You might remember that last year, we created a video at my school to help get the kids motivated for our state test. This year, our motivational video is a parody of Mama Mia called "I Can Read It". I work at one of the best schools on the planet! These teachers love kids, learning, and as the video shows...fun!

Where Have You Been...

As I prepared to write this post, a little song that I learned as a child kept swimming in my head:

"Where have you been Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Where have you been charming Billy?
I have been to see my wife,
She's the darling of my life.
She's a young thing, who cannot leave her mother."

I'll be honest, there's a lot "swimming in my head" these days. This is just one thing. Upon further reflection, here's what I noted; I haven't been out to "see my wife" and I am not a "young thing who cannot leave her mother".

OK, so I don't know WHY that song seemed appropriate to use in this post! Even though I know I am quite guilty of "blog neglect," this is STILL my blog and I'll quote as I want to. :-)Besides, it might give you "therapist types" good fodder.

Seriously, there's not much excuse for where I've been to explain where I haven't been. I just haven't. We'll leave it at that.

I DO keep up with most of my blogging friends through my blogger newsfeed. But I still like to get around and visit and comment and let everyone know that I still care and I haven't totally left the planet.

I can't say I will be around every day this week. I'll try, though. So, let me take a stab at my own version of the "Billy Boy" song:

"Oh where have you been Susan, girl? Susan, girl?
Oh, where have you been Blogging Susan?
I have been out of the loop
And believe me that's the truth
I wish I could give you something better!"

And, just so this little post doesn't leave you without a little lesson....heeeere's a performance of Billy Boy complete with chords so you can serenade yourself!



Hugs to you all! I'll be back to catch up soon!

Inside His Head...

I love talking with my kids. It's fun to hear what is happening in their lives and working through their day-to-day journey with them. I had an interesting conversation with DS 4 the other day:

The other day on our way home from school, DS 4 said, "Do you automatically work when you retire?" We talked about the fact that people usually retire from a career that they have done for a very long time. Some people end up working a little "fun job" for a few years or they go back to work to make a little extra money to support them in their retirement.

He said, "So a person could work at Disney World when they retire?" I reminded him how many people we saw at the park the other day who were older and most likely retired. He talked about the coolness factor of working at Disney and how fun it would be. Then he said, "Hmm...I think when I retire I might work at Disney...that is if I am willing to make that two hour drive to work."

I have two observations:

1. Perhaps you should choose a career before you choose what you'll do in your retirement years.

and

2. Good Lord, he really DOES think he's going to live with his Dad and me forever!!

Forever Friends

We met 27 years ago this coming Fall. It was our freshman year of college. I don't know exactly HOW it happened, but I'm so glad it did!

The year was 1982. Three of us lived in the same dorm. We had a very large group of friends who enjoyed hanging out, walking around the lake that bordered our college, laughing, eating pizza, talking till all hours of the night and learning together. We went to church together. We participated in campus activities together. It wasn't long until the four of us decided that we would room somewhat together the following year: Beth with Leigh and Lala with me.

Beth and Leigh lived downstairs. Lala and I lived upstairs. Still, we were often found in each other's rooms. Since we were all Elementary Education majors, we even shared many classes. As the years went by, we continued to laugh and cry and grow together.

I cannot describe how precious these friendships were (and are) to me. I can tell you, though, that I know it was a very special time. The four of us shared everything with one another. I can honestly say that DH and I are probably together today because two of these girls asked HIM to take me to my sorority formal. There is no question that they set it in motion.

A short year after we graduated, three of us were married. Two years later, the fourth was married. All of us were in each other's weddings. I'm sure there were times we vowed to "stick together" even as our lives changed and we began our families. And in some ways we have. Over the years, one or two of us would get together and catch up.

Still, sometimes life and time get in the way of nurturing relationships. It happens and it's sad. The last time the four of us were together at the same time was about 18 years ago. Until now.

This weekend, we came together and spent time reconnecting. It took no time at all. In fact, it seemed that not one second had passed since the last time we were together. We laughed. We remembered.

What we have is a real bond. It is a precious "forever friendship" that withstands the test of time and distance. I could not be more blessed. It is so true that a true friend is a treasure...and these are true forever friends!

One thing we know for sure after our time away is that it won't be another 18 years before we are together again!

Mall Blitz Part 2 and Spring Break

The Mall Blitz that I blogged about below did not end on Sunday. My DH called the mall manager yesterday and explained to her what we were trying to do with our kindness outreach. She thought it was so cool. She did explain to DH that they do not allow solicitation from store to store, but that what we were doing was fine.

So, tonight, three of us headed to the mall to deliver the other 151 bags. It was even neater than the initial day. Store managers were blown away that we even made the attempt to come back and finish what we started. The head of security (who we did NOT meet on Sunday) came and met me. He even said, "Make sure you deliver the biggest bag to Leon" (his name). So, guess who's getting bags TOMORROW??? Yep, you guessed it! Security!!

This is our Spring Break, so I'm enjoying some free time this week. We went to Chris Tomlin's concert last Friday. My colleagues and I enjoyed a brunch with a person who used to teach at my school on Monday. DS 2 and DS 3 played a "bowling game" on the radio station today and will be bowling with the guys from Jars of Clay on Thursday. There may be a Disney Day in here.

BUT the biggest part of the week for me is happening on Friday/Saturday. I am going to be meeting up with my three BEST friends and roommates from college. We were all in each other's weddings. We were absolutely best of friends in college. We have seen each other sporadically over the years...but we have not, the four of us, been together in the same room for more than 18 years! I am SO EXCITED!!

Stay posted. It may be a couple of days, but there's more to come!

A TRUE Lesson in Kindness

If you've read this blog for any time at all, then you know that our church does many many outreach types of projects in our community. It's our goal to conduct "random acts of kindness" in a variety of ways on a regular basis for people of all socio-economic backgrounds.

Back in December, we conducted our first "Mall Blitz" where we literally went into the mall and gave 450 employees a gift bag of snacks and goodies to say "thank you" for all the work they do..especially during the busy shopping season.

Today was to be our second Mall Blitz. We called all the store managers for permission just like we did back in December. These made for some fabulous conversations as many were the same employees that received our gift at Christmas. Some said, "Wow, we really appreciate this! No one EVER does anything nice for us!" Others said, "We are so glad you're coming back...we really want to thank you for showing such a special kindness to our employees. It meant a lot to all of us."

Today, as part of our service, we made 486 bags and sent five teams of five down to the mall for distribution.

It wasn't long after we got there, that a parking lot security guard stopped and asked us what we were doing. We told him. He said, "You cannot bring those bags in here. You have to have permission of the mall manager." We explained that we have the permission of the store managers and that we were simply repeating the SAME THING we did at Christmas. He basically didn't care.

We asked if a store manager wanted to bring in treat bags for their own employees, would it be OK. He wasn't happy, but didn't say no. SO, we sat almost 200 bags just outside the door of the mall and began going in and explaining to the store managers. They were very surprised. They thought it was quite silly. Many followed us to the bags and took them into the mall for their own employees.

Suddenly, Mr. Security guard showed up with "back up" (3 more security guards) and told us we could not distribute one more bag at the mall. He told a store manager that she could not take these bags in for her OWN employees. And he let us know that if we did not take the bags away that he would have to call the police.

Of course, we complied and took the mall manager's name and phone number as well as his so that we can, in fact, follow the protocol in the future. We visited every single store that didn't receive their gift to explain that we were not allowed to deliver them or to have the store managers get them.

I now have 151 bags at my house. This means that we were able to distribute the majority of the bags before our "kindness operation" was shut down---or, hopefully, put on hold, pending the mall manager's approval.

Our team stayed to have lunch together in the food court. It was an enjoyable time of fellowship together. We talked about future projects. We laughed and had a great time.


If I'm being honest, though, I really was quite miffed at the whole thing. I mean, picture it--bags filled with snack items for employees---really within their grasp, but we can't give them what we promised. Then, I had another thought...it's EASY to be, do, and give kindness to those who welcome your actions. It's a whole other story to be kind to someone who is standing in your way, being difficult, or doesn't see a situation the same way that you do.

I whispered a prayer for the security guards and the mall employees. I thanked God for our fabulous team that remained positive and steady through the whole ordeal. And I prayed that tomorrow things will work out with the mall manager.

And I prayed that when the opportunity to practice kindness when someone isn't being so kind, that we will all be able to do so. Cause THAT'S what "Jesus would do."

Tea Cup Pinkie Up!

Did you have tea parties when you were younger? I did. We would sit and hold our tea cups and pretend to be so refined and knowledgable about the finer things in life. And for some reason, we'd always hold our pinkie up. What's with that?

I've decided there are some moments that are "pinkie up" moments. You know the ones when you want to sound "SO intelligent" but you don't know what the heck you are talking about? I had a "pinkie up" moment this morning.

I am reviewing a manuscript for an educational publisher who is creating a book series for 1st grade students. The books each focus on a different aspect of art. They are being developed as leveled readers for teachers to use in their daily small group reading instruction. My job is to give feedback on the writing, make sure it's not too complicated for young readers, and help with the book leveling.

I know what you're thinking: "You had a 'pinkie up' moment over something that is designed for six and seven-year-olds?" Here's the editor's note to me regarding one of the books:

We don’t show any very famous great works by any masters of the Renaissance, the impressionists, etc. I don’t really think that’s a problem at this level. Do you
agree? (Also, please keep in mind that it is prohibitively expensive to get permission to reproduce anything from Picasso’s cubist period, geometric as they may be.)

Uh, yes? No? I don't know, but I don't want to tell you that I don't know. The truth is, I DROPPED out of "Great Works of Art"--a 1 credit course at my liberal arts college---not once, but TWICE! I know I live in a town with a very famous school of art. Heck, I even TEACH in a school that was designated as a "National School of Distinction in Arts Education"!

When I really put my pinkie down and admit the cold hard truth, you'll know that I don't know the "masters of the Renaissance" from an impressionist. I could GUESS at a Picasso, but honestly (and with apologies to any of you who are art aficionados), I think some of his work looks a little like the K/1 students at my school!

Honestly I HAVE grown a bit in the last 20+ years since I attempted those college courses. Still, art appreciation, is not my forte'.

So, I said and did the only thing a good book consultant WOULD say to the primary editor:

I put my pinkie UP and said, "Of course, I agree!"


Hello, My name is Susan, and I have a pinkie problem!