Have you ever embarrassed yourself?

I'm not talking about falling down in front of a crowd, or having to do the chicken dance at a wedding. I'm talking about finding yourself doing something that, unbenonced to anyone else, makes you feel embarrassed (maybe even sorry) for yourself?

This weekend we ventured to Knoxville to attend our niece's first dance recital. Growing up with an extended family absent of any females my age, this was a personal first for me. Let's just say that going in I was far from bullish about the event. I tried not to think about it the week prior so as to not depress myself.

After the first 30 minutes I was thoroughly enjoying myself, and by the end of the night I may have been having more fun than anyone there. I was embarrassed - for myself. I mean seriously. A dance recital? I wasn't about to tell anyone how much fun I was having for fear of letting anyone else in on the embarrassment.

I'm pathetic. My cheeks are still red. But I'll tell you what, I'm a lot more ready to adopt a girl than I thought I was a week ago. DP

What do Consultants and Preschool Graduation have in common?

Until last week I figured nothing at all. Turns out, both will take 1.5 hours of your time to give you 90% of what you already know, and maybe rouse some emotions along the way.

We had our kickoff meeting with our adoption consultant last week, a very sweet & long-winded mother of both a biological daughter and adopted son. She has devoted her life to doing what she loves - talking - mostly about adoption, but could also probably win a contest for rabbit-trailblazing / tangent creation. I am now fully versed in the adoption process, am a little spooked about the mischief birthmoms tend to get in to, and know more about scrapbooking than I ever cared to (we have to make a family portfolio).

Then 2 days later I attended our oldest son's "graduation" from preschool. Who knew they made little blue caps & gowns that small? Brought back fond memories of my days glued to The Smurfs, but I digress. You see, like a consultant does, preschool graduation also 'borrows your watch to tell you what time it is', but unlike consultants, this engagement is not optional but mandatory. They haul parents into a gym so they can borrow your kid, put them up on stage, and have them recite a song or prayer that the child has already worn you down with for months at home. However, like a consulting engagement this too was very emotionally charged and sure to bring about some short-run positive change around Poppen Inc.

If I wanted someone to use up my time to show me something I'm already aware of, I would've just hired a consultant.

By: Doug Poppen