There are approximately 17 days left until Customer Service  Week 2014 – click here for the official timer!

When you step into your hotel room and examine the fresh, clean sheets, towels, and spotless room, do you ever think about the person or people who were behind it all? Housekeepers oftentimes work 12- hour days, get up early, and/or stay at work late to make sure that you're living in a clean and healthy environment. Housekeepers aren't only employed by hotels, they work at hospitals, universities, businesses and, if you're lucky, you have one for your own home.  These hard-working individuals are definitely in need of some recognition! Luckily, they have a whole week dedicated to them! International Housekeeping Week is celebrated on the week of September 14-20.

What comes to mind when you think about substitute teachers? For me, spitballs, goofing off, movies, and shenanigans top the list. Sure, these may be cliché, but there is truth to the fact that substitute teachers walk in to less than "controlled" environments all across the nation on a daily basis. It's not easy. And just when they're starting to build a foundation of respect and rapport, they get called in for another assignment.

First off, I can't believe it's already the start of September, and summer is over. But I am so excited that pumpkin flavored everything is back! Nothing makes, Krista and I happier than a Starbucks, PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte).

I have a confession: last week I announced on Facebook that I would be taking a Facebreak. I probably didn't need to broadcast this little tidbit, except that making it public was definitely a good way to keep me accountable to my promise. But, that's not the confession part…the sad truth is that I only lasted a wimpy three days before I was logged back in and plugged back in—just like that.

Why is this a big deal? It isn't in the grand scheme of things, but it is considering how much research and writing and soapboxing I've been doing about our over-dependence on technology, as well as our lack of mindfulness when we are tuned in to our devices. In short, I was having a walk the talk moment.