Pretty in Pink :: Only in the '80s

Shout out to the weather dudes for being right 100% of the year – the 6th day into 2026, anyway. The popular pink color was so 1980s, though!

As it turned out, it was about 5:30 a.m. when I was checking my phone and realized yes, all the central Wisconsin schools (contained within yesterday's raspberry beret) were closed today. Even parts of I-39 (my commute) were shut down due to multiple accidents. So I stayed home.

And had 8+ hours of training/meetings remotely.

The only advantage was that this forced us to meet in smaller teams where we could all contribute rather than being in a meeting room with 60+ people and trying to be heard.

Still, I am officially entering the era of my life wondering if you can, in fact, teach an old dog (admittedly me) new tricks.

So much is changing about how we are going to be doing our work – at work – that I want to scream "Didn't you hire me for my writing skills? Why am I managing projects now and trying to squeeze in writing and editing?" 

Well, I guess I just screamed it now. Ha.

You know me. I eventually will embrace and make the best of it. But give me time. 

This old dog has to stretch out all her aging joints to tackle new moves.

May you all conquer new challenges this week!

Shuffling Along

Some days I feel like a technical wizard. But then, I have low standards. If I can accomplish a little techy problem, I feel like a Geek Squad Rock Star.

Today was one of those days.

I ended up taking the day off from work. In terms of all the projects I have hanging over my head at home, the Wild Women's Weekend was ill-timed. (But worth it, of course.) Fortunately, I have unscheduled vacation days I need to use or lose, so I was able to stay home and enter my geek mode.

I mentioned awhile back we are doing some shuffling of rooms in our house. One of the driving reasons was that we wanted Carter in a bigger bedroom so it's not so cramped when we host a German student for a month in the spring.

The other, bigger reason is that hubby started a new job today AND he'll be working from home so he needs his own space. I'll tell you more about it at some point when he's more established into what he's doing, but it's still utilizing his writing and editing skills -- but now with more of a public relations and marketing twist. I will miss my chauffeur of 10 years, but we are both excited about the potential.

Part of making that happen was getting a dedicated work space in our house. So the big "to do" list today included me getting his new laptop up and running plus new programs installed, along with setting up a new wireless printer, etc. I was an IT god. I figured it all out.

But wait, there's more.

I moved our computer, etc, into Carter's bedroom which is now going to be my office space ... and scrapbooking space... and whatever. We were able to drill a little hole in the wall between our offices so we could get the Internet cable connected in "my" room since Jim didn't need it. He'll pretty much be wireless.

That took us up 'til 2 p.m. We were burnin' daylight!

Since we dismantled Carter's bunk beds and I sold them on Craigslist in record time last week, we now had space to move the extra office desk into my new office. That was the only other thing on the "must do" list. We had to enlist a neighbor's help as the desk was too heavy and we eventually had to take the doors off both office rooms to fit it out of Jim's and into mine. Mission accomplished by 4 p.m.

With my "new" desk moved, I had to move stuff from the table/desk in my downstairs Scrap Cave upstairs so Carter could start to use that as his "new" desk in his "new" room for homework tonight. Got that done but needless to say, it was 5:30 p.m. before I finally showered today!

So much more to do in this shuffling project but I needed a break. Went to deliver an All Sisters Winery gift to my BFF Christine, then came home and used up some apples to make some apple-cinnamon bars. New recipe for me. Just waiting for them to cool so I can have one before going to bed.

Some of us have to work tomorrow! And now I need to be awake for the drive.

Final Deadline

Across my span of 20-plus years in publishing, I have worked with countless people -- reporters, editors, publishers, advertising sales personnel, designers, clerks, you name it. Naturally, the ones I remember best are the ones who bonded with me (over many tight deadlines), who mentored me, learned from me, befriended me, entertained me or, yes, even irked me.

They are all memorable characters in my book of life.

Due to the stress and teamwork demands, newsrooms are tight communities. We get to know every little quirk and quality of our co-workers. It's like one big dysfunctional family and, underneath it all, we somehow love each other -- whether that's in the form of friendship or just old-fashioned respect.

It is always sad to lose one of the family. Especially unexpectedly.

I couldn't have been more shocked today to learn of the death of one of "my reporters" who I worked with in Rapids for the 7-plus years I was at the daily newspaper. Just 53 years old, he passed away yesterday of either a heart attack or respiratory infection (a reporter hasn't confirmed the facts just yet).

Mark was no longer living in the area, but we kept in touch via Facebook. What I remember most about Mark was his love for the written word. I mean he really loved words. I mean he loved them so much, he'd put as many of them as possible in each story. (Thus the cartoon above.)

As news editor, it was my job to cut it down to a precise, informational story. He posed a challenge. Not because it was written poorly but because each story -- even coverage of a boring school board meeting -- was written like poetic prose. He was hard to edit. But I really got a kick out of some of his word usage. A lot of it was the kind of stuff you'd read in books. Really old books. Definitely a reflection of his love for history.

Secondly, I remember he had the messiest desk I'd seen in all the newsrooms I'd worked in previously and since then. But he knew where everything was. Eventually.

Thirdly, and probably most importantly, he had a big heart. He was good to me and adored little Carter. Just very generous and considerate.

Today, though, I sense a conflict must be brewing in heaven.

Ten years ago, Bob, my favorite copy editor in the whole wide world, died unexpectedly just a few months after retirement. Now Bob's idea of heaven is undoubtedly editing, chopping, condensing to his heart's content. On the other hand, heaven for Mark is undoubtedly writing as many words as humanly (or non-humanly) possible.

Bob, I'm just asking you to be nice, put the red pen down and welcome him for all of us. If you feel the sudden urge to edit Mark, you and our sports-writing hero Davey can light your pipes and sit a spell until the feeling passes.

Mark, for your part, please give those crusty old newsroom boys love from Jimmy and me.

Then write as much as you want...

The Downsizing Decade

At some point as recently as last week, I remembered that I was coming up on my 10-year anniversary at work -- and I better bring treats. But with all the excitement and activities over the weekend, May 19 passed without one thought about it. Whoops.

The guys in my department didn't forget. Look! I feel so special!

I seriously can't believe I've been commuting to Iola for 10 years. That's about 260,000 miles of wear and tear on one Saturn and two Honda Civics and, once in awhile, our Honda CRV. Good thing gas is cheap, right?

Probably more astonishing than the fact this is my employment longevity record is how much my career field has changed in that decade. I don't think there is a man or woman in publishing who could have predicted what was in store for our industry.

Ten years ago, I would have thought: People will always want their daily newspaper or favorite magazine. We'll be here forever. Well, I was right, they still want their news and information, but they don't want to wait for someone to deliver it. They want it now. And they can get it.

They don't need the middle man or the printers, for that matter. If they don't pay the big bucks to subscribe or advertise, then the publishers -- mindful of their bottom line -- have to do without the writers, editors, support staff and advertising representatives, too.

This has been the story across the print media industry. Sadly, as a result, I have seen a lot of my co-workers at my present place of employment come and go. Mostly go. Thankfully, both hubby and I have hung in there and kept our jobs. This is good since he reminded me I have 10 years down and only 25 to go!

There are days we feel like dinosaurs compared to what "these young people" know today. But we have experience that can't be replaced and we have a willingness -- and ability -- to learn. And quickly. And that's what makes it fun.

Most days.

I have to think of myself as the consumer and how I want and get information. Then I have to think how we can deliver our information in that fashion, as quickly as possible, and as cheaply as possible. But accurately, too!

Today, for example, I was sitting at a baseball game when I learned of the devastating tornado in Oklahoma. (God, help them!) I wasn't looking at a newspaper. I was looking at a story on my smart phone. This, we could not envision a decade ago when I personally didn't have a cell phone and at work, we were just starting up websites for our publications.

Technology has changed so fast, it's almost scary to think where it will go in the next decade. Scary but exciting, too.

We dinosaurs will have to keep fueling ourselves with treats -- which I have to make now -- but not move too fast that we forget to stop and smell the roses.

'Cause boy do they smell good!!

Keepsakes

Carter came home with his "official" cross country portrait today. I think it turned out nice -- but I am a bit biased, of course.

Daddy surprised me and when he ordered the photos (I don't know where I was), he ordered a picture pin for me, too, so I can wear that at cross country meets and everywhere else -- just to embarrass Carter. That's what he thinks anyway. He is not in tune with a mother's need to brag. (Apparently, he doesn't read my blog.)

Anyway, the photo, which is a nice keepsake, will eventually find its way into a frame and scrapbook for posterity. And it couldn't have come at a better time. We needed a little pick-me-up around here.

A very dear friend of Jim's died yesterday following various complications from an amputation surgery several weeks ago. Although, he somewhat expected the possibility, Jim was still shocked and obviously deeply saddened. Davey was not only a friend, but a mentor, taking Jim under his wing as they worked the sports desk together at the daily newspaper here for many years.

Jim often is heard saying, "My old sports editor used to say..." or "Did I tell you about the time Davey..." So many memories that will now be keepsakes in the hearts of good friends and family. On Saturday, Jim will have the honor of sharing some of those stories at the memorial service. I give him credit for accepting the invitation from Davey's wife, but I can't imagine how hard it will be for him. All I can do is just stand by him and support him in any way I can.

As usual, God is using the situation as a reminder not to take what we have and who we have for granted. I love my husband and our boys. I am so blessed my dad seems to be improving this week and that I have both my parents and all my siblings with me. Not to mention numerous special friends who have touched my heart along my life's journey, each creating a unique keepsake of a memory for me.

Just thinking of you gives me the pick-me-up I need. Thanks!!

Snail Mail

We got two cards in the mail yesterday, one from Jim's aunt and one from my mother. It's always such a treat to get something in the mailbox that doesn't require one of us to whip out the checkboook in response.

My mother, who I know had secret aspirations of being a teacher, has impeccable handwriting -- the kind you'd probably see in one of those penmanship contests. She sent a get-well card for us to deliver to Jim's dad.

Jim's aunt sent us a thank-you note. We had dropped off a picture for her last Saturday in a our errand-laden scenic tour of central Wisconsin. She scribbled a lengthy note, and at the end noted, "My writing is good for nothing. My writing is bad but I love to write."

Both notes were equally appreciated!

I'm not sure when the last time was that I actually sent someone a handwritten note or letter. I can tell you they probably struggled to read it! My penmanship used to be OK, not wonderful, but has deteriorated to slop after years of taking swift notes and inventing my own "shorthand" as a newspaper reporter.

But you know what? It's the thought that counts. Whether it's the teacher-wannabe mom, the thoughtful scribbler aunt or the "I write like a doctor" magazine editor, people do love getting special greetings in their mailbox. I think they'd even accept something typewritten (Thank you, font gods, for the "script" selections!). At least we know they can read our special thoughts for them.

Think about that the next time you are about to type an email. Could the news wait a few days so you could send it in a card or in the form of a letter? I can just about guarantee your Snail Mail will be Smile Mail!

Movin' on up!

Are you smarter than a fifth-grader? We'll soon find out just how smart a fifth-grader is. Carter got his report card and he officially passed fourth grade. Like we had a doubt.

Now I'm not the bragging type (oh that's right, I am), but he did quite well. Students in first through fourth grade get numbered scores (between 1-4) rather than letter grades. Those start next year. Basically, a 3 means he's proficient and he knows the material/subject matter and a 4 means he's advanced, exceeding expectations.

Carter got all 3's and 4's. We are very proud, naturally. What we really found interesting, though, were the year-end comments. We have to beam when we see our child called "bright, intelligent, responsible" even if it is followed up with a "work on self-control when it's appropriate" comment.

The one that got us smiling, laughing and groaning at the same time was the comments for Language Arts, where the teacher said he does outstanding work in all areas. Then this: "He is becoming a very accomplished writer and he has a very good sense of correct editing."

Are you kidding me? First of all, why would a fourth-grader even have to know about editing? And how did Carter manage to "inherit" that trait from both Mom and Dad? And, does this mean he'll be a low-paid writer/editor like us, too, instead of a doctor or rock star? Poor Carter.

And yet, we are tickled every time we read that comment!

And the one following that one: "Continue to keep reading Carter, and don't lose that sense of creativity that you have!" Yes, no matter what your jaded parents say, don't lose it!

Apple of my eye

We've heard that phrase, "The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree," when it comes to our dear Carter. They say it when they see how closely he physically resembles Daddy. And Daddy says it when he sees Carter being a worry wart like Momma. Sometimes the "tree" is not either/or, it's both.

Last night I realized both of our "trees" bear some good fruit.

I was looking through Carter's Monday Folder, which includes homework and classwork from the previous week. I was pleased to see he got 15 out of 15 on his spelling test -- including the word chrysanthemum!

Then I see a couple English worksheets with a 2 or 3 out of 5 score and I wonder why there's this inconsistency in basically the same subject matter. Then I take a closer look ... and smile.

The assignment was to find the punctuation and grammar errors in the sentence. Then, the directions said, write out the new sentence correctly. Only Carter didn't do that. Instead, each sentence was marked up with proofreader's marks -- just like Mom and Dad the editors would do! The teacher's note in the margins said, "Write out the new sentence." So that's why he got a low score. He marked them up and moved on.

All the proofreader's mark were correct, by the way. How do you like them apples?!

Sign of the times

The good news about being an editor is that I have an appreciation for the written word. The bad news about being an editor is that I don't appreciate it when others don't. Actually, I don't care if others appreciate the English language. I just want to see them use it correctly.

The violations are everywhere: newsletters, menus, road signs. I often find myself groaning over a dangling modifier or misplaced apostrophe. (OK -- I'm not a nerd. I just like saying "dangling modifier" because it sounds funny. And where else could I write about them?)

The apostrophe thing, though, that bugs me. People love apostrophes and they have to use them all the time. "Congrats to the Jensen's!" "Let's cheer on the Viking's tonight!" People don't get it.

For years I have been bothered by the sign at right, posted a mile down the road from my parents' house. I just want to scratch out an "l" or paint in a "y" at the end. I should probably carry an industrial-size tub of WhiteOut in my purse and take care of these things.

I'm pleased to report I am not the only one consumed by this righteous effort. My friend Sandy at work, also an editor, calls us "guardians of the English language." I like that. We have a cause!

My mother is a fellow guardian. That Rustic Road sign -- which she sees daily -- has probably pushed her to her limits. At least I know what to get her for her next birthday. But do they even make WhiteOut anymore?!