Present: Jenni, Roberto, Celia, Terry, Yumi, Dave, Lenny, Basil, Gerry, Mike, Tracey, Laura, Sue, Julie

The weather was beautiful. We met at the DePaul Library entrance and moved into an outdoor grassy area which offered shade and benches. After the meeting, everyone agreed to meet at the same place again next month as it worked out so well. Should it be too hot or rain, there is an available space on the inside of the building for us to use.

Following were the topics discussed. Fewer than normal, but good nonetheless:

How to Set Healthy Boundaries Without Sacrificing/Sabotaging Your Career (Mike V.)
There are various methods we discussed for either adapting to or changing our work environment. First (and easy to describe) item we discussed was to simply change where you work to find a place that is more suited to your values.

It was also suggested that if a value isn't being met – then perhaps you could convince your peers of a better way. One way to do this is by doing a bit of research and locating/creating some data charts showing statistical improvements (we discussed the idea of working more hours vs. working smarter at 9-5).

Also, should you have problems in having to working past your allotted hours – you could simply create an excuse such as – needing to catch your train, or you may use a carpool. (let alone these are also great ways to save money! ^_^)

There is also another suggestion, simply don't discuss the matter with your peers. A sort of "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. If they aren't saying anything – then don't let it bother you.

Finally, if you can't adapt or change the values of a place – stay there and seek out a Freelance Agency. This will give you the opportunity to see other work environments and won't have to leave the cushion of your current job.

All in all, it simply boils down to whether your basic values are or are not being met. For each individual it is very different, so you must amend or adapt to the situation accordingly.

Weekend/day trip getaways from Chicago (Laura)
The places people mentioned were numerous. Laura's working a getting websites and phone numbers for these places before the next meeting. Some included:

Amish Country in Indiana
Botanical Gardens, IL
Morton Arboretum, IL
North Park Nature Center (5801 N. Pulaski), IL
Heartland Spa in Gilman, IL
Lake Geneva, WI
Kolar, WI (The American Club)
Garfield Park (300 N. Central Park Avenue) all day Sat/Sun programs, IL
Graceland Cemetery (Al Capone buried there), IL
Lake Park (executive 9 hole golf course around a little lake), IL
Madison, WI
West Chicago on Main Street (close to Rt 59) there's a $1 used book store affiliated with St. Vincent De Paul

Geneva, IL
Japanese Garden, Frank Lloyd Wright house, a small temple where people can get married (Cupid's Palace?), an ice restaurant called Mill Race Inn which is on the River
GREAT restaurant called 302 West at 302 West State Street. A restaurant not to miss (630) 232.9302. Website: www.302west.com

Galena - it's historic, has lots of B&B's and Ulyses S. Grant's home

Prairie Crossing in Lake County, IL is a friendly community that's socially integrated and environmentally sound, offers concerts, too

Ravinia, IL Concerts, concerts and more concerts
Sheboygan, WI is about 2 hours away. Has a ferry which one can take to go across the lake to Michigan. Great fun on a nice day.

Cenacle Retreat in Batavia, IL
On Golf Road there's a Retreat Center
DeKoven Retreat Center in WI
Milwaukee, WI has a beautiful lakefront that's less congested than Chicago's. Train service there is available. Lots of beer factories and brats.

Rockford, IL. Great Turkey-Free event every Thanksgiving. Cliff B. went to college there, too. There's a Zen Garden. Clock Museum is now gone though.

Travis City, MI known for cherries!
Starved Rock, IL is about 25 miles away. Good for hiking.
Indiana Dunes is about 50 miles away. Good for hiking and cross country skiing.
Schmidt Academic Center

Great air fare deals now. $99 round trip to many places.

Speed Cleaning Tips and Healthy Cleaning Product (homemade options)
-hire someone to clean for you - consider barter
-use basics found at home such as baking soda and vinegar
-borax extends laundry detergent
-add 1 oz laundry detergent to 1 oz Arm and Hammer washing soda
-Murphy's oil soap is another good, basic cleaning option