About

Hello World!

My name if Barbara Swafford.

Is what I write credible? You decide.

Who am I? I’m a female baby boomer who has always believed in living life. I remember when President John F Kennedy was shot, and when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. I remember black and white television sets, and “45″ records that were played on a phonograph, and later, 8 track tapes. I remember when the first instamatic camera came out, and learning typing on an old Royal manual typewriter (IBM later came out with an electric one). I remember watching the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. I remember the twist, and the limbo. Bandstand was a favorite music/dance show on TV, as was, Where the Action Is. I remember the Vietnam War, and the hippies in Haight-Ashbury . I remember when computers had a room of their own, and the only thing you stuck in your ear, was a Q-Tip. I remember when swearing was taboo, and nudity in any type of media, was unheard of. I remember when playing games meant a game of Tag, Hide and Go Seek or ice skating on our grandparent’s frozen pond (which we first had to shovel the snow off of). I remember not having a car when I turned 16, and not even getting one, until I had a job of my own and could afford the payment, insurance and gas. I remember when gas was $0.29 a gallon, and there was penny candy.

I also remember when it was safe to leave your doors unlocked, or walk by yourself, miles down a country road any time of the day or night. I remember when it was safe to hitch hike, and it was safe to leave your car unlocked, and even running. I remember neighbors helping neighbors, whether it was to help build a house, watching each other’s children, or to borrow a cup of sugar. I remember when it was safe for young girls to travel by themselves, and to ask a stranger for help. I remember when you trusted and respected your teachers, policemen, clergy, doctors, and anyone else in authority, and they were addressed by Mr. or Mrs. or Sir or Madam.

I”ve always loved to listen, learn, think, analyze, and expand my knowledge base. I have lots of common sense, and some “book smarts”. After spending many years working for large corporations, mostly in the roles of an Administrative Assistant/Manager, and in purchasing/procurement, and busting through that “glass ceiling”, I became a non traditional age student, and went back to college to earn my Associates degree in Business. My husband and I are self employed, and I now manage our home office.

I’ve learned lots from others, am self taught is some areas, and have also learned from what my Mother called “the school of hard knocks”. (i.e. learning from your mistakes)

I’m a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend to many. I believe in God, and the power of Prayer.

I’m a kind and giving person, who tries not to be judgmental. I’m a hard worker, and have always been a good employee. I am honest and have high ethics. I’m independent, but try not to be too stubborn. I like routine, but can also be spontaneous, at times. I like things to be tidy, and am constantly finding ways to be more organized. I have lots of compassion and empathy for others, and enjoy lending a helping hand. I love old people, children and animals.

My hobbies and interests, include photography, faux painting, interior decorating, sewing, reading, gardening, road trips, and now, blogging

I prefer to work in a quiet environment, and could be described as an introvert; however, I do enjoy spending time with family and friends. I prefer listening to talking, and prefer “to serve”, rather than “being served”.

I’m frugal to a degree, however, I also believe, “you get what you pay for”. I love bargains, but do buy a few things that I won’t scrimp on, i.e. Nestle’s Chocolate Chips and Starbuck’s Coffee Ice Cream.

I blog, to share with others what I’ve learned. During the process of learning how to blog (or create a web log), I journaled my experience, and what I was learning. It’s documented in my other blog www.bloggingwithoutablog.com.

In this uncertain world, my hope is to leave a small piece of what I’ve learned, on this “medium” called the “world wide web”, and hopefully benefit others for years to come.