Addressing my Aging System

Lately at work, we have been having a series of meetings regarding our Information Technology Management Program (ITMP) program and process. For those of you who don't know all the acronyms - let's just put it in 101 terms...all things computers, processes, systems, storage, etc.

I was in a VERY long meeting covering this topic when I looked at a particular slide and refocused in an entirely different perspective.  Our Chief Information Officer was laying out the five priorities in our Risk-based Approach to upgrading/saving our current ancient computer system (can you say Mainframe) when I realized that what he had really handed me was a recipe for life.

Whose system are we talking about?

Let's take a look at Item number one.  Production System Outage & Support.  Isn't that just another way of saying - What resources (faith, time, insurance, money, energy, life support) will we need to be able to call on at any given moment on that day, without notice, when we suffer an irreplaceable loss; a significant health event; any unplanned life event.  A wild card day - if you will.

Item two:  Address aging system with stability and reliability issues - hello???  I believe I am in that phase right now.  First the thyroid (and it REALLY is), now a torn rotator cuff!  What the heck?  I can hardly move without some reliability issue coming into question.  And let's not forget - Item one can crop up at any given time (even while dealing with Item Two)

Next comes security vulnerabilities and related items.  Life is a vulnerable state and once the "mainframe" of the body has been breached, a plethora of problems can spread like virtual wildfire.

While the terminology in Item 4 doesn't really apply - replace it with Mandated medical or dietary changes and/or doctor recommended lifestyle accommodations and the next thing you know, dessert now means "fruit cup" and the only candy you get is nature's candy...i.e. "raisins".  Hmmmph.

Finally, we are left with Item 5 which in this scenario would be the optional process improvements - think cosmetic improvements at this point.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  Why would one spend another dollar on any type of surgical misery to make anything look better???  WE ARE IN SURVIVAL MODE HERE!!!!!

Yesterday I had to have some blood taken and after the first attempt failed (yes, that does mean pass me your other arm, please) the plebotomist advised me that they needed to use the "butterfly" approach.  Apparently, this is a technique rarely used on adults (I translated that to mean-reserved for small children),  She further explained that I was "delicate"!  HA!!!  I knew it.  I have been telling my husband that for years,  I asked her if she could please document her findings,  Sometimes it is good to have things in writing.

As our meetings at work conclude, we have determined we must take care of our aging infrastructure to ensure the integrity of our system going forward.  All business processes-while nice to have, are meaningless without a solid foundation.

So, in translation, I guess none of my surgeons will be plastic or cosmetic in nature (at this stage of the game).

Until next time,
#stabilitymuchneededhere

your pal,

Kari (your delicate flower)

Is this a mid-life car-isis?

They say you never forget your first love, and forgive me, Terry if I digress for a moment.  We first met in those tender teenage years when I was around 16 and some months.  Getting ready for my junior year in high school.  My step-dad, Jim introduced us.  I would even go so far to say he made it possible for us to get together.

Once he caught my eye it was all over.  He went by Marvin and what a looker he was.  A 1966 sunny yellow Ford Mustang (3-speed standard shift).  I had only been a legally licensed driver for a few months and had learned on an automatic, but I could not be swayed.  This was the car for me.  Jim paid the $600 cash and I set out on a payment plan and a life long love of mustangs!

It didn't take me long to master the gears (although hills were a source of worry for quite some time to come).  With its sporty look and quick demeanor, he soon became a favorite of the family.  I usually sang "Marvin the Mustang, do we love you" to a popular commercial jingle whether driving solo to work. or taking my siblings or friends on outings to movies or shopping.

Soon my brother had his license and with a look that could only be described as longing, indicated his desire to master the standard gears and take Marvin for a spin.  Thus began my long and illustrious part-time (unpaid) career as driver's education teacher.  Attempts were later made to teach Katy.  She was my only "less than success" story.

Fast forward many years later when the original Marvin was just a fond memory.  A red Mustang made an appearance in my life for several years - and yes, he was named Marvin the Mustang II. Then came a laundry list of adult-looking cars and even one van (soccer mom years) as I played the part of "I have children at home, am willing to car-pool, can drive your child also" mom.

But....if you read my blog last week, you know what happened.  I became the mother of ALL ADULT CHILDREN.  It was then that I realized one of two things could happen.

My car-isis

Choice One:  Enter a respectable period of mourning.  Face the fact that my youthful years are gone.  The kids no longer need me.  I will be relegated to the "old ladies" section in just about every place I can come up with.  Just call me Grandma.  (Wait, I am Grandma - well, Mimi as the kids call me and that is definitely NOT a bad thing).

Choice Two:  Face the fact that all my kids are adults. (allegedly).  Realize it is no longer necessary for me to be bound by those chains that tied me to the adult looking cars (yes, even one van) and say to the world, "MARVIN,  COME TO MAMA!!!!!!!"

Guess which choice I made?  More importantly - guess how long it took me to make it?

So, while I am not quite sure how this will all work out, this much I know for sure.  It's a tight squeeze in the back for old ladies, so if you want to go somewhere with me, CALL SHOTGUN or meet me there.

Giddy-up!

Marvin's BACK!!!

until next time,
#startyourengineplease

your pal,
Kari

All my children are adults now

One day I was checking the box that said "Do you have any children living at home under the age of 18" with a big fat YES and the next day I had to respond with NO.  How could this happen?  How did all those kids that I had either birthed or acquired through marriage manage to "grow up" on me?

Yes, my baby turned 18 last week and I can't even say I was surprised.  For the past year she has been reminding me at regular intervals - "I am almost 18", or "Can you believe I am going to be 18" and "I am not going to do that when I'm 18".  (On that last one, once we had the talk about still living at home and being on Dad and Mom's payroll - well, suffice it to say, we haven't heard much of that anymore).

Oh sure, she still has one more year of high school left (thank goodness we had the foresight to hold her back when given the choice before she even STARTED school).  I can't even imagine having to prepare to check the box NO and send her off to college in the same summer.  But that too will happen soon enough.

And yes, she is already saying "Can you believe I am a SENIOR"? or "I can't believe this is my last year at home" and "This will be the last year I ever live here".  (On that last one, once I started talking about plans for redecorating room, etc. she retracted - reserving the right to come home for holidays and summers, suffice it to say, we haven't heard much of that one either, anymore).

1997 was a good year

Eighteen years sure isn't what it used to be.  I was looking at a picture of Megan holding my little baby Madison and she was surrounded by all these young kids and teenagers I didn't even recognize.  That is when it really hit home. Eighteen years didn't just go by for my baby - but for all those other kids I have birthed and acquired.  Back then I had a couple of little girls - ages 11 and almost 13 - thrilled with a new baby sister.  Also hanging out were two handsome teenage boys - 13 and 15 (leaning towards 14 and 16) who were more help than I ever thought they would be when it came to a new baby.  And the oldest - a 20 year old daughter, just starting out on her own and was probably the most nervous when it came to holding her new sister.  We don't need to focus on how old these kids are now.  (or me).

Now two of these "kids" have kids of their own (a couple of them are closer in age to Madi then her own siblings).  Eighteen years and five grand kids later (four boys and one girl) - what a time we have had.  

I don't know what life holds for the next eighteen years, but I do know this.  The time we spend together is sweet and when I make a wish on my birthday, it will be for as much "time" as possible.

Until next "time"

#yessheistallerthanmetoo

your pal,

Kari

  

Slow down, I move too fast!

There are so many things to be annoyed/offended by in today's world.  Let's name a few:  poor manners, loud talkers, offensive language, opposing viewpoints, mean looks, bad drivers, lane blockers (in the grocery store), etc. etc.  The list could go on and on.  But wait....I have discovered and/or created a couple of new ones lately.

How about talking on the phone in public restrooms?  A recent phenomena has been occurring and I was the only one that didn't get the memo.  Apparently it is now tres' chic to have the trendy background sounds of toilets flushing, water running and bodily sounds at full throttle accompany your most intimate and important conversations as you wile away the hours sitting comfortably, in your private stall, chatting with your soul mate or your doctor's office.  And in a "fully staffed" restroom that will seat up to four, the sound effects can be quite versatile.  As God is my witness, I promise you - this is one I discovered - not created.

And I am talking about walking!

Next on my list of things I must share - apparently there is an unwritten law against those of us who enjoy a brisk step in our walk. Maybe not legally but certainly a social breach of some kind is being committed.  The first time I was held accountable for this breach of etiquette, I had come in from a heavy downpour and was proceeding in my fast paced fashion toward the elevators.  I must digress here and mention that my daughter who towers over me (meaning she has long legs capable of a pretty aggressive stride) has complained to me on several occasions about my "fast walking style".  Moving on (no play on words intended) - As I came to the door to flash my badge, another woman had arrived (albeit more slowly) before me, at which point I stopped (on a dime) and said, "please, go ahead".  You can imagine my chagrin when she looked at me with a very unfriendly look and said, "No, you go ahead since you seem to be in such a hurry".  Oh.No.You.Didn't.

I am a polite person.  I hold doors for folks, let others go first, allow cars to enter my lane amicably in traffic.  This did not just happen.  My smile FROZE!!!!!!  I said,  (kindly but firmly) "I wasn't trying to be rude.  I said you could go first.  I am just a fast walker."  And doesn't that just sum it up nicely?

It has been a learning curve and I admit, I almost got busted again for the same offense.  Same rapid walk, no rain, made it all the way to the elevator banks and was fixing to get on when I caught a death look from a woman balancing a sandwich on a cup, who OBVIOUSLY had arrived before me and therefore had a ticket to board the elevator before I should EVEN THINK about getting on.  I stopped (on a dime) and smiled.  "Looks like you're eating on the run today" I said, as I gestured for her to hop on board.  She gave me some kind of look - not really conciliatory but not "she drew first blood either" and we called a truce.



Until next time,
#don'taskmewhereIamcallingfrom
#notslowingdown

your pal,
Kari

It REALLY is my thyroid!!!

I am hard pressed not to roll my eyes when I hear excuses.  Let me rephrase that:  "what I perceive to be excuses".  And some of the ones most used tend to be health related.  You would be surprised what I have heard as a "reason" why some folks can't do the simplest things.

One time I was working with a group of women on how to give a firm handshake and make strong eye contact.  It's important in the business world (and when you meet anyone, as far as I am concerned) to come across as confident and self-assured.  As I walked around shaking each woman's hand, I would give a critic.  Despite knowing what I was looking for, one woman timidly palmed my hand.  I smiled at her and said "Let's try that again and put a little grip into it this time".   She then spent several minutes telling me why she didn't like to give a firm handshake.  Remember, I said "firm" not "bone-breaking" and now I know it was about what she didn't like to do (I wonder if she figured that out).  You can't teach people what they don't want to know.

Then there is the bad back.  This sounds heartless and somewhat jaded, but know that this comes from years of being around too many who would try to manipulate the system by playing this card.  I am sure there are people out there who really suffer from a bad back (without parentheses) but they are already stigmatized by those that abuse the term,  I have even been "down in the back" before - and I almost didn't believe myself.  And it even happened when no one was asking for help in moving.

So I guess it is only fitting that after a lifetime of shaking my head in disbelief (only to myself) when I would hear the term "I wouldn't be so heavy, but my thyroid quit working", that I would be challenged with this ordeal.  Fun facts about having your thyroid fail you - not only do you gain a few pounds, you have no energy, foot cramps are the norm, and I finally have the explanation for my raspy voice.  WHO KNEW!!!!

That's okay - the good news is - medication is available and it just has to be adjusted until it works for me.  The bad news is - if this is how it's going to be, look for me to sport a mustache soon since I thought that was secretly hysterical also.

Until next time,
#nowaxingyet,

your pal,
Kari

Some days my life sings like a country song

Ever have one of THOSE days?  I know we all do.  Karen Carpenter wrote about one of mine this week ....you know the one, "Rainy days and Mondays"...The only difference was, I refused to let it get me down.  And believe me, it was trying to go down hill fast!

You know you are facing a challenge anyway when you have a dental appointment scheduled at 7:30 am to replace two fillings.  My reaction to those numbing shots usually lasts until noon at least.  They did not disappoint me this time.  Since the fillings in question were both on the upper left, you all can imagine how my face looked; like it was frozen on just the one side.  Delightful.  But that was the least of my worries.

I was just settling in with the pre-numbing gel when I got the first text from Madi.  "Do you know where Dad's car keys are?"  Side note:  Madi needed the car, so she would be taking her dad to work after a quick Dr. appointment.  And great news - I did know where those keys were.  IN MY PURSE!

Sigh.  Madi replied.  "Dad is really mad".

Yes.  I imagine he was.  But I came up with a quick solution.  Since Tyler was there, I thought Terry could use his truck to run Madi to Dr. and then head on to work.  I would then drive my car to his work, leave it there, drive Tyler's truck back to the house and give Madi the missing car key.  She could then take me to work and everyone would be back in business.  Problem solved.

Not so fast there, Missy.  Apparently something got lost in the translation so it ended up that Tyler ended up on this little joyride also.

While I was enjoying the "all you should feel is the slight vibrations" of the dental experience my phone was receiving the slight vibrations of more incoming messages.

As I was leaving, I looked down to see a few missed messages and now an incoming call.  Uh-Oh.

Madi now reported that as they were all leaving the doctor's office and heading to Mr. French's office, Tyler's truck had a blow-out.  Did I mention yet that it was raining?  Hard?  Madi suggested that I make my way over to the highway where they were parked and pick up Mr. Unhappy (er) and get him to work posthaste.

When I picked him up, I went for the cheerful, "hi, I'm here" approach.  Sigh.  Apparently, with all the rain, that ship had sailed.  And only half my face was doing the cheerful look anyway.

That was one.long.quiet.ride to the office.

Total damages for the day were $1,000 for Tyler's tires (two were ruined so he just replaced all), Based on Terry's mood, the day had to be a total loss for those working with/for him, and I didn't get to work until almost 10:00 a.m.

HOWEVER - since we don't know what harm we were protected from by having all those things go awry, and my smile was fully intact by noon (1pm at the latest) and Madi and I secretly were laughing about it (even as I half-smiled and drove away with Mr. Unhappy) - we will call it a blessed day!

Until next time,
#allsmiles

your pal,
Kari

 

What a fool believes, he sees - sing it

Eyes Wide Open

When I read something that resonates with me, I make a note of it.  Unfortunately, I don't always write the reference so while I can't claim this next little gem, I also can't give credit where it is due.  However, this does not detract from the importance of the statement.

 "You can't just open your eyes a little bit if you want to see the truth, you have to open them all the way".  Think about this for a minute.

How many times do we react to the headlines we read?  The two minute story reported on the news?  The email forwarded to our inbox?  Do we stop for one minute to question the validity of the news we are hearing?  Or...is this the news we want, need, expect to hear so we buy it at face value and forward it on, proclaim it as truth, hop on the band wagon of indignation?  Have we become so gullible that the media can now sell us whatever story they are peddling at any given moment?

IMHO (for those of you not savvy to the acronyms tossed loosely about these days, that stands for "In my humble opinion") I would say that a VERY large percentage of Americans are guilty of "buying" whatever is put out for human consumption on a daily basis...depending on where their bias falls.  I have been guilty of it myself in a past closer to the present than I care to think about.  But only on those things that I wanted to believe.  .

And isn't that how we all are?  Since I have become aware of what a slippery slope we can slide down when we play that game of  "storytelling" I have become hypersensitive to watching- not just what the media is putting out there - but the adults that I had previously perceived as being among my more intelligent colleagues, friends..dare I say family, who persist in forwarding articles with half- truths, analogies with less than stellar comparisons to the articles in question which clearly show their preference, etc.  I think you get the drift.  We have become a country that hops on board the train that makes the most noise. And let's face it, the best lies all contain a piece of the truth.

It's interesting to me that we say we live in a country where every person is afforded the opportunity of a fair trial.  Yes, I know of many instances where our justice system has failed and it will continue to be less than perfect.  But when we call for justice, and then we don't like the answer the justice system gives us (and I am not citing any specific case...there have been so many), we all are CERTAIN that justice has not been served.  Now, if we like the answer, then it has been a good day.  
We act as if we are privy to ALL the facts, in every instance that is reported in the media.  Folks, this is simply not true.  Everything that is reported (whether it is far to the left, right or smack down the middle) has a bias.  Just like we do.  And everything reported will reflect that bias.  We will never know everything about any given circumstance UNLESS WE ARE INTIMATELY INVOLVED.

Yet we continue to allow ourselves to be caught up in a frenzy and led like lambs to the slaughter on so many issues that if we would just take a minute and do our own research (and that involves more than headline reaction) we might be able to make an informed opinion and go from there.

So, my commitment going forward is to Open My Eyes....ALL THE WAY before I state anything as gospel.  And while I don't know everything about everything, I do recall that Freedom of Speech allows for all of us to have an opinion.  There are no stipulations that it must be the POPULAR or even the politically correct opinion.

Until next time,
#Iseeyou
#eyeswideopen

your pal,
Kari