I was a ding-a-ling this past Saturday. I locked myself out of my house—a really, really dumb move. But National Ding-a-ling Day, which occurs each year on December 12, isn’t to celebrate ding-a-lings like me. It’s a day to reach out and call or otherwise connect with people you haven’t heard from in a while….
Hang on, I’ve got to step up onto my soapbox. There we go! Now I understand that some folks prefer to categorize this coming Sunday, Valentine’s Day, as a “Hallmark holiday.” In other words, it’s a holiday that is strictly for commercial profit. To me, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and kindness. It’s…
I’m guessing here, but I suspect there are plenty of good vibes in Nicholas County Schools in West Virginia thanks to Keith Butcher, the current superintendent. Come to find out that Butcher, a former teacher and principal, is also an avid musician. I suspect he has a great sense of humor too. On Tuesday, January…
Kiddos say the funniest things, it’s true. But so do teachers! A teaching buddy of mine never planned on having to ask “Where are your pants?” but did just that when a youngster emerged from the restroom bottomless. I never expected to accidentally attach a teacher’s name to a missing hamster: “Please don’t step on Mr….
Guess what day it is? Well, yes, it is hump day. However, the day I have in mind is recognized just once a year, yet what it promotes hopefully occurs a whole lot more often. Confused? Here’s the answer: today, January 28, is…drum roll, please…National Fun at Work Day! Now this doesn’t mean you can…
Earlier this week, I darted into a drive-through to pick up a quick meal. Honestly, I was trying to accomplish too much in too little time, so I wasn’t entirely focused when I placed my order. This partially explains my confusion when I was asked if I would like a Cutie. I was certain I…
How do you end your email? A simple “sincerely” worked well for just about any letter in days gone by. However, most of my correspondence, and I suspect yours too, is now via email and I’m wondering how to end on a good note. “Thank you,” while nice, isn’t always appropriate. I stole “warm…
I saw this on Pinterest yesterday, and I think it rings true. Someone’s tone of voice can easily indicate irritation, frustration, condescension, or dismissal no matter what their words. It reminds me of an acting exercise I was forced to endure years back when I was in a community theater production of Snoopy: The Musical….