Summer time, summer time... yeah, summer time!

Summer is in full swing and I love it! I sit on my couch staring out the picture window looking at the beautiful trees swaying in the gentle breeze. How often do we have an opportunity to appreciate the wonder around us? Not often enough!! It is moments like this that make me reminisce about my childhood and the childhood of my children.

As a child, I remember playing in the hot sun, sweat running down my face and thinking that I could do this forever. The neighborhood I grew up in had SO many kids that there was always someone ready to play. Baseball games erupted in the middle of the quiet suburban street. We played 9 full innings unless the ice cream vendor came during game time. Of course, the 7-up popsicles, sno cones and eskimo pies ALWAYS took priority over any baseball game.

As a mother, I remember watching my daughters play in the backyard. Like their mother, they loved sports; however, baseball was too slow moving for them. Soccer was their passion. These talented girls would orchestrate soccer games that only imaginative children could create. Their antics were so detailed that I could "hear" the crowds cheering them on.

I look forward to being a grandmother and sharing special moments with my grandchildren. I look forward to frolicking in the pool with them, looking for Easter eggs, and falling onto the ground in laughter so intense that we can hardly breath. I look forward to cooking their favorite foods, just like my grandmothers cooked mine, and my daughters' grandmothers cooked theirs.

Summer is such a special season. Enjoy it like you did when you were a child. Life is too short to care what the neighbors think when they see you gleefully screaming as you run through the sprinklers!

Coming up for Air

Well hello again old friend,

Many careers are pursued because of earning potentials, recognition and status. I have found that people working with vulnerable populations are passionate about what they do and have a great deal of compassion. This week, I read a passage in the Bible that repeated "If I.... but have not love....." What a difference love makes! (I Corinthians 13) I see this love in the professionals that work in the field of aging. This is one more reason I am so enthused about working along side these professionals as they bring quality to the lives of precious older adults.

It has been quite some time since I have blogged. It has not been my intention to go so long between blogs, but I have been immersed in an intense discipleship class for the last two months.

What is an intense discipleship class? In essence, it is a two month immersion class for specific biblical topics. Like most immersion classes, you set aside nonessential activities to dedicate this new found time to learning about a specific topic. I have spent the last two months focusing on the life of Jesus.

I took the class to enrich my spiritual life, but my entire life has been enriched by the class. The compassion that Jesus showed throughout His life is now a constant reminder of how important it is for me to show compassion to all with whom I interact. Jesus broke through the gender, socio-economic and racial barriers. He ate with tax collectors. He fed the poor. He valued women. He interacted with people of all ethnic backgrounds. How much better the world would be if all of us would follow His example.

My long term goal is to strive to be as compassionate, non-judging and helpful to my clients as Jesus Christ was to the people with whom He interacted.

Today's Challenge: Walk a Mile in Someone Else's Shoes

Recently, I visited a friend who works in a facility which acts as a nursing home and rehabilitation center. My friend, "Gertrude" mentioned that several of the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) struggled in caring for clients with dementia. Gertrude asked if I could offer the CNAs any advice.... Oh yeah! I love an opportunity to educate almost as much as I love an opportunity to talk!!

Of course, "Gertrude" knew that I had a father-in-law who passed away due to complications of dementia, I had worked at the Alzheimer's Association and am a gerontologist. Indeed, I had much that I could share with these people. Interacting with these frustrated individuals reminded me how important it is to take the other person's perspective into consideration. We spent time discussing their frustration so that I could understand their perspective about their work. This discussion made it was clear that they were unable to see things from the patients' perspective.

We spent over an hour together. Comparing pictures of healthy brains to pictures of brains impacted by Alzheimer's initiated an understanding of their patients' disease. I must admit that utilizing a head of cauliflower and silly string to illustrate what neurons and synapses are, and the impact dementia has on them probably helped a bit too.

Knowing the physical characteristics of dementia was important, but understanding and respecting the particular place in time these precious vulnerable patients are at were essential too. A "mindful" exploration of how these employees would interact with the world if it were they who had the dementia revealed the reality that individuals with dementia deserve respect, patience and compassion.

We role played. The first situation involved entering the room to assist a patient. I was the patient with dementia. I indicated that I had been in the nursing home for approximately two years. "Henry", who volunteered showed me how he addresses his long term patients. I reminded him about the disease progression detailed in the creative cauliflower activity. With very little coaching, this CNA came to the realization that he needed to:

• walk into the room more slowly
• position himself to be face to face with his patient
• greet the individual and introduce himself
• offer assistance articulately and respectfully

Initially, there was surprise that I suggested this routine be done each time there is interaction with this patient; however, reminding the CNAs of that clever cauliflower activity hit the point home. "Henry's" eyes lit up when he made the connection. We role played several scenarios. Each scenario driving home the need to:

• understand & appreciate where the patient is at THIS moment
• interact respectfully and compassionately
• make a personal connection with the patient

I teased the CNAs about wanting their jobs to be easier. They laughed and admitted that this was true. I reminded them of the old adage, "You kill more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." Compassionate interaction will improve the mood of the patients, enabling them to be more cooperative. This will improve the mood of the employee, which in turn brings greater job satisfaction. I look forward to checking in with "Gertrude" in a few weeks to see how "walking a mile in the patients' shoes" has impacted the CNA/patient relationship.

Heart Felt Thank You

As a registered HICAP counselor, I assist individuals in navigating through the often murky waters of the Medicare system. Recently, I counseled a 64 year old woman while I was at a local senior center. The woman's frustration was apparent from the moment she walked into the office. Her body language was stiff and she had an aggravated look on her face. English was her second language.

It would have been easy for me to simply find out what her Medicare issue was, provide the desired information and send her on her way. I knew that spending a few minutes chatting before working through the issue would brighten both her and my day. We made small talk. We spoke about the client's hobbies and how she planned to enjoy these hobbies more once she retired.

Reaching out to this quiet woman enabled her to let her guard down and get comfortable enough with me that she and I worked through the details easily. Preexisting concerns about language barriers had faded. It really made my day to watch this client walk out of our meeting knowing that she had acquired the information she needed to make an informed decision about health care.

Approximately two weeks later, the volunteer coordinator for HICAP called me to let me know this client sent me a letter. The fact that she would take the time to write a letter touched me. Within her letter she stated how she finds it difficult to be comfortable around other people but that I put her at such ease when we met. She was grateful to be treated so nicely.

These sentiments really warmed my heart. My desire is to provide the tangible services defined as HICAP counseling, and to reach out and meet the intangible needs of my clients as well. This client thinks I made her day..... but in reality, she made my day.

Laughter, theBest Medicine

In May, I realized that I needed to work on my interviewing skills. It had been almost 30 years since job interviews were about me impressing someone enough to hire me. For three decade, job interviews had always been time others spent trying to persuade me that I should work for them.

Realizing that the interview tables had turned was monumental for me. I have such a diverse skill set, exceptional work ethic and a sense of humor. Can't you see that as soon as I walk through the door?! Well, I am a bit older and wiser now that June has rolled around. I have had enough interviews to understand that I must do a bit of the talking. Okay, laugh at my expense. That's okay. I am laughing at myself.... now.

One thing that middle age has taught me is to laugh at myself.

Change of scenery

My children are grown. As a matter of fact, my "baby" graduates from college next week. It has been four years since I sold my daycare business. I sold the business in June 2006. In August 2006, Erin moved into school housing for CSULB. In September 2006, Kelly moved into a UCI dorm. In October 2006, I moved from a 2500 square foot harbor view Rancho Palos Verdes home to a two bedroom apartment in South Coast Metro. Not quite the ocean view that I was accustomed to, but the sounds of ducks playing in the complex's lake created an oasis for me.

I had always worked 50 to 60 hours a week. Attempting to do this, be a soccer mom and go to school was arduous at best. Opting to make the drastic changes of 2006 was not easy to say the least. My life was extremely full of activities and people I loved dearly. Alas, I knew that I had to make changes if I was ever going to complete my education.

Being a vital part in the lives of so many precious people for 14 years was SO incredibly rewarding, yet, I knew that I needed to finish my education for my personal self fulfillment. The sacrifices really made me appreciate my educational process much more than I think I could have appreciated it in my youth.

I sit at my computer today reflecting back on the last four years. Yes, deciding to "jump into uncharted waters" was stressful, but the rewards for this feat have been too numerous to count!

My daughters and I spent the last four years in almost parallel universes despite the age difference. We hung out to share the joys and displeasures of making such drastic changes. Explorations of new environments ensued. Erin, Kelly and I were able to truly relate to each others' circumstances. Our familial support system, love and respect for each other deepened.

A four year vacation from a 25 year stint of 50 plus hour work weeks was just what the doctor ordered for me. It amazes me how much a life can change in four years.Renewing my relationship with God opened doors to so many blessings. Time for friendships materialized. Truly relaxing was a luxury that I had not experienced for many years. The Lord brought me a wonderful husband after ten years of being a struggling single mother. Wow! Four years ago, I would have never imagined my life being what it is today. I am blessed!!

The path I have taken the last four year has taught me that change is good. There will be struggles. There will be joy. Investing in oneself can yield benefits far more valuable than any retirement plan has to offer. Don't get me wrong, I understand that money is essential. For me, I've decided that my relationship with God and family is the cement that solidifies the foundation of my life.

I get paid to play! What a gig!!

As I stated in "Fork in the Road", I opted to make a career change. I had no formal education. I had small children at home. I could have seen my reality as a dilemma. I chose to see an opportunity for creativity.

I knew:

• I wanted more time with my children.
• I needed (and wanted) to contribute to the family finances.
• The highlight of my IT career was making a difference through empowerment

These facts brought me to the conclusion that an in home daycare would meet my and my family's needs. Our home was set up well for a day care. The 400 square foot family room opened up to a massive backyard. Heaven!

I passionately began building a premier day care. Within a year, I was running at full capacity (12 children) and had a waiting list. I contribute the initial success of the day care to a supportive husband and my mentor. I was fortunate to have a friend who owned a well established preschool. This wonderful woman took me under her wings and taught me things that would have taken years to learn on my own. She also referred new clients to me.

The knowledge I gained from this incredible friend and the precociousness of my daughters made me realize that there is a world of ways that infants and toddlers can be stimulated. I began Montessori trained and certified and incorporated many Montessori activities into the day care.

It is amazing to watch twelve children ranging from six weeks to three years master their worlds. These children thrived. We read. We cooked. We painted. We did gymnastics. We practiced "writing". We sang. We danced. The list goes on.

Parents were blown away when they would come to pick up their child and be greeted with "Gung Hay Fat Choy!" Yes, we had multi-cultural lessons thanks to a grant from FIRST5LA. I was so thankful that my first attempt at grant writing was a success. This grant paid for dolls, books, instruments, and food from various countries. Parents, friends and I were impressed with the children's ability to recognize differences between types of music, dress and foods. I still remember showing off for the parents. I would ask a child to count to 10 in Japanese. With no hesitation, this was done. I would respond with, "Okay, now count in Swahili". Boom, the child was counting in Swahili. Imagine that a three year old can distinguish language so easily... all he or she needs is exposure.

We were extended family to the day care children and they were extended family to us. Holidays were celebrated as part of the program. Entire families would join in. Grandparents, older siblings, aunts and uncles. Celebrations designed for 12 children turned into gatherings of 75 to 80 people. This really spoke volumes about the bonding that took place within the daycare.

When I reflect back on this business, I think of the times parents and I spent time together discussing the need for building a solid foundation in their children's lives. Together, we mapped out a path and set sail together. When it came time for the children to move onto preschool, they were well prepared. From my perspective, watching them walk out of my front door for the last time was like watching a ship sailing away from the shore. I knew their journey was just beginning and I felt honored to help prepare them for this journey.

Several parents suggested that I write a parenting book. I would have loved to do so. Unfortunately, providing a quality program took a minimum of 60 hours a week. I prepared lessons, bought fresh food and prepared nutritious meals. I spent a great deal of time interacting with the children in group and individual settings. I wrote monthly newsletters. My staff created journals for each child. We updated these journals on a monthly basis. My staff made picture CDs so that the parents enjoyed seeing what their children did throughout the month.

This was my life for 14 years. The work was often fun.... I got paid to play! The work was often very challenging. When all is said and done, I don't know who influence whom most. These children and their families made such an impact on my and my daughters' lives. What a worthwhile career!!

Fork in the Road

You ask why I left a career I loved? We don't always know our value system until we are tested. I was asked to join the Executive Management team of an up and coming apparel company shortly after my 30th birthday. I would have been the second woman on the Executive team for this organization. I was young, a pioneer in my field... seems like a dream come true.

The Executive team presented an excellent package to me. I declined the generous offer because the time commitment would have been a detriment to my young family. All the prestige and money in the world could never replace the importance of being a vital part of my children's lives.

Now, I was at a fork in the road. Would I choose to remain in the field of Information Technology (IT) or would I begin a new career? I knew that remaining in IT was not an option. I had reached a managerial level that required much more of me than I was willing to give. The story would have been the same if I stayed with the apparel company I worked at, or if I changed employers.

I reflected back on my work to help me look forward to my future. I realized my greatest sense of accomplishment in the IT world came from empowering people with knowledge. Instructing management how to read reports, teaching entry level employees how their job function fits within the company function and mapping out the system enhancements that would increase revenue were the highlights of my IT career. It was time to apply these skills to a new career.

How did you get so far, so fast... without a formal education?

Passion. Passion is one of, if not the strongest attribute I bring to anything I do. I remember working as a data entry clerk at the shoe manufacturing company. When I finished my work ahead of schedule, I was told that I was free to go home. I chose to stay and work for other departments. I wanted to learn as much about computers as possible. I was intrigued by how I could put a customer's order into the system and this one act would invoke action in several departments. (I realize now that this is no big deal, but at that time and at my age.... this was incredible.) I always gravitated toward the Computer Operations department.

This intrigue quickly led to a position as a computer operator at the corporate office of a multi-level marketing business. Does anyone remember Herbalife? I generated reports, delivered these reports and studied manuals in between tasks. This work ethic enabled me to assume a lead position despite having "less time" in the field than those that reported to me. Indeed, hard work paid off.

I was building a worthwhile reputation at Herbalife when the apparel industry wooed me back. An apparel management systems software house hired me to train new clients how to recognize the computer as the greatest growth tool. Educating these clients on the benefits of computerization and helping the transition from a paper based system to a computerized system was time and resource intensive. I had to teach clients to relinquish old ways and adopt new business practices. It was essential that I communicate with each person at his/her level and using the lingo that their job functions required. To name a few, I spoke "shipping and receiving", "customer service" and "production". I also had to walk into management meetings and provide status reports. I felt like a linguist. It all was so invigorating!!

Each client was unique. Yet, I saw a commonality in the flow of this type of project. Every project started with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm which waned into reluctant acceptance when the team players truly realized how much effort was required. Reluctant acceptance that led to frustration as the project progressed. Frustration which turned into hope as the team saw the project completion drawing near. Hope emerging into victory as the computerized system became part of the daily standard of operation.

Challenges were not roadblocks. They were opportunities to expand my knowledge base, stretch myself and master new skills. If I didn't have time, I had the connections to get the job done.

My bosses knew that they could depend on me to accomplish their goals. Colleagues appreciated my motivation. Employees appreciated being treated respectfully and being appreciated.

Indeed, I am certain that passion was the driving force to early success.

The Right Place at the Right Time

I entered into the professional world when computers were revolutionizing the workplace. I was in the right place at the right time. My introduction to the world of computers was doing data entry for the Customer Service department of a midsize fashion shoe manufacturer. It was here I learned that computers were our friends.

I spent the next decade empowering midsize fast growth apparel companies with the ability to navigate the process of transitioning from paper based production and sales systems to specialized computer systems. The companies determined the destination. I mapped out the course and we set sail together. Each voyage had its' moments of smooth sailing and moments of tempestuous waves. We knew this would be the case before setting sail, so we were ready for both conditions. Destinations were reached. Computerization facilitated:

• improved production control which cut costs by minimum of 15%
• consolidated shipments which reduce shipping costs and increased shipment percentages
• effective management of sales orders which increased sales by minimum of 25%

In today's computerized world and all of it's systems, we could not fathom the idea of not knowing exact expenses and revenues at any given time. Unfortunately, three decades ago, most fast growth midsize apparel companies with paper based systems lacked the sophistication of today's companies. Based on this fact, I have conservatively stated the benefits computerization brought these companies.

The hours were long and grueling at times, but I loved my work. I was one of the first female managers in Information Technology. I empowered companies and employees. My efforts streamlined procedures, provided employees tools that made them more effective and companies moved into state-of-the-art technology.

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting my blog. I chose to start a blog to share my professional journey with you. My journey has had several turns. Each turn has yielded new opportunities to strengthen existing skills and acquire new skills. These skills, passion, compassion, and life experiences have helped me evolve to the caring professional that I am today.

Life is full of change. I stand here (rather, sit here at my computer) at the threshold of a new career. Unlike many entering new careers because of the downturn in the economy, I am doing so by choice. I am blessed.

The new career path I am beginning is 180 degrees in the opposite direction of my second career, which was 180 degrees in the opposite direction of my first career. Deciding how to approach my third career has taken me on a journey of reflection about my first two careers. This journey has enabled me to see that my career choices and changes were directly influenced by the season of life I was in at the time. Reflection has also enabled me to realize that despite the different directions my careers took, there were common threads. It is these common threads that have paved the way for my third career.