Who would have thought it? Who would have thought all those years ago that I would still so enjoy working for a company whose success continues to grow through the hard work and efforts of so many individuals? And my heart's admiration expands when I see that the company keeps adapting to meet the challenges of a constantly changing and fickle industry. Doesn't seem all that long ago when we were a two store operation on Snelling Avenue where we entertained our customers with tunes from a jukebox and a myriad of assorted quirky characters. My how times have changed and last Sunday was a nice reminder of that.
Just as important as our celebration of who we now are and where we are headed is the recognition that we do need to look back from time to time at where we've been. Certainly we must continue to keep our eyes looking forward to where we want to be, but as we grow it becomes important to have some annual (weekly and monthly) traditions to celebrate our company.
Congratulations and thank yous go out to all involved in making our Second Annual Anniversary Party such a smashing success. Good bowling (with some rather unique and artistic styles), free drinks, a nice spread of food, free gifts, and entertaining music made for a fun filled Sunday afternoon. I enjoyed seeing people I haven't seen in a while and don't get to see very often, as well as some people I've never seen before in my life. If you blinked your eyes you may not have noticed, but it was as close as I'm ever going to get to actually mingling. And any party where I walk away with a new hat has to be considered a success.
I particularly enjoyed the "Battle of the Bands" despite the last minute cancellations. All three performances were enjoyable although Ms. Bell's (who earned points for spontaneity) performance was all too brief and a wee bit tuneless though entertaining nonetheless. It's always fun to see another side of the personalities that make this company what it is.
THE DAY AFTER: Reflections on a lavish Presidential Inauguration? A celebration of a different sort, extravagant in light of what has been accomplished the past four years and what we can expect to see in the next four. President Clinton's speech was about as poor a speech he has given during his Presidency, lacking in force, focus and substance. Even the usual rhetoric seemed a bit tired and uninspired. What he did issue was a call for our country to strive for nobility and dignity.
In an age where our culture is comprised of mistrust and cynicism, maybe to strive for lofty goals such as being more noble or more dignified is akin to spitting into the wind. But no matter what age we are in, it probably isn't a stretch to say that life has always been about trying to improve yourself as you pass through whatever it is you are passing through. To get more education, to get a better job, to improve relationships or a personal situation is what you come to realize much of what day to day life often is all about.
Take away the desire of self improvement, take away the inspiration that moves us towards that goal, and suddenly life loses a lot of its meaning. Though it often seems different, it really isn't any easier to be critical and judgmental as it is to be optimistic and a positive force. Both take a lot of energy to pull off. As a country we may have come a long way from the days of Nathan Hale's idealistic cathartic cry for liberty, so perhaps Mr. Clinton's updated call for nobility and dignity just fell upon deaf ears. But the beauty of self improvement is it is whatever it is that you make of it. Claim what is yours and deduct all the rest.
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