When bigger is not better

The wake-up call
Doctor’s visits aren’t always fun. As a child we dread those visits that include immunizations. While some people don’t mind shots, I never met anyone who likes them.

As you grow older you avoid going to the doctor except for those nagging items that you haven’t been able to "get over." Then comes a visit when you feel O.K., but then the doctor sits you down and "tells it like it is."

For me this happened in September of last year. I went to the doctor for two reasons first, I just felt "off," and the second was the belief that although I didn’t feel sick, I hadn’t had a doctor’s visit in a long time and was more than overdue to be checked over.

I had a sinking suspicion that I wouldn’t like the results and procrastinated setting up my follow up visit.

The doctor sat me down and gently warned me about the dangers of my elevated cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and elevated blood sugar. I listened.

This was the basis of my motivation, my desire, the beginning of my journey.

Journey’s beginning

Making the commitment to improve your health is hard, especially when no one else is concerned with following the surgeon general’s recommendations for diet and exercise. I started with little baby steps.

Everyone has the latest greatest recommendations to lose weight. You’ve got hoodia and acia berry. Those are wonder foods that will enable you to lose weight even though you enjoy downing a quart of ice cream every evening. Plus have an added benefit of being 100 percent "natural".

On the other side is the "only way for you to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more" crowd. This advice is not only depressing and non-inspiring; it’s tedious and boring. Where is the middle ground? Anyone can do anything for a short amount of time (and perhaps for a LOT of money or for reality TV shows) but I was interested in a lifetime change, something I could learn and maintain for the rest of my life.

Now that I can look back and compare where I was, to where I am today, I am encouraged to continue. But let me tell you, when you’re in the midst of it, things don’t look so good. I struggled with wanting to see immediate results and sometimes it was hard to keep going. I asked for help, and I’m glad I did. My family and friends were great at encouraging me without making me feel dumb.

Getting on track

First thing I started was watching what I ate. I met with a nutritionist, who recommended a low-carbohydrate diet. To be brief, carbohydrates are in most, if not all foods, they break down quickly and depending on the different trials and doctor’s recommendations, too many carbohydrates or carbs are not good for you, but your body needs some carbs. Unfortunately, those items with little carb content can be high in fats so a person has to look at the whole nutritional picture.

Pastas, breads and fruit are typically high in carbs, while meat and real cheese has little to no carbs. Vegetables range across the board with peas, corn and lima beans in the high carb category and mushrooms, broccoli and spinach in the low carb category. For my uses, each meal (and I only have three) is limited to around 3 servings of carbs or 45 grams. A Wonder bread hamburger bun is about 25 grams of carbs, while three cups of raw spinach is about 8 grams. If I’d like a snack I limit my carb intake to 15 grams or one serving of carbs. I’m very glad I love to eat fresh, raw vegetables; I can’t imagine following this plan if I didn’t.

Now that I had become obsessed with food and watching everything that I put into my mouth, it amazed me how much of our society is caught up with food. Everything we do, every event, every contact, is closely intertwined with eating and food. We love it. Most of the time, we don’t pay any attention to what exactly we are eating and how much.

Sometimes our acceptance of food reflects on how we feel about the person who offered it. Or our refusal of an offering of food is a refusal of that person offering it. When you’re watching what you’re eating, how do you balance food with relationships? It will always be a struggle for me and I continually try to balance the "relationship" with my commitment to eat healthy. It’s something I keep in mind.

The second part of my "plan" was to include more exercise. I was fortunate to try out a membership to the Stark County Physical Therapy office in Wyoming. It is a great alternative for me and continues to be one of my essentials to maintaining a "healthy" lifestyle. I started out slowly, bike riding for a minimum of 30 minutes, three times a week. Now I’ve increased the biking difficulty, added weight training and increased the number of days to at least four times a week or more (as my schedule permits). The trainers at the facility have been very friendly and open, helping me to focus on different problem areas.

I’ve found that I am more committed to exercising when it’s located outside of my home, but have invested in a Wii Fit for weekends. The Wii, for those uninitiated, is an interactive video game. The "Fit" portion of the Wii allows me to set up exercise programs and monitor my weight, balance and agility. I’ve also joined my husband’s Tae Kwon Do classes in Toulon and Bradford on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

I’ve tried losing weight before, many different times with typical results. A couple of years ago, I was able to lose 20 pounds, but hit a roadblock. I couldn’t take off any more weight. Now that I look back on it, I see that my desire was just not enough to make a permanent change. I wasn’t paying close attention to what I ate and didn’t increase or maintain an exercise regimen.

Planning a healthier lifestyle

Many people have stopped me and commented on my appearance. Some even ask "how did you do it", and "what are you doing"?

I think the most effective technique is to watch serving sizes and limit my intake to one serving, a measured serving, not my serving.

Another is to keep active by exercising; find ways to keep moving.

I also have a few mental tricks that I’ve tried to keep myself on track and not burn out.
One is to choose a food (besides water) that I don’t limit. I can drink as much diet soda as I possibly want. Some people have preached the dangers of artificial sweeteners and carbonated beverages, but right now being able to drink as much as I want helps fight off those cravings and hunger pangs I "think" I have as well as giving me something I don’t have to limit.

Knowing I can have something I don’t have to limit is important in order to stay motivated. Maybe someday I’ll be able to cut out all sweets and poly-unsaturated fats, bleached white flour and carbonated beverages and become "perfect" in my eating habits, but that’s not something I can do right now. And that’s OK; I don’t have to or feel guilty about it.

Another mind trick is to tell myself that I can eat ANYTHING, but may have to limit the amount of some foods more than others. When you’re looking at carb grams in sweets, a little goes a long way. It has given me the opportunity to buy more expensive goodies to enjoy instead of buying a lot of cheap junk food. If I must limit myself to a small serving size then I’m going to buy a Dove Dark Chocolate bar or Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream and not on a little Debbie snack cake.
My third trick is to divide up my weight loss goals. Instead of looking at all the weight I need to lose, I break it up. That way I have more encouragement to keep on working. I have made three tiers of weight loss goals and am very close to reaching my second tier. I would still like to reach that last tier, my dream weight, but if I don’t then I won’t be unhappy with myself. To date I’ve lost 65 pounds from my heaviest weight and about 55 pounds from when I first started last September.

The result

If the weight loss wasn’t enough, as further proof my efforts are working, my follow-up test results have been good. At my doctor’s appointment three months into my plan, I dropped my cholesterol by 70 points, from 250 to 180, and all other tests, blood pressure, blood sugar, came in at normal healthy ranges. It was a big moment for me, to see the "official’ numbers. Now I hope to continue to work on my weight and keep the other things in control. I also hope to encourage others to begin their journey.

If we are truly honest with ourselves many of our failures are due to the lack of desire. I believe it was in my case.

The key to accomplishing anything is finding the determination to do it.

An old Webster’s 1828 dictionary (my favorite place to define words) gives one definition of desire as "An emotion or excitement of the mind, directed to the attainment or possession of an object from which pleasure, sensual, intellectual or spiritual, is expected." Another simpler definition states, "Desire is a wish to possess some gratification or source of happiness which is supposed to be obtainable."

What does this have to do with anything? It’s one of the most important things I’ve learned from my recent attempt to lose weight and eat healthier. It’s something I hope to continue for the rest of my life.

Remember, there isn’t anything you can’t do if you really want to.

Interview with Chiaverini

Quilting event features author

Which came first? The writing or the quilting? Author Jennifer Chiaverini, who will be in Toulon on April 18 for the Toulon Public Library’s special event, took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to The News.

“Actually, the quilting came first,” said Chiaverini.

Chiaverini has an English degree from Notre Dame and received a Master’s in British literature from University of Chicago. From there, Chiaverini held a position as a writing instructor at both Penn State and Edgewood College in Madison, WI. Now, she’s a successful author of thirteen novels and three quilt pattern books.

“I started quilting as an adult,” said Chiaverini. “Mom did some sewing, but not quilting. Now, we quilt together.”

Chiaverini started her writing career with an unsolicited, un-agented manuscript.
“It’s the worst way to submit an idea to a publicist,” said Chiaverini. “Even back then, your best chances were to submit through an agent. Now, there’s no way that would happen.” Chiaverini’s first submission, The Quilter’s Apprentice, was published in 1999.

“I’m just thankful that someone in Simon and Schuster took a chance on me,” said Chiaverini. Chiaverini now works out of her home with her two children, age’s third grade and kindergarten.
“I keep regular hours,” said Chiaverini. “I work from about eight until five and try to write at least 2,000 words a day.”

Chiaverini continues with a smile in her voice, “Some days that’s easier to do than others.”
“We have a nanny to watch the kids during the day, so my evenings are for family,” continues Chiaverini. She’s glad that she can keep her weekends and evenings free for family events.
“Every so often I have to leave town for a book tour,” said Chiaverini. “Sometimes I can bring the family, but often I travel alone. Again Simon and Schuster works hard to keep me from being away from home for very long.”

Chiaverini takes about two years to finish a writing project from start to finish. All the projects overlap.

“One day I might be meeting with the publishers about an upcoming book jacket, writing the next novel and then promoting the newest publication,” said Chiaverini.
Chiaverini’s novels, the Elm Creek Quilt Series, are historical fiction with some quilt information thrown in.

“When I’m gathering information about a new book, I often travel to the area I’m writing about.” For the newest book, The Lost Quilter, Chiaverini went to Charleston, West Virginia and Edisto Island, South Carolina to gather information about the area.

“When you have specific criteria,” begins Chiaverini “you have to go to a place and visit and get some idea of the distances, smell, sounds; the feel of a place. The internet is a great place to start, but it cannot portray the feeling of a place that a writer needs to covey in their writing.”
Working as a writer and specializing in “quilt stories” Chiaverini was given a unique opportunity. She helps design quilting fabrics for Red Rooster.

“Red Rooster contacted me,” said Chiaverini. “The designers wanted something special and unique, so they wanted to see if I was interested.” Chiaverini was. Many of the designs are inspired by her novels. Chiaverini gives credit to Ann Fishkin and Carol DeSousa at Red Rooster for bringing her ideas to life.

Chiaverini is looking forward to attending the Toulon Public Library’s event on April 18.
“Librarians have been very supportive,” said Chiaverini. “An event organized by a library is well organized; they love books and are enthusiastic about them.”

Chiaverini continues, “It’s a sign of a strong community, to care about books and care about reading. That’s where you want to visit.”

The event on April 18 begins with quilting workshops every hour from 8:30a.m to 10:30 a.m. as well as historical presentations at the Toulon Public Library, Dr. Thomas Hall’s office and the Congregational Church all in Toulon. Jennifer Chiaverini will begin her presentation at 2 p.m. at the News Room Bistro on Main Street in Toulon. The cost for the event is $15 for the Quilting Workshops and $35 for the afternoon presentation by Chiaverini, or $45 for both the morning and afternoon events. Space is limited so contact the Toulon Library if interested in attending or register online at www.toulonpld.org.

Quilt displays will be set up at the Baptist, Methodist and Congregational Churches in Toulon, with a special display of quilts from the Bishop Hill Quilters at the Stark County Junior High.
For more information about Jennifer Chiaverini, you may go to her website at www.elmcreek.net.

Update

UPDATE:

Well, the State of Illinois has found the money they promised for Soil and Water Conservation and the University of Illinois Extension department for this current fiscal year. Soil and Water departments were supposed to receive an increase in their budgets, but the State is not planning on giving it to them. The State Soil and Water department is trying to squeeze the money out of the State, but local offices are not holding their breaths.

Our school are waiting for two payments for the end of the school year, a promised increase from the govenor. It doesn't look likely that they will recieve it. Many districts who counted on that money will be in trouble. In Stark County, the administration was dubious about the increase in funds, so not recieving the money will not hurt that district.

So the State shenanigans are continuing. Remember to call and let your representative know how you feel.

Wake up Illinois

Readers warning: Political commentary ahead.


News from the state of Illinois has not been very positive this year. Bickering, infighting and money grabbing and fed up constituents. Soaring gas prices, job loss, etc, etc.

Financing woes of the state has transpired into jeopardizing the future of the Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Department and the University of Illinois Extension departments. For months, the soil and water departments have learned that the money allocated (or promised, set aside) for them this year has not been paid and is not going to.

Where is the money going? And what needful item or department is the state going to withhold money from next? Schools? Farm Subsidies? Ethanol credits? Welfare? Social security? Health care?

Why aren’t our legislators and congressmen doing something?

Why aren’t WE doing something?

Why aren’t we calling and writing letters and emails and contacting anyone and everyone to tell them to work together? Stop working on political impulses and get some sense into Chicago! (Oh, I’m sorry. The capital is in Springfield.)

Wake up Illinois, we can no longer just sit on our “blessed assurance” and believe that if we just ignore it, it will all go away. We can’t get discouraged that our phone call/letter/email didn’t create instant change. Our government doesn’t work that way. BUT if I keep making comments and calling and encourage my neighbors to call and my relatives to call, someone will hear. And I surely will be working come election time to seek out the best candidate and help him or her win. This is important. Our government works best when we participate, we engage, we think about what we are voting for.

My message to our “leaders” in Springfield is to think hard about what is best for the state and not what’s best for the party, no matter which party.

My message for the rest of us? Call, write, think.

Siblings Capture the News

Heros. We all have them. We define them differently.
Isn’t it great to look up to a big brother or sister? Or perhaps an uncle, aunt or even your parents?

That’s what a hero should be.

The news and popular culture often promotes entertainers and sports players as examples of heros. We have seen both good and bad examples.

What about those who’ve followed in their sibling’s footsteps?

I’ll never forget an interview I watched a few years ago. The adoring gaze, the “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Their answer?
“I want to grow up and be just like my big “sibling” [name removed to protect the story]”

It gave me chills.

Believe it or not that youngster DID grow up to follow in their siblings footsteps. This child has reached the same plateau, but much earlier in life. There is so much more that can be accomplished.

Those famous siblings?

Who are they?




Brittany and Jamie Spears

Enough said.

A night at the Opera

Sometimes, it pays to know people in the right places.

Or have a friend with amazingly good luck.

This friend of mine was offered Opera tickets from friends of hers that go regularly, but couldn't make the performance this particular weekend. In addition, they offered the hotel room they booked as a belated birthday present.

Sweet.

So last minute I was invited to a weekend at the opera.

My first thought was "What do I wear?!" I'm not much of a clothes horse, but do have some nice black pieces, dash it up with a little jewelry and I'm ready to go.

We left home early Saturday afternoon, hoping to check in the hotel and grab the Metra into Grand Central Station, only a couple of blocks away from the performance.

"It's gonna be tight," said my friend. "We'll really have to boogie."

And boogie we did. We couldn't have planned it better, stop at the hotel, check in, run to the room and fight with pantyhose, shoes and deciding what are we going to risk taking downtown, run back to the car (the hotel room was WAY on the other side), and head to the closest Metra station and arrive just as the train was pulling up.

Our adventure begins.

The ride on the Metra was shorter that we expected (45 minutes) and we hoped to spend the extra time looking for a nice place to eat. No such luck.

I didn't know that most of Chicago businesses downtown pull up their sidewalks at 5 p.m. over the weekend. And we didn't know the area well enough to search for a popular watering hole. So we headed back to Grand Central Station to eat at one of the kiosks there. (And take in the local "color")

As a reporter, I've worked to overcome my reluctance to bother someone with a question, or find it odd when someone asks me a question.

"Wow, are those your real nails? Do you take anything to make them that long." (Mom, are you listening? Your habitual nail biter just received a compliment on her nails!)

My response? "Just vitamins"

This launches us into a full discussion about nails and other people with long nails. My weirdness meter didn't go off (maybe it should of) and my girlfriend decided she was sticking beside me. The discussion ending with him wanting to take a photo of my nails. Not just one, but several. (My weirdness meter didn't really go off until after the third photo) In for a penny, in for a pound. I wasn't too worried about a physical confrontation, but obviously this man has a fingernail fetish. (He also shared several photos of other nails, which were so spectacular, it made mine look anemic.) He was clean, nicely dressed and well-spoken and my girlfriend and I laughed about the experience throughout dinner. (Chinese, yummy.)

Finally the theatre. We were seeing La boheme at the Civic Opera House sung by the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The large block building was built in 1929, right in the middle of downtown Chicago. My fingers were itching for my camera, usually with me, but I had decided to leave it safely at home. The evening was cool and clear. So many wonderful images, Chicago can be so beautiful at night.

Entering the Opera house, the foyer in gleaming fall coloring, we showed our tickets and entered the buzzing crowd. Several small booths of refreshments lined the walls, wine and water served in glass goblets. Downstairs held the main bar, seats and the bathrooms. After scouting the area and the attendees, we headed early for our seats.

We were on the main floor, right behind the first section. Regular patrons asked after my girlfriend's friends and she assured them that they would be back later in the season. Several ladies were dressed in velvet Opera capes and most of the men were in suits or tuxes, but I did see a few jeans (both on men and ladies). I thought I saw Dennis Miller, but I was mistaken.

For the uninitiated, the Opera is completely sung (no spoken lines) and usually in Italian. For an added benefit for the linguistically challenged (like me) a screen with subtitles hung over the stage. Personally, I thought the subtitles distracted from the performance, but there were several musical jokes that I wouldn't have gotten without knowing Italian (or reading the subtitles).

The performance was superb, the acting excellent. I would love to come back another time. My girlfriend enjoyed the performance, but wouldn't want to attend regularly.

Our ride back was uneventful and we were cozied up in our room by midnight. The next day was anticlimactic as we visited a couple of friends and headed home.

A marvelous chance to expand my horizons.

You brought WHAT to school?!

Recently, a 9-year-old boy brought a toy gun to school. The boy is reported to have shot it at another classmate while walking to school and authorities confiscated the item on the school grounds. The boy is charged with reckless conduct and has a 10-day school suspention.

There are opposite views of reading into this basic situation. One, the student just grabbed his new toy and accidentally hit one of his classmates playing with the item while walking to school. He wasn’t thinking, just a stupid mistake. Two, the student purposefully snuck the item out of the house and waited for his classmate to show up for school, shot him, then tried to hide it from school officials. He wanted to shoot the classmate, he doesn’t feel bad about it, would do it again if he could.

I don’t think either of these situations happened, but something in between.

My thoughts on the subject(s):
(Not on the specific incident)

Please understand that the school district is an entity that is ruled by an outside board and part of the "government". As such, the district must follow certain guidelines and procedures. They cannot "read" into a situation; they are not God discerning the "thoughts and intents of the heart" and yet they are expected to do just that.

The school district is a replacement for parental authority most of the day; I think parents forget that they waive their rights to their child every time they leave the house for school. It is amusing to see parents demand that the school "fix" a situation until their child is involved, either as victim or instigator, and then the district needs to "make an exception or example" depending on their child’s involvement. I know there are teachers who take advantage of their position to demean or hurt a student as well as parents who can’t believe that THEIR child has done anything wrong, ever.

I personally don't have any problem if parents purchase any kind of guns - BB, air or real - for their children no matter what the age BUT there MUST be some restrictions and supervision. All guns toy or otherwise, must be treated with respect and even awe, because they are capable of causing death if improperly used. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide that supervision, not the school district or the sheriff’s department or the legislatures or the gun manufacturers. I know, I know, some of you are arguing about water or toy pistols, “They can’t really harm anyone.” The harm comes from a contempt or lack of awareness or seriousness.

I will also mention other school appropriate items that could be used to harm anyone, such as pencils or scissors, or inappropriate behavior. There is nothing a school district (and frankly the parents) can do with a child who will not learn or behave except remove them from the school. Positive or negative reinforcement can only go so far. If a student goes far enough to break the law then the student needs to face the punishment.

In my opinion, ALL inappropriate items ought to be temporarily confiscated by the school, including cell phones and pocket video games. Anything that interferes with a student's learning because they are using it should be removed and only returned with a parent present. Even for the high school age students. That is an autocratic view, I know.

Why?

Growing up, I knew a student who snuck novels. They would place a book under their textbook or desk and pretend to be working. (The reason I know this student so well? It was me.) The teachers should have removed the novel because it was preventing the student from paying attention to the lesson. (I was an A student, but should that matter?) Now that's a far cry from guns and gun "look-alikes", bad or violent behavior, but because the school district is placed in an authoritative position, I feel the same standards should be upheld, no matter what the item. I know of another school that has a ban against cell phones, but almost the entire student body has one and carries one. Tell me that’s not a double standard. It’s against policy, but not enforced. How can we allow leniency in one area and not in another?

I don’t have an answer for the parents, the school board or the community, but I do know the situation raises more questions than solutions. And in a small community, false and enhanced information runs rampant and views differ from where you stand.

No matter what your opinion is in this specific situation, it is no better or worse than the actual truth.

Full-time!

Thanks to everyone who keeps checking in my blog for news, updates and editorials. After a brief stint working full-time in retail, I am now working full-time for The News!.

I have been working on several different blogs, so I encourage you to scan downward to catch any updates and new entries.

Please contact me by email if you have any questions or suggestions.

Again, thanks for your support of the newspaper, without it I wouldn't have recieved this opportunity.

Amy

Mud Bogging

Time goes fast in the news business, working on the paper.

It also gives you opportunities outside your normal experience.

I had an opportunity to ride in a Mud Bogging truck during one of his runs. The rumble and thunder of the engine reverberating in my chest with the swaying sensation of driving on unstable material.

I'm hooked.

Now I can see the curious draw it has to many different people. I wish I was talented enough to work on cars and engines, because I can see how it can wreak havoc to machine parts.

But still, to drive. Nirvana? maybe. Crazy? definitely. Do I have a truck? No.
Sigh.


See a few clips of the day at these links

As always, thanks for stopping by.

The videos are from top to bottom.
My Bog Ride





Local Gibler bog run

Reporting

Learning about reporting is an ongoing project.

As an individual with no formal education on media writing, I've often had to make it up as I go along. I do read voraciously, so I can "get the gist" of what needs to be said and how.

But every so often, I encounter a possiblity to get that glimpse into "the big time."

The most recent possiblity opened when the Stark County girls' basketball team traveled to state.

Right after the super-sectionals, our fine office manager Lynne contacted the IHSA and found how we could apply for a press pass for the tournament. There was a time limit and several rules and procedures to go through, including establishing credentials that I was an authorized journalist! But Lynne was more than up to the task and had our passes ready to be picked up at the game.

My ride dropped me off at the back of the auditorium in Bloomington, where the media door was located. It really was the "back lot" and I nosily pushed my way through an unmarked door and wandered into the check in area. I had my identification and information and was given my media packet and a tour of the press room for interviews and a seat right on the playing floor.

During the game I had a view of the television anchors filming and editing the game and watching the commercials that were broadcast at every time out. Setting myself up on the floor under the baskets and taking photos, I tried to capture that "great action shot".

I know it was just a small moment, but it was mine and I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to more opportunities in the future.

Blackmail

What an ugly word, what an ugly connotation.

That's what it looks like to me.

Let me take this moment to clarify that this is my personal opinion, not the opinion of the Stark County News, the school board or anyone else mentioned in this editorial.

My time to vent.

The situation is this. School districts are required by the Regional and State Board of Education to update buildings and follow labor and prevailing wage requirments. A local school district let bids for a second round of Health/Life/Safety work (building updates required by law). Upon the opening of the bids, two of the low bidders were non-union. After opening, the construction manager received two phone calls from union headquarters in Ottawa and Joliet. Both union representatives tell the construction manager that if the school district accepts the non-union bids, they would be faced with a strike.

Three things.

One, the difference between the lowest union bid and the non-union bids is $90,000. That's not chump change from a district that has been fiscally responsible with a recent increase in taxes voted for by the taxpayers.

Two, there were no bids from union companies based out of the union disrict area. The union bids came from another district. Because the school district falls in the Ottawa and Joliet area, those union officals called the school district's construction manager.

Three, the school district may be faced with a lawsuit if they don't accept the lowest bid or a work stoppage if they do accept the lowest bid. The district cannot afford either one.

What is wrong with this picture?

Let me say right now that I'm am not against unions. Unions are needed, they revolutionized industry and protected workers. But somewhere along the way, something has changed, especially if a small, strapped school district cannot have the freedom to chose for the financial benefit of its district.

Open dialogue and discussion between all parties are continuing, but no final decision has been made.

Let's hope they all make the right choice.

Update - September 10

The school board accepted the non-union bids for the project. Conversations with the union representatives stated that they would strike, but only for a short time and only if the district set up two different gates. The project manager felt that they could work problems out with the union reps and told the school board that they would be comfortable if they school chose the non-union bids.

The unions did strike, but for two days only. The school district set up two different gates, one for union, one for non-union. So far there has been no other incidents and the project has been completed, barring some minor final items.

September 10, 2007 2:15 PM

Bloodmobile

The National Honor Society recently sponsored a bloodmobile at the Stark County High School.

Living in a small community, The News often has calls about different events or accidents or even the first robin sighting. This time the call was for the bloodmobile. There were 36 students that donated blood that day.

Because I was there taking photos, I decided to stay and donate myself.

My first time giving blood was in high school. I requested special permission from the basketball coach.

Coach gave her permission, but with two conditions. One, to donate as early as possible. And two, not to expect any leniency for practice that evening. Many of the Stark County Students said they got out of track practice, while I was remembering a two hour practice with arms that felt like jelly and weighted about a ton. My, how times have changed.

I was curious how the blood donation was handled. I am not a stranger to needles, for a short time I received allergy shots. With my farm background and mom a nurse, medical procedures were not a thing to be afraid of. But I startled the phlebotomist (the health worker trained in drawing blood) by asking,

"Is that a 12 gauge or 14 gauge?"

All needles are measured in gauges. The larger the number, the smaller the needle, the smaller the number (lowest measuring is 7), the larger the needle. The phlebotomist throught it strange that a high schooler, with no evidence of needle tracks on her arms would have any idea what the needle gauge was. She did answer me (it was smaller than I thought) and then asked me how I knew to ask such a thing.

Embarrassed, I told her that those were the size of the needles my father used on the cows. (That threw me, in my mind those needles were used on the cows, not humans)

After all that effort, you would think the donation would continue smoothly and I would show up at basketball practice with a sticker on my shirt and a band-aid on my arm.

No such luck.

Several people that arrived after I did, finished their donation and left. The phlebotomist kept checking my pint and eventually started wiggling the needle in my arm. Finally, she decided that the needle must have some burr in it that prevented the blood from flowing. I was disconnected with only a half-full pint. Pretty memorable first time?!

I have continued to give blood over the years (unfortunately it has been years, 20 this summer) not regularly, but often enough to appreciate the valuable, life-saving resource that depends on volunteers.

Be a life saver. Give blood.

You won't be sorry you did.

It smells like Spring!

Today, as I left my car for work enjoying the “balmy” weather I smelt a season change. It is spring!

I know, I know, for some of you, smelling season’s sounds a little strange. Growing up in central Illinois, right in the middle of farm country, discerning the subtle change of seasons have become habitual. A warm, earthly, wet scent for spring, a mature green scent for summer, a lack of scent for winter and the dry, musty decayed scent for fall.
Ask a farmer; he knows the scent of spring!

Detecting the smell of spring could just be limited to my observation; my favorite scents are a freshly mown alfalfa field and the ozone right before a thunderstorm. While in college traveling with the volleyball team, I became quite nostalgic at the familiar “barnyard” scent of dairy cows!
It is odd the effect some scents have on your memory and emotion!

Several scientific studies have determined ties between the olfactory sense and memory. What is unusual are the cells that “remember” certain smells only live 60 days, but they reproduce themselves so accurately that a person can remember an event many years later. Several studies suggest that the neurons that are responsible for smell are the slowest of all the senses. It not only takes the brain longer to register a smell, odor persists for greater lengths of time than do sensations of sight or sound.

While this convoluted explanation is interesting it really has no bearing on the smell of spring in the air. That is strictly a personal observation. Go find out for yourself. Today.