4 | AUGUST 3 • 2023
for openers
A Wordy Workout
P
ilates? Jogging?
Calisthenics? These
workouts are familiar
to the many who exercise
regularly.
However,
are you
familiar with
the exercise
involved in
your everyday
conversations?
If you get
misinformation, it may
cause you to jump to
conclusions. You will then
have to swallow your pride
and maybe even bend over
backwards to make amends.
It is important you rise
on the ladder of success but
try to do so without blowing
your own horn. Your
career choice may find you
wading through paperwork,
balancing the books or even
running around in circles
until you finally are able to
hit the nail on the head.
Also, try to avoid making
mountains out of molehills.
True, some folks’ actions
may have you climbing the
wall or even dragging your
heels. Nevertheless, there
should be no need to throw
your weight around or push
your luck.
If you
know a situation is ripe for
controversy, you may not
wish to open a can of worms
by going over the edge and
pulling out all the stops.
Without some self-control,
you may end up adding fuel
to the fire and having to eat
crow after putting your foot
in your mouth.
My advice to gain a
successful niche for yourself?
Do not beat around the
bush or pass the buck.
When others seek your
cooperation, do not hesitate
to jump on the bandwagon.
I hope that I have helped
you to get the ball rolling in
your vocabulary workout.
Now you can sit down and
exercise some caution.
Sy Manello
Editorial
Assistant
PURELY COMMENTARY
from the Executive Director
Three Lessons I Learned in the Woods
I
’ve always considered
myself an active, outdoorsy
person. From skiing in
the winter to hiking, biking
and swimming in the warmer
months, I love to
spend as much
time in the fresh
air as possible.
So, when my
partner, Rich,
suggested we
spend our
summer vacation
in the Upper Peninsula, I
jumped at the chance.
Even though I grew up in
Michigan, I had never been to
the UP, and I was excited to
spend time up there. Until I
heard the catch. We would be
camping for four nights. Not
staying in a romantic, rustic
cabin. Nor a furnished RV
. Not
even glamping. But camping.
In a tent. Sleeping on the
ground. With bugs. Suddenly
my excitement turned to
apprehension.
Now, I know how to “rough
it.” I spent my childhood
summers at Camp Tamarack.
I’m not afraid of a little dirt,
and I’m not a germaphobe. But
as much as I love the outdoors,
I have always opted to sleep
inside, preferably in close
proximity to running water.
That said, I was determined
to be a good sport. I opened
myself up to what would come.
Ultimately, I am so glad I
did.
The UP is everything I
dreamed it would be. It’s
basically a playground the size
of a state, and we took full
advantage of it. We spent our
days mountain biking, paddle
boarding, hiking and exploring
local breweries.
In the evenings, we cooked
dinner and took long walks on
the shores of Lake Superior,
taking photos and skipping
stones. It didn’t get dark until
almost 11 p.m., and we stayed
up late looking at the stars
and sitting by the open fire
listening to music, reading
and talking about life. I even
enjoyed sleeping in the tent.
I found it’s peaceful listening
to the sounds of nature while
drifting off to sleep.
I share this experience
because it reminded me of
some important lessons about
Marni Raitt
continued on page 6
“Roughing it” in our tent