Rozworld’s WebLog

The highly anticipated annual Yakesh Family Reunion was announced amid rampant speculation on it’s rumored time and location. Insiders have long thought the most probable date of the get together would be the week after Independence Day, July 4th, but the confirmation that it would be held on Saturday July 8th came just days ago. The official announcement was released to a limited audience by the reigning matriarch of the clan, Ramona Z., who by all accounts is committed to keeping the reunion at her brother “Bob’s”, near Cornell Lake, Wisconsin. Charcoal Chicken will be served at 1:30 PM as the main dish, putting to rest a long standing rumor that the main course would be something other than chicken this year. A lottery drawing for prizes will be held during the event which continues a very successful prior year’s drawing, in which such things as cranberry wine and an assortment of 3M utility tapes were given out. It was also announced that a particular family member, Roger A., and his wife Gloria from Alaska would be in attendance. Roger is generally known for his overall likeability and vast knowledge of outdoor activities. The tight knit Yakesh community was clearly pleased with this latest news release and showed signs that this year marks a clear trend towards better reunions.

“I’m stoked, this year’s bash is going to be a blast!”, said Maddy A., “Last year we threw water balloons at each other. My stinky old boy threw one at my cousin Rosalind and got her pretty good!”

A donation box will be placed out for attendees to “drop in” anything they wish “to help defray expenses” for the annual reunion. “The financial accountability of the group remains in good standing.” said Ramona, “… but we still need to pay for the chicken, plates, cups, utensils, napkins, etc.” Ramona also remarked that a sacred family relic, the Grandmother’s Christmas tree, was missing and that if anyone had it, they should bring it to the reunion and not to fear retribution. Despite the overall welcoming praise, a few disappointed family members complained following the news that this year will be no different and they will have to bring their own drinks to the event.

A link to the original facsimile of the reunion announcement can be found here.

I have only recently started to realize the power of praise and encouragement. I am not talking about unfounded praise or praising for praising sake but recognizing a deep seated need in all humans to be validated by those around them. At work we are encouraged to recognize fellow employees. For years we had the “Star Buck” program where every employee was given a book of coupons to give out to other employees during a course of the year. You could write a note on the back of the star buck and send it to anyone you wanted. Each star buck was worth 20 dollars and at the end of the year you could redeem them for real cash. Smart companies know that happy workers are the ones who put in the most effort at their job. It’s a feedback loop. In the family, I believe that children need the most encouragement. Kids want to show their parents that they can contribute to the collective value of the home environment. Parents might get discouraged by continually doling out really heartfelt praise and not getting anything in return in terms of feedback but I think patience is what’s needed. It will pay off in the long run. I got praise from all sides of my family when I was young. My Grandma on my mother’s side was not the most beloved person by some but no one can argue that she was an advocate for me or what she believed was right for me. When I, at the age of ~10, told her the answer to the question of what was the conversion ratio of pounds to kilograms, she said, “That’s right, you’re really smart, you can be anything you want, you could be a scientist.” While working in the garden this last weekend it just occurred to me why in the world I have always remembered this. Now, I didn’t go into science as a career but that’s besides the point. Maybe some day I will.