Florida Gulf Coast University Program

I found out yesterday that in spite of a low enrollment my Life Story course will start on Monday with a reduced rate of pay since only three students registered. I accepted the reduction, since I do want to teach there. It seems that economically, there are lots of job cuts even in teaching.

I enjoyed listening to a lecture this morning on Vietman, the 21st century. It was given by a professor from Florida Gulf Coast University. One benefit I do get there is that I can take some free lectures for certain programs. This professor's son married a girl from Vietnam, so he has visited the country three times. He said women are still second rate citizens there, and the family has a strong hold on all the members. Loyalty , conforming to family tradition, and respect for elders are essential. The individualism of the west is not encouraged. He really knew his subject .

His son is back in the United States and he and his Vietnam wife are having a hard time finding employment. I do not think that the recession is over, even though Washington says it is. When people continue to lose jobs they have no money to spend. As a result, I think our economy has not yet recuperated. We still are having economic problems in the United States, and probably other countries are dealing with the same problems. We are a global economy. As a result most economic declines exist everywhere.


Fancy Nancy is still out there marketing . She does have some new ideas for other programs.

Marketing Takes Work

Well, today I had only one student arrive, so after class I went next door for line dancing. Suddenly, I saw someone waving to me. As it turned out two others arrives at 11:15 and the class runs from 10-11am. They said they would come back next week even though I offered to leave dancing and do a lesson. I am putting in the time, but developing a student body takes work.

The day improved as we had a lovely dinner with Bob , Wini, and Bunny at a new Italian Restaurant. Times are tough and it seems we are still in a recession. This new program so far is mostly a volunteer job.

Fancy Nancy Finds It is Lots of Work to Promote a New Program.

Marketing Can Be a Full Time Job

Today I did some course marketing for my new courses at the Park. I just noticed that my courses will also need marketing for Florida Gulf Coast University. This year there are quite a few writing courses, and as a result, there are lots of available courses. It seems that marketing can be a full time job. I guess the lesson to be learned is for something to succeed, it really takes some work. Otherwise, you can't assume that people will automatically sign up. I guess it is a question of priorites.

In any case this blog has been lots of fun and I am enjoying any and all responses from my readers. Keep me posted and thanks for your comments.

Fancy Nancy is still doing marketing!

Fancy Nancy Markets Her Courses

Today I went to the center where I am offering two new courses. I gave out flyers to the bingo group and the Parkinson's exercise class. I even stayed and did some exercises with the group. I have been encouraging friends with medical issues to come to my class and write about what they are going through. Time will tell if this marketing will work. I also went to the large health club and suggested that they offer similar courses.

My sister and her husband are in Florida so tonight they came to my house for dinner. We enjoyed the dinner and lots of laughs.

Marketing is the key to getting the word out. Even if you have a great product you need to let others know about it.

Fancy Nancy is out there pushing her courses.

FANCY NANCY DOES SOME MARKETING

I need to market some of my courses and products so this post will begin to do that.

Thnings that Fancy Nancy can do for you:


1. She can help with her book, HEARING LOSS AND WINNING SOLUTIONS. If you or someone you know has a hearing problem, this book is for you. Contact Nshu4@aol.com for details and Fancy Nancy can help out.

2. Fancy Nancy makes creative canes. She designs canes with each individual in mind. You select the color you want and the design you want. An excellent gift for mom or friends. Creative canes add color to your outfits while adding safety to your life. Contact Nshu4@aol.com for details.

3. Fancy Nancy is teaching several courses. 1. Life Story Writing 2. Speed Reading 3. Writing Workshop 4. Hearing Loss and Winning Solutions. Do you want information about these programs? Come to class or we can do them online. Contact Nshu4@aol.com

4. Fancy Nancy will write your life story for you or guide you through any type of writing that you wish. She will design a writing program for your special needs. Want to write articles, books, or a life story or memoir? Contact Nshu4@aol.com

Love to hear from you. How can I help you with your needs?


Fancy Nancy can help you out! Contact her!!! Nshu4@aol.com.

Thanks for your comments and replies.

Shop For Bank Rates

This week I had to do some banking. I have learned that it definitely pays to take the time to shop for the best bank rates. There is a definite difference in what the banks are offering. I have also learned that the different banks also have various rates depending on where you opened the account. If you call customer service they will ask you in what state is your account?

The rules vary a great deal on renewing a new CD for your account. Some banks require more than a phone call to customer service. In addition, when you call the rates can vary from day to day. Sometimes you can even call the bank directly, and if you like the rate they will let you lock in and then as soon as they get a check for the money, your new rate begins.

This year since interest rates have been low, I have been going for the best rate, even if it is long term. You can always take a penalty if you wish to take your money out before it matures. Usually, if a new rate is two points higher than the rate you have, it may be worth it to cash in the lower rate CD.

Learning about banks can be a full time job. In the long run, it does pay to take the time to do your homework. You are your best investor, and once you learn to do your homework, you will be the winner. No one cares more about your money than you!


Fancy Nancy says do your homework, before you invest!

Writing and Tennis

Today I wrote a one page piece for my class I attend on Saturdays. I had listened to a tape and it gave me the idea . I used the word unstuck and talked about how to redirect your energies when things are not working. Perhaps I should have added the idea of changing your perspective on what you are doing. If things do not work for you, maybe it is time to see things from a different point of view. It would be like looking at things sideways, backwards, and even upside down. You will definitely get a new perspective on your actions. There are times that everyone gets stuck. The trick is to get " unstuck". It does take time and patience.

Also had a wonderful singles tennis game with a friend. I am enjoying playing singles. That way I won't have to play at the net. I just don't want to get hit by a ball at the net. In any case my singles tennis is working out.


Fancy Nancy encourages you to change your perspective !Try it.

Teaching Has Started

I have started teaching at one facility, and even though the class is small, I am enjoying it. The second class in Speed Reading has started, but so far no students. Next, I will have to do some marketing . On Monday , I just learned that have a senior group. I will attend and try to encourage some students to enroll. The price is a bargain. They only pay $5 whenever they attend. You can't beat the price.

Both courses are excellent. Now the next thing is to market them. They have never offered any courses like these before, so it will take time. In the meantime, I used class time today to do my taxes.

I do enjoy teaching so next I will have to do some marketing. In any case, I have met some nice folks who work there as well. One day at a time.

The weather is finally much improved.

Fancy Nancy has to start marketing her courses for the new facility.

Flexibility Is Essential

It seems that life changes are constant. Even when we try to plan our schedules, situations beyond our control happen. I just got a call that a course I was to teach was canceled. I was disappointed, but now I will have a free Friday. A friend called to play some tennis, so if it works out, I will do that instead.

It seems that plans change and the trick is not to get bent out of shape. Even though we may be upset at the time, perhaps it offers us an opportunity to use the time in a new way. I shall have to remember these words of wisdom. Writing about change seems to help us cope.

Fancy Nancy says let me know how you handle change. RSVP

Cupons Make Good Sense and Save Money

In the past I never really used money-saving cupons. Marty is the master cupon saver. Well, last week he gave me a 30% off cupon he found for my favorite bargain store. Today I just came back from The Bargain Box and guess what I bought! They had three sewing machines and I decided to buy one of them. I made the $40 investment for a Kenmore machine. Now I have to bring it into the house to see if it really works. The sign on the machine said in working order, but one never knows until you try it.

I am not a master at sewing machines, but in this case, I feel that the Bargain Box deserves the money . They are a church charity, and when you buy there, they put the money to good charitable use. I often drop off bags of used items I do not want. I also seem to find items that I need. I have used the Bargain Box for 25 years, and they used to have furniture as well. Needless to day, some of the items in my home came from this wonderful place.

You too can save money if you find your local bargain place. The second hand shops are everywhere, and they seem to be doing better than the retail stores. I often say to Marty, the lovely jacket you see on someone in the fancy restaurant will probably be in the Bargain Box next season. Just wait and you may own it.


Fancy Nancy enjoys a bargain!

Fancy Nancy Gets Humorous Checks

Today in the mail I got two checks from a bank that was updating their records for the year. The first check came along with a letter from the bank explaining their error. The second check had the same bank letter. When I looked at the amounts of the checks I had a good laugh.

The first check was for one cent, and the second check was for eight cents. They will probably charge me for cashing such a small amount. No wonder the banks are in trouble.

I was happy to feel better today, so I kept my normal schedule and took care of medical appointments. I also handled some financial matters. We are soon in tax season, so it is time to get organized for the accountant.


Fancy Nancy Gets Two Bank checks for under 10 cents!

Power is Restored --- Hooray!!

Last night we finally got our power restored. I guess Florida is not used to the very cold weather we have been experiencing. I started my teaching yesterday . I have several students for my writing workshop, a new program that was never offered before at one of the local parks.

Today I was to teach Speed Reading, but do to an expected bout of illness, I had to cancel. As it turned out, it was okay, since they did not have any students yet for that class.

Time will tell if it will run. In any case , the writing program will continue. It is so nice to be able to use my computer again and have a phone. You become very dependent on technology, and when it does not work, it is difficult to let people know why you aren't responding.

Tonight we have a movie club meeting, and since the meeting is at my house, I decided not to cancel. I took some medication and I do feel better, so I should be okay for the meeting.

Love to hear from you and Fancy Nancy says, "Keep in touch!"

Cold Weather Freezes Communication Lines

Well, yesterday we lost all communication services. The phone, computer and tv do not work. I am at a hotel using the computer since mine is dead. I guess the Florida power lines can't take the cold we are experiencing.

This morning was my first day teaching at Fleischman's Park. I go dancing at the same place, and suggested that they add a writing course. The students only pay $5 and they can come as often as they wish. I was happy to have two students today, and they both said they would come back next week as well. Tomorrow I hope to have students for my Speed Reading at the same place. I do enjoy the teaching, and I hope others will soon attend as well.

The sun is out today, so it will probably get a bit warmer. I just got approved to do a lecture for a program that just started last year at URI. If it fills then they may want more sessions in the fall. Time will tell. Hope our communication services soon get repaired. In the meantime, I am using the computer at a hotel.


Fancy Nancy says cold weather freezes communication services at Comcast. Keep in touch.

Toilet Paper Blog Triggers New Facts!

My blog on toilet paper has led to some interesting facts from a reader. Here's what I learned. Scott Paper Company marketed the first rolls of toilet paper. The company was founded in 1879 by two brothers Irvin and Clarence Scott. In 1896 Irvin's son Arthur joined the company and convinced his father and uncle to have a private label business named Waldorf. In 1921 Waldorf represented 64% of Scott's total sales. By 1925 Scott became the leading toilet paper company in the world. In 1995, Scott was acquired by Kinberly Clark.

So much more information is available about toilet paper. Maybe I should look into buying some shares, since the product won't go out of style. It seems that the products we take for granted might be the very products we should invest in.

Today was a social day. I invited 4 of my former writing workshop class members for lunch. We enjoy keeping in touch and each Valentine's Day we have a class reunion. I ran a Writing Workshop for 18 years before I started to teach for Florida Gulf Coast University, Learning in Retirement program. The project was great fun and several students in our class attended for the entire 18 years. We are all a bit older, but we all still enjoy writing.


Fancy Nancy says maybe I should look into investing in toilet paper shares along with oranges. Keep in touch.

Saturday Writing Class and Toilet Paper

Today I went to my Saturday morning writing class. I do not teach this class but attend. We have a woman who facilitates the group and this morning in spite of cold and rain 16 people arrived.

Usually our leader writes and shares her one page piece with all of us. We each have one word as a topic and then we write only one page and read it to the group. My one word today was new for the New Year. I encouraged the group to try something new and listed the new things I am doing.

Our leader used two words, lost cause. She talked about how the size of the toilet paper roll has shrunk, but the price is the same or higher. She even brought in the end of the roll with no paper on it and compared it to prior rolls. She said she could write to Congress about the shrinkage, but she felt it would be a lost cause. I thought the subject was a riot, and the class roared as she passed around old toilet paper samples.

In my class we have snow birds from everywhere. We meet once a week and this group has been ongoing for at least five years . We previously met at the local library, but they are no longer open Sat. mornings. Now we meet at a local church and today we made a donation for the use of the room.

The range of writing talent is wide, and even those who had no talent have improved greatly. It is fun to reconnect with the group even though we only see each other once a week. This class is what triggered the material for my book SNIPPETS.

An update on Florida weather: Tonight it will be about 30 and they suggested we could have some snow. I am using all my winter clothes. Maybe it is a good time to invest in oranges. For sure the new crop will freeze.

Fancy Nancy says , " Visit Florida , and pack your ski clothes. You will need them for sure!"

Dancing and Meeting

Today I went to a new line dancing class at my par 3 golf course. They said I could attend, so I paid my $3 and enjoyed a one hour class with about 20 others. This is the first time I went to this class. I also attend a different line dancing class on Wed.

In the afternoon I was invited to a new member coffee sponsored by the Women's group I joined. There were 10 new members there and it was held in an area called Barefoot Beach. I had never been there before, but it was lovely. The condo overlooked the Gulf of Mexico. I learned today that this Women's Cultural Group sponsored by the Federation now has 370 members. I volunteered to do some programs for them next Dec. before I start my paid teaching. There was one guest who was 92 years old . She looked great and still travels, entertains , and lives alone. Some people definitely have the right genes.

Overall, this was a fun day . It has been quite cold this week and we are due for more cold weather. I am now using my winter coat in Florida.


Fancy Nancy meets 10 new ladies. If you meet one new person each day, at the end of a year you will know 325 people you never knew before. Try it!

Fun Tennis with Sun!

Today I played some fun tennis and would you believe the sun actually was out so we were not freezing. I played singles with a friend, since I no longer want to play net in a doubles game. I really enjoyed the fun tennis.

Tomorrow I am due at a new members tea for this women's group that I joined. I could not find the address on mapquest, so I will be on to a new adventure trying to locate where it is being held.

Next week I start to teach and it will be interesting to see if any students arrive. Teaching for many programs is a last minute happening. The lesson one has to learn is flexiblity. If one thing does not work try another.

Fancy Nancy says, " Be flexible and things will work out"

A Fun Day Even in the Cold

This morning I went to line dancing and I signed a contract to teach there if we get the students for a writing workshop and speed reading. Time will tell. They also have a handball court, so I hit some tennis balls.

It was quite windy and cold, but I also hit a bucket of golf balls. I am trying to practice what my teacher taught me in my one lesson. I have a wonderful bargain shop, so I picked up new clubs at a very reasonable price. How does this sound--- I bought 8 clubs for $25. Now if they work all will be well. I am enjoying my golf and next week I even have a friend who will join me. Watch out Tiger Woods--- Fancy Nancy is on the golf spectrum.

Fancy Nancy buys new golf clubs-- that have been used!!!

HOLA! Today was Spanish Class

Today was a fun Spanish class. Our teacher even taught in Mexico. She did not give us books, but we did some conversation and she wrote a lot on the board. There are about 16 women in the class. The teacher volunteers and once you join the Federation , for $60 you can take as many courses as you wish. A good filler while waiting to hear about my teaching.

I also had a cold golf lesson. The teacher was excellent, but the temperature was cold and windy. I enjoyed learning what I am doing wrong and why my golf balls thud and don't fly. I booked another lesson since I need it.

Overall a fun day in very windy Florida.

Fancy Nancy says Adeios . Keep in touch!

Keeping Cool in the Cold

Well, the weather in Florida is very cold, but I am sure it is better than where I am from, Rhode Island. A friend just wrote and told me it was 4 degrees there. I think I will stay in Florida for now.

I am still waiting to hear if I will be teaching. I am booked at two facilities and possibly a third, but I won't know until enrollment occurs. In the meantime I am trying other things. Tomorrow I start Spanish and I even booked a golf lesson to help my lousy golf game.

The best plan when waiting on jobs is to keep cool. Based on this weather , that is not hard to do. The economy has not really recovered, so jobs are not readily available. For those out of work, try to keep a balance in your life. Start a new course or volunteer until something locks in .Otherwise you could be too frustrated. Not always easy to maintain your emotional balance, but exercise will definitely help out.


Fancy Nancy says, " It pays to keep cool"

Why Blogs Are Fun

I started my blog in Aug. and already I have had about 1200 hits. The best part is when the readers leave comments. It is wonderful to hear what they have to say . In addition, I have heard from some folks I never knew.

I always wondered how a blog worked. There is a way to count the number of hits you get and a chart even shows you how many new visitors you have. Just like the stock market, the charts are plotted daily. I have enjoyed writing my blog and want to thank those of you how take the time to send me comments. Keep those comments coming. They are one of the best parts of a blog.

What new things are you doing for the New Year? Let me hear from you.


Fancy Nancy Thanks Her Readers

A Nice Visit With A Friend

Today we went to the East Coast of Florida to visit a dear friend from Rhode Island who is at her daughter's house. We used to be neighbors, and have remained friends in spite of the fact that we are now in Florida for six months each year.

It was nice to see her daughter and two of her grandchildren. Everyone looks so grown up now. We are not getting older, but the kids sure are.
We took a nice walk, but the weather felt like New England. It has been very cold here in Florida.

This week I expect some company so it will be time to do some cooking. Also, Spanish begins on Tues. Keep in touch and love to hear your comments.

Fancy Nancy Connects with a Friend

Golf Today-- Even the Ducks Were Hiding

Today I played golf at my fun par 3 course. When I go in the afternoon there is no waiting and often I am the only one on the course. I was amazed that they even let me take a hand cart and I do not have to pay anything.

Normally, when I play the ducks are walking on the course. I guess they were too cold today since all the ducks had disappeared. Where does a duck go to keep warm? Do they have special hiding places or do they check into the local hotels? I never thought about that until today.

We had a quiet New Years Eve. That is a good night to stay home. I will find out in January if any of my classes will run. In the meantime I have been hitting tennis balls with a friend, and playing my fun golf.

This week I start Spanish again. It will be interesting to see if I remember anything from the lessons I have taken with my daughter and grandson. I always have enjoyed classes with them. They are both bright and talented and the best part of the class is sharing time with them.

For now Fancy Nancy says " Adeios Have a Great New Year!

New Year's Day 2010

Hi and hope everyone has had a Happy New Year. Last post I asked everyone to write something about the word new. Have not heard from you, so I will begin.

Well, I was thinking I might try to learn how to play chess. That would be new for me . My grandson is a whiz at the game, and I have never played. Perhaps if I go online and hit chess, I could begin to learn how to play. It would be fun to be able to play a game of chess with him

I am also trying to learn more about golf. I got a book and it said women should put more time into putting, since that is a big part of the game. I have never read a book about golf, but I learned some good pointers.

Trying something new is very stimulating. It is always a challenge and it is good for both the body and the mind. I have discovered that when others are no longer able to do something that have enjoyed, too often they are at a loss for something new to take its place. I have tennis friends that can't play tennis any longer, and at first they are sad since we all miss what we have enjoyed. Here are some fun things to try for the New Year.

1. Chess 2. Line Dancing 3. A foreign language 4. A blog 5. Painting 6. Computer Games

I think I will go online now and try to find Chess to see what I can learn.

Fancy Nancy says Happy New Year with a focus on the word New. Send me your comments.