Bye Bye Bad Baggie

Well it seems that Frito-Lay heard us--over the LOUD noise of their SunChip's biodegradable bag-- and are scrapping the idea. In an earlier post, I mentioned how loud their new bag was. Now they're pulling the bags off the shelf right away and replacing them with the bags they used before. They are going to continue to research the eco-friendly bags, but try for something a bit quieter. Here's the story in USAToday.

Waiting

We do a lot of waiting in life. Waiting for ...

... that check in the mail
... for your house to sell
... test results
... for a loved one dying from cancer to take their last breath
... in line at the post office, grocery store, fast food line, the DMV
... your spouse to get dressed so you can leave for church or an evening out
... an important phone call
... water to boil or roast to cook
... to be seated for dinner
... the right partner to marry
... your child to be born
... your loan to be approved
... the movie to start
... for a long, bad day to be over
... in a traffic jam
... for the economy to get better
... for your opponent to make their move on Words with Friends or Wordfeud

The list can go on and on. Bottom line: we don't always get what we want when we want it ... we have to wait. I'm waiting right now for direction from God. Big changes are coming to the North American Mission Board where I work. I've been waiting for these changes to start. They did on Thursday. Employees with five or more years of service and at least 55 years of age were offered a retirement package--the goal being to reduce the workforce in large numbers with the least amount of pain. Here's an article if you want to read more. But I can tell you, it's painful for those deciding whether to retire and those of us too young to retire. We know more staff reductions are coming ... we're waiting. Waiting is hard. We want the answers right now.

Why does God make us wait? Good question. Many would say that He will answer in His time when it's best for us. The waiting makes us stronger, more dependent on Him. Even though I know this, it's still hard.

I haven't been sitting around doing nothing ... like I said, it's hard for me to wait. I've anticipated the changes coming at work and have been looking for a job. I've been waiting for that phone call to get an interview. What does God have in mind for me; for my co-workers? I don't know, I, we have to wait. A Bible verse that I learned many years ago comes to mind, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31, KJV).

So I'm going to do the only thing I can do ... wait ... on the Lord.

What are You waiting for?

Teenage Dream

I love this guy! I'm not sure what it is about this video that makes me smile: is it the thick glasses, crooked teeth, head dancing, eyebrows, or just his guts to do it? Whatever it is, you go guy!

Social Media Revolution

If you haven't seen this, it's a fascinating video on the digital/social media revolution. Very cool video with interesting facts, especially for businesses thinking about getting into social media.

Dear SunChips

Dear SunChips,

I love your food and the fact that you're helping the environment, but please do something about noise pollution.

LifeWay Kids Ministry Conference

I've been asked to lead a workshop at the 2010 LifeWay Kids Ministry Conference in Birmingham, Ala. The conference is Oct. 11-13. LifeWay asked if I would record a short video to promote the event. Here's what I came up with.

Uh, Great Idea, Poor Execution

At first glance this looks like a really cool idea, right? But look closely ... isn't the umbrella angled a little funny? Like, if you hold the umbrella up straight to keep the "rains" off of you, your coffee will spill? That would be my luck!

I love their ad copy, here's how it reads:
Try carrying your tall café latté in the rains! One hand full of your stuff, the other has an umbrella….get the drift? The solution is to get a functional Umbrella, like the one designed by Jung-Woo Lee. A convenient coffee-cup rim integrated into the handle solves the issue. I say cheers to more coffee and bring on the rains!

Yeah, bring on the rains, cuz that's what's gonna happen.

Coke Goes Freestyle

I think this is so cool. When are these going to be in all restaurants? (Hang in there through the commercial at the beginning.)


Check out Fast Company's latest article on the Freestyle. Hey Coca-Cola, bring it on!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month I wanted to add my two cents worth, which happens to be near and dear to my skin. I'm going to get on my soap box and preach it loud. USE SUNSCREEN. I'm a living testimony to the damage the sun can cause to unprotected skin.

I sport several spots where my dermatologist has cut, scrapped, sliced, or frozen an area that was cancerous or precancerous. I have a six inch scare on my back where a chunk was cut out that was melanoma. I blogged about it in a previous post. Now, whenever I go to see the doctor, I know I'm going to walk out of her office with a fresh wound of some sort. In my most recent visit, she froze a couple of spots on my face. Let me tell you, I'm no sissy when it comes to pain, but man, did that hurt! Below is a picture of what the area looked like after freezing it with liquid nitrogen. Basically, she takes this can with a nozzle (it looks similar to the air cans used to blow dust off your keyboard) and squirts the spot several times.



A little over a week later, it looks like this--just a little pink spot where it's still healing.



If you want to read more about skin cancer, go to www.skincancer.org.

Post-it Notes Turn 30

April marks the 30th anniversary of the Post-it Note. Yep, these nifty, sticky note pads have hung around that long. If you're interested in the complete history, check out the 3-M website.

I've wondered if Post-its can be recycled. As I learned on their website, yes. As a fan of Ax Men and American Loggers, I was also glad to learn that the paper comes from forests that are "well managed and trees replanted." In fact these notes, made from 100 percent recycled paper, now come with a greener, plant-based adhesive, which is made from plants that are replenished after harvesting. Nice touch.

Check out this senior's project for Savannah College of Art and Design using Post-its.

It's Never Going Away

"It's never going away," said Gina, "You're going to have this the rest of your life." Oh goodie. This is such a blessing! I thought. And now I get to wear these really fantasticly stylish goggles!

Yes, it's the continuing saga of blepharitis or aka crusty eyes. These goggles are my eye doctor's next attempt at controlling this pesky condition. I use Tranquileyes with Thermo Eyes.

The goggles come with these nifty heat inserts. When you snap the metal disc inside, it activates the heat immediately. The gel packs harden and will generate heat for about 20 minutes. To reactivate them, they have to be boiled for 3-5 minutes (that's the only uncool thing about them). They're comfortable to wear and also double as an eye mask. And check out this oh so cosmo accessory, the Tini Bikini, it's a must for eye goggle wearers! Now I've seen everything!

Check Out the New $100 Bill

Check it out, the $100 bill has a whole new look. The last time it was changed was in 1996. Trying to stay ahead of counterfeiters, the U.S. Treasury Department has added new security features to the paper, including watermarks and an embedded security thread.

Get this, the Associated Press says the new design that uses a new "moving" microprint technology is "something straight out of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." The $100 bill is the favorite target of counterfeiters, so the gov put a lot of new tech into the design.

You can learn more about the new $100 bill on the gov's website--it's pretty cool--you can take a virtual tour.

Jeremiah

As I was sitting at the airport gate waiting to board the plane, I noticed a young man walk into the boarding area. He was young, dressed casually in shorts, wearing Tom's shoes, and a visor beanie cap backwards. My daughter would like those shoes, I thought. I gave him no more notice.

When my group number was called to board, I was ready to get on the flight and start the journey home. It was going to be a short flight--only 30 minutes--to my next stop where I'd catch my connecting flight.

Once on board and past the first class section I looked down the row of seats. It couldn't be. As I walked further down the aisle, yes, my seat was next to his--the young man with the cool, socially relevant shoes. The plane is practically empty and I'm sitting next to him, I thought. "Once the plane door is closed, I can move to an open seat," I said. "Why?" he grinned. "Don't I look like someone you'd want to sit next to?" Embarrassed, I stuttered for a response, "Well, no. I just thought you might like more room."

We ended up chatting during the entire flight. I found out he is a pastor's son and one of eight kids. His mother passed away a couple of years ago from ovarian cancer. He is in the army and was flying back to base in Hawaii and soon would be doing a tour in Iraq. We talked about our faith and God. Jeremiah is not sure if there really is a God. He's asked Jesus into his heart several times, but he just doesn't "feel" saved. According to his reasoning, it seems that when he sins he doesn't feel conviction from the Holy Spirit so he must not really be saved. We talked more about salvation. He knows the right answers, but God isn't a priority in his life right now, but he kind of wants Him to be.

Looking at all the empty seats on the plane, we were the only two sitting next to each other. A coincidence? I think not. I listened to Jeremiah--he obviously needed and wanted to talk. I tried to offer encouragement and offered to pray for him. I'll never know what will become of Jeremiah. I can only hope and pray that the seeds of encouragement that were planted will one
day take root and blossom into a strong faith and love for God. Will you pray with me for Jeremiah?

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV).

McDonald's, You've Redeemed Yourself

Yes, McDonald's, you do care about customer satisfaction. I received a call from the store manager of the offending McD's that had made such a horrible Mocha. I was given two coupons. Mickey D's, you're forgiven.

#Fail - McDonald's

I REALLY like McDonald's Mochas. In a previous post I complained about the price, but they are a little less money than Starbucks and they are good. The other day, my daughter picked up one for me and brought it home. Boy was I looking forward to sipping on that chocolatey goodness. Well, as soon as it hit my tongue I knew it wasn't drinkable. Long story short, I sent an e-mail to McDonald's customer service describing my dissatisfaction. To their credit they responded in a few days.

Here's the e-mail response:

"Hello Susan:

I want to thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience at the McDonald's in Alpharetta, GA with me. Your feedback is very important to us as it allows us to better understand how we can improve our service to you.

I am sorry the Mocha did not live up to our high quality standards. Please be assured that we want to provide you with an exceptional experience every time you visit us. From your email, it is clear we did not meet your expectations. Again, I am truly sorry we disappointed you.

I want you to know that I have already taken action on your feedback. After reading your email, I immediately shared the information you brought to our attention with the local franchise owner of the restaurant you visited. Additionally, I notified our regional McDonald's consultant who works with this owner for follow-up in the restaurant and appropriate corrective action.

Again, Susan, thank you for sharing your feedback. We appreciate your business and we hope to have the pleasure of serving you soon.

Kelly
McDonald's Customer Response Center"

While I greatly appreciate her quick actions, I feel like it fell short of total satisfaction. The only other thing I wanted was to get a coupon for a free Mocha. I spent good money on that foul cup of java.

Micky Ds, while I may return to your store, I will think twice and consider Starbucks next time. BTW, when you get bad cup of joe from Starbucks, they give you a coupon for a free one--now THAT'S customer service. Am I wrong?

Spring in Atlanta

I love taking pictures. Here's a short slideshow of some of the blooming I'm seeing in Atlanta.

Spring in Atlanta from Susan Childress on Vimeo.

Our Easter

We started our day at Northside Baptist Church in Roswell, Ga. The pastor asked me to take a few pictures of the egg hunt and families. Check out the dress in the second photo.



After the service, we went to my brother's for Easter dinner. Wow was it good! We spent Easter this year without my husband--he had to work. If Glenn doesn't work, he doesn't get paid and March was a slow month.

The menu consisted of ham, mac & cheese, pineapple casserole, asparagus, & cranberry/orange muffins. For dessert we had fresh peaches with cake & ice cream.

Keith, my brother

My parents, Tom & June

My daughter, Rebecca

Because He Lives

This Easter we'll attend our Southern Baptist Church and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We'll be in the contemporary service. I prefer that service because of the relaxed atmosphere and the praise music we sing. Most likely we won't be singing any Easter hymns, in fact, we usually don't sing hymns--I sometimes miss this because they're so ingrained in my memory. My Easter favorites include "Christ Arose," "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," and one I really enjoy is "Because He Lives." I hope and pray you'll be worshiping somewhere this Easter Sunday.

I Know This Guy

Well, actually, I don't KNOW him. I used to work with the guy who is his best friend. I thought this video, as well as ALOT of other people, was really cool. In fact, it's gone viral--even the CBS Early Show did an interview with the Whitakker family. I wanted to share it.


Watch CBS News Videos Online

You can follow Carlos on his blog. Or, his wife on her blog.

Old habits

This is what you see when you enter my office.



This is what you see when you look under the desk.



It's kind of the same principle as when I was growing up and my mother would tell me to clean my room. I had the answer to the quick clean up ... just stash everything under my bed. She would ask me if I had cleaned up and I'd say yes. She'd give me that look and say, "Well, let's just go take a look." She'd walk in and stand there with her hands on her hips, then go directly to my bed, lift up the bed spread, and say, "I thought so." Then of course, she'd make me take everything out from under and put it away in it's proper place.

Now that I'm all grown up, things haven't really changed much. There's still stuff stored under my bed AND I've got stuff stashed under my desk. The only difference is I don't have my mother checking under either!

About

If it’s digital, Susan Childress has a hand in it at the North American Mission Board. Susan spends her days keeping mission education current through social networking, guiding award-winning video production, producing podcasts and finding new ways to make missions come alive for churches. As an electronic media consultant for NAMB’s mission education team, Susan has a hand in a multitude of communication projects.
 

A Cedarville University grad, Susan learned her way around the TV studio set as a producer for the highly-acclaimed PBS staple, MotorWeek. The award-winning producer did a stint in public relations with Porsche Cars North America. Susan has also served as a magazine editor and event coordinator, among other endeavors.
 
Susan makes her home in Alpharetta, Georgia, where her husband, Glenn, and teen daughter, Rebecca, help keep her balanced, at least on even days. The Childress family is a member of Northside Baptist Church in Roswell, Georgia. Susan would love to chat with you, in person or digitally.

Videos

Coming soon

Newest Hairstyle

Breaking News: The newest hairstyle is bangs (Uh, I thought they were always in style). Called fringe around the rest of the world, bangs were once the province of little girls. Now celebrities are embracing them--from blunt cut just above the eyebrows to wispy and side-swept.

AOL reports that some are even coloring their bangs a different color than the rest of their hair--and it's not always a natural hair color. Think blue. Or pink.

Guess I've been out of style all these years since I've always had bangs ... or should I say fringe.

New Look

I've been neglecting my blog for months and I've decided to give it a go again. How do you like the new look? I've seen this template design before and found it interesting.

Happy Sweet 16, Rebecca