Andy Andrews - Inspirational Corporate Speaker

The Worst Day of the Year

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

I will warn you now. This particular posting is not for children ...

There. That got your attention, didn't it? Well, here goes ...

Remember the Fifth Decision, Today I Will Choose To Be Happy? I must confess that "today" ... I am not! Here on the gulf coast, it is the first day of school. School? In the middle of August? Holy cow! The kids weren't even released (notice my little "prison" metaphor?) until June!

It is about 8:30 AM. I just got back into my office. Polly and I both took the boys to school this morning. She was a bit teary as the boys left the car. Me? I maintained an "Oh, this is going to be fun" attitude that I didn't really embrace. The boys seemed to be fine. Me? I was not and am still not.

Adam has started kindergarten. Kindergarten—the beginning of the end—life's true freedom never to be experienced again. Know this, kindergartners ... in the future, joy will only be tasted in stingy bites of what adults now deem "your summer". Say the word with me, friends ... Kindergarten. Now, try it with a German accent. Kindergarten! It sounds ominously military, doesn't it—a lot like Bertesgarten, Hitler's private retreat during WWII.

Austin is beginning the third grade. I don't even know what to say about the turd grade. And yes, I meant to spell it that way. I went to Heard Elementary for my third grade year. And yes, even then, I was aware that "Heard" rhymed with "turd".

But I was lucky in the third grade. Miss Wheeler was my teacher and she was beautiful. Actually, I seem to remember being in love with her at the time, but surely that couldn't have been the case. After all, I am certain that I hated school then as much as I do now.

I do remember being terrified of the other third grade teacher, Mrs. Trotter. She was short and wide, with wispy red hair that rose from her flat forehead like the very blazes of hell. Trotter the Troll, we called her, and in the second grade, we often beseeched God in Heaven above to reach down his mighty hand and place us in Miss Wheeler's class for the following year. Once, I even prayed that at the dinner table. With my head bowed, I earnestly intoned, "Save us, oh Lord, from Trotter the Troll." My mother was not amused, but my dad actually squirted iced tea from his nose.

Now, all these years later, school has again ruined my life. My best buddies are now locked up, chained to a desk, and forced to learn about obscure things that are less important than fishing, football, and how to make sounds with a hand and an armpit. Yes, they are in school. Ugh. Which means that I must sit here at my desk and work.

But only until 2:45.

THE END

Whoops ... sorry. That was not "the end". Polly just breezed into my office and read (over my shoulder) what I have written for this post. Before leaving, she commented, "I can see now how you are structuring these blogs. You do a serious one, followed by a less serious one, occasionally adding a post of limited value—something you just wanted to get off your chest." Then she walked out with a smirk on her face. It must be wonderful to be blessed with the gift of discernment.

Let me close with a quote that could not be more apropos to the subject at hand. This, by the 19th century philosopher, Henry David Thoreau, who said, "Distrust any enterprise that requires new clothes."

Your friend,

Andy

Posted in General | Make a Comment (52) |

1. mary - August 12, 2008 @ 1:14 PM

"It will be Ok Mr. Andy. Just wait~~one day you will have to stand in your driveway and wave good-bye when they go off to the really big school~~ COLLEGE

Ms. Mary"

2. Anita - August 12, 2008 @ 5:13 PM

"I prayed my family would move before I started 4th grade. We didn't and I ended up not liking the teacher until the last day of school. There was a missing library book checked out in my name and my mom was working. Either he really didn't like me and didn't want me repeating his class or I like to think he was a nice guy after all, he paid for the book so I didn't get held back. Now as a Mom I always tell my kids not to judge the teacher by what everyone else has said about them. If they are really a horrible teacher I will get them out of the class. I have only had to go to the school once to get a child into a new teacher. And would have made her stick out the class but the teacher actually told her she was stupid in front of the class. So she was switched and I still haven't confronted the teacher 4 years later. I have to be nice I still have 2 kids behind her. It is a killer though to think my baby is starting 9th grade this year."

3. Nola - August 12, 2008 @ 5:39 PM

"Funny how your perspective can be very different. The first day of school for me was the most exciting day of the year. Why, we got to wear new shoes, new clothes, we had new pencils, and new notebooks, and even new pink erasers that fit into our new pencil bag. I can still smell the inside of my cigar box, given to me by Mr. Purser, the local druggist in our small little town of Lake City, FL.
No, my friend....the first day of school for me was a release FROM prison. Don't get me wrong, I love my family. It was the work on the farm me and my sisters hated!! All summer long was either working in tobacco, picking peas, or worse, shelling them!! Then, of course, there was cutting the okra, shucking the corn, and digging peanuts.
Funny how all of that work was done in the summer...when we were home from school. Now, I wish I could find a field of fresh peas in which to gather a mess so I could shell them. How I yearn for a chance to cut fresh okra (even with the itches we used to get from them) and how fresh shucked corn just doesn't taste the same from the grocery store.
Yes, those summers were prison....or were they????"

4. Todd - August 12, 2008 @ 5:55 PM

"The first day of school always meant my Mom would get up early and make sure that I had a healthy home cooked breakfast. You see she worked and had her own things to do every day. New shoes were taken from the box and new jeans, freshly bought from the Fleet Farm store, were taken from the drawer. I knew I started every year with a clean slate and none of my homework was late!!

It was always the second day I didn't like. Cold cereal and homework ruined that day!!"

5. Rebecca - August 12, 2008 @ 6:07 PM

"one word - Homeschool!"

6. I love School Mom - August 12, 2008 @ 6:29 PM

"Quit whining like you have no choice! Homeschooling was the best decision we ever made. There are tons of resources from K-12 for the home school family. Our 6 kids are not only our best friends, but they are each other's as well. How have they fared in that "backwoods, non-social" environment? The oldest is soon to finish an 18 month mechanic certification with a 3.8 GPA and Director's List (attitude, accountablity, leadership) every semester. At work he received higest marks for "getting along" with any employee. He'll come home to finsh his degree in electrical engineering. The second is leaving for college next week on an academic scholarship majoring in biomedical engineering. He was church pianist for a little congregation his senior year of HS and competed for national chmpionship basketball. Our 3rd is a HS junior enrolled at the local community college earning dual credits. She has given music lesson to kids in the community since she was eleven years old. The three younger kids are active in church, music and sports together as well as advanced in academics and music. I'll be the first to say my children are not extra high IQ. We just determined to spend time on things that mattered most to our family as a family rather than chasing a government schedule...You and Polly DO have a choice."

7. jan burch - August 12, 2008 @ 7:54 PM

"Hey Andy, Don't feel bad. Kelly cried her eyes out after dropping Bentley off!"

8. Linda Buice - August 12, 2008 @ 8:01 PM

"As a teacher, I am not sure what to think (especially because I teach third grade). Most kids are excited about new clothes, school supplies, etc. Don't forget that most teachers have the jitters, too. It is hard to say farewell at the end of the year. I have to get out of my summer mode too (although I have been working on school all summer). I am glad you will miss your kids - but I am sure they will adjust. I love school.

Linda"

9. Fran - August 12, 2008 @ 8:24 PM

"Andy... I love your humor and wisdom... I remember taking off those first few years when our boys walked to the bus -- we even have pictures. Those are precious moments that I will always carry with me!!"

10. Lynn - August 12, 2008 @ 8:33 PM

"Andy, as a schoolteacher, I AGREE with you 100%. I have been sitting here the past two days, just dreading next Monday. The thought of walking into that 150 degree room and turning on 20 computers (5 of which are probably still broken since I left back in June because no one fixed them over the "summer") is about to get me. And if I get the rolls and find out I have 4 students that I taught last year in the same room, there isn't enough valium on the earth to help me make it through the 90 day course with them. ROTFL Trust me - these 4 are a handful! Teachers dread the start of the year just as much as parents do. But after you survive that first day, you just start counting down and say "OK only 179 more days to go!" LOL And that's with the kids - doesn't include workdays LOL.

Hang in there. I'm sure you and Polly will make it through. And before you know it, the kids will be off for that brief sabbatical that they call "Christmas break". ;)"

11. Bev - August 12, 2008 @ 9:46 PM

"Mildly humorous. Mine's a teenager, so starting tomorrow I can now play MY OWN christian music, not heavy metal, dance to disco as loud as the volume will go and finally clean the never ending mess that has ensued this house this summer! I get a whole day of respect because he's not here to dish out the insults and tell me how annoying I am. Aw yes...8th grade is good. And I also am thankful for the things my kid won't be doing in 8th grade, as when I was in 8th grade the trouble I got into would make your toenails curl. Be happy."

12. alan Carley - August 12, 2008 @ 9:59 PM

"Andy: would love 2 catch up with u. Talked 2 keith Fraser said he ran in to you n when they were on vacation. Email me"

13. Courtney - August 12, 2008 @ 10:09 PM

"Oh Andy....

It was great to come home from a long day and get such a chuckle out of the way you write. I love the description of Mrs. Trotter...."short and wide with wispy red hair...like the very blazes of hell." You couldn't be any more descriptive than that! She sounds like my 4-year old preschool teacher, Mrs. Finklestink. No lie - that was her name. We called her "Mrs. Finger-stink". Okay - of course my totally gross brother came up with that...no girl would ever think of that, but it was funny to us all anyway. She looked exactly like Heat Miser, but was such a sweet woman.

It warms my heart to hear in your words how close you are with your kids. Never let that go. What precious gifts they are, huh?"

14. Bev - August 12, 2008 @ 10:20 PM

"Andy, I was in the Shades Mountain Baptist Church youth choir with you that your father led and also the group The Soul Celebration! Blast from the past! I'm glad that you are still using your humor to touch the lives of others. In high school you were one funny guy! Guess it stuck! Kind regards, Beverly (Trent) Jeffries"

15. Diane - August 12, 2008 @ 10:34 PM

"I'm wondering WHY aren't you homeschooling ? why would you let your most prized possessions to people you know little about, not to mention their views ? textbooks have changed along the general morale of the people. just because someone is behind a desk in a shool doesn't make them a teacher anymore than standing in a garage makes me a car. Take the leap, you'll be glad you did !"

16. Marcetta - August 12, 2008 @ 11:18 PM

"Thank you for sharing your disgruntlement with us. My granddaughter also started kindergarten today, and I have been saddened and annoyed by the constriction this forces upon our lives.
Keep up the great work! You are in inspiration, even when disgruntled! MM"

17. Stan Spaulding - August 13, 2008 @ 12:28 AM

"Andy,
I seem to remeber some guy standing on stage or maybe he jumped to the floor of the Hotel Ballroom and said... " Just Smile while you are talking and Knod..." Sound familar?
My wife is still reminding me to smile while I talk.

I just wanted to let you know that I feel your pain, my little buddy will be on his way to First Grade in two weeks, up to this point since his birth we have shared Lunch together almost everyday and starting this year he will be in confinement all day.
I also wanted to say that you really spoke to my heart on Saturday afternoon in Dallas. I can't wait till February for the Second Half!!!

Stan Spaulding
Brenham, TX USA

P.S. Thanks for the autographs You are a Champion!!!"

18. Donna - August 13, 2008 @ 12:52 AM

"Well Andy, I can only say I do understand. My grandsons are off to preschool and first grade this year, but the hard one was when we dropped off out son at UT and made the trip back from Austin. There's a song about it by Steve and Annie Chapman called The Drive back from Austin inspired by my husband's account of that very difficult time letting go of our son. Andy, it is hard but they are hardy and we will all get through it. Just keep your eyes and ears glued to the backpacks. Love from a former company of which I was an IBO for a short time."

19. sarah - August 13, 2008 @ 2:52 AM

"I like how you write. It is fun to laugh at light stuff, yet things we all understand from being there. Thanks for the posts, and thank you for giving us SO much of yourself at Success School in Dallas!"

20. Jimmy - August 13, 2008 @ 3:26 AM

"I agree with Diane and Rebecca - HOMESCHOOL!!! It's the most wonderful thing you could do for your children!

I love what you do, now if I could just apply it.....!!

Jimmy"

21. Kit - August 13, 2008 @ 5:52 AM

"Dear Favorite Inspirational Speaker: You'll always be their best and favorite teacher. I am glad that you, too, have normal separation anxiety over those precious people. I feel your pain. And I don't even have little ones. It's a kind of loss, grief. I'm sure they are taught good things at home. Think of all that adorable beauty you are sending out into the world and sharing with other children and teachers. You have done a great and magnanimous thing. Peace be with you. -- Kit PS: I loved kindergarten. I had to walk two blocks, cut through woods, swing on a rope swing over a creek (optional, actually) and climb up a hill, through the pastor's yard, past his jackrabbits in back of the parsonage (the scariest part of the journey -- they seemed bigger than I) and then run into the old stone church where the class was held. The teachers were wonderful and I even remember a couple of classmates to this day."

22. Dell Anne Hines Afzal - August 13, 2008 @ 7:40 AM

"Dear Andy: I really enjoyed your thoughts on the first day of school. Alas, I am in total agreement with you regarding school (unlike my sister, Nola, (#3) who blogged how wonderful it was to go back in the fall!)

It is true that we had to do the farm chores, (Your co-hort, Robert D. Smith will remember the cutting of the okra with me; he still bears the scar of the knife when we as youngsters had to go down to the "back 40" to cut that nasty stuff. I made him hang out the window of my Daddy's new car so he wouldn't bleed inside as I rushed him back home so Mama could take him to the ER. Stitches were required but I thought I had killed him!

Of course, MY memories of summers do include Nola's dreaded memories of working in the fields but Robert and my other 2 male cousins, Richard and Junior Feagle all came to be with us during the summer and to help in the tobacco fields. I did thoroughly enjoy having all of them with us during the summers.

Nola, as you know, was the youngest of Mama and Daddy's brood, (Charlene and Kay were a little older than she was but she was the BABBBBBYYYYY!) I can talk about the hard work...SHE was the BABBBYYYY!

Far be it from me though to question Nola's memories of the hardships of the farm! The trip to the tobacco warehouse to sell the season's yield was exciting since Daddy would sometimes let us go with him. He would buy us home-made peach ice cream if we were good. That day usually predicted our next day-trip which was to go to the big city to shop for our new school clothes and supplies.

I will agree though about the new things we got; they were wonderful. After the crop sale, we made a special one day trip to Jacksonville (the big city) to buy our school clothes, shoes and supplies. Daddy and Mama made it a big deal to eat in a nice restaurant on that day. We didn't get to do that much when we were really young.

I remember the sheer exhaustion of the trip home in the extreme heat of an un-air conditioned 57 Ford station wagon packed to the top in goodies for our first day back to school. Nola is right; we would each take our own STASH and get them all ready and fresh for our first day back to school. THOSE memories are precious (although the new shoes usually hurt like all get-out)!

I can imagine, though how Daddy must have felt what with having to cart 4 little girls and a wife around for a SHOPPING SPREE NO LESS! Sheer misery but he WAS and IS the world’s greatest Daddy for putting up with all of us!

The first day back to school for me was apprehensive, usually very hot but was very sweet when I was able to see all my friends from the previous year again.

ANDY, thanks for the memories; just remember all the sweet times with your boys. Treasure each and every day you have because our children grow up so very fast!"

23. Dave Paul - August 13, 2008 @ 8:55 AM

"Andy,
I can relate to your thoughts. We were in Alabama at the time when our daughter Megan went to Kindergarten (all day). We (mom, dad, grandparents) watched her get on the bus. She looked like a back back with legs (tiny girl, long back pack). I was caught off guard about how empty the house felt without her. We had been buddies as I had been home with her for several years prior to "the beginning of the end". Now, five years later, her younger sister starts Kindergarten and I'm a bit more prepared for the departure - it's only a half-day program here in Minnesota and I've got plenty to do while she's gone.
In the afternoon, when she is home, it's back to hand-to-armpit noise training
Thanks for the personal thoughts"

24. MJ - August 13, 2008 @ 8:56 AM

"Consider homeschooling. It is the BEST ! YOU get to be the one who sees the lightbulb go 'on' so to speak when they 'get it' after you've worked together learning something new . .... YOU CAN DO IT!"

25. Mark Fletcher - August 13, 2008 @ 9:33 AM

"Andy, what a great perspective on school! I'm giving this to my son because I am sure he's already uttered similar prayers regarding a few of his teachers....and he's fifteen! Beth and I both appreciate your words and your life and are thrilled to be a part of your blog! Blessings to you and your family in all that you do!"

26. The Principal - August 13, 2008 @ 9:46 AM

"What a sad persepctive on school. As a Christian School principal, I'd like to spend some time with you. I'd encourage you to get more involved in visiting your school, helping the teacher be more successful, drop your kids off instead of let the ride the bus, talk about what was good and bad at school, and realize that your example of "choosing to be happy" will help your sons do the same. If that doesn't work, move here! We start school August 25 and we finish this year on May 29 AND we have a 2 week Easter Vacation!"

27. Andy Andrews - August 13, 2008 @ 10:13 AM

"Dear Mr. Principal,

Having had several principals in my life, I have always wanted to say this to one of you:

IT'S A JOKE! IT"S A JOKE! HOLY COW! DID YOU HAVE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR REMOVED BEFORE YOU ACCEPTED THE JOB???

Okay, that's out...I feel better now.

1) We were at the school last night. Actually, we are there a lot.

2) We do "drop our boys off" instead of letting them ride the bus. It is more time we have with them in the mornings and afternoons to shape their attitudes and opinions.

3) We ALWAYS talk to our kids about what is good at school.

4) As a principal, you should know that in this case, you don't need quotation marks around what you wrote.

Yours,

Andy

QUESTION FOR EVERYONE ELSE: Is there any chance that the principal will not see the humor in this either?"

28. alice - August 13, 2008 @ 11:08 AM

"You said: "...chained to a desk, and forced to learn about obscure things that are less important than..."

Then you said: "It's a joke, folks!"

No, Andy, it's not a joke. Think about what they are teaching your kids in school, instead of teaching them how to read and write and do math -- think about it for awhile, and you'll be back in bed, pulling the covers over your head!

The *joke* is Public School where they teach to the lowest common denominator, allow cheating, encourage disrespect of authority and parents, and promote immorality.

When the kids come out of school, they know that Heather Has Two Mommies, but they can't read the newspaper. It is no joke!"

29. Beverley - August 13, 2008 @ 11:34 AM

"Andy, I'm with you on the ridiculousness of starting school in the middle of August. Here in Texas, it's just too dang hot! I mean, it would make since if they needed the extra time for history lessons. After all, there's so much more history to learn now than when we were in school. Did you ever finish a history book in school? We never did. There was at least 1/4 of the book left over every year. Guess it wasn't important."

30. Kelly Krei - August 13, 2008 @ 12:08 PM

"Andy, I find myself feeling the same way as I am dropping off some new shirts at the cleaners; you know, will my new shirts be okay? Will they get along with shirts they have never met? Will they be the same, only cleaner and less wrinkled, when I pick them up? So, this morning as I was dropping off some new shirts at the cleaners, the nice young lady helping me said, “You have some shirts to pick up, but I am sorry to tell you I cannot find them, please fill out this form and I will call you when I do find them”. Talk about the law of attraction . . .

My wife too tells me that I seem to go from topic to topic and from being serious to not making any sense at all. To which I reply;

“Honey, it’s not my fault, you see I believe that life is filled with peaks and valleys, and in order to live life to the fullest, we should all laugh more and frown less. So please, have patience with me, forgive me of my many faults and continue loving me as I am”. (In order to get the true emotion of my plea in this paragraph, please read it again, only this time, replace the letter “L” in each word with the letter “R”).

Thanks again Andy, today I too choose to be happy."

31. The Principal - August 13, 2008 @ 12:51 PM

"I choose to be happy."

32. Marjorie - August 13, 2008 @ 12:53 PM

"Home School! Then YOU can make it FUN and a Joye (oh yes you can!!!) :-D !"

33. Myron Remington - August 13, 2008 @ 2:00 PM

"Remember, Andy ... This too shall pass. You got through hurricanes and you will get through this, too.

Minor detail FYI -- it's Berchtesgaden. Only in English does it sound like garden.

Myron"

34. sandy - August 13, 2008 @ 3:59 PM

"A big YES to all those homeschoolers! I started my teaching career in 1962, and since, have been experiencing and watching the "teaching for the lowest common denominator" Alice mentioned. Today it is more of a babysitting and policing job. Destructive behavior by a few leave little chance for the others to really learn. I am now substituting and teaching Driver Education. Most students in Dr Ed behave because I hold their license hostage.......Andy, I use your Seven Decisions as part of my cirriculum on making choices.

This past year I also became a Supervising Teacher for homeschoolers. I love it....all my kids are well above grade level and have skills we all wish for all kids. I come away from our meetings refreshed, renewed and excited again about education.

Afraid your are right!!! Chained and controlled are the norm in public education....as well as being taught simply for the tests they will be taking!

Thanks for all you do to keep us all thinking and reclaiming our selves."

35. Anita - August 13, 2008 @ 4:13 PM

"I Choose to be happy...
I choose public schools to let my children know that there are as many different views as there are different people. And let them learn that loving to learn from other adults "no matter how good or bad a teacher." Is a good thing and they can choose to be happy at school."

36. Andy Andrews - August 13, 2008 @ 4:56 PM

"Dear Folks,

WHEW!

Next time I promise to blog about something less controversial...like capital punishment or the war in Iraq!

Myron...great to hear from you. Still in Texas? You obviously didn't read my first blog about not correcting my mistakes... Hmmmm, of course you are correct about the spelling of Berchtesgaden. I knew it didn't look right when I wrote it, but I swear that I Googled it and found it the other way. Sorry!

Mr. Principal...thanks for choosing to be happy. And now I know that you really do have a sense of humor. Ha! By the way, why didn't you catch that misspelling the way Myron did? (C'mon now...chuckle...)

Take care,

Andy"

37. jean - August 13, 2008 @ 9:19 PM

"Ha Andy,
you really got everyone pumped up! I am starting my 30th year of teaching and even though I moan and groan about the summer gone by its been a wonderful career...kids have taught me to be a better person. I have read your book with my high school students the last two years and they loved it! We used the journal for writing and many chose to be happy for the first time in their lives. This book has changed my life. Thank you for all you do. Cherish this time with your kids. I miss those days. A proud public school teacher"

38. Jim Peake - August 14, 2008 @ 7:28 AM

"Andy: Glad to see you are blogging! Great post. I feel your pain, these are great ages for little guys. Here is Massachusetts I don't send my 9 year old boy back to school until after Labor Day, this means I'll get one more weekend of camping in New Hampshire and a weekend on Cape Cod with him before the summer is over. I guess this is one of the advandages of having to endure the long winters up here. Once the summer is over the memories are locked in. :-)

best regards,

-- jim"

39. Rick - August 14, 2008 @ 12:36 PM

"I am also a Christian School Principal... 20 years! I thoroughly enjoyed this entry!!! I actually laughed out loud a couple of times (in the cafe in which I was picking up my email... and checking out your blog)... and I don't even have kids!!

By the way, I think I married your wife's sister, if you know what I mean.

Re. Spelling: I have found www.dictionary.com to be quite helpful for spelling questions. Even with "spell check" however, I can't seem to remove all the typos."

40. Lois - August 14, 2008 @ 4:48 PM

"Well, now, Andy, if that is as bad as it gets.....

Another old saying:) Besides, the older you get, the faster that next summer comes around. Sorry, is that "good news" or "bad"?

Chin up. You still have all of us:)
Lois"

41. Sophia - August 14, 2008 @ 7:33 PM

"Hi Andy! Boy-You sure opened a can of worms dintcha? This is always a heart-felt subject and I just wanted to encourage you that I am sure you both are fabulous parents and have made great choices for your kids. I promote homeschooling quite a bit, but had to always remain open to change and options, as all my boys were not a good fit for it. I will be back to homeschooling my 12 yr old again this yr. It was a true blessing a few years ago when we experienced a great loss, and it was so awesome to have time together and so many spur-of-the-moment conversations about heaven. I would not trade that. But my youngest has SPD and needs a VERY structured routine - one that we cannot provide at home. So he now has a great school for his needs. I am sad to see the summer season come to an end, but we are now entering hurricane season here in FL and that is all the excitement we need.
Always enjoy your posts!"

42. Allen - August 14, 2008 @ 9:39 PM

"Hey there Andy,
I is funny to me how the truth can be such a hot topic.
No matter how you spin it and how exciting it can be to ware new clothes and see friends...both I might add you could do any time during Summer break.
The first day is really the worst.
I mean if there is a best there has to be a worst and I challenge everyone here to say what the worst day for a kid would be if not the first day back to School?
Thanks for taking the time to do this blog thing. Cyndy and I enjoy reading about your thoughts!
BEST
Allen"

43. Charlie - August 15, 2008 @ 10:03 AM

"Andy,

Nice thoughts on school. Sure, our kids have to go to school and learn, but then there's that other side of the coin. The writer Willie Morris once said that you could learn more at a cemetary on a Sunday afternoon than at a whole year at a university. I think the same could be said for an afternoon with a fishing pole in your hand. Thank God for summer, brief though it may be.

Charlie"

44. Michelle - August 15, 2008 @ 6:10 PM

"How about a true Dr. Maria Montessori school? I loved it!

I chose not to have children and seeing the controversy about schooling adds to my(many many)reasons why I am glad I made that decision. Wow.

I saw your humor Andy! Maybe we all need to take a deep breath and put our heads down on our desks for a little nap - just like in kindergarten. Or maybe, we all need a break at the Biergarten!"

45. Penny - August 18, 2008 @ 5:04 PM

"Hey Andy, just wanted you to know that I felt exactly the same way as you do when my two children started school, and every year thereafter. I loved summer, when they were always around and we could have fun together. They've both recently graduated from college, and have their own lives now, but I still miss those summers.

Love your humor, "turd grade", and all."

46. Jessica J - August 19, 2008 @ 2:24 PM

"How interesting that I find myself here on the computer reading the very first blog I have ever read from you- and it's on school. I won't tell you what decision I made for our 6 children, nor will I tell you what decision you should make, nor will I "attempt" to make you feel better by using socioligical mumbo-jumbo words that are actually programmed into people.

I will say this though: How disgusting that people actually post comments like "I don't have kids, but putting YOUR kids in school is the GREATEST thing!" Yuck. How sad that people still use the "it's OK because you'll ADJUST" and "it's normal to experience SEPARATION ANXIETY". Jeez, its sounds like an operation... And guess who's performing the operation?? The government!! Yikes, run for your life!! LOL. I LOVED YOUR POST!!"

47. Morris - August 21, 2008 @ 11:44 AM

"Andy,

I liked Mrs. Trotter when I had her for Math in the 7th grade (yes, it was the same Mrs. Trotter), but I don't remember that she had red hair. It was salt and pepper (mostly pepper).

I remember that Allyson and Tracy were good friends. Did Tracy know what you thought of her mother?

Your friend from a long time ago,

Morris"

48. Andy Andrews - August 27, 2008 @ 5:34 PM

"Morris!

This was the Third Grade Mrs. Trotter! Don't let me get in trouble with the nice one from Girard Junior High! I liked her, too.

Hello to your family!

Andy"

49. Dianne - August 29, 2008 @ 11:32 AM

"I just had the pleasure of reading your comments regarding the first day of school. Folks actually stuck their heads in my door to see what was so funny. I think you totally nailed that "ominous" day from a young boy's perspective. As an elementary school counselor it does trouble me a bit, however, that you still harbor those same feelings. (Only kidding)
What a pleasure to hear a parent speak with such honesty and feeling about having their "best buddies" taken away to "prison". I loved it!!
Thank you for making my day."

50. Nathan - September 3, 2008 @ 11:04 PM

"Mr. Andrews,

Hey this is Nathan. I dont have a comment on the current topic but just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your work in the last three weeks. The last time I saw you. You gave my dad and I signed copies of Mastering the Seven Decisions. After I finished that. I went to dads and got his audiobooks of The Lost Choice, and The Island of Saints. I have finished both and I ordered the Travelers gift tonight, because I didnt want to wait until the next time I was down your way to get it in person. Chris and I have really enjoyed them, and I dont know about Chris but I really have taken alot from them and plan on listening to Mastering the 7 decisions again and again to help put them in play into my life. You are truly gifted and I feel lucky to have met you. From now on when I see one of your books at a store or clients I wont point out "Hey, I did some work for that guy" instead I will say "That's my friend". Thank you sir.

WHO DAT?!!"

51. Angie A. Swartz - September 11, 2008 @ 1:40 AM

"Hey Andy, A good friend gave me inspiration for my blogpost, "Labor Day...Happy New Year?" which might be helpful in your time of stress as your boys go back to school. I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter so I can only imagine how hard kindergarten will be! I am on an 18 day marathon trip and a friend recommended I read The Traveler's Gift. I have enjoyed reading it again and just wrote a post recommending it to my readers. It will post tomorrow morning. Thank you for the great read and influence in personal leadership!

Angie A. Swartz, Founder, www.sixfiguremomsclub.com"

52. Leanne - October 28, 2008 @ 12:39 PM

"Good for people to know."