Sui Generis

Junque1

Raen Tate — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:29:54 +0000

2012 Theme

Raen Tate — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:26:58 +0000

Junque1

Raen Tate — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:25:58 +0000

Google+ Question: Why travel?

Raen Tate — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:20:16 +0000

To expand mental horizons!

Allow me to explain:

Opportunity for a purchase of something wished for arose (after much searching) in Philadelphia, PA USA. We live in Houston, TX USA. I pack up the child and companion and send them forth in the truck. Half way there child of 11 years asks, can we go to Washington DC? Companion agrees knowing her chance to do this again in the near future will be slim. The side trip with a day in DC scoping the highlights now qualifies the travel to be officially considered a ROAD TRIP! (sans the booze and speeding.)

In Philly all I asked was that she be introduced proper to a Philly Cheese Sandwich. Liberty Bell? Independence Hall? Oh sure, I’d have liked her to see that, afterall, we just came from The Alamo two weeks ago. History is important.

YET – now when she sees or reads shows about the Smokey Mountains, she’s driven through them; sees various DC staples on movies, etc, she’s see them in person; knows what a birch tree looks like for she got OUT of the truck to find a geocache or two.

I recall the first time my youngest, MAJ, was 7 years old and met me in Seattle. Had not gone but 3 miles from Sea-Tac Airport and up a hill to get to the house.
First comment was, “Christmas Trees grow wild here!”
First question was, Mom? Can we go up that mountain again?”
Within the week we’d gone up to Snoqualmie Falls. NOW she knew how vast a forest might be, tall a mountain could go and wonderful the earth’s majesty was!

Yes, I put a lot of effort into my children and now this new fledgling whom has been taken under wing. It was/is my job to expand horizons from symphonic/bluegrass/hardrock music, modern/classical/impressionist art, Texas Piney Woods/Mississippi Delta/Chihuahua Desert and hopefully before she turns 12 the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Coast! Wish me luck!

Reading articles make you think

Raen Tate — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:30:04 +0000

“Fear and despair creep their way into everyone’s life. They overtake our daily decisions without our even noticing, smothering our imagination … unless we take the time to dream. Dreaming about what we truly want for our homes, for our families, for our land and communities, and for our time is the best antidote I know for fear and despair.”
- Shannon Hayes

Is this where I am? Seems that way all to often.

Terms Of Use

Raen Tate — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:54:57 +0000

TERMS OF USE. Your use of our Internet site or any of the products or services offered on those sites (collectively, the “Services”) is subject to these …

There is the infamous story of the Devil no longer needing a signature in blood, nor even coming to Earth itself to find new souls. All he needs is a quick spurb buried in the depths of a “Terms Of Use” agreement that with full foreknowledge you irrevocably assign your soul to the possession of the one named Satin for eternity.

How often do you read the terms of use before clicking the I Agree button? Will admit I do not always, but THIS ONE had me giggling. They are certainly getting clever, clear and easy to read. Here is hoping that this is a trend we will see spread far and wide!

Happy Monday,

Raen

Sunny Delights

Raen Tate — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:38:56 +0000

As mentioned here before – we have been trying to figure out what delights Sunny. She is not into reading, rock, or athletics of any sort. She does not like chores, earning money or learning to type.

HOWEVER, she approached me this weekend after reading in a book how a young girl raised money to purchase bullet proof vest for her cities police and work dogs. Sunny wants to raise money to help animals to! Trying not to show my excitement at her excitement I handed her a pen and paper, asked her to start making notes then told her the research would begin.

Monday Morning Texts to friends (Jul 18 11:58 AM):
me : Brought Sunny to the SPCA to research and almost came home with a Kitten and these 2 Min Pin bitches.
B Star: stay away from the shelters…not sure we ever came home without a new one…
Jewels: hahaha that’s dangerous yes

Tonight, if all goes well, she and I go to the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition. Looking into BARC which she found last night. Then the search will be on for some no-kill animal shelters. And I’ll research where she can view and get around some Work Dogs such as Live Find, Cadaver Find, etc. I happen to know of a breeder and training yard within 50 miles of where we live.

Dogs & Cats – Wildlife Rehabilitation – the possibilities are out there. Can’t wait to see if she really keeps up this vein. Am certainly willing and able to help (within reason)

Quote of the Month 07/2011

Raen Tate — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:56:53 +0000

Preparedness or survivalism is all about learning and preparing to live through any type of local or national, natural or man-made disaster. It’s is not about panic or paranoia, it’s about common sense.

Sunshine Brewer

Stretch Clock

Raen Tate — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:14:49 +0000

http://www.stretchclock.com/

It may seem silly stupid … found myself groaning each time it came up then ever so glad for the pause and stretch once completed. The work computer was replaced for the third time, something about needing more “umph” for my work load. All the personal links, bookmarks and tags gone, again. Today I tripped upon this again and realize, I MISS IT!

Maybe it is silly stupid … but it sure helps with the stress. Download one of the timers / gadgets and see for yourself.

New Job Search 2011

Raen Tate — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:29:17 +0000

On 06/13/11 4:11 PM, RW wrote:
Oh, Raen, I'm so sorry. What happened? You seemed so happy. Keep me posted. - R

--------------------
On 06/14/11 9:25 AM, Raen wrote:
Nothing so horrible as that. The work is a breeze and I like it. But there are three ladies in the office
- an office of 5 females working 8 - 5 - who do not favor me, one being my direct report.
I was able to handle the MUST be on time and punch in Exactly at 8:30 and punch out EXACTLY at 5pm with
Exactly a 1/2 hour lunch.
Was able to handle all the little things thrown at me.
But when my vacation request was denied because I was not allowed to use Time W/O Pay (that I'd
negotiated would be okay when I came on board - but she does not recall it that way ~UGH - did not get
it in writing~ Which means the cruise in September that is paid for is NADA. The personnel manual
specifically says you an request time off w/o pay but the supervisor must approve it. The higher-ups
like me LOTS. They enjoy the professionalism I bring and that I don't flirt with the firefighters or
gossip with everyone. But playing this game or asking my Boss (whom is the President of the Board) of
to overrule my Direct Report is just getting old and only pisses the Direct Report gal off more.
So I look while employed and in an ambling relaxed way.

Sometimes, it is best to move on. Tis time for me. At this age and with Sunny's needs to consider, it is best this way so I may pick and choose a job that suits my need. Already sent my resume in for a position making twice what I currently do here. The higher stress level is not as worrying as it once was. It's been a good 2 1/2 year break.