Pedro Says...

Every year, as kids, my parents would load us all in the Gran Torino station wagon and head south to visit the grandparents in central Florida. As a future destination marketer, it was on many of these trips that I first fell in love with the idea of travel, and one of my favorite things to do was “collect” brochures from every single Welcome Center that we would visit.

I would then spread them out in the car and rate them, some individually, and some comparatively. So many side trips came from these brochures — “Please Daddy? I’ll just DIE if we can’t stop at “See Rock City!”

One of the places that I just loved to visit along the way to Florida was a tourist attraction known as “South of the Border” in Dillon, South Carolina.

But it took several years of begging to talk my parents into it.

On 95 South, just past Richmond, VA, the billboards would start: “Pedro Says: Visit South of the Border!” This first billboard would start the begging process, as well as become something of a game for the four Baker kids — “is that billboard #5 or #6?” There were, at the time, 120 “Pedro Says” billboards between Richmond and Dillon. And we loved them all.

By the time we were halfway through North Carolina, our desire to visit South of the Border reached fever pitch.

And then, finally, my Dad agreed to stop for lunch. We literally left the interstate and drove THROUGH Pedro’s legs (could there be anything more exciting to a 12-year-old?) and into what can only be described as the world’s best-marketed taco stand.

We ate tacos (not nearly as ‘available’ back then as they are now), wore paper sombreros, even rode the elevator to the top of the “sombrero tower” — it was kid heaven! And, most likely, my Mother’s least favorite place on the planet.

But the marketing folks at SOTB knew their audience — they knew they were going after kids who had been stuck in a car for hours, who were looking for any diversion regardless of their love of Mexican food.

To this day, I have never seen ANY advertising or marketing for South of the Border other than those wonderful billboards. I have even been told that the billboards have been cleaned up tremendously, removing some of the less than politically correct language.

And even though, most of those long car trips had Disney World as our ultimate destination, I can honestly say that I was probably more excited about FINALLY getting to see South of the Border on that particular trip.

Much to my Mom’s chagrin, I took more photos at SOTB than I did at Epcot that year.

As Pedro used to say: Chile today, hot tamale!

Note: This blog entry was orginally published on my business blog - but I thought friends and family might enjoy, and so posted it here as well.

...touched by the holy and beautiful light.

My friend Peyton talks about his daughter a lot – but I don’t mind. In fact I enjoy it tremendously.

She’s a cool kid – seriously – the kind of kid that even grown-ups enjoy spending time with. Smart as a whip – great sense of humor and can do really neat tricks with her mouth and an imaginary piece of string!

But what I enjoy most is the memories that seeing the two of them together conjures up – of another doting father and precocious blond girl – my Dad and me.

My Dad loved his kids. And I’ll bet that my sisters would agree that we each individually felt like his "favorite” – because that was how he made you feel – when you had his attention, you were the only person in the world that mattered at that moment.

And, like my friend, he talked about us all time. To his friends, to the neighbors, to his listening audience. Complete strangers would walk up to me and say, “now are you the sister who just got married, or are you the one who sings and dances?”

Once a few years back, I was invited to speak at a symposium in Amsterdam. Somehow, Pop got mixed up, and told folks that I was in Afghanistan! For weeks after my return, people would ask me about the desert. Pop would just smile and say – "Amsterdam/Afghanistan – who cares – my daughter is successful and world renowned!" Then it would be my turn to smile and shake my head.

But he was a proud Papa – proud of each of us for completely different reasons – even if he couldn’t remember our names.

I think my baby sister was five before she finally realized that her name was not Laurakathypaula. In the end, he just called all of us “Honey” – minimizing mistakes and avoiding us saying “Daaaaddd!”

My Dad has been gone for several years now - almost seven, although that does not seem possible.

And while there will certainly be family members who make the trek out to Fort Indiantown Gap to honor his memory -- I will not be among them.

For in my mind, my Dad isn't there -- he's all around me. I hear his voice in my head when I'm trying to make a tough decision. I see his eyes when I look at my sisters lovely faces, I can even hear him singing when old blue eyes comes on the radio.

And lately, just watching my friend interact with his daughter both relaxes and comforts me and makes me think of Dad.

So, this Father's Day I will pause to honor my Pop in my own way -- and in turn take a bit of time to remember all the men in my life who mean so much to me -- both friends and family alike.

Here's looking at you Pop -- scooby dooby doo!

A rose by any other name...

I can remember the day my baby sister, Paula, was born.

I cannot say that about any of my other siblings -- but I was almost five when Paula made her grand entrance -- and I remember the day fairly well, considering all the other childhood memories I've lost over the years -- mostly to make room for PIN numbers, users names and passwords.

What's funny is that the thing I recall most about that day is an argument I got into with my Dad.

You see, I had very specific ideas about what the new baby's name should be.

For some reason, I was convinced that new baby should be called "Julia" if it was a girl. I conceded that if it was a boy, Dad could finally have his junior and name the baby "Paul."

For days leading up to her birth, I danced around and told everyone I came into contact with that my new baby sister - Julia - would soon be here!

I was very excited.

When my Dad called home from the hospital to tell us that it was a girl -- I was ecstatic -- even to the point of making a big sign: "Welcome Home Julia!"

You can imagine my dismay when Dad came home later that night and announced that my baby sister's name was going to be "Paula."

This simply did not compute with me.

"But she already has a name -- Julia!"

"No honey -- we decided to name her Paula."

"But I already named her!"

This same conversation was repeated for two days, until she came home from the hospital. I had not yet resigned myself to the fact that her name was NOT Julia until Daddy settled me on the sofa and let me hold the new baby.

"Oh!" -- he recalled me saying, "she isn't a Julia after all -- she's a Paula!"

Dad said later, that he had no idea what I'd meant by that statement - but was relieved that I seemed to have accepted the baby's actual name.

Some years later, Dad mentioned that, at the time, there had been a popular TV show called "Julia" -- and the character's full name was "Julia Baker" -- and that was the reason I got out-voted. To this day, I've never seen the show.

Ah well...she IS so clearly a "Paula!"

And today IS her birthday.

Happy Birthday Julia ... err ... Paula!

Pomp & Circumstance

My nephew Mikey - who I am sure would prefer I call him Mike -- graduates from high school today.

He's a great kid -- full of fun - terrific personality, humorous, loves his sports, his baby sister and loves his Mom, my baby sister.

In a lot of ways, he's our family's pragmatist -- doesn't have a driver's license yet -- when pressed, he'll note that he "really doesn't need one." If Mikey discovered that he wasn't great at a particular sport or activity - no big deal - he'd move on and find that one where he could excel -- and excel he did.

The past Christmas Eve my sisters and their families and Brad and I were all sitting around after dinner playing a silly game -- a thinking game -- with questions on cards designed to get people talking. Watching Mikey take the lead in this game was among my greatest pleasures in 2008.

He jumped in when others struggled to answer questions, and REALLY thought about his own answers, showing insight and thoughtfulness well beyond his years. He worked hard to include everyone in the game - making sure everyone had a chance to speak and participate.

Hard to believe this was the same little kid who used to make me nuts a few years back -- begging to go home minutes after Mommy had dropped him off for a visit... of course, maybe that was more a reflection on ME? (tee hee).

Bizarre to realize that he's practically an adult now -- and heading to community college in the Fall.

Watch out world - here comes Mikey -- err...Mike!

M is for the many things she gave me...

Most people don’t have a choice when it comes to their Mom – you simply get the one that gave birth to you, and that’s that.

I, on the other hand, am one of the fortunate who had an actual “say” in the matter – because my Mom became my Mom when I was seven years old – and while my father thought the sun rose and set just for her, he did ask me if I would like it if his ‘then’ girlfriend, would become my mother.

My answer? A resounding YES!

And this was even BEFORE she took me to see Donny Osmond in concert – just us two!

When I think back on those early days, now as an adult – I am frankly amazed that she took us all on. She was about 24 years old, married a man ten years her senior, moved to another state and had an instant family of four kids!

When I think about was I was doing at 24 – shoot, when I think about where I am in life NOW – I can’t imagine myself leaving the only home I’ve ever known and being an instant mother of four. I can picture it – but I’m picturing myself in the loony bin, whilst Mary Poppins takes care of the kidlets!

It could not have been easy for her – on any level – and let me tell you – we were MORE than just a handful!

In that first year alone, I can count at LEAST five trips to the emergency room (we’re a clumsy bunch), two softball teams that she coached, and one birthday cake accidentally set ablaze.
While much of my personality can be attributed to my father – I learned much from Mom too – and some of the most important lessons:

1. Good manners – we were pretty much heathens when Mom came on the scene – and she not only taught us rudimentary etiquette, but why manners were important. I’ll never forget the dinner where I embarrassed a school friend (loudly) by drawing attention to the fact that she was not using the right fork for her salad. Mom yanked me into the kitchen and told me that “we do NOT beat up people with our manners – we honor them by using our manners” – that has stayed with me and been much quoted.

2. Reading – Mom quietly began replacing candy and Barbie’s as “treats” with books. Friends were amazed that our Easter baskets were filled with books and not candy. She was the first to suggest that if was “bored” I crack open a book. She instigated library day – the one day a week we’d all go and ‘stock up’ for the week.

3. Try Everything – Mom’s rule for almost any situation! You didn’t have to eat a plate of clams – but you had to at least try them. You didn’t have to stick with anything you hated – whether it was volleyball, Girl Scouts, or playing baritone horn – but you had to try it. To this very day, I’ll “try” almost anything at least once!

4. Don’t be Average – another powerful life lesson. The first (and last) time I brought home a “C” on my report card, I was scared to death to show it to Mom. To my shock, she glanced at it and didn’t seem that upset. Later, when pressed, she told me “A ‘C’ means ‘average’ – if you are satisfied being ‘average’ – okay then. But ‘average’ people don’t lead extraordinary lives.” I never brought home less than an “A” again.

5. How to Study – In sixth grade, I was struggling a wee bit with social studies – committing dates to memory, etc. Mom actually came to school and sat next to me during class – to see how I behaved, took notes, etc. Later that night, she showed me HOW to take notes in class – and how to outline book chapters and match them up to my notes. This was HUGE for me – and served me well throughout high school and college. To this day, when reading for business, I am outlining it in my mind…and sometimes on paper.

6. Teamwork – With four kids, teamwork was critical – but Mom seemed to understand that as much as we were a team, we were also four individuals – with widely different likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, hobbies and talents. And she made room for all of it – going from concerts to baseball games to baton twirling lessons to debate club championships. She was multi-tasking, and teaching me to multi-task years before it became a buzz word.

It somehow seems appropriate that this year, to celebrate Mother’s Day, we’ve decided to go to Philadelphia for a day and see the Cezanne exhibit at the Philly Art Museum. After all, it was the first art museum she ever took me to see – after another of our favorite pastimes – a Phillies game!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Sing out Louise!

I was probably about four years old or so the first time I performed publicly.

My father was hosting a March of Dimes “Ways & Means” committee meeting at our house, and at some point during the evening, he called me downstairs, picked me up, stood me on an end table, and said “Listen to my little girl sing!”

I performed a soul-stirring (at least in my young mind) rendition of “Joy to the World” (Three Dog Night) – or as I liked to call the song, “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog.”

My father beamed at me the entire time I performed – it was the greatest feeling! And then, when I was done, the other five gentlemen in the room clapped! They actually clapped for me!

I’ve been “following the applause” ever since.

What followed were years and years of performances – both at school and in the community, and years and years of dance lessons, music lessons, etc.

And let’s be honest – I was a good singer, but not a GREAT singer. I loved to do it, but always had more “personality” than “talent.”

I majored in theatre in college, and while having many small successes, it became clear early on that I was probably not Broadway-bound.

And here’s where my Dad probably did me the biggest favor – he was honest with me. He would critique my performances, and gently suggest other directions. He showed me how I could translate my love of theatre into other disciplines – like broadcasting, radio, public relations, marketing – my first job out of college was as spokesperson for a local theme park with lot’s of camera time – and minimal singing.

My father thought his baby girl was the most talented kid in the world – but he was always realistic with his expectations.

I think this is why I can’t bring myself to watch American Idol until the final ten contestants or so. Seeing the heartbreak on some of these kids faces as they are told to go home – kids who really, truly thought they were talented – gut wrenching!

And I’m not talking about the bozos who are just looking for the 5 minutes of fame – I’m talking about the kids who have been told all their lives how talented they are – and they are not. Why would a parent (or teacher/mentor) do such a thing?

All these years later, I still love to sing. And I sing every chance I get. Locally, people have paid to hear me sing – I’ve gotten many compliments over the years, ovations and requests. I’d even hazard to say that for a time, I was fairly well-known in Lebanon County for singing and acting in local productions.

And I still love the applause!

But, outside my own active fantasy life, I don’t kid myself that I’ll be on the Great White Way anytime soon. And I continue to be in awe of friends, like Kevin "Big Guns" Biddle, who are truly gifted.

To quote Karen Carpenter: “…don’t worry that it’s not good enough, for anyone else to hear…just sing…sing a song.”

My boy friend is back!

I spent a considerable amount of time, my senior year in high school, explaining to other girls, and some family members, that Peyton was NOT my 'boyfriend,' but my 'boy friend' -- my friend who happened to be a boy.

I don't know why this was such a difficult concept for some folks to grasp.

He was the new kid that year, infinitely cooler than I was, and the object of several junior and senior girls' affection. I was always getting cornered and asked if Peyton was "available" by these girls -- or if he was "taken" (guessing they assumed by ME) or if I knew if "he liked so and so."

And, as tight as Peyton and I were, we really didn't discuss his dating habits. I knew which girl he crushed on most and he surely knew for whom I cried my puppy dog tears -- but that was as far as it went.

We were friends...buddies...pals... we talked constantly -- and had so many more important topics to discuss.

He was so interesting - even back then. Smart, witty, and articulate. Could make me laugh like nobody's business. Ferried me around in his car. Listened to my incessant babbling about whatever had my knickers in a twist on any particular day.

He had opinions on everything -- and loved to share them. Most times we agreed - sometimes we did not -- it didn't matter. Sometimes we enjoyed arguing more than we enjoyed agreement.

I was always amazed that this cool guy was my friend.

But I graduated and went to college and his family ultimately moved back to Virginia...and in the blink of an eye 20 years passed without contact.

But he's BACK!

About halfway through last year, Peyton found me again. And suddenly, this hole I didn't even realize was there, was full again. The friend I hadn't realized I'd missed, was back.

And it was GREAT.

The years between changed us little -- a few more gray hairs for him...a few pounds and wrinkles for me -- but the bond, the connection was stronger than ever.

And now, my fondest wish is coming true -- this very weekend, he, his beautiful wife and uber-cool daughter are moving back to Pennsylvania -- nine short miles from my very home!

I can hardly wait!