1-21-2020

Mary’s Minute

“Stay away from negative people, they have a problem for every solution.”

                                                                        ~ Albert Einstein

I love problem solving!  Being able to generate ideas with people who share my enthusiasm for ideas is one of the greatest feelings there is.  The process is generative in that one idea leads to another and another.  Admittedly, not all ideas are great, but sometimes even a bad idea can help someone else think of something.  It feels like rapid fire ping pong balls flying as one person suggests an idea, leading another person to think of something different but connected, and then back to the original person for an idea much richer than the first, and so on.

Most of us have been through a formal brainstorming scenario and understand the rules of the process.  We have been in the circle where the center of attention is a magic marker and chart paper taking down every idea without criticism or initial discussion, the words, “There are no ideas in brainstorming,” looming over the fast-paced explosion of ideas.  In reality, not all problem-solving ventures are that formalized.  Most for me are informal, and I don’t even think that I am problem-solving.  It is just part of everyday life.  It is the constant discussion of ideas for situations that arise or consideration of how to make things better.

In life we do not get to play by the rules that are laid out in formal brainstorming.  Instead we navigate discussions with those around us: family, friends, colleagues.  In formal brainstorming, people would not be allowed to sabotage simple discussions with negativity, so we need to surround ourselves with positive people.

I am lucky in life to be surrounded by people who see solutions for every problem and not problems for every solution!  It makes a difference. 

                                                            Have a great week!

                                                                                    Mary

2-14-2020

Mary’s Minute

“Remember what Jesus said… clean room nine.” 

                                                                        ~ Bill Bower

On Valentine’s Day I feel compelled to write about the greatest love of all.  The quote from my dad above has a story behind it.  Growing up as a child, my dad said often, “Love one another.”  Sometimes it was “Remember what Jesus said, love one another.”  And often it was simply, “Remember what Jesus said,” and we knew that meant to love one another/be kind to each other.  It often was basically a soft way to say, “Don’t scream, fight, or hurt your siblings!” 

One day my brother, sister and I found a note my parents had left us on the kitchen table.  I don’t remember the content of the body of the note – likely where they were going, when they would return, etc.  What I remember 45 years later were the postscripts.  The first was the common phrase, “Remember what Jesus said,” but right under it was another postscript that ran into the first, “Clean room nine.” Our family owned a small hotel/boarding house, and we all helped out.  The direction was a simple request to get room nine ready for the next guest, but as it merged with the biblical reference, we laughed then and still laugh about how it sounded.

Years later our family has grown to not just laugh at this quote, but to relish and reflect upon it.  It is the constant message from my dad to put love above all else (love as Jesus loved), but also to take care of the things in front of us (in this case cleaning room nine).  It gives me a sense of grounding that I cherish. 

Love above all, but don’t forget to take care of business along the way because it is in taking care of the business of our lives that we demonstrate genuine love.

           

                                                                        Happy Valentine’s Day!

                                                                                                With love,

                                                                                                            Mary

2-7-2020

Mary’s Minute

“Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold.”

                                                                                       ~ Joseph Parry

On Tuesday night I parked my car and headed to a high school gym to support “my” team in a basketball game.  As I walked towards the door it occurred to me that in the gym of hundreds of people I likely would not know a single person.  It shook me for a second.  I didn’t need to worry because by the time I reached the ticket counter, one of my new friends came rushing towards me.  She pointed out places I could sit, showed me where the hospitality room was, and generally did anything to make me feel at ease.  It was a good feeling. 

I have lived in my new home for less than a week now, but I already have “friends” and a sense of belonging.  Of course, I miss my friends from Perry County terribly, but I am thankful that friendship does not need to be finite.  Our hearts are big enough to make new friends, while we keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold. 

Now this might sound a little silly, but I have decided to use the silver/gold analogy.  I used to think I couldn’t mix silver and gold jewelry, but I hear that it is now not a fashion faux pas to do so.  With that thought in mind, whenever I can I am going to purposely wear both silver and gold as a reminder of how lucky I am to have a cache of “old” friends and the prospect of many “new” friends.

                                                                        Have a great week!

                                                                                    Mary

1-31-2020

Mary’s Minute

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

~ Confucius 

Recently I was with a group at a restaurant that had a card set of “conversation starters” on the table.  I was stumped by the first prompt, “If you could have any job, what would it be?”  I really pondered the question. I pride myself in being creative and adventurous, but I really had to say that I would choose the job of school superintendent. I love the work I do:  being able to think creatively to solve problems, never having two days that are the same, working with people who care deeply about their profession, meeting new people, collaborating with community partners, and working for the most important product on earth (our youth).  

Life is so short, and we spend a large part of our life at our jobs, so the thought of having a job that is not fulfilling is sad. I know that not all people are lucky enough to love their work. Sometimes survival precludes fulfillment, but fortunately most of us have choices.  

Mike Rowe, who is well known for his television show Dirty Jobs, among others, doesn't completely agree.  He says, “Why worry about doing something you love? Figure out what the opportunity is. Find a thing, get good at it, learn to love it later.”  I understand the challenge we have as a society of preparing our students for the workforce and allowing them to make a good living.  I know the hard facts that too many students are pursuing four year degrees, accumulating debt only to take jobs that pay less than jobs requiring a different kind of training.  I agree with Mike Rowe that we need a shift, but I cannot give up on the idea to follow our passions, finding jobs we love!  

I do believe in balance and making smart choices.  I know my son Bill is just a freshman in college, but he sees this.  He loves writing and wrote a novel during his first quarter off at college, but he doesn't see himself pursuing writing as a career.  He says he will always love writing, but he thinks his career will fall around another of his passions, physics, while writing will be a hobby. 

Maybe I am enough of an optimist that I believe we can do both -- choose work we love, while at the same time pursuing the opportunities as Mr. Rowe points out.  I am thankful that for me it has worked out that way at least, and I wish that for all of you!

                                                                             Have a great week!

                                                                                         Mary

1-24-2020

Mary’s Minute

“Preach at all times and if necessary use words.”

                                                 ~ Francis of Assissi

I do love words!  I love to talk; I love to write, and I think that words are a powerful way to persuade. Perhaps you can imagine then how this quote stung!  For me the word “preach” was not interrupted in the religious sense that it may have been intended, but instead I thought of me talking to my children or co-workers. I thought about how I can use words too much. My son, Bill, reminds me of this when I have told him something for the third time, as he says, “I got it the first time.”  

More than the concern of repetition, Francis of Assisi reminds me that “preaching” or getting our point across should be done through our actions first. It is just the opposite of the somewhat humorous notion, “Do as I say, not as I do.”  

I want to use my words wisely — as necessary — striving to get my message across through modeling the life I want to lead.  Yikes!  It is a tall order, but I will try. 

                                                               Have a great week!

                                                                        Mary

1-17-2020

Mary’s Minute

“The desire for freedom and equilibrium (harmony) is inherent in man (due to the universal in him).”

                                                                 
                                              ~ Piet Mondrian

Admittedly, science is not my thing.  I am intrigued with people, words, and art.  Even with my limited ability/interest in science when I think of equilibrium I think of science and the physical properties equilibrium.  This is where my son, Bill, would tell me to just, “Stop!” because I don’t have the words to talk about these concepts, but I will keep babbling!  In chemistry when elements are combined, there is a need to equalize.  I think of the simple idea of working with plaster and how it dries out our hands – the need to equalize the moisture.  Even the physical property that spilled water pools in the lowest spot is a need for equilibrium.  Mondrian saw this in art. 

There is a basic desire for equilibrium, so it makes sense that change is hard.  In life we strive to get to a place of balance.  Yet, it seems like a paradox since change is the one constant in life.  We are constantly seeking a level of calm, yet life itself consists of cycles of constant chaos. 

I talk a lot about the power of change, and the need to embrace it.  But change is fighting against human nature … or is it?   What if the balance we are seeking is not about a daily routine or a level of prosperity?  What if the equilibrium we seek is something bigger? 

I want to try to think about my quest for equilibrium not as a need for doing things the same way, but a need for happiness that comes from harmony of being comfortable with the life I am leading.  In that way, change is natural, but I am still moving towards a state of equilibrium. 

Change doesn’t have to be unnatural, even though on the surface it seems like is.

                                                            Have a great week!

                                                                        Mary

MM 2.0 1-10-2020

Mary’s Minute

“A person is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.”

                                                            ~ John Barrymore

I have had a wonderful couple weeks celebrating my career at Perry Central.  I am fortunate in so many ways!  I am grateful for the chance to do what I loved for 34 years and to work with the best people and community ever.  Now I am also grateful for a month to unplug and reflect before my next adventure.  I am thankful for a month that allows me to dream and not regret! 

I am excited about the next phase of my life that will lead me to a new home, a new community, and a new set of challenges.  I am thankful that the school community of Sheridan has welcomed me so warmly.  Starting over can be hard, but it also helps keep dreams alive and regrets at bay. 

Admittedly, as I watched the video that spanned my lifetime (Thank you, Tara Bishop, for the beautiful video tribute!), the word “old” was definitely on my mind. The high school photos, the young teacher in a romper, to the naïve 38 year old beginning superintendent certainly reminded me of younger days!  This quote was just what I needed to remind myself that life is full, and dreams abound! 

I have never been a person to believe in regrets.  It isn’t that I have not made mistakes, but I just believe that we are who are because of our collective experiences.  I am thankful for the mistakes because they have led me to where I am. 

No regrets – just so much gratitude and still many dreams!

By the way, this is my first post-Perry Central Mary’s Minute.  Mary’s Minute began when I became superintendent at P.C., but I have decided to continue the blog.  I want to write for me – as a way to keep writing, keep dreaming, and to continue to express my gratitude to the world!

                                                            Have a great week!

                                                                                    Mary