Alaska Day 2!

Our trip consisted of 4 ports and two days of sailing. Sunday was one of our sailing days where we spent the entire day on-board. As you can imagine, Royal Caribbean set up lots of activities to keep the passengers occupied and so began the Templin/Eutsler et al. week of winning.

As most of you know (or assume through knowing me) the Templin clan is viciously competitive. Dale kicked things off by winning the ping-pong tournament, beating Jim, Greg, Steve, Dave and Jonathan. The person that Dale played to win (also the guy who knocked Jim out of the tournament) was there forward known as “Ping Pong Dave” whenever we saw him the rest of the week. This victory netted Dale 5 Ship Shape Dollars (on-board money).

For you Midwesterners they did have several cornhole tournaments on board. While our group did not do so well in the first one, Jim did pull out a win for the home team on Friday. Bryan got 2nd place in the ring toss tournament and I think Greg got second in the billiards tournament. A bunch of us played Bingo in the late morning and while I was 1 away 2 times I never got to call Bingo or win the $200+ prizes.

On Sunday night the main production show had some guy from Shanana (?) that my parents knew but none of us “youngsters” knew. Of all people Dad (Steve) got picked to participate in the hula-hoop competition on stage in front of about 400 people which was hilarious for us to watch. Dale recorded the event which I will post once I get it.

Up Next: Juneau!

Alaska - Day 1

I’m baaaaccckkk!

The trip was fantastic with many highlights. As not to have a ridiculous blog detailing the whole trip, I’ll do separate entries and keep it light!

Day 1- Traveling to Vancouver
The ship was to leave from Vancouver and sail north through Alaska to our final stop, Seward. I picked Jim up from work around 4:30 and we went to the airport to head to Seattle where we had a 14 hour lay-over. For the umpteenth time I over-packed our suitcases and had to do the annoying task of switching items back and forth between suitcases in order to avoid the $25 fee for having luggage weighing more than 50lbs.

We flew out after a 1 hour delay and spent the night in a horrible h(m)otel that was so bad it didn’t even have an alarm clock. This prompted J and my agreement that we will no longer stay at low-budget places and will always go the Marriott or equivalent route even for the briefest stays. Even I'll agree that my efforts to save money went way overboard in this case.

We left at 9:30am and arrived in Vancouver around 10:30am. We boarded the Radiance of the Seas around 12:30. The boat was 13 decks and had an indoor and an outdoor pool, rock climbing wall, restaurants, a dozen bars, a dance club, casino, movie theatre and a large auditorium. Our group met us around 4:30 and we sailed around 5:30.

On the trip were the following folks:
Dave – friend of Jim’s from P&G/softball
Rachel- Dave’s fiancée and kindergarten teacher
My parents and brothers
Lindsay- my brother Mike’s girlfriend
My Uncle Tom, Aunt Mary & cousins Bryan and Jonathan
Chuck- friend of Karen’s
Kristi- Chuck’s wife
Dale- one of Jim’s groomsmen (P&G friend)
Jim & I

We had dinner together and had a funny and talkative waiter, Juan from Chile, taking care of us. I don’t remember what we did besides hang out that night and detox from a long day of traveling but I’m sure we had fun doing it. :)

Our cabin was on the inside of the ship so we didn’t have a window (like Chuck/Kristi) or a balcony (like Dave/Rachel). Made sleeping very easy in the pitch black. The room was about 10X12 and had a king-sized bed, desk couch and a little bathroom at the front of the room. Strangely, there was, in my opinion, lots of storage area to unpack and keep stuff. My immediate family, Dale, Chuck and Kristi all stayed on the 3rd floor which was very convenient because the dining room was only 1 flight upstairs and the main lounge we hung out in as well as the theatre/casino were all on the 6th floor – not a big deal to walk downstairs from. Buffet dining was on floor 11, as was the pool. I'll tell you more about the ship as I go through our days!

Up next- sailing the coast of Canada!

I'm Outta Here

I will be leaving the house in 55 minutes to go pick up Jim. From there we're headed to the airport to fly to Seattle. After spending the night and a quick jog to Vancouver in the morning, we'll be on our way to ALASKA!!!!

It appears that we will not have internet access so I probably won't be able to blog while I'm gone. Don't be sad- annoy those in town to entertain you. ; )

Have a great week! See you on 7/30!

Bon Voyage!

Book Report, Chapter 10

The lesson in this chapter is simply that arguing is pointless. According to Carnegie “Nine times out of ten, an argument ends with each of the contestants more firmly convinced than ever that he is absolutely right.”

I think that this concept is most easily seen concerning the abortion debate (whether it’s “right” or “wrong”). This is, from my experience, the subject people have a firm opinion on and to argue over disagreeing opinions is a complete waste of time as any given individual is not going to change their stand.

This idea works on other things too- like when my husband insists on something and I respond “you’re right dear” in “that” tone. Wives everywhere know what I mean.

Anyway, Carnegie’s logic for not arguing in daily personal or professional life is as follows:

You can’t win an argument. You can’t because if you lose it, you lose it; and if you win it, you lose it. Why? Well, suppose you triumph over the other man and shoot his argument full of holes and prove that he is non compos mentis. Then what? You will feel fine. But what about him? You have made him feel inferior. You have hurt his pride. He will resent your triumph. (p. 117)

There are also a large number of ways to avoid arguments that I thought were useful. I don’t want to bore you with the list because of length, but check out the BONUS! note below for more info.

In summary: The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.


BONUS! I went to http://www.dalecarnegie.com/ and saw a link for a free download of Carnegie’s tips. I’m not sure if this is a summary like what I’ve been providing you or if it’s a full electronic version of this book. Regardless, check it out- it’s FREE!

Shopping Fanatic

I’m not sure if this is just a thing women can do, but as I prepared to get dressed for the day I realized that I could tell you where I bought every piece of clothing I own. Much of it comes from the outlet malls, TJ Maxx, and Lerner NY. But even without looking at the label I know where every item came from and approximately how old it is.

On the same subject, sometimes I feel awkward shopping at the store where I bought the clothes I’m wearing. Especially if it’s an item still out on the showroom floor. Is that weird?

Nighttime Predictions

I had a dream last night that my office (which wasn’t laid out in the same floorplan as my current office, but I knew it was my office nonetheless) and that of all my co-workers weren’t really professional spaces but bedrooms that we got to paint and decorate myself. I had one of the largest spaces and mine was green and tan with a pretty white comforter on the queen-sized bed. Others’ spaces weren’t as pretty as mine but were done in their own style and suited them accordingly.

I knew that we were going to move soon and that our new space wasn’t going to be bedroom format but more traditional with desks and credenzas and the like. While I was excited about the move, I kept staring in the doorway to my current office and knew I was going to miss it.

The dream flashed ahead for just a 30 second clip of our new offices with windows and modern furniture. My boss, who I was waiting to see, was slammed with 4 people in his office and the phone ringing. I smiled at how successful we are, but I longed for the comfortable nature of our old building.

I’m going to self-analyze this dream and assume that my sub-conscious was telling me that I’m very comfortable at my current job. Things are going right and I feel at home being here. Even in my dream though I recognize that time is moving on and that I’m going to move with it. The changes that were made didn’t make me unhappy, just less happy than I was (at least for that time being). I know that there are things in the future that will change status quo and that it won’t be the same in the new office as it is here; then again, my current status as an employee, sales person, person, etc. won’t stay the same (in general) either. The next few weeks will be very interesting….

Final Thoughts from AZ

I’m in the airport now waiting for my flight to Salt Lake City where I then transfer to another flight back to Cincinnati. A few notes about the end of the trip:

1) I got woken up at 7:30am from my office because a client was out of service. While that’s okay, what was very irritating was the comment the client made about how they wouldn’t be down if I was in town. Now what in the heck does my location have to do with their service quality?! I know that this person just needed something to blame, but geez… a little logic?
2) YES, I did go back to Signature Grill for breakfast but I had an omelet instead of the salmon at the buffet. I found out that I’m judgmental about portions and that judgment is unfounded. When I saw the omelet I was served I thought “$14 for this?” but in fact it, in combination with the hash browns and bagel, was plenty for breakfast. I made the same error the first night when I saw the piece of cheesecake I got for $8 but it turned out that it was a hefty portion and more than satiated my appetite.
3) My fear that all the action happened on the first day of the trip was right – my booth and that of those around me was empty. I think I only had 2 meaningful conversations in the 3 hours I was there. Bummer.
4) Even after 5 years in sales and 26 years of being an extrovert I still find it difficult to randomly walk up to someone and strike up conversation with a stranger. I have no problem at all doing so when I’m sitting next to them at dinner. I think my psyche says that I’m with this person for the next 3 hours so I might as well be friendly.
5) I REALLY like mashed potatoes.
6) Doesn’t matter how tired I am I have to go watch when I hear fireworks. There was a great 15 minute presentation at the end of the evening at the hotel and even though I had to get up for a 4:00am flight I couldn’t shut the blinds and go back to bed until they were done.

Convention in AZ Status

Day 2 in AZ… still bored. I ate dinner last night in a restaurant in the hotel called Signature Grill. I ate out on the patio and had freshly made guacamole, a iceburg lettuce wedge salad and cheesecake. These three items’ total cost was less than over half of individual entrée’s price. this was the 3rd most expensive gig here - Primo and Cheyene are still pricier. Geez.

Being stuck here, as I mentioned, I’m limited on places to eat. This morning I wanted to go someplace else but found myself back at Signature because I couldn’t find the place I wanted on the map. I had the breakfast buffet ($14) which consisted of granola cereal, fresh fruit, oatmeal, pastries/bread, and salmon. Now, I know that fancy people eat raw salmon for breakfast but this is not something I normally have available. So, I tried a piece with some onion, lemon, tomato, egg, and cilantro. Holy crap is that stuff good!! So, I had 4 more pieces (about 2X1” rolls). Loved it! Enough to go back to breakfast there tomorrow? We'll see.

The lunch place I tried to go to, Salud, was closed (what the… ?) so for lack of time I ate at the closest restaurant – frickin’ Signature Grill. I am beginning to recognize the servers there .

Why am I only commenting on the food on the trip? BECAUSE THAT’S THE ONLY THING GOING ON HERE.

At 2:00pm I went to the first portion of the tradeshow were I have a booth. This was by far the highlight of the day because I got to see/talk to other people, and because we were slammed from beginning to end. Lots of good business opportunities!! Hopefully this level of activity does not mean that I’ll be bored at the show tomorrow…

In about a half hour I’m heading out of here for the informal night. We’re going to the Pima Air Museum to look at lots of planes (including an old Air Force One – the one JFK’s successor was sworn in on according to one convention goer) and eat dinner. Hopefully this will be fun! If not, it’s back to The Gunslinger…

Weekend of 7/6/06

Well the short week lead into a short weekend. Jim and I did enjoy a fabulously prepared meal over at Tom’s on Friday night (we invited ourselves and they didn’t seem to mind so we didn’t turn down their formal offer!) which sealed his title of “good cook” in my book. For the record, Tom did show me the ENTIRE house on my tour. We played games and generally hung out with Kelly, Toby, Brian, Tom, Jenny, Jenny’s sisters Nikki and Cindy, and eventually Tom’s sister Molly (who has more energy than a 5 year old, she’s amazing).

Tom won out over Jenny and lent me my next book, The Dark Tower 1: The Gunslinger, by Stephen King. Just starting at the airport this morning I’m about half way though. It’ll be a pathetic day if I finish it tonight. In fact, I might specifically not read it just to make sure it lasts me my whole trip.

Last night Rusty, Diane, Robin and Bob came down from Spencerville and we cooked out. Real reason for their visit (beyond visiting their nephew and neice-in-law) was to go through Jim’s grandmother’s pictures. Wanda passed away about 2 years ago and now the pain has worn off enough of the kids (Rusty and Robin) to go through the albums. Nice trip down memory lane for them, kinda boring for me as I was only in her life for about 2 years and didn’t know ¾ of the people I was looking at…

Which leads me to today. I got up around 7:40am and got ready for my big trip to AZ. I’m here for a convention that I attend annually. While I’m technically in Tuscan, I’m in this remote resort that has nothing around it and would lead to a $30 cab ride if I wanted to go anywhere off prem. So, I’m kind of a prisoner at this place. The picture should give you a good idea of my view – lots of cacti, mountains, and an oasis-looking golf course in the middle of the desert. I’m alone here with no real friends at the show and obviously not anything real exciting to do, especially at night… I miss Jim already.

The show starts tomorrow and I am still missing a box which unfortunately contains my give-aways for the attendees (kites). I left Carol a message to check the tracking on it tomorrow. I don’t present until 2:00pm so I have some time to track it down.

Well, off to dinner. I’m starving!

It's Pouring Underwear

Victoria’s Secret’s marketing department is out of control. I got a card in the mail about 2 months ago that was for a free panty and $10 off of a sports bra. Wonderful! It expired on 6/19. Around 6/12 I got another coupon out of my Glamour magazine that expired 7/31. I was really happy at this point because I was thinking about an overhaul to my unmentionables drawer and thought 2 free pair would be a good start.

I was disappointed when I went in on 6/19 to redeem my coupon and they closed early for the Semi-Annual Clearance Sale but figured I still had the other coupon at home so I wouldn’t pout too much.

Jim brought me home magazines from work (these publishers still think he works in Marketing!) and I proceeded to collect not 1, not 2, but 3 more identical coupons expiring on 7/31 from these magazines. It started to become a joke between Jim and I at this point.

All our kidding only breeded more insanity - yesterday I got a direct mail piece from VS that contained yet another free panty coupon and a $5 coupon for sweatpants of all things. I supposed that just because the pants are pink VS feels required to sell them. Who knows.

Story’s not over. I just picked up the mail – another frickin’ coupon!!! Same one as yesterday!!!

What’s going on!? I’m thrilled to death but concerned about the financial standing of Limited Brands – how can they afford to give away so much merchandise!?

Book Report, Chapter 9

Remember a few reports ago when I quoted Emerson about the idea that everyone is superior to you in some way and that you must remember that when dealing with people and respect them for it? This chapter reminds you that not only should you remember that fact but keep in mind that the other person knows it too. Think honestly to yourself, is there not a trait about you (maybe more than 1 if you’re lucky) that you know is better than someone else’s grasp of that same quality? Be honest. What are you good at?

Of the people I know…
Tom’s skill that’s better than anyone’s is his sincere desire to help other people in any way he can.
Jen’s is to see the bright side of situations and help you see them too.
Sarah’s is the warm feeling that she has with guests and friends that make them feel like the most important person in the world.
Jim’s is that he knows a little bit about a lot of things and can easily adapt to new groups and situations.
Dale’s is that he is constantly thinking and sees opportunities from multiple angles.
Andrew’s is his creative nature and exquisite presentation of his ideas.

I could go on and on. Chances are the qualities that I see my friends being superior at are not necessarily the ones that they think of first when self-reflecting.

When dealing with people, Carnegie advises that to make friends fast “talk to people about themselves and they will listen for hours” (p. 111). Or more clearly – "make the other person feel important- and do it sincerely" (p. 111). Find out what it is that the other person is “superior” at and praise them for that quality. Listen sincerely, as previously advised, and try to learn from that person so that you can better yourself in the process.

Last night at my parents' Fourth of July party Chuck and Kristi sat with my 80 year old grandfather and let him go on about fishing, traveling, who knows what. When I stopped by to sit with them Chuck enthusiastically stated: “Karen, we want to take your grandfather home with us. He could teach us a lot of things about a lot of things.” My grandfather beamed. I was touched at the sentiment and the public recognition for a life well-lead. (I was also tickled that Chuck and Kristi would sit and listen to an elderly man as attentively as they did for as long as they did.) I thought more of my friends and of my grandfather at the end of my stay in their presence. I have no doubt that the conversation my grandfather had with them was the highlight of his night.

Learn from Chuck and Kristi – sincerely listen to others and appreciate the things they do well.

Mid-Weekend Report

I got my wish today – I did a whole lot of nothing. I was worn out from a busy and frustrating work week and even more tired after 2 late nights in a row with friends (the Gardners on Friday night and great introduction of Tom to Jen’s friends at our place last night). I spent today finishing up Wicked, an all-around disappointing book, and watching MI3 with Jim at the dollar theatre. I took a half hour nap and I’m thawing out dinner for the making now.

Some details for those who are interested since Jen and Tom don’t report in specifics (only love-struck generalities that leave those not directly involved smiling but still curious)… Saturday night we had a whole gang over. The true point of it, in addition to having fun with friends of course, was for Jenny to present her new boyfriend to those friends most dear to her for “review”. We’ll all coyly admit that such rituals carry no real meaning any more (did truly they before?) as we’re all old enough to make decisions such as who to date without the permission of our friends or family. Regardless, it was a casual environment intended to let Kelly and Jessy especially meet Tom.

If I’m being totally honest, which I have no reason not to be as this is my blog after all, I was very intrigued to see Jen and Tom together. Granted I introduced them for all intents and purposes and had heard many glorious details about their affairs from each of them separately, but I had yet to see them physically together. Doing so, I predicted, was going to be a rather strange event as it was quite literally a blend of my old (HS) and new (adult) life merging before my eyes. I’m happy to report that it was incredibly natural.

Jen and Tom just fit. We played bocce and they teased one another. We played board games and they competed flirtatiously. Jessy commented at one point that she felt like a window because Jen was looking past her at Tom so often. They were intellectually matched on several games and laughed throughout the night. It was fantastic to watch your friends so happy. After all, isn’t that what friends want for their friends more than anything?

I have 2 more days of my long weekend and I’m so grateful for the break. The Alaska count-down is presently at 18 days…