Here Comes What's His Name

It is always good to see old friends. However, this pleasant experience is not without it's challenges. Have you ever seen someone looking your way smiling as if they know you and yet you don't have a clue who they are? Well, that happens to me more than I would like. This weekend, my wife and I are in Gatlinburg at an event with a lot of people we have met and known over the years. So, there are times when someone walks up to us and I have to confess I know them from somewhere, but certainly can not call their name. But, there is some good news. As you know, at most conventions one of the things you get at registration is a name tag. And again, let the games begin.

Most of these name tags are hung from the neck by a small thin like cord. These cords tend to twist, and most of the time leave the person's name pointing in the wrong direction. Or, the name is pointing right at you, but with age the ability to read the name becomes less of a possibility. And of course, penmanship is a whole other issue. Quite frankly, some people simply have a hard time using a Sharpie and printing their name so that others can read it.

And then, just before you embarrass yourself, the clouds break and the name becomes clear. You stretch out your hand, and with a big smile you call the person by name and begin your conversation.

One Year and One Week and Counting

I just finished my first week at work minus three full time staff people. Although there were and will continue to be adjustments, it seems that there is still some hope. As people assume new responsibilities they begin to see things from a new perspective. What once was left for someone else to do, is now taken care of with very little time delay. Those who were not very involved in the past are now stepping up to the plate and making themselves useful. Not everything goes as planned, but even in the best of times that is true.

As I approach my first anniversary at this job, I am amazed at the kind of year it has been. Granted, it would seem on the surface to be a less than stellar. However, it has been a challenging year, and one that has forced me to work hard at doing what is right and leading others to do the same. I would not wish some of the decisions I have had to make on anyone. But I wouldn't want to be any other place.

If you ask me if the journey thus far was what I expected, I guess I would have to tell you no. I really am not sure what I expected, but one thing is for sure, the older I get the fewer surprises there are. Maybe the year has not been mapped out just like I would have drawn it. But, here I am still on the journey and waiting to see what's next.