Summertime in the NW
Posted on June 23, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
It is officially Summertime in the Pacific NW and you can tell because one day your are in shorts and the next day you are breaking out the long pants and fleece. We just recently looked at a variety of patio furniture sets and one of the ones that caught our attention was one that included a gas heated lamp that was part of the overall set. This setup is ideal for where we live since the evenings will get a little cooler and would complement the fire pit that we have on the deck. So as the weather starts to heat up grab your sweatshirt and be ready to create some memories.
Looking for furniture
Posted on June 9, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
We have been looking for a love seat or sectional for our basement that the kids can play on and that will be functional if we have guests over to hang out watch a game or movie. We have been looking at some of the discount furniture stores online and at our local shops in order to get an idea if what is available. It appear that the sectionals that are available may be the way that go because many of them today offer the ability to move the pieces around so that you can create new looks with the same furniture. Plus the materials and colors that they come in are much more durable and versatile than what I remember from growing up.
exploring careers
Posted on June 9, 2009 - Filed Under Class of 1988 | Leave a Comment
I remember in high school going through DECA to explore various admin careers in banking in sales and finance. Mr. Rexus was our instructor and he was able to bring local business people to talk to us and help provide insight into the various positions that would be of interest to many of the students. One of the best memories was competing at the local and state level where we were given various assignments related to our area of interest and then competing with other students from across the area and state.
Possible new venue
Posted on June 9, 2009 - Filed Under Class of 1988 | Leave a Comment
some of the feedback that we received regarding our 25 year class year reunion is to look at other locations outside of the state of Washington. This got us looking into various Vegas vacations that can be affordable to all of our classmates. In our review we found some great properties that would facilitate our class and make it affordable for most everyone. The one great thing about doing a class reunion in a more popular location is that we may be able to get more alumni involved as they can also make this part of their summer vacation. So let us know who might be interested and we will take it into consideration.
Acne solution
Posted on June 6, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
We were pointed to a nice resource about acne skin treatment solutions. They provide a one stop location that list and review some of the top acne treatment solutions on the web based on research and customer reviews. They do a great job of listing the ingredients and different price points of each acne treatment that can be very handy for those that have tried other solutions. Some acne treatments may contain active ingredients that may actual cause your skin to get worse and by having s simple breakdown of those ingredients you can hopefully avoid those. So do your research for the best acne solution and make sure to read those ingredients.
A career path in health care
Posted on May 12, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
With all the uncertainty in the job market today one area that appears to be looking for qualified candidates is the health care profession. People do not stop getting sick when there is a downturn in the economy and actually there might even be an increase. There are many people that have been laid off looking to to attend medical assistant training school in order to enter the health care profession and change the direction of their lives and those that will be serving.
Learning to play the piano
Posted on May 7, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
When I was growing up I always thought that it would be cool to play the piano but I never had the desire to take piano lessons where you sat in a room and read through the sheet music. Now that I am older and my kids are getting to the age of where they are looking at playing an instrument for school I am looking at ways to actually learn to play the piano through various online resources. The online venue is so much more convenient and allows you to learn at your pace and can be done by the entire family which is very appealing. So maybe at our next Class Reunion I may surprise some of you and be able to play one of the classic 80’s ballad. Or maybe NOT!
Running in Bloomsday
Posted on May 1, 2009 - Filed Under Class of 1988 | Leave a Comment
It is the first of May and in Spokane that means it is time for Bloomsday. There will be approximately 50K people converging on the city to take place in a Bloomsday to take on the course and see who can make it up Doomsday hill. The events leading up to Bloomsday are something to behold as there are numerous bands, vendors, and activities that are all part of the festivities. You are able to see and purchase the latest men and women’s shoes that are worn by the top athletes in the world. While I am not going to be in the race my wife and kids will be representing our family and their names will be published in the Bloomsday journal after the race with their times. Each runner will receive an timing chip that will automatically keep track of their time and age group so that results are available online that evening. So even if you are not running you should come downtown Spokane and join in all the events.
Shooting a video for your class reunion
Posted on April 23, 2009 - Filed Under Class Reunion | Leave a Comment
We wanted a way to remember those that attended our 20 year class reunion so we decided to set up a video camera where classmates could shoot a 2-3 minute clip that we then edited to fit onto a DVD. We took all the clips and with the help of our middle of the road video card we were able to create chapters and backgrounds so that we could send the finished product to those that attended and make the video available to those who were not able to attend. We are going to keep the video and bring it out during our 25 year reunion so that people can then add to their previous clips and create a living journal for the Class of 1988.
Cruise for your reunion
Posted on April 20, 2009 - Filed Under Class Reunion | Leave a Comment
After our 20 year class reunion I had several emails asking about the possibility of doing a cruise for the 25 year mark. It sounds very interesting and I have heard and read about other classes holding their reunions aboard Caribbean cruises so that you are not always traveling back to your old home town and gives those that may not attend a traditional class reunion an opportunity to be involved. I have not moved ahead on this idea and will probably set it out there for a vote. I would propose that maybe for the 25 year this could be done and then holing our 30 year reunion back in Washington. Any thoughts?
Your class reunion
Posted on April 19, 2009 - Filed Under Class Reunion | Leave a Comment
If you are planning to attend your high school reunion one of make sure to plan ahead and book your hotel room early. We found out that with our 20 year reunion those that waited until the last minute had to book hotels that were 20-30 minutes away from the main event sites. We were able to secure a free stay at hotel located next to our event thanks to some early negotiating and then we used those as prizes for those on the reunion committee and those that sent in their payments early.
Having a basement
Posted on April 19, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
We have enjoyed having our basement and had never really thought about having or needing one until we lived out East. They are great areas for the kids or to be able to set up a game room. The one major thing that you have to be careful with is the dampness and possible mold issues. There are multiple ways to reduce the mold such as using a dehumidifier but you must also make sure that you have no water leaks in your foundation. If you do suspect mold there are mold killer products currently available that have been proven effective to help protect your home.
The best shower head ever
Posted on April 19, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
I was watching one of the old Seinfield episodes where Kramer is obsessed with shower faucets to get a more thorough cleaning. I think that show was able to turn something as ordinary as low water pressure and faulty shower head into a 30 minute episode. The best part was when Kramer went to meet with his buyer for this powerful showerhead and it was set up like a covert operation for him to purchase this item.
Acne issues
Posted on April 19, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
Remember back in high school one of the most dreaded facial blemishes you could get was the pimple. No matter what you did you could never cover it up and to you it seemed like it was the biggest and most noticeable thing in school. You would know that they were coming by the blackhead that would start to form and could only hope to contain the damage and not let it erupt. Now there are so many treatments that you can even prevent those unsightly facial blemishes.
Are jobs available
Posted on April 18, 2009 - Filed Under finance | Leave a Comment
In this uncertain job market you may be asking are there jobs to be had. We had the chance to take a look that features finance jobs where as of this writing there were over 14K jobs available and over 12K posted within the last 14 days. It appears that all the news that we are hearing about the financial sector and the loss of jobs may not be entirely true. There are the big insurance companies that are taking TARP funds to stay afloat, but many of the medium to small size businesses are looking for top talent in this market to help them gain an advantage. So don’t give up hope and continue to look at sites like financialjobbank.com as a great resource.
Collecting funds early for your class reunion
Posted on April 15, 2009 - Filed Under Class Reunion | Leave a Comment
Planning a reunion can be exciting, fun, and rewarding, but it also has its downfalls. As with any event, a budget must be set before any plans can take place, and this can be particularly difficult if you are counting on the financial assistance of others. Even worse, you might not just be collecting from “others”, but old acquaintances and even strangers. Establishing a budget for a reunion can be overwhelming, particularly since it’s impossible to impose any monetary restrictions when you have no idea how much will arrive prior to the event taking place.
While no one likes to badger others for money, high school reunions present a unique circumstance. In most cases, the budget for a reunion is formed by the investments of former classmates and teachers. Once a reunion committee or group has been established, those individuals canvass for funds by charging each person to attend the function. Of course, in order to make plans for the reunion, the money has to arrive early – preferably, several months prior to the actual event.
What throws a fork in early requests is the planning time that each attendee requires. Some former classmates may not have their vacation time approved until one month prior to the reunion, leading them to hesitate before purchasing tickets. Others may have to discuss the event with their spouses or partners before making final plans, especially if travel is involved. It’s easy to procrastinate when it comes to a reunion because there is often a great deal of preparation required.
Unfortunately, if too many attendees fail to buy tickets or pay a required fee, it can affect the entire experience for everyone else. Without a budget to follow, committee members may be forced to downsize the overall event, change venues, or ultimately cancel the reunion altogether. This can be very disappointing for individuals who have been waiting for the day they would be reunited with past friends and teachers. Oddly enough, to bring uncooperative attendees out of the woodwork, talk of a cancellation may be just the ticket.
If you are working with a planning committee, you have no doubt formed an e-mail list or online social networking group to keep in touch with school alumni. If you’re having trouble getting firm responses, there is no harm in starting a sneaky rumor that the reunion is on its way to being called off. After all, if you can’t develop a plan and form a budget, there is little chance that the reunion can go ahead anyway. Don’t be afraid to start a fire underneath their feet to get them moving.
You can also use online networking groups to keep potential attendees up-to-date on the event’s progress. If you receive $1,000 towards your budget in the first few months and that number seems to stand still, perhaps someone will take notice. It’s also important to inform others about the amount of planning involved. Unless they’ve tackled a similar project, they may not understand that there is more to creating a great reunion than booking a venue.
The key to acquiring a sufficient amount of funds is to set a due date. Tell former classmates that their money must be submitted by a certain date in order for the plans to begin. In order to give those last-minute attendees some extra time, choose a fake due date approximately two weeks’ prior to the actual due date. Then, as the makeshift date approaches, start e-mailing or messaging your past schoolmates and provide them with a countdown. Try contacting them two weeks, one week, and finally, three days prior to the date set.
Once the fake date has passed, add up the numbers to see where the reunion budget stands. If the funds are still lacking, send out a final e-mail or message, stating that the date has been extended by another week. Be sure to note that there will be no further extensions granted and that if you don’t receive a response by at least x-number of people, the reunion will run the risk of being cancelled. You may be surprised by the amount of classmates who will succumb to the pressure of a deadline, even if their ability to attend remains unclear.
Although you may be feeling burdened by the responsibility of creating a large-scale event, the pride that you will feel at the end of the journey will make it all worthwhile. Seeing the faces of former classmates as they enter the event, hearing compliments about the food, or listening to attendees rave about the decorations, venue, or music will be immensely satisfying. As you hassle old acquaintances for money, it is important to keep the final goal in sight: an unforgettable night filled with great friends, great food, and great memories.
Spring has arrived
Posted on April 13, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
It has been a long hard Winter here in the Northwest and in Spokane we had a record snow fall which has just recently melted away. The weather is starting to get warmer and people are actually out in their yards planting their hydrangea bushes, pulling weeds, and mowing their yards. This is one of my favorite times of the year when everything is starting to come into bloom and the grass is starting to turn green. I just hope that we have a longer than usual Spring and Summer so that we can forget the mounds of snow and ice that we faced this past Winter.
Heading to DisneyLand
Posted on April 6, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
This year we have decided to head to DisneyLand for the family vacation. Our kids have been a times and while they love the Disney park the one that we are looking to visit the most is California Dreaming. This is right next to Disneyland and offers some different rides and some of the more modern Disney shows that your kids really enjoy. If you are looking for great place to stay close to the amusement park then do a Anaheim California hotel search at qualityinn.com and you find some great package deals for you and the entire family.
Meeting your Ex at your reunion
Posted on April 3, 2009 - Filed Under Class Reunion | Leave a Comment
Admittedly, it may not be an ideal situation. Running into an ex-partner at your reunion can be awkward, intimidating and, yes, even stressful. However, we are often our own worst enemies and, therefore, we tend to torture ourselves with expectations and possibilities. Perhaps it’s been ten years or more since you saw your ex, or maybe you’ve kept in touch via e-mail (and letters, before technology was king) but haven’t stood face-to-face since high school.
Sometimes, nervousness associated with an old flame reunion stems from harboured feelings of hurt or resentment. Teenage breakups can be devastating and the experience can carry over into future relationships for years. There is nothing like young love and oftentimes, even the most gentle of high school splits can wreak havoc on an adolescent heart. If you found your boyfriend under the bleachers with the head cheerleader, or if your straight-A girlfriend hired the cute exchange student as a tutor, that pain may still feel very real, even all these years later.
Hesitation to face an ex may also be traced to your current situation. If you consider a great job and a beautiful family to be the ultimate measures of success – and you possess both – you will no doubt walk into that reunion with your head held high. On the other hand, if you feel your situation is lacking, you may be dreading the thought of informing your ex that you’re still ironing out the wrinkles in your life.
Fortunately, there are ways to lessen the discomfort and possible embarrassment. First and foremost, confidence is a must. If you can’t be happy about the way your life turned out, you certainly can’t convince others of the same, particularly an ex. Take a long, hard look at your circumstances and identify the brightest spots. Let’s say you’re a writer who has yet to publish a book, but you work a regular gig as a columnist. While you may not consider the column to be the height of your success, your former partner may prove to be impressed.
Next, looking good is crucial. True, it may sound shallow, but it’s a major component of self-assurance. Revel in a great facial or massage, dish out a few dollars for a good haircut and style, and buy a new outfit especially for the reunion that highlights your assets and downplays your flaws. If you don’t have the financial resources to be frivolous, don’t worry - you can still turn heads on a budget.
It is also vital to constantly remind yourself how many years have passed. Simply put, the topics and situations you fear may not even be a concern for your ex. In fact, he or she may actually be looking forward to seeing you again. This is your time to shine, to show others what you’ve become and to make it obvious that you are not who you used to be. Even if your personality is the same, your life has changed.
Once armed with a knockout appearance and a long list of conversational pieces, it’s time to hit the reunion. On the way there, occupy your mind by thinking about the other classmates you want to see, then force yourself to stay distracted by making predictions about their jobs and accomplishments. Often, it’s the hours prior to an event that make us the most nervous because we start to create unlikely predicaments in our heads. You may daydream about your ex laughing in your face, refusing to speak to you, or announcing that he or she has become extremely successful.
Although being happy for an ex is the more mature road to take, it can be hard to act excited about a former partner’s triumphs if bitterness rears its ugly head. Keep things in perspective. If you spot your ex across the room, don’t try to hide – regardless of the sweaty palms or nausea that fight to consume you, the ball is in your court. Your reunion will be whatever you make of it, and it could turn out to be a very pleasant experience.
Remember, high school reunions are about catching up with old friends and - given the time frame - it’s normal to be nervous. However, don’t let an ex ruin the event for you. There’s a good chance that whatever trepidation you feel when it comes to sharing your own victories, your ex feels the same. The trick is to put a spin on the situation so you are presented in a new light, one that makes you feel exceptionally good about yourself.
Improve your view
Posted on March 27, 2009 - Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment
For those that are looking to find the best home theatre seating then look no further than theaterseatstore.com where they offer both budget and luxury home theater seating. They have models available that start at $500 delivered to the upper end brands of Bass Industries and Elite HTS for those looking for the best available seating. You can find them available in a wide assortnemt of colors and styles. It makes sense to improve your view to that new HDTV with your your Blu-DVD player so that you can enjoy that true theater experience minus the sticky floors.
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