Kumbaya...

"How does that make you feel?" "Don't say 'I can't' say instead...together we can." And something about "...and gosh darn it I'm worth it!" Imagine it being stated of course with an overt lisssp. Okay, okay, it's not as bad as all that. But even without the visual aids people I know a tree hugger when I see one. I swear the instructor used both the "warm and fuzzy" and "touchy/feely" phrases today. But luckily she was throwing it out there to say that, "you all probably had pre-conceived notions about how this training would be. Everyone else pretended offense at the remark, while your lowly cheer_dad sitting just left of center chimed in "oh hell yeah!!! The rest of them are just lying to themselves!" Tact is not always one of my strong suits.

However, I will withdraw some of what I thought/said. This is a highly efficient course in a VERY NICE facility. The attached hotel to the training center is a Clarion Hotel, and is quite new, well equipped. Wireless internet access available AND free throughout the facility. Refreshments available throughout the day in the lounge area just off the classroom. Each of the numerous classroom, breakout, conference, and technology facilities is a "Facilitator's" dream come true. More dry-erase walls, easels, multicolor markers, office supplies out the yin-yang, and enough audio, visual, and technology equipment, to start a mid-sized war! There is dining, lounges, tavern, top-notch fitness facililty (which I took advantage of thank you very much!)and every amenity you could imagine. I'm still trying to understand why they stuck this facility here in quiet little Shepherdstown, WV, but maybe the point really was to get folks away, out of their hustle/bustle to where they could legitimately focus on the training at hand.

The focus as I've said before is Leadership. I'm hoping at the end to find that this is not a course which advocates a business philosophy of "...the beatings will continue until morale improves." If I find that it doesn't then I'll have to recommend that "some" previous attendees need to re-attend the course. They are definitely in need of a Mulligan!

Some bad news to report today! My daughter texted me today while I was still in training to inform me that the doctor was admitting her to the HOSPITAL! Super...I'm 4 1/2 hours away. I knew she was a bit sick but my wife took her to the doctor on Friday last week and he ordered tests. Those results told an infectious story. My baby girl (okay, she's 15) has MONO, STREP, and TONSILITIS! She got the friggin' HAT TRICK! And here I am...but she and my wife insist there's nothing I can do about it all, and there's no point in my coming home to assist. Still I feel helpless and to a degree guilty for not being there. Rest and get well soon little blonde girl.

I'm going to sign off for now...I actually have "homework" to get accomplished before morning. Read a few chapters...write down my feelings...find a tree and slip it the tongue.

I'm gettin' wood already.

Oh and I'm still mad at Jefferson County for denying the casino gaming initiative for nearby Charles Town Racing and Slots. Miserable, no good, motherless sons a......

Regards,

cheer_dad