Veteran's Salute with our wallets

"Don't tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value."

Not to get all political on you, but that was one of the phrases from this past election that I remember most. It's been said many times in many different ways, this particular one by Joe Biden, but the truth resonates. We put money on things that we value. Money is an expresson of our time, our resources, and our worth. What we choose to do with our money is more telling of our person than just about anything else. What we do with our time would be the second most telling, in my opinion, but those two things could easily trade places.

Yesterday was Veteran's Day and many government businesses are observing the holiday today. My husband and I tailgated and attending the Zips home game on Saturday for the Band's annual patriotic show. Dr. Galen Karriker writes a show full of fanfare and classic American songs, while the ROTC and volunteers bring out a monstrous flag to wave. This year there were cannons and they marched into a pretty kickass star. (Full disclosure: we are total band nerds! We were in all bands all through high school and played in the University of Akron marching band for three years. While I do love football, we go for the band.) The show is always moving, even though we generally know what's coming. Since my husband joined the Army, this show has been especially moving as he gets to stand up when the band plays his song. I hold the tears back a bit, thank God that he's not yet been deployed, and pray for hope and health of our current troops over seas. Veteran's Day means something completely different to me now.

I see our nation and my friends rightly saluting our troops around this time. Many of their expressions come over my facebook feed and I know the troops and veterans appreciate their support. But today, I challenged my network to take this one step further. If you value your troops, why not donate so that they can be a little more comfortable while defending our comfort? A little bit of money goes a long way for toothbrushes, sunscreen, baby wipes, and snacks. These are not life or death items and most individuals can surely do without. But I think that's the least I can do for someone willing to defend me - especially at such a low pay.

I'm not saying I agree with the war. I'm saying I think people willing to put their life on the line for me (as in their creed) should get my support - at least for a stinkin' toothbrush and socks! :)

Here's how you can do the same: http://troopsdirect.org/help.html

God Bless.

Green for Halloween

No photos inside were permitted.
Visit their website for a glimpse.

We all have our favorite holiday. Some anticipate Christmas Cheer all year long and don’t even complain if the decorations are out in September. Some get pink and frilly for Valentine’s day. And some go all out for Halloween. I think there are probably more Halloween-People than any other holiday. Not me, though. I’m just not that into it. That being said, I do like dressing up and being a little crazy once in a while. It could just be Costume Day and I wouldn't miss the scary part. 

Sometimes I make my costume, sometimes I buy it online, but usually I end up going to one of those pop-up Halloween stores. I walk in with no purpose, just milling about until I find something that could fit me or that I could copycat at home. This year I have a couple parties to attend and two of the three costumes are pretty easy. The third one is the Wicked Witch of the West (which I’m totally ok with now that I have seen the Broadway Show). That’s not just any witch, that’s a green witch, and even though I don’t get that into Halloween, I generally like to go all out when I do anything. I bought some green face paint from a pop-up but it just looked too greasy and messy. I didn’t want to put that on my arms and rub off on everyone else.

Last minute-like, I stopped by Akron Design and Costume LLC in Portage Lakes to see if they had any actual body paint. I wondered if I might get my hands on something they would use in theater productions.

Great Googley Goblins, was I impressed! Even I, a self-proclaimed non-Halloween person, enjoyed walking through the Halloween props area with all the recordings and ghastly things reaching out at me. Some of that stuff was really clever. Once inside I saw a complete make-up counter rivaling any mall make up counter, and a guy actually knowledgeable about the products. Without being pushy, he helped me find the make-up I was needed, showed me how to put it on, and gave me some good tips to make it stay put. There was even a book on the counter with progressive photos to help me see the possibilities and even more tips on application.

I left with a bottle of stay-put liquid and a compact size container of green body paint for something like $12. He advised me to get a Hydro sponge at a drugstore (they were sold out), but I ran out of time and just used a clean dish sponge. He was probably right in that sponge yielding the best coverage, but my aesthetically detail-minded friend applied the paint to my skin just fine. Plus, I was spending the evening in a dimly lit bar so I didn’t require absolute flawlessness, just intense color. I was complimented on the color all night and it stayed on and even the next day until I took a long soapy shower.

I got to thinking about this place and I wondered how they could stay in business all year long. It must be due to the quality. Offering serious products meant to last for more than one or two Halloween parties probably sets them above the one month only stores. I checked out their website and saw that actually do serve other markets beyond Halloween, including theater production companies, mascots, and other costume rentals. I don’t foresee a reason for visiting this store other than in the month of October, but you never know.

You know what I really like most about this store? It’s the fact that they’re All In, to use poker terminology. They chose a market and they put in a hundred percent. Like me, they go all out. I respect that.

What was the first capitol of Ohio?

I’ve never been small, even when I was. I’m long. I’m thick. I take up some serious space. Always have, always will. I generally get uncomfortable pretty quick in general-population-type chairs. Theaters, airplanes, university desks, etc. - just not the most comfortable things for me. But they are a normal part of being human in America, so I do my best. But I don’t sit in those chairs for a second more than I need to.

At the Akron Civic Theater, I jumped up faster than the lights could brighten at intermission. I reached my arms up to the ceiling, like any yoga instructor would do, taking a deep breath and stretching out my too-long bent body. Papers brushed my elbow lightly, I turned to see a smiley, older man (60? 65?) standing next to two seated women in the row behind me.

“What’s the first capitol of Ohio?”

Wait, I know this... it’s a trick question because it’s not Columbus. Think, think, think... “Zanesville!” I said with little kid grin.

 

“Nope. That was the second.”

 “Hmmm.... I don’t think I can remember.”

“Chilicothe!”

“Oh yes! Chilicothe! And then Zanesville.”

“What was the third?”

Silly, I know thaaaaat. “Columbus!”

“Nope, Chilicothe again! Then Columbus. What was the only president to be divorced?”

Where is this conversation going? “Gee... I think I learned that once... who?” 

“Ronald Reagan. Who was the first president to live in the white house?”

I should know this. “Not Washington, I know that... was it the tenth president or so?”

“Nope, the second... which is...?”

Finally one I can answer. “Adams!” Please don’t point out that I’m not sure if he’s the one with Quincy or not...

“My son’s a pediatrician...”

And the conversation continued. He told me about his sons and where they went to school, how they chose those schools, and their GPAs. I resisted the urge to tell him mine was higher. (Before you judge me, recall he’s been jovially questioning my intelligence and my inner perfectionist would like a chance at redemption. I consider it a victory that I kept my mouth shut.) He asked me more presidential trivia for which I had almost no correct answers. I looked down to my girlfriends, surely wondering how I got involved in this conversation and how I might get out. Once in a while they would venture a guess, usually incorrect also. I wondered how this would end. I saw no feasible way to smoothly sit down and turn around. I also noticed that this was kind of fun. Then he said,

 

“What do you do?”

Ah yes, I love when people ask me to talk about myself. "I’m a bridge engineer.”

“Oh! So you make bridges?”

“Yeah, kinda. I design them. Sometimes I oversee the construction or inspect them.”

“Wow! Is that hard?”

“No, not really...” Well, yeah kinda, but not really for me... not that it’s easy or anything, I just seem to like it so it’s not that bad... I never know how to answer this question.

 “What bridges did you make?”

Yes, more me. I can answer these questions. “I helped with the Cleveland Innerbelt Bridge and the Cleveland Zoo bridge. A bunch of others, but they’re just boring highway bridges.”

 “Oh, I guess I don’t know anything about bridges. I can’t ask you about that. Who was the youngest president to ever take office?”

More presidential trivia. More of a dismal showing from my memory of fifth grade curriculum. I looked down at his wife, who would not look up at me. She and the older woman on her other side remained silent. They must witness this fiasco every time they’re in a public place. They obviously no longer think it’s funny. I couldn’t seem to make a break in the conversation long enough to involve my friends or his. Finally he said,

"Ask me one now.”

Hallelujah! “What’s the weight of water?”

“I don’t know.”

Good, he’s still smiling. “8.34 pounds per gallon.” Here we go! “What’s the weight of concrete?”

“I don’t know that either.”

“150 pounds per cubic feet. How many feet are in a mile?”

“Uh... Eleven hundred?”

“Close! 5280.” Alright, he’s losing interest. Throw him a softball. “How tall am I?”

“Six foot!”

“Darn close! Five foot eleven and a half!”

And this is how we squandered the entire intermission. I didn’t get another drink and the girls didn’t even stand up. The group of us were so entertained with this extroverted file cabinet of historic trivia! The conversation was so much fun, even though it reminded me of many shortcomings in my elementary education memory!

Then, at the end of the show, I half expected the quizzing to resume and continue until we parted ways on the street. Instead, he swiftly stood up and headed down the stairs. He reached over to brush my arm with his program, still smiling, to signal “goodbye, this was fun!” and that was it. The two women next to him went the opposite way. They were strangers, not his wife and mother in law as I assumed! They were not appreciative of his light-hearted chatter. I almost feel bad that they missed out by keeping to themselves. What a sweet five-ten minute blessing he was to me.

Little blessings are everywhere. Even a man, one row back, with an extensive knowledge of presidential trivia can brighten an already spectacular evening.

Arrival: The Music of Abba with The Akron Symphony!

The view from the cheap seats.

Do you love ABBA?

Of course you do!

Do you love the Symphony?

Meh?

What about the AkronSymphony?

Obviously... you love everything Akron!

Well put ABBA and the Akron Symphony together and you have a flood of inexplicable happy feelings filling your face! How do I know? Because I had a lovely evening with some girlfriends, soaking in my downtown, and loving this concert! Here’s how it works:

Part 1: We ordered Lockview to go, walked across the street to the open Lock 3, and laid out our picnic at the table. We chatted like girls (who are too busy to see each other nearly enough) often do. Conversation involved engagements, bad roommates, new babies, bad jobs, and memories. You know, everything.

Part 2: Walk next door to the Akron Civic Theater, purchase wine which you are permitted to bring into the seating area, and enjoy!

I love ABBA and I super love song remakes – especially when done in an unexpected way such as when a booty-call, sexually explicit song gets covered by classical piano. Love it! So you can imagine my delight with an ABBA cover band singing with a symphony orchestra! The sound was so rich and full, so strong. The Akron musicians were dressed in the normal all black whereas Arrival was blazing white with shimmer and sheen. The show was all about the music, which made my rear balcony, $22 seats not such a bad deal since it all sounds great in the theater.

I grew up a band kid. I even stayed in marching and concert bands for three years in college. My husband got his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education, as did many of our friends. Then he taught three years of band to fifth through twelfth grade students. All of this means concerts for me to attend. Loads and loads of concerts for me to attend. I was pretty burnt out with concerts by the time my husband changed his career.

But this concert? There was no doubt in my mind once I heard the advertisement on the radio. It was a great night in the big city.

 

I love where I live!

Which tree to bark up?

Remember that Summit County Trails Forum I attended? I loved it! I loved every minute of it - except the last minute.

Like most events such as this, we ran over our time. 'Twas the end of an enlightening session titled Trail Development 101 - and I mean the absolute end, like "Ok,and if there are no other questions we'll wrap it up" - when a middle aged woman raised her hand and with a tone I can only describe as "somewhat miffed," she said (paraphrased to the best of my memory):

"I notice that we're only hearing from the richer communities here, like Bath, Richfield, and the like. And I notice that there isn't a whole lot of color here (as she looked around at all of us). What about the lower income areas? I live over by Summit Lake, essentially across from the projects. What about them? How do we give them the advantages of Summit Trails?"

silence...

collection of thoughts...

And then the speakers discussed their opinions on the matter, which is that the means to involving the lower income areas is Education. We need to provide these populations with reasons that the trails are useful (health, fitness, enjoyment of nature, vehicle-less travel, general recreation, etc.) and assist them in using the trails.

Furthermore, other points were noted:

1. Despite strong encouragement for OECC to build the towpath around the lower income area near Summit Lake, the towpath goes right through the center of it. The towpath is literally in the backyard of these apartment buildings and alongside the Summit Lake Community Center which is utilized by many residents of that area.

2. Several different types of people are on the trail everyday and this diversity has been increasing over the years. (My addition: I agree. I've seen different ages, races, apparent economic classes, etc. on the trail, especially in that area.)

3. The OECC, along with Cargill and PNC (for 2012) hosts an annual Fishing Derby, specifically designed to bring local kids to the outdoors that would not normally have been exposed to the gifts of nature. These kids are taken out for a day of fishing and learning about our trails and parks.

Now, having said all that, my question is: Was this forum to right tree to bark up? I feel like this complaint could be better addressed somewhere else... but where?

In what other ways could we bring our beloved trails and parks to our entire community? Will Phase II, the project to connect all parts of the county to the towpath, be instrumental in this aspect? Will it be enough?

Some other ideas I have:

1. Programs similar to Girls on the Run, directed at inner city children, focusing on trail running.
2. A community walking program, enlisting first the teachers and professionals in the area. Their benefit and enthusiasm could inspire others.
3. What if Lebron James' famous Wheels for Education included a portion of the towpath (it's right there by the Aeros stadium) and some information showing the participants what the trails can do for them?

Hmmm... I wonder how I can make some/all of these things happen...

Why complain if you when you can DO? Why ask "Why haven't you...?" when instead you can ask "How can we help...?" The tree you should bark up is your own!

This is your city Akron. Love where you Live! If you don't, let's fix it!

The floating portion of the towpath over Summit Lake. The area in the distance is the one addressed above. Photo from here.

Summit County Trails Forum

The first half of my work day was exceptionally exciting! I was invited to and attended the Summit County Trails Forum for a morning of networking, trail discussion, and the unveiling of the newly designed Summit County Trail Plan.

Reasons I was invited:
1. I'm on the board for "the towpath committee," as I like to call it.
2. I'm an active user of the parks and I've indicated interest in contributing in some way.
3. I'm an engineer. Parks need engineers to design things like trails, bridges, drainage systems, etc.

Reasons my employer agreed to let me go:
1. Many elected officials were present: mayors of local cities and townships, directors of parks, and even a senator. These people are decision makers for projects my company seeks to obtain. Putting our name in front of them is always good.
2. Networking with decision makers and other interested parties.
3. To learn more about the needs and goals of trail projects, particularly in Summit county.

Reasons I really wanted to go:
1. I love trails! I use them several times a week. In fact I just spent 6 miles running on the towpath this morning!
2. Yeah, and the other reasons listed above too.

I am so glad that my profession ushers me into this tree-hugging, happy life leading community of people! I practiced my network skills (more on this later) and came away with cards (AND intentions to use said business cards) of some high profile people. Of them:

Ivan Kassov of the Cuyahoga Valley National Parks - to get me more involved in the CVNP workings for my personal involvement and this blog. And work. Yes, my company could potentially do work for the CVNP.

Gary Whidden, self-named A Citizen of the Valley - to go on a behind-the-scenes-kayaking trip in Cuyahoga Falls. I can't wait to see the Cuyahoga from this angle. Also, I plan to discuss the removal of the famous Gorge dams from the engineers' perspective.

State Senator Frank LaRose - to give him information about Akron Rugby. It's True! I had absolutely nothing to say to him, except "Thanks for standing up for the Parks in your caucus. We really appreciate it." I almost didn't go up to him because I didn't think that was worthy, but I decided I needed to at least expose myself to a conversation of someone powerful, no matter how small. It's like singing, the more you do it, the less nervous you get. While waiting for my chance to say hello, I overheard him talk about living in Copley. I play rugby in Copley! YES! After I thanked him I said "And since you live in Copley, I wanted to invite you to a rugby game. The mens and womens teams play right behind Carter Lumber." And you probably think he politely thanked me while rolling his eyes inside. But guess what.

HE FREAKING PLAYS RUGBY! His face perked up, he said he would love to come, and then he said "Maybe I could even play!" He quickly gave me his card and asked me to email him the details. That just happened.

Let's get back to the forum. It was an absolutely beautiful day to meet at Goodyear Heights Metropark with the golden sun, Autumn rainbow of trees, and our unseasonably warm weather. I learned a good bit about all the work required to complete a trail from start to finish. It's actually a pretty long process, particularly when the production involves several partners. The general process, as told by the Mayor of Bath township:

1. Write a Mission Statement
2. Form a Committee
3. Hire a Consultant if possible and appropriate
4. Review history and current situation
5. Solicit citizen input
6. Formulate plan
7. Solicit citizen input again
8. Implement plan
  8a. Find money
  8b. Design
  8c. Construction

You would probably guess that stage 8a above is the deal breaker in many cases, but actually, it's step 1. Without a clear vision, projects simply fall apart. It's never because of the money. That's comforting... sorta.

But the big moment of this whole shindig was the unveiling of the New 2012 Summit County Trails Map! The Towpath through Summit County has finally been completed this year and now we're moving on to Phase II. If the towpath is the backbone of our county's trail system, much like the body, we need a means to get to the blood of our county to the spine and send it on it's way. (Play with this map to see what is currently available.) Phase II is all about connecting the width of our county to the towpath. This requires the strength of many organizations working together. I wish I could show you the exciting new plan for all the trails yet to come, but I've been advised to keep it on the downlow. The OECC did promise to publish it before the end of the year, however, after we've received comments and finalized it.

Stay tuned for more information stemming from my new contacts and other Trail goodies! This is an exciting time to live and play in Akron!

Fun on a school night

You know that girl. The one that is involved in everything. Every time you see her, she’s got her hands in something else and she runs with it full speed. She’s on the board for this organization. She volunteers for that organization. She juggles work and professional events while still maintaining her home life and hobbies. She’s always busy and you get tired just imagining the looks of her daily planner. She jams cocktails with friends between a charity golf outing, softball practice, and making designer cupcakes for work. She runs marathons on the side. And she has the gull to make it all look like it’s no big deal. Like anyone can do it. She probably even feels a little bit guilty that she’s not doing enough… that the ball is falling somewhere.

Maybe you’re impressed with her ability to organize her life that way. Maybe you’re annoyed with her but can’t quite explain why her choice to do everything bothers you. Maybe you just shake your head, call her crazy, and smile.

You know that girl? It’s me.

 I like being extra-involved and over-stretched. I like having a million things to do and lots of people to be with. I like filling my life with things that make me happy. I guess I just have a lot of things that make me happy.

I know why I am like this but we won’t get into the psychology of it now. While the reasons for my tendencies aren’t awesome, I do love the dividends this lifestyle has provided me. I am very fulfilled right now, thanks to the events I attend, committees I engage in, and people I converse with.

What I don’t like is having to leave one event/party/gathering to get to another. I hate leaving. I hate missing out on anything. We’ll talk about this more someday too.

But for now, let’s focus on the positive. Yesterday was not my definition of busy (others would disagree), but it was my definition of full.

 

Work was normal up until I left early to make it to a client’s office to deliver the final report for a project I’ve completed. Meeting with the client is always a good time to strengthen the relationship, which helps get more work for myself and the company. This is good. This is how I can increase my chances of staying gainfully employed.

Following that I drove across town to a board meeting with my main professional organization, ASCE. We get work done at these meetings, which feels good, but I really enjoy the time to be with these other professionals and share my energy for something good.

A quick change-a-roo in Daisy (my car) and I was on my way to the Portage Lakes Running Club. My husband thinks the idea of a running group is silly. Why do you need to join a group of strangers to run in a place they tell you at a time of their choosing? Why not get your own ass out to the trail and get your workout done? I’ll tell you why.

a.)   Because it’s much easier to bail on yourself than your group.

b.)   You don’t have to do the planning. Just put PLX at 6pm on your calendar every Tuesday, check in to see to which local trail you should drive, and be there.

c.)   To meet people, silly! This is where you find people with the common interest of exercise, running, and Akron! There’s probably someone else that runs your speed (we’ve got everything from 6 minute milers to 12 minute walk-and-run milers) and you already have something to talk about. Plus, like Mom always says: safety in numbers!

d.)   Cookies! This group brings cookies to enjoy during the post-run, endorphin-enhanced, totally optional chit-chat.

Five easy miles with some self-initiated Tabata Training at the end. Perfect for the kick I needed to keep going with the night. Because it still wasn’t over.

Dinner and a shower later, I was on my way to Annabells, the rugby bar. Every city with a rugby team has a rugby bar and you know it right away when you walk in. I can’t wait to tell you about ours some day. Our season may be over, but the team is year round. This time the women’s team gathered to celebrate a rookie’s 21st birthday! It was everything you could expect from a 21st birthday: shots, vodka drinks, dancing on structures not meant for dancing, strangers becoming friends for the occasion, and yes, puking. Welcome to Akron Rugby, girlie. ;)

Home at 11pm, thankful for the 8am work start time that I usually complain is too late. And here we are today.