Social Security for Boomers: Can a woman draw retirement benefits on her own work record and on her husband's?

Social Security for Boomers: Can a woman draw retirement benefits on her own work record and on her husband's?

My Flooring Diva

This was posted on my wonderful customer, Suzanne's blog on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. It was kind of fun because she actually has advertisers on her blog and it's pretty well read! Fun! If you ever care to navigate to her blog, it's athomewiththefarmerswife.blogspot.com

My Flooring Diva

First I'd like to explain the concept of "Peeps". We're all aware of the importance of family and close friends in our lives. But think about that cell phone commercial where people are being followed around by their huge network. That network is composed of all the other people we need on our team as we move through life.

It takes alot of support people (peeps) to put on a show like this. Just think about it. My life isn't just about writing witty banter and publishing at 6 a.m., I've got tractor duty and a basement to rehab. That takes peeps, and I always strive to recruit them to be actual team members. You wouldn't believe how much smoother things run when you get them on board.

So today I'm announcing that I have a new peep on my team - a Flooring Diva. I'm very excited about this. Everyone needs a Flooring Diva and since we won't need her services full-time we can institute a Share-A-Diva program. Think of the possibilities. Once you've got your Diva in place you can call on her if you ever have a flooring emergency or if you're just plain sick of the wall-to-wall.

You are going to be so impressed. This is a real Diva, not just a wannabe. How can you tell the difference? I'll show you. I arrived at the local flooring place minutes after my Diva had opened for the day. She was just getting settled at her desk, doing all the important things you need to do first thing in the morning, like turn on the computer and take the rollers out of your hair.

A real Diva is so secure in her Diva-osity that she will allow you to take her photograph....with rollers!



Look at her workplace!!! Who wouldn't want to come to work in the morning? This has Diva written all over it. Lush drapes, lovely lamps, framed photos, dramatic paint colors, all surrounded by carpet, tile and beautiful granite.

My Flooring Diva is Jill Amoni. As I've mentioned, there's no need to be greedy and so with my Share-A-Diva program, you too can have Jill on your team. She's helpful and patient. I first met her about 6 months ago when we were at the beginning stages of the basement rehab. She checked in every so often to see if we were still interested and she helped me pick grout.

But there's something more important going on here. It's how we do business out here in the cornfields. Jill at Ashland Flooring, R.F. Houtz (my tractor peep) and Leonard at the Chevy Dealer are willing to sit and chat. Chewing the fat is part and parcel of running a business out here, and I love that!! And if you're a really good customer they'll give you a hug, right Jill?

Thanks Jill for all your patience. I'm looking forward to tons of porcelain taking up residence in my garage this Friday. Here's the tile we chose. It looks like an Italian terrazzo. Each tile is different so you get an authentic mix. (That white stuff is drywall mud.)

Oh, the beauty of downtown Aurora! This pic portrays a portion of the Fox river walkway. How beautiful to enjoy a river meandering on each side of Stolp Island. The rich historic architecture, the beautiful bridges beckon me to my little Venice. See you at Tecalitlan for my favorite Mexican Food and then we'll go for coffee at River's Edge! Adios!

I just made a wintry sign with winter hours and framed it. It's on the pedestal by the front door. I couldn't figure out how to post it on FB so it's here. I liked it!! If anyone's wondering about the blog, I stopped writing for the most part in 2005 I believe because I don't think anyone was reading it. But it's very nice to look back on as a journal for myself.

Memorial Day Weekend

Today I will repot the ferns at work. I bought 3 ferns at Jewel and they are gorgeous. I imagine that in new bigger pots they will become huge before long. It is amazing how they respond to the right care and more soil!! Unfortunately with the economy in a standstill, it has been rather slow at work, so this will give me something to do.
I am starting the fourth week of eating more healthfully and my profile is shrinking, thank goodness! I am still focused on food because it is so much fun to look forward to. But now I am focused on my chicken breast salad with greens and tomatoes. Ut oh! I'm getting hungry!
M and Stella are on a four day trip up North, so I am enjoying my freedom. Hopefully I will get all my plantings done. After a cold couple of weeks, today is glorious.
This morning on my way to work I was in deep thought about annuities and how popular they are in workplaces. That's because the agents get gigantic commissions, so they shamelessly push them. They apply tons of lipstick to that pig! It's too bad that they are influenced more by their fattened wallets than they are by their client's welfare. Annuities stink! Don't know of anyone other than the greedy agents who like them. There are usually huge penalties to get out as well as the huge commissions to get in!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. And remember during your cook outs of the sacrifices made by our men and women in the Armed Forces. We have much to be grateful for.

Today is a rather grey day. Usually I love the grey days of summer. It's so fun to sit on my porch and watch as the rains of summer fall from the ominous sky, and even better when they're accompanied by roaring thunder. But today is grey and blustery and kind of, well, yucky!! Kind of cold!! No warm gentle rains, just nasty wind!
Oh how sweet the wonderful days are when we have the yucky ones to compare them to!
Yesterday I was talking to a very dear friend of mine. He told me he had seen an extreme makeover show--the home version, and recounted the challenges the recipient family had encountered.. It made him feel so fortunate for all of his blessings, and to see others helping those in need brought tears to his eyes.
Many people go about their daily lives, not thinking about the challenges some face. Many get caught up in their very trivial problems and don't stop to count their blessings. Life is beautiful. And it is my wish that for those who have a hard row to hoe, that Jesus surrounds them , in the form of beautiful souls caring for beautiful souls, whether it is spiritual guidance, tummy enrichment, physical assistance or psyche nurturing.
To whom much is given, much is expected. God bless you.

Resurrection and Rebirth

Just a short post as I'm quite busy at work. I was going to write a bit on Friday and then time got away from me. I was driving to work on Friday, along route 47 and my heart filled with joy as I visually caressed the gentle glide of a hawk. His wings, I was sure, were those of an angel, soaring ethereally through the heavens. These precious gifts I behold with a heart of gratitude that God has created such spendid desserts for us here on earth. How much better might Heaven be? God has promised me that it will nurture my soul ceaselessly. Of course, I have not the omnipotence of God, so I look forward to His promise and trust that He always honors his commitments. While I cannot imagine Heaven from a mortal perspective and be accurate, I trust that it is, well, "Heaven"!!
After hawk gazing, I observed a truck headed South with landscaping material in back. After a long winter, it was wonderful to see so much life and imagine the vitality that Spring has wrought; many people on that day would be planting young trees and bushes that will gift future generations much beauty and shade!
On my journey North, I treasured the magnolia and redbud blossoms. Together, the tapestry of bright green leaves emerging from tree buds, the vivid colors, the rolling hills and fertile farm land are evidence of God's love.
Spring is a time for Hope and Resurrection. Resurrection for lost or weary souls. It reminds us of God's promise to never leave us or forsake us. May a baby robin's beak wide open or a cardinal's serenade remind you of God's outstretched arms--that they are cradling you in Love.
May we be grateful for every breath we take, and may we bear fruits of His Spirit as we travel these avenues of Life!

Paradise revisited

What an amazing day I had yesterday. At 10:20 I hopped on the train for a journey into the magnificent windy city. I brought enough reading material to last me til I arrived. Between reading and conversing with my beautiful, kind, and precious daughter, Marissa, via cellphone, the trip into Union Station seemed so brief! I sprinted toward the north stairs up to Adams and continued past Michigan Avenue and the Art Institute. I considered stopping in and perusing the visual treats at the Institute, but I really wanted to achieve my goal of walking the lakefront, so I decided I'd save that for another day. After marveling once again at Millenium Park, from the South side this time, I headed to the Lake. It was magical. Sometimes I wonder if God is waiting in Nature with special treats doled only to me. The seagulls, even though I realize they're scavengers, are so beautiful. They heralded my arrival by filling the heavens with their melodious tones. Then, as I headed North, I was enraptured by the beautiful sight of a ship pushing forward to the sea, underscored by the stillness of the pier.
As I rounded the Columbia Yacht club, two Canadian geese flew towards me, about 3 feet over my head, about 3 feet apart, and then ascended away from each other and me. Wow !!!!!
After adventuring for about 3 or 4 miles, I headed back towards Union Station via Columbia and Michigan Avenue. I hope not to bore you by enumerating the many buildings that I stood in awe before, but this is also my journal, and will be used by me, to recall the times of my life. First I admired the NBC building and then traversed through the West courtyard to the University of Chicago Graduate Studies Building. Fun! Then I walked along the river towards the Tribune and Wrigley building. Oh so beautiful!! The minds that God created that can fashion such interpretation. Combined, they are breathtaking from every angle. Every detail seems to have been carved with the knowledge that someone far below would stand and behold its beauty. From the avenue inversion I caught a glimpse of the Carbide and Carbon Building. As I approached the Chicago River Bridge I was mesmerized by the stunning golden towers atop it as it sang to me in the brilliant sunshine. The embellishments that separate one window from the next are just one of its many distinctive features. Further along, the Smurfit Stone building is just so cool. I've loved that building ever since it was featured in "Adventures in Babysitting". Its shape is so unique. Then it was the Chicago Athletic Association building. Very cool adornments.
It was a wonderful day, and then I topped it off my making tilapia fish tacos, with red cabbage, AND red peppers, and a mild chipotle sauce. They were SOOOOO delicious! I used a little more paprika and a little more lemon. Yummy! Then I raked the yard and washed the front of my house and porch. Spring is here!! Yippee!!
May your week be divine, and may your eyes be open wide to this wonderful world!!