Wow!  Basketball……everyone tired? By the way, great job everyone!

On this week’s agenda:

Monday:  President’s Day (no school)
***Lunch at the Senior Center: Chicken Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Broccoli Salad, Peaches, Coconut Bars
***Boy’s Challenge Game-7:30pm vs Denton Go Boys!

Wednesday:  Ash Wednesday
*** Divisionals Start in Great Falls

Thursday: 
***Lunch at the Senior Center:, Ham, Mac & Cheese, Cheesy Potatoes, Acorn squash w/ apples & raisins, Pears, Monster Cookies & Cheerio bars

Sunday:   Breakfast at the Senior Center!!!
Breakfast Sandwiches, Fruit salad, Yogurt & granola, Maple bars

Quote of the Day: taken from ‘Witty Words from Wise Women’
“Life is easier to take than you’d think;  all that is necessary is to accept the impossible, do without the indispensable and bear the intolerable.”  (Katherine Norris)

 Remember:   March 31st is the “Souped Up Art” event!
We’re still looking for artistic contributors (this includes soup makers)

About a week ago, I had the opportunity just to do something fun; something that didn’t require anything but to show up and learn something new.  You won’t be surprised but it was an adult ed cooking class on making authentic Italian dishes.  Of course I wouldn’t miss it for the whole wide world.  I did though, at least partially.  I showed up an hour late AND NEARLY DIED. (out of sheer embarrassment) You see, I’m never late. Never.  When I walked into the door of the kitchen and all eyes turned and I was told I was late,  the walls kind of closed in around me and the need to flee pressed in on my soul.  Even though I pouted about missing the making of the crepes, I was welcomed with open arms, welcoming smiles and a tasting fork.  Soon, I was laughing and joking and had flour on my hands.

Smiles Abound

I’ve been thinking fondly back to that afternoon.  What a great time it turned out to be despite my tardiness and despite a slight change of overall cooking plans.   I’ve been speculating how many times over the years fellow community members have shared their talents with myself and with each other.  How many things have I learned?   I think mostly I’ve learned from those around me how to be a good person in general.  Granted, I have my moments but luckily, there’s always room to grow.

We may not think that we have talents to always share with one another-oh but we do.  What one person cannot do, look to your left and look to your right and you may be able to find what you are looking for.  I only had to ask once to be taught about rolling out ravioli dough and voile’, just like magic, there were patient and talented people willing to share their knowledge.

Many Hands Make Light Work

When I think of how many ‘ups’ there are in life, I realize that they far outweigh the number of  ‘down’s.   Do you know what your talent is?  Do you have a talent?  Yes you do.  Share it.  Our community lives are made much richer when we put down our sharp sticks and instead wear our wisdom blankets and share them with others who may be in need.  Instead of nit-picking, maybe knitting?

On this week’s agenda:

Sunday:
**4H Meeting-Bowling Fun Meeting
**Adult Ed Italian Cooking Class=4pm

Monday:
**Lunch at the Senior Center:  Pre-Valentine’s Day Surf & Turf, Prime Rib, Seafood Salad, Baked Potato ,Fresh Berries, Chocolate Strawberry Cake
**Water Board Meeting-6:30pm
**Booster Club Meeting-7:00pm

Tuesday:  Happy Valentines Day!
Treat your sweetie to a Valentine’s Day Surf-n-Turf Dinner at the Cabin Creek Bar & Restaurant.  Be sure to call in reservations for this delectable fare.  $35/couple.  Delish!

Wednesday:
**School Board Meeting-6:00pm

Thursday:  District Tourney’s Begin!
*Lunch at the Senior Center: Salisbury Steak, Mashed potatoes, Spinach Salad, Jello fruit salad, Pecan Pie

Quote of the Day:
“My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success.  She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you.  Success is being praised by others.  That is nice but not as important or satisfying.  Always aim for achievement and forget about success.” (Helen Hayes)

]]> http://geysercommunity.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/geyser-this-week-feb-12-feb-19/feed/ 0 geysercommunity http://geysercommunity.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/acts-of-desperation/ http://geysercommunity.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/acts-of-desperation/#comments Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:29:16 +0000 Geyser Community http://geysercommunity.wordpress.com/?p=1011 ]]> Have you ever done something out of complete desperation and then regretted that for ever more?  You’d think I’d learn, I end up getting myself jammed into a corner then committed an act of desperation to get myself out of it.  Normally this occurs because I have procrastinated to such an extent that I’m forced into rash behavior.

I have a whole array of examples – everything from the mundane to the downright bizarre.  I’ll avoid either extreme but give a shocking account nonetheless.  Back in college, I was actually quite a capable student, however, laziness and procrastination were my very best friends.  (they are still close acquaintances if you wondering) L & P led me down some very windy roads along with a myriad of other amigos.  During this time of higher learning,  I recall doing some things I’m not very proud of.  I’m sure we can all recount events from our earlier days.  I seemed to skip a lot of classes and then in complete desperation scramble for notes and perhaps even plagiarize here and there to get a passing grade.

In the midst of my forties, I have high hopes for myself.  Lately though, I’ve been letting myself fantasize about my community’s future.  I’ve been thinking, “what if we have a huge oil field underneath of us” and “what would happen if we struck it rich”.  What would happen?  On one end of the spectrum it would mean so much to my community and county to have that influx of people and business but on the other end, is my thinking a little bit desperate in the fact that a huge influx of people would also create a great deal of problems-again the whole spectrum from the mundane (housing) to the downright bizarre. (murders)  In looking at the Bakken explosion, “The resulting sudden boom has reduced unemployment and given the state of North Dakota a billion-dollar budget surplus. But the industrialization and population boom has also put a strain on water supplies, sewage systems, and government services of the small towns and ranches in the area.”

I opted to do a little research as I’m also terrible about paying attention to current events.  I found a website:  www.drillingahead.com and I will share a bit of interesting info:

The state’s first oil and gas lease sale for fiscal year 2012, which occurred Wednesday, generated $7.9 million in lease sales on school trust lands — the fourth largest auction since the 1970s.

Public schools will get the money.

Leases were sold in 20 counties across the state, including Cascade County, an indication that interest in duplicating recent successes in oil production in Eastern Montana is spreading to central Montana, according to state and industry officials.

“It’s not just the Bakken anymore,” Gov. Brian Schweitzer said.”

Folks, we are on the brink of an exhilarating time in our lives.  Between oil exploration, coal exploration and yes, the wind farms, we as members of Judith Basin County must start wrapping our minds around the facts of our imminent futures.  This means planning.  This means accepting change.  This means finding ways to avoid acts of desperation.  It means we must accept progressive thinking.  It means we must find and boost leaders within our communities.  Can we? Will you?  You know I’m in.

On this week’s agenda:

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!  (I’m just in it for the food and commercials)

Monday:
*Lunch at the Senior Center:  Chicken Cordon Bleu, Marinated Asparagus, Plowman’s lunch, Boston cream pie
*Booster Club Meeting – 7pm (cancelled and rescheduled for next week!)

Tuesday:
*FCE Meeting-6:30pm-Cabin Creek Bar & Restaurant

Wednesday:
*Book Club – 7pm – Misty Lynn Annala’s Residence

Thursday:
*Lunch at the Senior Center: Stuffed Pork Medallions, Spinach Bake, Scallion Cheese biscuits, Applesauce, Chocolate Coffee torte

Friday:
*Bball Action in Power, MT: 3/4:30/6/7:30

Saturday:
*Bball in Stanford vs the Hobson Tigers: 3/4:30/6/7:30
Stanford Senior Night/Dessert Auction
*Red Hot Art Auction & Wine/Beer Tasting Blast
Stanford Community Hall 4pm-7pm

Quote of the Day:
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs – Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go and do that because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Byron Katie

Mark Your Calendars for the “Souped Up Art” Event at the Geyser Community Hall – March 31st!

]]> http://geysercommunity.wordpress.com/2012/02/05/geyser-this-week-february-5-february-12/feed/ 0 geysercommunity http://geysercommunity.wordpress.com/2012/02/05/strategic-planning-for-dummies/ http://geysercommunity.wordpress.com/2012/02/05/strategic-planning-for-dummies/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:29:49 +0000 Geyser Community http://geysercommunity.wordpress.com/?p=1000 ]]> It seems that I’m always looking for ideas of things to write about.  The experts always say to write about what you know.  Of course, that’s why there’s always references to driving and food with the occasional life experience peppered in for flavor.  This week, our Horizons Coach and community mentor, Dave, suggested I write “Strategic Planning for Dummies” – and “using the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland as an intro with his catty remark – If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.”    Initially I thought ‘what am I going to write about strategic planning?’  Not wanting to completely step away from and idea and a challenge I put my mind on the subject.  Still, strategic planning?  I decided I was safe because the word dummie was also in the title.  We’re good.

Once my initial panic dissipated somewhat,  I thought about the fact that yes, I had Horizons training in strategic planning.  There were workshops that I had attended as the community coach that was supposed to give me the tools to lead my community in good strategy for our future.   I’ll be honest and admit that in one of the workshops, not wanting to admit that I didn’t really have a clue, I fell back to my old standard of  ‘smile, nod, acknowledge.’  My brain may not really grasp the situation, but the outside world does.  It’s not a great plan, but it works in a pinch.

According to Wikepedia:

Strategic planning is an organization‘s process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy. In order to determine the direction of the organization, it is necessary to understand its current position and the possible avenues through which it can pursue a particular course of action. Generally, strategic planning deals with at least one of three key questions^:

1. “What do we do?”
2. “For whom do we do it?”
3. “How do we excel?”

In many organizations, this is viewed as a process for determining where an organization is going over the next year or—more typically—3 to 5 years (long term), although some extend their vision to 20 years.

This type of planning can be pretty overwhelming but completely necessary in not only our own personal lives but for the health and wellness of our communities.  Many of you Horizons folks will recall that we were led again and again to not only think (strategize) about not only the year ahead but YEARS ahead.  We grouped up and dreamt about our futures.  We made plans.

Okay, so here we are.  We graduated from Horizons a while ago-now what?  Yes, we keep strategizing.  This is not nearly as overwhelming as it initially appears.  Think about it-we constantly are planning for something.  As ranchers, we are looking at our herds and deciding which old mamas we are going to send down the road.  As business owners, we are devising new ways to bring in new customers and to keep our current customers happy.  As parents, we are meditating on our children’s futures and teaching them to plan ahead.  As coaches, we make plays, send in our best players and as a team, accomplish great goals.

Let’s face it, we all are involved with strategic planning every day of our lives in one form or another.   In our small communities, the key to our ‘logic model’ is finding a way to have cohesive thinking.  That’s the tricky part but it’s essential for future growth.  I’ve thought this week about daylight coming a minute sooner every day.  One minute that’s it.  That’s all it takes to make a gain.  Before we know,  we are bathed in sunshine.  In conclusion, we may all think we’re  dummies but we’re really not.  “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.”

Sunday/Today:  If you missed breakfast at the Senior Center, you missed some GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD stuff.  Mmm mmm Good!  Thanks Kimberlee and her debonaire assistant, Drew.

On this week’s agenda:

Monday:
“C” Boys JV game in Cascade at 6pm.

Thursday:
Lunch at the Senior Center:  Corn Chowder & Turkey BLT’s
Exciting Basketball Action in Stanford 3/4:30/6/7:30

Saturday:
More Exciting Butt Kicking Bball vs Dutton/Brady in Dutton: 3/4:30/6/7:30

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!

Quote of the Day:
“Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind.  To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse.  To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better.  To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.” (King Whitney Jr.)

Future dates of interest:
February 7:  FCE Meeting
February 8:  Book Club
February 11:  Art of Wine (Stanford)
March 31:  Souped Up Art (same venue as the Sit n Stew) (if you are interested in producing a work of art or a soup, please contact Kimberlee Smith)
May 19-Geyser Graduation
June 3-tentative-Pitch Play Extravaganza
June 7-tentative-Geyser Community Plant Sale
Sept 9-Flea Market during What the Hay!

Nearing my 18th year in the Geyser Community, I’ve experienced the pleasure of being involved in many carpools.  While I enjoy my alone times, I also look forward to my together times.  The life-long friendships I’ve made far out-weigh the few negative experiences I’ve had.  Perhaps negative is too negative-instead, I will suggest ‘interesting’ as the better choice.   Through thick and thin, dark and light, my carpoolers and I have clocked many miles.  In retrospect, I believe I need  not only include my work carpool pals but also family, friends, neighbors and twice hitchhikers into my repertoire of the wonderful and of the bizarre.

At some point in more recent history, I finally got it.  I understood the secret of carpooling and now, gentle readers, I’m going to divulge information that only few know or understand.  This my friends, is Carpooling 101.  Please take your seats.  Several weeks ago, my good friend Dave Young (from MSU Extension) suggested I peruse a small pocket sized handbook titled ‘The Gift of Presence’.  It’s basically a little instructional manual to help those who are suffering.   The helpful little missive gives us seven do’s and don’ts:

1.  Be a good listener
2.  Do not say, ‘I know how you feel’
3.  Do not be a busybody
4.  Do not overstay your visit
5.  Avoid using rote sayings (basically meaning something that had been said
many times)
6.  Offer practical help
7.  Listening to the stories

In reading through this helpful little manual, it came to my mind times in the carpool when my passengers and I  have shared all types of stories, tears, laughs and advice.  There have been times when I have joked about being a ‘carpool counselor’.  The reality of the situation is that there is something special in sharing such an intimate space with another human being.  Think about the great road trips you’ve had and the happiness and joy you felt-even if you DID have a flat tire!    Ahhh, such memories.  I have a firm belief that a leather bucket seat is much better than a psychiatrist’s couch.  (although not necessarily cheaper considering the cost of fuel)

Our handbook suggests-twice-about being a listener.  Myself included, I think just talking through our joys, fears and tribulations and being able to just have someone Listen.  That’s the secret-listening.  Of course, a healthy exchange can also be quite a wonderful experience.  I’ve been considering, as of late, that just being able to shut up and listen to what someone else has to say without interjecting the self is one of the most important roles we have as friends, spouses, children and workers.

Not wanting to put too much seriousness on carpooling, I’ll also point out that I’ve told many a juicy plumbing story in the car.  Yes, I used the word juicy and plumbing all in the same breath, I’ll let you use your imaginations.  If you’d ever care to share in person, I’ll be sure to listen with apt attention!

On this week’s hectic agenda:

Sunday (today):  Doctor’s orders:  Rest, Relax & Recharge!

Monday:
**Lunch at the Senior Center:  Swedish Meatballs, Noodles & mashed potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables, Cranberry orange jello salad, Peach Crisp ala mode
**JR Varsity Boys and Girls Games in Hobson – 5/6:30

Tuesday:
**JV Boys “C” Game at West Elementary - 6pm

Wednesday:
Geyser Community Council Meeting – 7pm – Geyser Community Building
**This meeting we will be discussing 2011 and setting new goals for 2012!

Thursday:
Lunch at the Senior Center: Chicken Pot Pie, Zucchini Bean Salad, Rice, Fresh Fruit Salad, German Chocolate Candy Cake

Friday:  Home Basketball Action In Geyser
VS Winnett/Grass Range – 3/4:30/6/7:30

Saturday:
Basketball Action in Fort Benton (also a C game) 1:30/3/4:30/6/7:30

SUNDAY BREAKFAST!!!!!  “Breakfast Around the World”
German & Swedish Pancakes
Spanish Eggs
English Bread Pudding
Mexican Potatoes
Tropical Salad
Bacon
Maple Bars
** Featuring Bingo Play-hosted by the wonderful and talented Miss Valerie Johnson!

Quote of the Day:
“People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder.  This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.”  (Salma Hayek)

Now enters Sunday Church Service-mostly commonly a time for spiritual awakening-for me though, my mind dashes about searching for interesting, entertaining and perhaps one day, a mind blowing article that will  be so profound  my readers with toss roses at my feet.  No!  The other part of my mind says, ‘listen to the sermon’.  The pastor is discussing about being our own worst enemies.  Oh no!  Is she talking about me?  Yes, I’m paying attention now.  (for about 39 seconds)  I find myself drifting back into a world of slight panic as the sun raises higher and higher into the sky.  I keep thinking about making salads………

Several months ago, several of us Geyser Booster gals had discussion about concession food and how ‘wouldn’t it be nice if we could offer something healthy’.  We’ve toyed with the idea before but nothing has ever come to fruition.  Finally though, we pulled it off.  We made healthy salads to offer in addition to our standard fair of hot dogs, pretzels, nachos and yes, maple bars.  We weren’t entirely positive how the general public would feel.  “We” tend to not like a lot of change. “We” like things to stay the same as they’ve always been.
I am guilty of getting into a rut and always expecting things to be as they’ve always been.  Being the same is comfortable and easy.  Doing something different can be a little scary.  I long to be adventurous but, for the most part, it’s much safer to drive a 4 door sedan than a souped-up 2 door sports car.

Maybe not all change is frightening when it happens in a safe environment?  Can the two, in fact coincide and indeed, work together?    When the salads were a complete hit with the crowd and sold out in minutes, there were whispered words of serving sushi during concessions.  Sushi?  In beef country?  I wonder if the world as we know it would come to an end?   I guess I’m wondering if change is less scary and much more acceptable if we just all do it together?
I wish I had all the answers to all the questions in my life.  For now though, I’m happy to just share a salad with friends.