Final Weekend of the Adventure: Looking Ahead

A year has nearly passed since I started this adventure of being 50. To anyone who has been or is 50, I think you will agree that it brings with it certain feelings. Half a century. Kinda neat.
Did I have 50 new adventures? Probably.
Can I name them all? Nope.
Here are some of the highlights:
1. Ended a five year run of a job
2. Learned the unemployment insurance process for the first time in 25+ years of working
3. Decided to go back to school...as a student
4. Decided to go back to school...as a teacher
5. Learned how to telecommute and work for people across the globe
6. Got back into tai chi
7. Learned Irish cooking...also learned that Irish cooking=weight gain...took away the lesson of Irish cooking in moderation is best
8. Decided that "healthy weight" is going to trump "ideal weight"
9. Minimized my clothes closet to about 1/4 its original stock=freedom!
10. Started a blog on sewing
11. Started a blog on spiritual thinking based on the liturgical calendar
12. Started a blog on digital photography
13. Saw the need for a website to keep all the crazy blogs
14. Created said website; it's appropriately named a nerd world country
15. Created a website for Otwell's 4th of July...a labor of love I'll do over and over again
16. Created a website for the Pike County Fair...hope I'll be invited back
17. In the midst of creating a website for Otwell...another labor of love...got reacquainted with the village
18. Planted a fall garden
19. Made a pledge to live more sustainably
20. Will launch a blog "circa1960" to replace the retired "50 adventures at 50"
21. Celebrated 27 years of blissful weddedness with my best friend (and apparently, according to spell check, just coined a new word)
22. Began a little start up with #1 son and Tom called the 3weismans
23. Started writing a book
24. Pretty much sworn off network news
25. Pretty much ditto for network tv
That's enough of a list to put anyone into a stupor...I won't make your eyes glaze over with more.
It's been a good year.
Despite yet another tanked economy and job loss.
It's allowed me to be more aggressive in looking into learning more about technology.
I like that very much.
Wednesday will begin year 51...I'll look back fondly on good 'ol 50, but 51, you know, in Roman numerals is  a part of 

LIving...

Count Down to 51 Begins Today

Today is July 17; one month until the one-year anniversary of my 50 Adventures at 50. Time to take a philosophical look back over the experiment and see if it was a success. Time to look at the present and take stock. Time to look forward and see if "all things 51" look promising and pleasing. At the top proverbial heap, I'm thinking, is the consideration of events to take place to make August 17, 2012, fit smoothly into the over-all adventure. 


Of course, who are we to say? Some will never see August 17, 2012; I've learned over time to not get overly excited about all that. Nevertheless, it's a fun aspect of being human to look forward and to make plans, no matter how loosely developed they are.


A gift I gave to myself this year was to allow myself to think outside the box...any box...all boxes. Conventionality be damned. Oscar Wilde is credited with saying that life is too important to be taken too seriously. Indeed it is. Let's get out there and do some good just for the good of it. Not fret over the consequences, the outcomes, or what it will do for us down the road. Just see a need and fill it. It's a great way to re-establish old friendships and acquaintances as well as make new ones. I've found that out by creating websites for some really good groups of people just for the good of it these past few months. I like people around here--they're good-hearted and  incredibly hard-working. They understand that new ways of doing things are necessary; they may not be up on the latest technology, but they're open and willing to let it help for the good of the cause. Good on them.


It's been a great year of the re-discovery of my old love of writing. It had been tucked away for so many, many years. Over the past year I've written more than I'd written in the past 20 years. The result? The same invigorating feeling as inhaling pure oxygen! And I'm very grateful to those who  follow the blogs, check in on the Facebook links, read, and occasionally comment. Just as a cook watches closely for the slightest expression from the person tasting his/her creation, the writer anticipates and then reflects upon responses to the finished product. 


The loss of my job of the past five years wasn't exactly anticipated, but if it had to happen, it seems now is a good time for it. It's fit into my frame of mind for the past year. It's timeliness has found a place in the whole philosophical landscape of this business of being 50. I am brought to the conclusion that with all the many things I love to dabble in, there is one over-lying pattern...I teach. I am a teacher through and through. I love to learn and then, in turn, love to share that learning with others. Does that mean I'd return to the conventional classroom? More than likely not for a number of reasons, one being that only in education can one be over-qualified for a teaching job. Too many years of experience...I know...crazy to the nth degree. The unconventional is capturing my attention for my next classroom--comfortable surroundings, with unconventional groups of people who just want to learn things in those surroundings. I think people in this area deserve a chance at having this option. It's been proven highly successful in more populated areas; what could be better than offering this in a more secluded area with less chance of learning new areas of interest and making friends with similar interests at the same time? Sounds like a natural.


So...countdown. Thirty-one days left until 50 gets the boot. What will the next 31 days bring? Be assured it will be a time of pondering, thinking out loud, writing down thoughts, and some good 'ol living. And, with any luck, a few more adventures.

Endings...and Beginnings

At 4:31 pm this afternoon, I officially signed off as an employee of InSAI. I have been wiped from the system and my schools transferred over to my former work partner. I have removed my Digsby for im, and I've put an auto-reply on my email address.
The phone number and fax number will be disconnected by tomorrow morning; at that time, those two items which have been vital communication tools will once again return to the status of "stuff" that will return to its box, waiting to be transported back to the main office on a trip to Bloomington.Other items are in a box, awaiting the same trek.
My bulletin board now has an empty spot where all my lists of schools' progress lived throughout the seasons.
I can feel the closure.
It has a definite "ending" feel to it.
But...
there are also beginnings.
The website I designed to the 4th of July is nearing 1200 hits--something I never dreamed would happen. The app is in its final stages of being ready to go--Kurt and I are working on the final edits.
The website for the 4-H fair has been released and I'll be sending it out as well on July 5; that app is in mid-finish (If that's not a word, it really should be...that explains that app pretty well.)
Over the next few days I have a website to create for our new little venture "3weismans". Also in July I'll be setting up a schedule for a series of Tech Talks for the area. 
The farmers market site is beginning to see some traffic. That will get more attention now.
And the list goes on...


Endings can be tough, but they are such a necessary part of life so that new beginnings can take place. Looking back, I'm beginning to realize just how good the timing was for this closure. Sure, the security of the every other week paycheck will be missing for awhile, but it's a sincere hope that this area in which I live will embrace the idea of allowing me the opportunity to return to teaching once again as a consultant in their quest to better understand how technology shapes and can be of positive use in their lives.  I look forward to the unknown...it makes for great blog material and keeps us young(er). 


All my best to the thousands of fine people I have met and worked with during my time with InSAI. My love and gratitude to my bosses and my workmates--what a fine bunch of folks. The memories will be held dearly; the opportunities presented for future growth are treasured.


So...farewell InSAI...it's been grand.


Hello, future...nice to meet you. 

A Novel Idea

 When I started blogging last year as a segment of my 50 Adventures at 50, I started to realize just how much I love writing. During the many years I taught writing, I knew how much I appreciated the word put to print, but I never really allowed myself the time it takes to truly become immersed in the craft. The passion was just reposed  in patience, waiting for its time to emerge into full-blown glory. Welcome, passion...glad you're here.

Not a day goes by that an idea for something enters my head as an idea for writing. Just as with photography where the eye becomes a trained scout for the next photo, the mind and all the senses train themselves to lend ideas. The ideas come from anywhere and anything at anytime. Sometimes they disappear as soon as they arrive. Sometimes they linger until I can try them out to see if the idea will develop. I've often been told and thought to myself that I could/should write a longer works--a novel. A daunting idea. Nevertheless, I've toyed with the idea for some time, getting immersed in one plot after another. However, earlier today I was on the treadmill, listening to my beloved geeky podcast and thinking how I'd move some furniture around in my little salon after finishing my workout, when something was said in regard to a tech person who wrote a dynamic work of science fiction. The simple words, "Write what you know" resonated with me. And the idea for a novel immediately came to me, strong and clear. It has stuck with me all day and developed itself as I've gone about my work and a million other thoughts. I think this one is the "keeper."

For several years, I've gone into hyper- thought as November drew near and NaNoWriMo approached. Writers will recognize this time at National November Writing Month; a month of madness where writers, artists, and hacks from all over the world write feverishly for 30 days with the goal of at least 10,000 words. Many achieve the feat; I'm one who never has. I've started many times, but the ideas wither time after time much like scenery during the month of November. The novel seemed out of reach. But no more.

It's funny, really..,How many bazillions of times have I heard that phrase and used it myself as advice to others? "Write what you know." I've pondered this thought over and over for many years. Why did the idea finally come to me today? Who knows...who cares...it came today. I have a novel idea...at last.

Peeking at a New World of Work

The notice has officially gone out to the schools with whom I work--I'll not be an employee of ASAI next year. I've known about it for some time since schools' resources are drying up for the "extras" like the assistance our organization offers. So, I'm going to join the ranks of the unemployed--sort of. I've never been completely unemployed thanks to a license here and a hobby-turn-job there. But as far as a paycheck every other week job--yep, unemployed.


Slightly less than a year ago when launching my "50 Adventures at 50", I didn't really plan for this; I was looking for different adventures, but didn't really anticipate this being one of those adventures when I was beginning the trek last summer. I've had some time to think about the prospect of not being in this job, and although I'll miss the day-to-day visits with some interesting, fun, and generally nice people, I'm not sad. In fact, it's kind of fun to think of getting to re-invent what I'm going to do next. I've put my applications in at a few places, and if any of those pan out, that will be fine.  However, after being in a virtual office for the past five years, the prospect of being in a virtual office with independent office hours is mighty appealing to me. I've kind of gotten into the habit of getting that second wind in the evening and working pretty well into the night. And even though for some 20 years I got up early to go to work, the idea of it now...wow. I guess 7:00 a.m. exists, but I couldn't guarantee it.


So...where to start? After conferring with husband, son, some friends, and sincerely believing that if I shut up and relax that God and His universe will take care of things and life will flow smoothly, I'm going to just see what happens. I've fallen deeply for writing once again after so many years of putting it on the back burner; I still need to have the camera at the ready, so those two things will always be a part of me. The cooking, the sewing...they all stay around as well and end up usually as a blog item or a photo op. In short...they make me happy...really happy. And that's what this short time on the good Earth is kind of about.


I have, recently, started an online job editing e-books and writing reviews for the books once I have them finished. I just put the final touches on one earlier last week. It doesn't matter when I work, so I can jump into the job when my concentration is in full-force. I contract for the hours, so I can look for other jobs that require other skills to fill the day. For a scanner personality that likes a bazillion different things, this is a breath of fresh air. Literally and figuratively...it's a new chapter. I'm also getting parts together to build a desktop computer for my workstation--Kurt and I ordered the stuff online Sunday afternoon--figure the skills I learn will be marketable.  He's also consented to act as my teacher and/or train-wreck fixer on the project.


This turn-around in my work life, of course, gives me a new list of challenges...always welcomed and relished. The reality is that I'll need to do something (more than likely a combination of things) that are lucrative to the point of what I've earned in the current job. I don't doubt but what that can be done--it may look a little wonky to the untrained eye, but contracting out jobs is just a new way of work. If I end up in one place, so be it; if I don't, so be that, too...it's all good.


I guess my best attribute to come from this experience is that this is yet another life-changing event I've had while on this good Earth. And it's okay...really. Thirty years ago when I started my first teaching job, I saw only one job. You got a teaching job, you stuck with it until they handed you the clock at the retirement party. I should've known, even back then, that I wasn't wired for that. So then came the next job...the one where you for sure stay in until they give you the plaque. Nope...that trail didn't get followed for the long haul, either. So, by the time I'd come upon the current job, even though I joked that I would just retire in it, I had a sneaking suspicion that it wouldn't be hanging around come retirement time. And it's not going to be. Probably for the best.


I'm having to stretch my mind in the new area I'm headed; no retirement date needed. Tech and all its avenues will continue on for as long as we do...and it will constantly evolve. And writing? The spoken word, although altered as it may become in the future, will still be essential to our being. And photography? It may turn to holograms someday, but sign me up. I'm there.


So, to any of you who are facing that termination date of your current job, remember that it's just that...a job. A dear friend of mine once made the comment that his vocation supported his avocation. He said that casually, but those words have resonated with me for years. And, as time goes on, they make more and more sense. We're on this planet for a few years in this current body; thinking that a job/career is all there is to this marvelous experiment is futile...we're so much more. We're given the gifts of knowing love, laughter, and joy. I don't know about you, but I can't let my hours at a desk or in a building over-rule these treasures. Whatever I do next, I'll do well to "earn my keep"...however, it is the vacation to enjoy the avocation.


Cheers!

Finding Mushrooms: The Elusive Photo Shoot

When I was a little kid, my mom and dad would take me mushroom hunting with them at my grandma's woods. This was a great woods because my grandpa was the immaculate outdoor type that kept the wild sticker bushes at bay along with numerous saplings. I was free to roam, play in the creek, and, if all else failed, look for mushrooms. My enthusiasm was strong for about the first 20 minutes; after that, I started picking wild flowers and giving my mom bouquets. Without a great deal of help, I don't remember finding the first mushroom. Nevertheless, it was a grand time.
Fast forward to 5o Adventures at 50...NOW it's time to find a mushroom on my own for purposes of one of those great photo ops in nature. Some folks head to the savannah for a shot of lions; some head to the mountains for a shot of a bear. For me--it was the mushroom. The elusive mushroom.
Tom and I started out on the trek; he with the mesh bag and me with the Nikon. He was much more successful out of the gate and found a couple right away. I was still getting acclimated, so I told myself. In my hunt I saw that it was going to be necessary to cross the creek and the sides are steep, so I was going to need to do a bit of scrambling up the other side. I fortunately wore my gum boots, so getting a little muddy was no big deal. I slid down the side easily, crossed the shallow creek bed, and started up the other side. At this point I was in the step/slide mode. One step, and a slide down down to the creek; repeat. Finally I was able to pretty much crawl up the hill and it was then that I found the elusive prey at eye-level. It was actually growing horizontally under several limbs. Had I not taken that route, there was no way I would've found it. So, camera ready, I started to take its picture before plucking it. I then realized that I had the lens that needed some distance to take super close-up pictures (don't ask), which required me to crawl to the other side of the bank adjacent to the prize. Which I did. Success.

Now it was time to continue to the search; I was hungry for the next find. This came much quicker--it was just kind of standing there in the middle of nowhere, not near anything. I grabbed the camera and, apparently, also the attention of the two dogs that came to "help" me. I've always heard that dogs can sense fear; now I know they also sense a rare photo op. Just as I was getting ready to take the picture, eight excited feet started dancing dangerously close to the subject. After scolding them both and slightly offending White Dog, I got them away from the mushroom and got the picture. 

I was feeling pretty happy with the world at this point; from now on everything was going to be bonus. I continued on the trek. The next ones I found were just as elusive, and just as much fun to find. The shots continued...

Each mushroom in a different shape and size (and some very elusive)...

As I was spending the afternoon looking for those hidden wonders, my thoughts couldn't help but float back to those days back in the woods with Mom and Dad. Since Mom doesn't hunt them these days, I decided to take her some out this afternoon. She's having them with her supper. I also picked her some wild flowers of the digital kind. I'll add them to her pictures on the picture frame at her house along with the pictures of the mushrooms. Maybe she'll have those same fond memories of those days in that woods with Dad and me and those elusive mushrooms.

Half Way Through 50 Adventures at 50

The 17th of February marked the half-way point of my year of recorded adventures during my 50th year on Earth. My half-birthday. So, thought it might be a good time to do a little reviewing and reminiscing. 


I've quickly found out that actually "counting" adventures is not as easy as I thought it might be; in fact, it's virtually impossible. When I started this sojourn, I was thinking of a concrete list of adventures; now I see that concrete is more associated with events. I've had a few of those thus far that are easy to list. It seems, moreover, that I'm having more adventures of the fuzzy kind. Those that can't necessarily be listed--they insist upon some kind of consideration, thought, or meditation. I'm thinking that's a good deal--I'm enjoying it in most cases, and though I might not necessarily enjoy the "adventure" I'm handed, it does give me much "cause to pause."


I have accomplished some of my initial goals. I wanted to learn about blogging and although I have only skimmed the surface of "blogdom" I have enjoyed the experience. Soon I'm going to take this experience to the next level by working in conjunction with our 21st Century Scholars program for the five county area that our IU Alumni chapter serves. Annually, IU Alumni Association has an "IU Cares" project that challenges all chapters to get out and do some good in the community. Not being much of a single "event" person, I opted for some sustainability of a project and am in the midst of creating a networking (through blogging) opportunity where some 21st Century Scholars can enlighten their communities in the practice of sustainable, healthful living. That's in the works currently and is looking to be launched in April. In addition, my personal blogs have "blossomed" into, on any given day, around a dozen blogs on different subjects. Just as my mind tends to "scan" different ideas, the blogs are the perfect accompaniment to this...love the blogs.


I've learned that it's not only necessary sometime to say something just isn't going to happen...it's actually okay. Case in point? Learning Photoshop CS5. The more I delved into the jungle of all that is Photoshop the more I learned that it wasn't what I was looking for as far as working with photography in a way that I find pleasing. I'm far from a graphic artist; I'm a curious soul with a camera. I love angles and telling stories with pictures in a basic way. The CS5 is officially off the plate (unless I need it someday...LOL).


The website was constructed via a Google site. Tina's Busy Brain was put together in somewhat haphazard fashion (a reflection of the owner? :))  )  It hasn't received a great deal of time and attention. My original idea was that I wanted a "home base" of sorts to house all the links to the various blogs I keep. As time went on, I found this isn't necessary; blogs just don't need the tether. Blogs are blogs and can stand independently. Lesson learned.


Learning Irish cooking. Irish cooking is much like cooking in our neck of the woods...a compliment indeed. We KNOW food around here and what makes it tick. We season, we taste, we pay attention, we see our home-cooking as love in action to share with others. After doing some research, I see many similarities with true Irish cooking. I have discovered some excellent dishes, have developed a new love of corned beef, keep a supply of Guinness under roof at all possible times. Our dinner parties have been somewhat on hiatus this fall/winter due to our schedules, an extended fall that extended the bike season (no complaints there), and time just not allowing for those long, languid evenings that make up a good dinner in house. We have had a couple and they have been highly enjoyable. And one of those was a "pull out all the stops" Irish meal. (One thing I have found is that most Irish dishes pretty much center around white potatoes--we needed a bit more variety in our diet due to side effects of inflammation and the threat of our middles expanding a bit.) I did make a connection with a lovely lady in Ireland who is the food editor for the Irish Times. She was extremely helpful and supportive of my adventure. I now tend to lean toward a good Guinness stew when I think stew, and soda bread mix is normally in the pantry, so a good adventure this has been indeed!


That's enough for now; this is a blog, not a thesis. Just a review of some adventures up to this point. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts as well...life is indeed an adventure! Enjoy the journey!