Saint Louis Writer's Workshop

TUITION FOR THE SUMMER SESSION IS DISOUNTED 15%, FROM $165 TO $140! BUT YOU MUST SIGN UP BY JUNE 9TH FOR THE DISCOUNT.

SEE WORKSHOP DETAILS BELOW...
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ST. LOUIS WRITER’S WORKSHOP SUMMER SESSION
We’re back with a wonderful selection of writing workshops, ranging from the short-short to the narrative poem to the novel. It’s summer: a great time to let loose and be creative!
You choose:
JUMP-STARTING THE NOVEL
Are you stalled in your present novel?
Or want to start writing a new one? Or a first one?

This six-week class is meant to shake ideas loose and propel you forward with at least one novel.
The class is taught by fiction writer and novelist-in-the-making, DENISE PATTIZ BOGARD.
The six-week class meets Wednesdays, 7-9:15 p.m.
June 18 to July 30 (skip July 2)
At Neve Shalom, 1240 Dautel
Tuition fee: $165
($140 for ANYONE WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN AN STLWW WORKSHOP and for St. Louis Writers Guild members)

TELL THE STORY
Examining the art of narrative in whatever form it spills over--poetry and/or creative non-fiction. Using the classical form: Telling, Writing, Re-writing, Sharing [for those who want to share within a supportive community].

The class is taught by poet, essayist and musician, RABBI JIM GOODMAN.
The six-week class meets Wednesdays, 7-9:15 p.m.
June 18 to July 30 (skip July 2)
At Neve Shalom, 1240 Dautel
Tuition fee: $165
($140 for ANYONE WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN AN STLWW WORKSHOP and for St. Louis Writers Guild members)

FINDING YOUR SHORT FICTION
Beginning and intermediate writers will develop their short fiction through writing activities, direct instruction, group discussions and collegial critiques. The class is taught by fiction author JEFF PENN MAY.
This six-week class meets Thursdays, 7-9:15 p.m.
June 19 to July 31 (skip July 3)
At Blue Ribbon Realtors, 4924 Hampton Ave.
Tuition cost: $165
($140 for ANYONE WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN AN STLWW WORKSHOP and for St. Louis Writers Guild members)

See http://www.stlww.com/ for application, teacher bios and details. Or call 314-692-2629

Standing at the edge of possibilities

I always look at young men and women with their entire lives laid out in front of them.

Sometimes I wish I could give them my wisdom.

What the years have taught me, what life has taught me.

I always emphasise to my daughter and to others I know who still have the world at their feet to go after their dreams, be motivated, find a purpose, serve yourself and others....give back to your community in some way because it is always giving back to you in some form or another.

I see youth as being a new day to start again....find a purpose to your being.

Give so much of yourself that you leave an imprint of your life.

M*A*S*H*

Through early morning fog I see

visions of the things to be

the pains that are withheld for me

I realize and I can see...

[REFRAIN]:

that suicide is painless

It brings on many changes

and I can take or leave it if I please.

I try to find a way to make

all our little joys relate

without that ever-present hate

but now I know that it's too late, and...

[REFRAIN]

The game of life is hard to play

I'm gonna lose it anyway

The losing card I'll someday lay

so this is all I have to say.

[REFRAIN]

The only way to win is cheat

And lay it down before I'm beat

and to another give my seat

for that's the only painless feat.

[REFRAIN]

The sword of time will pierce our skins

It doesn't hurt when it begins

But as it works its way on in

The pain grows stronger...watch it grin, but...

[REFRAIN]

A brave man once requested me

to answer questions that are key

is it to be or not to be

and I replied 'oh why ask me?'

[REFRAIN]

'Cause suicide is painless

it brings on many changes

and I can take or leave it if I please.

...and you can do the same thing if you please.

This is one of my all time favorite shows. I have the original movie and love the reruns. I was stationed in S. Korea from 1986-1987 and later went for 2 weeks of annual training with one of my reserve units.

I know it sounds corny.........but I can really relate to allot of the satire about the army life. Watching it is like being transported back into time when I was on active duty....22 years ago when I was sent to Korea...wow....22 years.

Time flies....you think you have it all and in an instant you look in the mirror and find another gray hair.

Ok, ok...getting a little morose here but man....yeah..............the game of life is hard to play--I'm gonna lose it anyway........and I can take it or I can leave it.......and I think I'll take it.

Website:

http://www.mash4077.co.uk/index.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MASH_(film)

Goals

Aiming high is a motto I lived with from the Army. Be all you can be.........the slogan of the 1980's.....and one I prefer over the current media glib.

I think everyone should have some type of goal. Whatever it is that motivates you to get out of bed....to put an extra spring in your step....to get you thinking, dreaming, and believing.

New Horizens

Will be doing a LOT of praying the next month or so as I wait with bated breath to see if I get my foot in the door management wise with NARA.

I have no choice but to move up.

My education, my drive, my essence tells me I have to get out of the "comfort zone"

I currently am nestled in...(and ahhh it feels soooo good) and simply get my arse in gear.

I love my job however it can be a tad repetitive and it isn't what I went to school for.

I have had this drive in me since I can remember. I don't know what it is but am not satisfied with the status quo.

I do have allot on my plate at the moment with applying for higher grade jobs, the military, and trying to figure out if I want to stay in St. Louis or move on.

Just depends on where Fate takes me...........

Where I take myself.

But irregardless I know that God has a plan for me. I always believed in the age old adage that God helps those who help themselves.

I cannot sit around and wait for opportunity to fall in my lap.

The Archivist internship is a god send. WHY I am here. I have been waiting for a silver lining opportunity to shine upon me like this one.

Here you have a job where you intern for 2 years. You receive a mentor, you are molded into becoming someone who will lead NARA forward. Not just dumped into the position but actually educated and immersed within the very environment you will work out of.....granted I have been with the agency for almost 6 years....granted I have served half my life in the military and have 3 degrees but I still feel inadequate somehow....maybe the shyness thing who the $&*! knows...but I do know this...I am going to give 200% if I am chosen for this interview and if hired chosen to lead.....I didn't go through that harrowing path of graduate degrees, the military and working here as an Archives tech for NOTHING.

Moving forward..............

Moving on........................

Dealing with different personalities at work

Not only are we losing a wonderful coach, my illustrious team has to prepare themselves for a new one. In the almost 6 years I have been here we have had 3 coaches.

The first coach moved on to a higher position, the second one...well...she had some personal issues that were affecting the team. Now the third, and my most fav...is moving on to greener pastures.

Dealing with different personalities at work can be challenging. (And this is putting it mildly). One cannot imagine all the office soap opera drama which occurs at NARA.

For example...(and I have to vent because this guy sometimes can really be an arse).

There is this one team mate who seems not to understand the word "tact" when it comes with discussing his personal life or forcing his opinions on others.

He has his positive attributes but when he makes himself out into a martyr my sympathies can only last so long. I cannot stand when people feel like they are the only ones in the world with issues and then has to announce them practically every day so that everyone feels sorry for them.

I believe when you come to work here or pretty much anywhere there are some things we simply do NOT discuss.

As you can tell this is a venting blog but this one team mate really got under my skin.

Ok...on to why I am ranting:

I gave money to a beloved team mate of mine (I really dig her). She is one cool 23 year old...anyway....he gets on my case because I am not bringing an actual food dish in for the going away party for our coach. I gave money for the cake and decorations. He goes into some kind of tangent that I need to bring something in......I tell him matter of factly I gave what I can afford and am sure there are people who are bringing in dishes worth less dollar wise than what I contributed but now I am being petty so should stop.

Anyway, he starts crying about how he gave money and has 9 people living at home...etc....etc....everyone on the team knows how much he sacrifices for his children who are almost in their 30's (ok...not 30's but mid-twenties)...and they do not help out at home money wise or otherwise....well my lad.....that isn't any of our concern here.

So if I hear anything today from his jack assed mouth I plan on putting him in his place because the rantings of this Puerto Rican/Irish girl shall be heard!

My new PR cousin

Too adorable. LOVE those lips!

It's a girl!!!!

One of my Puerto Rican cousins had a baby girl this morning at 4am. Her name is Iris....so happy for her.

This cousin of mine has longed for a baby for quite some time and it was a very difficult journey.

Babies are wonderful especially baby girls.

Felicidades!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Appt. with Army National Guard Recruiter today

Here is to hoping........even he informed me the other recruiter was quite incompetent.

If I get accepted back into the military I am hoping to join a chemical unit out of St. Peters. Right now their mission is tied with homeland security so I wouldn't be deployed anywhere for quite some time.

life with me..........

Ramblings

Mom and dad are talking, kid is on the laptop.....I am listening to the songs I downloaded to my IPOD. Luckily daughter and I have very similar tastes in music...that's what you get when the age difference is only 19 years ha ha...still in the same generation.

Hard to believe this weekend is almost over. Monday that's it and then back to work...ahhh yessss.....

Going to make a pork roast tomorrow for the holiday....use the crockpot mom got me. LOVE that contraption. Let me tell you it can be Thanksgiving every day with one of those babies. You stick your meats in there in slow cook and seven hours later man oh man you have the tastiest and juiciest piece of meat you ever tasted. The slow simmering of the meats allows for the flavor to really get in there.

I think these things are a godsend to people like myself who are at work all day. When you get home your meal is ready and waiting for your rumbling tummy.

Thank you mom!

Moving up in the world

Yes ladies and gents....I finally bought an IPOD but decided on something quite basic because let's face it I am not going to be glued to it 24/7. Just need it for the gym. So I bought a refurbished Apple IPOD shuffle for roughly $29.00. YES, $29.00 and right now downloaded 31 songs. Can hold up to 12 hours. Frankly WHY would I need more than that at the moment? I am usually at the gym for about an hour. Now I have even further motivation to stick with it and burn calories at a higher rate. I don't care for the generic music blaring from the speakers at the fitness center. Now that I have my own taste of music to drum to I will exercise quite happily. :^)

Day off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow I hope to take mom to the Botanical Gardens if it isn't raining. Is it me or does it rain every Memorial Day Weekend?

I really needed to recharge my batteries after so much overtime. But yes, I signed up for two more weeks....(rubbing my hands eagerly together in anticipation).

Mom leaves Sunday and I will miss her. Not having family close by can be difficult. I am very close to my mom and siblings. I always miss them all terribly. But had to leave Indiana for greener pastures. Evansville seems to be stuck in a time warp and Terre Haute is simply a dead end town if you don't work for one of the universities.

Anyway, still job hunting and bought some resume paper at Office Max. Most of the paper was retailing for over $10.00 and up. I was like WTF??????? Where the hell did they manufacture that crap???????

So I bought some for about $5.00 that had just the amount I needed. I don't need a whole tree for what I have to do.

Well, the Sci Fi channel has some great movies lined up tonight and will be checking them out.

Ciao!

Fitness Camp

Well, the fitness camp I am interested in contact me. I am def. planning to join for August. Greet 40 in the best shape as possible. After all who says 40 has to be frumpy?


I know space for the camp fills up fast and am looking at attending 3 days a week. I think going every day would not allow my muscles to rest or to rebuild themselves so by going every other day will do me wonders. Very excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 15 Dollar Store

WHY in the world pay full price when you can buy the item at such a reduced discount??

This store offers hip fun clothing and accessories like this $60.00 purse I bought for....yep $15.00:

Chinese Laundry East/West satchel has double straps in a white tone connecting to the blue tone body with silver tone o-ring hardware. This faux leather bag is accented with white tone trim and contrast stitching. There are two pockets in front and one on each side with magnetic snap closures. A decorative buckle sits under a zipper pocket in front. The zip top opens to a spaciously lined interior, complete with an inside zip pocket and cell phone pouch.

Website

http://15dollarstore.com/s/home/0308873943

Whose turn is it to cook

Again another interesting debate on English Sabla in regards to women who do not cook. Yes, I simply had to get in there and give my 2 cents as always:

Member Angel Eyes had this question for the members:

Guys: What do you think of women today who are too dependent on housemaids and don't know how to cook?Wouldn't you RATHER marry someone who knows how to cook?How can you marry a woman who cannot support you in that way?i'm not saying it's a reason to not marry the girl but i think it's very important that she at least knows how.Girls: How can you get married or how can you be married knowing that you don't even know how to cook? Some girls really surprise me when they say they don't cook.

A couple of my responses (can you tell where I side?):

I just see it like this and I will end it with myself here. These days it takes two incomes to provide. Anyone who works knows it can take allot out of you by the end of the day. Being supermom or superdad can wear you the hell out. If you don't try and share in the chores someone is going to burn out quickly and fights will ensue or resentment will be boiling inside. If not then you have a doormat for a spouse.If a woman and husband both decide staying at home is best then I can see where the housework is for her. But she does need to rest from that also and she and her husband can come up with some time for her where she gets time away from the house and kids.

Of course it did not end because I felt compelled to answer again:

Cooking of course is not a form of slavery but if a working woman is beat tired and cannot cook every day the man needs to step in or if not then they need to seriously considering hiring outside help if they can afford it. If they cannot afford it then a family pow wow is in order because to expect a working woman to work 8 hours a day AND work at home solo while the hubby sits watching the tele, playing games, being on the computer or basically being an a$$ then he needs to get in sync and help the family out. She becomes a human doormat if he sits back and does nothing. If she has the energy to do all the housework along with working outside of the home then of COURSE more power to her but ***trust me*** at MY age I have seen enough women do this and down the road start to resent having to do everything in the marriage. They begin to withold sex, hold grudges, get back at the husband in a passive aggressive manner etc. etc...A woman doesn't run the homfront alone you know.In regards to this statement:

Quote:
'Mothers should give their sons a little household training before marriage "
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AMEN!

Marriage is a partnership not a master and servant relationship. Period.WHY do I make such a big deal out of this topic because I see it all the time how women work at home AND have a full time job. So they have TWO jobs and when you throw in kids makes it even that much harder. And men wonder why women get so tired they don't want to be lovey dovey and always say no. Because their energies are being sapped by children, cleaning, cooking, doing laundry etc....and the husband does his own male thing while the woman has no time left even to breathe.

Website:
http://www.englishsabla.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54977&page=7

Swamped with work

If I had a measuring tape I would see how high my pile of cases are because I am totally inundated with cases. Good and bad because it is def. job security bad in that you feel like you never get ahead. We had a backlog of 50,000 which our center is whittling down with all this god savin' overtime. Pacing myself is testing my patience but since I have no choice I have to suck it up.

Don't get me wrong here, I am ever so grateful to have a job, to meet my basic needs, to have the choice for overtime. I just felt the need to gripe a little bit as a means of a well-needed soul searchin' stress reliever.

Thank GOD I have a 3 day weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, a holiday, yes a 3 day weekend but I also understand what Memorial Day is for. As a veteran and knowing people serving in Iraq I realize the grave importance of this day. But as a citizen who is working extra hard to make ends meet I need a little respite to recharge my batteries. I sauntered on down to our little shoppette for a 5 hour energy drink but was sold out. Had to content myself with a couple of bags of peanut M&M's....enough of THAT habit..............

The last few days I am averaging 11 hours per day. My typical 8 hour work day is a faded memory....another week of this and then no additional overtime unless we are allocated funds for it.

So it is a mixed quandary...great to have because it means extra dollars in my pocket, dollars that are losing their value, and it takes allot of energy to do that time.

A mixed blessing for sure.

Hot topic of the day

This morning some of my team mates were discussing the rising cost of crude oil. Currently the prices have hiked to over $135.00 a barrel. Lasted a good 20 minutes. See, I am not the only one who rants and raves about the ga$ prices! :^)

There is the slumping U$ Dollar, greater demand for diesel in certain developing nations and the economy tanking. Filling up your car just to make it to work is becoming a burden.

We are living history.

Shall be telling my grand kids one day how gas used to be a mere .99 cents a gallon...............

Ahhh...remember the days when the barrel was a mere $20.00?

With a great portion of our Alaskan oil going to Japan, with our reserves being left untapped and undrilled oil not being an option due to extreme environmentalists (I would think we already had the techknowhow to drill safely and cleanly)....again the average American is screwed. I don't know about you but this gal is sore.

Greek Lemon Chicken with Caper Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients:

8 Boneless Chicken Strips

3 Tbl olive oil (LOVE this stuff)
4oz buttermilk
1/4 cup of flour
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp oregano
2.5 tsp capers
1 med. lemon
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup white wine or water
1 clove chopped garlic
pepper to taste

Directions:

Saute chopped garlic in two tablespoons of olive oil. Combine flour, salt, pepper and oregano on a dish. Dredge chicken in the buttermilk then dip in the flour mixture and saute the chicken over a medium to low heat till done then set aside on serving dish. Add one table spoon of olive in the skillet and stir in the remaining flour mixture & butter milk, add juice of one lemon, capers, wine and water. Stir till sauce thickens and pour over chicken.

Greek Lemon Caper Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz. bowtie pasta
1 Tbl olive oil
2.5 tbl butter
1 med. lemon
2.5 tsp capers
1/4 cup sour cream (love this stuff also!!!!!!!!!)
1/4 cup half & half cream
1/8 tsp salt
1/8
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp flour
1 clove chopped garlic (rrrrrrrrrrrrrr)
pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta till tender, drain and pour into serving bowl. Saute the garlic in olive oil, add butter and mix in flour. Squeeze in the lemon juice, add the sour cream and the half & half, salt, pepper, capers and oregano. Stir till the sauce thickens then pour over the pasta.

Enjoy!

The Essence Of Memorial Day.........................

The National Moment of Remembrance, formally established by Congress in 2000 in Public Law 106-579, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity.

Memorial Day was created as a day of remembrance for those who were killed in service to our Nation throughout history.

A Gallup Poll revealed only 28% of Americans know the meaning of this holiday, and most view it as a "day off" rather than a day to connect with our Nation’s history and values.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Moment was not created to replace traditional Memorial Day events, but as an act of national unity to honor our fallen. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.

Pay Raise

One thing about working for the feds.......(oh how I do love to spread their everlasting glory) concerns the pay increases each year. (Errrr what pay increase?)

Usually we get one at the beginning of the year when Congress approves the increase. However what I have found I don't see any significant adjustments since our health insurance premiums go up alongside with the raise.

We receive a step increase every year until we reach I believe it is Step 5 and then is every 2 years. I am receiving my Step 4 increase this July and is sorely needed due to the wedding, economy and gas.

Q: What are within-grade increases or step increases?

A: Within-grade increases (WGIs) or step increases are periodic increases in a General Schedule (GS) employee's rate of basic pay from one step of the grade of his or her position to the next higher step of that grade. For WGI purposes, an employee's rate of basic pay is the rate of pay fixed by law or administrative action for the position held by the employee before any deductions and exclusive of additional pay of any kind.

BTW...not singing Prez Bush just like the banner.

Website:

http://www.opm.gov/oca/pay/html/wgiQA.asp

Experimenting with new layouts

Please bear with me until I find a theme that fits me.

Thanks!

Seeing Army recruiter next week

I chose a competent Army National Guard recruiter to reenlist me.

He found a reg in the Guard recruiting handbook where I might just be able to receive an NG waiver. He has been fruitlessly trying to get a hold of my old incompetent asshole of a recruiter to obtain the copies of my military personnel and medical records along with the civilian medical paperwork regarding my heart murmur. That man (rolling eyes) has never returned my recruiter's phone calls. He even faxed my release to get MY paperwork back.

Talk about anal.

WHO thought this recruiter was the right material to even enlist folks?

I think the Army needs to reevaluate how they choose people to represent them.

Honest.

I am not giving up and this new recruiter is ten times better than the mistake I went to initially.

Dealing with messes

The picture is not mine but what my brain feels

at this very moment.............................................

Whether it be clothes, nick knacks or someones problem how do you deal with a "mess"?

I cannot stand them myself but really who does unless you have this compulsion to store things ceiling high but then those people need to be on Prozac or enter counseling.



I abhor messes. GOD yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Arms lifted in hallelujah stance). I hate them.


If I see a pile of clothes sitting in a corner it drives me batty.


So for the most part I do my best to keep things neat. Because I am on overtime and have company over these little "piles" are accumulating and beginning to drive me bonkers.


I am going to have to talk to the familia tonight and set the ground rules.


I don't want to spend 11 hours at work and then return home just to take care of anything that either:


1. I did not cause or


2. I did not move or


3. Well.....let's just say I don't want to start WWIII.


In addition, I don't mind when people visit, I really don't but after awhile if I only hear complaints coming out of someone and not something constructive it will drive me a tad bit over the edge.


Maybe I am just mentally wiped due to the long hours at work but honestly when I come home do I really need to hear the laments of the day as soon as I walk in the door.

I think not.



Man, feels like I am married. SHEESH!!!!!!!!

National Archives partnering with Ancestory.com

Sometimes I will relay relevant emails on my blog for those people who are interested in such things:

The agreement allows for the ongoing digitization of a wealth of historical content that will include birth, marriage, death, immigration, and military service information. The mission of the National Archives and Records Administration is to provide access to the nation’s historical records, and with this new agreement, citizens can discover and learn from these records in remote locations faster than ever before.

Ancestry.com currently has the largest online collection of digitized and indexed National Archives content, including the complete U.S. Federal Census Collection, 1790-1930, passenger lists from 1820-1960, and WWI and WWII draft registration cards.

This agreement will allow them to place their technicians and scanning machines at the National Archives to digitize content for online access. Ancestry.com will make the digitized materials available via subscription. The Generations Network, in return, will provide free online access to the digitized materials in all National Archives research rooms nationwide. In addition, they will donate to the National Archives a copy of all the digital images and technical and functional metadata that will enable retrieval of the material at the level of archival control.

Website:
http://www.archives.gov/digitization/partnerships.html

Missouri Boot Camp

I have been mulling over the idea of going to an fitness boot camp to get into premium shape. Missouri has quite a few and will be doing some shopping.

Love the name on this one: Losing Booty :^)

From the site:

Women of all fitness levels, sizes and ages are gaining great results with Adventure Boot Camp! You can too! Are you looking for a jump-start to your fitness program? Then this adventure is for you!

Whether you are a beginner, an avid fitness enthusiast or just tired of the same routine come try this whole new approach to exercise...fun! St. Louis Adventure Boot Camp is a four week outdoor fitness program that offers fitness instruction, nutritional counseling and motivational training - packed with fun and energizing activities designed to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you want to lose weight to fit into that special dress, shed the extra pounds from a pregnancy or just get fit before that special occasion, this is the program for you!

What you can expect from St. Louis Adventure Boot Camp:
One hour a day for 4 weeks
Monday through Friday 5:15 am / 9:15 am / 6:15 pm
Dynamic instruction from a Certified Fitness Trainer
Spaces fill quickly for this unique experience!
Registration is just $299 for a 4-week camp

Websites:

http://www.bootcampfinder.com/graduates.html

http://www.losingbooty.com/

In need of change

Sitting behind a computer all day can really wear you out mentally at least. Sometimes I am hard pressed to remain behind my computer screen 8 hours a day.

Actually I love interacting with people, coming up with new fresh ideas, contributing in some way to the growth of a company.

I know that my agency does have positions open for Archivist and the salary is not bad. Promotion potential is to GS12....nothing to sneeze at.

One thing about the federal government is there is always room for growth if you are ready and willing to chase it....not just talk. But actually DO!

Life as a civil servant

I have been a dutiful servant of the federal government going on almost six years now. I started this job at the tender age of 34.....ok ok....not so tender. I learned allot. I am grateful for having a wonderful coach. Love the hours and being able to help fellow vets.

This article and others I include discuss benefits of being a civil servant:

Civil Service Defined

What does it mean when someone says he or she is a civil service employee or a civil servant? It means that person works for a government agency. Civil service encompasses employment in Federal, state, and local government agencies. Each is responsible for its own employment system. This means that each state takes care of its own personnel needs, as does each city within those states. Local municipalities such as villages, townships and towns, school districts, and special districts often have their own employment systems as well. Each of these governmental units -- Federal, state, and local -- is independent and engages in different hiring practices.

• Flexible Working Hours (FWH) scheme
  We know that not everybody can, or wants to, work the standard five day week in the office.
  So provided it doesn't affect the service we provide, we offer employees a range of flexible working options to help them manage their commitments outside work.
  People's needs differ widely, so we offer various working patterns within our FWH scheme. These can include:
  
• a job-share - where two or more employees will work part-time to cover a full-time post
  compressed hours - in which you would work your full complement of hours over a shorter period
• staggered hours - when you would vary the times you started and finished work, maybe to fit in with school hours
  Term-time working - giving you the option to take unpaid leave during the school holidays.
• If you would like to take advantage of the FWH scheme, talk to your manager. Together you should work out a solution that suits your needs, and those of the business.
  Employees with children or caring responsibilities have a legal right to ask for flexible working and each department has a formal process through which this request can take place.

Assessing work/life balance
Many departments regularly survey their employees about their work/life balance, to assess how well it's been achieved in the department as a whole. If you are asked about your own circumstances, give as much information as possible, as this will help us improve our processes.

Annual Leave Vacation/Personal Leave; (maximum ceiling or limitation of accrual is 30 days per leave year. )

4 hours per pay period or 13 days per leave year for less than 3 years of
federal service
6 hours per pay period or 20 days per leave year after 3
years of federal service but less than 15 years
8 hours per pay period or 26 days per leave year after 15 years of federal service

Ten Paid Holidays Per Year
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King's Birthday
President's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteran's Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day (In addition to the above holidays, the U.S. Government also observes some local holidays celebrated at overseas posts of assignment).

How can you go wrong?

Website:

http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/a/civil_service.htm

http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/iwant/life/index.asp

Conquering your goals

Whether it be losing weight, buying a home, dealing with overtime (like I am today and for the next 3 weeks)....one thing I am learning is that you have to BREAK IT UP INTO MANAGEABLE PARTS.

If I look at say losing 20 pounds....I think to myself GOD I will never reach that goal or toning up for the wedding which is four months away. If I let those thoughts overwhelm me my goals will never be reached. What I have learned is if I break up my goal into manageable short term ones before I know it my ultimate goal will have been reach. Instead of lamenting that I will be working 12 hour days the next 3 weeks just take it a day at a time.

Because I want to be ultra fit for the wedding I need to break down my exercise routine into some kind of short term goal(s). By doing this I won't feel so bogged down by the details.

I simply would not reach my intended if I let it get to me.

Therefore, I am going to keep a reasonable track of my short-terms and take a deep deep breath....and begin at the beginning.

Overtime and working out

For the next 3 weeks NARA is offering overtime and I for one...for those who read my blog know I never turn this down. Good money. Bring on the coffee!!!!!!!!!!

Now my dilemma is figuring out how to work the 12 hour days and get a workout in there. With my brother's wedding four and a half months away and these cute dresses I want to wear I need to step it up a notch.

And I shall.

Why Women Outlive Men

I have always been curious as to why statistically world over, women outlive men normally an extra five to ten years. I see widows coming in at my work requesting military documents to file for benefits. So I decided to ck online for some articles regarding this issue:Women outlive men in almost every society.

In more developed countries, the average life expectancy at birth is 79 years for women, 72 years for men. In less developed countries, where high maternal mortality reduces the difference in longevity, women can expect to live an average of 66 years, compared with 63 years for men.“The sex difference in lifespan has been recognized since at least the mid-18th century,” says Daniel J. Kruger, a research scientist in the University of Michigan School of Public Health and the Institute for Social Research.

“Women live longer in almost every country. It originates from our deep evolutionary history.”Women's life span depends on the balance of two forces, according to Thomas Perls, a geriatrician at Harvard Medical School. One is the evolutionary drive to pass on her genes, the other is the need to stay healthy enough to rear as many children as possible. "Menopause draws the line between the two," Perls says.

It protects older women from the risks of bearing children late in life, and lets them live long enough to take care of their children and grandchildren.As for men, Perls believes "their purpose is simply to carry genes that ensure longevity and pass them on to their daughters. Thus, female longevity becomes the force that determines the natural life span of both men and women."I included a color coded map of life expectancy between men and women. Seems like in developed nations where healthcare is readidly available women will live an average of over 10 years longer than the men.

Websites:
http://www.hno.harvard.edu/gazette/1...enLiveLon.html
http://www.sph.umich.edu/news_events...search/one.htm
http://www.prb.org/Articles/2001/Aro...utliveMen.aspx

Interviewing over the phone

Had a phone interview yesterday morning with the Indiana Small Business Administration. I was a wreck. Simba was meowing outside my bedroom door (acting like something sinister was after him) and distracting the hell out of me. I felt weird talking to a panel of women who I could not see or judge the looks on their faces. I apologized if I came out nervous (at the end of the interview) but they said I did just fine. BTW I hate interviews. Detest them with the same reverence I have for worms. I don't like to sit in front of someone and do a song and tap dance as to why I should be hired. My resume speaks for itself. Not to be cocky but just how it is. I have an excellent educational background, served in the military since I was 17, worked for NARA for over five and a half years. HIRE ME!

The final determination comes out of D.C., not the ladies. Same as with any federal job. Now I have to patiently wait until June for the results. If I don't get the job there are some higher GS positions here at NARA I am going to submit for.

Info on the SBA:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government. Its purpose -- to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns; to preserve free competitive enterprise, and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.

The Indiana SBA District Office delivers a variety of programs and services, including startup and operational assistance through small business training and counseling, financial assistance, business opportunities, such as government contracting, subcontracting, procurement, and much more.

BUSINESS SERVICES AVAILABLE• Free counseling, advice and information on starting and/or expanding a business is available through a network of 11 Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) , the Women's Business Centers (WBC) and 14 SCORE Chapters. Training and events are found in the Training Calendar. To speak with SBA, contact Paul Wyatt at 317.226.6730.

• If you have questions like: Where to start? How to start? Who can I talk to about starting? Request a Start-up Information package from Vernice Mathis at 317.226.6412.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE• Financial assistance is available for both new and existing businesses. Telephone Luann Lieurance at 317.226.7269.

Website:

http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/in/index.html

The Flabs

I bought Shape Magazine yesterday and found the exercise I am looking for to strengthen and shape my upper arms. I am sure you ladies out there know that when we get older if we do not keep up with our muscle tone it, well you all know...l....starts to sag and that is simply not a good thing.

Happy to have found an article as to how to firm those babies up.

Website:

http://www.shape.com/

America.........

Country of my heart................

Walmart's Prescription Plan

Gotta save $$ wherever you go:


http://i.walmart.com/i/if/hmp/fusion/four_dollar_drug_list.pdf

Depending on a man

A question was posed on English Sabla regarding a woman being totally dependent on her husband for everything. Endure Whisper, one of the members has this to say:

I've been depending on my husband ever since I got married and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I mean he has to take care of me even if I was working.. If I worked and made my own money, I would save everything I earn and still spend his money.. so I might as well just not work!I've noticed many girls wouldn't want to depend on their husband financially and want to make their own money... Reasons could be due to dignity or simply because they want to work!I need solid reasons from the girls who don't want to rely on their husbands financially.. Or men, if you have anything to say about this please go ahead

My response:

I am single and quite independent. I feel that if both are working then there should be an account where both provide for the upkeep of the home i.e. the mortgage, utilities etc....fair is fair. I want to be indepedent and feel if a woman is too dependent on her husband what happens if he divorces her or dies? My mom is totally dependent on my father. Was a stay at home mother, never worked outside the home, doesn't know how to drive. She knows if something happens to him she will need to rely on family for everything. I feel that a woman needs to be independent in some aspects because you never know what is around the corner.I don't think being independent is being pessimistic.

I left home at 17. That is me. There are many other Western women out there who like being the boss of their own money and lives. Some don't some do. It is shameful to look down on independent women. If they choose that route that is their business. Same as a woman who is dependent on a man...my only concern is if he doesn't provide for her if he divorces or dies then there lays a problem. My father for example, when he passes away will be leaving my mother in debt. He has not thought about her future. She will be solely living off of his social security and pension. Now, they owe on a mortgage...he doesn't have term life insurance so that when he dies the insurance pays off the mortgage.

So what happens...the house gets sold and anything left from the sale will pay of the remainder of the mortgage. He has no life insurance on himself or my mother. So what happens. His children will have to try and find the money to bury them. That is why it is so important to make sure all bases are covered when it comes to critical life issues. I know in some societies burial expenses are not a concern but I don't live in some societies. I live in the USA. It would be very unrealistic to apply what happens on one society to us since we have a population of over 300 million and where are the monies to bury the people who die every day?

If I lived in a country where the population is only say 2 million then funding can be more readidly provided by the government if they are capable of doing so.

What if you are married to a man who barely makes enough to sustain both of you? Is it really fair to have this burden totally upon his shoulders if the wife can also work? I find it very selfish if the woman stays at home while the man is busting his *** to provide for the both of them and they are barely making ends meet. If she decides to remain at home then I feel she cannot complain if he is working his *** off to meet the mortgage, grocery bills, etc....if he says it is ok for her to stay at home then that is that couple but if he really is working hard to make ends meet I think the wife needs to step up and help.This can be found in all societies not just Western mind you. I think it is totally unfair to lie all the financial responsibility on a man if the couple is struggling and the woman is healthy to work.

Website:
http://www.englishsabla.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54833

Writing to write

I am in the process of revamping my novel to resell to a larger publishing house. Just have to wrap my head around the fact I need to come up with 100,000 extra words. Yes dears you read that right. Currently my novel is at approximately 74,000 words but to catch the eye of a larger company I need to be running with the big dogs and it means upping the anty just a little bit.

Sitting in front of a PC seems harder than a laptop. At least with a laptop I am not constrained to sitting in a chair and facing away from the activities of the house.

So what is writer's block (glad you asked). I found this information---of course on the net---and wanted to share:

Definitions of writer's block on the Web:
an inability to write; "he had writer's block; the words wouldn't come" wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

Writer's block is a phenomenon involving temporary loss of ability to continue writing, usually due to lack of inspiration or creativity. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writer's block

The author acknowledges his inability to complete this paper due to
a "dearth of ideas, a state of self-dissatisfaction, and an inability to organize" (Polking 434);
he "knows something is wrong, but can't identify it" because he has reached a "technical impasse" (Banks) and is experiencing "a time when the words just won't come together" (Vialle);
he once received "thoughtless" and "insensitive" criticism and is unable to maintain the fragile balance between "motivation and enthusiasm in the face of continued self-doubt and self-criticism" (Ballon);

is self-conscious about the writing situation because he has failed to do any "preliminary work such as brainstorming or outlining" (Purdue University);

feels "pressure to be brilliant in the first try" (Wiesner) and "fear of failure, self doubt, and depression [have] become heavy loads" (Rosenbaum 142);

has no established schedule for writing and "writes only when the muse strikes" (Reid), yet has only this one project to work on and can think of nothing else (Banks);

has conflicted feelings, wanting "the writing to be perfect" and wanting "the damned thing done as soon as possible" (University of Illinois), yet fears deadlines and plans to postpone working on this paper until the last possible moment;

fears that he lacks original ideas but can't stand to "write down an idea until it is perfectly worded" (Purdue University) and this stifles his creativity;

has no imagination, has not been inspired and, because he believes everything he writes is drivel, he worries heavily "about what [his] instructor or other reader[s] will think of [his] paper" (Purdue University);

fears that to be "original, insightful, profound, [and] funny … requires some mental digging" that he finds "uncomfortable" and because he knows that "writing something down [is] exposing a part of [himself] in an exceptionally public way," fears that what he writes is "unprofound, unfunny, uninsightful, and uninteresting and that putting [his] name to it is signing a confession to [his] un-ness" (Pelt);

is having difficulty with the assignment because it is "restrictive" (Bly)

Overcoming Writer's Block
Experiment -- Try to write in different places, at different times, and with different writing instruments.
Freewrite - Choose one sentence in a paragraph and write a paragraph about it. Then choose one sentence from that paragraph and do it again.
Cluster - Choose key words and ideas; then write associated ideas and words in clusters around them. This process often forms new ideas.
Be flexible -- Be willing to throw out sections of text that are causing problems or just don't work.
Follow a routine -- Follow a routine to get into the writing mood. Try activities like wearing comfortable clothing, using a certain pen, or listening to a particular CD or type of music.
Move -- Physically move around, stretch, or walk.
Take a break -- Get a snack or drink, talk to someone, or just relax for five minutes before starting to write again.
Concentrate -- Focus on a different section or aspect of your paper. This sometimes leads to new insights in problem areas, while allowing you to get work done on another section.
Re-read -- Read a print draft of the paper and jot down ideas while reading.
Relax! -- The more you worry, the harder it gets to think clearly.

Websites:

http://www.transaction.net/web/tutor/text/dissolve.html
http://www.sfwa.org/writing/block.htm
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/block.html
http://fictionwriting.about.com/od/writingroadblocks/tp/block.htm

Pictures from trip to sister's

Having mom over

Mom is visiting me for a couple of weeks. She is what I would term a mom's mom. Very loving and giving. She enjoys cooking and cleaning. Some of my first memories of her is the vaccum running and Puerto Rican love songs in the background.......with her singing of course.

Nice to have someone to come home to. Daughter is off for summer vacation and she will be home also. Besides the cats nice to just come home to family.

Price of ga$

Yes...I have to gripe about it yet again.........I loved visiting my sister but was shocked that I had to spend over $100.00 for gas. The price of gas in Chicago is over $3.89 with diesel being over $4.37 a gallon. Makes you wonder where our government's priorities are.

I wish gas prices could at least go down to $2.00 a gallon. I cannot wrap my mind around the fact that people are spending close to $100.00 for a tank of gas.

CHICAGO!!!!! And other rants!!!!!!

Leaving for the windy city today. Right now overcast. GRAY and can we say....more GRAY???

Honestly man....where is the sunshine?




It is Spring right????????????

RIGHT?????????????

I am longing for the sun, blue skies, fluffy white clouds....no humidity though..not of that oppressive Midwestern crap.

Anyway, am all jolly---despite some ranting trust me......

Glad to leave St. Louis for a little while.

Suffer from wander lust...hell all my life.

Love to travel.....

Simply to get away from the doldrums of daily living. Gotta have that little shot of excitement--something different (not just vanilla) once in awhile.

Looked at tickets and hotel packages to Miami for the wedding. Not too bad considering. If I am going to spend my hard earned $$$ it had better be on some place different and not in my gas tank.

Really...............

How long are these prices going to continue? I think about the average American......especially those working on minimum wage. I am like wow more than half of their hourly salary goes towards gas.

Hmmmmmm.....................

Again, we need to have a collective voice....come on.....I know our reserves won't last forever....we have our grandchildren and greatgrandchildren's futures to think about. At the same time how can we find cost efficient methods to fuel or appetite for our auto independence, our zest for new techno, etc... etc... etc.....

Anyway, I really need to just start reading up more on this horrid economic crisis our country is going through. Sad....such a great nation falling to its knees in the midst of the chaos overseas and the homefront.

Will elections '08 change things.

I wonder...............

Ga$ Price$

Currently in St. Louis we are paying $3.69 a gallon for unleaded.

The other day when I filled up half my tank it amounted to $30.00.

As long as we Americans continue to be silent these companies are going to keep up with the price gouging.

WHY there is NO regulation on this I have no clue.

Can someone please fill me in?

Spring Cleaning & rants

Yesterday I went through my closet getting rid of unwanted items that I will probably never use again. No use in all that extra unused clothing taking up closet space.

I hate clutter and feel that by donating items to the good will or getting rid of unwanted knick knacks which are simply taking up space and gathering dust will do my psyche a world of good.

I am not a compulsory neat person but I like a home to be comfortable, lived in and neat. I do not understand two types of extreme 1. The neat freak or 2. The mess freak.

For me both are extremes that scream: "help me something is wrong!"

I would much rather have something in the middle. Where a house is comfy, "lived in" but doesn't represent a museum or rat's nest.

Have you ever visited a family member's home or friend's and either of these 3 thoughts enter your head:

1. OMG am I going to break something? (This could be in the museum or the rat's nest.)
2. OMG where am I going to sit (Again this could be in either one.)
3. OMG when can I leave (????)

I think a well lived in home speaks volumes about the person.

I feel my house is your house just don't judge me.

ok????????

Monday Blues

Yes, it is Monday once again.....

So really what causes the Monday blues? I seem to be enveloped in this god awful feeling every well...Monday.

According to the author David of the blog, Money Ning:
"Every time we make negative comments about Monday, we are convincing ourselves that Monday is no good. We are in effect “selling” Monday Blues to ourselves." (Makes sense to me because in effect we are "psyching ourselves out" to create a repeated or habitual behavior of negative thought regarding this day.)

Tips to beating the blues:
1. What and how
What you do is not important, it is how you do it. Whatever you do, do it with deep alertness; then even small things become sacred. You can clean the floor like a robot; you have to clean it, so you clean it.
But it could have been a great experience; you missed it.
You cleaned the floor and that would have cleansed you. Clean the floor full of awareness; be luminous with awareness.

2. Remember yourself
One thing has to be a continuous thread: remember yourself.
While walking, say, "I am walking." While sitting, say, "I am sitting."
And feel the shift in your awareness. There will be a sudden spark.

3. Are you a perfectionist? (OMG this is so me!)
Beware! What counts is being total, not perfect. This brings out the best in you. The very idea of perfectionism drives people crazy.
The perfectionist is bound to be neurotic. S/he cannot enjoy life till s/he is perfect. And perfection never happens, it is not in the nature of things.

Life is imperfect. Only death is perfect. Totality is possible, perfection is not possible.
There is a huge difference between perfection and totality. Perfection is a goal for the future, totality is an experience now. If you can get into any act with your whole heart, you are total. Totality brings wholeness, health and sanity.

The perfectionist forgets about totality. There is a big gap between how s/he is and how s/he wants to be.

And, of course, change can't happen now, it is always tomorrow or the day after. So life is postponed.

These are small tools, but they will help you see the gap between workdays and holidays decreasing. You will eagerly wait for work to begin.

Websites:
http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2005/mar/07work.htm
http://www.proz.com/translation-articles/articles/73/1/Say-Goodbye-to-the-Monday-Blues
http://moneyning.com/motivation/motivation-monday-dont-sell-monday-blues-to-ourselves/

Oh, Are You Coming?

By Sarah Teasdale

Oh you are coming, coming, coming,
How will hungry Time put by the hours till then? -
But why does it anger my heart to long so
For one man out of the world of men?
Oh I would live in myself only
And build my life lightly and still as a dream -
Are not my thoughts clearer than your thoughts
And colored like stones in a running stream?

Now the slow moon brightens in heaven,
The stars are ready, the night is here -
Oh why must I lose myself to love you,
My dear?