I'm listening to election returns, and for the first time in my life, they're not centered around Michigan politics! I voted for Governor of New York - guess that truly makes me an official New Yorker!!
What doesn't change, of course, is the nasty tone and tenor of our political debate. No wait, it's too generous to call it debate. Maybe I have a bad memory, but I don't ever remember there being what seems like a complete disregard for the facts. I find myself hollering at the radio as I drive to and from work. I don't care what party you support, or even what candidate, but it does seem like you'd want to hear about a candidate's platform or their vision for the future, or what they might actually do. Instead there's fear-mongering, dire predictions about the future, and complete stupidity about how things work.
I have a real fear for the future of our country. Seems the electorate gets dumber and dumber every year. Politicians pander to the lowest common denominator. I had such hope after the Presidential election. Guess I was naive to think that both parties could work together to help heal the country. I'm truly stunned by what's happened the last two years. I'm amazed that anything's been accomplished at all - and it has, if you're willing to look at the facts. For instance, there's been positive growth in new jobs every single month since February 2009. That's in contrast to job losses in every single month for the prior almost two years. That must be worth something?
Would be great if people buckle down after the votes are counted and get to work. My fear of course is that they'll start campaigning for the 2012 elections and forget all about the work, just like last time. Sigh. I once had a professor who said "politics is the side show in the circus of life." Doesn't feel like a side show - feels like the main act and when the curtain comes down, we all lose. Rant over.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Match.con is not a typo
I thought I'd found the man of my dreams. He really did turn out to be the man of my dreams, except it was a nightmare. How cliched is that?! It's been a month and I'm still stinging.
Here's how it works: you get a list of 5 men every day who "match" your profile. You look at their profiles and if you're interested you can "wink" - a harmless way of letting someone know you're interested. They look at your profile and wink back or send an email, or ignore you completely which is what over 100 men have done. (My self-esteem is still thankfully intact, but it's getting harder and harder to understand what the hell is wrong with me.) Or you can email right away, which I've done dozens of times. A few kind souls have emailed back with a nice note saying no thanks, good luck; and a few men have clicked on "no thanks" which sends an auto email telling you to keep looking.
I told you about my date with Farmer Joe. Nice guy, nothing there. I ran into him at the Dutchess County Fair (on purpose) and confirmed my initial assessment. Fairly certain he's not my type, even while I'm still trying to figure out what my type IS after all these years. I've exchanged a couple of emails with Arlen Roth - the famous guitar player/teacher (look up Hot Licks). He's spent the summer in Martha's Vineyard and is expected home this week. Maybe we'll get together? That's it. Two responses. Until Simon Bradley came along.
Ah, Simon. "Who would have guessed," said my friend Lynda. "An Engineer with the soul of a poet." Half German, half Brit - love that European sensibility I read in his emails. Said so many things that made me smile, laugh, giggle - gave me butterflies in my stomach. Seemed to be able to see right into my soul - shared all my deepest values. Widower - wife died of ovarian cancer. His friend Nelson met his wife on match.com and that's what inspired him to try it. Debbie is such a wonderful gal. She's from the States. Can't wait to meet her.
Owns a home in West London (that's where his Mom lives - she's the Brit part), but hasn't settled down here yet. Said he lived in LaGrangeville but was waiting to buy a home until he met someone he was serious about. You might remember LaGrangeville from the vinegar festival I went to back in June or July - about 20 miles away from Rhinebeck, not too bad. We couldn't meet for coffee just yet, since he was out of the country on business. He's on assignment on an oil rig - he'd be home in a month. Great, I thought. Give us time to get to know each other before we actually meet.
I copied my favorite Rilke poem for him in German, since I thought he might like to read it in his native tongue. He loved it. I shared my favorite Gibran poem On Love. He loved that too. When I wondered aloud how on earth we could have ever found each other among the thousands and thousands of people on match, he said "Finding you was by chance, writing to you was by choice, but falling for you is out of my control." Damn, he's good.
When I was in Detroit in July, friends Lynda and Lisa and I spent a lovely day together talking about our current circumstances and our dreams for the future. The three of us created "vision boards" of our intentions. Lynda to sell her home, me to find the right partner, and Lisa to find her role and voice and navigate the waters of her father's illness and impending death. Our love for each other and the space we provide to each other to express our deepest thoughts and feelings is the most wonderful gift in the world. When Simon showed up, I felt like it was in direct response to my vision board and my intentions(to awaken joy), supported by Lynda and Lisa and Ann (who wasn't there physically, but in spirit). I told them "look what you brought me" and sent a picture of this handsome guy with a winning smile and an earring in his ear lobe that made me smile whenever I looked at it, which I did pretty frequently.
I was beginning to stress about whether or not or how to tell him about the cancer. After all, he lost his wife to cancer. Would that matter to him? I'm supposed to be cancer free, but you never know. When to tell, how to tell. I was fretting over this one.
When Jacki called from her travels out west, I told her "I think I've met my Terry." Terry is Jacki's husband; they met on match.com 5 years ago. He adores her and she adores him and they're one of the happiest couples I know. When Kelly and her husband John came to visit I told them about Simon. Being the practical type, they wondered if I'd checked him out yet. Had I Googled him? (Did you know Google was a verb?) Well, no, I hadn't yet. But I certainly would - good idea - not sure why I hadn't done that yet. I'll do that Sunday afternoon when I have lots of time.
Sunday morning brought a note from Simon saying he'd be home in two weeks and wondered if I'd like to pick him up at the airport. The note said maybe it's time to take this to the next level and have a phone chat. "Here's my phone number (international of course) give me a call." Well, I thought, guess I'd better Google him before I start thinking about calling or picking him up at the airport. (Although I did spend time imagining what that first meeting would be like. Would we hug, kiss, just stare at each other? Maybe it's time for new undies. LOL)
Pulled up Google and typed in Simon Bradley. Brought up thousands of Simon Bradleys all over the world, but nothing that resembled my Simon. So I typed in Simon Bradley Engineer. Up popped a link for simbrad53@yahoo.com (his email address) on a romance scam site. Did you know there was such a thing? Actually there are several such sites, where people report scammers. Well, there was my Simon, picture and all. Oh, and those lovely emails he wrote me? There they were, almost word for word, posted by several other women who had received them too. My heart sunk right to my stomach. I felt awful, violated, sick, angry, sad, horrible.... Thank God for friends. Both Jacki and Kelly called me on Sunday afternoon and gave me a chance to talk and cry and wonder what on earth would compel someone to do what he did (if it even was a "he").
Turns out it's money, of course. Apparently, these people get you to fall for them and then, while they're on their way to see you, something happens, an accident, something, and they need - you guessed it - money. Please wire money to this account. Well, it didn't get that far, obviously. I didn't give my phone number or any other personal information, but what if....
I went out and rented myself two movies, which I never do, and made a very large bowl of popcorn. I made myself two very stiff scotches and watched my movies and ate my popcorn. Anything to get me through the rest of the day. I cried myself to sleep. It felt like someone I loved had died, for heaven's sake. It took me days and days to get over this - still not sure I'm completely there.
So what have I learned here? Because of course if I don't learn something this would be a really big waste of a life experience, right? :-)
--Maybe match.com is the problem. But what about Jacki, and others I've heard of? Maybe eHarmony? Hope springs eternal?
--If someone falls for me, it must be a scam. No, that can't be right.
--I need to check people out sooner. Why did I wait so long this time? Deep down, did I think this couldn't be real, so I didn't check?
--I did like the way I felt when I thought it was real. I'm capable of having those feelings that I'd thought might be long gone.
--I enjoy watching movies at home and don't need to wait until I'm in a mood. Redbox rents them out for $1 and they're in my grocery store one mile away.
--I don't need to wait to meet someone before I buy new undies.
I told Dave's wife that I felt like I'd lost a little of my innocence. She said that's lovely - that I even had any innocence left to lose! LOL I'm glad I'm not a cynic, although I have a much higher filter now when I read profiles. A lot of what I read sounds like a lie. I hope I get over that soon. I think that deep down, people are really good at heart. (Thank you, Anne Frank) Although Simon Bradley, or whoever he is, can take a flying leap.
Onward and upward,
Genz
Here's how it works: you get a list of 5 men every day who "match" your profile. You look at their profiles and if you're interested you can "wink" - a harmless way of letting someone know you're interested. They look at your profile and wink back or send an email, or ignore you completely which is what over 100 men have done. (My self-esteem is still thankfully intact, but it's getting harder and harder to understand what the hell is wrong with me.) Or you can email right away, which I've done dozens of times. A few kind souls have emailed back with a nice note saying no thanks, good luck; and a few men have clicked on "no thanks" which sends an auto email telling you to keep looking.
I told you about my date with Farmer Joe. Nice guy, nothing there. I ran into him at the Dutchess County Fair (on purpose) and confirmed my initial assessment. Fairly certain he's not my type, even while I'm still trying to figure out what my type IS after all these years. I've exchanged a couple of emails with Arlen Roth - the famous guitar player/teacher (look up Hot Licks). He's spent the summer in Martha's Vineyard and is expected home this week. Maybe we'll get together? That's it. Two responses. Until Simon Bradley came along.
Ah, Simon. "Who would have guessed," said my friend Lynda. "An Engineer with the soul of a poet." Half German, half Brit - love that European sensibility I read in his emails. Said so many things that made me smile, laugh, giggle - gave me butterflies in my stomach. Seemed to be able to see right into my soul - shared all my deepest values. Widower - wife died of ovarian cancer. His friend Nelson met his wife on match.com and that's what inspired him to try it. Debbie is such a wonderful gal. She's from the States. Can't wait to meet her.
Owns a home in West London (that's where his Mom lives - she's the Brit part), but hasn't settled down here yet. Said he lived in LaGrangeville but was waiting to buy a home until he met someone he was serious about. You might remember LaGrangeville from the vinegar festival I went to back in June or July - about 20 miles away from Rhinebeck, not too bad. We couldn't meet for coffee just yet, since he was out of the country on business. He's on assignment on an oil rig - he'd be home in a month. Great, I thought. Give us time to get to know each other before we actually meet.
I copied my favorite Rilke poem for him in German, since I thought he might like to read it in his native tongue. He loved it. I shared my favorite Gibran poem On Love. He loved that too. When I wondered aloud how on earth we could have ever found each other among the thousands and thousands of people on match, he said "Finding you was by chance, writing to you was by choice, but falling for you is out of my control." Damn, he's good.
When I was in Detroit in July, friends Lynda and Lisa and I spent a lovely day together talking about our current circumstances and our dreams for the future. The three of us created "vision boards" of our intentions. Lynda to sell her home, me to find the right partner, and Lisa to find her role and voice and navigate the waters of her father's illness and impending death. Our love for each other and the space we provide to each other to express our deepest thoughts and feelings is the most wonderful gift in the world. When Simon showed up, I felt like it was in direct response to my vision board and my intentions(to awaken joy), supported by Lynda and Lisa and Ann (who wasn't there physically, but in spirit). I told them "look what you brought me" and sent a picture of this handsome guy with a winning smile and an earring in his ear lobe that made me smile whenever I looked at it, which I did pretty frequently.
I was beginning to stress about whether or not or how to tell him about the cancer. After all, he lost his wife to cancer. Would that matter to him? I'm supposed to be cancer free, but you never know. When to tell, how to tell. I was fretting over this one.
When Jacki called from her travels out west, I told her "I think I've met my Terry." Terry is Jacki's husband; they met on match.com 5 years ago. He adores her and she adores him and they're one of the happiest couples I know. When Kelly and her husband John came to visit I told them about Simon. Being the practical type, they wondered if I'd checked him out yet. Had I Googled him? (Did you know Google was a verb?) Well, no, I hadn't yet. But I certainly would - good idea - not sure why I hadn't done that yet. I'll do that Sunday afternoon when I have lots of time.
Sunday morning brought a note from Simon saying he'd be home in two weeks and wondered if I'd like to pick him up at the airport. The note said maybe it's time to take this to the next level and have a phone chat. "Here's my phone number (international of course) give me a call." Well, I thought, guess I'd better Google him before I start thinking about calling or picking him up at the airport. (Although I did spend time imagining what that first meeting would be like. Would we hug, kiss, just stare at each other? Maybe it's time for new undies. LOL)
Pulled up Google and typed in Simon Bradley. Brought up thousands of Simon Bradleys all over the world, but nothing that resembled my Simon. So I typed in Simon Bradley Engineer. Up popped a link for simbrad53@yahoo.com (his email address) on a romance scam site. Did you know there was such a thing? Actually there are several such sites, where people report scammers. Well, there was my Simon, picture and all. Oh, and those lovely emails he wrote me? There they were, almost word for word, posted by several other women who had received them too. My heart sunk right to my stomach. I felt awful, violated, sick, angry, sad, horrible.... Thank God for friends. Both Jacki and Kelly called me on Sunday afternoon and gave me a chance to talk and cry and wonder what on earth would compel someone to do what he did (if it even was a "he").
Turns out it's money, of course. Apparently, these people get you to fall for them and then, while they're on their way to see you, something happens, an accident, something, and they need - you guessed it - money. Please wire money to this account. Well, it didn't get that far, obviously. I didn't give my phone number or any other personal information, but what if....
I went out and rented myself two movies, which I never do, and made a very large bowl of popcorn. I made myself two very stiff scotches and watched my movies and ate my popcorn. Anything to get me through the rest of the day. I cried myself to sleep. It felt like someone I loved had died, for heaven's sake. It took me days and days to get over this - still not sure I'm completely there.
So what have I learned here? Because of course if I don't learn something this would be a really big waste of a life experience, right? :-)
--Maybe match.com is the problem. But what about Jacki, and others I've heard of? Maybe eHarmony? Hope springs eternal?
--If someone falls for me, it must be a scam. No, that can't be right.
--I need to check people out sooner. Why did I wait so long this time? Deep down, did I think this couldn't be real, so I didn't check?
--I did like the way I felt when I thought it was real. I'm capable of having those feelings that I'd thought might be long gone.
--I enjoy watching movies at home and don't need to wait until I'm in a mood. Redbox rents them out for $1 and they're in my grocery store one mile away.
--I don't need to wait to meet someone before I buy new undies.
I told Dave's wife that I felt like I'd lost a little of my innocence. She said that's lovely - that I even had any innocence left to lose! LOL I'm glad I'm not a cynic, although I have a much higher filter now when I read profiles. A lot of what I read sounds like a lie. I hope I get over that soon. I think that deep down, people are really good at heart. (Thank you, Anne Frank) Although Simon Bradley, or whoever he is, can take a flying leap.
Onward and upward,
Genz
Monday, September 13, 2010
Summer's almost over!
Last I wrote, summer had just begun, and if I don't get this written soon, summer will be absolutely over before I write again! It seemed to stretch out endlessly in front of me back in early July, when the school closed for three weeks as they do every July. Students head to all points east, west, north and south. Faculty go on vacation, as do most of the staff. There's a small but might band of Facilities folks who transform the campus with long awaited construction projects and maintenance - including replacing equipment of all sorts. I was the recipient of one of their projects this year. I got an office! Or I should say, my office got a wall and a door! Used to have to walk through my office to get to my colleague's office. I had absolutely no privacy, and she felt like she had to sneak out of her office to not disturb me. So the talented Facilities folks took down a hallway door, opened up the drywall, put up new dry wall and a new door and voila! We both have our own doors and I have space to hold coaching conversations in complete privacy.
This special consideration for me is just one of many things that have happened to make me realize how much I'm appreciated and cared for. We bought a defunct restaurant across the street from the campus and while they're trying to decide exactly what to do with it, they've offered it up to me as a Training Center for all the classes I'll be teaching in the months ahead. Found furniture in that cavernous attic of ours. Painted walls, put up new shades, found projector and screen for my PowerPoint presentations, buying a water cooler - since we're not exactly sure the water is potable - and getting me a Blackberry so I can be in touch while I'm "off-campus." Today, we had our second State of the Institute address and while the President was talking about the work we're doing to evolve the culture and build our leadership competencies - he mentioned my name twice! Both times he was extolling my virtues and encouraging managers to contact me to help with organization improvement efforts. I couldn't feel more wanted or appreciated. What a wonderful feeling to get up every morning with so many wonderful things to do and so much positive feedback for my work, and for what I bring. After the address, we were treated to a wonderful BarBQ (ribs, chicken, salmon, brisket and ALL the fixings) followed by CIA bingo (daubers and all) and dessert. What a hoot. I smiled all afternoon thinking of how much fun everyone had. Goodness gracious, pinch me!
Spent lovely days with family and friends this summer - in Detroit, in Florida for Laura and Gallo's wedding, and in Stratford, Ontario watching incredible theatre. Sisters' Weekend at Black Lake was special - beautiful weather, fun shopping, Mexican train dominoes, pinochle, and movies. When I went to Little Italy in the Bronx in June, I bought some frozen, unbaked sfogliatelle - an incredible flaky pastry with a light cheese filling. I carried them to Detroit in a small cooler to take North for Sisters. They were absolutely the best ever - hot out of the oven - oh my!! So, those pounds I've been keeping at bay since January have finally found me. Over the summer I gained 5 pounds and I'm struggling to get rid of them. I just let myself eat whatever I darn well pleased and I'm paying for it! I kept kidding myself saying it was all fresh fruits and vegetables - hah! Last weekend was the Hudson Valley Food and Wine Festival. Unless you count wine as a fruit, I guess there has been a little more to it. Oh, and that milk shake at the Dutchess County Fair.... The 4H kids milk the cow and turn around and make fresh milk shakes. How could I pass that up - dairy sensitivity be damned! To top it off, I won the raffle at the Rhinebeck Farmers Market last week - $300 in gift certificates, $10 at each of the 30 vendors at the market. Guess I'll be stocking the freezer and pantry at that rate! Venison, wine, fish, lamb, cheese, honey - not to mention the pasta, pastries, mushrooms, and every summer fruit and vegetable grown for miles around. Good Lord, I'm doomed. Although, I did find out today I've been chosen to participate with that personal trainer again. I'm definitely going to take advantage of that!!
I took a week-long Chinese water color class in July - long awaited and anticipated. The first day went pretty well - learned some techniques and experimented, turning out some interesting specimens. I felt good at the end of the day - eagerly awaiting the rest of the week. Day Two was totally different. Started out OK - we used the thinnest brush to trace minute details of several large fish. I'm a good tracer so that part was easy. But when we started to put color on the paper, I became completely lost. The instruction was just over my head and when you're not doing it right, mixing colors together can turn everything brown. I was so discouraged, and Day Three didn't bring any relief. We added "underwater" features to the picture - out of nowhere little fish, jelly fish, seaweed, coral was supposed to appear. I kept staring at the space expecting something to jump out at me but it never happened.
We left at noon and I thought I'd made a mistake by taking the class. The afternoon, however, provided needed relief. At the conference center, Wednesday afternoons were set aside to experience the different workshops being offered - you could choose two. So I set off for the Zen and the Art of Seeing (a drawing workshop) and a Gospel Choir workshop. In retrospect, that afternoon was the most fun I had all week. I absolutely LOVED singing Gospel. I love to sing loud (even if I'm not all that great) and they love it when you sing Gospel loud. Sing it, sister! Clapping and swaying, I just let myself go. Great way to get rid of frustration too. Maybe I need to find a Gospel choir to join.... The drawing workshop was amazing actually. It taught me to really SEE what I was looking at, down to the minutest detail. Characteristics showed up that I would ordinarily have completely overlooked. I was drawing a pine bough and when I finished I realized that I had drawn an exact and I mean exact replica, and it really was effortless. It was just a matter of opening up my eyes. It was so peaceful an experience as well. I left feeling calm and rested, and ready to go back to painting the next day.
Unfortunately that peaceful feeling didn't last long. The next project for Days 4 and 5 was tracing again, but on different paper and using different paints. This time it was elephants and the jungle was supposed to appear around the elephants. Don't paint the elephants, paint the space around the elephants. Don't paint the mud on the elephants, paint the space around the mud. Don't paint the grass, paint the space.... Yeah, right. So my elephants were "stylized" - that's code for, she doesn't have a clue what she's doing with those colors. I really wanted to learn something that week, and what I learned was - I don't have a very good "beginner's mind" as we say in meditation practice. I wanted to be good, and I couldn't be good, so I got frustrated. The more frustrated I got, the less fun the whole experience was. I couldn't seem to figure out how to relax and go with it. BUT, I'm not giving up. This Thursday I start a 6-session beginners water color class in Red Hook at a local artists' studio. I want to paint. I feel like I have something that needs to be expressed through water color. I have no idea why I feel that way, but I do. I think it's a left-brain, right-brain thing. There's so much going on inside my head that wants out! And darn it, I have a million dollars worth of supplies that I need to use up. Ha-Ha. Not exactly a million, but you get my drift. I have the drafting table and a new chair. I have all the acoutrements of a painter. Now I just need to learn what to do with them all. Wish me luck!
Part of the reason you haven't heard from me this summer is that I've been spending so much spare time on Match.com. But that's another story. Maybe tomorrow.
I also had a wonderful visit with some dear friends from Michigan, and I'll tell you about that too. I miss you all.
Ciao for now,
love,
Genz
This special consideration for me is just one of many things that have happened to make me realize how much I'm appreciated and cared for. We bought a defunct restaurant across the street from the campus and while they're trying to decide exactly what to do with it, they've offered it up to me as a Training Center for all the classes I'll be teaching in the months ahead. Found furniture in that cavernous attic of ours. Painted walls, put up new shades, found projector and screen for my PowerPoint presentations, buying a water cooler - since we're not exactly sure the water is potable - and getting me a Blackberry so I can be in touch while I'm "off-campus." Today, we had our second State of the Institute address and while the President was talking about the work we're doing to evolve the culture and build our leadership competencies - he mentioned my name twice! Both times he was extolling my virtues and encouraging managers to contact me to help with organization improvement efforts. I couldn't feel more wanted or appreciated. What a wonderful feeling to get up every morning with so many wonderful things to do and so much positive feedback for my work, and for what I bring. After the address, we were treated to a wonderful BarBQ (ribs, chicken, salmon, brisket and ALL the fixings) followed by CIA bingo (daubers and all) and dessert. What a hoot. I smiled all afternoon thinking of how much fun everyone had. Goodness gracious, pinch me!
Spent lovely days with family and friends this summer - in Detroit, in Florida for Laura and Gallo's wedding, and in Stratford, Ontario watching incredible theatre. Sisters' Weekend at Black Lake was special - beautiful weather, fun shopping, Mexican train dominoes, pinochle, and movies. When I went to Little Italy in the Bronx in June, I bought some frozen, unbaked sfogliatelle - an incredible flaky pastry with a light cheese filling. I carried them to Detroit in a small cooler to take North for Sisters. They were absolutely the best ever - hot out of the oven - oh my!! So, those pounds I've been keeping at bay since January have finally found me. Over the summer I gained 5 pounds and I'm struggling to get rid of them. I just let myself eat whatever I darn well pleased and I'm paying for it! I kept kidding myself saying it was all fresh fruits and vegetables - hah! Last weekend was the Hudson Valley Food and Wine Festival. Unless you count wine as a fruit, I guess there has been a little more to it. Oh, and that milk shake at the Dutchess County Fair.... The 4H kids milk the cow and turn around and make fresh milk shakes. How could I pass that up - dairy sensitivity be damned! To top it off, I won the raffle at the Rhinebeck Farmers Market last week - $300 in gift certificates, $10 at each of the 30 vendors at the market. Guess I'll be stocking the freezer and pantry at that rate! Venison, wine, fish, lamb, cheese, honey - not to mention the pasta, pastries, mushrooms, and every summer fruit and vegetable grown for miles around. Good Lord, I'm doomed. Although, I did find out today I've been chosen to participate with that personal trainer again. I'm definitely going to take advantage of that!!
I took a week-long Chinese water color class in July - long awaited and anticipated. The first day went pretty well - learned some techniques and experimented, turning out some interesting specimens. I felt good at the end of the day - eagerly awaiting the rest of the week. Day Two was totally different. Started out OK - we used the thinnest brush to trace minute details of several large fish. I'm a good tracer so that part was easy. But when we started to put color on the paper, I became completely lost. The instruction was just over my head and when you're not doing it right, mixing colors together can turn everything brown. I was so discouraged, and Day Three didn't bring any relief. We added "underwater" features to the picture - out of nowhere little fish, jelly fish, seaweed, coral was supposed to appear. I kept staring at the space expecting something to jump out at me but it never happened.
We left at noon and I thought I'd made a mistake by taking the class. The afternoon, however, provided needed relief. At the conference center, Wednesday afternoons were set aside to experience the different workshops being offered - you could choose two. So I set off for the Zen and the Art of Seeing (a drawing workshop) and a Gospel Choir workshop. In retrospect, that afternoon was the most fun I had all week. I absolutely LOVED singing Gospel. I love to sing loud (even if I'm not all that great) and they love it when you sing Gospel loud. Sing it, sister! Clapping and swaying, I just let myself go. Great way to get rid of frustration too. Maybe I need to find a Gospel choir to join.... The drawing workshop was amazing actually. It taught me to really SEE what I was looking at, down to the minutest detail. Characteristics showed up that I would ordinarily have completely overlooked. I was drawing a pine bough and when I finished I realized that I had drawn an exact and I mean exact replica, and it really was effortless. It was just a matter of opening up my eyes. It was so peaceful an experience as well. I left feeling calm and rested, and ready to go back to painting the next day.
Unfortunately that peaceful feeling didn't last long. The next project for Days 4 and 5 was tracing again, but on different paper and using different paints. This time it was elephants and the jungle was supposed to appear around the elephants. Don't paint the elephants, paint the space around the elephants. Don't paint the mud on the elephants, paint the space around the mud. Don't paint the grass, paint the space.... Yeah, right. So my elephants were "stylized" - that's code for, she doesn't have a clue what she's doing with those colors. I really wanted to learn something that week, and what I learned was - I don't have a very good "beginner's mind" as we say in meditation practice. I wanted to be good, and I couldn't be good, so I got frustrated. The more frustrated I got, the less fun the whole experience was. I couldn't seem to figure out how to relax and go with it. BUT, I'm not giving up. This Thursday I start a 6-session beginners water color class in Red Hook at a local artists' studio. I want to paint. I feel like I have something that needs to be expressed through water color. I have no idea why I feel that way, but I do. I think it's a left-brain, right-brain thing. There's so much going on inside my head that wants out! And darn it, I have a million dollars worth of supplies that I need to use up. Ha-Ha. Not exactly a million, but you get my drift. I have the drafting table and a new chair. I have all the acoutrements of a painter. Now I just need to learn what to do with them all. Wish me luck!
Part of the reason you haven't heard from me this summer is that I've been spending so much spare time on Match.com. But that's another story. Maybe tomorrow.
I also had a wonderful visit with some dear friends from Michigan, and I'll tell you about that too. I miss you all.
Ciao for now,
love,
Genz
Monday, June 28, 2010
Melancholy?
Definition: a feeling of thoughtful sadness. Yep, that's what it is and that's what I'm experiencing. It's interesting to me that the pieces and parts of my daily life can be so wonderful and yet there can be this underlying sadness that pops up when it's least expected. I know I'm missing family and friends - I first realized it when I attended a Women's Wellness retreat and was sitting in a circle of women. I had a pang of longing - to be back in my own circle. I was grateful to be in the circle I was in - wonderful women, wonderful facilitators, great process - but it still wasn't MY circle. Sigh...tears...I'll be fine.
I missed Helen's birthday and Kaitlin's graduation. Summer solstice came and went with no garden party at Chris's. No Open Days garden walks with Jacki and Joanne. Sigh...tears...I'll be fine.
Then one day last week while driving to work (down this lovely winding road with no lights, no traffic, and lots of pretty things to look at) I was pondering again where the sadness might be coming from, beyond missing my kith and kin. It occurred to me that I'm always a little sad this time of year, subconsciously remembering the death of my father in the month of July. No matter that it was nearly 47 years ago, it still haunts to this day. Then it hit me - I'm sad because my boss is getting ready to retire, and he's going to leave me too. Hope that doesn't sound too melodramatic, but I know these things about myself. Dave is my anchor here - he and his wife have invited me over to their home several times, introduced me to neighbors, check on me to make sure I'm OK, ask how I'm doing and if I need anything, etc., etc. When I went on my blind date last week, I let Dave know, and it was his phone number I had in my purse. Once he's gone (they're moving to Atlanta) I'll be truly on my own, again, alone again, naturally? Sigh.
The other part of it is this, I know Dave. We get along fine. I don't agree with everything he thinks, but he's a good listener and I can generally bring him around to my way of thinking. Gotta love THAT in a boss. I don't know who they're going to replace him with, and probably won't have much say, if any, in the matter. I know this about myself too - if I don't like my boss, I'm in deep shit trouble. So maybe there's a little fear in here too. Paradise lost? OK, maybe that was a little melodramatic....
Last Friday, a colleague and his wife invited me to dinner at their home and an all-Mozart concert at Bard College (up the road in Tivoli). Dinner was lovely on the patio and the concert was played on period instruments by Aston Magna - who marked their 38th season this year. When we got back to their home at the end of the evening, before they turned the porch light on, I thought I was in a fairy tale. The lightening bugs were flashing everywhere in the field next to their home. Absolutely magical. They invited me back in and we drank wine and talked classical music and food and art and the Hudson Valley for another hour. They've invited me to join them and some of their friends at Tanglewood in July. Tanglewood is a fabulous outdoor music venue in Massachusetts - just 90 minutes from here. I think this is the start of something really nice. But Jacki, it's just not the same as being with you. There's no replacing you darling.
Now for that blind date.... I haven't been on a date in 15 years. My how time flies whether you're having fun or not! I congratulate myself for getting out there, and accepting a last-minute invitation to a free concert on the lawn at Mills Mansion. My date even brought dinner, all fresh from his garden. He's a nice man, a widower whose wife died suddenly at 40 leaving him to raise 4 children. He's a 1974 graduate of the Culinary Institute and is now a retired gentleman farmer (he's my age). I don't think anything will come of this, but at least I broke the ice. Not getting any nibbles on Match.com though, so I'm not sure how I feel about this. Lots of "thanks but no thanks" to my outreach. Guess I'll just keep trolling...
Joanne - you'd be proud of me. I had to pinch back my basil bushes and had so much I decided to make pesto. You've been telling me how easy it is and frankly, I can't believe I've never done it before. But you kept giving it to me every year, so I guess I never needed to make my own! Anyhow, I did, and it's wonderful. I bought some lemon-asparagus ravioli at the market and put a few tablespoons of my pesto on it. Heavenly. Along side that were the roasted beets I made and the sauteed beet greens. Phyllis - I know you're smiling at that one!
See, I will be fine. Everything in its time.
Love to all,
Genz
I missed Helen's birthday and Kaitlin's graduation. Summer solstice came and went with no garden party at Chris's. No Open Days garden walks with Jacki and Joanne. Sigh...tears...I'll be fine.
Then one day last week while driving to work (down this lovely winding road with no lights, no traffic, and lots of pretty things to look at) I was pondering again where the sadness might be coming from, beyond missing my kith and kin. It occurred to me that I'm always a little sad this time of year, subconsciously remembering the death of my father in the month of July. No matter that it was nearly 47 years ago, it still haunts to this day. Then it hit me - I'm sad because my boss is getting ready to retire, and he's going to leave me too. Hope that doesn't sound too melodramatic, but I know these things about myself. Dave is my anchor here - he and his wife have invited me over to their home several times, introduced me to neighbors, check on me to make sure I'm OK, ask how I'm doing and if I need anything, etc., etc. When I went on my blind date last week, I let Dave know, and it was his phone number I had in my purse. Once he's gone (they're moving to Atlanta) I'll be truly on my own, again, alone again, naturally? Sigh.
The other part of it is this, I know Dave. We get along fine. I don't agree with everything he thinks, but he's a good listener and I can generally bring him around to my way of thinking. Gotta love THAT in a boss. I don't know who they're going to replace him with, and probably won't have much say, if any, in the matter. I know this about myself too - if I don't like my boss, I'm in deep shit trouble. So maybe there's a little fear in here too. Paradise lost? OK, maybe that was a little melodramatic....
Last Friday, a colleague and his wife invited me to dinner at their home and an all-Mozart concert at Bard College (up the road in Tivoli). Dinner was lovely on the patio and the concert was played on period instruments by Aston Magna - who marked their 38th season this year. When we got back to their home at the end of the evening, before they turned the porch light on, I thought I was in a fairy tale. The lightening bugs were flashing everywhere in the field next to their home. Absolutely magical. They invited me back in and we drank wine and talked classical music and food and art and the Hudson Valley for another hour. They've invited me to join them and some of their friends at Tanglewood in July. Tanglewood is a fabulous outdoor music venue in Massachusetts - just 90 minutes from here. I think this is the start of something really nice. But Jacki, it's just not the same as being with you. There's no replacing you darling.
Now for that blind date.... I haven't been on a date in 15 years. My how time flies whether you're having fun or not! I congratulate myself for getting out there, and accepting a last-minute invitation to a free concert on the lawn at Mills Mansion. My date even brought dinner, all fresh from his garden. He's a nice man, a widower whose wife died suddenly at 40 leaving him to raise 4 children. He's a 1974 graduate of the Culinary Institute and is now a retired gentleman farmer (he's my age). I don't think anything will come of this, but at least I broke the ice. Not getting any nibbles on Match.com though, so I'm not sure how I feel about this. Lots of "thanks but no thanks" to my outreach. Guess I'll just keep trolling...
Joanne - you'd be proud of me. I had to pinch back my basil bushes and had so much I decided to make pesto. You've been telling me how easy it is and frankly, I can't believe I've never done it before. But you kept giving it to me every year, so I guess I never needed to make my own! Anyhow, I did, and it's wonderful. I bought some lemon-asparagus ravioli at the market and put a few tablespoons of my pesto on it. Heavenly. Along side that were the roasted beets I made and the sauteed beet greens. Phyllis - I know you're smiling at that one!
See, I will be fine. Everything in its time.
Love to all,
Genz
Monday, June 14, 2010
Match.com
Well, I did it. It was raining cats and dogs two Sundays ago, so I knew I wasn't leaving the house. I had work to do - preparing to teach a new course, but I knew I wasn't going to spend all day on that. So, when one of those pop up ads appeared while I was doing email, enticing me with eligible bachelors...I jumped!
So now my profile is out there for all the world to see along with some photos. Every day I check to see who's viewed my profile. Or match.com sends me people who seem to match my profile and I can "wink" at them to let them know I'm interested. Then they can wink back at me or email me or even IM me! Of course I can do the same.
I must admit, there have been lots of profiles that caught my attention. A couple men who have reached out to me have mystified me though - I said I wanted to meet people in my "neighborhood" - people who can help me get acquainted with New York - and I get emails from England, Texas, and Washington State! Some even say they're willing to relocate. Isn't that odd? I just want to meet someone for coffee for heaven's sake! I do have to keep getting out the map because there are so many little towns and villages around that I don't recognize in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut that are actually within a reasonable distance.
Writing my profile was interesting - deciding what to say, wanting to be open and honest without scaring anyone away. What's the thing I can say to reveal my true self without revealing everything. I'm such an open book but I think that's a good thing. When someone's profile only reveals a few things and they don't complete any of the entries it makes me wonder (a) why they're bothering and (b) what they're hiding. Or if they're "shy" or don't know what to say, it makes me wonder what they'd have to say in person. I certainly don't want to carry the conversation. I know this is supposed to be an entry way, not the whole deal, so it is interesting to see what catches my eye and what I seem to want to reject. I want to have fun with it and so I'll just hold it lightly as another way to meet people in my new home town, or nearby anyhow.
I did volunteer this past Sunday at the Rhinebeck Farmers Market. It's a great market and I'm delighted to help out in any way I can. Two of the faculty members from CIA have stands - one runs a farm with his wife, and the other makes homemade pasta. There are 30 vendors total. One of the vendors makes the absolute best fallafel I have ever tasted. It's the first thing I get when I go to market - served in fresh pita from the city and tucked in with some yummy pickled vegetables and sauces. I've never had anything like it. It's fun to have a ritual too - get my fallafel and wander past all the vendors deciding what I might like to buy. Then when I'm finished eating I go back and pick up the things that caught my eye. This week I got chiaggi beets to try (can you even believe that?!), some sugar snap peas, some broccoli, and something called "scapes." They're the sprout from garlic that you actually cut off before they flower. This lets the energy go to the bulb in the ground, and you can use these "tops" with a mild garlic taste in salads or scrambled eggs or in risotto, etc. Fun to experiment.
Guess that's all for now.... Oh, that new class I'm teaching? Today was session #1 of 8 sessions and it went very well. Lots of good feedback from participants - they were really engaged and really could see the application for their work. It warms my heart to think that a training class I've brought to the organization might actually be the thing that transforms the way work shows up for some people - that they might actually see the possibility of life at work being different, better, more effective, etc. Man, this is great stuff!
Ciao, oh one more thing.... HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY TO HELEN BALMFORTH!! My nephew Mike's wife celebrated her birthday this past weekend. She's just the best and I hated like hell to miss that party. Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS TO KAITLIN ZIMMERMAN (nephew Dan and Amy's daughter) ON THE OCCASION OF HER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION!! This is the hard part about not being in Michigan - missing being with family when important milestones are reached. I hope you know, Helen and Kate, how much I love you and how BIG my wishes are for your health and happiness.
Ciao for real.
Love,
V
So now my profile is out there for all the world to see along with some photos. Every day I check to see who's viewed my profile. Or match.com sends me people who seem to match my profile and I can "wink" at them to let them know I'm interested. Then they can wink back at me or email me or even IM me! Of course I can do the same.
I must admit, there have been lots of profiles that caught my attention. A couple men who have reached out to me have mystified me though - I said I wanted to meet people in my "neighborhood" - people who can help me get acquainted with New York - and I get emails from England, Texas, and Washington State! Some even say they're willing to relocate. Isn't that odd? I just want to meet someone for coffee for heaven's sake! I do have to keep getting out the map because there are so many little towns and villages around that I don't recognize in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut that are actually within a reasonable distance.
Writing my profile was interesting - deciding what to say, wanting to be open and honest without scaring anyone away. What's the thing I can say to reveal my true self without revealing everything. I'm such an open book but I think that's a good thing. When someone's profile only reveals a few things and they don't complete any of the entries it makes me wonder (a) why they're bothering and (b) what they're hiding. Or if they're "shy" or don't know what to say, it makes me wonder what they'd have to say in person. I certainly don't want to carry the conversation. I know this is supposed to be an entry way, not the whole deal, so it is interesting to see what catches my eye and what I seem to want to reject. I want to have fun with it and so I'll just hold it lightly as another way to meet people in my new home town, or nearby anyhow.
I did volunteer this past Sunday at the Rhinebeck Farmers Market. It's a great market and I'm delighted to help out in any way I can. Two of the faculty members from CIA have stands - one runs a farm with his wife, and the other makes homemade pasta. There are 30 vendors total. One of the vendors makes the absolute best fallafel I have ever tasted. It's the first thing I get when I go to market - served in fresh pita from the city and tucked in with some yummy pickled vegetables and sauces. I've never had anything like it. It's fun to have a ritual too - get my fallafel and wander past all the vendors deciding what I might like to buy. Then when I'm finished eating I go back and pick up the things that caught my eye. This week I got chiaggi beets to try (can you even believe that?!), some sugar snap peas, some broccoli, and something called "scapes." They're the sprout from garlic that you actually cut off before they flower. This lets the energy go to the bulb in the ground, and you can use these "tops" with a mild garlic taste in salads or scrambled eggs or in risotto, etc. Fun to experiment.
Guess that's all for now.... Oh, that new class I'm teaching? Today was session #1 of 8 sessions and it went very well. Lots of good feedback from participants - they were really engaged and really could see the application for their work. It warms my heart to think that a training class I've brought to the organization might actually be the thing that transforms the way work shows up for some people - that they might actually see the possibility of life at work being different, better, more effective, etc. Man, this is great stuff!
Ciao, oh one more thing.... HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY TO HELEN BALMFORTH!! My nephew Mike's wife celebrated her birthday this past weekend. She's just the best and I hated like hell to miss that party. Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS TO KAITLIN ZIMMERMAN (nephew Dan and Amy's daughter) ON THE OCCASION OF HER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION!! This is the hard part about not being in Michigan - missing being with family when important milestones are reached. I hope you know, Helen and Kate, how much I love you and how BIG my wishes are for your health and happiness.
Ciao for real.
Love,
V
Thank goodness for Mastercard
60,000 Mile Check up for car at Rhinebeck Ford = $450
New brakes also at Rhinebeck Ford = $450
First visit with new dentist in Poughkeepsie = $300
New contacts and glasses at North Duchess Optical in Red Hook = $600
Cut & color with tip at new stylist in Poughkeepsie = $95
Finding all these services in close proximity to my new home with people I like and feel I can trust?
Priceless!
New brakes also at Rhinebeck Ford = $450
First visit with new dentist in Poughkeepsie = $300
New contacts and glasses at North Duchess Optical in Red Hook = $600
Cut & color with tip at new stylist in Poughkeepsie = $95
Finding all these services in close proximity to my new home with people I like and feel I can trust?
Priceless!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
P.S.
I forgot to mention that Terry and Lesley came out in a blinding snow storm in January to attend a bon voyage party by dear friends Lisa and Lynda had for me. Lisa is a wonderful photographer and she caught my beautiful friends for me to look at from time to time to remember again how very blessed I am. Here's Lesley with new growth - simply stunning silver hair - and Terry with her turban. Do you see why I think they're both so beautiful? This is a picture of the CWL Group 5, including Kelly and Ann. I'll treasure this photo, and their friendship forever.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
"I am not my cancer"
There's an ad for some drug related to cancer therapy with the caption, "I am not my cancer." The message is that while I may HAVE cancer, I'm not letting it dominate my life - it is not central to who I am. I have two friends dealing with their cancers right now who are living proof that this is the only way to live, truly live.
I snuck into town on May 1 for my friend Terry's wedding to her beloved Chip. After dating for 10 years in a long-distance relationship (she in Michigan, he in Florida) they decided to tie the knot and be each other's best friend and support forever. My friend Lesley and her husband Bill picked me up at the hotel so we could go to the ceremony and reception together, at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. I met Terry and Lesley 7 years ago when they enrolled in the women's Leadership Development program I was co-facilitating. Ann and Kelly round out the group affectionately known as Group 5 - the first and only Group 5 in all 4 programs we ran. It was a special program, these are special women, and we have a special bond together. I wouldn't have missed Terry's wedding for the world.
Back in 2003, as we were finishing up the program, Terry told us she'd had a recurrence of breast cancer and would need a mastectomy this time. She'd had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation the first time. She seemed so calm to me, so courageous but not melodramatic in any way. She showed up at our graduation ceremony just days after surgery, since her being there would mean so much to all of us.
The next year, Lesley was diagnosed with breast cancer and would undergo chemo and a lumpectomy. Lesley has two beautiful young daughters and has no intention of letting this thing called cancer stop her from being the wife, mother and businesswoman she is. I met her for lunch shortly after her surgery and she looked as gorgeous as ever - turban covering her bald head and face fully made up - dressed to the nines. We hugged so tightly - I recall feeling so blessed to have this woman call me friend.
Fast forward to the summer of 2007, July 1, and the call from my doctor that I had breast cancer. With Terry and Lesley as models, I think I moved through that time with a courage and grace that came from knowing that I am not my cancer and that how I reacted was a choice. I chose to bless my doctors and pray for healing. I chose to believe that this part of my journey was crucial to becoming the woman I needed to be in the world. I was working on my master's thesis at the time and also working on coaching certification - both were also preparing me to become the person the world needed me to be. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and am cancer-free. I take Arimidex to keep my hormones in check so they don't provide a nurturing environment to any rogue cells. I'll take that for at least two more years, 5 years being some magic number for survivors.
Last year, both Terry and Lesley experienced recurrence of their cancers. Terry has Stage IV liver cancer and is undergoing continuous chemo therapy. Lesley had a mastectomy and chemo. Last month Lesley was diagnosed with a different cancer in her other breast and will have a mastectomy and chemo again next week.
Last November Terry participated in the San Diego 3-day Walk for the Cure. One of her nieces has been walking in this fundraiser in Terry's honor for a few years now. When Terry signed up to participate, she did so in my and Lesley's honor. Ann and I had dinner with Terry last fall when she told us she was going to retire in the spring and that she and Chip would be getting married in May. Brilliant, I thought. Grab every last bite of life you can grab, Terry.
So here we are, sitting in The Henry Ford, a few hundred of us, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride. Suddenly you could hear the click, click, click of an old car and around the bend, here came Terry. Her driver opened the door and out she stepped, looking like a fairy princess. The bridegroom of course, looked very nervous but smiling none-the-less. Lesley and Ann and I squeezed each others hands. Our friend Terry was going to snatch a little bit of happiness and we were overjoyed.
Of course, all any of us have is today, right now, to live the life we have imagined for ourselves. I think I knew that when I decided that the work I was doing for Hewlett Packard wasn't the right work for me. When I began the search for a new job, I made sure to put out an intention for work that I loved, with people I loved, in a place I loved. Even though moving to New York seemed like a pretty radical thing to do, I knew it was the right thing. All any of us have is today, right now.
My thanks, and blessings, and love go to Terry and Lesley. Thank you for teaching me the meaning of courage and grace. Blessings on you and your families. Love to you from the bottom of my heart.
I snuck into town on May 1 for my friend Terry's wedding to her beloved Chip. After dating for 10 years in a long-distance relationship (she in Michigan, he in Florida) they decided to tie the knot and be each other's best friend and support forever. My friend Lesley and her husband Bill picked me up at the hotel so we could go to the ceremony and reception together, at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. I met Terry and Lesley 7 years ago when they enrolled in the women's Leadership Development program I was co-facilitating. Ann and Kelly round out the group affectionately known as Group 5 - the first and only Group 5 in all 4 programs we ran. It was a special program, these are special women, and we have a special bond together. I wouldn't have missed Terry's wedding for the world.
Back in 2003, as we were finishing up the program, Terry told us she'd had a recurrence of breast cancer and would need a mastectomy this time. She'd had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation the first time. She seemed so calm to me, so courageous but not melodramatic in any way. She showed up at our graduation ceremony just days after surgery, since her being there would mean so much to all of us.
The next year, Lesley was diagnosed with breast cancer and would undergo chemo and a lumpectomy. Lesley has two beautiful young daughters and has no intention of letting this thing called cancer stop her from being the wife, mother and businesswoman she is. I met her for lunch shortly after her surgery and she looked as gorgeous as ever - turban covering her bald head and face fully made up - dressed to the nines. We hugged so tightly - I recall feeling so blessed to have this woman call me friend.
Fast forward to the summer of 2007, July 1, and the call from my doctor that I had breast cancer. With Terry and Lesley as models, I think I moved through that time with a courage and grace that came from knowing that I am not my cancer and that how I reacted was a choice. I chose to bless my doctors and pray for healing. I chose to believe that this part of my journey was crucial to becoming the woman I needed to be in the world. I was working on my master's thesis at the time and also working on coaching certification - both were also preparing me to become the person the world needed me to be. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and am cancer-free. I take Arimidex to keep my hormones in check so they don't provide a nurturing environment to any rogue cells. I'll take that for at least two more years, 5 years being some magic number for survivors.
Last year, both Terry and Lesley experienced recurrence of their cancers. Terry has Stage IV liver cancer and is undergoing continuous chemo therapy. Lesley had a mastectomy and chemo. Last month Lesley was diagnosed with a different cancer in her other breast and will have a mastectomy and chemo again next week.
Last November Terry participated in the San Diego 3-day Walk for the Cure. One of her nieces has been walking in this fundraiser in Terry's honor for a few years now. When Terry signed up to participate, she did so in my and Lesley's honor. Ann and I had dinner with Terry last fall when she told us she was going to retire in the spring and that she and Chip would be getting married in May. Brilliant, I thought. Grab every last bite of life you can grab, Terry.
So here we are, sitting in The Henry Ford, a few hundred of us, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride. Suddenly you could hear the click, click, click of an old car and around the bend, here came Terry. Her driver opened the door and out she stepped, looking like a fairy princess. The bridegroom of course, looked very nervous but smiling none-the-less. Lesley and Ann and I squeezed each others hands. Our friend Terry was going to snatch a little bit of happiness and we were overjoyed.
Of course, all any of us have is today, right now, to live the life we have imagined for ourselves. I think I knew that when I decided that the work I was doing for Hewlett Packard wasn't the right work for me. When I began the search for a new job, I made sure to put out an intention for work that I loved, with people I loved, in a place I loved. Even though moving to New York seemed like a pretty radical thing to do, I knew it was the right thing. All any of us have is today, right now.
My thanks, and blessings, and love go to Terry and Lesley. Thank you for teaching me the meaning of courage and grace. Blessings on you and your families. Love to you from the bottom of my heart.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Good Grief! Where does the time go?!!
I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. Some really wonderful things have happened in the past four weeks so let's go back to the beginning....
Phyllis: "My God, Genz, you've landed in Disneyland. No, not Disneyland - Genzaland!"
So proclaimed by big sister when she and Don came for a visit a few weeks back. It especially feels like home when family and friends come to visit. Of course, I wanted my big sister to know I was OK. But she decided I'm better than OK, I'm doing wonderfully! We picked up where Joanne and I left off and hung up the rest of the pictures. Don put up new shower heads (to conserve water). Best of all, they bought me a wrought iron table and chairs for my patio. Putting them together was a project, but we did just fine. We toured the Vanderbilt Mansion and FDR's Presidential Library.
After a tour of campus (on a beautiful sunny day) a student took a picture of us underneath the Wisteria gracing the front door of the school. Phyllis took a ton of pictures all over and when she got home put together an album to send to me. It's a great reminder of the fun time we had. One highlight was lunch at the Eveready Diner - which was featured on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" on the Food Network. Good diner fare! No visit with Phyllis and Don is complete without Mexican Train Dominos - score: Don one, Genz one, Phyllis (well, guess we still need to play that rubber game).
After that whirlwind weekend, I went to the City for a 4-day certification workshop for a course called Crucial Conversations - how to hold tough conversations when the stakes are high, emotions are strong, and opinions differ. I think it's the exact right thing for my organization right now and I got the go ahead to get certified and teach the top 80 leaders. The certification workshop was absolutely fabulous - great instructor, wonderful materials, and the content is superb. I can't wait to teach the course and I've identified 12 leaders to participate in a pilot program with me in June.
I loved being in the City for the workshop too. Every night after class ended, I'd take a nice long walk down different streets. It's absolutely amazing how many people - adults, kids, dogs, strollers, folks on roller skates - are moving back and forth at all hours. Such aliveness. Shops, bakeries, galleries, restaurants - so much to look at. I just walked around with a big grin on my face and said hello to as many people as would look back! The energy was fabulous and I was sorry to see it end. Although, since I have such a great place to come home to, the sadness didn't last too long - just about as long as it took the train to get me back to Poughkeepsie.
Well, that wraps up April. I'll write tomorrow to get caught up on May. I went home (to Michigan) twice in May and gave myself a spa day for Mother's Day. I've started gardening and signed up for two workshops this summer at Omega Institute. I'm so excited to finally be going there!
Giggles and grins,
Hugs and kisses,
Ciao for now!
Vincenza
Phyllis: "My God, Genz, you've landed in Disneyland. No, not Disneyland - Genzaland!"
So proclaimed by big sister when she and Don came for a visit a few weeks back. It especially feels like home when family and friends come to visit. Of course, I wanted my big sister to know I was OK. But she decided I'm better than OK, I'm doing wonderfully! We picked up where Joanne and I left off and hung up the rest of the pictures. Don put up new shower heads (to conserve water). Best of all, they bought me a wrought iron table and chairs for my patio. Putting them together was a project, but we did just fine. We toured the Vanderbilt Mansion and FDR's Presidential Library.
After a tour of campus (on a beautiful sunny day) a student took a picture of us underneath the Wisteria gracing the front door of the school. Phyllis took a ton of pictures all over and when she got home put together an album to send to me. It's a great reminder of the fun time we had. One highlight was lunch at the Eveready Diner - which was featured on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" on the Food Network. Good diner fare! No visit with Phyllis and Don is complete without Mexican Train Dominos - score: Don one, Genz one, Phyllis (well, guess we still need to play that rubber game).
After that whirlwind weekend, I went to the City for a 4-day certification workshop for a course called Crucial Conversations - how to hold tough conversations when the stakes are high, emotions are strong, and opinions differ. I think it's the exact right thing for my organization right now and I got the go ahead to get certified and teach the top 80 leaders. The certification workshop was absolutely fabulous - great instructor, wonderful materials, and the content is superb. I can't wait to teach the course and I've identified 12 leaders to participate in a pilot program with me in June.
I loved being in the City for the workshop too. Every night after class ended, I'd take a nice long walk down different streets. It's absolutely amazing how many people - adults, kids, dogs, strollers, folks on roller skates - are moving back and forth at all hours. Such aliveness. Shops, bakeries, galleries, restaurants - so much to look at. I just walked around with a big grin on my face and said hello to as many people as would look back! The energy was fabulous and I was sorry to see it end. Although, since I have such a great place to come home to, the sadness didn't last too long - just about as long as it took the train to get me back to Poughkeepsie.
Well, that wraps up April. I'll write tomorrow to get caught up on May. I went home (to Michigan) twice in May and gave myself a spa day for Mother's Day. I've started gardening and signed up for two workshops this summer at Omega Institute. I'm so excited to finally be going there!
Giggles and grins,
Hugs and kisses,
Ciao for now!
Vincenza
Monday, April 19, 2010
Martha Stewart - Move Over!
Sunday was my first opportunity to do a little entertaining in my new condo. It was a co-workers birthday and I invited her over for a little lunch before heading to a fundraiser for the Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society - but that's another story.
Mary Ann is the Director of Human Resources and was welcoming before I even got the job! She's a real sweetie and invited me on a few forays while I was living in the hotel. She lost her Dad suddenly in December and has been struggling since. Her mother passed away a few years ago and her Dad had moved in with her and her then husband. Two years ago the lout left her and she and her Dad had developed an easy routine. When he passed suddenly, I think that was the straw for Mary Ann. It's been tough, and this is her first birthday without real family. Needless to say, folks at work tried to make it as special as we could. Lunch at Caterina de Medici - her favorite on campus restaurant and a fabulous cannoli cake while singing raucous versions of Happy Birthday.
So invited her to join me at the fundraiser and stop by for a snack first. So here's the Martha Stewart part.... I haven't really been doing too much cooking as there's so much good food available at work. I decided to fuss a little.
I started by making Lavender Lemonade (thanks, Ellen, for the beautiful lavender from "up north" - put it to good use! The house smelled wonderful of course, as it simmered in a simple syrup. I found Sicilian lemon juice at the grocery store, so that added a lovely fresh lemon taste without squeezing a half dozen lemons. Next I found some baby artichokes and prepared them to use in a salad. Funny how little they end up once you take the outer leaves off and steam them. Seems like an awful lot of waste, but they sure were tasty.
I made an olive and anchovy dressing with fresh basil and shallots in the blender. Haven't made dressing from scratch in forever - it really is easy and tastes so good! I also blanched asparagus for the salad and used arugula and baby spinach as the base. Topped with goat's milk feta and some fresh ground pepper and yummy!
I baked a gluten free carrot cake dusted with powdered sugar and found some cute candles to top it off. What was also fun was finding my mother's beautiful lemonade/ice tea pitcher to use, along with the fabulous hand-painted dishes from my sister Diane for the salad. Needless to say, Mary Ann felt pretty special and I'm thrilled to be a part of her celebration of life. She had brought a little housewarming gift and the card said - "Glad your life's journey has brought you here."
So I'm beginning to figure who I am outside of the CIA. That's the next part of the journey for me. I'm really clear about who I am at work, but there's more to life than work and I need to figure that part out as well. Our participation at the Chamber Music Society fundraiser was a step in the right direction, and last weekend, besides the trip to the City with the students, I went on a walking tour of the public art in Poughkeepsie. It was sponsored by a local gallery owned by a fellow Italian who supports the "come back" of Poughkeepsie. Seems when IBM pulled out a big chunk of operations here, the City suffered and the downtown area has some real blighted areas. Of course there will always be artists and those brave few who stay involved even when the rest of us head for the hills. Thank God for them.
Mary Ann bid on tickets to the New York Philharmonic, performing at the Bardavon theatre in Poughkeepsie, and I bid on the wine and cheese package and the sushi restaurant gift certificate. Looks like I'm finding my path outside of work, but somehow it still involves food and wine. Gosh - it's a tough life. giggle
Ciao for now!
Mary Ann is the Director of Human Resources and was welcoming before I even got the job! She's a real sweetie and invited me on a few forays while I was living in the hotel. She lost her Dad suddenly in December and has been struggling since. Her mother passed away a few years ago and her Dad had moved in with her and her then husband. Two years ago the lout left her and she and her Dad had developed an easy routine. When he passed suddenly, I think that was the straw for Mary Ann. It's been tough, and this is her first birthday without real family. Needless to say, folks at work tried to make it as special as we could. Lunch at Caterina de Medici - her favorite on campus restaurant and a fabulous cannoli cake while singing raucous versions of Happy Birthday.
So invited her to join me at the fundraiser and stop by for a snack first. So here's the Martha Stewart part.... I haven't really been doing too much cooking as there's so much good food available at work. I decided to fuss a little.
I started by making Lavender Lemonade (thanks, Ellen, for the beautiful lavender from "up north" - put it to good use! The house smelled wonderful of course, as it simmered in a simple syrup. I found Sicilian lemon juice at the grocery store, so that added a lovely fresh lemon taste without squeezing a half dozen lemons. Next I found some baby artichokes and prepared them to use in a salad. Funny how little they end up once you take the outer leaves off and steam them. Seems like an awful lot of waste, but they sure were tasty.
I made an olive and anchovy dressing with fresh basil and shallots in the blender. Haven't made dressing from scratch in forever - it really is easy and tastes so good! I also blanched asparagus for the salad and used arugula and baby spinach as the base. Topped with goat's milk feta and some fresh ground pepper and yummy!
I baked a gluten free carrot cake dusted with powdered sugar and found some cute candles to top it off. What was also fun was finding my mother's beautiful lemonade/ice tea pitcher to use, along with the fabulous hand-painted dishes from my sister Diane for the salad. Needless to say, Mary Ann felt pretty special and I'm thrilled to be a part of her celebration of life. She had brought a little housewarming gift and the card said - "Glad your life's journey has brought you here."
So I'm beginning to figure who I am outside of the CIA. That's the next part of the journey for me. I'm really clear about who I am at work, but there's more to life than work and I need to figure that part out as well. Our participation at the Chamber Music Society fundraiser was a step in the right direction, and last weekend, besides the trip to the City with the students, I went on a walking tour of the public art in Poughkeepsie. It was sponsored by a local gallery owned by a fellow Italian who supports the "come back" of Poughkeepsie. Seems when IBM pulled out a big chunk of operations here, the City suffered and the downtown area has some real blighted areas. Of course there will always be artists and those brave few who stay involved even when the rest of us head for the hills. Thank God for them.
Mary Ann bid on tickets to the New York Philharmonic, performing at the Bardavon theatre in Poughkeepsie, and I bid on the wine and cheese package and the sushi restaurant gift certificate. Looks like I'm finding my path outside of work, but somehow it still involves food and wine. Gosh - it's a tough life. giggle
Ciao for now!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Conquered by Bluepoints and Wellfleets
I suppose it was inevitable. First beets and now oysters. I'm told the students have to taste everything, regardless of whether they like it or not. Chefs taste the food. When I mentioned to the young women chefs I was accompanying to the City last Saturday that I didn't like oysters, they insisted that I just hadn't had the right kind, right acoutrements, right wine, etc. They were going to show me the right way at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station - famous spot for fresh seafood. Go figure - the basement of the train station. They were right, of course. Let me go back a few steps....
On Friday I was having breakfast with the VP of Advancement, a cool lady who interviewed me and has rolled out the welcome mat to me since I arrived. She was talking to another person at the table about a problem some students were having lining up a chaperone for a field trip scheduled Saturday. The faculty member who was supposed to go with them had a last minute emergency. Seems the student chapter of Women Chefs and Restrauntuers (WCR) had received a grant to travel to a woman owned and operated restaurant and they were planning to go to At Vermilion in NYC on Saturday. Without a chaperone though, no dice. Nancy turned to me and said, "You'd be perfect. Can you take them?" Let's see: support a group of young women chefs, take the train to the City, eat at a fabulous Indian-Latin fusion restaurant run by women, all for free. Gee, I think I might be able to swing it!
Two students were organizing the event - Ashley and Kwan - and they came to my office to meet me and orient me to the plans. Ashley had a check made out to the restaurant and she gave me a check, made out to me, to buy the train tickets. I would accompany the students on the train, to the restaurant, and back home again. Ashley and Kwan had plans for a little side trip to the Oyster Bar - can't go to the City without stopping there. When I told them I didn't really care for oysters...you know the rest of the story. Of course they were wonderful - and I learned to mix a little "mignonette" (a sort of vinagrette) into the sauce with a little extra horse radish. I thought, oh sure, just mask the taste, but that's not really what happened. They were small oysters, a nice briney taste, with just the right amount of heat from the horseradish and sweet from the mignonette. Add a glass of sauvignon blanc from down under (the best pairing according to Kwan) and there you have it - Vincenza enjoying oysters. Will wonders never cease?!!
If you're an Iron Chef fan, you may recognize the chef's name from At Vermilion: Maneet Chauran. She was on the show last week I think. She's a CIA grad, doing rather well for herself. She and her partner also have a restaurant in Chicago. Check it out: www.thevermilionrestaurant.com. As Maneet explained, vermilion is the most vibrant of reds and they chose it to connote the essence and ebullience of the Indian and Latim American peoples. It translates into sindoor, a core symbol of Indian femininity and a celebration of the beauty of women. The students were in awe of Maneet and she generously shared her time with them talking about her path. She also gave them a tour of her kitchen.
They specialize in herb and spice cocktail pairings. We had Latin-Indian street food appetizers - colombian arepas and duck vindaloo, artichoke fritters, Indian "Chaat" - paired with a shot of green gazpacho bloody mary. Totally yummy. Then we had Brazilian seafood stew with Indian seasoning paired with cucumber mint martini. Giggle. Next was a choice of entrees from Tandoori Skirt Steak to Shrimp Paella and Blackened Tamarind Ribs - paired with pani puri margarita. We ended with a rich Indian nut cake paired with a perfectly lovely coconut safron drink. While the cocktails were a smaller size, they came in fairly quick succession. Good thing we were taking the train home!
So 13 very happy students and I headed back to Grand Central Station and caught the 9:10 train to Poughkeepsie. At that time of evening, half the population of NYC seemed to be heading to the same train. It was as busy as Grand Central Station. Oh, wait. It WAS Grand Central Station. Just another perfect night in New York....
Ciao for now!
On Friday I was having breakfast with the VP of Advancement, a cool lady who interviewed me and has rolled out the welcome mat to me since I arrived. She was talking to another person at the table about a problem some students were having lining up a chaperone for a field trip scheduled Saturday. The faculty member who was supposed to go with them had a last minute emergency. Seems the student chapter of Women Chefs and Restrauntuers (WCR) had received a grant to travel to a woman owned and operated restaurant and they were planning to go to At Vermilion in NYC on Saturday. Without a chaperone though, no dice. Nancy turned to me and said, "You'd be perfect. Can you take them?" Let's see: support a group of young women chefs, take the train to the City, eat at a fabulous Indian-Latin fusion restaurant run by women, all for free. Gee, I think I might be able to swing it!
Two students were organizing the event - Ashley and Kwan - and they came to my office to meet me and orient me to the plans. Ashley had a check made out to the restaurant and she gave me a check, made out to me, to buy the train tickets. I would accompany the students on the train, to the restaurant, and back home again. Ashley and Kwan had plans for a little side trip to the Oyster Bar - can't go to the City without stopping there. When I told them I didn't really care for oysters...you know the rest of the story. Of course they were wonderful - and I learned to mix a little "mignonette" (a sort of vinagrette) into the sauce with a little extra horse radish. I thought, oh sure, just mask the taste, but that's not really what happened. They were small oysters, a nice briney taste, with just the right amount of heat from the horseradish and sweet from the mignonette. Add a glass of sauvignon blanc from down under (the best pairing according to Kwan) and there you have it - Vincenza enjoying oysters. Will wonders never cease?!!
If you're an Iron Chef fan, you may recognize the chef's name from At Vermilion: Maneet Chauran. She was on the show last week I think. She's a CIA grad, doing rather well for herself. She and her partner also have a restaurant in Chicago. Check it out: www.thevermilionrestaurant.com. As Maneet explained, vermilion is the most vibrant of reds and they chose it to connote the essence and ebullience of the Indian and Latim American peoples. It translates into sindoor, a core symbol of Indian femininity and a celebration of the beauty of women. The students were in awe of Maneet and she generously shared her time with them talking about her path. She also gave them a tour of her kitchen.
They specialize in herb and spice cocktail pairings. We had Latin-Indian street food appetizers - colombian arepas and duck vindaloo, artichoke fritters, Indian "Chaat" - paired with a shot of green gazpacho bloody mary. Totally yummy. Then we had Brazilian seafood stew with Indian seasoning paired with cucumber mint martini. Giggle. Next was a choice of entrees from Tandoori Skirt Steak to Shrimp Paella and Blackened Tamarind Ribs - paired with pani puri margarita. We ended with a rich Indian nut cake paired with a perfectly lovely coconut safron drink. While the cocktails were a smaller size, they came in fairly quick succession. Good thing we were taking the train home!
So 13 very happy students and I headed back to Grand Central Station and caught the 9:10 train to Poughkeepsie. At that time of evening, half the population of NYC seemed to be heading to the same train. It was as busy as Grand Central Station. Oh, wait. It WAS Grand Central Station. Just another perfect night in New York....
Ciao for now!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Nine Weeks
Today marked the end of nine weeks in my new position. It's easy to keep track because every three weeks there's a graduation ceremony for the Associates in Professional Studies - Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts - and today I witnessed graduation number 3! Watching the ceremony and listening to the speeches is one of my favorite things to do. It's only an hour long from start to finish and it's a great shot in the arm for remembering why we're all there. I'm so proud of the students and get a little tear in my eye when I listen to the speakers wish them well and give them a little of their wisdom for the road ahead. The Event Manager saves me a seat in the front row so I get a great view. Today's commencement speaker was a 1994 Alumnus, Cornelius Gallagher, who has traveled the world and worked for some of the finest restaurants and great chefs. He had a great sense of humor and really stressed excellence and perseverence and lifelong learning. I was sitting with his wife and two children and they were bursting with pride. Just lovely.
The President called me in this afternoon to get my opinion on something (be still, my heart) and afterwards asked how everything was going. I told him I was the happiest woman on earth. He just laughed - "guess we ought to just stop right there!" All my coaching clients are doing really well and are making such great personal progress. I'm getting calls daily from leaders asking for support with one thing or another. It's just so wonderful being wanted and needed. I'm making my budget pitch on Monday, so we'll see how that goes.
I'm consolidating a communication inventory I recommended each division do, so they can see what they're doing individually and across the Institute. So far there are 36 pages of meetings, communication items, and tools and repositories. They had no idea they were doing so much - and they'd gotten feedback on the employee opinion survey that there weren't enough communications going out. I have a feeling there's a lot of ineffective communication, so my next step will be to help leaders actually evaluate the meetings and other communications looking for improvement opportunities. I helped one Associate Dean create an agenda for a faculty meeting he's conducting Monday and when we were done, he said he would never have thought of some of the things I suggested - he said I was going to make him look really good. Well, that's the idea, I said!
Another giggle - I was working late last night trying to get the Comms Inventory consolidated when one of those emails came from Chef Gigliotti saying come to the Mediterranean kitchen for dinner. What the heck, I thought, then I can stay even longer. So I had venison for dinner last night - just fabulous. Then I worked until 9 p.m. Wasn't so hard to do on a full stomach!!
Last week I took my first train ride to the city. The annual Gala/scholarship fundraiser was being held at Cipriani 42nd Street - a wonderful restaurant in an old bank building across from Grand Central Station - and I got invited! $1000 a ticket dinner, so I was thrilled to be invited. It was fun getting dressed up and then taking the train. It's almost a 2 hour ride, but it went really fast. I was chatting with my boss's wife and looking out the window at the Hudson River. Like a little kid when we arrived - practically wanted to hold my boss's hand so as not to get lost in the train station. Funny, I've been using the expression "busy as Grand Central Station" all my life - now I actually know what it means!!
Of course the food at the Gala was fabulous, but you're already tired of hearing about that. What was really fun was listening to the award recipients give their speeches. Alumna of the year, Cat Cora, is the only female Iron Chef. She's a tiny woman, amazing arms though (she wore a sleeveless dress and had arms like Michele Obama!) and she'd just had a baby a few months ago. She talked about her Greek heritage and how much that influenced her early passions. Chris Muller from Le Bernardin was Alumnus of the year, and Eric Ripert also of Le Bernardin was Chef of the Year. I'm noticing that there's a lot of award-giving that goes on - Michelin Ratings, James Beard award, Ivy award - they're all very important to these folks. Competition is pretty fierce for top spots. These folks work very, very hard. The thing that really caught my attention though was this: during a video clip prepared by the CIA President, he was talking about the CIA role in shaping the future of food and in ideas like food democracy. Food democracy! Wow! This guy's got a vision for the future that is only beginning to be worked. And I get to watch the whole deal. Pass the champagne, please, this is starting to get really interesting!
Next week I'm off to Reno to see my favorite Chef and his lovely wife and daughter. Kadence is turning three years old April 5 and Nonna wouldn't miss it for the world! BJ says his two busiest restaurant days are Easter Sunday and Mother's Day and I've never been there for either - until now. I'll be there for Easter brunch and I can't wait to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Last time I went the weather caused big trouble but this time looks like clear skys on both sides of the country. Yippee!
For those of you who know my friend Joanne, please say a little prayer for her. While cutting some pussy willow branches last week, she fell off her ladder with a bang and has fractured her pelvis. She's in a lot of pain, and of course is really mad at herself for not being more careful. Knowing Joanne, those pussy willows were just too tempting to resist, but we're not getting any younger kiddo. My friend Jacki took a big spill last summer and spent weeks recuperating. Just a reminder to all of us to be extra careful around ladders, especially when we're alone.
Ciao for now! Happy Easter!!
The President called me in this afternoon to get my opinion on something (be still, my heart) and afterwards asked how everything was going. I told him I was the happiest woman on earth. He just laughed - "guess we ought to just stop right there!" All my coaching clients are doing really well and are making such great personal progress. I'm getting calls daily from leaders asking for support with one thing or another. It's just so wonderful being wanted and needed. I'm making my budget pitch on Monday, so we'll see how that goes.
I'm consolidating a communication inventory I recommended each division do, so they can see what they're doing individually and across the Institute. So far there are 36 pages of meetings, communication items, and tools and repositories. They had no idea they were doing so much - and they'd gotten feedback on the employee opinion survey that there weren't enough communications going out. I have a feeling there's a lot of ineffective communication, so my next step will be to help leaders actually evaluate the meetings and other communications looking for improvement opportunities. I helped one Associate Dean create an agenda for a faculty meeting he's conducting Monday and when we were done, he said he would never have thought of some of the things I suggested - he said I was going to make him look really good. Well, that's the idea, I said!
Another giggle - I was working late last night trying to get the Comms Inventory consolidated when one of those emails came from Chef Gigliotti saying come to the Mediterranean kitchen for dinner. What the heck, I thought, then I can stay even longer. So I had venison for dinner last night - just fabulous. Then I worked until 9 p.m. Wasn't so hard to do on a full stomach!!
Last week I took my first train ride to the city. The annual Gala/scholarship fundraiser was being held at Cipriani 42nd Street - a wonderful restaurant in an old bank building across from Grand Central Station - and I got invited! $1000 a ticket dinner, so I was thrilled to be invited. It was fun getting dressed up and then taking the train. It's almost a 2 hour ride, but it went really fast. I was chatting with my boss's wife and looking out the window at the Hudson River. Like a little kid when we arrived - practically wanted to hold my boss's hand so as not to get lost in the train station. Funny, I've been using the expression "busy as Grand Central Station" all my life - now I actually know what it means!!
Of course the food at the Gala was fabulous, but you're already tired of hearing about that. What was really fun was listening to the award recipients give their speeches. Alumna of the year, Cat Cora, is the only female Iron Chef. She's a tiny woman, amazing arms though (she wore a sleeveless dress and had arms like Michele Obama!) and she'd just had a baby a few months ago. She talked about her Greek heritage and how much that influenced her early passions. Chris Muller from Le Bernardin was Alumnus of the year, and Eric Ripert also of Le Bernardin was Chef of the Year. I'm noticing that there's a lot of award-giving that goes on - Michelin Ratings, James Beard award, Ivy award - they're all very important to these folks. Competition is pretty fierce for top spots. These folks work very, very hard. The thing that really caught my attention though was this: during a video clip prepared by the CIA President, he was talking about the CIA role in shaping the future of food and in ideas like food democracy. Food democracy! Wow! This guy's got a vision for the future that is only beginning to be worked. And I get to watch the whole deal. Pass the champagne, please, this is starting to get really interesting!
Next week I'm off to Reno to see my favorite Chef and his lovely wife and daughter. Kadence is turning three years old April 5 and Nonna wouldn't miss it for the world! BJ says his two busiest restaurant days are Easter Sunday and Mother's Day and I've never been there for either - until now. I'll be there for Easter brunch and I can't wait to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Last time I went the weather caused big trouble but this time looks like clear skys on both sides of the country. Yippee!
For those of you who know my friend Joanne, please say a little prayer for her. While cutting some pussy willow branches last week, she fell off her ladder with a bang and has fractured her pelvis. She's in a lot of pain, and of course is really mad at herself for not being more careful. Knowing Joanne, those pussy willows were just too tempting to resist, but we're not getting any younger kiddo. My friend Jacki took a big spill last summer and spent weeks recuperating. Just a reminder to all of us to be extra careful around ladders, especially when we're alone.
Ciao for now! Happy Easter!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
It's Official - Almost
Been too long...it's amazing how time gets away. Tax day will be here before we know it. Yikes, better get started on that soon! In the meantime...
I've moved into a condo in beautiful Rhinebeck - the nicest town on both sides of the river. The place became available when the current tenants broke the lease because of a family emergency. I didn't wait too long to put in a bid as it was clearly desirable space, except for the endless sea of light blue carpeting. Blue never was my color but maybe a few strategically placed area rugs?
My furniture fits beautifully - I actually have more space than in Michigan. And I have an attached garage and a working fireplace and room for my dining room set. Looking at that vision list, it was check, check, and check. It's costing a little more than I wanted to pay, but I think it's worth it in location, convenience, and clean and spacious surroundings.
My friend Joanne came from Michigan and helped me unpack and hang curtains and change light fixtures. She also helped me hang my prized possessions - my antique Shakespeare engravings and my Hibel print. It was wonderful to have her here and I'm grateful for the time, effort and money she spent to get here! We did manage to have a little fun while she was here - two trips to The Culinary for dinner one night and a dessert fantasia the second. Can you just imagine a 3 hour dessert feast. Four courses with "intermezzo" delights in between. My goodness!
Finally got internet service and a phone number and got the printer set up on Sunday. On Monday I went to the Social Security Administration because you have to have an actual SS card to apply for a drivers license here. Didn't matter that I had a U. S. Passport and a DL from Michigan.... However I did get my new license plates for the car - New York plates. I need to get the car inspected though - another thing you have to do in New York every year to renew plates. That's why it's only "almost" official - still need that inspection and a drivers license. Hopefully, in a few more weeks....
The actual move-in day was pretty uneventful. The truck arrived at 8 a.m. and of course I had coffee, juice and bagels for the movers. Mother would have been proud - I had enough for an army, even though there were only 2 of them. Also had sandwiches, fruit and cookies for lunch. Didn't want them to run out of energy too soon. The furniture came off first so I was directing traffic to first floor and second floor rooms. I managed to keep up with them for a while, unpacking select boxes to find rugs, towels, sheets, lamps, etc. After a few hours I fell hopelessly behind and realized there was no keeping up any longer. It would be days, probably weeks, before I could get it all unpacked. Thank goodness Joanne came the next day.
There were some damaged items but not too many. Some things were so carefully packed - took forever to unwrap them. Then there was the lampshade that was completely crushed. Easy to replace I guess. I'm happy to report the wine arrived unharmed as did the Waterford and Lalique crystal. Joanne made sure everything was back in the china cabinet where it belonged!
Sunday I went grocery shopping and filled the pantry and fridge. I made a pot of soup and put some containers in the freezer. Now it's really starting to feel like home. Still eating like a queen at work, but I'm happy to report that when the scale was unwrapped and I finally decided to go ahead and step on it - I hadn't gained one pound!! I'm sure it's all the walking and stairs at work, plus the three nights a week with a personal trainer. I've gone from being practically immobile working from a home for two years to being very active. Feels really good too.
I still need to write thank you notes - when will Emily Post say I've passed the limits of good taste? 3 months? Oh, dear, it's getting close. Well, guess I'll do thank you notes and change of address cards at the same time. When I finally unpacked the office Sunday and found the stationary and stamps I knew I was running out of excuses! The books are unpacked on the bookshelves - all 16 boxes of them, except for the 4 going to the office. So eager to unpack my leadership library and get cracking!
I did my first training workshop last week - meeting management for the top 70 leaders in the organization. Had to put it together from memory and the internet since I didn't have my books unpacked yet. Went over very well - lots of positive feedback - felt great to be back in front of the room and facilitating discussions. I also have 3 coaching "clients" and am working with one of the Dean's on some process improvement initiatives. Working on the budget - that's giving everyone sticker shock. They've gone from no training to a long list of things I'd like to try to accomplish. What I'm requesting is a drop in the bucket but anything is more than they had last year!
Enough for now. I unpacked the stereo last night so I think I'll listen to a little music before hitting the sack. It's good to be "home."
Ciao for now!
With much affection...
Genz
I've moved into a condo in beautiful Rhinebeck - the nicest town on both sides of the river. The place became available when the current tenants broke the lease because of a family emergency. I didn't wait too long to put in a bid as it was clearly desirable space, except for the endless sea of light blue carpeting. Blue never was my color but maybe a few strategically placed area rugs?
My furniture fits beautifully - I actually have more space than in Michigan. And I have an attached garage and a working fireplace and room for my dining room set. Looking at that vision list, it was check, check, and check. It's costing a little more than I wanted to pay, but I think it's worth it in location, convenience, and clean and spacious surroundings.
My friend Joanne came from Michigan and helped me unpack and hang curtains and change light fixtures. She also helped me hang my prized possessions - my antique Shakespeare engravings and my Hibel print. It was wonderful to have her here and I'm grateful for the time, effort and money she spent to get here! We did manage to have a little fun while she was here - two trips to The Culinary for dinner one night and a dessert fantasia the second. Can you just imagine a 3 hour dessert feast. Four courses with "intermezzo" delights in between. My goodness!
Finally got internet service and a phone number and got the printer set up on Sunday. On Monday I went to the Social Security Administration because you have to have an actual SS card to apply for a drivers license here. Didn't matter that I had a U. S. Passport and a DL from Michigan.... However I did get my new license plates for the car - New York plates. I need to get the car inspected though - another thing you have to do in New York every year to renew plates. That's why it's only "almost" official - still need that inspection and a drivers license. Hopefully, in a few more weeks....
The actual move-in day was pretty uneventful. The truck arrived at 8 a.m. and of course I had coffee, juice and bagels for the movers. Mother would have been proud - I had enough for an army, even though there were only 2 of them. Also had sandwiches, fruit and cookies for lunch. Didn't want them to run out of energy too soon. The furniture came off first so I was directing traffic to first floor and second floor rooms. I managed to keep up with them for a while, unpacking select boxes to find rugs, towels, sheets, lamps, etc. After a few hours I fell hopelessly behind and realized there was no keeping up any longer. It would be days, probably weeks, before I could get it all unpacked. Thank goodness Joanne came the next day.
There were some damaged items but not too many. Some things were so carefully packed - took forever to unwrap them. Then there was the lampshade that was completely crushed. Easy to replace I guess. I'm happy to report the wine arrived unharmed as did the Waterford and Lalique crystal. Joanne made sure everything was back in the china cabinet where it belonged!
Sunday I went grocery shopping and filled the pantry and fridge. I made a pot of soup and put some containers in the freezer. Now it's really starting to feel like home. Still eating like a queen at work, but I'm happy to report that when the scale was unwrapped and I finally decided to go ahead and step on it - I hadn't gained one pound!! I'm sure it's all the walking and stairs at work, plus the three nights a week with a personal trainer. I've gone from being practically immobile working from a home for two years to being very active. Feels really good too.
I still need to write thank you notes - when will Emily Post say I've passed the limits of good taste? 3 months? Oh, dear, it's getting close. Well, guess I'll do thank you notes and change of address cards at the same time. When I finally unpacked the office Sunday and found the stationary and stamps I knew I was running out of excuses! The books are unpacked on the bookshelves - all 16 boxes of them, except for the 4 going to the office. So eager to unpack my leadership library and get cracking!
I did my first training workshop last week - meeting management for the top 70 leaders in the organization. Had to put it together from memory and the internet since I didn't have my books unpacked yet. Went over very well - lots of positive feedback - felt great to be back in front of the room and facilitating discussions. I also have 3 coaching "clients" and am working with one of the Dean's on some process improvement initiatives. Working on the budget - that's giving everyone sticker shock. They've gone from no training to a long list of things I'd like to try to accomplish. What I'm requesting is a drop in the bucket but anything is more than they had last year!
Enough for now. I unpacked the stereo last night so I think I'll listen to a little music before hitting the sack. It's good to be "home."
Ciao for now!
With much affection...
Genz
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Beets? For real??
So anyone who knows me well knows there are two things I don't care to eat - beets and raw oysters. If a Greek salad gets delivered and they accidentally put on beets, back to the kitchen it goes. And if they dare try to take off the beets and bring the salad back with red juice on the feta cheese, back to the kitchen it goes. Recently, I was teased by a waiter who brought me roasted beet and goat cheese salad without the beets, as ordered. "Here's your beet salad without the beets" he said with a smile. I can't help it. I just don't like beets. I haven't liked them since I was a little girl. Regardless of the myriad ways my sister Phyllis has made them over the intervening years, the mere thought of them makes me shiver. Until last week....
We had a snow day last week and the campus and restaurants were closing at 12 noon. Of course the morning students had already been cooking since early and the American Bounty restaurant, second only to Escoffier for fine dining on campus, had lots of cancellations of course. An email was sent to Department Heads inviting us to make a reservation and come down for a complimentary lunch, so the students would have an adequate educational experience. Now, do you think they had to ask me twice?! I tried to find a colleague to accompany me, but many hadn't even come in that day (they don't know how to drive in snow, but that's another story), or they wanted to get on the road early to get home before the big snow. (The big storm that wasn't....)
No big deal, I'm used to eating alone, so down I went. We were to order three courses, so I perused the menu looking for things without dairy and minimal gluten. I've discovered goat cheese is tolerable to my system so I'm always on the lookout for that because I so miss my cheese. First course, mussells. Absolutely fabulous - cooked perfectly, lovely broth. Second course, oh oh. There's that roasted beet and goat cheese salad again, with arugula and blood oranges. Well, I can flick the beets off right? I don't like to give the students special instructions as I know they're working to a very specific recipe so I figured I could alter the dish after I received it and no one would be the wiser.
Well, I was absolutely delighted with the presentation of the "salad" but it didn't look like anything I've had before. I couldn't figure out where the beets were, as all I could see were four little one inch square napoleans sitting atop little mounds of arugula with blood orange slices between the stacks and a crushed pistachio and chive oil drizzle around the edge of the plate, an oblong affair that was perfectly suited to the dish. So where were the beets? Turns out those little napoleans were perfectly sliced roasted beets - but not the red variety, they were golden, and the goat cheese was herbed and put between the layers. Couldn't very well flick the beets away.... So, I took a bite, and oh my goodness, it was wonderful. A little bite of the arugula dressed perfectly, a little bite of blood orange dipped in the pistachios and chive oil. Goodness gracious, I liked it! Good thing I have good manners or I would have been licking that plate. Third course, cioppino - fish stew. Fabulous. But I knew I'd be dreaming about that salad. How could that be??
Yesterday, I was walking around downtown Rhinebeck, my new home town (but that's another story?) and happened upon an interesting looking restaurant. Ready for a break and armed with plenty of reading material about the surrounding area and goings on, I sat down and started perusing the menu. So there again we have roasted beets and goat cheese, this time in a risotto. Dare I try it? Dare I push my luck with beets? What the heck! Why not!! I ordered a glass of sauvignon blanc and waited for the surprise. My heart sunk when I saw the pink in the risotto. I wondered if this was going to be that old familiar flavor that I'd come to hate. So I gingerly took a small bite, with no beet cube in it and the flavor was quite good. Ok, I thought, time to taste the beets. Not bad, got a bit of pancetta with it. It wasn't too strong. Took another bite of risotto with a few beet cubes. OK, let's not get carried away. Let's just eat mostly risotto and a few beet cubes but leave most of them behind. So I probably ate half of what was on the plate. Honestly, I enjoyed the dish. Am I going to start ordering beets every time I see them on the menu? No, but if they're fresh roasted I just might.
Now, can anyone tell me why the beets in the salad were golden and not red?? Well, I guess it's down to raw oysters now. As if it wasn't hard enough watching my weight, now I'm only down to one thing I don't like to eat. Darn. :-)
Ciao for now!
We had a snow day last week and the campus and restaurants were closing at 12 noon. Of course the morning students had already been cooking since early and the American Bounty restaurant, second only to Escoffier for fine dining on campus, had lots of cancellations of course. An email was sent to Department Heads inviting us to make a reservation and come down for a complimentary lunch, so the students would have an adequate educational experience. Now, do you think they had to ask me twice?! I tried to find a colleague to accompany me, but many hadn't even come in that day (they don't know how to drive in snow, but that's another story), or they wanted to get on the road early to get home before the big snow. (The big storm that wasn't....)
No big deal, I'm used to eating alone, so down I went. We were to order three courses, so I perused the menu looking for things without dairy and minimal gluten. I've discovered goat cheese is tolerable to my system so I'm always on the lookout for that because I so miss my cheese. First course, mussells. Absolutely fabulous - cooked perfectly, lovely broth. Second course, oh oh. There's that roasted beet and goat cheese salad again, with arugula and blood oranges. Well, I can flick the beets off right? I don't like to give the students special instructions as I know they're working to a very specific recipe so I figured I could alter the dish after I received it and no one would be the wiser.
Well, I was absolutely delighted with the presentation of the "salad" but it didn't look like anything I've had before. I couldn't figure out where the beets were, as all I could see were four little one inch square napoleans sitting atop little mounds of arugula with blood orange slices between the stacks and a crushed pistachio and chive oil drizzle around the edge of the plate, an oblong affair that was perfectly suited to the dish. So where were the beets? Turns out those little napoleans were perfectly sliced roasted beets - but not the red variety, they were golden, and the goat cheese was herbed and put between the layers. Couldn't very well flick the beets away.... So, I took a bite, and oh my goodness, it was wonderful. A little bite of the arugula dressed perfectly, a little bite of blood orange dipped in the pistachios and chive oil. Goodness gracious, I liked it! Good thing I have good manners or I would have been licking that plate. Third course, cioppino - fish stew. Fabulous. But I knew I'd be dreaming about that salad. How could that be??
Yesterday, I was walking around downtown Rhinebeck, my new home town (but that's another story?) and happened upon an interesting looking restaurant. Ready for a break and armed with plenty of reading material about the surrounding area and goings on, I sat down and started perusing the menu. So there again we have roasted beets and goat cheese, this time in a risotto. Dare I try it? Dare I push my luck with beets? What the heck! Why not!! I ordered a glass of sauvignon blanc and waited for the surprise. My heart sunk when I saw the pink in the risotto. I wondered if this was going to be that old familiar flavor that I'd come to hate. So I gingerly took a small bite, with no beet cube in it and the flavor was quite good. Ok, I thought, time to taste the beets. Not bad, got a bit of pancetta with it. It wasn't too strong. Took another bite of risotto with a few beet cubes. OK, let's not get carried away. Let's just eat mostly risotto and a few beet cubes but leave most of them behind. So I probably ate half of what was on the plate. Honestly, I enjoyed the dish. Am I going to start ordering beets every time I see them on the menu? No, but if they're fresh roasted I just might.
Now, can anyone tell me why the beets in the salad were golden and not red?? Well, I guess it's down to raw oysters now. As if it wasn't hard enough watching my weight, now I'm only down to one thing I don't like to eat. Darn. :-)
Ciao for now!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
House-hunting and dating, Part 3: Head vs. Heart
On Saturday, I fell in love with a beautiful Victorian flat in Newburgh, New York that was renovated and decorated by a genius. Every little detail was perfect - lighting fixtures, ceiling medallions, hard wood floors, gorgeous cabinetry, etc. I could picture my things perfectly in it, and could imagine a thoroughly delightful life within the confines of my walls and the secret garden in the back yard. It was truly a romantic vision.
Unfortunately, Newburgh has a lot of unsafe, poor, ugly neighborhoods and while this house is on a nice block, it's surrounded by other not nice blocks. I drove around for an hour trying to convince myself that it wasn't so bad. There was no garage though, so I knew I'd have to park on the street, and it was near the high school. It was fairly close to the water front where new shops and restaurants were located and they seemed nice. It was close to the entrance to the freeway that leads to work. It's very close to one of the airports I fly in and out of to come home. I went back to the hotel sure I could find a way to make it work.
I tossed and turned all night and woke up at 4 a.m. unable to sleep. My heart was telling me the place was wonderful, beautiful, perfect for me, and that I belonged there and the other things didn't matter. My head, however, kept imagining the looks on my sisters' faces as I drove them around the neighborhood. I wasn't getting any good vibes from hotel staff or co-workers to whom I'd mentioned the neighborhood. My boss said, "I don't want you living in Newburgh." Kind of like a father would say....
The reality is, I have also found a perfectly serviceable condo in Rhinebeck, in a great neighborhood, walking distance (a safe walk) into town. It is ordinary, mundane, pedestrian (but it has an attached garage and a washer and dryer). It is definitely NOT sexy or gorgeous, but I know it would serve my needs. So I can keep thinking I'm putting lipstick on a pig, or I can find the beauty in a clean, simple, warm, spacious home (even if it has baby blue carpeting with big stains right in the middle of the floor). Good excuse to buy an area rug for the living room? Even if the guest room has pink walls, pink carpet, and pink window shades. Maybe it's raspberry - what color might tone that down?? Even if I now have to deal with the old folks in the Condo Association (there are 3 people in the complex who are over 100) who will let you plant annuals but not perennials without permission. Oh, no. Not again. I have to ask for permission to plant flowers?? Perhaps I'll just stick to pots and hanging baskets - save money that way?? Nice view off the deck - no other houses in sight, just trees, good light.
Maybe I could come to love it. Or not. After all, we're not getting married, I'm just renting. Oh, oh. Mixed metaphors, sorry. Maybe it's OK to date without getting married. Haven't tried that in a LONG time. Maybe they're not so different for me. Maybe I have lots to learn this year, about seeing what's real and not what I imagine. About letting things be and going with the flow. About accepting what is and not wanting what is not. This might actually be good practice before I start dating for real, since I put that one out to the Universe as well. Maybe this is the gift of practice I need, or not. Smile. It's all good.
Unfortunately, Newburgh has a lot of unsafe, poor, ugly neighborhoods and while this house is on a nice block, it's surrounded by other not nice blocks. I drove around for an hour trying to convince myself that it wasn't so bad. There was no garage though, so I knew I'd have to park on the street, and it was near the high school. It was fairly close to the water front where new shops and restaurants were located and they seemed nice. It was close to the entrance to the freeway that leads to work. It's very close to one of the airports I fly in and out of to come home. I went back to the hotel sure I could find a way to make it work.
I tossed and turned all night and woke up at 4 a.m. unable to sleep. My heart was telling me the place was wonderful, beautiful, perfect for me, and that I belonged there and the other things didn't matter. My head, however, kept imagining the looks on my sisters' faces as I drove them around the neighborhood. I wasn't getting any good vibes from hotel staff or co-workers to whom I'd mentioned the neighborhood. My boss said, "I don't want you living in Newburgh." Kind of like a father would say....
The reality is, I have also found a perfectly serviceable condo in Rhinebeck, in a great neighborhood, walking distance (a safe walk) into town. It is ordinary, mundane, pedestrian (but it has an attached garage and a washer and dryer). It is definitely NOT sexy or gorgeous, but I know it would serve my needs. So I can keep thinking I'm putting lipstick on a pig, or I can find the beauty in a clean, simple, warm, spacious home (even if it has baby blue carpeting with big stains right in the middle of the floor). Good excuse to buy an area rug for the living room? Even if the guest room has pink walls, pink carpet, and pink window shades. Maybe it's raspberry - what color might tone that down?? Even if I now have to deal with the old folks in the Condo Association (there are 3 people in the complex who are over 100) who will let you plant annuals but not perennials without permission. Oh, no. Not again. I have to ask for permission to plant flowers?? Perhaps I'll just stick to pots and hanging baskets - save money that way?? Nice view off the deck - no other houses in sight, just trees, good light.
Maybe I could come to love it. Or not. After all, we're not getting married, I'm just renting. Oh, oh. Mixed metaphors, sorry. Maybe it's OK to date without getting married. Haven't tried that in a LONG time. Maybe they're not so different for me. Maybe I have lots to learn this year, about seeing what's real and not what I imagine. About letting things be and going with the flow. About accepting what is and not wanting what is not. This might actually be good practice before I start dating for real, since I put that one out to the Universe as well. Maybe this is the gift of practice I need, or not. Smile. It's all good.
Friday, February 12, 2010
House-hunting and dating, Part 2
I've been jilted! I thought I'd found the perfect place - I could imagine all my things fitting comfortably, in a nice neighborhood with a garden and a creek running through the backyard. New appliances, hardwood floors, etc., etc. Somehow the Real Estate agent failed to communicate my interest to the owner and the next thing I knew, it was gone! Snooze, you loose? She who hesitates is lost? You don't know what you've got til it's gone? Sigh.
OK. I'm supposed to have this intention thing down pat, so what happened? Was I unclear in my intentions? Was I holding out, thinking something better was around the corner? Did I blink?
Of course, the Universe weighed in this morning and reminded me what I needed to do:
"Think that it's fun, Vincenza, that you're guided, and that all is well; that there's time, that life is easy, and that the best is yet to come.
Think that the reasons that elude you will one day catch up, that the lessons that have stumped you will one day bring joy, and that the sorrows that have crippled you will soon give you wings.
Think that you're important, that you cannot fail, and that happiness always returns.
And think that you're beautiful, Vincenza. I do. --The Universe"
Gotta love that Universe! So I sat down and wrote out my intention for my new home. Here it is (although I must admit, it resembles the list I made for the ideal mate and that one made my brother-in-law Don Z. exclaim that it was impossible to find all that in one person - but that's another story):
I envision and put my intenion on the perfect house for me. My house is in a great neighborhood where I can enjoy my neighbors and my surroundings. There is plenty of room for my furniture and space for family and friends to visit. The kitchen is large enough to enjoy cooking and has nice appliances and counter space. There is a washer and dryer, or space for them, for my laundry in my house. There is a garden that I can care for and enhance. There is storage space for things I don't need to use right now. There is a garage to help keep the elements off my car. My house will be a reasonable drive from work and close enough to restaurants, theatres, shopping, and fun things to do in my community. My house will cost the right amount of money to fit my budget. I will feel safe and comfortable in my house and enjoy coming home to it after my work day is over. My landlord is conscientious and friendly but not overbearing. I can make this house my home.
There. That's my intention and I've released it to the Universe. Let's see what happens next!
OK. I'm supposed to have this intention thing down pat, so what happened? Was I unclear in my intentions? Was I holding out, thinking something better was around the corner? Did I blink?
Of course, the Universe weighed in this morning and reminded me what I needed to do:
"Think that it's fun, Vincenza, that you're guided, and that all is well; that there's time, that life is easy, and that the best is yet to come.
Think that the reasons that elude you will one day catch up, that the lessons that have stumped you will one day bring joy, and that the sorrows that have crippled you will soon give you wings.
Think that you're important, that you cannot fail, and that happiness always returns.
And think that you're beautiful, Vincenza. I do. --The Universe"
Gotta love that Universe! So I sat down and wrote out my intention for my new home. Here it is (although I must admit, it resembles the list I made for the ideal mate and that one made my brother-in-law Don Z. exclaim that it was impossible to find all that in one person - but that's another story):
I envision and put my intenion on the perfect house for me. My house is in a great neighborhood where I can enjoy my neighbors and my surroundings. There is plenty of room for my furniture and space for family and friends to visit. The kitchen is large enough to enjoy cooking and has nice appliances and counter space. There is a washer and dryer, or space for them, for my laundry in my house. There is a garden that I can care for and enhance. There is storage space for things I don't need to use right now. There is a garage to help keep the elements off my car. My house will be a reasonable drive from work and close enough to restaurants, theatres, shopping, and fun things to do in my community. My house will cost the right amount of money to fit my budget. I will feel safe and comfortable in my house and enjoy coming home to it after my work day is over. My landlord is conscientious and friendly but not overbearing. I can make this house my home.
There. That's my intention and I've released it to the Universe. Let's see what happens next!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Q: Why is house-hunting like a blind date?
A: Because you have no idea what you really want, and maybe you'll know it when you see it, and lots of well-meaning people want to fix you up, and you have to keep smiling even though you're horrified when you finally meet, and you have to shake hands and pretend to be interested when in reality you can't wait to GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THERE!
House-hunting euphemisms:
charming = small
quaint = old
starter home = it's going to take a lot of work to fix it up
beautiful view = not much to look at inside
3 bedrooms = 1 bedroom and two large closets
eat-in kitchen = just pull a stool up to the counter, OK?
cute = similar to charming, except for the younger set
great kitchen = counter space, running water, and a few appliances
Must see! = nothing we could write would get your interest
Excellent condition = the owner is pleased with all the enhancements he's made even though they make you want to gag
Rent with option to purchase = we can't sell the damn thing so we might as well rent it out until the market improves (don't get too comfortable in case we get an offer)
range = very old stove
off-street parking = there's no garage but you can park in the driveway, isn't that special?
spacious apartment in former schoolhouse = three college kids can live here and split the rent (now that one was really scary)
I've looked at so many places they're starting to run together. My condo in Michigan could rent here for $1700 easy. Too bad I'm only getting $1000 for it. That limits my options, and the cost of living is so much higher here. I knew it would be but that doesn't make the search any easier. There's absolutely nothing acceptable in my price range, so the price is inching upwards with every visit. That's a trick they use - show you something below your price (eeuuww), at your price (oh, no, is that all I get?) and above your price (maybe it's not too much after all).
Should I rent on this side of the river (Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Hyde Park, Red Hook) or make the trip across the bridge every day (Kingston, New Paltz, Ulster)? Hyde Park, where the CIA is located, is smack in the middle between the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Kingston-Rhinebeck Bridge. This side of the river it's a 15 to 20-minute drive to work; across the river you have to add another 20 minutes at least. Not to mention, there's a toll to cross the bridge every time.
The worst part is, I hate doing this kind of thing by myself. Normally I'd have 1, 2 or all 3 of my sisters in tow. And if they were busy, there's a couple of lovely friends who'd be more than happy to tag along. I do have three different real estate agents helping me, and I do mean different. Funny how they have their favorite areas - not much overlap, so I guess that's a good thing. Craig's List is another source for rentals and some actually show pictures. (Another similarity to on-line/blind dating - don't click on anyone who's not willing to post a picture and never go see something alone, or at least not without telling someone where you'll be.)
The Residence Inn is looking better every day....
House-hunting euphemisms:
charming = small
quaint = old
starter home = it's going to take a lot of work to fix it up
beautiful view = not much to look at inside
3 bedrooms = 1 bedroom and two large closets
eat-in kitchen = just pull a stool up to the counter, OK?
cute = similar to charming, except for the younger set
great kitchen = counter space, running water, and a few appliances
Must see! = nothing we could write would get your interest
Excellent condition = the owner is pleased with all the enhancements he's made even though they make you want to gag
Rent with option to purchase = we can't sell the damn thing so we might as well rent it out until the market improves (don't get too comfortable in case we get an offer)
range = very old stove
off-street parking = there's no garage but you can park in the driveway, isn't that special?
spacious apartment in former schoolhouse = three college kids can live here and split the rent (now that one was really scary)
I've looked at so many places they're starting to run together. My condo in Michigan could rent here for $1700 easy. Too bad I'm only getting $1000 for it. That limits my options, and the cost of living is so much higher here. I knew it would be but that doesn't make the search any easier. There's absolutely nothing acceptable in my price range, so the price is inching upwards with every visit. That's a trick they use - show you something below your price (eeuuww), at your price (oh, no, is that all I get?) and above your price (maybe it's not too much after all).
Should I rent on this side of the river (Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Hyde Park, Red Hook) or make the trip across the bridge every day (Kingston, New Paltz, Ulster)? Hyde Park, where the CIA is located, is smack in the middle between the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Kingston-Rhinebeck Bridge. This side of the river it's a 15 to 20-minute drive to work; across the river you have to add another 20 minutes at least. Not to mention, there's a toll to cross the bridge every time.
The worst part is, I hate doing this kind of thing by myself. Normally I'd have 1, 2 or all 3 of my sisters in tow. And if they were busy, there's a couple of lovely friends who'd be more than happy to tag along. I do have three different real estate agents helping me, and I do mean different. Funny how they have their favorite areas - not much overlap, so I guess that's a good thing. Craig's List is another source for rentals and some actually show pictures. (Another similarity to on-line/blind dating - don't click on anyone who's not willing to post a picture and never go see something alone, or at least not without telling someone where you'll be.)
The Residence Inn is looking better every day....
Thursday, February 4, 2010
...and they're PAYING me to work here!
On my first day at The Culinary, the President gave his annual State of the Institute address. It was a wonderful recap of the year just completed as well as a view into future plans. There's a 5-year capital improvement plan that includes a 750-seat auditorium, new classroom buildings, new kitchens, new dormitories, and a world-class hotel (Hyatt got the nod on that one). We celebrated service anniversaries and applauded the Faculty Member and Staff Member of the year. A wild slide show with great music accompanied all of it.
Following that, all the employees went to the Student Rec Center where the gym had been transformed into a banquet room with wonderful food stations located all around the edges. For entertainment, a Beatles look-alike band had been engaged to play for an hour after lunch and dancing was encouraged. Lots of fun all around. It felt like they'd thrown a welcome party just for me!
There were no students around and I discovered that every third Monday for most of the year is a "down day." This means that the prior class had commencement exercises the Friday before, and the new class starts on Tuesday. A cohort of 80-100students begins every three weeks. The staff has one day to breath a sigh of relief and get ready to start it all again! Of course, since the programs are a full 2-year or 4-year degree program, there are over 2000 students on campus at any one time. Down days, however, are a break for everyone.
Every day starts with a trip to the dining hall for breakfast. I'm trying to stick to my fruit only plan, but occasionally the oatmeal is just too tempting - so rich and creamy. Lunch is a crap shoot, but in a very nice way. I take a tour of the different kitchens to see what's cooking and then go stand outside the kitchen that has what I want. They swipe my staff ID card and hand me tray filled with wonderful food. Yesterday I had the best swordfish I've ever tasted. There is a window of opportunity though, so if I miss it, I just head over to the salad bar. The students have been practicing their knife skills, so it's fun to see all the beautifully chopped vegetables. Every once in a while, the chef from the baking and pastry program sends out an email that plated desserts are being served - no swipe needed. I'm SO GLAD they're in another building, so the temptation doesn't catch me!
I've met dozens of people and spent hours listening to them describe their roles and their challenges. Of course you know how much I hate doing that, NOT! Everyone has been so kind to me, but more importantly, they really want me here - they want what I have to offer. I suspect there's so much to do I'll have to start prioritizing, but at this point, possibilities seems endless.
The radiator (it's a VERY old building) in my office broke on the first day, so I'd been sitting in a conference room with a borrowed computer. It didn't matter for the first week, since I was visiting other people's offices to meet them. Finally, on Wednesday of this week, I moved back in to my office. It's comfortable but it wants my pictures and decorations. Guess I'll have to wait until my boxes arrive to do that. I do however have a lovely orchid plant courtesy of my friend Joanne. She sent it to arrive on my second day of work - just the touch needed to make it feel like home.
Today was my coming-out party, as Dave, the VP HR, called it. We'd been working on a presentation with recommendations to attack the "communication problem" identified in the annual employee survey. I recommended taking an inventory and doing an assessment of current communication at the Institute-wide level as well as the division and department levels. Once that was done, I felt we could develop a more coherent plan that would get the organization aligned from top to bottom and ensure that nothing was falling through the cracks.
Dave decided I should attend the Cabinet meeting today and assist him with the presentation. I'd also developed an example of what a "key messages" document could look like that would present talking points on important topics that could be used by all leaders in the organization so they were all "singing from the same songbook" as the saying goes. There were a few Cabinet members we'd met with ahead of time to vet the ideas, so we were pretty confident going in. It was well received, and we got the green light to begin the inventory and assessment process. The President was especially impressed with the key messages document (clever me, I'd taken some of his points from the State of the Institute address and expanded on them).
Now some of you may be wondering what this has to do with Training & Development, but a lot of what I do is subtle coaching and providing tools and resources to help leaders do a better job. Not much of what I do actually takes place in a classroom anymore. I've been invited to the quarterly management update meeting (150 leaders) to give a session on "Meetings 101" - to help leaders hold more effective meetings. I'll put together a 2-hour session that gets them talking about best practices and looking at various agenda templates to make sure sufficient planning happens before a meeting takes place. It's actually these little things that begin to move the needle on leader behavior. I LOVE it, and I'm feeling pretty useful already.
On the downside, if it can be seen as that, Dave announced his pending retirement today. He had mentioned to me when he made the job offer that he was considering retirement - thought I ought to know before accepting. He'll probably be here through summer, and he'll be conducting a national search for his replacement in the meantime. I'm disappointed not to be able to work with him. His 30 years at Disney gave him a lot of world-class leadership practices that I was looking forward to learning about. He was The Culinary's first VP level HR guy, so he's laid a lot of groundwork over the past 6 years. They've had a fair amount of employee relations issues lately and I think they're leaning towards a lawyer type, with academic background, who understands hospitality industry. Yeah, good luck with that! I just hope they find someone who gets employee engagement and organization effectiveness. I'd hate to have to break in someone who doesn't get it!
Excitement is building on campus for the Bocuse D'Or, which is being held here on Friday and Saturday. This is the competition to select the US team that will go to France next year for the International competition. It's a really big deal, and top chefs from all over the country are coming to judge, give demonstrations, and sign their books. Free and open to the public - so I hope to get down to the Rec Center to see some of it. I'll be spending the majority of my weekend househunting, but that's another story....
Ciao for now! Bon appetit!!
Following that, all the employees went to the Student Rec Center where the gym had been transformed into a banquet room with wonderful food stations located all around the edges. For entertainment, a Beatles look-alike band had been engaged to play for an hour after lunch and dancing was encouraged. Lots of fun all around. It felt like they'd thrown a welcome party just for me!
There were no students around and I discovered that every third Monday for most of the year is a "down day." This means that the prior class had commencement exercises the Friday before, and the new class starts on Tuesday. A cohort of 80-100students begins every three weeks. The staff has one day to breath a sigh of relief and get ready to start it all again! Of course, since the programs are a full 2-year or 4-year degree program, there are over 2000 students on campus at any one time. Down days, however, are a break for everyone.
Every day starts with a trip to the dining hall for breakfast. I'm trying to stick to my fruit only plan, but occasionally the oatmeal is just too tempting - so rich and creamy. Lunch is a crap shoot, but in a very nice way. I take a tour of the different kitchens to see what's cooking and then go stand outside the kitchen that has what I want. They swipe my staff ID card and hand me tray filled with wonderful food. Yesterday I had the best swordfish I've ever tasted. There is a window of opportunity though, so if I miss it, I just head over to the salad bar. The students have been practicing their knife skills, so it's fun to see all the beautifully chopped vegetables. Every once in a while, the chef from the baking and pastry program sends out an email that plated desserts are being served - no swipe needed. I'm SO GLAD they're in another building, so the temptation doesn't catch me!
I've met dozens of people and spent hours listening to them describe their roles and their challenges. Of course you know how much I hate doing that, NOT! Everyone has been so kind to me, but more importantly, they really want me here - they want what I have to offer. I suspect there's so much to do I'll have to start prioritizing, but at this point, possibilities seems endless.
The radiator (it's a VERY old building) in my office broke on the first day, so I'd been sitting in a conference room with a borrowed computer. It didn't matter for the first week, since I was visiting other people's offices to meet them. Finally, on Wednesday of this week, I moved back in to my office. It's comfortable but it wants my pictures and decorations. Guess I'll have to wait until my boxes arrive to do that. I do however have a lovely orchid plant courtesy of my friend Joanne. She sent it to arrive on my second day of work - just the touch needed to make it feel like home.
Today was my coming-out party, as Dave, the VP HR, called it. We'd been working on a presentation with recommendations to attack the "communication problem" identified in the annual employee survey. I recommended taking an inventory and doing an assessment of current communication at the Institute-wide level as well as the division and department levels. Once that was done, I felt we could develop a more coherent plan that would get the organization aligned from top to bottom and ensure that nothing was falling through the cracks.
Dave decided I should attend the Cabinet meeting today and assist him with the presentation. I'd also developed an example of what a "key messages" document could look like that would present talking points on important topics that could be used by all leaders in the organization so they were all "singing from the same songbook" as the saying goes. There were a few Cabinet members we'd met with ahead of time to vet the ideas, so we were pretty confident going in. It was well received, and we got the green light to begin the inventory and assessment process. The President was especially impressed with the key messages document (clever me, I'd taken some of his points from the State of the Institute address and expanded on them).
Now some of you may be wondering what this has to do with Training & Development, but a lot of what I do is subtle coaching and providing tools and resources to help leaders do a better job. Not much of what I do actually takes place in a classroom anymore. I've been invited to the quarterly management update meeting (150 leaders) to give a session on "Meetings 101" - to help leaders hold more effective meetings. I'll put together a 2-hour session that gets them talking about best practices and looking at various agenda templates to make sure sufficient planning happens before a meeting takes place. It's actually these little things that begin to move the needle on leader behavior. I LOVE it, and I'm feeling pretty useful already.
On the downside, if it can be seen as that, Dave announced his pending retirement today. He had mentioned to me when he made the job offer that he was considering retirement - thought I ought to know before accepting. He'll probably be here through summer, and he'll be conducting a national search for his replacement in the meantime. I'm disappointed not to be able to work with him. His 30 years at Disney gave him a lot of world-class leadership practices that I was looking forward to learning about. He was The Culinary's first VP level HR guy, so he's laid a lot of groundwork over the past 6 years. They've had a fair amount of employee relations issues lately and I think they're leaning towards a lawyer type, with academic background, who understands hospitality industry. Yeah, good luck with that! I just hope they find someone who gets employee engagement and organization effectiveness. I'd hate to have to break in someone who doesn't get it!
Excitement is building on campus for the Bocuse D'Or, which is being held here on Friday and Saturday. This is the competition to select the US team that will go to France next year for the International competition. It's a really big deal, and top chefs from all over the country are coming to judge, give demonstrations, and sign their books. Free and open to the public - so I hope to get down to the Rec Center to see some of it. I'll be spending the majority of my weekend househunting, but that's another story....
Ciao for now! Bon appetit!!
Friday, January 29, 2010
New York, here I come!
Just finished my first week at The Culinary, as it's affectionately called. It's been a great week - a bit of a roller coaster ride of emotions after two weeks of saying goodbye and packing up my household. Amazing how much you can accumulate in 18 years and I worry about finding a place to put it all in New York. But don't let me get ahead of myself.... First, I had to get there....
The trip here was uneventful and I was so grateful to have the company of my friend Joanne Talarek for the ride. We started out at 11 a.m. last Friday with just a few tears and a cloudy, rainy sky. We crossed from Michigan to Ohio at 11:40 a.m. Joanne took the wheel at 3 p.m. - she also took down the fuzzy dice from the rear-view mirror. I decided it was time to leave them behind as well. My sister Cathy's angel is still there to watch over me though. And my friend Patty's chocolate chip biscotti were a nice treat too!
Pennsylvania welcomed us at 4 p.m. and Joanne just kept driving. We passed Punxatawney but didn't see Phil - guess January 22 is too early for him to come out. We finally stopped for the night in Lamar, Pennsylvania, at 7:00 p.m. We figured we'd come nearly 2/3 of the way, as planned, and Saturday's drive would be easier and shorter!
We woke up on Saturday morning to a crystal clear blue sky and a heavy layer of frost on the car. The sun seemed warm and bright and I felt lighter - a big smile on my face. Put the past behind - look to the future. We chuckled our way through Oscar Wilde's Lord Arthur Seville's Crime and learned a new word - cheiromantist, a palm-reader. Actually, we discovered later he'd made the word up!
The sign for Exit 26 said "Promised Land" but since we weren't in New York yet, we decided to keep going. Finally, New York State welcomed us. Another hour and we'd be there - across the Hudson River and north on Route 9 to the Marriott Residence Inn (my temporary home for the next 30 days). I only made one wrong turn at the very end, and that's because I was talking on the phone to my sister Diane. Mileage total = 631.
We unpacked and Joanne helped me feather my nest a bit to make the place seem homey. It's actually very comfortable (and now there's flowers on the table and a bowl of fruit on the counter). We took a drive to campus since it was still day light and I'm so glad we did. I had planned on taking Joanne to lunch there on Sunday, but while poking around the bookstore we found out everything is closed on Sunday. Guess that's a good excuse for getting Joanne back soon! We went a little further up the road to Rhinebeck for dinner and stumbled on the oldest Inn in America. For real, George Washington slept there, really. I think there'll be a lot of that kind of discovery around here - what fun!
Sunday morning - cloudy again. After touring "villages" up and down the Hudson River, trying to get my bearings, we stopped for lunch. The rainy weather matched my mood as I prepared to say goodbye to Joanne. In a few short hours, I'd be completely on my own and it was starting to sink in. Home Alone - in New York!! After dropping Joanne at the airport in Newburgh (about 30 minutes from Poughkeepsie - where the hotel is), I took a side trip south to Beacon. It's a delightful village with a very nice Main Street. I stopped at a Farmer's Market that just happened to be housed in a building with a fireplace - made by Pete Seeger. Seems there are a lot of celebrities that make their homes, or have second homes, in these little villages along the Hudson. It's far enough away from the City to be quiet and quaint, but close enough to be acessible.
Dinner was leftovers - now that made me feel at home - and I went to sleep truly excited about my new job and looking forward to getting up early and getting to work. Great feeling - being excited about going to work. I highly recommend it!
Next installment - first week on the job - how will I keep ever the pounds off when I'm surrounded my fabulous food all day?!!
The trip here was uneventful and I was so grateful to have the company of my friend Joanne Talarek for the ride. We started out at 11 a.m. last Friday with just a few tears and a cloudy, rainy sky. We crossed from Michigan to Ohio at 11:40 a.m. Joanne took the wheel at 3 p.m. - she also took down the fuzzy dice from the rear-view mirror. I decided it was time to leave them behind as well. My sister Cathy's angel is still there to watch over me though. And my friend Patty's chocolate chip biscotti were a nice treat too!
Pennsylvania welcomed us at 4 p.m. and Joanne just kept driving. We passed Punxatawney but didn't see Phil - guess January 22 is too early for him to come out. We finally stopped for the night in Lamar, Pennsylvania, at 7:00 p.m. We figured we'd come nearly 2/3 of the way, as planned, and Saturday's drive would be easier and shorter!
We woke up on Saturday morning to a crystal clear blue sky and a heavy layer of frost on the car. The sun seemed warm and bright and I felt lighter - a big smile on my face. Put the past behind - look to the future. We chuckled our way through Oscar Wilde's Lord Arthur Seville's Crime and learned a new word - cheiromantist, a palm-reader. Actually, we discovered later he'd made the word up!
The sign for Exit 26 said "Promised Land" but since we weren't in New York yet, we decided to keep going. Finally, New York State welcomed us. Another hour and we'd be there - across the Hudson River and north on Route 9 to the Marriott Residence Inn (my temporary home for the next 30 days). I only made one wrong turn at the very end, and that's because I was talking on the phone to my sister Diane. Mileage total = 631.
We unpacked and Joanne helped me feather my nest a bit to make the place seem homey. It's actually very comfortable (and now there's flowers on the table and a bowl of fruit on the counter). We took a drive to campus since it was still day light and I'm so glad we did. I had planned on taking Joanne to lunch there on Sunday, but while poking around the bookstore we found out everything is closed on Sunday. Guess that's a good excuse for getting Joanne back soon! We went a little further up the road to Rhinebeck for dinner and stumbled on the oldest Inn in America. For real, George Washington slept there, really. I think there'll be a lot of that kind of discovery around here - what fun!
Sunday morning - cloudy again. After touring "villages" up and down the Hudson River, trying to get my bearings, we stopped for lunch. The rainy weather matched my mood as I prepared to say goodbye to Joanne. In a few short hours, I'd be completely on my own and it was starting to sink in. Home Alone - in New York!! After dropping Joanne at the airport in Newburgh (about 30 minutes from Poughkeepsie - where the hotel is), I took a side trip south to Beacon. It's a delightful village with a very nice Main Street. I stopped at a Farmer's Market that just happened to be housed in a building with a fireplace - made by Pete Seeger. Seems there are a lot of celebrities that make their homes, or have second homes, in these little villages along the Hudson. It's far enough away from the City to be quiet and quaint, but close enough to be acessible.
Dinner was leftovers - now that made me feel at home - and I went to sleep truly excited about my new job and looking forward to getting up early and getting to work. Great feeling - being excited about going to work. I highly recommend it!
Next installment - first week on the job - how will I keep ever the pounds off when I'm surrounded my fabulous food all day?!!
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