Today is my birthday

So today is my birthday and I don't feel another year older. Hooray for that! I'm in a very calm place and just happy with my life. I had a ton of online birthday greetings this morning (facebook, message board, email) - great way to start the day. Terry gave me some stuff for my camera that will be fun and come in handy. He knows I love to take pictures so I can scrapbook them!

I'm super busy but have taken a few days away from my office to attend a class. This is a PIO training class. The class has been very worthwhile. Great information, great networking opportunity.

One of the instructors, PIO in the mayor's office, was informed yesterday that his job would go the way of downsizing. We learned this after our lunch break. This is so difficult. I have said that this economic downturn hasn't touched me personally, but I have to rescind that statement. It has touched me in an emotional way. Although we are still employed and things look quite stable at the moment (knock on wood), when it touches people that I know, I am definitely affected by it. Jerry and I chatted about his situation a little today. He's doing well but the news is fresh. This will be a roller coaster ride for him and his family for a while. I feel sad for him.

The national news of the moment is the H1N1, formerly known as swine flu. Sidebar news: wash your hands. The proper technique is being touted on every channel and in every paper. Reporters are urging everyone to sing "Happy Birthday" twice while you wash your hands. I mentioned that today I could sing "Happy Birthday to me" for real. My comment was overheard and when we returned from our lunch break, a cute little birthday cake was at my table. Everyone enjoyed a piece.

I will be home alone this evening and I believe I am going to scrap the night away. Not a bad way to spend a birthday.

Idaho Fraud Awareness Week

Today is the first day of Idaho Fraud Awareness Week. This is my baby and it is two years old. My Fraud Awareness Coalition has grown in strength and numbers. Here is the banner from my Website


Last year's event was challenging and a huge learning experience for me. I spent much of the time struggling with what to do and how to do it. There were days when I was ready to throw in the towel and run away. But I'm not a quitter! We had small successes and built on those so that this year is already off to a much better start. I attended the first seminar today and part way through the presentation, a man with a TV camera walked into the room.


Media attention is what it's all about so this was unexpected awesomeness! I just watched the segment on Channel 2 and was pleased. Always wishing it was a better hair day, but glad that I didn't look and act like a dork! From all reports, we are having great success all over the state.

Part of my job as Coalition Chair is to raise funds for the event. In spite of a tough economy, we've raised more this year than last. Here I am with one of our generous sponsors. (Now that was a good hair day!)