You Want Fame?

In an effort to motivate myself to get up and get going, I woke up early with flashbacks of my undergraduate days. As a freshman, one of my mentors/directors at The College would go around quoting the character, Lydia Grant, played by Debbie Allen in the popular 1980s TV series, FAME: "You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying...in sweat."

Here's the clip from one of the first episodes (The very familiar line was also in the opening credits):



To get to a short sweet point...

Today, I should have had a "free" day. It's a four day holiday for my work organization; however, my alarm went off bright and early. After showering and eating a little something, I made my way over to the work spot and met with a new hire who needed some assistance in her new administrative role. We sat and talked--laughed a bit, but what stood out was the comment she had shared with her colleague regarding her hours. Considering how much less we get paid compared to our counterparts on the job, it's ridiculously sad--and we do SO MUCH WORK. She shared with him that she had no intention of being present for all of the stuff he was listing and wanting her to be in attendance for. She told him he could handle that piece since his paycheck covered it...YIKES! Glad they have that kind of relationship, and her words are true.

Despite my knowing the latter, I still plug along and just do. All I've ever known is EXCELLENCE. Whatever I put my hands on or have my name a part of, I expect to be all or none. Growing up my mother frequently made me quote: "When a task is once begun, finish it until it's done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all!"

I stay "tipping on the tightrope" -- whether high or low, hated or loved, I keep my balance. It's really not about anyone else when I do stuff; I realize I have a leadership style based in service, which only a small/rare percentage do. It's my focus, my game, my goal to achieve for the overall good. As long as I don't fall, all is well. But, even if I did fall off, I know who would block the fall, dust me off, and get me back on the rope. The picture is always bigger than you and me.

So, as I move into the weekend, here is a little musical enjoyment from an up and coming artist. She is really ON HER GAME. I couldn't decide which of the versions I liked most so here they both are. I hope they'll give a boost like they did me. In a generation/time where I feel so detached to the current trends, it is refreshing to come across music that I actually like, understand, and would be willing to hit "replay" on!

1001 Thoughts

Recently, a colleague/friend shared that at the end of the day I need to free my mind by reflecting and writing about 3 good things that occurred in the day. I've not been diligent (once again) in making time to capture the daily happenings in my life. So to get back on track I need to release and flee clutter in my brain, praying that 3 good thoughts a days will keep doctors, stress, and all else away--I can dream correct!?

So glad for a Monday Holiday that keeps us out from work...Coming off of a weekend of travel that opened a can of sinusitis, bronchitis, long delays & miserable sittings in airports, it was great to be home today. I relaxed, was lazy and made time to think. Even in the midst of feeling my worse as I landed in Newark, NJ to catch my connecting flight, I had to pause with awe at how awesome a world we have and the technology that grants us rare or "taken for granted" opportunities. All in one day I experienced Ohio, Indiana, New York and New Jersey...The site of the Statue of Liberty and the city of Manhattan brought warmth--wow...While there were kinks in my Valentine's Day, the warmth of God and His majesty still prevailed.

Healing for the sick...This past weekend one of my dearest friends went to the hospital. She suffers from sickle cell anemia and is my age. I can't stress what strength and breath of sunshine this chick is! She is the picture of health, full of life, and only a small community of people know she suffers with this horrible and deadly disease. When the first text came her condition was not good and she was being rushed to the hospital. The past couple of days have marked great signs of improvement. She is strong, loves the Lord, and has many praying for/with her. Additionally, another friend had a flare up with her disease. Again, I give God praise for obedience and taking time to rest and heal.

Simple Surface Delights...I love the seasonal series of The Bachelor/Bachelorette. Guilty Pleasure 101--not the first time I've admitted this though! LOL. The romantic side of me seems to give in to this show each season despite how corny or against the methods I may be with the whole concept. Somehow watching others go through the ups/downs and emotional roller coaster of love is endearing and comforting. I know there is someone else falling in love when I'm in my happy state of a relationship or crying from a broken heart much like I've done when those moments have hit...even in their confused states I seem to empathize or sympathize! Again, I know it is a bit extreme to become so attached to what is utterly so distant from my own life experiences, yet it becomes like those Hallmark commercials or movies that just capture, grip, and screw you into an absolute mess.

So, the delights of my day bring me to a close...I need these items to remember, take in and happily take me to that state that gives me the energy and passion of a new day and fresh start. Trying to love the journey that leads to a beautiful end...

"Frenemies"

This afternoon I sat in the Guidance Office of one of our counselors with approximately five young ladies who were in midst of life drama instead of focusing on their true purposes for being in a school building, which is to learn. The rumor mill had struck again, and the lovely young ladies were guilty of tragedy that had put their friendships at jeopardy for the hour.

I sat there feeling like a bulldozer had ran over my head a few times, since I am fighting a cold. I was supposed to leave the building at 1:30, but it was after 2 and the kids were worth my time.

In bringing the story to a close and conclusion, one young lady gave enlightenment as she shared that they use the word "Frenemy" to define who they are to each other in the seventh grade. It was like an epiphany--almost genius: Frenemy--the combination of friend and enemy. It's exactly what our middle schoolers are to each other at this age. They feed into friend and foe given the day, class period, and emotion. This is natural and what middle school is all about, but it becomes chaos for those families and parents unable to roll with daily soap opera.

The hardest part of my work is the battle of feeling justified in the decisions made daily. Students, teachers, colleagues, and parents challenge and question decisions regularly. And, mainly when it comes to discipline.

Today will likely remain a memorable day in my mind for ages. Professionally, I had one of those moments where I thought I just need to look for another job. I reflect though at the end of the day and definitely would not change how I handled a situation that occurred with a parent today. My greatest "frenemy" is that of our parents and my bosses...