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Sunday, March 31, 2013

valuing the travel and the return home.

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.
Ralph Waldo Emerson 


I look forward to sharing so much of our beautiful and even the little bit of the not so beautiful travel adventure to Senegal.  We're so fortunate to have friends like Kristine, Simon and Maggie who hosted us and shared us with this most amazing opportunity.  It was all we hoped for an so much more! For now it is good to be home.  Our transition back via Hagerstown and family Easter was lovely, ideal really.  On this last day of vacation I'm touched by sermon at the service today.  The minister talked about the stones in our lives and what has to be moved away to keep us faithful and connect us to the important things in life.  Vacations and travel give us perspectives and rest that need to be applied upon return.  I'm fortunate to return with a rich appreciation for what I have in my life on Newark-Granville road and will intentionally be working to apply these as we spring in to all that keeps us connected and moving to you and our beautiful communities.

And now it is time to rest....
No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.
Lin Yutang 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Senegal Time

Cue the music...."Ha-in-nahhhhh" at Work when the subject of my trip is discussed often the Lion King-esque (ha-in-nahh) music is recited with energy and smiles so that is in my head as I type tonight....I have to admit the Go-Gos VACATION is there too- after all I write this from my parents house and it is always a vacation when I come home!!

I changed my facebook page photos to reflect the trip we are embarking on....the Lilly P Lion (taken from my notebook that I'll be taking on the trip to journal and capture, catalog as well as a photo of the clock on my desk set to Dakar, Senegal time.  Kristine gave the clock when she left- it was in her house on Prospect street and she brought it over the day she gave me a hug and said she'd see me soon.  At that point our trip wasn't planned.  It has been great to show the kids what time it is across the Atlantic.  It has been nice to look at it to think about our friends abroad and consider if it is good time to log on to facebook or skype and attempt contact.   It seems hard to believe that is indeed time for our trip off of Newark-Granville Road, an adventure we've planned, contemplated and prepared for knowing it will affect our lives on Newark-Granville road in exciting ways and take us to Africa!!  We'll keep you posted as best we can - facebook should be a good option!  https://www.facebook.com/susan.leithauser


Monday, March 18, 2013

Good things happen when we Laugh and Learn!

Maybe I should commit to every other day of blogging...will be interesting to see how and if I can blog from Senegal...I should be able to do some facebook posting.....I thought I'd jump into Africa travel topics but then Monday talks inspired and delighted me and I have to share!!

Monday Talks- what is it?  "reportedly it is the second oldest women's club in Ohio." It is a group of women that gather on Monday afternoons in the fall and spring to learn, hear talks or performances. I'm so pleased to be part of this effort as it supports things I love- life long learning, women being together, we meet in a beautiful old church.  If you'd like to learn more email me- I'd love to have you join me as a guest.

So today was the Spring Luncheon- I enjoyed the opportunity to meet some new friends and work on this project and exercise my right brain.  The talk part title was: "laugh until the milk comes out of your nose"by Nancy Weil...interesting...the luncheon committee embraced it with cookies as favors, white, cream, yellow, blue flowers, glass milk jugs and daisies and pansies to decorate!  The speaker arrived while we were setting up and you couldn't help but be drawn to her positive energy.  While she set-up and prepared she shared some stories and built our anticipation for her presentation.  She also talked about how she would be selling clown noses for $2 and would like to donate the funds to a local charity.  It was suggested that the Janet Gregory effort be the benefactor and voila- it happened.

Nancy Weil delighted us. She had us laugh, explained the scientific reasons behind her perspective on the necessity of smiling and laughter.  She was inspiring in her talk.  I encourage you to learn more about Nancy by visiting her website.  http://thelaughacademy.com/home/?page_id=20  One of the big take aways for the group was the use of the red foam nose- the clown nose.  How it can reduce and dissipate stress- she showed us.  She gave us many reasons to use this fun smile creator. She also talked about what we focus on is what we bring in to our lives and how we need to keep it positive, dream big- that resonated with me!! And then the event wrapped up with the opportunity to talk to Nancy, have her sign her book and we collected the donations for the noses! Monday Talk woman supported the efforts and $205 was collected! Wahoo! Sally and I went to Park National Bank and put $100 in the building fund to help with renovations and $105 for the fund to support Janet's direct needs.  What an honor and delight to help make these connections- good things happen when we laugh and learn on Newark-Granville Road



Saturday, March 16, 2013

blogging about two events to make up for missed post day!

Okay- I skipped blogging yesterday- to make up for it to events with more details beyond being on "the list of event to join me"....I'll give you some "why" they are on the list!


On Sunday April 7th- 5Knobel Run- and walk!!  There will be something for everyone- it is to honor Dale and Tina Knobel who've been incredible community members and will be dearly missed.  The event raises money for great causes including a fund that honor's their daughter Allison's memory and will directly benefit Granville teen Janet Gregory injured in a sledding accident.  You know this is going to be a community event that will feel great and we'll exercise and feel even better! All Leithausers are excited for this fun run!! Register now!
http://www.denisoneverywhere.com/s/1336/index.aspx?sid=1336&gid=1&pgid=1085&crid=0&calpgid=13&calcid=664

Same weekend- Saturday- the 6th Kiwanis Pancake Day!!! 7 am to 2 pm Woo Hoo- we always try to get to this one- love it! Love the locally harvested and made maple syrup, the community philanthropy and again benefiting an incredible cause- the Janet Greggory Fun!!  9 to 2- so you can even make it lunch at St. Eds!!  http://www.granvillekiwanisclub.org/public/pub_page.aspx?PageID=15568

Thanks to everyone work on these events right now!! You're making my life on Newark-Granville Road and so many others better!


Thursday, March 14, 2013

in the morning

So here is the fun of my life on Newark-Granville road in the morning!  Many of you have seen my check-ins at the YMCA.  When I can get up I LOVE THESE- best way to start the day and give my body what it craves and needs.  Often I'm there thanks to a good friend picking me up- I'm so grateful. Or a friend has texted and I do my best to meet them.  However often bed and sleep prevail or the need to get going early in the morning.  Another thing I like to do when I exercise is come home give the puppy his quick first walk, get the coffee going and grab a protein shake for me.  This week has included prepping grapefruit for S and P and me today!!

The kids usually struggle to get up - each in their own ways.  We can track which days are harder- today was late but now I hear singing in the kitchen.  Sally came down and said...do I smell waffles...no waffles- just toasted good bread?!!  Joe is the good guy and often gets the coffee going, dog walked, lunches packed- although Clare is good about doing her own now that we've added "juice boxes" the challenges of healthy eating (beyond her 3-4 apples a day) continues!!  Today he headed out early and I'll cover bus- tomorrow we switch.

Time to rally for the bus, and work, dropping Griffey at doggy day care today- thanks for sharing a bit of the start of my day.  I hope yours is wonderful.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

is blessed.

I love when people think for me, OK that doesn't sound so good.  I love when people know me well enough and are in relationship with me and can act on my behalf.  That happened today with the kids and our dear friend, first nanny who has matured and grown along with our kids.  She is a blessing not only to our family but to our community.  It has been a good day for many reasons, most connected to the relationships I have and the support I receive because of those connections and I'm grateful and blessed.  I will sleep well on Newark-Granville Road tonight.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

values family time!

So on the flip side of at times wishing I lived closer to my Stoner family, I have to value the wonderful relationship we have with the Leithauser family.  And sure enough when I didn't even know I needed it and needed it most- our Leithauser gathering on Sunday happened!!  Yay for Ann for gathering us together.

We're very lucky to have Scott's family- Joe's older brother- in Westerville- they are the Westerville Leithausers to our Granville Leithausers.  Ann and Scott were on my first date with Joe and the friendship started then...I have Ann to thank for some great coaching including not to propose at a ball park. (That was a Mike and Mike question recently I think.)  The friendship has developed into a special bond and I feel so fortunate to have another sister in my life- I truly think of both of my sister in laws as sisters at this point.  Ann and my relationship is different than my relationship with Dawn- Dawn loves my brother and I will love her forever for that.  Ann and I are married to brothers and have our own unique and special connection.  We've had some great years (15 plus) to develop the bond- visits, vacations, pregnancies and babies (our oldest kids are 6 months apart  (Happy Birthday Will by the way- today is your day), our middles our 10 days- due 3 days) and our youngest are 6 months, New Years Eves, Dinner Parties and Sunday holiday gatherings that are wonderful traditions and low key comfort! That is exactly what Sunday was and what we all needed.....

I'm so glad that life on Newark-Granville includes family time and we have days like Sunday.

Monday, March 11, 2013

is spent outside, as much as possible!

Making up for no blog yesterday- two today!!

We chose 1142 Newark-Granville Road because it gave us great access to the outdoors!  We loved not just one bike path but two! When we were looking at the house we met the neighbor she pointed out the one at the end of the road that went to Johnstown and into Newark.   We started our lives on Newark-Granville Road pushing Clare in a stroller.  I remember the day Joe called me to tell me she had walked home, almost all the way from town- she was just about there and laid down on the side walk and said....me tired.  Then we moved to scooters, bikes, roller blades and now the kids will do runs on their own.  We choose well.  We almost bought a house further away, not near a bike path but we held out knowing access to town was a priority for our family and way of life.  We're proud of Clare's desire to ride her bike to lacrosse practise.  We appreciate our friends about town keeping an eye out and sharing reports and sightings- we want our children to have these experiences with and without us.  Lately their time outside is at the basketball court, walking the dog, throwing baseballs or with lax sticks.

So today nothing made me happier than to hear a respected leader, Boeing's Rick Stephens talk about the value the future workforce will gain by spending time outside.  How important it is to take the electronics out of our children's hands and let them engage with one another in hands-on learning, and problem solving.   I'm grateful for the position I have and the work I get to do to help others who also believe this make it a reality for our community.  The Works membership drive is happening now and I want to call each current members and say- well done, way to go- your doing a great thing for yourself, your family by coming to a hands-on learning center for history, art and technology.  Our STEM efforts have been led by Rick Platt, and there are many sponsors, granters and volunteers to thank.  Marcia Downes talked about STEM well before I knew what it really was or the impact it would have on my own family.  This was back when I was happy to walk to town and happy for the Tyke Lab fun @ The Works.  I read recently the child of today only has a 300 foot radius of outdoor play, kids when I was young had 3 miles!!

Check out what the Heath-Newark Licking County Port Authority's coverage from today's talk http://hnlcpa.com/  we're grateful to Boeing and the Port Authority for reminding us what is important and needed.  The encouragement, affirmation and perspective to keep striving, keep working and developing these hands-on learning opportunities for all life long learners.

life on another road....

What if this blog was Life on Fountainhead Road?  There are days like today where I have momements of wishing I was living in my home town of Hagerstown, Maryland.  Today my parents, childhood friends and my parents friends whom I consider my friends laid to rest a wonderful woman.  Jody and David's mom, Mrs. Hawbecker.  I wish I could of attended her funeral.  Life is just too busy to hop in the car and head to Maryland...I use to do that- when the kids were younger and I wasn't working.  We'll visit soon and going this close together just didn't make sense. And work was important today and being with my kids and their testing week is important.  But the time in Hagerstown was important too- funerals are important.  I felt the same way for their Dad's funeral too, and Mr. Boyd's.....

Please know I'm not saying I don't love my life in Granville. My life on Newark-Granville Road is rich and full, my job is challenging and satisfying- in fact this morning our efforts (and by our I mean the staff, board, volunteers, donors and parents and grandparents bringing their children to The Works including Joe and me as parents!!) is right on track!!

But you know just as I attended Denison loving this very house on Newark-Granville never imagining this is where I would live and raise my family, never thinking it would be the place where the Works benefactor raised his family.  I also loved many houses in the Hagerstown, Maryland area.  The what-if game is interesting to play- it is a way of escaping, putting my energies in another place.  

So I don't live in Maryland but I value the time I have to go home and spend time with family, connect with the good people who helped shape me. Woody and Judy Hawbecker and the great group my parents connected us with did in influence me- they talked to me, listened to me, encouraged me- always- at all ages.  They danced at my wedding and complimented my children and kept me up to speed. They cheered for me at swim meets and asked about what was happening at Denison when I was home from breaks.  My life on Newark-Granvile Road has been touched and blessed thanks to people like Mrs. Hawbecker.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Stop and Smell the Daffodils

Thank you to dear friend for transferring a Columbus tradition to Licking County.  The March Daffodil party is a lovely break in the action with focus on good things- friends, family, flowers, a drink or two and snacks.  The Jacktown Pub is a great location and we so appreciate the warm hospitality of the owner.  We were nice and toasty on this sunny day on the winterized porch.  Thanks to all who came out and joined the fun!!  This tradition started in Licking County four years ago at the Manor House (Sniff sniff- it is closed now) and will continue in the future. I hope you'll join us!! We're talking about trying to make the "spring forward weekend" the annual occurrence.  Life on Newark-Granville Road is all the more fun when we take days like today where we hang out, pause and appreciate all that daffodils give to us.

Friday, March 8, 2013

chooses happiness.

So I woke up sad today.  It happens.  I know people think I'm happy all the time.  Usually I am- I do have a happy nature. However the kids, dog and Joe can attest this isn't the case. And occasionally I'm aware of when I just feel frustrated, or blue.  Today was one of those days.  I won't go into all the details but I can assure it wasn't just one thing.  While we started the day there were snippets of happiness- smiling at Joe's choice of clothes for his NY Fantasy baseball draft (beer corduroys), Griffey behaving so nicely at the bus stop (for most of the time), the realization it was indeed Friday, finding my Lily bees to go with my outfit....but none of these kicked the blues.  Driving to work in the bright sunshine, taking in the reflection of light on the river and color of the morning it hit me- wham- be happy today. Choose happy and that is what I did and it made all the difference.  There were times I went back to sad as I reflected on some things, but talking it out with good people in my life, typing and connecting with good people quickly took me to the happy place.  My evening with my girls was lovely- we had a mission and we accomplished what we set out to do.  The art opening was omitted to keep things simple and allow me some good prep time at work.  life on Newark-Granville Road is in a happy place today, thanks for sharing- tomorrow will be a very happy day too- it is daffodil day! I hope to see you at the Jacktown Pub!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

includes dog turing on stove and catching pizza slicer on fire....

Yes that is exactly what happened on Newark-Granville Road tonight.  I wasn't very pleased to see the dog eating pizza in the dining room.  We left two slices on the pizza stone on the cook top so Griffey helped himself.  When I walked into the kitchen the pizza slicer had a lovely blue yellow flame that was  emitting a sharp odor that at least cancelled out the spilled nail polish scent.  He must have hit the burner turning on the gas igniting the cutter. Luckily I'm calm in these circumstances and applied baking soda to extinguish the fire.  I turned on the fan and kept us all out of the kitchen.  Next step was library, Whit's and a pick-up from practice.....home again home again jiggidy jig.  I think I'll call it a night and tomorrow we'll wake up and it will be Friday and time for the weekend!  Joe is off to NY for fantasty baseball draft!  Peter gets to celebrate a birthday with a friend and the girls and I will take in an art exhibit and some shopping!!  Bring on Friday!


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

is looking to summer.....

Hard to believe but the time has come to get serious about camps!  We're thrilled Clare will get her camp experience- the first session did fill up and that is the one that works in our schedule.  The Works camp schedule is out and starting to fill up....this year's camp experiences truly are better than ever!  Camp Invention- different week and different curriculum that what is offered in Granville. So if you LOVE camp invention- your child can go twice! If you're like us- the week it is offered in Granville doesn't work for you- your child has a new opportunity.  Too bad for us- it is our vacation week.
Robotic Robot camp, glass and art camp with an inspiring tried and true artist- Jim Arder! You don't want to miss out- sign up now:  details and on-line registration:  www.attheworks.org
We're making decisions about some sports camps and thinking about Sally. We're looking ahead to swim team at MCC and how we keep academics front and center too! Some great brain storming today about science fair support! Life on Newark-Granville road moves fast- too fast and summer will be here before we know it.  In the mean time we need to be in the moment and enjoy spring as we "spring"forward this weekend!!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

relies on the professionals!

So after loosing another Nanny, we've gone back to the professionals.  We're thrilled to be back at SACC- school after care- at the elementary school.  The only reason we left was due to the driving around whirlwind that stressed me out last year.  We had hoped a nanny in the house would give relief, find us time, give us some assistance and it did- however not being able to maintain a relationship took its toll.  Ruth Ann Parsley is a wonderful person and true professional. She offers an amazing service and great care.  Her team is a great one to have our youngest daughter with on a regular basis.

And today Griffey benefited from professional service!  Doggy Daycare.  I never thought I'd do it, but with a puppy in the house that is so much better behaved when he has his exercise...hmmm lesson for all of us....we're thrilled to have this option. McNally's is close and has been a good partner with boarding, obedience training, products and now day time care.

We're still working on building the team of care providers for the kids, dog and house- drivers, laundry, odd jobs and errands.  My lesson learned is to go with people we know or come with a strong recommendation from people we know. Life on Newark-Granville Road runs best with assistance and we're happy to be with the pros!

Monday, March 4, 2013

filled with Color!

Okay- new look to the Blog....inspired by a visit to this great Blog:  http://melanieknopke.com/get-hoopla-delivered-to-your-door/   Please take a look not only as it gives you the scoop on how to buy fantastic nail polish from Hoopla( polish is green, innovative, supports local-local to KC and a Denisonian), entrepreneur, friend) but because it really is a great blog too!  Who knows what style you'll bring to your life...for me it was changing the layout (not color too much) on the blog in my life on Newark-Granville Road!

The time is right - we'll see if I can get this polish for my toes for this weekend's Daffodil Party!  I posted the details on my events to join me for....where is that now on the blog- it use to be right...This event is a carry over from dear friends event in Columbus.  I'm so glad she leads the effort and a few of my pals help her execute it here.  It is simple- we gather at a great dive bar- last one and this one is at The Jacktown Pub- Rt 40 and 13 southwest corner. Great food- Peter loves the chili! They make a great bloody mary too - my afternoon choice.  We welcome spring with girlfriends first then have the guys/ families join us.  We'll bring the daffodils- bring your friends and join us.  And what color will you paint your toes??  I'm still thinking about my choice!! Orange, coral, pretty indigo....getting me ready for Africa!!


Sunday, March 3, 2013

Proud



Today I'm pretty proud of my life on Newark-Granville Road. I feel fortunate to work at a place that pulls off what we pulled off- I take no credit, I simply supported as I could. The Works Science Fair happens due to the leadership and hard work of Sandy Doty and those she connects with to make happen- no doubt her family and for sure Rori Preston- my coworker!  Or course there are many others to thank and we did so today and will continue to- participants, parents, judges, volunteers and the mission of The Works aligns to partner with the important effort.   I do say it is fun to have a job that required me to eat not one but two chocolate chip cookies.  Olivia- thank you for an outstanding science fair project- you made my life and job all the sweeter.

I have to say I'm also proud of Clare and Peter.  I signed them up for Science Fair for many reasons- one simply being because I work at the Works and want to support the efforts.  I like to be able to empathize with our members. I like to engage from the same perspective.  It also helps to have skin in the game- literally. Plus it helps me walk my talk.  Joe and I are trying hard to keep an academic balance in our house and choose activities that engage the brain, not just the body.  Clare and Peter embraced their projects and learned so much.  It wasn't a pretty site last night. (see my real life post from yesterday- by 9 I wasn't loving it.) The kids really did this as much on their own as they could and due to schedules and utilizing human subjects (advice for the future- pick a project that can be done on your own time, you don't need to schedule others) and our busy schedules they did most of the work at the very end.   This did affect their scores, however they gained what we were after- wonderful lessons about scientific inquiry, process and the benefits of presenting and being assessed! We learned some things about our approaches, expectations, stress situations and family support too.  We also enjoyed being with wonderful families valuing this program/process too.




Peter at The Works Science Fair

Saturday, March 2, 2013

real life on Newark-Granville Road....

Okay- day 2 of daily blogging in March.....my inspiration from last night is to give you the real scoop about life here today:

-I've been hearing about "Duck Dynasty" since December and I was intrigued but kind of poo-pooed it.  Do know I love ducks- always have.  Well last night I came home from a late fun night at work exhausted.  All I could do was sit on the couch with feet up and sip scotch. I did rally and put Sally to bed and returned to the kitchen.  I ended up in front of the TV with pizza and beer and the remote.  Curiosity got the cat and I tuned into "Duck Dynasty"- I LOVED IT! I LAUGHED AND LAUGHTED- out loud pure real deep laughs.....thank you A and E and this real life family/business.  I look forward to exploring more and hearing your opinions dear reader!!http://www.aetv.com/duck-dynasty/


-Science Fair- the house is a mess and I LOVE IT!  Hip Hip Hooray for Sandy Doty and family, Joe Leithauser, the Works, me, my kids- we're all into it!! Tomorrow is the big day- we're not ready yet and I hate the last minute approach but it is our lives and reality. I love that our Saturday night and Friday night will be all about the kids' learning- learning about things they care about. Clare's project is Balance Bands- friends in the study and Peter's is basketball backspin, arch.....There are other things I'd like to do- I hate to miss the Java and Jazz for the Mental Health Association- however this is where I need to be and it feels good!  Sally's project is on the brain but she won't be presenting tomorrow- somehting had to give....

-The Dog- picked up poop in the living room, he ate 3 waffles today, we had a great cuddle- he's been getting so much better, growing up, not quite all the time puppy- but he still is and we slept in and.....just giving you the real life scoop about my life on Newark-Granville Road.....

-Spring Sports kick off today for real...Peter is at his Baseball assessment now, Clare and Sally will do LAX Clinic at Denison!!

-We'll help Boy Scout food drive- a tradition we love- food is being collected today- bags in Granville were placed last week on front porches- if you are missed- bring food to Ross Granville Market- truck collecting until 4 pm!!!  Thanks to the LoRaso's for their leadership!!

That is it for now....all sorts more that I can save for future blog...yummy organic milk I'm enjoying today and using for future project...rye bread....local eggs.....the snow it is beautiful today Brett and we should live a life that pauses to take it in!! Hope not to blog about much more snow- it is March now!!...

Thanks for sharing the fun and realness of life on Newark-Granville Road today.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Rabbit Rabbitt Finding the Luck....

Did you ever say Rabbit Rabbit as the first thing that you said in the morning on the first day of a new month?  I never embraced that one....but hey it is the first day of the new month- welcome March and Easter and Spring Break, spring training baseball already started- yay!!  It is also the kick-off of  The Works Membership Drive!! Woo Hoo!!! You all know work is more than work to me, I believe in The Works so very much and membership is an amazing way to stay connected, support a key downtown licking county facility....this week's efforts with PEAK/ Call to College inspire my efforts and I invite you to be part of the impact!

OKay- back to superstitions...love to hear what yours are- I don't say Rabbit Rabbit but I do not walk under ladders, I do go out the same door I go in, when I enter a house for the first time, I do knock on wood....I do put the salt down before passing it to someone else- never hand hand to hand, I will toss that salt over my left shoulder if I spill some to ward off a fight.... he he....However as much as I do these things I also believe this quote:

“I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it” 
 Thomas Jefferson

Wishing you a lucky and happy March- our lives on Newark-Granville Road are embracing this special new month!  Science Fair fun on Sunday- join us!!