We See Clearly Now
2012 was a year of clarity. A year in which decisions were made and actions were taken to move us forward on the path for our lives. The first decision occurred in the spring when Anita committed to make the county where we live (Clermont) No Kill (saving over 90% of the animals at our open-admission shelter). She’s been a driving force behind No Kill education in the region, but always hoped someone else would step up to take the leadership in our backyard. Well they have, Anita is leadingClermont Pets Alive! (the No Kill Initiative) and I’m leading Fix Clermont (to change the status quo).
I’ve chauffeured Anita to the No Kill Conference in DC for years, but this year I needed the education. Attendance at the conference was inspirational and educational and I look forward to the year when we can present our success in Clermont County to the world. In addition we met with our state Senator Tom Niehaus in Columbus to “Get Political for Animals” and Rick served as Santa Claws at a local Petsmart to raise money for Clermont Pets Alive!
My Encore
I spent the last 17 years of my 24 year career at Procter & Gamble seeking alternatives that would allow me to exit without looking back. In 2010 I created the opportunity to “retire” from P&G to pursue “other interests”. To date those interests have failed to keep the lights on (but I’m no quitter) so I found it necessary to explore other income opportunities – leading me right back to P&G. That’s right, in June I began working as a contractor for Procter & Gamble doing project management, not in the IT space, but in diaper Product Development. I’ve subsequently picked up another project, both of which are in Europe. I’ve yet to travel to Russia or Poland (the scope of the work) and doubt I ever will. I love the flexibility to work from home (3 days a week), make my own hours and learn new things every day. It’s like being a new hire all over again! And… the pay is good, I don’t have to worry about my career, how “political” getting work done has become or trying to impress the boss with how long/hard I’m willing to work. When the role is over I move on to the next opportunity – nice!
If you’re reading this at your desk (more likely on your phone or tablet) wondering how you’re ever going to release that muffin top or beer gut, I’m still promoting theBody by Vi 90 Day Challenge. I know, you don’t believe in shakes, you like to eat “real” meals and you can’t afford to add something new to your budget. But if you’re sick and tired of the excuses you keep feeding yourself and are ready for a simple, great tasting solution that will save you money (because you can get it for FREE when 3 people join you on the Challenge) and can earn you cash and prizes, watch the video at www.LoveYourScale.com then let me know what you like best. It’d be my pleasure to work with you to make 2013 THE year you achieve and sustain your desired weight.
Celebrations
It took some time, and I need to be frequently reminded, that my greatest joy in life is who I’m with rather than where I am. We celebrated our 10 year anniversary in February at Smugglers Notch in Vermont. We enjoyed a week together snow tubing, dog sledding and watching movies and were accused of bringing them their driest winter ever!
I traveled back to Virginia for the 2nd annual Barron Pizza Bash at the Guidry’s (hoping to make it an annual tradition), we toured the White House and Capital with family when visiting DC for the No Kill Conference in August, celebrated cousin Phil Schwegler’s Wedding in Buffalo and relaxed on the shores of Crystal Beach in Ontario for a Schwegler Family Reunion (without Anita, she traveled south for her Aunt’s funeral). We did not travel to Georgia for Christmas due to illness, Anita’s first Christmas away from home in 52 years (her Mother Louise counts womb time). We are looking forward to a a visit in January after Anita’s Dad retires for the 2nd time (this time from his career as a Deputy Sheriff) at age 74.
Other Interests
You know what they say about all work and no play, well… we’re anything but dull. I served as the Public Relations Chair for the Toastmaster District Fall Conference. I volunteered for the position and knew the scope of the commitment, but it’s safe to say I’m taking some time off. After serving as Area Governor (my term completed in June) and then as the PR Chair I’m going to focus on advancing my speaking skills through TV Toastmasters. I posted some of last year’s speeches and started archiving the entire TV Toastmaster meeting on their YouTube channel for your viewing pleasure. I competed in both the Humorous Speech and Table Topics (extemporaneous speaking) Contests, took the honors at both my Club and Area and finished 2nd in the Division Table Topics Contest.
I completed two 5K races, lowering my time in the 1st race by almost 3 minutes in the 2nd but a foot injury sidelined me for the rest of the year. I never thought I’d enjoy running (I always thought that’s why man invented the wheel) but I find I miss it. My podiatrist gave me some exercises to strengthen my foot and suggested I purchase a pair of “real” running shoes. My goal is to be back out on the road in 2013 to complete a 10K race.
Mia and Anna returned to Cincinnati for a visit this summer so we could relive old times at Kings island and experience new ones zip lining across the Little Miami River! This zip line adventure is one you must experience (watch video of the river crossing). I was a bit hesitant to step off that platform, but WOW what an exhilarating ride. We traveled to Jacksonville in November to celebrate Mia’s Sweet 16 with family, friends and 2 very loud bands. Mia chose not to take me up on my offer to travel anywhere in the world where they speak the language she learned, but she has started signing and enjoys the challenge of speaking without words.
I FINALLY made it inside some shipwrecks this summer. I bought a dry suit and got cave certified years ago but never made it inside a wreck. Last year I completed the decompression course and this year I completed a shipwreck penetration class! I explored the inside of a few wrecks in Lake Huron with my instructor and look forward to a return trip to the 1,000 Islands region of New York/Ontario in 2013 to see the inside of wrecks I’ve circled in the past.
We enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Beach Boys and Ted Nugent (well maybe it was just me that enjoyed Ted) this summer. Ted was joined by REO Speedwagon and Styx so Anita was able to sing along to a few songs.
In Remembrance
Dad is in my thoughts each and every day since passing in October 2011. I’ve come to realize his disconnection from the family after the divorce was not because he didn’t love us, I think it was a role he had yet to learn to play. Mom had always been the one to stay in touch and while Dad understood the value, he needed time to develop the skill. Fortunately I had the opportunity to reach back when his desire to connect and rekindle a relationship with me developed. I was not able to make his final wish for a military funeral a reality in 2012, but I know his service to me, our family, his friends and our Country are recognized and appreciated. We miss you Dad, your smile, your laugh, your kind and loving disposition and most of all your love. Fortunately I took advantage of the time we spent together during our trip in the summer of 2011 to interview him about his life (do you have your family history documented on video?) I commit to compiling a photo memory book of the images I’ve collected from Dad’s life in 2013 – more to come!
There are times when, despite their best efforts and considerable knowledge, our medical science is wrong. Anita’s Aunt Joyce Rabon passed away after a very long bout with emphysema. The doctor’s gave her 6 months to live many years ago and she beat all the odds, living well beyond her “life” expectancy. Joyce’s tenacity is a very personal reminder that life is much more about how we view it than how others view it for us. Anita made another trip home to say good bye to her cousin Marvin Davidson. I only met him once but Anita says he was kind, gentle and always there for you if you needed him. I don’t know if there are stronger words to use when summarizing our contribution.
Kitties are a big part of our family. Anita’s had a cat from a very early age, they’re her companions and friends (and I’ve come to view them in a similar way). In 2012 we said good bye to our friend Beaver. Beaver assumed the role of leader after Precious passed in 2008. I was there with Anita to provide comfort and say good bye when the vet administered the sedative and the euthanasia drug. Beaver made me realize that the animals train us rather than the other way around.
We celebrated the contribution of another family member last year – my 2000 Camry we called Michael. Michael carried me to Kendra’s for the pre-pizza party celebration and would not go into reverse after entering the driveway. He lost reverse and overdrive and after over 194,000 safe miles I made the difficult decision to sell him to my high school friend John. Anita and I shared a car for most of the year, renting vehicles for trips and made the decision to purchase a 2010 Honda CRV we call James. James joins Steve, our 1996 Infiniti I30, and Betsy, our 1968 Camaro. Michael served John’s son well until he caught fire and fried the electrical system. The warm winter and Anita’s busy schedule with Clermont Pets Alive! allowed me to spend more time driving Betsy this year than normal. Anita finally made the choice to shorten her hair for the summer to ride in comfort (she was tired of getting abused by her flying hair when riding with the top down). Thanx to a local mechanic Betsy’s riding and running better than ever. I regretted having to store her for the winter.
Those Close
It’s hard to keep up with all the changes going on inside the family, there’s so much to report. Kendra, Eric and A.J. are enjoying camping and boating when they can get away. A.J.’s in the 4th grade and is enjoying learning about electricity and racing RC cars. Kevin’s son Will is in scouting and loves to build things. His daughter Grace is all girl, enjoying painting her nails and texting her friends on her new cell phone while his oldest Andrew is growing into a fine young man while doing very well at private school. Kevin left Trafficland and started working with the guy who he shares an office with doing similar work with different technology. Mom came to Louisville in the fall for a conference, it was nice to have lunch together. She recovered quickly from having her thyroid removed as a precaution and continues to be very active in her church in Laguna Beach.
Mia made it to the Regional competition in weight lifting last year and is looking forward to competing again this year. Anna enjoys reading and is in the 6th grade.
The kitties are all doing well – Wolly, Sphinx, Simba, Misty and Diva. Wolly and Sphinx are 17 years old and are starting to slow down but put up a fight and hold their ground when challenged by their younger sister Diva.
Blessings to You
At times I feel I write this letter more as a means to reflect on our blessings for the year than to share those blessings with you. I understand you’ve got to invest a significant amount of time to read a letter of this length, let alone investigate the photos and videos posted on the links. I post the highlights of our lives (and those of family when time permits) to relive and savor the experiences. Reviewing the 1,000’s of photographs, selecting, editing, posting and commenting on them can feel like work. The slideshow technology in Frontpage cannot be duplicated in the new browsers so please keep a copy of Internet Explorer on your device to get the most from the investment.
We’re looking forward to great things in 2013 and hope we’ll be able to share our journey, our time and our resources with each and every one of you. May you be blessed with health, happiness, peace of mind and a sense of love and well being in 2013. Please stay in touch via email, facebook, telephone and snail mail (we enjoy receiving your cards and letters).
With All Our Love,
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