August 28th, 2006: Happy 30th Yamil!, Jazzin up a School System and off to Mankato

August 28^th, 2006:

Though I could easily complain about having to be up for an 830 show today, I won’t. It was for a great purpose. The superintendent of the Osseo school system had us perform for all of her 1700 teachers today, to get them pumped for the school year. We had a second performance later in the day for the remainder of the school staff (not because they needed to be separated for any particular reason other than the Open Door only holds 1700 people). After each of our performances, there was a motivational speaker, Keith Harrell. Great, great speaker.

Here are some of his main points:

• Why be positive? Because any day above ground is a good day.
• Garbage in-garbage stays. Watch out for negative inputs.
• Guard your ear gate. Take the trash out.
• Monitory your eye gate. Renew your mind.
• Control your mouth gate. Watch your words.
• Respond versus react. Don’t tighten up, lighten up.
• If you can look up, you can get up.
• Enthusiasm-never let the kid in you die.
• Use positive words, “I feel superfantastic”

Sounds like the cognitive behavioral work I do with my clients. I like his phrasing better though. It rolls off the tongue.

Finally, once all the teachers cleared, it was our turn to take over the stage and strike set. I found myself constantly asking the leader, “What do you need me to do?”. I’m lost with regards to this stuff. Hopefully I’ll figure it out soon.

The ride to Mankato was short and great. I sat with Adriana from Brazil and was able to get to know her a bit better. Apparently, I was also in the “hot” section of the bus with all the Brazilians and Mexicans. We had some great laughs asking each other questions of, well, adult content shall we say. Too funny. It was great to break out of the “goody goody” mold for a bit.

In Mankato we were greeted with a police escort and a red carpet arrival. Ben and Kelly did a great job setting up our entrance. Awaiting me was Jim Lyons; a business friend of my mother’s who has volunteered to host me this week. He also volunteered to drive three other cast mates to their host mother in his Buick. This would prove to be a challenge, considering we all have full sized suit cases. Alas, three of us are without luggage for tonight.

Jay and Mary Lyons have a wonderful home in Owatanna (sp?). I feel badly, though. I had zero energy for them. It took all I had to manage some conversation before they went off to bed. They are so very sweet. They made me popcorn and tea while we chatted. I look forward to getting to know them better.