Six years ago, my boss called me into his office to say he wanted me to help him plan a really nice birthday surprise for Linda. He had no idea what he was getting himself into because a month later, I was handing out gift bags complete with handmade itineraries for the most amazing birthday weekend ever.
And by handmade I mean I literally stitched paper pockets into inside of the cards to hold individual agendas for each day.
Later the boss would say “I talked to her for like 15 seconds about that trip.”
I tend to go to extremes when planning parties. Especially for people I love.
And I do love Linda.
So in honor of the fact that this is my sixth year to celebrate Linda’s birthday, I thought I would share my Top 6 Reasons I Love Linda.
6. She is brave. The woman painted her kitchen orange. That takes some guts. And an awesome friend who is a painter.
5. She has a very mature palate. Reaches for mashed potatoes with gravy and biscuits when she needs some comfort food. From KFC. Don’t even claim you haven’t done it too.
4. She changes her hair color like the rest of us change our socks. The only rule was not to have green hair. Until she did for some event at work and then the boss didn’t even notice. I mean, that is all kinds of impressive.
3. She trusts her instincts. More than any one else, she has taught me how to listen to your inner voice. You know, that annoying pipsqueak that’s always telling you “double check that plane”. What? You don’t move planes around on a daily basis? Linda can teach you how.
2. She uses her powers for good and not evil. When you’ve been around a while, know the people who make things happen, have earned their respect and trust, yet you save those favors for just the right moment, you are a super rock star. Most people would take advantage. She doesn’t. And so we get free appetizers and dessert at every fabulous restaurant in town. Because she’s Linda.
1. She taught me the power of the word “Okay”. Things happen. Plans change. People get frustrated. And all we can really say is “Okay”. Think about that. No, not about your job. About your life. When God makes changes or allows change to occur, what do you do? How do you handle it? Do you ever say “Okay God”? Or do you question every minute? Linda taught me that more often than not, the best response is “Okay”. We’re not in charge. Thankfully. Look at those as “opportunities for excellence” and say “Okay” when you’re forced to make a change.
By now, you are all probably dying to hear more about that amazing birthday weekend. But I’m not telling. One because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and two because we are totally putting that into our book called “How to Raise an Executive”. Linda and I are co-authoring the thing and it will blow your socks off.
Look for it in 2016.
When I will be writing a list of the 12 reasons I love Linda.
Linda, thank you for being a part of my life. I am a better person for knowing you. And a stronger person because of what you have taught me. Let go. Let God. And let’s eat cake!
And by handmade I mean I literally stitched paper pockets into inside of the cards to hold individual agendas for each day.
Later the boss would say “I talked to her for like 15 seconds about that trip.”
I tend to go to extremes when planning parties. Especially for people I love.
And I do love Linda.
So in honor of the fact that this is my sixth year to celebrate Linda’s birthday, I thought I would share my Top 6 Reasons I Love Linda.
6. She is brave. The woman painted her kitchen orange. That takes some guts. And an awesome friend who is a painter.
5. She has a very mature palate. Reaches for mashed potatoes with gravy and biscuits when she needs some comfort food. From KFC. Don’t even claim you haven’t done it too.
4. She changes her hair color like the rest of us change our socks. The only rule was not to have green hair. Until she did for some event at work and then the boss didn’t even notice. I mean, that is all kinds of impressive.
3. She trusts her instincts. More than any one else, she has taught me how to listen to your inner voice. You know, that annoying pipsqueak that’s always telling you “double check that plane”. What? You don’t move planes around on a daily basis? Linda can teach you how.
2. She uses her powers for good and not evil. When you’ve been around a while, know the people who make things happen, have earned their respect and trust, yet you save those favors for just the right moment, you are a super rock star. Most people would take advantage. She doesn’t. And so we get free appetizers and dessert at every fabulous restaurant in town. Because she’s Linda.
1. She taught me the power of the word “Okay”. Things happen. Plans change. People get frustrated. And all we can really say is “Okay”. Think about that. No, not about your job. About your life. When God makes changes or allows change to occur, what do you do? How do you handle it? Do you ever say “Okay God”? Or do you question every minute? Linda taught me that more often than not, the best response is “Okay”. We’re not in charge. Thankfully. Look at those as “opportunities for excellence” and say “Okay” when you’re forced to make a change.
By now, you are all probably dying to hear more about that amazing birthday weekend. But I’m not telling. One because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and two because we are totally putting that into our book called “How to Raise an Executive”. Linda and I are co-authoring the thing and it will blow your socks off.
Look for it in 2016.
When I will be writing a list of the 12 reasons I love Linda.
Linda, thank you for being a part of my life. I am a better person for knowing you. And a stronger person because of what you have taught me. Let go. Let God. And let’s eat cake!
I have only met Linda once or twice but have a reason to love her and that is because she loved on my children and I knew if they needed someone any time day or night that Linda would be there. Thanks, Linda. I am praying that this year will be the best yet. Martha
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