Oh, My! Was That Really Me?

When I visited my friend David (see last entry), he pulled out two photos he had taken of me more than 30 years ago!

These are the photos. In the first, mom is giving me a haircut. In the second, I'm walking in Milan with my sister.

Thank you, David! I didn't even remember my mom giving me haircuts! I hardly remember getting haircuts as a teenager!

Visiting David and Sohalia

David Mytton (at left in the first pic) was a very good friend of mine when I attended the American High School of Milan, Italy. I hadn't seen him in 30 years but the beauty of the Internet allowed us to find each other again and he and his lovely wife invited me to visit their home, which is in Palo Alto, between San Jose where I was teaching and San Francisco Airport, from where I was to fly home Friday night.

We had a wonderful time visiting, catching up, talking politics and social issues, all the while eating the homemade pizza they made. I felt as if I was back in Italy!

Now that we've seen each other, yes, it's obvious that time has passed, but at the same time, it's almost as if none has. What a wonderful thing it is to reunite with old friends!

Teaching Adobe Captivate in San Jose

Last Tuesday (Nov. 11), I taught a full-day preconference class at the eLearning Guild Conference in San Jose, California. The number of students? 54! The subject? Adobe Captivate.

It went remarkably well considering the number of students. I had to keep it slow to make sure students didn't fall behind, which happens all too easily in a class this big sometimes. I got very good evaluations on this class - yea!

More photos? Click here!

San Jose Sky

From my hotel room in San Jose this week, I took these photos. I love how the cloud cover stops at a certain point and lets the sun shine through in a bright layer. In the first photo, you can see where rain is coming down on the left.

A Very Good Philosophy

Though this is attributed to Charles Schulz, his estate has said he didn't write this. I still think it's a very good philosophy, whoever wrote it!

A Very Good Philosophy

You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read this straight through and you'll get the point. It is trying to make an awesome point!

Here's the first quiz:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The facts are, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.