This evening, I got to watch a movie I have seen about seven or eight times. We got to watch it outside. The movie was about the life pets live when humans are not around.

It got me thinking about all the things us Moms do, when no one thinks we do anything around the house or anywhere else. Moms are the CEO’s of the household. I am not complaining here. I am out to recognize all the hard working Moms and Dads out there.

The PTA Moms were working into a frenzy. They made sure everyone had food to eat. They did not get to see the movie. They did it for their kids. They were planning the event for over a month. It turned out nice. The kids enjoyed themselves. After all, we do a lot so our kids can have amusement and enjoyment.

There are Moms who think that their sacrifices go unnoticed. They are servant leaders. There are some Dads out there that are servant leaders. They make sacrifices for their families, too.

Moms struggle with being pulled in different directions. There are the pangs of guilt, when Moms want a little “me” time. If I made a list of all the tasks I had to do in a day, so that the family runs smoothly, it would make you dizzy. There is making all three meals, keeping the house up, taking care of the animals, making sure all the homework is done, ordering cleaning supplies, managing the money, arranging for medical appointments, keeping up with family, maybe talking to some friends, taking time for personal development, getting projects done, and planning/arranging playdates/birthday parties.

There is part of the secret life of Moms exposed.

Today was a challenging day. I knew I had to get a lot done. I accomplished all that I set out to do. It is funny when I create a list and achieve all on my list, and then some more ideas pop into my head.

If I don’t write it down, it will be gone soon. I wish I had a back up for my brain. Accomplishing more is really about intention and focus. When I read a good book, I underline the passages and take notes. It does not matter what I read if I don’t apply it.

I have to be intentional about what I want to do with the information I obtain. There is a funny skit from Kids In The Hall, about getting everything accomplished on your list no matter what. A man in the skit goes to the bank and is kidnapped by the bank robbers. He convinces them to take him on the rest of errands that are on his list. He was definitely determined.

One item on my list to accomplish today was creating this blog. If I don’t create something that is valuable, you may not get anything out of this blog. I take it very seriously. It has to be good content. It is difficult to create something after a long day. However, I looked at my list that helps me remember the promises, I made to my self.

Getting something done that is meaningful is wonderful. Remembering to do it is remarkable. If you do the important tasks every day, you don’t need a backup. Being consistent and determined can help you achieve what you want. All you have to do is remember why you want to accomplish your goals. If you take the time to pause and reset, you will have the clarity to achieve anything you put your mind to.

At the end of every week, I plan out my week ahead of time. This entire month is packed with all kinds of activities. There is no backup for being a parent to your kids and spouse to your significant other.

When I decided to walk into my first Toastmasters meeting, I did not know what to expect. I knew I wanted to change. My now friend, who was President of the club asked for volunteers during the meeting. I agreed to help out. I was not prepared. Getting in front of strangers and speaking to them was awkward. My knees were knocking and my brain could not focus on what I was just told to do. I was nervous. There was no baking out. There were some ums, ands, and ahs; also know as filler words. I knew nothing about being a speaker. However, I was compelled to try. Somehow, I knew I would become a Professional Speaker.

My friend was also looking for a club officer. I volunteered to help as a club officer. I have been a club officer for the past few years. I doubted myself at first. I did not want to mess this up. However, I have learned throughout this process. My leadership skills and personal confidence has grown. In the back of my mind, I heard the words “stretch.” All this was so new. I had other obligations and a family.

I am currently pursuing some of the highest honors you can achieve in Toastmasters. There were times when I wanted to quit. Once again, I heard the word “stretch.” There are other activities that I have to pursue.

There is no such thought of quitting only prioritizing every activity. It is a juggling act. Yes, I have to stretch. In the process I have grown in my knowledge, confidence, and skills. This is all because of simple philosophy I have “stretch.”

So, the next time you have a little doubt or fear just hear the word “stretch,” and you can.

We went to a Pumpkin Patch today. It is that time of year in the midwest: Apple Cider Donuts, Taffy Apples, Apple Picking, Pumpkins, Leaves Falling, and Pumpkins. The Patch we visited had pony rides and camel rides. It was more than anyone would expect at this time of year. The kids enjoyed themselves.

For me, it was about creating memories. I wish my phone had enough memory on it. I would have taken more pictures. The kids got to feed Llamas. How often does one get to feed Llamas? They rode the camel and horses.

The picture is in my mind now. Hopefully, the kids won’t need the photographs to retain the wonderful fall memories we have made. To me making memories is important. I decided to take the time for my kids on Sundays. There are times when I am not able to be as engaged with my children due to work or other obligations.

I decided to take the time for my kids on Sundays. There are times when I am not able to be as engaged with my children due to work or other obligations.

We did not get any pumpkins from the patch. We decided to pass on the pumpkins and focus on each other.

“Today is your day,” reads the inscription on my tea cup. Today was a good day. I spent the morning as a judge in a speech contest. A Humorous Speech Contest, took place. All of the contestants were funny. Some talked about growing up, parenting, teenagers, and being single. There was a wide range of topics. It was the best time I had in a long time. Afterwards, I had lunch with some of the participants.

I did feel a little melancholy because some people did not attend. One contestant was a mentor of mine. He is very accomplished. He has transformed his entire personality from shy and quiet to outgoing and loud. I can relate to him on many levels. He did not attend our lunch.

There were things I wish I could have said to him. I did not. I kept quiet. There was a sense of awe and wonder. I wondered how he accomplished all he did.

I may have a conversation with him soon. He is so accomplished that his schedule is quite booked up. I don’t know when I will get the opportunity to find out some of his secrets.

Today was not the day to talk to him. Some days you get a sense that it was not the day to talk to that particular person or the right time.

Hopefully my day will come. It was not today. I will know the right day when it is time.

Today my Daughter and I visited a rock quarry for her school. I took the day off work. The teacher had the chaperones meet at the school. She had the kids in a routine. She new exactly what she wanted the kids to do. There was a system. I was impressed. I am advocate for changing education for kids.

I think the education system could use a slight overhaul. This is something I came about haphazardly. I was not close with my Grandfather. I did not understand him until recently. I can’t disclose all the details about him. He was a very private man. My family would want to respect his wishes. To sum it up, he did some extraordinary feats. One of the last correspondences I had with him was an article sent to me about education. How some schools were embracing common core values. I am not a fan of common core.

The only issue I have with education is there are some key fundamentals for success that are not met. The kids are not taught resiliency, creativity, vulnerability, courage, the merits of honesty, how to be good friends, delayed gratification, history, critical thinking, financial skills, and many interpersonal skills.

There are some good teachers out there. I think they allow for some curiosity. Which is key to learning. Because we were on a field trip, I think the teacher may have felt more freedom. She encouraged the children to help each other find the beautiful rocks from the ordinary stones. Some were from deep in the ground. They were white, had crystals, were shiny, and were almost translucent. Her teacher made sure each student had some special stones. The kids enjoyed searching for them. The sad truth is that some teachers have to adhere to rigid standards set for by politicians and bureaucrats.

What is not taught in most schools is for the students to understand that they have to dig deep within them and find their special qualities and shine to do the great tasks in the world. They don’t understand how extraordinary they can be if they are encouraged and taught the skills that make them stand out.