The Steven Blog

My next few blogs will focus on my son Steven. Since my new book needs some Steven stories, I am adding them now on my blog.

Steven always enjoyed sales--and he is good at it. First it was selling ice cream from his ice cream truck. Next, he bought Chinese yo-yo's and sold out ! Now he is selling all kinds of insurance, and he does a great job.

Steven is very good with people. He listens to them and cares! As a result he has always had lots of friends. Even as a kid, his friends got nicknames. There was Butter, Buckwheat, Nit, and Hollywood. These were the fun names for his buddies. He was called Shue, and now he has two kids so there are two more Shues.

Andrew his son is also great with people. He cares about people, so everyone loves him. Lauren, his sister is the jock in the family. Right now she is doing crew at college. In the past she has done soccer, tennis , and other team sports, and she always excels.

Steven's wife Karen is an accomplished ad executive. She just came back from London , an award from a business customer. She has been with the company for many years, and now she is a partner.

Fancy Nancy will add more Steven stories ---he is special.

Finished Teaching Today

This morning was my last class at the Y. I really enjoyed teaching Life Story and hope to continue teaching there when I return from Florida. Our class was small, but most meaningful. What a delight to see the students move on with their projects. I told them they could E-mail me or mail me additional sections of the writing. With luck we will continue and then when I return they may want more classes.

It is wonderful to have an opportunity to connect with lovely folks who I would never meet normally without a class. In a short time you can feel a strong new connection exists. I hope I have helped them, and they have definitely enriched my life. That is the fun part of teaching.

Rhode Island is now getting cold, and I look forward to relocating to a warmer climate. I have enjoyed writing this blog, and hope to continue writing it as we move on. It is always fun to get your comments, and I so appreciate the fact that someone takes the time to read it. Writing is a great way to vent. It helps us find our way. Many thanks to my teacher as well. Lori has been an inspiration, and I hope to take more courses with her next year. Happy Early Holidays to All.

Fancy Nancy Finishes Teaching For Now in Rhode Island

Getting Ready To Relocate

We are getting ready to relocate to Florida. Today the weather was wet, rainy, and cold. Can't wait to see the sun again. This is medical week and so it was the ear doctor this morning and the dentist this afternoon. I am still working on finding a good place to celebrate my big birthday in June. The hotels I checked out so far, will not work.

This summer went well. We visited California, and had a wonderful trip. I took care of several dental problems, and teaching worked out well. I was happy to say my that staying in Narragansett was fine. In the past, my allergies were tough here, but this season I was okay.

Relocating always involves some planning, so I have been changing addresses, cleaning out closets, and reorganizing records for our trip to Florida. I now have a new car, and it should work out well for the 1700 mile drive there.

Some folks don't like the idea of living different locations, but I really love it. The preparation is just part of the move. Once we are there we reconnect with friends and enjoy the "winter camp" activities that take place. I hope to start teaching again in January, and that is always fun.

This blog has been a new adventure, and I have enjoyed writing daily. I really love it when you send me your comments. It is such fun to learn if anyone is reading my blog. Do keep in touch, and I will keep writing as well.

Fancy Nancy Getting Ready to Relocate

Happy Fancy Nancy Gets Maytag Fixed

I have enjoyed my 23 year old Maytag for many years. Up until today, I never had to spend any money on this amazing machine. This past week my Maytag started to leak. Since we are leaving for Florida shortly, it did not pay to even think about replacing it at this time.

The best bet was to call a serviceman and let him diagnose the problem. I called two companies, and over the phone they had different opinions. It reminded me of my doctors. Well, at first I was confused. Which company should I use?

I thought about the question, and based on the fact that one company was nearer and would come sooner, they won out. I was concerned about my decision since the closer company wanted $90 just for a diagnosis.

Well I took a chance and today they arrived. They diagnosed the problem , replaced a $9 part, and my old Maytag is happy again. So is Fancy Nancy who loves this old machine. The machines from that period were made by Maytag. Today, Whirlpool makes the Maytag, and based on my newer Florida washer, the old ones were much better.

I am happy to report that the $99 I spent was well worth it. There was a time before I finalized my decision that I questioned my plan. Now, I am happy with the results, and based on what the serviceman told me, he was sorry he got rid of his old Maytag.

Perhaps the lesson here seems to repeat itself. After you have thought about a solution, you have to feel good about your choice. A recent book that I read about decisions stated that there is a rational part of decision-making, but there should also be an emotional part as well. If the outcome is positive, you will like the result, and you feel happy about your choice. The book also said too many choices can confuse a person. I agree with that as well.

It is hard to know in advance if your decision is correct, but I feel best once I have made a decision. I can't sit too long on an issue without some sort of resolution. Even if I make the wrong decision I can accept that. Indecision is what upsets me the most.

So now Fancy Nancy and her Maytag are happy again and my $99 was a bargain. It all depends on how you look at things! I think I saved money by not considering at new washer. Time will tell if I was right.

Fancy Nancy Fixes the Old Maytag!

We Learn From Each Other

Venting is very important when you have a problem. Someone else can often be more objective . Today I think that helped out my massage therapist, and she helped me out as well. We were both working on our own issues, and we traded ideas and learned from each other what might work.

Venting your problem to the right person is a rational way to help you find the right solution. You have to feel comfortable as well about the path you choose to follow. Helping someone with his problem makes you feel good as well. It becomes a win-win situation.

Do take the time to listen and learn from others. Often they have ideas that we never thought of. In addition, they will feel good because they helped you out.

Fancy Nancy says " We can learn from each other".

A Lovely Afternoon in Mystic, Conn.

Today we took a ride to investigate hotels in Mystic , Conn. Since I have a big birthday in June, I hope to get the whole family together to celebrate. First we went to the Tourist Bureau and a woman who works there suggested the Hyatt. She said it was one of the few places that has a small kitchen for food any time of day.

We saw the rooms and they were very nice. The hotel would give us a 20% discount for a family reunion. Next, they mentioned a nice restaurant, so we had a small snack there. The food was good. Because the weather was lovely, we enjoyed watching the boats go by. The restaurant is right on the water.

We just got back this evening, and after teaching this morning , and a nice afternoon, it was a banner day.

Fancy Nancy on a fun day trip.

A Fun Day Learning

Today, I had my job interview, and if New England Tech has needs next summer, I may be teaching there as well. I do love to teach, so perhaps I will be teaching at two places, the Y and the college. With part-time programs you must be most flexible since most places base their teaching needs on enrollment. Often this is a last minute situation.

Next, I attended a seminar at the Crowne Plaza. The title of the program was Wall St. and Main St. The seminar talked about stock market trading with puts and calls. The speaker talked much too fast, and when I wrote a note saying SLOW DOWN, his answer was ," I will never get through all the material.". It did not matter to him that no one was able to understand him. His goal was to " Just get done!"

I have taught public speaking and one of the first rules is to notice if your audience is with you. He was more concerned with spouting all the information, and he had no idea what was going on with the listeners. My guess is he could use the basic public speaking course.

Tonight I listened to an excellent speaker who is also my audiologist from Mass. She was invited to speak at the library and her subject was about new equipment in the field . It was definitely worth listening to her. She knows her subject well, and she was always concerned about her audience. What a difference in speakers.

I really enjoyed the day and learned about different topics. The fun part is learning, and it seems that teaching and learning are two sides of the same process. We learn from each other and the teacher learns from her students. That is why it definitely pays to listen.

There is a saying," God gave us two ears and only one mouth". We should listen twice as much based on what we have been given. It is good advice. If you let the other person talk, they will think you are wonderful. You don't have to say a thing, but you will have made points!

Happy Listening from Fancy Nancy

I GIVE UP!

Today, I went to my writing class and Lori , my teacher was nice enough to try and show me how to edit a post. It worked fine on her computer. When I got home I tried the same method on my computer and it would not work. My guess is there must be a problem with my computer, since it will not allow me to edit a post.

I give up, and the only answer is to not make a mistake so that I do not have to edit my blogs. Today was another dental gum surgery day, and although they call it a deep cleaning, based on the price and the number of shots of numbing medication, it really is more surgery to clean under the gum areas. Not fun, but I guess needed.

The good news is that I shipped most of my published books to friends and family and I may have to make some more copies. I shall try a new source for copying. We are starting to get organzied for relocation, and before long it will be time to leave the north and head south--just like the birds!

This summer has been productive and we have enjoyed travel to California plus time with family and friends. I do like living in different locations, since we have friends now in Florida as well. The year flies by when you relocate. I have enjoyed my courses at the Y, and I hope to teach there again when I return to Rhode Island in the spring.

Tomorrow I have a new job interview, so time will tell if this job will fit with my schedule. I do enjoy taking interviews, and you always learn something you never knew before the interview. There are jobs out there, but you have to be most creative to find them in today's job market. Perhaps my computer has the flu, and with time it may recover, but for now forget editing my blogs, my computer won't cooperate.

A Blogger 's Frustration

In the past I have been able to edit some of my blogs. All of a sudden, when I push edit posts and the post comes up, the edit button will not allow me to change anything. If there is anyone out there who can unlock the mystery of why I can no longer edit either a published post or a draft, please send me an E-mail or a comment on how to make edits work. I will appreciate your ideas!

Today I reconnected with a high school friend who I had not seen in years. We were to meet at noon at a nearby restaurant. I got there early, and I saw a woman in the restaurant, but she had gray hair, and did not look like the girl I knew at age 16. Well, she walked by, and I saw her leaving the restaurant.

Since we were the only ones there at noon, I just guessed that had to be my high school classmate. I found her and we reconnected. I guess she did not recognize me as well. Perhaps in the future we will need to check in advance and wear some item like you would with a blind date.
This way we would not walk by one another and not know who it is.

We had a lovely time catching up even though many years have gone by. I guess it is never to late to reconnect. The amazing thing is that in high school some of the girls in the class were not that friendly. Now over 50 years later they are delightful. Does that mean people get better with age? Who knows1

The lesson to remember is take the time to reconnect with people. You never know where it will lead.

Fancy Nancy meets classmate from 1952--- Have we really changed???

Andrew Makes My Day

I just got a wonderful E-mail from my grandson Andrew. Wow, was I happy when I read what he wrote. He said he follows my blog, and he wants a copy of my new book. I was just thrilled to hear from him. What is joy it is to know that someone is reading and enjoying my writing.

As a project writing can be lonely, but once you have comments from your readers, it makes the project lots of fun. That is why I keep taking and teaching writing. I am in a small class at the Y, and I am teaching Life Story writing there as well.

Next week, I have another job interview at New England Technical College. I just found out that they offer programs year round. I don't know the details yet, but it is always worth an interview. I am booked for one on Wednesday. Who knows what will happen, but it is always valuable to network and take interviews.

I never called for an interview, but I went to a talk at the senior center, and the speaker talked about writing during the Depression , and I found out that she is head of writing at that college.

By networking, I got the interview and I will meet with her this week. In a tough economy, networking is the name of the game.No one is hiring, but if you know someone, and they like you, they may even create a new job. You have nothing to lose, and right now in Rhode Island the job market is grim.

So the next time you hear someone speak, or you meet someone who is interesting, introduce yourself, and connect. Make yourself a business card, even if you don't have a business. Put your name on your card, your full address, phone and skills. People do hold onto these cards. You can even use the back of the card for more information. Keep your cards with you, and the next thing you know, they will get you your future job.

I have several cards, and I just made a new one with my two addresses. You could do the same, with your college and home address. Not only is the card good for jobs, but if you meet a wonderful new potential date, give that person your card. Your social and business life will be on a roll. Let me know how your new card has changed your life!!

Thanks for reading and sharing.

Fancy Nancy --It is all is the CARDS1

Snippets Finally Is Ready

I have been working on getting my new book completed. To say the least, Staples, was not the most reliable printer. There were errors, and then finally their binding machine broke. The good news is that they have a policy if you are unhappy with their work, there is no charge for the job.

After five times trying to get my book done correctly, they agreed that I could have my books, and I was amazed that I got a credit and my books for no charge. Wow, that was a surprise. I never knew they had that policy. There is a sign in the copy department stating this, but I never saw the sign.

Well, now I have the books and I will start to ship them. I hope my readers enjoy the stories, and when you get a copy, please let me know what you think.

Many thanks in advance.

Fancy Nancy finishes SNIPPETS

A Rollercoaster Day

Today I did not have to teach, so I thought what would be fun and different. I decided that I would take the bus to Newport. I did find out that the bus no longer goes from my street, so next I would have to drive to a nearby location.

Fine, I got there on time. The only problem was I was standing across the street from where the Newport bus picks up. As a result, I was not in the right place. I saw the bus go by, and missed it. Now it was time to try to make it to the railroad station and find the bus there.

I made it , and the driver said," I am on break, so come back in 10 minutes". I parked at the free parking in the station and ran back and made it. Great! The trip was a bargain. With my senior pass only 85 cents for the one hour ride. Much better than paying the new bridge rates.

One hour later i was in Newport. Parked in the harbor was a huge passenger cruise boat that had docked. It had 18 decks and 3.000 people. Boy , I bet the merchants were so happy for the inflow of customers. I enjoyed watching them line up as they boarded a launch that would take them back to the ship.

I spoke with a young man from Russia who works on board. Then back to the bus terminal to return to Narragansett for another 85 cents. I enjoyed the lovely colors of the tress as we are now in the fall season. One hour later I was back at the station and I picked up my car.

After returning home, I called to see if my new book was ready. No, they replied , the machine to correct their errors was broken and they did not know when it would be fixed. I was furious. I went to the Staples store and was ready to cancel the whole order since after 10 days it was not done. Marty went with me since I was so mad, I did not trust myself to be calm.

In any case the girl in charge said I could get a full refund. She did not know when the machine would be ready. What she omitted to tell me, was that I would get the books eventually for free.

My anger diminished, and I am still waiting, but the price was right. I never knew until today that if they goof and you are unsatisfied, then your order is free. This was from Staples. I have used them in the past, but I never had seen their sign about free orders. Needless to say, I calmed down. I am still waiting for my order, but the price is now right.

I guess life is like that . We all have roller coaster days. The trick is to roll with the punches. Blogs are great for venting!!!!

Fancy Nancy vents on her blog!

Patience Is A Virtue

I was all excited yesterday because I was going to finally pick up my new book from the printer. They had misplaced the order, and finally they found it and even though it was a week late, I wanted to see the results.

When I got home I started to pack and ship my new baby to friends and family. Priority envelopes were ready, and I quickly stuffed the new book into the envelopes and had them ready for shipping.

Fortunately, before sealing the packages I decided to do a final proof reading. I must have proofed it at least six times before Staples the printer got it. In any case it was a wise move. I was near the final section and suddenly I realized that one of my stories was missing the second page. Oh no! I kept on reading . About four pages later, I found the second page.

Guess what I had to do next! I could not allow the book to go out with this error. I undid all the packages, called Staples, and this morning I was back there with all of the copies needing to be fixed.

Now they had been a week late, misplaced a page, and vowed that the book would be ready tomorrow morning. Tonight the phone rang. It was Staples. Their machine broke down, so it will take a bit longer.

I must admit that patience is a virtue. They did give me a slight discount, but it seems that even though you do your proofing, others may not give it the same attention.

Well, I taught this morning and our writing focused on the word confusion. I decided that there is a lot of confusion in our world today. The lesson I have to learn is not to expect the results on time. In this way you will not be disappointed, and frustration will begin to disappear.

Luckily I do not have a deadline to meet. I am more relaxed today about the project. With some good luck I may get the book fixed by tomorrow. If not, it will be time to ask for more discounts!

Jake Becomes Class Treasurer

I have six grandkids and they all have done some amazing things. Jake is one of them, and he is from New York. He just started college in Sept. and as of this week, he is now the treasurer for his class at the University of Pennsylvania.

Last summer he worked for an investment firm, and by the end of the summer before he entered college, he took the Series 7 test to be a stock broker. Guess what, he passed.

I just wrote to him and said that I would be a future client. It is amazing what experiences young folks can have today. Jake spent one summer in Africa, and he has travelled extensively. He likes to help others, and got the community award from his high school.

I am proud of all my grandkids and am lucky to be here to share their experiences. They say that the apple does not fall far from the tree. Well, my kids can be proud. They have done a grand job, and now they can enjoy the results of their efforts. Congratulations Jake, next you will be class president.

Fancy Nancy celebrates her grandkids!

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

I guess everyone was surprised to learn that Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. No one knew in advance in Washington that this would happen. I hope that he will be able to carry forward the mission even though it is a bit early to see how it will be done.

He is most articulate, and he has been well-received overseas. Now the question is how can he go forward with his view for world peace? He has to decide what to do with the ongoing wars. Will he add more troops after getting this award?

It will be interesting to see if the award will influence his thinking . Only time will give the answers.

Fancy Nancy and the Nobel Peace Award

Lahey Clinic Makes Good Sense

Today I was most pleased with the results of a Lahey Clinic apt . with a skin doctor. I had consulted a Rhode Island skin doctor, and they were going to do a biopsy on my lip. Before I would allow it, I decided it makes good sense to go to a dermatologist at Lahey Clinic.

I called on Monday and I was lucky to get my apt. in five days. In Rhode Island it can takes months to get booked. We went to Burlington last night so that we could be on time for my 9am apt. The doctor I saw is Director of a skin cancer program, so my guess is that she is quite familiar with the subject.

After a consultation and exam, she said, I do not think you need a biopsy. Boy was I glad that I went there instead of just the one opinion from Rhode Island. She told me to watch the area, and if there was swelling or a change, then get another apt. wherever I was. Otherwise she said,"See you in a year!".

What a difference. It seems that it definitely makes good sense to go to Lahey Clinic when you need some reliable advice. My daughter told me that she left her skin doctor in Florida, since every apt. her wanted to do a biopsy. When the doctors are paid by the hospital clinic, they seem to be less greedy and less pressured.

In any case, I was happy I went. Otherwise I would have done the procedure. I know in the past there have been several times both in Florida and in Rhode Island that tests were suggested, and when I checked it out at Lahey, the tests were not needed.

I think when it comes to medicine the patient is much better off in the large clinic since the doctors are paid a fixed salary, and they do not have to support a private practice.

I was relieved and pleased that I went further and did not have any tests without a second opinion. It may take a bit more time, but more than once Lahey Clinic has helped me out. Overall , I felt it was worth the trip, and time well spent.

As my daughter Lynn says, "When you do not know what to do, listen to your gut!" I took her advice and I am glad.

Fancy Nancy Listens to Daughter Lynn!

Gentle Dental Care

Today I had the packing removed from my recent gum surgery. I have changed surgeons , since my last gum surgery was a nightmare. It does pay to find a gum surgeon who will take the time to get you properly medicated.

My new surgeon is my former neighbor and he did take the time. In fact my surgery was three hours, and although it was not fun, it was better than my previous experience. Well, today the packing is out, and at least for now, it is over. Next summer it will be time to do the other side. I am like the Newport Bridge. They start painting the bridge on one side, and then by the time they complete that side, then the other side needs work. It is the same with my teeth. I am never done. My dentists have no recession.

I still have my teeth, and if I added up what they have cost, the numbers would look like our national debt. I guess we realize that even though one procedure has been done, there is always another one down the pike.

The bottom line is you have to find professionals that you can work with, and if you are not happy, change. In the long run, it will be in your favor. Sometimes we hesitate to make a change, but if you are unhappy, try someone else. I did, and that has made a big difference.


Fancy Nancy Encourages Change!

Amazing Computer and Printer

I have now had my laptop for several years, and like my cars, I never know what button works for what I want to do. Yesterday, I just discovered that I can make colored pictures with my computer and printer. I spent the night creating a card to go with my new book. Was I surprised when I could print a color photo from my computer and printer. As a result, I now can get my book ready for shipping to friends and family.

As you can see, I have no control over the technology in my life. Even this morning, the phone does not work again, so hopefully, Cox is coming to fix it for the 12th time this summer.

Life has its ups and downs, and I guess our equipment is just like us, it never knows when it will get sick. Do you think I should give my phone a swine flu shot? Maybe that has been its summer problem.

Fancy Nancy Fights with Technology

Golf for $6

Today I finished off my new book called Snipetts. It is now being printed and I hope to use it this year for holiday gifts. I enjoyed doing the writing and I hope my readers will have fun with it. My daughter said, " It would be great bathroom reading, since all the stories are mostly only one page. "

To celebrate, I decided to play my 5 hole golf at my favorite course, Goddard Park. Would you believe you only pay $6 if you walk the course. Since I am there for the exercise, I paid my $6 , put 5 clubs into my umbrella stroller , and I was on my way.

I was happy to be playing alone, since I do not like to hold up better golfers. I only do 5 holes, and then call it a day. When people saw I was alone, they kept letting me go through, since most were foursomes.

I seem to play better by myself, since I am more relaxed without others watching me. In any case, I am there for the walk, and I don't worry too much about my shots. The most amazing thing is the price. Even if I go to a driving range, the price is $6. Here I can play as long as I want for the same price. What a good deal. I don't know of any place in Florida where golf is so cheap. Usually, they don't let you walk, and you must use a golf cart.

With my umbrella stroller and a few golf clubs, I had a nice two hour walk, and then came home and took a nap. Overall, a fun day. I am the only golfer with a baby carriage on the course. They said it was okay, and with permission, I headed onto the course.

Perhaps this blog should be called, Cheap Golf with a baby carriage.

Fancy Nancy on the Greens!

Hola, friends and family

I am taking Spanish at the senior center now. The teacher is very vibrant. I also started teaching Life Story Writing at the Y. I am enjoying my new car , and learning about all the buttons in the car is a new education.

We are not very good with new buttons. In my last car we pushed the child-lock button and all our windows remained open. Not until we made an apt. with service were we able to fix the problem. We thought that we might have to replace the windows. This gives you some idea about our mechanical ability.

Today when you buy a new product, you really need the salesperson to come and live with you for an extended period of time. Indeed, they are the only ones that understand the product.

I got a 300 page book on the vehicle, and I think even an engineer would not know what they are saying. Does anyone ever read these manuals? My guess is that even if they read the thing, they still don't know what all the buttons and gadgets are for.

I teach reading, and English; however, these manuals are probably written by engineers. As a result, the lay person has no idea what they are saying.

My next career should be writing manuals for the average person. As a result we could knock off 297 pages of the booklet, and with luck 3 simple pages might do the job. Well, I may begin teaching for New England Technical Institute. Perhaps I should suggest a new course, " Learning to Read A Car Manual". I know I can't do it. I wonder who can???

Fancy Nancy onto a new career---- Car Manual Interpreter

Bravenet is Ahead of Itself

Well, now that I have a new guest counter on my blog, I thought it would be accurate. Wrong, already I have information about a count for Friday, and it is only Thursday. So much for accuracy.

Today I started my new job teaching at the Y and I loved it. We are doing Life Story Writing and the group is small and delightful. I do love teaching. Next week I will also be teaching at the Senior Center.

The fun part of teaching is getting to know some lovely people who you would never know otherwise. It is so nice to have fun at work. I also ran a group at the Senior Center , since their leader did not show up. One never knows what is around the corner.

Fancy Nancy with tomorrow's statistics today---Bravenet can be called Brave New World, Tomorrow's numbers Today.