Happy Administrative Professionals Week!

This week is Administrative Professionals Week and today is typically the day most people observe their admins. So I thought it fitting to share the following timely story of the importance of administrative professionals...

Don's boss's (boss A) boss's boss (referred to boss C for remainder of story) reports directly to the CEO of the company. On a weekly basis, boss C meets with the CEO and executive board to discuss the status of various IT projects. Boss C welcomes emails from Don discussing successes and challenges. Last week Don sent an email to boss C to share some positive stories with the CEO. Boss C emailed Don back requesting some specific details about the projects. Don's return email included the following text:

"...we had sex vendor user interfaces as follows:"

Don copied all of his bosses on the email, as well as their administrative professionals. Not long after he sent the email, he got a call from the administrative professional responsible for reading boss A's email. She had immediately caught his typo and in an amazing feat was able to retract the email and allow him to correct his error and send it again.

I shudder to think what would have happened if it had made it all the way up the chain of bosses, or if NO ONE would have caught it until boss C went to report it to the CEO.

Another administrative professional saves the day!!!

News from the Osborns

On April 9, 2007, we began the process to adopt another daughter from China. We will chronicle our journey to her on our blog Make room for mei mei.

Please pray we can complete the paperwork in a speedy and efficient manner and that we will be approved. There will be many other future prayer requests but for now we just want to get a quick jump on this part.

Thank you!!!

With love,
Don & Lisa

Odd

Last night as I was driving home from dinner I saw a neon sign with the phrase, "Now Open" in red lights. The sign was in front of a newly built funeral home. Of course I get why the sign says that but I still wasn't sure what I'm supposed to do with the information.

Is that a bid odd or is it just me???

Thankful Thursday

Here are 13 things I am thankful for today...

1. A safe trip to and from CA
2. I had quality one-on-one time with Jeff
3. I had quality one-on-one time with Danielle
4. Watching Lindy play with Bryce & Brendan
5. I had the chance to walk down memory lane with Pamela
6. I still fit in my pants despite the chocolate chip cookies Danielle made almost EVERY night for dessert
7. I've never paid over $3.00 a gallon for gas
8. To be back home with Don
9. Birthday dinner with the "older" girls tonight
10. Evidence that members of the Financial Peace group we lead are "getting it"
11. A surprise phone message from a college friend
12. I'm still not suffering from spring allergies
13. The little girl I hear calling for me and her amazing smile

What are you thankful for today?

Deep thoughts

I have this condition and I am not exactly sure what it is called, so I am just working on using it for the best in my life. This condition causes me to be seriously impacted by tragic circumstances. Now please don't think I think I am the only one who has this trait. I am not suggesting that at all. I have known others like me. Additionally, I am not judging others who don't experience the same feelings I have. Everyone's emotional makeup is different. For the most part, though, I find people hear bad news, acknowledge it is sad or tragic, and then move on because it doesn't directly impact them. A lot of times I don't.

The latest thing that has me really thinking is the tragedy at Virginia Tech. I am saddened how this sleepy little campus in Blacksburg, Virginia will never be the same. Yet, I am saddened more by the scores of people left hurting as a result of one person's horrific, selfish acts.

I know there are already lots of stories surfacing about the victims and how bright and wonderful they were. However, I find it unfortunate that people are often like art pieces. I don't know much about art but I have always heard art is more valuable after the artist passes away. In fact, some pieces of art are not even noticed or popular until the artist is gone. Sadly, it is like this with people. So often we don't talk about a person's worth or value until he/she is gone.

I find myself hoping those who died knew they were loved and that their parents and friends had openly professed their love for them and not just assumed they knew. I also find myself hoping those left behind aren't overcome with guilt for not openly expressing their feelings of love and care.

My take away from this tragedy is the constant reminder that there are no guarantees, as well as the importance of making each moment matter. Tell the people you love that you love them and why you love them, for you never know when it will be your last opportunity.

Happy National Sibling Day!

Who knew? There's a National Sibling Day and it is today--April 10th. So, with that in mind I want to recognize my one and only sibling--Jeffrey Allen Caples.

Jeff is exactly two years and nine months younger than I am. I guess we know how my parents celebrated my second birthday-eh!? Ewww....Once I realized that he was conceived on or near my birthday, I always joked that because I was such a great kid Mom and Dad wanted another one JUST like me. God in His incredible wisdom knew they probably couldn't have survived another one like me, so He brought Jeff into this world.

For as long as I can remember, I think I've been giving Jeff grief with statements like the one above. I also used to tell him that he was the only baby left on the cart after Mom "came to" after giving birth so that's how we got him. So mean, I know!

Jeff is the best, though! He's smart, incredibly grounded, sensitive, and loving. He's always been there for me and has put up with a lot from his big sis. As much of a whacko as I've been, I've never sensed that he has judged me or tried to flee from me. He's always just been very kind and patient with me--no matter what. Not only is he a super brother, he's a great son, a wonderful husband to Danielle, a special father to Bryce and Brendan, and a strong Christian man with loads of integrity.

The bond between a brother and sister is quite different than that of a sister with a sister or brother and brother. I think the bond between an older sister and younger brother is even more unique. Unfortunately, lots of times there really isn't much of a bond there. That's very sad to me because I can't imagine NOT having a relationship with Jeff. I know I don't get to visit with him as often as I'd like and we don't share intimate details of life like sisters might, but I think we're close and for that I am really grateful.

So if you have a sibling, take some time to tell them you love them and remind them what a blessing they are to you.

Nuts about Nutella

For those of you who know me very well, you probably know I love peanut butter. You also probably know I love chocolate even more. Well, this weekend in a semi-impulsive move I bought a double-pack of Nutella at Costco. Crazy, I know! I mean who tries something new by purchasing the double-pack?! That's what sampler sizes are for, afterall.

I first remember being curious about Nutella when I traveled to Italy in 1995 and saw it in some stores there. Apparently, it originated in Italy. Recently, my curiosity about Nutella was raised again watching Giada De Laurentiis' cooking show on the Food Network. She uses it quite a bit and is a self-professed chocoholic. So, when I saw that double-pack staring at me, I knew it was time to give it a try.

I cracked open the jar that Saturday evening and in the words of Rachael Ray I say, "Yummo!" It appears I may have a new vice and I don't think that will be the last double-pack I'll be buying.

Thankful Thursday

Here are thirteen things I am thankful for today...

1. One GREAT year with Lindy
2. A crispness in the air this morning
3. Special friends with birthdays in April (there are LOTS of them)
4. Family members with birthdays in April
5. I know what I am making for dinner
6. Mom & Dad found red canvas shoes in Lindy's size
7. Friends near and friends far
8. Good role models in my life
9. A husband who is a good provider
10. People with compassion
11. The book of Psalm
12. People who are brave
13. Jesus rose

What are you thankful for today?

How good are your communication skills?

During a few of our discussions this weekend, it seemed like Don and I weren't on the same page. Nothing serious, just a series of miscommunications for one reason or another. Sometimes, I guess I just expect Don to know exactly what I mean and not have to fill in all the gaps and, yes, read my mind. That's why I had to laugh when I got this from my sister-in-law, Michelle.