Chinese Grand Prix proves a big hit 
Organisers were understandably delighted with the turnout and with the success of the event in general. Mr Mao, President of the International Circuit described the race as "a fantastic advertisement for Shanghai and the circuit, a business card for all that see our city and our motor racing facilities as something they can invest in on a long term basis, and from which they will get a valuable return."
Before the race started, the spectators and the millions watching on television were treated to a delightful and colourful 20-minute opening ceremony, where China's cultural past and present was represented by 1,200 dancers, singers and martial artists, as well as by a parade of cars that are built in China auto plants, a clear indication of the role that the circuit has in the future of the region’ automotive development.
The track itself was a real hit with the drivers too, but it wasn’t just the current Formula One field who got to sample it. The unique Volkswagen Polo Celebrity race, part of the Grand Prix support programme, featured a number of ex-Formula One drivers, Martin Brundle and Ivan Capelli among them, many of who now work as Grand Prix commentators.
"You have to be precise and position the car very well as it certainly won't pay to attack the corners here,” said Brundle. “There are two fast corners, which definitely keep you on your toes. As for the 'snails' (Turns 1,2,3 and 4), the line through them is not very obvious. It's very hard to find the sweet spot.”
Eventual race winner Capelli added: "I like this track as it has a great variety of bends, fast slow and with different cambers. I think most overtaking will happen on bend 6 and on bend 14. Fitness will count too as there is a lot of demanding deceleration and side pull.”
The new Hermann-Tilke designed circuit went on the provide a thrilling Grand Prix, with just 1.4 seconds splitting the top three drivers at the end of 56 laps. In the words or winner Rubens Barrichello, “This track has been really challenging, but with a variety of possible lines through the corners overtaking is possible and that is all we need for a good race.”
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Direct from the Formula 1 site
Saturday, September 25, 2004
It's V's B-Day!
Good morning ... good morning ... Our trip is almost over and we’re feeling a little sad ... But, this is not the day ... It’s Vince’s birthday and we want to make this a special day!
So, this is what we figured ... don’t tell Vince, but we got a couple special pit passes that will allow Vince and us to get into the Formula One Grand Prix a day early to watch and talk to the drivers. Sunday’s general event tickets are going for $400, so you can imagine that a little extra funny money has gone into the deal hehe.
V and us talked about the general anxiety from most of China not being able to afford the event. There is one promotion going that allows folks to get in cheaper if they buy a carton of US cigarettes. Least that’s what our special cab driver has been telling us. The cost for the smokes is $1100 yuans or about $137. Most folks don’t make much more than about $200 a month.
Vince has arranged for our cab driver and his father to have tickets tomorrow. It is our way of saying, "Thank you" for the wonderful job he has done for us this week. Liu Ming, our driver is so appreciative, that I believe he’s offered to name his first born child after V. For a professional driver though you can imagine how excited Liu Ming is. Car racing isn’t as important to the general country as say, basketball or soccer, but China is working on their image due to their hosting the Olympic games in Beijing four years from now.
Vince has had nothing but racing on his mind for the last couple of days. I’m becoming quite an expert *giggle*.
He says, that this race is the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix. V’s taken delight in that there will be some twisty sections and he’s explained that the drivers need to have very stable cars then under breaking. He also says that there aren’t any obvious opportunities for the cars for passing, but his guy Michael is confident. Michael’s (Schumaker’s) Ferrari is sponsored by Marlboro and there hasn’t been any shortages of funds put into the car. Vince says it will be a real test of the car’s balance.
I guess the driver’s have been getting used to the track this week, but it will take them a few laps on race day to really accustom themselves to it. The surfaces will be slippery since there is no rubber on the track. The driver’s have gotten used to the track on a simulation course so they pretty much know the gear changes, but the grip will need to be felt out. By now they’ve been running the cars in preparation and they’ll be pretty excited to get the race under way.
Vince says Michael is a world champion driver, but that it’s his first visit to China. He and the other drivers have looked forward to the new experience just like Vince and us. Vince explained that China has already hosted big profile events in golf, tennis and soccer and that next year they will take on the motorcycle circus and amateur boxing. He says we’re staying over in the World’s Hotest new sports spot in the world! To think ... I was just looking forward to a good Governor’s Chicken! They’ve been reported to have put $240 million into the track.
We’re going to have quick brunch ... V thinks we’re going to another museum, but Liu Ming’s already been tipped off. I can hardly wait!
The newspapers here are saying that the track "loosely follows the Chinese character for "shang", meaning upwards." They say I can hold 200,000 spectators which include 29,000 in the stand across from the pits. They expect during the 56 laps (5.45 km each) to top speeds of 320 km/hour. I’m not too good with km, but Vince says it’s pretty fast!
Michael said yesterday, "Nobody knows the Shanghai circuit and that will make the race very exciting," Sure has Vince revved up!! I guess we better get going ... Can’t wait to see the look of V’s face when we surprise him with an extra "day at the races." Happy Birthday V!
* Only virtual airplanes were used in the making of this story and all but one was not seriously harmed. :)
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Looking forward to a Simple Day
Dear Pam and all :),
Good morning! Just wanted to write a short letter this morning. Vince is still in his suite ... Man, the guy takes long showers! Whoops, 'spose that was a secret... *Sigh* Oh well, I think I'll be able to finish this cup of coffee before he'll be out. Vince and I are funny in that we both like to get up early and we're both apt to be on the computer first thing. Sometimes we'll be in our separate rooms only a number of feet away and we'll find ourselves IMing each other ... Eh, its what we do!
Vince has said he's planned the day out for both of us, but he is not telling me in advance. Mostly I trust him, but secretly I think he's still trying to surprise me with an order of lizard gizzard or something. He's got a quirky sense of humor. Best be on one's toes! He's smooth, real smooth in a quiet subtle way.
You might be wondering how we are getting along. To which I would have to say, "Famously!" He is more easy going than most of us and we know by that certain twinkle in his eye when he's teasing us out of some concern or another. He's very, very good looking and tall which has turned the head of many Oriental women. I don't want to embarrass him though by going further ...
Our habits work well for each other in that we both are curious and investigative and our meals are easily coordinated. He stays up reading after we go to bed, but then no one I know goes to bed as early as us. Vince has the most excellent sense of humor. I love paying attention to how he sees the world.
As a simple example, yesterday while we walked through a park, I found him well humored by a simple Chinese squirrel trying to eradicate a nut from it's shell. I said, "Oh look how hard the squirrel is trying." Vince soberly looked at me and said, "Then think how hard a fight the shell, the branch, the tree!"
Vince just sees the world differently than most, he's pretty deep. I was soon envisioning and enthralled with the dominating species and the whole struggle of all mankind. Vince then only just smiles and notes, the squirrel has tumbled. It's like, "What V??! What does this mean??!"
Whoops, it sounds like he's almost done, gotta go!
* Only virtual airplanes were used in the making of this story and all but one was not seriously harmed. :)
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Wanted to drop a note
Reverse side: Dear Viv and All ... Just wanted to let you know we are having the time of our life, but haven't forgot you! Vince would dance all night if I didn't insist otherwise! We've been out and seen Shanghai Museum: Shanghai City Guide, Jade Buddha Temple: Shanghai City Guide, Huangpu River and the Bund: Shanghai Tourist Attractions, Longhua Temple: Shanghai City Guide, Oriental Pearl Tower: Shanghai City Guide, plus much more!! Yep, yep using the Shanghai City Guide for our map, but hanging back from the crowd! It's all very, very amazing! We wake up early and talk with our coffee. Then we're out touring before and after a light awesome lunch, but man-o-man are the dinners sumptuous! Wish you were all here! Our love, Ayn ... Oh yeah ... one more thing ... we're staying over because Vince really wants to see big race on Sunday. His guy, "Michael Schumacher" will be racing the car sponsored by Ferrari! Til then!!!
* Only virtual airplanes were used in the making of this story and all but one was not seriously harmed. :)
Saturday, September 18, 2004
WoW - Paris and Shanghei All in ONE GRAND Day!*
Please see picture album by clicking the picture!
Exerpt on the Plane from Philadelphia to Paris...
Aynetal3 [6:05 AM]: Morning Vince!
DEABVT [6:05 AM]: hi!
Aynetal3 [6:05 AM]: How goes the day?
DEABVT [6:05 AM]: ok, you just get up?
Aynetal3 [6:09 AM]: About 2 1/2 hours we'll be arriving in Paris :)
DEABVT [6:09 AM]: aha!!
DEABVT [6:09 AM]: stop at the Louvre?
Aynetal3 [6:09 AM]: Oh sure if you would like!
DEABVT [6:09 AM]: no time for Versailles?
Aynetal3 [6:09 AM]: We've got 5 or 6 hours only
Aynetal3 [6:10 AM]: I'll skip the eiffel tower
DEABVT [6:10 AM]: a nice lunch, maybe
Aynetal3 [6:10 AM]: Out on a cafe sidewalk?
Aynetal3 [6:10 AM]: how's the weather?
DEABVT [6:10 AM]: on the Champs?
Aynetal3 [6:10 AM]: grand idea!
DEABVT [6:10 AM]: nice
Aynetal3 [6:11 AM]: oh good good
Aynetal3 [6:11 AM]: I'd like to go past some street paintings, maybe arrange for one to be shipped home. Big post card!
DEABVT [6:11 AM]: Monmartre!
Aynetal3 [6:11 AM]: hmm, sounds good?
DEABVT [6:12 AM]: for paintings!
Aynetal3 [6:12 AM]: Oh, ok I'm under your guidance!
DEABVT [6:14 AM]: yep, a glass of Chablis for you
Aynetal3 [6:14 AM]: ahh something lite!
DEABVT [6:14 AM]: I`ll have the Cote du Rhone!
Aynetal3 [6:15 AM]: Hmm, maybe we'll wait til the trip back to have a ride on one of those little boats forget the name
DEABVT [6:15 AM]: yep
DEABVT [6:15 AM]: down the Seine!
Aynetal3 [6:16 AM]: How's your French
DEABVT [6:17 AM]: ahh coffee
DEABVT [6:19 AM]: Aynetal, mon français est très bon! À Paris, la Ville de Lumières, alors la Chine!
Aynetal3 [6:19 AM]: cool what did you say?
DEABVT [6:20 AM]: My French is very good; In Paris, the City of Lights and China!
Aynetal3 [6:20 AM]: Outrageously cool!
DEABVT [6:20 AM]: { I have translator program}
DEABVT [6:21 AM]: :-)
Aynetal3 [6:21 AM]: ahh and in China .... should we hire a translator?
DEABVT [6:21 AM]: let me see
Aynetal3 [6:22 AM]: will most know English?
DEABVT [6:22 AM]: We know how to order!
DEABVT [6:22 AM]: Just Point!
Aynetal3 [6:22 AM]: hehehe - and can learn to ask for bathrooms?
DEABVT [6:22 AM]: yep
Aynetal3 [6:22 AM]: ok we're good then
Aynetal3 [6:23 AM]: Did you enjoy the ride over?
Aynetal3 [6:23 AM]: I'm sorry truly sorry about our snoring
DEABVT [6:23 AM]: very nice Air France!
Aynetal3 [6:24 AM]: I was most appreciative of the woman who kept offering wines ... I think perhaps you tipped over generously!
DEABVT [6:25 AM]: No, Uncle Miltie would have wanted it that way!
Aynetal3 [6:25 AM]: LOL
Aynetal3 [6:25 AM]: ahh I have to also apoligize for falling asleep so early, did you finish your book?
DEABVT [6:26 AM]: Yes, Tom Clancy !
Aynetal3 [6:26 AM]: Ahh which one?
Aynetal3 [6:26 AM]: You had several with you ... you must be avery fast reader?
DEABVT [6:26 AM]: so-so
Aynetal3 [6:27 AM]: eh, ok
DEABVT [6:27 AM]: So what will you order for dinner in Shanghai?
Aynetal3 [6:28 AM]: Oh the first meal will have be Governor's Chicken, but after that I promise to be more daring ... Maybe ask for Chefs specials
DEABVT [6:28 AM]: A ha!
Aynetal3 [6:28 AM]: and you?
DEABVT [6:29 AM]: No chef specials!
Aynetal3 [6:29 AM]: awe
DEABVT [6:29 AM]: Might be Dog!
Aynetal3 [6:29 AM]: eeks!
Aynetal3 [6:29 AM]: we'll exclude that ... I met another journalist who traveled to China lotsa of fishy stuff
DEABVT [6:29 AM]: Ill order the dog for you! :-)
DEABVT [6:30 AM]: uh huh
Aynetal3 [6:30 AM]: Maybe we'll stick to chicken or shrimp ... umm no that is fine Vince, really fine
DEABVT [6:30 AM]: :-)
Aynetal3 [6:31 AM]: Do they list what kind of pooch you are eating?
DEABVT [6:31 AM]: naw
DEABVT [6:31 AM]: you have a favorite choice?
DEABVT [6:31 AM]: ;-)
Aynetal3 [6:31 AM]: well, if I were forced ... I wouldn't want a bigger dog they're much too friendly!
DEABVT [6:32 AM]: Poodle!
Aynetal3 [6:32 AM]: yep probably nothing but bones though
DEABVT [6:33 AM]: so, did you have Chinese yesterday?
Aynetal3 [6:34 AM]: Yep yep ... the regular, but I dislike this place's governors. There is very little breading on the chicken and it is soggy, not crisp!
Aynetal3 [6:34 AM]: Barely enough for seconds either!
DEABVT [6:34 AM]: ugh
At a Paris Cafe...
Aynetal3 [11:36 AM]: your so funny Vince!
DEABVT [11:37 AM]: with your Chablis!
Aynetal3 [11:37 AM]: what is it?
DEABVT [11:37 AM]: A picture of asparagus! Manet
Aynetal3 [11:38 AM]: ahh didn't know what raw asparagus looked like!
DEABVT [11:38 AM]: This picture is of the Seine!!!!!!!!
Aynetal3 [11:38 AM]: Ohhh how regal!
DEABVT [11:39 AM]: uh huh
DEABVT [11:40 AM]: The wine picture is similar to ours on the table
Aynetal3 [11:40 AM]: looks so tasty and real!
DEABVT [11:40 AM]: Manet!
Aynetal3 [11:41 AM]: Monet?
DEABVT [11:41 AM]: MAnet
DEABVT [11:41 AM]: other one
Aynetal3 [11:41 AM]: hmm don't think I know him, but I like looking at pictures that are realistic and invite you into them
DEABVT [11:42 AM]: Lunch!
Aynetal3 [11:42 AM]: ahh this is wonderful! I'll have to insist we go light and light-headed!
DEABVT [11:42 AM]: lol
Aynetal3 [11:43 AM]: It is perfect!
Aynetal3 [11:43 AM]: I can see you stretching out your legs for a smoke after dinner ...
DEABVT [11:44 AM]: no smokes for you!
Aynetal3 [11:44 AM]: *SIGH*
Aynetal3 [11:44 AM]: Sure liked having patches on plane though!
DEABVT [11:44 AM]: Monet painted this one of Paris!
Aynetal3 [11:45 AM]: Is this a celebration or the normal day to day?
DEABVT [11:45 AM]: Sunday walks!
Aynetal3 [11:45 AM]: Ahh i've seen pictures and movies of these walks
Aynetal3 [11:45 AM]: like going to the mall!
DEABVT [11:46 AM]: Renoir!
DEABVT [11:46 AM]: great Painter
Aynetal3 [11:47 AM]: lovely ... the woman so fancy the men casual?
DEABVT [11:47 AM]: uh huh
Aynetal3 [11:47 AM]: After lunch then if you have to loosen your belt it will be fine!
DEABVT [11:48 AM]: then to the Garden!!
Aynetal3 [11:48 AM]: Oh man what an escort you are!!
DEABVT [11:49 AM]: I love that Painting! Monet
Aynetal3 [11:49 AM]: Who did this ... I think I've seen it eh?
DEABVT [11:49 AM]: was featured in my J
DEABVT [11:51 AM]: The Seine again, this time, Renoir!
Aynetal3 [11:52 AM]: I like the location and bright colors, but I'm thinking this is impressionalism? Not sure ... like clearer pictures ..
Aynetal3 [11:53 AM]: gondeliers?
DEABVT [11:54 AM]: gondeliers in Venice!
Aynetal3 [11:54 AM]: ahh, sorry bout that
Aynetal3 [11:55 AM]: I'm fascinated with colors of the water in this picture
Aynetal3 [11:56 AM]: like nothing else
Aynetal3 [11:57 AM]: Were all these at the Louve??
DEABVT [11:57 AM]: My Pics!
DEABVT [11:58 AM]: Here is your Venice! gondeliers
Aynetal3 [11:59 AM]: yes
DEABVT [11:59 AM]: yeaaaaaaaaaa
Aynetal3 [12:03 AM]: V. will you put any of this in your journal or do you want us to keep the trip in ours?
DEABVT [12:03 AM]: you can do it!
Aynetal3 [12:03 AM]: Even your pictures?
DEABVT [12:03 AM]: yep
Aynetal3 [12:03 AM]: oh man!
DEABVT [12:04 AM]: Later, Ill give you the China Photos I take!
Aynetal3 [12:04 AM]: Maybe of our hotel?
DEABVT [12:04 AM]: ok
DEABVT [12:04 AM]: & Shanghai!
Aynetal3 [12:05 AM]: That be very wonderful ...
* Only virtual airplanes were used in the making of this story and all but one was not seriously harmed. :)
Friday, September 17, 2004
Itinery
Review the flight details
GOING TO SHANGHAI
(SHOOT, I GOTTA RUN!!! Send you postcards!)
Depart 10:20 am to Detroit (DTW) = "Flight arrives on Fri 17-Sep" Arrive 12:31 pm Terminal EM 237 mile(s) (381 km) Duration: 1hr 11mn
Flight: 1414 First Class, DC9-30, 90% on time
Detroit (DTW) Depart 1:42 pm Terminal EM to Philadelphia (PHL) "Flight arrives on Fri 17-Sep" = Arrive 3:13 pm Terminal E 447 mile(s) (719 km) Duration: 1hr 31mn 
PICK UP VINCE
Fri 17-Sep-04 Philadelphia (PHL)
Depart 7:15 pm Terminal E to Paris (CDG) = "Flight arrives on Sun 19-Sep" "The arrival date for this flight is one day after the departure date." Arrive 8:25 am +1 day Terminal 2F 3719 mile(s) (5985 km) Duration: 7hr 10mn 
First Class, Meal, Amenities, Something fancy that V would like, Airbus A330
Paris (CDG)
Depart 2:00 pm Terminal 2C to Shanghai (PVG) = "Flight arrives on Sun 19-Sep" = "The arrival date for this flight is one day after the departure date." Arrive 7:40 am +1 day 5758 mile(s) (9267 km) Duration: 11hr 40mn
First Class, Stuff to warm up from the inside out, :) Airbus A340 Total distance: 9477 mile(s) (15252 km) Total duration: 18hr 50mn (24hr 25mn with connections)
COMING BACK TO CHICAGO
Sat 25-Sep-04 Shanghai (PVG)
Depart 11:50 pm to Paris (CDG) "Flight arrives on Sun 26-Sep" = "The arrival date for this flight is one day after the departure date." Arrive 6:15 am +1 day
Terminal 2C 5758 mile(s) (9267 km) Duration: 12hr 25mn
Flight: 117 First Class, Meal, Airbus A340 Paris (CDG)
Depart 1:20 pm Terminal 2F to Philadelphia (PHL) = "Flight arrives on Sun 26-Sep" = "The arrivaldate for this flight is not the same as the departure date." Arrive 3:40 pm Terminal A 3719 mile(s) (5985 km) Duration: 8hr 20mn
First Class, Meal, Lotsa Licker, all ammenities, and good looking flight attendants, Airbus A330 Total distance: 9477 mile(s) (15252 km) Total duration: 20hr 45mn (27hr 50mn with connections)
SAY GOODBYE TO VINCE
Depart 7:12 pm Terminal A to Chicago (MDW) = "Flight arrives on Sun 26-Sep" = Arrive 8:28 pm 668 mile(s) (1075 km) Duration: 2hr 16mn 
Total price for air flight: $22,239.42
* Only virtual airplanes were used in the making of this story and all but one was not seriously harmed. :)
Passport
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You have a choice of downloading the application form or going to a Passport Acceptance Facility to pickup the application form.
Please be sure that the "Mail Passport To" field on the DS-82 government form is completed with the actual address where you want the completed passport sent (no PO boxes).
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B) Call us at 1-800-605-0975 and indicate you are processing an Emergency Passport from the Internet. We will instruct you on where to send your FedEx Priority Letter. Our office hours are 9am to 5pm EST Monday through Friday.
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PriorityPassports.com <PALIGN=CENTER>470 3rd Street, Suite 204San Francisco, CA - 94107
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When we receive your package, you'll receive your passport back by your travel date, guaranteed!
If you have any questions, call us 1-800-605-0975.
* Only virtual airplanes were used in the making of this story and all but one was not seriously harmed. :)
Taking a sudden trip - NEED Chinese!
Sudden arrangements had to be made* for an emergency trip to China. I was denied my norm of Chinese last night which would have rewarded my goodness ... and the discrepency of thoughts that followed necessitated crossing the Atlantic tonight! I'm sure it has something to do with a woman being scorned by her Bohemian good friend! Through the graciousness of a God, perhaps higher than we'd previously estimated, our non-Bohemian good friend Vince has volunteered himself as our escort. Ahem ... there will be no funny business! Passport is being arranged and we're now off to book a flight. We hope to get a quickie to Phily and will be leaving for Shanghei forthwith! V. will be arranging the hotel. We're hoping to get a suite with two bedrooms and a kitchenette with micro's to heat our leftovers! :) Can't imagine all of yet what we will see and experience, but we're fantastically happy to have this opportunity and hordes of Uncle Milties Funny Money. It will be First Class all the way!! Yah HOO!!!
Remember, remember ... travel lite!
BBS
Us (Management)
Hmm, our Bohemian friend came into work just now. He said he would like to get us <suddenly> Chinese for lunch. We told him that he'd have to order early, because we're going to China this evening. <insert nervous laugh from him> He said, "Oh, so you can get all the Chinese you want?" And, we said, "Yep." We said, "We're going with V." He said, "Oh? This is only virtual right?" We held up our hands as we're apt to do and said, "I don't know..." He said, "Do you get your passport?" I said, "Umm, yep." And, when he asked to see it, we said, "You can't see it!" Actually, because I'd forgotten to get it, hmm, lots to do ... better get on this tut sweet! Thinking START checklist.
Our L.
Us 1) Get tickets to Philly then from their Shanghei! 2) Get Emergency Passport (hungry tummy problems) 3) Pack suitcase (including laptop!) 4) Stop at funny money bank. 5) Make Flight schedule!
Hmm ... Now our Bohemian friend is saying WE have to pick up the chinese! Remember to pack camera!
* Only virtual airplanes were used in the making of this story and all but one was not seriously harmed. :)
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Efficiently Managed by Kitties
Mornin ... How’s everyone? We’re doing fine ... ‘cept the part of smoking in our dreams. I think this thing is getting worse because we also woke up thinking that there was a naked man on our couch ... Hmm. Kinda makes a girl eager to get up ... just in case!
So here we are ... plenty of time to be writing. Not so sure what is going to rank importance to our mind. ‘Cept we’re thinking that it’s a Dr. M. night tonight. We’ve already been through a terrible shock in that most likely there won’t be Chinese. This throws all of life off kilter an inch or two.
Amazon played a trick on me. Back when we were ordering books they had split up our order and then tried to charge over 30 orders on my bank credit card at the same time. Well, that crashed the system. Our credit card and bank both said, "uh uh uh!" Amazon said if I didn’t pay them in three days the orders would be canceled. So, I let it go and purchased household items instead. I was kind of put-off with them.
Now, in the last couple of days ... almost 3 months later, Amazon decided they would ship me the books anyway and they charged my account ... like $1,004. I had that much money in the account - almost ... it had been there though for rent and gas for the car. They actually put me $180 something in the red. I’m not sure why my bank allowed this. But, it seems they did. I was glad yesterday was a payday, BUT ...
The bank says its going to take a couple of weeks to sort all this out. This morning I read an email saying the books have been mailed. Yikes! Certainly seems like not Chinese tonight... :(
Bottom line is I have $1 and change. We’ll have to borrow $4 for parking to see Dr. M. Not so sure if our friend would think, or we deserve to borrow a little more to take ourselves out for our weekly treat of Chinese Governor's Chicken. We’re figuring that it is going to be no and treated as poetic justice. *Sigh*
Other than that ... all is fine. Really ...
Yesterday, something very, very special happened. I was right in the middle of my day and Sr. Tess showed up in my office. But, the thing is?? She came in and sat herself down in one of my guest chairs. It has been like a gazillion years since she’s done that. What’s more? She wasn’t there to yell at me. She was there to discuss a couple of client cases. ‘Bout bowled me over. This is the first time in 5 months she’s given me any indication that she might respect my opinion. Man-o-man I was so happy that she was there and talking nice to me that I could hardly contain ourselves. Hehe though on the outside, I think we stayed pretty professional.
Sr. used to visit my office for this kind of talk about 1-3 times a day. I don’t know if it means I am out of confinement totally though, so we’re telling ourselves it may not be over yet. There is a lot of trust between both of us that needs to be rebuilt. This is actually the second or third act. She had let down her guard against me at the Administration meeting, then she tolerated slightly a couple of notes this last week (while holding off the growl), now this.
I think our friend had been correct in his advise. He said to maintain my professionalism and make sure I was working hard, especially in regard to catching up. So, we’ve been doing that ... keeping our nose to the grindstone.
Yesterday, there was a lot of contact with the outside world. The client I’ve been having problems with went over the edge and angrily punched one of his peers in the back. That situation took the rest of the day to play out. The family and extended family, the other community organization, and the University of Illinois were all involved. I facilitated the communications. We did a pretty good job I think.
The narrow tightrope was that I knew pretty much Sr. would have to suspend him, but it was a question of what would her terms be. She’d been thinking of releasing him for good. I’d like to think I guided her reaction a little bit by keeping her informed of the other agencies efforts and the family’s. It was decided that she would accept him back if he’d see a psychologist/psychiatrist/
hospital. The other community agency is doing their part. They interviewed our client and his family the day before for housing.
The third agency - directly, the state ... fell through on respite care, but we’re hoping the University will do their share by encouraging psychological help for the family. They are pretty good about this stuff, but there’s a bad phone tag game going on between them and the family. Seems both might be affected by a little pride? Not sure. Don’t want to judge them. Everyone is going to need contribute to put this family in a safe situation. They are under an extreme pressure and are very tired.
Getting back to Sr. Tess the thing about her stopping by our office was that it allowed us to discuss for a few minutes each this case, and the cases of four others that I’ve been working through the last couple of days. I think she has given me some credit in that she allowed me the leeway I was inadvertently asking for. We did not overstep ourselves. Each letter mailed or faxed out of our agency is given to Sr. Tess to check.
Can’t explain the feeling of being trusted to some degree and allowed to work with her. You can be sure I’ll continue to carry on my load as efficiently as I can.
Due to all the communication exchanges yesterday, we fell behind our other work goals. But, I wasn’t displeased in that in-between events we were writing out notes and continuing the next project on our agenda. To finish up the Annual work, we still needed to write out the goals and objectives on a two page report for 11 of the clients. That’s a little better than half of my case load. Felt pretty good about that. I think I got about half way through the 11.
Today won’t be such a good day for project work, because I’ll have to do the staff training. I’m not sure exactly what’s on the list to be done next. I’ll figure it out first thing this morning. Maybe if I make it a goal to finish the last half of the goals and objectives report, do the staff meeting and necessary preparation ... and faintly hint toward starting that search for outdated reports in the file ... We’re trying to make it a minor instead of major project. Hmm, probably somewhere between a half-full day.
Hmm. I guess we should end the talk on work ... our kitties say that I’m boring them too. Chief decided to play a little game of let’s disturb your pen with my lightening quick paws! Silly cat!
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Some of the Good Stuff
Morning. Not too much time to write this morning. We woke up a little late. My mind is trying to balance itself out, but it’s like that little 2 horse power motor on back of the boat. It’s like almost catching, but encourages you to keep pulling its cord.
Finishing up on our granola and sipping the coffee. Ahh, what an amazing life we lead that both should be awaiting us faithfully each morning. :)
There are a lot of flit-floating thoughts crossing the "almost thoughts" domain ... thinking now of a stock ticker. The symbols are supposed to read something, but we’re not really tuned in to what they are saying. It catches our attention nonetheless. Whoops, thought James was going to say something, but he changed his mind.
We saw V this morning for a couple of minutes, but wasted the time complaining about something or another. Double drat!
Yesterday was an ok day in that things were accomplished, but nothing real sparkly. Sr. Tess cut short the Annual meeting due to lack of patience or decor. She missed the first part and left again during our presentation of the goals, then came back and jumped us to the conclusion in a rude and aggressive manner. I think it confused the parents and representative from the other organization. *Sigh*
Otherwise, we just did tasks on our list. We got out the Annual report same day and took care of a Personal Preference interview with one of the clients among other things. Hehe, well now we're going to reconsider and think she actually brought me a few sparkly moments. She’s one of my favorites and I was very impressed with how her thoughts have changed throughout the years. She started when I did, so we’re both beginning our sixth year at St. Rose. She answered every question quickly and efficiently and her thoughts were impressive in the difference of maturity. I was a little afraid, in that, she is almost overly concerned with a poor attitude. I think I’ll have to talk with her DSP to find out what’s going on there.
Sometimes we compare our life next to the client’s or question how we would survive the same situation. It was hard not to cringe as she talked about the bugs in her house coming from the basement after asking her what most would she like to change. Not only are their roaches, but as well spiders, waterbugs, and it appears various slugs. It is government housing and it will be a while before the next set of units are built for her and her family. Sometimes you just gotta say, "God Bless You!" I’ve learneda world of difference since meeting this young lady.
One more story of her that I’m very proud of. We’ve talked quite a bit to this individual and some of her peers about relationships and maintaining personal respect and boundaries over the years. She is still going through "boy stuff," but it’s remarkable how much more she’s matured in her feelings of self worth. We have a new male who’s pretty smart intellectually, so much that his service might be discontinued. He’s also street smart. Apparently, he figured in his first month that he was better than some of the others. He told our client to, "get over here girl!" As love hungry as she still is and tall and good looking as he, our client held her composure and told him straight out, "I’m not your girl. I don’t like to be bossed, and I am a lady, not a girl." Man-o-man couldn’t have been more proud!
We gotta go about now ... but we’re leaving with a smile and new sense of purpose in our work. There are things to do and all of them are as important as the next!
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Turning a Corner
Good morning. We’re going to try for another entry. Most mornings of late have started like this. I get a few words down and after a paragraph or two I drift off with nothing to say or interested in something else, or too tired to keep my eyes open. At this point we’re alert and determined to put something down in one of our journals.
I’m having a real hard time without the journals remembering what we’ve thought of or been through. Maybe this is what everyone calls a writer’s block ... I remember this happening like in 4th grade, but not much in-between. I certainly do not like it. I figure this time, we are going to write anything our mind thinks of with no judgments.
What happens in our mind is a certain amount of aimlessness. Last night I followed the history of hurricanes. We’ve like no memory of being interested in this before. This morning, we heard James (our guy) give us news that some woman tore off a man’s testicles ... thought, hmm ... better look into that one directly. Well we never found the news story, but read for about 10 minutes about men who were experiencing numbness in their penis. Now answer me ... why on Earth would something like this be of interest or potentially a distraction!?? Possibly I’m related to Svengooli?
Ok, ok girls ... calm down. We can focus here.
We’re still doing good with not smoking ... We’re into day 9 now. It’s still a struggle, but we’re ok with that, because a lot of the time it isn’t bothering us. We’re getting much better with distractions, especially through music or the pet fishes we now have. Yes, yes ... the fishes are illusional like many other objects of our computer life, but still pleasant nonethless. We won’t bother to mention problems with over snacking ... Did we mention its been a struggle ;)
We saw Dr. M. yesterday. There were at least three parts out. Casey is definitely upset with this whole vacation/time off schedule. She was unwilling to bend. Ann seemed a little stronger than last time, but still way down on energy and spirit. At least it feels an ounce more safer. Kate was so-so ... kind of like business as normal, but she looks and sounds very tired. Barely could hold her body up which is similar to Ann at this point.
We talked about the regular kind of stuff like what is happening at work, new job potential, relationships and stuff. We’ve decided to turn down the job offer to the other organization. We will be meeting that lady today. She’s to be attending our 10 am meeting. In the end, we figured there was too much good stuff we’d lose without gaining much better, and in many ways things would be much worse. One of the no negotiation points was that you had to share your computer with a peer. I am so not into that! Plus, we’ve really taken to our soothing music we can play while we work IN solitude. It is really the optimal work experience.
We’re back to working with Dr. M. on how we are going to survive Sr. Tess’s tormenting. Not sure how yet, but we trust Dr. M.
Yesterday, we had a pretty good work day. It had been seven days since we updated our schedule officially, so after coming in late from a doctor appointment, we sat down and developed a new one. This is usually a very satisfying experience as was yesterday. In-between times, we maintain the schedule from the week before, but we handwrite completions, changes or additions. Sure was nice seeing a clean sheet EVEN if it represented more work. Hehe - we knew it was out there somewhere.
I felt particularly pleased, in that, we scheduled out for the day certain accomplishments we would like to have at certain points. As it turns out, we were ahead of ourselves! Wow! That’s different. At the end, we left feeling that we’d "completed" the day proper. In reality it might have been that we "X’d" out 5-6 things from a list of 60 or more. But, in and of itself ... very good feeling. We’ve been grouping our work by areas of responsibility. And for the first time in a long time, we were able to see the progress we’ve made in the area of annuals.
Today now we hope to finish that up for a bit. After 11 weeks straight we are up for the change. We have then four weeks off before starting the next round. I figure we’ll work then for parts of October/November before the next break. In the meantime ... we’ve cleared our schedule enough to be thinking we can complete some Qnotes. FINALLY! Theoretically if we did a dozen a day for the next month, we could be almost complete. But, that’s a lot of ifs.
I suppose the best idea would be to count on a minimum of twelve completed, but hope for more. Theoretically if you were doing 20 minute Qnotes, you could work only half of the day on them while doing other projects the other half. Hmm, wouldn’t that be cool! Hmm, officially, I think if we were to work on nothing else, we might be able to complete the project in about twelve days. Hmm, better chance of finishing a set of 20 in 2 days, nah, we’ll go luxury ... we need to finish a set in 3 days each 21 days total ... which means a minimum of 7 ... Nope, let’s go for twelve ... there will be set-up work too... Ok, ok all that’s in place. Think we’re going to finish them!
Wouldn’t that be something ... to be working in the current month. Yesterday, too I got the bug to be lookin at CARF again. Think if we can do these Qnotes this next month ... that’ll be the next major project. Maybe I can sneak in and snatch the 2004 book. It of course belongs in my care, but Sister will want to see us catching up on the other work before opening it. In that way, I think it be nice to be bringing her home to look over and organize in our off time. I know, I know ... there is a concern of working at home, BUT the thing is we are feelin a bit guilty in that we figure we SHOULD do some extra 6-8 hours a week to compensate for the salary that we are now receiving. Ok ... ok ... but at least something like this??
Yesterday, we finished collecting all the annual reports and ICAP assessments for the last 11 weeks. I’m not sure which our secondary agents have already, but we’ve prepared a whole set for them. We’re turning it over, even though we need four more sets of signatures. I don’t want the whole held up for something much smaller. We are feelin real good about this. Shoot, just delighting in general the feeling of going into State issues in February all caught up. I think today we’ll finish writing the goals/objectives sheets for all these reports and the final report and goal data sheets for the meeting today. Then we are going to take at least a half day to check all the files for outdated records. Maybe the other half day in getting communications out. The last couple of years, we’ve been waiting until January to do this ... This year, we figure we’ll be ahead of the game.
Very cool.
Hmm, nothing left to worry about? Hmm, there’s those Staff meetings problems. Naw, we’ll wait until next week to go through all that. Hmm, gotta remember to collect from our co-worker the forms, we’ll be needing.
Hmm, guess that would be all then. Figure we’ll jump in the shower a few moments early. Yep, yep ... let’s progress this day!
Thursday, September 9, 2004
Terrible, terrible
Mornin. We’re up kind of early this morning, because we fell asleep almost directly after work. Think it’s this not smoking stuff ... sometimes the best way to cut of the urge is to just lay down. Well, not even lay down exactly. Yesterday, we’d just sat down on the recliner in my bedroom ... and whoosh, we were taken directly to dreamland. When we were dreaming, we smoked two or three cigarettes. Then woke up and felt guilty! We figured we better listen to the tape we have again ;).
Pshwoo ... Did that ... it’s now about 37 minutes later ... Hey, you know what else? We used the microwave! Yep, yep ... first time since we got it a month or two ago. Don’t know why that was so hard. Matter of pushing a few buttons, right? We wanted to heat up some coffee. Do you know there is even a button for heating up beverages? I never knew that! Who knows maybe one day, we’ll work ourselves up to a potato. Hmm, ok, let’s not get silly. One day at a time.
Today, is a perfectly good Thursday. Dr. M. is out again this week, so there will be no appointment this afternoon. I’m pretty sure both Dr. M. and V. would recommend that we’d continue to have our Thursday evening Chinese. Hmm, don’t those self-help tapes work good! :)
Pretty cool just checked ... for the next hour we are going to the sounds of a waterfall from Hawaii. Yes, we can go as far as to imagining that. Pretty loud though ... might have to step back a few feet. Ahh, that’s better ... took a few moments to set up, cuz my start toolbar was missing. Not sure all which buttons we pushed to get it back. It’s like that a lot in our brain. Usually, someone or another can figure stuff out.
While we were doing that, we also went into the bedroom to retrieve an old bottle we used to use for spraying the cats when they did something wrong. I’ve noticed this morning they’ve done some damage to the outer frame of the new couch. Not a lot, but then again any amount is too much when you are talking brand new furniture. We’ve set a side $1,000 emergency money and we’re going to have to figure out whether getting them declawed is an emergency. It would leave us real tight. We’re going to cover that area with a blanket for a couple of days and try squirting them. Not sure, not sure. Might need some expert opinions in this area.
Hmm, that’s odd ... we’re having the craving for a real breakfast ... Where is this coming from? Hasn’t happened for a year since we used to go to the Y for swimming. We’re having a full out craving ... omelettes, pancakes, hashbrowns, the works! Shoot, shoot, I’m sure this too will pass. Reminds me though that we’ve been taking showers earlier here. Could I take one as early as 3 am? Hmm, I guess so ... no one’s saying I can’t, right? Might mean problems with the patch though. Think yesterday we changed it about 5 am ... no ... I’m not going to be controlled by this thing ... I want to take a shower, I’m going to take a shower, and let the cards fall where they may.
Hmm, do you think I could be crabby this morning? *Sigh* That’s right folks Day #5 of not-smoking ... this will do it to you. Nope, nope we refuse ... not going to be in a bad mood. Hey, just take the shower!??
Yes dear ...
Ahh, did the morning routines and took time to give Missy a specially long pet. That seems to have mellowed her out a bit. Us too? Noted that the song has switched over to Amazon nights. Hmm, now that we are conscious again ... seem to realize that we’re still thinking of that breakfast ... wasn’t there a 24 hour place right down LaGrange Road? *Sigh* Been a pretty long time since we ate out for breakfast ... hmm... Might even get back in time for another quick nap? Hehe - oh man, I’m terrible!
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Wednesday Morning
Good morning. Just me. How are you? We’re doin pretty much fine ... foot has fallen asleep again, so it’s tingly.
Ahh, that’s a little better. Got up and walked on it some :)
Not much cooking yet today. My mind is kinda blank for first thing. Hmm, maybe that’s why we were having trouble settlin down ... Forgot to apply the new patch! Hmm... so far so good. We’ve gotten over the dreaded first three days without smoking :) Starting now day #4. Still taking a lot of concentration, but the moods haven’t been real bad. We’ve been having real strong dreams. Yesterday when we woke up we were reciting the directions very clearly as if we’d been in real life or awake all along. We’d been in a novel situation of just having opened a psychological testing center. Hehe.
Sunday, September 5, 2004
Late News
In honor of Pam (His1Desire), we at Et Al award her as Queen of the, "Back Button Chicken Gif" Google Search Award! This is in recognition of her fine front page accomplishments, particularly on September 30, 2003 at 7:27 pm pacific. Sorry for the length of time you had to wait Pam. Something about plane and customs. :) Contratulations!
Saturday, September 4, 2004
Just messin with the day
Good morning. Just us today. It’s already almost 8 am. We’ve been up since about four. Seems like a whole lot of playing around has happened. Don’t know how that occurred :) must be one of them days. Oh MAN! Saturday’s Woo Hoo!
We had a chance to talk to V this morning ... that’s the best kind of day start. We both saw each others kitties for the first time ... Not sure why that all took so long, but sure did like seeing Soren... Very, very handsome cat! Didn’t know that he was a Siamese. They are unique! We only have baby pictures of Missy and Chief, so we’ve been properly scolded to update toot-sweet! V wasn’t aware of how black they really are. Hehe
I’m not so sure how the day will turn out. I have brought some weekend work home that has to happen, but that I’m not particularly thrilled to have needed to bring home. It was one of those things that HAD to happen on Friday, but didn’t so there was not much choice. Seems that we were inundated with meetings this past few days and everything else gets worked around it. It will be the same when we get back ... hmm .. how many meetings? Well, actually only about 7 next week, but the first day back will be 3 ... one of which we have to travel *Sigh*
Part of the trouble yesterday was that it was the first Friday of the month that means Administration Meeting and Staff/Safety meeting. I’m proud to announce that there was a break in the action. Sister didn’t say anything nice directly to us, BUT she did use our name four times during the meetings without hissing and spitting it out :) Very, very happy about this. She hasn’t shown us her relaxed side for so long, we got a little slap happy. We’re hoping for the best and we’ll have begun the task of working our way into her good graces again.
We are being on top of our schedule with the scheduler. Even though we weren’t able to finish the reports, we got many side issues taken care of. Hehe this is a list of most of the stuff we’ve done in last two days.
Kept up schedule
Remembered it was going to be Labor day and planned around it
Figure out new pedometer and its measures
Wrote an incident report
Conveyed messages from client to client
Got out six preference interviews
Confirmed meetings over the phone
Did most of work on one Agenda/History report
Made sure a couple of Annual reports were signed by clients/parents
Distributedpamphlets for ID bracelets
Collected Goal Data sheets for Qnotes
Handed over Intake files and correspondents to Sr.
Completed an intake assessment report
Went over On-the-Job Training with peer
Learned how to fill out report for National Register
Held a Staff In-service meeting regarding safety
Attended Staff/safety meeting
Completed check-list for Administration meeting and attended new meeting
Met with Supervisor regarding scheduling and general strategies
Updated maintenance of printer which is down
Collected Legal Guardianship papers
Prepared for Housing and Respite meeting
Reviewed documents for service provider Annual meetings
Reviewed Report standards for ICAP
And, Edited Quarterly Newsletter
Hmm, have to watch this ... appears to average 12 tasks a day. Wonder if this is standard?
LOL, and no I wouldn’t be able to remember all this without my handy-dandy scheduler brought home :)
See, the really neat thing is ... that in all actuality ... there really is a lot getting done and good reasons why my "paperwork" (reports) didn’t get completed. There are scads of things to do in my job ... some of them are putsy little things, but they all need to get done to accomplish the whole.
In the meantime ... there are zillions of things that aren’t done ... This is the list that didn’t get accomplished
Interview with client for preferences
Meet with DSP to complete client assessment
Complete ICAP reports for six clients
Finish one Agenda/History report and start the second
Write formal goals and objectives for eleven clients
Complete Goal Data sheets for ten individuals
Complete collection of data from the last DSP
Write 20 individuals by 6 months each of monthly progress notes (Qnotes)
Check all 20 files for outdated psychologicals, medicals, dental, and State Ids
Schedule training meeting for driver’s safety
Create one year schedule for Staff In-services
Keep CARF books up-to-date
Complete two years of CARF Performance Analysis Reports
Chart Thinking Group meetings for last two months
AND, continue study of "How to Read a Book!"
*Sigh* So there is my schedule in a nutshell. I can’t emphasis enough how happy I am to have recorded this both at work and here. It helps my mind to simplify the tasks completed and yet to becompleted. Makes me feel more than organized. And, while it was happening I had a sense of not wasting moments wondering what to do next or how overwhelming it is to keep this all registered in one’s mind. There is only one period of time (while writing the list) to search out the general details of any given task. This includes the collecting of phone numbers and if you have to do "X" amount of reports ... figure out exactly what the number X represents. For example, I know I had to catch up with ICAPs, but important to note the number 6. Keeps things in perspective.
I have a new system, in that when the task is completed I handwrite a medium sized circle with an "X" in it, then color it green with my highlighter marker. LOL - I’m not all sure why this is psychologically satisfying, BUT there was an extremely good feeling that occurred in seeing all the green circles in my margin. It was like our mind was saying to itself, "What else can we be doing given time and circumstance?" I am serious in that, no tasks is too big or small to ignore. If it takes time on your agenda ... it must be written down. This is so at the end of the day, one is not left with that futile thought, where did my day go?
While I did not have proper time with all the meetings to accomplish BIG writing tasks, I was able to get done with a lot of the small picky stuff that tends to slow down all other projects. PLUS, I had the sense that I was covering all bases. While not a complete list of my job responsibilities. These tasks covered fourteen areas of my work, such as schedules, discretionary, clients, annuals, Qnotes, intake, client files, staff training, in-house meetings, CARF, computer, family support, State agencies and field research.
I wonder if it is like this for everyone who holds a regular job? Do you as most people realize the immense number of tasks that goes into each eight hour or more position?
Gazillions of stuff seems to occur!
If there are big amounts of time ... an hour or more, you can attend to real big projects like finishing X number of reports, usually of similar nature, but you can also budget time in-between meetings and such for the smaller projects and errands. One of they really nifty-neato things that happened yesterday was that I got our new pedometer. This goes with the project that we are real super-duper-sized overweight.
So for myself and one of the clients, we got these little devises to attach to waist line. It records how many steps I’ve taken, how much distance I cover, how many calories are burned, and how much time was ACTUALLY spent in walking. Wow ... what a difference in attitude. I found myself actually making trips out of the office getting things accomplished just so my numbers would go up!
I’m not sure what a normal person’s numbers would look like, but for the first half day of mostly office work, I’m proud to say that I covered 1,610 steps which is a distance of 2.68 km. I burned a whopping 120.6 calories and this was done in 13.09 minutes of actual movement (walking time). Hehe now the goal is to increase those numbers each day ... for example burning 122 calories, taking 1,615 steps, or walking 13.10 minutes. Eh, what goofy minds play with over the course of time :) Always need to be going forward.
Ok, ok ... V is going to have a fit ... maybe we need to get our mind off work for a little bit. We blame this on Sister not scowling at us during a couple of meetings. It’s gone straight to our head! Sure is nice though to get done what one intended to do! Thanking the FlyLady for all this!!
Hmm, just remembered to do something. Yesterday, there was a spider in our bathtub, so we were going to turn on our shower to umm wipe it out. The water came on, but our handle came off in our hand. Hadn’t been turning real good of late anyway. We were able to place it over the gizmo enough to turn off shower, but its literally deteriorated and unable to be replaced proper so that we can again pull-on the shower again or turn it to change the temperature. Forgot yesterday to call for a repair while at work and now we’re at home for a 3 day vacation without phone OR shower. *Heavy Sigh* SOOO, we just wrote a note to our friend and sent email hoping he can make the call. I guess, in reality I could try to drive around and find the apartment people, but in five years, I’ve yet to catch them while they are in the office. Maybe my friend will stop on line for a sec.
Hmm, some stuff has been coming through from the Flylady ... maybe she knows we’re not dressed yet? Ok, ok ... the beds not made either ... umm, brb.
Oh man! Was that great! I’d finished up on those few things, but then I went out to the balcony and sat 20-30 minutes. LOL Kitties must of liked it too, because now as I’ve sat down inside, Chief is trying to play a rousing game of untie the shoelace and attack! Hmm, then he came up to the table and I had to give him a real good pet and NOW, he’s playing playfully with the pen we keep next to the computer. I think he’s hinting that someone should take a nap! No way Baby! It’s just not in the cards!!
Hehe ... I guess he made a point ... we figured he could be bought off with an extra mid-morning meal of Salmon. Even woke up our Missy-poo! Funny Cats!
Ok, ok ... seriously now ... we’ve been up for six entire hours and have barely done anything to our credit, but kind of goof around with this or that. Maybe I should squeak something in my morning of more relevance? Hmm, not sure of this. What would Floralilia say? Hmm, we’re figuring she might say, "Pour yourself another cup of coffee Girl!" To which, we’d respond, "Wonderful idea, let’s get on that!" Oh, much better!
We’re having much too much fun to settle down to anything! Hmm, maybe we should have our apple though ... LOL anything to make that pedometer click!
Ok, ok ... eww, she’s a bit too chilly for us ... have to let her warm up a minute.
Did you know the other day, we spent quite a bit of time over at our Zoo’s web page? This is a fact, I tell you! We had so much fun and interest for it. :) See, the nifty-neato thing is that I live in the Village of Brookfield, directly west of Chicago and Brookfield hosts the State’s biggest Zoo. *Giggle* Umm, that’s why they call it, "Brookfield Zoo." You catching on?
When we moved to this town about four years ago now, it was a pretty big deal. After the first year, we’d even gotten an annual pass. It’s just that about then is when we started having real problems with severe arthritis in our spine. For the most part, we just discontinued doing as much walking as could be avoided. Between that though and discovering last year we had diabetes, we knew that we should re-insert walking back into the schedule. Just we’ve been avoiding it like anything else that had to do with our dismay over the way the apartment looked. Just disassociated into the computer.
Sooo, long story made short, we’re thinking that it might be time to re-invest in a Zoo pass. Hehe, but we never do anything half mast. We figure that we should make a study out of it. See, we blame that on V too. We’d been talking to him the other day and we figured that our very, very most enjoyable thing to do is studying through reading, writing and observation. Man-o-man, can you see how the Zoo might just fit in here? Seems as if I’ve been destined to live in Brookfield,I should be making the most of it!
Hmm, some interesting facts ...
Statistics & FactsThe population of Brookfield is approximately 19,085.
There are approximately 7,536 households
The amount of land area in Brookfield is 7.962 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0.01 sq kilometers.
The distance from Brookfield to Washington DC is 627 miles. The distance to the Illinois state capital is 171 miles. (as the crow flies)
Brookfield is positioned 41.82 degrees north of the equator and 87.84 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Zoo is home to animals representing more than 400 species and inhabits nearly 20 naturalistic exhibits in the zoo's 216 acres. Hmm, says there are seven zoos in Illinois.
Hmm, didn’t know this either!
There are 7,536 households out of which 31.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% are married couples living together, 10.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% are non-families. 27.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.50 and the average family size is 3.10.
Wow almost a full 28% of us Brookfielders are living on our own here? I didn’t know that. We’re an important populations.
In the village the population is spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.8 males.
Ahh, pretty near an average age too ... we’re seven years over the mean age.
The median income for a household in the village is $52,636, and the median income for a family is $64,075. Males have a median income of $45,293 versus $33,136 for females. The per capita income for the village is $24,307. 4.3% of the population and 2.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 4.0% are under the age of 18 and 6.4% are 65 or older.
Shoot, we’re still way under the average median income per household, but hey we’re really an individual household ... they didn’t give a stat for us! Giggle, we’re closer to the media income of males than females ... that’s good then! Really not much poverty going on around our Village.
History
Settlement of the village dates to 1889 when Samuel Eberly Gross, a Chicago lawyer, began selling building lots platted from farms and woodlands he had acquired along both sides of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad line, which provided passenger and freight service between Chicago and Aurora, Illinois. "Grossdale," as his development was originally called, offered suburban living at prices affordable to working-class families. Prospective buyers were enticed with free train rides, brass bands, picnic lunches, and an inevitable sales pitch.
Oh man! That’s terrible .... "Grossdale??" What ever possessed the man!??
Grossdale was incorporated as a village in 1893. The name was changed to Brookfield in 1905 after residents became displeased with Gross, whose personal life and fortune had floundered.
Oh for sure ... heaven to Betsy what a dumb choice of names!
In 1920, the old Plank Toll Road, now called Ogden Ave (US Hwy 34), was paved, providing easy automobile access to and from Chicago.
The Chicago Zoological Park, commonly called the Brookfield Zoo, opened in 1934.
Oh oh ... this is not good!
One area that experienced a rise in crime rate was Brookfield, with an increase in 2003 of 24.3 percent from 2002. Breaking down the figures, Brookfield’s robberies doubled from seven to 14 in 2003 and its assault cases increased from 48 to 91. Burglary cases increased from 98 to 165, and thefts increased from 207 to 310.
Somebody with Badges should know about this! Plus we had four sexual assaults, 33 auto thefts, and one case of arson ... Tsch, tsch, tsch ... not happy at all here!
Well ... we lost some more hours here playing around in our minds ... get back to you in a little bit. We're off to clean out the trunk of our car. Wouldn't want anyone to make off with our valuable fast-food wrappers! :)