One Comment

One comment can change your day.  For the past few weeks I have been having a tough time of it at work, after having a falling out with a co-worker whom I also thought of as a friend.  I’m not sure the relationship is salvageable beyond the civility working together demands.  It’s a shame, frustrating, and makes me very sad.  I have been on the brink of either asking to be transferred to another location or just quitting altogether and finding another job because it is so uncomfortable to be around this person.  Last night, when picking up my daughter from a dance at the school with the Best Buddies club, I was speaking to one of the aides who regularly brings students to my lunch line.  Something she said to me made me realize that leaving is not the answer.  It made me realize that my job is more than just getting along with my coworkers; it is making lunch time go as smoothly as possible for students and staff.  She told me that no matter what else is going on, I always have a smile for them.  She said they appreciate that so much.  It made me think.  I responded by telling her thank you, and explaining that I really enjoy interacting with the students and staff; and that is the truth.  It’s the best part of what I do.  Even at the high school level, some of the students want to have a short conversation about how their day is going, their plans for the weekend, or how much they like certain food items.  The conversations are very short, only a few seconds, because the line must be kept moving along to give everyone time to eat, but in those few seconds a sense of community can be felt.  Even staff members sometimes have those short conversations with me.  It makes for a pleasant atmosphere.  That’s not to say that sometimes we don’t have trouble in the area, someone trying to get away without paying, or hiding an extra they want but don’t have the money for.  Usually a look from one of the managers or teachers around will nip that in the bud.  Mostly the students are good, honest people.  That positive comment last night made me realize that whatever discomfort I feel with this one co-worker is not a reason to leave a job I love and people who are appreciative of how I treat them.  It changed my mindset, and changed my day for the better.

If there is someone you interact with who leaves you with a positive impression, tell them so.  You just might make their day and give them a badly needed lift.  You never know who is going through a tough time and needs to hear a kind word.

Mother’s Day Thoughts

First, two poems I’ve written for Facebook for Mother’s Day:

From wilted dandelion bouquets 

and sticky little faces, 

to watching from the sidelines 

and driving many places, 

a mother does it graciously 

and doesn't ask for pay, 

that's why each year we honor her 

on a day in May.

Happy Mothers Day!!!5/11/14

Mother's Day is set aside 

to honor mothers far and wide, 

those on Earth we still can call 

and those who passed Heaven's gates so tall, 

a mother's love is sure and strong, 

through good times and when things go wrong, 

feel her love around me still, 

always have, always will, 

to all my mother friends out there, 

the whole world knows how much you care, 

with all my heart to you I say 

have a Happy Mother's Day! <3 span="" xx5="">

Mother’s Day is another special day that has, (in my opinion), been hi-jacked by pop culture and has become a stress and pressure filled event. Instead of simply being a day set aside to treat your mother to a meal she hasn’t had to prepare, some flowers, or a lovely sentiment filled card, it seems to be a day where if you don’t spend a ton of money on a spectacular gift you have failed to make the most important woman in your life feel loved. This is not the truth!!! Most mothers, at least the ones I know, just want to spend time with their children and loved ones sharing a meal, or just talking or playing a game. Flowers are always welcome as is a card or handwritten note.  Really, simple is better! Those spontaneous dandelion bouquets and hearts drawn on scrap paper with crayons and misspelled “I love you Mom” of early childhood are more precious than the most expensive piece of jewelry. Appreciation and love can be shown by simply sharing a cup of coffee and catching up with your mom once you are an adult yourself. Really, Mom doesn’t want you to get stressed out or go into debt for her! The greatest gift you can give your mother is to be happy with your life and share some of it with her. Once she is gone from this Earth, you will remember those simple times you spent together, those memories will give you more comfort than anything.