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.