What a Difference Easter Makes

This year Easter found me breaking out of a historical pattern I've followed for many, many years. Typically I host the family Easter gathering/meal at my house. This year I did not spend Easter with my family, and no meal was served at my house! It's time for allowing new experiences to happen; this year Easter was a blessing in disguise.

I am thankful for the invitation of a new friend and the heartfelt welcome of her family ~

What a Difference A Kitten Makes

The week before Easter found me cat sitting for "Pooh". Isn't he just adorable?

Yes, although I have three cats, Pooh would be more than welcome in my home. I almost "catnapped" him. Pets are such a comfort, they welcome you when you arrive home and love you unconditionally (of course the fact that we "feed" them might have something to do with it!).

I am thankful for the companionship and affection which pets bestow upon me ~

What A Difference A Month Makes

It has been over a month since I blogged anything so I have a lot of catching up to do! During the month of March I spent a wonderful stamping/scrapbooking weekend in Wabeno Wisconsin with a bunch of wacky women (that's a "wssw" in "ww" with "ww"). To see the attached photo album click on the link here http://picasaweb.google.com/bygore/WabenoTrip

I also got to spend a day with my sister traveling to the state Capitol in Madison. This day was capped by seeing sights that triggered memories of my father. Let me explain; growing up my dad always encouraged us to study hard and apply ourselves. He pointed out that if we didn't get a good education we would "end up working at the Octopus Car Wash". This Appleton business was closed many years ago. Lo and behold, guess what my sister and I found in Madison??? An Octopus Car Wash...

And even better yet, we passed a "Spence" Motel (my fathers last name). I am convinced that he was traveling with us on our trip, you see my sister had a job interview working for the State of Wisconsin and my dad was looking down from above with a nudge to ensure our journey was a memorable one.

Last but not least, I had several interesting discussions with God during the month of March :-) wouldn't you like to know what they were about...

I am thankful for Warm Wonderful Memories !

What A Difference Family Makes

Another blog about how important my family is to me.
I thank God every day for their presence in my life.

What a Difference Welcoming Faces Make

Here are new friends who have welcomed me with open arms as an "Impact" Youth Group volunteer.

I celebrated Valentines Day 2007 with about 150 youth as a volunteer serving dinner which consisted of Penne Pasta, Red Sauce, Caesar Salad, French Bread and last but not least dessert. One of my tasks was supplying the 150 cupcakes! Needless to say it's a good thing I like to stay up late and bake.

I am VERY THANKFUL to Gail and Mom for taking on some of the baking to help me out!

What a Difference a Handy Man Makes

I am thankful for the talented carpenter who gave me a "mud room"...

Under Construction

My back hallway got a facelift the week before Christmas; final touches were complete late in January. To see the step by step, up close and personal, whole picture photo album just click on the picture above "Under Construction".

What a Difference an Uplifting Setting Makes

I am thankful

for peaceful moments during hectic days

While attending my recent LEAN training I had the opportunity to take short breaks in a wonderfully peaceful setting. A real baby grand piano was playing, water trickled down a beautiful marble wall, and soft lighting abounded. My favorite was the saying pictured on the sculpted stone wall... From His heart shall flow streams of living water

What a difference EDUCATION makes

Long time NO blogging! Sorry life is hectic here in my little world; 2007 has certainly started out with similarities to a pressure cooker. I confess some of it is self induced as I love being busy. I spent a full week being educated by instructors from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in every aspect LEAN. These long sessions totally saturated and wore out my brain. After 5 days of 7:30 am to 5 pm the real kicker were the 5 tests I had to take. The second and final week is scheduled during February. The crazy thing is that I absolutely LOVE learning this interesting approach to business.









My cube before the "5 S" process

My cube after the "5 S" process (shocking isn't it!)


I am VERY thankful to work for an employer who supports further education; who gave me the opportunity to particpate as a part of the first group to learn the concept and methods of LEAN.

What A Difference My Faith Makes

While I don't make New Year resolutions, I do believe it's important to set goals. This means having an inkling of what steps are necessary to reach each goal. Following that thought pattern I confess that I have tried to "plan" out the path of my life.













Joseph Campbell said "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." I am letting go of old visions of what my life should be, and opening myself to the possibility of a life I've never imagined.

I am thankful for the influence of God in my life; my goal is to follow the path he is waiting to lead me on ...

What A Difference An Electric Mattress Pad Makes

I admit this posting is a bit out of the ordinary. If you know me well, you already know I am ALWAYS cold (even in the heat of summer I rarely get warm)! During the winter months my hands are frigid, my feet are freezing, and the tip of my nose is cold to the touch. Fortunately each night I am enveloped in warmth as I snuggle under the covers in my bed. Who ever invented electric mattress pads should be honored with the Nobel Prize.

I am thankful for inventors who persist, actually "making" something useful from creative thoughts within those wonderful ingenious minds!

OK, so the Nobel Peace Prize is usually given for much more worthy reasons. For you history buffs the 2006 prize was given to Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank for their efforts to create economic and social develpment. In 2005 the prize was awarded jointly to the International Atomic Energy Agency and Mohamed ElBaradei for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is used in the safest possible way.

What A Difference A Visit With Santa Makes

I recently had the opportunity to visit the North Pole and personally meet with Santa. What a wonderful experience this was! Let me tell you that Santa really is a very generous, jolly man. I whispered a little christmas "wish" in his ear. This isn't like a birthday wish, so I can share my wish with all of you and it should still come true. I wished for good health, and the gift of moments of solitude. This time of year reminds me to reflect on the gift God gave us, Jesus. I look forward to celebrating his birthday in a few days... I can hardly wait!

What a Difference "GIRLS" make!

December is always a hectic month for me; working 2 jobs and trying to have a social life is absolutely INSANE. I did take an evening off to enjoy the Girl Choir performance at Lawrence Chapel. What a wonderful event to relax at. Here are some of the "girls" who gathered for a photo opportunity.

Thank Heaven for Little Girls...

What a Difference "Daylight" Makes

My primary care physician recently diagnosed me with "Seasonal Affective Disorder", more often referred to as S.A.D. I've always dreaded the winter months, not just the cold weather but the lack of light. So, it was not really a surprise when I heard the diagnosis. Working for a healthcare organization gives me wonderful reference resources to learn about this disorder.

I feel better already





I am thankful for the gifts of SUNSHINE and DAYLIGHT.

What A Difference A "Noodleini" Makes

Have you ever heard of the Noodleini Race? "Noodles" sponsors a race/run held the first Sunday after Thanksgiving; this year the race was held in DePere. The best part of this event was that for the first time ever, my sister and I ran together! Race day dawned foggy and wet, but this didn't dampen our spirits. After the race we gathered around the posted results and talked about the possibility that one day I would actually have improved enough to win a trophy. Imagine our shared amusement as we realized... that day had dawned. Yes, I won a "Noodleini" trophy; I placed 3rd in my age division. Atop the trophy is a real noodle spray painted gold, the noodle is wearing a little red cape with glitter and sparkles!

I am thankful for the shared laughter this trophy prompted throughout my family and friends. More importantly I am thankful for being able to run with my sister!

Have a BLESSED Thanksgiving Day!

Many of you know I was formerly a faithful "CardioKickboxer". I recently had a relapse and attended a wonderful CardioKickboxing class. (Yes, my muscles were crying in pain a day later.) The instructor is a teacher at a local christian school. The saying in the picture was posted at her school this week. What a wonderful statement to revisit on Thanksgiving day!

"We don't need more to be thankful for...
we just need to be more thankful."

What A Difference A Brother Makes !

I am thankful for the love and support of my brother

The beginning of November found my brother lending a hand in completing the last few outdoor home "chores". For those of you who have the pleasure of knowing my brother you are aware of his persnickity perfectionism. This trait is woven throughout his character; it is a trait that I absolutely LOVE about him. Who else would say to me "you need to mow the lawn again, it needs to be shorter" after I had just gotten done mowing the lawn! Then he says "we need to get all these leaves out of the gutters"! And so it goes on and on and on...

I am blessed to have such a warm caring brother who gives and gives and gives ~ I'd be lost without him.

What A Difference A "Helper" Makes...

Yes, fall is in the air and all the leaves in my yard flutter down at a very fast pace! The golden copper burnished hues of fall in orange and yellow bring me much joy. While this is my favorite season, it brings much added outdoor work. It is bittersweet, knowing that winter approaches... Take a look at the wonderful helper I had with my lawn and leaves last Sunday.

I am thankful for Logan and his enthusiasm to help!

What A Difference Kathy Made In My Life

Caymen Islands ~ 1992

We were two "girls", who became the closest of friends. Kathy and I met while working together during the mid 1970's. There was a 6 year age difference between us, but you'd never guess! She was fresh out of high school working as a file clerk; I was working full time. Our friendship blossomed over a period of more than 20 years. I am who I am today, in part, because of knowing Kathy. She enriched my existence.

On October 12, 2001 she left this world to join God's kingdom. Yes that's five years, yet it seems like just five days or five minutes ago! I no longer question why God took her, but accept.

Kathy, I miss you more than ever. I carry you with me, in my heart every day.

I thank GOD for wonderful, wonderful memories of what I shared with Kathy. These memories give me great comfort and joy.

What A Difference A "Mother" Makes

My Father-In-Law passed away two years ago; at last we put his spirit to rest. And what a beautiful resting spot he has, on the property owned by one of his sons.


It is difficult to find the words to explain my relationship with my former Mother-In-Law. Yes, amazing as it is, I still think of her as a mother. While I am divorced from her youngest son, she welcomes me with open arms and a loving heart. The whole family continues to reach out and surround me with love. What a lucky person I am!


Thank you God for the blessings bestowed upon me by a loving former Mother-In-Law.

What A Difference Being A Mentor Makes

At last, Im a Mentor! While I'm sure this will bring new challenges, it is a step in following my "mission" to help others overcome negative past experiences. Samantha, who goes by "Sam", is an energetic 15 year old. She is very appreciative of me and the time we spend together; her sweet smile and caring attitude shine through. My life has changed because of her...

I am thankful for this opportunity to become a positive influence.