A cold nose nudged me awake around 2:30 a.m. The bed was so warm and I knew the outside was so very cold. The long drive to Minnesota’s north shore meant my four-legged best friend Marv did not get his usual four-mile walk to burn up his endless energy. 

Our Christmas Tradition 

My good friend, Adam Richard Rottinghaus, once sent me a note about my drive to share my story with the world.  

“I knew you before I knew your story, and the who man is my friend today would certainly not be the person I respect were it not for one powerful character trait — drive...

Lisa Clifton would probably have entitled this blog, "Lessons From a Reformed (insert colorful swear word for donkey, i.e., jerk, here)". The question you might have is, "What does Lisa Clifton have to do with me reforming my jerkish ways?". Well, let’s jump in the Delorean, hit 88 mph on the speedometer, and travel back to the fall of 2002. 

Throughout the ages, numerous people have held beliefs that turned out to be false: The world is flat. The sun revolves around the earth. Gum takes seven years to digest. People are separate but equal. Women don’t belong in the workplace, and countless other false beliefs.

Let me clear my thoughts, before I start, so this comes through loud and clear. I have heard enough teacher-bashing.

I didn't expect the response this blog garnered from my readers. I heard from past teachers, past classmates, current co-workers, and past audience members who all sent me a message saying that my words had impacted them positively in a weird week