Lessons from a wall calendar...

My March calendar that is currently hanging to the right of my desk says: "It's a beautiful day. Don't let it get away." The picture is of a cartoon-like woman dancing among flowers and holding a couple tulips in her hands as she raises them to the sky.

March, for me, has been like that.

A week and a half ago, after a particularly difficult Tuesday, I came into the office the following morning to find a beautiful bouquet of assorted flowers in a vase on my desk. The spring-like colors were a welcome sight as they brightened not only my decor, but my spirits. The note, written in pencil on a post-it, said simply: "Flowers from your secret friends". My reaction was not to try and figure out who my "secret friends" were (though I had a pretty good idea), but to relish in the blessing that I have friends who care, support, and share in my life as I do in theirs. Another blessing was the whispered comment from a 5-year old later that day - giggling in my ear, she said: "I know who your secret friends are!" So, thank you, Secret Friends.

A few days later I found a card on my desk. The front said: "The rollercoaster of life can sure take ya for some crazy wild rides!" Inside, it read: "...but hang on - 'cause everything's gonna be all-right!". The picture inside was of two people riding a roller coaster and a word-bubble proclamation of "on yer side!" So, to my rollercoster-riding-buddy, even though sometimes I want to get off the ride, it's good to have someone to ride along with me who understands the ups, downs, and loop-de-loops!

There is a lady that I work with who has been blessed with the gift of encouragement. Through words, small gifts, notes, and comics, she brightens my days and reminds me of God's blessings. Her big heart is evident in the way she cares for others and the students and she truly embodies the sentiment that "it's a beautiful day. don't let it get away." Beyond the "stuff" she gives, it's her positive attitude that is truly remarkable. But, then how can you deny the giving heart of someone who gives you a pink-curly-haired covered pen, a jumbo snowman pen, or cut-out comic strips featuring the theme of your life at that moment?

And yet, another friend wrote me a note on a beautiful, simple card that said in her own words: "...because while it is important to mark the significance of big events, it is also important to focus on small pleasures. Here's to the big, and the small..." You're right, Friend - thanks for the reminder.

So, friends, here we are. To the "big and the small" in your life, I wish you time to recognize and revel in the blessings. I wish for you the perspective that it IS indeed a beautiful day living in God's sight. I pray that you don't let it get away and that you truly can identify that you are blessed. Among the junk, is found true beauty - for it is the ability to recognize the difference that makes it all more beautiful.

God is good. Can I get an Amen?

Where else can you wear crazy hair and fit right in?

I'm back! And upon my return, I discovered the reason I hesitated to join the blog world all together...BLOG HARRASSMENT! So, I know it's been a long time (C & M), but here's an update on all things me.

Work is crazy as usual. Last week was Spirit Week and we spent each day participating in a different theme - School Logowear, Backwards/Clash Day, Sports Day, Pajama Day (a favorite of mine and student's alike), and Crazy Hair day. I have included a picture below. Sorry for looking cross-eyed. You can't see it, but the hair starts as pigtails, moves into one pony tail, and ends in pigtails. 18 rubberbands, a pencil to keep it vertical, and a headache to end all headaches - and my hair was a success! It's for the kids, right?

What else is going on...

I am assistant directing the play at school. Anyone know the show "Our Town"? I saw it as a student in high school and I thought it was pretty heavy then. Imagine trying to explain to 10-14 year olds the meaning of a play that is summarized best as being about: Birth. Love. Living. Dying. But the kids are doing a great job - and the lead role is really doing well with monologues sprinkled throughout the entire show. The show is March 14-15 - send up a prayer if you think about it.

This weekend is the Spring Gala fundraiser for school. "I" am a live auction item. Better said, my offer of documenting "A Day In The Life of an SAA Student" on video/picture montage is a live auction item. Should be fun! The parents who are organizing the event seem to think it will be a big seller (hence, live vs. silent auction) so here's hoping I don't stand there and go for like 20 bucks. Time to get dressed up and be elegant for an evening - I'll try and take some pics to post. Mom, Dad, my sister Kim, and Kim's boyfriend Lane will also be joining me at the event.

Tonight I get to go to dinner with my long lost college roommate, Melissa. Although, by hers and the other roomies estimation, it is I who is the long lost roommate. Life is busy - believe me, I would rather be visiting with them regularly! Them and their beebles (see earlier post for pics of the most adorable babies ever!). I wish Jen was able to join us (as I wish Steph and Em could, too) but it seems she is unable and she will be missed. But remember, this time it isn't my fault! :-)