| You've mentioned going to Make-A-Wish events where Wish kids learn they're about to go to Disney World in Orlando. So, I'm curious, do you wear your Minnie Mouse ears or oversized Mickey Mouse hands? |
| They are called “Wish Reveals.” And, yes, to the ears. But, the hands are a bit much since they’re always distracting. |
| No kidding! I’ll never forget you wearing them for “Dress as your favorite character day” when we were teaching at KIPP Houston High School. It was one of the funniest Red & Black classes. Ever. |
| The funny thing is that other than wearing the ears and oversized hands, everything else was impromptu. |
red headassets.rebelmouse.io
Blackassets.rebelmouse.io | Perhaps, but I also remember you wore a short black leather skirt and your usual Christian Louboutin black heels with red soles, except this time they were boots. Which, I might add, are the perfect Minnie Mouse colors. |
| Well, there was no way I would wear a red polka dot dress. |
| Which you proceeded to explain to the students is also how Minnie feels. That she only wears it “at work” because she’s paid to. After all, she’s a business tycoon, and prefers designer clothing to tacky dresses. Not to mention, outside of work, she’d never wear the same exact outfit every day. |
| Yes, and your point is? |
| That alone was funny enough, but explaining it while “in character” and gesturing with those oversized white hands just made every word hilarious. |
| I did not even need to do a squeaky Minnie Mouse voice. |
| All I know is that if someone had told me when we were kids and visiting Disney World shortly after they opened, that my big sister would one day entertain high school seniors with a business lesson about Minnie while “in costume”, I’d have said they were crazy. |
| I cannot believe that was 50 years ago. Did you know that Mickey and Minnie were born on the same day and are almost 100 years old? Animation is the ultimate fountain of youth. |
| Is that why you like to use our animated creatures, rather than us, as often as possible?! But if they’re ageless, what determines their birthday? |
| November 18, 1928, was the day “Steamboat Willy,” the animated short film that made Mickey (and his girlfriend, Minnie) famous, was released. |
| Even though they were never my favorite cartoon characters, I still remember the first time I saw that film. It was somewhere on Main Street, USA at Disney World, and it was in black and white. I’ve never forgotten it. |
| I am fascinated by how one animated short became an entertainment empire. And, to think that Mickey was a mouse because Walt Disney signed over the rights to his first creation, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. |
| Is that why, when Red & Black was first created, you refused to give over the rights to anything and everything that we created? I always assumed it was because you were a control freak. |
| I admit I am a control freak, but would like to think it is selective. For example, controlling the Red & Black brand so that it represents what we stand for and believe. When you say “Disney,” it conjures up an image of being wholesome and family-appropriate. And, Mickey and Minnie are an integral part of that. It is the power of a brand and has made Disney the brand it is today. |
| Yes, and I remember you telling that to the students, even going so far as to explain the value of the brand as an intangible asset. It was probably the funniest explanation of the concept anyone’s ever heard, but that’s because you did it while wearing those oversized white mouse gloves. |
| Who knew that Minnie could make learning so much fun? |
| So, what do you think Mickey would’ve thought of that? Especially as he’s used to getting top billing. |
| I know that Mickey may get most of the attention, and even his own day, but never underestimate the power of Minnie … |
| I know everyone’s always trying to find balance in their life. I thought becoming an empty nester would make that easier, but apparently not. The girls may be grown, but being a mom doesn’t end when your children move out. Between them, Red & Black, and my seemingly endless lists of things to do, I still struggle. |
| And, as I am a die-hard workaholic who admits to not having a life, you think I have the answer? |
| Excellent point. Never mind. |
| However, I do have some suggestions … although I will preface it with, "Do as I say, not as I do." |
| At this point, I'll take whatever help I can get. |
| Sometimes you need to make a conscious effort to stay present. And, by that I mean appreciate what is happening now instead of thinking about what is next. Or, reminiscing about the past. |
| That sounds good, but it also sounds overly simplistic, not to mention highly optimistic. And where would I even start? |
| Easy. It really is as simple as 1 – 2 – 3. |
| Nothing's that simple. |
| 1. SLOW down and look around 2. STOP using your gizmo and consider putting it away 3. GO spend time with family or friends, or steal some "alone time" |
| Actually, that does sound simple. Now I just have to remember to SLOW – STOP –GO. |
| Just imagine a traffic light. Plus, it would have the added benefit of every time you see a real traffic light, it will remind you to SLOW –STOP – GO. |
| I should've known there'd be a car or driving analogy in there somewhere. |
| Throttle on ... |
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