Can't Control Time - Better Document.

The last two weeks have been pretty much wiped from my planner - one case of bronchitis and I was out! Well - there might have been some other radiation treatments mixed in to add variety. I can't believe it has been over 2 weeks since I had visited the blog.

Many years ago I was introduced to the "Franklin Covey" system by a very well organized Real Estate Broker. That has meant a world to me in the years since. Even though I am not in a day to day job schedule, I have things to do, to get done on a schedule and that are important. The Franklin system gets you organized with important information at your fingertips (sure you have to update once in a while) and has it together for you.

Part of this is keeping a record of what you have done on that day - not just what you plan to do. You keep notes of what happened in a meeting, how you will follow through on the project or conversation and the next step. This can, as in my case lately, translate into medical information and doctor instructions. If I had used my Planner more completely two weeks ago I would have had a better understanding of some medicine I am on that I really hadn't paid much attention too at instruction - found out yesterday.

The powerful point is record keeping - I came to the point I needed to apply to SS Disability this past spring. My off work time was in and although I kept hoping the cancer was gone it isn't and I'm still fighting. When I applied I was told it would be up to 5 months until I received an answer. To fill out the papers I had gone through my past planner pages for 2 1/2 years to document my appointments, tests, time at work, trips to doctors and all. I was approved for disability within 3 weeks and money in the bank. Record keeping - it's worth it.

Memories - Photographes - What are they for?

The idea behind a camera is to record memories, facts, information. When they were first used only by professionals a picture was a big deal. Well thought out and usually if it was of people they looked like mug shots! As we finally got cameras down so that the general public could afford them we have actually come a long way quickly.

This all came about because I was asked about the first item I bought or sold on eBay. I finally realized the first memory I had of an eBay purchase was my 1999 F350 dually! Not a small purchase by any means. You know I can't locate a picture of it. I drove that truck over 150,000 miles delivering recreational vehicles. I have a few pictures of damaged trailers and this strange sign in Wisconsin that I took while waiting for them to "check in" the camper. The business had misspelled their sign!

Do we really remember to take pictures of the things that mean the most to us? Now that cameras are so inexpensive to have, so easy to use, are we careful to record what we should. When traveling I have trained myself to take a photo when you first see an item or you will forget that it is really different. That is training from years ago - nearly 40 when I went on an exchange program and I had very good training. That was a camera - a single lens reflex camera with external flash and I learned to use a light meter. I do have a great record of that trip on slides and in my journal.

Last Christmas my Grandson got his first camera - at the age of 4. He had always been fascinated with cameras so Mom got him a child friendly digital that puts out quite a good picture. We do talk about composition a bit but he usually does his own thing. The fantastic thing is that I have pictures or myself, my daughter has some of herself on different site online that he has taken. I have a great portrait of his little sister, Mom and Me. Professional quality. Hope he doesn't loose the interest.

How Old is Too Old?

In this day and age of always wanting new things there is a group of collectors out there who are really beating the bushes to find OLD Engines.

What is the value? They bring old engines to life that have been sitting in the weeds, the back of a barn, or in a ditch for maybe decades or even a century. There probably is a machine that can do the same job a bit more efficiently but not with the direct function and to the point of operation. These old engines were usually made with one thing in mind and brought much modernization to this world - yes world. We often think in terms of the United States but many of the best engines were crafted in Canada, Germany, Australia, and other countries.

Collectors appreciate the craftmanship and ingenuity of these old timers. Parts were often handmade. But the amazing thing to me - each engine is identified with a serial number. It can be traced to no the origin and time that the engine was built. Do you think in 100 years anyone will care about the mass produced replacable 'stuff' we put out now?

Grandparents Day!

Do we all remember the special days throught the year? Some are very prominent - others were maybe designed for the card and flower companies. September 7 this year is Grandparents day. In the light of how many Grandparents are raising children it might be a very important day.

Most Grandparents think much more of a phone call or a pretty picture drawn for them than another vase with flowers to sit around. The important thing is that the children remember them - if they are young maybe Mom or Dad will have to help them remember. At any rate, HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY all.

Contests! Contests!

Everyone likes contests - especially when there are prizes.
The Group of Squidoo lensmasters that write "What's for Squidinner" have started a contest to find some really good lenses that feature recipes. Skip on over to "What's For Squidinner? to check in on the fun. At the least you will get some great recipes and at the outside you might win a prize.

It is always good to vary the food you feed the family. Variety adds spice to life and to the dinner table. Those times when they don't want to try something new, just bargaining for one taste - next time go for two bites and after that you probably won't have to bargain anymore. Many times little taste buds need to learn new flavors.

It's the weekend - try something new in the kitchen. You might plan the menu for the week ahead and make you week a little easier.

Sewing Month - September!

The year passes so quickly. I used to always think of July as sewing month. That is the month I had to sew like mad to get the 4-H projects done. Back then we had fair the first week of August and it encompassed the style show. Oh I must be showing my age. That was my start of love for sewing.

I was in a county program where the competition was tough. You had to strive for perfection - something no child should have to do if they want to enjoy that activity. None the less, it was a time when the clothes on the rack didn't come in tall sizes, the only way to get jeans long enough was to buy boys and if you found something on the rack long enough it was just plain ugly. I liked to sew because I could make my own clothes that fit.

Through high school and college I continued to sew. The priority for my dorm room was where could the sewing machine go. One activity we had in the college housing my dorm decided on a red, white, and blue theme before they looked for the dresses. I sewed about 50 of the dresses - thank goodness a few mothers helped make their own daughters dresses!

As I had children and now grandchildren, the one thing I learned is that you can easily get much more wrapped up in pattern and fabric that the same garment costs at Wal-Mart. The sewing now is kept for special occasions. Like the Big Bird Costume for the kindergarten graduation- found it in the attic the other day - 20 years old this year!

Have fun with your sewing. With the new fabrics, assessories, and equipment it can be a fun hobby. Great way to have clothes with a custom fit for an adult. The items you can make for around the house are amazing. Celebrate September! Sew something.

Celebrate sewing and save at the CreateForLess National Sewing Month Sale.

September is here - Whirlwind of Summer is gone

Or is it? Tradition says that Labor Day is the start of fall, end of summer. Now that schools are starting in August and the summer weather continues into fall/autumn it is hard to tell. It is the last long weekend for us in the United States for some time so most of us try to relish it. The barbeque is used, the lake is chaos, all things are summer fun and good food.

Does that mean in our business life it is time to settle down and get to business? I'm not so sure but truly ambitious folks even slowed down for summer. We all wondered where the buyers went - unless we were selling summer toys for young or old. The wardrobe is replenished for each season. It is just that sometimes it is a little more formal than others. I truly believe that this year some people started evaluating just how much they spend on their toys, clothes, and wants. The budget this year might be geared a bit more for needs. The clothes and toys may have to be a bit more practical, dual purpose, yes I think practical covers it. Should we blame the oil companies, government, or can we just think that maybe it is our idea? I think more of us have been forced by the oil companies to start thinking about how our money is spent. Maybe this is a wake up call we should have had years ago.

September is here. That is a fact. Are we going to get down to a more practical lifestyle? That is a choice that each of us will make. We will look for reasons for our choices, maybe try to place blame. When we get down to it - we make choices in what we do, what attitude we have, and how we face each day.

End of Summer

Labor Day weekend is the official end of summer. In actual fact it is the best summer weekend we have had all year. The air temperature and the water temperature were close, low winds, sunny, no rain (although we really need it). It makes for great activity on the lake, with the grandkids, at your barbeque and just to sit under a shade tree.

If you are in the Gulf Coast region it isn't quite so good. Our thoughts and prayers are with those folks. Sometimes the anticipation can be the hardest on the nerves. Just waiting with only so much you can do.

If you have a chance to check out a new and exciting blog this weekend make it "What's for Squidinner" for lots of good recipes and contests. A good way to start the autumn season - eating good food.

Enjoy the rest of the long weekend. School and work come soon enough.