tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56165134881993834682024-03-13T23:02:08.449-04:00Ingersoll Paper Box BlogHi there, so glad you have checked out my blog! Just a little bit about myself; I am a Mom to 3 lovely children, and my husband and I have a happy life together, right here in Ingersoll. I work full time at Ingersoll Paper Box, which is my family’s business. I am the 4th generation to work here. I started the blog because I wanted to share great stories about my life...and even funny moments. Just a little something to think about.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-27543144795606165292015-12-17T14:17:00.000-05:002015-12-17T14:17:58.351-05:00Picture Puzzle Piece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBPbMvVCXnw/VnLpE20trjI/AAAAAAAAANY/OyKlIKseJ0s/s1600/IMG_9655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBPbMvVCXnw/VnLpE20trjI/AAAAAAAAANY/OyKlIKseJ0s/s320/IMG_9655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;">Do you remember growing up reading the Shel Silverstien books? I loved them. My most favourite days in school was when the teacher would pull out one of his books and start reading - I remember how much I would laugh. My kids have the same appreciation for these books and we enjoy reading them from time to time. It was just the other day I found my son reading "A light in the attic" so I sat down beside him to read along. He was sharing some of his favourites with me when we came across the "Picture Puzzle Piece" poem and he mentioned that he didn’t understand it. </span><br style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;" /><br style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;" /><span style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;">So I read it out loud to him and at first I didn’t either - Then all of a sudden it hit me. </span><br style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;" /><br style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;" /><span style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;">We start puzzles by having all the pieces and a picture of what it should be...but what if we could only see one piece of the puzzle and not see the whole picture, what does that one piece represent and where does it fit in the big picture. </span><br style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;" /><br style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;" /><span style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;">We started to think about how "The Puzzle Piece" poem relates to our everday world and how we should keep the message of this poem in mind when we meet someone for the first time or when dealing with people we see everyday. We often only see a small part of who they really are. We don’t know all that they are going through, the burdens they are carrying, or possibly illnesses they are hiding. We need to remind ourselves that we are only seeing one picture puzzle piece at a time and without all the pieces we will never truly appreciate the full picture. </span><br style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;" /><br style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;" /><span style="font-family: 'Bell MT'; line-height: normal;">This concept is something we have reflected on every day this week...Something I hope you will think about too.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-4379200956960452272015-08-11T15:25:00.000-04:002015-08-11T15:25:49.704-04:00Craft – Creative – Culture ... a re-Brand Initiative<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWMmTeFUtqA/VcpJNfDJtiI/AAAAAAAAANE/p6Kj6o9gfTY/s1600/rebrand2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWMmTeFUtqA/VcpJNfDJtiI/AAAAAAAAANE/p6Kj6o9gfTY/s200/rebrand2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Are you thinking of re-branding? Is it time for a fresh new look for your company/product? When considering a re-branding initiative don’t forget to think long and hard about how your packaging fits into that equation, and more importantly how your packaging looks! Your package is your first line of communication with your customer and plays an important role on how they respond to your product. </span></span><span class="ecxeop"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 6pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Packaging tells them who YOU are, what YOU stand for, and they will immediately get a feel for your product.</span></span><span class="ecxeop"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 6pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The product that you selling to the consumer</span></span><span class="ecxapple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">is</span></span><span class="ecxapple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">not only a physical product, but an emotional product - You are selling a feeling, and an experience. Your packaging is the key to getting that message across.</span></span><span class="ecxeop"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 6pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I was recently at the </span></span><a href="http://www.luxepacknewyork.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">LUXE PACK</span></a><span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> conference, the premier show for creative packaging. There was an open panel discussion on how to get a new brand identity out to the consumer. The consensus was - Being Crafty, Creative and Cultural will bring Clarity to your product. </span></span></div>
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<span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So what does that mean? ...</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 6pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Crafty </span></i></span><span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">– make sure that what you are putting out is Perfection – you want the consumer to have what you consider to be the most perfect product on the market – the packaging will tell them that story.</span></span><span class="ecxeop"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 6pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Creative </span></i></span><span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">– The package must be inspiring to the consumer. It should make them want to come back again and again.</span></span><span class="ecxeop"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 6pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Culture</span></i></span><span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> – The package can tell your story, what</span></span><span class="ecxapple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">the company and products stand for. </span></span><span class="ecxapple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Your core values.</span></span><span class="ecxeop"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 6pt;"></span></div>
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<span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">If you are going through a re-branding initiative or just looking for new packaging ideas, please ask us to the table! Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited is dedicated to making sure your product is packaged in the best way possible. </span></span><span class="ecxapple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span><span class="ecxnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> Our Marketing team will be happy to put a presentation together for you to see all of what is available to you!</span></span><span class="ecxeop"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-40307962076567847792015-01-05T22:07:00.003-05:002015-01-05T22:13:13.461-05:002014 Highlights <div class="MsoNormal">
Wow, we have officially wrapped up 2014, and what a year it has been! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXGBrx3ZJIQ/VKtRQL-P1fI/AAAAAAAAALw/CmcCV31t_ks/s1600/sarah%2Bskinner%2B2014%2Breview%2Bblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXGBrx3ZJIQ/VKtRQL-P1fI/AAAAAAAAALw/CmcCV31t_ks/s1600/sarah%2Bskinner%2B2014%2Breview%2Bblog.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Last January, we talked about change. How important it is to keep changing. Never staying stagnant. We sure showed everyone that change; big
change should be embraced and celebrated as an exciting way to move
forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">January and February saw us in training – A
LOT! KBA training in Germany for the press
operators, Esko and Agfa training for our new pre-media work flow and
platesetter. We also dug the hole in the
plant floor in preparation for the new printing press. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Now, some may wonder why we have been
talking so much about a new printing press.
For us, this type of purchase doesn’t happen often. And when it does, it’s a big deal! What made this an even bigger deal was all
the new features that this press has been able to offer us and our
customers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">2013 also saw some major renovations; the
biggest and most exciting was our new lounge area. A special space created for customers and
employees to hang out while at IPB. We
use this space to host our events, info sessions, vendor presentations and customer
press proofs. The space also features a
few museum pieces that detail the company’s history. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">March and April brought the delivery of
lots of new equipment. The KBA began to
arrive in March (it was delivered in over 20 crates – not little ones, large
ones, VERY LARGE!) and we immediately began installation. The Agfa platesetter was installed and became
operational. Esko pre-media work flow was
also installed. This allowed us to work with
artwork files onsite directly with the customer. A new chapter for IPB!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Sales and Marketing teams were busy at
trade-shows. Showing potential customers
everything that IPB has to offer! We
spent a great deal of time seeing what was happening – new and cool ideas in
the packaging industry. Always staying
on top of the latest trends!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">May and June found us prepping for 2 big
events. For our first ever, we hosted
our local Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce Business After 5. Local business owners came and toured our
facility and got to see first hand just what we do at IPB! For our second event, we held a customer VIP day. Customers were invited to tour the facility
and see what we have been up to, and meet the staff! Eric Frank from KBA came to speak about
trends in the packaging industry and relationships between supplier and
customer. This made for a very eventful
June! It was exciting to see how many
people came to visit us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">July and August was ‘All systems
a-go’. All of the training that we had
gone through in the last few months were coming together in the pre-media,
pre-press and printing departments. The
summer always brings IPB family BBQ’s and fundraising events for our team. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We were excited to welcome new and
returning customers throughout the summer months. New challenges were set and are now being
met! All thanks to the great first six
months of the year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">September and October were much of the
same. But now we were turning some of
our attention to the other Departments.
Diecutting departments were trained on learning new knicking methods,
quicker makereadies and more consistent cut and creaselines that will make our
packaging work better on the auto-fill equipment! Learning about new technology and what is
coming out in the next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce awarded
Ingersoll Paper Box with Industry of the Year for 2014. Very exciting to be recognized as a team in
our own community for our achievements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">November and into December we decided to
try a fundraiser. While promoting the amazing
new techonology we have in house, we made gift boxes for the holiday
season. We sold them locally with all
proceeds going towards to local charities.
Ones that are near and dear to our hearts. The Lunch Bunch serves hot lunches to
children at schools. The Inter-Church
Relief program runs the Hamper program during the Christmas season. And through
out the rest of the year provides food, clothing and financial assistance were
and when needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The gift boxes came in 2 sizes, and 4
different print looks, along with gift tags.
Sold throughout the month of December, we raised well over $3,000.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">With the New Year upon us, we are happy
with all of our past accomplishments. And I
can honestly say I am so proud of the IPB team.
We made many changes and coming out the other side, we look back and can
see now that all these changes were necessary to move forward for a better future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">If you are interested in a tour and want to see what
we have been up to this past year - Contact your IPB Sales Representative. </span><b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Hope to
see you soon.</span></i></b><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-5338053685128310732014-11-13T10:19:00.003-05:002014-11-13T10:19:57.761-05:00Change is Good…<div class="MsoNormal">
Every couple of years I like to
change my hair style. I don’t know why. I just like the
change. I’m not talking subtle changes, I’m talking going from long to
pixie cut and back again. Now the back again always seems to take
forever. But if you do it with sort of funky style, the change seems to
happen over a few months. Believe me there are days when I curse my
hairstylist and my crazy idea for change. </div>
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Change is good, and at times
necessary. IPB has certainly changed a lot this past
year. Not only have we changed the face of IPB, but also our
capabilities. We have overcome many challenges. New and great
challenges….and the greatest part of all – I knew that our team was up for that
Challenge! We’ve all faced the change with own style and have made it our
new normal. <o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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One year ago this coming week, we
signed the deal with KBA to bring in a new Printing Press and I knew that would
spark a chain reaction – a chain of changes. We all looked at each other,
held on and jumped in. 1 year later, I couldn’t be more proud!<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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Last week I wrote about winning an
award from Ingersoll’s Chamber of Commerce. I came back to the office
with the award and was ready to present it to the team. I got up in front
of everyone and thought I would be able to keep it together. I wanted to
share with them how lovely the evening was, talk to them about what I said when
I accepted the award on behalf of the team, I stood before the group of people that
help bring my crazy ideas to life. I was overwhelmed with emotion and
started to cry – yes a girl moment! I walked off the stage shaking
my head wondering why is it when I have an emotional moment - I cry. It
wasn’t until the next day when I walked out into the plant to see what was
happening that day, that people came up to me and gave me a hug and told me
that they were proud to be a part of the IPB team that I understood it.
It’s ok to show your softer side – some emotion, and yes maybe show them your
ugly crying face. <o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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I spend a lot of time with these
people, and I consider them my family. We celebrate together – and cry
together (good or bad). We are in this together for the long haul.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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Last night I was invited to go to
the Canadian Printing Awards. An exciting night to celebrate and share
what is happening in the printing industry. Recipients received awards
for lifetime achievements, up and coming leaders and innovation.
There were also a number of judged categories. It was my first time at
such an awards presentation. But certainly re-affirmed the changes we
have made and will continue to make in the year (s) to come!<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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I certainly walked away with a
number of new ideas to add to my Vision Board. I love change! And a
good challenge – don’t you?!?<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-77558726285227929852014-10-31T15:56:00.003-04:002014-10-31T15:56:41.323-04:00And the Winner Is….<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgculqknO5g/VFPkOgF0rqI/AAAAAAAAALY/hJ9iGtB9UBQ/s1600/Sarah_skinner_IPB_Blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgculqknO5g/VFPkOgF0rqI/AAAAAAAAALY/hJ9iGtB9UBQ/s1600/Sarah_skinner_IPB_Blog.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>Ingersoll is a home that I have
grown to love. As a young adult, I could not wait to leave the town
limits and move to the big city. But, soon realized when it was time to
raise a my own family, I couldn’t think of anywhere better to raise my
children. <o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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Ingersoll offers the best of both
worlds – we are a short drive to major cities, but can experience all the
wonderful joys a small town as to offer.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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Last night was a night that I will
always remember - Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Awards of
Excellence evening. It is a night I always look forward to - where
members nominate businesses and owners for different awards. Ingersoll
Paper Box Co. Limited was awarded the Industry of the Year for 2014. What
a proud moment!<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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But before the awards were handed
out, our newly re-elected mayor spoke about all the great things happening here
in our town. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in
Ontario. There are businesses expanding, and new opportunities
coming to the community. We have new parks building built, and wonderful
festivals bringing people back into the community. It’s encouraging to
hear the town be spoken of in such a positive manner. Because it’s way
too often we get dragged down by the negative.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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In addition to our award, there
were four other awards presented. Business of the Year (The Bakery Café),
Business Person of the Year (Brenda Hendry), Youth Citizen of the Year (Sarah
Cameron), and Citizen of the Year (Adam Funnel). The award winders all
exude what living in a small town means to us – they are giving back to the
community each and every day.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmxnApihOa8/VFPkdHtijbI/AAAAAAAAALg/-V6rxq_bvoI/s1600/Ingersoll_Chamber_Awards_IPB_Blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmxnApihOa8/VFPkdHtijbI/AAAAAAAAALg/-V6rxq_bvoI/s1600/Ingersoll_Chamber_Awards_IPB_Blog.JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a>It was a wonderful evening. What a
nice way to be recognized for all our hard work - We have done so much this
past year! Added an Inspection machine, new proofing and prepress
systems, had an office facelift, and installed our new KBA printing
press! <o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
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So much to be proud of…which makes
receiving this award from our community so much more special.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<u6:p></u6:p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-91057233804311872232014-10-09T14:18:00.000-04:002014-10-09T15:15:47.665-04:00OMG AYFR? <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">OMG AYFR? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Translation: OH MY GOSH ARE YOU FOR REAL?
Smiley face<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CA7ytIGcx74/VDbdmUX6iBI/AAAAAAAAALI/cRmWzHmsIKk/s1600/Sarah%2BSkinner%2BOMG%2Bblog%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CA7ytIGcx74/VDbdmUX6iBI/AAAAAAAAALI/cRmWzHmsIKk/s1600/Sarah%2BSkinner%2BOMG%2Bblog%2Bphoto.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">Ok, so here is something to think about…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This past week found me in the great city
of Chicago at an annual industry tradeshow.
Nice to get out of the office, see what’s new, make some new contacts, and
catch up with some friends. It is always
interesting to see how the industry is evolving. Where years ago, this show was multi leveled
with huge machinery at every exhibit.
Now you see the digital world is in fact taking over. With everything digital, you can add so many
interesting FX to packaging.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You see what I just did there – FX =
effects. Acronyms are becoming such a
common way of writing, advertising, and texting. In dealing with many different industries
over the years, you become accustomed to seeing acronyms that are specific to
their own office or industry. However, I
have to admit reading some texts these days is starting to make my brain
hurt. Is this truly the way things are
going? I am such a “long winded texter”,
must drive people nuts? </div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Typically, I feel like I am pretty current
with new trends, and kind of ‘in the know’ on sayings. But when I was out with a friend having
drinks after the show, waiting for another friend to join us, she texted – and ended
it with – “LMK”. We were stumped. I know LOL, TTYL, BTW, LMAO, G8, ISO, and a
few others, but LMK…??? She really had
us stumped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s no different than being behind a
vehicle with personalized license plates.
Some are real head scratchers but I love trying to figure them out, makes
for a nice road trip game with the family.
LMK really made me think! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We finally sorted it out – Let Me Know… It
got us laughing at how 3 simple letters could be so difficult to understand. But it also got us thinking - more making fun
of ourselves. It feels good to laugh at yourself,
sometimes it’s needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Is this really where things are going? Have all our English classes gone to
waste. OMG – I sound old….or perhaps
someone who just doesn’t want to lose the art of writing the language we speak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This morning I got up and thought, there
can’t be that many texting acronym’s– but nope, wrong again! There is a whole dictionary on texting with acronym’s! WTH!!!???<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So I have included the links to the better
sites I found. Just to help keep you all
current! LOL! Happy Reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.netlingo.com/top50/popular-text-terms.php">http://www.netlingo.com/top50/popular-text-terms.php</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php">http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.textingabbreviations.ca/">http://www.textingabbreviations.ca</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-49662761065692373452014-09-25T14:17:00.000-04:002014-09-25T23:25:19.243-04:00Great Expectations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was driving my
son to his guitar lesson the other day when I casually asked if he practiced
much in the past week. I knew the answer
– it was a rhetorical question. I knew
the guitar had sat in the exact same spot he left it after his last
lesson. I’m not sure what I was
expecting to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see he saved
up his money and bought the guitar himself.
I told him if he wanted to play guitar he could pay for the guitar, and
I would pay for lessons. I thought this
would be a good compromise and would encourage him to work at it. I figured by doing this, he would appreciate
the value of the instrument and not want to waste his money. I expected him to want to learn how to the
play the guitar whole heartedly. But he
is 11. And he loves life, sports, being
outside on his bike, playing with his friends.
Not sitting inside playing his guitar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it lasted 3
weeks. We are now into week 7. The guitar is left alone, more than it is
played - I understand that it is a busy time of year for an eleven-year-old,
but is it not always.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got a little
upset about his lack of practicing. And
then I asked myself, what was I expecting?
Had I voiced my concerns to him?
Had we talked the whole thing through?
We started guitar lessons in the middle of summer!!! What was I thinking?!?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Expectations are a
funny thing aren’t they? It is no
different from making “assumptions” (remember; when you assume, you make and
Ass out of U and Me). An expression my grade
8 teacher reminded the class of repeatedly!
I looked up the word ‘expectation’ in the dictionary it means: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a;">a
strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future. A belief that someone will or should achieve
something.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then I read something pretty profound:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we let expectations rule our lives, we set ourselves up for
disappointment. And then we judge
ourselves for it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After thinking about this for a while, I couldn’t help but
remember a funny story my parents had shared with me. After their wedding and on their way to the
honeymoon destination my father realized there was only one suitcase. Surprised that all of their things could fit
into one case he casually mentioned it to my Mom. He had fully expected she was going to pack
his things for their week away. Funny
how expectations can lead to disappointment….It must have been a great way to
start their honeymoon!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It wasn’t too long ago, when I would often think people
around me had their own expectations of what they wanted me to do and I didn’t
want to disappoint them or myself. So I
stayed the course and didn’t do anything that would create too much unwanted
attention. However, I found myself
struggling internally and constantly judging and feeling disappointed. You see, at the time I thought it would be
best if I were a wallflower type. I always
worried about how I would be judged if I broke the mold that people had set out
for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the last few years, I decided to chart my own
course. Break free from the chains of what
people expected me to do, and jump in feet first. I have learned (as corny as this sounds) the
path of life is similar to that of a river; a constant stream that keeps
moving. Sometimes the current is strong
and things move fast, other times, it is slow and steady. And then there are times where you just need
a break and you lay on the bank for a bit.
Dry out and get ready to jump back in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have learned that doing something like this requires
trust. Trusting that you can do it. Trusting that letting go of the expectations and
going with the flow just might bring things to the table you may have never
have thought of or even imagined before.
Or ever had the guts to do!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are at the 7 week mark of the guitar lessons, I have to
remind myself that I cannot set expectations on a kid who has no idea what I am
expecting of him. So last night we sat
and chatted about how we were going to move forward and how we can do this so
he is prepared and I don’t feel like I am wasting money so he can re-learn the same
chords over and over again! </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-34668143855390972652014-09-10T14:15:00.000-04:002014-09-10T14:18:10.772-04:00What is unique about you? <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Each of us is unique in our own way. Some of us like to show off our uniqueness
and others like to keep it to themselves.
I asked some people at work what makes them ‘unique’. Most people thought it was the hardest
question they have been asked in a while.
While other’s smiled and had an answer straight away. Here are some of the responses I received
today:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“No matter where I go, I love to find a connection to
someone I know already, you really get to know someone and then you have
something to talk about!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“I love to do woodworking in my spare time”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“I am probably the biggest neat freak you will ever
meet and I married someone who is exactly the same way!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“My laugh”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“My ability to help people through tough situations”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“I love to wear funky socks – the less they match my
outfit, the better!”<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sometimes we forget that these unique
abilities are what make us special.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What I was reminded of today was that we have
a great team here at IPB - People who shine in their own special way. What
is our own unique ability? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Don’t forget to embrace it, love it and
share it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eK5oibGffg/VBCU1490BoI/AAAAAAAAAKU/_YV8FGFXsok/s1600/unique%2Bblog%2Bingersoll%2Bpaper%2Bbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eK5oibGffg/VBCU1490BoI/AAAAAAAAAKU/_YV8FGFXsok/s1600/unique%2Bblog%2Bingersoll%2Bpaper%2Bbox.jpg" height="329" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-75449722459247713922014-07-03T14:41:00.003-04:002014-07-03T14:41:53.269-04:00Good things are happening at “The Box”…<div class="MsoNormal">
I sit here reflecting and am
filled with such gratitude.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On June 19<sup>th</sup> 2014, IPB
thew open the doors and welcomed customers and suppliers inside to see all of
the great investments we have made in our workflow over the last 2 years.
June 19<sup>th</sup> is a day I will never forget.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLa1agv9JBw/U7Wj1T1nhFI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/1eZ9BTaBoqo/s1600/ingersoll+paper+box+open+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLa1agv9JBw/U7Wj1T1nhFI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/1eZ9BTaBoqo/s1600/ingersoll+paper+box+open+house.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew the day we purchased the
KBA, that we needed to host an open for customers and suppliers. Just
looking at the new press in action is exciting - The KBA is a beast, and looks
like a rocket ship – such a beautiful piece of machinery. Not only does the KBA
look great, it does the most amazing stuff! When we bought it, I knew the
magnitude of what was coming and what it would do for us. It was our time
to shine and put IPB in the spotlight!<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What started with just a concept
very quickly turned into an extraordinary event.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a plane ride home from a show
in New York - Jess and I put the finishing touches on the invitations. It
was at the same show that we saw fancy coffee and tea served that we thought we
should do the same thing at IPB with a ‘travelling Barista!’. The ideas
just started rolling and everyone was eager to get involved. From one
great idea to another- the event was starting to take shape. My
brother and sister-in-law offered to play swanky jazz music (live and in
person!). Everyone agreed we needed to design and do our own printed
promo items to help show our guests just how incredible this new press is. <o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A fellow print industry friend
suggested we have a guest speaker and referred us to Eric Frank, VP of
Marketing and Product Development at KBA. The theme of the day was <i>VIP –
Value in Packaging, Value in Partnership.</i> Eric’s talk during the day
hit on both of those aspects. He spoke of the investments IPB has made
not only in KBA, but over the last 5 years, in our company, in the community
and in our people. He was truly an inspiration. <o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the planning process, one
of our suppliers approached me because they had heard we were going to do
something special in the coming months. They wanted to help and be a part
of it in some way. I was blown away by the request and thought, “what a
great way to get everyone involved!” We asked other partners that we have
worked with over the years to be a part of the day as well. What an
overwhelming response we had. Suppliers are a key component to running a
successful business; and our suppliers have been a part of the day-to-day
business at IPB for years, and what a great way for them to learn about what we
have been doing! And be a part of our success.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was the positive response from
our customers that really helped push this event forward! We had close to
75 customers walk through the front doors during our open house event. I
was thrilled that they would make the time to drive to our facility and spend a
couple of hours with us. <o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was 92 years ago that Ingersoll
Paper Box Co. Limited was started. We will never forget where we came
from, and are always looking ahead to our future . With great
employees, customers and suppliers we have with us - I am again filled with
such gratitude.<o:p></o:p><u6:p></u6:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<u6:p></u6:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">From the bottom of my heart – I
wanted to say to thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make IPB what it
is today. <o:p></o:p></span><u6:p></u6:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-61403457603380021572014-05-01T15:17:00.002-04:002014-05-01T15:17:44.696-04:00My Own Breakfast of Champions<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years, I have sat down
numerous times to write about something that I am sure has affected many of
you. Mental Illness…Yup, you read that right.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I was at the Breakfast of
Champions for the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Assoc.). I have been going
for a couple of years now and it has always been an inspiring experience.
There are usually 5-10 nominations for the Champion of Mental Health Awards,
the nominee can be for an individual person or groups of people who have
contributed to promoting mental health awareness, have raised funds, or have
helped those struggling and for those who struggle themselves. In my
eyes, all of the nominees are winners. <u6:p></u6:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The breakfast ends with a speaker,
someone who has been affected by mental illness. Last year was Clara Hughes
(Canadian Olympian), and this year it was Chantal Kreviazuk
(singer/songwriter/performer). Hard to compare the two, both were equally
interesting to hear how mental health has affected them.<u6:p></u6:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While listening to Chantal speak
about how mental health has played a role in her life, I realized I didn't need
to tell my story completely. I just needed to put it out there that
“everyone is dealing with something”. We can all be our own Champion.
It’s up to us to decide the role it’s going to play in our lives<u6:p></u6:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we are honest with ourselves,
in some way we are all affected by mental illness. So when you really think
about it, there is a good chance that the person walking by you on the sidewalk
may be dealing with their own struggles, or know someone who has. It
certainly makes you look at everyone differently. Most likely, they are
having the same thoughts about it as you – it makes you feel "not so alone".<u6:p></u6:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone has a story - just know that I have been affected, been in pain
and feel the heartache. But at the same time I am so grateful for this
learning experience and what wonderful things all of these people have brought
into my life</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-82886225053973250382014-03-06T09:26:00.001-05:002014-03-06T15:31:46.228-05:00BECAUSE EVERY CHILD DESERVES A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP…It was a few years ago when we received our first invitation
to the Sleeping Children Around the World breakfast fundraiser at The Royal
York in Toronto. A customer sent us an invitation and we got a couple of
tickets and headed to Toronto to check it out.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Not knowing what to expect – we listened to the presentation
and boy were we surprised. Our Sales Rep, Ryan Walker came back wondering
how he or we could do more.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i>Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW)is a not for
profit organization that believes that all children deserve a peaceful nights
sleep. Started by Murray and Margaret Dryden (parents of the famous
hockey players). </i><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUYidzlmjsI/UxiKhKrG4lI/AAAAAAAAAI4/l-eDVLSQej8/s1600/webpage_08.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUYidzlmjsI/UxiKhKrG4lI/AAAAAAAAAI4/l-eDVLSQej8/s1600/webpage_08.png" height="57" width="320" /></a><em></em> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNcvsLcCyR0/UxiKr5zWe2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/BcVeV_am7Xk/s1600/ugan11-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNcvsLcCyR0/UxiKr5zWe2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/BcVeV_am7Xk/s1600/ugan11-02.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a><i>After a long and successful career, the Dryden’s life
took an interesting turn. Murray had taken to travelling and had found
himself in India. After a long day of travel, he was looking for sleeping
accommodations for the night, and as he walked along the street, he found
himself tripping over something he didn’t even see. When he realized he
had fallen over a sleeping child in the street, it brought him back to the days
of the depression in Prairie country in Canada, where he himself had to do
without the comforts of a proper bed.<u5:p></u5:p></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i></i><br />
<i>It was his passion for change and the support of his wife
that an idea brought forth to the YMCA in India would see the organization
start to take shape and their first trip to an orphanage to distribute ‘slumber
kits’. Their intention was that each child selected would receive a
mattress, bedding items, some new clothes and some basic school supplies.
They also insisted that each bed kit would be made or bought from items with in
the area of distribution. <u5:p></u5:p></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i>44 years later, SCAW has touched the hearts and hands of
over 1 million children throughout 34 countries. **<u5:p></u5:p></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It has been 3 years since that breakfast; we have been going
every year and have personally purchased bedkits to send to the next
distribution trip. However, what Ryan decided next would touch so many others
lives. He decided to sponsor his sister to go on a distribution trip.
After many interviews and a long waiting list, it was confirmed that she would
be going to the Philippines this spring 2014. <u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="s2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2a0uZqF05Q/UxiOsHnOgPI/AAAAAAAAAJM/RN7TDXZOIKE/s1600/SCAW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2a0uZqF05Q/UxiOsHnOgPI/AAAAAAAAAJM/RN7TDXZOIKE/s1600/SCAW.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span class="s21">Ryan mentioned
to me that his sister would be going on an
upcoming trip and asked if we (IPB) would be interested in
listening to her story and sponsoring her journey. As we talked a little
further, our team planned for a lunch time fundraiser, penny sale and raffle
prizes. IPBer’s are a very generous bunch of people and I was hoping
that they would see the greatness that this organization does around the world.
</span>Friends and families were invited and we had a packed house! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We also invited another volunteer (Mike Foster) with SCAW to
come to IPB and talk about what the organization does around the world.
It was when Mike said that a family receiving a bedkit was as if they were
receiving gold - it dawned on me the impact of having these essential items in
ones life really means. In most of our homes, everyone has the warmth of
a soft and cozy bed, but for many in other countries only a few can afford this
luxury. Or that children cannot go to school unless they had a school
uniform, and the bedkits would include 2 sets of clothes (school uniform in
most cases). Most days I feel like it’s a fight to get my kids out the
door to go to school! <u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The words that were spoken touched so many of us, and our
chilli lunch was an overwhelming success. With just a few weeks to plan
and put on the event, everyone chipped in and pulled off a great day. It
was one of those days that made us go home and think WOW! <u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
After the money had been counted IPBer’s raised whopping
$1065! I couldn’t have been more proud of our group. And what adds
to this is that Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited will be matching whatever was
raised. So in total we will be donating a total of
$2163. This means we will be able to buy 60 bedkits to send with Sandy.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
As I was lying in my warm bed that night thinking of the
comments made by Mike, and Sandy it certainly put things into
perspective. There are some amazing people of out there doing amazing
things with their lives and because they are spreading their message, we in
Ingersoll will be affecting the lives of 60 families - Something to be proud of.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I feel that this is just the start of something greater we
will be doing in our future!<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i>** information taken from <a href="http://www.scaw.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.scaw.org</span></a><u5:p></u5:p></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
For more information on Sleeping Children Around the World,
or to make a donation, please visit their website <a href="http://www.scaw.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.scaw.org</span></a><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<u5:p></u5:p><br />
<u5:p></u5:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrjG7izaQTM/UxjaeDhUZII/AAAAAAAAAJc/s5jByXof60s/s1600/SCAW+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrjG7izaQTM/UxjaeDhUZII/AAAAAAAAAJc/s5jByXof60s/s1600/SCAW+2014.jpg" height="396" width="640" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-28705316117913392682014-01-23T09:41:00.000-05:002014-01-23T09:41:26.339-05:00It’s all in how you look at it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSpXOfzUXLU/UuEp1wAAkRI/AAAAAAAAAIo/WObQsF64ZYU/s1600/ingersoll+paper+box+blog+edit1232014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSpXOfzUXLU/UuEp1wAAkRI/AAAAAAAAAIo/WObQsF64ZYU/s1600/ingersoll+paper+box+blog+edit1232014.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">To most people they would say who would dig
such a big hole in your factory floor?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, we say why not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">No, it’s not a new lap pool (however some
would like that), nor a fishing pond for break time (a whole other crew would
like that).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the future site of
our new KBA Rapida 106.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming from the
factory in Dresden Germany, this multi-million dollar investment is extremely
exciting for Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">So, it’s all in how you look at it, some
might see a big hole, some might see a lot of dirt, I see progress and everyone
at IPB is pumped!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Stay tuned for more news on our latest
upgrade at IPB!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-72890688581238786862013-11-20T14:03:00.001-05:002013-11-20T14:03:20.942-05:00Have you met Dave? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4u0iWYRGTFY/UnuksdPsouI/AAAAAAAAAII/q2BbFv65Bx0/s1600/David+Skinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4u0iWYRGTFY/UnuksdPsouI/AAAAAAAAAII/q2BbFv65Bx0/s1600/David+Skinner.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most people know Dave Skinner as a
business man and anyone who does knows IPB is a big part of his life. In
fact, Ingersoll Paper Box has been his life for over 50 years. He built
this business by giving the customer exactly what they ask for, and by being
honest and fair to everyone he meets. I <span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">hate to sum it up like that but he is the most
honest and fair person I know. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dave and I started working
together when I was only 16. At first it didn’t go well. He had
extremely high expectations, and I was a teenager. Not a great
combo. But we persevered and got through my tough teenage years - he
lowered his expectations (or maybe got rid of them all together!) and all these
years later we still have our offices beside each other. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am sure the people in the office
don’t love it when we get snippy with each other. They may even find it
uncomfortable at times! But our relationship is a unique one. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You see, Dave is my Dad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I started calling him Dave when I
was a teenager, not out of dis-respect - but out of respect for those around me
at work. Not everyone needs reminding that he is my Dad. They all
know it. I don’t need to go around saying it – so now I call him Dave all
the time in or out of the office! Even my kids call him Dave! Upon
his request, he didn’t want Grampa or Poppa!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dave is well known in our little
community. He is a father to 3 amazing kids, and Grandfather to 6 lovely
grandchildren. He has donated countless hours to coaching different
teams, various committees and charities around our town. Marathon runner, speed
biker, and general workout King. Dave is a big proponent of healthy
living. He dedicates a lot of time to helping those living with addiction
issues. Dave is also a cancer survivor (almost 8 years cancer free).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What most people don’t know about
Dave is that he is an amazing artist. For years, I have always seen
his little doodles on pieces of paper around his office or on the file folder
he is carrying around with him. But now he is putting his art out there
for everyone to see! Over the years he has used different types of media
to showcase his talent, but his latest passion is painting - either with ink or
paint, and his work is absolutely amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you interested in seeing his
work – keep an eye out for it at the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre, and it’s
currently for sale at a store in Toronto (The Arts Market on Queen Street East)
– or better yet, drop in and visit him in his studio here at IPB. We have
converted a portion of the second story of our original building into an art
studio. (The rest of the space will be dedicated to a yoga studio/work
out area very soon!).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes, Dave is my Dad. Most people I meet wouldn’t have known this –
unless of course we are standing beside one another. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKilRXKwk50/UnulAIsnBII/AAAAAAAAAIQ/1GgfC6b0HFk/s1600/Sarah_Dave_Skinner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKilRXKwk50/UnulAIsnBII/AAAAAAAAAIQ/1GgfC6b0HFk/s400/Sarah_Dave_Skinner.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-70061837412986312672013-10-02T15:39:00.002-04:002013-10-02T15:39:45.054-04:00To Braille or Not to Braille<br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: black;">We have been providing Braille embossing on
pharmaceutical cartons at IPB for many years, so many in fact that I can’t even
remember when we started!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: black;">In the beginning, the braille was embossed
directly on the diecutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
developed a system to check the cartons and it was mostly done by eye. The
operators had to be extremely careful during the manufacturing process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tooling costs were very high and the set
up times were very long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot has
changed in our industry and the technology advancements are incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">During my recent travel throughout Europe it
was very evident that Braille is much more widely used in Europe than it is in
America or Canada - But like most things, it takes a few more years for ideas
to be implemented on this side of the pond.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria;">The experience led me to start thinking about
how we need to be more prepared for what is coming down the pipe. 2 years ago
we purchased a new piece of equipment that brought braille embossing in line
with the gluing process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The system not
only embosses our cartons but also checks each box after it has been embossed
for 100% accuracy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It offers a very low
tooling cost and almost no extra set up costs are incurred.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/kOf_C1wTQkw/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/kOf_C1wTQkw&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/kOf_C1wTQkw&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: black;">So why not put Braille on all of your
cartons?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been a question that I
have been asking myself for a while now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are currently over *1 million Canadians who have significant sight
loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having Braille on cartons could
help them be more independent in their everyday life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN-US">Some people believe that Braille is
becoming an obsolete form of communication because of technology - but the
argument can also go the other way as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">critically important to everyone to have the ability to read and
write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Braille opens the door to
literacy, intellectual freedom, equal opportunity, and personal security.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: black;">By incorporating Braille as we have with
modern technology, we can then provide the consumers with necessary knowledge
of the product they are buying, without adding additional costs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: black;">So the question remains, to Braille or not
to Braille.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please ask your IPB sales
representative more about this service that we offer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">*taken from CNIB website </span><a href="http://www.cnib.ca/en/about/media/vision-loss/Pages/default.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Cambria;">http://www.cnib.ca/en/about/media/vision-loss/Pages/default.aspx</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-41067486509279469822013-09-25T11:14:00.001-04:002013-09-25T11:14:21.779-04:00The Latest and Greatest at IPB<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Well it’s that time of year when the summer weather starts
to cool off; the kids are back to school, and the fall season of tradeshows
ramp up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I have a hard time
being away from home and work, I do enjoy seeing the newest technology in the
packaging industry.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">This year our very own Jeff Brooks, Operations Manager and
Brad Orchard, Diecutting and Finishing Area leader went to Chicago’s Print’13
show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was promising trip; we have
been on the hunt for new quality enhancing equipment and Masterworks (Automatic
Sheet Inspection Machine Manufacture) was going showcase their carton
inspection system at the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Brad and Jeff were amazed at the
functionality of the machine, and we decided to purchase it and have it
delivered and installed at IPB by end of September.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">As suppliers to the healthcare and pharmaceutical
industries, we recognize that we need to upgrade our capacities in the
inspection area and up until this year; there wasn’t anything on the market
that would perform the way we needed it to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But alas, the time has arrived and we are expecting the delivery of our
newest inspection system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The system
will scan each box and compare it to our customer approved PDF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s quite amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This machine runs at a very high speed,
separates the good product from the bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And from what we know, it’s a first for Canada! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">As I write this blog today, I am
sitting in an airport in Germany. We are here to look at new printing presses.
We haven’t decided exactly what we are getting yet, but I am amazed at the
technology that can be done during the printing process. I have met some
brilliant and inspirational people on my travels – what makes this more
exciting for me is that we are bringing all of this knowledge back to IPB to
enhance our own facility.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Good things are a comin’!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can hardly wait to announce the next purchase!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Stay tuned for more information on these exciting new pieces
of equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-69846408851097302452013-09-04T15:42:00.002-04:002013-09-04T16:06:50.203-04:001st day Jitters…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pWjrSt9o4c/UieMzGzmygI/AAAAAAAAAH4/xqp9SS6L2sI/s1600/Sarah_Skinner_Ingersoll_Paper_Box_Blog_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pWjrSt9o4c/UieMzGzmygI/AAAAAAAAAH4/xqp9SS6L2sI/s320/Sarah_Skinner_Ingersoll_Paper_Box_Blog_26.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #444444;">Now that
the first day of school is behind us we can start concentrating on getting
ourselves back into the groove of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were so many jitters on the first day that it almost seems surreal
to be back in the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“The
first day of school” was certainly the focus of our dinner time talk last
night…excited for meet our new teachers, meet new friends and catch up with old
friends and what new expectations we had for the year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It turns
out that my oldest has the same teacher as last year - Which is what he wanted…But
now he has come to realize that none of his old friends are in his class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I thought that he was just bummed out
about having to go back to school, as the night went on, it became clear that he
was very disappointed to be without his friends from last year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As a
parent I struggle with this sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
understand his frustration and have a knot in my stomach just as he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to sit and cry too for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I need to remind myself that as the
parent, I should set an example and try to take an unfortunate circumstance and
turn it into something positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try
really hard to swing this into a positive light.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As the night
continued, he became more and more upset – typical 10 year old tunnel vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could see that his sister got into a class
with all of her friends, and his youngest brother starting for the first time
in Kindergarten was hard to compare.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally bedtime rolled
around. This is the time that I will sit or lay with each of the kids and
rehash a little of the day together. They tell me things that normally wouldn’t
be talked about at the dinner table. It could be something that happened
earlier in the day and it bothered them, or embarrassed them – or just
something on their mind. We usually get a lot out during these moments of togetherness
and I knew that lying with my oldest this night would be difficult. I had been
trying to think of a way to swing his sadness into something more positive. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We started talking about
wants <i>versus</i> needs and how they can be very different at times.
Sometimes what you want is the complete opposite from what you need. My son
struggles in school, which is no secret. So we talked about his time in the
classroom and how it will be easier for him to learn without anyone around to
distract or bug him. Focusing on friends during recess and lunch and how he
will have more fun with his friends in other classes. He is also a very social
guy, and I am sure by the end of the week, he will have a whole new group of
buddies. But the best part of his new school year was that he got to be with
the teacher he really wanted in the first place - Which is a good thing. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #444444;">Things
happen for a reason - Sometimes it’s hard to see the reason when we are confronted
with the situation at first, but soon afterwards it becomes clear why we were
put into that situation in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a hard concept for my 10 year old to understand, but it sure
does make me feel better knowing we talked it through.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-38701790611757244912013-07-03T18:58:00.001-04:002013-08-22T13:59:55.626-04:00What would you do if you weren’t afraid?<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">This is a question I
have often pondered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it’s a hard
question to admit the answer, other times it’s easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, I was sitting in a potential
clients meeting room and I looked up to see this very question on their
wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped to think about it for a
moment…have you ever wondered? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hG8RZfEuTpw/UdSsL8GJoRI/AAAAAAAAAHo/nFouIusU22Q/s640/dare+to+be+different+sarah+skinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hG8RZfEuTpw/UdSsL8GJoRI/AAAAAAAAAHo/nFouIusU22Q/s200/dare+to+be+different+sarah+skinner.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">When I was about 8 or 9 years old my Dad bought me a poster
for by bedroom wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Dare to be Different”.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were 20 apples in lines of 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of them were red except for 1, it was
green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I asked him what it meant he
told me it was for me to always remember not be afraid - to be my own person - to
make my own decisions, - to dare to be different from the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was difficult, as a young child my main
goal in life was to “fit in”, be accepted, to almost blend in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be horrified if I was pointed out of
the crowd for any reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">But as I grew up, I began to realize the meaning behind it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was 15, 18, 22 there were choices I
needed to make - Choices that would affect the rest of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could choose to be like all the rest, or take
a leap of faith and make my own choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">As a parent I see now why he put that poster in my room when
he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he didn’t even know it at
the time but it would be something that would stay with me for my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always chosen the path less
travelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got my drivers license on
my 16<sup>th</sup> birthday (you could do that back then).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left my home town for college as soon as I
could muster the courage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travelled the
world with my passport and a backpack and I loved every minute of it and
wouldn’t change it for anything.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">But as I sit here on my back deck, my husband beside me
reading the paper, and 3 kids playing in the backyard, I can’t help but start
to think. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘What would I do now if I
wasn’t afraid?’<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">This made me think of a good friend who told me about a book
she was reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lean In by Sheryl
Sandberg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just read an interesting
article about it a few days before and was thinking about doing some additional
research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clicked onto her Leanin.org website,
and the first thing I see on her page is the statement “What would you do if
you weren’t afraid?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Enough said, I am going to read this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will tell you what I think of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, tell me, what would YOU do now if
you weren’t afraid?<o:p></o:p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-244998241784453852013-06-13T09:19:00.002-04:002013-06-17T07:04:49.377-04:00Daddy to The Rescue<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFXDeSTRsAo/UbnGxRc3yNI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/8drV9e6eP8U/s1600/Sarah_Skinner_blog_DaddyHero.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFXDeSTRsAo/UbnGxRc3yNI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/8drV9e6eP8U/s1600/Sarah_Skinner_blog_DaddyHero.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFXDeSTRsAo/UbnGxRc3yNI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/8drV9e6eP8U/s320/Sarah_Skinner_blog_DaddyHero.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a tribute to my husband and loving father to my 3
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an honest to goodness true
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happened to me (us) this
morning.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was getting ready for the day, I could hear the kids
downstairs eating their breakfast and getting their day started, everything
seemed to be going smooth…until... I heard the very distinct sound of one of
them crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell it was my
daughter without even seeing that it was her.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moments later, she appears in my doorway, crying, blood dripping
from her mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a loose
tooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So loose, that it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ready </i>to come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was sobbing at this point, probably
reacting to my facial expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loose
teeth are not my thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can be a good tooth
fairy, explain to my kids why teeth need to fall out, help brush them (when
they are in the mouth) - But show me a loose tooth and I’ll turn various shades
of white…Especially when they are turned sideways and go almost
horizontal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She begins to inform me that she couldn’t go to school like
this – and for those of you who don’t know her, losing a tooth for my daughter
is an all day ordeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been lucky
so far, these types of days have so far landed on a weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sits in her room and cries about the
impending tooth falling out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as
it’s out, she can move on with her day – but truth be told, some have lasted an
entire day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today was different, today
is a school day and she didn’t want to miss out on learning (I kid you
not).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it (the tooth) needs to come
out ASAP!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I come to this realization,
and my stomach turns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew she was
going to ask to unthinkable - Mom needs to pull this one out. (…or do I)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She gives me some tissue and I try to pull. Trying to stay
strong, I gave it tug - I have to say I didn’t pull as hard as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid if I heard or felt that all too
familiar pop sound, I may have thrown up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried again, and again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
the 4<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> try, she falls on the floor saying “only Daddy can do it, and
he’s gone!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point I run to the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband works about a ½ hour drive away
from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at the clock, he
would be almost there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have
nothing to lose at this point, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
give him a call and hope for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He gets on the phone and I tell him what has happened so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked to talk to our daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I have to tell you, my husband is not the
kind of person who would normally turn around and come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would usually try and convince me that
this can be taken care of at the end of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only hear my daughter’s side on the
conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s full of, ‘Yes Daddy’,
and ‘Oh Yeah Daddy’ and ‘Ok Daddy’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
gives the phone to me and all I hear from him is ‘See you in 15 minutes’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband comes home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well it actually looks like he is flying in with his cape waving behind
him – superhero like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a tissue in
hand and his little girl on the chair, out comes this tooth and a smile returns
to her little face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As he turns around to leave she runs up to him and gives him a huge hug - but not too long because our Super Hero needs to get to work and our daughter is already distracted with other thoughts...Like how much $ the tooth fairy is going to leaver her tonight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </o:p> </span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-27092942058567758652013-04-18T20:11:00.000-04:002013-04-18T20:11:02.803-04:00Getting Ready for NYC <h2 style="text-align: right;">
</h2>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
INTERPHEX 2013</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shsEHFINtT8/UXCLNrbTGPI/AAAAAAAAAGw/MN9vCRgC3Eo/s1600/Ingersoll+Paper+Box+Interphex+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shsEHFINtT8/UXCLNrbTGPI/AAAAAAAAAGw/MN9vCRgC3Eo/s640/Ingersoll+Paper+Box+Interphex+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The office is full of
excitement this week as we are getting ready to send the sales team down to
<strong>Interphex 2013 New York</strong>, the leading edge trade show for the pharmaceutical industry
in North America.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">We have packed our booth, and
shined up our tools, and we are all set to see you at you there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-57357571776257029592013-04-18T19:57:00.001-04:002013-04-18T19:57:35.767-04:00Another Morning – The Art of a Slow Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCf36KXMtsw/UXCISAzudAI/AAAAAAAAAGo/CWyeHVmw2uA/s1600/Ingersoll+Paper+Box+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCf36KXMtsw/UXCISAzudAI/AAAAAAAAAGo/CWyeHVmw2uA/s320/Ingersoll+Paper+Box+Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Today was a rough start to the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We woke late and I knew when I looked at the
clock we were going to miss the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I laid here checking my messages I thought this could go one of 2 ways…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scream, yell and fight to get us on the
bus, or take a deep breathe accept that we are late and drive the kids to
school myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the end of the
world…or so I thought, until I broke the news to my oldest who proceeds to tell
me that riding the bus was one of his favorite things to do – all this as he
stomped away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, I felt
like a heel - but on we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got the youngest
one dropped off at the sitters, and off we went onto the ‘Big School’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">As we entered the school it was evident that we were arriving
during morning announcements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
was standing still listening intently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The office was right in front us and I could see who was talking and
what was going on inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">As I looked through the window I saw a teacher holding up
the sign with the words prepared, the principle was holding the microphone for
the kids talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were in Grade 1
and making an announcement for an upcoming fundraiser. You could tell it was
organized chaos!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls were giddy with
excitement, singing their songs and telling their stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The principle sat very patiently with them, whispering
the harder words to them so that the whole school couldn’t hear him through the
PA system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kindness and compassion
shown by the teachers and principal just melted my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">It was nice to have a distraction from the all the negative
in the world - and this little window of sunshine did wonders for my heart!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-6114761156300624192013-04-09T16:09:00.000-04:002013-04-09T16:09:44.557-04:00Fun in the Snow<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GeZYt2zeJY/UWR1NwEUeWI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/eZ1ipcARRXs/s1600/Sarah_skinner_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GeZYt2zeJY/UWR1NwEUeWI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/eZ1ipcARRXs/s640/Sarah_skinner_blog.jpg" width="220" /></a><span style="font-family: Cambria;">It has been crazy weather these last few weeks in Southern
Ontario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rainy one day, snowy the next
with the sun popping out once in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being a good Canadian I truly enjoy all 4 seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fall for its colours and warm cozy sweaters -
Summer for the warm sun, long days, and a friends swimming pool! - Spring for
all the freshness it brings and - Winter for all the cold snowy days when we
wait out the storms snuggled in front of a warm fire, and then head out to the
ski hill to enjoy the fresh snow. Those are my favourite times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">All of my kids are enjoying the slopes this winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One sunny winter day, we all headed out for
the nearby slopes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My oldest son was
snowboarding with a friend, my youngest son was learning how to ‘snow plow’ and
my daughter and I were heading down the hill together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I have to admit, I am not a great
skier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can get down the hill, turn
when I need to and stop almost on a dime!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can even cut the snow under the ski and get that cool crunchy snow
sound when I turn or stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that my
kids think I am the coolest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">On this particular run we were heading down the hill, my
daughter was in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For 7 years
old, this girl is pretty brave; she has trick skis (I didn’t know what I had
bought at the time) and likes to switch on the fly from going down frontwards
to backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was following along
behind her, I saw that she had cut someone off and was about to do it again –
So I had to yell out to her and try to get her attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stopped dead in her tracks and turned to
tell me she knew exactly what she was doing (7 going on 17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were continuing on down the hill and
talking about what had just happened, I totally wiped out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This shocked the heck out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laid there, snow in my face and down my
jacket, legs twisted and one ski managed to pop off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My knee was sending a little yelp of pain (…help),
but nothing too severe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter
skied over as quickly as she could to see if I was ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">I laid there wondering – “Am I too old for this?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only a fleeting thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How could I be too old?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am outside enjoying the fresh air with my
whole family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled myself together
made sure the chairlift wasn’t full of people laughing, checking out to see who
else may have been witnessed my spill on the slopes, and continued on with the
run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an amazing day with my
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little snow in the face is
surely the perfect beginning to a lasting memory with my family and I wouldn’t
change a thing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-36355669018584029312013-01-11T11:42:00.000-05:002013-01-11T11:42:03.075-05:00The "Ugly" Christmas Sweater<br />
<div class="separator" style="background: white; clear: both; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYx-8wCtl0w/UPBAktlFnpI/AAAAAAAAAFM/0C6ZcTdonUE/s1600/ugly_christmas_sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYx-8wCtl0w/UPBAktlFnpI/AAAAAAAAAFM/0C6ZcTdonUE/s200/ugly_christmas_sweater.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's almost
tradition, every year at Christmas time the office gang has a lovely potluck
lunch. Everyone brings their special dish, we all sit together and enjoy the
great food and good laughs. This year I decided to wear my ‘Ugly Christmas
Sweater’.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wore it during
breakfast at home with my kids - thinking they would get a kick out of it. To
my surprise there was no reaction! Nothing! No funny look, no side glances…
Nothing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I walked into the
office and it was laugh after laugh. ‘Where did you get that’ and ‘Did you
really make it?’ Everyone had something to say about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Afterwards, I went
directly from the office to my kid’s school for their Christmas Carol Sing. The
children at the school didn't say anything about my crazy sweater, not one of
them! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But all the
parents and teachers had something to say or were giving me that funny look and
side glance. I had to explain to everyone "what" I was wearing – even
to people I didn’t know.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later that
evening, I asked my kids at dinner what they all thought of my special outfit.
All 3 of them piped right up! Hands down, they all loved it! My daughter went
into great detail about why she loved it so much. She thought it was especially
beautiful because of the massive Santapicture on the front, with the
"pink/purple puffball", but what really did it for her was the bright
yellow fringe along the bottom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You see, she
didn't give me that funny look or side glance in the morning, because she loved
it! Actually she has asked me to make her one very similar to it for next year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I guess it's all
in what you make of it, like they say -beauty is all in the eye of the beholder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.2pt;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year to All!</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-52342054824967910282012-11-13T11:26:00.002-05:002012-11-13T13:32:43.571-05:00Tales from my Ukulele Jam Sessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44R3G0shXSo/UKJ0ofRi5zI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Q5AQl5cBHm0/s1600/Ingersoll_Paper_Box_Blog_Ukelele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44R3G0shXSo/UKJ0ofRi5zI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Q5AQl5cBHm0/s200/Ingersoll_Paper_Box_Blog_Ukelele.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">A
few nights ago my Mom and I headed down to the Public Library in
Ingersoll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what you are thinking,
Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah you are such a thrill seeker!</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">Indeed
it was the Library, but we didn't go for books, we went for a monthly Ukulele
Jam Night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit, I've played
other instruments before, but to be honest, it's been many years.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">So,
I walked in with my son’s Ukulele (which was very out of tune) in my purple jam
bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't want to buy a new
instrument just yet...I thought we should give it a try before making that
leap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really needed to try this out
before committing to a new purchase and wanted to see if I would "fall in
love" with the instrument first.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">I
have to say there is nothing more exhilarating than trying something new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that ukulele isn’t like skydiving...but
it did force me to get out of my box. At the end of the day, I just wanted to
try something new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked into this
experience not knowing the names of the strings and by the end of the night; I
knew enough to play 'Amazing Grace' and 'You Are My Sunshine'!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">Sharing
my Ukulele experience with you is not what this is all about. It is more about sharing
the experience and importance of opening your mind to the possibility of something
new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be as simple as trying a
new kind of tea or coffee after dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have all our "favorites", our comfortable space where everything is
to known us. There is nothing wrong with having that comfort...but if you don't
give into the idea of trying something new, you are will never know what great experience
is waiting for you out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do
you have to lose - nothing really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will either re-confirm that you still love and prefer your old ways - or -
discover that you tried and experienced something new...perhaps something
better...something you never loved before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">Sometimes
at IPB we have to take a second look at a process. As cliché as it may sound,
sometimes you need to look ‘outside the box' to fix what is wrong inside the
box. It is about opening our mind to the possibilities of new processes and new
jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you need to look for
different ways to save time and money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
reminds me of an old saying, ‘there are many ways to skin the cat’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is an expression meaning there are many different ways<span class="ft"> of doing the same thing.</span> Terrible
expression, but oh so true!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">It
was about a month ago when I saw the ad in the local newspaper that the Ukulele
Group was meeting at the Library on the last Wednesday of each month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom called to remind me of our plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have so easily said, no, not
tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have 3 kids and there is a
level of guilt for heading out after dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But not that night - I said yes, I opened my mind to the possibility of
something new.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">As
I walked into the house afterwards, thinking about my new adventure - I felt
like I was on top of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a
feeling!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had met new people, and
accomplished a goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">I
wonder what I will try next!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I challenge
you to try something new!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-78863238716708439182012-10-02T10:22:00.000-04:002012-10-02T10:23:29.912-04:00It's more than "just a box"...<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">This past weekend we made a trip to IKEA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were on the hunt for a new sofa and when
we finally found the one we wanted and picked it up, the kids seemed really
excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sofa was packed in 3
massively large boxes…and with all its wonder the boxes were more exciting than
the actual sofa themselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is it that all children, no matter the age – show more
fascination with the box than what is actually inside? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s not <em>"just a box"</em> – is it? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the imagination of what the box can
become that fascinates my 3, 6 and 9 year old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From building rocket ships, to boats and houses, my kids were on a roll
this weekend - Painting, drawing and cutting out windows to make their
creations even more real.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fenRet29zYE/UGr2U7Y4cNI/AAAAAAAAADo/Wu2IZnMHY0I/s1600/Sarah_Skinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fenRet29zYE/UGr2U7Y4cNI/AAAAAAAAADo/Wu2IZnMHY0I/s320/Sarah_Skinner.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all this excitement, I couldn’t help but remember back
to my years as a kid when my Dad would bring home boxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 3 of us (I and my 2 bothers) would spend
our days making houses with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
spent hours playing in our box, decorating them and putting our own special
touch on each of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were more
than <em>just boxes</em> to me; they were “real” – with cut out doors and windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would even eat our lunches inside, Good
Memories for all of us!</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the gals in the office shared a story about how her 2 year old son loves to play with cardboad blocks. As her son got older, he started to build
more…and there never seemed to be enough blocks for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So she took old tissue boxes and painted
them…Voila, New Big Blocks! </span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started to think about the company…and all the boxes we
have made along the way. Our boxes have provided a mode of transportation and
protection for products entering the marketplace, useful information on how to
use products and a way to establish brand power among competitors. </span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s a funny thing to tell people I make boxes…Some wouldn’t
think twice about it.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But for me… it’s more than<em> “just a box”</em>…isn’t it</span>?</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616513488199383468.post-64889254223869263672012-08-15T10:14:00.002-04:002012-08-15T10:14:53.463-04:00It’s all in what you make of it.
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Our cottage is a little further up north than just a “quick drive
up for a weekend”. When we go, we plan on being there for at least one
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as school was ending for
2011/12 we were planning our first trip up north of the season.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">People always ask me “why in the heck would someone want a
cottage so far way”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask myself the
same thing at times – why not Muskoka, Tobermory or one of the great
lakes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for me, all it takes is
stepping out of the car when we get to the marina to remind me why I love it so
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The air actually feels cleaner; in
fact I don’t take any allergy medicines while I am up there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quietness of it all, the tranquility that
it brings me is beyond words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t
describe it – You just have to take my word for it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">We don’t have any phones at the cottage, and cell phone
coverage is spotty at times, we don’t get the newspaper or mail delivered to
our doorstep and there is no Internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We do allow ourselves the luxury of satellite TV (for the odd rainy day
and screaming child of course!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">This past winter we took the whole family to Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice to get out of the cold and feel the sun on
our bodies, we played by the pool and beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But with 3 kids to watch, listening to the beat of the music on the loud
pool side speaker, and people trying to sell me stuff on the beach and chatting
with the waitress who stops by to deliver drinks every 15 minutes…I can’t
honestly say that it is the most relaxing get-a- away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun and we had blast, but relax – we
did not.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">I asked my daughter what kind of vacation she liked
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mexico or the cottage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping she would say cottage, but nope,
Mexico it was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her reply was exactly what a six year old
should say: “There is always something going on, it’s exciting and they speak a
different language!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">As I sit on the dock and think about what she said - I can’t
help but wonder what everyone’s perception of a good vacation is…is it relaxing
or a fun vacation…maybe it’s an age thing </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I guess when you think of it - any
vacation can be fun (and relaxing).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is all in what you make of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
instead of giving into the “boredom” of the cottage - I added a zest of fun for
all of us…got out the music, danced around, made crafts with the kids and
enjoyed the fun life that the cottage has to offer us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a day full of happy vacationers…and
after all the excitement died down, I found myself relaxing, sitting on my dock
listening to the water lap on the boat with a smile on my face reading some
Hollywood tabloid magazine.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">You see, it’s all in what you make of it - you can have your
cake and eat it too!</span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0