"Have you thanked a Teacher today?"

Today is Day 3 of the Orange County teacher's strike. 90% of the district's teachers are on strike, and 90% of the district's students were absent from school . . . again.

While I live in Downtown Los Angeles, and am not directly affected by the strike - I can't help but be saddened by what is going on. Sad, and disappointed.

Sad that the state is intending to cut teacher's pay permanently by 10% - sad that the students are loosing out on their right for a quality education - sad that this is the resolution for a $34 million budget shortfall for the coming school year, and this will only make up half of that . . . but disappointed in our community and lack of support for those that educate our children.

Lack of support for our educators, for the ones that have the power to inspire our children, the next generation. Lack of support for such huge role models, mentors, and friends.

These are some comments posted online regarding the strike:

"Give the teachers the weekend to think about it, and if they're not back in class by 8:00am Monday, REPLACE THEM. There are THOUSANDS of unemployed teachers in California that are looking for work. These spoiled OC teachers don't realize how good they have it. Medical, pension, 401k (or 457), good benefits, JOB SECURITY, etc......"

"And all these years the teachers and the LIBERAL school system has ENCOURAGED illegal immigration and FOUGHT any attempt to deport illegals, now you get your pay cut. Thanks to you, and to the illegals for BANKRUPTING YOUR OWN SCHOOLS and CUTTING YOUR OWN THROATS."


I have to believe that this is not a strike over money - it's about respect.

How many of us have said that we want to be a teacher when we grow up? How many of us have mothers or fathers that are teachers - or friends who have mothers and fathers that are teachers? How many of us have had teachers at our weddings - or stood amongst a giant crowd at their funerals?

Inspired, loved, honored and cherished teachers are the best gift that we could possibly give to our children, to our future, and to this world.

While I hope that I have the power to change the minds of the cynics who've posted their negativity online - I know that I have the power to touch the minds of the teachers.

So - in times of educational uncertainty - all I have to say, is "have you thanked a teacher today"?

"Savor Them"

Aren't weekends the best . . .

Of course we love them for the obvious reasons:

* Allowing us to sleep in (unless you've got a 12 month old daughter who doesn't know that 5am on a Sunday is absolutely not waking time!).
* The ability to stay in your pajamas all of the way through lunch time, if you want.

But - I loved this past weekend for many "less-obvious" reasons . . . these are just a few:

* At swim lessons, my daughter was fearless - totally fearless.
* My husband, daughter and I took a 2 1/2 hour long nap this afternoon - together.
* I was sharing photos online from the last few months - and realized that I had so many special moments and sweet memories to share.
* My sister's new puppy "graduated" from doggy school this weekend - and she couldn't help but share the news with me.

It's these tiny little things that make the weekends so special (and lucky me, there were even more!).

It's not that they only occur on the weekends - but it's the pace of the weekends that allow us to savor them.

So this week, through the hustle and bustle of schedules, meetings, and deadlines - savor something. No matter how big or small . . . there are always special moments to be recognized.

"The Gratitude Movement"

I'm starting a movement . . . a gratitude movement.


WHO: All of Us
WHAT: A Gratitude Movement
WHEN: NOW
WHERE: Wherever You Can, Whenever You Can
WHY: Because We Can Change the World

I was at a workshop for my office a few weeks ago - and afterwards, stopped by the desk of the organizer to say thank you for putting together such a great event.

I knew that she had taken hours of her time coordinating vendors, setting up tables, getting everyone on-board - and it turned out to be a great success.

The look on her face as I expressed my sincere thanks was one of shock. I could read, by her eyes, that she felt like she was just doing her job, and it didn't require the special thank you that I was acknowledging her with.

This is when I decided that things needed to change for those in my life. They needed to know that their efforts, whether great or small, were recognized and appreciated.

This can be my contribution to the world. I want to find ways, and to share ways, of taking small moments to convey gratitude. I'm calling them "out-loud" moments.

This is a social experiment, of sorts - one to test the human spirit.

I hope you'll jump on board - it's time to thank the world!!