April What?!

Yes, you may have heard that today was April Fool's Day.  A societal pseudo-holiday for those who like to lie, cheat and steal all in the name of fun.  I don't like it.  Not that you could tell, right?

Well, I don't "do" April Fool's Day.  I avoid it.  And I am such a mean mom that I don't play along with my kids over it either.  This year, that was good, since neither of them did anything remotely funny or trick-like.  Good thing.  Or I'd have to ground them both for 27 years.

Sing along with me, if you want:
"Every party has a pooper, that's why we invited you....party pooper!  Party Pooper!"

That doesn't even pretend to hurt my feelings.  I'd still rather have people tell met he truth, play by the rules, and not take things that don't belong to them.  I am just weird that way, I guess.

Information Crossroads

Today I taught a leadership class for PTA Council presidents.  I covered things that were specific to PTA, but most things were really leadership issues.  It must just be this particular time in my life but I seem to be involved with a lot of this kind of training and teaching.  Lucky for me much of what I have to teach about leadership applies equally well in an ecclesiastical or secular platform.  Let me explain:

There are just basics of leadership that seem like no-brainers, but still must be covered.  Things like--start your meeting on time and end on time.  That is basic courtesy to me, but still, some people need to learn this.

Another was some things are non-negotiable.  You know, like due dates, anything the IRS wants from you, reports, etc.  For some people this is new information...they seem to think strict due dates are more like, to borrow a line from Pirates of the Caribbean, "guidelines"

When you are a leader in any capacity, you will have people you lead.  It is important not to forget that checking up is not the same as babysitting.  In most cases, you have someone you must report to as well, so you check back on those you lead in order to answer to your higher-ups in turn.

As leaders, not everything comes to you just as you'd like it.  So enjoy what you can and endure what you must.  This philosophy comes in handy when you are bogged down by the stuff you have to endure.  Somewhere, sooner or later, there will be segments, pieces, portions that you can and will enjoy.  Relish those.

And lastly, there must be some sense of fun in it.  You should be looking for ways to have fun as you lead. Whether it is doing a job you love or working with people you enjoy or working for a cause you really believe in, being a leader cam become sheer drudgery if you can't find the fun once in a while.  And a leader who is happy to be there is much easier to follow than one who constantly reminds you that he/she is just putting in their hours/years/time for an unidentified motivation.

I love it when differing parts of my life bleed together and give me insights into other segments.  There is a synergy to that kind of living.  Plus it saves lot of memory space in my head.  I love when that stuff can come together.

Of Lizzy, Jo, and Jane

Is there a literary character with whom you feel an unusual kinship?  I think I have discovered three for me. 

I have always had a fondness for Elizabeth Bennet.  But who doesn't?!?  She is a speak her mind, be bold and honest, makes up her mind kind of girl in Jane Austen's classic Pride and Predjudice.  I love her willfulness.  I relate to her a lot that way.  I know I should be better, but it is just so hard to do.

Recently I've rediscovered my love and affinity to Jo March, the heroine of Louisa May Alcott's brilliant masterpiece Little Women.  Again, another mouthy, unruly, and headstrong girl who is filled with life and imagination.  She is one who won't let the expectations of society fence her into anything she doesn't want to do herself.  And whatever she does do is done unafraid.

And finally, I have come to enjoy Jane Eyre, the title character to Charlotte Bonte's hauntingly dear novel.  Here the young Jane is mistreated as a girl and still comes to find happiness in life by being good, honest, and hard working.  She is much more serious and reserved than my other two choices, but she feels things deeply and keeps close tabs on her personal examinations with caution and a little timidity.  I suppose I feel for Jane because I am not much like her at all.  And yet, I think I might long to be at some points in my life. 

I think it is marvelous to find characters in literature that are so real they feel like they have become a part of you the more you read of them.  These three strong, young women are rattling around in my head all the time with my own thoughts.   Perhaps it is merely the sign of a good write who can produce such characters, but I think the reader must also bring some sense of realism to them, or else they must remain within the covers of the book.  These three are more alive to me as as some of my neighbors whom I see only in passing--coming and going. 

With Lizzy, Jane and Jo I can imagine the conversation we would have over lunch should they all show up here one day.  Otherwise, they are familiar friends whose steady personal character and virtuous demeanor make them favorites--indeed, the very best of imaginary friends.



Eye Opener

There is no glory in being involved in a mediocre cause.

I attended a training meeting this morning in Salt Lake about the young women program where I serve at church at the moment.  It was one of the best meetings I have sat in for a long time.  I came away feeling that what I did mattered, and it counted for a lot in the lives of the young women I serve.  That is not a feeling I have consistently.  But I have regularly felt that what I did mattered to God, who knew what I was doing and what I was trying to do but not quite making it.

I ended up with seven pages of handwritten notes.  I left with impressions of what I can improve, and felt only hopeful in those thoughts rather than guilty.  I found new motivation to serve with purpose and charity and renewed vigor.  I came home knowing that my family and I are blessed as I try to help others through my service.  And I felt such an overwhelming love of the Savior to me personally.  That is truly a gift.

Random Thoughts

Today is minimal day...or as we like to call it--Super Early Out Day.  My question is WHY?  I mean, I know that why the district did this to us, to the kids, and to the teachers.  Poor teachers.  You are still left to have meetings and collaberation efforts all afternoon.  But it sure feels like I just get kids off to school and in about 47 minutes I have to turn around and collect them back home for the day.  I have the same about of "stuff" to do each day, so that each few minutes before I must return full time to my mom role can feel discouraging.

Later this week I volunteered myself to teach a training seminar for others going into my PTA job within this school district. I just put together an outline of what I think I want to teach.  Yet, I have a sinking feeling that I will wing it more than I wish.  I do have a plan, and can share with these folks how I have done things, but they each have to figure it out for themselves.  Maybe that is the approach I should have taken, and not ever volunteered to teach it at all.

I recently read a friend's note to herself: "Nothing taste as good as thin feels".  Yeah.  Well, I beg to differ.  It is Girl Scout Cookie time, people.  Need I say more?  Plus, I found a generic brand of Tagalongs for about half the price and they taste great.  I'm sure I will rethink that the first time I squeeze myself into a swim suit when the pool opens.  But hey, that is months away.

Video Sunday