They Really Liked Me!

Fourth Graders Gone Socially Savvy

No one was more shocked (than I) that I did not get tied up or at least have something thrown at me in a fourth grade classroom setting.... because, of course, the fact that I was teaching  a social etiquette class, yes etiquette lessons to the age of children that usually can't stay focused for over 1/2 second. This is NOT my typical age audience, but now I'm rethinking it. They were wonderful!

It appears The Plainview Christian Academy is training up their students the right way, because this young group embraced my Socially Savvy message and had all the right answers - really. If I asked a question, they had the appropriate answer and then some. 

A few shout-outs: Ms. Brown, you are THE BEST! PCA Parents - YOU ROCK! (especially you Jennifer, thank you for inviting me)

Yes, PCA is a private, small town Texas school. Each student there is blessed beyond measure to attend with low headcount in each classroom. 

I never heard a "Yep", Nope", or "Huh?" but lots of Yes Ma'am and No Ma'am. I liked it, actually...I loved it! Each student was polite, funny, and at full-attention for 45 minutes.

On a global note: The morning news today stated: "After about half a million students worldwide took the PISA exams, the United States performance remained flat. "Experts" say the test results will likely intensify the debate over education reform." 

Wouldn't it be great if the "experts" started the reform with a few "basics".

For example: 

• How to make a great impression. 
• How to give a compliment and how to accept one.
• What confidential information not to share with others.
• How to shake hands and look others in the eyes.
• How to write a thank-you note.
• Basic dining skills.

America would be a better place if we start early training up our children in the way they should go.

What do you think?

xoJoy

Blissdom'13

Are you ready for some BLISS - I am!

Welcome BLISSDOM'13 to Dallas/Fort Worth. The biggest and best blogging conference on the planet has found it's home in my home town of Dallas. YES!

While I get to sleep in my own bed tonight - many others from all over the nation, and perhaps world will be in "blissdom" at The GayLord Hotel. The Gaylord is a world class resort with much to offer.

If you want to attend, it's not too late to sign up. Here's the link!
http://blissdomconference.com/
I'm headed there now .... Come on and join the fun-dom!

All my best,
xoJoy

Hello Ambit-ious Women -

I am thrilled to be speaking for Ambit Energy this weekend. Ambit is hosting their yearly AMBIT-IOUS WOMEN CONFERENCE 2013.

PREPARE TO GET SOCIALLY SAVVY AND HAVE A TON OF FUN TOGETHER!

Super Bowl Etiquette

Super Bowl Sunday

Track your NFL team fans.

Is your team in the Superbowl this year? 
No? Mine either. (sniff, sniff)
Don't get me started on the Dallas Cowboys - it's complicated! But as you can see on the map above - the Cowboys still have some followers even though they stink. Yes - I can say that because I am a lifelong fan (see, it's complicated)

On a lighter note, I know you're going to a Superbowl party and you must remember to take the dish requested of you (or chip in $ for the catering) and please do not forget to take a fun gift to the host/hostess if the party is in a home, Consider a football theme gift. For example: Football team cookies (TART Bakery if you live in Dallas), or Tervis Tumberlers have all your team's logo, or perhaps a more extravagant gift is a tabletop book of the history of football.

Remember to write a thank you note to your host/hostess afterwards,  thanking them for putting together the Superbowl Party and the fun of it all.

I never remember who plays in the Superbowl from year to year, mainly because my team has not been in the Superbowl since 1996 (yes, we won)

Super Bowl XXX
	Jan. 28, 1996 Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, Arizona
MVP: Larry Brown, CB, Dallas

	Dallas Cowboys	27
	Pittsburgh Steelers	17

What I do remember from year to year are the commercials and the halftime shows. My favorite commercials are the Budweiser commercials featuring the big Clydesdale horses. This year's ad does not disappoint.

Back to etiquette tips - here are a couple more.

• Don't keep your head buried in your iPhone or iPad tweeting or Facebooking - it's rude!
• Remember - everyone is not watching the Super Bowl in real time - be careful not to blert out the scores. Some may have Tivo'ed it to watch later.
• Be a gracious winner and loser. Just think of the Harbaugh's brother's parents - they will have one that wins and one that is loser.

Have a Super Super Bowl Sunday!

xoJoy

Finally, Downton Abbey III

ARE YOU A FAN? 

Me too!

Downton Abbey Season III, is off to a wonderful start. Last nights premiere (finally shown in America) did not disappoint. I have waited and counted down the days, only to find out my third of six cooking class was changed to the evening of January 6th. What? No Way! (more on cooking class later!) Of course I DVR'ed D.A. and stayed up until 2:30am watching every detail. 

For those of you newcomers to the show - you must start with Season I and II to get caught up with characters and their history. 

You can go to YouTube and see every episode for free of as inexpensive as $1.99. (Do not pay more)

You can also rent on Netflix, Redbox and probably other outlets. 

I adore the protocol that goes along with the British traditions. 

Mary, my favorite character is all about making sure the English traditions are not left behind.

While her maternal Grandma-ma (Shirley McLaine) just arrived from progressive America and encourages cultural change. (Ms. McLaine you are a fabulous actress)

Don't forget to set your DVR for next week's show PBS on Sunday evening. You can also skip ahead and buy the entire Season III online. Season III has been aired already in Britain in the fall.

For more on English culture and traditions - here are two sites for a quick lesson.

Quick Tips on Customs and Behavior

Tips from The English

xoJoy

Day #2 of 365

Today is Day #2 of 365 ... break your own personal best records for accomplishment. No one can be a better you than YOU. Be "You" WELL!

Most of us get excited when we read about super-human achievements, but something that is much more important is when we break our own personal best records for accomplishments.  Achieving better grades, a better work record, a better record of “being nice,” and a host of other records will make you a better person in the most important game of all – the game of life.  ~Zig Ziglar


xoJoy

Twenty Thirteen

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you!  

Yesterday was #365 and we started all over today with #1. Last year rolled by fast - I hope you are ready to roll with me again this year. Let's do it together - getting Socially Savvy and being the best we can be - one day at a time.