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Monday, February 25, 2013

Must see.......Sweet Victory!!

Okay- so I'm an extrovert- by writing, typing, talking, sharing about subjects I better understand them myself, my life on Newark-Granville Road is richer, more productive and fun- so thanks for reading and being my friend, coworker, etc... Two blog entries in one morning- wahoo!  I didnt' want to wait with this one.  Our kids, Joe and I did indeed win by simply participating in a great season of bball- we love what the Granville Rec aspires to be- all kids playing, equal playing field- learning to love the game and all it provides.  It was the same for STEMfest and all we do every day @ The Works- life long learning with ART, History and TEchnology/ Science- STEMfest was just a part of it!!

And now to make sure I share this winning opportunity!  A college Friends brother is doing amazing things in the arts in California. A film was created to highlight some of that amazing work and guess what- it WON an Oscar last night!!! PLEASE take the time to see this movie- 40  minutes- you can download it and you will see another amazing winning situation. Positive energy, support, hard work- it all pays off in all kinds of arenas- arenas that really really matter!!  Congrats to Matt and everyone at A Reason to Survive (ARTS)
https://www.facebook.com/AReasonToSurvive

Inocente- short film- about what art and support can do for people who need that help!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2123210/


http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/package/article/0,,20658247_20676227,00.html

The Thrill of Victory, The Agony of Defeat....

I'm all about life lessons but they certainly can smart- even for us parents/ grown-ups!  The lesson we learn quickly as parents- be careful that when you punish your kids you don't punish yourself.  I wasn't thinking it would tie so closely for the kids' wins and losses.   Saturday's basketball losses (yes both Clare and Peter lost in their semi-final end of season Granville Rec tournament games.)  were hard for me too.  Even though the games were amazing- close, thrilling and with valiant gritty efforts by both kids it was agonizing to see their hurt and disappointment. Even though I was happy for the other team's success- some dear friends and kids I've watched grow up and see their growth and happiness is good I'm human and competitive and want to win.  It is also hard for me to say farewell to the season I've really enjoyed selfishly and as a mother watching the growth and friendships and lessons that have prevailed.  The good news is we are all pretty resilient over here on Newark-Granville Road and we're bouncing back, embracing the success and positive effects of an awesome season and opportunity.  We're moving on to the next and exciting learning opportunity and Sunday gave us exactly that with STEMfest....and the same lessons continued there.

GREAT article in today's Advocate about STEMfest- great article Saturday too!!   http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20130224/NEWS01/302240029

I did speak to this reporter and he did a wonderful job what The Works is all about....he didn't have the results to share in this article but I can tell you....the brother sister high school team with the pontoon design for the polymer problem- went on to win. They deserved it- they were articulate, poised, prepared.  However the other teams were too and I knew one of the other students and wanted him to win...not that I didn't want this dynamic duo from Johnstown not to win.  Same went for Works volunteers and friends- one's presentation board was amazing but his bridge just didn't hold the weight and meet the other criteria as well.  I honestly felt that same pang of agony and disappointment for some of these kids as I did on Saturday in that gym!!! I hope these kids were able to embrace the positive and take pride in their preparation, participation and good efforts.  Not everyone can win- there was lots of great sportsmanship and I loved seeing it in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math field!! BIG thanks to the teachers, parents, industry leaders that made something like STEMfest happen and allowed our community to feel the thrill of victory.

Life on Newark-Granville Road has its fair share of wins and losses and we're grateful for the lessons they teach us all.  Thanks for reading.




Thursday, February 21, 2013

STEMfest- SUNDAY 12-4 Don't miss!!!

STEMfest at the Works is.....Clare's favorite event of the year @ The Works!
Lead Sponsor this year is TIME WARNER- come just to see how they engage our kids- DO THE MATH - at Media day they had kids hooking up cables- very cool! 28 other companies and groups will  show our kids the value of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in fun and creative ways.  We've got robotics groups too- the Dublin Incredibots are joining the Pirates of Lego Storm!  Puzzles- sooo much fun and learning- financial lessons too!!  This is an event like no other!! We also get the chance to cheer and observe the smart, creative, bright teams from all over the county and beyond competing in 3 awesome challenges: home energy, tooth pick bridges and the polymer recycled material boats!!!

This event is for ALL AGES!!! Come for 30 minutes, Come for 4 hours- you won't regret the time you invest in exercising your brain, your families' brains and planting seeds that will will enhance their futures!!  hmmm- I'm all about figure eights and I can see one day a friend's child telling me how participating in LMH's surgery scope exercise or packaging engineer after building the cool corrugated object PCA will bring- what will it be this year- always a highlight...or learning about the material that is in every plane flying in the US- thank you Kaiser Aluminum for doing excursions

Life on Newark-Granville Road is rich because we seize the day, we embrace what is provided and sooo much is provided and Sunday is one of those days we hope you will share with us!!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Love Local

While we're all about the love....(it happens to be our 14th wedding anniversary!!)....lets add a plug about loving local.  I know I've blogged about it before but it is timely with:
1. Valentine's Card below- YEAH! Leader Printing- right here on 16- near Wendy's, next to our new local LMH Urgent Care!  I took photos and an idea, a few emails back and forth and I had the cards ready to go in less than a week and less than I would of paid on shutterfly.....Thanks Angie and Wayne and all!!
2.Evelyn Frolking's new book- Homegrown: Stories from the Farm is out and about- Readers Garden for sure!!
3.Velvet Ice Cream- reminder- they have pure yummy ingredients- new packaging is awesome- they support amazing things in our community.....buy Velvet over the "store brand"....

That is it for now....I finally posted on my don't miss events about STEMfest- this weekend!! Good luck to all the schools competing on Saturday and Sunday and thanks to all involved to make it happen- I'll blog more but for now know it isn't to be missed- 30 plus opportunities to engage with STEM!!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013


The Valentines Card, this year's opportunity to reach out to friends that sent us holiday cards and we like to stay in touch. We're grateful for the cyber opportunity here to reach out to you too! I hope you can magnify and read!!  The details behind the photos are:
1.Top Left (11 o'cloc)  Turkey Trot Tgiving Day 2012- we all ran! moving around clockwise:
2. USS Yorktown- Charleston, SC- Spring Break 2012
3. Peter Camp Willson- 2012
4.Clare and Joe-2013 @ Johnstown- big win
5. Susan and Joe in Cuba-http://www.cubanartspace.net/Fuster/fuster.php October 2012
So the bummer is on DERBY- we have the date wrong- HATE proofing after printing...argh....but the KY Derby 139 logo has it right- May 4th!!! Look forward to seeing you then if not before!!
This is just a peak at our fun lives on Newark-Granville Road! Visit the blog often to stay in touch, email ssleithauser@gmail.com or give us a call!! Wishing you love all year round!!

Monday, February 18, 2013

With Help from our Friends!

Just a quick blog update to say thank you for the assistance!  Many of you have made great suggestions to help us with childcare and encourage this weekend!! We're figuring out next steps and needs, and moving down the path to keep us all progressing!  That is what we tell the kids- as long as we are making progress, communicating, working hard and happy- we're doing well!  A few reasons why  things are feeling better:

1. Visit from the Bermans!! Dear high school friend came to town with her family- woo hoo!!! Nothing like a great catch-up in person, kids playing with kids, kids really liking one another!!! They connected today at COSI with sitters and hearing my kids tell the fun of continued fun learning with their new friends warms my heart!  The Bermans are cool, talented and fun to be with- Joe and I always value time together.  They were in town for the Pizza and Ice Cream convention.  Entrepreneurs, creative, innovative- need to get them to The Works some day- they'll love it!! Hearing first hand about Sandy's damage to their life on LBI keeps life in perspective too.  We'll all want to support local efforts as rebuilding from Sandy continues!

2. Dinner out!  La Playa - 161 and Cleveland Ave in Columbus.  It was just what I needed!! Dinner club friends- we've been going strong for around 12 years I think- wow!  It was so nice to order from a menu or actually the chef's specials that included veal which is a favorite of mine....and escargot....be in an intimate atmosphere and enjoy time with friends!!

3.Work with family!  It was good to having the girls with me yesterday during the special art event celebrating all of the artist, but in particular Lisa Kelleher's photography with Mary Helen Fernandez-Stuart's quilts.  To make it all the more special we served Velvet's ice cream - to mark their awesome new packaging!! It was just good energy and good energy equals a good life on Newark-Granville Road.  Friends connections to this made it all the sweeter and happier.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Long Week

My kids are thrilled with a long weekend on Newark-Granville Road, although when learning the weekend wouldn't have a ski day and was going to be a big catching up  and cleaning opportunity in their parents minds they were a bit bummed.  Then we shared the scoop that it is a get prepared to go to Africa weekend and stay healthy for the wrap up of basketball- they seem to be embracing and welcoming the next few days!

It is all perspective isn't it!  The week has thrown many lessons at me- no iphone for 7 days.  I rolled with it well in the beginning, kind of enjoyed it in the middle by the end I was done, frustrated and took Joe's- I couldn't do it.  I couldn't work and juggle and be out of touch that long.  But of course it wasn't just the phone- it never is just one thing.  My manufacturing work taught me to dig deep for root causes and I apply it to my life on Newark-Granville Road.  Joe and I will have been married 14 years next week and he knows to say- what is really bothering you Susan.  Last week when there were some switch-up and delays with our Nanny getting to work- my gut told me- it isn't working and that bothered me.  Sure enough she resigned this week and we're on the search again for childcare.  It really upset me when I figured this out and not for one simple reason. So it wasn't really day 7 of no phone it was here we go again needing to change and find help and what process and person I hoped were working wasn't.  I'm not going to go into all the details and perspectives right now.  I will share that we do need childcare, house care, dog care to do what we do- Joe and I both love our kids and their activities, our dog and our home.  We also love our demanding jobs so we need to find a solution. So dear readers if you know of anyone PLEASE let me know- call me 587 0435 or 614 507 0751 (still no voice mail!!) or email at ssleithauser@roadrunner.com.  My latest idea- what about a retired couple? 3 days a week- come over do some house projects, get the kids off the bus, homework- make extra some spending money??!!!   Someone who's kids aren't in this area....

We sent our Valentines Card to many and there are many I missed!!  We're blessed to have many people we keep in touch with at the holidays and many more we want to include to invite to Derby and know we value in our lives.  This past year there was no way to get out Christmas cards- something had to come off the list.  Making the decision to send a Valentine card was very liberating.  The stress of the project was much lighter than the December time frame. Leader Printing did an outstanding job for us and I'm thrilled with the result!! I'll give you more scoop on that- but be aware that too was part of this crazy long week on Newark-Granville Road.  Blog reader- I hope you had a lovely Valentines Day and that their is love in your life- the love of good friends, family, learning and fun all around your life! It is so for me here on Newark-Granville Road.

Monday, February 11, 2013

I love a good blog and here is a great one! Thank you to Ann Leithauser- my kids' aunt, my daughter's god mother and my other children's godfamily (kids came up with that one to describe anyone related to god parents in any way shape or form!!)  By the way- Ann is in the photo to the right with me enjoying a yummy Granville Brewing Co beverage!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julianna-w-miner/a-letter-to-my-kids-because-im-40-and-thats-old_b_2630846.html

The author- Juilianna Miner - identifies many thing I've considered, thought about and agree with in many ways. If I had to add one other thing it would be to learn to roll with things- I do that OK in some places and not so well in others.  I love the quote "sit loosely in the saddle of life" it has served me well these 3 years I've taken it as a type of mantra.  Life on Newark-Granville road is lovely and I hope all of us embrace it and appreciate it as outlined in this Miner's wonderful lessons.

I also would that not to worry about "getting caught up" this ties to the "sit loosely" point.  When we're in a hurry or stressed about the piles or lists it doesn't help and keeps us from seeing the point of our efforts, enjoying what is in front of us.  I encourage all of us to stop and smell the roses, be in the moment of the path you are on and headed.  Don't get me wrong I'm all about crossing things off, keeping order, having a plan but another favorite quote of my Dad's is Oscar Wilde's- "everything in moderation, including moderation!"  I asked a board member whom I admire and has a significant position in the community for advice when I started my job.  I was worried about the work load of my role and how to get it all done...he smiled and said- job security- just keep working.  That is what we tell the kids- progress- just keep working.  We're working hard and playing hard all in moderation on Newark-Granville Road.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Ah-has.....

Wow it has been quite some time since I posted! However I understand why...CBF!! I posted much about it and it didn't disappoint.  If you're a Facebooker you saw all my appreciation posts.  I am so grateful for every volunteer, donor, attendee, staff person and family member that made it one of the most successful yet!  It warms me deeply to see this event succeed for many many reasons.

It also exhausted me!  Working the many weekends now that we're open on Sundays and fretting and thinking and organizing the event with many other things takes it's toll. So no wonder I haven't had the energy to share and blog and type and write....but all is well- no worries.

However I am without a phone!  I'm feeling a bit disconnected and missing my easy access to sitters, spouse, family and friends.  I'm the one when I leave the office that says and I mean it- call me on my cell if needed.  I often add my cell to my emails to people and I want them to reach out.  So guess what- if you have reached out via cell or text I haven't gotten it and I'm sorry.  We try to get to our land line messages but we're not the best at that either. (Side bar- I won't give up my land line.  10 years ago Joe asked me too and I said now- I had to come up with an argument to keep it.  The "I want to be found" worked- I've lived many places and I want friends if passing through, visiting Denison want to look us up- the land line is basic.  Emergency info and access is another!! The past few days with no cell keeps the debate on my side!!

So I admit it is good for me to be without a phone.  I realize how I use it, when it is a distraction and how I value things like GPS to find a church and my lack of preparation. It makes me slow down my pace and accept that things don't have to and can't always happen immediately.  I do worry about what the cell phone age is creating in this next generation and will apply this lesson to our children's education on our home on Newark-Granville Road.

So an ah-ha today for me was again why I so enjoy these kids basketball games and this season!  Here is my why!!  The gym has become my slow down and focus on my family (the team, friends' kids, other teams' friends kids, our community, the kids schools spaces family).  I don't work when I'm at the gym.  I don't interact that much with others I tend to find my spot and take it all in...Clare, Peter and Sally are doing great with ball and so are their teammates.  They've all grown so much- their confidence, skills, athletic ability, cardiovascular growth, sportsmanship, team work- it is all there.  I love how we're often there as a family. Joe's coaching and care and passion.  His fellow coaches' support and care and passion.  I admit I will be sad to see it end. I'm excited about our spring sports but I'm grateful for my gym time on Newark-Granville Road this year.

Friday, February 1, 2013

inspiring lessons...

At the LCGH (hashtag for Licking County Chamber's Ground Hog Breakfast held at 6 am today.....we had many inspiring lessons....here are a few highlights with whys.....

1. Archie Griffin- 2nd part of his speech- passionate man with great delivery and stories-we laughed and were touched.  The big take away for me was what sport participation teaches:  drive to win, getting up when you are knocked down.  This is important.  We remember so well the first 5K we did as a family.  Joe ran over Clare with the jogging stroller...she didn't miss a beat- got back up- we love her moxy and determination to finish....she has the determination to win and keep trying...I've talked about this before.  He used the three D words of "Desire.Dedication. Determination." inspiring life lessons.   When I think about people I admire and who have helped me- sure enough these 3 words are right there.  We all know I can get frustrated with Life on Newark-Granville Roads percentage of time with sports teams....but today I was reminded of the value.

2.  Paddy Kutz received the Alford Service Award! I LOVED her acceptance speech. I love Paddy. I love how dedicated she is and she said it- I love how intentional she is.  I love how she writes real notes...I received one early in my tenure at The Works and was touched and inspired then.  She has made a true difference in this community with individuals and the whole perspective on Mental Health and I'm grateful and inspired.

3. Economic Forecast- great folks were interviewed and all had awesome things to share to inspire us to stay active with Licking County to help it GROW!!  We need to buy local- don't buy the store brand ice cream- support VELVET- I love the local movement and supporting entrepreneurs.  David Trautman did a great job with Park National Bank's interview.  We learned that Kaisier Alumninum is in every plane flying- woo hoo- how cool is that! Kaiser is part of that amazing effort out on 79- Hebron/Heath/79 Corridor!!  Dan Evers- our new Economic Development Director- keep up the great work and friendship to your new community- thank you!!

4. Everyone that attended and said hello,Rick Platt and the Port Authority- hosting us at their table, the sponsors, the committee and the staff of the Chamber.  It was wonderful to be wit this mass of people committed to our community which is my life on Newark-Granville Road...it is all the richer because of the inspiring things shared today!