On And Off The Road!

When I first met Jill she was the shyest person I'd ever met. Not only was she shy, she would break out into terminal sweats if embarrassed. When we started traveling togerther in Asia she would often sit through a complete interminable meal with clients without saying a word. I used to tease her that she needs to take a bath in antiperspirant just to get through the day... my, my times have changed.

A couple of weeks ago we drove to Vegas to see my brother and sister-in-law. You may recall that my brother had a massive heart attack last October. He is doing amazingly well. He looks great and has a very positive attitude.

While in Vegas we went to see Jill's favorite performer, the illusionist David Copperfield. Toward the end of the show he threw 13 beach balls out into the crowd to randomly select the people who would participate in the final illusion. The balls were batted around and, like musical chairs, when the music stopped those holding a ball were selected. There was only one caveat ... the person with a ball had to speak English. A Chinese man at the table behind us caught one of the balls. When Jill realized that the man didn't speak English she leapt over the table and grabbed the wicked sphere and bounded to the stage. So much for terminal shyness.

We happened to be in Vegas during spring break so most of the audience consisted of young people in tee shirts and shorts. Naturally Jill was looking hot in a bright green top with sequins and slacks. It didn't take Copperfield a nanosecond to move Jill front and center in the elevated platform where all 13 participants were seated. My shy bride was beaming in the stage lights ... remember this is a woman who gets hot flashes when asked to introduce herself at a quilters club.

After a bunch of dramatization during which Jill and a couple of others were handed flashlights to shine out over the audience, suddenly canvas curtains encompassed the platform but the flashlights were still visible ... then (drum roll please) ... the curtains were raised and all 13 people were gone ... poof I lost my wife and best friend! Within a second or two of the empty platform's reappearance, sans people, the entire group of 13 appeared at the back of the auditorium with flashlights shining.

Of course you are all breathless in anticipation of learning how one of these incredible illusions actually happens ... I mean after all we know someone who was made to dis- and re-appear in front of several hundred people. Perhaps I forgot to tell you that in addition to being shy (or formerly shy) Jill is the most honest person I have ever met - opposites do indeed attract!

When asked, in a sweet melodic voice, by a cute 10-year old girl as we exited the auditorium "Miss can you tell me what happened when you disappeared?" Jill put her arm around her and whispered 'it's magic". The wide-eyed girl giggled as she ran off to join her parents. And that folks is all you or I, her trusted (or so I thought) friend, will ever know because Jill gave her word to Copperfield and that folks is not magic ... it's character.

Although I'm not a fan of General Lud, the founder of the Luddite movement in the early 1800s who organized workers to destroy the machines that were replacing workers during what we now call the industrial revolution, I have to admit there are times I sympathize with those who lived through those tumultuous times. For example I'm fed up with Facebook. Actually I'm fed up with people who think you should know things about their life simply because they posted it on Facebook. Give me a break. I have 4 e-mail addresses and work for 4 separate companies. I have 3 kids with spouses and 8 grandchildren and hundreds of friends and colleagues spread across the globe. I do not have time to read everyone's Facebook, let alone mine. I'm very disappointed that one on my kids (who shall remain nameless) had a major activity this weekend (one that I have always taken a great deal of interest in) and assumed everyone would know it was happening because ..."Gee Dad it's on Facebook." Maybe it's age or simply becoming overwhelmed with all of the STUFF that supposedly makes life easier. But what's the point if it replaces human to human contact. No I am not a Luddite but possibly a Lud-lite!

On the road again

I know it's been awhile since I posted but to say we've been busy would be an understatement of biblical proportions. We are fully moved into our new place in Palm Desert. All settled and now we're leaving ... does that make sense to anyone? We leave next Wednesday with the big rig for our son's place in McMinnville. If all goes well we will get there in time for our granddaughter Kate's graduation from high school. Did any of us realize what a big event graduation was when going through it? Sure we were excited and possibly a little drunk but did we actually grasp what a seminal moment it was? To many it's one of those transitory events that lays down a marker in your life's story ... sort of an adult launch. I know Kate will understand the significance because she is a person who is aware ... tuned in ... and has a maturity well beyond her years. I'm looking forward to watching her life progress, it will be not only be interesting but magnificent.

 A conversation with another grandchild, Laurel who is attending the University of Minnesota studying Clinical Psychology, that got me to thinking about all of the jobs I've had. Laurel is working two jobs and taking a full load of credits ... she understands the meaning of sacrifice and success. Laurel has worked as a babysitter, housekeeper, caregiver, waitress, etc. Anyhow I decided to list every job that I was paid to do. Whew ... I'm sure I've left something out but it doesn't seem possible. It's a fun project, give it a try.

These are in no particular order.

Baby Sitter

Cacti...who knew?

Lawn Mower
Snow Chain Installer
Paper Boy
Boxcar Unloader
Taco Maker
Stucco Bag Filler
Water Truck Driver
Country Western DJ
Rock and Roll DJ
Radio Ads Salesman
Radio Wedding Sales Programmer
Radio Station Music Director
Cotton Candy Maker
Warehouse Assistant
Store Detective Savon Drug
Pulp Lumber Jack

Sunrise in Palm Desert

Roofer
Heavy Truck Operator
Crane Operator
Missile Guidance Control Specialist
Electronic Tech B-52 Bomber
Nuclear Med Trainer
Assembly Line Paper Wrapper
Retail Milkman (door to door)
Commercial Milk Delivery Driver
Produce Clerk
Chicken Ranch Owner
Aluminum Fabricator Shop Owner
Charter Fishing Boat Owner
Talent Agency Owner
Trimaran Charter Owner

Hummingbird Nest
(Size of a Quarter)
Palm Desert House

Retail Dental Sales Rep
Mortgage Broker
Sales Training Director
National Marketing Mgr
National Retail Sales Mgr 
National School Sales Mgr
National Wholesale Marketing Mgr
Latin American Sales Mgr
Company Director
Pharmaceutical Sales
Bead Importer and Reseller
Director International Marketing X 2
Asia Regional Sales Representative
Publisher
Tee shirt/bikini/pitching machine/smoked salmon Salesman
Asia Rep for Swiss Co
President Dallas Company
Paint Company Founder
Paint Company VP
Business Development VP
Hydrogen Fuel Conversion Start-up Founder
Editorial Assistant
Author
Poet
Bowling Pin Setter
Emissions Tester
Fry Cook
McDonald's Worker
Racehorse Vet Researcher
Vineyard Developer/ Owner
Independent Sales Rep

No wonder my hair is grey!