Exhilarating Hyperventilation Malfunction

The title of this post is an exercise in futility. Sometimes, I’ll just let my mind wander…(in an attempt at clearer inner vision, don't-ya-know…) and then I see what’s what.

Sometimes, errant words just pop into my head. This title is a product of my inner vision. Aren't you feeling special that I shared??

Now. For those of you just dying for follow-up to my earlier tweet:

Some of Readers Digest’s articles are available online. I was totally into one whilst at the dentist:

“Sometimes life throws you a curveball, hands you a lemon, or knocks you for a loop. But knowing how to approach failure can be the first step to success. The latest science and strategies on how to win in the end. When author J. K. Rowling addressed the graduating class at Harvard last June, she didn't focus on success. Instead, she spoke about failure. She related a story about a young woman who gave up her dream of writing novels to study something more practical. Nonetheless, she ended up as an unemployed single mom ‘as poor as it is possible to be in modern Britain without being homeless.’ But during this rock-bottom time, she realized she still had a wonderful daughter, an old typewriter, and an idea that would become the foundation for rebuilding her life. Perhaps you've heard of Harry Potter? ‘You might never fail on the scale I did,’ Rowling told that privileged audience. ‘But it is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all--in which case, you fail by default.’

LOVE this sentiment. She’s so wise.

Read the entire article here: http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/5-winners-teach-us-how-to-learn-from-failure/article125947.html

For those of you too lazy busy to click on the above, I’ll share another little tidbit:

“When times get tough, write your obituary. You heard us. Sit down, think hard, and list three things you want people to remember you for. This will help prioritize your life. Then find ways to follow through on your goals. If you can't contribute money to charity, give time. A bonus is that volunteering is a great way to network. You'll meet new people with new ideas, plus the effort will freshen your spirit.”

Because a little spirit-freshening is never a bad idea….especially these days…seriously.

Whilst in the dentist’s waiting room, Connor (12) had an interesting moment from his day to share with me (and thus, with you):

Connor: “I fell asleep at school today.”

Me: “Wait. What? You what? You fell asleep? Seriously??”

C: “Yup.”

K: “In what subject, might I ask?”

C: “Um. It was music.”

K: (Pauses.) “How does one fall asleep in music class? Don’t you have to be….singing, or something?”

(As is often the case, we’ve now caught the attention of the other people in the waiting room, as well as the receptionist and one patient who was ready to depart, but paused at the door and waited…looking at Connor expectantly)

C: “Nah. We were watching some video on music. It was explaining how music is about pitches…and imagery…or something…”

K: “Wait. How do you know what it was about? I thought you fell asleep.”

C: “Well, I did. But I caught the first five minutes or so. It was really boring.”

K: “Huh. So, you had a substitute...hence the video?”

C: “Nope. My music teacher is performing some big musical-thing in two days and he had to rest his voice, so he couldn’t talk.”

K: (Surprised) “Are you kidding me? A middle school music teacher who can’t talk? Isn’t that some kind of oxymoron?”

C: “A what?” (Eyes me suspiciously) “Is that anything like Oxyclean? ‘Cause that guy Billy Mays is really annoying.”

The elderly gentleman at the door chuckles and departs…everyone in the room is smiling as they go back to reading and waiting.

I also smile…knowingly….for I have the dubious honor of going home with this colorful teller-of-stories.

And then he goes and spoils it all by picking up a baby Smurf book and reading OUT LOUD in some sappy, snarky, smurfy voice…and I’m reminded once again that he’s only 12, after all.

God….does anyone remember being 12?