I'd like to take a moment to honor the memory of one of the greatest female vocalists that our generation may ever know--Ms. Whitney Elizabeth Houston. Cited by The Guinness Book of World Records as 'the most-awarded female act of all time', Whitney will undoubtedly be remembered for her unparalelled talent for years to come. 

I chose this particular video clip because I always found it remarkable that Whitney was the ONLY singer in history, due to the overwhelming response to her rendition, to have turned the national anthem into a 'pop hit'. It was released as a commercial single, and reached the Top 20 on the US Hot 100 List in 1991. Truth be told, I remember listening, over and over again, to a copy that my mother had bought when I was 10 years old. It of course goes without saying, that this song was one of what seemed like a million of Whitney's performances, that had her listener's jaw-dropped at her awe-inspiring talent. 

So, without further adiue, please enjoy the following clip of this incredible performance, that 21 years later, still manages to give us goosebumps, and warrant a click of the 'repeat' button. 

Rest in peace, Ms. Houston--your voice is not one we will soon forget, nor one that I think we may ever hear the likes of again in our lifetime.     

If I said the following didn't bring me to tears, I'd be lying. Thank you Mom for passing this along, and thank you Andy Rooney for your wise, beautiful words.

I've learned....

That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned....

That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned....

That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned ....

That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned ....

That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned ....

That you should never say no to a gift from a child. 

I've learned ....

That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned ....

That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned ....

That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned ....

That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned ....

That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned ....

That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned ....

That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned ....

That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned ...

That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned ....

That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned ....

That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned ....

That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned ....

That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people Smarter than I am.

I've learned ....

That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned ...

That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned ...

That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned ....

That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned ....

That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned ....

That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned ....

That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned ....

That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned ....

That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life. 

I've learned ....

That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

 I've learned ....

That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

'Takin' it back' with an oldie, but goodie for my 1st post! What we have here is a candid and scarily accurate snapshot of my sentiment around being designated (6 weeks into my tenure with the company I currently work for) to spearhead our 'official office move.' Clearly, my enthusiasm is contagious--look closely and you can see the fichus tree on the right high-fiving the small ivy on my file cabinet...

That said, what I came to quickly learn, shortly after this photo was taken, is that 'the big move' would represent a mere ember in the professional trial by fire that followed in the year to come. And looking back, with all the trials, tribulations, challenges, uncertainties, celebrations, disappointments, sweat, tears, long hours, and ultimately, rewards--I couldn't be more grateful for the experiences, both positive and trying, and the professional and personal growth, that's been born of this opportunity. For the 1st time in my 9+ years in the working world, I can honestly say I've never felt more of a 'fit', and am proud to announce that this coming February 14th (not just a day for lovers and mafia massacres of grand proportions) marks my official one year anniversary with a company and a team that I feel truly honored to be an integral part of.

Cheers, Ellegro Learning Solutions, and thanks for a great 1st year! :)

"Office Moving Day", March, 2011.