Terrified

Right now, in my life, I am at a crossroads... again. Back in December I quit my job but stayed until we could find someone we all felt good about. This was an extremely hard decision because I loved my job and I loved my student workers even more; but the hours were wearing me down and I didn't like the person I was in my job (tired, snappy, hating the things I used to love, etc.), as well as living my job.

The beginning of May I moved home, after finally finding my replacement, to my parents and started a mini job answering phones at a car dealership while also preparing to go on a humanitarian trip to Thailand. I decided I didn't want to just jump into another job, I wanted to take my time and figure out exactly what I wanted to do next. Plus, I've always wanted to do a humanitarian trip, so why not go on one during a time when I actually have the time to go.

I've been terrified thinking about what I want to do next and all of the ideas seem like a big risk or a huge leap. I then started to think about all of the things I have done in my life that have terrified me to try for but I somehow found the courage to go for it and I have never regretted one of them. Even though I'm still terrified and still have no idea what I really want to do; this was a good reminder that I shouldn't let being terrified stop me from trying. What's the worst that will happen? It won't work out and I'll try another path? Everything I have done so far in my life whether it worked out or not, I learned something from it and wouldn't want to trade the experience. Yeah, I'm getting older and it feels like I should just pick one safe path and stick with it, but then when you think of a life-span of 100 years... I'm still a baby.

It's funny how fear takes over sometimes. I once was listening to two of my student workers talking to each other, yes... I would sometimes eaves drop, and one was talking about how he probably wouldn't do something because of all these reasons that really attributed to fear and the other replied by saying,

"Are you really going to let fear control and dominate that much?"

I loved it so much, I wrote it down. It's true, too many times I let fear or the idea of failure deter me from trying and I shouldn't. I'm going to miss learning from them.

When I got accepted to this humanitarian trip, fear started to settle in and I questioned if I should even be going... maybe I didn't want to go?! I told my sister about this and she told me the same thing she tells my 11-year-old niece, her daughter, who suffers from anxiety, "Being scared is part of life, but you can't let it hold you back. Doing it, even though you're scared, is what helps you learn and grow and become better and be happy."

Here are some of the things in my life that I was terrified to even try, but I did, and I have never regretted it:

Student Government

In junior high I watched the student body officers and saw all the opportunities they had to do. The thing that interested me the most were the events they got to plan; assemblies and dances and more. I was hesitant if I should even run; I wasn't in the "cool" group, I was shy, but I also wanted to try. I ran to be an SBO and lost but the next week was class officer elections and I decided to try again and... I made it! 9th grade class vice president. The following year I ran for Sophomore class office and made it. The next year I ran for Junior class office and lost. Then came time for elections for my Senior year this was my last chance. As I filled out the SBO ballot with my name on it, I looked at the other names and was convinced I had lost; there were so many names who were backed by talent or popularity or both. To my surprise I won and embarked on such a hard but fun Senior year experience.

Some failures and some wins, some hard times and some great times; I was terrified to run for student government and then it became a huge part in wrapping up my grade school career. I learned how much I love to plan and organize events (and even more, learned how to plan and organize them), and made some great friends.

The A-Team

My sophomore year of college I started with a life bucket list and one of the ones was to apply for the A-Team, new student orientation staff at USU. I had spent my Freshman year not getting involved, just going to class, and watching movies with a boyfriend. It was time to make some changes and do something meaningful. I thought this would be a one year thing, if I made it, and then I would try another thing the next year. I made it! The first year I loved it for the students I got to help as they prepared to start school but then two student coordinators (leaders on the A-Team) graduated and my boss called and encouraged me to apply for one of the positions. This took me out of my comfort zone, I had spent my first year just blending in and not trying to stand out, how could I be a leader? Once again, I decided to just try and I soon became a student coordinator for two more years and I absolutely loved it. I loved getting to see the business side of the student orientation, doing left brain work in the office, but most of all encouraging my teammates and teaching them how to best help new students. Of course, with all things, it came with it's challenges but it is what made my college years their best.

I learned leadership on the A-Team; how to work as a team and to utilize everyone's strengths to make the team perfect as a group. I learned to love my education and learned that I wanted to help others learn to love to learn. I learned customer service... oh man did I learn customer service (you really loose hope in humanity when you are working in customer service).And I wasn't just on a team... they were my college family.

Backpacking Through Peru

In 2013 I had just quit a job and decided to travel for the rest of the year before starting another job. A friend of mine has always had a dream to go to Peru and was looking for a buddy to go with her. I said yes... why not? This trip took me completely out of my comfort zone and it, once again, terrified me but it also will always be one my favorite life experiences. It was my first time visiting a 3rd world country, I didn't know the language (often times my friend would be speaking to someone about an excursion or a place to stay in Spanish and then she would turn to me and ask, "Are you ok with that?" Hahaha, well since I didn't understand the conversation, as long as you didn't sell me into slavery, I'm in), I embraced being dirty for days in a row, I learned how to take a cold shower, it was my first time staying in hostels, and the list continues on.

Just a three week experience and I learned a lot. I learned how to let go, forget myself, and really see the places you are in. I learned so much from my friend and admired so many of her great qualities on this trip; her humility, fearlessness, selflessness, joy in the moment, and truly being grateful for the things we saw or did. I learned that I truly do have SO much in my life and am blessed in SO many ways. I also learned living simply and making life less chaotic is important.
Peru

There are more, but this is getting WAY too long.

I needed this reminder and wanted to share it with you. Stop letting fear take control. Learn to do things even if you are scared. No regrets or at least give yourself the opportunities for regrets. Terrified... bring it on!

Book Review: Peter Pan

"Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning."

I'm plugging away at my 2015 reading list like an elephant, one bite at a time. The next book checked off the list is Peter Pan. Check!

"If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I'll never grow up"

This book had it's own creative way of speaking to the reader; it was very poetic and also had a very youthful way telling a story. There were many times when things were explained and it was described in such a way as if a child were explaining it to you. It was a fun reminder of how we look at life and the world differently at different stages in our life.

"I'm not young enough to know everything."

There was one interesting moment in the book where Peter was wrapping a parcel and he was trying to tie it with a string but the string was not long enough to wrap around it and so Peter got mad and kicked the parcel. The narrator then explained that technically it was not the parcel's fault but it was the string's fault for not being long enough. How many times in life do we get wrong at something that it is not the problem, only because it is easier than getting upset at the actual problem?

"We are all failures - at least the best of us are"

I would recommend reading the book, it was different but still enjoyable. It was beautiful and sad. I loved that is was full of wonder, magic and imagination. I also loved the fun, thought provoking, quotes throughout the book.

"God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December."

I've always wanted to read Peter Pan because I have a little love of Peter Pan and Neverland. Because of this love, I wonder if I could have forced myself to love the book. I grew up playing make believe in the backyard of a childhood friend's yard and we would spend hours for days during the summer running around, jumping on his tramp, and flying off to Neverland. He was always Peter Pan and I was always Tiger Lilly (I didn't like Wendy much when I was little. She was a "Sissy.") I love the idea that Neverland is an example of adventure, being true to your self, and imagination.

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

Life seemed unstoppable when we were young, but as we get older it seems to have more possibilities but also more restrictions. I love books like this because it is a reminder life is beautiful and it doesn't have to be hard. This read was another reminder to not take life so seriously and not to be afraid to do the impossible. One fun thought about the book was how the island of Neverland and it's characters were representations of life. The pirates represented adulthood while the lost boys represented childhood and they constantly were chasing each other around the island (also the shape of a clock, representing time). Just as we as children couldn't wait to grown up and sometimes as adults we are jealous of children; we're always chasing the other.

"Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it"

 

The particular book that I read had the most amazing artwork; it went right along with the magic and the youthful writing. Just a fun extra tid bit.

"All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust."

Time Capsule

If you were to make a time capsule today, to be opened in ten years, what would you put inside of it?

In January of 2000 we had just survived Y2K and I made a time capsule for 10 years, however I did not open it until 12 years later and am now blogging about it 15 years later. It was funny to see the things I had predicted as a 12 year old and how UN-practical some of my predictions were.

Items in the Capsule:

Well the capsule had some random items, some things I predicted for my future written out, a letter from my mom and lots of pictures.

Most recent family photo at the time

1st day of school

 These guys were my first friends growing up and a few months before this capsule Mark, in the middle, passed away. I remember this picture being a big comfort at the time. I suppose I put it in the capsule so that I would never forget him.

 Best friend

 6th grade photos (school and dance)

 Funny that I put a KitKat in the capsule but yet I listed 100 Grand as my most favorite candy bar. Perhaps I ate the 100 Grand I planned to put in the capsule.

Clearly a foreshadow to my poetry talents. I still don't like being called Amy M. today if there are multiple Amys. I rather be called by a nick name or Amy Jo.

 My most favorite bookmark (it was a huge sacrifice to put it in the time capsule) and a Beanie Baby (I was obsessed).

Things I predicted:

• I will be married to Andrew Payne. (Best friend since the diapers days and still a great friend today; and I love his wife - they are perfect together)
• I was married in the Jordan River temple. (That's funny, today I want it to be the Salt Lake Temple)
• I will have 4 children. (I wish someone would have explained to me that even though it is a good goal to know how many kids I wanted, having 4 by 22 years old was not practical at all)
• I will be living in Utah County (Yikes!)
• I will have a career in teaching. (The ironic thing about this is, I started college wanting nothing to do with teaching and today I love to do it whenever I get the chance. Should have stuck with my 12 year old guns.)
• The biggest accomplishment in my life so far will be getting a horse or a big house. (Ha! Still working on the horse and I would rather a small house; though I do like to entertain so maybe a small house BUT with a big place in the house to gather friends and family)
• I will have graduated from Utah State University. (Bingo! I did one thing I predicted.)

Just another example life does not go as planned but as long as we're working hard and doing our best; life still is good.

Things that were my "favorites" at the time (and what they are today):
Book: Someone Was Watching (The Secret Garden and Harry Potter series)
Sport: Dance (Dance)
Season of the Year: Summer (Summer and Fall)
Holiday: Christmas (Christmas Eve)
Family Trip: Florida (Florida, Hawaii)
Place to Visit: Uintas (Boston, NYC, and anywhere my passport will take me)
Clothes Store: Limited 2 (Banana Republic, JCrew, Anthropology, Nordstrom, H&M)
Scripture: 1 Nephi 2:3 (D&C 121:7-8)
Musical Group: Disney (Matt and Kim, OneRepublic, Angels and Airwaves, Coldplay, The Queen Bee ;), Flo Rida, Ingrid Michaelson, TSwift, Tegan and Sara, and pretty much anything from soundtracks and musicals)
Fast Food: Arby's (Jimmy Johns)
Candy Bar: 100 Grand (Take 5)
Car: Bug (Audi TT or Subaru Crosstrek)
Movie: Robin Hood Men in Tights (Sandlot, Sound of Music, Shawshank Redemption, Pitch Perfect, Remember the Titans, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Lord of the Rings, and Finding Neverland)
TV Show: FRIENDS (FRIENDS, Gilmore Girls, Arrow, and How I Met Your Mother)

A few excerpts from the letter from my mom:
"Right now you are 12 years old and excited about everything (except now and then your brother, Nathan!). You are in the sixth grade at Horizon Elementary and in Miss Mitchell's class. You love art, dance, horses, reading and being with your friends! You are very dramatic and love to pretend."

"You love the movie, Robin Hood Men in Tights, and have a great English accent when repeating lines from the movie! You are always smiling and on the go trying your best in everything you do."

"I wonder if you still like art. You are so creative and do such a beautiful job on everything you do. And what about dance? I hope you still enjoy it as much as you do now. You are a wonderful dancer and I never grow tired of watching you on stage! Speaking of "the stage" I wouldn't be surprised if you have been in a school play or two by now! You are quite the dramatic little actress always dressing up in something crazy like my long skirt, jackets, hats, shawls or Hawaiian wraps."

"You have always been so concerned about those less fortunate than yourself, the homeless, and those that need a friend. Every night you pray from the homeless and ask Heavenly Father to help them have a home someday."

"You love lists, making and working on goals, and getting things done. There is usually a list of things by your bed that you are working on and you love to cross things off when they are done."

So I ask again, if you were to make a time capsule today, to be opened in ten years, what would you put inside of it?

What I want to put in my next time capsule:

• Another list of things I would like to predict in the next 10 years.
• Personal and historic
• Another list of my favorite things right now.
• A CD of songs that are my favorite right now. (Ha, will we even know what CDs are in 10 years?) AND/OR songs that I would love to choreograph dances to.
• Picture of my family.
• Picture of friends.
• List of places I hope to travel to in my lifetime.
• $2 bill (ha, why not).
• Life bucket list.
• An old cell phone or iPod.

The MBTI Personality Test

So, I really like personality tests. I just think they are fun but also I think they are a great reminder that we are all different and that is ok. This world is awesome because it is filled with differences. Every year my student staff takes the following personality test and then we discuss it. I thought I would share with you what I teach and discuss with them.

First: Take the test here: MBTI - Myers Briggs Test
The outcome of the test can sometimes be different if you take it multiple times, that's ok. Sometimes your results are different when you take the test at work and then at home or it changes over the years as you change and grow. I have been ENFJ, ENTJ, ISFJ and INFJ over a span of 8 years and taking the test four times. The older I get the more introvert I become.

p.s. If you get "J" for Judging, that is not a bad thing. The first time I took the test as a student and I got "judging," I was mortified and kept trying to retake the test to get a different answer but I kept getting "J." I'll explain what it means below.

Curious about how much money you should be making based off of your personality? Click here to find out.

What do each of the letters mean:

E and I: Extraverts and Introverts
E - Sociable, Energized through interactions with others, Need to express their thoughts, and turn their attention outward. Extraverts are interactors and "on the fly" thinkers. Their motto is: Ready. Fire. Aim.
I - Prefer privacy, more likely to listen to others, may only tell trusted people what they really think or feel. Introverts can be sociable but need quiet to recharge their batteries. Introverts want to understand the world and tend to be concentrators and reflective thinkers.

 

S and N: Sensors and iNtuitive
S - Practical, Detail Oriented, Realistic
Sensors tend to rely on their five senses. They are detailed oriented, want facts and trust them. They are practical (being grounded is what is natural), like details (there is satisfaction from taking care of all the little things) and are realistic (they are in tune with the reality of the situation they find themselves in).
N - Innovative, Big Picture, Imaginative
Intuitives like to seek out patterns and relationships among the facts they have gathered. They trust hunches and their intuition and look for the "big picture." Because they are focused on the "Big Picture" details are often missed or ignored. Ns more commonly can't remember where they parked their car because they were too busy thinking of their "mission." If Ns are asked to describe a picture shown to them, they will tell you a little about the subject but then they will use their imagination to tell you what might have happened next or something imagined about the relationships of the people in the picture.

Fun Fact: Albert Einstein was a "N." He had a fanciful thought process with his experiments; he could see patterns where others saw randomness and chaos.

F and T: Feeling and Thinker
F - Personable, Value Harmony, Energized through appreciation and encouragement.
Feelers focus on human values and needs as they make decisions. They tend to be good at persuasion and facilitating difference among group members. Fs are more likely to wear their heart on their sleeve, however, if they are an introvert they will not open up with sharing their feelings with just anyone.
T - Value Fairness, logical, not likely to show emotions.
Thinkers like to make decisions based on analysis, logic and principle. Thinkers value fairness. In school, thinkers like clear course and topic objectives. Thinkers of course feel emotion but do no like to show it, it can even be embarrassing when emotion comes out.

J and P: Judging and Perceptive
J - Planners, goal oriented, likes deadlines, tend to literally know what time it is.
Judgers are decisive, planners and self regimented. They focus on the task and only want to know the essentials and take action quickly. Deadlines are sacred. If a teacher at school extended a due date for a project on the day it was originally due, Js are typically annoyed by this action.
P - Curious, Adaptable, Spontaneous, Laid Back
Perceivers usually start many tasks, want to know everything about the task, and often find it difficult to complete a task. Deadlines are meant to be stretched. Percievers often postpone doing an assignment until the very last minute. They are not lazy, quite the contrary; they seek information to the very last minute.

Teaching it to my student workers:

Observing a Picture with Ss and Ns:
I split the room in half and had the Ss sit on one side and Ns on the other. I then showed them this image for 30 seconds and asked them only to observe it. Once the 30 seconds was over I then had them take another 30 seconds to write down what they saw and then we shared our findings with the class.
Ss listed the following things found: butterfly, drain pipe, bee/insect thing, etc.
Ns listed the following things found: summer day, red butterfly, bee flying off to go get pollen or something.

J and P planning a trip to Disneyland
This exercise is by far my most favorite of the entire discussion because their personalities come bursting out and it truly shows the difference between the two groups. I split the class up into Js and Ps and then have each of those groups split up into sub groups of 4-7. My student staff is usually dominated by Js every year and so usually I have one, maybe two, groups of Ps and then about 7 groups of Js. I then give them 5 minutes to plan a trip to Disneyland. I have to keep myself from laughing while I observe these 5 minutes because its so "typical." The Ps just sit casually and look as if they are just lounging and having a casual conversation and then the Js are talking quickly and excitedly to get in all they have to say before the time is up and they usually have a pen and paper out taking notes as they discuss.

When the time is up I ask each group to share the trip they have planned. The Ps are very vague in their details and usually share things like, "go to Disneyland, stay at a hotel, ride the rides we want to ride, maybe go to the beach one day," etc. The Js have the trip planned out to a T; they know exactly how they will get to Disneyland, where they will be staying, what exact days they'll go to the park, which rides they will ride first, which rides they'll get fast passes to, which days they'll take a break and go to the beach, and sometimes even which parades or shows they will attend and what foods they'll have to make time to eat.

This year one of my P groups plan was to take a train from Salt Lake to San Francisco, because it sounded like fun, and then they would just figure out how to get to Anaheim from there. I thought my Js were all going to have a heart attack.

The discussion:

The discussion is usually just about 4-5 questions I have for them but it usually last about 45 minutes, at least, as they all share their thoughts and opinions. I start out by asking them, "why do we take personality test," and they spend a lot of time talking about how it is important to recognizing the difference in others, to not let it upset you when someone works differently than you, and to see them as strengths, etc.

I take some time to talk to the about not using their "personality traits" as an excuse. For example, just because you are P, it doesn't mean it is ok to disregard deadlines and let others down. Or just because you are an I it doesn't mean you don't know how to public speak. We can all work on our traits and still use them to our advantage.

We also talk about how we can use this information to better work as a team and to better serve the new students we help throughout the summer. The great thing is, they do all the talking and do an amazing job at teaching each other.

All of my information has been found from Common Careers for Personality Types, Wilson's Newer Views of Learning, Master Teacher Program: Learning Personalities and the book Just Your Type by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger.

Sometimes People ask me "Why?"

So, I'm still single. And I'm ok with that. I mean, yes, I am very excited to be married and have kids, however, I'm not going to mope around until I find my guy. I haven't found him yet and until I do I will continue to live life, learn and grow.

A few days before Valentines someone said to me, "I bet this time of the year, especially this month and even week, can be especially hard for you." Haha, umm no person who knows me very little, thank you for saying this very out of the blue thing. I'm pretty sure I'm single every other day of the year, not just on Valentines. However, from this conversation I started to think of reasons of why I maybe am still single. I usually can't think of any HUGE deal breakers, I honestly just don't think I've found the guy yet that we can both be our full self around and we love each other for it. But I did start to think of some funny reasons of why I could still be single. Please enjoy my brainstorming session.

Reasons why I am probably still single

1. My nieces and nephews are probably praying that I will never get married so that they may have me all to themselves and Heavenly Father is answering their prayers and not mine. Let's be honest, they're way cuter than I am so I don't blame him for siding with them.
2. I love to travel which means I am not around a lot. What guy wants to go out with a girl who says yes to a date but then adds on, "but I'm going to Peru for a few weeks and so I won't be able to go out until I get back." Yeah, he's pretty much dating your Frienemy when you get home from the trip. His loss.
3. I rather hang out with my mom than go out and be social. Doesn't mean I don't make an effort to go out, I'm just kind of over the random crazy parties where you meet lots of random people. I rather spend time with my mom, family or close friends.
4. I haven't kissed in so long that I'm pretty sure I have reverted back to VL. I am TERRIFIED to kiss again. Maybe I'll practice on my arm ;)
5. I am getting old enough that I am no longer the cute adorable fluffy energetic puppy dog at the pound. I am the older, mature, potty trained dog. Which dog would you choose? Puppy or old dog? Yeah, I would probably choose the puppy as well. "But I'm potty trained guys! Common!"
6. On a regular basis I get people telling me about someone they want to set me up with. For weeks, even months, they'll talk this person up and how they're so excited to have us meet AND THEN NOTHING EVER HAPPENS... it's getting old people. Either give the guy my number... or don't and let it end.
7. I have a theory that the man I am supposed to marry died. Now I have totally told this as a joke but what if I said this SO MUCH that the universe made it happen?! Yikes
8. Someone recently told me that dating is like Jumanji, you have to keep playing the game to get out of the game. Some times I REALLY hate the game but it's true... I can't stop playing. (Even though sometimes I want to, ugh.)
9. Umm... all the good guys are gone... hence the video...

Literally Peacocking

Something I love to do is dance. Weather it is an organized dance company preparing for a performance or a group fitness class OR just dancing at a school dance or at a friend's party or with my nieces at family dinner or in my bedroom in front of the mirror. Oh dear! Did I just admit to dancing in from of my mirror when alone?! You better believe it.

A few weeks ago my roommates and I watched Pitch Perfect and when the movie ended and the credits started the music was great dancing music and I started dancing and said, "Aw, I just want to go dancing!" and one of my roommates replied, "Let's go!" I was shocked because she usually isn't one to want to go dancing. To test out how serious she was I said, "Well, the university (where I work) is throwing a Mask Ball this weekend, want to crash it?" To my surprise she said, "Let's do it!" Honestly I was a little worried about going because I didn't want to run into my student workers and be that weird person who is creepy who can't move on from the college "fun" scene BUT if she was willing to go dancing, I was ready to make it happen.

We got masks and spray-painted them sparkly silver, bought boas and wore black dresses. It was the easiest Mask Ball put together outfit.

At the dance we went all out. We didn't care what anyone thought and we danced as crazy as we wanted. The masks were great for being mysterious and unrecognizable (but really, my student workers didn't recognize me... at first. It wasn't until one that I am close with was like, "Amy?" and then they all got excited that it was me and danced with my roommate and I for a few songs), but by far the best part of dancing at the Mask Ball were our boas. Genius! It was fun to dance around flapping them about.

Through out the dance we kept having guys come and dance with us and then ask for our numbers. That has NEVER happened before. One, I really think it is because we were dancing without caring what anyone thought but TWO those boas were real attention getters. I think just being sassy and flipping our boas back and forth or side to side was catching their eyes. Heaven knows we sure were getting the feathers IN OUR eyes.

It wasn't until later that I realized the true theory behind all this attention from the guys... we were peacocking! LITERALLY! Feathers and all!

The funny thing is, with our masks on and being tiny girls, I know those guys had no idea how old we were. Talk about robbing the cradle inadvertently.

p.s. I've learned over the years that I look "so good" dancing when I don't care what anyone thinks and so I go with that attitude and have a blast. However, if you are someone who likes to dance but gets shy when dancing in public, grab a boa... it's fun, boosts your confidence and gives you something to use for movement while you are dancing and don't know what else to do.

Book Reviews: How to Win Friends and Influence People, Inside the Magic Kingdom and The Servant

A few more reviews from my readings from my 2014 reading list. I decided to group together my reviews of the books that I read with the purpose of improving my employee/employer self.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
I enjoyed this book, it was an easy read and a good reminder of the simple things you should be doing anyways when working with others and even more simply how to best treat others. As I was reading the book I kept thinking, I used to be good at that but I need to start to practice it again, I try to do that, etc. It was nice to see that I already practice some of these things but also a reminder of what I desperately need to work on. It was also fun to think of others in my life that I admire and think, "They are so good at this." A lot of the topics in this book talk about being sincere, being positive, lifting others up, being genuine, challenging yourself and more. There are three sections of principles in the book and at the end of each section the principles for that set are listed for a nice review. I would recommend this book.
My dad loves this book and I can actually see a lot of things from this book that he has been teaching myself and my siblings while we grew up in his home.

Inside the Magic Kingdom by Tom Connellan
This was not on the list but we read it for work and I absolutely loved it. It is written in story format and it is basically tells how Disney run's their customer service. It is amazing how Disney looks at every little detail and how it puzzles together the big picture and they have a team attitude among all of their employees. Nobody is too high up to have to stop and pick up some trash because the main goal of the organization is to make sure their customers have the best experience they can have; it's a very selfless environment. It was really neat to read about the little details that Disney takes care of in their parks each night to make sure that whether it is your first time at DisneyWorld or your 20th time, the park and environment is still at it's best; for example: re-painting posts in the park every night and scientifically measuring the moisture in the air to make sure they are finished painting by a certain time so that the paint is dry by the time the park re-opens in the morning.
This is a fast read, very fun and extremely interesting. After reading the book I wanted to go work for Disney.

The Servant: A Simple Story about Leadership by James Hunter
This book was also written in story format and I loved this one as well. The main idea of this book is to lead others by loving them. When we treat others with love and respect, they will be more willing to follow and do what they have been asked to do. As I read this book I thought a lot about the student leaders that I lead and those that I have taken the time to love and sacrifice for are those who work even harder. Something else I liked about this book is it stresses that you can demand authority and manipulate people for what you want but that will only last for so long; it is love and service that will last a life time. One of my coworkers is very good at manipulation and he openly talks about it and how he will very carefully word his conversations with others to get what he wants. All this has done for me is to be very cautious around him and almost question when he is being sincere of if he is just trying to get something out of me that he wants. It has been a lesson to me to be sincere with others and to always look for win-win situations when I need to negotiate things.
This was a quick read and a good reminder of how to conduct my self everyday and with everyone... not just in the work place.