom of one of Emma's closest friends is also the elementary school counselor. She also has a daughter in 6th grade. The older daughter has a small circle (or click) of friends. This friend's mom doesn't remember seeing such a large group of girls (Emma's & her younger daughter's 4th grade class) so accepting of each other.
Emma ran Cross Country this year. I'm amazed at how many 3rd-5th graders participate in this sport. Anyway, she ran, and she ran well. There were three meets. She ran 8 minute miles. An 8 minute mile, you say? Doesn't seem that fast, you think? Yeah, you go do it.
I'll post some CC pics sometime in the future. Remember, I'm just now catching this thing up on 2011.
She's now in fourth grade. She has the BEST TEACHER EVER... I mean EVER! Miss Molinari has adult onset ADD or ADHD (Mom's personal observation). However, she is completely focused as she randomly changes avenues of thought and story progression all while telling kids what to and not to do. She comes full circle in everything and wraps it all up beautifully.
In the classroon they have two geckos, turtles, cockroaches, fish, and other critters. One of the class positions of the week (lunch counter, door holder, caboose, telephone operator, etc) is veterinarian. This is Emma's all-time favorite position. (Aunt Cathy better watch out. She may end up with a fully staffed office with just her own kids and her niece.) She wants a gecko. I think it's specifically a tiger gecko. Whatever it is, she isn't getting it... yet. She has to keep her room clean. We need to keep a classroom gecko over Spring Break (So she can show responsibility and so Mommy can see how much urine and fecal matter these things produce.).
Emma has kept her old friends from K-3rd grade, and she has made several new friends this year. I don't know if anyone can relate to this, but for me this is amazing. I love that she is building friendships and expanding on friendships. So many girls stick with a small circle of friends. This 4th grade group is pretty much all friends. Some are closer than others, but they all (for the most part) seem to accept each other. The mom of one of Emma's closest friends is also the elementary school counselor. She also has a daughter in 6th grade. The older daughter has a small circle (or click) of friends. This friend's mom doesn't remember seeing such a large group of girls (Emma's & her younger daughter's 4th grade class) so accepting of each other.
Emma ran Cross Country this year. I'm amazed at how many 3rd-5th graders participate in this sport. Anyway, she ran, and she ran well. There were three meets. She ran 8 minute miles. An 8 minute mile, you say? Doesn't seem that fast, you think? Yeah, you go do it.
I'll post some CC pics sometime in the future. Remember, I'm just now catching this thing up on 2011.
Pher...
He was born Christopher Todd. We knew that his full name of 'Christopher' would never stick with friends. So, we shortened it to Topher. For some reason, that nickname didn't gel. We did not want the every day, ordinary 'Chris' because we knew that he was no every day, ordinary person. We needed something unique. So around age 8, I started calling him 'Pher.' This was a unique nickname for a unique kid.
We were told when he was in preschool that he was 'different.' He didn't think like the other children. He asked questions that were thought provoking and debate initiating. His K teacher said that the "thinks out of the box." Todd's oldest brother accurately stated that "the box isn't big enough for Christopher's thoughts." True 'dat!
And so Adventure #2 began:
December 10, 2011... Pher to Dad, "I'm taking off tomorrow or the next. Anthony and I are heading to Bloomington." (A friend took them just south of Fort Wayne. They walked and hitchhiked the rest of the way.)
December 16... Texts between Mom and Pher.
Mom: "Hey Buddy. You still in Bloomington?"
Pher: "Louisville."
Phone call required for more details. Anthony has friends in Louisville.
December 22...
M: "Hi Sweetie. You still in Louisville?"
P: "Nashville. Anthony headed north. I'm heading south. I met a fellow road friend and we're sticking together. His name is Gypsy."
**(Side note... I'm pretty doggone sure the guy's name is NOT Gypsy, but that's all we have."
December 24...
M: "Still in Nashville?"
P: "Yes. Hoping to hop a train to Chattanooga."
M: "Where are you sleeping? What are you eating?"
P: "Slept under a bridge and close to a generator next to a hotel. Food is everywhere."
M: "Oye!"
December 25...
P: "Happy Day!"
M: "Merry Christmas, I love you!"
P: "Love you guys, too."
December 26 (text early in day)...
P: "Following the sun south."
M: "Great. FYI- The sun sets in the west."
December 26 (evening)... Call from Pher to home, because he wanted to check in and hear our voices! He has a few people he is keeping updated on his journey. Family members and his dear friends Sam and Janos. He and Gypsy spent a day and night with a family group called the 12 Tribes. He said he will have to fill us in when he sees us. It was an "Uber Christian" cult and they beat feet out of there when it started to get creepy. They didn't feel safe any longer. Christmas Eve he slept in a dormant freight car.
December 26/27 (very late night/early morning) text from Pher to Dad...
P: "You near a computer?"
D: "I can be. What's up?"
P: "I need you to check the weather. It's raining and my dumb ass brought us into a valley rather than up into the hills. Would like to know track of rain and ow much longer. The tent will begin taking on water soon."
D: "Lots of rain."
(Mom's thoughts on this... My gypsy/hobo kid that should have been born in the 1950's, or early 60's relies on 21st century technology. Funny stuff!)
December 27 & 28...
No reply to texts sent by family members. Calls immediately sent to voicemail.
December 28/29 (very late night/early morning) text from Pher to Dad...
P: "Got put up for two days by a family in Lynchburg. Had a ball walking hills and eating deer. Amazing love. I'm well fed. Had no service though."
December 29 (evening) Call from Pher to home... They moved from Lynchburg to Tullahoma and then Tullahoma to Chattanooga via train. He wanted to call in the update. I asked how they met the gracious family that took them in for a couple of days. They met at the laundromat when they were drying their clothes that got wet in the rain. The family packed them some deer meat for their travels and away they went.
They hope to go from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Ultimate goal is Florida.
Knowing Pher, he left home with less than $20 in his pocket. When we spoke on the 26th he told me how he made some road money. He claims to have "made" around $100. It sounded like this happened Christmas Eve Day or on Christmas Day. He stood on a corner with a sign. Instead of the traditional "Homeless. Please help," his sign said, "Smile. Enjoy your day. Yeah I could use a buck."
Am I proud that our son is panhandling? Absolutely not. Am I proud that our son is fulfilling a dream with persistence and determination? You bet. Anyone that knows Christopher, and I mean REALLY KNOWS him, understands that he will never be able to settle down until he satisfies this itch that has been festering for years. Our boy needs to explore the world. He needs to immerse himself in cultures and sub-cultures. At this point in his life, he needs to work to live rather than living to work. He's on his way... and maybe some day, one day, in the future at some point, he will decide to sit down in his own home and write about his adventures. The real and true America: Life on the streets, in the hills, from the big cities, and from the small towns... Through Pher's Eyes.
We were told when he was in preschool that he was 'different.' He didn't think like the other children. He asked questions that were thought provoking and debate initiating. His K teacher said that the "thinks out of the box." Todd's oldest brother accurately stated that "the box isn't big enough for Christopher's thoughts." True 'dat!
And so Adventure #2 began:
December 10, 2011... Pher to Dad, "I'm taking off tomorrow or the next. Anthony and I are heading to Bloomington." (A friend took them just south of Fort Wayne. They walked and hitchhiked the rest of the way.)
December 16... Texts between Mom and Pher.
Mom: "Hey Buddy. You still in Bloomington?"
Pher: "Louisville."
Phone call required for more details. Anthony has friends in Louisville.
December 22...
M: "Hi Sweetie. You still in Louisville?"
P: "Nashville. Anthony headed north. I'm heading south. I met a fellow road friend and we're sticking together. His name is Gypsy."
**(Side note... I'm pretty doggone sure the guy's name is NOT Gypsy, but that's all we have."
December 24...
M: "Still in Nashville?"
P: "Yes. Hoping to hop a train to Chattanooga."
M: "Where are you sleeping? What are you eating?"
P: "Slept under a bridge and close to a generator next to a hotel. Food is everywhere."
M: "Oye!"
December 25...
P: "Happy Day!"
M: "Merry Christmas, I love you!"
P: "Love you guys, too."
December 26 (text early in day)...
P: "Following the sun south."
M: "Great. FYI- The sun sets in the west."
December 26 (evening)... Call from Pher to home, because he wanted to check in and hear our voices! He has a few people he is keeping updated on his journey. Family members and his dear friends Sam and Janos. He and Gypsy spent a day and night with a family group called the 12 Tribes. He said he will have to fill us in when he sees us. It was an "Uber Christian" cult and they beat feet out of there when it started to get creepy. They didn't feel safe any longer. Christmas Eve he slept in a dormant freight car.
December 26/27 (very late night/early morning) text from Pher to Dad...
P: "You near a computer?"
D: "I can be. What's up?"
P: "I need you to check the weather. It's raining and my dumb ass brought us into a valley rather than up into the hills. Would like to know track of rain and ow much longer. The tent will begin taking on water soon."
D: "Lots of rain."
(Mom's thoughts on this... My gypsy/hobo kid that should have been born in the 1950's, or early 60's relies on 21st century technology. Funny stuff!)
December 27 & 28...
No reply to texts sent by family members. Calls immediately sent to voicemail.
December 28/29 (very late night/early morning) text from Pher to Dad...
P: "Got put up for two days by a family in Lynchburg. Had a ball walking hills and eating deer. Amazing love. I'm well fed. Had no service though."
December 29 (evening) Call from Pher to home... They moved from Lynchburg to Tullahoma and then Tullahoma to Chattanooga via train. He wanted to call in the update. I asked how they met the gracious family that took them in for a couple of days. They met at the laundromat when they were drying their clothes that got wet in the rain. The family packed them some deer meat for their travels and away they went.
They hope to go from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Ultimate goal is Florida.
Knowing Pher, he left home with less than $20 in his pocket. When we spoke on the 26th he told me how he made some road money. He claims to have "made" around $100. It sounded like this happened Christmas Eve Day or on Christmas Day. He stood on a corner with a sign. Instead of the traditional "Homeless. Please help," his sign said, "Smile. Enjoy your day. Yeah I could use a buck."
Am I proud that our son is panhandling? Absolutely not. Am I proud that our son is fulfilling a dream with persistence and determination? You bet. Anyone that knows Christopher, and I mean REALLY KNOWS him, understands that he will never be able to settle down until he satisfies this itch that has been festering for years. Our boy needs to explore the world. He needs to immerse himself in cultures and sub-cultures. At this point in his life, he needs to work to live rather than living to work. He's on his way... and maybe some day, one day, in the future at some point, he will decide to sit down in his own home and write about his adventures. The real and true America: Life on the streets, in the hills, from the big cities, and from the small towns... Through Pher's Eyes.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Christopher Todd...
If you are not aware of our frustration with Christopher (Pher), please read back entries on the blog or just call me. I don't have the energy to retype it.
During his Junior year of high school, he proudly proclaimed that he wanted to experience homelessness. He wanted to experience the subcultures that he was confident exist in our country. He had always lived in a good home, had clothes, plenty of food and water. He always had the means to clean his body and his clothes. Todd and I thought it was a ridiculous idea for an adventure. Why would someone want to leave the safety and comfort of a home to experience the unknown danger of the streets? Well, that's just Pher. It's a social experiment, experience, encounter that he has been longing for.
Last summer, he began his first attempt at adventure. He packed up his bike and was going to ride to Bloomington, IN. He has friends that live in a house near IU's campus. Day 1 he got to Bluffton, IN (about 20 miles) and he pitched his tent in a field. Day 2 he sent a text and said he was just outside of Muncie (about 60 miles away). That's the story he gave me. He told his father that the blisters on his ass were so raw that he couldn't peddle any further and may need to call for evacuation.
So, doing what any good mother would do, I laughed until I almost wet myself. Then I got online and booked him a one-way bus ticket from Muncie, IN to Bloomington, IN. He could place the bike in the luggage stow under the bus. He had to get to the library at Ball State University to print his bus ticket. It was 10 am on one morning when I ordered it, and the bus didn't arrive until 6 am the next morning, but he was on a journey, right?
He hung out in Bloomington for a month or more. He made money playing the ukelele on corners for change. Remember the damn ukelele!? Ultimately he ended up moving back to Fort Wayne and back in to Zeke's parent's basement.
Please allow me to digress. I don't know if I've blogged this or not. Since graduation May 2010, he has been living in the basement of Zeke's parent's home. I'm thankful that they allow him to stay there. I'm frustrated that they don't make him pay rent. Paying rent = getting job = being a responsible adult.
This was adventure #1. It gave him enough of a taste to embark on adventure #2...
During his Junior year of high school, he proudly proclaimed that he wanted to experience homelessness. He wanted to experience the subcultures that he was confident exist in our country. He had always lived in a good home, had clothes, plenty of food and water. He always had the means to clean his body and his clothes. Todd and I thought it was a ridiculous idea for an adventure. Why would someone want to leave the safety and comfort of a home to experience the unknown danger of the streets? Well, that's just Pher. It's a social experiment, experience, encounter that he has been longing for.
Last summer, he began his first attempt at adventure. He packed up his bike and was going to ride to Bloomington, IN. He has friends that live in a house near IU's campus. Day 1 he got to Bluffton, IN (about 20 miles) and he pitched his tent in a field. Day 2 he sent a text and said he was just outside of Muncie (about 60 miles away). That's the story he gave me. He told his father that the blisters on his ass were so raw that he couldn't peddle any further and may need to call for evacuation.
So, doing what any good mother would do, I laughed until I almost wet myself. Then I got online and booked him a one-way bus ticket from Muncie, IN to Bloomington, IN. He could place the bike in the luggage stow under the bus. He had to get to the library at Ball State University to print his bus ticket. It was 10 am on one morning when I ordered it, and the bus didn't arrive until 6 am the next morning, but he was on a journey, right?
He hung out in Bloomington for a month or more. He made money playing the ukelele on corners for change. Remember the damn ukelele!? Ultimately he ended up moving back to Fort Wayne and back in to Zeke's parent's basement.
Please allow me to digress. I don't know if I've blogged this or not. Since graduation May 2010, he has been living in the basement of Zeke's parent's home. I'm thankful that they allow him to stay there. I'm frustrated that they don't make him pay rent. Paying rent = getting job = being a responsible adult.
This was adventure #1. It gave him enough of a taste to embark on adventure #2...
Cameron Adam Meyers...
He now goes by Cam with his friends and teachers. He does not go by Cam at home. There's nothing at all wrong with the nickname Cam. It's the first three letters of his name and also his initials. However, I love the name Cameron, and that's what I'm going to keep calling him.
Cameron is in Show Choir and he had a couple of roles in the fall musical "AIDA." He's a Sophmore in high school. Show Choir is not like the Swing Choir when we were in high school. Swing Choir 'back in the day' was an extracurricular activity for students that liked to sing and dance. Show Choir is a competitive sport. It's relentless practice and training. These kids have to be able to dance hard using their bodies head to toe and also sing as if they are standing still. 'Back in the day' Swing Choir was contained to bleachers with limited hand and body movement for dance and cute little costumes. Show Choir today is a full stage production with costume changes. There's the history and Cameron loves, loves, LOVES it.
Looking back it all makes sense now. When Cameron was 3, all he wanted for Christmas was "My Black Cat" movie. He asked relentlessly for at least a month. Mommy was growing anxious as Christmas approached. Then, one Sunday on the front page of a Toys 'R Us flyer was "MY BLACK CAT MOVIE." It was a VHS of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway production of CATS. The movie box was black. Suddenly it all made perfect sense. He watched that movie every day, and most days it was multiple times a day. He loved the singing and the dancing. Anyone that was at Cathy & DJ's wedding knows that Cameron was the hit of the dance floor. He learned his moves from CATS.
I hope this show can be a fall musical before he graduates in two years.
Cameron is in Show Choir and he had a couple of roles in the fall musical "AIDA." He's a Sophmore in high school. Show Choir is not like the Swing Choir when we were in high school. Swing Choir 'back in the day' was an extracurricular activity for students that liked to sing and dance. Show Choir is a competitive sport. It's relentless practice and training. These kids have to be able to dance hard using their bodies head to toe and also sing as if they are standing still. 'Back in the day' Swing Choir was contained to bleachers with limited hand and body movement for dance and cute little costumes. Show Choir today is a full stage production with costume changes. There's the history and Cameron loves, loves, LOVES it.
Looking back it all makes sense now. When Cameron was 3, all he wanted for Christmas was "My Black Cat" movie. He asked relentlessly for at least a month. Mommy was growing anxious as Christmas approached. Then, one Sunday on the front page of a Toys 'R Us flyer was "MY BLACK CAT MOVIE." It was a VHS of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway production of CATS. The movie box was black. Suddenly it all made perfect sense. He watched that movie every day, and most days it was multiple times a day. He loved the singing and the dancing. Anyone that was at Cathy & DJ's wedding knows that Cameron was the hit of the dance floor. He learned his moves from CATS.
I hope this show can be a fall musical before he graduates in two years.
Second 6-month Sabbatical
Yeah, I know. I said I'd resurrect the blog after the November 2010 to June 2011 sabbatical. I didn't stick with the plan. I'm giving it another shot, because there's a lot going on that I want to chronicle for the kids. I need to get over my laziness and just work on it!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Mid-June 2011???
It is June 18, 2011. My last post was November 3. I ran out of steam with the blog. I felt like I ran out of material. I was burned out on blogging. It's constantly been in the back of my mind, I just haven't felt the desire to type it out. About a month ago I realized that I'm letting some really good stuff go unblogged.
Emma designed a dress and Grandma Misterka made it. She is growing like crazy both physically and emotionally. Miss Emma Carole Meyers is turning out to be a lovely young lady who has a heart full of love and compassion. I've never heard a more accurate summary of person than the one that my sister made of Emma about 7 years ago... "There's a whole lotta Emma in that little body!" Charisma and love for life flows out of every pore she has.
Cameron Adam now prefers to be called CAM. Really the initials of his name matching the first three letter of his name were purely coincidence. I think he was two when I remember Cathy making that observation. I had never thought about shortening his name to CAM and I will not call him CAM, but it is a natural nickname, and one he likes. He played his first paying gig (a wedding ceremony). He tried out for a made Carroll High School's Show Choir. He is researching an Eagle Scout project.
Christopher decided that he wanted to ride his bike from NE Fort Wayne to Bloomington. He made it to Muncie (about 90 miles) before the blisters on his ass prohibited him from biking any further. Momma (me) bought him a bus ticket from Muncie to Bloomington. Now he's back and beginning a new endeavor playing music.
Todd, well Todd is Todd. He works like a crazy man and plays hard with the kids.
Me? Hmmm, I have new responsibilities at work that have been challenging, rewarding, and frustrating at times. I thought about going to grad school. I thought seriously about it. I decided not to do it yet. Instead I am going to volunteer in a new outreach at church. I will have to blog about that in the future after I have more information.
Funny stuff... Todd just called on his way home from work. He said that he noticed on Facebook that I commented about resurrecting the blog. He didn't know that the blog went dormant.
Emma designed a dress and Grandma Misterka made it. She is growing like crazy both physically and emotionally. Miss Emma Carole Meyers is turning out to be a lovely young lady who has a heart full of love and compassion. I've never heard a more accurate summary of person than the one that my sister made of Emma about 7 years ago... "There's a whole lotta Emma in that little body!" Charisma and love for life flows out of every pore she has.
Cameron Adam now prefers to be called CAM. Really the initials of his name matching the first three letter of his name were purely coincidence. I think he was two when I remember Cathy making that observation. I had never thought about shortening his name to CAM and I will not call him CAM, but it is a natural nickname, and one he likes. He played his first paying gig (a wedding ceremony). He tried out for a made Carroll High School's Show Choir. He is researching an Eagle Scout project.
Christopher decided that he wanted to ride his bike from NE Fort Wayne to Bloomington. He made it to Muncie (about 90 miles) before the blisters on his ass prohibited him from biking any further. Momma (me) bought him a bus ticket from Muncie to Bloomington. Now he's back and beginning a new endeavor playing music.
Todd, well Todd is Todd. He works like a crazy man and plays hard with the kids.
Me? Hmmm, I have new responsibilities at work that have been challenging, rewarding, and frustrating at times. I thought about going to grad school. I thought seriously about it. I decided not to do it yet. Instead I am going to volunteer in a new outreach at church. I will have to blog about that in the future after I have more information.
Funny stuff... Todd just called on his way home from work. He said that he noticed on Facebook that I commented about resurrecting the blog. He didn't know that the blog went dormant.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Poker face
Emma loves games. She excels at games. She kicks my butt almost every time. It struck me tonight that she loves cards most of all. A simple deck of cards brings her great joy. She loves to shuffle and she loves to deal. She loves to play Garbage and she loves to play Go Fish, and she is good. While playing Go Fish tonight, I noticed how calculating she is. The cards talk to her. She shifts her eyes as if others are playing with us. She avoids eye contact with her opponent. I'm waiting for her to slip on a pair of sunglasses in an effort to conceal her eyes just like all the professional poker players do.
The most scary part that I noticed is that she has a poker face. She does not give up what is in her hand. She does not let her face show any emotion at all. No frustration and no excitement. She has a perfectly beautiful poker face and smiles her wide and brilliant smile as she kicks my behind.
It's genetic. She gets it from both the Meyers and Misterka genes. I think both grandfathers should be proud and frightened.
The most scary part that I noticed is that she has a poker face. She does not give up what is in her hand. She does not let her face show any emotion at all. No frustration and no excitement. She has a perfectly beautiful poker face and smiles her wide and brilliant smile as she kicks my behind.
It's genetic. She gets it from both the Meyers and Misterka genes. I think both grandfathers should be proud and frightened.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Election Day Irony
I put Maui (our dog) out on his chain. After a few minutes he was scratching at the back door to get back in. Emma ran to the door to get him.
Emma: "Mo-oM, you put his chain on wrong!"
Me: Blank stare at her.
Emma: "You put it on the left way instead of the right way. The left way is the wrong way."
Me: "I wish more people would see it that way!"
Emma: Blank stare at me.
Me: "You're right, Sweetie. The left way is the wrong way. Always remember that."
Emma: "Mo-oM, you put his chain on wrong!"
Me: Blank stare at her.
Emma: "You put it on the left way instead of the right way. The left way is the wrong way."
Me: "I wish more people would see it that way!"
Emma: Blank stare at me.
Me: "You're right, Sweetie. The left way is the wrong way. Always remember that."
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