Gazing out the window at work I was delighted (?) to snow snow falling again! It is tough talking to customers who are enjoying the sun in Florida and other southern regions. I am really ready for the snow to stop.
I see the fund-raiser for Dorothy Carpenter is gearing up and getting ready for the big day tomorrow! I pray that all goes well and the function will be a roaring success. Am praying the weather will hold.
Talking to Dean the other day from The Bay Cafe and he will be featuring specials on Mother's Day May 8! I took the day off from work so I can complete a final exam and did not realize it was Mother's Day! Boy what a silly person I am! Speaking of The Cafe, Dean now has an extra pair of hands for assistance. He also will doing the Spaghetti Dinner Special on Tuesday the 5th of May. Come in and enjoy a meal with us. We all have a great time! The last dinner was especially memorable for all who attended.
Want to get outside and start my seeds, so I think soon I will just throw caution to the wind and plant anyway and pray for warm weather. i now have a small greenhouse will put the tomatoes in there this summer.
Please post some comments and suggestions.
I do need to change my opening picture soon!
Norma Jean
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Stuff Happening in Bayview
I had the pleasure of attending both the Chamber Meeting and the Pot Luck held by the Community Council this week.
Not sure whether it is just me or has the Chamber really tried to change its image? What I see is a group of people gathering, behaving professionally, and trying to achieve the task of getting the businesses involved in the Chamber again, after all this organization is labeled a Chamber of Commerce. I am impressed with the flow and content of the meetings and the professional way the meetings are run. This week the Vice President officially resigned his post and the Chamber members elected Vic Woolever to sit on the board. Vic has been a friend of mine for several years now. I have watched him grow personally and feel that he will be a positive addition to the Chamber Board. A motion was placed on the floor to not have the parade this year for Fourth of July weekend. One voice heard stated that he did not want to have any activities that would a allow a certain business make money. While I understand the frustration, I still cannot understand why any actions for a decrease in business would be aimed at one particular personality. The fact still remains that a few local jobs are provided by this persona. I did not take offense at this comment. My husband and son-in-law served in the Armed Forces, upholding our right to voice our opinion. I do need to add that a very important person to me still works for this entity. When asked why my husband does not seek other employment or employers my husband responded that he cared for and genuinely likes his customers. He feels he would let them down. Our actions while seemingly are justified have repercussions that sometimes we do not grasp.
The vote to not have a parade this year was voted down. Several Chamber members stood up and gave their reasons why we still need to have this celebration. This weekend is after all the weekend we celebrate the birth of our country!
Also the Chamber determined that as a body we would not be doing the street fair. Hurray for us.
Fireworks will be held on Sunday this year.
I understand the McDonald's Hudson Bay will be celebrating its 60th birthday this year.
I drive into Bayview at night. I could not help but notice the lack of lighting and activity. It is real shame that we as a community did not appreciate what we had. A vital, active appearance in the downtown area. Driving into Bayview now is like driving into a ghost town. While Bayview was sleeping the "Grinch" stole Christmas.
Norma Jean
Not sure whether it is just me or has the Chamber really tried to change its image? What I see is a group of people gathering, behaving professionally, and trying to achieve the task of getting the businesses involved in the Chamber again, after all this organization is labeled a Chamber of Commerce. I am impressed with the flow and content of the meetings and the professional way the meetings are run. This week the Vice President officially resigned his post and the Chamber members elected Vic Woolever to sit on the board. Vic has been a friend of mine for several years now. I have watched him grow personally and feel that he will be a positive addition to the Chamber Board. A motion was placed on the floor to not have the parade this year for Fourth of July weekend. One voice heard stated that he did not want to have any activities that would a allow a certain business make money. While I understand the frustration, I still cannot understand why any actions for a decrease in business would be aimed at one particular personality. The fact still remains that a few local jobs are provided by this persona. I did not take offense at this comment. My husband and son-in-law served in the Armed Forces, upholding our right to voice our opinion. I do need to add that a very important person to me still works for this entity. When asked why my husband does not seek other employment or employers my husband responded that he cared for and genuinely likes his customers. He feels he would let them down. Our actions while seemingly are justified have repercussions that sometimes we do not grasp.
The vote to not have a parade this year was voted down. Several Chamber members stood up and gave their reasons why we still need to have this celebration. This weekend is after all the weekend we celebrate the birth of our country!
Also the Chamber determined that as a body we would not be doing the street fair. Hurray for us.
Fireworks will be held on Sunday this year.
I understand the McDonald's Hudson Bay will be celebrating its 60th birthday this year.
I drive into Bayview at night. I could not help but notice the lack of lighting and activity. It is real shame that we as a community did not appreciate what we had. A vital, active appearance in the downtown area. Driving into Bayview now is like driving into a ghost town. While Bayview was sleeping the "Grinch" stole Christmas.
Norma Jean
Friday, April 15, 2011
Spring or is it?
My bulbs are finally starting to come up and I think it is spring but not completely sure yet. After my frustrating gardening season last year I am leery of planting the vegetable garden but my fingers are itching to get dirty. Never was much for wearing gloves.
I have been pretty busy with work and class work and have ignored my blog. I enjoy writing but there are times my brain is so tired!
I was speaking with a friend this morning who shared with me that folks around town like me better now than say a year ago. Actually I like myself better too! So I guess my decision was not a bad one, the decision to change places of employment. I know I am basically the same person, just not as frustrated and I am certainly glad I no longer have person's in my life that wanted to change me into something I am not, hence the choice to "move on".
Listening to my Sunday program before traveling to CDA the subject concerned why others try to label us. This has given me pause to reflect. Often those who label us are jealous of what we have that they do not have. I had had a conversation several years ago with a friend. I wonder how many of us label a person simply because we do not understand that person or justify our actions because we are jealous of what another person had. This conversation had a profound affect on me, causing me to wonder about how I react to other people in my life. Walking a mile in another person's shoes can be a cliche' but I believe this is a valuable tool to help us understand and accept each other!
Norma Jean
I have been pretty busy with work and class work and have ignored my blog. I enjoy writing but there are times my brain is so tired!
I was speaking with a friend this morning who shared with me that folks around town like me better now than say a year ago. Actually I like myself better too! So I guess my decision was not a bad one, the decision to change places of employment. I know I am basically the same person, just not as frustrated and I am certainly glad I no longer have person's in my life that wanted to change me into something I am not, hence the choice to "move on".
Listening to my Sunday program before traveling to CDA the subject concerned why others try to label us. This has given me pause to reflect. Often those who label us are jealous of what we have that they do not have. I had had a conversation several years ago with a friend. I wonder how many of us label a person simply because we do not understand that person or justify our actions because we are jealous of what another person had. This conversation had a profound affect on me, causing me to wonder about how I react to other people in my life. Walking a mile in another person's shoes can be a cliche' but I believe this is a valuable tool to help us understand and accept each other!
Norma Jean
Saturday, March 19, 2011
New Directions
I have not written for quite awhile in my blogspot, I do not seem to be as prolific as others are. Seems this has become a time for reflection and the choice of a new direction.
Through the words of a friend I have found comfort and peace through the words of another. I travel to Coeur d' Alene in the morning to my new place of employment. At this time in my life this place of work seems to be where I should be. I love the fact that I can report to my desk, start taking calls, get two breaks and a lunch. When I leave I turn my computer off and there the machine sits and waits until I return the next day. I find that my work stays right where it should, in Coeur d' Alene. At first I thought I was simply lucky to be offered the position I now have but through the course of the past weeks I have come to believe that I am exactly where He wants me to be for right now. One door closed through my volition and another opened probably by His hand.
I find myself listening to Victoria Olsteen while driving to work. Her words help smooth the hours at work and I find her thoughts, ideas, and beliefs to be refreshing and renewing. I also read the words written by Joel Osteen finding solace in his brand of Christianity. I know I promised not to bring religion into my conversations but I find myself compelled to share the joy that these two people have brought into my life.
This gift was given to me by a dear friend. So I thank you again.
The horror of the Japanese disaster slowly unfolds. I want to do something to help those people but am not sure exactly what I should do. If I asked the community of Bayview would they once again reach in their pockets to help? The organization I work for has a link on their website for donations, Shaklee also is assisting through their Shaklee Cares group. I assisted a customer yesterday who wanted to donate her rewards to the cause. She started crying when we spoke about the tragedy. Somehow, someway we have all been touched.
... and I read a posting in a blogspot, someone complaining about the folks who may or may not be taking advantage of our local food banks. "The closest thing to the heart of God is helping hurting people" (Osteen)
We have no business judging others, we have no idea what they are feeling or experiencing. Offering our hand to help a person up usually does not hurt us. I would rather be closer to God's heart than guarding what He has given me.
To answer a question that some of you may be asking, yes I did indeed file a small claim in Kootenai Court naming my former place of employment.
I will attempt to be more in touch with my blogspot, still not exactly who is reading except for Linda.
Norma Jean
Through the words of a friend I have found comfort and peace through the words of another. I travel to Coeur d' Alene in the morning to my new place of employment. At this time in my life this place of work seems to be where I should be. I love the fact that I can report to my desk, start taking calls, get two breaks and a lunch. When I leave I turn my computer off and there the machine sits and waits until I return the next day. I find that my work stays right where it should, in Coeur d' Alene. At first I thought I was simply lucky to be offered the position I now have but through the course of the past weeks I have come to believe that I am exactly where He wants me to be for right now. One door closed through my volition and another opened probably by His hand.
I find myself listening to Victoria Olsteen while driving to work. Her words help smooth the hours at work and I find her thoughts, ideas, and beliefs to be refreshing and renewing. I also read the words written by Joel Osteen finding solace in his brand of Christianity. I know I promised not to bring religion into my conversations but I find myself compelled to share the joy that these two people have brought into my life.
This gift was given to me by a dear friend. So I thank you again.
The horror of the Japanese disaster slowly unfolds. I want to do something to help those people but am not sure exactly what I should do. If I asked the community of Bayview would they once again reach in their pockets to help? The organization I work for has a link on their website for donations, Shaklee also is assisting through their Shaklee Cares group. I assisted a customer yesterday who wanted to donate her rewards to the cause. She started crying when we spoke about the tragedy. Somehow, someway we have all been touched.
... and I read a posting in a blogspot, someone complaining about the folks who may or may not be taking advantage of our local food banks. "The closest thing to the heart of God is helping hurting people" (Osteen)
We have no business judging others, we have no idea what they are feeling or experiencing. Offering our hand to help a person up usually does not hurt us. I would rather be closer to God's heart than guarding what He has given me.
To answer a question that some of you may be asking, yes I did indeed file a small claim in Kootenai Court naming my former place of employment.
I will attempt to be more in touch with my blogspot, still not exactly who is reading except for Linda.
Norma Jean
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Amazing!
It is amazing I have received two comments made to me personally in the last 24 hours concerning my blog. I did not think anyone was reading my posts.
Please excuse me for not communicating more regularly I am currently juggling my new job, home, and my college course.
These past few days I have been getting up at 2:30 am to complete some class work in my college course and of course get ready for work. I made the choice of leaving really early because frankly I wanted to be to work on time and the roads have been less than easy to drive. I have manged to be at my desk in time to log in to my computer with time to spare and have arrived unscathed. The beauty of being at work early, virtually no one is on the roads at the time I travel. The other joy, there is relatively less traffic when I start my journey back home.
I thought when I first started this blog that I would or could write about my personal political beliefs. I have decided that I do not have the writing skills nor the desire to venture into territory that I do not like anyway. As a former bartender I know there are two subjects to steer clear of - religion and politics. I am invoking my experience as a bartender.
The last two years have been serious years. I need light heartedness and as previously stated a time to step back. I am moving forward in a positive fashion. I hope that my previous defection will be over-looked and I can once again regain a positive part of Bayview.
Those of us at my new place of employment who trudged through our 3 weeks of training and 1 week of "jump-start" are now being allowed to swim on our own. I still find the positive atmosphere uplifting where I now work. Most folks are happy. I still am amazed that I am encouraged to use my customer service skills being encouraged to "delight" our customers. Calls may last 10 minutes or if need be an hour. We are encouraged to take care of our customers needs without fear of repercussions. What a concept!
I am unsure of the status of Bayview Days and you know this year I may be able to sit this one out. I may actually be able to enjoy the fireworks on the lawn of Bayview Scenic. There is some speculation concerning just where the vendors will be or if there even will be vendors. I and a few others would not miss the insanity that the vendors bring to the Saturday of Bayview Days. Maybe this is a concept whose time has past. We have heard about the amount of volunteer hours that are required to pull this event off and I cannot help but wonder if we as a community actually had to pay for the work that goes into making this function work would we even agree to hosting the function. Food for thought.
I thank all of you who do read my blog. And I thank you for your comments to me personally.
I just want to have some fun and enjoy life.
God bless you all because He has blessed us. (OOPS! I veered off into a forbidden subject, lol)
Norma Jean
Please excuse me for not communicating more regularly I am currently juggling my new job, home, and my college course.
These past few days I have been getting up at 2:30 am to complete some class work in my college course and of course get ready for work. I made the choice of leaving really early because frankly I wanted to be to work on time and the roads have been less than easy to drive. I have manged to be at my desk in time to log in to my computer with time to spare and have arrived unscathed. The beauty of being at work early, virtually no one is on the roads at the time I travel. The other joy, there is relatively less traffic when I start my journey back home.
I thought when I first started this blog that I would or could write about my personal political beliefs. I have decided that I do not have the writing skills nor the desire to venture into territory that I do not like anyway. As a former bartender I know there are two subjects to steer clear of - religion and politics. I am invoking my experience as a bartender.
The last two years have been serious years. I need light heartedness and as previously stated a time to step back. I am moving forward in a positive fashion. I hope that my previous defection will be over-looked and I can once again regain a positive part of Bayview.
Those of us at my new place of employment who trudged through our 3 weeks of training and 1 week of "jump-start" are now being allowed to swim on our own. I still find the positive atmosphere uplifting where I now work. Most folks are happy. I still am amazed that I am encouraged to use my customer service skills being encouraged to "delight" our customers. Calls may last 10 minutes or if need be an hour. We are encouraged to take care of our customers needs without fear of repercussions. What a concept!
I am unsure of the status of Bayview Days and you know this year I may be able to sit this one out. I may actually be able to enjoy the fireworks on the lawn of Bayview Scenic. There is some speculation concerning just where the vendors will be or if there even will be vendors. I and a few others would not miss the insanity that the vendors bring to the Saturday of Bayview Days. Maybe this is a concept whose time has past. We have heard about the amount of volunteer hours that are required to pull this event off and I cannot help but wonder if we as a community actually had to pay for the work that goes into making this function work would we even agree to hosting the function. Food for thought.
I thank all of you who do read my blog. And I thank you for your comments to me personally.
I just want to have some fun and enjoy life.
God bless you all because He has blessed us. (OOPS! I veered off into a forbidden subject, lol)
Norma Jean
Friday, February 11, 2011
Pats on the Back
I picked up the Bylines or rather the newsletter was emailed to me. I always read the paper each month, never knowing what will be written there. On page four was an article posted about the fundraiser held at an Athol B & B to help the local family in Bayview that was attacked by their neighbor. After I read the article I got to thinking what a nice pat on the back for themselves. The fundraiser was needed and all were thankful for the donations collected but left out were those who flew into action right after the incident.
The incident occurred on December 19th just before we were to fly out and visit family in Virginia for the Christmas holiday. I followed the news on the Internet and via Herb's blog bayviews.blogspot.com. Thanks Herb. By the time I returned I was kind of in the loop.
While we were gone two of Bayviews finest mobilized and placed collection cans around the Bayview and Athol area. They were able to bring cash to the family just before Christmas because of the generous folks that live in our area. A lady stepped up to the plate and contacted WellsFargo in Hayden to set up a bank account for the cash donations that were coming in. A gentleman living near the Wallis family drove down to St Vincent de Pauls and got a voucher for them to use in the store, the Wallis family needed better clothing for court appearances. The community became aware that the family couch still had blood from the incident on it and the carpeting. Not a kind reminder to see on a daily basis and the community of Bayview donated a very nice couch. A need to get Yvonne's car brakes fixed was discovered. Yvonne's neighbor also contacted Victory Auto Parts, Rudy agreed to sell parts at cost so the brakes could be fixed. This neighbor went further and gathered donations for the brake repair, and a donation arrived from a float home owner who lives in England! Eldon at Mr. Tire did the brake work at no charge. Snow tires were found for Yvonne's car. The community of Bayview also located new pajamas for Yvonne, and two robes. Someone left a gas card for them at her home while she was gone. The cans placed around the businesses have been picked up and the money deposited in the bank account for Yvonne and Mike.
I have always known that Bayview was a wonderful place to live, the caring that this community has shown Yvonne Wallis and Michael Heath is phenomenal. I believe in the concept of "paying forward" kindness. This effort was done in the true spirit of Pay It Forward.
Thanks to everyone for their help.
All of you are awesome, especially Vic, Herb, and Judy.
God bless.
The incident occurred on December 19th just before we were to fly out and visit family in Virginia for the Christmas holiday. I followed the news on the Internet and via Herb's blog bayviews.blogspot.com. Thanks Herb. By the time I returned I was kind of in the loop.
While we were gone two of Bayviews finest mobilized and placed collection cans around the Bayview and Athol area. They were able to bring cash to the family just before Christmas because of the generous folks that live in our area. A lady stepped up to the plate and contacted WellsFargo in Hayden to set up a bank account for the cash donations that were coming in. A gentleman living near the Wallis family drove down to St Vincent de Pauls and got a voucher for them to use in the store, the Wallis family needed better clothing for court appearances. The community became aware that the family couch still had blood from the incident on it and the carpeting. Not a kind reminder to see on a daily basis and the community of Bayview donated a very nice couch. A need to get Yvonne's car brakes fixed was discovered. Yvonne's neighbor also contacted Victory Auto Parts, Rudy agreed to sell parts at cost so the brakes could be fixed. This neighbor went further and gathered donations for the brake repair, and a donation arrived from a float home owner who lives in England! Eldon at Mr. Tire did the brake work at no charge. Snow tires were found for Yvonne's car. The community of Bayview also located new pajamas for Yvonne, and two robes. Someone left a gas card for them at her home while she was gone. The cans placed around the businesses have been picked up and the money deposited in the bank account for Yvonne and Mike.
I have always known that Bayview was a wonderful place to live, the caring that this community has shown Yvonne Wallis and Michael Heath is phenomenal. I believe in the concept of "paying forward" kindness. This effort was done in the true spirit of Pay It Forward.
Thanks to everyone for their help.
All of you are awesome, especially Vic, Herb, and Judy.
God bless.
HMM
I was going to write a post and say exactly what was on my mind because no one is reading my blog anyway, lo and behold one of my readers posted a comment so I guess I need to change my tactics.
About a month after I left my previous employment I felt as though I had walked through a door and could finally see. I would like to compare my experience to PTSD but feel that would somehow lessen the seriousness of the disorder that our warriors experience upon rotation back to the "real world." Since my son-in-law is a retired warrior I have respect for his feelings.
But I keep going back to the thought of how stressed I really was, I am amazed that I stayed with the job as long as I did. I am also amazed that I actually feel like myself again.
I started a new job which is unfortunately in Coeur d' Alene but you know what it is a job. I have had intense training for the past two weeks with folks from all walks of life but all have one thing in common, they needed a job just like me! There are twenty four of us. Young, middle age, and then us older folks trying to learn new skills. All of us are there to help each other. One young man named Garrick looked at me sincerely and said you will be fine Norma Jean, encouragement that I have not experienced in the last two years.
My place of employment encourages "world class customer service." Well when that was said I almost fell out of my chair. Customer service I must in the right place because that is a concept that I have held near and dear to heart for many years.
Next week we go into another phase of training and after the next week we are in another program for two weeks of training. This equals five weeks of intense training and why so much training, well my new organization wants me to succeed. If I am successful, then they are too!
How am I doing in my new job? I have people around who care about me as a person, I receive encouragement, I like all of the people I work with, when I come home my job stays in Coeur d' Alene, I have no problem with ethical issues, and who could ask for more?
Tell we meet again!
Norma Jean
About a month after I left my previous employment I felt as though I had walked through a door and could finally see. I would like to compare my experience to PTSD but feel that would somehow lessen the seriousness of the disorder that our warriors experience upon rotation back to the "real world." Since my son-in-law is a retired warrior I have respect for his feelings.
But I keep going back to the thought of how stressed I really was, I am amazed that I stayed with the job as long as I did. I am also amazed that I actually feel like myself again.
I started a new job which is unfortunately in Coeur d' Alene but you know what it is a job. I have had intense training for the past two weeks with folks from all walks of life but all have one thing in common, they needed a job just like me! There are twenty four of us. Young, middle age, and then us older folks trying to learn new skills. All of us are there to help each other. One young man named Garrick looked at me sincerely and said you will be fine Norma Jean, encouragement that I have not experienced in the last two years.
My place of employment encourages "world class customer service." Well when that was said I almost fell out of my chair. Customer service I must in the right place because that is a concept that I have held near and dear to heart for many years.
Next week we go into another phase of training and after the next week we are in another program for two weeks of training. This equals five weeks of intense training and why so much training, well my new organization wants me to succeed. If I am successful, then they are too!
How am I doing in my new job? I have people around who care about me as a person, I receive encouragement, I like all of the people I work with, when I come home my job stays in Coeur d' Alene, I have no problem with ethical issues, and who could ask for more?
Tell we meet again!
Norma Jean
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)