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AVOID the MAZE become a listener

Join in to the listening of AVOID the MAZE –

https://open.spotify.com/avoidthemaze

Podcasting with Glen Anderson STAR102

 

Reminiscing on Radio and Parenting and MORE…

Karen and Glenn discussed Glenn’s experiences with jury duty and parenting, as well as their shared history in radio broadcasting. Glenn expressed his appreciation for being able to share his deep thoughts on the airwaves, and the two reminisced about changes in the radio industry over the years. They also discussed their respective journeys into and through broadcasting, with Karen sharing her story of being dissuaded from pursuing a career in communications and broadcasting by her parents.
Glenn’s Musical and Televisual Journey
Glenn shared his life experiences and career journey, starting from his teenage years when he began developing interests in music and cooking. He shared how his love for entertaining people led him to pursue a career in music and piano teaching. However, he faced a dilemma between his passions and the realities of the financial compensation. Later, an unexpected event occurred when he was noticed by Conan O’Brien on his show, which led him to consider a career in television. Finally, he decided to enroll in broadcasting school in 1996 to become a behind-the-scenes professional, but ended up taking an internship at Q104.
Glenn’s Journey From Song Parodies to Positive Thinking
Glenn, known initially for his funny song parodies, shared how he transitioned to a deeper thinker and positive person. He credited this change to his radio show where he was paid to maintain a good mood and provide a positive listening experience for his audience. Despite initial challenges, he found that the more he worked at being happy, the more natural it became. He also noted that his job required him to be in a good mood regardless of personal issues, which he found cathartic. Glenn’s journey from a funny song man to a deep thinking man was a result of his effort to force happiness until it became natural.
Therapy Through Personal Writing
Glenn and Karen (Avoid the Maze) shared their experiences of using personal writing as a form of therapy. Glenn expressed that sharing struggles and experiences on blogs and posts provided him with comfort and guidance, and possibly did the same for others. Karen agreed, reflecting on her podcasting experiences and the impact that reaching just one person can have. They discussed their processes for writing and dealing with emotions, with Karen acknowledging she often starts with a negative feeling but then seeks out a quote or realization that shifts her perspective to a positive outcome. Both agreed that their writing often reflected their experiences and emotions, and they preferred to share possible solutions or personal experiences rather than just their opinions.
Emotional Support in Relationships
Karen and Glenn discussed the emotional journey of friends and family members moving away and the importance of expressing emotions. Karen shares how she felt when her son moved to Texas but also saw it as an exciting new chapter. Glenn shares his childhood experience of not having a father and how this influenced his emotional intelligence and parenting style. Both agree on the importance of breaking down traditional gender roles in parenting and being emotionally supportive for their children.
Parenting Perspectives: Love, Routines, and Diagnosis
Glenn and Karen-shared their experiences with parenting and raising children. Glenn emphasized the importance of being present for children and making them feel loved, appreciated, and listened to, rather than constantly giving them tasks and chores. He also shared that having routines and making children accountable for their actions had helped in their family. In contrast, Karen shared her experience with her son’s autism diagnosis. She explained that while the diagnosis changed how others treated her son, they tried to maintain a sense of normalcy at home. She also stressed the importance of not treating children differently based on their diagnosis.
Parenting Philosophies and Personal Growth
Karen and Glenn engaged in a dialogue about parenting philosophies, emphasizing the importance of equipping children with problem-solving and communication skills. Glenn shared a personal story of overcoming a bully situation as a child, which taught him the value of standing up for oneself. They both stressed the role of parents in guiding children’s personal growth and the importance of seeking additional resources for guidance. They also shared their experiences with their children, highlighting the evolution of their relationships and the self-discovery and understanding that comes with parenthood.
Love, Conflict, and Tech: A Marriage Conversation
Karen and Glenn had a detailed conversation about the evolution of love in a married relationship. They highlighted how love changes from initial attraction and infatuation to deeper commitment and understanding through shared trials and tribulations. Glenn emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts respectfully, particularly in front of children, to foster relationship strength and understanding. They also discussed the importance of arguments in relationships, noting that they provide an opportunity to learn from each other as long as they don’t cause resentment. Glenn shared his experiences and perspectives on personal growth and change, focusing on the role of technology, including the Odyssey app for radio listening, and encouraged embracing new technological advancements.

WHY KILL?

I am frustrated, angry and getting myself worked up into a state of depression.  I do not understand how humans can become evil barbaric animals.  Why is it necessary to become satanic and demand that if you do not fit a certain mold you are not worthy to live?  Why is there so much hate against Israel!  Even though it was named as a Jewish state in 1948, the Jewish population had not denied non- Jews to live within the borders.  The Jews/Israeli’s did not start the fighting, and in fact if you ask many Jews living or visiting in Israel that the population is welcoming to all.  It is the extremist that cause the wars and killing, destruction and my question is WHY.  As children we learn to share and be polite and yet somewhere along the way the EXTREMISTS world wide start pulling innocent individuals into their circle or they kill them!  In every religion isn’t killing for the sake of killing a sin of some format!

I have never had the honor of making Aliyah to Israel.  The one time I had hoped and planned to go to Israel was in my senior year of high school, 1968, not the safest time, and yet when is the safe time to go, with those who hate just because of someone’s religion, traditions, and heritage.

In a conversation I had with my son the other day we were talking about our various friends we have and not once did we identify them as Black, Negro, African American, Asian, German, Christian, Moslem, Jewish, or LGBTQ+.  Through work, in our neighborhoods, in the groups we have joined for social justice we know a variety of people and we do not select our friends based on their looks or their differences.  I just learned one of my best friends is on the opposite of the political spectrum than I am and yet we are friends and we share so many other things in common and she is nice, why would I throw a friendship away.  I will listen her side and she will listen to my side if we choose to share or we will leave those topics for our own personal use.

I do not tell my friends, business colleagues, or family members what to believe or not to believe.  I do not want them to tell me either, however; I believe we all should be in relationships where we can voice our opinions without judgement from self or others.  Changing from hate to love is not going to happen over night but we each can take one step to stop the hate and peace will be the winner.  Are you willing to stop your hate?

Rooting for the Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings are an American professional basketball team based in Arlington, Texas. The Wings play in the Western Conference in the Women’s National Basketball Association.  Prior to this year I was totally unaware of the WNBA, but I love this young team.

This team was one of the first WNBA expansion teams in 1998 as the Detroit Shock (Detroit is my birthplace but Arlington, Texas area holds my heart!)

They are second in the Western Conference Division and will be moving into the playoffs.

The Dallas Wings (18-14) defeated the Washington Mystics (15-17), 97-84, on Sunday, August 20 to increase their win streak to three games.

They play tonight (Tuesday 8/22/23) Minnesota against the Lynx, another city I once called home.

Thursday night they will be back in Arlington to play against the Lynx on their home court.

Newclevelandradio.net & What in the World with Paul Seaburn are cheering loud and clear – please join us!

Learn more:  https://wings.wnba.com/

More Than a Blog- It’s 39 Years of Marriage

Yesterday, July 15, 2023

Richard and I celebrated 39 years of marriage, but we’ve been together 41 years – as they say “Oy Vay!”  Rich and I are not much on celebrations.  In fact, in the early years, just as we are now, we were both working to make ends meet.  Sometimes we drive up to Detroit to see my family for a free dinner out, and other times it was my dear mother-in-law who always made sure we did something special.  That meant not going to McDonalds, but maybe to Pizza Hut for an all you can eat buffet.  (Do they still have that?)

Once Alex was born our celebration included him and we went out to entertain him more than ourselves.

This year was different.  For the first time in 32 years, we were alone for our anniversary.  Alex is working and living in Fort Worth and circumstances did not provide him with the opportunity to come home.  Steve was just here for Mother’s Day and truly he should be on vacation (he works too hard.)  However, last night we were joined for dinner with new friends Kristi & Rob (who are now our new family).  I met Kristi a year ago through an online group and despite our age differences and backgrounds growing up I know we are kindred spirits.  Dinner was fun as they got Rich to share stories on how we met (Thank you Iris, Lanny & Helene), how he proposed (a long story, anyone for a McDonald’s), and much more including his life before we met…

Kristi picked up on something I posted yesterday that it was our anniversary (not the original reason for going out), and gave us the sweetest loving card, but also had a piece of chocolate Oreo cake brought to the table with a candle.  The dinner and evening were wonderful, and it was simple.  (Kristi and Rob, we must do this again, before next year!!!)

I know for some birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated for days and I hear some celebrate the whole month.  We have never been like that, nor do I think we ever will be.  The reality is we love each other as well as like each other and spending our lives together is a celebration.  This year I missed so many of the people who were part of our celebration on July 15, 2024, including our parents who became friends and family over the years.  My in-laws and my mom and dad enjoyed the company of each other, and they would get together when they were both in Florida and when my parents came to visit us.

Sadly, in addition to our parents no longer being with us, we have experienced the loss of friends, and other relatives who made our day a true MITZVAH.  On that day I never thought we would experience the losses we have in 39 years.  Naïve as I was, I thought our parents would be with us year after year to continue to acknowledge the longevity of our marriage.

When we announced, we were getting married we had friends who swore we would never last.  Well to those who thought it or said it out loud, “Looks like we made it” despite the Manilow lyrics – we did not leave each other to find another.  In fact, our gift to each other was a renewal for yet another year.  We are on to 40!

Dallas Wings – My WNBA Favorites!

I was not an athlete growing up.  If and when I ran I always got a pain in my right side, so I chose not to run.  Also my family sorta convinced me that I was a KLUTZ.  I was forever bumping into things or falling down and getting hurt.  However, once I got to college I got interested in being a sports spectator, however back in the day females were Cheer Leaders very few participated in sports like Basketball.

I have my personal reasons why this team is ‘my team’ and why I choose to celebrate them.  However, I am here to share their remarkable record and encourage you to check them out.  If you live outside the Dallas area you can watch many of their games through your ABC Affiliate or ION.

https://wings.wnba.com/

Left Alex in Texas – healing on his own

I’ve been home about 36 hours and I am trying to catch up.  Leaving Alex yesterday was not easy, we both agreed the time I spent with him was needed, and not just for his recuperation from surgery.  Although I am his mother, being in his home made me take a step back.  I did help him get organized something he’s been trying to do since he moved in December, but with work, Christmas break, and returning after the holidays ill, he just never got his things in order.

I respected his need for privacy, and he respected my efforts to keep him comfortable and on the road to wellness.  Knowing that he still has a few weeks before he will be feeling more normal, I had to return home and leave him to sail his ship.

Sometimes as parents we tend to jump in and do the work for our kids and then one day, they have a problem, and they don’t know how to handle it.  However, Alex has been observing us all these years and he is navigating his ship, steering away from the ice burgs.  As a mom observing her child who is a young adult live on his own and prosper is a warm feeling of well done!

I think my fatigue is catching up with me and a good night’s sleep is needed.  Tonight, when I lay my head on my pillow I know my sweet dreams will include both of my sons and my husband who are very special to me.

Good night, Rich…

Good night, Steve

Good night, Alex

“you are my sunshine…”

You Can Be Amazing Too!

15 April 2023
I tell people all the time how amazing they are because each one of us is amazing in our rights.  However, for most of my life even when I thought I was amazing I did not believe it.  In fact for years, any good or great ideas I had I would link to someone else taking the backseat (just in case I was wrong).  No I was placing on someone if it went wrong in fact I often stepped up taking the blame…

I have worked with therapists many times over the years trying to find that feel good place in my life and after weeks or months of therapy I found them showing me the door because they believed I had found that space in my life.  Little did they know, I didn’t.

Coaching has helped me find the answers I need for the questions and doubts I have.  I’ve learned to brush off the negative voices in my head and listen to the pain and confusion they represent and use new skillsets to muffle their voices.  (‘In Positive Intelligence, Shirzad Chamine helps you achieve your true potential in life and work by shifting your inner balance of power.’)  I will be recommending this program to all my clients.  It continues to help me balance my thoughts and actions to reflect the person I am choosing to be.

If you sign up for a coaching 6 week session with me I will assist you in finding yourself.  You will be doing the work, I will provide you with tools that will help you today and into the future.  These tools will assist you in creating a mindset that reflects your wants and needs.  If I am not the ‘right’ coach for you I will provide you with contacts with other coaches that may specialize in the area of life you want to work on.

To benefit from coaching you must be vulnerable, be honest with yourself and your coach.  What is said in a coaching session is confidential.  I will share my stories with you as well and just as I will respect your privacy, I expect the same in return.

Until the second week of July I have a special introductory fee for a 6 week coaching session, feel free to contact me at [email protected]

https://newclevelandradio.net/person-coaching_yesican/

Doctor Mom can fix everything

A week ago, last night my son, Alex, called me crying in pain.  Just thirty minutes earlier he and I were kibitzing on the phone.  Initially he was incoherent, and I had to just listen and soothingly ask him to slow down.  He described his pain that suddenly hit him as the worst GAS pain he ever had.  I tried using my coaching skills to help him through this.  Unfortunately, he had nothing at home to take for GAS pain!

I suggested he call EMS.  I may be “doctor-mom” at home, but I’m not a doctor.  He suffered for 12 hours before he called EMS.  Once in the ER they aggressively attempted to identify the pain source and quickly ruled out any heart issues despite the pain across his chest.  However, the ultrasound pointed to his gallbladder, and yet they continued to run tests to confirm it was gallbladder, and they finally gave him morphine to mask the pain.  The surgeon came in around 6 pm (21 hours after this pain started) and discussed removing his gallbladder.

My husband and I searched for airline tickets to take us from Cleveland to Dallas so we could be there with Alex.  Leaving Cleveland at 7 am we got to Dallas by 10:30 and went directly to the hospital to find Alex waiting for surgery.  They finally took him into surgery at 1:30 pm, and the plan was to do a robotic gall bladder removal that would be less invasive.  However, the doctor found his gallbladder to be 2 to 3 times its size filled with stones, the gallbladder was ripe to burst and if it had it could have been fatal!  So, a one-hour procedure turned into 3 hours.

Alex’s dad left for home on Tuesday morning, and I am here in Fort Worth until Sunday morning.  Each day he shows signs of healing and taking less pain medication as well.

I’ve had this great opportunity to spend time with my son in his home which has limited furnishings which has tested my ability to get comfortable on an air bed and sitting on a patio type chair.  But all is good, and I enjoy his company when he is not sleeping, tweeting, or playing a video game.

Today we took a UBER to his office so he could organize his arrangements to work from home for at least the next week. At his office today not one person, but everyone I met shared their love for Alex.  Until today, the staff only knew he was sick but would be OK, his boss and HR knew the extent of it. So, as he shared his story of what has transpired in the last week, they were all so glad to know he really would be OK, and pleased to see that I was around to help him through this week.

When Alex left our home in December to drive the 1000 miles to Texas I cried like a baby, and thought my heart was broken forever.  However, as any parent knows when your child leaves to follow their dreams, time will prove that your heart will heal.  My heart began the healing process with each phone call hearing his voice and sharing his experiences.

However, the night of Wednesday, April 5th brought me the emotional pain Alex was suffering physically.  Although I insisted, he call EMS he was choosing to suffer rather than go to the hospital and as he said, spend money… All I could 1000 miles away was attempt to comfort him as he asked me to stay on the phone with him, hoping the pain would subside.  Tonight, I feel such relief that my son is healing and prospering.  He is where he should be, creating his career path and living life on his own.  Now I realize his father and I taught him well, and I am proud of the man he is, even without a gallbladder!

 

 

 

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