Saturday, December 29, 2012

GBE 2: Decisions

Decisions, decisions...what am I going to do next?

This is certainly a great way to end the year, because I have been making a lot of decisions lately! After reflecting upon this past year, I have had to rethink a number of things due to my schedule and the like. What do I want to keep doing, discontinue, get rid of , keep. You name it? I feel like the last several weeks have been filled with nothing but decisions.

Overall, I think I have had a pretty good year. While there are a number of things I could have improved upon, and a few things that I wish never happened, I am pretty pleased with the way this year unfolded.

I made great strides in my writing career while maintaining a full time job. I had a kicka$$ vacation. I planted a garden that didn't die. I read a lot of interesting books and just finished writing all my reviews (see them on my Book Club Page!) I made some really great friends thru my writing.

The question is now...what am I going to do in 2013. I have a plan...and will let you know all very soon.

It's been a great 2012...
but now I am definitely looking forward to 2013!



Wishing you moments of great decision making!

 Susan's Blog Signature


***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #84 and the topic is Decisions. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.



Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

TWW's Book Review: Animal Euthanasia and the Empath by Ginae B. McDonald



It is late on Wednesday evening, December 18, 2012 and I am finally sitting down to write something that I think is important to share with my readers. I am getting back to performing book reviews and the one I am about to share was not on the scheduled radar. In fact, I have been very remiss in posting all of my reviews...I think I am about 12 behind schedule. I hope to catch up and post all of them over the next couple of weeks, because the fact is, I've been working two jobs and reading, and reading, and reading in between, but have had very little time for anything else. This past week or so has been even crazier with more work than I care to mention, but that is another story for another blog.

So without further ado...here is my next book review.

A week ago, a request came from a fellow writer asking if anyone wanted to review her book. Naturally, I said yes, not even knowing what the book would be about. All I knew was that it was going to be a "tear-jerker deluxe". Always up for those type of books and considering what I had been reading lately, I thought it would be a nice change of pace.

When Ginae B. McDonald emailed me the book, I read the title Euthanasia and the Empath, I was first taken aback. It was not what I was expecting. I tend not to read this type of genre, but then I thought to myself, "What kind of reviewer would I be if I didn't review all types of books?" My reply to that was "a pretty crappy one". Good reviewers read whatever comes there way and provides an honest insight into the book no matter what the topic. So, I forged ahead.

When I started to read Euthanasia and the Empath, I was pleasantly surprised. What was I dreading? There was no macabre or gross parts. Actually, what followed was an empathic woman's story of dealing with pet euthanasia. It begins with a recounting of how she developed a sensitivity or bond, if you will, to the animals whom she crosses paths. Reading this gave me an insight to another side of the woman whom I have come to know through her writing.

Ms. McDonald introduces us to Mao, her beloved pet, and shares with the reader how they become so close that he is referred to as her son. I found this to be truly believable. Dogs love unconditionally, are really smart and know when they are treated really well or really bad. While they may not be able to talk, they become one of the family simply by weaving themselves into the fabric of their owner's life. So the fact that Ginae refers to Mao as her son, ii is not surprising to me in the least.

Most dogs don't have a long life in comparison to us humans. The phrase "dog years" is very true in the sense that by the time a dog gets to be eight, nine, ten years old, it slows down and becomes less active like humans would when they reach 70, 80, 90 years of age. At age 11, Mao is really old, his body is failing and the author has come to the realization that her beloved's time has come.

What follows is raw, deeply revealing, and at moments, gut wrenching. Ginae's empathic abilities has put her in a position where she finds no solace in the decision to be made nor in the act itself. Worse yet is the fact that she must go through this not once in her life, not twice, but three times. No one is shielded from death. It is a fact of life. To become a pet owner means accepting the unwritten rule that death will happen more frequently. But to make a conscious decision to euthanize a pet when it is sick or can no longer function due to age complications is even harder to handle. While some may deal with it easily, empathic people tend to suffer emotionally far greater than the average person. However, the flip side to this is that empaths are more aware with everything around them; recognizing things that are not so easily seen; such as in Ginae's case of the rare yellow butterfly.

The rest of this short read discusses the five stages of grief and how the author worked through each of them with the loss of her beloved pets. Finally, Ginae ends with a section on coping, what she did to get through, and how her empathic ability was helpful.

I believe that the importance of this book is knowing that it is okay to grieve when we are put in a position to have to do things that we don't want to do, but know in our hearts that we must do them. No one wants to have to put their pet down, but when their health deteriorates to the point where they can no longer live a comfortable life due to pain or illness, it must be done because it is the right thing to do. Recognizing that a pet's life may be over in the physical realm, but their spirit will always live on in the hearts of all the lives they touched.

As a side note, I have dealt with this only once in my life. I was away at college and knew from the last time I was home that my dog, Charlie, didn't have much time left. I remember vividly waking up that morning in school and saying that he was going to die that day. My mom called me later that night and told me. My parents came to pick me up for Spring Break the next weekend. We decided to take a small trip because none of us wanted to be in the house together, but alone with thoughts of our beloved member of the family that was no longer there. As I write this review now, it's beginning to make sense and I think I can finally put a name to this uncanny ability to feel things far more than the average...I believe it's called empathy. Rating:



Wishing you moments of great reading!
 Susan's Blog Signature

P.S. Ginae was right, this was a tear-jerker!


 Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Backyard Farming on an Acre



Hi Everyone!

I hope that on this Sunday evening you are all doing well despite the sadness that has overshadowed the last several days. On a more positive note, I wanted to share something with you that is near and dear to my heart.

My friend Angela England has written a book on Backyard Farming and I wanted to share this with you. Since my gardening (farming if you will) is on less than an acre, I have been following these principles for some time. I am so enjoying reading this book and I hope that you will take a moment to check it out.

I am learning a lot thru this book and will be changing up a few things for next year.  Below is the information for the book.


If you're interested in purchasing, there is a bonus pack to go with it. Click here for information on that.

I'll be back with a review of the book, but in the meantime, you can go to Angela's Facebook page and read more about Backyard Farming on an Acre 

Wishing you moments of great reading!

 Susan's Blog Signature


Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving

As this day comes to an end, I want to wish all of my followers a wonderful Thanksgiving. Today should serve as a reminder that we should be thankful for the blessings in our lives not just today, but every day of our lives.

I was reminded earlier this week that although I may not have all the things that I wanted out of life, I still have many things that I thought I would never have. What a gift to be given...and I need to tell myself that...every single day.

Today, we decided to skip the traditional Thanksgiving hoopla. We didn't make a turkey. We didn't have stuffing, squash, mashed potatoes or cranberries. We didn't make any pumpkin pie. Instead, we chose to just enjoy the day off because they are so rare.

While I did the dishes and made a couple of treats for the gals who are working with me tomorrow, I really didn't do much else except write a couple of articles. I don't expect many will read them, but I did get them done so I am happy...for now.

Next year, though, things are going to be different.

In the meantime, I wish you moments to be thankful...every single day!

 Susan's Blog Signature

Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

The Writer's Post Blog Hop #54 - Path to a Successful Career -


In my administrative career spanning...well let's just say I've been doing this a really long time, I've spent the better part of my days either on the phone or typing away on a computer keyboard. I don't think you could call me a glorified receptionist, because I can do a whole lot more. I have to remind myself that I do have brain and I can write fairly well. While not perfect, I can catch my errors and I tend to agonize over ever...little...thing. It is quite annoying sometimes. I've been fairly successful in my career, done just about everything I've wanted to do, even become a writer with a few published columns.

So let's take a look at some of the other jobs I've done in my career:
  • Office assistant for my family business
  • Fast food restaurant cashier...(twice!)
  • Clerk in an office supply store.
  • Computer sales person
  • Electronics store manager
  • Electronics store assistant manager
  • Administrative Assistant at a Corporate Conference Center
  • Shipping assistant (briefly) at a software company
  • Customer service specialist for online company
  • Administrative assistant for the local railroad that served a paper mill
  • Administrative assistant for the maintenance department of the paper mill
  • Administrative assistant for a contractor and two architectural firms
  • Administrative assistant for a graphics art company
  • Personal assistant for a wine writer
  • Office administrator for a wine logistics company
  • Office manager for a small family winery
  • HR coordinator/trainer
  • HR generalist - recruiter
No wonder I'm tired.

But you have to admit...the key to a successful career is diversity. And I have a lot of diversity! What holds me together now is that I get to do things that I really love...write, talk with people, and make observations (this is really helpful in my writing career.) Meanwhile, being able to figure out if someone is a good fit for a job I am trying to fill is a challenge. In the end, when I find that perfect person, it is definitely...music to my ears!

Wishing you moments to find your career path!

 Susan's Blog Signature

This post is written for The Writer's Post Blog Hop# 54: Picture Prompt. Interested in learning more, please check out the link below!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!




A Pizza that Costs What?!?!?!

Earlier this week, we received a postcard in the mail announcing the arrival of a new restaurant in town. Oh goodie! It's another pizza joint...how many does that make now?  Ummm...seven! Yes! That makes seven, count 'em, S-E-V-E-N pizza restaurants in a tiny little city that is only 4.464 sq miles.

But the size of my town is not what I want to discuss. Actually it was something on the 6" x 9" postcard that I read - the menu! For starters...yes, I do mean the appetizers...the cost for these little lovelies was $9. Now, I don't know anything about the size or quantity, but $9 for a little bit of tuna on a bed of breadcrumbs seems a bit steep.

Let's skip to the pasta...for a plate of spaghetti...they are charging $14!!! Oh! I'm sorry...I should probably mention that the spaghetti is actually homemade and cut using a chitarra (pronounced KEY-tarra). What's a chitarra you might ask? It's a wooden contraption that looks a little bit like a harp, except that it's double-sided with strings that are set close on one side, farther apart on the other. In then center of the device is a slanted board, designed to allow the cut pasta to slide off easily once it’s been cut by the strings. Whatever happened to the good ol' days when pasta from a box was good enough? I though I was living high off the hog when I bought some Barilla and a jar of Newman's Own Pasta Sauce! Seriously folks...a simple pasta dish with some bacon bits, tomato and an egg yolk on top does not equate to a $14 pricetag! I can make the same thing using my own pasta maker, or better yet, some pasta in a bag.




I could go on and one about their $15 chicken legs, but I can't bring myself to go there or the $6 for some crushed potatoes (aka mashed potatoes) for which I am now rolling my eyes and saying "Are you kidding me!") What I am really steamed about is the cost of their, ahem, pizza. Charging $14 for a Pizza Margharita is outrageous! I can make the same thing for a fraction of the cost. I can and I have. It's not that hard. I have a secret and it's very cost effective. 

I start with a very inexpensive frozen pizza and doctor it up. I add cheese (lots of it!) including several varieties like Asiago, Romano, Mozzarella and some of that delicious and yummy Cheddar. But before that, I slice up and layer lots of my own home-grown tomatoes. Sometimes, when I am in the mood, I will add other ingredients like green peppers, black olives, mushrooms and even sausage. But when I want a Pizza Margharita it's all about my tomatoes, cheese and fresh basil from my herb garden. I can guarantee that it doesn't cost $14 per person. In fact, it costs about $1.50 per person. Now if I want to add a glass of wine like Rodney Strong's 2009 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, the cost rises to about $6 per person; which is two-thirds the cost of the same said wine on the new local pizzeria's menu. (BTW...Rodney Strong is literally right down the street from me...I can get their wine for really cheap right from their tasting room!)

Not a Margharita, but still yummy!
Hmmm...I guess I have proved my point once again. While it may be great to go out to dinner from time to time, in the long run, it's cheaper and easier to eat at home. I can set my own, private ambiance, and enjoy a great meal for about $12. I can get it under $10 if I chose a less expensive bottle of wine or some other beverage.

So will I be a patron of this restaurant...probably not. Besides the high prices and the ability to order take out, they don't delivery. Plus the location does not have any convenient parking, and is on a super busy street corner.


Wishing you moments filled with delicious and yummy goodness!

 Susan's Blog Signature

Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

I Need a Break so I can Begin Again

I had such big plans for this year. I was able to do some of them, but lo and behold, it's already November and I feel the year has just slipped away from me...again.

Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas is not far behind. I've barely started any shopping for the family and I feel this is the farthest behind I've ever been. Today, though, I am stopping to think if it really is all worth it. Will anyone feel neglected if I don't do something? Probably not. Maybe they would most appreciate it if I spent time with them instead? This, however, proves to be difficult as most of my family and friends are thousand of miles away.

So the question begs...who am I really doing this all for? My husband? Not really, he doesn't really care about these things all that much. Me? Well...yeah, I guess it is really all for me. But why? Who am I trying to impress? Will anyone like me any more if I do all the little things I want to do? Probably not. 

The truth is...and as my husband has said over and over again...I over do things...a lot! And frankly, right now, I just need a break so I can begin...all over again.

Phooey...I had such great plans though...but it always seems like there is always something that sabotages them; whether it be life in general or someone/thing in particular. I think the first thing I need to do is get my life in order, clean up a few messes and then regroup and start over next year.


So in the meantime, I am cleaning up and shoveling out a few things. While I still have a lot of ideas...I really need to pick just a couple and then figure out how to execute them really well.


Wishing you moments to reflect on beginning again.

 Susan's Blog Signature

***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #77 and the topic is Beginnings. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.


Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

BlogFEST 2012: A Moment In My Life

I was trying to think about a significant moment in my life that I wanted to share with everyone. The one thing that came to mind was my wedding weekend.

You see, I was literally moving the day after my wedding. We had such a short time to enjoy ourselves because we were moving to Arizona. My husband-to-be had already moved that past January. I was still paying the bill! I had packed up my apartment and my family had come over on Friday to help me load it up into the U-haul that my dad had rented for me.

My parents were really awesome when it finally got down to that moment. The months leading up to it however, were not so great. They weren't happy that I was moving away...but that's a story for another moment. I will say that while we were loading up, they kept a stiff upper lip! Dad especially because he was forking over a lot of money to make this wedding/move happen. Not only did he pay for the wedding, he had to buy me a new car because I had an accident a few months earlier and I totaled my car. I didn't have the money to pay for one so he just did. We affectionately called it "The Blue Bomb" because it turned out to be a lemon, just like the car I totaled! It must have been that model of car...:-(

The wedding, reception, gift opening, and another dinner for the family was held all on one day. By the time we got to the hotel that night, we were exhausted and knew that we had to get up early to meet my parents for breakfast and get over to my brothers to load up my car on the trailer behind the U-haul and get the last minute things loaded up in the truck. We face planted ourselves on a rock hard bed and fell asleep for a few hours.

The next day after a very somber breakfast, we got to my brothers, did what we had to do and then my dad, for some unknown reasons decided that he wanted to drive the U-haul part way and then pass it off to Edward and I at a cut-off point to be determined. I guess he thought Edward was going to have problems driving and pulling a trailer with my car on the back or something. My mom and I drove behind in their car. I think my mom wanted one last ditch effort to talk me out of doing this. She spent the entire drive to the turnoff point saying things to make me feel bad. I wondered what my dad was saying to my new husband.

It was a really crappy thing to do and I'll never forget it. This time should have been one of the happiest moments of my life and instead I felt like one of the biggest shits for "leaving them behind" as it was put to me. It wasn't the first time that a child has ever moved away from their family. I didn't see what the big freakin' deal was, but it was a big deal to them and they never forgave me for it. They made me feel guilty every day for years.

When that time came for the "great pass off", I remember distinctly waving goodbye from the passenger seat in the U-haul as my parents took the turn off and we kept going. My life at that very moment changed forever. It was at that moment...I started to weep...for everything that I had left behind...friends, family, and a live that would never be the same again. It took a long while to stop crying, but I did because I had a long road to navigate.

Every Sunday afterwards when I talked to my mom, she always asked the same question, "When are you moving home?" I heard that same question from her for years...literally. She asked me because she wanted to hurt me. Those phone calls were a weekly reminder of  how much I was making a mistake. I can't tell you how many conversations I had with my parents on this subject. I finally got so fed up, I asked them if they wanted me to divorce my husband and move home. They never answered me directly, but I knew that they did. I found out later from my sister-in-law that they never wanted me to get married...at all. My mom admitted to her that she was doing it on purpose to hurt me. They actually wanted me under their thumb, staying a spinster for the rest of my life to take care of them in their old age. I was astonished and saddened.

My husband and I have been married for 20 years, and together for 25 years. That's over half my life. We made it...survived all the negativity. I am really proud for sticking to my guns and not giving up because I could have succumbed to the pressure from all those naysayers that thought we wouldn't make it. By the way, this glass of champagne is for you! Didn't you get a divorce? Hmmm...funny, I'm still married and happy!

Wishing you moments of  tremendous happiness!

 Susan's Blog Signature


This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Angela's post - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

BlogFEST: Monster Mash

"What secret weird food/dish can't you live without and how'd the predilection develop?" This is the question posed by my friend Daphne for this BlogFEST prompt.

Truth be told...I don't eat anything weird. You could actually say that my eating habits are kind of boring. I don't like any exotic food whatsoever (this made eating in Hawaii rather difficult!) Preferably I eat my foods rather plain. So let's go thru a list of the things I won't eat:
  • Gravy - I don't like any of this brown gloppy stuff on top of my food. My rule of thumb is if I can't identify it, I don't eat it. Pouring this stuff on top of my food just serves to mask all those little unknown things underneath. I need to see what I am eating please!
  • Salmon patties - Does anyone remember these? They resemble hamburgers, except they are made out salmon from a can. My mom made these all the time when I was growing up. The only good thing about the meal was the fact that the side dish was noodles with cracker crumbs. I liked these...just hated the salmon patties. I vowed to myself that I would never eat another one when I moved out of the house. I never did. Today my husband makes me fresh salmon...I'll share that recipe soon!
  • Since we are on the subject of fish...let's just say that I throw up a big fat "no" to sushi. While the hubs loves this stuff...you'll never see any of it passing through my lips.
  • Brussel sprouts - No, no, no and NO! Give me green beans, peas, even asparagus please, but no B.S.!
  • Avocados...not a snowballs chance in ?#@*&%!. Are you trying to kill me? The ramifications if I ingested one of these again would be deadly.
  • Indian, Thai and any other ethnic food that I can't identify or pronounce. Also, some of the spices are a little OTT and my system just can't handle them. Funny enough, I do like some Chinese food, but just a very small part of what is serve in this cuisine.
Now, please don't get me wrong, I do like food! I am a big foodie! I just have certain...um...well...I guess I'll say "ways" I like to eat. Bring on the fresh veggies, whole grains and protein meats please. Plain food...no sauces (if I can help it) and wholesome goodness. Yeah...that's me! I'm a little angel when it comes to food!

Wait a minute! Who's that guy flying behind me?!?!?! Oh yeah....he's the chocolate devil trying to blow my cover! Shoo...shoo I say! Go hide behind that cloud...I don't want everyone to know!

Ok...(hanging head)...I admit it. I'm...I'm...I'm a chocoholic...I ADMIT IT! Sweets are my downfall...especially chocolate...Believe it or not, there are some things made with chocolate that are so orgasmically good, you just have to taste them to believe it. I know...because I have tasted them and sincerely enjoyed the the "out of body, earth shattering, make my toes curl...oops, getting a little carried away here!) experience that inevitably followed.

SO I will say this to you...moderation. Everything in moderation...even if it means that I have to eat a little B.S!

Wishing you "delicious, and comforting; even if you can't identify it" moments of amazing food!

 Susan's Blog Signature


This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Daphne's post - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Monday, October 29, 2012

BlogFEST 2012: My Favorite Halloween Memories

I don't have many childhood memories of Halloween. My parents were too overprotective. We also lived far out in the country and we rarely had anyone come to our door. I had to sit for awhile to really think about it, and I only recall one time when I was actually invited to a Halloween party. I dressed up as a gypsy (I have the picture somewhere...just not digitally) and went down the street to hang out with a girl I went to school with. I think the only reason my mom and dad let me go was because the party was close by and next door to my grandparents who live on the same street as us. Otherwise, I don't think I ever went trick or treating. Not that I didn't want to, my parents just wouldn't let me. Come to think of it, I didn't do much as a kid in terms of parties, events, dates, or whatever. I didn't really care because I got a lot of other stuff to make up for it.

I guess you could say that when I was a kid, Halloween was just another day for me.

It wasn't until I was older, married and moved away that I started to enjoy this holiday a whole lot more. My husband made it up to me by decorating the outside of the house. Last year's decor was absolutely awesome. We had lights, a lighted torch, a witch's broom and a fog machine!  I'm pretty sure I blogged about it last year...but if not, here are some of those photos...

This is my scarecrow...I made him a long time ago. He hangs out on my door every year. I remember the first year I put him on display. I was so afraid someone was going to steal him. I spent a lot of hours putting him together so I would really be heartbroken if that ever happened. So far...he's still around...and just hanging out on my door.











My husband had the brilliant idea to put a torch up last year. It scared the neighbor lady, who's not from this country, and she wouldn't let her kids come over for tricks or treats. I think she thought I really was a witch...who...me?!?! Frankly, I just thought it was absolutely hilarious...

This is my witch's broom...I tried to find one that I liked, but all the ones in the catalogs and craft stores were either too cheap looking, too small or just lame. The hubs made this one for me and I was just tickled pink...oops!...black when I saw it! Anyway, I still have it and it looks just as good today as when he originally made it for me.












This is one of my favorite photos... I was just snapping away while my husband was playing with the fog machine. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw what I had taken. Very spooky!














Wishing you moments of wonderful Halloween memories!

 Susan's Blog Signature



This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Kathy's post - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

BlogFEST 2012:The Best Day In My Life

This is actually a really tough prompt for me to answer...because I don't have just one. There are so many "best days" for me:
  • the day I graduated college. What an honor to be the only one in my family to do so.
  • the day I moved out of the house. My first taste of true independence.
  • the day I got married. Finally knew I was going to be with the one I love for the rest of my life.
Getting married meant that my life would never be the same again. In fact, it's been one big adventure after another since then; several new jobs, and lots of really cool vacations. However, there are been several days that were definitely not the "best day" of my life. I won't go into any more details because I don't want to beat a dead horse and frankly, I'm over it.

While I may have missed out many of your best days though, such as the day your child was born, got married or had grand children; I think my best days are yet to come. Plans are percolating in the back of my head. Things are going better than ever before and I finally feel like I am back on track after several years of feeling lost.

Truthfully though...my best day...is every day that I wake up happy and ready to face whatever may come my way!

Wishing you moments where every day is your best day!

 Susan's Blog Signature

This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Jo's post - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Friday, October 26, 2012

BlogFEST 2012: A Weighty Issue

DISCLAIMER: The topic for today's BlogFEST 2012 is a very sore subject for me. Please note that the following diatribe is NOT directed toward anyone who's participating in this event (or reading this), but merely a post regarding the topic of obesity and how much having this subject thrown in my face time and again affects me. It is, indeed, a weighty issue.

I have never been very thin. I have always had curves. I have a big a$$. (There's nothing I can do about that except have it surgically reduced; which I have thought about.) What I am really sick and tired of is the media, and the fashion industry telling "ME" what size I am suppose to be. Who died and left you all "GOD" when it comes to deciding what the "standard" sizes are? When did size "00" come into existence and become acceptable? Have you all lost your minds?!?!

Here are some personal facts:
  • I have never been nor will I ever be a size "00".
  • I have struggled my whole life with weight issues. I don't need to be reminded about it on a daily basis. Here's a NEWS FLASH for you...I LIVE WITH IT ON A DAILY BASIS!
  • I don't have children, so I can't blame my "weighty issue" on that. However, have you ever asked any of us non-skinny women if perhaps there is a medical reason why we are not the stick figures you want us to idolize? Perhaps you should. It might enlighten you!
  • I currently work with a variety of doctors, therapists and health professionals to help me get healthy. It is a long and sometimes painful process. You have no idea what I have had to endure this last year.
  • I like to eat so I know that cutting calories drastically is not good for you. What I need to do is redirect my choices to more healthy ones. I am learning to do that. A lifetime of habits don't get overturned in one night. It's a long process and I'm trying to do better, but sometimes I fall off the wagon.
  • It's taken a long time to accept myself for who I am. To be honest I haven't always liked myself, much less, love myself. I've only recently came to this realization. The road to a newer, more healthier me is freshly paved and I am taking it slow as I travel on this new and un-chartered journey. 
  • BTW...everyone's journey is un-chartered because we are all different. What works for you may not work for me. But I'll find my way...on my own terms.
Seriously folks, I know there is a problem out there. But I can't take it anymore! Clothing stores dedicated to the skinny populous, thin people on exercise dvds and elsewhere telling you to lift that leg higher. ENOUGH!

I have my own plan and it is working. Just leave me to it without throwing it back in my face every time I turn on the television or pick up a magazine.  I'll never be tall (sorry, I'm only 5'3" on a good day), never be blond (my brown hair is mostly gray, so I color it as dark as possible because I refuse to look old), or never be thin. All I can be is me...working toward overall health and happy with who I am.

On a final note...here is one of my favorite lines from the movie, The Incredibles:

"Supermodels. HA! Nothing super about them. Spoiled, stupid little stick figures with poofy lips who think only about themselves" - Edna Mode.

I am so glad I'm not a super model...I'd never survive being in the industry.

Wishing you moments to love yourself for who you are...

 Susan's Blog Signature


This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Stuart's post - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

BlogFEST 2012: Hot or Cold?

Would I rather be hot or cold? Well let me think about that a minute...

Would I rather be here?

  
Doing this?


Or would I rather be here?


Doing this?


I think you already know the answer to that! But in case you don't...

 As much as I love this:


I'd rather be doing this:



Wishing you moments of either hot or cold (depending on your preference!)

 Susan's Blog Signature


This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Betty's post - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

BlogFEST 2012: What Do I Value?

What do I value?
You've asked of me.
My health is important,
I'm sure you'll agree.

The love of family
is not far behind.
Without them I'm nothing,
please bear that in mind.

Peace and serenity
is my third choice.
I've waited so long,
and now I rejoice.

I value old friends
I wish we could be tighter.
Though the distance is great,
the connection seems brighter.

New friendships abound
oh what a surprise.
So glad I found you,
hope there's never goodbyes.

But most of all,
I have to say.
I value myself,
'cause I'm finally okay.

It's been a long time coming,
I thought I'd never arrive.
I took a big hit,
worse than a swan dive.

I'm back with a vengeance
steeped in love of a good man.
Pen to paper with feeling
and a really great plan.



Wishing you valuable moments!

Susan's Blog Signature


This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Emily Rose's post - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

BlogFEST 2012: Vacations - Relaxing or Exhausting

I've had some pretty amazing vacations over the years. I spent the better part of my childhood going to Florida almost every year. Sometimes it was during the Christmas holidays, other times it was during Easter break or right after school let out. My family traveled in a small RV...not like the big ones you see on the road today, big enough to fit a growing family of four and a dog.

We all had our spots to sit in. I was relegated to siting at the mock kitchen table, which later folded down into my bed. I racked up thousands of miles in that seat - from Wisconsin to Florida and back; to Michigan and back and all points in between and as far west as the Mississippi River and all the way east to Pennsylvania.

I have tons of photos from those trips...but not in digital format. They are in the old fashioned print format, and someday I really must dig them out to transfer them to digital. They all represent fond memories of long ago. There were times I really hated those vacations. I was bored with nothing to do on those drives and I didn't get to see much except for a lot of fast whizzing scenery out the side window. Probably the reason I get car sick these days...all those years looking out that darn window.

I think the vacations stopped when I started working and moved out of the house. I was on my own and had to make my own fun. I finally had a car and made my first real trip all by myself from Racine, WI to New Holstein, WI to see my college girlfriend who I hadn't seen in a really long time. It was a whole 100 miles and I drove it with a busted speedometer in the winter. My mom didn't want me to go, but I just had to get away so I went and hoped that I wouldn't get busted for speeding. For the record, I made it there and back without any problems...except for the non-functioning speedometer!

Right after I got married, my husband and I moved to Arizona. We spent our first few days of married life in a U-Haul pulling my car behind it. Oh what fun that was...Not (lol)! We spent the next several years vacationing all over Arizona and the west...have tent will travel! We saw so many wonderful places and again took numerous photos (non digital again!). Now we are vacationing again, but we've graduated to motels/hotels/B&B's, with an occasional tent experience in between.



So...have my vacations been relaxing or exhausting? Depends...as a child, all I had to do was show up. So those were probably relaxing (except for those car...whoops!...I mean RV sick episodes!) These days, I have to pack and haul stuff out to the car. If we're taking a camping trip, it's even more complicated. So I'd classify these as exhausting but really exciting because the trips are becoming more enjoyable because I get to decide what we do most of the time!

Our next trip...actually I think we're taking off for a couple of days right before the Christmas holiday to to take a short trip on the The Christmas Train! I can't wait!




Wishing you moments to reminisce about great vacations and plan the next one!

 Susan's Blog Signature

This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Renee's post for October 23rd - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Monday, October 22, 2012

BlogFEST 2012: Judging a Book by It's Cover

I am well acquainted with this topic because I am usually on the end of being judged. Case in point, see the review I posted below about a recent visit to a favorite store:


"I just loved this store...when they were in XX Mall. Now that they moved to XX Village, they've gone all uptown in both merchandise and attitude. Let me just give you a lesson in great customer service, which I am well acquainted with and have been providing for over 25 years.

1. If you want to have loyal customers, you should be nice to them. Just because I'm not "uptown" doesn't mean my money doesn't spend like the rest of your clientele's money. For the record, I actually have money even though I may not look like it.

2. Don't have someone walk around your store and act like they are better than everyone else there. It gives a bad impression to your customers. You know what I am talking about...the "holier than thou" attitude. Just a thought, but consider shelving it.

3. If a customer comes up to you asking if you have a product, don't immediately say with an attitude, "If it's not on the shelf, we don't have it." How about saying something like "I am so sorry, let me check for you." Then go check and find out when more stock will become available and come back and tell the customer "We are currently out of that item, but we're expecting a shipment on XX date. May I take your name and number and call you when they come in?" See the difference? Make your customers feel good when they come in and want to buy something. Don't shut them down and make them feel like they're inconveniencing you by asking a question about your stock. Repeat business is huge...especially in a tough economic climate.

4. Treat your customers with respect and dignity. Just because I don't look high class, doesn't mean I am not. You don't know what I've been doing or where I've been. Don't stereotype your clientele. Remember the movie Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts? If not, you should watch it. There's a great scene in it that covers this very nicely.

5. Don't let customers wait to pay while you're conversing, walking around like you own the place or doing other work that can wait until the customers leave the store. Not only was I treated rudely, but when I actually decided to buy what I hand in my hand, I had to wait until said rude sales clerk decided to come over to the register to ring me up. You do realize that your customers are not all soccer moms that drive SUV's and don't work. Some of us are on our lunch hour and that's all the time we have - an hour. You want us to come back and be loyal, well, a little courtesy goes a long way.

By the way, what happened to the products that you used to sell. Merchandise is everything. I realize you moved, but part of your success at XX Mall was the fact that you had great merchandise that appealed to everyone. Now that you're in XX Village, your products are so upscale and pricey that you've lost half of your clientele because we can't afford, or sorry to say, even like it.

Seriously, your products used to be cute and charming. Now they are expensive, gaudy and frankly, most of them I wouldn't be caught dead owning them. What I purchased today was a staple item...every home has them. It's simple, comes in a lot of colors (which apparently you don't have a lot of since they "weren't on the shelf") and fairly inexpensive.

Come to think of it, you didn't have a lot of this particular type of product in your store at all. Pity...you were such a fun place with all the holiday decorations, etc. I guess I'll have to order more of what I wanted online since you didn't seem to care if you had it or not or the fact that I was a loyal customer.

It's your lose. I am sure the online stores will gladly take my money and ship it for free. Fabulous as this saves me time and money. Such great customer service too! You should take a lesson from online retailers. This is why they are so successful and the brick and mortar stores are dying off."

Needless to say, I wasn't a happy camper. Fortunately, I received a private email from the owner with her comment below:

Hi Susan D.,
This is Lynette, the owner of XX store. Let me say first of all how very sorry I am that you left my store feeling so bad. I have worked for 31 years stressing how important it is to treat everyone fairly and kindly, but as you know it doesn't always happen. The behavior you describe is totally unacceptable to me and if I knew who it was I'd address them directly. Instead I posted your review on our message board with a letter from me telling them all that this "cannot happen".  It never should!  Your suggestions to my staff were all perfect and I hope hearing them from you, the customer, made a bigger impression than I have been able to.
To answer your concern about products, no it's not the same as it was and I have lost a lot of customers from the past. But that's the tricky thing about retail, if you don't change you won't be in business anymore. I keep track of everything that is purchased and buy more of those things that are selling and get rid of the categories that are not selling. The customers basically "vote" for the things they like by purchasing them and that dictates the direction I go. I know the store isn't  for everyone, but it's for the greatest number of buying customers. It's what has kept me in business for 31 years and we were  just recently voted "The Best".
If you choose to continue to shop here, I'd love to know how you are treated next time. I always appreciate it when customers email or call me direct so that I can have a chance to rectify what has happened that made them so upset. My personal email is XX and please feel free to use it.
Once again I am truly sorry!

Just to be fair, I didn't write this review to get anything free from the store...I just wanted to share my honest feelings about the experience. I was truly annoyed at the whole thing and felt it only fair to let the owner know. I am glad she responded and maybe one day, I will go back to revisit. 

In any case, this is my personal and most recent experience with being judged by my "cover". It's happened before and I am sure it will happen again. And each time it does, it truly hurts me deeply.

Wishing you moments of "not being judged by your cover".

 Susan's Blog Signature


This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Paula's post - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Saturday, October 20, 2012

BlogFEST: Putting Myself on the Backburner...

...as a child, yes. Definitely. All the time. I grew up in a world of "being seen, and not heard". I was taught right from wrong and basically had to live by the rules of the house I lived in. As a kid, I didn't know any better, so I conformed. I didn't want to create any trouble, but then again, I didn't get to do much and really didn't have a mind of my own until I grew up and started to experience the world.

I guess that happened in college. From that point forward, I started to buck the system.

Today, as an adult, I enjoy the fact that I don't have to live by the house rules, but by my own rules. At work, I do what I am suppose to do and if in doubt, ask. I still have opinions but I stick to what I know and do it very well. But outside of work, I am my own person and I make my own rules and live my life the way I see fit.

While I think that it is healthy to have a difference of opinion, sometimes you will never agree on things, so my motto in that circumstance is "to agree to disagree". My husband and I don't always agree on things, but I don't expect it. And I don't always agree with my parents either. But today, I am not afraid to speak up...to anyone.

And no matter what, I'm never going to be on the backburner again.

Wishing you moments to put yourself on the front burner!

 Susan's Blog Signature


This blog was written as a part of BlogFest 2012. Check out Linda's post - she's the host today. Please click on the picture below for more information!




Liked anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!