School is Cool!

This is a great story I have to share. A few weeks ago, I ran into an old student of mine from over a decade ago, who had stumbled across this website and volunteered to donate the banners we used at the church benefit (wasn’t that sweet?). In his own words, back then he was a “bad” student..... kind of wild, and studying was NOT on his radar screen at all. I visited him, and we marveled together how his life was so good now. He has a thriving business, friends, a gorgeous wife and beautiful kids. Years ago, no one would have bet he would have accomplished so much. And he owes it to staying in school. But—reading the website apparently made him realize just how lucky he has it, and he told me he had come to the realization that he needed to give back. Yesterday, I got a notice in the mail from the American Cancer Society, saying a donation had been made by him in my name. Thanks Mike!

A Committee of Friends

You know, the next time I complain about being on a committee, hit me! Last night, I went to the final "wrap up" for the benefit that my church so graciously gave me. The original planning committee met for dinner...and at the end of the evening, we were all a bit sad that we wouldn't be working together anymore!. It's amazing how one project can turn strangers into great friends...

What Don't I Do....

You know, people ask me all the time what I do for a living, and my answers are radically different, depending on the day. But today was a great day! I make a presentation on time management to about 40 people in Pearland, and then I hopped on a bus with my college kids and we went on a field trip to Clear Channel in Houston. While we were going through all the studios, we got to chat with about 10 of my past students (who are all grown up and have really big jobs now!), plus Radio Hall of Fame's Milo Hamilton (an old friend). I am so proud of all my past students--they have done so well in this industry! (and boy, do I feel old now....)

Fringe Benefits

The church benefit is over, and I am still walking around in a state of shock. I have no idea yet as to what was raised...but that's not the important part. The important part was having old friends drive from Dallas(!) just for lunch. Watching one extended family handle the dessert table by themselves (did you see the chocolate-covered apples?!?) Noticing the detail that went into making signs and bid sheets for each and every item. Smelling the great food (that's all I could do...chemo hit me pretty hard that day). Seeing teenagers act as waiters and balloon makers and T-shirt sellers. Talking with as many people as I could who took the time to come out and join us. I am so blessed by each and every one of you. Thank you for making the benefit so special.

Angels Flying Close to the Ground

Not all angels have wings. This past weekend I saw an amazing number of angels, moving furniture and garage sale items, sharing stories and prayers, patting each other on the back when fatigue set in....all working together and for each other. Bless all of you.

True Treasures

My garage is filling up with stuff for the upcoming garage sale (and from what I understand, it’s not the only garage chock-full!) Isn’t it funny how we get stuff that we think we absolutely HAVE to have, only to discard it at a later date? What was I thinking when I bought the psychedelic Christmas lights or the extra set of china? Did I really think I would puree vegetable juice 24/7 or need heated car seat covers? Still, one woman’s discards are another person’s treasures....and I invite everyone to come to the garage sale this weekend. There are treasures galore......but the most valuable treasures are the people that are coordinating it. My sincere thanks to them.

New Old Friends

Just when you think you have everyone figured out, presto! you find out something new! I have been working at the same place for 27 years....that's a LONG time. Suddenly, I have found Catherine, a new friend at work, who oddly enough, has been there almost as long as I have. We've seen each other at countless teacher workshops, registrations, chatted during meetings and never gone that extra step, until now. She stopped by to visit today, and it's like discovering a brand new friendship. What a blessing!

Mindfulness

My thought today was to practice "mindfulness" (which actually was one of my New Year's resolutions). Mindfulness is the opposite of multi-tasking, and something that doesn't sit well with those of us that have to juggle a million things and a job at the same time (isn't that all of us?). I caught myself the other day talking on the phone, looking for a name in my rolodex and filing papers at the same time. Of course, I probably shortchanged whoever it was on the phone, never did find the number, and my files are awful. So...I am trying to concentrate on doing one thing at a time, and making it a pleasurable experience. Hmmmmm.....

Good Friends - GREAT Food!

I am never cooking again. I have a core group of wonderful men and women who have been bringing me meals for quite some time now. And I LOVE it! It helps so much when I don't feel good enough to cook (and Lord knows, the kids are excited everytime someone brings food!) It's just that they are all such incredible cooks! I have had the most succulent roasts, fabulous italian meals, fresh salads, barbeque to die for, and even things as mundane as jello salad....oh, what a delight! And the desserts! How did these people learn to cook so amazingly well? And how can I learn?