Happy Birthday Willie!

At 12:07 p.m. this afternoon, my boy evolved into a teenager. He's a good boy most of the time but I have sensed the teenagerhood stage coming on. No matter what question I ask him, his first response is always, "Whaaat . . ????" (in a deeper somewhat strained and stretched voice). Then when I barely get the repeat question out of my mouth he answers the question. Hmmm . . . , does teenagerhood last six or seven years.

Christmas makes me tired . . . .

I woke up this morning with some energy (but not that much)! Yippee! For every reason out there in rationalization-ville, I am exhausted the day after Christmas and sometimes for a few days more. It's the preparation, the anticipation, the dedication, the contemplation, the prioritization, and the realization that once a year -- this blessed day occurs. And, for that I am indeed grateful!

My favorite Christmas duet . . .

Enjoy!

Christmas Eve --

It's early Christmas Eve, and I am sitting at my computer thinking of everything I haven't done. My Christmas cards are still sitting, unaddressed; I have neighbor gifts to deliver; there are still presents to wrap; I need a few things at the store; and, the list goes on. But, not being ready Christmas in a few areas is okay -- I'll get things done, they may just be later than usual, and that's okay.

I am excited for Christmas -- there's a certain 7th grader who lives with me, a beautiful little grandson, two wonderful daughters and their husbands, and of course Karl who make this year the best ever.

Merry Christmas ---

There's no place like home!

I got home from Las Vegas late Saturday night. It is always so nice to get home after a few days away. I think my boys missed me (at least the one who meows like a cat and calls me "mamacita").

A very creative "welcome home" sign hung in the doorway, and on the stove were some freshly made snicker doodle cookies (TLC recipe book). What a nice surprise!

The meetings I attended were good -- but being away for four days is a huge price to pay when you love being home more than anything in the whole universe.

My son is a STAR scout!!

Willie got his STAR scout rank at the Court of Honor tonight. Karl, Haley, and James were there to cheer him on. Yeah Willie!

Star Scout Requirements:

• Be active in your troop and patrol for at least 4 months as a First Class Scout.


• Demonstrate scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.


• Earn 6 merit badges, including 4 from the required list for Eagle.*______________________(required for Eagle)*__________________________ (required for Eagle)*__________________________ (required for Eagle)*__________________________ (required for Eagle)*__________________________ *____________________


• While a First Class Scout, take part in service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work. These projects must be approved by your Scoutmaster.


• While a First Class Scout, serve actively 4 months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster-assigned leadership project to help the troop). Boy Scout troop: Patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, or
  instructor.


• Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.


• Complete your board of review.
  

Meetings at Christmas Time . . . ?????!!!!?????

For the past 12 years, I have served on the ACTE (Association for Career and Technical Education) Guidance Division Policy Committee in some capacity. I did a three-year term as an elected member of the ACTE Board (2000-2003), too. This is all volunteer service that greatly helps the counseling and guidance profession and my personal role in that arena. The one and only drawback of my involvement is that our annual meetings (in person) are held in December -- can you believe it?

Willie and Karl accompanied me last year when the meetings were held in Atlanta. This year's spot was not quite as attractive -- Las Vegas -- no NBA team, no acquarium, no significant museum, etc. So, they opted to stay home. I miss them!

Keeping up on the BLOG . . .

I drug Willie and Karl downtown with me last night. We went to the Training Table for a burger and chicken fingers and then drove by Temple Square to see the lights. It was just starting to snow and it was such a beautiful sight. There's nothing like driving in downtown Salt Lake during the Christmas Season and seeing the lights and decorations through snowflakes. There is just such a quiet hush that accompanies a snowstorm.

My Grandma Huber (Ethel) told me that when she was young she loved to see the downtown Christmas lights and decorations in the snow, too. I remember her telling me that Christmas music was piped out on the streets (Main and State) that made the adventure even more exciting.

When I was a little girl, both Main and State Streets were decked in lights that hung across each street from one side to the other, from North Temple to 4th South. At each intersection, long strands of lights were strung upward to a center point, higher than all the others along the street, to form a triangle or pyramid of lights with a star securred at the tip top. Each intersection was different and Main Street and State Street were unique as well. Both sets of my grandparents lived in Slat Lake and after each December Sunday evening visit, Dad would treat us to a look at the lights on our way home to Magna. My sisters and I would banter back and forth about our favorite colors of lights and which intersections were the prettiest. (This was long before any lights on Temple Square.)

Siblings . . .

I have been doing some de-junking. (In a previous blog posting I mentioned how I feel overcome with junk!) In the process, I have found some interesting stuff. This "Peanuts" cartoon was in Haley's room. It's a classic, and I love it!

James and Haley . . .

James and Haley attended their National Guard Christmas party this afternoon. It's a formal affair and James wears his full dress uniform (he looks so handsome in it). Haley wore a soft chiffon and satin black skirt and a black sweater with a satin trim on the collar. They stopped by afterwards and I decided to take a picture. Like all my kids, they are great!

SNOW!

What a surprise -- we woke up to inches of pristine snow -- and it looks so beautiful! There's nothing like a snow storm on a Saturday morning when most don't have to hurry off to school and work. It's so peaceful, calm, white, soft, fresh, . . .

SNOW!

Lines Written After a Snow-storm

by C. C. Moore

Come children dear, and look around;
Behold how soft and light

The silent snow had glad the ground

In robes of purest white.

The trees seem deck'd by fairy hand,

Nor need their native green;

And every breeze appears to stand,

All hush'd, to view the scene.

You wonder how the snows were made

That dance upon the air,

As if from purer worlds they stray'd,

So lightly and so fair.

Perhaps they are the summer flowers

In northern stars that bloom,

Wafted away from icy bowers

To cheer our winter's gloom.

Perhaps they're feathers of a race

Of birds that live away,
In some cold dreary wintry place,

Far from the sun's warm ray.

And clouds, perhaps, are downy beds
On which the winds repose;

Who, when they rouse their slumb'ring heads,

Shake down the feath'ry snows.

But see, my darlings, while we stay

And gaze with fond delight,

The fairy scene soon fades away,

And mocks our raptur'd sight.

And let this fleeting vision teach

A truth you soon must know --

That all the joys we here can reach

Are transient as the snow.

(C.C. Moore is "the poet of Christmas Eve" -- 'Twas the Night Before Christams)

I missed the last chance . . .

I can't believe I missed my last chance to "post" during nablopomo (rats!). I intended to do it all Friday evening -- but never made it to the computer.

I have had a lot of fun posting and reading every other BLOG. I am going to try to keep up the daily (or every other day) updates as best I can. I have learned so much about all of my fellow bloggers and that's been awesome.

Teen Idol . . .

Ricky Nelson was one of the cutest guys on television when I was so much younger. I ran across this video on YouTube last week. Watch it and your heart will definitely go "pitter pat".

YouTube - Ricky Nelson - hallo Mary Lou

Home Alone --

My poor sweet baby boy was left stranded last night, home alone . . .

Karl had a junior JAZZ b-ball meeting at 6:30 p.m. (a one hour meeting), and I had an RS meeting at 7:00 p.m. (they go until the late hours of the evening). Haley was at our house doing her piano lesson thing until 8:00 p.m. Then, a guy in the ward needed a home teaching companion -- he stopped by around 7:30 p.m. to get Karl to go with him. In the meantime, Haley left -- and neither Karl nor I got home until around 10:00 p.m. The boy had showered and was ready for bed, but he was definitely not happy about being home alone all evening. So sorry, Willie -- we will make sure it doesn't happen again!

November 26, 2007

People do read my blog -- I actually had 4 comments after my sob story! Awesome!

The most boring BLOGGER --

No one ever comments on my BLOG postings. I am the most boring blogger in the universe (sniff sniff)! I guess I will just have to end it all (blogging that is) this week when nablopomo comes to an end. I know all of you will be very happy when you don't have to read my boring bloggings.

Some teams win, some lose, and some get rained out --

Another U fo U vs. BYU game down to the wire. Isn't that what it's all about? It was a pretty broing game until the last 2:00 minutes. Then came some excitement! Who knows what the outcome could have been had Utah stopped BYU before the "hail Mary" pass. Oh, well -- I've told my kids over and over that you need to win the game long before the time runs out.

Go UTES! Our Utah flag waves on . . .

It's Friday after Thanksgiving and all is well.

It's been a nice day. I am so happy to have a day off now and again -- a day to do nothing. I did run a few errands -- but nothing too strenuous.

Thanksgiving recipees always amaze me . . .

Some of the most interesting recipes come out of the woodwork for Thanksgiving dinner. Most recipes have something to do with sweet potatoes or yams. Most folks in Utah only prepare them at Thanksgiving time, and they [sweet potatoes and yams] seem to be prepared more out of a commitment to tradition than anything else. However, in yesterday's Deseret News, there was a recipe to beat all Thanksgiving recipes -- Celery Special. Never have I seen a stand alone recipe for celery. I thought I might try it out and take it to our family Thanksgiving festivities but opted not to at the last minute. Maybe next year.

Not just any ordinary Wednesday . . .

• Elliott came to our house this morning. He was such a good boy! He stayed most of the day.


• Willie went bowling with Meranda and Parker this morning -- Meranda was the high scorer, of course.


• Elliott and I went to Grandma Huber's house to help her get her Turkey out of the freezer.
  
• I took Elliott to Payless and bought him some nice white walking shoes. I am not sure his mother likes them, but I think they look very cute on his little feet.


• Annie, Haley, Willie, Parker, Chris, Jerry, Elliott, and I went to Grandma Huber's house to help her get tables and stuff set up for tomorrow -- Thanksgiving Dinner.


• Annie and I gave Elliott a haircut -- he looks so grown up.


• Meranda, Parker, Willie hung out all afternoon playing video games and goofing off.


• Karl, Willie, and Parker went to the church to play basketball.


• Meranda and I sat and chilled for awhile.
  

Thanksgiving break on Wednesday?

I have been working in the public school system since 1977 as a contract employee --that's 30 years. And, this is the first time in my career that students and staff in Granite School District have had the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as a day off! How about that!

Monday, November 19

Just when I thought the Utes were looking pretty good, they look really bad.

Sunday night . . . and all is well . . .

After church, dinner preparations, dinner, dinner clean-up, family togetherness, and a great day, I am ready to chill. I like to sit on the couch with a nice cold Coca-Cola and enjoy watching the scan channels as Willie and Karl decide what to watch on TV.

Another Sunday night and all is well at the Petersens.

Out in the dessert they wander, hungry and helpless and cold . . .

Willie and Karl have a Friday/Saturday scout camp adventure at Condie Meadows. Condie Meadows is out in the middle of Tooele County -- north of Dugway, south of Skull Valley, near Terra, Utah -- never been there.

Karl always goes to campouts overprepared -- a coat or jacket for every 5 minute change in the weather; extra socks and shoes, and handwarmers for his sleeping bag. Willie goes well insulated (naturally). He is happy with a hoodie and a sleeping bag.

I stay home and pray for their safe return.

November 16 -- Happy Birthday Paul!

Happy Birthday, Paul.

Yes, you are my brother-in-law whether you like it or not, and I just wanted to wish you the best day ever!

Thanks for all you do for the Petersen family and for so many others. You are just a great person in so many ways. Your commitment to serve others is amazing and is recognized and appreciated.

Alex is going to SLCC!

My nephew, Alex Stoker, has decided to go to SLCC to study automotive technical stuff. He stopped by tonight to talk about school and get some help. He has been admitted and is ready to go -- he can register on December 2. How about that! I am very proud of all my nieces and nephews, but I am so very proud when furthering their education becomes a reality.

What not to wear . . .

I am always amazed at what educators wear and get away with. Clearly, they are underpaid and most are also poorly dressed. Since I spend most Friday nights watching "What Not to Wear", I am more in-tune than ever with what is vogue and what's not.

This morning in our monthly administrators' meeting, one of the fifty-something building administrators made a brief presentation to the whole group -- high school, district office, junior high, and elementary administrators. And, guesswhat -- he was dressed in nicely creased khakis and a nice fitting green crew sweater -- neatly ticked in.

I thought Thom Mori was the only person in existence in the twenty-first century who "tucks in". Not so, I found a new person. There is just something too neat and tidy about men who tuck in their sweaters.

Sick Day!

Everyone needs a sick day once in awhile, and today it is Willie's turn. Since August 1, my boy has been playing football. Football involves a lot of time practicing, running, stretching, running, practicing some more, and tons a physical and emotional effort.

Willie was asleep by 9:00 p.m. last night -- very unusual. He woke up this morning with aches and pains, a sore throat, and a headache. He was nervous about going to school sick because in 3rd grade I made him go to school sick -- and he puked at school. He couldn't bare the thought of getting in a serious sick predicament in junior high. So, I gave him some Tylenol and left him on the couch -- I went to work. He called me two hours later and said he had just woke up. I decided to head for home -- no meetings, luckily.

I know that he is just worn out -- football, junior high, homework, scouts, church, home stuff, growing pains, and everything else. Sometimes a sick day is the best option -- and guess what -- it's okay.

Raise your Flag, Pay Respect

Today is the observed Veteran's Day holiday/celebration/recognition. I don't think one can truly appreciate the battles fought, the lives lost, etc. We can only pay respect and remember those who served/serve in the best way each of us knows how.

November 11, 2007

Eleventh Hour, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Month . . .
Don't forget to honor our veterans!

The end of the football season . . .

Well, the Hunter Midgets Football season finally ended today! What a crazy season it has been. Had they not gone to the West Jordan Jag Bowl, the team would have had a winning season -- 5 wins and 4 losses. However, the Jag Bowl presented two losses -- so, the final record for the 07 season will stand as 5 wins and 6 losses.

Willie had a great season! Now, onto b-ball!

TGIF

Thanks goodness for Friday! That's all I have to say.

Happy Birthday Karl!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday, dear Karl!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

It's Karl's birthday! He is finally as old as I am! Yes!

What a great husband, dad, and grandpa he is!

I Love this Room --

Last year, about this time, we had some custom shelves put in our computer room. It really has become our nice study room, library, reading room, and a nice place to hang out.

I VOTED!

It's election day for a pretty low-key election in my neck of the woods. Really, there are two vacancies to fill in the West Valley City Council, one vacancy for the Granger/Hunter Water Improvement District, and that is about it for the ballot. However, the election day popularity has skyrocketed in the last six months over an education-based issue that appears on the ballot only because a small group of people challenged our State Legislature's law making practice. The result of their work is --- VOTE -- for or against -- CITIZEN'S STATE REFERENDUM NUMBER 1 -- (otherwise known as the school VOUCHERS referendum). This issue alone has resulted in droves of folks flocking to the polls to:

• Cast a vote (for or against) a solution to Utah's public education woes through state-funded scholarship monies for students to enroll in private schools.
  

(I arrived at my designated polling place only to find a 35 minute wait to cast my three votes on the ballot.)

In my opinion, referendum #1 poses yet another effort to dismantle (not improve) an already struggling public education system. It's about widening the gap between the "haves" and the "have nots". I am the first to argue how archaic our public education system is -- I am all for school reform. However, I don't support privatization of education (using state funds, no less). I believe public education is an opportunity equalizer -- a equitable system for teaching, learning, and presenting options and opportunities for and to all students. When society begins to think that this entitlement needs to be separated or sorted out -- we lose equal and equitable opportunities for the masses.

I am hoping that the middle-Americans, responsible and thoughtful thinkers in Utah, rise up and vote against referendum #1. I also hope that in the next 3-10 years, we [education leaders, business and industry folks, and parents] can take some serious time to look at school reform. We just can't continue to teach the I-Pod generation with our blackboard/whiteboard technology.

Peek-a-Boo!

Elliott and I hung out together for a few hours this morning. We had fun -- I bathed him, fed him, we played peek-a-boo, watched Barney and Wish Bone, read books, and played with Willie's toys. There is nothing like grandmotherhood -- I love it! (p.s. I took this picture.)

This is really for Sunday, November 4 . . .

Oops -- I missed the deadline for blogging on Sunday. Oh, well! I guess I got too caught up in the Jazz b-ball game and some late night Sunday dinner clean-up, etc.

My post for Sunday -- dinner menu

cube steak parmesan

baked potatoes with butter, grated cheese, and sourcream

corn and caesar salad

bread sticks

fresh raspberry short cake

Mmmmmmm good!

Junk Grows!

We have lived in our home on Valley High Road for 8 years. I can't believe how much junk we have accumulated in that time. I don't know where it comes from! It multiplies on its own and doubles, triples, and quadruples in size and amount! I have spent time lately trying to get rid of some of it. I feel like it is starting to take over my home!

News You Can Use!

The first Cheesecake Factory in Utah opened in the Fashion Place Mall parking lot yesterday, Thursday, November 1. I have been to the restaurant in Denver -- the food is okay, but the cheesecake is delicious!

Bill Clinton is speaking at the "U" on Sunday, November 4 as part of Hilary's campaign. I missed out on Jimmy Carter at Barnes and Noble in Sugar House for a book signing last November. And now, I am going to miss out on Bill Clinton. Rats! One of these days I will hear a President or former President speak -- hopefully in Utah.

Saturday, November 3, is the Model Railroad Expo at the Utah State Fairpark. We haven't been for years -- maybe this year.

Friday, November 9, Zions Bank branches will ceremoniously begin distribution of Utah's quarter. Quarter collectors can purchase $10 rolls of Utah quarters at any Zion's Bank that day (limit two rolls per customer).

Well -- day 2 of NaBloPoMo!

I'll take the challenge!

Annie is good to keep all of us up-to-date in the blogging world, and I accept the challenge to blog every day in November in honor of NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month).

It's official, BASKETBALL season is here!
Karl and Willie celebrated the opening of basketball season in style by going to the first U of U b-ball game of the season. Willie prepared for the game in true Petersen form (by choosing his attire very carefully). He left the house decked in red U of U gym trunks, red U of U t-shirt, knee-length red socks, and red and black Nike's. (Where was the camera when I needed it?) If he is really a Petersen (and indeed he is), he will need to wear that same outfit again. You see it's a winning outfit -- the UTES won -- and the Petersen men are very superstitious and believe that what they wear to the games actually impacts the outcome. They take a very serious attitude toward all games! Yes, basketball season is here!

Hurray for UEA!

I don't know about you, but I so love UEA!

Every fall, since the beginning of time, people connected with schools look forward to a couple of days off thanks to the annual teacher convention sponsored by the Utah Education Association.

As a young educator some thirty years ago, I faithfully attended UEA. When I was involved in leadership for the Utah School Counselor Association in the late 80s and early 90s, I drug Annie, Haley, and Melinda with me to a few hours of UEA each year.

But now, I am oh so much older and wiser. I look forward to a break from the school business. It's time to sleep in and do just what I want to do (with Willie's approval of course).

Every day, something new . . .

On Thursday, I represented Granite District's Student Services Department at the first graduation ceremony of the school year. It was held at Wasatch Youth Center, one of the campuses for the district's Youth in Custody Program. The center is for youth offenders (general offenders and sex offenders). The two young men of the hour were so excited to be graduating from high school and graduating from the center. Dressed in caps and gowns, they sat at the front of the gym that was nicely decorated for the occasion. Students currently in the center were in attendance as well as the graduates' families and a few other guests. There was a nice program and the students had each prepared a power point on their goals and plans for the future. They also had their favorite teacher/advocates take a few minutes on the program. My part in the whole thing was handing out the diplomas.

In the course of the power point presentations, each graduate took a minute to recognize the LDS service volunteers who had helped them through some pretty tough times while at the center. As they talked, I couldn't help but think about how widespread LDS church service is -- it's everywhere! It requires very little attention and organization. The members, everywhere, serve where and when they can in an ongoing effort to influence others for good, to show they care, and to make a difference. Wow! We are so blessed to be a part of it all!

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky I am?

I love Dr. Seuss books! They are always packed with meaning for readers at any level. The titles of Dr. Seuss' books are sometimes even more compelling and extremly thought provoking (at least to me).

My birthday was this week -- my 53rd. It was really just like any other day until around 7:00 p.m., my family started to arrive. First Elliott, Annie, and Ross; then Haley and James; then the grandparents; then Karl and Willie came home from football practice; then came Chris and Jerry, Meranda and Parker, and Jackie. Before long there was a nice little party going on. Nothing really planned, all who came -- came on their own. We had cake and ice cream, watched Elliott giggle and roll around on the floor, and more than anything just enjoyed each others company. It was a very nice evening. At the end of the day, I had the title of one of my favorite Dr. Suess books on my mind. Hmm . . .

Birthdays are much more than a time for celebration -- for me, these past few years, they have presented a time for reflection -- reflection on just how lucky I am . . . , and this birthday was no exception.

Did ever tell you how lucky I am to have such a great family? One husband, two daughters, one son, two sons-in-law, one GRANDSON, parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, a mother-in-law, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and others I probably forgot to mention. I am lucky to have membership in the only true Church, an education, good neighbors and friends (through church and work), high ideals and values, self-worth, good health, family members with good health, a welcoming home (with an open-door policy), food in the freezer and in the pantry ready for the table at any time, an open heart, willingness to serve others in any way, . . .

I am so blessed and sooo very lucky --

So, to paraphrase Dr. Suess
When I was quite young
and quite small for my size,
I met an old man in the Desert of Drize.
And he sang me a song I will never forget.
At least, well, I haven't forgotten it yet.

He sat in a terribly prickly place.
But he sang with a sweet smile on his face:
When you think things are bad,
When you feel sour of blue, when you start to get mad . . .
You should do what I do!

Just tell youself, Duckie,
you are really quite lucky!
Some people are much more . . .
oh, ever so much more . . .
oh, muchly much-much more
unlucky than you!

Thank goodness for all the things I am not!
Thank goodness I am not something someone forgot,
and left all alone in some punkerish place
like a rusty tin coat hanger hanging in space.

That's why I say
Never grumble! Never stew!
No critter around is as lucky as you!

Just Impressions

My life and my work are all about people. I meet with them, talk to them, listen to them observe them -- and take in all of the nuances that go with them. I am always amazed at the way people maintain their fingers and shoes.

A few weeks ago, I met with a pretty high-profile-type gentleman who was nicely dressed in a suit, white shirt, and tie. As we conducted our business, I was in a postion to observe his shoes. They were worn and scuffed. They detracted from his professional status and caused me to make judgements about his attention to detail. I tried to find excuses to impair my judgement -- in a hurry, out of shoe polish, only one pair of shoes, dressed in the dark, etc. Needless to say, all the excuses I could muster up just couldn't overshadow the scruffy shoes.

Just last week, I was in in meeting at a local school. Counselors, office staff, a consultant, the principal, and I were all seated around a nice table in the school's conference room. It was a meeting centered on school data. All participants had their hands on papers upon which were the recent results of a school-wide survey. As each participant pointed to their concern or question on the paper report, their hands and fingers were part of the focal point as the data were discussed. I couldn't keep my eyes off the principal's hands, more specifically his fingernails. They were clean and neat, but the fingernails were so much longer than the average male administrator, or everyone at the table for that matter. My mind went everywhere -- cocaine user, too lazy to groom, likes long nails, ready for a hand photo-shoot, and so on. For whatever it's worth, long fingernails on males, especially those in prominent positions, are just so unprofessional, unappealing, distracting --- you get my drift.

Just my impressions . . .

A Future by Choice, Not by Chance

I was asked to speak briefly, 10-15 minutes, to a group of young single adults in the Magna East Stake tonight. Pres. Randy Martin called me a couple of weeks ago to see if I could spend some time sharing some thoughts on the importance of education. Little did Pres. Martin know that I have spent an entire career talking to young people about the importance of education and taking time to plan for the future. The time alotted just doesn't do just tice to the topic -- but I did what I could. I have spent some 24 years going to school -- grades 1-12, 4 years for a B.A., 4 more years for a M.Ed., 4 more years for an admnistrative license.

These are some of the thoughts I prepared --
Each day, week, month, year ahead is the future –
What are you doing about it? Your future?
Are you taking each day as it comes?
Are you taking time to improve on your skills and knowledge?
Are you waiting to save enough money to go to school?
Are you waiting for your lucky chance?

My message to you is to strategically think about the future –
Make sure that your focus is -- A Future by Choice, Not by Chance
A survey recently released by the Gallup organization –

• Seven in ten adults reported that if they were starting over, fresh out of high school, they would get more information about job and career options open to them than they did the first time


• Only four in ten employed adults in the survey reported that they started their jobs or careers through a conscious choice and path.

These survey results seem to indicate that many (adults) rely on chance factors in selecting and getting jobs. They fail to use information and planning to shape their futures.

What is your plan – your strategy – chance or choice?

You are here tonight – What if you could roll the dice, play the game, win the prize, and take your chances on the future?

Chance factors are reduced when good information and a range of skills as you move into and participate in the work place.

Choice – freedom to choose . . . religion, work, are cherished freedoms
Freedom to choose your work has some parameters –

• You can’t choose options you are unfamiliar with


• You can’t choose a job for which you lack the requisite skills

Knowledge, information, and experience increase our freedom to choose. Ignorance, lack of information, and a lack of exposure to the jobs and environments of the real world of work constrict and limit our freedom to choose.

Get it together – if you are planning, acting, . . . if not – get going now! Don't leave your future to chance.

Resources
www.careers.utah.gov
www.utahmentor.org
www.besmart.com

I will go, I will do . . .

It's been 4 years and 8 months since I've had an interview for a new church calling. I have been serving as the Relief Society President in the Hunter 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all that time. Church callings are serious business to me -- I put my whole self and my family into them (callings) so much that when it comes time to move on, it is very difficult. I have really grown in this calling, my family and I have received countless blessings, I have grown very close to the sisters, the bishop, and many others in the ward.

I had to be converted to Relief Society. Up until the presidency calling I had served only briefly as a teacher now and again. Most of my church service has been in the Primary auxiliary (I thought that a Primary calling was the only "true" calling, forever). But Relief Society has grown on me, in me, around me, . . . We have the best Relief Society sisters in the whole universe right in our ward. We have the best teachers, ever. And, most important of all, we have fun!

I met with the Stake President tonight, and he extended a call to me to serve at the 1st counselor in the Hunter Central Stake Relief Society. I accepted. I don't know how you can be a good and faithful member of the church and not accept the callings as they come. So with tears in my eyes and with a full and emotionally charged heart, I accepted.

The sustaining may take place on Sunday -- I guess I'll wear two hats for awhile. What a great experience I have had!

And what a week it was . . .

Saturday -- September 8, 2007

Willie had a little league football game against Granger -- it was a nail-biter and with a chance to get a win in the last few seconds, the wolverines left with a loss. That made two losses in a row -- heads were hanging, fingers were pointing. My boy stayed positive and looked to the next week to get a win.

Uncle Bevan died after taking himself out of commission, out of existence, way back in February.

Sunday -- September 9, 2007

Bevan's memorial service plans unfold -- no embalming of his body, no viewing, a graveside service before the memorial service, a "celebration of his life" to follow.

Sunday dinner -- nearly everyone who BLOGS posted comments about Bevan, and we were given the details of the obituary and the memorial service, speakers, etc.

Monday -- September 10, 2007

I had a very interesting supervisory experience. An experienced male teacher in one of the special secondary school programs apparently called in sick on the first day of school, August 27. He relayed a story to his school secretary that he had been in an accident, hit by a drunk driver on a local highway on his way to school. The accident was serious, the airbags went off in his car, the car was too crunched to drive, and that he (the driver) was going to the hospital via his son (no ambulance). The following day, he called in sick, again. This time indicating that he needed to have an MRI -- as reported by the hospital to his physician.

There just aren't many cases of teachers missing the first two days of school.

As the days after the sick days progressed -- it was determined that this veteren teacher had a history of excessive absences -- in recent years missing as many as 30 plus days with sometimes the majority or more unpaid.

The teacher's immediate supervisor requested a doctor's letter as evidence to support the days missed. When the doctor's letter was submitted, the supervisor noticed something suspicious about the dates, injuries, and other general information on the medical letter/forms. They appeared to have been altered.

The teacher was requested to attend a meeting with the supervisior and other district officials (including me -- a subsititute participant). It was this Monday morning that the meeting occurred. After some extreme tense moments in the meeting. It was determined that the teacher had not been in an accident as reported, had tampered with medical forms/letters to support the so-called accident, had tampered with previous medical forms, etc. The whole accident incident was an outright lie. Hmmmmm . . .

It was a pretty pathetic professional momment for me. Never had I encountered an adult educator in such a precarious circumstance. As the whole expereince rolled out, it was reaffirmed over and over again to me how important it is to remain honest -- honesty is always the best policy.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Everyone was early to rise in our home as the scouts had flag duty. The neighbors and ward members can contribute $25 a year to the scouts and young women to have Old Glory displayed on your front lawn on holidays. The boys had set up -- 6:00 a.m. sharp.

It was half staff day at the office. I try to bring my immediate staff (9 fantastic professionals) together at least once each month. Generally, we meet on the third Tuesday -- we network, discuss issues at the DO and in the schools.

I worked late writing my weekly message to 100 counselors --

Word of the week --- OPTION(S)
1. The act of choosing; choice.
2. The power or freedom to choose.
3. Something chosen or available as a choice.
4. Football -an offensive play in which a back, usually the quarterback, has the choice of running with the ball or throwing a forward pass.

Counselors:
I am attaching an article I would like all of you to read. It sheds some light on the changing needs, goals, and aspirations of our high school students. (Junior high counselors – your students are headed to high school.) I am always concerned at the restrictions we place on students in our somewhat old fashioned school system. I was in a meeting the other day where one of our assistant superintendents described our students as “living in a techno world and getting a blackboard education.” Hmmm – I know we don’t have a lot of control over the big public school system, but we can certainly do what we can at the local level to offer solutions and new ideas to a current practice.

As you read the article, “Senior Year: A Teenage Wasteland”, think about the OPTIONS students in your schools have. Are we providing sufficient choice? Are we giving students the power to choose? Are we letting them experience situations where they can choose to “run with the ball or throw a pass?”

Can professional school counselors be forward thinkers as we work with students? Our newly approved graduation requirements present a variety of OPTIONS to students that are more geared to their individual interests and needs. State Law and State Board of Education administrative rules support the SEOP process more strongly now than ever before. In addition, we are being challenged to take language and potential action of career paths more seriously. Students and their parents are more tenacious about concurrent enrollment and the prospects of the New Century Scholarship. The GTI has opened up new, cutting edge education and training OPTIONS for students.

What does all of this mean? I think it means we are moving toward significant change today and for the future in the high school education business. The typical high school schedule may be on the verge of extinction for something new and packed with an abundance of OPTIONS. What will it look like? Not sure, but I can offer some insight:

I envision students taking only a few classes on the high school campus, some classes at the GTI, doing more coursework on-line, participating in internships related to their education and career plans and earning both elective and academic credit.

I envision students taking competency tests and earning credit in core classes thus freeing up more time for concurrent enrollment and early college courses.

I see students participating in web quests, pod casts, webinars, and other web-based instruction – for high school credit.

I envision an online school course selection and registration process that does away with hard copy paper and pencil processes and paying school fees in person.

I envision every teacher communicating with students via e-mail, instant messaging, blogs, text-messaging, and so on – about assignments, grades, progress, etc., and students likewise communicating with their teachers.

I envision air conditioned schools with state-of-the-art technology in every classroom.

I envision students earning high school diplomas in ways not yet considered with the assistance of an online graduation planning template.
And, so on . . .

So what’s the point of this message? I guess the point I am trying to make is – think about current and established OPTIONS for students and expand your thinking for today and look to new OPTIONS and ideas for the future. Seek out and read everything you can to enhance your competence and creativity as a school counselor. Look beyond what we’ve typically and traditionally offered students and envision what may better meet their needs and keep them and/or get them excited in school more than ever before!

You play a key role in your students’ lives. Get to know them – their skills and abilities, talents and interests, goals and ambitions. Teach them what they need to know to navigate the school system. Help them design school schedules that align with who they are and focus on their individual needs. When students come to meet with you, the last word out of a counselor's mouth should be "No". Counselors need to respond to students more frequently with, "I am not sure," "I'll see what we can do," "That's a great idea."

Keeping an open mind and creating options for students will help you be the best counselor, ever!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

The Howden's got a new car -- Willie and I headed out to Daybreak after scouts to see it first hand. What a nice vehicle it is! The trip to see the new car also gave me a chance to see Elliott!

I forgot that Willie and I had dentist appointments -- rats!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

It's Mom's birthday -- she's 77. What a great mom she is and the best grandma any kid could ask for. After football practice and Relief Society visiting, we headed to Mom's to wish her happy birthday. We stopped at ABs afterwards for late night corndogs and shakes.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Affectionately proclaimed Bevan Chipman Day -- Graveside Service at 10:00 a.m., in American Fork Cemetary; Memorial Service at 12:00 Noon, Unitarian Church; Celebration of Life, someplace on South Temple. No further comment.

Litza's for dinner -- yum, yum.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Rise and shine -- 8:00 a.m. -- football game prep begins. When Willie gets ready for any sporting event, his ritual reminds me of Kid Shaleen (in the old movie "Cat Ballou") getting ready for a glamorous gunfite.

Game time -- 10:30 a.m. -- Spectators -- Me , Annie, Ross, Elliott, Karl (on the chains), Cindy, Meranda, Parker (Haley and James had "Super Saturday" responsibilities). The wolverines got a WIN! Wille played really well.

Shopping time -- Western Gardens for birthday gifts, Rushton's for corn, McDonalds for a quick snack.

Game time -- 1:30 P.M. --- Parker's team.

Party prep --- 3:00 p.m. -- Mom's annual BBQ Birthday Party. Willie and I got to Mom's early to do some final yard and pool cleanup and other party stuff. We hoped that kids would come early to swim -- no one showed up 'til 5:00 p.m. or so. It turned out to be a really nice party -- good company, good food, pleasant atmosphere.

Grocery store -- 9:00 p.m. -- late night shopping for Sunday dinner and a few necessities. Haley took Willie home with her after the party. I think she sensed the boy needed some sister time. Once the groceries were put away . . . chill time, finally.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

No matter what happens during the week, "I always have a happy feeling when I go to Church". I love the gospel, the blessings, the standards that govern my family and my life, the people I associate with at church, the funny things that happen there, the lessons I learn.

After church -- Willie and Karl did a few fast offerieng visits, Karl and I straightened up the house, I got Sunday dinner started, and so on . . .

We had the usual dinner crowd -- and then the Petersen family joined us to celebrate Grandma's birthday. It was one of the nicest parties we've had -- no one had to worry whether or not Bevan had been invited or where he was. We drew names for Christmas presents. Elliott was an angel.

And what a week it was . . .

Sunday Dinner

Sunday Dinner has always been an important part of my family's culture. Even though Sunday is a day of rest, the women folk always seem to work hard to put together especially tasty meals for their families on that day. Sometimes Sunday is the only day my family gets a "clean meal" (in Great-Grandpa Huber lingo).

My favorite Sunday dinner is roast beef and roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy. When I was a little girl I loved going to my Grandma Huber's house for Sunday dinner for that particular menu. If I close my eyes and think really hard (I know that's not easy) I can imagine the essence of her gravy -- it was sooooo good.

Sunday dinner is now the gathering time for my family. Everyone knows there is an open invitation for dinner sometime between 4:30 and 5:00 every Sunday afternoon. Grandma Petersen usually joins us, too. She says it is the highlight of her week.

In the last month we've added a high chair for Elliott so that means 9 at the table. In addition to good food and good company, there are always many discussion topics, some controversial. But, most of the discussions center on what happened at church and were there any Criddle outbreaks.

Today's Menu

Ham and Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce
Yummy (Funeral) Potatoes

Corn

Coleslaw (and Caesar Salad for Annie)

Hot Rolls with Butter and Honey
Ice Water

For Dessert

Pineapple Dream Cake

Hot Fudge Sundae (for Willie)

Everyone celebrates differently . . .

When wedding anniversaries roll around, most couples look forward to a romantic getaway. For Karl and me, the best way to celebrate is to do something fun with the kids. Granted we have had a couple of Mom and Dad overnight anniversaries in Park City, but we really look at our wedding anniversay as a time to celebrate as a family. Mostly, over the years, we have just gone out for pizza or burgers.

Since our anniversary generally falls on Labor Day weekend, we have taken trips to Yellowstone at least five of the last seven or eight years. Before the girls were married -- sometimes they'd join us, sometimes we brought the gradnparents along. But this year we invited the married kids and their families to join us for a fast a furrious trip to Yellowstone.

We left after Willie's football game on Saturday afternoon. The trip was great fun! In true Petersen fashion, we saw things in a hurry and then moved onto the next. Probably the best part of the trip was just hangin' out with Karl and the family for a couple of days. We had just average rooms in West Yellowstone; ate at a nice coffee shop for breakfast Sunday morning; had burgers and dogs for lunch in Mammoth Hot Springs; and topped the day off with pizza and pasta at "Petes" that night.

I love being with the family -- I have the best family ever. Any time we are together is a time to celebrate -- our blessings, our good health, our closeness, our good company . . .

Next year -- maybe Niagra Falls!

That was Then!

Karl and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary on Saturday, September 1, 2007.

This is Now!

Thirty-one years have been good to us. Granted, we are 31 pounds heavier (each of us that is); we each have well over 31 gray hairs; we have 31 more responsibilities; and we enjoy each other at least 31 times more now than ever!

Four Weddings, Three Babies, and a New Missionary

It's the last day of August -- Alex and Tara's wedding day. It was a beautiful day!
What an eventful year we have had . . ., and there are 4 months to go!

• January - Elliott Moyle Howden was born -- our first grandchild!
• February -- Melanie and Justin get married -- LeeAnn's daughter (my niece)
• March -- Haley and James are married -- our beautiful daughter
• March -- Conner Jesse Campbell is born -- to our niece, Melinda
• April -- Luke Walton Huber is born -- Ed and Jennifer Huber are the proud parents
• May -- Preston James Wood enters the mission home bound for Argentina -- Cindy's son (my nephew)
• August -- Alex and Tara are married -- Chris' son (my nephew)

My Elliott

Elliott is with me for a few hours this morning. He is such a beautiful, delightful little guy. There are no words in this universe that describe how I feel about being his grandmama. It is absolutely the best expereince of this day to have him soundly asleep on my bed. He has a new tooth -- that makes three. There are two on the bottom and now one on the top -- not a front tooth but an incisor or a cuspid. I am so thankful I can take a few hours off every now and again to have Elliott here with me -- just the two of us. He snuggles his head into my shoulder; he reaches his arms toward me when he wants to be picked up; and he gives me big, gooey, wet kisses. I love it!

Back to School

I dropped my youngest child off at Hunter Junior High School this morning at 7:25 a.m. -- his first day as a 7th grader. I felt a deep emptiness -- "he's growing up way too fast" rolled over and over in my mind. Once I saw him go inside the school, I turned the car around and headed for home to get a few work essentials when I realized I had forgotten to give "the boy" some lunch money. I flipped a "u" turn on 6000 West, faced the parent drop off traffic with confidence, parked in the parent parking lot, and trecked into the school in search of my 7th grader. The kids were much bigger than when I taught junior high school some 30 years ago. I looked around and saw some kids holding hands (heterosexual hand holding that is), others looking for a familiar face, and me -- just looking for someone who looked smart enough to point me in the direction of the TLC classroom. Once I stumbled onto the class, I found him -- sitiing straight and tall at a table in the middle of the room. Fortunately for him, the first bell had just rung and not too many students had arrived. He appeared to look more relieved than embarrased as I handed him some sweet cash/change.

The after school report indicated that his day went well. He saw a few kids with moustashes, one kid with a tatoo on his neck, and nearly all of his friends. Once home, he couldn't wait to head to the elementary school and check-in with the neighbor kids on how their day went.